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SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON 

(About   1765  ?) 


THE  PAPERS  OF 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON 


Prepared  for  publication  by 
The  Division  of  Archives  and  History 

JAMES  SULLIVAN   Ph.D. 
Director  and  State  Historian 


1  1  0 


VOLUME  III 


ALBANY 

THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  YORK 
1921 


v  5 


CONTENTS 

VOLUME  III 

PAGE 

The  Johnson  Coat  of  Arms vii 

Facsimiles  of  important  autographs xiii 

The  Seven  Years'  War 1 

Appendix 992 

[iii] 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


Sir  William  Johnson Frontispiece 

From  the  oil  painting  in  the  New  York  Historical  Society,  New  York  City. 
See  the  prefatory  note  on  the  portraits  of  Sir  William  in  volume  2  of  the 
present  work. 

PAGE 

Sir  William  Johnson's  Coat  of  Arms vii 

From  a  copy  of  his  bookplate  in  the  New  York  State  Library,  Albany. 
See  prefatory  note  on  the  Johnson  Coat  of  Arms  in  this  volume. 

Fort  Niagara  as  it  is  today 65 

From  a  photograph  by  Dr  Frank  Severance   of  Buffalo. 

Sir  Jeffery  Amherst 129 

From  a  contemporary  print  in  the  New  York   State  Library,  Albany. 

Marquis  de  Montcalm 129 

From  the  painting  in  the  possession  of  the  Marquis  de  Montcalm. 

Montreal  in  1  759 283 

From  a  print  taken  from  the  Royal  Magazine.    / 

Captain  John  Johnson 287 

From  a  miniature  in  the  possession  of  Miss  Jane  A.  Riggs  of  Washing- 
ton, D.  C. 

Volckert  P.  Douw 325 

From  a  miniature  in  wax  formerly  in  the  possession  of  Mr  J.  Townsend 
Lansing  of  Albany. 

James  Hamilton 39  \ 

From  a  painting  by  Benjamin  West  in  the  State  House,   Philadelphia. 

Marquis  de  Vaudreuill 555 

After  a  painting  in  the  possession  of  the   Countess  de   Clermont-Tonnerre. 

Major  General  Robert  Monckton 853 

From  the  engraving  by  McArdell  of  the  painting  by  Hudson. 


MAPS  AND  PLANS 


PAGE 

Fort  Herkimer 23 

From  A  set  of  plans  and  forts  in  America,  reduced  from  actual  surveys, 
1763,  published  in  London  by  Mary  Ann  Rocque. 

Fort  Stanwix 25 

From  A  set  of  plans  etc.     See  above. 

Map  of  trails,  portages  and  settlements 33 

From  the  original  in  the  New  York  State  Library,  Albany,  drawn  by 
Professor  Louis  Mitchell  assisted  by  Dr  W.  M.  Beauchamp. 

Fort  Niagara  in  1  758 65 

From  a   print  in  the  New  York   State  Library,  Albany. 

Plan  of  Fort  Niagara  and  vicinity  in  1  759 81 

From  a  map  published  in  1762,  now  in  the  possession  of  Peter  A.  Porter 
of  Niagara  Falls,  N.  Y.  Only  the  western  half  of  the  map  is  known  to  be 
in  existence. 

Fort  George  at  Lake  George 1 09 

From  A   set  of  plans  etc.     See  above. 

Royal  Block  House  at  Fort  Edward Ill 

From  A   set  of  plans  etc.     See  above. 

Fort  Ontario  at  Oswego 239 

From  A  set  of  plans  etc.     See  above. 

Fort  Levi .   267 

From   Mante's  History  of  the  Late   War  in  North  America,  London,   1772. 

Fort  Frederick  at  Albany 507 

From  A  set  of  plans  etc.     See  above. 

Plan  of  the  City  of  Albany 515 

From  A  set  of  plans  etc.     See  above. 

Plan  of  Schenectady 631 

From  A  set  of  plans  etc.     See  above. 

Plan  of  the  Block  House  at  the  east  end  of  Oneida  Lake 865 

From  A  set  of  plans  etc.     See  above. 

Plan  of  Fort  Brewerton 883 

From  A  set  of  plans  etc.     See  above. 

[vi] 


SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON'S  COAT  OF  ARMS 
From  his  bookplate 


THE  JOHNSON  COAT  OF  ARMS 


Sometime  previous  to  February,  1749/50  Johnson  had  evi- 
dently taken  up  with  his  brother,  Warren,  the  subject  of  having 
engraved  for  him  the  Johnson  coat  of  arms.  This  is  shown  by 
a  letter  from  Warren  dated:  "  Dublin,  Feb?  24*  1749/50"  in 
which  he  says :  "I  had  our  O  of  Arm's  Cut  in  a  very  neat 
manner  which  I  was  to  have  Sent  you  with  this  but  after  I  had 
got-  them  from  the  Outers  found  that  they  ware  the  O'Neal's 
but  have  Since  ordered  the  Johnson's  Arm's  to  be  Cut  as  soon 
as  possible  which  I  Shall  Send  as  soon  as  finished  with  the 
Pamphlets  &ca."  (Sir  IVilliam  Johnson  Papers,  1:266). 

To  what  Johnson  arms  Warren  was  referring  we  can  not 
determine.  The  Office  of  Arms  at  Dublin  Castle  under  date  of 
April  12,  1918,  informed  us  that  there  was  no  coat  of  arms 
registered  for  the  Johnson  family  other  than  that  registered  by 
Warren  Johnson,  February  12,  1774,  which  was  the  coat  of 
arms  of  the  O'Neills  of  Tyrone.  Inquiry  of  the  College  of 
Arms  in  London  brought  the  reply  that  the  Johnson  coat  of 
arms  was  not  registered  there  until  1843,  and  that  it  also  was 
that  of  the  O'Neills. 

In  the  Johnson  Papers  there  is  no  further  mention  of  a  coat 
of  arms  until  January  10,  1763.  In  a  letter  from  William 
Darlington  of  New  York,  to  Johnson  of  that  date  the  former 
writes:  "  Mr  Weyman  seems  not  to  und[er] stand  the  directions 
in  Regard  to  the  Coat  of  Arm's  &  directed  [me]  to  One  Debrul's 
Engraver.  Inclosed  is  a  letter  from  him  about  [it?]" 

The  letter  from  De  Bruls  is  as  follows: 

[vii] 


viii  Preface 

New  York,  Jan.   11,  1763 
Sir: 

Mr  Darlington  hath  Aquainted  me  with  Your  Commands 
Concerning  Your  Coat  of  Arms,  the  Engraving  of  the  Same  will 
Cost  Four  Pound.  The  Printing  and  Colouring  the  Same  proper 
will  Cost  Two  Pound  pr  Hundd  or  Twenty  Pound  pr  Thousand. 

Your  Most  Obed' 

Serv« 
Michael  De  B[ruls] 

In  Johnson's  reply  to  this  letter,  which  Johnson  addressed  not 
to  De  Bruls  but  to  Darlington,  on  January  29,  1 763,  he  objected 
to  the  price,  said  he  could  get  the  prints  of  them  for  less  in  Lon- 
don and  finally  commissioned  Darlington  to  offer  "  £5  ^  M 
for  my  Coat  of  Arms  only  printed  &  £4  for  ye  plate  wh  is  to  be 
mine.'* 

Other  letters  on  the  subject  have  unfortunately  been  burned, 
but  the  Calendar  of  the  Sir  William  Johnson  Manuscripts  shows 
(p.  160,  169)  that  Darlington  wrote  further  about  them  on 
February  21,  1763,  and  that  on  May  6,  1763,  he  mentioned 
sending  the  copper  plate  and  prints,  and  denounced  De  Bruls 
for  his  charges. 

In  some  of  Johnson's  library  books  which  have  come  down  to 
us  there  are  his  bookplates  bearing  his  coat  of  arms,  an  illustra- 
tion of  which  appears  in  this  volume.  It  would  seem  probable 
that  these  represent  the  order  for  one  thousand  copies  which 
Johnson  placed  with  De  Bruls  through  Darlington.  The  use  of 
his  arms  on  his  bookplate  would  explain  the  quantity  of  prints 
ordered.  None  of  these  plates  which  we  have  seen  are  in  color, 
seeming  to  indicate  that  Johnson  lived  up  to  his  intention  of 
refusing  to  pay  a  price  which  he  regarded  as  exorbitant. 

At  what  time  Johnson  had  drawn  the  design  of  his  coat  of 
arms  from  which  De  Bruls  made  the  engraving  we  have  no  exact 
information.  It  may  have  been  previous  to  the  date  of  his 
brother  Warren's  letter,  but  it  seems  probable  that  it  was  between 


Preface  ix 

1 755  and  1 762,  for  in  the  former  year  he  received  his  baronetcy, 
giving  him  the  right  to  have  the  red  hand  of  Ulster  in  his  coat 
of  arms,  and  in  the  latter  year  appeared  a  plan  or  map  of  his 
Niagara  campaign  on  which  the  same  coat  of  arms  appears  as 
on  the  bookplate  (Johnson  Papers,  III:  vii,  81).  The  only 
marked  difference  between  the  two  is  that  on  the  map  the  red 
hand  of  Ulster  does  not  appear  in  the  small  escutcheon  which  is 
left  blank  and  the  panoply  of  flags  appears  on  a  standard  apart 
from  the  coat  of  arms. 

This  coat  of  arms,  however,  was  never  registered  in  Dublin 
or  in  London,  as  we  have  seen  above.  In  heraldic  terms  it  was 
described  in  William  Berry's  Encyclopedia  Heraldica,  volume  I, 
under  "  Bar."  (published  1828-40)  :  "Johnson,  of  New  York, 
America,  1755;  since  of  Twickenham,  Middlesex,  Arms,  gu. 
on  a  chev.  betw.  three  fleurs-de-lis  ar.  as  many  escallops  of  the 
field. —  Crest,  on  a  wreath,  a  cubit  arm  in  armour,  holding  in 
the  hand  an  arrow  in  bend  sinister  ppr.  point  downwards.  Sup- 
porters, two  North-American  Indians  ppr.  wreathed  round  the 
waist  with  leaves  vert  crowned  with  fleurs-de-lis"  [sic].  In 
volume  II,  of  the  same  work  under  Johnson  this  description  is 
given  "  per  pale,  az.  and  gu.  on  a  chev.  ar.  betw.  three  fleurs- 
de-lis,  as  many  escallops  of  the  second."  No  motto  is  given  in 
the  index  of  mottoes  which  is  given  on  page  225  of  volume  I. 

In  Burke's  General  Armory,  edition  of  1884,  page  543,  the 
following  description  is  given:  "Johnson  (New  York  and 
Twickenham,  co.  Middlesex,  bart).  Gu.  on  a  chev.  betw. 
three  fleurs-de-lis  ar.  three  escallops  of  the  field.  Crest  —  An 
arm  couped  at  the  elbow  erect,  holding  an  arrow  ppr.  Sup- 
porters—  Two  Indians  wreathed  about  the  waist  with  foliage, 
quivers  over  their  left  [inner]  shoulders,  bows  in  their  exterior 
hands,  and  plumes  on  their  heads  all  ppr.  Motto  —  Deo 
regique  debeo."  Burke  states  that  this  coat  of  arms  was  regis- 
tered, but  the  Office  of  Arms  at  Dublin  and  the  College  of  Arms 
in  London  say  that  he  is  in  error. 


x  Preface 

In  spite  of  the  fact  that  Johnson  never  had  this  coat  of  arms 
registered  he  had  it  put  to  use  on  the  map  and  on  his  bookplate. 
He  also  had  a  seal  made  and  used  it  on  sealing  wax  on  his  letters. 
Of  the  latter  we  have  a  good  example  on  a  letter  under  date  of 
December  22,  1 772,  now  in  the  New  York  Historical  Society. 

Johnson  himself  seemingly  made  no  claim  to  descent  from  the 
O'Neills.  In  the  work  entitled  The  Baronetage  of  England  by 
E.  Kimber  and  R.  Johnson,  published  in  London  in  1771, 
volume  III,  page  142,  it  is  stated:  "Sir  William  Johnson  is 
descended  from  a  good  family  in  the  kingdom  of  Ireland.  .  . 
Neither  the  Family  Pedigree,  or  Arms,  of  Sir  William,  are  yet 
entered  in  the  Herald's  office:  so  that  we  have  no  certain  infor- 
mation of  his  marriage  issue."  On  page  1 8  of  the  plates  in  the 
back  of  the  same  volume  the  place  for  the  Johnson  coat  of  arms 
is  left  blank. 

On  February  1 2,  1 774,  however,  Warren  Johnson,  then  of 
Damas[r?]town,  County  Meath,  Ireland,  brother  of  Sir  Wil- 
liam, registered  his  pedigree  in  the  Office  of  Arms  in  Dublin, 
and  in  consequence  of  his  descent  from  John  O'Neill,  of  Dun- 
gannon  (whose  son,  Thomas  Mc  Shane,  was  father  of  William 
Johnson,  alias  Mc  Shane)  was  allowed  the  arms  of  the  O'Neills 
of  Tyrone. 

This  coat  of  arms  is  described  in  Burke's  General  Armory 
(edition  of  1884,  page  543)  as  follows:  "  Ar.  two  lions 
counter  ramp,  supporting  a  dexter  hand  gu.  in  chief  three 
estoilles  of  the  last,  and  in  base  a  salmon  naiant  in  water  ppr. 
Crest — An  arm  gu.  encircled  with  a  ducal  crown  or,  the  hand 
grasping  a  sword  ppr.  pommel  and  hilt  gold.  Motto  —  Nee 
aspera  terrent." 

With  the  exception  of  the  motto  and  also  of  the  fact  that  it- 
carries  the  word  "  dexter "  instead  of  "  sinister  "  this  coat  of 
arms  is  the  same  as  that  of  the  Upper  Claneboy  branch  of  the 
O'Neills.  The  question  may  well  be  raised  as  to  whether  the 
use  of  the  dexter  hand  in  this  O'Neill  coat  of  arms  was  not  a 
change  which  had  crept  in  over  the  centuries  since  the  original 


Preface  xi 

O'Neill  had,  according  to  tradition,  cut  off  his  left  hand  and  cast 
it  on  shore  so  as  to  have  a  part  of  him  touch  land  first.  Both 
coats  of  arms  have  the  red  hand  (sinister)  of  Ulster  in  the 
upper  left  hand  corner  (canton).  The  motto  seems  to  have 
been  added  by  the  Johnsons  as  no  other  O'Neill  family  carries  it. 

Sir  John  Johnson,  son  of  Sir  William,  who  was  knighted  in 
England,  by  the  king,  November  22,  1 765,  and  succeeded  his 
father  to  the  baronetcy  in  1 774,  subsequently  made  use  of  this 
O'Neill  coat  of  arms  and  the  motto  as  we  know  from  a  wax 
seal  on  a  letter  written  by  him  from  Montreal,  December  14, 
1 786,  and  now  in  the  possession  of  Mr  Willis  T.  Hanson,  Jr, 
of  Schenectady,  N.  Y.  This  seal,  however,  does  not  carry  the 
red  hand  of  Ulster  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner  as  it  appears  in 
various  editions  of  Burke.  Even  this  coat  of  arms,  as  we  have 
seen  above,  was  not  registered  in  the  College  of  Arms  in  London 
until  1843,  before  which  date  there  was  no  coat  of  arms  recorded 
to  the  Johnson  family  in  that  office. 

In  subsequent  works  on  Baronetage,  particularly  in  those  of 
Burke,  these  two  coats  of  arms,  namely  that  used  by  Johnson 
himself  in  his  bookplate,  but  never  registered,  and  that  of  the 
O'Neills  registered  by  Warren  Johnson  and  used  by  Sir  John, 
became  confused,  so  that  in  some  cases  the  red  hand  of  Ulster 
was  wrongly  placed,  the  mottoes  sometimes  garbled  and  both 
of  them  used  in  the  same  coat  of  arms. 

Stone,  on  the  title  page  of  his  Life  of  Sir  William  Johnson, 
has  the  red  hand  of  Ulster  placed  in  an  escutcheon  in  such  a 
fashion  as  to  obliterate  one  of  the  escallops,  thus  violating  an 
essential  principle  of  heraldry. 

We  are  safe  in  assuming  that  so  far  as  Johnson  himself  was 
concerned,  use  was  made  only  of  his  original  unregistered  coat 
of  arms.  Between  the  time  of  his  brother  Warren's  registration 
of  the  O'Neill  coat  of  arms  for  the  Johnson  family  in  February, 
1 774,  and  Johnson's  own  death  on  July  11,1 774,  the  latter 
may  have  been  made  aware  of  the  new  coat  of  arms,  but  cer- 
tainly too  late  for  him  to  make  much  use  of  it. 


xii  Preface 

The  coat  of  arms  which  Johnson  himself  used  certainly  had 
particular  significance  for  his  life  in  the  two  Indian  supporters, 
in  the  crest  of  a  hand  grasping  an  arrow  and  in  the  motto :  Deo 
regique  debeo.  What  Johnson  had  become  he  owed  to  his  God 
and  to  his  king.  Of  the  significance  of  the  fleurs-de-lis  and  the 
escallops  little  can  be  said.  They  were  common  heraldic  devices 
used  by  designers  for  many  patrons  for  whom  and  their  families 
they  had  little  or  no  meaning.  It  was  probably  the  same  in 
Johnson's  case. 

JAMES  SULLIVAN 

State  Historian 


AUTOGRAPHS  FROM  VOLUME  III 


XIV 


Autographs 


SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  PAPERS 


FROM  JAMES  DE  LANCEY 

L.  S.1 

We*  York  I4lh  Sep*r-  1758 
SIR 

I  had  this  day  the  favor  of  yours  of  the  10th  instant,  giving 
me  a  fuller  account  than  I  had  before  of  the  meeting  to  be  held 
at  Easton  with  the  Indians. 

I  congratulate  you  on  Colonel  Bradstreet's  success  at  Cadar- 
aqui.  This  Event  will  give  weight  to  Mr.  Denny's  negotiations 
with  the  Indians  and  I  hope  will  make  the  difficult  task  you  have 
long  had  on  your  hands,  easier  for  the  future,  as  I  think  it  will 
have  great  and  extensive  among  the  Indians. 

As  it  is  probable  the  General  will  make  a  new  attempt,  I  fancy 
he  will  choose,  you  should  remain  in  the  Quarter  you  are  I  wish 
you  well  and  am 

Sir 

Your  most  obedient  &  most 
humble  Servant 

JAMES  DE  LANCEY 

The  Honorable 

Sir  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar1. 

TO  WILLIAM  DENNY 
Df.1 

Fort  Johnson  16  Sep1  1758 
SIR 

On  the  receipt  of  your  favour  of  the  30  Aug*.  I  sent  a  Copy 
of  it  to  Major  General  Abercromby,  to  whom  as  His  Majestys 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2 A  word  is  omitted  in  the  copy.    "  Influence  "  satisfies  the  sense. 


2  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Commander  in  chief  I  referred  for  my  self,  whether  he  judged 
it  proper  for  me  to  accept  your  Invitation  to  the  Indian  Meeting 
at  Easton. 

Yesterday  I  received  his  Answer,  which  is,  that  as  Mr.  Cro- 
ghan  is  there  to  whom  I  gave  general  Instructions  to  be  aiding  & 
assisting  to  the  utmost  of  his  Influence  &  abilities,  and  as  my 
presence  in  this  Quarter,  where  I  have  not  a  proper  Person  to 
leave  to  supply  my  absence,  will  be  necessary  to  his  Majesty s 
Service,  he  dos  not  think  it  prudent  for  me  to  be  absent  at  this 
time. 

Besides  these  reasons,  I  could  not  be  at  Easton  in  proper  time 
according  to  the  Appointment  of  this  Meeting. 

I  hope  with  Mr.  Croghans  assistance  you  will  be  able  to  render 
this  Meeting  as  advantageous  to  your  Province  in  particular  & 
to  the  general  Interest,  as  Circumstances  will  admit  of  and  that 
as  my  remaining  in  this  Quarter  is  judged  Necessary  at  this 
Juncture,  it  may  not  impede  any  of  those  good  Effects  wch.  are 
expected  from  this  Meeting  at  Easton. 

I  am  most  respectfully 
Sir 

Your  most  obed*. 
humble  Servant 

Please  to  let  the  inclosed 
Letter  for  Col.  Bouquet1 
be  forwarded  to  him  by 
the  first  Oppertunity. 

To  GovR.  DENNY 

INDORSED:     Letter  to  Govr.  Denny 
7br.  16*  1758 


1  Henry  Bouquet,  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  60th  regiment ;  born  in  Rolle, 
Switzerland,  in  1719,  died  in  Pensacola,  Fla.,  in  February  1766. 


Seven  Years    War  3 

FROM  GEORGE  CROGHAN 
A.  L.  S.1 

Easton  SepK  27"  7758 
HOND.  SIR 

Sence  I  Wrote  you  of  ye :  1 8th  August,  In  which  I  Aquainted 
you  thett  General  Forbiss  was  Much  att  a  Loss  for  Intelegence 
from  Ohio  and  Desird.  Me  to  Send  Mesingers  there  for  Intile- 
gence  which  he  wold  pay  as  this  province  Refuses  to  pay  one 
farthing  for  Intilegence. 

Agreeable  to  the  Ginerals  Desier  I  Sent  out  Mesingers  &  two 
of  them  are  Return11  and  Agree  in  thire  Intilegence  that  there 
is  a  Greatt  Number  of  Indians  att  Fort  Duquesne  and  Say  that 
ye.  fort  is  Rain f erst  with  3000  Men  whome  I  supose  are  those 
that  was  hovering  in  ye  Lake  when  I  Left  yr  house,  Likewise 
they  Say  that  the  french  has  very  Strong  outt  Works,  all  yc. 
Intilegence  I  have  Received  I  have  Sent  to  General  Forbiss  and 
in  a  few  Days  I  Expect  ye  Return  of  two  Mesingers  who  I  Sent 
to  Fort  Duquesne  and  by  whom  I  Expect  a  full  account  of  yc 
Strength  of  ye  Enemys  Works  and  ye  Number  of  Indians  & 
french  which  Peice  of  Intilegence  I  hope  will  be  of  Service  to 
General  Forbiss. 

Tho  by  a  Letter  I  Received  yesterday  from  Governor  Denny 
itt  Dose  Nott  apear  to  Me  as  If  Gineral  forbiss  Could  Carry  on 
the  Campain  for  Want  of  Wagons  &  furidge  Sir  John  St  clear  2 
is  Come  Down  &  Demands  600  Wagons  and  Furridge  and 
hastly  Dams  ye  Province  fer  Breaking  all  thire  Contractts  with 
Mr.  Forbiss,  So  that  I  See  if  ye.  Expedition  fails  on  any  acount, 
the  gineral  will  Sadie  itt  on  ye  breach  of  the  Contracts  with  this 
Province. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Sir  John  Sinclair,  quartermaster  general. 


4  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

yesterday  about  300  Indians  Came  hear  with  Thomas  butt  No 
prenseple  Men;  there  is  a  Greatt  Number  Expected  however, 
I  have  a  bad  opinion  of  this  Treaty  ye  Indians  are  Much  Divided 
and  Jelious  of  Each  other.  ye  Muncys  &  Mohickenders  Dispise 
Teadyuscung  as  Well  as  ye  Six  Nations  and  ye  Quaker  party 
hear  I  faer  will  Indevour  to  Supert  him  if  So  ye  Six  Nations  will 
be  much  Displesd  with  us  and  Indeed  they  are  unready  Jelouss 
of  itt  I  shall  take  Cair  nott  to  Medle  with  thire  party  Rouges 
in  No  Shape  Butt  Do  Every  thing  in  My  Power  fer  ye.  good 
of  his  Majestys  Gineral  Indian  Interest. 

as  Soon  as  this  Treaty  is  over  Gineral  Forbiss  Expects  that 
I  will  Joyne  him  with  some  Trusty  Indians  as  I  blive  the  Cher- 
okes  is  partly  gon  and  while  wth.  him  has  been  butt  of  little 
Service  as  I  have  ye.  Promis  of  some  Indians  I  Propose  with 
Montour  and  them  to  Joyne  him  unless  you  Should  want  Me  or 
the  Gineral  Give  up  ye.  thoughts  of  attacking  Fort  Duquesne  this 
year  which  I  fear  will  be  ye.  Case  a  party  of  2000  men  has 
been  within  40  Miles  of  Fort  Duquesne  10  Days  ago.  this  is 
yc.  advanst  party  &  I  Dread  Every  Day  to  hear  that  ye.  Enemy 
has  giyen  them  a  Trashing  *  or  att  Last  oblidgd  them  to  Return 
To  Rays  town  which  I  hear  they  are  Fortifyeing  I  Supose  fer 
Winter  quarters  fer  part  of  the  Troops. 

I  wish  you  Joy  of  the  Success  his  Majestys  Trups  has  in 
Euerup  and  Cape  Breton  with  the  Distruction  of  Catereque  and 
ye  Shipin  which  Must  Weaken  ye  Enemy  on  ye  Lake  I  hope 
itt  will  have  a  good  Effect  on  ye  Minds  of  ye.  Six  Nations,  tho 
perhaps  they  may  be  Jelious  of  ye  English  geting  To  Much 
power  fer  they  Seem  to  Fair  us  more  then  they  Do  ye.  French 
I  Supose  they  Dred  our  Numbers  Cap*.  Montour  Desiers  Me 
to  Make  his  Complements  to  you  he  is  very  Industrouss  and 
Dose  nott  Drink  att  all  Pray  make  my  Complements  Except- 


1  September  1 4th,  Major  James  Grant,  with  a  force  of  800  men, 
suffered  defeat  near  Fort  Duquesne,  and  the  members  of  his  command  who 
escaped  destruction  and  capture  returned  to  Loyalhannon. 


Seven  Years    War  5 

able  to  Cap1.  Wrexwell  Mr.  Clause  all  the  Famely  and  Blive  Me 
Honoured  Sir  with  the  greatest  Esteem  and  Regard  your  most 

obeident  &  most 

Humble  Servent 

GEO:  CROGHAN 
INDORSED:     George  Croghans 
Letter 

Easton  21   Sep'.  1758 
Recd.  15  Oct'  17 


JAMES  ABERCROMBY  TO  ABRAHAM  MORTIER 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  97,  by 
Major  General  James  Abercromby's  warrant,  drawn  at  Lake  George 
September  26th,  on  Abraham  Mortier  for  the  payment  of  £2000  sterling 
to  Johnson.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


FROM  WILLIAM  CORRY 

A.  L.  S.1 

Albany  Octob'.  2*.  1758 
SIR 

I  am  favoured  with  yours,  and  shall  send  to  the  Normans  kill 
for  Vanderberg  —  the  goods  are  Come.  You  must  depend  upon 
Schinectady  Waggons,  at  Albany  not  one.  all  taken  up  in  the 
Service,  or  by  Suttlers  — 

we  expect  the  troops  on  Wednesday,  they  are  to  make  no 
Stay  here,  we  hear  Gen1.  Forbes  is  returned  not  having  Car- 
rages  sufficient  Sir  John  Sinclare  demanded  waggons  from  the 
Assembly  at  PhiK  who  absolutely  refused  him  —  Good  luck 
to  you.  the  King  of  Prussias  good  fortune  is  in  ye  newspapers, 
which  Major  vanderheyden  took  out  of  the  office. 

Sir  your  most  assured  humble  Serv*. 

WILLIAM  CORRY 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


6  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  RICHARD  SMITH 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  97,  by 
a  letter  of  October  5th  to  Johnson  from  Commandant  Richard  Smith, 
at  Fort  Herkimer,  regarding  a  message  which  he  sends  by  an  Indian. 
Destroyed  by  fire. 

TO  RALPH   BURTON 
Contemporary  Copy1 

Fort  Johnson  I2ih.  October  1758.- 

Past  4.  o'Clock  P:  M  :— 

The  Information  of  Zacharias,  a  Mohawk  Chief,  who  was 
sent  by  Sir  William  Johnson  thro'  the  5.  Nations  in  Order  to 
call  their  Warriors  down  to  join  His  Majesty's  Troops  at  Lake 
George.- 

That  two  Days  ago,  in  his  Return,  he  came  to  the  Oneida 
Castle,  where,  in  a  Meeting  with  the  Chief  of  that  Nation  he 
was  told  that  the  Body  of  French  and  Indians,  who,  not  long 
ago,  were  assembled  near  the  Fish  Creek  on  Lake  Ontario,  were 
returned  to  Canada,  the  French  Commanding  Officer  telling  the 
Indians,  that  he  plainly  saw  he  cou'd  not  execute  his  Design 
against  the  Oneida  Carrying  Place  &ca  at  present,  the  Season 
being  too  far  advanced.  This  Account  was  given  by  some  of 
the  5.  Nations,  who  went  on  a  Deputation  to  the  French  at  that 
Place;  who  further  say,  that  the  French  were  actually  prepared 
to  make  an  Attempt  this  Way,  but  after  the  Arrival  of  a  Canoe 
from  Niagara,  all  preparations  were  stopped,  and  the  Army 
decamped;  The  Reason  of  which  was  (as  the  5.  Nations 
imagine)  because  the  French  cou'd  not  get  the  Indians  they 
expected  from  the  Westward  to  join  them  &  who  were  to  have 
come  to  Niagara  for  that  Purpose. 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.50,  London,  England.  Forwarded 
by  Burton  to  Abercromby  and  inclosed  in  Abercromby's  letter  of 
November  25th  to  William  Pitt.  See  Correspondence  of  William  Pitt, 
Gertrude  Selwyn  Kimball,  editor.  1:401. 


Seven  Years'  War  7 

That  the  late  Alarm  was  occasioned  by  a  scalping  Party  of 
about  30.  French  Indians,  who  fired  upon  three  Oneida  Sachems, 
that  were  in  the  Wood  near  the  Carrying  Place  getting  some 
Bark  to  make  a  Hut,  one  of  which,  named  Vienderunta,  was 
killed,  one  taken,  who  after  many  warm  Words  had  passed,  was 
released,  the  Third  made  his  Escape. 

That  the  Oneida  Indians  were  all  of  Opinion  that  the  Scalping 
Party  was  returned  to  Canada  again.- 

A  true  Copy  from  the  Original  Minutes. 

Peter  Wraxall  Sec'*.  P.  Ind.  Ap. 


Copy 


Fort  Johnson  12*.  Oct:  1758. 

5.  o  Clock  P:  M:~ 
SlR 

I  have  your  Favour  of  this  Day,  by  which  I  find  mine  of  last 
Night  was  misdated,  it  shou'd  have  been  the  1 1 th.  Ins1.— 

Herewith  you  have  a  Piece  of  Intelligence  from  a  Mohawk 
Chief  who  is  just  now  Returned  from  a  Message  I  sent  by  him 
thro'  the  5.  Nations.  As  I  think  I  can  depend  upon  him  in 
punctually  relating  what  he  heard  from  the  Oneida  Indians,  so 
if  it  was  but  a  Scalping  Party  of  the  Enemy,  I  concur  with  them 
in  Opinion,  they  are  gone  off;  But  this  will  probably  be  more 
fully  confirmed  by  some  Express  from  Brigr.  Stanwix,  and  which 
may,  I  think  be  every  Minute  expected. 

Shou'd  you  think  it  unnecessary  for  the  Militia  to  proceed, 
please  to  mention  it  to  Col°.  Glen,  that  he  may  discharge  them, 
and  let  me  know  your  Opinion  hereon  by  the  Bearer,  that  I  may 
in  such  Case  discharge  those  up  this  Way  &  also  the  Indians. 


8  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

You  will  please  to  transmit  to  General  Abercromby  a  Copy  of 
the  enclosed  Intelligence. 

This  Mohawk  Indian  tells  me  the  Oneida  Sachems  are  Com- 
ing down  hither,  which  I  am  convinced  they  wou'd  not  do  if  any 
Body  of  the  Enemy  was  near  their  Settlement. 

If  you  continue  your  March  I  shall  be  extreamly  glad  of  the 
Pleasure  of  seeing  you  here,  and  am  with  great  Esteem, 

Sir 

Your  most  obedient 
humble  Servant 

Wm.  Johnson 

To  COLO  BURTON,1  or  the  Commanding 
Officer  of  His  Majesty's  Troops  on 
their  March  &ca. — 


Copy 

INDORSED:     Copy 

A  Letter  from  Sr.  Wm.  Johnson,  to 

Col°.  Burton. 

Oct.-  12*.  1758.- 

in  M.  G.  Abercromby 's  (Separate) 

of  Nov.  25,  1758 

2. 

ACCOUNT  WITH  WILLIAM  KELLY 

In  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  97,  is  listed  Johnson's  account  current  with 
William  Kelly,  dated  October  23.     Destroyed  by  fire. 


1  Lieutenant  Colonel  Ralph  Burton,  of  the  48th  regiment,  stationed  at 
Greenbush. 


Seven  Years    War  9 

FROM  ROBERT  SANDERS 
L.  S.1 

Albany  Octo'  23«*  1758 
HONOURED  SIR: 

I  recd  yr  of  2 1  Instant  yesterday  by  Mr.  Jacobus  Clement,  the 
apologie  you  therein  make  about  not  answering  my  Letter  of  the 
27th  July  Last  I  believe  to  be  true  But  am  astonished  to  see  you 
therein  say  that  I  Doubtless  must  have  heard  that  the  Assembly 
only  Allowed  Ten  Shillings  a  day  for  the  time  I  was  in  Canada 
&  that  you  thought  it  a  very  small  allowance  as  I  believe  Every 
body  with  you  &  me  must,  &  if  I  thought  proper  Now  to  settle 
the  Acco1  so,  you  would  be  Ready  to  pay  the  Ballance  Imme- 
diately &  with  pleasure,  I  own  it  would  be  hard  for  you  to  pay 
me  out  of  your  own  pocket,  But  I  thought  you  Long  ere  Now 
would  Reimburse  what  you  had  agreed  to  pay  me  by  the 
Governm*  &  how  Could  I  well  think  otherwise  —  Since  it  is 
above  Nine  Years  that  I  went  at  your  Request  &  our  then  Mutual 
Contract  to  Canada,  &  have  Since  often  Settled  Accts  with  you 
&  so  now  &  then  had  the  pleasure  of  being  in  your  Company,  & 
you  Never  mentioned  one  Single  Word  to  me  About  it  &  you  I 
believe  still  will  Remember  that  I  would  By  no  means  go  on 
the  Generosity  of  the  Assembly  —  you  then  told  me  you  would 
not  have  me  or  advise  me  to  go  on  their  marcy  —  and  that  the 
Assembly  had  Allowed  a  Certain  sum  of  money,  &  that  you  had 
or  was  soon  to  Receive  it  from  Cap*  Petrus  Douw  for  that  pur- 
pose &  that  you  would  agree  with  me  &  pay  me  accordingly,  as 
I  think  you  Honourably  did  for  on  the  1 3  Septr  1 750,  I  not  only 
Settled  that  Acco*  with  you  Sworn  to  by  me  I  think  before  John 
Baptist  Van  Eps,  Esq  But  also  your  particular  Acco*  with  me, 
&  you  did  that  day  give  me  your  note  of  hand  of  your  own 


1  From  A  Legacy  of  Historical  Cleanings,  Catharina  V.  R.  Bonney, 
ed.,  1  :24-25. 


10  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

accord,  on  Demand  for  the  Ballance  due  to  me  from  you  &  on 
the  1 7  Aug*  1 752  we  Settled  all  Ace18  Between  us  again  &  you 
of  your  own  accord  gave  me  then  your  note  of  hand  on  Demand 
for  the  then  Ballance  due  to  me  &  in  1  754  May  28th  I  Delivered 
you  again  my  Acco*  Against  you  &  you  sometime  after  Came 
to  my  house  &  paid  me  of  within  a  Trifell  I  may  say  &  kept  mute 
all  that  time  What  you  now  wrote  me  &  on  the  27  July  Last  I 
Came  to  send  you  your  Acco*  Current  as  usual  to  mention  Now 
an  Affair  which  has  been  Settled  so  Long  ago  Between  us,  I 
think  Strange  as  I  knew  I  had  nothing  to  do  with  the  Assembly 
-  I  Never  Intended  or  did  apply  to  them  for  my  pay  &  perhaps 
if  I  had  &  Acquainted  them  Rightly  of  my  Journey  &  Trans- 
actions I  believe  I  am  apt  to  think  they  would  have  Allowed  me 
more  honorably  as  you  write  they  did  —  But  if  I  had  applied  to 
them  I  must  own  &  Confess  that  I  should  not  have  used  you 
well  &  that  I  have  hitherto  Endeavoured  to  do  &  hope  so  to 
Continue.  I  wish  you  with  all  yours  health  &  am  with  Compli- 
ments &  much  Esteem  Honble  Sir,  yr  most  hum:  &  most  obed1 
friend  &  Serv1. 

ROBERT  SANDERS 
To  The  Honble  SIR  WM  JOHNSON  Bar1. 


FROM  WILLIAM  DENNY 

L.  S.1 

Easton  Octr.  24ih  1758 
SIR 

I  have  the  pleasure  of  informing  you,  that  the  Treaty  of  this 
place  is  happily  concluded,  tho'  we  met  with  many  difficulties 
thro'  the  whole  course  of  the  Conferences.  Mr.  Croghan  has 
exerted  himself  on  all  occasions  for  the  good  of  His  Majesty's 
service,  and  it  required  his  peculiar  address  to  manage  the 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years'  War  1 1 

Indians,  and  counteract  the  designs  of  a  wretched  and  restless 

faction.     The  express  waits. 

I  am,  Sir,  with  sincerity  and  esteem 
Your  most  obedient 
and  most  humble  servant 

SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSTON  WlLLIAM  DENNY 

FROM  JELLES   FONDA 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  97,  by 
Captain  Jelles  Fonda's  receipt  in  full,  dated  Fort  Johnson,  November  8th, 
for  six  months'  pay  (£156,  17s)  for  services  as  captain  in  Indian  service. 
Destroyed  by  fire. 

TO  WILLIAM  DENNY 

Z)/.1 
gIR  I »  Albany  10.  November  1758. 

I  have  just  now  received  your  favour  of  the  24  ult°.  and  am 
sincerely  rejoiced  that  the  late  Treaty  has  concluded  so  satis- 
factory to  you  &  that  Mr.  Croghan's  Conduct  therein  meets  with 
your  Approbation,  he  writes  me  that  Mr.  Peters  will  transmit 
me  a  Copy  of  the  Proceedings,  if  you  please  to  desire  that 
Gentleman  to  forward  them  to  the  Care  of  Cap*.  Peter  Wraxall 
at  New  York  Sec*?,  for  Indian  Affairs  as  I  may  possibly  be  at 
New  York  at  the  time  they  may  come  there,  if  not  I  have  given 
Mr.  Wraxall  Directions  to  forward  them  from  New  York  to  me. 

I  am 

with  great  Esteem 
Sir 

Your  most  Obed1. 

To  The  Honblc.  humble  Servant 

GOVERNOR  DENNY 

INDORSED:     Sir  Williams  Letter 

to  Govr.  Denny  Albany  10  Novr. 
1758 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Exclamation   noint  in   the   conv. 


12  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


AN  INVOICE  OF  GOODS 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  97,  by 
an  undated  invoice  of  goods  shipped  on  the  sloop  Elizabeth,  Gilian  Van 
Ranselaugh  master,  on  account  of  Sir  William  Johnson,  consigned  to 
William  Corry,  Albany.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copp.1 

New  York,  December  I3ih.  1758- 
SlR 

To  Mr.  Atkin 

leave  out  the  The  King  having  been  pleased  to  honor  me 

word  Sole,  &  with  the  Chief  Command  of  all  His  Forces  in 

instead  of  Northern,  North  America ;  and  having  directed  me  to  keep 
say  up  a  Correspondence  with  you,  as  Sole  Agent 

Southern  Indians.  &  Superintendent  of  the  Northern  Indians,  and 
to  assist  you  in  endeavouring  to  engage  the  said 
Indians  to  take  Part  and  act  with  the  King's 
Forces  in  all  such  Operations  as  I  shall  judge 
most  Expedient:  I  am,  in  Obedience  to  those 
Commands  to  acquaint  you  with  my  Arrival 
here,  and  to  signify  to  you,  that  as  it  is  my 
Intentions,  to  begin  the  Operations  of  the  ensu- 
ing Campaign  as  early  in  the  next  Spring  as 
the  Season  will  admitt  of;  and  that  it  will  be 
greatly  for  His  Majesty's  Service,  to  engage 
as  many  as  you  can  of  the  Indians  within  your 
Department,  to  take  Part  in  those  Operations, 
and  act  with  His  Majesty's  Forces,  I  am  to 
recommend  to  you  to  use  all  your  Weight  and 
Influence  to  engage  as  many  of  them,  as  pos- 
sible, for  those  Purposes;  and  to  desire  that 


1  In  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.54,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  December  18,  1  758. 


Seven  Years'  War  13 

you  will  report  to  Me,  so  soon  as  Conveniently 
you  can,  the  Number  you  think  you  shall  be 
able  to  engage;  adding  thereto  such  further 
Informations  and  Intelligences  as  you  shall 
think  requisite  &  necessary  to  enable  me  to 
give  you  the  Assistance  I  am  directed.- 

I  am,  &ca- 
To 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Colonel,  Sole  Agent  &  Superin- 

tendant  of  the  Northern  & 

EDMOND  ATKIN  Esqr.Agent  &  Superintendent  of  the  South- 
ern Indians." 

A  true  Copy  JEFF  AMHERST 

INDORSED:      Copy 

A  Letter  from  M.  G.  Amherst  to 
Sr.  Wm.  Johnson  &  Mr.  Atkin.  Agents 
of  Indian  Affairs 
Decem'.    13*    1758. 
in  M:  G:  Amherst's  of  Dece.  18th. 
1758 
4 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copy.1 

Fort  Johnson  December  26th.  1758 
SIR 

I  yesterday  received  your  Excellencys  very  Obliging  favours 
of  the  13th.  and  17th.  Instant,  and  gladly  embrace  this  Oppor- 
tunity of  Congratulating  you  on  your  late  Success  in  the  reduc- 
tion of  the  important  City  of  Louisbourg,2.  and  it's  Dependencies 
-  as  also  on  your  Appointment  to  the  Chief  Command  of  his 
Majesties  Forces  in  North  America,  in  which  Eminent  Station, 


*In  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.54,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  January  1 8,  1  759. 
2  Louisburg  surrendered  to  General  Amherst  July  26,   1  758. 


14  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

I  must  heartily  wish  you  all  the  Success  and  Honour  that  a  Gen- 
tleman so  justly  deserving  the  Esteem  of  the  Publick  can  desire. 
It  gives  me  inexpressible  pleasure  to  hear  the  Success  of  our  Arms 
on  the  Ohio,  the  Abandoning  Fort  Du  Quesne1  is  an  Event 
which  must  Occasion  great  Joy  every  where,  and  will  I  expect 
in  a  great  Measure  Strenthen,  and  encrease  his  Majesty  Indian 
Interest  in  America. 

In  Obedience  to  your  Excellencys  Commands  I  Shall  lose  no 
time  in  using  all  my  influence  to  engage  as  many  Indians  as  pos- 
sible to  assist  in  the  Opperations  of  the  ensuing  Campaign,  and 
will  As  Soon  as  I  can  with  certainty  transmit  you  an  Account 
of  the  Numbers  may  be  prevailed  upon  for  that  purpose,  with 
whatever  other  informations  is  Necessary. 

I  have  heard  nothing  from  Brigadeer  Stanwix  of  those  Troops 
Mentioned  in  yours  of  the  1  7th.  which  were  to  be  Sent  to  Cona- 
johara  when  he  Applys  to  me,  Shall  give  him  all  the  Assistance 
in  my  power.  I  am  certain  a  Number  of  Troops  quartered  in 
this  part  of  the  Country  will  be  a  great  encouragement  to  all  the 
Inhabitants  (whereby  their  Situation  are  much  exposed)  Should 
the  Enemy  Attempt  any  thing  this  way. 

It  is  necessary  Sir,  to  Acquaint  you  that  in  Order  to  enable 
me  to  furnish  the  Indians  with  the  requisits  for  the  ensuing  Cam- 
paign I  Should  as  Soon  as  possible  be  laying  in  a  Stock  of  all 
necessaries,  to  do  which  I  shall  want  About  four,  or  five  thousand 
Pounds  Sterling,  which  I  Should  be  glad  you  would  please  to 
Order  a  Warrant  for.  And  as  good  light  Arms  Such  as  Indians 
use,  are  not  to  be  Met  with  in  these  parts,  I  Should  wish  to  be 
furnished  with  them  from  below,  or  wherever  a  Quantity  can  be 
had,  being  an  Article  Indispensably  Necessary,  I  think  with  the 
few  I  have,  four  hundred  will  do  —  be  Assured  Sir,  I  Shall  do 
everything  necessary  for  promoting  the  Indian  Interest  to  the 
Advantage  of  his  Majestys  Service,  and  Shall  not  omitt  any 


1  General  John  Forbes  took  possession  of  Fort  Duquesne  November 
25th, 


Seven  Years'   War  15 

Opportunity  of  Making  you  Acquainted  with  every  Necessary 
Intelligence  as  well  as  of  Assuring  you  that  I   am  with   the 
greatest  Sincerity  and  Respect 
Your  Excellencys 

Most  Obedient,  and 

Most  Humble  Servant 

Wm.  Johnson 
His  Excellency  GEN:  AMHERST 


Copy 


INDORSED:     Copy 

A  Letter  from  Sr.  Wm.  Johnson 

to  M  G  Amherst 

Dec.  26*.  1758. 

in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  Jan?:  18. 

1759         3 


FROM  SYBRANT  G.  VAN  SCHAICK 
A.  L.  S.1 

Albany  ije  27  December  1758 
DEAR  SR 

!  have  Jointly  signed  a  Letter  with  Some  Gentlemen  about  the 
Ensuing  Election  which  is  to  be  on  the  tenth  of  next  month  Mr 
Livingston  talk  Great  and  has  wheidled  major  Van  Der  Hey  den 
into  his  way  of  thinking  how  the  major  Could  forget  himself  so 
much  is  a  mystery  to  me  I  have  however  the  happiness  to 
Acquaint  you  that  most  of  his  friends  are  of  a  contrary  oppinion 
If  you  Sir  assist  us  now  I  will  have  oppertunity  of  Revenging 
myself  on  Mr  Livingston  who  means  nothing  but  to  oppose  the 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


16  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Governor  and  your  measures    I  hope  and  beg  your  Interest  and 
Believe  me 

Sir 

Your  most  obedient  &  most 
Humble  Servant 

SYBRANT  G.  VAN  SCHAICK" 
SR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copp  2 

New  York  8ih.  January  1759 
SIR 

As  I  find  by  your  Letter  of  the  26th.  Ultimo  that  good  light 
Arms  Such  as  Indians  use  are  not  to  be  met  with  in  your  parts, 
and  that  you  are  desireous  of  being  furnished  with  them  from 
hence  or  wherever  a  Quantity  can  be  had  I  Shall  give  orders  for 
Collecting  the  four  hundred  which  with  the  few  you  say  you 
have,  you  think  will  do. 

As  for  the  Warrant  for  four  or  five  thousand  pounds  Sterling 
which  you  desire  of  me,  to  enable  you  to  furnish  the  Indians  with 
the  requisites  for  the  ensuing  Campaign,  I  must  confess  that 
demand  is  far  higher  than  I  had  foreseen  would  have  been  Neces- 
sary on  that  account,  And  indeed  beyond  what  the  Military 
Chest  can  at  present  Spare.  I  Shall  therefore  postpone  granting 
that  Warrant  till  I  hear  further  from  you  when  I  hope  you  will 
reduce  that  demand  so  low  as  you  can  without  nevertheless  dis- 
continuing to  lay  in  a  proper  Stock  of  Necessaries  the  want  of 
which  Must  by  no  Means  prevent  us  from  the  Assistance  of  as 
many  Indians  as  you  can  possibly  prevail  on  to  engage  with  us 


1  Mayor  of  Albany  from   1756  to  1761. 

2  In  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.54,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt.  January  1 8,  1  759. 


Seven  Years'   War  17 

in  the  Services  of  next  Campaign,  the  determinate  number  of 
which  I  Shall  agreable  to  your  promise,  expect  to  be  Acquainted 
with  as  Soon  as  possible.  The  Number  of  Troops  Actually 
posted  on  the  Mohawk  River  renders  in  my  Opinion,  that  part 
of  the  Country  so  Secure  against  any  Attempts  of  the  Enemy, 
that  I  do  not  see  the  least  room  for  its  Inhabitants  to  be  under 
any  the  least  Apprehensions  of  being  Molested,  were  there  even 
a  fewer  Number  of  Troops,  the  Advantagious  Situation  of  Fort 
Stanwix  And  the  Garrison  it  contains  would  alone  be  capable 
of  removing  any  fears,  for  if  the  Garrison  is  any  thing  alert  no 
Small  party  of  the  Enemy  can  Make  any  inroad  into  that  part 
of  the  Country,  without  their  being  able  to  interupt  them  Act 
Offensively  Against  them  and  cut  them  off  particularly  as  Briga- 
deer  Stanwix  informs  me  they  are  well  provided  with  Snow 
Shoes 

I  am  &ca.- 
INDORSED:     Copy 

A  Letter  from  Gen:  Amherst 
toSr.  Will:  Johnson 
January  8th.   1 759 

in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  Jan'x.  18*   1759 
4 

TO   ROBERT   LEAKE 

In  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  2:768-69,  is  a  letter  of  February  2d  from 
Johnson  to  Robert  Leake  on  books  lent  to  Johnson,  French  preparations, 
change  of  heart  experienced  by  the  Delawares  and  a  meeting  with  the  Six 
Nations  to  be  held. 


18  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copp  x 

New  York  I Ith.  Feb:  1759. 
SIR, 

Although  since  my  Letter  of  the  2d.  Instant  nothing  new  has 
occur'd,  Yet  as  Mr.  Wraxall  tells  me  that  he  sets  out  tomorrow 
to  Join  you,  I  take  that  opportunity  to  acquaint  you,  that  agre- 
able  to  mine  of  the  8th.  January,  I  have  given  Orders  for  the 
purchase  of  the  400,  good  Light  Arms  for  the  use  of  the  Indians, 
and  that  all  Endeavors  are  using  to  procure  the  same;  Neverthe- 
less if  you  find  that  such  of  the  Indians,  as  you  may  be  able  to 
Engage  for  the  Service  of  next  Campaign,  are  provided  with 
Arms  of  their  own,  which  they  will  certainly  rather  chuse  than 
any  other,  by  being  so  much  lighter,  you  may  propose  to  them, 
to  bring  them  in,  and  to  make  them  a  reasonable  allowance  for 
the  same;  I  must  own  I  should  be  glad  this  plan  should  take 
place,  as  it  will  afford  me  a  greater  number  of  Light  Arms,  for 
the  Light  Infantry,  a  Company  of  which  I  have  Ordered  to  be 
Trained  up  in  each  Regiment. 

I  am  sorry  I  cannot  yet  have  the  pleasure  of  acquainting  you 
with  the  Arrival  of  the  Money  Ship,  which  I  should  imagine  can- 
not be  far  off;  so  soon  as  she  comes  in,  I  shall  transmit  You  the 

Warrant  I  am, 

&ca. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  M.  Gen:  Amherst 
To  SIR  WM.  JOHNSON,  Bar*. 

INDORSED:     Copy  of  a  Letter  from  M.  G1.  Amherst 
To  Sir  Wm.  Johnson,  Bar*. 
Feb.  11*    1759. 

in  M:  G.  Amherst's  of  Feb?.  8*:  1759 
25. 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.54,  London^  England.  Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  February  28,  1  759,  probably  (not 
February  8th,  as  stated  in  the  indorsement) . 


Seven  Years'   War  19 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

Contemporary  Copy  1 

Fort  Johnson  Feb:  16*.  1759. 
SIR/ 

I  am  favour'd  with  Your  Excellency's  of  the  2d.  Instant,  and 
am  to  acquaint  You,  that  the  Messengers  whom  I  sent  to  call  the 
Six  Nations  down,  are  return'd,  and  inform  me  they  will  soon 
arrive  here. 

A  Report  having  spread  of  the  French's  making  some  Prepara- 
tions for  an  Expedition  at  Oswegatchi,  I  sent  a  Scout  thither  1 6 
Days  ago,  in  Order  to  make  what  Discovery  they  cou'd;  and  as 
they  were  to  return  in  about  20  Days,  I  daily  expect  them. 

I  have  now  here  between  70  and  80  Indians  who  are  to  pro- 
ceed on  a  Scout  to  Ticonderoga  in  two  or  three  Days,  but  can 
scarcely  furnish  them  with  Arms  proper  for  the  Occasion,  and 
shall  be  at  a  great  Loss  soon,  unless  Your  Excellency  can  provide 
me  with  those  I  have  before  mention'd;  In  Consequence  of  your 
Excellency's  former  Letter,  I  have  agreed  for  what  Goods  I 
cou'd  find  hereabouts  fitting  for  Indians,  for  the  Service  of  the 
next  Campaign,  but  the  Quantity  being  very  inconsiderable,  will 
require  a  large  Augmentation,  which  must  be  procured  at  York 
or  Philadelphia,  and  for  which  I  shall  give  Directions.-  I  hope 
the  Result  of  the  ensuing  Meeting  will  be  productive  of  favour- 
able Consequences,  and  that  I  shall  be  able  to  engage  a  Large 
Body  of  Indians,  the  Number  of  whom  I  shall  acquaint  you 
with,  as  soon  as  it  can  be  done  with  any  Certainty  or  Exactness, 
but  I  flatter  myself,  and  have  some  Reason  to  expect  that  (as 
Affairs  are  now  Circumstanced)  if  an  Expedition  was  designed 
against  Niagara,  or  elsewhere,  thro'  the  Country  of  the  Six 
Nations,  I  shou'd  be  able  to  prevail  upon  the  greater  Part  if  not 
the  whole  of  them,  to  join  His  Majesty's  Arms;  This  Circum- 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.54,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  February  28,  1  759. 


20  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

stance  I  thought  it  my  Duty  to  acquaint  Your  Excellency  with, 
in  Case  such  an  Expedition  was  in  Agitation. 

I  am,  &ca 

Wm.  Johnson 
His  Excellency  GEN.  AMHERST.- 

Copy 

INDORSED:     Copy 

A  Letter  from  Sr.  Wm.  Johnson 

to  M.  G.  Amherst- 

Feb.   16'h.   1759. 

in  M:  G:  Amherst's  of  Fet>T.  28<h:  1759 

26. 

FROM  WILLIAM  KELLY 

In  Doc.  Hist.  N.  y.,  2 :769,  is  a  letter  of  February  1 6th,  from  William 
Kelly,  in  New  York,  about  a  British  expedition  in  the  West  Indies. 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copy  1 

New  York  2&h.  February  1759- 
SlR 

Your  Letter  of  the  16th.  Instant  was  delivered  to  me  by  Cap1. 
Gates,'2  who  Arrived  here  two  days  ago. 

I  see  with  pleasure,  that  the  Messengers  whom  you  sent  to 
call  the  Six  Nations  down  are  returned,  and  that  they  had 
Informed  you,  those  Nations  would  soon  arrive  at  Fort  Johnson, 
in  which  I  hope  you  have  not  been  disapointed. 

I  shall  be  very  glad  to  have  the  report  of  the  Scout  You  Sent 
out,  to  make  what  discovery  they  could  of  the  preparations  it  was 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.54,  London,  England.  Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  February  28,  1  759. 

2  Captain  Horatio  Gates,  of  the  New  York  regiment ;  later,  major 
general  in  the  Continental  army. 


Seven  Years'   War  21 

Said  the  French  were  making  for  an  Expedition  at  Oswegatchi, 
altho  I  do  not  apprehend  there  is  any  foundation  for  it,  Yet  as 
we  cannot  be  too  Watchfull,  nor  Such  Scouts  be  Sent  too  fre- 
quently, I  therefore  recommend  it  to  you  to  Send  them  as  often 
as  possible. 

I  Shall  likewise  be  very  glad  to  learn  what  discoveries  shall 
have  been  made  by  the  70  or  80  Indians  you  then  had,  and  that 
were  to  proceed  in  two  or  three  days  on  a  Scout  to  Ticonderoga, 
which  from  the  largeness  of  there  Numbers  I  should  think  cannot 
fail  of  procuring  us  Some  Intelligence  that  may  be  depended 
upon;  With  regard  to  Arms  for  them,  I  am  hopefull  that  you 
will  have  been  Able  to  procure  a  Sufficient  Number  upon  the 
Conditions  I  proposed  to  you  in  my  Letter  by  Cap*.  Wraxall, 
to  which  I  wait  for  an  Answer  with  impatience,  as,  if  that  can- 
not take  place,  I  shall  immediately  forward  to  you  Such  of  the 
light  Arms  as  I  have  already  Collected,  but  which  do  not  yet 
Amount  near  to  the  Number  you  desired :  if  other  Arms  would 
do,  I  could  Supply  you  with  them  upon  demand;  I  hope  more 
light  ones  will  come  in  daily,  but  for  the  reasons  I  gave  you  in 
my  former  Letter,  I  could  wish  you  may  have  no  Occasion  for 
them,  and  Accordingly  I  Shall  wait  till  I  hear  from  you  on  that 
Subject. 

At  the  Same  time  that  our  future  Operations  are  carried  ort 
elsewhere  I  Shall  not  lose  Sight  of  the  Expedition  you  Mention/ 
and  the  reasons  that  induce  you  to  desire  it,  Shall  have  the  great- 
est weight  with  me  at  it's  proper  Season. 

I  am  &c. 

To  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Bar*. 

INDORSED:      Copy 

A  Letter  from  Majr.  Gen. 

Amherst  to 

Sir  Wm.  Johnson  Bar*. 

Feby.  26*   1759. 

in  M:  G:  Amherst's  of  Feb*:  28* :  1759 

27. 


22  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


JAMES  CLEPHANE 
A.  L.  &1 

Fort  Stanwix.  Feb.  26*  1759 
SIR 

I  hope  Captain  Butler  wrote  you  last  night  that  we  had  taken 
up  a  french  Indian  (who  speaks  very  good  English)  on  suspicion 
of  his  being  a  Spy  here  for  by  all  his  behaviour  and  Questions 
he  Askt  he  appeared  either  to  be  such  or  come  here  for  a  Scalp 
or  to  carry  off  a  Prisoner  with  him,  I  sent  him  from  this  last 
night  at  12  o'Clock  with  a  detachment  of  a  Sergeant  and  ten 
Rangers  for  Fort  Herkemer  well  secur'd  with  Ropes  and  I  wrote 
the  Commanding  officer  at  Fort  Herkemer  to  send  him  forward 
well  escorted  and  secur'd  from  post  to  Post  till  such  time  as  he 
was  deliver'd  over  to  You,  I  have  wrote  this  to  Brigd.  General 
Gage  at  Albany,  and  I  hope  Cap*.  Butler  has  been  full  in  report- 
ing this  to  you,  for  I  must  beg  leave  and  make  my  apology  to  you 
for  my  being  so  short  here  for  the  short  time  I  have  to  write  just 
now  won't  allow  me  to  be  long  so  must  beg  leave  to  subscribe 
myself  with  all  respect 

Sir 

Your  most  humble  and 
most  obedient  Servant 

JAMES  CLEPHANE  * 

INDORSED:     on  His  Majesties  Service 
To 

The  Honble 

Sir  William  Johnson  Baronet 
at  Fort  Johnson 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Major  James  Clephane,  of  the  78th  regiment 


round  Hi 


hotts 


- 


T- 


FORT  HERKIMER 
South  of  the  present  village  of  Herkimer 


1 


Seven  Years'   War  23 

MEMORANDUM  OF  INDIAN  PRESENTS1 

Memorandum  29th.  March  1 759  - 

of  Sundry  articles  to  take  up  to  Fort  Harkemer  for  the  Use 
of  the  Ind'8.  of  the  Six  Nations  whom  I  am  to  meet,  &  treat  with 

there  also  on  my  own  Stores Viz*. 

Barrels  of  Pork 

D°.  of  Flower 

Skipples  of  Indn.  Corn 

D°.  of  Pease 

1  Teirce  of  Rice 

D°.  of  Biscake 


1  Hogshead  of  Rum in  Cases 

1  Barrel  of  D°.  - 

10  gallons  of  West  India  Rum 

10  D°.  of  good  Madera  

2  loaves  of  Sugar •. 

1-5  of  a  O.  of  good  Muscavado  Sugar 

in  a  tight  Cask  marked 

2  Ib.  of  good  Tea 

1  Cas  of  Butter 

2  Barrels  of  Milk  Biscake,  or  white  D°.  - 

1    Hundred  of  good  Lemmons  

5   fatt  Cattle  

5  good  Hamms,  or  gammons 

1    Dozen  of  Neats  tounges 

1  Dozen  of  fatt  Sheep  if  to  be  had  - 

10  pr.  of  Indian  Blankets  different  Sizes  

60  pr.  of  gartering  &  gimps  for  Showd2  Blankets 
10  pr.  of  3-5  garlix  ab\  50  p  - 

2  p8.  of  penniston  

10  Dozen  of  Clasp  Knives  • 

2  Ib.  of  white  thread  for  yc.  garlix 
500  Needles  for  D«.  


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Stroud. 


24  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  HENRY  VAN  SCHAACK 
A.  L.  S.1 

Albany  the  2  April  1759 

DEAR  SIR 

I  had  a  Letter  Last  Night  by  an  Express  from  New  York  by 
which  am  informed  that  a  Packet  arrived  there  the  29th  of  Last 
Month.  My  Corrispondant  at  New  York  has  favoured  me  w* 
the  Following  Extract  he  has  Rec.  from  Falmouth  by  the 
Packet,  which  perhaps  may  Amuse  you  a  Little  Considering 
where  you  are  "Falmouth  Feb?  17.  1759  I  beg  leave  to 
acquaint  you  that  all  thoughts  of  Peace  for  the  Present  is 
abandnd,  Notwithstanding  France  has  offered  it  on  our  own 
Terms,  giving  up  Senegal  and  Goree  in  Africa,  but  Rejected 
untill  we  hear  of  taking  of  Martinico  or  some  other  Island  or 
Place  in  that  Part  of  the  World,  and  Quebeck  to  the  North  of 
you.  The  first  Division  of  the  Fleet  for  New  York  under  Lord 
Colvil,2  6  Men  War  &c  Sailed  13  Days  before  the  Packet;  the 
Last  Ace1:  from  Spain,  8  Days  only  before  the  Pacq1.  Sailed 
the  King  of  Spain  then  Living3  the  Princess  of  Orange  Dead. 
Adm1.  Saunders  4  Commands  up  the  River  S  Lawrence  Adm1. 
Boscawen  Comd.  a  Fleet  of  observation  on  the  Coast.  This  is 
the  material  News."  I  have  Seen  no  Letters  for  you  by  the 
Express,  it  is  possible  some  might  have  Come  to  the  Genls. 
Should  any  thing  your  way  offer  worth  Communicating  I  hope 
to  hear  from  you,  Especially  if  any  thing  good  offer,  that  1  may 
inform  your  Friends  of  it  at  York  Some  Letters  Express  uneasi- 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Alexander  Lord  Colville,  born  about  1710,  died  in  1  770. 

3  Ferdinand  6th  died  August  10,  1759. 

*Sir  Charles  Saunders,  born  about  1713,  died  in  1775,  commanded 
the  fleet  which  aided  General  Wolfe  in  the  capture  of  Quebec.  ' 


X 


1 1 
fc  I 


I  I 


^        O 


Seven  Years'   War  25 

ness  at  the  Long  Delay  of  the  Congress,1  I  hope  soon  to  have  the 
pleasure  of  hearing  of  its  happy  Determination. 

I  am  Dr  Sr. 

Yr  Sincere  friend  &  Obd. 

hblc.  servant 
In  haste  H.  V.  ScHAACK 

FROM   JELLES   FONDA 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  98,  by 
a  letter  of  April  3d  from  Captain  Jelles  Fonda,  at  Fort  Herkimer,  to 
Johnson,  bringing  news  of  Indians  on  their  way  to  meet  Johnson,  and 
giving  names  of  chiefs.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


THOMAS  BUTLER  TO  JAMES  CLEPHANE 
A.  L.  S.2 

[Fort  Stamvix]  9th  April  1759 
SIR 

Saturday  last  an  Oneida  Indian  was  sent  here  with  an.  m 3  that 
the  four  Indians  we  sent  from  this  place  to  Swegatia  the  28th 
Jan*?,  last  was  returned  to  their  Castle;  and  likewise  that  there 
was  a  Scalping  party  out  from  Swegatia  which  we  might  expect 
here  in  a  few  days, 

Yesterday  a  squa  from  Oneida,  told  me  she  was  come  from 
the  Castle  all  the  men  being  drunk  or  not  at  home,  to  let  us 
know,  that  a  french  army  was  at  the  ossego  falls  on  their  way  to 
Attack  this  place, — 

The  same  evening  the  four  Conessarago  Indians  from  Swea- 
getia  Arrived  here  they  Confirm  that  the  scalping  party  is  out, 
&  may  be  soon  expected ;  about  fourteen  in  number, —  But  know 
nothing  of  the  Army  further  then  that  there  were  a  number  of 


1  Johnson  held  a  conference  with  the  Six  Nations  at  Canajoharie  from 
April  4th  to  the  22d. 

2  Destroyed  by  fire. 

3  So  in  the  copy;  "  ace18.'*  was  evidently  written. 


26  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

French  and  Indians,  assembled  at  Sweagatia;  But  has  not  the 
look  of  an  Army, — 

This  day  a  young  Indian  lad  on  horsback  Came  express  from 
Oneida;  sent  by  Seonando,  tells  me  that  some  Onondaga's  mett 
with  a  party  of  French  Indians  who  told  the  Onondagas  that 
foure  days  ago  the  French  Army  was  then  crossing  over  at  ossego 
falls,  that  upon  their  aproach  to  this  place,  they  were  to  Devide 
their  light  Troops  to  Cut  of  the  Communication  from  below: 
while  the  others  attacked  the  place,  this  Is  all  I  could  learn  about 
them  —  The  news  the  scout  brings  is  not  Matereall  they  arc 
to  go  tomorrow  for  Sir  William  Johnsons  — 

I  am 

To  Sir  &  B1 

MAJOR  JAMES  CLEPHANE 
Commander  in  Chief 

at 
Fort  Stanwix 

INDORSED:     Captn  Butlers  Report  to  Major 
Clephane  &  a  letter  from 
Augatchy 2 


BENJAMIN   FRANKLIN  TO  THE  KING    ETC. 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  98,  by  three 
papers  which  were  destroyed  by  fire:  an  order  of  April  12th  from  the 
lords  of  the  committee  of  council  for  plantation  affairs,  at  Whitehall, 
referring  Benjamin  Franklin's  petition  to  the  lords  of  trade  (printed  in 
Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  2:769-70;  Q,  2:447);  the  petition  of  Benjamin 
Franklin,  agent  of  the  assembly  of  Pennsylvania,  to  the  King  in  Council, 
asking  consideration  of  matters  relating  to  lands  of  which  the  Indians 
charge  unjust  dispossession  by  the  proprietors  of  Pennsylvania  (printed  in 
Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  2:770-72;  Q,  2:447-48);  and  a  communication, 
dated  April  20th,  from  Joseph  Peepe,  an  Indian  at  Schoharie,  soliciting 
a  service  from  Johnson  to  a  sick  Indian  scout  and  a  loan  of  money  to 
himself. 


1  T.  B.  this  should  be,  evidently. 

2  Swegatchy  ? 


Seven  Years    War  27 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copy1 

Conojaharie,  27".  April  1759. 
Copy 

SIR, 

I  Take  the  Earliest  Opportunity  to  Acquaint  you,  that  all  the 
Material  Business  at  the  Meeting  here  with  the  Indians  is 
finished. 

Besides  the  Six  Nations,  Four  Other  Nations  of  Indians  their 
Dependants,  Assembled  here,  the  Whole  Amount,  Men,  Women 
and  Children  is  about  500. 

It  is  with  great  pleasure  I  can  Inform  your  Excellency,  these 
Confederate  Nations  have,  with  every  Mark  of  Unfeigned  Zeal 
and  Sincerity,  declared  their  unanimous  Resolutions  of  Joining 
in  the  present  War  against  the  French,  have  Accepted  &  taken 
up  the  War  Hatchet,  which  I  threw  down  to  them  in  Your 
Name,  as  His  Majesty's  Commander  in  Chief  upon  this  Conti- 
nent. They  have  assured  me  they  will  shew  this  War  Hatchet 
to  all  their  Allies  and  Dependants,  by  making  known  to  all 
Indians  they  have  Connections  with,  the  Engagements  they  have 
Entered  into  at  this  Meeting;  They  also  said  that  those  Indians 
of  their  respective  Castles  or  Towns,  who  did  not  attend  this 
Meeting,  had  Engaged  themselves  to  Abide  by  whatever  Deter- 
minations should  be  here  taken. 

The  Chenossia  Indians,  who  are  a  Body  of  the  Seneca  Nation, 
a  Brave  and  Powerfull  people  that  live  nearest  to  Niagara,  and 
the  most  remote  from  Us  of  any  of  the  Six  Nations  two  nights 
ago,  at  a  War  Feast  I  gave  to  the  whole  Body  of  the  Indians 
here,  Stood  up,  and  with  a  Belt  of  Wampum,  said  they  took 
this  public  and  Solemn  Opportunity,  to  declare  their  Satisfaction 


1  In  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.55,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  June  1 9,  1  759. 


28  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

at  the  Engagements  which  all  the  Nations  had  Entered  into  at 
this  Congress,  and  that  they  were  Authorized  by  their  people  to 
Declare  their  Resolutions  had  been  fixed,  since  last  Winter,  to 
Commence  Hostilities  against  the  French  and  in  which  they  were 
fully  determined,  and  now  Acquainted  this  Assembly,  that  they 
thought  their  Joining  us  in  the  destruction  of  Niagara,  which  was 
Built  in  their  Country,  and  which  they  gave  up  to  the  English, 
would  be  the  most  Efficacous  Plaister  they  could  think  of,  to  heal 
the  Wounds  which  I  complained  We  had  received  from  some 
of  the  Five  Nations  their  Allies  &  Dependants,  during  the  Course 
of  the  present  War,  by  the  Murder  of  MacMichy,  and  Others 
His  Majesty's  Subjects;  And  they  desired  We  might  push  this 
Enterprize  with  all  possible  Vigour  and  Dispatch,  as  the  Success 
of  it  would  greatly  depend  thereon. 

Not  only  from  the  public  and  general  Declarations  of  the  Indians 
at  this  Meeting,  but  from  private  Conferences  I  have  had  with 
their  Chiefs,  and  a  variety  of  other  concurring  Circumstances,  I 
think,  I  have  a  good  foundation  to  give  it  as  my  Opinion  to  Your 
Excellency,  that,  not  only  from  Commencement  of  the  present 
War,  but  for  many  Years  past,  His  Majesty's  Indian  Interest, 
hath  not  Wore  so  favorable  a  Face,  nor  given  Us  such  Encourag- 
ing prospects;  And  that  if  a  Respectable  Body  of  His  Majesty's 
Forces  should  speedily  March  towards  Lake  Ontario,  in  order 
to  Carry  on  Operations  from  thence  against  the  Enemy,  I  would 
Join  them  with  the  Main  Body  of  the  Five  Nations  &  many  of 
their  Allies,  And  that  by  the  Appearance  of  Our  Troops,  and 
taking  other  Corresponding  Measures,  I  could  Succeed  in  pre- 
vailing on  those  of  the  Five  Nations,  who  live  at  La  Galette,  to 
Abandon  the  French  Interest,  as  well  as  many  Other  Nations  of 
Indians  to  the  Northward  &  Westward,  whom  the  French  Expect 
will  Join  them. 

The  Senecas  and  Onondagas  have  informed  me,  that  in  con- 
sequence of  a  Belt  of  Wampum  I  sent  some  time  ago  to  the 
Western  Indians,  (and  which  was  backed  by  the  5  Nations) 
Deputies  from  9  Nations  of  the  said  Forreign  Indians,  are 


Seven  Years    War  29 

Speedily  Expected  at  Chenossio,  from  whence  they  propose  to 
Come  immediately  down,  with  Deputies  from  the  Six  Nations, 
to  my  House,  in  order  to  hold  a  Meeting  there.  One  of  the 
principal  Designs  of  which,  as  I  understand,  is  to  desire  a  Trade 
may  be  Established  between  them  and  the  English,  and  which 
was  formerly  Carried  on  at  Oswego. 

Your  Excellency  will  naturally  perceive,  that  the  present 
favorable  prospects  of  the  Increase  and  Extention  of  His 
Majesty's  Indian  Interest  will  require,  in  Order  to  Cultivate  and 
Support  them,  Additional  Expences,  and  that  I  Cannot  Act  my 
part  therein,  without  the  necessary  Supplies  of  Money ;  I  mention 
this  to  you  that  you  may  not  be  Surprised,  if  I  should  Speedily 
make  fresh  Application  to  you  on  that  head;  you  may  depend  I 
do,  and  I  shall  Act  with  all  the  Oeconomy  which  the  Nature  of 
this  Service  will  admit  —  but  such  is  its  Nature,  that  a  Con- 
siderable Expence  is  absolutely  necessary,  and  I  am  of  Opinion 
&  flatter  myself,  the  Good  Effects  to  His  Majesty's  Service  and 
the  public  Good,  will  more  than  Compensate  those  Expences, 
tho'  these  good  Effects  may  not  all  of  them  be  immediately  felt. 
-The  Indian  Trade,  Sir,  alone,  wisely  &  righteously  Con- 
ducted, will  be  a  Source  of  Vast  Advantages,  not  only  to  these 
Colonies,  but  to  the  Commerce  &  Manufactures  of  Our  Mother 
Country,  and  will  be  the  most  Solid  &  lasting  Security  to  the 
Attachment  of  the  Indians. 

Time  will  not  permit  me,  in  my  present  Situation,  to  transmit 
you  a  Copy  of  my  Proceedings  at  this  Congress ;  I  thought  it  best 
not  to  delay  giving  you  the  General  Result  of  them;  If  you 
Chuse  to  peruse  the  Whole,  a  Copy  shall  be  drawn  out  and  Sent 
you  as  soon  as  possible,  in  the  mean  time  Mr.  Wraxall,  who  I 
expect  will  have  the  honour  to  deliver  you  this  Letter,  may  be 
able  to  Answer  any  particulars  you  may  want  to  be  informed  of. 

I  Propose  herewith  to  Send  a  Letter  to  Mr.  Croghan,  my 


30  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Deputy,  who  Writes  me  he  is  to  remain  with  General  Stanwix, 
and  Acquaint  him  with  the  General  Issue  of  this  Meeting,  as  it 
will  be  absolutely  necessary  to  the  Success  of  his  Indian  Negotia- 
tions, to  know  the  Resolutions  of  the  Six  Nations. 
I  am,  with  the  greatest  Respect,  &ca. 

Wm.  Johnson. 
His  Excellency 

MAJOR  GENERAL  AMHERST. 

INDORSED:     Copy —  Letter  from  Sir  William  Johnson,  Bar*. 
To  Major  General  Amherst. 
Datd.  Conojaharie  April  21st.  1  759. 
That  all  the  material  business  at  the  Congress  was 
finished. —  That  besides  the  6  Nations,  four  other 
Nations  their  dependants  had  assembled  there,  to 
the  amount  of  about  500.  Men  Women  &  Children.- 
That  they  had  all  unanimously  resolved  to  Join 
in  the  present  War  against  the  French. —  That 
those  Indians  of  their  respective  Castles  or  Towns, 
who  had  not  attended  at  this  Meeting,  had  engaged 
to  abide  by  the  determination  of  the  above. —  That 
the  Chenossio  Indians,  a  body  of  the  Senecas,  who 
live  nearest  to  Niagara,  had  likewise  resolved 
to  Join  us,  &  were  of  Opinion  that  an  Attack  on  that 
place,  would  be  the  most  Effectual  to  hurt  the 
Enemy  &ca. —  Concluding  with  demanding  a  fresh 
Supply  of  Money  to  set  these  Indians  in  Motion, 
in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  June  19.  1759. 
NO.  56. 


Seven  Years'  War  31 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copy  1 

Conojaharie,  22*.  April  1759. 
Copy 
SIR, 

Yesterday  soon  after  Mr.  Wraxall  left  this  place  with  my 
Letter  to  Your  Excellency,  a  Deputation  of  the  Sachims  of  Each 
of  the  Nations  at  this  Meeting,  came  to  my  Quarters,  and  made 
a  Speech  to  me,  a  Copy  whereof  I  herewith  transmit  you. 

I  Find  they  are  all  extremely  desirous  and  Urgent  that  an 
Enterprise  should  be  taken  against  Niagara,  and  I  am  so  much 
perswaded  of  their  Sincerity  herein,  that  I  think  800  Indians,  if 
not  more,  would  Join  me  therein ;  I  have  promised  them  to  trans- 
mit their  Request  to  Your  Excellency  immediately,  and  when  I 
receive  Your  Answer  to  let  them  know  it. 

The  French,  by  the  Intelligence  I  have  Sent  to  Brigr.  Gage, 
have  I  believe,  by  this  time,  Two  Armed  Vessels  upon  Lake 
Ontario,  and  I  apprehend  they  are  the  only  Interruption,  of 
Consequence,  We  should  meet  with  in  our  Way  to  Niagara,  & 
that  the  Fort  would  be  no  very  difficult  Conquest,  as  I  Could 
Invest  it  with  Indians  to  favour  the  Attack,  and  with  them  Cut 
off  all  Succours  from  coming  to  it. 

Your  Excellency  will  permit  me  to  Say,  that  I  am  of  Opinion 
the  Reduction  of  Niagara  will  Overset  the  whole  French  Indian 
Interest,  and  Trade,  and  throw  it  into  Our  hands,  if  this  Con- 
quest be  properly  improved,  and  that  if  You  should  put  this  Plan 
in  Execution,  no  Time  should  be  lost,  as  the  Transportation  to 
Lake  Ontario  grows  more  &  more  difficult  as  the  Summer 
Advances. 

I  am, 

&ca. 

Wm.  Johnson 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.55,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  June  19,  1  759. 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

I  Expect  this  Letter  may  Overtake  Mr.  Wraxall  at  my  House 
or  Albany. 

His  Excellency 

MAJOR  GENERAL  AMHERST. 

INDORSED :     Copy  —  Letter  from 

Sir  William  Johnson,  Bar1. 

To  Major  General  Amherst. 

Dated  Conajoharie  April  22d.  1759. 

That  after  having  dispatch'd  his  of  the  preceding 

day,  a  deputation  of  the  Sachims  of  each  of  the 

Nations  that  had  assisted  at  the  Congress,  came 

to  him,  &  made  him  a  Speech,  whereby  they  were 

all  extremely  desirous  &  urgent  that  an  enterprize 

should  be  taken   against  Niagara;  And  that  he 

was  so  persuaded  of  their  Sincerity  therein, 

that  he  thought  800.  Indians,  if  not  more,  would 

Join  him  in  it  —  At  the  same  time  enclosing  a 

Copy  of  the  Speech,  in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  June 

19.  1759 

NO.  54. 

INDIAN  PROCEEDINGS 

In  Doc.  Rel.  to  Col  Hist.  N.  Y.t  7:378-94,  is  a  journal  of  Johnson's 
proceedings,  April  4-22,  with  the  Six  Nations  and  other  Indians  at 
Canajoharie. 


ff&jSS^    Sketch  .showind  trip  by  water 


MAP 

•AILS,  PORTAGESANoSETTLEMENTS 
M  ALBANY  TO    NIAGARA 

SUPER1NTENDENCY  OF  THE  SIX  NATIONS 

SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON 

Any  THE  PAPERS  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON 


.ale 


Miles 


Seven  Years'   War  33 


WILLIAM  DENNY  TO  INDIANS  AT  WYOMING 
Contemporary  Copy1 

[Philadelphia,  April  24,  1759] 

The  Honorable  William  Denny  Esquire  Lieutenant  Gov- 
ernor and  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Province  of 
Pennsylvania  and  Counties  of  Newcastle,  Kent  and 
Sussex  on  Delaware. 

To  Teedyuscung  the  Delaware  Chief,  and  to  all  the  Indians  at 
Wioming 

Brethern,  Mr.  Frederick  Post 2  and  Mr.  Isaac  Still 3  wait  on 
you,  to  inform  you  of  what  has  passed  at  Allegheny,  in  Conse- 
quence of  the  Messages  sent  from  Easton,  Their  proceedings 
have  given  us  great  satisfaction,  and  I  hope  they  will  be  as  agree- 
able to  you.  I  have  ordered  them  to  hide  nothing  from  you, 
being  desirous  you  shou'd,  both  on  this  and  every  other  Occasion, 
be  made  acquainted  with  all  the  Particulars  that  are  worthy  your 
notice.  By  this  String  I  recommend  them  to  you,  and  desire 
you  will  give  them  a  kind  reception,  and  hearken  to  what  they 
say.  A  String 

Brothers.  Isaac  Still  chose  to  stay  all  Winter  among  the 
Indians,  that  he  might  spread  far  and  wide  the  good  tidings  of 
the  Peace  established  at  Easton4  between  us,  and  he  has  been 
very  serviceable  in  doing  this  good  Office.  He  is  but  lately 
returned. 

It  has  been  our  great  misfortune  to  lose  the  late  General  who 
Commanded  the  King's  Forces  in  these  Provinces,  he  was  Sick 
whilst  on  the  Campaign,  and  when  he  came  here,  he  lingered 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Christian  Frederick  Post,  a  Moravian,  carried  a  peace  message  to  the 
Indian  towns  on  the  Allegheny  in  the  autumn  of  1  758. 

8  Isaac  Still,  an  Indian,  accompanied  Frederick  Post  on  his  peace  mission. 
4  The  treaty  of  Easton  held  in  October  1  758. 
Vol.  Ill  —  2 


34  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

a  long  time  incapable  of  doing  business,  so  that  every  thing  was 
at  a  stand  till  the  New  appointment  of  a  General,  and  this  has 
been  but  lately  made.1  I  mention  Isaac  Stills  late  return,  and 
the  Generals  Indisposition,  that  you  may  be  satisfied  it  was  not 
owing  to  any  want  of  respect  to  you,  but  to  unavoidable  accidents 
that  you  have  not  heard  from  me  sooner.  A  String 

Brethern,  The  Indians  living  at  the  heads  of  the  Ohio,  at 
Canawago  &  Boccaloons,  hearing  of  the  reduction  of  Fort 
Duquesne  and  of  the  Arrival  of  the  Messengers  from  Easton  in 
the  Indian  Tovvns  on  Beaver  Creek,  sent  some  of  their  Chiefs  to 
see  the  English  General  and  those  Messengers,  in  order  to  be 
informed  what  the  Messages  were,  and  how  they  were  received, 
and  likewise  what  the  English  intended  to  do  further  at  the 
opening  of  this  Year,  These,  tho'  they  came  above  two  Months 
ago,  did  not  receive  their  Answers  sooner  than  last  Week,  owing 
to  what  has  been  before  mentioned. 

The  King's  General  in  Chief,2  as  well  as  the  General  who 
Commands  under  him  in  these  parts,  together  with  myself,  and 
the  Governors  of  New  York,  and  New  Jersey,  took  those  Depu- 
ties kindly  by  the  Hand,  and  give  them  the  strongest  Assurances 
of  our  good  will  and  Friendship  for  them  and  all  the  other 
Indians,  and  likewise  of  the  good  reception  that  all  should  meet 
with,  who  would  return  to  their  Antient  Friendship  and  alliance 
with  us,  We  further  acquainted  them  that  the  English  intended 
this  Campaign  to  oblige  the  French  to  abandon  all  the  Country 
on  the  Ohio,  without  any  design  of  settling  those  Lands  them- 
selves, they  only  propose  to  Establish  a  Trade  with  the  Western 
Indians,  on  a  fair  and  good  footing,  and  as  a  protection  for  their 
Traders  and  such  Indians  as  incline  to  trade  with  us,  to  build 
one  or  more  Magasines  for  Indians  Goods,  fortifying  the  same 
in  such  a  Manner  as  to  prevent  any  bad  designs  of  the  French. 


1  General  John  Forbes  died  March  11,1  759.     He  was  succeeded  by 
General  John  Stanwix. 

2  Jeffery  Amherst  became   commander  in   chief  in   September    1 758, 
replacing  General  Abercromby. 


Seven  Years'  War  35 

Brethern,  I  now  acquaint  you  that  the  King  intends  to  con- 
tinue his  Forces  on  the  Western  Frontiers  until  the  French  shall 
have  abandoned  all  their  Forts  there,  if  they  refuse  to  go  away 
voluntarily,  they  must  be  compelled  by  Force  to  do  it,  so  that 
the  Operations  of  the  next  Campaign  will  depend  on  the  Meas- 
ures which  the  French  shall  think  proper  to  take.  In  the  mean- 
time, it  is  his  Majesty's  orders,  that  a  place  of  strenghth  be  built, 
on  or  near  the  Ruins  of  the  late  French  Fort,  in  order  to  protect 
the  Indians,  and  place  our  good  Brethern  the  Indians  as  well  as 
ourselves,  in  a  safe,  &  respectable  condition. 

Brethern,  I  have  waited  with  impatience  for  the  answers  of 
the  Ohio  Indians  to  our  Messages,  and  none  being  yet  come,  I 
have  sent  off  a  Message  to  those  Indians,  to  desire  they  wou'd  fix 
the  Time  of  a  General  Meeting  for  the  final  settlement  of  a 
Peace.  I  would  have  done  it  but  when  I  considered,  that  any 
Time  I  cou'd  fix,  might  not  suit  with  the  various  Tribes  of  Indians 
who  were  expected  to  join  in  this  good  work,  I  thought  it  best 
to  leave  it  to  them,  and  to  desire  they  would  settle  it  among 
themselves,  and  the  sooner  the  Meeting  was  appointed  the  more 
agreeable  it  would  be  to  us,  who  are  heartily  disposed  for  a  firm 
Peace. 

I  expect  to  hear  every  day  from  the  Ohio,  and  as  soon  as  I 
receive  any  thing  from  thence,  or  any  other  Place,  that  concerns 
you,  I  will  communicate  it  to  you  with  all  Dispatch. 

Brethren,  I  have  opened  my  mind  to  you,  I  have  told  you  all 
our  future  designs,  The  General  joins  with  me  in  this  Message, 
and  I  give  you  this  Belt  to  assure  you  of  the  Truth  thereof. 

A  Belt. 

Brother,  You  are  to  hear  and  see  for  us,  Therefore  desire  to 
be  informed  of  what  has  passed  among  the  Indians  in  any  Place 
where  you,  or  your  young  Men,  have  been  or  heard  from.  This 
string  is  to  clear  your  Throat  that  you  may  —  speak  fully  and 
clear  to  me  A  String. 


36  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Brother  Teedyuscung, 

I  request  you  wou*d  be  so  good  as  to  let  all  the  Indians  round 
you  to  the  Indians  at  Ohio  collect  all  their  People  and  Friends, 
and  come  &  Meet  us  at  a  great  Council  in  this  City  to  be  held 
for  the  final  accommodation  of  all  our  Differences,  and  the  con- 
clusion of  a  firm  Peace.  I  rely  much  on  the  continuance  of  your 
Zeal,  and  service  —  You  know  you  are  the  Councellor  and 
Agent  of  this  Government,  and  I  chuse  you  shou'd  say  for  it, 
on  this,  and  all  other  Occasions  what  you  Judge  proper  and 
necessary  to  engage  yours  and  the  other  Tribes  of  Indians  in  the 
Interest  of  the  English  — 

A  Belt 

William  Denny 
On  margin  and  back  * 

Brriid  is  along  teym  det  wi  hef  nod  hoerd  of  ju  wi  hops  det 
evri  ting  is  well  Brr  if  nod  wid  standing  eni  bed  or  rong  stori 
schud  hef  ridgt  jer  oers  I  bey  des  string  dier  en  teck  evere  ting 
and  de  we  brr  onley  dies  wi  led  ju  no  of  our  lof  en  gud  dis- 
posishen  to  wards  ju. 

brr  bey  is  string  I  in  behalf  of  de  Shennerals,  end  governors 
ed  all  schendel  pipell  hartli  salud  ju,  end  all  jur  pipel  in  jur 
tawn  end  hop  to  feind  ju  all  well  bey  jur  feir 

brr  bey  dies  string  I  wud  open  jur  eiys  in  wid  de  saft  feder 
let  in  a  gud  ligh  jur  oeirss  det  ju  me  siee  hier  end  understend 
en  teck  notis  to  wad  de  messenjers  sey 

brr  en  if  ju  schud  hef  hoerd  of  eni  bed  stori  end  scholloid  dawn 
I  bey  des  string  clierr  jur  trots  det  ju  me  spick  dier  from  jur 
hard  to  us. 

br  ju  er  to  hier  en  to  sie  for  us;  I  derfor  er  deseirious,  to  bi  in 
formd  of  ju  wad  hes  bin  passd  among  de  indjchens,  in  enni  pies 
wer  ju  pr  jur  jung  men  hef  bin  or  hord  from,  I  bey  des  string 
de  seir  to  reled  to  us  of  wad  ju  hef  hord  en  sin. 

1This  message,  accompanying  Governor  Denny's,  was  sent  apparently 
by  a  German  agent  of  the  colonial  government. 


Seven  Years'   War  37 

FROM    DANIEL    CAMPBELL 

The  preceding  message  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  98,  by 
a  letter  to  Johnson  from  Daniel  Campbell,  written  at  Schenectady,  April 
30th,  concerning  preparations  for  a  funeral. 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

Contemporary  Copy)  * 
Copy/ 

Albany  3*.  May  1759.  At  Noon. 
SIR, 

As  I  did  not  receive  Your  Letter  of  the  22d.  Ultimo,  till  just 
as  I  was  going  to  Set  out  for  this  place  on  the  28th.,  I  deferr'd 
Answering  it  'till  my  Arrival  here,  which  was  about  an  hour  ago, 
and  now  I  lose  no  time  in  Sending  You  Cap*.  Prescott,2  One  of 
my  Aid  de  Camps,  to  beg  the  favor  of  you  to  meet  me  at 
Schenectady  tomorrow  morning  about  ten  of  the  Clock,  when  I 
propose  to  be  there  to  Answer  the  Contents  of  Your  Letter  and 
its  two  Enclosures  fully ;  Meanwhile  I  am,  with  great  regard, 

&ca, 

Jeff:  Amherst 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bar1. 

INDORSED:   Copy  —  Letter  from  M.  Gen:  Amherst 
to  Sir  William  Johnson,  Bar1. 
Datd.  Albany  May  3<*.    1759. 
That  being  on  his  departure  for  Albany  when  he 
received  his  Letter  of  the  22d.  April,  he  deferr'd 
Answering  it  till  his  arrival,  that  being  just 
come,  he  now  desird  Sr.  Wm.  to  meet  him  the 
next  morning  at  Schenectady,  when  he  should 
Con f err  with  him  upon  the  Contents  of  his  Letter, 
in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  June.  19.  1759 
NO.  59. 

Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.55,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  June  19,  1  759. 
2  Captain  Robert  Prescott.  of  the   1 5th  reciment. 


38  Sir  William  Johnson  Paper* 

FROM   JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary 


Copy/ 

Albany  6*.  Ma*  1 758, 

SIR, 

Being  very  impatient  to  receive  the  Report  you  promised  to 
make  me,  of  the  Intelligence  that  you  could  get  from  the  Indians 
in  regard  to  La  Galette,  its  Environs  and  Niagara,  I  cannot  defer 
reminding  you  that  I  hope,  by  ^he  time  this  reaches  you,  you  will 
have  procured  the  Same,  and  be  able  to  Satisfy  me  on  that  head ; 
Meanwhile  I  am  continuing  to  forward,  to  the  Utmost,  the 
Preparations  for  the  Lake,  without  losing  Sight  of  those  for  the 
plan  of  the  Westward,  in  case  I  should  think  it  right  to  Attempt 
something  there;  It  therefore  is  necessary,  I  should  be  furnished 
with  all  the  Intelligence  and  Information  possible;  And  I  Should 
hope  you  might  by  some  of  Your  Indians,  be  informed  how  far 
it  is  practicable  taking  a  Corps  of  Troops  from  Presqu'  Isle 
to  Niagara,  in  which,  I  beg  you  will  be  as  precise  and  Circum- 
stantial as  possible,  that  if  such  an  Attempt  should  be  practicable, 
nothing  may  be  wanting  to  Warrant  its  Success. 

Cap1.  Prescott  is  the  Bearer  of  this  Letter,  by  whom  I  should 
be  glad  to  receive  Your  Answer. 

I  am, 
&ca, 

Jeff:  Amherst. 

SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bar*. 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.55,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  June  19,  1  759. 


Seven  Years    War  39 

INDORSED:     Copy  Letter  from  M.  Gen:  Amherst 
to  Sir  William  Johnson,  Bar*. 
Dart  Albany  May  6*    1759.- 
Sir  Wm.  in  his  Conference  with  the  Gen1,  at 
Schenectady  on  the  4th.,  having  promised  to  make 
him  a  report  of  the  Intelligence  he  should  obtain  in 
regard  to  La  Galette,  its  environs  &  Niagara, 
which  the  General  was  Impatient  of  having,  he 
here  reminds  him  of  his  Promise. 
In  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  June  19.  1759 
NO.  60. 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

i 

Contemporary  Copp  x 
Copy/ 

Fort  Johnson,  6*.  May  1759. 
SIR, 

Agreable  to  Your  desire,  I  Send  You  a  Sketch  of  Niagara, 
taken  yesterday  from  such  Senecas  now  here,  as  are  best 
Acquainted  there ;  I  had  three  Several  Drafts,  and  all  agreed  so 
nearly,  that  I  imagine  the  Enclosed  is  as  Exact  as  can  be  got 
from  Such  People. 

I  Have  Yesterday  Served  out  the  last  Ammunition  I  had,  and 
as  there  are  several  Indians  here  Yet,  who  have  had  none,  and 
Others  daily  Coming  and  Expected,  I  Should  be  glad  your 
Excellency  would  please  to  Order  some  up  to  Schenectady,  as 
soon  as  May  be,  such  as  good  Powder,  Small  Ball,  or  small 
Bar  Lead — Good  Light  Arms  will  Soon  be  greatly  wanted. 

The  Quantity  of  Goods,  &ca,  which  I  had  lately  purchased 
at  York  and  Philadelphia  being  only  Calculated  for  such  a 
Number  of  Indians  as  I  Judged  would  be  got  to  Join  Your 
Excellency  against  Tienderoga,  will  fall  very  far  Short,  should 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.55,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  June  19,  1  759. 


40  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

an  Expedition  be  Set  on  foot  against  Niagara,  as  there  would 
a  much  greater  Number  of  Indians  Join  His  Majesty's  Arms 
that  way  than  any  Other,  and  as  the  procuring  a  necessary  Quan- 
tity for  such  Numbers  will  require  some  time,  I  doubt  not  your 
Excellency  will  give  me  timely  Notice. 

I  am, 
&ca, 

Wm.  Johnson. 
His  Excellency 

MAJOR  GENERAL  AMHERST. 

INDORSED :     Copy  —  Letter  from 

Sir  William  Johnson,  Bar*. 

To  Major  General  Amherst. 

Datd.  Fort  Johnson  May  6th.  1 759. 

Accompanying  a  Sketch  of  Niagara,  and 

desiring  the  Gen1,  would  order  some  Ammuni 

tion  to  Schenectady,  for  the  use  of  the  Indians. 

NB.  this  Letter  crossed  the  Genls.  of  the  same  day, 

on  the  road. 

in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  June  19.  1759 

N°.  61. 


FROM   JEFFERY  AMHERST 

Contemporary  Copy  1 
Copy/ 

Albany  8*.  May  1759.- 
SIR, 

I  Am  to  thank  you  for  the  Sketch  Enclosed  in  yours  of  the  6th. 
Instant,  delivered  to  me  Yesterday,  and  repeat  to  you  my  desire 
of  receiving  all  the  Intelligence  and  Information  you  can  possibly 
procure,  agreable  to  my  Enclosed  Letter,  with  which  Cap1.  Pres- 


aln  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.55,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  June  19,  1  759. 


Seven  Years'   War  41 

cott  was  yesterday  on  his  Road  to  you,  but  returned,  pursuant 
to  my  directions,  in  Case  he  should  learn  any  One  was  Coming 
to  me  from  you. 

Immediately  upon  the  Receipt  of  Your  Letter,  I  Issued  an 
Order  to  the  Comptroller  of  the  Ordnance,  to  pick  out  as  many 
Light  Arms  as  he  Could  find  in  the  Stores,  with  Powder,  Small 
Ball  or  small  Bar  Lead,  Sufficient  for  Four  Hundred  Men,  and 
to  Pack  up  the  Same  in  order  to  be  forwarded  to  you,  with 
directions  that  before  they  were  Sent,  the  Arms  should  be  brought 
to  me,  that  I  might  be  Certain  they  were  fit  for  the  Service  they 
are  intended;  But  the  Storekeeper  informs  me,  that  there  are  at 
present  no  more  than  Four  Light  Arms  in  the  Stores,  which  pre- 
vents me  from  sending  those  I  destined  for  you,  so  soon  as  I 
Could  Wish;  however  as  I  left  Two  Hundred  at  New  York, 
which  I  Expect  up  daily,  I  hope  soon  to  be  able  to  Supply  you 
with  them,  which  you  may  be  Assured,  shall  be  immediately 
after  they  are  Landed  here;  Wherefore  as  you  have  frequent 
Occasions  to  Send  Your  Waggons  here,  you  may  Order  them 
to  Call  at  HeadQuarters,  that  if  they  be  Come,  by  the  time  they 
return,  they  may  take  them  to  you. 

So  soon  as  I  am  Certain  of  going  the  Way  You  Mention,  I 
shall  give  you  Notice,  Meanwhile  I  am  &ca 

Jeff.  Amherst. 
SIR  WM.  JOHNSON,  Bar1. 

INDORSED:      Copy  Letter  from  M.  Gen  Amherst 
to  Sir  Wm.  Johnson,  Bar1. 
Datd.  Albany  May  8*.   1 759. 
Thanking  him  for  the  Sketch  of  Niagara  & 
Acquainting  him  that  he  had  order'd  the 
Ammunition,  together  with  200.  light  Arms, 
in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  June  19.  1759 
NO.  62. 


42  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM  ROBERT  MACKINLAY  ETC. 

In  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  98,  are  two  papers  which  were  destroyed 
by  fire:  Rob.  Mackinlay's  letter,  written  at  New  York  May  16th, 
acknowledging  kindness  and  introducing  Doctor  McColm,  surgeon  to  the 
Royal  Scots ;  and  a  letter,  dated  Fort  Johnson,  May  1  7th,  to  the  lords 
of  trade,  recommending  reduction  of  Fort  Niagara,  extension  of  trade 
with  Indians  and  satisfaction  of  their  just  complaints,  with  suggestions  as 
to  Indian  superintendency  and  a  defense  of  his  Indian  policy  (printed  in 
Doc.  Hist.  N.  7.,  2:781-85;  Q,  2:453-55,  and  Doc.  Rd.  to  Col. 
Hist.  N.  Y.t  7:375-78). 


FROM   JEFFERY  AMHERST 

Contemporary  Copy  l 
Copy/  Albany  I9ih.  May  1759. 

SIR, 

The  Assurances  You  have  given  me,  both  by  Letters  and  in 
Conversation,  that  the  Confederate  Nations  of  Indians  had,  with 
every  Mark  of  unfeigned  Zeal  and  Sincerity,  declared  their 
Unanimous  resolutions  of  joining  in  the  present  War  against  the 
French;  have  determined  me  to  pursue  the  plan  I  had  before 
formed  for  an  Enterprize  against  Niagara,  which  I  now  propose 
to  Carry  into  Execution,  with  all  possible  dispatch,  with  a  large 
Corps  of  Regular  &  Provincial  Troops,  the  former  of  which  are 
already  Garrisoned  and  Encamped  along  the  Mohawk  River, 
and  the  latter  are  Ordered  to  Schenectady,  together  with  Every 
thing  Else  that  may  be  still  wanting,  to  Carry  this  Enterprize 
most  Effectually  into  Execution:-  And  as  you  have  also 
informed  me,  that  the  Indians  were  all  extreamly  desirous  and 
Urgent  that  the  above  Enterprize  should  take  place,  and  that 
you  were  so  perswaded  of  their  Sincerity  therein,  that  you  thought 
Eight  Hundred  of  them,  if  not  more,  would  Join  you  in  it;  I 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.55,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  June  19,  1  759. 


Seven  Years    War  43 

must  therefore  now  desire,  that  you  will  immediately  set  about 
Collecting  as  many  of  them,  for  that  purpose,  as  you  can,  without 
nevertheless  acquainting  them,  that  Niagara  is  the  Object  in 
View,  lest,  thro'  inadvertency  or  Otherwise,  they  might  disclose 
the  Same,  and  the  Enemy  be  Apprized  thereof,  which  might  be 
productive  of  some  Delays  in  the  Success  of  His  Majesty's 
Arms :- Wherefore,  this  is  entirely  in  Confidence  to,  and  for, 
Your  Own  Self. 

As  I  have  given  the  Command  of  this  Enterprize  to  Brigr. 
General  Prideaux,  an  Officer  of  Rank  and  Experience,  and  that 
he  is  fully  provided  with  Everything  requisite  to  Warrant  the 
Success  of  this  Undertaking,  I  have  only  to  beg,  that  you  will,  as 
soon  as  possible,  Join  him,  with  the  Number  of  Indians  you  shall 
be  able  to  Collect,  at  Oswego,  and  there  put  Yourself  and  them 
under  his  Command,  and  that  you  will  Assist  him  with  Your 
advice,  and  give  him  all  the  Intelligence  and  Information  that 
you  have,  or  may  Acquire,  from  your  long  residence  among,  and 
Experience  of,  the  Indians,  and  your  knowledge  of  this  Country .- 
I  am. 

&ca- 

Jeff:  Amherst. 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bar*. 

INDORSED:     Copy.     Letter  from  M:  Gen:  Amherst 
to  Sir  William  Johnson,  Bar4. 
DaK  Albany  May  19*.  1759 
That  he  had  now  come  to  a  resolution  of  making 
an  Attempt  on  Niagara,  and  had  given  the  Com- 
mand of  that  Enterprize  to  Brigr.  Gen.  Prideaux; 
where  fore  he  desired  him,  without  loss  of  time,  to 
Collect  as  many  Indians  as  he  possibly  could  get, 
&  with  them  Join  Brigr.  Prideaux  at  Oswego, 
giving  him  all  the  Aid  &  Assistance  he  should 
stand  in  need  of,  during  this  undertaking,  for  which 
every  thing  was  already  in  great  forwardness, 
in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  June  19.  1759 
N°.  63. 


44  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM   JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copy  * 

Copy  Albany  23d.  May  1759. 

SIR, 

By  my  Letter  of  the  1 9th.  I  Acquainted  you  with  the  Resolu- 
tion I  had  come  to,  immediately  to  Carry  into  Execution  the 
Attempt  I  had  proposed  to  myself,  and  which  was  likewise  hinted 
by  you,  in  some  of  your  Letters,  the  Command  of  which,  you 
will  have  seen,  I  have  given  to  Brigr :  General  Prideaux,  and 
desired  of  you  to  give  him  all  the  Aid  and  Assistance  therein, 
that  you  are  Capable  of,  with  the  Body  of  Indians  which  you 
intended  to  Collect  upon  that  Occasion,  and  with  which  it  was 
my  desire,  you  should  Join  Brigadier  Prideaux  without  loss  of 
time;  All  these  Matters  I  must  again  most  earnestly  recommend 
to  you,  And  that  nothing  may  retard  the  immediate  Execution 
of  this  Enterprize,  I  have  picked  out  Two  Hundred  of  the  best 
and  lightest  Arms  (of  the  Carbine  kind)  come  out  from  Eng- 
land, which  I  now  Send  you  for  the  Use  of  your  Indians,  and 
which  I  dare  Say  you  will  Approve  of;  My  reason  for  Sending 
you  these,  is  because  those  I  Expected  from  York  are  not  yet 
Come,  and  may  perhaps  not  be  here,  so  soon  as  it  is  absolutely 
necessary  to  put  your  Indians  in  Motion ;  Besides,  as  I  Observed 
before,  I  am  Confident  these  I  Send  are  better  than  the  French 
Arms;  I  trust  therefore  that  upon  Receipt  of  them,  with  what  I 
have  before  Sent  you,  and  with  those  the  Indians  will  bring  of 
their  own,  you  will  directly  be  Able  to  Compleat,  and  proceed 
with  the  whole  Number  of  Indians  to  the  Place  of  Rendezvous, 
that  Mr.  Prideaux  may  not,  for  want  of  them,  be  retarded  in  his 
Operations. —  I  Send  you  this  by  Cap*.  D'Arcy  my  Aid  de 
Camp,  and  Am, 

&ca 

Jeff:  Amherst. 
SIR  WM.  JOHNSON,  Bar1. 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.55,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  June  19,  1  759. 


Seven  Years    War  45 

INDORSED:     Copy.     Letter  from  M:  Gen:  Amherst 
to  Sir  William  Johnson,  Bar*. 
Datd.  Albany  May  23d.  1759. 
repeating  his  instances  of  the  19h.  and  that 
nothing  might  retard  his  Joining  the  Brigr.  with 
the  Indians  sends  him  200  Carbines, 
in  M.  G.  AmherstVof  June  19.   1759 
N°.  64. 

FROM  W.  HERVEY 
A.  L.  S.1 

Scheneclady  Ma\>  23d.  1759 
SIR 

Brigedr.  Gen1.  Prideaux  has  directed  me  to  acquaint  you  that 
he  has  sent  you  the  Serj.  &  twelve  which  you  required,  into 
whose  charge  you  may  give  the  Indian  Prisoner,  and  in  case  you 
should  think  it  necessary  that  he  should  be  tied,  you'll  give  such 
directions  as  you  judge  proper. 

Yours 

W.  HERVEYS  a 

Major  of  Brigade. 


FROM   PETER  WRAXALL 

In  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  98,  is  a  letter  from  Peter  Wraxall,  dated 
New  York,  May  23d,  on  incidents  in  Johnson's  household,  news  from 
Johnson's  son  at  school  in  Philadelphia,  capitulation  of  Guadeloupe,  Stan- 
wix's  excursion  to  westward,  the  Ohio  patent  and  a  movement  against 
Niagara.  Destroyed  by  fire.  (Printed  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  2:785-87; 
Q,  2:456-57.) 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  "  Herveys  "  in  the  copy;  Hervey  in  Army  LisL 


46  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

Contemporary  Copy  x 
Copy/  Fort  Johnson,  24ih.  May  1759.- 

SlR, 

I  Am  just  now  honoured  with  yours  of  Yesterday  by  the  hands 
of  Cap*.  D'Arcy;  Upon  my  Receipt  of  your  Excellency's  last, 
I  immediately  dispatched  a  Message  to  all  the  Indians  Living 
at,  and  about  the  Susquahana  River,  with  Directions  for  them 
to  meet  me  immediately  at  Fort  Stanwix,  it  lying  the  nearest  to 
their  Settlements;  The  Upper  Nations  are  to  meet  me  at  Oswego, 
and  the  Mohawks,  with  some  Others,  are  to  proceed  with  me 
from  hence. 

Your  Excellency  may  be  Assured  that  nothing  shall  be  want- 
ing on  my  Side,  which  may  Expedite  and  promote  the  Success 
which  We  may  hope  for,  from  the  present  intended  Enterprize, 
but  that  I  shall  to  the  utmost  of  my  Ability,  Assist  Brigr.  General 
Prideaux  with  all  the  Indians  I  can  possibly  Collect,  from  whom 
I  have  great  Expectations.- 

I  Make  no  doubt  but  the  Carbines  will  Answer  very  well,  but 
the  Indians  will  Expect  payment  for  those  Arms  they  bring,  on 
which  Account,  as  well  as  for  Officers  pay,  and  the  Additional 
Quantity  of  Goods,  &ca,  which  I  was  Obliged  to  purchase,  when 
last  at  Albany  for  the  Campaign,  as  the  Service  might  suffer 
for  want  of  a  Sufficiency,  I  shall  require  a  Warrant  for  £3000 
Sterling,  which  I  mentioned  to  Brigr.  General  Prideaux  at  Sche- 
nectady,  who  promised  he  would  Write  to  your  Excellency  about 
it,  and  Some  other  things  very  necessary  for  me  to  have.  I  am 

&ca. 

Wm  Johnson. 
His  Excellency 
MAJOR  GENERAL  AMHERST. 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.55,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  June  19,  1759. 


Seven  Years'  War  47 

INDORSED:  Copy ;  Letter  from 

Sir  William  Johnson,  Bar*. 
To  Major  General  Amherst. 
Datd.  Fort  Johnson  May  24th.  1759. 
That  immediately  upon  the  receipt  of  the  Gen1'  of  1 9h 
he  had  dispatched  a  Message  to  all  Indians  at  & 
about  the  Susquehana  River,  to  meet  him  at  Fort 
Stanwix;  those  of  the  upper  Nations  at  Oswego 
&  the  Mohawks  to  proceed  with  him;  that  he 
should  aid  &  Asst  Br.Prideaux,  in  every  thing, 
but  desired  a  fresh  Supply  of  Money  of  £3000.  St*- 
NB  a  Warrant  was  sent  for  said  Sum. 
in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  June  19.  1759 
NO.  65. 

FROM  WILLIAM  CORRY 
A.  L.  S.1 

Albany  May  30*.  1759 
DR  SIR 

I  hear  you  are  Immediately  to  march  therefore  heartily  wish 
you  success,  and  shall  be  glad  to  hear  from  you  as  opertunity 
serves  —  and  shall  let  you  know  how  it  goes  here  Guardeloop 
is  taken  —  it  is  said  the  French  Fleet  is  left  Martinico,  for  the 
River  St.  Laurance,  if  so,  there  may  be  a  warm  action  — 

it  is  said  our  Fleet  is  sailed,  but  I  dont  hear  a  confirmation  of 
it-  The  Inniskillin  Reg1,  is  marched  for  fort  Edward  this 
day  — 

The  french  have  taken  all  the  rigging  of  the  Sloop  at  Lake 
George,  also  the  floating  Battery  —  and  burnt  the  stores 
deposited  in  a  vault  at  Lake  George  - 

We  shall  soon  begin  to  expect  the  opening  of  the  Campaigne — 

If  it  is  any  way  convenient  to  you  please  to  remember  to  send 
me  a  draft  on  the  paymaster  for  one  hundred  and  ninety  pounds 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


48  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


in  favour  of  Capt  Craughan  —  I  believe  they  want  the 
money  much  who  are  to  receive  it  — 

I  forgot  to  remember  you  when  in  town  of  W  Landers  bill  for 
the  Neals  7s.  14 

This  Family  heartily  salute  you  and  wishing  you  all  happiness 
and  a  safe  return,  believe  me  to  be  Ever  Sincerely  yours 
To  WILLIAM  CORRY 

SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bar1. 
at  Fort  Johnson 

FROM  PETER  WRAXALL  ETC. 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  99,  by 
three  papers  which  were  destroyed,  a  report  of  the  lords  of  trade,  dated 
Whitehall,  June  1st,  to  the  lords  of  the  committee  of  council  for  plantation 
affairs  on  Benjamin  Franklin's  petition,  describing  recent  negotiations  and 
the  concessions  of  the  proprietors  to  the  Indians,  and  sketching  the  history 
of  Indian  wrongs  (printed  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  2:772-80:  Q. 
2:449-53);  a  letter,  New  York,  June  8th,  Peter  Wraxall  to  Johnson 
about  correspondence,  arrangements  for  the  campaign,  European  news  and 
politics,  East  India  possessions,  report  to  the  board  of  trade,  Major  Rogers's 
commission  (  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y..  2:787-89;'  Q,  2:457-58)  ;  and  a  letter 
dated  Mashpee,  June  21st,  from  Gideon  Hawley  to  Elisha  Gunn,  gun- 
smith at  Onohoquage,  expressing  grief  for  afflictions  of  Indians  and  the 
wish  that  health  permitted  him  to  be  a  missionary  among  the  Mohawks. 


THE  PRIDEAUX  AND  JOHNSON  ORDERLY  BOOK * 
Copy  Onida  Lake  June  21*.  1759 

After  orders   the  Army  to  make  up  the  provisions  they  have 

1  Generallyso  called.  Schoolcraft  (N.  Y.  Hist.  Soc.  Proc.,  1  :58-64) 
thinks  that  a  John  McKenzie  was  the  author.  Internal  evidence  at  least 
shows  that  it  was  kept  by  some  one  in  the  New  York  Regiment  of  Pro- 
vincials on  the  Niagara  expedition.  The  text  here  printed  was  taken  from 
a  copy  acquired  by  the  State  Library  in  1866,  but  destroyed  by  fire  in 
1911.  It  was  in  page  proof  before  it  was  discovered  that  the  New  York 
Historical  Society  had  the  original.  A  comparison  of  the  two  shows  that 
the  copy  varies  at  times  in  spelling,  punctuation,  capitalization  and  abbre- 
viation. Except  in  these  matters,  where  the  sense  is  not  affected,  the 
printed  text  has  been  made  to  conform  to  the  original,  including  the  spell- 
ing of  proper  names. 


Seven  Years    War  49 

at  present  to  the  29th.  inclusive.  4  days  of  which  is  to  be  cooked, 
the  Q:M:  of  each  Regiment  to  receive  the  number  of  battoes 
appointed  for  each  Regt.  tomorrow  at  1 0.  O'clock.  In  the  boats 
sent  up  with  the  Regiments  of  the  44th.  &  46th.  a  small  port- 
mantle  trunk  with  an  oil  cloth  with  a  rope  &c.  T.  Motto  marked 
with  white  nails  on  it  any  person  having  of  in  his  possession, 
will  on  his  sending  on  it  to  the  Adjutant  of  the  Royal  Americans, 
be  handsomely  rewarded  for  the  same.  Masons,  Sawyers,  Brick- 
layers, Wheel-wrights,  Cutlers,  Carpenters,  house  &  ship  joiners, 
Turners,  Black  Smiths,  Gun  Smiths,  White  smiths,  Tent  makers, 
Bakers,  Brewers  &  coller  makers.  The  Captain  of  each  company 
to  give  in  a  return  of  all  such  tradesmen  immediately. 

Oneida  Lake  June  22nd  1759. 

After  general  orders  the  battoes  to  be  appointed  on  the  beach 
and  drawn  up  in  3  separate  divisions,  leaving  an  interval  between 
each  division.  The  battoes  to  be  No.  &  marked  for  each  Regi- 
ment, as  soon  as  the  proper  number  is  assigned  to  each.  .  .  . 
Each  Regiment  is  to  assign  so  many  boats  to  each  company  and 
the  Q.  M.  is  to  take  down  the  number  the  boats  are  marked  with, 
which  carry  each  company  that  he  may  the  better  be  able  to  give 
directions .  to  them  in  forming  into  their  collumns.  An  officer 
to  be  in  every  boat  if  possible,  if  not  a  good  careful  Searjent,  who 
is  to  take  care  that  the  men  work  the  boats  properly,  and  keep 
the  water  constantly  bailed  out  and  the  provisions  preserved. 
Each  boat  to  carry  16  men  officers  included,  the  officer  to  report 
the  state  &  condition  of  his  boat,  as  soon  as  we  arrive  at  any 
shore  to  the  Commanding  officer  of  the  Coar.  The  Commanding 
officers  of  Coars  to  make  that  report  to  the  General  as  soon  as 
possible  yl  those  boats  may  be  repaired  that  want  it  the  Army 


50  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

to  row  over  the  lake  in  3  collumns.     Front  whale  boat  with  y* 
Light  infantry  &  Grenidiers  of  the  44th  &  46th  Regiments. 

Left  Center  &  Right 

N.  York  46th.  &  44th. 

Battallions  Artillery  Ral.  An.  Batt". 

Rere 

Grenidiers  and  Royal  Americans  In  Whale  Boats. 

When  the  troops  are  to  Imbarque  each  coar  is  to  form  opposite 
their  boats.  On  the  orders  given,  each  Company  will  form  of, 
man  by  man,  the  officer  of1  Sejts.  leading  them  into  each  boat, 
taking  care  that  the  men  march  in  first  and  take  their  oars,  its 
expected  that  the  officers  on  all  occasions,  keep  there  men  silent 
and  oblige  them  to  execute  all  orders  with  activity  and  great 
regularity.  The  boats  to  form  in  a  Dreap2  keeping  in  a  line  and  at 
such  distances  of  each  other  that  they  may  have  the  free  use  of 
their  oars,  the  Distance  of  2  boats  length  to  be  kept  between  each 
line  of  boats,  and  intervals  to  be  kept  between  each  Collumn  suffi- 
cient to  form  the  whole  in  front.  When  any  order  is  given  on 
the  front,  its  to  be  passed  from  boat  to  boat  and  Immediately 
executed .  .  .  orders  of  this  Imbarkation .  .  .  On  orders  to  disim- 
barque  the  field  officers  of  the  day  is  to  land  with  the  Granidiers 
and  Light  Infantry,  who  are  immediately  to  take  post.  During 
this  time  the  Collumns  are  to  form  into  a  line  abrest  the  boats, 
taking  care  to  keep  clear  of  each  other  when  orders  are  given  to 
each  other  to  advance  the  whole  is  to  push  on  shore  and  the 
troops  to  land  as  soon  as  possible,  the  officer  taking  care  that  the 
men  move  out  of  the  boats  without  confusion  and  form  2  deep  as 
quick  as  possible,  leaving  two  men  in  each  boat  to  take  care  of 
them,  who  are  immediately  to  make  them  fast  and  bail  the  water 
out  of  them  no  baggage  boat  to  be  unladed  till  orders  are  given 
to  the  whole  and  then  two  men  more  are  to  be  sent  to  Each  boat 
for  that  purpose ...  the  officers  to  take  their  baggage  in  the 


1  Should  evidently  be  "  or." 

2  So  in  the  original. 


Seven  Years   War  51 

boat  they  go  in  themselves,  excepting  where  there  is  powder. 
No  officer  to  remove  any  stores  from  one  boat  to  another  except 
in  cases  of  accident.  No  soldier  to  fire  out  of  the  boat.  The 
officer  to  be  answerable  for  the  disobedience  of  these  orders. 

June  23rd.  That  no  officer  or  soldier  fire  or  flash  his  piece  on 
any  account  without  a  particular  order  for  it.  If  any  soldier, 
notwithstand  this  order  presume  to  fire  or  flash  his  piece  of,  he 
shall  receive  100  lashes  without  the  benefit  of  a  court  martial,  & 
the  officers  of  the  several  Companies  are  to  be  careful  to  find  out 
any  such  person  who  shall  disobey  this  order  &  deliver  him  to  the 
Quarter  Guard  and  report  the  same  Immediately  that  he  may  be 
immediately  punished,  and  that  no  person  may  plead  Ignorance 
of  this  order  the  Sergeants  of  the  several  Companies  are  to  read 
it  to  the  men. 

Parole    Hartford 

Field  Officer  tomorrow,  Lieut  Col°.  Massey 

The  army  to  receive  tomorrow  the  general  to  beat  at  4  O'clock, 
the  Assembly  i  an  hour  after,  and  the  whole  to  march  down  imme- 
diately to  the  ground  opposite  their  battoes  appointed  to  carry 
e.ach  corps,  and  to  be  ready  to  embarque  the  baggage  to  be  put  on 
board  J  an  hour  after  4  O'Clock  The  boats  which  the  Com- 
manding Officers  of  Coars  and  belonging  to  the  Sutlers  to  make 
the  rear  of  the  Collumns.  An  express  to  go  off  to  morrow  morning, 
the  officers  to  send  their  letters  by  Retreat  beating  to  the  Major  of 
Brigade's  Tent.  When  the  troops  are  on  board  and  receive  orders 
for  forming  into  collumns,  the  Collumn  on  the  Right  to  form 
from  the  Center  and  Left  Collums  on  the  Right  the  Q.  M. 
Gen1,  to  give  in  a  return  as  soon  as  possible  to  the  Major  of 
Brigade  of  the  provision  of  all  species  now  at  this  post.  The 
Regiments  to  give  in  returns  this  afternoon  of  all  the  men  they 
have  that  has  ever  been  over  the  Oswego  Falls,  and  Sir  William 
Johnson  to  return  all  the  white  people  under  his  command  thats 
ever  been  over  the  Falls. 


52  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Camp  at  3  Rivers  June  23rd.  1759. 
Parole     Leads 

Field  Officer  Tomorrow  Col°  Farqueher.1 

The  Commissaries  to  deliver  to  each  Regiment  a  barrel  of 
Rhum  for  which  the  Regiment  will  be  accountable  on  account 
of  the  QrMaster  delivered  out  to  be  delivered  into  the  Commis- 
sary the  day  after  tomorrow.  The  centinals  not  always  to  remain 
behind  one  tree  but  shift  the  space  of  20.  yards,  a  Captains 
piquet  of  50  men  of  each  Regiment  to  mount  immediately  with 
the  regard  to  which  the  same  orders  to  be  observed  as  was  given 
out  yesterday  As  there  is  either  Serg1.  or  Corp1  on  board  each 
battoe  the  General  expects  that  orders  given  out  the  20th.  instant, 
relating  to  silence  will  be  more  regularly  observed,  as  he  is  fully 
determined  to  avoid  repeating  of  orders  by  punishing  for  the 
future  the  disobedience  of  them,  he  hopes  this  last  warning  will 
be  sufficient  The  Army  tomorrow  to  be  in  readiness  to  Imbarque 
3.  O'clock  in  the  morning.  The  Grenidiers  &  Light  Infantry 
Leaving  4  men  in  Each  battoe  to  march  Immediately  tomorrow 
morning  at  5  o'Clock  and  to  take  post  on  the  Western  shore 
of  the  Reafs  ...  A  Detathment  of  500  men  and  officers  in 
proportion  of  the  Line,  to  march  at  the  same  time  and  to  take 
post  on  this  end  of  the  Rifts,  the  officers  to  remain  on  shore 
at  the  Rifts  until  all  the  boats  of  the  several  Companies  are 
past  and  to  see  that  they  follow  each  other  at  their  proper 
distance.  If  any  boat  by  accident  shall  run  on  shore,  the  whole 
is  to  halt  until  it  is  got  off.  In  case  of  an  alarm  in  Camp, 
the  men  are  immediately  to  turn  out  with  the  greatest  silence 
before  their  tents  and  there  wait  for  orders,  and  the  second 
pickette  is  immediately  to  advance  and  join  that  which  is 
advanced,  and  in  case  of  an  alarm  the  whole  is  to  put  on  shore 
immediately  on  y*  side  which  the  Front  boats  shall  be  put  to  and 
form  in  the  front  of  the  Boats,  leaving  one  man  in  each  boat 


Lieutenant  Colonel  William  Farquhar  of  the  44th  regiment. 


Seven  Years'  War  53 

to  take  care  of  it.  by  this  order  the  Regiments  may  see  how 
to  keep  their  boats  in  order  which  therefore  are  recommended 
to  them.  A  return  of  leaky  battoes  to  be  given  in  Immediately 
by  the  Qr.  Mr.  of  each  Regiment  to  the  D.  Qr.  Mr.  Gen1. 

The  advanced  Piquet  and  Line  Piquet  and  Quarter  Guard  to 
march  By  Land  tomorrow. 

Great  Falls.  June  24th.  1759 
Parole    .......................  .....  •  •    Lancaster 

Field  Officer  Tomorrow.   Major  Munster.1 

The  Light  Infantry  to  take  post  at  the  Still  water  where  the 
boats  are  to  be  drawn  up  together,  the  Grenadiers  to  take  post 
at  the  Strong  water  at  the  meadoes,  the  Light  Infantry  &  Grena- 
diers to  throw  up  a  small  brest  work  at  each  of  their  posts. 
Directions  will  be  given  by  Captain  Sowers.2 

To  parade  tomorrow  morning  at  4.  O'clock  at  the  General 
parade  at  the  head  of  the  44th  Regiment,  a  working  party  of 

Sub       Sjes     Co       men 


^  ^    ^^ 

10:        20:       30:       30:     1000: 

his  Report  to  Col°  Haldemand.  One  subaltern  and  30  men 
to  mount  tomorrow  morning  on  ye  General  parade.  The  Regi- 
ments of  the  Line  to  give  this  guard  alternately,  the  General 
expects  on  the  arrival  of  a  Regiment  on  their  ground,  always  a 
subaltern  officer  as  soon  as  the  Tents  are  pitched  are  to  see  that 
the  men  boil  their  kettles.  The  Yorkers  gives  380  men  for 
fatigue  tomorrow. 

R.  O.     It  is  Col°  Johnson's  orders  that  the  Captains  of  the 
different  companies  give  in  a  return  immediately  of  the  No  of 


1  Major  Herbert  Munster,  of  the  60th  regiment. 

2  Captain  Thomas  Sowers,  an  engineer. 

3  The   abbreviations   in   the   line   are    C=captains,    Sub's = subalterns, 
Sjes:=  sergeants,  Cor=corporals.     In  the  paragraph  below  R.  O.  —  Regi- 
mental Orders. 


54  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

boats  and  the  No.  each  boat  is  numbered  with,  specifying  the 
number  of  barrels  in  each  boat,  and  what  they  contain.  The 
Captain  or  next  commanding  officer,  to  see  that  the  men  turn  out 
tomorrow  morning  for  the  working  party. 

Great  Falls.  June  25*.  1759. 

Parole        |         Countersign  1  Field  Officer  Tomorrow! 

Granbee.  J         Senica          J  Col°.  Masay  J 

The  Grenadiers  &  Light  Infantry  to  encamp  on  the  opposite 
side  of  the  River,  in  order  to  cover  the  battoes,  &  to  cross  the 
river  at  1  1 .  O'clock.  Cap*.  McClean1  to  shew  the  ground.  An 
officer  of  a  Regiment  and  a  man  for  each  battoe  to  go  down 
to  the  Grenadiers  Post,  the  officer  to  be  answerable  that  the 
men  keep  constantly  bailing  out  the  water.  The  Royal  Americans 
to  march  down  to  the  Post  now  occupied  by  the  Grenadiers  and 
Light  Infantry  at.  1 0.  O'clock  leaving  an  officer  and  one  man  to 
each  boat.  No  person  whatsoever  to  go  to  the  Lower  Post  with- 
out arms,  the  General  expecting  the  Indians  this  day,  hopes  that  his 
orders  with  regard  to  Rum  will  be  strictly  observed. 

A.  Regimental  Court  Martial  to  sit  immediately  at  the  Presi- 
dents Tent,  to  try  such  prisoners  as  shall  be  brought  before  them. 


Capt  Swartwout2  President 

_   f  Members 

Lieut  Defreast  J  1  Lieut  Radchft 


Lieut  Dunbar    "1  Mb  f  Lieut  Lent 


Lieu1.  Burns  to  take  out  of  Captain  Van  Zandt's3  Company 
40  sailors  and  to  join  and  continue  with  the  artillery.  If  any  of 
the  Serjts  are  sailors,  to  take  2,  and  Corporals  2,  but  to  reckon 


1  Captain  Allen  McLean,  of  the  New  York  regiment. 

2  Captain  Jacobus  Swartwout,  of  Dutchess  county. 

3  Captain  Tobias  Vanzandt,  of  New  York  City  and  County. 


Seven  Years    War  55 

them  with  the  number  notwithstanding  the  orders  for  detaching 
20  men  from  Captain  Heights  company,  was  given  at  this  Ins*, 
Cap1.  Height  with  his  officers  and  whole  Company  are  to  con- 
tinue at  this  place.  Likewise  L*.  Lent  with  the  remainder  of 
Cap*  Homes  Company. 

Camp  at  Osrvego  Falls  26th.  June  1759 

Parole    Rutland. 

Field  Officer  for  tomorrow,  Major  Beckwith.1  Adj*.  D°  46th. 
Regiment.  The  baggage,  except  the  tents  to  be  Imbarqued  this 
afternoon,  for  which  boats  will  be  ordered  at.  4.  O'clock.  No 
Officer  of  soldier  to  question  any  prisoners  that  shall  be  brought 
in  On  the  arrival  of  the  Army  to  Oswego  the  Kings  Commis- 
saries are  to  receive  and  give  receipts  for  the  provisions  of  all 
kinds  that  they  shall  receive  from  the  Quarter  Masters  of  the 
several  Regiments.  An  officer  of  a  company  is  to  deliver  the 
provisions  over  to  the  Qr.  Master,  which  was  in  the  boats  that 
carried  the  several  companies.  The  Light  Infantry  and  Grena- 
diers are  likewise  to  deliver  over  in  the  same  manner  to  the  Com- 
missaries, the  provisions  which  were  in  their  whale  boats. 

Oswego  June  27 ih,  1759 
Parole Sudderland 

Field  Officer  for  tomorrow  Col°  Farqueher.  Adj*.  Ditto  60th. 
Regiment.  The  44th.  Regiment  will  receive  Instructions  from 
the  Qur.  Mr.  Gen1  to  land  the  provisions  out  of  the  boats 
tomorrow  morning  at.  4.  O'Clock  and  officers  and  60  men  for 
that  duty,  a  commussary  likewise  to  attend,  who  is  ordered  to  give 
a  receipt  for  the  provisions  brought  by  each  coar,  and  to  report 
the  Condition  of  them  to  the  General.  The  other  Regiments  to 
be  in  readiness  to  unlade  their  battoes  when  ye  Q.  M.  G.  gives 
them  Notice,  the  oars  belonging  to  the  boats  of  Each  Company 
to  be  Collected  Together  and  put  under  the  Charge  of  a  Centenell 

1  Major  John  Beckwith,  of  the  44th  regiment. 


56  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

an  officer  of  Each  Regiment  and  a  man  Eahe  battoe  to  see  that 
the  water  is  bailed  out  and  the  provisions  taken  care  of.  this  to 
be  a  standing  order.  Whereever  the  battoes  put  on  shore  it  is 
recommended  to  the  Officers  who  are  ordered  to  take  care  of  the 
battoes  to  appoint  a  man  for  each  battoe,  who  shall  be  responsible 
for  the  battoe.  A  Serj  and  25  men  to  assemble  tomorrow  morn- 
ing at  4.  Oclock  in  the  Rere  of  the  Generals  Tent  to  cut  grass 
and  make  Hay  for  the  cattle.  They  will  receive  scythes  from  the 
Qr.  Mr.  G1.  A  Corporal  &  5  men  to  take  care  of  the  Cattle, 
who  will  receive  6/.  pr  day  N.  York  Currency.  It  is  therefore 
expected  they  will  keep  the  Cattle  from  strolling  or  being  lost. 
The  Provincials  that  remain  at  this  post  to  give  these  men  the 
Bread  &  Beans  pease  and  rice  to  be  unladed  immediately  and 
proper  guards  put  over  them  who  are  to  be  answerable  for  the 
care  of  them,  till  they  are  given  over  to  the  Commissary.  A 
small  pine  chest  being  lost  or  missing  in  coming  from  the  falls, 
in  which  there  was  a  Case  for  six  bottles  at  Each  End  with 
sundry  shirts,  breeches,  waistcoats  &  books,  and  sundry  other 
things,  whoever  secures  the  same  shall  have  a  handsome  reward 
paid  by  Capt  Nathaniel  Hobble1  in  the  N.  York  Regiment. 

Oswego.  June  28ih.  1759. 

R.  O.  Those  Companies  that  were  ordered  for  extraordinarie 
service  the  16th.  to  get  their  men  encamped  together  by  them- 
selves and  the  Officers  appointed  to  Join  them.  The  over  plus 
o.  the  men  are  to  be  delivered  over  to  those  companies  with  a 
list  of  their  names  that  stay  here  as  was  then  ordered.  Those 
Companies  that  cannot  furnish  their  number  of  able  bodied  men 
that  was  to  be  in  each  company,  are  to  make  a  return  of  the 
deficiency  Immediately  to  Col°.  Thodey,2  who  will  see  the  num- 
ber completed  out  of  others.  It  is  recommended  to  the  officers  to 
take  none  but  what  they  know  to  be  able  bodied  men,  as  they 
will  be  examined  over  again. 


1  Hubbell. 

2  Lieutenant  Colonel  Michael  Thodey,  muster  master. 


Seven  Years    War  57 

Camp  at  Osrvego  June  28th.  1759. 
Parole Lemerick 

Field  Officer  tomorrow,  Major  Munster.  Adj*.  D°  44th  Reg — 
The  Piquet  to  Lye  advanced  as  usual.  The  officers  to  be  more 
carefull  in  seeing  the  battoes  fastened  in  the  evening.  Necessary 
houses  to  be  immediately  made  in  the  rear  of  every  Reg1.  The 
weekly  returns  of  all  the  Regts.  to  be  given  in  this  afternoon, 
the  monthly  returns  at  orderly  time  tomorrow.  Ye  General  hopes 
his  former  orders  relating  to  no  persons  going  beyond  the  cen- 
tinels  will  be  punctually  observed.  The  Carpenters  of  the  dif- 
ferent companies  to  be  paraded  in  front  of  the  encampment  to 
day  at  1  1 .  Oclock. 

A.  O1  It  is  Col  Johnsons  orders  that  the  commanding  Officers 
of  each  Company  see  that  both  house  and  ship  Carpenters  be 
paraded  in  the  front  of  the  encampment  tomorrow  morning  pre- 
cisely at  3.  O'clock. 

S  S  men  Camp  June  29th  1759. 

R  O.  1  2  5  of  a  Company  to  turn  out  with  their  toma- 
hawks and  clear  the  brush  from  the  rear  of  the  Captains  Tents 
about  50  yards  back,  the  remainder  of  the  men  to  clear  the  streets 
and  the  front  of  the  encampment,  and  to  work  till  9.  O.clock, 
and  Then  Leave  of  and  get  themselves  Ready  with  there  arms 
and  mounting  to  be  reviewed  at  1 0  O'clock  a  sergeant  per  Com- 
pany to  attend  on  Lieutenant  Colonel  Thodey  who  will  give 
them  a  plan  for  cutting  the  mens  hats  properly.  A  List  of  the 
mens  names  to  be  given  in  immediately  belonging  to  each  com- 
pany of  this  detachment  here  encamped,  and  the  names  of  those 
that  are  to  be  left  of  the  several  companies  with  Colo  Le.  Roux,2 
Serj*.  Major  Bacon,  to  continue  with  as  S'.  Maj.  to  this  detach- 
ment, and  Sargeant  Major  Clark  to  continue  with  the  detachment 


1  After  Orders 

2  Colonel  Bartholomew  Le  Roux. 


58  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

left  here  with  Colo  Le.  Roux.  A  serjeant  of  Cap1.  Homeses  * 
Company  or  potters  2  to  Join  Captain  Van  Zandts  Company. 

Osrvego  June  29th.  1759 

Parole Dublin 

Field  Officer  tomorrow Adj'.  D° 

S   S   C   Rl  S    S    C   Rl 

a  detachment  of  2  1  2  1 50  from  the  44th.  &  2.  1.  1.  100 
from  the  46tK.  to  be  on  this  Side  the  water  at  12.  Oclock  in 
order  to  lode  their  boats  &  to  receive  their  instructions  from  Cap1. 
McClean.  The  Qr.  M.  of  the  above  Regiments  to  attend.  All 
the  Regts.  to  compleat  their  amunition  this  after  noon  to  36 
rounds  per  man  and  to  give  in  their  damaged  cartridges  at  the 
same  time.  The  44th.  &  46th.  Reg1  &  the  battalion  of  the  N  York 
Reg*,  on  this  side  the  water  with  the  detachment  of  artillery  to 
draw  7  days  provisions  at.  5.  O'clock  tomorrow  morning.  The 
Royal  Americans  to  receive  at  the  same  time.  The  battalion  of 
Royal  Americans  and  ye  Battallion  of  the  N  York  Reg1  on  the 
other  side  of  the  water  with  the  battoemen  and  Carpenters  that 
remain  here,  to  receive  but.  4  days  provisions.  An  officer  of 
each  company  to  inspect  the  mens  arms  this  afternoon  at  6. 
O'clock  and  see  that  they  are  in  order  &  see  that  every  man  has 
a  spare  flint  besides  that  in  his  piece,  which  must  be  a  good  one 
and  well  fixed.  The  Commanding  officers  of  Coars  to  meet  at. 
5.  Oclock  this  afternoon  at.  Lieut.  Colo  Massiess  Tent  in  order  to 
regulate  the  prices  of  all  goods  &  the  Sutlers  to  attend  at  the  same 
time.  The  N  York  Battallion  on  this  side  of  the  water  to  send 
1 28  men  &  officers  in  proportion  immediately  to  the  Artillery  who 
are  to  receive  their  instructions  from  Cap*.  Strechy.  This  party 
is  to  be  divided  into  two  Releaves,  and  to  pitch  their  tents  with  the 


1  Captain  James  Holmes,  of  Westchester  county. 

2  Captain  Gilbert  Potter,  of  Suffolk  county. 


Seven  Years    War  59 

artillery.  The  Sailors  to  be  of  the  above  number.  A  return  of 
every  thing  belonging  to  the  Different  Departments  which  is  to 
be  left  at  Oswego,  to  be  given  in  this  afternoon  at  6  O'clock  to 
Colo  Haldermand.  The  men  off  duty  on  the  other  side  of  the 
water,  to  clear  the  hill  where  the  Fort  was  of  all  brush.  The 
Paymaster  to  attend  the  Major  of  Brigade  as  soon  as  possible. 
As  the  Hospital  boats  have  been  robbed  at  several  different  times, 
by  the  New  York  Regiment,  &  by  Capt  Harkermas  company  in 
particular  of  a  Tea  Kittle  and  Haversack,  with  a  white  shirt,  a 
pair  of  stockings  a  cravat,  and  a  Ten  gallon  Cagg,  if  any  one 
will  discover  the  persons  concerned  in  it,  they  shall  receive  5 
dollars  reward,  by  applying  at  the  Major  of  Brigade. 

Ensign  Lancey  of  the  44th  Regiment  is  to  do  duty  with  the 
Artillery. 

R.  O. 

An  officer  of  a  company  to  attend  roll  calling  morning  and 
night,  and  as  all  the  companies  are  now  completed  for  this  com- 
mand, its  expected  that  the  officers  will  take  care  and  see  y*  their 
men  keep  themselves  clean  and  neat  and  that  none  are  seen 
slovenly  with  the  knees  of  fiieir  breeches  open,  and  see  that 
Horses  are  fixed  in  a  proper  manner  before  the  Serjts  Tents,  to 
fix  the  arms  of  the  Companies  on.  A  return  of  the  names  of  the 
Captains  and  Lieutenants  of  this  command  with  the  rank  they 
now  hold  to  be  made  out  by  the  adjutant.  The  S'1  Major  to 
give  in  a  return  of  all  the  Sergeants  names,  and  the  Companies 
they  belong  to  as  soon  as  possible.  A  duty  roll  to  be  kept  by 
each  company  with  the  names  of  the  men,  by  Every  one  of  the 
sergeants,  and  a  copy  of  the  same  kept  by  every  one  of  the 
Captains. 

June  30,  1759. 

R.  O.  A.  R.  C.  M.  to  sit  immediately  at  the  Presidents 
Tent,  to  try  all  prisoners  brought  before  them  — 

Capt.  Swartwout,  P*. 

L!.  Yates  Members —  L*.  Vandeborow 

L*.  Vrooman  L*.  Waters 


60  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Osnego  June  30ih.  1759. 

Parole    Dorset 

Field  officer  Tomorrow.     Maj  Beckwith — Adjutant — D° .  . . 

The  army  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  Imbarque  at  a 
moments  warning.  The  Qur  Mr  to  see  immediately  that  the  boats 
belonging  to  the  several  Regiments  are  ranged  in  proper  order  for 
the  companies  going  on  board,  and  that  they  are  fresh  numbered. 
In  those  boats  where  there  is  neither  commissioned,  nor  non-com- 
missioned officer,  there  must  be  one  careful  man  appointed  to  act 
as  Corporalle  who  is  to  have  the  names  of  his  men  belonging  to 
his  boat  in  writing.  No  officer  or  soldier  to  be  shifted  from  one 
boat  to  another,  but  remain  in  the  same  boat  in  which  they 
embaique  from  here  a  return  to  be  given  in  immediately  of  the 
number  of  sick  in  the  several  Regiments,  which  are  to  be  left 
behind  with  the  Major  of  Briggade.  The  4  days  provision 
ordered  for  the  Regiments  which  Imbarque  to  be  cooked  imme- 
diately. The  Commanding  officer  of  the  N.  Y.  R  battallion 
which  Stay  at  Oswego  to  give  in  a  return  of  his  battallion  as  soon 
as  possible  to  Col°  Haldermand. 

R.  O.  6  scoops  pr  company  to  be  made  immediately  to  bale 
water  out  of  the  battoes.  A  Regimental  C.  M.  to  sit  immediately 
at  the  Presidents  Tent,  to  try  such  prisoners  as  shall  be  brought 
before  them. 

Cap*.  Bloomer  Pres't 

Lieut  Vrooman  Members  Lieut  Cassady 

Lieut  Crawfoot  Lieut  Denton 

R.  O.  That  the  commanding  officers  of  each  company 
belonging  to  this  detachment  going  on  the  expedition  make  Imme- 
diate returns  of  the  Tradesmen  and  what  Trades,  with  there 
names  belonging  to  the  respective  Companies. 


Seven  Years'  War  61 

Camp  at.  Ossenodus.1       July  1st.  1759 
Parole London)       (Countersign Cayige 

Field  officer  tomorrow  Maj  Farqueher.  Adj*.  Ditto  46th. 
Reg1.  The  General  to  beat  tomorrow  morning  at  4  Oclock  — 
the  assembly  i  an  hour  after,  and  the  whole  to  be  formed  upon 
the  Lake  at  6.  O'clock.  The  army  to  form  in  the  same  order 
the  men  to  be  in  there  boats,  the  Light  Infantry  &  Grenadiers  to 
night  except  such  as  came  in  whale  boats  who  may  pitch  ther 
Tents. 

Camp  at  Nidenindequeaf  July  2nd.  1759 
Parole    Plimouth 

Field  officer  tomorrow,  Col°  Maser,  Adj*.  44th.  Reg1 
The  General  to  beat  at  4.  O'clock  tomorrow  morning  the 
assembly  i  an  hour  after,  at  which  time  the  whole  to  form  upon 
the  Lake  at.  6.  O'clock  precisely.  The  officer  on  the  duty  of 
the  battoes  of  each  reg1.  to  attend  the  passage  and  see  that  the 
boats  goes  out  of  the  bay  regularly  one  by  one.  The  Piquet  of 
the  44th.  to  be  advanced  on  the  eminence  of  the  right  flank  the 
field  officers  of  the  day  to  post  it  two  whale  boats  of  the  Light 
Infantry  to  go  with  the  Qr  Mr.  Gen1.  An  oficer  of  a  company  to 
view  there  mens  arms  tomorrow. 

Camp  at  Nidenindequeat  3rd  July  1759 
Parole     Weymouth,  &c 

Field  officer  tomorrow  Col°  Farqueher.  Adj'.  D°.  46th.  Reg*. 
The  army  not  to  Imbarque  till  further  orders,  and  to  receive  3 
days  fresh  provisions  immediately,  which  with  what  they  have 
will  make  up  to  7  days,  four  of  which  is  to  be  cooked.  The  46th 
Regiment  to  post  their  Quarter  Guards  upon  the  right  flank  &  to 

'Sodus. 

*  Irondequoit. 


62  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

have  outward  centinals  pasted  to  prevent  any  peoples  strolling 
into  the  woods. 

R.  O.  Notwithstanding  it  has  been  strongly  recommended  to 
the  officers  of  the  regiment  to  observe  strictly  the  orders  given  out 
by  the  general,  the  Regimental  orders  likewise,  yet  I  am  sorry  I 
must  again  repeat  them.  That  for  the  future  any  officer  having 
any  boats  in  charge  where  there  ought  to  be  most  care  taken  and 
any  of  them  drift  away  will  be  used  in  such  a  manner  as  he 
wont  like,  and  to  be  very  exact  at  all  times  to  be  on  board  of  there 
boats  with  their  men  at  the  time  appointed  for  march  and  not  to 
neglect  on  any  account  leaving  two  men  in  each  boat  to  bail  ye 
boats  when  we  land  as  the  General  is  determined  to  put  any  officer 
in  arrest  who  does  not  perform  to  a  title  what  his  orders  express 
I  would  have  every  officer  on  going  out  from  this  observe,  and  let 
but  one  boat  go  out  at  a  time  and  on  the  lake  to  be  more  careful  to 
keep  their  lines  in  order  I  hope  I  shall  not  have  occasion  to  repeat 
this  order  again.  Its  desired  that  the  officers  would  read  the 
orders  of  the  20th.  ultimo,  and  that  every  Captain  give  in  to  the 
Adjutant  a  signed  Return  of  the  names  of  the  two  men  appointed 
to  take  care  of  the  boats,  and  the  number  of  boats  they  are  in  and 
see  that  those  men  do  not  quit  the  boats  on  any  account  whatever 
until  releaved  which  is  to  be  done  every  24  hours,  and  to  see  this 
order  executed  themselves  and  not  to  trust  to  other  people  to  see 
it  done,  as  they  will  answer  for  their  neglect  on  their  Parole. 
The  field  officers  of  the  Regiments  baggage  is  excepted  who  have 
no  artillery  stores  in  them. 

R.  O.  A  return  of  the  men  from  the  different  Regiments  who 
have  been  exercised  at  the  Great  Guns.  Any  officer  choosing  to 
serve  in  the  Artillery  to  give  in  his  name  to  the  Major  of  Brigade. 
Such  officer  will  receive  additional  pay  according  to  the  rank  he 
bears  in  the  Army.  An  officer  and  30  men  to  go  out  in  the  woods 
with  their  arms  and  tomehawks  this  after  noon  in  order  to  get 
barques  to  cover  the  Artillery  boats. 


Seven  Years'  War  63 

R.  O.  All  the  mens  arms  and  cartouch  boxes  are  to  be  laid  in 
them  so  convenient  as  that  the  men  at  a  moments  warning  may  be 
able  to  fix  them  on  and  handle  there  arms  officers  to  see  to  it. 

Prideaux  Bay  July  the  4ih  1759 

Parole         ] 

0      A  „  Countersign ....      Mohawk 

St.  Albens  J 

Field  officer  tomorrow  Major  Beckwith.  Adj*.  D°  44th.  Reg*. 
The  commanding  officer  of  Corps  to  give  in  Immediately  of 
what  boats  wants  repairing. 

Johnson  Creek  July  5th.  1759 
Parole    Bedford. 

Field  officer  Tomorrow.  L*.  Col  Mascer.  Adj'.  D°.  46th  Reg1 
—  No  tents  to  be  pitched  till  further  orders.  The  General  to  beat 
tomorrow  morning  at  3.  O'clock,  the  assembly  i  and  hour  after, 
at  which  time  the  whole  is  to  form.  The  army  to  be  victualed 
to  the  1  Oth  Inclusive.  The  commissary  to  deliver  out  as  soon  as 
possible  Rhum  at  the  rate  of  1  gill  pr  man. 

Camp  at  Nighera  July  the  7th.  1759 

Parole        "1  r  Countersign"! 

St  George  J  [    Oswego     J 

Field  officer  tomorrow  Adjutant.  44th.  Regiment 

Cap  Sub  Sg    Cor      RP 

4  3        150  to  mount  as  a  guard  over  the  battoes 

and  to  be  relieved  every  48  hours.     The  front  of  the  camp  to  be 

C    S    S  C 
cleared  of  all  brush  for  the  space  of  200  yards  2.    6    8    8    500 

1  The  "  Rl  "  used  here  and  elsewhere  is  probably  the  current  abbrevia- 
tion used  for  "  roll  ",  "  regulars  ",  "  privates  "  or  "  rank  and  file." 


64  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Rak  file  to  parade  at  2.  Oclock  to  make  fasheens  &  gabions 
for  which  the  men  will  be  paid  according  to  the  usual  custom, 
this  party  to  receive  their  orders  from  the  Engineer.  The  Piquets 
to  be  out  advanced,  all  the  Poles  &  Paddles  to  be  collected 
together  and  put  under  the  care  of  a  centinell,  who  is  to  be 
answerable  that  none  is  stole,  tis  expected  that  an  officer  of  a 
company  see  that  there  men  pitch  there  Tents  at  every  new  Camp. 
C  S  S  C  Rl 

1  2  3  3  200  to  be  sent  to  the  Artillery  at.  3.  O'clock. 
Whosoever  has  found  a  prospective  glass  which  draws  out  in 
4  parts,  with  brass  covers  at  each  end  and  black  and  green  sliders 
and  bring  it  to  the  S^  Major  of  the  44th  Reg*,  shall  receive  a 
dollars  reward. 

R.  O.  That  each  Captain  or  Next  commanding  officer  of  each 
Company  make  a  return  Immediately  of  their  companies. 


Camp  before  Niagara  July  7th  1759 
Parole King  George 

Field  officer  tomorrow  Col  Masser.  Adj1  D°  44th  Reg*. 

CSC 

Orderly  time  to  beat  at  6.  O'clock  in  the  afternoon.  6     12      18 
Rl 

700  to  parade  at.  8  O  clock  at  the  head  of  the  Artillery,  the 
Engineers  to  attend  and  regulate  the  place  of  breaking  ground 
before  the  fort.  The  Piquets  to  be  advanced  to  such  a  place  as 
Cap1.  Williams  shall  see  fit,  one  of  them  to  support  the  Trenches 
In  case  of  a  Surge  from  ye  Fort  the  Piquet  to  be  advanced  by 
the  eldest  Captain,  a  second  Piquet  to  be  accou^ed  in  there 
Tents,  and  ready  to  turn  out  at  a  moments  warning. 

R.  O.   No  Sergeant  for  the  future  to  put  any  man  on  duty  o^k 
of  his  tour  on  penalty  of  being  broke.     No  soldier  to  go  out  of 


4      t .  n 


FORT  NIAGARA  IN    1758 


FORT   NIAGARA   TODAY 


Seven  Years    War  65 

the  Camp  without  the  leave  of  his  officer  on  pain  of  being  punished 

C     S     S     C     Rl 

for  disobeying  orders.  3.  699  300  to  be  paraded  at  1 2 
O  clock  in  the  front  of  the  encampment,  the  officer  commanding 
the  party  to  receive  his  directions  from  Engineer  Williams.  For 
this  duty  Cap*.  Wright,  Cap*.  Bloomer,  Capt.  Swartwout,  Lieuts. 
Yates  Beyow1  Defreast  Middagh,  Horton  &  Hilliard.  That  no 
officer  for  the  future  pretend  to  keep  more  than  one  waiter  in  a  tent 

C    S    S  C 

and  those  to  be  of  the  men  most  incapable  for  duty.  1222 
Rl 

50.  to  parade  at  5  O'clock  to  receive  there  directions  of  Engineer 
Williams,  for  this  duty  Captain  Vanvaughten2  &  Lieutenant 
Vrooman. 

Camp  before  Niagara  July  9ih  1759.. 
Parole London 

Field  officer  tomorrow  Major  Beckwith.    Adj1.  46th  Reg*. 

The  detachment  ordered  to  brake  ground  to  assemble  at  the 
parade  of  the  Trenches  at  6.  O'clock  the  parade  of  the  Trenches 
is  where  the  fashenes  and  gabions  lay.  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Masser  field  officer  for  the  Trenches.  The  Piquets  to  be 
advanced  in  order  to  support  the  trenches,  and  to  assemble  at  the 
same  place  and  to  march  off  at  the  same  time.  A  second  Piquet 
to  be  ready  to  turn  out  at  a  moments  warning  in  order  to  support 
the  Trenches.  The  Captain  of  each  Piquet  to  send  a  man  to 
inform  himself  of  the  ground  where  the  advanced  Piquets  are 
drawn  up  that  he  may  take  up  there  ground  and  be  ready  to 
support  them,  the  officer  for  the  command  of  the  Trenches  to 
receive  their  orders  before  they  march  of.  Each  officer  to  be 
acquainted  with  the  work  he  is  to  perform,  that  no  confusion  may 
happen. 


1  Lieutenant  Henry  Bayeux,  of  Westchester  county, 

2  Captain  John  Van  Veghten,  of  Albany  county. 

Vol.  Ill  — 3 


66  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

G.  O.  400  gabions  &  1200  fashenes  to  be1  ye  troops  imme- 
diately. 

1  Fashens  g 

44th  438  146 

46th  239  98 


R.A.  109  36 

NY  360  120 

1146  400 


a  man  of  a  mess  to  cook  the 
*  provisions  of  there  messmate  in 
the  Trenches  and  carry  it  to 
them  as  soon  as  possible.  3  days 
provisions  to  be  delivered 

out  to  the  troops  Immediately.  The  Qr.  Guards  to  consist  of  a 
Serj'.  &  14  Men.  A  detachment  of  160  men  with  noncommis- 
sioned officers  in  proportion,  to  be  sent  from  the  regular  Regts  to 
Join  the  train  of  Artillery  as  soon  as  possible.  Tents  to  be  sent 
with  the  detachment,  which  is  to  pitch  with  the  Artillery.  All 
shots  taken  up  to  be  carried  to  the  Artillery  for  which  they  will 
be  paid  with  Captain  Stretchey  All  officers  of  duty  to  remain  in 
Camp.  An  officer  of  a  Company  to  see  that  the  men  cook  their 
Kettles  regulary  every  day. 

R.  O.  That  a  weekly  return  be  given  in  immediately  by  the 
Commanding  Officer  of  each  Company. 

G.  O.  A  detachment  of  400  men  officers  in  proportion  for  the 
guard  of  the  trenches  to  parade  at  J/2  and  hour  after  5.  o'clock. 
A  working  party  consisting  of  500  men  officers  in  proportion  to 
parade  at  the  same  time  an  Engineer  to  attend  at  the  same  time 
to  conduct  the  parties  to  the  ground.  The  officer  for  the  com- 
mand of  the  working  parties  to  post  themselves  at  a  proper  dis- 
tance whilst  the  men  carry  the  fashenes  &  Gabions  that  they  may 
do  it  with  more  expedition.  A  Shurgeon  and  2  mates  to  attend 
the  party  and  to  be  posted  in  with  Major  Beckwith,  within  some 
secure  place.  The  Piquet  to  be  avanced  in  order  to  support  the 
Trenches  and  to  take  entranching  tools  with  them  in  order  to 
cover  themselves.  The  Light  Infantry  and  44th  to  be  ready  to 
march  at  a  moment's  warning,  and  to  take  3  days  provisions 
with  them. 


1  An  apparent  omission. 


Seven  Years   War 


67 


G.  O. 

C 

S. 

S 

C 

Rll 

44th  gives 

0. 

2. 

3. 

3. 

73 

46       " 

2. 

0. 

2. 

1. 

49 

R.A  " 

1. 

1. 

18 

NY  " 

1 

1 

1 

1 

69 

Niagara  July  IIth  1759 


for  Guard  for  the  Trenches 
to  night    For  this  duty 
Capt  Visher  and  Lieut 
Vrooman. 


3.   4.   6.    6.   209 


For  working  party  in  the  Trenches  tonight: 


Rl 

183 


C    S  S  C 
44*  gives   1445 

1     2    3    3     122 

1  2    0     1       18 

2  4    6    6     159 


46 
R.A 

NY 


5  12  13  15    482 


To  this  duty  Captain 
^Vanvaughten  and 
Morss1  &  Lieuts  Waters 
Crawford  Denton 


To  parade  immediately,  to  carry  the  gabions  now  made  to  the 
head  of  the  Trenches  &  to  range  them  in  a  row  on  the  side  of 
the  Trenches  two  deep 


C   S   S   C  Rl 

44th  gives  0021  37 

46  0     1     1     2  24 

NY"       1111  30 


1244      91 


For  this  duty  Captain 
Swartwout  and 
Lieut  Willet  &c 


1  Captain  Ephraim  Mors,  of  Queens  county. 


68 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


Camp  before  Niagara,  July  11th  1759 


Parole 


P.  .     -   L  Countersign — Oswego 


Field  officer  tomorrow  Lieut  Col  Mascer  Adj1.  d°  44th 
A  detachment  of  700  men  officers  in  proportion  for  the 
Trenches  to  night.  The  Piquet  to  be  advanced  and  Lye  within 
the  Trenches  its  Expected  that  the  officers  which  command  the 
working  parties  constantly  attend  to  see  that  the  men  place  ye 
gabions  properly  arid  that  they  are  not  idle  the  working  parties 
not  to  retire  out  of  the  Trenches  in  the  morning  till  ordered  by  the 
field  officer. 

Camp  at  Niagara  July  12th  1759 

The  proportions  of  each  Reg1  of  the  No  of  gabions  to  be  made 
today 


44* 
46th 

RA 

NY 


73  gabions 

49 

18      " 

60      " 


Total     200 

The  Fattigue  to  be  sent  to  the  Artillery  ground  to  receive 
their  instructions  from  Captain  Stretchey 


For  this  duty  Cap*.  Scuyler 
"L1.  Visher  Middagh 


S    S    C     Rl 

For  Fattigue  1  1  2  30  to  parade  immediately  and  to 
assemble  at  the  Royal  Americans  Camp,  to  carry  there  arms  for 
this  duty  Lieut  Wemple  — 


44* 
46"- 
RA 

NY 

C 
1 
1 

1. 

S 

1 
1 

2. 

S 
1 
1 
1 
3. 

C 
1 
1 
0 
3. 

Rl 
73 
39 
18 
60 

Seven  Years   War  69 

Its  the  Generals  orders  that  the  additional  be  made  up  to  100 
men,  and  that  they  ground  their  arms  in  front  of  the  encampment 
and  be  ready  to  turn  out  at  a  moments  warning  In  the  absence  of 
the  Brigade  Major. 

Guard  for  the  Trenches  Fattigue  for  the  Trenches 

CSSCR1  CSSCR1 

44**  1     3    3    3      73  1     2    5    5      91 

46  1     3    3    2      49  1     3    3    3      61 

R.A  1       18  1     1     1     1       23 

NY          1233      60  1344      75 


3.   8.    9.   9.    200  4.   9.  13.  13.  250 

The  working  party  to  be  with  Arms.     The  Piquet  of  the 
Trenches  to  be  augmented  to  1 00  each  Regiment 


Camp  before  Niagara  1759  /u/p 

Field  officer  for  the  Trenches  tomorrow  Ll  Col  Thodey 
Major  Beckwith  Adjutant  D°.  46th  Regiment 

The  proportion  of  each  Regiment  for  the  fashenes  gabions 

Fashenes     of     9£  feet,     fashenes  of  4?  feet     Gabions 

44*  146  73    —    73 

46th  98  49  49 

R.A  36  13    —    13 

NYork     —      120  60    —    60 

For  a  working  party  in  the  Trenches          Guard  for  the  Trenches 

csscRl  csscRl 

4      6      6     120  1       2      3      3      75 

For    this    duty    Captain    Clin-     For  this  duty  Capt  Schuyler, 

ton  Lts  Defreast  Denton.  Cap*    Visher.      Lts    Middagh, 

Visher,  Wemple  &  Milliard 


70  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Parole  —  Monmouth  Field  officer  tomorrow  LA  Col°  Farqueher 
Adj*.  D°  44th  Reg'. 

The  Piquets  of  the  several  Regts  to  mount  as  a  covering  party  in 
the  Trenches  this  night  a  detachment  of  400  men  officers  in  pro- 
portion to  compleat  the  working  party  for  the  trenches  this  night. 
Lt  Killet1  of  the  44th  Regiment  to  act  as  an  assistant  to  the 
engineer  Serg1  Bradley  Serg*.  Blaker  both  of  the  44th  Regiment 
to  receive  their  directions  from  Engineer  Dernier  2 


July  13*  1759. 

G.  O.  Mr.  Anderson  of  the  44th  Reg1  to  act  as  an  assistant 
to  the  Engineer  the  officer  appointed  to  attend  ye  fashene  making 
to  be  very  careful  that  they  are  made  higher  and  better.  S^. 
Bradley  will  attend  at  the  Tale  of  the  Trenches  to  receive  the 
fashenes,  and  such  as  the  Engineer  will  reject  will  not  be  paid 
for.  No  officer  to  apply  for  Rhum  for  any  party  but  such  as  the 
General  will  think  fit  and  he  himself  will  see  the  delivering  of  it. 
4  men  to  go  to  assist  Engineer  Demler  those  men  to  be  the  most 
active  men  in  the  Regiment.  The  Adj*.  to  see  to  it  and  these 
men  to  continue  with  the  Artillery. 

R.  O.  That  the  officers  servants  give  in  there  arms  Imme- 
diately to  the  Adjutant. 

G.  O.  Such  men  as  are  slightly  wounded,  yet  unfit  for  duty 
to  go  into  the  Trenches,  to  be  sent  to  the  battoe  guard  as  soon  as 
possible,  and  a  return  given  by  the  Adjutant,  of  the  number  sent. 
a  mate  of  the  44th  Regiment  to  remain  with  the  battoe  guard 
one  Shurgeon  or  mate  to  be  in  the  Trenches.  Such  mean  and 
unsoldier  Like  Schulkers  as  shall  quit  the  Trenches  without  leave 
from  there  officers  shall  be  punished  in  a  most  exemplary  manner. 
The  Commanding  officer  of  the  working  parties  in  the  Trenches 


1  Lieutenant  Roger  Kellet. 

2  Ensign  George  Demler,  of  the  60th  regiment,  engineer. 


Seven  Years'  War  71 

to  have  the  names  of  there  men  under  their  command  that  they 
may  be  able  to  find  out  the  absentees.  A  detachment  of  300  men 
officers  in  proportion  to  compose  a  covering  party  for  the 
Trenches  this  Night.  As  the  batteries  are  intended  to  be  erected 
this  night  for  the  ready  making  of  which  it  will  require  active 
and  willing  men  —  the  General  chooses  that  this  work  should  be 
done  by  volunteers  only,  whose  names  are  to  be  given  in  to 
Engineer  Demler  that  they  may  be  Rewarded.  300  volunteers 
are  wanting  for  this  purpose  and  from  the  diligence  and  activity 
already  shown  by  the  Troops  for  his  Majesty's  service,  the 
General  doubts  not  of  the  above  required  number  being  soon 
completed. 

For  a  covering  party  in  the  For  a  working  party  in  the 

trenches  to  Night  trenches  to  Night 

44<h  Gives          110  110 

46*     ••  73  73 

RA    "  27  27 

NY    "  90  90 

300  300 

A  Regimental  Court  Martial  to  sit  immediately  at  the  Presidents 
Tent,  to  try  all  prisoners  brought  before  them. 

Cap1.  Pawling.  Pres't. 

Lieut  Yates  Lieut  Cassady 

Lieut  Beyou,  Members  Lieut  Dunbar 


72  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Camp  before  Niagara  July  14th  1759 

• 

Parole     Dublin 

Field  Officer  tomorrow  L*.  Co  Mascer,  Major  Vanscaach.1 
Adjutant  D°.  46th  Reg' 

After  orders  July  15th  1759 

Fashenes  of  4i  feet  Long  Fashenes  of  9  feet  Long 
44th      73  146 

46th      49  98 

R  A     18  36 

N  Y.    60  120 

The  above  number  of  fashenes  to  be  made  as  soon  as  possible, 
and  in  the  front  of  the  different  Corps,  where  the  brush  is  to 
brought.  The  twigs  of  the  fashenes  to  be  smaller  and  the 
fashenes  themselves  higher.  The  officers  of  duty  to  attend  the 
fashenes  to  be  collected  at1  the  center  of  the  Regiment. 

Long  Piquets  to  be  made  higher  as  well  as  shorter  the  men 
of  duty  to  assemble  at  Mr.  Oglesbies  to  hear  divine  service. 

All  the  necesary  houses  to  be  filled  up,  and  new  ones  made, 
which  is  to  be  done  regularly  every  three  days. 

July  I5'h  1759 

Field  officer  tomorrow  L*.  Co  Thodey  &  Major  Vancaach. 
Adjutant  D°.  44th  Regiment. 

A  detachment  of  300  men  officers  in  proportion  for  a  covering 
party  this  night  in  the  Trenches,  and  the  same  number  for  the 
working  party.  For  this  duty  of  the  working  party  Cap1.  Schuy- 
ler,  Lieut  Yates  L1  Dunbar.  For  Guard  Cap*.  Morss  Lieu1. 
Beaux  Cassady. 


Major  Goose  Van  Schaick. 


Seven  Years   War  73 

1 00  Gabions  to  be  made  this  night  2i  feet  diameter  &  3i  feet 
high. 

The     44*       37 

46th  28  To  parade  immediately  at  the 
R  A  9  Royal  Americans  encampment 
N  Y.  30  of  a  reinforcement  to  the  Guard 

S  S  C  Rl 

in  ye  trenches  2.  2.  3.  36.     for  this 
duty  L1.  Wemple  L1.  Denton. 

July  16*. 
Parole  —  Andover  —  Countersign  —  Senica 

C  S  S  C  Rl 

To  parade  immediately  for  Guard  to  the  Trenches  1 .  2.  3.  3  72 
for  this  duty  Cap*.  Wright,  Lieut  Willet,  L1.  Visher 
To  prepare  immediately*  for  fatigue  to  receive  their  instructions 

S  S  CR1 
from  Cap1  McClean      1    1    1    2 1    for  this  duty  L!  Horton 

For  a  working  party  in  the  Trenches  to  parade  at  5.  o'clock 
Precisely    , 
For  fatigue  in  the  Trenches  Guard  for  the  Trenches 


C 

S 

S 

C 

Rl 

C 

S 

S 

C 

Rl 

44* 

1 

1 

2 

2 

43 

44* 

1 

2 

1 

2 

34 

46 

1 

1 

2 

29 

46 

1 

2 

1 

22 

R  A 

1 

1 

0 

11 

R  A 

1 

1 

18 

NY 

1 

2 

3 

3 

47 

N  York 

1 

1 

2 

2 

36 

For  this  duty  Capt  Lan- 
For  this  duty  Capt  Bloomer  Lt  Dumond    sing  L*  Harris  &  Milliard 

S       S.      C      Rl 

3  3  36  to  parade  at  the  head  of  the  44th  Regi- 
ment tomorrow  morning  at  5.  o'clock,  to  attend  Capt  Stretchey. 
For  this  duty  L1.  Yates  Lieut  Beyou. 


74 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


R.  O.  July  the  I7ih  1759:  that  the  commanding  officers  of 
each  company  make  a  report  every  morning  to  the  adjutant  of 
the  killed  and  wounded  in  their  companies 

Field  officer  tomorrow  Col°  Farqueher  Maj  Vanscaach 

Parole   Wells 

Guard    for    the    Trenches    to     Fatigue    for   the   Trenches   to 


Night 
C    S    S    C     Rl 


Night 


44* 

1 

3 

4 

4 

120 

44 

1.  2. 

1. 

2. 

68 

46«h 

1 

2 

3 

3 

66 

46 

1. 

2. 

2. 

44 

R  A 

1 

1 

1 

24 

R 

A 

1 

1 

16 

NY. 

1 

3 

4 

4 

108 

N 

Y 

1   3 

4. 

4. 

72 

3.   9  12  12    318 

For  this  duty  Capt  Swartwout 
L*.  Yates,  Cassady,  Ll  Dunbar 
&  Middagh. 


2.    6.    8.    9.    200 

For  this  duty  Capt  Visher  L1. 
Vrooman  Vanderburgh  & 
Wemple 


R.  O.  That  a  weekly  return  be  given  in  to  the  S^1  Major  as 
soon  as  possible  by  the  commanding  officer  of  each  Company. 

G.  O.  Every  man  to  make  one  fashene  tomorrow  morning 
early  in  the  front  of  the  Regiment  and  the  of  duty  to  attend  and 
see  that  the  fashenes  are  made  of  a  proper  thickness,  and  bound 
Tite  as  possible.  They  are  to  be  placed  at  head  of  the  Regi- 
ment, till  ordered  away.  A  return  to  be  given  in  by  12  o'clock 
of  the  number  made  by  each  Regiment,  likewise  each  Company 
to  make  4  gabions  3|  feet  high  &  2\  feet  diameter,  these  to  be 
made  by  1 2.  o'clock.  For  fatigue  immediately  to  parade  at  the 
head  of  the  44th  Regiment 


For  this  duty 
L*.   Crawfoot 


C 

S 

S 

C 

Rl 

The 

44«h 

0 

0 

2 

1 

34 

The 

46 

1 

1 

2 

2 

23 

R 

A 

1 

8 

N 

Y. 

1 

1 

1 

36 

Seven  Years'  War  75 

July  IS"- 

Field  Officer  Major  Beckwith. 
For  Fatigue  for  the  Trenches       Guard  for  the  Trenches 

CSSCR1  CSSCR1 

N.  Y.      1.    3.    4.    4.     72  1.    3.    4.    4.     108 

For  this  duty  Capt  Swartwout     For  this  duty  Capt  Visher  Ll. 
Lieut's  Beaux  Harris  &  Horton     Vaughten  Lr.  Yates  &  Dunbar 


July  19*  1759 

To  Parade  immediately  for  a  Reinforcement  to  the  working 

S      S     C      Rl 

party  in  the  Trenches        1.     3.     3.     30.       for  this  duty  Ll. 
Crawfoot 

G.  O.   A  party  of  men  to  parade  immediately  at  the  head  of 

S      S      C        Rl 

the  44th  regiment  2.     3.     3.      *30.       for  this  duty  L1. 

Cassidy  L!.  Dunbar 

R.  O.  A  list  of  all  the  mens  names  at  this  place  now  doing 
duty  belonging  to  there  companies,  with  the  names  of  those  that 
have  joined  them  and  those  that  are  now  down  at  the  battoes 
mentioning  them  in  the  List  to  be  made  out  and  given  in  to  the 
Adjutant  as  soon  as  possible,  leaving  a  column  as  they  do  in  the 
muster  rolls  and  opposite  each  mans  name  if  any  be  wounded  or 
killed  write  it  down  —  for  instance  J.  T.  wounded  badly  or  J.  G. 
wounded  slightly.  Its  desired  that  this  list  be  made  out  fair  on 
a  full  sheet  of  clean  paper 

For  Fatigue  in  the  Trenches  For  Guard 

Capt  Wright  Lieut  Visher  Capt  Bloomer 

Lieut  Middagh  Lt  Willet  Lieut  Wemple 


76  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

C.  O.  July  20*  1759. 

As  the  work  draws  nigh  to  the  Fort,  much  depends  on  the 
goodness  of  the  Fashenes  &  Gabions;  the  Gen1  recommends  it 
therefore  to  the  men,  to  make  them  of  small  wood  &  perfectly 
Tite. 

44th  Reg'. 78  Gabions  171    fascenes 

46      "    48  122 

R  A 11  27 

N.  Y 73  81 

Total  210  Total  401 

Camp  before  Niagara  July  20th  1759 
Parole    

Field  officer  tomorrow  night  Lt  Co.  Thodey 

Adj<  D°  46th  Major  Vanscaach 

Shirurgeon  to  night  in  the  room  of  Doctor  Norton  Mr.  Odel, 
Mr.  Lacont.  No  officer  nor  soldier  to  presume  to  send  any  false 
alarm  to  camp.  In  case  of  a  real  Shurge  from  the  Fort,  the  com- 
manding officer  of  the  trenches  is  to  send  Notice  to  the  Gen1,  who 
will  order  a  proper  reinforcement.  An  officer  and  200  men  always 
to  be  posted  at  the  Tail  of  the  trenches  to  prevent  any  Schulker 
from  quitting  the  trenches  without  leave  from  an  officer.  Nor 
any  soldier  not  on  duty,  not  to  go  in  except  Such  as  carry  water  or 
refreshments  to  the  Guard  or  working  party.  Any  schulker  who 
shall  be  taken  up  is  immediately  to  be  sent  to  the  proper  guard,  and 
will  be  punished  in  the  most  severest  &  publick  manner.  The 
officers  appointed  by  each  regiment  for  the  inspection  of  the 
Trenches  &  gabions  is  always  to  send  them  down  to  the  Tail  of 
the  Trenches  with  a  Serg1.  where  who  is  to  place  them  where 
Serg*.  English  is  appointed  to  receive  them  who  shall  direct,  &c. 
Take  a  receipt  for  the  number  delivered,  which  receipt  is  to  be 
given  in  to  the  Major  of  Brigade  every  evening.  The  covering 
parties  this  night  to  consist  of  300  men  N.  Y.  proportion 


Seven  Years'  War  77 

C     S      S      C      Rl 

2.     4.     6.     6.     21 6.     For  Guard  Capt  Swartwout  L1.  Waters 

Lieut   Dunbar.      For    Fatigue   Capt   Visher    Lts   Cassady    L*. 

Vrooman. 

July  2I*<  1759. 

R.  O.  That  the  commanding  officers  of  each  company  make 
a  report  Every  morning  of  the  killed  &  wounded  in  the  respective 
companies  mentioning  there  names  and  whether  bad  or  slightly 
wounded.  I  hope  the  loss  the  Regiments  met  with  in  Col° 
Johnson  *  will  give  every  officer  and  soldier  in  it,  a  just  resent- 
ment and  Ive  the  pleasure  hitherto  both  to  find  and  hear  from 
every  body  that  we  have  done  our  part  of  the  duty  with  the 
greatest  exactness  and  punctuality  and  with  a  soldier  like 
spirit  I  hope  the  same  spirit  may  continue,  and  tho  the  little 
wound  I  have  met  with  will  not  permit  me  to  head  you  for  the 
present  (gentlemen  in  ye  Trenches)  you  have  other  officers  who 
will  lead  and  direct  you,  any  where  Else  when  I  am  absent  from 
you  and  for  my  part  as  I  cannot  be  where  I  would  wish  with 
you  I  hope  nothing  will  be  wanting  on  your  part,  and  whatever 
I  can  in  camp  do  you  may  expect.  M1.  Thodey. 

Camp  before  Niagara  July  21st,  1759 
Parole Amherst 

Field  officer  tonight  in  the  room  Ll  Col  Thodey,  Lieut  Col° 
Farqueher.  L1  Col°  Mercer2  Adj<  d°  44th  Reg1 

Shurgeon  tomorrow  Mr.  Oblair 

Sir  William  Johnsons  orders,  the  command  of  the  army 
devolving  the  death  of  the  late  General  Prideaux3  (on  me  I 
trust)  that  as  I  am  determined  to  persevere  in  the  same  just  and 
vigorous  manners,  which  was  carried  on  by  the  Deceased  Gen- 
eral, that  the  troops  will  exert  themselves  to  the  utmost  and  act 


1  Colonel  J.  Johnston,  of  the  New  York  regiment. 

2  Massey. 

3  General  John  Prideaux  was  killed  July  20. 


78  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

with  the  same  laudable  spirit  which  they  have  hitherto  shown  an  of 
which  I  shall  not  fail  to  acquaint  his  excellency  General  Amherst 
The  business  we  are  upon  being  nearly  finished  the  completing 
of  which  will  be  easily  effected  by  the  continuance  of  the  same 
measures  and  the  utmost  exertion  of  our  abilities,  all  orders  given 
therefore  by  the  late  general  to  be  punctually  obeyed.  The 
above  orders  to  be  read  to  the  men  both  before  and  after  the 
Trenches  are  relieved  by  an  officer  of  a  Company 

Fashenes  of  9  feet  Long  Fashenes  of  4]/2  feet  Long 
44th  202  67 

46  128  43 

RA  50  17 

N  Y  220  73 


600  200 

Particular  care  to  be  taken  with  regard  to  making  the  fashenes 
as  such  as  are  not  well  made  will  be  rather  of  Disservice  than 
of  Any  Advantage  the  officers  are  therefore  not  only  to  give  the 
proper  directions,  but  see  them  properly  executed. 

A  detachment  of  300  men  officers  in  proportion  to  compose  a 
covering  party  for  the  trenches  this  night  &  of  200  men  officers 
in  proportion  for  a  working  party.  The  officers  commanding  the 
parties  from  the  different  regiments,  to  have  their  mens  names  as 
ordered  yesterday.  The  parties  to  be  paraded  at  3.  o'clocke 


exactly 

. 

For  Guard 

For 

working 

party 

C 

S 

S 

C 

Rl 

C 

S 

s 

C 

Rl 

44th 

1 

1 

3 

3 

102 

1 

2 

2 

3 

68 

46 

1 

3 

2 

2 

64 

2 

4 

3 

43 

A  R 

0 

1 

1 

1 

26 

1 

1 

0 

18 

NY. 

1 

2 

3 

3 

108 

1 

2 

2 

2 

71 

Total 

3. 

7. 

9. 

9. 

300    Total 

2. 

7. 

9. 

8. 

200 

For  this  duty  Capt  Morss         For  this  duty  Capt  Swartwout 
Lieut.  Beaux  Mr.  Harris          Lieut  Crawfoot  Lieut  Yates 


Seven  Years'  War  79 

July  22»<*  1759 
For  fatigue  to  parade  at  the  head  of  the  44th 

s  s  c 

regiment  immediately.     1      1      0      1 9    for  this  duty  Ll  Middagh 
G.  O.    No  soldier  to  presume  to  fire  his  piece  in  camp  on  pain 
of  being  severely  punished. 

R.  O.  A  return  of  the  deficiencies  of  cartridge  to  complete 
each  man  36  rounds  to  be  given  in  immediately  by  the  command- 
ing officers  of  companies  now  present. 

G.  O.  The  General  is  not  a  little  surprized  at  the  irregular 
firing  of  the  Troops  both  when  they  come  out  of  the  Trenches  and 
in  Camp  so  contrary  to  the  standing  orders  so  often  given  out,  he 
is  therefore  determined  if  this  order  has  not  its  desired  effect  to 
prevent  it  by  severely  punishing  the  offenders.  Whenever  it  is 
necessary  to  have  ye  piece  which  cannot  be  drawn  fired  a  report 
should  be  made  to  the  commanding  officer  of  Corps  in  Camp  who 
will  give  directions.  The  orderly  officers  of  corps  are  allways  to 
examine  their  mens  arms  after  a  heavy  rain  and  make  the  above 
ordered  report  &  whenever  the  detachment  from  the  Trenches 
return  to  the  Camp  the  officers  commanding  the  parties  of  the 
different  Corps,  are  after  rainey  weather  to  see  that  their  arms 
are  examined  before  they  are  dismissed.  The  miners  and  sappers 
of  the  different  corps  to  attend  engineer  Demler  at  the  Artillery 
Guard  at  3.  o'clock  To  parade  at  4.  o'clock  for  a  covering 
party  for  the  Trenches  tonight 


C 

S 

S 

C 

Rl 

C 

S 

S 

C 

Rl 

44th 

1 

3 

3 

3 

101 

0 

4 

3 

3 

110 

46th 

2 

2 

2 

2 

64 

1 

1 

2 

2 

46 

A  R 

0 

1 

1 

1 

25 

1 

1 

1 

1 

27 

N  Y. 

1 

2 

3 

3 

101 

1 

2 

3 

3 

110 

4 

8 

9 

9 

291         3 

8 

9 

9 

293 

For  Guard  Capt  Schuyler         For  work  Capt  Pawling 
1>  Willet  Dunbar  D8  Visher  Lieut  Wemple 

Fashenes  and  Gabions  to  be  made  by  the  N  York  Regiment 

Fash  MI  #»s  7  1    C 


80 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


G.  O.  July  23'*  1759 

That  71  Fascenes  &  71 .  gabions  be  made  by  2.  o'clock 
For  fatigue  to  parade  at  the  head  of  the  44th  Reg1. 


c 

s 

S 

C 

Rl 

The 

440, 

0 

1 

1 

0 

34" 

46 

0 

0 

2 

1 

22 

RA 

0 

0 

0 

1 

9 

NY. 

0 

1 

1 

0 

35 

0 

2 

4 

2 

100 

For  this  fatigue 
LA  Middagh 


140  Volunteers  wanted  immediately  to  bring  100  Whaleboats 
from  the  Landing  place,  each  man  to  have  1  gill  of  rum  as  soon 
as  they  are  all  brought  over.  There  names  to  be  given  in  to  the 
Major  of  Briggade  as  every  man  shall  be  credited  a  dollar,  which 
shall  be  paid  to  them  as  soon  as  the  money  can  be  got 


C  S  S  C  Rl 

44*  gives    0.  2.  1.  1.  46 

46               1  1  1  I  30 

RA  12 

NY  2  I  1  50 


For    this    duty    Lieutenant 
Yates  &  Milliard 


R.  O.  Whereas  a  number  of  officers  are  constantly  grumbling 
about  the  duty  now  done  in  the  Reg1,  for  the  future  if  any  officer 
thinks  himself  wronged  let  them  first  do  the  duty  ordered,  and 
when  relieved  they  can  make  appear  that  they  are  wronged 
they  shall  have  all  the  justice  done  them  which  is  required  in 
such  cases,  but  if  they  should  be  mistaken  they  certainly  shall  be 
looked  upon  in  such  Lite  as  will  make  them  unworthy  of  the  com- 
mission they  now  hold  in  the  Reg*,  and  which  I  shall  take  care 
they  shall  not  keep  long.  For  gentlemen  to  be  disputing  at  this  time 
about  there  duty,  looks  to  me  and  will  to  the  world,  very  bad, 
and  will  make  them  unworthy  of  the  Title  their  commissions  now 
gives  them.  Even  allowing  they  went  once  out  of  their  turn  of 


Seven  Years'  War  81 

duty,  because  a  brother  officer  thinks  hes  not  able.  For  the  time 
to  come  no  officer  nor  soldier  to  go  from  this  camp  without  leave 
unless  on  duty  or  to  fetch  water. 

That  a  return  be  made  immediately  by  the  commanding 
officer  of  each  company  of  the  men. fit  for  duty  now  in  camp. 
For  fatigue  to  parade  tomorrow  by  break  of  day 

S     S    C     Rl 


.For  this  duty  Ll.  Beyow 
I      I     0     54  j 

For    Guard    in    the    Trenches  For  Fatigue  in  the  Trenches 

to  Night  tonight 

CSSCR1  CSSCR1 

1       2      3      3     132  1       1       2      2      66 

For   this   duty   Capt   Bloomer  For  this  fatigue  Capt  Visher 

L*.  Waters  I_A  Dumont  &  Lieut  Cassady 

Sir  William  Johnson  returns  his  thanks1  to  the  troops  for  their 
valiant  behavior  this  day  against  a  superior  body  of  the  enemy, 
which  at  this  critticle  time  has  been  of  the  greatest  advantage  to 
the  English  nation,  and  thoroughly  Secured  us  the  friendship  of 
the  Six  nations,  and  will  undoubtedly  facilitate  the  reduction  of 
Niagara,  a  post  so  important  to  the  English  nation  in  North 
America. 

Morning  Orders.  Cflmp  ^^  N{agara  Jdy  25lh  n5g 

Lieut  Col°  Farqueher  with  the  Grenadiers  of  the  Army  com- 
pleate  to  be  ready  to  march  at  7.  o'clock  this  morning  to  take 
possession  of  the  Gates  of  the  Fort.  The  44th  Regiment  to  be 
ready  to  march  as  soon  as  possible  to  the  parade  of  the  Fort, 
with  drums  beating  &  colors  flying.  As  soon  as  the  Troops  have 
taken  possession  of  the  Fort,  the  Battoes  &  Whaleboats  to  be 
moved  round  to  the  river  under  the  Fort,  the  party  on  the  other 
side  of  the  river  to  come  over  immediately  with  the  Artillery, 
which  they  are  to  march  in  order  to  camp  No  officer  or  soldier  to 
attempt  to  leave  Camp  except  those  on  duty  to  the  trenches  or  in 
the  fort. 

44  His  thanks  "is  put  in  in  pencil. 


82  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Niagara  July  26ih  1759 
To  Parade  immediately  for  Guard  to  the  Trenches : 

C    S     S    C 

1       1      I       1      46     privates  for  this  duty  Captain  Schuyler  & 
L*.  Vandenburgh.      For  fatigue  to  parade  immediately  at  the 
head  of  the  44th  Reg1 
Sub  S    C     Rl 

1      0     0     20.      for  this  duty  Lieut  Dumond 
Parole    Niagara 

C.     S.     S.    C. 
For  Guard  immediately        1        3       3       3        1 00  privates 

The  Light  infantry  of  the  Army  are  to  form  a  corps  in  camp 
and  to  do  duty  together.     The  different  Corps  to  give  in  imme- 
diately to  the  Major  of  Brigade,  a  return  of  their  number  in  the 
form  of  a  weekly  return. 
C    S    S    C      Rl 

1.  2  2.  2.  100  to  parade  tomorrow  morning  at  5.  o'clock 
at  the  head  of  the  44th  Reg*,  and  to  receive  their  Directions  from 
Engineer  Demler.  This  party  to  be  relieved  by  the  Like  number 
at  1 2.  o'clock.  The  like  party  to  parade  at  the  same  time  at  the 
head  of  the  44th,  and  to  receive  their  directions  from  Capt 
McClean  Qr.  Mr.  General.  The  General  parade  to  be  at  the 
head  of  the  44th  Regiment  the  Regiment  to  Collect  there 
Tools  as  Soons  as  possible  and  Leave  them  at  The  Collumns  of 
the  44th  Regiment  The  Guard  of  the  Fort  to  consist  of 
C  S  S  C 

1  2  3  3  1 00  privates  which  are  to  be  relieved  regularly  at.  8. 
o'clock.  The  orderly  time  to  be  at  9.  o'clock  its  recommended 
to  the  officers  of  the  working  parties  to  be  very  diligent  in  seeing 
there  do  there  duty  that  no  time  may  be  lost.  Ll  Killet  of  ye 
44th  &  Ensign  Lancey  to  continue  as  overseers.  Serg*  English 
&  Serg*.  Ellis,  both  of  the  44th  Regiment  to  attend  the  work  and 
take  care  of  the  entrenching  tools.  No  soldier  to  come  into  the 


Seven  Years    War  83 

work  except  on  officers  business  and  then  to  have  a  Nonte  from 
his  officer  for  whom  he  is  employed. 

R.  O.  For  the  future  the  Rolls  of  the  company  to  be  called 
twice  a  day,  an  officer  to  see  it  done  and  a  report  to  be  given  in 
of  all  the  men  absent  from  camp  For  the  future  the  Quarter 
Guard  to  be  relieved  regularly  at  8  o'clock. 

The  Inlying  Piquet  as  usual  a  report  of  the  names  of  the  sick 
to  be  given  in  to  Doct.  Norton  every  morning  —  the  orderly 
Serg1.  will  be  punished  for  the  future  for  his  neglect  of  this  sort. 

For  fatigue  immediately  to  parade  at  the  head  of  the  44th 

C     S     S   C    Rl 

Regiment  1.0.  1  1.  80  for  this  fatigue  Capt  Morss. 
For  Quarter  Guard  Tomorrow  L*.  Visher. 

Camp  at  Niagara  /u/p  27,  7759. 
Parole    Oswego. 

The  Guard  of  the  Trenches  to  be  regularly  relieved  at  the  same 
time  the  Fort  Guard  is,  and  half  of  the  Guard  to  be  employed 

C     S     S    C      Rl 

in  levelling  the  trench  works.  1.  2.  3.  3.  100  to  parade 
tomorrow  morning  without  arms  to  be  employed  in  leveling  the 
Trenches,  this  party  to  work  at  the  end  next  to  the  woods,  and  the 
Guard  at  the  other  end  the  working  parties  in  the  fort  are  to  be 
employed  in  cleaning  the  fort  of  all  filth.  100  men  officers  in 
proportion  for  the  working  party  in  the  fort  To  parade  tomorrow 
morning  at  5.  o'clock.  All  the  mens  Arms  to  be  cleaned  and  a 
return  to  be  given  to  the  Major  of  Brigade  by  Guard  mounting 
tomorrow  morning  of  what  is  wanting  to  compleat  the  mens 
Arms  &  ammunition  to  36  rounds  pr.  man. 

C          S          S         C          Rl 

For  the  Fort  Guard  1  2  2  2  58 

Guard  for  the  Trenches  1  1  2  39 

Forfattigue  D°  111  45 

Fattigue  for  the  Fort  1  1  1  1  45 


84 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


The  Captain  of  the  Fort  Guard  to  detach  30  men  for  the  Guard 
of  the  battoes,  which  party  is  to  lay  without  the  Fort.  A  Cap1, 
of  the  day  for  the  Camp  who  is  to  visit  the  Quarter  Guards  of  the 
Line  As  the  Centinols  have  been  observed  to  be  very  remiss  in 
their  duty ;  tis  expected  that  for  the  future  they  will  be  more  alert 
and  all  officers  whether  on  duty  or  not  are  desired  to  take  notice 
of  such  Centenals  who  are  not  alert  All  reports  to  be  made  to 
L*.  C'o  Farqueher  no  soldier  to  straggle  into  the  woods  as  there 
may  be  small  schulking  parties  of  the  Enemy  round  about.  The 
working  parties  to  come  in  at  6  o'clock.  All  the  men  off  duty  to 
be  under  arms  half  an  hour  after  6  o'clock  in  order  to  attend  the 
funeral  of  the  Late  General  Prideaux  &  Col°.  Johnson. 
C  S  S  C  Rl 

2.  4.  6.  6.  200  to  be  paraded  on  the  right,  and  the  men 
to  be  furnished  with  3  rounds  per  man  of  powder.  This  party 
to  be  Commanded  by  Major  Beckwith.  Minute  guns  to  begin 
to  fire  as  soon  as  the  procession  begins. 


For  Guard  for  the  Trenches 


C 

S 

S 

C 

Rl 

44* 

0 

2 

3 

3 

94 

46 

1 

1 

1 

0 

28 

RA 

0 

0 

0 

0 

NY 

1 

1 

1 

3 

78 

For  Guard  tomorrow 
CSS 
44* 
46 
RA 


NY 


C 

1 

I 

0 

1 


Rl 
47 
14 

59 


For  this  Duty  Cap1.  Bloomer      For  this  duty  Cap1.  Swartwout 


Lieutenant  Crawfoot    , 
Trench  Fatigue 

C    S     S  C  Rl 

44*         0     1      1  1  55 

LI  1      1     1  0  28 

NY          1     1     2  2  45 

2    3    4  3  128 


Lieutenant  Cassady 
Fatigue  for  the  Fort 

C    S     S     C    Rl 
44*  1      1     1     1     55 

NY  1     2    2    45 

1     2    3    3  100 


For  this  Fatigue  Captain  Pawling  L1.  Harris. 


Seven  Years9  War  85 

R.  O.  An  exact  return  to  be  given  in  and  signed  by  all  the 
Captains  of  the  Companies,  of  all  the  men  whether  wounded 
killed  or  absent  from  this  or  any  other  Casualty  and  for  the 
future  no  man  to  join  any  other  company  thats  now  present  but 
a  report  of  the  same  with  their  names  to  be  given  in  to  the  Comd'g 
Officers.  Horses  to  be  immediately  fixed  up  in  the  Front  of  the 
serg'ts  tents  to  lodge  the  companies  arms  on  in  the  day  time.  This 
last  its  expected  will  never  be  ordered  again  but  that  care  will  be 
taken  at  all  times  when  we  move  to  have  them  on  the  Next 
ground  Whatever.  Cap1.  Harkerman  to  give  me  in  a  return  of 
the  Names  of  ye  men  now  come  to  this  place  with  him  &  Capt 
Vanvaghten  to  do  the  same  Likewise  accounting  for  the  number 
of  men  he  carried  from  here. 

July  29"'  7759 
Parole   Haldermand 

A  detachment  for  the  Guard  of  the  Fort  and  levelling  the 
Trenches,  for  cleaning  the  first  &  levelling  the  latter  to  consist 
of  the  same  number  and  to  parade  at  the  same  time  tomorrow 
morning  as  they  did  this  morning. 

C       S        S       C         Rl 

A  detachment  of  1  2  3  3  100  of  the 
Light  Infantry  with  one  days  provision  to  parade  tomorrow  morn- 
ing at  4  o'clock  at  the  head  of  the  the  44th  Reg1,  a  detachment 

C    S     S     C     Rl 

of  1  2  2  2  150  to  parade  at  the  same  time  without 
arms  to  fetch  timber  in  order  for  building  a  vessel.  Cap*. 
McClean  will  attend  to  give  directions,  another  number  to  parade 
at  9.  o'clock  to  Relieve  the  first,  a  third  at  2.  o'clock  to  relieve 
the  2nd. 

For   Fattigue   Tomorrow  For  Fatigue  for  the  Fort 

CSSCR1  CSSCR1 

1121         47  J  French  \  1         1         2         1         45 

1        0       2       1       391    DO     J  1        1       2       2       45 


86  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

S.    S.    C. 

For  fattigue  in  the  woods      1 .      1 .      1 .     68  privates 

• 

July  30*  1759 
Parole London 

G.  O.  The  Quarter  Master  General  to  give  in  a  return  by 
2.  o'clock  this  afternoon  of  the  number  of  persons  who  receive 
provisions  specifying  their  different  Trades  &  Employments 

R.  O.  A  Regimental  Court  Martial  to  sit  immediately  at  the 
Presidents  Tent  to  try  such  prisoners  as  shall  be  brought  before 
them. 

Capt  Vanvaughten,  Pres't 

Members 

L*  Vanderburg  Ll  Dumond 

L*  Dunbar  L*  Defreast 


For  Guard 

c   s 

tomorrow 
S    C    Rl 

July  30"- 
For 

1759 
Fatigue 

Rl 

44th 

1.     1. 

1. 

1 

58 

44th 

1. 

2. 

1. 

2. 

44 

46 

1 

0 

0 

16 

LI 

0 

0 

2 

1 

46 

N 

Y 

1 

1 

2 

49 

Trench  D°. 

Artillery 

D° 

Rl 

C 

S 

S 

C 

Rl 

44 

0.      1 

1 

1 

54 

44 

0 

0. 

1 

0 

27 

N 

Y 

1      1 

2 

2 

46 

NY 

0 

1 

0 

1 

23 

For  Ship  Timber  D°  @  4.  o'clock 

S     S     C 

44*          0     1      1     2    81 
NY        1     1     2     1     69 


Seven  Years   War  87 

For  Ship  Timber  at  10.  o'clock 
44*  1      2      1      1      81 

NY        0    0    2    2    69 

G.  O.  Camp  at  Niagara  31st  ]ul\>  1759. 

Parole York The  Regiments 

to  bring  into  the  Fort  the  intrenching  Tools  which  they  have 
collected  and  deliver  them  over  to  an  officer  of  the  Artillery. 
The  44th  Regiment  Grenadiers  &  Light  Infantry  excepted.  A 

C      S      S     C    privats 

detachment  of  1.  3.  4.  4.  100  of  the  N.  York  Regi- 
ment to  remain  as  a  garrison  at  this  post  under  the  command  of 
Lieut  Col°  Farker.1  The  Grenadiers  &  Light  Infantry  of  the  44th 
Regt  out  of  the  Battn  this  day  are  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness 
for  Imbarquation  at  an  hours  warning.  The  1 00  men  of  the  N. 
York  Reg*  which  are  to  be  left  here  are  to  consist  of  ship  build- 
ers, masons  and  all  sorts  of  artificers,  the  rest  of  the  troops  to  be 
in  readiness  to  Irnbarque 

R.  O.  A  return  to  be  given  in  immediately  of  all  the  ship  & 
House  carpenters,  masons  and  Brickmakers  and  all  other 
artificers. 

G.  O.  The  Light  Infantry  except  a  Serg*  &  12  men  to  take 
care  of  there  Camp  to  be  under  Arms  tomorrow  morning  at 
3  o'clock  with  one  days  provisions,  this  party  to  be  without  there 
coats. 

The  Guard  and  working  party  for  the  Fort  and  the  Trenches 
to  consist  of  the  same  number  tomorrow  as  they  did  this  morning. 
S  S  C  Rl 

2.  2.  2.  50  to  parade  ]/2  and  hour  after  5.  o'clock  and 
receive  their  directions  from  the  Quarter  Master  Gen1.  A  detach- 

S      S     C      Rl 
ment  of     1 .      1 .      1 .     30     to  parade  at  the  same  time  in  order 


Farker,  for  Farquhar,  was  written  doubtless. 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


to  escort  the  above  party.  A  corporal  and  12.  men  to  parade 
at  the  same  time  and  receive  their  directions  from  Serg1  English 
of  the  44th  Regt.  The  several  corps  to  deliver  to  the  Kings  Com- 
missary all  the  oil  cloths  they  received  at  Oswego  for  covering 
the  battoes.  The  Light  Infantry  to  be  taken  of  all  duty  as  soon 
as  possible. 


For  Guard  tomorrow 

*          C    S     S     C  Rl 

44         0.     1.     1.    2  67 

NY.     1      1      2      1  56 


Fattigue  for  the  Trenches 
*  C     S      S      C     Rl 

44         0.     1      1      1      27 
NY.    0     0     1      1      23 


For  this  duty  Captain  Pawling  LA  Wemple 

For  Fattigue  in  the  Woods  Artillery  Fattigue 

44th       0     0      1.     1.    27  44th       0     0.     1      0     27 

NY.     0.    0.     1.     1.    23  NY.            101      23 

For  this  fattegue  L'.  Yates  For  this  fatigue  L'.  Vandeburg 


Fattigue  for  the  Qr  Mr.  Gen1. 
C     S      S      C     Rl 


Fattigue  for  S^  Ellis 


44th        0      1.     1.    0.    39         44th        0.    0.    0.    0.    5 
N.Y.            1.     1.    2     31          NY.      0     0     0     1      7 

For  this  fattegue  L*  Vrooman 

For  covering 
NY.      0 

parly 
0     1 
1     0 

0 
0 

12 
18 

R.  O.  August  lsi  1759 

John  Christopher  of  Captain  Vanvaughtens  Company  & 
Michael  Prier  of  Capt  Lansings  Company  was  tried  by  a  Court 
Martial  and  sentined  by  said  Court  Martial,  Christopher  500 
lashes  Prier  200  for  the  crimes  they  were  guilty  of.  John  Mc- 
Kow  of  Capt  Vishers  Company  was  likewise  confined  by  Major 
Harvey  for  sitting  on  his  post  all  crimes  of  the  very  worst  nature 


Seven  Years   War  89 

a  soldier  could  be  guilty  of.  Col°.  Thodey  therefore  as  he  would 
not  have  it  said  that  a  soldier  of  his  reg'.  was  punished  during 
this  Command  from  Oswego,  he  forgives  all  three  of  them,  and 
desires  the  officers  of  the  Quarter  Guard  to  send  them  to  their 
Companies,  and  that  for  the  few  days  we  have  to  stay,  that  no 
soldier  will  now  nor  at  any  time  hereafter,  be  guilty  of  the  same 
or  any  thing  that  will  diserve  punishment,  and  he  likewise  begs 
you  all  to  take  notice  that  no  man  will  again  be  forgiven  for  the 
like  crimes,  these  orders  to  be  read  to  the  men  at  Roll  Calling. 

C     S    S   C     Rl 
A  detachment  of     1.     3     4     4     100     to  stay  of  the  N  Y 

Regiment  at  this  post  to  be  of  the  following  Companies. 

pri- 

C      S     S  Cvates 

to  Stay  Capt  Bloomer  with  his  men               1 .     0.      1 .  1 .     22 

Gilchrists  Company                0.     0.     0.  1 .      15 

Homeses  Company                   0.     0      1 .  0.     00 

to  stay  IJ.  Burns  with  Capt  Smith's  Co        0       1        1  1       21 

to  stay  Ll.  Waters  with   "   Vanzandts  Co    0       1       1  1        15 

To  stay  L*.  Vandenburg  with  Tradesmen    0       1       0  0      27 


I.    3.    4.    4.  100 


90 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


Companies 


Capt  Pawling 


Capt  Wrights 


Capt  Lansings 
Capt  Morss  C° 


Cap*  Morss  Compy 


Capt  Clintons  C° 
Capt  Bloomers 
Capt  Gilchrists  C° 

Capt  Swartwouts 
Cap*  Vishers 
Cap1  Homes 
Cap*  Hulds 
Cap*  Sayers 


Mens    Names 


Capt.  Bloomer  to  keep 
7.  tents  &  deliver  the 
Rest  to  IJ.  Beyou 
Cap1.  Pawling  & 
Capt  Morss.  Each 
to  give  their  men  a 
Tent  &  what  Tents 
Mr.  Burns  has  with 
him  will  be  full  suf- 
ficient these  men  to 
encamp  By  them- 
selves on  the  right 
this  evening  or  to- 
morrow morning  all 
but  the  party  with 
Lieut  Burns. 

August  Isi  1759 

Parole  —  Boston 
The    working   party 
for  the  Artillery  &  Qr. 
Mr.     Gen1,     to    consist 
tomorrow  of 
S  SC   Rl 

1  1  1  50  for  fattigue 
tomorrow  to  receive  di- 
rections from  L*  Collet 
a  working  party  of  one 
Serg1.  &  12  men  to 
receive  their  directions  from  Ensign  Lancey,  these  parties  to 
parade  at  5  o'clock.  Lost  a  little  paper  bag  with  French  paper 
money  in  it  which  cannot  be  of  any  use  to  any  body  in  Camp 
Sr  William  Johnson  desires  if  any  body  has  found  it  to  give 
it  in  to  the  Major  of  Brigade.  The  several  Regiments  to  give  in 


1  Silas  Canfield 

2  Abner  Cutler 

3  Francis  Mattratt 

4  Egbart  Vansile 

5  Wm  Wyllys 

6  Jonn  Warshburn 

7  Matthew  Vorce 

8  Thos  Duboys 

9  John  Derley 

1 0  James  daugherty 

1 1  John  Huff 

12  Jacob  Miller 

1 3  Matthew  Grasey 

1 4  Aaron  Vansickland 

1 5  Samuel  Woodruff 

1 6  John  Pignor 

1  7  Jacob  Comfort 
18Wm  Ackard 

1 9  Jacob  Butcher 

20  John  Jordan 

2 1  Joseph  wood 

22  Asa  Carpenter 

23  James  Smith 

24  Isaac  Tratchout 

25  George  Saxton 

26  Isaac  Emery 

27  Henry  Downing 


Seven  Years    War  91 

a  return  as  soon  as  possible  to  Engineer  Demler  of  the  number 
of  fashenes  &  gabions  made  by  each,  that  they  may  be  accounted 
with  for  them.  3  days  fresh  provisions  to  be  delivered  to  the 
Troops  tomorrow.  The  Light  Infy  to  give  the  covering  party 
for  the  Q'.  M'.  Gen1.  S  S  C  Rl 

For  Guard  0.    1 .    1 .     49 

For  fattigue  to  the  Artillery  1 .     23 

"      forQ'  M^  Gen1  1.    1.  0.     23 

Fattigue  for  L*.  Collett  0      1      23 

Ensign  Lancey  1     1         5 


1.    1.  3.  4.    123 


Niagara  August  2nd  1759 

Sir  William  Johnson  is  surprized  that  the  orders  relating 
delivering  up  the  oil  cloths  to  the  Kings  Commissary  it  being  not 
complied  with  but  he  expects  that  by  8.  o'clock  this  afternoon 
they  will  be  delivered  in  to  Mr.  McClean. 

R.  O.  Every  man  belonging  to  the  N.  York  Regiment  except 
them  mentioned  in  the  orders  of  yesterday  &  those  Cap1.  Bloomer 
has  a  list  of  is  by  there  officers  to  be  charged  not  to  be  out  of  the 
way,  as  we  cannot  tell  the  exact  time  when  we  shall  leave  this 
and  no  man  to  be  exchanged  on  any  account.  If  any  officer  in 
the  Reg*,  has  any  oil  cloths,  they  are  to  send  them  to  Capt 
McClean  immediately. 


92 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


Parole 


Camp  at  Niagara  Aug{.  2d  1759 

.  Northhamton 


For  Guard  as  usual,  the  working  party  for  the  Qr  Mr  Gen1  & 
artillery  &c  Lieut  Corlet  &  Ensign  Landcey  to  consist  of  the  same 
No  and  to  parade  at  the  same  time  this  morning  as  they  did  yes- 

S      S     C      Rl 

terday.  a  working  party  of  1 .  1 .  1 .  50  to  go  on  the 
other  side  the  water  to  fetch  over  palasadoes 


For  guard 
Fattigue  for  the 

for  U  Collet  D° 
D°  over  the  water  0 

D°  Ens  Lancey   0 

D°  Artillery 


c 

S 

S 

C 

Rl 

I. 

1. 

2. 

1. 

23 

The  Battoes 

for  the  N. 

0 

1 

0 

I 

23 

York    Reg1. 

will     be 

0 

0 

0 

1. 

23 

given  to  us  at 

5.  o'clock 

0 

1 

1 

0 

23 

this  afternoon  and  the 

0 

0 

0 

1. 

5  f  Qr  Mr  is  to 

see  them 

0 

0 

1 

0 

23    marked  with 

the  com- 

panics  names 

" 

and  num- 

1. 

3. 

4. 

4. 

137 

bered  in  the 

following 

[1201 

manner 

Companies 


No  of  Empty  Boats     No  of  Artillery  Boats 


Captain  Pawling 

No    1 

2 

.... 

i 

2 

3 

Capt  Wright        .  ,  . 

3 

4 

.... 

4 

5 

6 

Lansing  

5 

6 

1    .... 

7 

8 

9 

Vanvaughten  . 

8 

9 

10.... 

10 

11 

12 

Morss  

If. 

12 



13. 

14 

15 

Clinton  

13. 

14 

15  .... 

16 

17 

18 

Bloomers  

16 

17 

00  .... 

19 

00 

00 

Swartwouts  , 

18 

19 

20  .... 

20 

21 

22 

Schuylers  .  .  .  , 

21. 

22 



23 

24 

25 

Vishers  .  .   ,  , 

23. 

24 

t 

26 

27. 

28 

Homesses  .  .  .  . 

25 

26 

29. 

30 

00 

Seven  Fears'  War  93 

Each  artillery  boat  to  have  10  men  in  them  and  the  remainder 
to  be  divided  in  the  empty  boats.  The  officers  are  to  be  careful 
to  put  there  sick  men  in  the  boats  carefully  and  to  see  that  every 
time  we  land  that  the  shurgeon  dress  the  mens  wounds  Such  men 
as  are  able  to  walk  where  the  Shurgeon  lands  the  Sergts  are  to 
see  that  they  go  to  them.  The  whole  to  take  care  and  keep  in 
order  on  the  lake  and  none  to  lagg  behind.  Every  company  to 
send  a  man  to  man  a  boat  to  Doct  Norton  except  Capt  Vishers 
Company  as  soon  as  we  have  orders  for  going  on  board. 

G.  O.  The  battoes  to  be  received  from  the  Qr  Mr  General 
immediately  and  the  separate  Corps  to  take  proper  Care  of 
there  own  and  have  there  baggage  on  board  early  in  the  morning. 
The  whole  to  be  in  readiness  to  embarque  at  7.  o'clock  in  the 
morning.  When  they  come  into  the  lake  they  are  to  form  the 
Light  Infantry  and  whale  boats  in  the  front.  The  New  Yorkers 
in  the  Artillery  boats  to  form  a  Division  in  the  Rere  followed  by 
the  boats  of  the  General  Hospital  and  the  Grenadiers  of  the 
44th  &  Royal  Americans  with  the  Generals  Company  of  ye  44th 
to  form  the  rere  of  the  whole  &  to  take  the  French  prisoners,  two 
in  each  boat. 

Parole Bristol 

The  Troops  which  is  to  leave  this  place  to  receive  2  days  pro- 
visions Immediately,  which  will  compleat  them  to  the  9th 
inclusive. 

Parole Philadelphia. 

The  Troops  not  to  embarque  till  sun  set,  at  which  time  they  are 
to  go  on  board  there  battoes  and  wait  for  orders  to  set  of.  Sr  Wil- 
liam Johnson  recommends  silence  to  be  keept  not  only  during  the 
embarkation,  but  during  the  voyage  likewise  and  flatters  himself 
there  will  be  no  necessity  of  repetition  of  orders.  The  Troops  to 
receive  6d  N  Y.  Currency  for  every  1 2  &  9lb  shot  which  they  have 
picked  up,  and  4d  for  any  others.  The  troops  to  collect  their 
receipts  which  they  got  from  the  Artillery,  who  will  give  to  each 


94  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Regiment  an  order  for  the  sum  due,  by  giving  them  in  to  M1'.  Ray 
Commissary  of  the  Artillery  the  quarter  master  to  keep  all  the 
names  of  the  men  who  give  in  their  receipts,  that  the  money  may 
be  properly  distributed. 

R.  O.  The  Capt  or  Commanding  officers  of  companies  to 
take  care  and  keep  there  boats  together  &  see  that  none  tarry  or 
lagg  behind,  the  Lieut  to  assist  and  take  care  of  the  same  on 
landing  always  a  piquet  of  60  men  to  mount  and  this  to  be  looked 
into  the  first  thing  after  landing  the  officers  in  Artillery  boats  to 
see  that  a  man  be  constantly  Left  on  our  Landing  in  there  boats 
to  bail  and  keep  her  clean  of  water,  and  Likewise  to  be  careful  of 
all  the  Kings  tools  which  are  in  there  boats  that  none  be  lost  at 
any  place  where  we  land.  Major  Hogan  to  go  in  the  Front  & 
Major  roseboom  to  go  in  the  rere. 

August  the  6ih 
Parole    Bristol. 

G.  O.  The  General  to  beat  at  10  o'clock  at  which  time  the 
Troops  are  to  be  embarked  and  to  wait  for  orders  to  move  off. 
The  Artillery  boats  to  be  in  the  front  and  the  New  York  Regi- 
ment next  the  Hospital  and  the  generals  Company  of  the  44th  and 
the  Grenadiers  the  same  orders  as  before  directed.  The  Light 
Infantry  to  be  divided  on  the  Left  flank  of  the  whole  &  to  see  y1 
no  boats  proceed  out  of  the  lines.  Rum  to  be  immediately 
delivered  out  to  the  Troops  at  the  rate  of  one  gill  per  man  ye 
soldiers  immediately  to  cook  2  days  provisions,  no  person  what- 
soever to  presume  to  fire  off  his  piece  without  leave  from  Sir 
William  Johnson. 

Camp  at  Osnego  Aug1.  6*  1759 
Parole    Niagara 

No  one  to  fire  off  his  piece  within  or  about  the  breast  work 
or  beyond  ye  river  on  any  pretense,  but  when  there  is  pieces  which 


Seven  Years'  War  95 

have  been  loaded  &  cannot  be  drawn  they  are  to  apply  to  the 
Capt  of  the  Piquet  who  will  assemble  them  between  6.  &  7. 
o'clock  this  evening  in  order  to  have  the  whole  discharged.  A 

S    S    C    Rl 

command  of  2.  2.  2  50  to  parade  immediately  and 
cross  the  river  in  order  to  take  care  of  the  French  prisoners  The 
Captain  to  wait  on  ye  commanding  Officer  for  orders. 

General  Orders. 

The  Troops  which  arrived  here  this  afternoon  to  have  the  Qr. 
Guards  as  usual  and  will  be  excused  form  any  men  for  General 
duty,  tomorrow  their  arms  to  be  put  in  perfect  order  Tomorrow 
2  days  fresh  provisions  to  be  delivered  to  the  General  Hospital 
for  which  a  receipt  will  be  given.  This  is  to  be  divided  between 
the  Troops  which  arrived  this  day.  The  Surgon  to  give  in  a 
return  of  the  number  of  sick  which  will  be  totally  unfit  for  duty 
the  rest  of  the  campaign,  and  of  such  as  are  like  to  recover  soon 
that  the  first  may  be  sent  away  tomorrow  &  the  latter  to  remain 
here  The  Surgeon  of  the  N  Y.  Regiment  the  like  return  this 
evening.  As  some  Indians  are  expected  here  soo  its  recom- 
mended to  the  Sutlers  not  to  let  them  have  any  Rum  on  any 
account  whatsoever,  whoever  shall  presume  to  disobey  this  order 
his  goods  shall  be  forfeited.  A  return  to  be  given  by  the  Major 
of  Brigade  tomorrow  at  12.  o'clock  of  the  state  of  the  Reg18 
now  encamped  here. 

A.  G.  O.  August  8ih  1759 
Parole Oswego 

Orderly  time  to  beat  at  9.  o'clock.  The  Gen1  Hospital  &  the  N 
York  Regiment,  to  receive  from  Cap1.  McClean  battoes  this 
afternoon  for  taking  down  the  sick,  who  are  to  be  ready  to  set  of 
by  break  of  day  tomorrow.  Each  Coar  to  see  that  the  battoes 
for  the  sick  &  wounded  are  properly  prepared  this  evening  for 


96  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

their  reception.  The  arms  and  ammunition  of  the  battoe  men 
which  go  of  this  afternoon  to  be  reviewed  by  a  Capt  of  the  Line 

C    S    S    C     Rl 

exactly  at  1 .  o'clock.  1 .  1 .  2.  2  40  to  be  ready  to  set 
of  by  2.  o'clock  to  escort  the  French  prisoners  to  Fort  Stanwix. 
the  whole  party  going  down  to  receive  6  days  provisions.  The  Qr 
Mr  Gen1,  to  provide  a  proper  number  of  battoes.  A  return  to  be 
given  in  by  the  different  Regiments  to  the  Major  of  Brigade, 
tomorrow  at  12.  o'clock  of  the  state  of  there  ammunition. 
S  S  C  Rl 

1.  1.  1.  20  to  go  down  with  the  sick  tomorrow  morning, 
and  to  be  provided  with  6  days  provisions  which  party  will  join 
the  Cap1.  &  40  men  the  Capt  to  receive  his  directions  from  Col° 
Haldemand. 

R.  O.  That  an  officer  of  each  Company  go  immediately  to 
Doctor  Biggs1  &  Dr.  Norton2  and  take  the  names  of  there  sick 
men  belonging  to  there  companies  that  are  going  down  to  Fort 
Stanwix,  in  order  to  receive  their  pay  this  afternoon. 


August  9ih  1759 
Parole Chester 

A  return  to  be  given  in  to  the  Major  of  Brigade  by  5.  o'clock  of 
what  Artillery  &  artillery  stores  are  at  this  place  specifying  with 
what  is  fit  &  unfit  for  duty,  also  a  return  of  the  detachment  of 
artillery  mentioning  the  fit  and  unfit  for  duty  to  be  given  in  at  ye 
same  hour.  The  Qr  Mr  Gen1  to  give  in  at  6  o'clock  to  ye  Brigade 
Major  a  return  of  what  battoes  and  whale  boats  was  first  ordered 
for  this  service  &  to  specify  those  rendered  entirely  useless  and 
those  which  are  Repairable,  and  such  as  are  at  present  fit  for 
service  and  what  are  lost  and  taken  away,  a  state  of  the  pro- 
visions to  be  likewise  given  in  to  the  Brigade  Major  by  6.  o'clock. 


1  Dr  John  Biggs  Castriot. 

2  Dr  Ralph  Norton. 


Seven  Years'  War  97 

Sr.  William  Johnson  being  not  a  little  surprized  at  the  shame- 
ful riots  and  Schandalous  Irregularities  committed  both  night  and 
day  in  Camp  so  unbecoming  the  character  of  a  soldier,  is  fully 
determined  to  prevent  them  by  strictly  putting  the  articles  of  war 
into  force,  and  that  no  one  plead  Ignorance  the  commanding 
officers  of  coars  are  to  have  this  read  to  there  men  at  such  time  as 
that  every  one  may  hear  them.  The  Granadiers  of  the  Line  & 
the  Generals  company  of  the  44th  Regiment  to  encamp  and  to 
do  duty  together,  and  to  be  under  the  command  of  Major  Beck- 
with  This  Coar  to  give  the  Guard  to  the  Ridout  on  the  Right  and 
to  do  duty  with  the  Line  The  Light  Infantry  to  be  ready  &  to 
turn  out  with  their  Blankits  and  provision  at  the  head  of  there 
Encampment  on  every  alarm. 

A  company  of  the  Light  Infantry  to  cover  the  working  party 
leaving  their  proportion  for  Quarter  Guard.  The  Light  Infantry 
to  encamp  together  on  the  left  of  the  Grenadiers  and  be  under 
command  of  the  Eldest  Cap't.  Lost:  a  french  Blankit  tied  up 
with  an  Indian  Drawband  in  which  were  a  pair  of  stockings  & 
shoes  and  indian  Girdle  &  Drawband  with  letters  and  wampom 
in  it.  whoever  shall  deliver  it  to  the  Major  of  Brigade  shall  have 
a  dollars  reward. 

August  10*  1759 

Parole Anapolis 

Field  Officer  for  tomorrow  Major  Munster  Major  Roseboom * 
Cap*.  D°  46th  Reg1. 

As  the  season  now  advances  fast,  during  which  time  there  can 
be  but  little  work  done  on  account  of  the  unsteadiness  of  the 
weather  without  double  Labour  &  fatigue  to  the  Army  to  what  is 


1  Major  Myndert  Rosefcoom. 

Vol.  Ill  — 4 


98  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

required  during  the  present  season  Sr.  William  Johnson  having  < 
due  regard  both  to  the  health  and  ease  of  the  Troops  and  Con 
scious  as  every  one  must  be  of  the  absolute  Necessity  of  this  post 
being  put  in  a  state  of  defense  before  the  army  can  quit  the  nelc 
he  flatters  himself  that  both  officers  and  men  will  for  a  Just  regarc 
to  the  service  do  their  utmost  towards  expediting  the  necessarj 
works  to  be  completed  here  for  the  Readier  despatch  he  order 
that  all  officers  and  men  of  duty  be  paraded  for  work  at  the  usua 
time  and  recommends  it  to  yc  commanding  officers  of  coars  tha 
there  men  be  punished  at  the  time  of  parade.  Every  Departmen 
to  give  in  a  return  by  6  o'clock  precisely  to  the  Major  of  Brigade 
in  wrighting  of  the  number  they  will  require  the  following  day 
A  return  from  ye  different  Reg1,  of  the  No  of  Calkers  in  eacl 
company  to  be  given  in  to  the  Major  of  Brigade. 

R.  O.     That  a  return  of  the  Calkers  in  each  Co  be  given  ir 
immediately  to  the  Adjutant. 
S    S    C     Rl 

G.  O.  1  1  1  12  from  the  line  to  mount  as  a  Guard  ove: 
the  Battoes  this  afternoon  and  to  parade  at  5  o'clock.  The  Guarc 
from  the  Grenadiers,  which  is  to  be  relieved,  is  to  return  &  join  th< 
Redoubt  Guard.  Capt.  Simpsons  company  to  strike  there  Tent; 
at  ]/2  an  hour  after  4  o'clock  and  to  be  provided  with  3  day: 
provisions  and  to  encamp  at  the  meadows  on  the  other  side  of  the 
water.  Cap*.  McClean  will  conduct  them  to  the  ground.  The 
1  1  hay  makers  of  the  N.  Y.  Regiment  who  have  been  employee 
on  ye  other  side  of  the  water  to  take  their  Tents  &  3  days  pro- 
visions, and  go  over  at  the  same  time  with  Cap1.  Simpsons  Com- 
pany. The  Captain  of  the  Day  to  send  at  6  o'clock  this  evening 
one  of  the  Piquets  to  join  the  Bullock  Guard. 


Seven  Fears'  War  99 


,  Aug*  If*,  1759 
Parole  ..............................  Williamsborough 

Field  officer  tomorrow  L*.  Col.  Mascier  Col°.  Corsa  * 
Cap1.  D°  60th  Reg1. 

A  pair  of  Canteens  has  been  sent  from  down  Country  by  mis- 
take to  L*.  Howin  of  the  Royal  Americans  whoever  will  make 
there  property  appear  by  giving  a  Discrption  of  them  may  have 
them. 


,  Aug*  12th,  1759 
Parole    .....................................   Oxford 

Field  officer  tomorrow  Major  Beckwith  &  Vanscaach. 
Cap1,  for  D°  New  York  Regiment. 

The  axmen  which  go  to  the  woods  are  for  the  future  to  have 
their  arms  and  ammunition  with  them.  A  return  to  be  given  to 
the  Qr  Mr  Gen1,  of  the  number  of  men  each  Regiment  gives  for 
f  attigue  in  order  to  have  their  Rum  drawn  in  season  so  as  not  to 
wate  a  moment  on  the  parade  more  than  is  requisite. 

Each  Regiment  to  give  in  a  Return  this  evening  to  the  Com- 
missary in  order  to  draw  two  days  provision  tomorrow  morning. 

R.  O.  that  a  provision  return  be  given  immediately  to  the  Qr 
Mr  by  the  officer  of  each  Company  .  .  .  .  A.  R.  C.  M. 
to  sit  Immediately  at  the  presidents  Tent  to  try  such  prisoners  as 
shall  be  brought  before  them. 

Cap*.  Wright  President 

Ll.  Yates.  Members  L*  Deryea 

L<  Horton.  L<  Milliard 


1  Colonel  Isaac  Corsa. 


100  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

August  13*  1759 

Field  Officer  tomorrow  Major  Minister  Major  Roseboom 
Cap*.          D°         N.  York  Regiment. 

No  person  on  any  account  to  take  either  board  or  plank  with- 
out an  order  in  wrighting  from  Cap*.  Sowers  Engineer.  All 
sutlers  to  send  in  to  the  Kings  stores  what  rum  they  have  in  there 
possessions  Immediately.  Any  one  found  having  any  after  this 
order,  will  have  it  confiscated  &  themselves  severely  punished, 
and  when  any  battoes  arrive  with  Rum  its  immediately  to  be  sent 
to  the  Kings  stores. 

R.  O.  Whereas  the  officers  of  the  different  companies  have 
shamefully  neglected  their  mens  corning  clean  &  neat  on  ye 
parade,  Col  Le  Roux  expects  for  the  future  they  will  not  be 
guilty  of  the  like  but  see  they  appear  as  a  soldier  ought.  Neces- 
sary houses  to  be  immediately  made,  and  all  soldiers  when  in 
camp  to  make  use  of  them.  Any  soldier  found  to  disobey  this 
order  will  be  severely  punished. 

G.  O. 

A  Court  of  Inquiry  to  sit  tomorrow  morning  at  6.  o'clock  from 
the  line  to  examine  such  prisoners  as  shall  be  brought  before  them. 
All  evidence  against  such  as  are  confined  for  theft  or  desertion  to 
attend. 

Oswego  August  14lh  1759 
Parole Fort  Edward 

Field  officer  tomorrow  Lt.  Col.  Massey  &  Corsa 
Capt  D°  46th  Reg1. 

G.  O.  An  Indian  was  Robbed  Last  night  of  two  half  Johan- 
nisies,  and  some  dollars  in  which  several  was  concerned  of  which 
the  principal  was  Drest  without  a  Hat  or  Coat,  his  waistcoat 
either  blew  or  black,  which  could  not  be  distinguished  in  the 
dark.  If  any  one  of  the  accomplices  will  discover  the  principal 
thief,  or  any  of  the  accomplices,  he  shall  not  only  be  pardoned, 
but  receive  a  Gratuity. 


Seven  Yean   War  101 

All  the  Kings  tools  such  as  are  used  by  Carpenters  employed 
by  the  Engineer  to  be  brought  on  the  parade  at  the  beat  of  the 
Long  Roll  at.  3.  o'clock.  The  Commanding  officers  of  corps  to 
give  in  a  return  of  all  their  Sawyers,  and  send  them  to  the 
Engineer  that  they  may  be  employed  by  him  in  which  service 
they  will  be  paid  at  the  rate  or  4/  for  every  100  feet  which 
they  saw. 

Sr.  William  Johnson  being  informed  that  gaming  is  very  much 
practiced  amongst  the  soldiers  is  fully  determined  to  punish  to 
the  utmost  severity  any  one  found  guilty  of  the  same. 

R.  O.  A  man  from  each  Company  to  attend  the  directions  of 
the  Qr.  Mr.  &  to  do  no  other  duty.  Whereas  there  is  a  soldier  of 
the  Grenadiers  of  the  46th  Regiment  confined  on  suspition  of 
being  concerned  in  a  Robery  they  having  found  silver  money 
with  him  the  prisoner  says  he  changed  a  forty  shilling  bill  with 
one  of  the  Yorkers  for  which  he  gave  him  half  a  dollars  reward 
out  of  the  bill  which  if  can  be  made  appear  will  much  benefit  the 
prisoner,  and  be  no  detriment  to  the  soldier  who  changed  it. 
Strict  inquiry  is  therefore  to  be  made  immediately  in  every 
Company  if  any  soldier  in  the  N  York  Regiment,  has  changed 
the  like  bill  with  any  regular  soldier. 

Tis  Col°.  Le  Roux  orders  that  all  the  soldiers  which  have  not 
received  their  pay  do  immediately  apply  to  their  Captain  or  com- 
manding officer  that  they  may  receive  the  same.  In  order  that 
if  any  names  mout  have  been  omitted,  that  they  may  be  paid  off 
before  the  paymaster  goes  away  this  order  to  be  read  at  the 
head  of  each  Company  at  Long  Roll  beating  this  evening  Mr. 
Dubois  intending  to  leave  Camp  on  Friday  next  should  be  glad 
if  any  of  the  officers  have  any  letters  or  commands  to  honor  him 
with  would  let  him  have  them  by  Thursday  evening.  All  letters 
which  the  soldiers  may  have  to  send  to  Albany  are  to  be  delivered 
to  ye  Serg1  Major  who  will  deliver  them  to  Mr.  Dubois. 


102  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


o,  August  I5lh  1795 
Parole  ....................................  Litchfield 

Field  officer  tomorrow  Major  Beck  with  &  Vanscaach 
Cap*.        D°       60th  Regiment 

A  survey  of  provisions  to  be  made  this  afternoon  at.  3.  o'clock, 

c  c 

by  3  Capt».  of  the  Line.     The  60lk  Gives     1  .     N.  Y.     2. 

A  Court  Martial  of  the  Line  to  sit  tomorrow  morning  at  6. 
o'clock.  The  N  York  Regiment  gives  2  Subs  for  the  survey 
Cap*.  Swartwout  Cap*.  Lansing  for  the  Court  Martial  L*. 
Visher  L*.  Middagh. 

R.  O.  All  the  men  except  those  in  confinement  that  came  in 
the  Row  Gaily  to  parade  at  sun  set  before  ye  adjutants  Tent  in 
order  to  receive  there  pay.  Any  soldier  having  bought  a  gun  of 
Cassady  the  Gardener  to  return  it  to  the  Adjutant  tomorrow  by 
8  o'clock  or  else  expect  to  be  treated  as  Thief  The  Sergte  are 
strictly  to  examine  their  men.  the  gun  is  brass  mounted  with  as 
silver  -sight  and  bought  this  morning. 

There  will  be  Battoes  affixed  to  each  Corps  for  fishing,  for  the 
repairing  of  which,  Oakum,  pitch,  &  Nails  will  be  furnished  by 
the  Qr  M  Gen1,  on  application  the  Corps  to  send  for  their 
boats  by  7.  o'clock  tomorrow  morning,  and  no  one  to  presume  to 
meddle  with  any  other  boat. 

Thursday  Aug1.  16*  1759. 
Parole   ....................................    Hallifax 

Field  officer  tomorrow  Major  Munster  &  Roseboom 
Capt.     D°.  N.  Y  Regiment 


Seven  Years'  War  103 

Oswego.  August  17th  1759 
Parole Niagara 

Field  officer  tomorrow  Col°  Mascey  Col°  Corsa 
Cap1.     D°  NY.  Regiment      

A  General  Court  Martial  to  sit  tomorrow  morning  at  7. 
o'clock  all  evidence  to  attend  a  list  of  which  is  to  be  given  in 
this  afternoon  before  retreat  beating  to  Major  Rutherford 
Judge  Advocate.  The  draughts  to  be  victualled  to  the  same  day 
with  the  rest  of  the  Troops.  All  orders  sent  by  Brigadier 
General  Gage  through  L*.  Fenton  to  be  obeyed. 

Major  Beck  with  president  of  the  Gen1  Court  Martial 
the  44th  gives  2  Captains 

"    46        "     6        " 

"60        "4 

R.  O.  That  no  sutler  for  the  future  trust  Lawrence  Cassady 
as  they  shall  have  no  accounts  paid  after  the  date  of  this  Any 
soldier  catched  easing  himself  near,  or  in  the  garden  shall  receive 
200  Lashes  without  the  benefit  of  a  Court  Martial.  All  officers 
and  men  off  duty  to  turn  .out  at  3  o'clock  in  order  to  clear  the 
ground  in  the  lines  where  we  are  to  encamp.  The  Troops 
tomorrow  to  receive  3  days  provision  to  the  20th  inclusive 

the  44th  at  5  o  clock  precisely 

"    46     "  6 

"    60     "  4 

"  NY."  7 

C         S         S         C  Rl 

For   Fattigue      44th  1220  70 

46  1          2         2         2  96 

60  0         2         3         3  127 

N  2         4         4         5  208 

4.       10       11.       10         501 


104  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Tis  the  Commanding  Officers  orders  as  the  Regiment  is  to 
encamp  within  the  Lines  its  therefore  ordered  that  the  respective 
companies  with  their  men  properly  &  first  belonging  to  it  pitch 
together  &  Let  all  there  hats  be  cut.  A  return  of  each  Company 
to  be  given  in  as  soon  as  possible  when  they  are  joined  L*. 
Waters  to  take  care  of  Cap1  Smith's  Company,  &  Lieut  Hor- 
ton  to  take  care  of  Cap1.  Herkermans  Company  and  see  and 
get  an  exact  return  of  said  Companies  as  soon  as  this  is  done 
and  the  Regiment  together  the  Companies  will  be  leveled  there- 
fore its  the  duty  of  every  officer  now  to  act  for  the  men  of  each 
Company  that  we  may  not  be  puzzled  in  our  returns  for  the  future 
with  there  men. 

The  Battallions  to  Pitch  Separate  and  Leave  a  Main  Street 
Between  them. 

Osnego.  August.  !8ih  1759 
Parole Dublin 

Field  officer  for  tomorrow  Major  Beckwith  &  Major  Vanscoik 
Capt  for  D°  N.  Y.  Regt. 


The  Regiments  w 

to  receive  their    /  (this  portion  of  the  page  is  torn  off) 

to  them  the 

order  &  to  c 

Henry  Bauntom  Gentleman  is  appointed  to  do  duty  as  Ensign 
in  the  46th  Regiment  in  ye  room  of  Ensign  Gallue  Deceased  until 
further  orders.  Whenever  any  man  is  confined  on  suspicion  of 
theft  the  Regiment  to  which  he  belongs  is  immediately  to  hold 
a  Court  of  Inquiry,  and  in  case  sufficient  proof  can  be  found 
against  ye  prisoner  he  is  immediately  to  be  sent  to  ye  provoe 
Guard. 

A  Return  of  Ship  Carpenters  and  boat  builders  to  be  given  in 
immediately  from  ye  different  Regiments  to  ye  Major  of  Brigade, 
and  a  return  to  be  given  to  ye  Serg1  Major  of  ye  present  state  of 
their  Companies  not  including  those  returned  from  Niagara  with 
Captain  Gilchrist  &  Serg1  Lacey, 


Seven  Years'  War  105 

John  Clint  of  Capt  Van  Vactons  Company  to  act  as  Qr.  M 
S^1.,  and  none  other  else  to  act  as  such. 

R.  O.  C    S    R:f 

A  detachment  of  1  4  1 00  of  yc  N  York  Regiment  to 
go  over  ye  water  tomorrow  morning  at.  6  o'clock  to  take  care  of 
ye  Cattle  Guard  for  this  Command  Capt  Van  Vacton.  Ll  Willet 
L<  Visher 

Sunday  August  \je  19th  1759 

Parole York. 

(The  orderly  book  stops  here.) 

INDIAN   RECORDS,    1757-1759 

Among  the  Johnson  manuscripts  destroyed  in  the  fire  was  a  volume  of 
Records  of  the  Indian  Agency,  April  14,  1757  to  February  20,  1759. 
Some  of  these  papers  such  as  the  proceedings  with  the  Indians  from  the 
14th  to  the  23d  of  April,  the  10th  to  the  20th  of  June  and  July  31  to 
September  20,  1  757,  are  printed  in  Doc.  Rel.  to  Col  Hist.,  v.  7;  Stone's 
Brant,  1  :6;  Stone's  Johnson,  1  :28,  63,  89.  Others  which  are  in  London 
archives  and  in  the  State  Library  are  included  in  this  publication.  Still 
others  are  doubtless  to  be  found  in  the  Canadian  archives  at  Ottawa  and 
have  not  as  yet  been  published.  It  is  probable  that  many  others  were 
irretrievably  lost  by  the  fire.  These  records,  the  Prideaux  and  Johnson 
Orderly  Book  and  the  Diary  of  Sir  William  Johnson,  1759  and  1761 
(the  Diary  printed  in  Stone,  2:394—477),  all  of  which  were  destroyed, 
were  really  a  part  of  the  Johnson  manuscripts,  though  distinct  from  the 
series  of  26  volumes  of  Johnson  papers. 

TO  JOHN  JOHNSTON 
D.  S.  1 

Camp  near  Niagaras  July  19  1759 
SIR 

You  are  hereby  ordered  and  directed,  to  issue  out  provisions 
to  the  Different  Nations  of  Indians  —  now  here  and  for  your 
assistance,  it  is  my  positive  Orders  —  that  you  take  four  of  the 
Battoemen  to  assist  in  carrying,  or  serving  it  out,  or  for  any  other 


1  Destroyed  bv  fire. 


106  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

purpose  you  shall  think  necessary,  these  four  Battoemen  are  to 
be  releived  by  four  others  every  two  days;  also  to  see  that  the 
battoes  are  kept  in  good  Order,  well  covered  &c  so  as  to  prevent 
the  Goods,  provisions  &c.  from  the  Inclemency  of  the  weather, 
And  in  case  of  their,  or  any  of  their  refusal  or  Neglect  of  the 
above  duty,  you  are  imediately  to  confine  him,  or  them,  on  the 
Guard  at  the  Landing  place,  and  deliver  in  a  written  crime  to 
the  Officer  of  their  Disobedience  of  orders,  and  Neglect  of  duty. 
You  are  likewise  to  assure  them  if  they  don't  exert  themselves 
to  the  utmost  of  their  Ability;  they  shall  not  receive  any  pay. 
And  for  so  doing  you  have  my  sufficient  authority.  Given  under 
my  hand  before  Niagara  July  1 9th.  1  759 

WM.  JOHNSON 
JOHN  JOHNSTON  Comdry  * 


TO  FREDERICK  HALDIMAND 

A.  L.  S.2 

Camp  before  Niagara  July  20ih.  1759 
SIR/ 

I  am  Sorry  to  Inform  You  that  this  Evening  We  had  the  Mis- 
fortune to  loose  the  General  by  one  of  our  own  Cohorns,  and 
Coll0.  Johnson  ab*.  2  hours  before,  which  was  also  a  great  loss, 
as  he  was  a  verry  Active  &  Good  Man,  As  the  Command 
devolves  on  me,  I  would  have  You  imediately  Join  the  Army 
here,  without  Loss  of  time,  and  forward  that  Letter  to  Genl. 
Amherst  by  Express.  If  any  Amunition  can  be  spared  from 
thence,  I  would  have  you  order  it  here  imediately,  without  wait- 
ing for  it.-  I  am 

Sir 
Yr.  Most  Obedient 

Humble  Servant 
WM.  JOHNSON 


"  Comdry  "*  in  copy;  "  commry  "  probably  written. 
2  In  British  Museum,  Additional  Manuscripts  21670.  fo.   1,  London, 
England 


Seven  Years    War  107 

P.  S.  if  Captn.  Williams 
can  be  spared,  I  should  be  glad  to 
have  him  come  with  you,  as  Mr. 
Williams  was  early  wounded  - 
COLL°.  HALDIMAN  1 

INDORSED:     Chevailler  Johnson 
Niagarra  le  20  Juilet 
59. 

TO  FREDERICK   HALDIMAND 
A.  L.  S.2 

Camp  before  Niagara  July  2K  1759 
SIR/ 

When  I  wrote  you  last  night,  I  had  not  seen  General  Amhersts 
Orders,  or  Instructions  to  the  Late  Brigdr.  Prideaux  with  regard 
to  Your  Destination,  and  as  I  also  find  by  yours  of  the  1 7th  Ins*, 
to  Brigdr.  Prideaux,  that  your  presence  there  is  necessarry,  on 
Severall  Acctts,  I  now  Countermand  the  Orders  I  sent  you  last 
night,  and  will  do  the  best  I  can  here,  with  the  few  Feild  Officers 
I  have  left,  and  wish  You  may,  as  I  doubt  not  you  will  be  able 
to  keep  your  ground,  agst.  any  Number  the  Enemy  may  Send  that 
way.  I  am  Sorry  You  are  so  circumstanced,  as  I  find  by  Yours 
You  are,  and  wish  it  were  in  my  power  to  reinforce  You,  or 
assist  you  in  any  shape,  but  as  Everry  thing  necessary  for  such 
an  Expedition  as  this,  is  so  verry  deficcient  and  the  place  so 
much  Stronger  than  I  imagined.  It  is  not  in  my  power  to  Send 
you  any  relief,  altho  my  Inclination  would  readily  lead  me  to  it. 
I  am  in  hopes  by  tomorrow  Morning,  to  have  a  Battery  of  6 
Guns  opened  within  1 40  yards  of  the  Enemy s  Covered  Way,  by 
w*1.  I  hope  to  bring  them  to  my  Terms,  if  not,  I  shall  be  oblidged 


1  Colonel  Haldimand  was  stationed  at  Oswego. 

2  In  British  Museum,  Additional  Manuscripts  21670.  fo.  3,  London, 
England . 


108  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

to  go  greater  lengths,  and  attempt  an  Escalade,  as  I  am  deter- 
mined to  take  the  place  if  possible,  Our  Amunition  I  fear  will 
fall  verry  Short,  also  provisions  unless  We  can  have  a  Supply 
from  You,  wh.  I  hope  by  this  time  You  will  be  able  to  Send  us. 
I  am 

Sir 

Your  Most  Obedient 
Humble  Servant 

WM.  JOHNSON. 
COLL:  HALDIMAN 

INDORSED:     Chev:  Johnson 

Niagara  21  Juilet 
59. 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

L.  S.1 

Niagara  July  25«>,  1759 

sv 

I  have  the  Honour  to  acquaint  you  by  Lieutenant  Moncrieffe 2 
Niagara  Surrendered  to  his  Majestys  Arms  the  Twenty  fifth 
Instant.  A  Detachment  of  Twelve  Hundred  Men  with  a  Num- 
ber of  Indians,  under  the  Command  of  Mess"  Aubry  &  Delig- 
nery,  Collected  from  Detroit,  Venango  &  Presque  Isle,  Made 
an  attempt  to  Reinforce  the  Garrison  the  Twenty  fourth  in  the 
Morning.  But  as  I  had  Intelligence  of  them,  I  made  a  Dis- 
position to  Intercept  them.  The  Evening  before,  I  ordered  the 
Light  Infantry  &  Picquets  to  take  Post  on  the  Road  upon  our 
Left  Leading  from  Niagara  Falls  to  the  Fort;  In  the  Morning, 
I  reinforced  these  with  two  Companys  of  Grenadiers  and  Part 
of  the  Forty  Sixth  Regiment.  The  action  Begun  about  half 
after  Nine;  But  they  were  so  well  Receivd  by  the  Troops  in 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.56,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  Aug.  5,  1  759. 
2  Thomas  Moncriffe,  aide-de-camp  to  Amherst. 


~ 


§  I 


-    \ 


Seven  Years   War  109 

front  &  the  Indians  on  their  Flank,  that  in  an  Hours  time  the 
whole  was  Compleatly  Ruind  &  all  their  Officers  made  Prisoners, 
among  whom  are,  Monsieur  Aubry,  DeLignery,  Mavin,1  Repen- 
tini  to  the  Number  of  Seventeen.  I  cannot  ascertain  the  Number 
of  the  Killd,  they  are  so  dispersd  among  the  Woods,  But  their 
Loss  is  Great.  As  this  Happend  under  the  eyes  of  the  Garrison, 
I  thought  Proper  to  send  my  Last  Summons  to  the  Commanding 
Officer  for  his  Surrender,  which  He  Listend  to.  I  enclose  you 
the  Capitulation,2  Mr  Moncrieffe  will  inform  you  of  the  state  of 
our  Ammunition  &  Provisions;  I  hope  Care  will  be  taken  to  for- 
ward an  Immediate  Supply  of  Both  to  Oswego.  As  the  Troops 
that  were  Defeated  Yesterday  were  drawn  from  those  Posts 
which  Lye  in  General  Stanwix's  Rout,  I  am  in  hopes  it  will  be 
of  the  utmost  Consequence  to  the  Success  of  His  Expedition. 
The  Publick  Stores  of  the  Garrison,  that  can  be  savd  from  the 
Indians,  I  shall  order  the  Assistant  Qr  Master  General  &  the 
Clerk  of  Stores  to  take  an  account  of,  as  Soon  as  Possible. 

As  all  my  attention  at  present  is  taken  up  with  the  Indians,  that 
the  Capitulation  I  have  agreed  to  may  be  Observed,  your  Excel- 
lency will  excuse  me  for  not  being  more  Particular. 

Permit  me  to  assure  you,  in  the  whole  Progress  of  the  Siege, 
which  was  Severe  and  Painfull,  the  Officers  &  Men  behavd  with 


1  Marin. 

2  In  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.56,  London,  England.     A  copy 
is  printed  in  Doc.  Rel  to  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.,   10  (Paris  Doc.)  :990-92. 
The   London   copy   contains   the   following   qualification   attached   to   the 
seventh  article  of  capitulation,  which  provides  for  the  surrender  of  vessels 
and  boats  along  with  stores  and  artillery:     "  L'on  peut  entendre  ceux  qui 
sont  Actuellement  sur  le  platon  les  Autres  n'etant  point  a  Notre  dispo- 
sition."    This  is  understood  to  mean  those  (boats)  which  are  actually  on 
the  platon,  the  others  not  being  at  our  disposal.     The  London  copy  also 
carries   the   following:      "  Le   Chirugien   qui   reste   avec   les   Malades   en 
Recommande  a  Monsr.  Le  General."    The  surgeon  who  remains  with  the 
sick  is  commended  to  the  general.     "  En,"  though  in  the  London  version, 
should  manifestly  be  "  est."     The  Paris  document  has  the  signatures  of 
Pouchot  and  Johnson,  with  the  date  of  the  capitulation. 


1 1 0  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

the  utmost  Chearfullness  &  Bravery.  I  have  only  to  Regrett  the 
Loss  of  General  Prideaux  and  Colonel  Johnson;  I  endeavourd 
to  Pursue  the  Late  Generals  Vigorous  Measures;  the  Good 
effects  of  Which  he  deservd  to  Enjoy. 

With  earnest  Good  wishes  for  your  success,  I  have  the  Honour 
to  be 

Your  Excellencys  Most  Obedient 

And  Most  Humble  Servant 

WM.  JOHNSON  * 
INDORSED:     Sir  Wm:  Johnson  Bar1. 

Niagara  25*:  July   1759. 

R     .  .4th.  August 

original 

Jeff  Amherst 

in  M.  Gen1.  Amherst's 

of  Aug.  5.  1759 


x/n  Doc.  Rel  to  Col  Hist.  N.  Y.t  7:399,  is  printed  a  letter  of  July 
31st  from  Lieutenant  Governor  James  DeLancey  to  the  lords  of  trade,  in 
which  the  behavior  of  Johnson's  Indians  at  the  siege  of  Niagara  is  com- 
mended; there  is  printed,  p.  402-3,  a  letter  of  July  25th  from  Captain 
James  DeLancey,  at  Niagara,  describing  the  action  which  preceded  the 
surrender  of  the  fort;  and,  p.  403,  a  letter  from  Sir  Jeffery  Amherst  to  the 
lieutenant  governor,  in  which  Johnson's  success  at  Niagara  is  mentioned, 
dated  August  5th.  In  1 0:976-92,  is  a  journal  of  the  siege  of  Fort  Niagara, 
with  a  map  of  the  fort,  from  Captain  Pouchot's  Memoirs. 


Al'LAXol  the 
ROYAL  HLO(K  HOt'St 

\\\\\\  liif1  Knnron.s 
atfOK.TKUV.lHlt  . 


ROYAL    BLOCK    HOUSE    XEAR    FORT    EDWARD 
Plans  laid  out  by  Tames  Montresor  in  1759 


Seven  Years'  War  111 

TO  FREDERICK  HALDIMAND 

L.  S.1 

Niagara  July  25"*.  7759- 
SlR/ 

I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you  that  we  had  the  good  fortune 
yesterday  to  beat  the  French  army  which  came  to  the  Enemys 
assistance,  and  this  morning  the  Fort  surrendered  by  Capitulation, 
for  farther  particulars  I  referr  you  to  Mr.  Moncrief. 

You'll  please  to  forward  the  french  Garrison,  who  are  on  their 
way  to  New  York,  with  a  proper  Escort  from  thence,  if  con- 
venient, if  not  this  Escort  is  to  proceed  with  them. 

I  am  Sir  with  all  Sincerity 

Your  Welwisher,  &  Most 
Humble  Servant 

WM.  JOHNSON 
COLL°.  HALDIMAND- 

INDORSED:     Chev:  Johnson 
le  25m.  Juillet 
59 

TO  JOHN  STANWIX 
Contemporary  Copp2 

Camp  before  Niagara  25th.  July  1759.- 
Copy 
SIR 

It  is  with  the  highest  pleasure  I  Congratulate  you  on  the  happy 
Issue  of  our  Expedition  against  Niagara.— 

We  left  Oswego  the  first  of  July  and  were  favored  with  Calm 
weather  &  a  Series  of  other  propitious  Events,  and  arrived  within 
four  miles  of  the  Fort  the  6th.  in  the  Evening.- 


1In  British  Museum,  Additional  Manuscripts  21670.  fo.  4,  London, 
England;  the  portion  from  "New  York,"  including  the  address,  in  John- 
son's hand. 

2  In  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.56,  London,  England.  Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  October  22,  1  759. 


1 1 2  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

We  Invested  the  place  early  in  the  morning  of  the  7*:  but 
from  some  unexpected  Accidents  were  prevented  from  breaking 
Ground  till  the  9th:  at  Night,  we  Carried  on  our  Approaches 
with  little  or  no  loss  and  opened  two  Battery s  the  1  1th:  one  of 
which  did  no  great  Execution  by  reason  of  its  great  distance,  but 
by  the  23d.  we  opened  an  Eight  Gun  Battery  within  a  Hundred 
and  Fifty  Yards  of  the  Fort  which  played  with  considerable 
Success.- 

The  20th.  the  Command  of  this  Army  devolved  on  me  by  the 
Death  of  our  Worthy  General,  Who  was  Accidentally  killed  by 
one  of  our  own  Shells,  an  Event  which  gave  me  the  most  Sensible 
Concern,  The  same  day  we  lost  Colonel  Johnson,  of  the  New 
York  Regiment  who  was  killed  in  the  Trenches  by  a  musket 
Ball- 

The  24th.  Instant  in  the  morning  we  were  Attacked  by  a  Body 
of  French  &  Indians  about  1 200,  we  Gave  them  a  warm  reception 
&  entirely  Defeated  them  Killing  a  very  Considerable  Number 
as  appeared  by  the  Scalps  taken  by  the  Indians  and  taking  about 
100  prisoners  amongst  whom  are  all  their  Principal  Officers  & 
partizans  to  the  Ammount  of  1 9.  This  is  an  Event  that  I  imagine 
will  be  of  great  Consequence  to  Your  Expedition  *  as  they  were 
intended  to  oppose  your  army  had  they  not  been  called  by  Express 
to  the  relief  of  this  Fort. 

The  Fort  Surrendred  this  morning  Prisoners  of  War  to  be 
Sent  to  New  York  and  from  thence  as  We  shall  Judge  proper 
to  be  Sent  either  to  England  or  France.  By  the  Intelligence  I 
have  Received  from  the  Indians,  I  have  the  pleasure  to  tell  you 
the  French  Forts  your  way  are  in  no  respectable  Situation-  At 
Presqu'  Isle  there  are  200  men  Two  2  Pounders  one  four 
Pounder  a  mortar  but  no  Shells,  at  the  River  Le  Beuf  50  men, 
at  Venango  150,  The  Forts  only  Picquetted. 


1  General  Stanwix  had  been  ordered  to  Pittsburgh,  where  he  con- 
structed Fort  Pitt.  See  his  letter  of  November  20,  1 759  to  William 
Pitt,  Correspondence  of  William  Pitt,  Gertrude  S.  Kimball,  eJ., 
2:211-12. 


Seven  Years'  War  1 1 3 

I  shall  Garrison  this  place  agreable  to  General  Amherst's 
Instructions  to  General  Prideaux  till  the  Arrival  of  Some  of  your 
Troops  who  I  find  are  Intended  to  Garrison  this  Fort. 

I  Sincerely  Wish  you  all  Success  and  hope  for  their  Speedy 
Arrival,  as  the  present  Emergency  greatly  calls  for  it- 
I  am  Sir 

with  Sentiments  of  the  most  Sincere  regard 
Your  most  obedient 

Humble  Servant 

Wm.  Johnson 

P :  S :    As  the  Fort  is  much  larger 
than  Imagined  by  us  I  pro- 
pose leaving  a  Garrison 
of  500  men  at  least— 

INDORSED:     Copy  Letter  from  Sir  William 
Johnson  Bar1.  To 
Brigr.  Gen1.  Stanwix  Dated 
Camp  before  Niagara  25th.  July  1  759. 
Enclosed  in  the  Brigadiers  To 
Gen1.  Amherst  of  23d.  Aug*.  1 759. 
Acquainting  the  Brigr:  with  the 
Surrender  of  Niagara.— 
in  M:  G:  Amherst's  of  OcF.  22d:  1759 
NO.  35. 


JOHNSON'S  PRIVATE  DIARY 

A  diary  kept  by  Johnson  at  Niagara  and  Oswego  from  July  25  to 
October  1 4,  1  759,  which  belonged  to  the  State  Library,  was  destroyed  in 
the  fire.  It  is  printed  in  Stone's  Life  of  Johnson,  2:394-429. 


1 1 4  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

TO  FREDERICK   HALDIMAND 
A.  L.  S.1 

Niagara  July  26*.  1759 
SIR 

Coll0.  Massey  Commands  the  Escort  which  takes  down  the 
French  Garrison,  taken  here,  Consisting  of  607  privates,  &  ten 
Officers  He  is  to  Escort  them  to  Albany;  there  are  some 
Women,  Children,  &  a  Servant  Man  of  Modm.  Villie  Who  are 
to  be  sent  to  the  next  French  Post  as  soon  as  You  can  con- 
veniently do  it. 

We  are  in  great  Want  of  Rum  for  the  Troops  who  are  much 
fatiuged.     I  hope  there  is  a  Stock  of  it  there,  as  I  belive  I  shall 
be  oblidged  to  send  for  Some  Soon  as  well  as  provisions,  haveing 
not  found  much  provision  here  for  such  a  Garrison. 
I  am     Sir 

Your  most  Obedient 

Humble  Servant 

WM.  JOHNSON 

ADDRESSED:     On  his  Majestys  Service 
To 

Coll0.  Haldiman 
Commds. 
at  Osswegoe 

INDORSED:     Le  Chev:  Johnson 

Niagarra  le  26  Juilet 
59 

FROM  THOMAS  OVELL 

In  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  99,  is  Thomas  Ovell's  return  of  the  guard- 
house, dated  at  Niagara,  July  27.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


xln  British  Museum,  Additional  Manuscripts  21670.  fo.  5,  London, 
England. 


Seven  Years*  War  115 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

Contemporary  Copy  l 

Copy.  Niagara  /u/p  3/".  7759. 

SIR, 

Since  my  last  I  sent  out  a  Party  in  Three  Whale  Boats,  across 
the  Lake  to  Toronto  in  order  to  make  discovery  whether  the 
Enemy  were  there,  that  in  that  Case  I  might  Send  a  Body  of 
Men  to  take  and  destroy  it;  they  returned  the  4th.  day,  and 
reported  that  they  had  been  at  the  Place,  but  found  the  Houses, 
&ca,  just  burned  and  Abandonned ;  they  brought  away  with  them 
a  Chipaweigh  Indian,  who  was  found  near  that  Place,  whom  I 
shall  dismiss  with  a  handsome  Present,  and  hope  to  make  use  of 
him  in  Settling  an  Alliance  between  Us  &  them  distant  Nations, 
the  French  having,  whilst  in  possession  of  Niagara,  cut  off  all 
Communication  between  Us  and  them.-  During  the  Siege,  I 
sent  out  the  Indians  to  the  Fort,2  and  Storehouse,  about  8  miles 
off,  which  the  Enemy  Abandonning  on  their  Approach,  they 
plunder'd  and  Set  fire  to;  Soon  after  a  large  Party  of  Indians 
went  to  another  Magazine  they  had  above  the  great  Falls,  which 
was  before  their  Arrival  destroyed,  but  the  Indians  having  notice 
that  the  Skins,  Furrs,  &ca  with  Goods  of  different  kinds,  were 
hid  on  an  Island,  they  soon  discovered  the  Place,  and  got  a  con- 
siderable Booty;  By  the  destruction  of  these  places  the  Enemy 
have  not  One  Post  left  near  us,  and  their  Loss  must  be  great,  as 
I  heard  One  of  the  French  declare  that  he  alone  had  lost  to  the 
Amount  of  250,000  Livres. 

I  Must  beg  leave  to  represent  to  Your  Excellency  that  as  the 
Stormy  Weather  now  Approaches  it  will  be  Impossible  for  small 
Craft  to  keep  the  Lake,  so  that  this  Garrison  may  fall  Short  of 
Provisions,  unless  a  larger  Number  of  Carpenters  are  Employed 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C  O.  5.56,  London,  England.    Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  October  22,  1  759. 
2  Little  Niagara,  where  Fort  Schlosser  subsequently  stood* 


1 1 6  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

in  building  Vessels  with  all  dispatch,  and  without  We  have  a 
Superiority  of  Ships  on  the  Lake  it  will  be  impossible  for  us  to 
keep  this  Post,  it  being  a  Place  of  too  much  importance  to  the 
Enemy  not  to  take  every  Step  in  their  power  for  its  speedy 
recovery;  I  must  add  that  as  the  Works  are  extensive,  it  will 
require  at  least  1 000  Men  for  a  Garrison  in  time  of  War,  whilst 
the  French  have  any  footing  on  the  River  Sl.  Lawrence.—  By 
the  enclosed  Plan  you  will  see  the  Strength  of  this  Place,  and 
how  much  We  were  mistaken  in  our  Opinions.  &  Intelligence  con- 
cerning it.—  The  28th.  Inst.  Ll.  Col°.  Haldimand  Arrived  here, 
in  order  to  take  on  him  the  Command,  but  as  I  have  His  Majesty's 
Commission  as  a  Colonel  since  the  year  1  756,  I  did  not  Chuse 
to  give  it  up  to  him ;  however  We  have  Settled  it  in  such  a  manner, 
that  no  dispute  may  Arise  untill  Your  Excellency's  Opinion  is 
known,  being  both  Equally  inclined  to  Carry  on  the  Service 
as  far  as  in  our  Power. 

Four  days  ago  I  Wrote  to  General  Stanwix  (not  having  it  in 
my  power  to  send  Sooner)  and  gave  him  all  the  Intelligence  I 
Could,  concerning  the  State  of  the  Country  he  was  to  pass  thro', 
where  I  imagine  he  will  have  no  great  Body  of  the  Enemy  to 
Encounter,  they  having  lost  all  their  Officers,  and  so  many  of 
their  People  in  the  Engagement  of  the  24th. 

I  Should  be  glad  We  had  some  12  po".  in  lieu  of  the  6 
Pounders,  Sent  for  the  Vessels  which  are  to  be  built,  the  Enemy's 
Vessels  carrying  some  1 2  Pounders  aboard ;  I  am  now  fitting  out 
two  Small  Vessels  found  here,  which  will  be  ready  in  two  or 
three  days,  when  I  purpose  to  Set  out  for  Oswego,  leaving  a 
Garrison  here,  Consisting  of  600  of  the  44th.  and  1 00  Yorkers, 
under  the  Command  of  Ll.  Col°.  Farquhar.-  I  Have  Sent  for 
what  Carpenters  are  at  Oswego,  as  this  is  the  best  place  for  build- 
ing Vessels  on  Account  of  the  depth  of  Water,  and  the  quantity 
of  Timber  fit  for  the  purpose. 

We  have  in  the  whole  but  1584  Effectives  here  as  you  may 
Observe  by  the  enclosed  Return,  and  as  the  Garrison  would  not 
be  able  to  draw  in  the  Timber,  &  repair  the  Works  in  a  con- 


Seven  Fears'  War  117 

siderable  time,  neither  would  it  be  safe  for  them  after  our  depart- 
ure; and  as  all  Indians  are  gone  home  with  their  plunder,  I 
have  been  obliged  to  Stay  hitherto,  in  order  to  leave  the  Troops 
who  are  to  remain  as  little  Work  to  do  as  possible. 

On  my  Arrival  at  Oswego,  I  hope  to  receive  your  Excellency's 
Orders  concerning  the  next  Step  to  be  taken,  the  Circumstances 
of  Affairs  being  much  altered  now,  from  the  length  of  our  Siege, 
the  Number  of  the  Killed  and  Wounded,  of  which  I  Send  you 
a  Return,  as  well  as  the  Number  of  the  Garrison  absolutely  neces- 
sary to  be  left  here,  and  the  occasion  there  will  be  for  a  good 
Work  at  Oswego,  without  which  We  cannot  keep  up  the  Com- 
munication here,  and  which  Col°.  Haldirnand  has  not  been  able 
to  do  any  thing  to  as  yet,  having  been  Employed  in  fortifying  his 
Camp,  and  building  Redoubts  ever  since  his  Attack,  the  Number 
of  Men  with  him  being  insufficient  to  Compleat  a  Fort  in  any 
reasonable  time.-  I  Send  you  Cap1.  Sketchy V  Demand  of 
Stores  &ca,  for  the  Garrison,  and  as  he  will  not  have  above  12 
Men  to  Carry  from  hence,  he  says  he  will  want  more  up  as  soon 
as  possible. 

I  am  most  respectfully, 

Sir, 

Your  Excellency's 
Most  Obedient  & 

Most  Humble  Servant. 

Wm.  Johnson 
His  Excellency  MAJOR  GENERAL  AMHERST. 

INDORSED:     Copy —  Letter  from  Sir  Wm.  Johnson,  Bar*, 
to  General  Amherst. 
Dated  Niagara  3 1":     July  1759. 
Containing  a  further  Acco1.  of  the  great  damage 
done  to  the  Enemy  by  his  Indians  burning  & 
destroying  their  Storehouses,  &ca;  That  a 
Chipaweigh  Indian  had  been  brought  in  whom 


1  Captain  Strechey,  of  the  artillery. 


1 1 8  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

he  would  dismiss  with  a  handsome  present  & 
hoped  to  make  use  of  him  in  Settling  an  Alliance 
between  us  &  them  distant  Nations;  that  he 
should  set  out  in  two  or  three  days  for  Oswego, 
leaving  Six  hundred  Men  of  the  44th.  &  One  hundred 
of  the  Yorkers  under  the  Command  of  LA  Colonel 
Farquhar  to  Garrison  the  Fort,  and  carry  on  its 
Repairs ;  that  he  was  fitting  out  two  small  Vessels 
found  there,  &  should  send  for  the  Carpenters 
from  Oswego,  as  Niagara  on  Account  of  its  depth 
of  Water  &  the  quantity  of  Timber  fit  for  that  pur- 
pose, was  the  best  place  for  building  Vessels,  &ca.— 
in  M:  G:  Amherst's  of  Oct'.  22* :  1759. 
NO.  43. 

JOHNSON'S  ORDERS 

In  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  99,  are  noted  Johnson's  orders  to  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Farquhar,  44th  regiment,  for  repairing  fortifications  of  the 
captured  fort  and  care  of  garrison  and  prisoners;  to  Mr  Dimler  for 
fortifying;  to  Captain  Walton  for  care  and  repair  of  stores;  dated 
Niagara,  August  2,  1 759.  (All  are  printed  in  Stone's  /o/mson, 
2:392-93.)  Destroyed  by  fire. 

$   FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copp  * 

Copy.  Camp  at  Crot»n  Point  6th.  Augst.  1759. 

SIR, 

Lieut:  Moncrieff  arrived  here  on  Saturday  Night,  and 
delivered  me  Your  most  welcome  and  agreable  Letter  of  the  25th. 
Ultimo,  with  the  Important  News  of  the  Surrender  of  Niagara 
on  the  Same  day ;  An  Event  too  Essential  and  Interesting  not  to 
be  imparted  to  His  Majesty  wtih  the  Utmost  Dispatch,  and  as 
it  could  not  be  more  properly  Stated  than  in  your  own  words, 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.56,  London,  England.    Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  October  22,  1  759. 


Seven  Years'  War  119 

and  that  you  may  reap  the  Encrease  of  honor  due  to  you,  for 
the  great  Share  you  have  had  in  this.  Signal  Success,  I  have 
Immediately  Sent  home  Cap1.  Prescott  with  your  Original  Letter, 
and  the  Capitulation  it  Accompanied,  as  also  the  Return  of  the 
Ammunition  found  in  the  place  after  its  Surrender;  and  I  make 
no  Doubt  but  on  his  Return,  I  shall  have  His  Majesty's  Com- 
mands to  Signify  to  you  his  most  Gracious  pleasure  thereupon; 
Mean  While  I  beg  You  will  Accept  of  my  most  unfeigned  thanks 
&  Congratulations. 

The  loss  we  have  Sustained  upon  this  Occasion  by  the 
Melancholy  Accident  that  has  befallen  poor  Brigr.  General 
Prideaux  is  really  great,  and  I  Regret  him  most  Sincerely,  as  well 
as  Colonel  Johnson ;  So  Soon  as  I  was  Apprised  of  it,  I  thought 
it  Incumbent  on  me  to  Supply  his  Place  with  an  Officer  of  Equal 
Rank,  &  I  accordingly  Dispatched  Brigr.  General  Gage  to  take 
upon  him  the  Command  of  that  Army,  with  Instructions  to  pur- 
sue the  Ulterior  operations  before  directed,  He  Set  out  from 
Tienderoga  on  the  29lh.  at  Noon  on  his  way  to  Oswego,  Where 
he  will  be  Arrived  before  this  can  reach  you,  And  I  must  beg 
that  you  will  give  him  the  same  aid  &  Assistance,  in  Every 
Respect,  that  agreable  to  my  Desire,  you  gave  poor  Mr.  Prideaux 
whilst  alive,  in  procuring  him  if  possible,  with  all  Convenient 
Speed  Such  a  Body  of  Indians  as  you  shall  be  able  to  Collect,  to 
Act  in  Conjunction  with  His  Majesty's  Troops,  in  Such  further 
Attempts  upon  the  Enemy  as  are  Pointed  out  to  Brigr.  Gage,  in 
which  I  am  Confident  the  Indians  will  not  only  be  of  great  use 
but  likewise  Ensure  Success,  the  Consequence  of  which  will  be 
the  Entire  Reduction  of  Canada. 

And  as  I  am  Sensible  that  you  have  nothing  more  at  heart  than 
the  Success  of  His  Majesty's  arms  and  the  Re-establishing  his 
good  and  faithful  Subjects  in  the  quiet  and  peaceable  Enjoyment 
of  their  possessions  and  properties,  I  am  Certain  that  you  will 
use  all  your  influence  with  the  Several  tribes  &  Nations  of  Indians 
under  your  Command,  and  that  be  now  gone  home  as  is  usual 
among  them  after  any  Success,  to  prevail  on  them  to  Join  you 


120  bir  William  Johnson  Papers 

again,  in  order  to  proceed  &  Act  in  Conjunction  w*.  Brigr. 
General  Gage  &  the  Troops  in  Such  further  Attempts  as  he  Shall 
agreable  to  my  instructions  find  practicable  to  Undertake.  I  am 
with  the  greatest  Regard  &ca.- 

Jeff:  Amherst 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Bar*. 

INDORSED:     Copy  Letter  from  Gen1.  Amherst 
To  Sir  WilK  Johnson  Bar1. 
Dated  Camp  at  Crown  Point 
6th.  August  1 759 

Acknowledging  the  Receipt  of  Sir  William's 
of  the  25th.  July  (gone  home  by  Cap1.  Prescott)  ; 
Acquainting  him  of  Brigr.  General  Gage 
being  set  out  to  Succeed  Brigr.  Prideaux  & 
desiring  him,  if  possible,  to  procure  with  all 
Convenient  Speed  such  a  Body  of  Indians  as 
he  should  be  able  to  Collect  to  Join  in  the 
Ulterior  Operations  pointed  out  to  Brigr:  Gage, 
in  M:  G:  Amherst's  of  Oct':  22d  1759 
N°.  47. 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copp  l 

Copy  Camp  at  Osnego  August  9*.  1759. 

SIR, 

On  my  Passage  from  Niagara  (which  I  left  the  Evening  of 
the  4th.  and  by  rowing  day  and  Night  Arrived  here  the  7th.)  I 
Received  Yours  of  the  28th  Ult°.  to  the  late  Brigr.  Prideaux, 
with  the  Account  of  your  having  got  possession  of  Tienderoga, 
on  which  I  most  heartily  Congratulate  You.-  The  day  after  my 
Arrival  here  I  sent  away  21  French  Officers  (who  were  taken  in 


1  In  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.56,  London,  England.      Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  October  22,  1  759. 


Seven  Years'  War  121 

the  Action  of  the  24th.  at  La  belle  Famille  near  Niagara)  with 
a  Guard  of  60  Men,  the  Chevalier  De  Ligneris,  with  another 
Officer  were  left  at  Niagara,  untill  the  former  recovers  a  little 
of  his  Wound;  At  the  same  time  I  sent  to  Fort  Stanwix,  with 
the  returning  Batteaus,  Such  of  the  Sick  and  Wounded  as  the 
Surgeon  returned  incapable  of  further  Service  this  Campaign, 
there  to  remain  untill  your  Pleasure  is  known,  particularly  those 
of  the  Provincials  as  in  your  Instructions  to  Brigr.  General 
Prideaux. 

An  Officer  of  the  46th.  who  was  with  a  Party  to  Escort  the 
French  Women  to  the  first  French  Post,  was  Stopped  on  an 
Island  about  a  league  from  Cadaraghui,  and  not  permitted  to  go 
further;  By  him  I  am  Informed  they  have  an  Army  of  Observa- 
tion there,  from  which  they  Send  frequent  Scouts  to  Watch  our 
Motions,  and  I  Conjecture  on  our  Approach  they  would  retire 
to  their  strong  Post  near  La  Galette;  This  Officer  Saw  two  of 
their  larger  Schooners  off  an  Island,  in  order  I  Suppose  to  dispute 
the  Entrance  of  the  River  with  our  Batteaus;  I  Refer  you  for 
particulars  to  his  Report  which  I  Enclose;  I  must  beg  leave  to 
Remind  your  Excellency  of  the  necessity  there  will  be  for  a  good 
Respectable  Work  here,  as  the  Supplying  of  Niagara  depends 
entirely  on  this  Post,  and  should  either  of  our  Other  Expeditions 
happen  to  fail,  the  Enemy  will  undoubtedly  use  all  Efforts  to 
Send  an  Army  for  the  Reduction  of  this  Place,  by  which  Niagara 
must  of  Course  fall,  and  they  be  again  in  possession  of  the  Lake, 
and  Open  the  Communication  to  the  Westward  and  Louisiana 
which  they  have  so  long  had  in  View.-  Captn.  Sowers,  Engineer, 
has  sent  your  Excellency  a  Plan  for  a  Pentagon,  which  is  Judged 
the  best  for  the  Ground  We  intend  to  Occupy ;  We  are  now  busy 
in  felling,  bringing  in  Loggs,  and  Levelling  the  Ground  for  the 
foundation  untill  Your  Excellency's  Approbation  of  the  Plan  is 
known.-  An  Augmentation  of  Ship  Carpenters  is  very  much 
wanted,  and  it  will  be  necessary  immediately  to  lay  in  Provisions 


122  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

at  Niagara,  &  here  (more  particularly  so  at  the  former  place) 
sufficient  to  last  untill  May  next,  as  we  shall  meet  with  most 
insufferable  difficulties  in  sending  them  in  Batteaus,  as  the  Stormy 
Weather  begins  already  on  this  Lake,  the  Little  Schooner  & 
Sloop  not  being  able  to  Cope  with  the  Enemy's  Vessels,  and  it 
will  take  a  Considerable  time,  I  find,  for  want  of  a  sufficient 
Number  of  Artificers  to  build  a  large  One.-  Provisions  have, 
and  Continue  to  Come  up  very  slowly;  I  am  now  taking  all  the 
Steps  in  my  power  for  the  Expediting  them,  notwithstanding  I 
much  fear,  these  Posts  will  Suffer  for  the  Want  of  them.-  You 
will  See  the  State  of  Our  Artillery  by  the  enclosed  Return,  as 
also  of  our  Provisions  &ca,  the  forwarding  which  to  Niagara, 
and  the  Erecting  of  a  Fort  here,  will  keep  the  Troops  in  Constant 
Employ  till  the  Close  of  the  Campaign.—  As  the  Indians  went 
all  home  from  Niagara,  with  their  Plunder,  Prisoners  &  Scalps, 
I  should  be  glad  to  know  whether  your  Excellency  will  think  it 
necessary  for  me  to  remain  here  any  longer  since  there  is  so  Active 
&  Experienced  an  Officer  as  CoK  Haldimand  to  take  the  Com- 
mand: If  I  am  to  Continue  I  hope  to  be  favoured  with  your 
Commands,  as  to  what  further  Steps  may  be  taken  for  the  Security 
of  this  Post,  and  that  of  Niagara.-  I  am  extremely  Sorry  that 
I  am  under  a  necessity  of  Acquainting  you  that  the  Detachment 
of  Artillery  have  not  been,  nor  are  they  now  so  Active  as  they 
should  be ;  the  Remissness  of  some  of  them  gave  great  Uneasiness 
to  the  Late  Brigr.  General  Prideaux,  and  has  since  very  much 
distressed  me ;  One  Officer  is  left  at  Niagara,  Cap*.  Stratchy,  and 
the  only  Officer  Else  who  is  Acquainted  with  his  is  now  Sick 
here,  so  that  there  remains  Only  One  Young  Gentleman,  who 
is  far  from  being  able  to  discharge  the  duty  of  an  Artillerv 
Officer.—  I  beg  leave,  Sir,  to  mention  to  you  a  young  Gentleman, 
a  Relation  of  Mine,  Named  Guy  Johnson,  who  desirous  of  being 
in  the  Army,  came  to  America  with  that  View,  is  now  with  me, 
and  very  Serviceable.-  If  your  Excellency  will  let  him  have 


Seven  Years    War  123 

ic  of  the  first  Vacancys  may  happen  among  the  Subalterns  I 
lall  be  extremely  Obliged  to  you.- 
I  am, 
Sir, 

with  the  greatest  Respect, 
Your  Excellency's 
Most  Obedient  and 
Most  Humble  Servant 

Wm.  Johnson 

P.  S.  I  Cannot  in  Justice  Omit  Acquainting  your  Excellency 
that  Mr.  Mattral,  a  Voluntier  in  the  4th.  Battalion  of  Royal 
Americans,  who  Came  Express  to  Brigr.  General  Prideaux  was 
of  great  Service  in  Carrying  on  our  last  parallel  and  Erecting  the 
last  Battery. 

As  Capt.  Lieut.  Walton  of  the  Train  has  Orders  to  go  home 
and  Join  his  Regiment,  he  expects  to  be  soon  Relieved,  which  I 
promised  he  would.- 

I  Have  heard  nothing  yet  of  the  Newhampshire  Regiment, 
your  Excellency  has  Ordered  this  way,  but  I  Suppose  them 
coming  Slowly  on.— 

His  Excellency  MAJOR  GENL.  AMHERST. 

INDORSED:     Copy  —  Letter  from  Sir  Wm.  Johnson,  Bar*, 
to  General  Amherst. 

Dated  Camp  at  Oswego  9th.  Augst:    1759. 
Acquainting  him  of  his  Arrival  at  Oswego; 
That  the  Enemy  have  an  Army  of  Observation 
at  Caderaqui  from  which  they  send  frequent 
Scouts  to  Watch  our  Motions,  and  Conjectures 
that  on  our  Approach  they  would  retire  to  their 
Strong  Post  near  Lake  Galette ;  That  two  of  the 
Enemy  s  larger  Schooners  were  seen  off  an 
Island,  in  order,  he  supposes,  to  dispute  the 
Entrance  of  the  River  with  our  Batteaus  &ca ; 
With  hints  relative  to  the  Importance  of  the 


124  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Post  of  Oswego.- 

in  M:  G:  Amherst's  of  Octr:  22d:  1759 

N°.  44. 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copp  x 

Camp  at  Cronm  Point  14ih.  Aug*.  1759 
SIR, 

I  Yesterday  had  the  pleasure  to  Receive  your  Favor  of  the 
31st.  Ultimo,  with  the  further  agreable  News  of  the  additional 
Dammage  done  to  the  Enemy  by  the  Parties  of  Indians  you  had 
sent  out;  The  steps  you  had  taken  for  putting  Niagara  in  a 
proper  State  of  defence  &  Ensuring  the  Superiority  of  the  Lake ; 
the  latter  is  what  I  have  all  along  had  in  view  and  from  the 
very  beginning  gave  directions  about,  so  that  I  make  no  doubt, 
from  the  preparations  that  have  been  made  for  that  purpose,  but 
I  Shall  Soon  have  accounts  of  their  being  followed  with  Success- 

As  you  are  already  Apprised,  of  my  having  Appointed  Brigr. 
Gen1,  Gage  to  Succeed  poor  Brigr.  Prideaux,  I  need  add  nothing 
further  on  that  subject,  than  that  I  do,  by  this  Conveyance,  send 
him  Directions  relative  to  what  you  mention,  which  makes  it 
needless  for  me  to  trouble  you  with  them;  but  I  must  not  omit 
'observing,  that  I  hope  you  will  be  able,  by  means  of  the  Chipa- 
weigh  Indian,  to  bring  about  and  Settle  an  Alliance  between  us 
and  them  distant  Nations.- 

I  must  also,  Approve  of  your  having  Fitted  out  the  two  Small 
Vessells  you  found  at  Niagara,  which  will  be  very  usefull;  and 
of  your  having  Informed  Brigr.  Stanwix  of  your  Success,  which 
certainly  must  Ensure  his ;  I  thank  you  for  the  Plan  Enclosed  in 
yours,  and  am  &c 

Jeff:  Amherst 
SIR  WILLM.  JOHNSON  Bar1. 


*In  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.56,  London,  England.    Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  October  22,  1  759. 


Seven  Years   War  125 

INDORSED:  Copy  Letter  from  Gen1.  Amherst 
To  Sir  Wm.  Johnson  Bar1,  dated 
Camp  at  Crown  Point  1 4th.  Aug*. 

1759 

Acknowledging  the  Receipt  of  Sir  William's  of  the 
31st.  July:  Approving  his  having  sent  for  the 
Ship  Carpenters  from  Oswego;  And  hoping 
that  by  means  of  the  Chipaweigh  Indian, 
he  would  be  able  to  bring  about  &  Settle  an 
Alliance  between  Us  &  them  distant  Nations, 
in  M:  G:  Amherst's  of  Ocf.  22d:  1759 
N°.  48. 


JOHN  VISGER  TO  PETER  SCHUYLER 

In  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  99,  is  a  letter  of  the  1  8th  of  August  from 
John  Visger,  at  Schenectady,  to  Colonel  Peter  Schuyler,  of  the  Jersey 
Blues,  asking  intercession  with  General  Amherst  to  the  end  that  he  may  be 
allowed  to  trade  at  Niagara.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


AN  ACT  CONCERNING  RHODE  ISLAND  INDIANS 

An  Act  repealing  all  the  Laws  of  this  Colony  which  restrict 
or  prohibit  the  Native  Indians  that  live  within  the  same,  from 
disposing  of  their  Lands. 

Whereas  Thomas  Ninigret,  of  Charlestown  in  the  County  of 
King's  County,  and  Colony  aforesaid,  Gentleman,  preferred  a 
Petition,  and  represented  unto  this  Assembly,  That,  having  been 
unhappily  engaged  in  several  Law-Suits,  in  Defence  of  his  Right, 
he  hath  been  obliged  to  advance  large  Sums  of  Money;  which, 
with  other  necessary  Expences  he  was  put  to  for  Cloathing, 
Board,  and  so  forth,  during  his  Minority,  hath  greatly  involved 
him  in  Debt:  And  as  the  Laws  of  the  Colony  now  stand,  he 


1  Acts  and  Resolves  of  Rhode  Island,   1  759.     A  copy  in  the  Library 
Collection   (Johnson  Calendar,  p.  99),  was  destroyed  by  fire. 


126  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

cannot,  in  the  Apprehension  of  some,  sell  or  dispose  of  his  Estate 
for  the  Payment  and  discharge  of  his  Debts:  Wherefore  he  the 
said  Thomas  Ninigret  prayed,  That  the  Law  which  relates  to 
the  purchasing  Lands  of  Indians  may  be  repealed,  and  he  have 
the  same  Liberty  of  selling  and  disposing  of  his  Estate,  or  any 
Part  thereof,  as  others  of  His  Majesty's  Subjects  enjoy. 

On  Consideration  whereof,  Be  it  Enacted  by  this  Ceneral 
Assembly,  and  by  the  Authority  of  the  same,  It  is  enacted,  That 
all  and  every  of  the  Laws  at  any  Time  made  and  passed  in  this 
Colony  to  restrict  or  prohibit  the  Native  Indians,  that  live  within 
the  same,  from  selling  and  disposing  of  their  Estates,  be,  and 
they  hereby  are  repealed,  declared  and  rendered  Null  and  Void 
to  every  Intent  and  Purpose  whatsoever.1 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copy2 

Camp  at  Croton  Point  21st.  Aug*.  1759. 
Copy 
SIR, 

As  I  have  had  the  pleasure  of  writing  to  you  on  the  5th.  and 
14th.  Instant,  and  that,  long  eere  this  reaches  you,  I  am  hopefull 
you  will  have  Received  those  two  Letters,  and  that  you  will  also 
have  seen  Brigadeer  Gen1.  Gage,  I  have  little  else  to  trouble  you 
with  at  present,  than  Acknowledging  the  receipt  of  your  favor 
of  the  9th,  and  thanking  you  for  the  hints  it  Contains,  Relative 
to  the  importance  of  the  Post  of  Oswego,  and  the  Necessity  of 
Rendring  it  so  respectable,  as  to  put  it  out  of  the  power  of  the 
Enemy  to  repair  their  late  losses;  both  that,  and  the  obtaining 


Massed  at  East-Greenwich,  R.  I.,  Monday,  August  20,  1759. 
2  In  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.56,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  October  22,  1  759. 


Seven  Years'  War  127 

the  superiority  of  the  Lakes,  have  been  two  of  the  Principal 
Objects  I  have  all  along  had  in  view;  early  preparations  have 
been  made  for  them,  and  Repeated  orders  Sent,  to  Set  about 
and  Compleat  every  work  requisite  for  that  purpose;  but  I  am 
sorry  to  Say  it,  these  works  are  not  near  so  advanced  as  I 
expected,  owing,  in  a  great  measure,  to  Engineers  differing  in 
opinion,  with  regard  to  the  form  of  their  works,  Which  I  trust 
are  now  Settled,  and  every  thing  going  on  as  I  could  wish  - 

Your  Recommendations,  shall  at  all  times  have  the  greatest 
weight  with  me,  and  you  may  be  Assured,  that  I  shall,  with 
pleasure  Embrace  the  first  Occasion  that  Offers,  to  provide  for 
Mr.  Johnson  your  Relation ;  as  I  shall  likewise  for  Mr.  Mettrail, 
of  whose  behaviour  I  had,  before,  the  most  favorable  Accounts, 
and  am  very  glad  to  see  them  corroborated  by  you. 

I  am  &c 

Jeff:  Amherst 
SIR  WILLM:  JOHNSON  Bar*. 

INDORSED:      Copy/ 

Letter  from  Gen1  Amherst 
to  Sir  Wm.  Johnson  dated  Camp 
in  Crown  Point  21st.  Aug*.  1759. 
Acknowledging  the  Receipt  of  Sir  William's 
of  the  9th.  Aug81.  and  thanking  him  for  the 
hints  Contained  in  it  relative  to  the 
Importance  of  the  Post  of  Oswego,  &ca. 
in  M:  G:  Amherst's  of  Octr:  22d:  1759 
N°.  49. 


128  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM  WILLIAM  CORRY 
A.  L.  S.1 

Albany.  August  23*  1759 
DEAR  SIR 

Your  Favor  of  July  the  20th  came  to  my  hands  one  hour  ago 
this  morning  viz.  August  23rd  we  were  very  merry  on  the  success 
&c,  and  in  New  York  Johnson  for  Ever  —  our  last  accounts 
from  Quibeck,  that  Gen1  Wolfe  and  the  Army  were  furiously 
Cannonading  and  bombarding  that  City  and  had  burnt  the  one 
half  of  it — the  french  army  intrenched  near  the  walls  on  the 
other  side  of  the  town,  we  have  not  heard  of  one  sally  they  made, 
nor  any  action  between  the  armys  whatsoever  —  we  all  expect 
Quibeck  will  fall  into  our  hands  — 

as  to  Crown  point  it  was  blown  up  by  the  French  and  Evacu- 
ated, and  all  my  letters  say  the  Enemy  will  dispute  the  point  at 
S*  Johns,  Gen1.  Amherst  is  getting  every  thing  ready  to  pursue 
them  he  has  also  sent  Quintin  Kenedy  and  2  Indians  to  Quibeck 
2 Gen1  Wolfe;  they  are  now  gone  13  days  they  expected  to 
make  the  Journey  in  20  days  —  Gen1  Amherst  had  a  Letter 
last  week  from  Montcalm,  he  says  he  has  always  been  favourable 
to  the  English  who  have  fallen  into  his  hands  tho  contrary  to  his 
orders,  and  hopes  as  the  armys  are  likely  to  be  soon  near  each 
other,  that  all  acts  of  Cruelty  whatsoever  may  be  avoided,  which 
on  his  part  he  will  be  most  careful  to  prevent  - 

Gen1  Amherst  is  building  a  fort  at  Crown  point  on  a  better 
situation  than  the  old  fort  stood  —  he  has  also  Cut  a  road  to 
new  England,  and  has  engaged  for  200  head  of  Cattle  to  be 
delivered  at  Crown  point  —  Col.  Murrow  the  buyer  of  Cattle 
in  New  England,  says,  his  house  is  as  near  Crown  point  as 
Albany  — 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2 Supply  "to,"  wanting  in  the  copy. 


Seven  Years   War  129 

as  to  home  news  the  good  people  of  Albany  has  taxed  our  new 
Merch18.  smartly,  they  have  only  made  4  of  them  pay  a  hundred 
pounds  the  1 2th  part  of  the  taxes  of  this  City  —  the  merchu 
deneyed  paying  the  tax,  they  distrained  their  goods,  the  mere*, 
petitioned  the  Gen1  that  as  followers  of  the  army  they  were 
oppressed  by  the  Albanians,  they  have  not  yet  recd  an  answer  — 
the  mayor  said  in  the  street,  he  thought  to  resign  his  mayor  Ship, 
but  he  would  keep  it  one  year  to  pleague  the  Irish  —  well  said 
Mr.  Mayor  — 

I  have  not  seen  one  news  paper  for  you  since  you  marched,  I 
spoke  to  Mr.  Van  Schaack  about  it,  he  tells  me  he  sends  your 
papers  to  you  when  opertunity  offers  - 

I  twice  mentioned  your  friend  Sir  Peter  Wraxal  leaving  this 
Globe  —  his  place  of  Secretary  for  Indian  affairs  would  be  of 
Service  to  me,  and  be  so  kind  to  get  it  for  me  —  you  must  not 
forget  me  now,  as  no  man  can  interfere  with  you  in  this  Case  — 
all  our  Compliments  for  your 

Success  and  Safety  —  believe  me  to  be 
Dr.  Sir  your  most  faithfull 
humble  Serv1. 

WILLIAM  CORRY 

P.  S.  The  Genie",  in  New  York 

talk  of  presenting  you  with  a  medal  in 
Gold,  worth  500£ 

Vol.  HI  — 5 


130  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  JOHN  CASPER  LAPPIUS 
A.  L.  S.1 

Fort  Hendrick  August  23  1759 
HONOURABLE  SIR 

Whereas  it  hath  pleased  Almighty  God  to  endow  you  with 
a  Victory  so  great  as  became  the  Joy  of  all  the  Inhabitants  here, 
but  more  especially  of  me  in  particular,  because  a  great  Part  of 
my  Welfare  (next  to  God)  depends  on  your  success.  There- 
fore wishing  and  praying  continually  that  this  may  be  an  Omen 
of  farther  success,  which  God  may  Grant,  I  hope  that  this  may 
take  place  by  you  as  my  good  Will  &  Wishes  Because  the  Time 
is  Short  and  Mr.  Butler  inhaste  I  shall  conclude  to  wish  you 
further  success  which  will  be  the  Continuall  and  constant  Prayer 
of  him  who  is  in  Duty  Bound  and  to  the  utmost  your 

Humble  Servant 
to  Command 

JN.  CASPER  LAPPIUS 


FROM  GEORGE  SECOND 

There  are  found  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  100,  orders,  of  August 
29th,  of  the  King  in  council,  directing  the  agent  of  Indian  affairs  to 
inquire  into  the  complaints  of  Delawares  and  report  to  the  lords  of  trade 
(printed  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.%  2:789-90;  Q,  2:458).  Destroyed  by 
fire. 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  131 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

Contemporary  Copp  l 

Copy/  Camp  at  Ostoego  August  30*.  1759. 

SIR 

I  have  received  Your  Excellency's  favor  of  the  21st.,  as  also 
those  of  the  5th.  &  14th:  Ins1,  and  am  extremely  happy  to  find 
that  the  few  undigested  Hints  inserted  in  my  last  have  been 
honoured  with  Your  Approbation. 

I  am  extremely  oblidged  to  you  for  your  promise  in  favor  of 
Mr.  Johnson  who  I  hope  will  not  Escape  your  recollection  when 
an  Occasion  Offers  and  flatter  myself  he  will  merit  the  provision 
your  Excellency  shall  make  for  him.- 

There  are  now  here  to  the  Number  of  200  Onondagas  & 
Senecas  Who  Returned  on  my  Message  to  them,  and  I  daily 
expect  a  Number  of  the  lower  Nations  with  the  Mohawks  having 
Sent  an  Indian  Officer  on  my  Arrival  here  with  a  message  to 
them  to  Join  us  with  all  Expedition  Some  of  the  Senecas  Who 
arrived  here,  have  brought  me  advice  that  Soon  after  the  Reduc- 
tion of  Niagara  the  French  burned,  &  abandoned  their  Posts  at 
Wininga  2  &  Presqu  'Isle,3  and  are  retired  to  Fort  Detroit.  In 
consequence  of  the  message  which  I  sent  by  the  Chipawe  Indian 
to  the  Missassagas  &  Indians  on  the  other  side  of  Lake  Ontario; 
a  Number  of  them  Arrived  at  Niagara,  where  I  left  an  Indian 
Officer  with  an  Interpreter,  I  herewith  Enclose  you  the  Officers 
Letter  to  me  as  also  an  Extract  of  Ll.  Col°.  Farquhars  Which 
contains  the  particulars  of  the  Conference  and  proceedings  held 
with  them  Which  bears  a  very  favorable  aspect,  Upon  the  Whole 
I  make  no  doubt  if  time  permit  me  after  our  intended  Expedition, 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.56,  London,  England.  Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  October  22,  1  759. 

2Venango  (Veningo,  Weningo),  at  the  mouth  of  French  creek  on  the 
Allegheny  river,  Pa. 

3  On  Lake  Erie,  where  the  city  of  Erie,  Pa.,  stands. 


132  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

by  means  of  a  proper  present,  to  bring  the  Missassagas  &  their 
Neighbours  so  much  into  our  Interest  as  to  prevail  upon  them  to 
fall  upon,  &  Distress  all  the  Enemy's  Settlements  in  the  Country 
Adjacent  — 

I  am,  with  Great  respect 
Sir,  your  Excellency's 

Most  Obed*.  &  most  humble  Serv*. 

Wm.  Johnson. 
His  Excellency  MAJOR  GENL.  AMHERST 

INDORSED:     Copy  Letter  from  Sir 
William  Johnson  Bar1. 
To  M.  Gen1.  Amherst  Dated 
Camp  at  Oswego  30th :  August 
1759. 

Informing  him  of  the  Number  of  Indians 
he  has  with  him,  &  that  he  daily  Expects 
more;  that  in  consequence  of  the  Message 
he  had  Sent  by  the  Chipaweigh  Indian  to 
the  Missassagas  &ca,  a  Number  had 
Arrived  at  Niagara,  &  that  from  the 
Conferences  &  proceedings  held  with  them 
there,  he  did  not  doubt,  when  time  would 
permit,  by  means  of  a  proper  present,  to 
bring  the  Missassagas  &  their  Neighbours 
so  much  into  Our  Interest  to  prevail  on 
them  to  fall  upon  &  distress  all  the  Enemys 
Settlements  in  the  Country  Adjacent, 
in  M:  G:  Amherst's  of  Octr:  22d  1759 
N°.  45. 


Seven  Years   War  133 


INFORMATION   GIVEN   BY   HENRY  YOUNG* 

Osrvego  31.  August  1759 

Hennery  Young  a  German  born  near  the  Rine  came  to  this 
Country  2  years  ago  in  a  Merch1.  Ship,  with  20  of  ye.  Same 
Corps  Colony  Troops,  He  was  inlisted  by  one  of  Fisher's 
Officers  for  3  years ;  arrived  at  Quebec  where  he  remd.  2  Months, 
from  thence  he  was  Sent  to  Ml.  Real  where  he  did  Duty  as  a 
Soldier  2  Months,  from  thence  he  was  ordered  to  La  Gallete2 
in  Compy.  wth.  5  Battoes  loaded  w*.  flour  &  Brandy;  they  lay 
10  days  Wind  Bound  at  a  Bay  where  there  Stands  a  Wind 
Mill,  on  the  North  Side,  they  were  a  Month  by  the  way  to 
La  Galete,  Some  of  ye  Cayoe s  was  left  at  La  Gallete,  the  rest 
Sent  to  Cadaraghqui,  He  has  been  a  Soldr.  in  yc.  Fort  of 
Swegatchy  from  that  time  untill  last  Spring,  the  Garrison  con- 
sisted of  50  Men,  who  were  generally  employed  Cutting  Timber 
for  2  Store  Houses  wh.  were  built  within  ye  Fort  and  were  almost 
finished  when  he  left  it.  the  one  was  for  ye.  Commd*.  the  other 
for  the  Priests  of  whom  they  have  three,  before  the  Snow  was 
quite  gone  last  Spring,  He  was  Sent  to  work  on  the  Island,  called 
Isle  Galiot 4  and  25  of  ye.  garrison  of  La  Gallete,  the  Fort  of 
La  Gallete  is  a  Square  w*.  5  good  Block  houses,  and  Stock- 
adaed,  they  intended  to  have  made  some  add11,  works  round  it 
early  the  last  Spring,  but  had  not  time.  It  is  commanded  by  a 
riseing  ground  wh.  is  not  above  500  paces  from  ye.  Fort,  no  Can- 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

"  The  St  Lawrence  was  frequently  traversed  by  French  voyagers, 
and  a  post  was  established  at  La  Galette  (meaning  in  the  French  language 
a  ca£e,  or  muffin),  which  is  supposed  to  be  near  the  site  of  Johnstown  in 
Canada,  a  short  distance  below  Prescott,  or  on  Chimney  Island." —  F.  B. 
Hough,  A  History  of  St  Lawrence  and  Franklin  Counties,  41.  Ordi- 
narily, as  in  the  above  text,  La  Galette  is  Oswegatchie. 

"  Cayoe  "  in  copy;  "  cargoe  "  was  evidently  written. 
4  He  de  Gallop. 


134  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

non,  nor  Mortars  there,  they  had  1000  barrels  of  flower  &  Pork 
at  La  Gallete  wh.  on  hearing  by  yc.  IncK  of  an  English  army 
designed  that  way,  was  carried  to  Isle  Gallot  that  ye.  English 
might  not  find  it,  it  lay  abl.  3  weeks  on  ye.  Island,  was  then 
Shipped  for  1  in  2  Vessels,  the  third  Vessel  not  quite 

so  large,  (wK  was  designed  for  Carrying  Stores  &ca)  was  within 
a  little  of  being  finished  when  ye.  Carpenters  were  called  to 
Quebec.  The  Vessels  were  built  at  Pt  Paris  3  leages  from 
La  Gallete.  He  never  saw  any  of  ye.  Vessels  come  lower  down 
than  the  Point  where  built,  but  heard  ye.  French  say,  they  could 
come  to  ye.  beginning  of  ye.  5  Isleands;  of  which  Isle  Galot  is 
the  lower  most,  the  Water  begins  to  be  rapid  at  ye.  first  Isleand, 
&  grows  more  so  downards;  the  25  Men  of  ye.  garrison  at  La 
Galete  sent  to  Isle  Galot  last  Spring,  were  there  a  Month  then 
Joined  by  200  Men  from  Point  Paris,  begun  to  Cut  down  the 
treas,  the  Underwood  they  threw  along  ye.  Banks  of  ye.  Isleand; 
they  then  dug  a  Trench  of  9  feet  Deep,  &  the  same  breath,  and 
made  a  Breast  work  of  Logs  filled  with  Earth  12  feet  broad, 
mounted  thereon  12  Cannon  he  thinks  12  pdrs.  &  2  Small  D°., 
one  of  wh.  the  Informant  says  he  carried ;  these  Guns  are  mounted 
so,  as  to  fire  upon  the  Battoes  comeing  down,  which  must  pass 
within  Musquet  Shot  of  the  Intrenchment,  the  River  not  being 
verry  broad  there.  Battoes  may  pass  any  where  between  the 
Isleand  &  the  Maine.  He  left  Isle  Galot  abl.  ye.  24th.  of  June 
last  w^.  Chevlr.  Lacorn,  who  was  1 8  days  on  the  Isleand  dureing 
wh.  time  he  employed  all  the  Men  he  brought  with  him  in 
Strengthingig  ye.  Isleand,  drawing  Stones  from  near  Swegatchy 
for  building  Ovens  Powder  Magazines,  and  a  dwelling  House, 
when  LaCorn  marched  for  Osswego2  he  left  but  100  Men  on 
Isle  Galot,  3  at  Swegatchy,  12  at  Point  Paris,  and  a  Small 
guard  at  Frontenack.  He  marched  with  1 500  Men  here,  &  1 1 5 


1  Illegible. 

2  Pierre  de  Chapt,  Chevalier  de  la  Come,  was  defeated  in  an  attack 
on  Oswcgo,  made  on  the  5th  and  continued  on  the  6th  of  July. 


Seven  Years    War  135 

Ind8.,  in  his  way  he  halted  a  Day  at  Point  Paris,  where  he  gave 
the  Men  some  necessary  mounting  for  the  March,  and  Sent  to 
Isle  Galot  for  3  Battoe  load  of  provisions,  at  Point  Paris  there 
was  a  Breast  work,  but  the  Cannon  were  carried  down  to  Isle 
Galot  &  the  few  Men  left  there  had  orders  to  level  it,  as  it  was 
Judged  an  Improper  Place  to  make  a  Stand  on  Severall  Acctts. 
besides  the  River  is  so  wide  there  that  Boats  may  pass  unmolested 
the  other  Side  of  the  River,  He  says  he  heard  often  that  when 
the  English  were  going  down  towards  Canada,  the  Vessels  were 
to  go  to  Niagara  further  the  Informant  knows  not. 

The  Informant  says  further,  that  he  always  heard,  &  under- 
stood that  in  Case  the  English  should  come  by  the  way  of  La 
Gallete,  all  the  other  little  Posts  on  this  Side  of  it,  were  to  retreat 
&  Join  them  at  Isle  Galot  that  Mr.  La  Corn  when  comeing  here, 
ordered  a  quantity  of  Pitch  ready  to  burn  the  Vessels  then  on 
yc.  Stocks  in  case  of  our  comeing  that  way,  they  have  a  guard 
of  12  Men  on  Isle  Cheverews  to  give  the  alarm  in  case  of  our 
moving  that  way.  the  guard  was  relieved  everry  8  Days  from 
Frontenack.  He  also  says  that  Mr.  Celerons  Cook  who  was  here 
wlh.  LaCorn  told  him  that  they  were  to  return  to  Quebec,  or 
Carilon,  after  this  affair  of  Oswego  was  over. 

He  says  that  verry  few  Swegatchy  Inds.  were  wth.  Mr.  La 
Corn,  and  that  few  of  them  were  Seen  at  La  Gallete  Since  last 
Spring. — 


136  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  JEFFREY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copp  * 

Copy  Camp  at  Crorvn  Point  I  Ith:  Septr.  1759. 

SIR, 

I  am  to  Acknowledge  the  Receipt  of  Your  Letter  of  the  30th: 
August,  Accompanying  the  Copy  of  a  Letter  wrote  you  by  the 
Indian  Officer  whom  you  left  at  Niagara,  in  relation  to  the 
Missassagas  &  Indians  on  the  other  Side  of  Lake  Ontario,  that 
had  come  in  there,  as  also  an  Extract  of  Lieut:  Col°.  Farquhar's 
containing  the  particulars  of  the  Conference  &  proceedings  held 
with  them;  from  the  favorable  Aspect  of  Which  you  make  no 
doubt  to  bring  the  Missassagas  &  their  Neighbours,  so  much  into 
our  Interest  as  to  prevail  on  them  to  fall  upon  &  Distress  all  the 
Enemy's  Settlements  in  the  Country  adjacent 

I  am  Glad  you  have  no  Doubts  of  Effecting  this  Essential 
Service  and  I  cannot  too  Strongly  Recommend  to  you,  the  bring- 
ing it  to  bear  as  early  as  possible,  for  which  you  Shall  not  want 
any  Assistance  I  can  give  you;  At  the  same  time  I  must  again 
remind  you,  that  from  the  little  Dependance  that  can  be  made  on 
Indian  promises  it  is  necessary  to  Caution  all  those  Whom  you 
treat  with  that  as  I  mean  not  to  take  anything  from  them,  but 
on  the  Contrary  to  Ensure  them  the  free  and  uninterrupted  Enjoy- 
ment of  their  own  I  Expect  that  they  Shall  behave  &  Demean 
themselves  in  every  respect  as  good  Neighbours  and  Allies;  that 
whenever  they  Swerve  from  these  Rules,  I  Shall  look  upon  & 
treat  them  as  Enemies;  And  on  the  other  hand  that  whenever 
they  Render  themselves  of  any  use  or  Service  to  us,  they  Shall 
most  punctually  meet  with  the  Reward  due  to  their  merit. — 


1  In  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.56,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  October  22,  1  759. 


Seven  Years'  War  137 

I  am  likewise  Glad  to  See  that  you  had  200  Onondagos  & 
Senecas  with  you,  and  that  you  were  in  daily  Expectations  of  a 
number  of  the  Lower  Nations  &  the  Mohawks  whom  I  hope  will 
have  Joined  you  time  enough  to  Accompany  you  &  Brigr.  Gen1. 
Gage  on  the  Ulterior  Operations  which  I  am  willing  to  believe 
will  prove  as  Successfull  as  the  former,  I  am  with  great  regard 

Sir 
&ca 

Jeff:  Amherst 

SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Bar*. 

INDORSED:     Copy  Letter  from  Gen1.  Amherst 
To  Sir  Wm.  Johnson  Bar1. 
Dated  Camp  at  Crown  Point  1 1th:  Sepr. 
1759 

In  Answer  to  Sir  Williams  of  the  30th.  Aug'; 
Recommending  it  to  him  to  bring  it  to 
bear  as  early  as  possible,  for  which  he 
should  not  want  any  Assistance  that  he 
could  give  him;  Cautioning  him  at  the 
same  time  how  he  should  treat  with  those 
People.- 

in  M:  G:  Amherst's  of  OcP:  22d:  1759 
NO.  50. 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copy  x 

Copy.  Camp  at  Oswego  Sef>ir.  I8ih.  1759. 

SIR, 

Your  Excellency's  favour  of  the  1 1 th.  Instant,  I  have  received, 
in  Answer  to  Mine  of  the  30th.  August,  wherein  I  enclosed  the 
Proceedings  with  the  Missassaga's  &ca,  at  Niagara,  and  men- 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.56,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  October  22,  1  759. 


138  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

tioned  my  hopes  of  persuading  them  by  a  Present  properly 
Applied,  to  Act  offensively  for  Us;  but  as  it  will  be  impossible 
to  buy  and  get  up  Indian  Goods  for  that  purpose  this  Campaign 
before  the  Rivers  freeze,  I  shall  leave  a  proper  Person  at  Niagara 
for  the  Winter  to  transact  Affairs  with  them,  and  do  everything 
necessary  for  the  keeping  up  of  that  good  Understanding,  which 
at  present  seems  to  Subsist  between  Us,  untill  we  have  an  Oppor- 
tunity of  getting  up  such  Necessaries  as  may  Induce  them  to  Act 
offensively  against  the  Enemy. 

The  Mohocks  are  several  days  arrived,  with  some  Oneidas,  as 
also  two  Officers  whom  I  Sent  to  the  Cayugas,  who  are  now  on 
their  way  to  Join  us,  and  may  be  hourly  Expected.—  About  three 
days  ago  I  sent  a  Party  of  near  40  Indians,  and  a  few  Whites 
to  Oswegatchy,  and  as  they  were  such  as  I  can  thoroughly  depend 
on,  hope  they  will  bring  us  some  Prisoners. 

I  have  received  a  Letter  from  Mr.  Croghan,  my  Agent  to  the 
Ohio,  dated  at  Pittsburgh  August  the  13th.  who  Informs  me 
that  Indian  Affairs  bear  a  very  favorable  Aspect  in  that  Quarter, 
and  that  he  has  taken  much  pains  to  Convince  the  Indians,  His 
Majesty  does  not  intend  to  dispossess  them  of  their  Country, 
which  seems  to  be  the  only  Jealousy  they  Entertain  of  Us;  At 
the  Writing  of  his  Letter  General  Stanwix  was  still  at  Bedford; 
The  Indians  I  sent  with  my  Letter  to  him  from  Niagara  the  28th. 
July  are  not  returned,  neither  have  I  had  a  Line  from  Brigr: 
Stanwix  during  the  Campaign. 

It  might  be  thought  impertinent  to  trouble  you  with  the  Intel- 
ligence we  receive  here  from  Prisoners,  &ca,  as  you  doubtless 
are  Acquainted  with  it  by  Brigr.  Gage. 

I  am,  with  the  Utmost  Respect 

Sir,  Your  Excellency's  most  Obed*. 
&  most  humble  Servant, 

Wm.  Johnson 

His  Excellency  GENERAL  AMHERST. 


Seven  Years'  War  139 

INDORSED :     Copy  Letter  from  Sir  Wm. 
Johnson  Bar1,  to  General 
Amherst, 

Dated  Camp  at  Oswego  18^  Sepr:  1759. 
That  the  Season  was  too  far  advanced  to 
bring  up  the  Presents  he  intended  for  the 
Missassagas,  but  that  he  should  leave 
a  proper  Person  at  Niagara  to  transact 
matters  with  them,  untill  he  has  an 
opporunity  for  getting  them  up. 
That  the  Mohawks  were  all  Arrived, 
with  some  Oneidas,  and  that  the  Cayugas 
were  on  their  way  to  Join  him.     That 
Indian  Affairs  to  the  Southward  bear 
a  very  favorable  Aspect. 
in  M:  G:  Amherst's  of  OcP:  22d:  1759 
N°.  46. 

TO  WILLIAM  BAKER 
Df.  S.1 

Camp  at  Osnego  Sepr.  28th.  1759 
SIR 

I  now  acknowledge  the  Receipt  of  yours  of  the  22d  March 
and  7th.  of  June  by  the  former  I  find  you  shipped  me  some  Goods 
and  are  arrived  sometime,  as  I  got  my  Seal  come  with  said  Cargo. 

I  dont  understand  the  Arms  are  yet  arrived  wch.  you  were  ship- 
ping on  Board  the  Concord,  I  have  been  greatly  distressed  this 
Campaign  wanting  good  Arms  for  the  Indns.  I  brought  into  the 
Field  who  were  945  effective,  by  having  so  many  on  our  Side  we 
gained  Niagara  with  the  weakest  Force  and  most  insignificant 
Train  of  Artillery  &c  that  ever  was  sent  so  great  a  Distance 
against  so  respectable  and  regular  a  Fortification.  f  I  got  two  little 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


140  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

schooners  of  the  Enemys  there,  wch.  are  of  very  great  Service 
now  being  the  only  Way  we  have  at  presnt  of  transporting 
Provis8.  &c  to  Niagara  the  Lake  being  too  rough  at  this  Season 
of  the  year  for  smaller  Craft. 

We  are  building  a  Snow  at  Niagara  will  carry  1 0  Six  P™.  but 
for  want  of  Ship  Carpenters  sufficient  I  fear  she  will  not  be  fin- 
ished timely  to  be  of  any  Service  this  year.  There  is  a  very  fine 
Harbour  for  building  vessels  of  any  Size  at  Niagara  under  the 
Command  of  the  Fort  and  the  greatest  Quantity  of  the  best  Oaek 
for  that  purpose  I  ever  saw  in  any  Part  of  the  World.  The 
Enemy  have  yet  two  very  pretty  vessels  carrying  10  Guns  each, 
so  that  they  keep  the  Dominion  of  that  Lake  untill  our  Snow 
appears  upon  it,  we  must  by  all  Means  have  and  keep  the  Domn. 
of  this  Lake,  wch.  will  not  only  gain  to  our  Interest  with  proper 
Managmnt.  all  the  Nat8,  of  Indns.  living  beyond  and  around  them, 
but  secure  to  us  all  the  Conquests  made  this  Campn.  in  this 
Quarter  of  the  Country  from  whence  the  Strength  and  Wealth  of 
Canada  have  chiefly  flowed. 

We  are  building  a  pretty  respectbK  Fort  here  the  Figure  of 
a  Pentagon,  will  garrison  abl.  500  Men  and  hope  we  shall  be  able 
to  make  it  tenable  before  we  decamp,  which  must  be  the  latter 
End  of  October  as  the  Waters  generally  freeze  by  that  time. 

From  the  very  slender  acquaintance  with  and  little  Knowledge 
I  have  of  Mr.  DeVisme,  I  am  surprised  he  could  take  the  Liberty 
wch.  I  find  by  yours  he  has.  I  know  nothing  of  his  Circumstances 
or  Principle,  he  is  marryd  to  a  gentlewoman  of  N  York  named 
Hillwell  of  a  good  credible  Family,  and  I  have  heard  his  Brother 
in  law  the  late  Captn.  Wraxall  of  the  Indepts.  &  my  secretary  for 
Indn.  Affairs  give  him  the  Character  of  an  honest  Industrious 
Man,  and  very  capable  of  doing  Business  — 

There  is  a  BalK  of  thirty  five  Pounds  and  nine  shil8.  due  to 
me  by  Messrs  Champion  and  Hayly,  wch.  I  have  ordered  them  to 
pay  you,  with  inst.  and  what  other  Money  of  mine  may  be  in  your 
hands  at  the  time  you  receive  this,  you  will  please  to  make  a 


Seven  Years'  War  141 

further  Purchase  for  me  in  the  consolidated  Bank  three  Annuities 
and  advise  me  of  it  as  soon  as  you  can.  I  have  not  as  yet  drawn 
my  Pay  as  Colonel  of  the  six  United  Nations  their  Allies  & 
Dependants  the  Commission  is  from  His  Majesty  dated  at  Sl. 
James's  the  17th  of  February  1756.  I  propose  as  soon  as  the 
Campaign  is  over  to  give  you  a  Power  of  Attorney  to  act  as  my 
Agent  therein.  I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  from  you  as  often  as 
convenient 

As  I  am  with  great  Esteem 

Your  Obe11.  WM.  JOHNSON 

INDORSED:     Camp  at  Oswego  20th  Oct  1  759 
Letter  to  Mr.  Wm.  Baker 
Merch*.  in  London. 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copy  l 

Extract/  Camp  at  Crown  Point  2<*.  October  1759. 

SIR, 

On  the  30th.  I  was  favor'd  with  Yours  of  the  18th.  Ultimo 
from  Oswego,  which  I  take  it  for  granted  you  have  left  long 
eere  this,  since  I  find  by  a  Letter  of  the  11 th.  of  same  Month 
from  Brigr:  General  Gage,  that  he  had  then  already  determined 
not  to  take  Post  at  La  Galette;  Could  I  have  foreseen  that  this 
very  Essential  Operation 2  should  not  have  taken  place,  I  should 
most  certainly  have  desired  your  Company,  with  what  Number 
of  Indians  you  could  Collect,  here,  where  they  might  have  been 
of  Service,  and  have  Compensated  for  the  very  great  Expence 
their  Subsistence  and  fitting  out,  Creates  to  the  Public,  which, 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.56,  London,  England.  Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  October  22,  1  759. 

2  For  Gage's  attitude,  see  Stone's  Li/t  of  Johnson,  2:401,  402,  412, 
Private  Manuscript  Diary. 


142  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

from  the  above  Resolution,  is  now  become  entirely  needless,  and 
therefore  I  hope,  that  as  soon  as  you  have  been  Acquainted  with 
it,  you  will  have  Stopped  those  that  were  still  to  Join  you  from 
coming  forward,  &  disbanded  the  Others  that  were  already  with 
you,  as  it  is  now  too  late  for  them  to  Come  in  any  time,  to  be  of 
Service  at  present  on  this  Side.— 

Since  it  will  be  impossible  to  buy  and  get  up  the  Indian  Goods 
requisite  to  induce  the  Missassaga's,  &ca,  to  Act  offensively  for 
Us  this  Campaign  before  the  Rivers  freeze,  I  Approve  of  your 
leaving  a  proper  Person  at  Niagara  for  the  Winter  to  transact 
Affairs  with  them,  and  do  everything  necessary  for  the  keeping 
up  that  good  Understanding,  which  at  present  seems  to  Subsist 
between  Us,  untill  we  can  have  an  Opportunity  of  getting  up 
such  Necessaries  as  may  Induce  them  to  Act  offensively  against 
the  Enemy.- 

I  Hope  the  Party  of  near  Forty  Indians,  and  some  Whites, 
which  you  have  Sent  to  Oswegatchy,  will  Answer  your  Expecta- 
tions, and  return  with  some  Prisoners,  which  I  shall  be  glad  to 
learn  from  you,  as  well  as  any  Other  Intelligence  that  you  may 
have  to  Communicate. 

I  am  glad  to  learn  that  your  Accounts  from  your  Deputy  to  the 
Southward  relative  to  our  Indian  Affairs  in  that  Quarter,  bear  so 
favorable  an  Aspect;  And  Surprised  that  you  Indians  were  not 
returned  with  Mr.  Stanwix's  Answer  to  your  Letter  of  the  28th. 
for  he  has  Acknowledged  the  Receipt  of  it  to  me  ever  since  the 
23d.  August,  when  he  was  on  his  departure  from  Fort  Ligonier 
for  Pittsburgh,  whence  he  was  to  Send  back  the  two  Indians. 

Jeff:  Amherst. 
SIR  WM.  JOHNSON,  Bar1. 


Seven  Years    War  143 

INDORSED :     Extract- 
Letter  from 
General  Amherst  to 
Sir  William  Johnson,  Bar1. 
Dated  Camp  at  Crown  Point  2d.  Octr.  1759. 
That  as  it  has  been  determined  not  to 
take  Post  at  La  Galette,  he  supposed 
Sir  William  had  left  Oswego  eer  this 
had  sent  home  the  Indians  that  were  with  him 
and  Countermanded  those 
that  were  to  Join  him,  as  they  could 
be  of  no  Use,  and  must  put  the  Governm*. 
to  a  very  great  and  needless  Expence; 
that  could  he  have  foreseen  that  the 
taking  post  at  La  Galette  would  have 
been  laid  aside,  he  should  have  desired 
Sir  William  to  have  Joined  him,  with 
his  Indians  on  this  Side.-     Approving 
what  Sir  William  proposes  in  relation 
to  the  Missassagas.     And  that  he  was 
glad  to  hear  Indian  Affairs  to  the 
Southward  bore  so  favorable  an  Aspect, 
in  M:  G:  Amherst's  of  Oct-  22* :  1759. 
NO.  51. 

FROM  DAVID  VAN  DER  HEYDEN 

A.  L.  S.1 

Albany  October  10*  1759 
HOND.  SIR 

Your  Honor's  favour  of  the  8th  Augst.2  I  received  the  27th 
of  that  month;  &  that  very  Day  wrote  an  Answer  in  such 
Particulars  as  was  therein  enjoined;  and  sent  it  under  Cover  to 
Jno.  B.  Van  Eps  Esq.  of  Schonetody  desiring  him  to  forward  it 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Not  found. 


144  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

as  soon  as  Possible ; —  But  am  greatly  surprised  on  the  Receipt 
of  your  Honor's  favour  of  the  28th  September  l  to  find  that  it 
then  had  not  reach'd  you,  I  hope  'ere  this,  it  will  be  come  to 
Hand  —  and  lest  that  should  miscarry;  &  the  Copy  is  mislaid  I 
shall  in  general  give  the  Contents  as  they  Occur  to  Mind.  I 
Heartily  Congratulate  your  Honor  on  the  Happy  Success  of  His 
Majesty's  Arms,  as  well  for  the  acquisition  of  Ticonderoga  oc 
Crownpoint,  as  the  important  Fort  of  Niagara,  which  gives  me 
far  the  greatest  Pleasure,  as  that  was  done  under  your  Honor's 
administration  and  will  certainly  Tend  to  your  immortal  Honour. 

As  the  then  Current  News  must  certainly  have  reached  you,  I 
shall  omit  that  to  make  Room  for  some  of  a  much  Later  date 
which  I  obtain'd  from  a  Manuscript,  as  follows,  Viz  — (a  Packet 
being  arrived  at  N.  York) 

Berlin  Augst.  4.  According  to  the  Last  advices  from  Gen1. 
Wedel's  Army  which  are  of  the  3rd  past.  Marshal  Daun  had 
Detach'd  the  Gen1*.  Haddick  &  Laudon  with  a  Body  of  30000 
Men  Consisting  Chiefly  of  Cavalry  to  join  the  Russians  that  were 
encamp'd  between  Franckfort  &  Crossen;  Gen1.  Wedel  found 
Means  to  prevent  that  Junction,  by  Marching  to  Placen  Opposite 
Crosson  The  Genls  informed  of  this  March,  had  in  the  mean 
time  Ordered  a  part  of  2  which  were  under  the  Com- 

mand of  Prince  Henry  to  Advance,  and  having  appointed  his 
Royal  Highness  to  the  Command  of  the  Army  oppos'd  to  Mar- 
shal Daun,  His  Majesty  had  put  himself  at  the  Head  of  the 
above  reinforcement,  and  Marched  on  the  first  inst.  from 
Christiaenstadt  to  Sommofeldt,  from  whence  the  Corps  under 
Gen1.  Haddick  had  retired  at  His  Majesty's  approach  with  great 
Precipitation.  Our  Troops  however  came  up  with  the  Rear 
Guard  of  the  Austrians,  which  was  Attack'd  by  our  Hussars, 
who  got  from  them  a  considerable  Booty.  The  next  Day  our 
Cavalry  was  again  engag'd  wth.  that  Rear  Guard  and  made  1 200 
Prisoners;  amongst  whom  were  36  Officers,  &  likewise  took  all 


1  Not  found. 

2  Omission  in  copy ;  original  apparently  illegible. 


Seven  Years'  War  145 

ic  Oven  of  the  Enemy  &  300  Waggons  Loaded  with  Flour 
>gether  with  50  more  of  Powder  —  On  the  3rd.  Gen1.  Wedel's 
Army  was  at  Crossen  &  and  the  King  arrived  the  same  Day  at 
Biskow  several  other  skirmishes  happened  that  Day,  at  which 
time  the  Number  of  Prisoners  made  upon  Gen1.  Haddick's  Corps 
amounted  to  1600 --The  3rd.  instant  the  Prussians  quitted 
Crossen,  of  which  Gen1.  Wedel  is  in  Possession,  and  tomorrow 
we  shall  be  in  Franckfort 

The  Loss  of  the  French  in  the  late  action,  wherein  Prince 
Ferdinand  gained  the  Victory,1  was  by  the  best  accte.  as  follows 
viz  4000  Tents,  4004  Powder  Waggons,  235  Ammunition 
Waggons,  20,000  rix  Dollars  in  the  Military  Chest,  190  P». 
Cannon,  2 1  Standards,  1  7  Pr.  Colours,  1 1  Kettle  Drums,  6000 
Prisoners,  including  13  Generals  of  which  3  are  Princes  of  the 
Blood,  35  Field  Officers,  245  Capt8,  &c.,  231  Serj*.  122  Drums 
&  9040  killed  in  all  16,450. 

The  News  Current  here  is  that  Gen1.  Amherst  set  out  a  Sun- 
day2 from  Crown  Point  for  Sl.  John's  with  5000  Men,  composed 
of  the  Grenadiers  &  Light  Infantry  &  ten  Pick'd  Men  of  a  Com- 
pany. 

The  last  accounts  from  Gen1.  Wolf  is  that  he  has  entirely 
destroyed  the  Island  Orleans  and  that  the  Army  was  on  Point 
Levee,  and  that  he  was  bent  on  the  Destruction  of  all  to  bring 
the  3  to  Terms  and  that  20  Vessels  were  up  the  River 

above  the  3  as  well  as  1 000  Men,  who  had  Destroyed 

their  Magazine  &  Largest  Church  there.4  So  that  we  are  in 
Dayly  Expectation  of  Hearing  of  his  entire  Victory  there,  this 


1  August   1st  Duke  Ferdinand  of  Brunswick,  commanding  British  and 
German  troops,  defeated  the  French  under  Contades  at  Minden. 

2  General  Amherst  set  out  for  Isle-aux-Noix  October  1  1  th  and  returned 
to  Crown  Point  October  2 1  st. 

8 Omitted  in  copy;  illegible. 

4  General  Murray  landed  at  Deschambault  with  a  considerable  force 
August  1 9th,  destroyed  the  baggage  of  the  French  army  and  carried  away 
cattle.— Doc.  Rd.  to  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  10:1033. 


146  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Morning  came  to  Town,  and  Proceeded  imediately  to  Crown 
Point,  a  Captain  of  a  Man  of  Warr  who  arrived  at  Boston  a 
Sunday,  but  his  Business  is  not  known. 

My  famely  thro*  Devine  Mercy,  enjoy  a  Perfect  State  of 
Health  and  Sincerely  Join  me  in  Wishing  that  this  may  find 
your  Honor  Enjoying  the  like  Blessing,  and  that  the  great  God 
'of  his  infinite  goodness,  will  be  pleas'd  your  Honors  Pious  Zeal 
for  his  Majesties  &  our  Country's  good,  to  Crown  (as  hitherto) 
with  Success;  is  the  unfeign'd  Prayer  of 

,HondSir, 
your  honor's 

most  Obedient  &c 
humble  Servant 

DAVID  VAN  DER  HEYDEN 

the  state  of  your  Hons  *  is  enclosed 

separate 

N.  B.  Mr.  Mortier  said  he  had  Paid 

to  Mr.  Kelly  in  N.  York  £300.  &  int 

INDORSED:      Major  Van  Derheyden  Letter  &  acct$ 


TO  WILLIAM  FARQUHAR 

D/.2 

Camp  at  Osrvego  Oct  1759 
DEAR  SIR 

I  have  received  your  favor  of  the  24th.  Septr.3  and  am  very 
sorry  at  being  so  circumstanced  as  not  to  have  had  it  in  my  power 
to  write  before  now. 

I  am  glad  to  find  the  Snow  is  on  such  forwardness  as  nothing 
can  secure  our  posts  so  effectually  as  the  dominion  of  the  Lakes 
which  it  is  our  own  power  to  gain. 


1  Omitted.  "Ace*."  can  be  supplied. 

2  Destroyed  by  fire. 
8  Not  found. 


Seven  Years'  War  147 

You  have  by  the  last  Vessells  undoubtedly  heard  of  the  reduc- 
tion of  Quebec  18th  Septr.  which  we  were  informed  of  by  three 
prisoners  taken  the  other  day  by  a  party  of  Inds.  I  sent  out  who 
also  brought  in  2  Scalps  on  which  intelligence  I  congratulate  with 
you  &  wish  it  may  be  authentic.  We  have  since  recd.  the  agre- 
able  news  of  Ferdinands  Victory1  Mr.  Nellus  has  informed  me 
of  what  past  at  the  meetings  you  had,  &  I  purpose  sending  up 
some  Indn.  goods  as  presents  for  them,  but  the  necessary  quantity 
cannot  be  purchased  &  sent  up  before,  in  the  meantime  I  hope 
the  Traders  there  will  be  able  to  supply  &  content  them  so  as  no 
difference  may  arise  which  might  be  of  bad  consequence  since 
nothing  can  bind  them  so  much  to  our  interests  as  the  fairness  of 
our  dealings. 

Mr.  DuCoigne  2 1  have  already  sent  you  and  have  given  liberty 
to  Mr.  Nellus  to  go  down  for  some  necessary  stores  during  the 
Winter  after  which  he  is  to  go  immediately  for  your  post  - 

I  purpose  to  set  out  from  this  place  on  my  way  home  tomorrow 
all  Military  operations  are  aside  here,  heartily  wish  you  may 
find  everything  agreeable  to  you  in  whatever  quarters  you  remain, 
and  be  assured  it  will  allways  give  me  pleasure  to  hear  from  & 
keep  up  a  Correspondence  with  you  being 

D'.  Sir 

Your  Sincere 
Well  Wisher 
& 

humble  Serv1 
To  COLL  FARQUHAR 

INDORSED:      Letter  to  Coll  Farquhar  dated  Oct 


1See  Van  Der  Heyden  to  Johnson,  October  10,   1759. 
2  Jean  Baptiste  de  Couagne. 


148  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  PHILIP  DE  VISMES  ETC. 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  100,  by 
four  papers,  addressed  to  Johnson,  which  were  destroyed:  a  letter  from 
Philip  De  Vismes,  at  New  York,  about  goods  received  from  London,  with 
invitation  to  Johnson  to  stay  at  his  house  when  in  New  York  "  in  lieu  "  of 
that  of  the  late  Peter  Wraxall,  dated  November  22d ;  a  list  of  Indian  goods, 
dated  the  22d;  a  letter  from  William  Kelly,  at  New  York,  about  goods 
forwarded  in  charge  of  Gulian  Ranselaugh  and  Abraham  Van  Valken- 
burg,  and  some  sent  by  mistake  to  Richard  Alsop,  Connecticut,  a  draft 
on  Johnson  for  the  balance  of  an  account,  the  retaking  of  Dresden  by 
the  King  of  Prussia,  and  British  successes  on  the  sea  and  in  the  East 
Indies,  dated  the  28th ;  a  letter  from  William  Kelly,  at  New  York,  rela- 
tive to  goods  sent  in  charge  of  Abraham  Cuyler  and  letters  from  England, 
forwarded  in  the  keeping  of  Lucas  Van  Vaghta,  dated  December  1st. 


Seven  Years'  War 


149 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  — 


NOV.,  1758  TO  DEC.,  17591 
The  Crown     —     — 


1758 
Nov.  11th 


To  Henry  I.  Wendal  pd.  for] 
8    Tin    Kettles,    Supplied  | 
the  Inds.  with  when  going 
to    Cadaraque   with    Col°.  | 
Bradstreet  8/p» J 

To  Rob1.  Saunders  for  Sev-j 
eral  ps.  of  Linnen,  had  of| 
him  and  forgot  to  charge  } 
as  pr.  his  Acco*.  will  Ap-j 
pear  

To  Jetes  de  Garmo  for  Wam- 
pum as  pr.  D°.  Acco* 

14th.  To  David  Vanderheyden's 
for  3  Indn.  Blanketts., 

19»/.p*:    

To  Capt°.  John  Lotteridge's 
Acco*.  of  Indn.  Expences. 
Inds.  at  Albany  forSundrys 

To  Some  Onondaga  &  Seneca  \ 

Sled  Hire  to  bring  up  money 

Indn.  Stores  &ca 

15th:  To  Daniel  Christie  &ca  for 
bringing  a  Batteau  load  of 
Goods  &ca 

To  Hance  Van  Epse  for 
bringing  up  3  Barrels  Rum 

To  Peter  an  Oneida  Chieftain 
to  buy  Provision 

To  Nixnoxques  &  two  other 
familys  of  the  Oneidas  be- 1 
sides  Cloaths  to  buy  them}' 
Provisions  having  none  of| 
their  own J 


Dr. 


3. 


64 


sh 


8., 


2. 


15.. 
4., 


1. 


1. 


2., 


4.. I  — 


16 


16 


10J 


17.. I  — 


16 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.57,  London,  England, 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  January  9,  1  760. 


Inclosed 


150 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  —  Continued 

1758  £          sh 


Novr.    16th.  To  Dan1.  Campbell's  Acco'.) 
as  p  D°.  will  Appear.  ...  3 

To  bringing  up  a  Slay  lead] 
of  Indn.  goods  as  Strouds}- 

a  Box  &ca J 

17th.   To  a  Charge  of  £27..   18.. 

1 ,  in  Barent  Tenyke  the  Sil- 

verSmith's  Acco'.,   Which  \- 

was  forgot  to  be  charged  in  | 

last  Acco' J 

To  a  Mohawk  viz'.  Aron( 
with  the  Curled  Hair ....  \ 

To  Nickus  chief  Sachem  of] 
Conajahare     to     purchase  | 
Indn.  Corn  having  all  his}* 
destroyed    While    he    At- 
tended the  meets,  at  Pen .  . 

To  Rult  a  Conajahare  Indn. 
Whose  wife  was  Sick  at 
my  house 

To  Wm.  Wormwood  for  two/ 

fat  Oxen \ 

18th.  To  the   Red   and  his  party,] 
the    Seneca    Chief    &    hisj 
going  home  after  the  tak-|> 
ing   of   Caderaque   besides 
Cloaths 

19  To  Hance  the  Witt  to  buy 

Corn  for  his  family 

20  To  Seth  of  Scohare  a  Sachem} 

who  came  on  business .  .  .  . } 

To  Mr.  J.  Welles  Acco'.  of] 

Expences  on  acco'.  of  the  }• 

Ind8.  as  pr.  .  .". J 

To    2    Schoare   Young   men 
going  home  with  Amn : .  .  . 
To    Lieut.    Clause's    Acco'. 
of    disbursements    for    the^ 
Ind8 j 


356 
1 

27 


2 
7 

12 


18. 


I. 


16.. I  — 


16. 


21 


15. 
16. 
16. 

14. 
4. 
4. 


Seven  Fears'  War 


151 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  -  Continued 

£  sh 


1758 
Nov.  20  To    2    Acco".     of    Capr.( 

Fonda's  pd.  as  pr.  d°. .  .  . 
21    To  Hance  the  Witt  &  another 
for  2  Mohawk's  burials .  . . 
22d   To     an     Onondaga     Young] 
chief  besides  Cloathing  hisj» 
family    j 

23  To  Clauss  De  Grass  bringing/ 

up  a  Battoe  with  goods .  . ) 

24  To  an  Old  Mohawk  Sachem 
To  Abel  a  River  Ind".  Chief  \ 

to  bury  his  father  in  law .  .  \ 

25  To     Cap".     Tho'.     Butler's) 

acco*.  of  Expences  Cloaths.  |> 
the  Scohares j 

26  To  James  Jones  &  Jelles  Cor- 1 

noct  for  2  Battoes  wf.  Ind*.  }• 

sto:  

To  Dan1,  a  Mohawk  for  2 

Gunns  bo1,  of  him 

To  Aria  a  Mohawk  Chief  to 

buy  Prov8.  going  hunting. 
To  Mr.  Welles's  acco*.  of 

Indn.  Expences  as  p  D° .  .  . 
To  Dan1.  Campbell's  Acco1. 

as  p  D° 

27  To  77  Yd'.  of  Gold  Lacej 

bo*,    of    CoK    Glazier    atS 

5/6 j 

To  Sundry  Ind'.  to  buy  Some 

Necessarys   

29lh.  To  three  diff*.  Acco".  of  Indn. 
Expences  pd.  Capf.  Butler.  \ 
Decr.  2d.   To  an  Oneida  named  Taca-] 
hawasere     &     family     forj> 

prov' J 

To    2    Mohawks    for   Shoes] 
going   ahunting ) 


21 


28 


14.. 
16.. 

4.. 

8.. 
8.. 
8.. 

13.. 
16., 


8.. 

12.. 
3.. 
..  15.. 

16.. 
8.. 


152 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  —  Continued 


1758 

Decr.  3d. 


To    Modelena    a    Mohawk  £ 

Widow   ] 

4   To  Oneida  Hannis  for  Prov*, 

To  Oghquagoe  Jacob  who] 
was  Sick  lately  to  buy}- 
Prov8.  not  being  able  toj 

Hunt I 

9   To  Cap1.  Jelles  Fonda  for  a] 
parcel  of   french   Lace   &[ 
Steel  Some  of  the  Plunder 
of  Caderaque  &  for  Inds .  . 

To  Tayuwasey  for  necessarys  ( 


10 

11 


12 


13 


a  Mohawk  Sachem ) 

To  Arent  Lanyne  for  rids.) 
down  to  Schenectady  to}> 
Stop  Some  Inds J 

To  D°.  for  bringing  a  load  of  [ 
Pork  to  my  house 

To  Commissn$.  for  goods  bo*, 
for  the  use  of  the  Inds.  to}- 
this   day  £10120..    -10i 
at  2i  p  O 

To  5  Ind8.  Scouts  who  I  sent 
with  the  Militia  towards 
Crown  Point  &  Tienderoga 
on  a  report  2  french  De-j> 
serters  Spread  that  there 
was  700  men  out  on  this 
1/4 

To  a  Number  of  the  Oneidas 
&  Tuscaroras  to  purchase 
prov5.  who  came  here  in  a  • 
Starving    Condition    Crops 
have,  failed 

To    the    Tuscarora    Chief    a 
Silver  Laced  Hatt 

To  one  Yd.  red  shalloon  for 
a  Flag 


13 


253. 


6. 


48. 


2. 


sh 


16.. I  — 


12.   I  — 


3. 


16..    - 


6..    _ 


12..    - 


4. 


Seven  Years'  War 


153 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  —  Continued 

1 758  £          sh 


Dec'.  13  To  Seths.  Hance  3  Dollars 
to  redeem  four  Strouds 
he  pledged  for  necessarys 
to  bury  his  wife  and  2 
Child" 

15  To  Captn.  Dick  for  a  Gunn. 

16  To   Some  Onondagas   going| 

home  for  prov8 ) 

To  an  Oneida  Chief  a  red( 
flag      \ 

18  To  an  Express  from  Albany 

with  Letters  &  Treatys 
from  the  Governors  of  Pen- 
sylvania  &  Jersey 

1 9  To  a  Oghquga  Indn.  to  Carry 

him  home 

To  a  Cayouga  D°.    .    .    D°. 
.  .   .  besides  other  things . ) 

20  To  a  Seneca  and  a  Mohawk . 

21  To  the  Beth  a  Seneca  Chief,] 

going  to  Onondaga  toj 
Learn  what  news  am*1,  the  }• 
upper  Nations  besides  sev1.  \ 
things  on  his  Journey .... 

24  To  Aron  of  the  Hills  Acco1. 
of  Sundry  Expences  pd.  by  }• 
him I 

26  To     an     Oneida     sent    with] 
Letters    by    Capt*.    Butler^ 

&  Fonda 

To  David  of  Scohare  Cash 
to  begin  Settlem*.  at  Avigo 
on  the  Waters  of  Susqua-  • 
hannah   in   order  to  bring 
more  Ind8.  there 

27.  To  Brant  a  Mohawk  Sachem 

for  his  Sick  family 
ToPeter  for  Prov*., 


I. 


I.. 

1. 


1. 


4.. 


1. 


3. 


8.. 


1. 


20.. 


4.. 


16.. 

16.. 

4.. 

2.. 
4.. 


16.. 
16.. I- 


154 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  —  Continued 


1758 

Decr.  28   To    Seneca    George    and    a( 
Cay ouga  man \ 

29  To    the    Coffin  &   burial    of) 

Sadagariwat    a     Mohawk  }• 
Chief I 

30  To  Ryar  Wemps  Acco1.  for  j 

Riding  Indian  Goods .  . .  .  \ 


sh 


1759 
Janry.   1st 


To  Abraham  a  Mohawk  ( 
Chief 

To    2    M    Black   Wampum 
of  Mr.  Lansing 

To  a  Mihicander  at  Albany  [ 
to  redeem  his  Gunn \ 

To  Sybr*.  Vanscoake  for  14] 
Guns  by  Gen1.  Abercrom-}- 
by's  Orders j 

4  To  4  Slays  with  Ind".  Stores^ 

from  Albany  to  my  house .  \ 

To  Symon  Veder  for  3  Wag-) 

gon   load  rid  to  Schenec-  }- 

tady j 

5  To  Sloopage  from  York  of/ 

Sundrys \ 

To    Frederick    Garrison    for) 

Cartage  of  goods  from  thej- 

Sloops I 

8  To  M".  J.  Welles  Acco'.  of) 

Cash  to  Sundry  Indians .  .  \ 
To  Kennedy  &  Lisle  for  859 

wf.  Tobacco  @  5d  pr.  .  .  . 
To  Wm.   Printup  Smith  for 

work  done  for  Inds 

9th:  To     Senughsis     an     Oneida 

Chief  and  Family 

To  a  party  of  Conajohares  go-) 

ing  on  the  Hunt 


•   • 

9.. 

1.. 

4.. 

1.. 

11.. 

1.. 

12.. 

4.. 

1.. 

1.  . 

4.. 

28.. 

6.. 

1.. 

7.. 

6.. 

7.. 

12.. 

1.. 

16.. 

17.. 

17.. 

1.. 

16.. 

2.. 

8.. 

•  • 
1 

16.. 

Seven  Years'  War 


155 


sh 


16 


16 

8 


12 


8. 


16. 


17. 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  —  Continued 

1759 

Janfy-  1 0  To  a  Seneca  Indn.  to  Redeem  j 
a  Gunn  pledged  at  Sche-j^ 
nectady  j 

11  To  an  Oneida  Family  to  buy 

prov8 

12  To  Aaron  a  Mohawk  to  buy 

fodder  for  his  horses.  .  .  . 
To    2    Oneida    familys    our( 

friends  going  ahunting.  .  .  \ 
To  a  Mohawk  Squaw  to  pay] 

for  a  Coffin   for  her  hus-  }• 

band    J 

13  To  Cechcoanas  son  for  fresh  [ 

prov8.  for  a  Sick  Indn .  .  .  . } 

14  To  Cayenguerego  by  Tage-] 

ghsado  for  the  funeral  of}- 

his  Sisters j 

To  2  Oneidas  &  1   Cayouga) 
for  Sundry  Necessarys.  . 

15  To  John  Murray  for  riding 

for  Ryar  Bowen  Smith, 
from  16th.  To    Expences    attended    my] 
to  meeting,    the    Conajahares| 

ye.  22d.        Mohawks  and  Some  Sene- 1 

cas  at  Conajahare  on  busi-  }•  I        34 

ness  of  Consequence  with 

regard   to  the    6    Nat8.   6 

days  and  settling  it I 

To   Canadakaia   a   Mohawk/ 

chief    

To  3  Ind$.  sent  to  Invite  the 

6  Nats.  to  my  house.  .  .  , 
To  2  Seneca  Chiefs  who  bro*. ) 

me  news  to  Conajahare. .  .  \ 
To    Hants    Ells    Acco*.    for] 

Sundrys  Supplied   the   In-^ 

dians   , 

To  Eliz*.  Pickett  for  a  fat 

Cow  to  the  Conajahares . 


12. 
12. 


17. 


8 


156 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  —  Continued 


1759 

from  1  6th.    To  Justice  Van  Epses  Acco*.^ 

to  of  Waggon  hire  from  29th.  | 

y*22d.         March    1757   to   the    Ifr^ 

Decr.  1  758  for  rids.  prov*.  | 

Stores,  Amunta.  &ca  .....  I 

ToW™.  Kelly  of  New  York) 

Merch*.   for  Sundry   Indn.j 

Goods    as   pr.    acco1.    will}> 

Appear    dated    Octr.    7th:] 

1758   ................  j 

23  To    Jacob    of    Scohare    for( 

necessarys    ............  \ 

To  a  Conajahare  family  for{ 

prov8.  being  very  poor  .  .  .  .  \ 
To  the  i  Kings  for  a  Gun| 

bo*,  of  him  ............  \ 

To  Modelena  a  poor  Squaw  . 

24  To    Peter   alias    Tageghsata| 

for  a  Gun  4  Dollars  .....  \ 

25  To  Peter  a  Mohawk  ...... 

To   a   Scohare   Indn.    &  old[ 

Taishare  a  Mohawk  .....  \ 
To  Joseph  Saynwase  a  Sa-} 

chim  who  lost  all  his  family  \ 
To  Conradh  Frank  for  2) 

Gall8.  Rum  to  an  Indn.  as}- 
<P  rec*  ....  .1 

26th.  To    Peter    Fonda    for    200] 

Boards    for    mak«.     Indn.  }• 

hutts&ridg  ........... 

To  Peter  Senooise  a  Conaja- 

hare for  provender  ...... 

28  To  a  Mohawk  Widow  for  a 

Gun  of  her  deceased  hus- 

band   ................ 

29lh.  To  9  Conajahares  Amn.   & 

Cash  for  prov8.  being  poor. 
To    3     Slays     with    Stores 

Strouds  &  frize  &ca. 


42 


687 


16 


sh 


16 


13, 

8 
12, 

12. 

8 
12 

4 
13 

16 

13 
16 


Seven  Years'  War 


157 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  —  Continued 

1759  £          sh 


Jan1*.  29th.  To  Hance  Knafe  for   12  skj 

pease  at  4st.  pr } 

To  Hannis  Rasper  for  rid«.| 
6  load  of  prov8.  little  falls .  \ 

30  To  2  Mohawk  familys  to  buy  [ 

prov*.  for  Sick J 

To    Cap".    Dick    a    Sincere  { 

friend  of  the  English .  .  .  . 
To  John  Bowen  for  15  sk  of 

pease  for  use  Inds.  at  4/ .  .  \ 
To  DO.  mak«.   10  Jacketts  &/ 

riding  Express ( 

31  To    Johannis    a    Conajahare 

for  Letters  bro*.   from  ye. 

out  Posts 

To  Aaron  to  buy  provisions  { 

for  the  Sick 

Feby.  H  To  W*.   Fox  for  25   Sk 

Wheat  for  Inds.  use  at  4/.  \ 

2  To  Joseph  a  Mohawk  Sachim 

for  a  poor  Widow 

3  To  old  Noah  a  poor  helpless 

Ind" \ 

To  2  Conajahare  Inds.  Sent) 
w'.  a  Belt  to  call  the  6!> 
Nat* J 

5  To    3    Oghquagoe    Familys/ 

having  no  prov5.  at  all ....  \ 

To  a  Cayouga  Sachim  for  6| 

pr.  Indn.  Shoes  for  War-j> 

riors  4/ J 

6  To  Abraham  of  Conojahare^ 

going  to  Albany \ 

To  John  Cain  22  sk  pease  [ 
@  4/.  pr 

7  To  a  Cayouga  squaw  3  pr. 

Indn.  Shoes  Cash 

To  Wm.  Allan  41   sk;  pease 
@  4/7  p* 


2. 


8.. 

18.. 

4.. 

8., 


16.. 

12. 


8., I  — 


4.. 

2.. 

12.. 
7. 


10 


11 


158 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES 

1759  £ 

7  To  John  Pickett  Interpret1.  to| 

ye.  minr.  at  Conajahare.  .  .  \ 
To  Wm.  Vroman  for  rids.  to| 

load  Arms  &ca  to  Schenec-  }• 

tady   ..........  .......  J 

To   Geo:    Snell   for   75   sk:[ 

Wheat.at4/  pr..  ....... 

To  Hendrick's  Son  for  a  Gun 

bo1,  of  him  .......  ..... 

8  To   Some    Cayouga    Sachim/ 

about  business  ..........  \ 

To  a  Cayouga  Squaw  for  a| 

skin  &  2  pr.  Shoes  .......  \ 

To    John    B:    V.    Epse    &] 

Jacobus    Vanslyke    Esqrs.  j* 

Acco*.  of  riding  boards  .  .  .  J 
To  3  Scohares  for  prov8  .... 
To  old  Brant  of  Conajahare  J 

&  anoyr.  family  ........  \ 

9  To   Some   Onondagas  going] 

to    Schenectady    who    are}* 
Steady  friends  .........  J 

9  To     old    Seth     a     Mohawk) 
Sachem  to  buy  nourishment  f 


Continued 

sh 


th 
1  2 


13 


a  Conajahare.  .  .  . 

To  Sundry  expences  attended 
my  going  to  Conajahare  to 
prepare   a   large   party  of| 
Indians   to   go  to   Canada}* 
for  a    Prisoner   for    Intel-  1 
ligence  by   Brigr.  General  | 
Gage's  Order  ..........  J 

To  Nickus  Brant's  Son  for 
prov8.  for  his  Sick  family. 

To  Margaret,   Modalena,  & 
Mary  3  Mohawk  Squaws  . 

To  Sundry  others  for  prov8.  . 


5. 


15 
1 

2 

14 


11. 


2.. 

2.. 
3. 


4.. 
18., 


12.. 

8.. 

18.. 


12.. 
4.. 

16.. 

8.. 
8.. 


16 


8 
16 


Seven  Years*  War 


159 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  - 


1759 
Feb.  13 


Continued 

A 


To  David's  Widow  of  the£ 
Hill  for  a  pr.  Snow  Shoes .  \ 

To  another  pr.  for  Isaac  of  the| 
Hill  going  to  Tienderoga. 

14  To  Hance  Hantheis   for  30 

sk :  pease  for  the  use  of  the  }• 

Ind8.  4/6 J 

To  Aron  to  buy  prov8.  for  his  ( 

large  Sick  family J 

To  Tawistawis  Nickus's/ 

broyr.  for  a  horse  lost ....  3 
To  a  party  of  30  Ind8.  going  | 

to    Tienderoga    for   Sugar  }• 

for  parch'd  meat J 

To  little  Abram  a  pr.  of  Snow  [ 

Shoes    \ 

15  To  mak«.  2  very  large  belts  | 

6  feet  each  on  particulars 
Occasions J 

1 6  To  make.  Sundry  other  Belts  | 

&  Strings  w*.  leather  and 
thread    

17  To  3  Ells  red  shalloon  bo*. 

for  2  Signals J 

To  2  partys  from  Conojahare] 
&  Scohare  for  Sugar  on  }• 
Scout J 

To  a  Cargoe  of  Indn.  Goods) 
bo1,    of    Farral    Wade    in  i 
consequence  of  Gen1.  Am-}- 
herst's   Letter   to  lay,  in   a 
Magazine  of  Goods 

Commiss1".   on  D°.   at  2J  p 
Cent    

To  Lieut.  Clause  Sundrys  to 
the  Inds.  as  ^  Acco* 

18  To  J.  Clement  Interpr.  going  1 

to   Stoneraby    to   call    the}- 
Ind8 .J 


1. 


6. 


8 


501 


12 


16.. 
15.. 

12.. 
12. 


12.. 
8.. 

16.. 
13. 


5. 


8 


17.. 
16.. 


160 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  -  Continued 


1759 


18  To  34  Ind8.  more  who  Joined ) 

t'other  party  for  sugar  4/  • 

@ 

To  Snow  Shoes  purchased 
for  those  that  had  none 
who  I  sent  to  Tienderoga 
for  Prisoners  49  Dollars .  .  ^ 

To  a  Parcel  of  the  Oneidas^ 
going  home 

To  an  Onondaga  Chief  (who 
assisted     greatly     in     the 
reductn.  of  Caderaque)   & 
his  party  coming  down  on| 
business J 

19  To  Peter  Conin  for  a  Bull] 

as    fresh    prov8.    for    Inds.  \ 

Assembled    j 

To  John  Bowen  for  a  Hogg/ 

D° J 

To  the  Mohawks  for  a  feast) 

when  they  marched ij 

To  2  load  hay  for  the  Indn. 

horses  &ca 

To  Liquor  of  Mrs.  Montour 

for  a  Burial 

To  Abraham  o'f  Conojahare{ 

expences  burying  his  child.  \ 
To  maks.  8  Coffins  for  Ind8.? 

dying  of  Yellow  Fever.  .  . 

20  To  a  poor  Widow  who  lost 

her  only  Son  for  prov8 .... 
To  Nickus  Hance  for  a  good 

f rench  gun 

To  Hance  and  Aron  for  Sun- 

drys 

To  Aron  for  riding  Expresses 

&ca 

To  Gardner  for  an  Ox  bo*. 

by  Clement  the  Interpr. .  . 


19 


12 


sh 


16.. 


12., I  — 


16. 


12.. 
4.. 


11 


4. 


18.. 
12. 


1..    4.. I  — 


Seven  Years'  War 


161 


8 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  -  Conlinutd 

1759  £          sll 

Fet>y.  218t:  To  a  squaw  for  her  deceased  £ 

husband's  Gun \ 

To  J.  Clement  Interpr.  Sun-( 
dry  expenses  as  :$  Acco1. .  j 

22  To  Peter  Frederick  for  36  sk( 

pease  @  4/6  for  Inds .  .  .  .  \ 

23  To  3  Slays  carrys.  Indn.  Bag-{ 

gage  to  Schenectady \ 

24  To  60  sk:  Ind".  Corn  to  the) 

Senecas  &  partys  going  to}* 

Tienderoga    J 

To  Aron  &  Dan1.   Mohawk] 
Chiefs     in     lieu     of     the 
Cloathing    

27  To   Archibald   Boyd   for  4 

Bullocks  for  the  Ind8 \ 

28  To  John   Vansici  Gunsmith^ 

as  3P  Acco' 

[arch  1st:  To  14  Warr8.  for  necessarys 
for  them  &  their  families, 
Slay  here  &ca 

3  To  2  Sick  Ind5.  turned  back 

from  a  party 

4  To  8  P'.   Ind".  Shoes  of  2 

Onondaga  Squaws  @  4/. 

6  To  4  Conajahares  Sick  at  myv 

house \ 

7  To    Jacomine    old    Mohawk{ 

Widow  for  prov8 \ 

To    Sam1.    Gardiner    for    a| 
Bridle  lost  by  an  Indn .  .  .  .  \ 

8  To  Red  head  a  Chief  Onon-] 

dago  &  family  wl.  Cloath?.  J* 
&ca | 

9  To  DO.   a  Green  Silk  Gold) 


laced  Waistcoat 
Vol.  Ill  — 6 


J 


48 
34 


8 


11 


16 


12 
17 
16 


12 


162 


.Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


2 
3 
6 

3 
16 

18. 


18.. 

16.. 
3.. 
6.. 

12. 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  —  Coniinued 

1759  £          sh 

March   10th.  To  Sundry  expences  attended] 
&          my  going  to  Conajahare  atj 
1 1  *       the  request  of  the  Castle  on  | 
the    death    of    their    chief}' 
Sachem  the  Ceremony   of 
Condolence,  the  burial  of 
him  &  anoyr.  chief 

12  To  Peter  an  Oneida  Chief  to 
..j  purchase  prov8.  &ca 

To  Cap*.  Conin's  Acco*.  for 
work  done  for  Inds 

13  To     Mr.     Cormick    Express 

from  Mr.  Croghan  PhiK . 
To  a  Chenessea  young  chief- 
tain to  pay  me  a  visit  w!. 
News   

16  To  a  party  of  Conajahares 
who  returned  w*.  5  Pris- 
oners and  Six  Scalps  from 

Tienderoga    

1  7th :  To  a  party  of  Mohawks,  Sco- 
hares,   Mihicanders,   Onei- 

das  Senecas j 

To     a     Onondaga     Squaw  \ 
Smoaks.  dressing  8  skinns . ) 

18  To  Some  Oneida  familys  for 
provisions 

20  To  Peter  alias  Taguainunt 
for  D°.  

23  To    the    Burial    of    Isaac    a 

Mohawk  Warrior  &ca.  .  . 

To  Ta '  ka '  ha '  wei  *  ser '  a  an 

Oneida  friend  for  provisions 

24  To  a  Conajahare 

25  To    a    Mohawk   who   enter- 

tained 3  Sick  &  wounded 
Ind8.  of  the  Detacht  Na- 
tions returned  from  Tien- 
deroga w1.  Prisoners J 


1. 


16 

8. 
12. 
16. 

4. 

18. 
16. 

17. 


Seven  Years'  War 


163 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  —  Continued 

1 759  £  sh 


March  26   To    three    Oghguagoes   Sent[ 

by  the  Sachems \ 

To  Peter  Cremar  Smith's  | 
Acco*.  mends.  Guns  axesj* 
&ca J 

29  To  Peter  Davis  riding  Some( 

Onandagas  to  Fort  Herkn .  J 

30  To  Segeohana  Sachim 

3 1  To  Brant  for  a  Gun 

April  1.  To    Mr.    Kelly's  Acco*.    for 

Sundrys  bo*,  as  3$  Acco1. 

14th.  March 

To    an  Oneida    Indn.    for   a 


1&2. 


spare  gun 

D  Bells  family  8/  Dan1. 

others  1 6/ 

To  2  Expresses  sent  to  the| 

German  Flatts  &  Schenec-j* 

tady    I 

3  To     Canadagaia      Mohawkj 

chief  Sachem  for  his  fam?.  \ 

To    little    Cornelius    to    buy( 

Shoes   \ 

4  To  Peter  Takuainunt  along 

the  road 

To  Surgeon  Bray  for  attends, 
the  Mohawks  3  m° 

To  Joseph  Peppy  a  Dela- 
ware sent  w*.  a  message  to 
the  Ohio  Ind5 

To    Sundry    chiefs   going  to 

the  Gen1,  meeting 

from  To     Expences    attends,     the 
Gen1,  meets,  at  Conajahare 
of  1 0  nat*.  which  continued  \ 
18  days  when  they  all  de- 


the  ^". 
to  the 


:lared 


in  our 


favour 


viz1 


I. 

7. 
1. 

2. 
282. 

2. 
1. 

2. 
1. 


10. 
5. 


4..    — 


18., 


16.. 
16.. 

14.. 


4..I  — 


12.. 

8.. 

14.. 


164 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  —  Conlinued 


1759 

April  To  Brant  an  IncK  Whose) 
house  we  took  up,  Waggon  }• 
horses  fire  wood,  Dresss.  j 
Victualls  &ca j 

5  Expresses  up  and  down^ 
during  the  Meeting j 

Stores  for  the  Whole  O.) 
Officers  Interprs.  &ca  who 
accompanied  me  transpor- 
tation Expences  along  the 
road  up  &  down  for  us 
and  the  Inds.  &ca  coming  | 

down | 

/22<  To  about  30  Sachims  &  Head] 
Warr".  of  the  Sev1.  Nat8.! 
Cash  as  private  presents  be-  }• 
sides  yr.  share  of  ye.  pub-j 
lick  which  was  £1500 J 

Provisions  during  the  Meeting  ] 
&  on  their  way  home  be- 
sides what  I  owe  the  Con 
tractors  for  which  I  have 
not  at  yet  Received  their 
Acco' J 

To  208  p'.  Indn.  Shoes  for/ 
the  Warriors  at  4/ \ 

19n.  Paint  bo*,  of  Indns.  who) 
got  it  at  Caderaque } 

To  Brant  for  a  Gunn 

25  To  Rob'.  Wilson  Who  As-1 
sisted  during  the  meeting.  \ 

To  Hance  the  wilt  chief 
Sachim  of  the  Mohawks 
Who  Assisted  during  the 
meeting  &  was  speaker 
sometimes 

To  Dan1.  Wemham  Assist*.] 
the  Interp".  dur*.  the  Meet-  J- 
ing j 


£ 
25.. 

6.. 
176.. 


sh 


139.. 


128.. 


41.. 

13.. 
2.. 
2. 


10.. 


1. 


10. 


12.. 
6.. 


8.. 


10.. 


Seven  Years'  War 


165 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  —  Continued 


1759 

April  25    To  6  pr.  Shoes  bo1,  by  MO 
Clause  @  4/ } 

To  a  River  IncK  &  Squaw  j 
rob'd  &  abused  by  the|* 
Soldiers J 

To  4  spies  sent  to  Swegatchy  | 
&  Canada  to  Discover  the| 
Mot8,  of  the  Enemy  &  bro1.  t 
a  deal  of  Intelligence  £  1 5  j 
ea J 

To  Aron  a  Mohawk  for  Sun- 
dry Services 

To    wide    mouth    Hance    to 
redeem  his  gunn 

26  To  1 01 '.  of  Deers  Leather  for 

Indn.    Shoes   bo1,    by    Mr.  j> 
Clause J 

27  To  a  Delaware  Indn.  come( 

from  Scohare ) 

To  an  Acco*.  of  Sundry  ex-[ 

pences  pd.  Lieut.  Clause .  .  \ 
D°.  to  Cap*.  Loteridge  for  an| 

Indn.  party  of  70  men .  .  .  .  \ 

28  To  6  pr.    of  Shoes   for   the/ 

Warriors 3 

To  Jonathan  a  Mohawk  to/ 

buy  planting  Corn \ 

To  an  Express  Sent  by  Cap*. 

Forbs  from  Fl.  Herkimer. . 
To  Cadaga  Young  Indn.  for 

a  Silk  hankf 

29  To    Affarandungas    a    chief 

Onondaga  from  Chugnutt. 
To  Honey  cost  Herkimer  for( 

a  Cow  for  the  Chenesseas . 
To  Cors.  Barky dh  3  trips  in  a 

Battoe  to  Fort  Johnson. 
To  Corn8.  Vanslyke  D°.  - 

&  Conajahare \ 


60 


26 
16 


4 


sh 
4. 


8. 


12 

18 


18 
10 


10 


16 
8 


10 


166 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  — 
1759 

April  29    To    Wm.    Erikson    &    John) 

Barky  13  trips  to  my  house \ 

.   30  To  Tho'.  &  Senooisses  Bro"  1 

to  pay  debts  of  their  Bror.  I 

Peter  who  was  killed  and  j 

for  the  Burial J 

/To  Dan1.  &  other  Ind8.  in| 
lieu  of  their  mounting .  .  .  .  \ 
To    Peter    alias   Takuainunt 

for  provs 

May  1".  To  maks.   600  p'.   of   Ind". 
Stockings     w*.     ribbn.     to 

them    

To   a   Cayouga   Sachim   for 

Rum   

To  Scohare  Jacob  to  buy  a) 

french  Blankett } 

2  To  anoyr.  Scohare  Indn.  Sent) 

express  by  Cap*.  Ekerson .  \ 

To  Seneca  George  to  pay  his) 

Debts \ 

To  Sonooissis  Bro*.  for  a  pO| 

leather  Stockings j 

3d.  To   a   Storekeeper   of  Arms| 
Amunition  prov8.   Cloath^.  | 
&ca    for    Indns.    from    1st. 
Novr.  1758  to  the  1st.  Ins*. 
May    

4  To  Sundry  Cayougas  return- 

ing home  on  their  Journey . 
To  the  head  men  of  the  Ten) 

tarighrooneis  return?,  home.  \ 
To   Ganaghguaieso   chief  of) 

Oneida  &  party  going  home } 

5  To  Red  head  chief  of  Onan-] 

daga  &  party  going  to  Swe-  j- 

gatchy j 

To  24  pr.  Ind".  Shoes  of  Up-) 
per  Natn \ 


—  Coi 

( 

4.. 

itinued 

sh 

i 

5.. 

12.. 

5.. 

16.. 

•  . 

*n 

16.. 

)U.  . 

•  • 

16.. 

•  . 

18.. 

i.. 

12.. 

•  * 

14.. 

•  • 

8.. 

| 

.  . 
2.. 

16.. 

2.. 

8.. 

3. 

12.. 

4.. 

8.. 

4.. 

16.. 

Seven  years'  War 


167 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXP 

1759 
May  5    To  a  Seneca  chief  going  to 
Schenectady   

ENSES  —  Co 
£ 

•   • 

3.. 
1.. 

3579.. 
75.. 
25.. 

3.. 

2... 
9.. 
2.. 

110.. 

2.. 
4.. 

15.. 

5.. 

|         6.. 

ntinued 

sh 

8.. 
16.. 
4.. 

8.. 
2.. 

18.. 

16.. 
12.. 
16.. 

18.. 
15.. 

12.. 
8.. 

1 

d 

—  i 

6 
8 

1 

6  To  Cayenguerego  &   family 
to  plow  &  fence  their  Land 
7  To    2    Tuscaroras    going    to 
Oshsuaca   , 

To  Farral  Wade  for  a  Cargo 
of  goods  bo*,  for  Ind8.   <$  - 
Acco*  J 

ToD°.  as^  Acco*  

To  Wm.  Corry  Esqr.  for  his] 
care  &  trouble  rec^.  &  for-f 
ward8,  goods  J 

To  Nixnoxque  &  family  of  22  j 
for  prov8.   redeem  5   guns|- 
&  to  buy  Rum  to  get  their  1 
Land  planted  J 

8  To  Sundry  Ind8.  from  Otsen  / 
ingo  return8,  home  

To  upwards  of  40  Chenesseas 
return*,  home  for  prov8  .  .  . 
To  Peter  Smart  of  Conaja- 
hare  &  a  Lad  for  2  Guns  .  . 
To    Henry    Vanschaack    of 
Albany     for    Blank8.     ^ 
Acco*.   J 

Com118,  for  purchasing  D°.  .  . 
To  2  Chenessea  Ind8.  in  lieu) 
of  Guns  ) 

9  To  Peter  Taquainunt  

To   50".    Deers   leather   for 
Indn.  Stores  @  6/.  pr.  .  . 
To   2   pr.    Shoes   bo*,    of   a 
Chenessea    

To  a  horse  bo*,  for  the  Chief 
Sachim  of  D°  

/9th:   To  3  Chenesseas  in  lieu  of 

168 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  —  Continued 


1759 

May   10    To  Isaac  Collier  for  horse  to  I 
New  England  to  call  the} 

Ind*. J 

To  3  Senecas  in  lieu  of  Gunns 

To  Thos.  King  who  assisted) 

at  the  meeting  of   Eastonj 

&ca    Headed   a   party    ot}- 

Inds.   to  Fort  Du   Quesne) 

wr.  Gen1.  Forbes I 

To  Canadagaia  40/  &   old] 

Seth  Mohawks  16/ ) 

To  2  Senecas  in  lieu  of  Guns 
To  3  Cayouga  Chiefs  carried] 
Messages  to  the  Delawares  }• 
at  Ohio  &  settled  Matters  | 
properly  besides  death*. .J 

1 2  To  a  Seneca  for  a  Gunn .... 
To  Wm.  Printup  as  ^  acco*. 
To  Peter  &  a  Chenessea  Indn.)' 

for  2  Guns 

To  5  men  of  a  party  going  to 

Crown  Point  for  a  Prisoner 

in    lieu    of    Cloathing  —  6 

Dollars  ea 

To  Mr.   Welles's  Acco*.   of /j 

Indn.  Expences ) 

To  a  Seneca  Indn.  for  a  Gunn 
To  Oneida  Jacob  to  Redeem \ 

a  Stroud \ 

To  Peter  an  Oneida  going  to  j 

Warr,  &  to  his  Family .  .  . } 

13  To    Hayman    Levy    MerchO 

Accot8.  of  New  York \ 

Commiss*.    at  2-J    <P   O.    on) 

To      David     Vanderheyden  /! 

Acco1.  of  Sundrys  for  Inds.  \ 

Commiss8.  purchasing  D°.  2?) 

¥  O.  .  A 


4.. 
5.. 

12.. 

2.. 
4.. 

14.. 

2.. 

4.. 

12.. 

8.. 
2.. 

1.. 

555.. 
13.. 
294.. 
7. 


sh 


10.. 
4.. 


12.. 


16 


16.. I  — 


8., I  — 


18.. 
12.. 
10.. 
17.. 

8.. 

7. 


Seven  Years  War 


169 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  —  Continued 


1759 
May   13 


To    John    Widemouth    and| 
another    .........  •  .....  \ 

To  4  Ind8.  Instead  of  mount-  \ 
ing  6  Doll",  ea  .........  ] 

To  Seth  of  Scohare  head  of  a] 
party  in  lieu  of  his  laced  r 
Cloaths  Cash  ..........  j 

14  To  the  Wifes  &  Familys  of  a] 
Party  of  Ind8.  going  to 
Consisting  of  25  men  Cash  }- 
to    Support    ym.    in    their 
absence    .............. 

To    Benj:    & 


15 


16 


Tho8.  For- 
sey  as  ^  AC- 
CO*.  of  Indn. 
goods  ..... 
To  Kennedy  & 
Lisle  Merch'8. 


£126..—..  7 


195..  8..  5 


17..  4..  9 
55..—..  — 
202.10..  — 


To      Cornelius 

Schuyler    D°. 
To  Rob*.  Saun- 

ders  DO 

To    S  y  m  o  n 

Veder  D°.  .  . 
To     Abraham 

Peck      for[30. 

Wampum  D°J 
To  David  Van- 1 

derheyden  D°.  ^503. 

for  goods.  . . 

To  -  DO.  - 

DO 

17  ToRob'.Leakel 

Esqr.     for    4j>    60.  .16 
fatt  Oxen  bo1.  | 
for  me J 


4..  1 


13.. 17..  6 


sh 
16. 

2. 
0. 

8. 


170 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN 

1759 
May    17    Commiss8.     for] 

purchase     all}-  30. 
the   above] 
pays.  &ca24.J 


EXPENSES  —  Continued 


4. .   1 


To  Grinds.  bolt§. 

&     bak«.     207 

Sk:  Wheat  for 

the  meeting.  .  . 
To  d°.  246  sk  Indn.  corn  d° 
&  others  in  want 


\ 
J 


To    Fire    wood    and    horse  ( 
pasture   ...............  j 

19  To  a  poor  Mohawk  Widow  ( 

in  her  sickness  .......... 

To  Cap*.  John  Welles  as 
Acco1.   for  prov8.  supplied 
In* 

20  To  John  a  Mohawk  wounded 

at  Tienderoga  .......... 

Cash  for  a  feast  to  a  party  of 
Mohawks  going  to  War.  . 

21  To     Hanikle     Herkimer     4 

Slays  wf.  Inds.  &  Baggage^ 
To    2    Mohawk    familys    to) 

buy  planting  Corn  .......  } 

To    Brant   going    express    to( 

Susquahannah   .........  \ 

To   Tho8.    Akerson's   Acco^l 

of  Ind8.  expences  as  <P  D°  .  \ 
To  Josias  Swart  d°  ......  D° 

22d,   To  2  Ind8.  with  my  Message) 

to    call    the   Warriors    of| 

Scohare  Oghguaga  Chug-  }- 

nutt  &  Otseningo  to  meet| 

at  F^ort  Stanwix  ........  ) 

To    James    Campbell    living] 

amongst    the   Oneidas    for[- 

Service    . 


1234 
8 


15 


58 
47 


sh 


15 
16 


15.  I  — 


16 


16 

14 
8 

16 


4.. I  — 


Seven  Years   War 


171 


4.. 


18 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  —  Continued 

1759  £          sh 

May  23  To  Farral  Wade  for  Sundrys( 

to  the       as  <&  Acco1 \ 

27  To  Cap1.   Jelles  Fonda  Ex- 1 

penses  last  Winter,  on  Ser-  f        121 

vice  at  Fort  Herkimer  &ca| 

to  the  Ind8 J 

To  Sundry  expences  attended  j 

my  going  to  Conajahare  toj 

hold  a  Meeting  with  themj 

Inds.  prepare  them  for  the}-          16 

March  &  send  Messages  to  j 

the  6  Nat8,  to  meet  at  Fort  | 

Stanwix  &  Oswego 

To  Peter  Schuyler's  acco'.  of 

Rum  given  to  Inds.  Sundry  j»| 

times    

28  To     3     Swegatchy     Messrs. 

Onondagos  sent  to  me  wl. 

Strings J 

To  Wm.  Printupp's  Acco*.  of 
Expences  for   Ind8.   as   ^ 

D° 

To    Mark    Reeces's    Acco1. 

of  rid§.  for  Inds.  lastj> 

^Winter  J 

To  make.  &  Binding  33  / 

Scarlet  Blanketts  @  3/pr.ij 
To  Ephraim  Wemp's  acco1. 1 

for  a  hogg  &  keeps.  Ind8.  }• 

horse  I 

To  John  B :  V.  Epse  Justicel 

his  Acco1.  of  Waggon  &}•        160 

Battoe  hire  to  the  26th:  as| 

<P  his  Acco1.  will  appear .  .  J 
To  lacing  100  Hattsat  1/6. 

29  To  a  River  Indian  for  Neces-) 

sarys    \  I 


11. 
12. 
11. 

4 
19 
10 


10 
12 


172 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNt  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  —  Continued 


1759 

May  29  To  Mark  Reece  for  a  fall] 
Cow  for  the  Mohawks  onj> 
marchs J 

To  a  German  Widow  for  a| 
hogg  killed  by  Cap*  Lot-[ 
teridge's  party 

To  Barnt  Wemp  for  prov8.  to( 
Sundry  Ind8.  coming  here. 

To  David  Quack   for  work 
done  for  the  Ind* 

30  To  Rob*.  Flint's  Acco*.  .  .  . 
To    little    Cornelius    and    2 

others  Cash 

To  Brant  Caweghnagey  for 
his  Service 

31  To    Mr.    David   Vanderhey~v 

den  as  ^  Acco* \ 

To   Commiss8.    purchas*.   the) 

above \ 

To  3138  Black  Wampum  of) 

Mr.  Vanderheyden } 

June  K  To  54  Mohawks  in  lieu  of 

Cloathing  540  Doll8 

To    D°.     to    Some    of    the] 

Women  &  Children  in  lieu 

of  Cloaths 

2  To  2  Oneidas  sent  down  w*. 

a  Message  &  Cloath« 

To  Sundry  Senecas,  Oneidas. 

Mihicanders     in     lieu     of 

Cloath* 

To  Thos.  in  lieu  of  a  laced 

Coat  &  Hatt 

3  To  Arent  Potman  a  fat  beast) 

for  the  Ind8.  feast \ 

4  To  Dan1.  Campbell  Merch'.} 

as  <i$  Acco*.  for  Ind3 \ 

5  To  Cash  pd.  320  Ind*.  in  lieu) 

of  goods  @  10  Doll:  ea..J 


sh 


550 
13 


216 


44 


28 


393 
1280 


10. 


10. 
18. 


16 
12 


16 
18, 


16 


8. 


Seven  Years'  War 


173 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXP 

1759 
June  6    To    maintaining    them    four 
&       days    at    Conajahare    wl. 
7        fresh   meat   while   Assem-j> 
bling  and  for  their   War- 
dance  as  usual  J 

ENSES  -Cc 
£ 

78.. 

1.. 
5.. 
1.. 
4.. 

46.. 

177.. 
37.. 

313.. 

24.. 
156.. 

45.. 
180.. 

ntinued 

sh 
18.. 

4.. 
12.. 
12.. 

16.. 

17.. 
2.. 

16.. 
14.. 

18.. 
17.. 

8  To    Peter    Quack    carrying  ( 
down  a  parcel  Indn.  Horses) 
9  To  Conradh  Frank's  Acco1. 
for  Diet  &  necessary.  .  .  . 
12  To   4    Battoemen    extraordi- 
nary to  help  up  the  rifts  .  .  . 
1  3   To  4  Onondagas  sent  to  meet 
me  at  Fort  Stanwix  

14  To  Sundry  Expences  5  days] 
at  Fort  Stanwix  waits,  toj 
get  all   the   Artillery   pro-j> 
visions  &ca  over  the  Carry-  j 
in  2 

To  mends.  Indn.  Arms  at  D°. 
To    5    Acco18.    Cap*.    Thos./ 
Butlers  at  Fort  Stanwix  .  .  \ 
18  To  2  Acco*.  of  Cap1.  John/ 
Butlers    ) 

To  His  Brother's  pay  &  his] 
own  from  29th.  Octo'.  1  758  \ 
1029*.  April  1759  j 

To  Cap*.  Jelles  Fonda  Acco1.  / 
of  Indn.  Expences  \ 

To  D°'s.  pay  as  Cap1,  of  Inds.)| 
the  aforesaid  Dates  ] 

To    a    party    of    Inds.    who] 
brought  in  3   Prisrs.   from'f 
C.  Point  J 

/  To   the   W°.    of   Oghquaga, 
Oneida,  Tuscarora,  Onon- 
daga,    Cayouga    &ca    for}- 
prov*.    in    their    husbands  ] 
Absence                              .  1 

174 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES 


1759 
June   18 


[July  'I 


To  6  Oneidas  who  bro*.  | 
Gen1.  Prideaux  a  Prisoner  | 
from  La  Galette  to  Fort^ 
Stanwix  which  was  of  great  | 
Service  J 

To  4  Onondagas  sent  from] 
Fl  Stanwix  towards  La| 
Galette  &  met  us  at  Os-f 
wego  in  1 2  days  found  that  j 
Coast  Clear j 

To  a  party  of  Chenesseas, 
Onandagas  &  Senecas  for 
tak«.  a  french  Officer  kills. 
anoyr.  &  burns,  a  Maga- 
zine near  Niagara 

To  a  party  of  Conajahares 
for  brings.  Gen1.  Prideaux 
a  Prisr.  from  Niagara  the  • 
day  we  landed  was  of  great  j 
Service   J 

To  Some  Chenesseas  for  the| 
use  of  their  horses  to  Carry  | 
Artillery  &ca   at  Niagara  [• 
by    order    of    Gen1.    Pri- 
deaux     

To  296  Ind8.  in  lieu  of  Arms 
5  DolK  each ( 

To  the  Sev1.  Nat8,  giving  up) 
their  Claim  to  the   french  |- 
Officers  taken  in  the  Battle] 
of  La  Belle  Famille ) 

To  Mr.  Farral  Wade's  Acco'.} 
of  Indn.  goods  bo1,  of  him,\ 

Commiss8.  for  purchasing  Said ) 
goods  )j 

Cash  pr.2  6   River  Ind8.   forl 
helping  in  some  of  the  Store  }• 
Battoes    Ji 


Should  be  "July." 
2  This  should  be  "pd." 


Continued 

sh 


30 


12 


50.. 


40.. 


592. 


160. 


936.. 119 


16.. 


23. 


9. 


8 


16 


Seven  Years'  War 


175 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  —  Continued 


1759 

June  "29  To  a  Present  made  to  the] 
Chippaway  chief  come  to| 
see  me  &  by  whom  I  sentj- 
sev1.  Belts  of  Wampum  to| 

the  Sorrounck  Nat8 j 

To  Dan1.  &  Silver  heels  for( 
1 7  shirts  bo*,  of  them .  .  .  . ) 
Cash   to  Sundry    Inds.    after 
the  Siege  to  purchase  neces- 
sarys  of  the  Soldiers  which 

they  got  as  plunder 

To  an  Indn.  for  a  Meddall  to( 
give  the  Chippaway  Sachim  \ 
To  Wm.  opy  Smith  for  mends. 
Indn.  Arms  at  Niagara ... 
To  4  Onandagas  to  redeem 
the  Arms  they  had  pawned 
To    the    Chief    Sachims    of 
the  Sev1.   Nat8,   as  private 
presents  for  their  good  Ser- 
vices   among    their   young 

men 

To   Hill   Mitchel   for  a  fine| 
Gunn     for     a     Chenessea 

Chieftain 

To   red   head   and  Some  of 
their  party  at  Oswego .... 
To  Dan1.  &  Silver  heels  for 
Assisting  to  bring  a  Num- 
ber   of    Whaleboats    from 

Irondequot  6  Ds.  ea 

To  4  Thousd.   Wampum  & 
100    made    into    Belts    at 

Oswego 

7  To  an  Onondaga  Indn.  who[ 

was  wounded  in  the  hand .  \ 

Aug*«.      To  Ja8.  Flood  Sutler  at  Os-] 

wego  for  105in.  Tobacco}- 

@  2/  for  Ind8 


10 


28 


12 


sh 


18., I  — 


16. 

3. 

16. 


68.. 

3.. 
4.. 
4.. 

10.. 

2.. 

10., 


16 
16 


11.   I  — 


Should  be  "  July.' 


176 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  —  Continued 


1759 

Augst-   14    To  an  Onondaga  Sachim  for( 

bringing  in  3  Deserters .  .  .  \ 

To    3    prize    Guns    bo*,    of) 

Soldiers   for   some    of  the} 

party  going  out j 

15  To  2  Musketts  bo1,  of  Che- 

nesseas  Indn.  which  he 
at  Niagara 
To  3  Seneca  Ind8.  for  Shoes  ( 
at  Oswego 

16  To  a  party  of  Ind8.  sent  on( 

business  to  the  5  Nat8 .  . 

1 8  To  a  party  of  Mohawks  who 

remained  the  Whole  Com- 

paign 

21  To  4  Deer  Skins  for  In*. 

Shoes  at  Oswego 

26  To  Gawehi  an  Oneida  chief 

for  necessarys 

29  To  Jacob  of  Conajahare  & 

some  of  his  party 

30  To  5  pair  of  English  Shoes 

at  1 2/  at  Oswego 

Septr.  3d.  To  3  Conajahares  for  helps, 
to  drive  Cattle  to  Oswego 

4  To  Sundry  necessarys  for 
fitting  out  a  party  of  40 
Ind8.  sent  to  La  Galette  for 
Prisoners 

7  To  Some  Ind8.  to  buy  neces- 
sarys for  Sick  People.  .  .  . ' 
13  To  a  Butcher  for  the  Offills] 
of  Cattle  for  the  Ind8.  as  pr.  }• 
bill   J 

17  To  9  Onondagas  in  lieu  of 

Cloaths.  10  Doll8,  ea  hav- 
ing newly  Joined  us  lately 
come  from  the  Southward . 

19  To    5    Ind8.    for    follow*.    3] 

Deserters  of  the  light  In-J* 
fantry 


sh 


4.. 


2.. 
3.. 
I.. 

3.. 
3. 


11. 


16 
18 


16.. 


18.. 

12.. 

4.. 


16.. 


18.. 


12.. I  — 


10.. 


36.. 


2..  I  8.. I  — 


Seven  Years'  War 


177 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  - 


1759 
Septr.   20 


Oct 


To  a  long  french  gun  bo*.  for[ 

Kanaghyagey \ 

21    To  2   guns  bo',   for  2   IncK( 

going  to  La  Galette 

To  some  Oneidas  for  neces- 

sarys  for  their  Sick 

23  To  Red  head  and  others  of 
his  party 

25  To     the     Chenussio     chiefs 

return*,  home  after  6  weeks 
stay 

26  To   Paint  bo1,   by    Mo',   de 

Craugne   of  a   soldier   for 

In*.    .. 

To    Indn.    Shoes    &    leather 

for  D° J 

28  To  Dan1.  Silver  heels  &  Belt) 
wl.  his  party  coming  home 


11 


3d.  To  M'.  John  Welles  Acco 
for  Sundry  necessarys  for 
In* 

To     Clement     the     Interpr. 

Acco1.  of  Sundrys 

1 0  To  the  Leading  men  of  Onon- 
dago  to  purchase  refresh- 
ments   

To  3  Pr.  Indn.  Shoes  bo*,  for  / 
In* 

To      Ja8.      Henry      Smith' 
Acco' 

To   Mr.   Vanscaack's  Accol.| 

for  Sundry 

'/]  2th  To  Mr.  Walter  Cumins  Acco*. 

To  Mess".  Solomen  &  Levys, 
Acco*.  as  D° 

To     Joseph     Albot     Smith  i 
Acco1.  for  work  done .  .  .  . ' 

To  Tho8.   Barry  Acco1.    for) 

In* 

13  To  the  Onondagas  when  dis-| 
chd.  them  and  the  Senecas 


—  Col 

4.. 

itinued 

sh 

1 

3.. 

12.. 

1.. 

6.. 

4.. 

16.. 

1 

6.. 

16.. 

2.. 

10.. 

2.. 

6.. 

4.. 

18.. 

10.. 

8.. 

2.. 

4.. 

16.. 

.  . 

12.. 

!.. 

12.. 

12.. 

13.. 

1..J10.. 

7.. 

12.. 

15.. 

4.. 

9.. 

16.. 

16.. 

178 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES 

1759 

Octr :    1 5    To  the  Oneidas  D° 

1 7  To  Sundry  Inds.  at  the  three 

Rivers  part8,  for  their  red3. 

To  the  Party  that  Escorted 

me  home  at  Fort  Stanwix. 

To  their  Expences  at  Burnets- 

field    

To  Sundry  Sick  Inds.  at 
Conajahare  coming  down . 

24  To     Hannis     Eut     Tavern/ 

keeper  Indn.  Expences.  .  . 

25  To  old  Belt  a  Seneca  on  my 

Return  to  pay  debts 

26  To   an   Oghguaga  Chief  on 

business 

27  To    Cash    given    to    Sundry 

Inds.  Sick  at  the  Mohawks 
where  Invited  them  at  my  >• 
return     from     Oswego    &| 
Settled  matters I 

28  To  M".  W»    Kelly  Merch'.f 

of  New  York  Acco' \ 

To  Storeage  of  Indn.  goods 
prov8.  &ca  at  Albany  from 
the  3K  August  1758  to 

3K  Aug'.  1759 

To  Andw.  Mitchell  13  Indn 
knives  at  Oswego ....... 

To  Cobers  Clement  2  Accots. 
of  Expences 

29  To  Some  Onandaga   Chiefs 

going  to  Schenectady.  .  .  . 

To   Some   Tuscaroras   going 

ahunt*.    

30  To    Several    Oneidas    come) 

down  to  buy  Sundrys ....  3 
Novr.  1st.  To    a   Storekeeper    of    Indn 
goods  Ammunition,  Arms, 
prov8.  from  the  1 8t.  May  to 
this  Instant .  


ES  —  Co. 

£ 
4.. 

itinued 

sh 
16.. 

7.. 

14.. 

3.. 

18.. 

2.. 

5.. 

3.. 

12.. 

2.. 

4.. 

2.. 

8.. 

1.. 

12.. 

5.. 

16.. 

389.. 

17.. 

35.. 

1.. 

6.. 

5.. 

12.. 

2.. 

16.. 

16.. 

1.. 

12.. 

20.. 

Seven  Years   War 


179 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  — 
1759  i 

Novr.    I8t   To    Cober    Clement    Interpr.| 
Interpr.  Acco*.  of  ExpencesJ 


To  John  Keyssar  for  bak«.  for 
the  Ind»  .............. 

To  Lieut.   Dan1.  Clause  pd.) 
2  Acco*.   as   ^   DO.  willj- 
Appear  ...............  I 

2  To  Louin  &  a  Tuscarora] 
Indian  who  was  w*.  me  the  J- 
Summer  .............. 

To  6  Conajahares  in  lieu  of 
powder    .............. 

3d.  To  4  Onandagas     D°  ..... 

4th.  To  John  Maesen's  Acco*.  as 
will  Appear  ........... 

To  the  Bunt  &  other  On- 
andagas expences  going 
to  Albany,  Schenectady, 
Waggon  hire  &  Cash  for 
necessary  ............. 

To  John  Newkirk  one  Barrel 
Rum  at  Fort  Stanwix  on 
our  March  to  Niagara  for 
Inds.  &  Battoemen  ...... 

To  James  Perry  for  working 
a  Battoe  to  Niagara  ..... 

6  To  10  Cwl.  Small  barr  lead] 

&  10Cw<.  of  Shott  @  4/\ 
freight  from  Albany  here  .  J 

7  To    Donald    Campbell    Sur-] 

geon  for  attends,  the  Sick| 
and  Wounded  Inds.  during  j* 
the    Seige    at    Niagara    &  '  ! 
Exped".  15.  G»  .........  ) 

To  Rob1.   Adams   for   Indn.) 
shoes  bo1,  by  Lieut.  Clause! 

8  To  D°.  5  Quarts  of  Rum  at) 

Oswego  for  Ind8  ........  )  || 


13 


2 

1 

56 


Continued 

sh 
8.. 

12.. 
8.. 

8.. 

16.. 
12.. 
8.. 

18.. 
18., 


14.. 

2.. 

47.. 
2.. 

27. 


14.. I  4. 


8 


6 


180 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXF 

1759 
Nov.   10   To  the  Chief  Sachim  of  Sco-] 
hare    to    build    his    house} 
bemer  w*.  me  I 

ENSES  —  Co 

£ 
4.. 

9.. 

6.. 
4.. 
1.. 

15.. 

ntinued 

sh 

16.. 
14.. 

11.. 

4.. 
6.. 

d 
9 

19 
21 

22 

To  old  Brant  of  Conajahare^ 
to  buy  Corn  ( 

To  Sundry  Expences  at- 
tended bringing  up  Cloaths. 
&ca  for  the  W°.  &  Child", 
of  Conajahare  

To  Conradh  Frank's  Acco*. 
of  Indn.  Expences  

To  Peter  Tierhadaghrio  Cash 
To    Hannis    an    Oneida    for 
prov8. 

To  Cap*.  Jelles  Fonda's 
Acco*.  of  Expences  at  Os- 
wego  for  Inds  

Total  Carried  over     £ 

17072.. 

2.. 

10i 

Seven  Fears'  War 


181 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  —  Continued 
1759       Dr:  The  Crown 


Total  Brought  over     £ 


17072.. 


2.. 


10* 


17072. 


182  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  OF  INDIAN  EXPENSES  —  Continued 
1759  P:   C:1  O: 


1758 
Nov.  11  *: 

By  a  Ballance  of  an  Acco'." 
Delivered  into  Major  Gen- 
eral James  Abercrombie  of 
Curry         

« 

1142.. 

sh 
18.. 

d 
8t 

March  18th: 

By   a  Warrant  from  Major 
Gen1.  Amherst  for  £3000 
Sters.    on   Mr.    Mortier   is 
Curry  

5142.. 

17.. 

Ml 

May  29th. 
Decr. 

By    D°.    in    favour    of    Mr. 
Wade  on  Mr.  Mortier  for 
£2000  Sterk  is  Curry  
By  D°.  dated  May  29th.  on 
Mr.  Mortier  in  my  favour 
for  £3000  Sterk  is  Curry  . 
By  Ballance  due  to  me  of  .  .  . 

i 

' 

3428.. 

5142.. 
2214.. 

11.. 

17.. 

18.. 

4 
1? 

. 

£ 

17072.. 

2.. 

10J 

INDORSED:  Sir  Willm:  Johnson's 

Acco*.  of  Indian  Expences 
from  11*:  NoV.  1  758  To 

!•':  December  1 759  -  Enclosed  in  Sir  William's  to 
General  Amherst  of  the  8th.  Decr. 
in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  Jany.  9:  1 760. 
NO.  31 


FROM  EYRE  MASSEY 

In  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.    100,  is  a  letter,  that  was  destroyed  by 
fire,   from   Lieutenant  Colonel   Eyre   Massey,   at  Fort  Stanwix,    advising 
Johnson   to   go  to   Albany   and   meet   General  Amherst,    and  mentioning 
comfortable  condition  at  Fort  Stanwix,  opinion  of  commanders  and  engi- 
neers, and  court  martial  to  try  Captain  McLean,  dated  the  3d. 


1  Per  contra. 


Seven  Years'  War  183 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copy  a 

Copy.  Fort  Johnson,  8th.  Decemr:  1759. 

SIR, 

As  your  Excellency  had  not  time  at  Albany  to  receive  my 
Accounts,  but  desired  I  would  send  them  to  New  York,  I  now 
take  this  Opportunity  of  transmitting  them  to  you,  and  for  the 
Ballance  of  which,  being  £2214.  .  18.  .  6%  Curr^:,  as  well  as 
my  Salary  from  the  24th.  June  1758,  I  should  be  glad  Your 
Excellency  would  please  to  Order  me  a  Warrant. 

The  Several  Officers  Employed  in  the  Indian  Service,  have, 
half  a  Years  pay  due  to  them  the  29th.  of  October  last,  for  the 
payment  of  which,  Battoemen,  several  Other  Accots:  not  as  yet 
delivered  in,  and  for  Carrying  on  the  Service,  I  shall  at  least 
want  Two  Thousand  Pounds,  Sterb:  which  Sum,  I  hope  Your 
Excellency  will  be  pleased  to  give  me  a  Warrant  for;  then,  I 
think,  I  shall  not  trouble  you  for  any  more  untill  the  Opening  of 
the  Campaign. 

Mr.  Croghan,  my  Deputy,  &  Capt.  Montour,  have  been  this 
year  past,  and  are  still  to  the  Westward  with  Gen1.  Stanwix,  & 
I  have  deferred  giving  them  any  Orders  lately,  untill  I  knew 
whether  your  Excellency  would  Choose  to  Continue  them  there, 
or  not;  I  hope  they  have  been  Serviceable,  they  are  long 
Acquainted  with,  and  much  Esteemed  by  them  Nations  of 
Indians  around  that  Quarter. 

I  Should  be  Extremely  glad  to  have  your  Excellency's 
Opinion,  concerning  my  Pay  as  Col°.  of  the  Six  Nations,  &ca, 
and  if  entitled  to  it,  your  advice  how  to  Apply  for  it. 

I  hope  your  Excellency  will  Excuse  this  freedom,  and  my 
reminding  you  of  the  necessity  there  is  for  Settling  and  Carrying 
on  a  fair,  free,  and  plentifull  Trade  with  all  the  Nations  of 
Indians,  in  Alliance  with  His  Brittannick  Majesty,  and  that 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.57,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  January  9,  1  760. 


184  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

under    proper    Regulations,    Penalties,     and    Restrictions,    at 
Niagra  and  Oswego,  and  wherever  Else  it  may  be  found  neces- 
sary or  adviseable;  Also  some  Arms,  Ammunition,  provisions,  & 
Cloathing  for  Presents  to  be  given  occasionally  at  the  above- 
mentioned  Places ;  It  will  in  my  Opinion  be  very  requisite  to  have 
them  Articles  there  early  in  the  Spring,  before  the  great  Number 
of  Indians  which  is  Expected  to  trade  there  Arrive., 
I  am,  with  the  greatest  Respect, 
Your  Excellency's 

Most  Obedient  & 
Most  Humble  Servant. 

Wm.  Johnson 
His  Excellency  GENL.  AMHERST. 

INDORSED:     Copy  -  Letter  from  Sir  Wm.  Johnson, 
Bar*,  to  General  Amherst. 
Dated  Fort  Johnson,  8th.  Decemr:  1 759. 
Enclosing  his  Accompt  of  Indian 
Expenses ;  desiring  a  warrant  for  the 
Ballance  thereof,  as  well  as  for  his 
Salary;  and  likewise  One  for 
£2000  SterK  to  defray  Sundry  Expenses 
Incurr'd  &  to  be 
Incurr'd  for  the  Indian 
Service,  &ca.~ 

in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  Jan?.  9:  1760. 
NO.  30. 

FROM  JOHN  POWNALL 

In  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1 00,  is  a  letter  from  John  Pownall,  dated 
the  1  3th,  transmitting  the  king's  order  to  examine  the  complaints  of  Indians 
relative  to  the  Proprietors  of  Pennsylvania,  and  sending  other  papers 
(Printed  in  Doc.  Hut.  N.  7..  2:791  ;  Q,  2:459).  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Fears'  War  185 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copp  x 

Copy/.  Ner»  York,  I8ih:  December  1759.- 

Sm, 

The  last  post  brought  me  your  Letter  of  the  8th:  Instant, 
together  with  your  Acco*.  of  Disbursements  for  the  Services  of 
your  department  from  Novr.  1758,  to  the  1st.  Ins*,  whereby  I 
find  there  is  a  Ballance  due  to  you  of  Two  Thousand,  two 
Hundred  Fourteen  Pounds  Eighteen  Shillings  and  Six  pence 
Currency,  for  which  Said  Sum  agreable  to  your  request,  I  here 
Enclose  you  a  Warrant  on  the  Dep:  Paymr.  General,  as  like- 
wise the  two  others  you  apply  for  viz4.  One  for  Two  Thousand 
Pounds  Sterling,  on  Account  towards  defraying  Sundry  Sums 
Incurred  and  to  be  incurred  for  the  Indian  Service;  And  the 
other  for  Nine  hundred  Pounds  Sterling  for  your  Appointments 
from  the  25th.  June  1  758  to  the  24th.  Instant,  which  Appoint- 
ments being  particularly  Stipulated  by  your  Commission,  I  do 
not  Apprehend,  that  by  virtue  thereof,  you  are  Entitled  to  any 
other.- 

As  Brigr.  General  Stanwix,  has  not  as  yet  mentioned  anything 
to  me  relative  to  the  destination  of  Mr.  Croghan  and  Mr.  Mon- 
tour,  I  cannot  say  anything  to  you  on  that  head  with  certainty; 
So  Soon  as  I  am  informed  you  shall  be  Acquainted  with  it, 
meanwhile  if  you  have  any  orders  to  give  them  for  the  good  of 
the  Service,  that  Should  not  prevent  you.- 

I  am  Sensible  of  the  necessity  there  is  for  Settling  and  Carry- 
ing on,  a  fair,  free,  and  plentifull  Trade  with  all  the  Nations 
of  Indians  in  His  Majesty's  alliance,  which  I  must  leave  entirely 
to  your  Judgement  and  discretion,  as  I  have  not  received  as  yet 
any  Commands  upon  the  plan  which  you  delivered  to  me  for  that 
purpose,  and  which  I  transmitted  to  the  ministry ;  and  I  must  also 

Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.57,  London,  England.  Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  January  9,  1  760. 


186  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

rely  upon  you  for  laying  up  in  time,  the  necessary  presents,  which 
you  mention,  recommending  it  to  you  always  to  be  as  frugal  and 
Oeconomous  of  the  publick  money  as  possible  and  the  Service 
will  admit  of.- 

I  have  also  the  pleasure  to  Enclose  you  Mr.  Johnson's  Com-, 
mission  of  Lieutenant  in  His  Majesty's  New  York  Independent 
Company,  Commanded  by  Captain  McLeane;  And  before  I 
Close  my  Letter,  I  must  observe,  that  as  the  Dep :  pay  Mr.  Gen1, 
has  represented  to  me  that  the  military  Chest  at  Albany,  Con- 
tains only  the  Subsistence  of  the  Regiments,  it  will  be  necessary 
for  you,  either  to  Assign  your  Warrants  over  to  some  of  your 
Correspondents  here,  or  to  draw  upon  Mr.  Mortier  for  the  amount 
of  them.- 

I  am  with  great  regard, 
Sir, 
&ca 

Jeff:  Amherst 
SIR  WILLM.  JOHNSON  Bar1. 

INDORSED:     Copy  -  Letter  from  General  Amherst 
To  Sir  Wm.  Johnson  Bar1.  Dated 
New  York  18th.  Decem'.  1 759.- 
In  Answer  to  Sir  William's  of  the  8th. 
Enclosing  the  Warrants  he  therein 
desired ;  and  recommending  to  him 
to  be  as  frugal  and  Oeconomous  of 
the  public  money  as  possible,  and  ye 
Service  will  admit  of. 
in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  Jan?.  9:  1  760 
Mr  32. 


JEFFERY   AMHERST   TO   ABRAHAM    MORTIER 

In  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  100,  is  General  Amherst's  warrant  of  the 
1  8th  to  Abraham  Mortier  to  pay  £  1 292,  9d  to  Johnson.  Destroyed  by 
fire. 


Seven  Years   War  187 

FROM  JOHN   LOTTRIDGE 

In  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  100,  is  a  letter  of  the  25th  from  Captain 
John  Lottridge  at  Oswego,  expressing  thankfulness  for  offer  of  leave  of 
absence,  but  declaring  preference  for  active  duty.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


TO  THE  ONEIDAS  AND  TUSCARORAS 
Df. 

By  the  Honourable  [Sir  William]  Johnson  Baronet  His 
Maj  [estys]  Sole  Agent,  &  Superintendent  of  the  Affairs  of  the 
Six  United  Nations  their  Allies  &  Dependants  &  Coll0,  of  the 
same 

To  the  Oneidaes  &  Tuscaroras  liveing  at  &  about  Oghquago 
Whereas  you  have  on  sundry  Occasions  manifested  your  Love 
&  Fidelity  to  His  Majesty  the  Great  king  George  and  your 
sincere  Attachment  to  all  his  Subjects  Your  Bretheren  and  have 
plighted  to  me  by  several  Belts  of  Wampum  your  solemn  assur- 
ances that  you  are  determined  to  remain  Firm  &  Stedfast  Friends 
to  the  British  Interest  so  long  as  God  will  give  you  Life  &  will 
promote  the  same  amongst  all  Indians  to  the  utmost  of  your  Abili- 
ties &  Influence.  I  do  give  you  this  Testimony  of  your  Brother- 
hood that  all  His  Majestys  Subjects  to  whom  this  may  be  shown 
may  receive  &  treat  you  the  said  Oneidaes  &  Tuscaroras  of 
Oghquago  as  good  Friends  &  Brothers  to  the  English. 

Given  under  my  hand  & 
Seal  of  office  at  Fort  Johnson  this 

day  of  175 

INDORSED:     Form  of  an 

Indian  Testimonial 


FROM  JELLES  FONDA 

The  preceding  paper  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  101,  by 
a  letter  of  January  8,  1  760,  described  as  mutilated,  from  Captain  Jelles 
Fonda,  at  Canajoharie,  to  Johnson,  on  business  affairs  and  Indians. 
Destroyed  by  fire. 


188  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

JOHNSON'S  PROCEEDINGS  WITH  DEPUTIES 

Contemporary  Copp1 

Fort  Johnson  I3*-I4ih  Feb'».  1760. 
Copy 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Deputies  of  the  6  Confederate  Nations. 
Isyonostat  Speaker 

Present 

Sr.  Will™.  Johnson,  Bar1. 
Lieut :  Guy  Johnson 
Ensn.  Price 
M'.  Jn°.  Wells 

Rd.  Shuckburgh  Seer?:  for  Indn.  Affairs. 

Sr.  Wm.  after  Condoling  the  several  Losses  the  6  Nations  had 
Sustained  by  Sickness  and  Otherwise,  as  usual,  with  a  String  of 
Wampum.  The  Speaker,  an  Onondago,  replyed  as  Customary 
&  returned  it,  then  proceeded  in  his  Speech,  to  Inform  Sr.  Wm. 
of  what  passed  between  the  Confederate  Nations  and  Some 
Delegates  from  Swegachy,  Cagnawago,  Conesedago,  &ca,  being 
deputed  by  22  Nations  in  the  French  Interest,  to  treat  with  the 
6  Nations  at  Onondago.  -  Their  Speaker  Torongoa,  One  of  the 
Squegonoghroonos,2  Spoke  as  follows  — 

"  Bretheren  of  the  6  Nations - 

The  English  and  French  having  blocked  up  the  Road  between 
us  and  You,  by  a  long  War,  We  Come  now  to  remove  Every- 
thing in  the  way,  that  might  hinder  our  Mutual  Correspondence, 
and  Signify  our  hearty  Inclination  to  make  the  Road  of  Peace 
open  as  before,  and  to  Light  up  the  Council  fire  here  at  Onon- 
dago, which  has  been  Neglected  and  almost  burnt  out,  since  the 
Commencement  of  the  War.  The  part  you  have  done  in  favor 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.58,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  April  28,  1  760. 
2  Skaghquanoghronos,  living  at  Trois  Rivieres. 


Seven  Years'  War  189 

of  the  English,  We  don't  look  upon  as  your  Fault,  being 
prompted  and  drag'd  to  it  by  the  English,  who  took  all  Measures 
to  persuade  your  young  Warriours  to  Assist  them  in  the  Reduc- 
tion of  Niagara ;  We  do  now  by  this  Belt,  remove  Every  Uneasi- 
ness, Your  Minds  may  be  Affected  with,  in  regard  to  Us,  for 
Acting  against  Our  Friends  the  French,  and  by  this  also,  do  open 
Your  Ears  to  hear  and  Observe  distinctly,  what  We  are  Saying 
at  this  time ;  We  are  thankfull  for  the  Message  Sent  by  You,  and 
Warraghyiagey  for  Us  to  keep  out  of  the  way,  when  the  English 
Army  Approaches,  but  as  -the  French  have  persuaded  us  to  Stay, 
and  Embrace  their  Religion,  by  which  we  are  to  be  Saved;  it 
would  be  hard  Brothers  for  you  to  Expect  We  should  leave  them 
altogether,  as  We  are  taught  by  them  to  pray,  and  have  the  same 
Expectations  as  the  White  People :  tho'  the  English  and  French 
are  at  frequent  Variances,  let  us  abide  by  Our  Old  Engagement 
of  Friendship,  and  not  meddle  with  their  Quarrel  otherwise  We 
shall  be  ruined,  to  Join  One  or  the  Other,  while  both  bear  hard 
upon  Us,  who  are  the  Native  Owners  of  the  Land  they  fight 

Gave  a  Large  Belt. 

*  We  are  Brothers  and  Friends  together,  therefore  as  We  are 
Attached  to,  and  Love  the  French,  Who  Uses  us  well,  You 
ought  to  Love  them  also;  and  hope  that  the  Covenant  between 
You  and  Us  might  yet  be  made  firm,  and  by  these  ten  Strings  of 
Wampum,  We  do  Renew  it,  so  as  to  Stand  from  Age  to  Age. 

Gave  Ten  Strings  of  Wampum 

'  We  are  Deputies  from  22  Nations  who  Come  to  take  you 
by  the  hand,  and  Lead  you  to  Cagnawaga,  where  a  Council  Fire 
is  Lighted,  and  waits  Your  Arrival ;  Your  Friends  there,  look 
for  you  very  soon  over  the  Ice,  and  have  Stop'd  all  the  Young 
Warriours,  till  You  Come,  when  they  Expect  to  hear,  from  your 
own  Mouths,  how  You  intend  to  Act,  and  Open  your  Minds, 
not  merely  from  Your  Lips,  but  from  the  bottom  of  Your 
Hearts.-' 

Gave  a  Small  Belt. 


190  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

The  Speaker  of  Onondago  then  Addressed  himself  to  Sir 
William. 

"  Brother  Warraghyiagey  - 

4  We  Came  down  to  Acquaint  You  with  what  passed  at 
Onondago,  between  Us  of  the  6  Nations,  and  the  French  Indians, 
and  as  You  have  always  Induced  Us  to  make  as  many  Friends 
as  We  Could,  We  wait  Your  Advice  herein,  having  made  no 
Reply  till  such  time  as  We  had  Consulted  with  you."- 

Fort  Johnson  14th.  Febx.  1760. 

Sr.  William  Johnson's  Answer  to  the  Indn.  Deputies  — 
The  Same  Gentlemen  Present  as  were  Yesterday  - 

"  Bretheren  of  the  Six  Nations  - 

"  I  Thank  You  for  Your  diligence  in  bringing  the  Substance 
of  what  passed  at  Onondago,  between  You  and  the  Deputies 
from  Cagnawaga,  Conessedago,  Swegatchy  &ca ;  and  with  these 
Strings  of  Wampum,  Open  Your  Ears,  that  You  may  attend  to 
what  I  am  going  to  Say  - 

Gave  3  Strings  of  Wampum. 
"  Brethren 

*  Their  Proposals  for  Opening  the  Road  between  you  and 
them  if  Sincere,  may  not  be  amiss,  but  You  have  so  many 
Instances  of  their  Treachery,  from  their  strict  Attachment  to  the 
French,  which  they  Avow,  that  it  can  hardly  be  depended  upon ; 
An  Example  of  their  perfidy,  to  some  of  your  Confederacy, 
should  not  be  forgot,  who,  when  taken  Prisoners,  by  them  at 
Lake  George,  were  put  to  Death  in  Cool  Blood,  not  in  the  fury 
of  Battle:  their  Behaviour  to  Your  Cousins  the  River  Indians, 
in  Our  Service,  when  Prisoners  at  Sundry  times  since  the  Com- 
mencement of  the  War,  were  Cruelly  treated;  Besides,  lately  at 
Niagara,  when  You  and  Your  Allies  were  Assembled  before 
that  Place,  they  refused  a  Conference,  tho'  proposed  by  them- 


Seven  Years'  War  191 

selves  and  agreed  to  by  you,  nor  did  they  seem  to  Pay  any 
regard  to  that  Antient  Bond  of  Friendship,  they  pretend  has  so 
long  Subsisted  between  you.  Their  Calling  you  down  to 
Canada,  at  this  time,  Carries  with  it  an  Air  of  Superiority,  not 
becoming  a  People  in  their  Circumstances,  who  seem  determined 
to  Continue  their  Attachment  to  Your  and  our  Enemies,  who 
from  the  Continuance  of  the  War,  are  become  less  Qualified  to 
protect  them,  or  Oppose  You,  I  think  you  have  not  the  least 
reason  to  be  Concerned  at  what  they,  or  the  French  think  of  Your 
Joining  Us  at  Niagara,  or  Elsewhere,  being  agreable  to  very  old 
Treaties,  made  by  Us,  and  Your  Fore  Fathers,  and  constantly 
renewed;  I  Expect  You  will  yet  Adhere  inviolably  to  those 
Engagements.-  Gave  the  Belt 

'*  Brethren 

I  Have,  before  and  during  this  War,  You  know,  Advis'd  by 
Sundry  Messages,  the  Cagnawagoes  &  Swegachy  Indians,  to 
Quit  the  French  and  Return  to  their  Native  Country,  Last  Fall 
at  Oswego,  they  gave  me  and  you  Assurances,  by  Belts  and 
Strings  of  Wampum,  that  they  would  Abandon  the  French;  It 
does  not  a  little  Surprize  me  now,  to  find  they  stay  yet  with  Your 
Enemies,  Especially  when  they  know  You  have  so  openly 
declared  Yourselves,  and  Acted  with  Us  —  I  have  often  told 
You,  and  now  Assure  You,  that  Nothing  would  give  the  English 
more  pleasure,  than  to  See  all  the  Indians  on  both  Sides,  out  of 
the  Quarrel  between  Us  and  the  French,  We  have  always  been 
Enough  for  them,  but  let  our  Quarrel  with  them,  Commence  in 
whatever  Quarter  of  the  World,  they  are  sure  to  Endeavor  to 
make  all  the  Indians  they  can  Partizans  in  the  difference:  You 
may  be  Sensible  that  there  has  been  no  disputes  merely  between 
You  &  Us,  but  what  have  been  Easily  Conciliated,  which  You 
may  tell  them,  and  that  We  do  not  Fight  with  the  French  about 
what  relates  to  You.—  Gave  a  Belt. 


192  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Brethren  of  the  Six  Nations 

"  I  have  already  Expressed  my  Opinion,  on  what  pass'd 
between  You  &  the  French  Indians  at  Onondago,  &  as  I  am  yet 
for  Your  making  as  many  Friends  among  the  Indians,  as  You 
can,  I  think  it  adviseable,  as  You  have  left  it  to  me,  that  you  do 
not  go  to  Canada,  but  if  they  are  Sincere,  they  may  safely  meet 
You  at  Onondago,  or  Come  here  with  You,  when  I  shall  be 
ready  to  hear  and  Counsel  You  for  the  best. 

Gave  a  Belt. 

A  True  Copy  from  the  Records 
and  Examined  by 

RD.  SHUCKBURGH  Secrry. — 

INDORSED:     Copy  -  Conference  held  at 

Fort  Johnson  Feb'?.  13th.  &  14th.  1  760,  with  Depu- 
ties of  the  Six  Indian  Nations. 
Enclosed  in  Sir  Wm.  Johnson's  Letter 
to  General  Amherst  of  the  7th.  March 
1760. 

in  Gen1.  Amherst's  di  the 
28*.  April  1  760 
N«.  67. 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
L.   S.1 

Nev  York  23*.  February  1760 
SIR 

Having  received  His  Majesty's  Commands  for  the  Operations 
of  the  Ensueing  Campaign,  and  being  determined  not  to  Leave 
anything  undone  that  can  Ensure  its  being  the  Last,  and  decisive, 
One  in  this  Country;  I  am  to  beg  of  You,  immediately  upon 
Receipt  hereof,  to  use  all  Your  Influence  with  the  Several  Tribes 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years'  War  193 

and  Nations  of  Indians,  in  Amity  with  Us,  and  to  bring  as  many 
into  the  Field  as  You  can  possibly  prevail  on  to  Join  His 
Majesty's  Arms,  in  so  Salutary  a  Work;  and  that  You  will  have 
them  ready,  as  Early  as  possible  to  Act  in  Conjunction  with  His 
Troops  in  such  Enterprise  and  Attempts  as  I  shall  find  most 
Conducive  to  the  good  of  the  Public  Cause,  and  which  I  shall 
hereafter  apprise  You  of:  Meanwhile  no  time  should  be  lost 
in  providing  the  Necessary  Presents,  and  what  Else  may  be 
requisite  to  Attach  those  Indians  the  more  heartily  and  firmly 
to  Us,  for  which  I  Rely  on  Your  Usual  Zeal,  and  doubt  not  but 
I  shall  soon  receive  a  very  satisfactory  Answer  from  You. 

I  just  also  recommend  it  to  You,  to  Exert  Yourself  to  the 
utmost  in  bringing  over  to  His  Majesty's  Interests  all  such,  or  as 
many  as  possible,  of  the  Enemy  Indians,  as  still  remain  Attached 
to  them,  the  advantages  of  which  are  too  obvious  to  need  add  any 
thing  further  on  that  Subject. 

I  am,  with  great  Regard, 
Sir, 

Your  most  Obedient 
Humble  Servant 

JEFF.  AMHERST 
Sir  WM.  JOHNSON,  Bar1. 


INDIAN  PROCEEDINGS 

In  Doc.  Rel.  to  Col.  Hist.  N.  7.,  7:434-35,  is  printed  Johnson's 
correspondence  with  the  Canajoharies,  of  February  25th  and  26th,  con- 
cerning land  claims. 

Vol.  Ill  — 7 


194  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

TO  TEDYESCUNG 
Contemporary  Copp1 

Fort  Johnson  /•'.  March  1760- 
Copy 
BROTHER  TEDYESCUNG, 

His  Majesty  King  George,  having  in  Consequence  of  What 
passed  at  the  Conferences  in  July  &  August  1757  at  Easton 
taking  into  Consideration  your  Complaint  then  made)  concerning 
Lands,  Which  you  alledge  you  have  been  deprived  of,  without 
your  Consent  or  Satisfaction  made  you  for  the  Same;  &  out  of 
His  great  Goodness,  Regard  to  Justice,  Which  he  is  remarkable 
for,  as  well  as  his  Love  for  His  Children  the  Indians,  has, 
Ordered  me  to  Examine  thoroughly  into  the  Said  Affair,  &  when 
I  have  made  a  full  and  particular  Enquiry  into  the  Circumstances 
of  the  case,  and  heard  What  all  parties  may  have  to  Offer,  to 
transmit  to  him  my  Proceedings  in  this  Business.-2 

In  Obedience  therefore  to  His  Majesty's  Commands  I  do  now 
take  the  earliest  opportunity,  by  your  Son,  Who  is  the  Bearer  of 
Acquainting  You  with  His  Pleasure,  &  I  Desire  to  know  when 
a  Meeting  with  You  &  Such  Delawares,  or  others  as  are  con- 
cerned in  the  Affair,  may  be  had  for  that  Purpose  as  also  where 
it  may  be  most  convenient  for  you  &  them  to  Meet  me,  the 
Sooner  I  know  this  the  better,  that  I  may  give  Notice  to  the 
Proprietaries  Commissioners  to  Attend  And  that  it  may  not 
Interfere  with  my  Military  duty  the  Ensueing  Campaign,  in 
Which  I  hope  &  Expect,  You  &  Your  Nation  will,  in  return  for 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.58,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  April  28,  1  760. 
2 See  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.t  2:789-90;  Q,  2:458. 


Seven  Years   War  195 

His  Majesty's  kind  Intentions  towards  You,  be  ready  to  Act  a 
Bortherlike  part  against  His  Enemies  when  Called  upon.- 

I  am, 

Your  Wellwisher  and 
sincere  Brother 

Wm.  Johnson 
To  TEDYESCUNG 
Chief  of  the  Delawares 

INDORSED:     Copy  Letter  from 

Sir  Will™  Johnson  Bar*,  to 
Tedyescung  chief  of  the  Delawares. 
Dated  Fort  Johnson  1st  March  1  760. 
Enclosed  in  Sr.  Wm's.  to  Gen1.  Amherst 
of  7*  March  1760- 
Concerning  Disputes  about 
some  Lands  in  Pensylvania 
Government. 

in  Gen1.  Amherst's  of  the 
28th.  April  1  760 
N°- 68 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Df.   S.1 

Fort  Johnson  March  7^  1760 
SIR 

As  your  Excellency  was  pleased  to  tell  me  when  I  had  the 
honour  of  seeing  you  at  Albany  after  last  Campaign,  that  you 
would  dispense  with  my  writing  to  you,  unless  on  matters  requir- 
ing your  imediate  cognizance,  I  deferd  troubling  you,  and  gave 
Brig.  Gen.  Gage  what  intelligence  I  received  which  has  not  been 
very  material. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire.     A  copy  is  in  the  Public  Record  Office,  London, 
England. 


196  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

I  am  now  to  acquaint  you  that  there  have  been  deputies  from 
the  Six  Nations  here  lately,  to  inform  me  what  passed  between 
them,  and  Deputies  from  the  Coghnawagey,  Skawendady,  Swe- 
gatchys,  &  other  French  Ind8.  Coppy  of  what  passed  at  said  Con- 
ference I  herewith  send  you,  there  have  also  been  two  Swegatchy 
Indians  here  to  assure  me  that  the  greatest  part  of  their  People 
were  determined  to  leave  that  settlement  and  come  amongst  the 
Six  Nations  in  the  Spring.  I  am  far  from  thinking,  that  this 
seeming  good  disposition  of  theirs  proceeds  from  any  real  regard 
for  us,  but  from  the  low  circumstances  of  the  Enemy,  &  their 
own  distresses.  In  my  letter  of  the  8th  of  Decr.  last,  I  appealed 
to  your  Excellency  in  regard  to  my  pay,  by  virtue  of  my  Com- 
mission from  his  Majesty  as  Coll  of  the  six  Nat5,  their  allies  &c — 
by  your  Excellency  of  the  18th  of  said  Month  I  find  you  are  of 
Opinion,  I  am  not  entitled  to  any  pay  as  a  Military  Officer. 

I  cant  help  observeing  to  your  Excellency,  that  I  made  but 
little  doubt  of  it  myself  as  you  did  not  blame  my  conduct  in 
Assumeing  my  Rank  in  the  Military  last  campaign  at  Niagara, 
as  well  as  for  many  other  reasons  which  I  shall  not  now  trouble 
your  Excellency  with,  this,  I  shall  only  add,  that  in  the  year 
1  746  by  virtue  of  the  then  Governor  of  New  Yorks  Commissn 
to  me  as  Coll  of  the  Six  Nations  of  Inds.  I  recd  Coil's  Pay  at 
Home  then  I  had  not  quarter  the  trouble,  fatigue,  or  expense  I 
now  have  and  I  can  assure  You  Sir  that  my  present  pay  (which 
I  look  upon  to  be  only  for  the  Civil  appointment)  is  not  adequate 
to  the  expense  I  am  oblidged  to  be  at  in  executing  even  that. 

I  recd  last  week  a  Packet  from  the  Board  of  Trade  inclosing 
me  an  Order  from  his  Majesty  in  Council  *  concerning  disputes 
about  some  lands  in  Pennsilvania  Government  herewith  I  send 
your  Excellency  Copy  of  said  Order,  also  of  my  letter  to  Tedyus- 
cung 2  chief  of  the  Delawar  who  is  the  Complainant. 


^ownall  to  Johnson,  December  13,  1759,  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.,2:79\; 
Q,  2:459. 

2  Johnson  to  Tedyuscung,  March  1 ,  1  760,  q.  v. 


Seven  Years'  War  197 

I  was  yesterday  honoured  with  yours  of  the  23d  Ulto  your 
Excellency  may  depend  upon  my  making  use  of  my  utmost 
Influence  with  all  the  Nations  in  amity  with  us,  and  will  loose  no 
time  in  preparing  as  many  Indians  as  I  can  possibly  get  to  Join 
his  Majestys  Troops  in  such  operations  as  Your  Excellency  may 
think  fitt,  neither  shall  I  neglect  continueing  to  take  the  properest 
steps  for  with  drawing  as  many  Ind8.  from  the  Enemy  as  I 
possible  can. 

My  success  in  both  will  depend  a  good  deal  on  circumstances 
and  the  way  they  are  employed,  which  they  always  are  very 

pressing  to  know The  Cloathing  Arms  &  other  Necessarys 

I  shall  begin  to  provide  as  soon  as  I  can  for  the  Campaign  for 
which  purpose  Your  Excellency  will  please  to  grant  me  a  War- 
rant for  at  Least  five  Thousand  Pounds  Sterling.  The  unavoid- 
able expence  of  supplying  great  Numbers  of  Severall  Nat8,  (who 
by  the  Failure  of  their  Crops  of  Corn  &c  are  actually  in  a 
famishing  condition)  has  been  and  continues  very  considerable, 
notwithstanding  they  receive  some  allowance  at  the  Different 
Posts  as  all  kinds  of  provs.  are  very  scarse,  and  difficult  to  be  got 
here  for  any  price.  I  am  greatly  distressed ;  wherefore  would  be 
glad  your  Excellency  would  please  to  order  some  Pork,  Pease 
&  flower  to  be  laid  in  at  my  House  here,  for  their  use,  not  being 
able  to  compass  it  myself,  for  the  want  of  waggons,  Battoes  &c 
which,  are  generally  employed  or  said  to  be  so,  in  other  parts  of 
the  Service,  whenever  I  have  occasion  for  any.  I  am  &c 

WM.  JOHNSON 
To  His  Excllency 

MAJOR  GENL.  AMHERST 


198  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHF.RST 
L.  S.1 

We*  York.  16th.  March  1760 
SIR 

The  last  Post  brought  me  Your  Favor  of  the  7th  Inst:  with 
its  Several  Enclosures,  One  of  which  is  the  Conference  You  held 
at  Your  House  on  the  13th.  and  14th.  of  last  Month,  with  Depu- 
ties of  the  Six  Nations,  by  which  I  See,  that  the  French  Indians 
Assume  a  Superiority,  which,  from  the  present  low  Circumstances 
of  their  pretended  Friends  the  French,  little  becomes  them,  and 
could  not  have  been  Expected;  but  however,  since  they  persist 
in  so  obstinate  &  Impolitick  an  Attachment,  they  must  take  the 
Consequences  that  will  Ensue  from  a  Continuance  of  the  War, 
which  I  am  determined  to  pursue  with  the  utmost  Vigour,  and  I 
have  not  the  least  doubt,  but  it  will  end  in  the  Entire  Reduction 
of  Canada;  I  am  therefore  hopefull,  that  such  of  the  Confederat 
Nations  of  Indians,  in  the  Interest  of  His  Majesty,  will  not  be 
Shaken  by  any  Speeches  of  their  Mistaken  Brethern,  but  firmly 
Adhere  to  their  Anhient  Friends  and  Allies,  and  in  Duty  to  the 
King,  as  well  as  in  gratitude  for  the  repeated  protection  and  Sup- 
port they  have,  and  daily  do  receive  from  His  Bounty,  Join 
heartily  in  the  present  Cauce,  and  be  Aiding  and  Assisting  in  the 
punishment  of  those,  who,  under  the  Cloak  of  Friendship,  do 
them  such  daily  and  manifest  Injuries. 

Nothing  can  be  more  proper  than  Your  Speech  to  them  upon 
this  Occasion,  and  I  am  hopefull  they  will  Open  their  Eyes,  and 
strictly  follow  Your  Counsel,  in  not  going  to  Canada,  since,  if 
the  French  Indians  are  Sincere,  they  may  safely  meet  them  at 
Onondaga,  And  therefore  I  beg  You  will  continue  to  Insist  upon 
their  Compliance  with  Your  Advice. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire.     A  copy  is  in  the  Public  Record  Office,  London, 
England. 


Seven  Fears'  War  199 

In  Order  to  Contribute,  to  my  utmost,  to  Your  Success,  in 
Obtaining  as  many  Indians  as  possible,  to  join  in  the  Ensueing 
Operations,  and  to  Withdraw  all  those  You  possibly  can  from 
the  Enemy,  I  Enclose  You  a  Warrant  for  Five  Thousand 
Pounds  Sterling,  which  You  Say  are  requisite  for  providing 
Cloaths,  Arms,  and  other  Necessaries  for  them;  but  I  must,  at 
the  same  time  Inform  You,  that  our  Military  Chest  is  again  at 
present,  so  low,  that  it  cannot  Discharge  that  Warrant,  Where- 
fore, if  You  can  Obtain  Credit,  for  some  time,  for  these  things, 
You  will  greatly  Aid  the  Service. —  With  regard  to  Satisfying 
these  Indians  in  relation  to  where  they  shall  be  particularly 
Employed,  that  is  what  I  cannot  yet  Myself  Determine;  When 
I  am  fixed  in  that  respect,  You  shall  be  Informed  of  it. 

As  soon  as  I  get  to  Albany,  I  shall  fix  with  there  New  Con- 
tractors the  Several  Quantities  and  Species  of  Provisions,  which 
You  are  desirous  to  be  Laid  in  at  Your  House,  for  the  Use  of 
the  Needfull  Indians. 

Your  Letter  to  Tedyuscung,  of  which  You  also  Enclosed  me 
a  Copy,  is  likewise  very  proper,  and  You  did  well  to  Guard 
against  their  Appointing  the  Meeting  during  any  time  of  the 
Campaign,  when  You  doubtless  be  wanted  Elsewhere;  Nothing 
remains '  therefore  now  for  You  to  do,  than  when  You  are 
Informed  of  the  time  the  Meeting  can  take  place,  to  send  timely 
Notice  to  the  Proprietaries'  Commissioners  that  they  may  be 
punctual  in  their  Attendance  at  it. 

What  I  mentioned  to  You  in  my  former  Letter  upon  the  Sub- 
ject of  Your  Appeal  to  me,  in  relation  to  Your  Pay  as  Colonel 
of  the  Indians,  was  mere  Opinion,  &  not  Decision,  which  I  can- 
not take  upon  me,  and  therefore  I  shall  transmit  Your  present 
Remarks  to  His  Majesty's  Ministers,  for  their  Directions  therein, 
which  I  shall  be  glad  may  determine  this  Matter  in  Your  Favor, 
I  am,  with  great  Regard, 
Sir 
Your  most  Obed*.  Humble  Serv*. 

JEFF  AMHERST 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bar*. 


200  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


SIR  JEFFERY   AMHERST  TO  ABRAHAM   MORTIER 
The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.   1 0 1 ,  by 
Major  General  Jeffery  Amherst's  warrant,  drawn  at  New  York  March 
16th,  on  Abraham  Mortier  for  the  payment  of  £5000  to  Johnson  for  the 
purchase  of  campaign  goods  for  Indians.     Destroyed  by  fire. 


TO  THOMAS  GAGE 
Df.   S.1 

Fort  Johnson  March  I7ih.  1760 
DEAR  SIR 

The  inclosed  are  Copies  of  two  Letters  and  some  Intelligence 
I  yesterday  received  from  Mr.  Croghan  my  Deputy  at  Pitsbourg, 
and  as  a  great  Part  of  it  corresponds  with  some  accots.  I  have  had 
before  as  well  as  with  my  own  Judgment  of  the  Matter  I  thought 
it  my  Duty  to  transmit  them  to  you  without  Delay,  that  Gen1 
Amherst  may  be  apprised  thereof  which  I  should  think  he  would 
already  be  by  Gen  Stanwix  to  whom  Mr.  Croghan  has  my  Orders 

to  report  every  piece  of  Intelligence  he  recieves. If  the 

French  can  get  supplys  of  Provisions  &c  from  the  Illinois  or  Mis- 
sissippy  which  I  think  they  have  eer  now  it  is  but  reasonable  to 
expect  that  they  will  with  what  Indians  they  may  be  able  to 
collect,  attempt  cutting  off  our  Convoys  to  Pittsbourg  &c  which 
I  think  they  may  readily  do,  even  if  we  have  tolerable  large 
Escorts,  unless  the  Indians  in  that  Part  of  the  Country  take  upon 
them  to  keep  the  Road  uninfested,  or  at  least  assist  our  Troops 
therein ;  they  are  able  alone  to  do  the  former  if  they  are  inclined 
so,  but  I  am  afraid  that  the  building  so  reputable  a  Fort  in  their 
Country  as  Pittsbourg  being  not  all  all 2  agreeable  to  any  of  the 
surrounding  Nations,  (Tho*  they  may  not  now  chuse  to  declare 
their  Dislike  openly,)  will  make  them  very  lukewarm  in  our 
Cause,  if  that  should  be  the  case,  there  is  but  one  thing  to  engage 
them  heartily  in  the  Service,  that  is  to  act  generously  by  them 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  In  copy,  "  all  all ;"  "  at  all  "  was  doubtless  written. 


Seven  Years  War  201 

during  the  War,  I  am  certain  if  they  are  then  properly  managed 
their  Service  will  ballance  the  Expense.—  -  My  best  Respects 
to  your  Lady,  and  believe  me  Sir  with  the  greatest  Regard 

Your  most  Obed*  hble  Servant 

WM.  JOHNSON 
The  Honble.  BRIG  GAGE 


INDIAN  PROCEEDINGS 

In  Doc.  Rel.  to  Col  Hist.  N.  Y.,  7  :  435-36,  is  a  report  of  John- 
son's meeting  with  Lower  Mohawks  at  Fort  Johnson  March  20th,  when 
they  presented  a  complaint. 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
D/.1 

Fort  Johnson  March  24*.  1760 
SIR 

I  am  this  day  honoured  with  Yours  of  the  1 6th  inclosing  me  a 
Warrant  for  £5000, —  for  which  I  shall  not  be  pressing  as  my 
own  Credit  will  serve  I  hope  till  the  Military  Chest  is  replenished. 

The  Indians  from  almost  all  parts  have  been  comeing  in  this 
winter  to  me,  and  all  the  Out  Posts  for  Provisions,  they  and  their 
Familys  being  as  I  before  mentioned  in  a  Starving  Condition. 
I  have  satisfied  them  as  well  as  I  could  to  this  time,  as  there  is 
no  prov5.  to  be  bought  in  these  parts  I  should  be  glad  I  was 
supplied  as  soon  as  possible  Numbers  of  them,  being  comeing 
daily,  &  more  expected. 

I  am  highly  oblidged  to  Your  Excellency  for  any  Trouble  you 
are  kind  enough  to  take  towards  ascertaining  iny  Pay  as  Collo. 
of  the  Confederate  Indians. 

Mr.  Shuckburgh  My  Secretary  who  will  have  the  honour  to 
deliver  you  this  letter,  having  finished  what  was  at  present  to  be 
done  in  his  way,  has  now  my  liberty  to  pay  his  Family  a  Visit, 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


202  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

whom  he  hath  not  had  an  oportunity  before  of  seeing  these  twelve 
months,  and  as  he  has  recorded  all  my  Proceedings  with  the 
Several  Nations  of  Indians  Since  the  opening  of  the  last  Cam- 
paign I  beg  leave  to  refer  Yr.  Excellency  to  him  for  any  particu- 
lars you  may  choose  to  be  informed  of. 

I  propose  soon  sending  a  present  of  Cloathing  &c  to  the  Com- 
manding Officers  of  Niagara  &  Oswego  to  be  by  them  given 
occasionally  to  such  Indians  as  have  influence  in  their  Nation  as 
well  as  to  some  who  may  be  in  want  of  Cloathing  &c  and  as 
Amunition  is  the  most  necessary  Article,  and  not  to  be  had  here, 
it  would  be  necessary  your  Excellency  would  Order  that  Article 
the  rest  I  am  providing,  and  will  have  ready  in  a  few  days,  when 
I  shall  require  a  Couple  of  Battoes  for  the  transportation  of  them 
I  wish  your  Excellency  a  Continueance  of  Success  the  ensueing 
Campaign,  and  am  with  the  greatest  respect  Your  Excellency 

Most  Obedient  &  Most 
Humble  Servant. 
His  Excellency 
MAJOR  GENL.  AMHERST. 

INDORSED:     March  24th.  1760 

My  Letter  to  Gen1.  Amherst 
<i$  Doctor  Shuckburgh 


FROM  THOMAS  GAGE 
L.  S.1 

Albany  March  26*.  1760 
DEAR  SIR, 

Your  Favor  of  the  17*.  Inst,  with  the  several  Inclosures, 
being  Copys  of  two  Letters,  &  some  Indian  Intelligence  from 
Mr.  Croghan,  arrived  safe;  &  I  have  transmitted  the  whole  to 
Gen1.  Amherst,  tho'  as  you  observe,  it's  probable  he  may  already 
be  apprized  thereof,  thr'o  Gen1.  Stanwix.  But  that  there  might 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years'  War  203 

be  no  Doubt  in  the  Case,  I  thought  it  absolutely  necessary,  that 
He  should  be  immediately  informed  of  the  Intelligence,  &  there- 
fore sent  it,  that  He  may  have  Time  to  consider  of  the  Measures, 
He  thinks  right  &  proper  to  be  taken,  in  Consequence  of  it. 
What  operations  are  to  be  carried  on  towards  the  ohio  the  next 
Campaign,  or  indeed  in  any  other  Parts  of  the  Continent,  remains 
as  yet  as1  profound  secret ;  perhaps  the  arrival  of  the  next  Packet 
which  is  daily  expected,  may  open  &  disclose,  some  Parts  of  the 
new  scene,  which  will  soon  enable  us  to  guess  at  the  rest,  I 
don't  believe  any  Thing  is  absolutely  fixed,  or  will  be,  till  the 
next  Mail  arrives  from  England.  Colonel  Amherst  is  expected 
with  it,  &  it's  imagined,  will  bring  the  final  orders. 

Some  Onondaga  Indians  reported  a  good  while  ago,  that  the 
French  intended  to  attack  Oswego,  when  the  Waters  were  open 
&  had  got  large  Cannon  at  Wegatchy  for  that  Purpose;  but  th^ 
Swegatchy  Indians,  that  passed  the  W.  end  of  onedga  Lake  in 
their  way  to  Onondaga,  mentioned  nothing  of  it,  but  said,  the 
French,  on  the  Two  Islands,  were  in  great  Distress,  &  in  no  Con- 
dition to  undertake  any  thing.  What  Condition  the  Enemy  is  in 
at  Present,  in  general  throughout  Canada,  we  are  ignorant  of, 
having  neither  Prisoner,  or  Deserter,  since  the  Close  of  the  Cam- 
paign. Lieutenant  Montresor2  may  have  brought  Intelligence 
from  Quebec,  that  I  am  ignorant  of;  I  suppose  He  had  some 
material  Business,  &  did  not  take  that  Journey,  on  Purpose  to 
explore  the  Country.  Mrs.  Gage  desires  her  Compliments,  &  I 
am  with  great  Truth  and  esteem, 

Dear  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient 

&  most  humble  Servant 

THOS.  GAGE 


1  In  copy,  "  as." 

2  John  Montresor,  lieutenant  in  the  48th  regiment  July  4,  1755;  from 
1754  to   1778,  with  an  interval  of  several  years,  engineer  and  surveyor 
in  America;  December   18,    1775   chief  engineer.     For  sketch,  see  Col" 
lections  of  the  Ner»  York  Historical  Society,  1881,  p.  4-8. 


204  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  JONATHAN  OGDEN 
A.  L.  S.1 

Schenectady  27ih  March  1760 
HONRD.  SIR 

This  is  a  Verey  good  young  Man  whom  I  beg  Leave  to 
Recommend  to  you  worthy  of  Bearing  a  Commission  in  our 
Provintial  Troops  as  I  ame  Verey  Certain  of  his  Valour  and 
Probity,  his  neam  is  Cornelus  Vandick  The  Leat  Docter  Van- 
dick's  Son  who  Lived  in  this  town  he  has  never  ben  a  Cam- 
pagin  But  from  his  other  Experience  of  the  World  am  Certain 
he  is  Verey  well  Qualifid  for  a  Subalter  officer  if  you  would 
be  so  Good  as  to  procure  Such  a  Comisson  I  Sure  heel  be  a 
Credit  to  his  Benif actor  &  you1,  for  Ever  Obledg 

Honrd.  Sir 

Your  Most 

Obed'.  Hum1'.  Serv*. 
JON™.  OGDEN 
To 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Bar1. 


JEFFERY  AMHERST  TO  JAMES  HAMILTON 
Extract 2 

New  York  Mh.  March  1760 
Extract 

I  come  now,  Sir,  to  Your  Letter  in  relation  to  Indian  Affairs, 
and  cannot  but  Commend  Your  Attention  keeping  up  a  friend- 
ship and  trade,  with  all  such  Indians  as  Chuse  to  partake  of  the 
Blessings  of  the  happy  Government  we  live  under  and  Your 
proposal  of  sending  Mr.  Post  and  Mr.  Still,  to  Assist  at  the  large 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Destroyed  by  fire.     Inclosed  in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  Johnson,  April 
2,  1  760. 


Seven  Years   War  205 

Convention  reported  to  You  by  Teedyuscung  to  be  held  in  the 
Spring  at  Some  of  the  Indian  Towns  over  the  Ohio  is,  I  think 
perfectly  right,  as  it  may  be  productive  of  Cementing  the  Alli- 
ance that  ought  to  Subsist  between  those  nations  and  us ;  and  as 
I  have  nothing  more  at  heart  than  the  good  and  wellfare  of  the 
whole  Community,  and  that  Mr.  Post  thinks  it  necessary,  he 
should  Carry  them  a  Talk  from  His  Majesty's  Commander  in 
Chief,  to  Assure  them,  that  it  is  not  our  Design  to  make  any 
Encroachments  on  them,  but  on  the  Contrary  to  protect  and 
defend  their  Lives  and  properties,  I  will  here  renew,  What  I 
promised  at  a  Conference  held  in  April  last  at  Philadelphia, 
between  Govns.  Denny,  Bernard,  Delancey,  Br.  Gen1.  Stanwix 
and  myself,  the  Deputies  of  Canawaga  and  Thomas  King1  of 
Which  I  enclose  You  a  Copy;  and  I  shall  further  add  What  I 
have  from  time  to  time,  wrote  to  Sr.  Wm.  Johnson  to  Deliver  to 
the  Indians  in  his  Department  on  my  behalf  viz.  That  His 
Majesty  had  not  sent  me  to  Deprive  any  of  them  of  their  Lands 
&  property ;  on  the  Contrary,  that  so  long  as  they  adhered  to  His 
Interest,  and  by  their  behavior  gave  proofs  of  the  Sincerity  of 
their  Attachment  to  His  Royal  Person  &  Cause,  I  should  defend 
&  maintain  them  in  their  Just  rights,  and  give  them  all  the  aid 
&  Assistance  they  might  be  liable  to,  from  the  Enemy  thro' 
their  Attachment  to. us. —  This  I  firmly  mean  to  adhere  to,  so 
long  as  their  Conduct  shall  Deserve  it  but  on  the  other  hand,  if 
they  do  not  behave  as  good  and  faithfull  allies  ought  to  do,  and 
Renounce  all  acts  of  Hostilities  against  His  Majesty's  Subjects 
I  shall  retaliate  upon  them,  and  I  have  the  might  so  to  do  ten- 
fold every  breach  of  Treaty  they  shall  be  guilty  of  and  every 
outrage  they  shall  Committ,  and  if  any  of  His  Majesty's  Subjects 
under  my  Command,  should  kill  or  Injure  any  of  our  Indian 
Brethern,  they  shall,  upon  due  proof  thereof,  receive  equal 
punishment.  I  mean  not  neither  to  take  any  of  their  Lands, 


1  Thomas  King,  Dayagoughderesesh,  an  Oneida  chief  living  at  Oquaga, 
often  employed  as  delegate  to  Indian  conferences.  He  died  at  Charleston, 
S.  C,  September  5,  1  771. —  W.  M.  Beauchamp,  A  History  of  the  Nev> 
Iroquois,  p.  340. 


206  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

ft  except  in  such  Causes,  Where  the  necessity  of  His  Majesty's 
Service,  obliges  me  to  take  Posts  where  I  must  and  will  build 
Forts;  but  then  the  Lands  adjoining  will  still  Continue  their  own 
and  be  not  only  equally  good  for  their  hunting,  but  be  so  much 
the  more  Secure,  against  any  Interruption  the  Enemy  might  offer 
to  give  theniy'  for  I  know  no  medium,  between  us  &  the  French 
if  we  have7 not  Forts  they  will. — Those  that  will  Join  Hi; 
Majesty's  Arms,  and  that  will  be  aiding  &  Assisting  in  Subduing 
the  Common  Enemy,  shall  be  well  rewarded  and  those  that  may 
not  Chuse  to  act  in  conjunction  with  the  Forces,  shall  be  equally 
protected,  provided  they  do  not  Join  in  any  Acts  of  Hostilities 
with  the  Enemy,  or  Carry  them  Intelligence,  Which  might  prove 
prejudicial  to  the  Public  good;  Upon  these  terms  they  shall  find 
me  their  fast  friend,  but  on  a  breach  of  them  I  shall  punish  them 
as  they  Deserve,  and  I  chuse  they  should  know,  What  they  have 
to  trust  to,  Since  I  intend  to  be  as  good  as  my  word. 

Jeff:  Amherst 

INDORSED:      Extract  Letter  from  Gen1.  Amherst 
To  Governor  Hamilton  dated 
New  York  30<H  760 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
L.  S.1 

New  York,  2<*.  April  1760 
SIR 

On  Monday  I  was  favored  with  Your  Letter  of  the  24th. 
Ultimo,  by  Your  Secretary  Mr.  Shuckburgh. —  I  Shall  Write  to 
Brigr.  General  Gage,  concerning  the  Provisions  You  are  desirous 
to  have  for  the  Indians ;  and  I  shall  likewise  remember  the  Article 
of  Ammunition.  I  Approve  of  the  Present  of  Cloathing,  &c 
You  propose  sending  to  the  Commanding  Officers  at  Niagara  & 
Oswego,  to  be  by  them  given  occasionally  to  Such  Indians  as 
have  Influence  in  their  Nation,  as  well  as  to  some  who  may  be  in 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years'  War  207 

want  of  Cloathing;  and  I  shall  direct,  that  You  may  have  the 
Couple  of  Batteaus  requisite  for  the  transportation  of  them. 

Brigr.  General  Gage  has  transmitted  me  a  Copy  of  Your 
Letter  to  him,1  with  the  Intelligence  from  Your  Deputy  to  the 
Southward;  great  part  of  which,  I  can  Assure  You,  is  without 
foundation,  particularly  a  part  of  that  concerning  the  Detroit, 
as  Lieut.  McDonald  of  Montgomery's  a  very  Intelligent  Young 
Man,  who  was  a  considerable  time  Prisoner  there,  and  is  lately 
returned,  gives  me  different  Accounts. 

The  last  Post  brought  me  a  Letter  from  Govr.  Hamilton, 
Acquainting  me  that  Teedyuscung  had  Informed  him,  there  was 
to  be,  this  Spring,  a  very  large  Convention  of  Indians,  in  some 
of  their  Towns  on  the  Ohio,  at  which  he  was  to  Assist,  in  behalf 
of  the  Province  of  Pennsylvania,  and  desired  that  Mr.  Frederick 
Post  might  Accompany  him;  that  at  the  Instance  of  Teedyus- 
cung, the  Assembly  of  Pensylvania  had  Named  said  Mr.  Post, 
and  One  Mr.  Still,  to  Attend  this  Chief  of  the  Delawares;  And 
that  Mr.  Post  had  represented,  that  his  being  the  Bearer  of  a 
Talk  from  His  Majesty's  Commander  in  Chief,  to  the  Several 
Tribes  of  Indians  that  should  Come  to  this  Meeting,  might  be 
productive  of  great  good  Consequence  to  His  Majesty's  Indian 
Interest  in  those  parts:  Accordingly  I  Sent  him  the  Enclosed 
Answer,2  by  which  You  will  See  my  Invariable  Sentiments  in 
relation  to  Indians,  in  which  I  Intend  ever  to  persevere.  I  am, 
with  great  Regard, 

Sir, 

Your  most  Obedient 
Humble  Servant. 

JEFF  AMHERST 

FROM  FERRALL  WADE 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  102,  by  a 
letter  of  April  3d  from  Ferrall  Wade,  at  New  York,  to  Johnson,  in 
which  he  asks  an  order  for  £2000  to  buy  goods  in  Philadelphia. 


1  Johnson  to  Gage,  March  1  7,   1  760,  q.  V. 

2  Amherst  to  Hamilton,  March  30,  1 760,  q.  v. 


208  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

CONFERENCE    HELD    AT    FORT    PITT 
Contemporary  Copy  x 

Fort  Pitt,  April  6-12,  1760 
Copy./. 

Minutes  of  Conferences  &ca.~ 

At  a  Meeting  held  at  Fort  Pitt  on  the  6th.  April  1  760.— 

Present 
George  Croghan  Esquire  Deputy  Agent  to  the  Honblc-  Sr<  W1 

Johnson  Bar1. 
Alexander  McKee  Assistant  to  George  Croghan  Esqr. 

Indians 

Six  Nations  Del  a  wares 

Neroganera     1       .  The  Beaver 

Sowadereraw  j  George  Chiefs 

Conneyegerada  1  Kikiuskin 

Yougunsera        J     apt*  Grey  Eyes   1 

56  Warriors  &  Sonckhicon  J 

22  Women  72  Warriors  & 

48  Women 
Shawnese 
Missiweakiwa 


. 

Keissnauch  the 
Missiqui  Pallathe 
ReadHawke 
84  Warriors  & 
46  Women 

Twigtwees  Mohickons 

Meconock  Chief  Weithy  Peyocka  Chief 

Messenock  Captain  Maulcey  Captain 

32  Warriors  &  28  Warriors  & 

10  Women  14  Women  - 


1  In  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.58,  London,  England,  inclosed  in 
a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt  of  May  19,  1  760. 


Seven  Years   War  209 

• 
Cap*.   Croghan  opened  the   Conference  with   the   following 

Crremonies,  Addressing  himself  to  the  Indians  present  of  every 
Nation.— 

Brethren, 

It  gives  me  pleasure  to  See  You  the  Chiefs  &  Warriors  of  the 
Shawnese,  come  here  to  Confirm  the  Peace,  &  renew  Your 
Ancient  friendship. — 

Brethren, 

With  this  String  I  wipe  the  Sweat  &  dust  off  Your  Bodies 
Pick  the  bryars  out  of  Your  feet,  &  clear  Your  eyes  that  You 
may  see  Your  brethrens  faces  &  look  Chearfull  —  Gave  a  String 

Brethren, 

With  this  String  I  clear  Your  hearts  &  Minds  that  You  may 
speak  perfectly  free  &  open  to  us~~  Gave  a  String  — 

Brethren, 

With  this  String  I  wipe  the  blood  from  off  the  Council  Seats, 
that  Your  Cloaths  may  not  be  Stained  nor  Your  Minds  dis- 
turbed — 

Gave  a  String 

As  soon  as  we  had  done,  they  performed  the  same  Ceremonies 
on  their  parts,  then  the  Shawnese  King  ordered  the  Calumet  of 
peace  to  be  lighted,  and  after  smoaking  round,  we  drank  a  glass 
&  parted."" 


210 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


At  a  Conference  held  at  Fort  Pitt  on  the  7th.  of  April  1760.- 

Present 
George  Croghan  Esquire  Deputy  Agent  to  the  Honble.  Sr.  Wm. 

Johnson  Bar*. 
Alexander  McKee  Assistant  to  George  Croghan  Esqr. 


Six  Nations 
Noragamera    V 
Sowederare 
Conneyegerada 
Yougunsera 
56  Warriors  & 
22  Women 


Cap' 


Delawares 
The  Beaver 
George 
Kekuiskin 
Grey  Eyes  ] 
Sonckickon  I 


Chiefs 


Twigtwees 
Meconock  Chief 
Messenock  Cap1. 
32  Warriors  & 
10  Women 


72  Warriors  & 

48  Men1 
Shawnese 
Keissinauch  the  ] 
Missiweakiwa    j°hlefs 
Missiqui  Pallathe  ] 
Read  Hawk  -       j  C*P*' 
84  Warriors  & 
46  Women  — 

Mohickons 

Weithy  Peyocka  Chief 

Maulcey  Captain 

28  Warriors  & 

14  Women  - 


The  principal  men  of  the  Shawnese  Ordered  one  of  his  Coun- 
cil to  Speak  as  follows:— 
Brethren  the  English, 

As  it  has  pleased  God  to  bring  us  both  together,  this  day  in 
Council  to  renew  &  brighten  the  Ancient  Chain  of  Friendship 
Which  was  made  between  our  Ancestors  &  Yours  When  first  they 
came  over  the  great  water  to  this  Country  It  is  our  Custom  to 
repeat  part  of  what  happened  in  those  times,  which  we  desire  You 
may  give  Attention  to.— 

1  This  should  be  ' '  Women  "  as  on  page  208. 


Seven  Years'  War  211 

Missiweakiwa  Speaker  Brethren, 

You  must  know  that  God  Who  made  all  things  gave  us  this 
Country  &  brought  us  through  this  Ground,  he  gave  you  a 
Country  beyond  the  Great  Water,  Our  Ancestors  in  former  times 
did  not  know,  that  there  was  White  People  in  the  World,  till  they 
See  a  Ship  coming  to  Shore,  at  first  they  were  afraid,  not  knowing 
what  it  was,  but  When  they  saw  the  people,  they  soon  discovered 
they  were  made  like  themselves  —  but  that  God  had  made  them 
White,  they  then  received  them  in  their  Arms,  &  tied  the  ship 
fast  that  the  winds  or  Water  should  not  Carry  her  away,  &  gave 
them  Land  to  Sit  down  upon  and  Plant  Corn  on,  then  we  took 
the  English  for  our  Brethren  and  the  English  made  a  Silver  Chain 
of  friendship  for  all  Nations  of  Indians  to  take  hold  of,  Which 
would  not  Contract  any  rust,  this  was  the  beginning  of  our  friend- 
ship Brethren  with  the  English,  Which  you  must  know  as  God  has 
given  You  knowledge  to  read  &  write,  Which  he  has  not  given 
to  Us-  Gave  four  Strings  White  Wampum 

Brethren, 

In  those  days  When  first  the  English  Settled  in  this  Country 
Our  Ancestors  nursed  our  Brethren  the  English,  as  they  did  their 
own  Children,  &  as  more  was  a  coming  every  Year  we  made  more 
room  for  them  to  settle,  till  at  length  our  Brethren  drove  us  up 
here  on  the  high  Land ;  then  the  Indians  of  All  Nations  began  to 
think,  that  our  Brethren  wanted  to  drive  us  entirely  out  of  the 
Country,  &  the  French  come  Amongst  Us,  and  told  that  was  our 
Intentions,  then  the  French  &  you  began  to  fight  in  this  Country, 
you  both  said  it  was  for  the  good  of  Us  Indians  that  You  ffought, 
but  we  think  you  both  fought  for  our  Country,  then  our  Young 
men  got  into  Confusion,  &  as  the  French  supplied  them,  with  all 
necessaries  they  wanted,  they  helped  them  to  Carry  on  the  War 
against  You,  this  with  Some  other  Abuses  that  Some  of  Our 
People  received  to  the  Southward,  was  the  occasion  of  our 
Quarrelling  with  Our  Brethren." 

SU  Strings  black  Wampum 


212  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Brethren, 

As  God  has  directed  Your  Great  King,  who  lives  over  the  great 
water,  to  order  that  no  Injustice  shall  be  done  us  by  his  People, 
he  has  likewise  directed  Us,  Whom  he  will  acknowledge  for  his 
Children,  as  well  as  You,  to  throw  from  Your  minds  All  evil 
thoughts  &  forget  what  is  past  which  I  do  by  this  String.— 

Four  Strings  — 
Brethren, 

I  now  burry  the  bloody  Hatchet  in  the  bottomless  pitt  and  with 
this  belt  I  clear  the  road  of  peace  to  the  run *  rising,  that  we  may 
travel  it  as  our  Forefathers  formerly  did  to  visit  our  Brethren,  and 
I  stop  up  the  War  road  that  it  will  not  be  possible  to  pass  along  it. 

Gave  a  road  belt 
Brethren, 

With  this  belt  I  confirm  the  peace  &  renew  &  brighten  the 
Ancient  Chain  of  friendship  that  Subsisted  between  our  Fore- 
fathers &  Yours,  in  behalf  of  all  my  Nation  &  I  Assure  you 
Brethren,  that  you  shall  see  Your  flesh  &  Blood  again,  to  Confirm 
what  I  say,  I  give  you  this  belt.  Gave  a  Belt. 

Brethren, 

As  I  have  now  done  speaking,  I  can  Assure  you  I  have  spoke 
the  sentim15.  of  my  People,  &  that  from  my  heart  and  I  desire  you 
will  give  Attention  to  What  our  Grand  fathers  the  Delawares  are 
going  to  Say  to  You.— 

Then  the  Beaver  the  Principal  man  of  the  Delawares  spoke."* 

Brethren  the  English, 

I  have  heard  with  pleasure  what  our  Grand  Children  the 
Shawnese  have  said  this  day  in  Council,  &  I  hope  it  is  agreable 
to  you,  I  have  been  present  at  all  the  Conferences  you  have  held 
here  this  last  year,  with  all  the  Nations  living  to  the  Sun  Setting, 
&  as  the  Peace  is  now  confirmed  and  the  ancient  friendship 
renewed,  I  hope  it  will  last  to  our  latest  Generations,  Be  strong 
brethren  it  is  in  your  power  to  make  this  a  lasting  peace  — 

Gave  Six  Strings."" 


1  In  the  original  **  run  "  is  written. 


Seven  Years   War  213 

Brother, 

The  Great  King  of  England  has  Sent  you  here  to  renew  the 
Ancient  friendship  Subsisting  between  the  English  &  us  Indians 
you  have  no  done  that  with  the  Nations  living  this  way  Which  I 
desire  You  will  Acquaint  the  great  King  of ;  Yet  I  see  the  bloody 
Hatchet  in  one  of  Your  hands,  we  have  buried  ours,  and  with 
this  Belt  I  take  that  Hatchet  out  of  Your  Hand,  &  turn  the  edge 
of  it  against  Your  Common  Enemy  against  them  You  may  Use 
it  but  I  desire  You  may  let  us  live  in  peace.—  A  War  Belt 

At  a  Conference  held  at  Fort  Pitt  on  the  9th:  of  April  1  760. 

Present 

George  Croghan  Esquire  Deputy  Agent  to  the  Honble.  Sr.  Wm. 

Johnson  Bar1. 
Alexander  McKee  Assistant  to  George  Croghan  Esqr. 

The  Same  Indians 

Brethren  The  Shawnese, 

I  have  heard,  what  You  have  said  to  me  in  Council  two  days 
ago  on  these  Belts  &  Strings,  &  You  have  wisely  thrown  away 
from  Your  remembrance  all  the  Evil  of  Your  hearts  &  Solicited 
the  Deity  to  direct  Your  Councils  for  the  future  you  have  buried 
the  War  hatchet  in  the  bottomless  pitt  &  removed  all  obstacles 
off  the  road  of  peace;  You  have  renewed  &  brightened  the 
Ancient  Chain  of  Friendship  with  your  brethren  the  English, 
which  you  may  depend  on  Your  Brethren  will  never  Violate; 
and  I  hope  you  on  your  Parts,  will  take  care  to  Observe  it,  by 
continually  advising  both  Your  Children  how  to  behave  towards 
their  Brethren  The  English,  You  have  been  made  Sensible  of 
What  has  past  at  the  Several  Conferences  I  held  at  this  place  with 
the  Several  Nations  living  to  the  Sun  Setting.  I  have  Confirmed 
Peace  with  all  these  Nations  in  presence  of  your  Grandfathers 
The  Delawares  &  Six  Nations  &  Some  of  your  own  people,  but 


214  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

there  is  one  Article  to  be  performed  yet  on  your  Sides,  that  we 
may  enjoy  the  blessing  we  expect  from  this  good  work  of  peace, 
which  is  the  restoring  to  Us  Our  Flesh  &  Blood,  that  remain  yet 
amongst  your  Several  Nations,  anJ  Which  I  must  insist  on  your 
Complying  with  as  soon  as  possible  &  Brethren  by  this  belt  I  con- 
firm the  peace  with  you,  in  behalf  of  His  Majesty  &  all  His  Sub- 
jects, and  I  Assure  You  of  the  hearty  Inclination  there  is  in  Your 
Brethren  to  Cultivate  a  lasting  friendship  with  all  Nations  of 
Indians,  as  long  as  You  behave  so  as  to  deserve  it  from  them."~ 

Gave  a  Belt 
Brethren, 

In  order  to  Prevent  any  Disputes  hereafter  between  You  and 
Your  Brethren  the  English,  The  King  of  Great  Britain  Your 
Father  and  My  Master,  has  ordered  a  Line  to  be  run  between 
You  and  his  people  in  this  Country,  that  You  may  know  how 
much  of  Your  Country  You  have  sold  to  Your  Brethren  the 
original  of  which  the  Six  Nations  has,  and  this  I  deliver  to  You 
that  Your  Children  hereafter  may  be  acquainted  of  it,  and  not 
foolishly  enter  into  debates  with  your  Brethren  as  you  have  done 
about  triffles  As  you  must  now  be  Sensible  Your  Brethren  the 
English  is  the  most  powerfull  People  in  the  Country,  &  not  only 
so  but  best  inclined  to  do  you  Justice  &  Supply  your  Necessitys 
while  you  behave  so  as  to  Deserve  their  friendship.— 

Then  I  delivered  them  a  Copy  of  the  Partition  line  Settled  at 
the  Treaty  of  Easton  between  the  Proprietors  Agents,  &  the 
Chiefs  of  the  Six  Nations.— 

Brethren  The  Delawares, 

I  have  heard  what  you  said  to  me  the  day  before  yesterday 
And  you  may  depend  on  it,  the  Great  King  shall  be  made 
Acquainted  with  every  thing,  that  has  been  transacted  between 
us  &  You  may  depend  on  his  giving  Proper  orders  to  all  his 
people  in  this  Country  from  time  to  time,  to  Cultivate  a  good 
Understanding  between  all  Nations  of  Indians  &  them 

Gave  a  String 


Seven  Years   War  215 

Brethren, 

You  have  taken  the  Hatchet  out  of  my  hand,  &  desired  I 
would  take  fast  hold  of  the  Chain  of  friendship  with  both  my 
Hands;  Brethren  I  will  do  as  You  desire,  &  you  may  depend 
on  my  doing  every  thing  in  my  power  to  preserve  the  Chain  of 
friendship  free  from  Rust  -  Gave  a  Belt 

At  a  Conference  held  at  Fort  Pitt  on  the  10th.  of  April  1  760 

Present 

George  Croghan  Esqr.  Deputy  Agent  to  the  Honble.  Sir  Wm. 

Johnson  Baronet. 
Alexander  McKee  Assistant  to  George  Croghan  Esqr. 

The  Same  Indians 

Brethren  The  English, 

As  we  have  Settled  all  differences,  &  renewed  the  Ancient 
friendship,  and  opened  the  road  of  Peace,  we  must  inform  You 
that  our  People  is  in  great  wants  of  Goods  at  our  Towns  We 
return  the  King  of  Great  Britain  our  thanks,  for  those  you  gave 
us  yesterday  in  his  Name,  Brother  we  see  the  difficulty  you  have 
in  getting  provisions  up  to  this  place  to  Supply  Your  own  people, 
much  less  to  give  us,  &  tho'  you  give  us  part  of  What  you  have, 
We  are  in  a  Starving  Conditions  When  we  Come  here  to  Trade ; 
to  prevent  this  Inconveniency  with  us  both  we  have  been  talking 
with  some  of  the  Traders  here  Who  say  they  are  willing  to  go 
down  with  us  if  you  and  the  Commanding  Officer  be  willing ;  now 
Brother  we  desire  You  will  Consult  the  Commands.  Officer  on 
this  Affair  &  let  these  Traders  go  down  with  us ;  We  know  that 
you  and  the  French  have  not  made  peace,  but  we  will  engage  to 
take  them  safe  down,  and  bring  them  safe  up  to  you  again  with 
their  skins.  To  confirm  the  truth  of  what  we  say  we  give  you  this 
Belt.  Gave  a  Belt. 


216  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Brethren, 

You  are  now  settled  in  our  Country,  be  Strong  &  do  all  Na- 
tions of  Indians  Justice,  We  are  a  poor  people  &  be  kind  to  those 
that  are  not  able  to  support  themselves;  We  expect  to  have  a 
great  Council  this  Summer  of  all  Nations  of  Indians,  when  that 
is  over,  we  will  let  you  know  what  we  have  done,  &  what  Part 
of  our  Country  You  may  raise  provisions  on,  that  you  may  not 
have  to  Carry  it  from  the  Settlements. — 

Gave  a  Belt  — 

Then  I  informed  the  Indians,  I  would  Acquaint  the  Com- 
mands, officer  of  what  they  said,  and  give  them  an  Answer 
tomorrow  morning.— 


At  a  Conference  held  at  Fort  Pitt  on  the  12th.  April  1760  — 
Present 

George  Croghan  Esqr.  Deputy  Agent  to  the  Honble,  Sir  Wm. 

Johnson  Bar*. 
Alexander  McKee  Assistant  to  George  Croghan  Esqr. 

The  Same  Indians 

Brethren  of  the  Several  Nations  here  present,  give  Attention  to 
What  I  am  going  to  say.— 

I  have  Consulted  the  Commanding  Officer  of  what  you  said 
to  me  the  day  before  Yesterday,  &  tho'  we  have  no  Instructions 
about  finding  Traders  to  trade  in  the  Indian  Country  yet  but 
to  Convince  You  of  the  good  Inclination  Your  Brethren  the 
English  have  to  Serve  you  in  your  necessitys,  we  have  agreed 
to  let  such  Traders  as  is  willing  to  go  with  you  to  your  towns; 
you  have  pledged  the  faith  of  your  Nations  for  their  safe  return 
we  make  no  doubt  of  it;  And  as  the  Prices  of  all  kind  of  goods 
is  here  settled,  you  know  what  you  are  to  pay  them  for  their 
Goods,  So  I  hope  there  will  be  no  Complaints  hereafter  and  like- 


Seven  Fears'  War  217 

wise  that  all  Your  People  will  behave  to  these  traders  that  risque 
their  Lives  &  Effects  to  go  with  you,  may  return  home  well  pleased 
with  your  People's  Conduct. 

Gave  a  Belt. 
Brethren, 

We  return  you  our  hearty  thanks  for  agreing  to  let  these 
Traders  go  with  us,  &  you  may  depend  on  their  Safety,  as  the 
business  we  came  upon  is  all  done  to  our  Satisfaction,  we  Desire 
you  will  give  us  Some  rum  to  drink,  as  our  hearts  is  glad,  let 
us  be  merry;  God  has  directed  You  Brethren  how  to  make  it, 
they  delivered  five  Strings  of  Wampum  for  a  Cag  to  each  Nation 
of  the  five  — 

Gave  five  Strings 

Brethren, 

The  Rum  is  very  Scarce  here,  &  Mischances  often  happen  in 
liquor;  Yet  I  grant  Your  request,  but  I  desire  You  may  not 
say  after  you  have  Quarrelled  &  hurt  each  other,  that  I  have 
handed  you  peace  out  of  one  hand  &  given  you  liquor  out  of  the 
other  to  hurt  you  Gave  five  Cags 

Fort  Pitt  April  18*>.  1760.- 
A  true  Copy  from  the  Original 
by  Alexander  McKee  Assistant 
to  George  Croghan  Esquire 

INDORSED:      Copy- 

Conferences  held 

With  Sundry  tribes  of  Indians 

at  Fort  Pitt  6th.  &ca  April  1  760  — 

Enclosed  in  Gen1.  Amherst's 

Letter  to  Sr.  Wm.  Johnson  of 

16th.  May  1760.— in  Gen1.  Amherst's  of  the 

19*.  May  1760 

36 


218  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

TO   THOMAS  GAGE 
Df.   S.1 

Fort  Johnson  April  8*.  1760 
DEAR  SIR 

The  IncK  of  both  Mohawk  Castles  having  had  their  Crops 
of  Corn  &c  destroyed  last  year  by  the  severall  droves  of  Cattle 
passing  thro  their  fields,  applied  to  me  often  for  payment  of  the 
Damages  they  sustained  thereby,  which  I  have  hitherto  waved 
by  telling  them  I  could  not  do  it  without  the  GenK  Orders,  they 
now  insist  on  my  mentioning  it  to  you  &  beg  that  their  loss  & 
Labour  in  planting  may  be  considered. 

They  this  day  came  in  a  body,  and  assured  me  they  were  in 
every  2  miserable  Scituation,  for  want  of  provisions,  and  as  they 
understood  that  those  of  the  upper  Nat8,  who  were  in  want  had 
been  supplied  at  the  Several  Posts,  they  expected  the  General 
would  not  be  backward* to  let  them  have  some  at  Fort  Hunter 
and  Fort  Hendrick,  as  he  was  sensible  of  their  Attachment  to  ye 
English,  they  are  certainly  much  distressed,  by  the  loss  of  their 
Crops  as  well  as  by  a  Habit  of  Idleness  they  have  contracted 
since  the  warr.  wherefore  if  you  approve  of  it,  I  will  draw  some 
provs.  for  them  at  the  aforesaid  Post,  in  such  a  manner  as  will 
best  satisfie  them  and  be  least  expensive. 

I  expect  a  quantity  of  Indian  Corn  &  Sundry  Stores  for  the 
use  of  the  Ind8.  the  ensueing  Campaign  from  New  York,  & 
Philadelphia,  for  the  Carriage  of  which  I  shall  want  waggons  & 
Battoes,  and  your  pass  for  them,  unless  you  should  think  proper 
to  order  the  p  Master 3  to  get  it  sent  up. 

My  Best  respects  to  your  Lady  &  believe  me 

Dear  Sr.  with  the  greatest  esteem  &  sincerity  &c 

WM.  JOHNSON 
The  Honourable 
BRIGADIER  GENL.  GAGE. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  This  should  probably  be  "  a  very." 

8  This  should  evidently  be  "  q  Master,"  for  quartermaster. 


-Seven  Yean   War  219 


FROM  TEEDYUSCUNG 

In  Doc.  Rel  to  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  7:436-37,  is  a  letter  from  Tydes- 
cung,  chief  sachem  of  the  Delawares,  to  Johnson  regarding  the  meeting  to 
consider  his  complaint  touching  lands,  dated  Berth01  in  Northampton 
county,  Pa.,  April  8th. 


FROM  THOMAS  GAGE 

L.  S.1 

Albany  April  13*.  1760 
DEAR  SIR, 

Mr.  Van  Eps  delivered  me  your  Favor  of  9th  Inst.  at  Schenec- 
tady;  &  I  settled  with  Him  &  Mr.  Glen  every  Thing  relating 
to  the  Batteaus  &  Carnages  for  the  Transportation  of  the  Pro- 
visions &  Indian  Goods.  There  is  at  present  little  occasion  for 
Waggons,  which  made  me  tell  Mr.  Van  Epps  that  He  might 
send  as  many  as  He  pleased,  &  on  application  to  Major  Newey 2, 
a  Pass  should  be  given  for  any  Number 

The  satisfaction  demanded  by  the  Mohawks,  for  the  Damages 
sustained  last  year  by  Cattle,  which  was  drove  thro  their  Corn, 
I  shall  transmit  by  tomorrow's  Post,  to  Gen1.  Amherst,  who  can, 
only  have  it  in  his  Power,  to  answer  such  demands.  The 
Mohawks  without  Dispute  are  more  entitled  to  our  Assistance 
than  any  Nation  on  the  Continent,  I  thought  the  upper  Castle 
had  been,  at  Times,  supply ed  with  Provisions  from  Fort  Herk- 
heimer.  The  Oneydas  have  been  fed  the  whole  Winter  at  Fort 
Stanwix,  &  I  shall  send  Directions  immediately  to  Forts  Hunter 
&  Hendrick,  to  supply  you  in  the  manner  you  Desire,  as  far  as 
their  stock  of  Provisions  will  admit  of. 

There  is  a  Report  of  Col°.  Massey's  *  Servant  being  taken  by 
three  Indians  from  Fort  Stanwix.  If  so,  I  think  the  Oneydas 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  This  name  should  be  Hervey. 

3  Lieutenant  Colonel  Eyre  Massey,  of  the  46th  regiment. 


220  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

must  be  privy  to  it,  &  the  Onondagas  have  by  their  own  ace1, 
such  a  Number  of  Hunting  Partys,  near  Swegatchy,  that  they 
could  not  be  ignorant  of  it.  The  onondagas  excused  themselves 
to  Capt.  Dunbar  for  not  scouting  to  Swegatchy  for  a  Prisoner  on 
ace1,  of  these  Hunting  Partys,  who  would  probably  be  met  with 
by  the  enemy,  in  Case  of  a  Pursuit. 

Two  subns.  &  Three  Private  of  the  Inniskilling  Reg*,  with  a 
Cap1,  &  Three  Rangers  have  been  lately  carried  off  from  Crown 
Point. 

No  News  from  below,  a  ship  arrived  at  York,  but  has  been 
•six  months  in  her  Passage.  I  am  with  great  regard, 

Dear  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient 

&  most  humble  Servant, 

THOS.  GAGE 


PHILIP   HENRICK  KLEINE*S   RECOGNIZANCE 

The  foregoing  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  102,  by 
Philip  Henrick  Kleine's  recognizance  in  the  sum  of  £20,  taken  by  Johnson 
at  Albany  April  14th.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


JOHN   LOTTRIDGE   TO   FREDERICK    HALDIMAND 
Contemporary  Copy  x 

[Fort  Ontario]  15th.  April  1760 

To  COLONEL  HALDIMAND  Commanding  His  Majestys  Forces 
at  Fort  Ontario 

SIR 

This  Day  Taschlay,  a  Cayuga  Sachem,  arrived  here,  being 
sent  by  Degahany  &  Cadravana,  two  Chief  Sachem  of  that 
Nation ;  acquainting  me,  that  they  were  informed  by  an  Indian, 
of  their  Castle,  which  had  been  trading,  at  Fort  Ontario,  who 
met  with  an  oswegatchy  Warrior,  formerly  belonging  to  the 


Destroyed  by  fire.     Inclosed  in  Gage  to  Johnson,  April  22,  1  760. 


Seven  Year*   War  221 

above  Castle;  who  told  Him,  that  his  Castle  was  still  dear  to 
Him,  for  which  Reason  He  could  inform  Him,  of  the  Designs 
of  the  French,  tho  He  was  earnestly  desired  &  forbid  to  give  any 
Intelligence  which  was  that  the  French  were  determined  to  cut 
off  Oswego  &  attack  &  destroy  all  Provisions  which  might  be 
sent  to  it  and  likewise  to  destroy  the  Five  Nations.  That  they 
were  to  meet  in  twenty  Days,  in  order  to  proceed  for  this  Post, 
this  Information,  the  oswegatchy  gave  the  6th  Inst.  The  above 
sachem  was  sent  off  directly,  to  acquaint  the  Comm^.  officer 
of  Fort  Ontario,  that  He  might  be  on  his  Guard,  without  waiting 
to  acquaint  their  Castles.  Jnn.  Bightman,  an  Indian  Trader, 
likewise  informed  me,  that  He  overheard  another  oswegatchy 
Indian  who  was  in  his  House,  trading,  when  discoursing  with 
two  Indians  that  came  in,  Viz.  A  Cayuga  &  an  onondaga,  when 
the  Cayuga  told  Him,  He  heard  that  the  French  intended,  to 
come  &  attack  oswego,  &  that  He  insisted  on  the  oswegatchy 
Indian,  to  tell  Him  the  Truth.  Upon  which  He  told  Him,  that 
the  French  intended  to  come  this  way  in  Thirty  Days;  this 
Indian  left  swegatchy  the  2d.  April. 

(signed) 

John  Loteridge, 

Cap*,  in  the  Indn.  Reg1. 
(Copy) 

FROM   THOMAS  GAGE 
Contemporary  Copp  x 

New  York  April  16*  1760 
DEAR  SIR 

I  have  received  your  letter  of  the  6th.  instant  with  the  accts. 
enclosed  for  which  warrants  will  be  made  out,  with  respect  to 
the  smiths  &  interpreters  at  the  posts.  I  have  directed  the  officers 
commanding  them  to  pay  them  their  respective  salaries  which  will 


1  In  Library  of  Congress,  Force  Transcripts,  Miscellaneous,  v.  I,  Cor- 
respondence of  Sir  Jeffery  Amherst. 


222  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

save  some  trouble  by  avoiding  separate  draughts  from  every  Fort 
where  those  officers  are  stationed. 

The  sum  you  want  in  advance  for  the  purchase  of  Indian 
Goods  will  be  advanced  to  you  when  you  think  proper  tho'  I 
think  you  will  hardly  get  them  till  the  Autumn  if  they  are  not 
already  Commissioned. 

Mr.  Stewart  shall  be  made  acquainted  with  your  answer 
respecting  the  pipe  and  the  reasons  you  give  why  the  Cherokees 
concealed  a  part  of  their  intentions  from  him  —  &  I  have  dis- 
patched a  letter  to  Fort  Pitt  to  be  forwarded  to  Fort  Chartres  to 
inform  L*.  Col.  Wilkins  of  the  intelligence  you  have  had  con- 
cerning the  intentions  of  the  Indians  of  the  Ouabache  to  attempt 
the  reduction  of  the  Ilinois  — A  Comp'y  of  the  1 8th  Reg*,  went 
down  the  Ohio  the  25*  of  March,  &  I  hope  by  setting  out  so  early 
they  will  have  passed  those  nations  before  they  are  all  assembled 
from  their  hunting  grounds  and  in  a  condition  to  act  offensively 
if  such  are  their  real  designs  &  I  should  hope  if  they  are  so 
inclined  they  will  find  employment  enough  at  home  from  the 
resolutions  taken  by  the  Cherokees,  &  Six  Nations  at  Onondaga. 

They  write  from  Fort  Pitt  that  they  have  had  frequent  meet- 
ings with  the  Chiefs  of  the  different  tribes  &  what  they  have 
Learnt  from  them  merely  corresponds  with  the  intelligence  given 
by  Silver  Heels  some  time  ago 

I  am  my  dear  Sir  with  great  regard 
your  most  obedient 
humble  Servant 

Tho8.  Gage 
SIR  WM.  JOHNSON  Bart. 


Seven  Years  War  223 

FROM  THOMAS  GAGE 
L.  S.1 

Albany  April  22*.  1760 
DEAR  SIR 

Late  last  Night  an  express  arrived  from  oswego,  which  brought 
me  a  Letter  from  Col°.  Haldimand  of  the  1 5th  Inst.  to  the  follow- 
ing Import.  *  That  some  Indians  from  swegatchy  had  been  at 
his  Post,  &  that  He  had  sent  for  a  sachem  to  sound  them  con- 
cerning their  Intent  of  coming  there.  That  the  sachem  would 
not  tell  him  what  He  had  discovered,  till  after  their  Departure: 
He  then  told  Him,  those  Indians  had  been  sent  by  the  Com- 
mandant of  swegatchy,  to  view  his  Post,  that  they  had  given 
skins  to  be  sold  there,  that  his  son  (the  sachenTs)  who  was  an 
Intimate  of  one  of  those  Indians,  heard  his  Friend  say,  that  the 
French  would  shortly  be  masters  of  that  Fort,  that  they  had  a 
great  many  heavy  Cannon  at  La  Galette,  &  that  the  Good  Man 
(meaning  L'Abbe  Piquet)  would  soon  be  there  from  Montreal,  . 
&  bring  them  all  sort  of  Things.  That  an  Indian,  had  made  ' 
Him  (Col°.  Haldimand)  take  Notice  of  a  Circumstance  which 
discovered  some  sort  of  Truth  in  the  Report,  which  was,  that 
the  skins,  were  not  of  the  Season,  nor  dressed  in  the  Indian 
Manner,  &  that  they  were  certainly  taken  out  of  some  Magazine. 
That  a  Cayuga  Indian,  whatoridge  2  &  others  reported  to  be  well 
attached  to  us,  had  crossed  the  River  the  1 9*1*  Inst.  &  desired  to 
speak  With  Him,  with  much  Impatience  He  delivered  a  Belt 
desiring  his  Name  might  be  taken  down  in  writing  as  also  the 
Names  of  two  other  Sachems,  That  Sr.  Wm.  Johnson  might  see 
they  had  kept  the  Promise  they  made  Him,  in  having  a  watchful 
eye  upon  that  Sort.  That  the  substance  of  the  above  Sachem's 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Lottridge. 

8  The    15th  instead  of  the    19th   evidently.      See   Lottridge   to  Hal- 
dimand, April  15,  1760. 


224  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Intelligence  was  taken  by  watoridge  &  inclosed  in  his  Letter. 
That  it  was  vexatious  He  had  nobody  that  could  procure  Him  a 
Prisoner;  wotoridge  and  Redhead  being  both  111.  That  He  had 
tryed  some  Indians,  but  could  not  prevail  with  them." 

The  Intelligence  given  by  the  Sachem,  mentioned  to  have  been 
taken  down  by  wotoridge,  I  send  inclosed.1  When  you  have 
considered  the  whole  of  this  Report  &  questioned  the  Indians,  I 
should  be  glad  of  your  opinion  of  it.  It  seems  to  me  highly 
necessary,  to  send  some  trusty  Indians  to  swegatchy  &  such  as 
are  Intelligent,  either  to  view  the  Place  &  see  what  is  going  for- 
ward, or  to  take  Prisoners  that  may  give  some  certain  Informa- 
tion of  the  Truth  of  this  Report. 

I  should  not  think  the  Enemy  in  a  Situation  to  attack  but  that 
it  is  very  probable  a  Number  of  men  &  engineers,  should  be  sent 
to  La  Galette,  or  Isle  au  Galot,  to  intrench  &  fortify;  which 
would  always  alarm.  However,  I  would  by  no  means  dispise 
the  Intelligence ;  To  attack  is  some  times  the  best  way  to  defend ; 
and  that  may  be  their  Case.  A  Reinforcement  is  going  to 
Oswego  under  Cap1.  Parker,  &  I  have  given  Col°.  Haldimand 
Directions,  if  He  finds  immediate  occasion,  to  draw  farther  sup- 
plys  from  Fort  Stanwix,  which  I  can  easily  replace.  I  have  sent 
off  an  express  to  Gen1.  Amherst  with  Copys  of  Col°.  Haldimand's 
&  Cap1.  Lotoridge's  Letters.  I  am  with  great  Regard, 

Dear  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient 

&  most  humble  Servant. 
THOS.  GAGE 


^ottridge  to  Haldimand,  April  15,   1760,  q.  v. 


Seven  Years   War  225 

TO   THOMAS  GAGE 
Df.   S.1 

Castle  Cumberland  April  22^  1760 
DEAR  SIR 

This  Morning  I  received  two  letters  from  oswego,  the  one 
from  Capt".  Lotteradge,2  the  other  from  Lieut.  Herring,3  both 
which  I  inclose  for  yr.  pusal,  tho  I  suppose  Col°.  Haldiman  has 
already  wrote  you  about  it.4 —  I  some  time  ago  wrote  gener1 
Amherst  for  amunition  to  send  to  Niagara,  along  with  a  parcel 
of  goods  I  intend  to  put  into  the  Hands  of  yc.  Commd«  Officers 
there,  and  at  oswego  to  be  by  them  occasionally  given  to  Such 
Inds.  as  they  &  the  Indn.  Officer  &  Interpreter  may  Judge  proper, 
the  genr1.  wrote  me  he  would  not  forget  the  amn  and  that  there 
would  be  a  couple  of  Battoes  ordered  Me  for  the  tranportation 
of  them  to  said  Posts,  the  sooner  I  have  the  bat5.  &  men  the 
better,  as  it  will  be  best  have  the  present  there,  before  ye.  Indians 
come. —  I  think  we  are  very  long  without  any  news  from  home. 
I  hope  when  it  comes  it  may  be  agreable.  I  most  heartily  salute 
you  &  Lady  and  am  with  the  greatest  respect 

Dear  Sir  your  most 
Obedient,  and  most  Humble 
Servant 

W.  J. 

The  Honrble.  GENRL.  GAGE. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Not  found. 

3  Lieutenant   James    Herring,    of   the   60th    regiment.      His   letter   not 
found. 

4  See  Gage  to  Johnson,  April  22,  1760. 

Vol.  Ill  — 8 


226  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


TO  THOMAS  GAGE 
Df.  S.1 

Fort  Johnson  25ih.  April  1760 
DEAR  SIR 

I  was  honoured  with  yours  of  the  1 3  Inst.  some  days  ago,  and 
yesterday  with  another  of  the  22d  Cur*.  On  receipt  of  the  former 
I  was  very  easy  (not  doubting  to  have  Battoes,  &  carriages 
sufficient  for  the  transportation  of  Indian  Stores  &c  so  much 
wanted  here  at  present,)  as  you  were  pleased  to  tell  me  you 
had  settled  that  affair  with  Mr.  Van  Epse  &  Glen,  but  yesterday 
&  this  day  I  received  letters  from  Van  Epse  and  Van  Derhey- 
den  complaining  that  they  can  send  nothing  up,  altho  the  house 
is  so  full,  and  another  must  be  hired  to  store  some  of  the  things 
in,  the  Wagons  being  pressed,  nay  some  carried  back  with  their 
Loading  above  Six  miles  to  Albany,  by  that  means,  I  see  that 
I  shall  not  be  able  to  get  up  such  necessarys  as  are  absolutely 
wanted  for  the  use  of  the  Inds.  the  ensueing  Campaign  &  without 
which,  I  cannot  ensure  their  joining  His  Majestys  Forces.  The 
good  of  the  Service,  &  regard  for  my  own  Credit  oblidge  me  to 
repeat  to  you  the  necessity  of  having  that  affair  settled,  so  that 
the  service  may  not  be  wantonly  obstructed  by  a  Set  of  low  lived 
Self  Interested,  and  overbearing  Depty  Q  Masters,  most  of  them, 
if  not  all,  I  am  convinced  would  sacrifice  the  Interest  of  their 
King  &  Country,  to  gratify  their  resentment,  this  is  notorious. 

You  will  pardon  my  warmth  on  the  Occasion,  my  Honor  and 
the  Interest  of  my  master  being  concerned.  As  I  dare  say  Sir 
it  has  been  done  without  your  cognizance,  you  will  now  remedy 
it  for  the  time  to  come,  inclosed  you  have  extract  from  Van 
Derheyden  &  Van  Epses  letters  —  the  Servant  of  Coll0.  Massey 
supposed  to  be  carried  away,  is  returned  I  hear,  having  lost  him- 
self looking  for  Cows. —  I  shall  send  orders  to  my  Officers  at 
the  Several  Posts  to  send  Partys  to  swegatchy  for  Intelligence, 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years'  War  227 

Prisoners  &c,  altho  it  is  contrary  to  the  Message,  &  orders  I 
lately  sent  them,  which  was  to  assemble  in  their  several  nations 
early  this  Spring,  and  be  ready  at  a  Call  to  join  in  a  Body  his 
Majestys  Forces  this  Campaign  —  If  the  French  are  any  way 
able  to  attack  oswego  before  Our  Troops  take  the  Field,  I  think 
they  will  and  ought  to  attempt  it. 

I  think  it  is  wrong  to  suffer  Indians  from  Canada  or  Swegatchy 
to  trade  at  Oswego  much  more  to  return  at  this  time  when  their 
Intelligence  can  be  of  service  to  the  Enemy  —  My  time  is  just 
now  very  much  taken  up  by  some  onondagas,  senecas  &c  from 
whom  I  have  not  heard  any  thing  Concerning  what  was  told 
Coll0.  Haldiman  &  Lotteridge  by  the  Cayouga1  altho  they  say 
it  is  not  unlikely.  I  can  only  add  that  I  am  with  my  best  respects 
to  you  &  yr.  Lady 

Dear  Sir  Yurs 

w.  j. 

The  Honourable 
B.  GENL.  GAGE 


FROM  THOMAS  GAGE 

L.  S.2 

Albany  April  26*.— 1760 
DEAR  SIR 

I  take  the  opportunity,  by  Major  Hervey,3  to  thank  you  for 
your  Favor  of  22d.  Inst.  with  the  several  Inclosures  from 
Oswego;  The  Intelligence  contained,  as  you  will  know  I  had 
received  from  thence,  by  the  Contents  of  my  last  Letter. 

The  General  has  said  nothing  to  me  of  ammunition  yet,  but 
if  you  will  be  so  good  to  acquaint  me,  of  the  Quantity  you  want, 
I  will  endeavor  to  supply  you,  without  farther  Trouble.  I  can 

1  See  Lottridge  to  Haldimand,  April  15,  1760,  and  Gage  to  Johnson, 
April  22d. 

2  Destroyed  by  fire. 

8  Major  William  Hervey,  of  the  44th  regiment. 


228  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

also  supply  you  with  Boats,  but  there  is  not  at  present,  a  single 
Batteau  Man,  in  the  King's  service,  or  any  to  be  raised.  I 
understand,  the  Provincials  are  to  be  employed  on  that  Duty, 
&  that  some  are  coming  up  to  push  up  stores  &  Provisions,  on 
all  sides.  There  are  some  rangers  &  sailors,  that  will  soon  move 
toward  Lake  Ontario,  if  you  think  that  a  good  opportunity, 
they  shall  be  ready  to  receive  your  orders.  If  you  can  fall  upon 
any  scheme  more  agreeable  to  yourself,  &  you  think  will  answer 
better,  let  me  know  your  Pleasure,  by  Major  Hervey,  and  I  will 
endeavor  to  put  it  in  execution  without  Delay.  I  am,  with  great 
Regard  &  Esteem, 

Dear  Sir, 

your  most  obedient 

&  humble  Servant, 
THOS.  GAGE 


TO  THOMAS  GAGE 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See  John- 
son Calendar,  p.  103)  by  a  letter  of  April  27th  from  Johnson  to  General 
Thomas  Gage,  inclosing  a  letter  from  Captain  Butler,  at  Fort  Stanwix, 
mentioning  measures  for  obtaining  intelligence  and  scoring  French  gasco- 
nade. Destroyed  by  fire. 


FROM  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 
A.  L.  S.1 

April  28  [1760] 
DEAR  SR.  WILLIAM 

I  am  greatly  oblig'd  to  you  for  your  Indian  Trinkets  by  Dr. 
Shockburgh  &  the  two  Scalps  sent  since,  but  I  must  insist  on 
defraying  any  Expence  you  were  put  to  in  procuring  them. 

A  few  days  ago  Col.  Amherst 2  arrived  here  from  England. 
Since  that  the  Pacquet:  The  General  has  now  his  ultimate 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  William  Amherst,  brother  of  General  Jeffery  Amherst. 


Seven  Years'  War  229 

Orders,  the  want  of  which  will  I  fear  make  this  a  late  Campaign. 
Col.  Amherst  succeeds  Col.  Townsend  l  as  Adj1.  General :  We 
know  nothing  of  the  plan  of  Operations,  only  tis  whispered  that 
the  three  Regiments  at  Louisburgh  are  to  proceed  up  the  River 
St  Lawrence  so  tis  hence  conjectured  that  the  Fortifications  there 
are  to  be  demolished.  I  like  the  Measure  much,  as,  if  true,  it 
cannot  be  doubted  that  we  intend  at  least  to  keep  Quebec.  That 
&  Louisiana  is  worth  infinitely  more  to  England  than  Hanover 
and  were  there  any  danger  of  loosing  the  latter  by  the  King  of 
Prussia's  making  a  separate  Peace,  a  declaration  from  Our  Court 
that  we  would  abandon  Hanover,  as  also  all  Continental  Connec- 
tions, &  retain  all  our  Conquests  in  America,  would  set  them  all 
to  quarrelling  who  should  have  that  Sweet  Morsell  of  Germany. 
This  Country  must  in  the  nature  of  things  afford  Great  Britain 
a  perpetual  Vent  for  all  it's  Manufactures,  Even  though  she  had 
no  Other.  Hanover  is  of  little  or  no  Use  to  us  in  this  Lightv 

You'l  hardly  understand  me  unless  I  tell  you  that  Some  appre- 
hended the  King  of  Prussia  would  be  oblig'd  to  make  a  separate 
Peace:  But  I  think  we  can  enable  him  to  keep  his  Head  up 
another  Campaign,  by  a  Fleet  in  the  Baltick  &  a  large  Succour 
of  Troops.  The  Papers  mention  Slants  Morris2  to  have  been 
kill'd  in  a  duel,  I  hear  the  account  was  contradicted,  I  hope  it 
was,  he  had  almost  completed  the  Highland  Reg1,  he  was  raising. 
General  Monkton  3  is  to  command  to  the  Southward,  I  cant  con- 
ceive the  Reasons  of  carrying  our  operations  on  that  way:  we 
should  keep  Fort  duquesne  &  Niagara;  Beyond  this  I  conceive 
there  is  no  Object  for  Warr  on  that  side:  Detroit  will  fall  of 


1  Colonel  Roger  Townshend,  deputy  adjutant  general,  killed  at  the 
taking  of  Ticonderoga  in  July  |  759. 

2Staats  Long  Morris,  born  in  1  728,  died  in  1800;  captain  in  the  New 
York  regiment,  November  7,  1  75 1 .  He  was  lieutenant  colonel  of  a 
Highland  regiment,  served  in  India  and  in  1  796  rose  to  the  rank  of  general. 

3  Robert  Monckton,  colonel  commandant  of  the  60th  regiment  December 
20,  1  757,  colonel  of  the  1  7th  October  24,  1  759,  major  general  February 
20,  1761. 


230  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

itself  &  the  easiest  way  perhaps  to  attack  that  is  by  way  of 
Oswego  &  Niagara  — 

Mrs.  Magin  1  has  been  down  here  —  I  have  settled  the  affair 
with  her :  I  understand  her  Account  of  Expences  and  Goods  &c 
to  the  Indians  for  that  Purchase  amounts  to  £400  besides  the 
180  dollars  or  £72  yet  to  be  paid,  so  that  this  is  likely  to  turn 
out  an  immense  dear  Purchase.  I  beg  however  you'd  do  me 
all  the  Service  you  can  to  forward  the  Survey,  and  particularly 
that  you  would,  if  she  wants  it,  furnish  her  a  Hand  or  two,  in 
order  to  assist  in  the  Survey,  on  her  paying  them  wages  I  wait 
only  for  your  answer  to  get  Mr.  Golden  to  send  her  2  Brother  up 
to  survey  it.  I  am  obliged  to  conclude  and  am 

Sir  Wm. 

your  affectionate  & 

obed*  humble  Serv. 
Gw  BANYAR 

FROM  THOMAS  GAGE 
L.   S.3 

Albany  April  28*   1760 
DEAR  SIR 

Yesterday  Evening,  I  was  favored  with  your  Letter  of  the 
25th  Inst.  with  Copys  of  Extracts,4  from  the  Letters,  of  Messr. 
Van  Epps,  &  Vanderheyden  to  you.  I  could  have  wished  those 
Complaints  had  been  made  to  me,  the  moment  they  happened, 
that  every  Thing  might  have  been  rectifyed,  upon  the  Spot,  &  no 
Delay  occasioned,  whether  thro  willing,  or  accidental  mistakes, 
in  the  Transportation  of  your  Goods.  Your  Letter  was  the  first 
Notice  I  ever  had  of  this,  tho'  I  very  particularly  desired  Mr. 


1  Mrs  Sarah  Magin  (McGin),  widow  of  Teady  Magin. 

2  In  the  copy,  **  her."     The  surveyor  to  be  sent  was  probably  David 
Golden,  a  brother  of  Alexander  Colden,  surveyor  general. 

3  Destroyed  by  fire. 

4  Not  found. 


Seven  Years'  War  231 

Van:  Epps;  If  any  obstructions  should  be  given,  that  I  might 
be  immediately  informed  of  it.  I  have  made  what  Enquiry  Time 
would  permit,  into  the  Particular  Complaints  of  the  Pass,  &  the 
waggon  seized  by  Serg1.  Campbell  I  thought  it  behoved  me,  to 
have  respect  paid  to  my  own  Passes,  which  upon  a  former  occa- 
sion, I  had  been  obliged  to  enforce,  by  sending  one  of  the  under- 
lings to  the  Guard,  who  had  taken  too  great  Freedom  with  them ; 
&  I  intended  pursuing  the  same  method  again,  but  upon  examin- 
ing the  matter,  I  am  told  by  such  whom  I  think  I  can  believe, 
that  the  Pass,  mentioned  to  have  been  tore,  was  in  Fact  no  more 
than  a  Copy  of  some  very  old  Pass.  The  Complaint  against 
Serg1.  Campbell  is  just,  He  was  only  reprimanded,  &  the 
Waggon  returned.  He  ought  to  have  been  punished,  &  whoever 
is  guilty  of  the  like  again,  shall  be  punished. 

I  told  Mr.  Van:  Epps,  before  Majr.  Browning1  &  Mr.  Glen, 
that  He  should  have  Passes  for  as  many  Waggons,  &  as  often, 
as  He  pleased,  that  the  Qr.  Mr.  Gen1,  did  not  at  that  Time  want 
carriages,  therefore  the  more  He  used,  the  better,  as  the  work 
would  be  sooner  done ;  and  to  take  every  Precaution  on  all  sides, 
to  prevent  any  obstruction,  I  desired  Him,  to  apply  to  the 
Major,  who  would  on  pass  any  Number  of  Waggons  to  Albany, 
&  by  sending  a  line  to  Majr.  Hervey  or  me,  He  should  procure 
another  Pass  to  return  to  Schenectady  I  thought  this,  th'o  a  little 
Troublesome,  would  obviate  all  Pretentions  whatever  to  Impress- 
ing your  Carriages.  All  Partys  agreed  to  this,  &  likewise  the 
Directions  given  at  the  same  Time  to  Glen,  not  to  interrupt  Van 
Epps  in  his  Batteaux.  I  wrote  you  the  Letter,  you  acknowledge, 
of  the  1 3th  from  that  Time,  till  the  Receipt  of  your  Favor  above 
mentioned,  I  had  no  Complaint.  If  any  the  last2  Handle  or 
Pretence  is  given;  it  is  surely  laid  hold  of.  This  Van  Epps 
knows,  &  that  He  has  never  been  denied  a  Pass,  when  demanded, 
&  by  giving  an  opening  to  sending  a  Copy  of  an  old  Pass,  was 


1  Major  William  Browning,  of  the  46th  regiment. 

2  In  copy,  "last  Handle;**  "least**  was  probably  written. 


232  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

an  injudicious  Proceeding,  if  I  am  told  Truth  Vanderheyden  is 
in  Albany,  &  may  apply  to  me  at  Pleasure ;  &  I  shall  assist  Him, 
to  serve  you.  It  will  be  but  a  small  Addition,  to  my  Business, 
with  the  Department  of  the  Qr.  Mr.  Gen1.,  which  gives  me  more 
Plague  &  Trouble,  Than  all  the  rest  of  the  Army  together. 

I  have  sent  a  Letter  to  Major  Hervey,  to  be  delivered  Him  at 
Schenectady,  at  his  Return  from  your  House,  wherein  I  desire 
Him  to  enquire  again  into  this  Matter,  &  to  fix  anew  with  Mr. 
Van  Epps,  every  Thing  necessary  to  be  done  to  prevent  future 
abuse  &  Complaints;  and  if  Mr.  Van  Epps  will  follow  what  shall 
be  settled,  I  will  be  answerable  that  neither  Qr.  Mr.  Gen1., 
Deputy,  or  underling,  shall  touch  a  single  Carriage  belonging  to 
you  I  propose  also  going  to  Schenectady  in  two  or  three  Days. 

I  am  entirely  of  your  opinion,  not  to  suffer  Indians  from 
Canada,  to  come  &  Trade;  its  undoubtedly  wrong,  &  much  more 
so  to  let  them  return  with  Intelligence. 

The  Packet  arrived ;  no  material  News.  Staats  Morris,  killed 
in  a  Duel,  I  suppose  by  some  Highland  Chieftain,  jealous,  of  his 
raising  a  Reg*,  amongst  Them,  no  Talk  of  Peace.  The  French 
still  threaten  Hanover,  &  some  Jealousies  of  the  King  of  Prussia, 
an  attack  is  talked  of  upon  the  Island  of  Mauritius,  Saunders  to 
command  the  Fleet  four  Battalions  to  embark,  but  the  Com- 
mander not  named.  Mrs.  Gage  sends  her  Compliments,  &  I  am 
with  great  Regard  &  Esteem, 

Dear  Sir, 

your  most  obedient 

&  most  humble  Servant 

THOS.  GAGE 


Seven  Years'  War  233 

TO  THOMAS  GAGE 
Df.  S.1 

Fort  Johnson  28*.  April  1760 
DEAR  SIR 

I  had  yesterday  the  Pleasure  of  yours  by  Majr.  Hervey. — 
And  as  to  the  Amunition  I  have  been  thinking  if  so  much  could 
be  spared  at  the  Posts  it  would  save  the  Expense  and  Trouble 
of  Transportation  at  present;  if  not  it  will  be  necessary  to  send 
up  at  least  Eight  hundred  weight  of  good  Gunpowder  for 
Niagara  and  Oswego,  and  small  Bar  lead  a  proportionable 
Quantity  or  rather  Ball  fit  for  Indn.  Pieces  if  such  there  be  — 

Battoe  Men  are  very  hard  to  be  got  in  these  Parts  at  present 
otherwise  I  should  not  have  troubled  you,  I  will  have  a  further 
Trial  made  to  get  some;  if  I  cannot  succeed  I  must  then  apply 
to  you  — 

About  an  hour  ago  an  Indian  arrived  here  who  was  sent  express 
by  a  few  Mohawks  who  were  hunting  about  Sacandaga,  to  let 
me  tnow  that  they  had  yesterday  discovered  a  party  of  the 
Enemy  crossing  the  River  of  Sacondaga  but  could  not  learn 
their  Number,  as  they  came  away  on  first  discovering  them.  I 
have  ordered  two  Companies  of  Militia  to  assemble  here  at  my 
house  immediately  to  whom  I  shall  join  what  five  Nation  Indians 
are  now  here,  and  sent  them  of  Quest  of  said  Party,  the 
Mohawks  being  all  on  the  hunt  for  a  few  Days.  I  imagine  their 
Design  is  agst.  my  new  Settlement,2  as  where  they  crossed  the 
River  was  the  right  course  that  Way. — 
.  I  am 

With  the  utmost  Respect 
Dear  Sir 

Your  most  Obed.  &  most  hble.  Serv1. 

WM.  JOHNSON 
The  HonbK 
BR.  GENL.  GAGE. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  The  present  city  of  Johnstown. 


234  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


TO  FREDERICK   HALDIMAND 
A.  L.  S.1 

Conajohare  May  3d.  1760 
DEAR  SIR 

You  will  excuse  my  Silence  hitherto  haveing  had  nothing  to 
write  worthy  troubling  you  with,  the  long  expected  Packet  is 
now  arrived,  &  by  what  I  can  learn,  has  brought  nothing 
material  —  at  least  it  has  not  yet  transpired,  for  Domestick  news 
beg  leave  to  refer  You  to  Mr.  Cole  ye  Bearer  of  this,  who  came 
lately  from  New  York,  and  is  now  going  to  Niagra  in  order  to 
commence  a  Trade  with  the  Forreign  &  other  Indians  in  our 
Alliance;  as  he  is  a  Gentleman  for  whom  I  have  a  particular 
regard,  I  shall  take  as  a  favour  done  me,  any  kindness  You  may 
shew  him,  and  Justice  Van  Eps  of  Schenectady,  who  is  also  on 
his  way  to  Niagra,  with  the  same  view. —  excuse  this  Freedom 
in  him,  who  is  truely, 

Dear  Sir  Your  Welwisher 

&  most  Humble  Serv* 

WM.  JOHNSON 
My  Compliments  to  the 
Gentmn.  of  my  Acquaintance 
in  your  Battn.- 

COLL:  HALDIMAN- 

INDORSED:     Chev:  Johnson  du  3.  May 
Recuele  15e.  d'.  60 


1  In  British  Museum,  Additional  Manuscripts  21670.  fo.  6.,  London. 
England. 


Seven  Years'  War  235 


FROM  THOMAS  GAGE 

L.  S.1 

Albany  May  5*.  7760 
DEAR  SIR 

I  am  to  thank  you  for  your  Favor  of  the  27th.  ulmo  with  a 
Copy  of  Cap1.  Butlers  Letter  inclosed,  as  also  for  your  Favor 
of  the  28th.  ulmo.  by  Major  Hervey.  Agreeable  to  what  I  men- 
tioned in  my  last,  I  went  last  Thursday  to  Schenectady,  and 
hope  that  I  have  fixed  all  matters  with  Van  Slyck,  so  as  to  pre- 
vent any  future  obstructions,  to  the  Transportation  of  the  Indian 
Presents. 

I  gave  Mr.  Wells  an  order  for  the  Eight  Hundred  Weight  of 
Powder,  &  a  Proportionable  Quantity  of  Lead,  which  The  Com- 
manding officer  of  Artillery,  has  reported,  that  He  delivered 
Him.  All  the  Barr  Lead  in  store  was  given,  The  Remainder  in 
musket  Ball  there  being  no  Indian-Ball  cast.  This  is  not  so  well, 
but  with  a  little  Trouble,  by  Casting  again,  will  answer.  I  also 
gave  Mr.  Wells  an  order  on  the  Qr.  Mr.  Gen1,  for  two  small 
Batteaux  so  I  hope  you  will  have  every  thing  you  want,  with  the 
utmost  Dispatch.  I  desire  every  Person  concerned,  if  there  is 
any  lett,  or  Hindrance,  to  give  me  immediate  Notice,  that  I  may 
rectify  any  mistake,  in  Time,  &  thereby  prevent  any  Delays  in 
your  Business. 

I  have  had  Letters  from  Niagara  of  the  20th.  April,  &  from 
oswego  of  the  25th.  D°.  Three  men  escaped  from  Detroit,  they 
give  very  little  Intelligence,  say  the  Indians  are  wavering,  &  that 
it's  not  certain,  on  which  side  they  will  act  this  Summer.  I  am 
with  great  Regard  &  Esteem 

Dear  Sir, 

your  most  obedient 

&  most  humble  Servant, 

THOS.  GAGE. 
SIR  WM.  JOHNSON 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


236  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


TO  FREDERICK  HALDIMAND 
L.   S.1 

Fort  Johnson  May  12*.  1760 
DEAR  SIR, 

This  covers  an  Invoice  of  sundry  Articles  which  I  thought 
proper  with  General  Amhersts  Approbation  to  send  to  your  Care, 
and  for  you  to  issue  to  the  Indians  in  such  Manner,  and  at  such 
times  as  will  best  answer  the  End  proposed  in  sending  them, 
which  is  to  promote  his  Majestys  Indn.  Interest  among  all  the 
Nations  who  may  come  with  a  frindly  Intention  to  your  Post, 
either  to  trade  or  treat  upon  Business.  My  Officer  there  2  has 
Directions  to  give  You  all  the  Assistance  in  his  Power  with 
Regard  to  Indian  Matters,  as  well  as  to  let  you  know  if  any  of 
the  Enemy  Indians  should  come  there,  under  a  Pretence  of 
Trade  or  otherwise,  a  friendly  Behaviour  towards  all  and  a 
small  Present  well  timed,  or  given  on  proper  Occasions  to  such 
Indians  as  have  an  Influence  or  lead  their  Nation  will  always 
have  a  good  Effect,  and  tend  much  to  the  establishing  them  more 
firmly  in  our  Interest  which  I  am  certain  you  are  so  sensible  of 
that  I  need  not  say  more  on  that  Subject—  As  I  know  you  con- 
stantly have  all  the  News  stirring  here,  it  would  be  needless  to 
trouble  you  with  a  Repetition 

I  wish  you  and  your  Garrison  health  and  Happiness  And  am 
sincerely 

Dear  Sir 

Your  most  Obedient 
humble  servant 

WM.  JOHNSON 
COL.  HALDIMAN 


1  In  British  Museum,  Additional  Manuscripts,  21670.  fo.  8,  London, 
England. 

2  Captain  John  Lottridge,  in  the  Indian  service,  was  at  Oswego,  where 
Haldimand  was  in  command,  at  that  time. 


Seven  Years   War  237 

P.  S.1  You  will  be  so  good  to  forward  the  goods  &ca.  for 
Niagra  by  the  first  opertunity  to  Coll0.  Eyre  with  this  letter, 
those  for  Osswego  are  marked  with  yr.  Name,  so  that  there  can 
be  no  mistake.— 

Y». 
W.J.- 

INDORSED:      Cherler.  Johnson  du 
12  May 
recue  le  23  me.  dl. 

JELLES  FONDA'S  JOURNAL 

There  is  listed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1 03,  Captain  Jelles  Fonda's 
journal,  December  1,  I  759-May  15,  1  760.2  Destroyed  by  fire. 

FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
L.  S.3 

<Alban\>  16*.  Map  7760 
SIR 

Major  Tullekens  4  arrived  this  afternoon,  &  delivered  me  the 
Copy  of  a  Conference,  held  at  Fort  Pitt  on  the  6th.  of  April 
last,  between  Your  Deputy  Mr.  Croghan  &  the  Western  Indians, 
by  which,  as  well  as  by  what  the  major  tells  me,lhere  seems  to 


1  The  postscript  is  in  Johnson's  hand. 

2  The  "  Journal  of  Jelles  Fonda    1  760  August    1  Oth  at  Oswego,"  is 
preserved    in    Miscellaneous    Manuscripts    in    the    New    York    Historical 
Society.      It   opens    "  Sunday   29th   June    1 760  "   with   orders   given   to 
Fonda  together  with  Captain  John  Butler  to  go  to  Chennesseia  and  summon 
the  Six  Nations  to  come  to  Oswego,  and  the  record  of  their  going  on  the 
30th.     Later  the  journal  states  that  Johnson  set  off  the   10th  of  August 
from  Oswego,   and  most  of  the   army  under  Amherst  left  at  the  same 
time.     There  are  Indian  speeches,  and  a  list  of  names  of  Indians  who 
accompanied  Johnson  to  Montreal  is  given.     Some  of  the  folios  are  blank, 
while  on  others  matter  is  crossed  out. 

3  A  copy  without  the  second  paragraph  is  in  the  Public  Record  Office, 
London,  England. 

4  Major  John  Tullikens,  of  the  45th  regiment. 


238  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

be  no  doubt  but  every  one  of  those  people  will  readily  Join  His 
Majesty's  arms;  indeed  from  the  present  Situation  of  the  French, 
who  certainly  cannot  be  supp^>osed  able  to  <^ supply  those 
savages  with  the  need>full,  and  the  want  the  latter  <must  be 
in  of  amm^>unition  &ca,  must  turn  them  <^all  over  to  our^> 
Interest,  both  in  those  parts  as  well  as  in  < these,  &  therefore,^ 
I  trust  You  will  have  no  difficulty  in  bringing  <^ those  you^> 
Expected  to  the  Field,  at  the  time  You  men<tioned  to>  me. 

The  Provincial  Troops  come  in  Slow,  but  as  <^fast  as]>  they 
Arrive  they  are  Set  to  work,  in  the  transportation  >  of  Provi- 
sions Stores,  &ca,  for  which  the  little  <^rain  we^>  have  had  has 
greatly  favourd  us,  as  it  renders  <the>  Navigation  so  much 
easier,  and  I  shall  according gly>  improve  the  Opportunity  to 
my  utmost. — 

I  am  with  great  regard, 
Sir, 

Your  most  Obedient 
Humble  Servant 
JEFF.  AMHERST 

<SlR  WlLLM.  JOHNSON  Baronet.  > 


EXAMINATIONS   CONCERNING   TRADE 
Contemporary  Copy1 

<<  Examinations  Taken  by  the  order  of  Colonel  Haldimand  & 
opinion  thereupon  at  Fort  Ontario  1  7th  May  1  760,  by  the  follow- 
ing officers. 

Captain  Rutherford  2  Cap1.  Prevost 4 

Cap1.  Strechey  3  Cap1.  Sowers 5 


1  Inclosed  in  Haldimand  to  Johnson,  May   1 9,    1  760.     The  letter  is 
not  found.     See  Johnson  to  Haldimand,  May  30,   1  760. 

2  Captain  Walter  Rutherford,  of  the  60th  regiment. 

3  Captain  -  —  Strechey,  of  the  artillery. 

4  Captain  Marcus  Prevost,  of  the  60th  regiment. 

5  Captain  Thomas  Sowers,  engineer. 


r 


V 


Seven  Years   War  239 

Cap*.  Lottridge  Informs  —  that  he  was  left  at  this  Post  by 
Sr.  Wm.  Johnson  Bar1,  with  Instructions  to  receive  all  Indians 
at  this  Post,  and  to  Act  with  them  to  the  best  of  his  Judgment 
for  His  Majesty8.  Service. —  That  about  the  middle  of> 
Novemr.  last,  a  principal  <  Indian  of  the  Oswatchies,  arrived 
here>  with  his  family,  in  Consequence  of  a  Messuage  sent  to 
that>  Place  by  Sir  Wm.  Johnson,  and  declared  that  the  <oswe- 
gatchies>  had  Accepted  of  the  Belt  Sr.  Wm.  Johnson  had  sent 
<them,  that>  for  the  future  they  would  Committ  no  further 
Hos Utilities,  but>  be  entirely  devoted  to  our  Interest,  that  for 
the  pres<ent  they>  were  gone  to  their  hunting  Grounds  as  they 
could  sub<sist]>  no  where  else,  and  hoped  for  the  future  we 
would  entertain  no  unfavorable  opinion  of  them,  that  they  were 
sensible  the>  French  had  deceived  them,  and  were  determined 
no  more  <O°>  Listen  to  them. —  That  Since  the  above  time 
several  Indians  from  the  same  place,  has  come  here  different 
times  by  land  and  Expressed  themselves  to  the  Same  purpose, 
and  since  the  <^Lake^>  has  been  navigable,  Several  Canoes 
have  Arrived,  chi<efly>  from  their  hunting  ground  to  trade; 
that  they  have  all  spoke  in  the  warmest  Manner,  &  seem  highly 
sensible  of  the  Civilities  shown  to  them,  have  constantly  given, 
What  Intelligence  they  knew,  and  many  Families  &  Indians 
separately  have  Actually  passed  from  this  to  their  old  Castles. — 
That  this  has  given  the  greatest  satisfaction  to  our  friendly 
Indians  &  have  on  every  Occasion  thanked  the  Commanding 
Officer  for  the  favorable  treatment  shewn  these  Indians,  and 
Assured  him,  that  he  might  now  depend  on  their  Sincerity,  for 
that  Otherways  they  themselves  would  Act  against  them. —  That 
the  Brig  Messague  being  drove  on  Shore  near  the  Oswegatchy 
<^  Hunting  Ground,  it  was  recommended  to  them  that  no 
Damage  might  be  done  to  it,  Which  they  strictly  Complied 
with. —  That  every  party  has  been  told,  that  so  long  as  they 
behaved  conform  to  the  Message  they  received  in  the  fall,  they 
might  come  &  trade  here,  and  be  well  treated,  and  that  in  the 
Spring  when  Sr.  Wm.  arrived,  every  thing  would  be  settled  and 


240  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

they  have  given  repeated  Assurances  that  at  that  time  all  their 
sachems  will  be  here,  When  they  will  Endeavor  to  make 
amends^>  for  their  past  folly,  &  <Cgive  convincing  proof s^>  of 
their  Attachment. —  That  the  16  four  <Canoes  arrived>  from 
Oswegatchie,  Canysadgago,1  the  <last  of  Which  brought>  an 
English  Prisoner;  All  of  them  were  desirous  <of  giving  what> 
intelligence  they  knew,  Which  was  exactly  < confirmed  by 
said^>  Prisoner,  and  particularly  Exculpated  themselves,  <^or 
any  of]>  their  Villages  from  being  in  any  way  concerned  in 
<Carrying>  off  the  three  Prisoners,  but  on  the  contrary 
remon<strated>  against  it  with  the  french  Commandant,  and 
<^that  the^>  Messagues  who  had  Undertaken  it  Assured  them 
<they  had>  dropt  it  but  afterwards  went  off  in  the  night  from 
<the  Island. >  That  when  Col°.  Haldimand  thought  proper 
Yesterday  <^to]>  stop  their  trading  they  seemed  greatly  con- 
cerned, saying  <^they^>  were  come,  in  consequence  of  former 
messages  and  by  <Desire>  of  the  six  Nations;  that  they  had 
disobliged  the  french  for  <^trading^>  with  us,  that  two  families 
with  them,  were  thus  far  in  their  way  to  settle  at  Onondago,  and 
that  if  we  refused  them  leave  to  trade,  we  were  Enemies  to  our 
own  Interest,  as  it  was  <what>  the  french  Desired  that  some 
of  the  Onondagas  &  Cayuges  who  happened  to  be  here  were 
extremely  concerned  at  the  trade  being  stopt  &  remonstrated 
against  it. — 

•  Mr.  Albert  Reighman  Indian  Trader,  who  has  always  acted 
,  here  as  Interpreter  Confirms  the  Information  of  Cap*.  Lottridge, 
and  further  says,  that  the  party  now  here  say,  that  one  of  their 
principal  motives  for  sending  the  Messassagas  to  take  Prisoners 
here,  was  to  make  us  <^Jealous  of  them  the  Oswegatchies,  to 


"  Canessedage  was  an  Iroquois  settlement  near  Montreal  in  1 699, 
called  Canassadage,  a  castle  of  praying  Indians  in  1 700."—  W.  M. 
Beauchamp,  Aboriginal  Place  Names  of  New  York,  P-  264.  "These 
three  Nations  [Canasadagas,  Arundacs  and  Algonkins]  now  [1763], 
reside  together,  at  the  Lac  de  deux  Montagnes  at  the  mouth  of  the  Ottawa 
River  near  Montreal."— Doc.  Rel.  to  Col  Hist.  N.  Y.,  7:582 


Seven  Years   War  241 

interrupt  the  good  Correspondence  now  established,  and  to  stop 
the  Trade  which  the  french  are  extremely  uneasy  about,  which 
Cap*.  Lottridge  also  Confirms.— 

Christian  Shamburn,  who  was  taken  Prisoner  at  Cap1.  Bur- 
bank's  affair,  and  now  brought  here  &  set  at  liberty  by  a  Cony- 
sadaga  Indian,  Informs  that  about  two  Months  ago  the  French 
Govr.  sent  a  message  to  all  the  Indians,  to  hold  a>  Council  and 
know  their  intentions;  that  <all  the  Indians  went>  except  the 
Oswegatchys,  who  paid  no  regard  to  <it;  that  the>  Indians 
who  brought  him  here,  took  the  greatest  <precaution>  to  con- 
ceal him  —  as  another  party,  who  were  bring<jng  off  an> 
English  Prisoner  were  discovered  by  the  french,  &  the 
taken  from  them,  &  that  they  had  always  used  him 
now  gave  him  his  freedom  without  reward  or 
expect <^ation;^>  that  he  had  always  heard  in  Canada  both  from 
french  <&>  Indians,  that  the  Oswegatchies  had  quitted  the 
french  <Interest>  and  would  no  more  Act  against  the  English, 
that  <^he  past^>  Oswegatchy  in  the  Evening  &  was  hid  in  the 
boat;  that  two  <^days^>  after,  they  met  a  party  of  far  Indians, 
when  he  was  again  hid,  and  they  talked  in  a  language  he  could 
not  understand,  but  when  they  were  past,  was  told  they  had 
taken  three  Prison<ers  at>  Oswego,  but  would  not  show  them 
to  any  of  the  boats  in  company  that  any  discourse  he  has  had 
with  these  Indians,  or  when  he  has  heard  them  talking  among 
themselves,  it  has  always  been  in  favor  of  the  English. — 

The  above  officers  are  of  opinion  that  the  Oswegatchy  Indians 
should  be  received  at  this  Post,  on  the  former  footing,  till  such 
time  as  instructions  be  given  on  this  head,  as  they  have  no  Leave 
to  trade  for  Warlike  Stores  &  provisions. — 


242  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Df.  S.1 

<Fort  Johnson  Map  78*.  7760 
S*. 

I  am  this  moment  honoured  with  yours  of  the  16th.  inclosing 
a  Conference  held  at  Fort  Pitt  the  6th  last>  Month  with  <the 
Indians  living  about  there  which  >  I  have  also  a  Copy  of  <sent 
me  by  Mr  Croghan  &  which ^>  I  was  busy  to  transcribe  for  your 
Ex<<cellency  pusal.> 

As  soon  as  I  receive  Your  orders  for  <  Mustering  the> 
Indians  &  know  the  time  &  place  of  Rendez<^vous,^>  I  will 
imediately  fall  about  it,  and  doubt  not,  <but  I>  shall  be  able 
within  the  time  I  mentioned  to  Your  Excellen<^cy^>  necessary 
for  that  purpose  to  collect  a  very  consid<erable  Bo^dy  of  them 
for  the  Service  of  this  Campaign  —  I  have  the  Honour  to  be 
with  the 

greatest  Respect 

Yr  Excellencys  Most  Ob1. 
Most  Humble  Servant 

wj 

P.  S.  as  I  finished  this  I  received  a  letter  from  one  of  my  officers 
posted  at  Niagra,  Coppy  of  which  I  herewith  send  yr.  Excel- 
lency.— 

His  Excellency 

MAJOR  GENL.  AMHERST 


1 A  copy  without  the  postscript  is  in  the  Public  Record  Office,  London, 
England. 


Seven  Years   War  243 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Df.  S. 

<For*  Johnson  May  20ih-  1760 
S*. 

I  take  the  opertunity  of  Lieu1.  Metralls  *  going  down  to  send 
your  Excellency  an  extract  of  Captn.  Butlers  letter  2  to  me,  which 
I  this  instant  reed,  the  Person  he  mentions  who  turned  the  party 
back  is  an  Oneida  Indian  who>  mett  them  in  the  <Woods,  as  I 
understand,  I  know  he  was>  formerly  very  much  < attached  to 
the  french,  I  have>  not  as  yet  heard  any  thing  from  <the  five 
Nations  but  am>  told  by  Lieu*.  Claus  (just  returned  from 
<Conojoharee  where >  he  has  been  upon  business)  that  there  are 
two  < Indians  coaming  down  to  me  with  an  Account  of  it  and 
<a  Belt  of>  Wampum  to  confirm  it.  When  I  hear  further 
about  it  shall  acquaint  Yr.  Excellency. 

I  am  most  respectf<ully> 
Yr.  Excel  lencys 
Most  Ob*.  &c 

WM.  JOHNSON 

P.  S.  This  Moment  I  reed  a  letter  from  Captn.  Lotteridge  2 
posted  at  Oswego,  by  Mr.  Mettrall  extract  of  which  I  also  send 
your  Excellency,  they  differ  greatly. 

His  Excellency 
GENRL.  AMHERST 


1  Lieutenant  Lewis  de  Mestral,  of  the  60th  regiment 

2  Not  found. 


244  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
L.   S. 

<Albany  22*.  May  1760 
SIR 

I  Was  Yesterday  favored  with  Your  Letter  of  the  preceding 
day,  Accompanying  Extracts  of  two  Letters  from  Oswego  & 
Fort  Stanwix,  which,  as  You  very  justly  Observe,  differ  greatly ; 
that  from  Captain  Lotteridge  is  true  Enough,  for  from  Intelli- 
gence by  the>  Race  Horse  Bomb  Vessell,  <  which  left  Quebec 
the  1st.  of>  this  Month,  the  French  had  Collec<ted  all  their 
Force,  &>  Marched  against  that  Place,  and  Brigr.  <General> 
Murray,  to  frustrate  their  Designs  upon  th<at  Town,>  had 
Marched  out  to  meet  them,  upon  which,  <on  the  28th. >  of  last 
Month,  an  Action  Ensued,1  in  which  he  <was>  somewhat 
Worsted;  and  I  am  Apprehensive,  <that  if>  Our  Fleet  did 
not  soon  after  Arrive  before  Que<bec,>  Mr.  Murray  may 
have  been  Obliged  to  Retre<at  to^>  the  Island  of  Orleans, 
which  was  his  design  in  <case>  it  did  not;  but  all  this  You  see 
must  have  detain  <]ed^>  the  French,  and  makes  it  more  than 
Improbable  <that>  (as  Cap1.  Butler's  Indian  says)  they  could 
be  so  far  on  their  way  to  Oswego,  if  their  next  Designs  were 
against  that  Place:  All  this  however  is  to  Yourself,  and  must 
go  no  further. —  I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  what  the  two  Indians, 
You  Expect,  will  Report  to  You  upon  that  head,  tho'  I  do  not 
think  they  can  know  more  than  what  is  above,  perhaps  not  so 
much.  I  am,  with  the  greatest  Regard, 

Sir, 

Your  most  Obedient 
Humble  Servant 

JEFF.  AMHERST 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bar1. 


At  Ste-Foy. 


Seven  Years'  War  245 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
A.  Df.  S. 

<Forl  Johnson  Map  23<*.  1760 
S*. 

I  am  this  moment  honoured  with  yours  of  yesterday,  by  wch. 
I  am  sorry  to  find  our  Situation  at  Quebec  is  so  very  precarious 
Should  the  Enemy  succeed  there  it  would  make  a  great  alteration 
in  affairs,  a  word  of  it  shall  not  escape  me.—  the  two  Indians 
have  been  with  me  and  delivered  the  Belt,  but  said>  nothing 
more  than  < Butler  wrote,  which  was  that>  the  advanced  part 
of  ye.  Army  had  ^passed  La  Gallete,  on  their  March  to> 
Oswego,  and  that  the  French  had  retaken  ^Quebec  last> 
Month,  the  latter  ace",  had  been  rumoured  am<^ong  the  Indians 
some>  time  ago. —  I  have  sent  two  parti<es  of  Indians>  for 
Prisoners  &  Intelligence  to  La  Gallet  &  its  Environs.  <I  expect 
one>  of  them  back  in  about  10  days,  on  their  return  I  shall 
<imediately>  transmit  yr.  Excellency  what  Intelligence  they 
may  bring,  <or  Send>  the  Prisoners  should  they  take  any. 
The  first  Party  <marched>  from  the  German  Flatts  the  1 5th. 
Ins*,  to  the  last  I  Joined  <three>  Ottawawa,  or  Mississagey 
Indians  who  came  to  pay  me  <»  Visit.  I  am  certain  they 
are  well  disposed.  I  have  ye.  <honour>  to  be  &ca. 

WM.  JOHNSON 

His  Excellency 

MAJOR  GENRL.  AMHERST  — 

INDORSED:     My  letter  to  Genr1.  Amherst 
^return  of  ye.  Express 
May  23d.  A.  M:  1760. 


246  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

ROBERT  ROGERS  TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copp1 

May  23^  1760 
<  Extract 

To  His  Excellency  Jeffery  Amherst  Esquire,  Major  General 
&  Commander  in  chief  of  all  His  Majesty's  Forces  in  North 
America  &ca,  &ca. 

The  Memorial  of  Major  Robert  Rogers. — 
Humbly  Sheweth, 

That  he  was  in  His  Majesty's  Service,  with  his  Company  in 
the  Year  1  755,  and  at  the  close  of  the  Campaign  of>  the  same 
Year,  <he  was  invited  by  the  Commissioners  >  from  the 
Province  of  the  <  Massachusetts  bay,  to  remain >  with  his  Com- 
pany at  Fort  William  He<jy,  the  then>  ensueing  Winter  in 
the  service  of  their  Government,  and^>  was  promised  by  them 
for  their  so  doing,  that  <Ohey  should^  receive  the  same  bounty 
&  pay  that  was  or  <^  should  be^>  granted  to  their  other  Troops, 
that  should  tarry  <at  said  Fort>  during  the  said  Winter;  And 
Your  Memorialist  <^accepted^>  of  said  Commissioners  Pro- 
posals, and  did  duty  at  <said  Fort>  with  his  Company  during 
said  Winter;  and  in  <the  spring^  following  made  up  his  muster 
Roll  for  their  pay  < Which  >  amounted  to  the  sum  of  £486. 
19.  2  Lawfull  mon<ey  of>  said  Province,  Which  Roll  was 
sworn  to,  &  presented  by  the  late  Cap1.  Richd.  Rogers  then  Lieu- 
tenant of  said  Company  to  the  Honourable  Committee  of  War 
of  said  Province  in  Boston,  and  by  them  examined  & 
approv<ed;>  of,  but  by  reason  of  some  doubt  then  Arising  in 
the  said  Committees  mind,  Whether  the  said  Company  ought 
not  to  be  paid  by  the  several  Provinces  jointly,  and  the  Service 
at  that  time  not  admitting  of  the  said  Lieut.  Rogers  tarrying  at 
Boston,  long  enough  to  have  the  affair  determined,  the  Matter 


1  Inclosed  in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  Johnson,  May  24.  1  760. 


Seven  Years'  War  247 

has  rested  unsettled  ever  Since  till  about  two  Months  ago  Your 
Memorialist  revived  the  same,  by  exhibiting  a  Memorial  to  the 
General  Assem<bly>  of  said  Province,  setting  forth  therein 
the  Whole  state  of  the  case,  and  praying  for  his  pay  &ca,  but 
the  said  Assembly  rejected  his  prayer,  alledging  that  they  had 
nothing  <to  do  in  ^e  affair,  and  he  must  apply  elsewhere  for 
relief- 
Sir  William  Johnson  is  well  knowing  to  the  Contract  of  said 
Commissioners,1  and  Your  Memorialist  hath  a  Certificate  from 
Col°.  Bagly2  (who  Commanded  at  said  Fort  during  said 
Winter)  of  the  numbers  of  men  &  time  of  their  service.— 

As  Your  Memorialist  hath  suff<ered  greatly  by  means  of 
his>  own  pay's  being  delayed  for  <so  many  Years  >  and  by 
his  having  advanced  to  his  < Company,  a  great>  'part  of  their 
Pay  himself,  and  hath  also  <been  at  great>  Expense  in  Mak- 
ing his  application  to  <said  Assembly >  without  success,  he 
humbly  prays  that  <Your  Excellency>  would  so  far  interest 
Yourself  in  his  favor  as  <]to  see  him^>  paid." — 

INDORSED:      <Extract  of   Major  Rogers  Memorial  to  Gen1. 
Amherst  23d,  May  1760> 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

L.  S. 

<Albany  24*.   [May]   1760 
SIR, 

My  Express  is  this  moment  returned  with  Your  Favor  of 
Yesterday,  by  which  I  find  that  the  two  Indians  You  Expected 
with  the  Belt,  have  delivered  the  Same  to  You,  but  said  nothing 
more  than  Captain  Butler  had  Wrote ;  which  Intelligence  I  can- 
not yet  Credit;  for,  as  I  Ob>served  to  You  in  my  form<er, 
Quebec  was  still  in  Our>  hands  on  the  first  of  this  Month,  and 


lSee  Johnson  to  Amherst,  May  25.   1760. 
2  Colonel  Jonathan  Bagley,  of  Massachusetts. 


248  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

not  < likely,  if  at  all,>  to  be  Evacuated  under  Several  Days 
after  that  <time;  and>  as  the  Enemy  could  not  think  of 
Attempting  <any  New>  Conquests  before  they  had  Secured 
one,  it  is  not  < likely >  they  could  be  on  their  March  to  Oswego, 
or  at  <^least^>  so  near  it,  at  the  time  the  Indians  mention. 
<^ However ^>  Colonel  Haldimand  has  received  a  Reinforce- 
ment, <and>  Writes  me  word  on  the  1  1th:  Instant,  that  it  is 
certain,  <that>  if  the  Enemy  should  have  made  an  Attempt  on 
his  <^Post^>  three  or  four  Weeks  prior  to  that,  they  would  have 
Embarrassed  him  greatly ;  but  that  now  it  would  <be>  difficult 
for  them,  and  that,  he  believes,  they  do  not  th<ink>  of  it. — 

It  is  very  probable,  that  the  French,  Elated  with  their  Success, 
and  desirous. of  Improving  the  Same,  have  Vaunted  their  Prowess 
to  the  Indians,  even  before  there  was  any  Room  for  it;  in  order 
to  retain  into,  as  well  as  to  bring  back  to,  their  Interests,  as  many 
of  those  Savages  as  they  could  prevail  upon  to  think  them  in  a 
better  State  than  they  possibly  can  be ;  but  from  Your  Unwearied 
Zeal  for  His  Majesty,  and  the  good  of  His  Service,  I  make  no 
doubt  but  You  will  frustrate  their  Endeavors,  and  Counter  act 
them  in  such  a  manner  <^as  to  prevent  all  Defection  of  those 
whom  You  Expected  would  Join  You  for  the  Operations  of  this 
Campaign. 

I  am  hopefull  that  the  two  Parties  of  Indians  You  have  sent 
out  to  La  Galette,  for  Prisoners  &  Intelligence  will  prove  Success- 
full,  and  shall  wait  their  Return  with  Impatience;  Small  Parties 
kept  constantly  out  will  be  of  great  Use  in  giving  Intelligence.  > 

Major  Rogers  has  delivered  <me  a  Memorial x  of>  which, 
as  he  therein  calls  upon  Your  <  Testimony,  I  send^>  You  an 
Extract,  and  I  should  be  glad  <to  learn  from>  You,  what  You 
know  concerning  that  <  Affair,  as  I>  think,  that  if  he  has  Stated 
his  Case  truly,  <he  ought>  to  be  paid,  pursuant  to  the  Com- 
missioners <^Agreement>  with  him. 


1  Rogers  to  Amherst,  May  23,   1  760,  q.  v. 


Seven  Years'  War  249 

When  the  Troops  move  forward,  I  <  shall  not>  think  it 
requisite  to  Leave  any  Guards  in  <Forts>  Hunter  or  Hen- 
drick,  and  I  Imagine  You  will  <not>  Judge  it  necessary  to 
have  any  at  Fort  Johnson. 

I  am,  with  great  Regard, 
Sir, 

Your  most  Obedient 
Humble  Servant 

JEFF:  AMHERST 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bar*. 

INDORSED:     Genr1.  Amherst  Letter, 
May  25*.  1760. 
25th  Express  recd.  at  10  A.  M. 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Df.  S. 

<Fort  Johnson  25ih.  Map  7760 
S«. 

I  am  this  Moment  honoured  wlh.  y™.  of  yesterday  —  I  have 
heard  nothing  since  my  last,  but  what  Cap1.  Butler  in  his  Letter 
to  me  of  ye  22d.  inst.1  mentions  Viz*.  *  The  Sachems  of  Onieda 
sent  me  word  that  Six  of  their  Men  would>  be  wth.  me  in  <two 
Days,  in  order  to  go  to  the  Salmon  Creek  >  to  the  Eastward  of 
<Oswego,  as  the  ace1.  frm.  Swegachy>  says,  the  French  & 
their  <Ind8.  and  to  assem'ble  them>2  &  if  they  meet  nothing 
there,  they  <^are  to  proceed^*  to  Swegatchy  — 

The  French  ever  have,  &  doubtless  now  <make>  all  the  Use 
they  can  among  the  Ind8.  of  any  <Suc>cess  they  may  chance 
to  have,  indeed  they  often  <Gas>conade  to  them  without  any 
grounds,  in  ord<er  to  re>tain  all  they  can  in  their  Interest,  & 
keep  <up  their>  Spirits  — 


1Not  found. 

2  There  is  an  error  here.  If  "  are  to  assemble  there  "  be  substituted  for 
"  and  to  assemble  them,"  the  mistake  made  in  copying  is  apparently 
corrected. 


250  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Yr.  Excellcy.  may  be  assured  of  my  Continuing  to  prosecute 
every  practicable  Measure  in  my  Power  to  prevent  any  defection 
among  those  <Nations>  we  Look  upon  as  our  friends,  & 
Endeavour  by  them,  &  other  Indn.  Emissaries  to  lessen  French 
Influence  amo<ng>  all  the  Nations  that  I  am  at  all  acquainted 
w*.  in  which,  by  the  Accte.  I  have  from  time  to  time  receiv'd  from 
the  Indn.  officers  at  the  Several  Posts,  I  have  been  pretty  suc- 
cessfull  —  I  have  order'd  them  some  time  ago  to  send  out  Small 
Partys  for  intelligence,  which,  I  shall  now  Encourage  more,  & 
on  the  Return  of  any,  will  give  yr.  Excell0?.  the  earliest  Notice. 

With  Regard  to  Major  Roger's  affair  my  Memory  does  not 
serve  me  to  recollect  ^particulars  of  the  Agreement  between  him 
&  the  Commissioners,  but  this  I  know,  that  I  recommended  him, 
that  he  Serv'd  &  I  think  he  ought  to  be  paid  —  I  must  Beg  leave 
to  Observe  to  yr.  ExcelK  as  my  House  &ca  is  a  Magazine  & 
having  some  small  pieces  of  Cannon  &c.  it  may  require  a>  Small 
<^Garrison — while  I  am  writing, ^>  arriv'd  here  a  ganagh<\sa- 
dago,1  or  French  Indian,  his>  Wife  &  a  Boy,  w*.  <one  of  the 
New  England^  Rangers  taken  ab*.  a  year  ago,  <Vhom  they 
Convey *d>  hither.  As  I  would  not  detain  yr.  <  Express  I  have 
not  had>  time  to  learn  any  thing  of  the  Indn.  but  <will 
Ex>amine  him  at  leisure.  I  send  the  Prisoner  <off  directly 
wth.  a>  Battoe,  He  is  the  same  who  was  brought  to  <oswego 
a^>  few  days  ago,  which  I  presume  Col.  Haldiman  acquainted 
yr.  Excellcy  w*. 

I  have  the  Honour  to  <be> 

with  all  imaginable  respect. 
Yr.  Excell0?8 

most  Obedient  humble  Serv*. 

His  ExcelR  WM.  JOHNSON 

<M>Aj.  GENL.  AMHERST 

INDORSED:      <Letter  to  Genr1.  Amherst 
May  25*. >   1760 
<by  return ]>  of  ye.  Express 

1  Canassadaga. 


Seven  Years'   War  251 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
L.   5. 

<Alban\),  26ih.  May  1760 
SIR, 

I  am  to  thank  You  for  Your  Letter  of  Yesterday,  received 
last  Night. —  Have  this  afternoon  also  received  one  from  Colonel 
Haldimand,  mentioning  the  Ranger,  whom  You  Acquaint  me 
having  sent  off  in  a  Batteau  for  my  Examination;  I  Expect  him 
Every ^>  moment. 

I  Transmit  You  an  Extract  of  Col<onel  Haldimand's> 
Letter,1  by  which  You  will  See  that  three  <men  of  the  Fourth> 
Battalion  have  been  Carried  off,  and  that  <altho'  the>  Onon- 
dagos  &  Missassagos  profess  themselves  <our  fast>  Friends, 
yet  they  let  them  pass,  and  Carry  off  <the>  Prisoners,  which, 
I  must  own,  is  little  in  their  <<  favor,  and^>  Convinces  me  more 
and  more,  how  necessary  it  <is  to>  be  on  our  Guard,  in  our 
Intercourse  with  all  those  Savages,  but  particularly  the  Oswe- 
gatchies : 

Colo<nel>  Haldimand  himself  seems  so  sensible  of  it,  that 
<Che>  had  very  near  Stoped  these,  had  it  not  been  for  <^the> 
Representation  of  Captain  Lotteridge,  who  Apprehended  the 
Five  Nations  might  take  Umbrage  at  it;  he  however  Ordered 
an  Examination  of  them  to  be  taken,  by  some  <^oP>  the  Officers 
(a  Copy  of  which  I  Enclose  You)  and  with  their  Advice,  he 
has  let  them  go;  Acquainting  me,  at  the  same  time,  that  he  was 
much  perplexed  to  know  how  to  Act  for  want  of  positive  Orders 
in  that  respect,  and  that  he  should  Write  to  You  in  Consequence ; 
As  from  Your  Knowledge  &  Experience  of  the  Indians,  You 
are  best  able  to  determine  this  point,  I  must  beg  You  <will  give 
him  such  certain  Advice,  that  he  may  know  how  to  Guide  him- 
self for  the  future;  For  my  part,  I  cannot  help  Saying,  that  I 
think  these  People  ought  to  determine  on  which  Side  they  will 
be,  and  Unless  they  do  so,  I  do  not  think  it  prudent  to  Suffer 


Not  found. 


252  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

them  at  our  Posts,  since  they  cannot  be  Supposed  to  Come  there 
with  any  other  Design,  than  to  Obtain  Intelligence  for  the 
Enemy,  to  the  prejudice  of  His  Majesty8.  >  Service:  but  in  this, 
Os  well  as  all  Other>  Affairs  concerning  Your  Department, 
shall  gladly  >  Yield  to  Your  Experience,  and  Your  Zeal 
r  His>  Majesty. 
I  Enclose  You  the  Copy  of  the  Report  of  <the>  Ranger  as 
it  has  been  transmitted  to  me. 

I  am,  with  great  Regard, 
Sir, 

Your  Most  Obedient 
Humble  Servant. 

JEFF.  AMHERST 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Df.  S. 

<Fort  Johnson  May  26  1760  8  A  M. 
S*. 

On  receipt  of  yours  this  morning  I  sent  for  Phillips  he  is  not 
yet  come,  as  he  was  about  eight  Miles  above  this,  when  he  does 
I  shall  desire  him  to  come  down  to  your  Excellency. 

There  will  be  a  number  of  Battoes  Battoemen^>  &  Oil  Cloaths 
wan  <[  ting  to  carry  ye  cloathing  Arms  &  other ^>  stores  for  the 
use  of  the  <  Indians  whenever  they  are>  wanted  to  Join  the 
Army,  without  good  <^ covering  for]>  the  boats  there  is  no  pos- 
sibility of  securing  <or>  preserving  their  loading,  indeed  in 
bringing  them  up  even  from  Schenectady  to  this  place  they  often 
receive  great  damage  for  want  of  covering  some  <of>  the 

v  Indian  Corn  is  quite  spoiled  by  the  wett  weather.     I  desired  Mr. 

^Van  Slyke  of  Schenectady  who  has  the  Care  of  forwarding  all 
such  things  up  here  to  ap<ply>  for  a  parcel  of  Oil  Cloaths  but 
dont  find  he  has  as  yet  got  any.  I  some  time  ago  promised  to 
send  a  parcel  of  Indian  Corn,  &  some  Pork  to  the  Seneca's  &c* 


Seven  Years'  War  253 

being  greatly  distressed  by  having  their  last  Crops  fail,  I  shall 
want  at  least  three  or  four  large  Battoes  for  that  purpose  and 
some  Pork.  Indian  Corn  I  have  got  already  if  they  receive  this 
relief  before  your  Excellency  may  want  them,  it  will  please  them 
greatly  that  their  familys  may  not  suffer  in  their  Absence  — 
I  am  with  the  greatest  respect  &c. 

To  His  Excellency  MAJOR  GENL.  AMHERST1 

[  21 

their  express  untill  I  have    [the]    ho[ 

]ing  from  you.     I  am  with  all  imag[  ] 

Fort  Johnson  May  27th:  1760 

WM.  JOHNSON 

His  Excellency 

MAJOR  GENL.  AMHERST 

INDORSED:      May  27th   1760 

Letter  to  Gen1.  Amherst 
w^1.  sundry  papers 
3$  Charles  Marinus 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 


Fort  Johnson  Mavi  27  ih.  1760 
S«. 

I  received  a  Letter  yesterday  from  Col°.  Haldiman  inclosing 
the  opinion  of  some  of  his  Officers  4  on  a  letter  of  mine  to  Capta. 
Lotteridge  (posted  at  Oswego)  the  7th.5  Cur*,  concerning  french 


1  From  this  point  the  proof  copy  is  incomplete.     What  follows  is  trans- 
cribed from  the  manuscript. 

2  Several  lines  are  missing. 

3  Destroyed  by  fire. 

*Haldimand's  letter  is  not  found.  For  the  opinion  of  officers,  see 
Examinations  Concerning  Trade,  May  1  7,  1  760. 

0 Johnson's  letter  is  not  found;  the  date  of  Haldimand's  letter  was 
the  19th. 


254  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Indians  being  allowed  to  come  &  trade  there,  Coppy  of  which 
Letter  &  Opinion,  I  herewith  transmit!  to  your  Excellency  for 
your  Opinion  &  directions  I  shall  detain  their  express  until  I 
have  the  honour  of  hearing  from  you  I  am  with  all  Imaginable 
res 

'WM.  JOHNSON 
His  Excellency 
MAJOR  GENRL.  AMHERST 

INDORSED:     May  27th.  1760 

Letter  to  Genr1.  Amherst  <P 

Charles  Marinus  with  sundry  papers 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copy  x 

Extract  of  His  Excell0?.  Gen1  Amhersts  Letter  to  Sir  WilK 
Johnson  Dated  28th.  May  1 760 

The  Opinion,  I  transmitted  You  myself  Yesterday,  and 
informed  You  that  Colonel  Haldimand  was  desirous  of  receiving 
ppsitive  Instructions,  how  to  Act  for  the  future  with  the  Indians, 
for  which  I  have  referred  him  to  You,  as  being  an  Affair  within 
your  department,  and  on  which  You  woud  best  know  how  to 
decide;  which  I  think  you  have  very  judiciously  done,  in  your 
Letter  to  Cap*.  Lotteridge  whereupon  I  have  only  to  add,  that 
such  of  the  French  Indians  as  chuse  to  come  and  live  among  Us, 
may  be  received,  altho'  they  might  decline  joining  His  Majestys 
Arms;  All  I  require  of  these,  is  to  remain  quiet,  and  not  to  go 
to  and  fro  with  intelligence,  as  from  the  Moment  they  can  do 
this,  they  can  be  no  longer  looked  upon  as  friends,  &  consequently 
must  be  treated  as  Enemies - 


*In  British  Museum,  Additional  Manuscripts  21670.  fo.  10,  London, 
England. 


Seven  Years    War  255 


INDORSED:     Extrait  d'une  Lettre  du  General 
Amherst  au  Chev:  Johson- 
du  28.  May  60 
recue  le  4e.  Juin.1 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Df.  S. 

<Fort  Johnson  28ih.  May  1760 

7  oClock  P  M 
SIR 

I  received  your  Excell0?8.  favours  of  the  26th  &  27th  this 
afternoon  about  4  o'Clock,  by  one  of  the  light  Infantry  of  the 
55th  Reg1,  who  said  he  had  been  sick  by  the  Way. 

As  your>  Excellcy.  is  pleas'd  to  <  desire  that  I  give  my 
Opinion  &>  advice  to  the  Comman^ds.  Officer  at  Oswego 
regarding >  the  French  Ind8.  who  may  come  < there  to  Trade, 
I  humbly >  conceive  he  should  have  a  discretionary  Power  in 
<such  Case,  &  be  directed  to  advise  with  the  Indian  Officer, 
posted  <there,  and  act>  as  he  finds  best  for  his  Majestys 
Service,  which  ^as  he  is  on>  the  Spot,  He  may  be  a  judge 
of  —  As  soon  as  <I  heard  >  of  the  Swegachys,  Caghnewagas 
&c  resorting  to  Os<wego,  I  wro>te  Cap1.  Lotteridge  the  7th. 
instant  my  opinion  the  w^on  Copy^>  of  which,  I  sent  yr. 
Excellcy.  in  the  same  Envelope  w<ith  my>  Letter  of  yesterday, 
together  with  the  Examination,  and  opinion  of  some  of  the 
officers,  which  I  now  find  was  sent  to  yr  Excellcy.  also  — 

The  Cloathing,  Stores  &c  for  the  Use  of  the  Ind8.,  should  have 
not  only  Boats,  but  Men  destined  purely  for  that  service  as  usual, 
the  Charge  of  &  delivering  them  out  to  the  Ind8.  being  to  Con- 
tinue the  Campaign,  &  if  the  Hands  or  Battoe  Men  are  to  be 
every  now  &  then  Chang'd,  they  may  Plunder  a  vast  deal,  what- 
ever care  may  be  taken.  >  It  will  require  for  this  Service,  at  least 


Indorsed  by  Haldimand  apparently. 


256  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

twelve  good  large  &  tight  Battoes  &  oil  Cloaths  to  secure  the 
Cloathing  &c  from  the  weather,  also  a  dozen  good  large  Tents 
for  storing  them  in  when  Landed  —  Oswego  is  the  properest 
place  to  Issue  Pork  for  the  use  of  the  Senecas,  &  Chenussios 
being  most  contiguous,  and  as  I  would  be  as  saving  <as  possible, 
I  shall  demand  no  more  than  just  to  Supply  their  immediate 
want,  which  with  30  Barrels  they  may  make  shift,  This  and  the 
Indian  Corn  will  require  four  Battoes  more  with  Covering  for 
the  Corn  —  I  have  detained  Col°.  Haldimand's  Express,  expect- 
ing to  receive  your  Excell0?*  directions  in  Consequence  of  my 
Letter  of  yesterday,  ^> — 

I  am  with  &ca 

WM.  JOHN<SON> 
His  Excellency 
MAJOR  GENRL.  AMHERST 

INDORSED:      <Fort  Jo>hnson  May  28th.   1  760  7  P  M 
ty  a  Soldr.  55th  Regm*. 
My  Letter  to  Genr1.  Amherst 


TO  FREDERICK  HALDIMAND 
A.  L.  S.1 

Fort  Johnson  30ih.  May  1760 

8AM- 
SIR 

Your  favour  of  the  19th.  Curr'.,  I  received  the  26th.  in  the 
Evening  by  one  of  your  Serjants,  whom  I  have  been  under  a 
necessitty  of  detaining  until  now. 

I  am  much  oblidged  to  You  for  the  Civility  you  were  so  kind 
to  shew  the  two  gentlemen  I  recommended.- 

The  Opinion  of  some  of  your  Officers  on  the  French  Indians 
resorting  to  Osswego2  sent  to  me,  together  with  a  transcript  of 


Mn  British  Museum,  Additional  Manuscripts  21(J70.  fo.   11,  London 
England. 

2  Examinations  Concerning  Trade,  May   1  7,    1  760,  a.  v. 


Seven  Years'   W ar  257 

my  letters  to  Captn.  Lotteradge  of  the  7th.  Ins1.,  I  sent  to  Genr1. 
Amherst,  and  he  has  referred  it  to  me,  to  advise  in  what  manner 
You  may  best  manage,  or  hold  terms  w*.  those  Indians,  as  you 
will  see  by  an  extract  of  his  letter  to  me  dated  the  28th.,  which 
I  here  inclose,  &  thereupon  You  will  be  pleased  to  conduct  your- 
self with  all  French  Indians  who  may  come  there,  agreable  to 
what  his  Excellency  advised,  as  3$  inclosed  extract.  I  think  your 
own  prudence  will  guide  you  in  any  extraordinary  exigency.- 
My  Indian  Officer  there,  has  orders  to  afford  You  all  assistance 
in  his  power.- 

The  Indian  Officer  at  Fort  Hackemer  has  supplied  the 
Ondagoe  Indians  (with  whom  Mr.  Francis  is  gone)  with  everry 
thing  they  required  for  the  Scout,  and  had  my  directions  to  assure 
them,  and  all  others,  whom  he  might  send  on  such  Service,  of 
my  cloathing  them  verry  well  on  their  return,  and  that  I  would 
over,  and  above  that  give  them  twenty  pound  for  an  intelligent 
Prisoner,  which  I  hope  they  will  be  able  to  bring  in  soon,  and 
thereby  clear  up  all  doubts  concerning  the  fate  of  Quebec,  which 
some  Impudent  People  talk  verry  freely  of,  without  I  beleive 
any  grounds. 

I  heartily  wish  you  all  happiness,  and  am 
with  great  esteem,  and  sincerity 

Sir 
Your  most  obedient 

Humble  Servant 

WM.  JOHNSON 
COLL:  HALDIMAN 

INDORSED:     Chevaillier  Johnson 
du  30.  May  60. 
recue  le  4.  Juin 

Vol.  Ill  — 9 


258  Si;    William  Johnson  Papers 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

Df. 

<Fort  Johnson  June  4th.  1760 
S». 

Agreable  to  Your  Excellencys  Letter  of  the  29th.  Ult0.1  which 
I  Yesterday  received  by  Mr.  Denormandy  I  wrote  to  the  two 
Indian  Officers  at  Niagara  to  procure  a  Couple  of  good  Pilots 
and  De  Coaugne  who  is  one  of  the  Oficers,>  to  go  with  the 
Indians  <^and  prevent  any  difference  which^>  might  arise 
between  our  <pe>ople  and  <them  for  want  of>  understand- 
ing each  other.— 

I  dare  say  they  will  be  well  piloted  <to>  Prisque  Isle  as 
De  Coagne  is  acquainted  that  way,  <^as^>  well  almost  as  the 
Indians. —  I  gave  my  Letter  <^for^>  the  Officers,  to  Denor- 
mandy open;  that  he  may  shew  <jt  to>  Coll0.  Haldiman, 
whereby  he  will  see  the  Pilots  <\are  to^>  be  provided  at  Niagara. 
The  Bearer  of  this  arrived  here  yesterday  and  is  one  of  three 
who  last  February  made  their  escape  from  Detroit,  he  seems  well 
acquainted  there,  &  with  their  present  situation.— 

I  rec'd  a  letter  yesterday  from  Mr.  De  Coagne  Interpreter  at 
Niagara  dated  the  27th.  Ult°.  the  following  extracts  therefrom  I 
thought  proper  to  send  your  Excellency  Viz*. 

"  By  all  appearance  there  will  be  an  Extensive  Trade  here,  as 
the  Indians  come  in  fast,  we  ha<^ve  at  this  Juncture  nigh  300 
with  30  Canoes  laden  with  furr,  and  Peltry  they  are  very  well 
satisfied  with  their  treatment  here,  and  have  no  complaint  against 
the  traders,  they  cant  raise  at  Detroit  above  1 000  men  Inhabitants 
Included,  the  Fort  only  stockaded  &  no  Cannon,  they  have> 
got  a  supply  of  ^provisions  from  the  Ilan>ois,  they  keep 
Scouts  about  half  way  <^from  that  to  this>  to  see  if  we  make 
any  motion  that  way  " 


Not  found. 


Seven  Years    War  259 

<He  writes  me>  this  in  Consequence  of  the  Orders,  given  to 
them  <^last^>  year,  that  they  should  procure  me  all  the  Intelli- 
gence they  could  from  every  Quarter.  I  am  &ca  &ca  &ca 

His  Excellency 

MAJOR  GENL.  AMHERST 

INDORSED:      June  4th.   1760 

Letter  to  Genr1.  Amherst 

TO    THE    LORDS    OF    TRADE 

In  Doc.  Rel  to  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  7:432-34,  is  a  letter  of  June  5th 
from  Johnson  to  the  lords  of  trade  on  Indian  services  to  the  English  the 
preceding  year,  interference  in  Pennsylvania  with  Indian  management, 
Mohawk  and  Mohigan  complaints  and  prospects  of  new  aid  from  the 
Six  Nations. 

FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copp  x 

Scheneciady  June  2lsi.  1760 
Copy. 
DEAR  SIR, 

I  Have  this  morning  received  a  Confirmation  of  the  Enemy 
having  Raised  the  Siege  of  Quebec,  and  left  all  their  Cannon 
behind,  marching  off  in  a  very  great  hurry. 

Monsr.  de  Vaudreuil  has  sent  me  all  the  Officers  and  Men 
who  were  taken  Prisoners  on  the  28th.  of  April  (Except  Col°. 
Young)  and  some  others  who  have  been  taken  at  different  times, 
to  the  Number  of  723  in  the  Whole,  among  which  the  Eldest 
Captain  Jacobs  of  the  Indians  is  Included. 

Lieut5.  Goddard  &  Sherriffe,2  who  left  Montreal  the  14th. 
Instant,  paint  the  Distresses  and  Dispair  of  the  French  in  the 
Strongest  Colours ;  that  they  lost  on  the  28th.  of  April,  above  an 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.58,  London,  England.  Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  June  21,1  760. 

2  Captain  Lieutenant  Henry  Goddard  and  Lieutenant  William  Sherriff, 
both  of  the  47th  regiment. 


260  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

hundred  Officers,  and  Men  in  proportion,  and  their  Failure  in 
the  Attempt  of  the  Siege  after  the  Success  of  that  day,  which 
cost  them  such  Numbers,  with  seeing  some  of  their  Provision 
Ships  taken,  and  our  Fleet  at  Quebec,  which  effectually  puts  a 
stop  to  any  Stores,  Ammunition,  or  Succours,  Joining  them,  has 
thrown  the  Whole  Colony  into  the  utmost  Dejection. 

Colonel  Haviland  sends  me  some  Intelligence  which  I  transmit 
to  you;  Major  Rogers  is  doing  very  well  on  the  farther  End  of 
Lake  Champlain,  keeps  the  Enemy  in  constant  Alarm,  for  the 
more  We  can  force  them  to  Assemble,  by  which  they  must  Con- 
sume their  Provision,  is  hastening  them  so  much  the  sooner  to 
their  Fall. 

I  am  getting  every  thing  on  as  fast  as  the  Arrival  of  the  Pro- 
vincial Troops  would  let  me;  I  should  have  been  glad  to  be 
Earlier,  but  I  doubt  not  in  the  least  but  We  shall  have  time 
Enough  to  Compleat  the  Intended  Work  of  this  Campaign. 

I  think  I  shall  be  able  to  get  forward  to  Fort  Hunter  tomorrow, 
and  I  Intend  to  Pay  Respects  to  You  to  Settle  the  time  of  the 
Indians  our  Friends  Assembling,  who,  under  Your  Direction, 
I  am  Confident  of  the  greatest  Success  from  their  Assistance, 
and  I  shall  be  glad  to  Seize  every  Occasion  that  may  offer,  that 
I  may  Convince  you  that  I  am,  with  great  Truth  &  Esteem, 

Dear  Sir, 
&ca, 

Jeff:  Amherst. 
SIR  WM.  JOHNSON,  Bar*. 

INDORSED:     Copy.     Letter  from  General 
Amherst  to  Sir  Wm.  Johnson 
Dated  Schenectady  21st.  June  1760. 
Informing  him  of  the  Arrival  of 
the  English  Prisoners  at  Crown  point 
and  of  the  Raising  of  the  Siege  of 
Quebec,  &ca-in  M.  G.  Amherst' s  of 
June  21: 1760 
NO.  64 


Seven  Years    War  261 


JOHNSON'S  ACCOUNT  WITH  THE  CROWN 

There  is  listed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  104,  Johnson's  account 
with  the  Crown  from  December  1,  1759,  to  March  16,  1760,  dated 
June  24th.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Df.  S. 

<Fort  Johnson  26th.  June  1760 
SIR 

1  received  your  Excellencys  Message  by  Lieu1.  Claus,  and 
Extract  of  Col°.  Haldimands  Letter x  mentioning  the  Swegachy 
Indn.  request  to  make  Peace. 

As  I  have>  frequently  <  (among  other  Indns.  in  the  French> 
Interest)  advised  <and  in>vited  them  <to  return>  to  the  Six 
Nations,  and  <as>  they  have  <not  committed  any  Hostili- 
ties Since  they  assur<ed  me  last  ye>ar  (while  I  was  at 
Oswego)  they  would  < abandon  the  F>rench  and  come  to  us, 
I  am  of  Opinion  their  present  Submission  should  be  accept<^ed>- 
and  they  treated  as  part  of  the  Confederacy  who  are  our  Friends; 
They  may  be  told  at  the  same  time  that  on  my  Arrival  at  Oswego 
with  <the>  six  Nations  they  will  be  received  in  Form  among 
them.  I  make  no  Doubt,  I  shall  then  be  able  not  only  to  make 
them  join,  but  with  the  six  Nations  conduct  the  Army  into  Canada 
thro  that  difficult  Navigation  as  they  are  the  best  Pilots  that  way. 
When  your  Excellency  thinks  proper  to  grant  a  Warrant  for 
the  Money  due  to  me  &  my  Officers  w0*1.  by  the  Acco*.  and  paper 
delivered  in  will  appear,  it  will  be  necessary  for  my  carrying  on 
the  Service,  to  have  a  further  Warrant  for  a  Thousand  pounds, 
as  there  will  be  many  calls  for  Money  during  the  Campaign 
besides  I  am  now  advancing  my  own  Money  again,  in  clearing 
off  all  accote.  before  I  march  — 


Not  found. 


262  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


wish  your  Excellency  a  pleasant  time  of  it  and  am  with 
the  greatest  Respect 

Your  Excel  lencys 

Most  Obedient  most> 
humble  <Servant> 

w.j. 

<His>  Excellency 
GENERAL  AMHERST 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Df.  S. 
Fori  Johnson  June  pc  26,  7760 

<Since  I  wrote  to  yr.  Excellcy.  this  morning  by  Cap1.  Prescot x 
I  am  honoured  w^.  yrs.  by  Cap*.  Darcy  2 —  with  Regard  to  the 
Swegatys  Inds.  lately  arrived  at  Oswego  wth.  their  Ensigns  of 
Peace.  I  gave  yr  Excel \cy.  my  opinion  agreeable  to  the  Informa- 
tion first  given  by  Col°.  Haldiman  to  yr.  Excell0?.  &  afterwards 
to  me  &  think  it  proper  the  Col°.  should  first  hear  what  they  have 
to  say  to  the  onondaga  Sachems  &  afterwards  if  he  &  they  have 
sufficient  reason  to  suspect  them  of  any  ill  Intentions  then  to  keep 
them  secure  till  yr.  Excellcy  Arrives  at  oswego,  &  enquire  farther 
into  it,  or  untill^>  I  come  up  <^wlh.  the^>  Indians:  <^I  hope  & 
flatter  myself  that>  Col°.  Haldiman  from  what  little  Experience 
<he  has  had  of  Ind8.  lately, >  will  act  a  prudent  part  in  this 
affair  <^as  a  good  deal  may^>  depend  upon  it  wch.  he  by  his 
Letter  to  me  seems  ^sensible  of> 

I  think  Rogers  has  done  very  well  <as  he  wants  yr> 
Excellcy8.  approbation  &  hope  Lieut  Holmes  may  also  <suc- 
ceed>,  those  Rubs  will  contribute  greatly  to  sink  ye  Enemy's 
spirits  <&!>  also  their  stock  of  provisions  -  As  for  the  Num- 
ber of  Ind8.  appeared  at  Fort  Stanwix  Lieu*.  Col°.  Massey 


1  Captain  Robert  Prescott,  of  the  15th  regiment. 

2  Captain  Peter  Darcy,  of  the  47th  regiment. 


Seven  Years'   War  263 


Accounts  for  it  <  himself  >  &  I  am  certain  it  was  only  for 
provision  they  came;  the  <cause  of>  their  absence  for  3  Months 
as  he  mentions  (if  it  be  so  long)  is  <^very^>  well  known  to  me; 
as  I  desired  all  the  Nations  the  latter  End  of  the  Winter  to  go 
&  hunt,  in  order  to  save  the  Government  Money  —  there  have 
been  but  3  Ind5.  of  ye  6  Nations  to  Canada  since  <last>  year, 
&  they  were  sent  by  me  &  the  Six  Nations  to  Endeavour  to 
withdraw  the  Swagatyes  &c  from  thence  — 

I  hope  to  be  able  to  save  yr.  Excell0?.  any  trouble  with  regard 
to  Ind8.  as  soon  as  I  have  the  Honour  of  joining  you  at  Oswego, 
which  shall  be  by  the  time  appointed,  if  I  am  alive  &  well. 

I  have  yc  Honour  to  be 
Yr.  Excellencys 
Most  &c 

WM.  JOHNSON 

INDORSED:    Fort  Johnson  June  26  1  760 
Letter  to  Genr1.  Amherst 
^  Capt  Darcey 


VOLCKERT  P.  DOUW  S  CERTIFICATE 

D.  S.1 
City  of  Albany 

[Albany,  July  /,  7760] 
Ls2 

I  Volckert  P:  Douw  Esqr.  Recorder  of  the  City  of  Albany 
Do  by  these  Presents  Certifie  Declare  and  Make  known  to  all  to 
whom  the  Same  Shall  Come  or  May  in  any  wise  Concern  that 
at  a  Court  of  Record  held  at  the  City  hall  of  the  said  City  on 
Tuesday  the  First  Day  of  July  in  the  Thirty  fourth  year  of  the 
Reign  of  our  Sovereign  Lord  George  the  Second  by  the  Grace 
of  God  of  Great  Brittain  France  and  Ireland  King  Defender  of 
the  Faith  &cc 


destroyed  by  fire. 

2««O     »»•        .1 

or     in  the  copy. 


264  '   Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Before  me  the  Said  Recorder  and  the  Alderman  of  the  said  City 
persuant  to  the  Directions  of  an  Act  of  the  Lieutenant  Governour 
the  Council  and  the  Generall  Assembly  of  this  Province  made 
and  Passed  at  New  York  on  the  Third  day  of  July  1759 
Entitled  an  act  for  Naturalizing  the  Several  persons  therein 
Mentioned  Lucas  Vetter  being  one  of  the  Persons  in  the  said 
Act  Mentioned  and  thereby  Naturalized  appeared  in  open  Court 
and  in  due  form  did  take  Oaths  appointed  by  Law  instead  of  the 
Oath  of  Alligance  and  Supremacy  and  make  repeat  Swear  to 
and  Subscribe  the  Abjuration  Oath  In  testemony  whereof  I  the 
said  Recorder  have  hereunto  Subscribed  My  name  and  Caused 
the  seal  of  the  said  Court  to  be  hereunto  Affixed  on  the  day  and 
Year  first  above  writtin 

GANSEVOORT  Clerk 

VOLCKERT  P :  DOUW 


CERTIFICATES  AND  LETTERS 

The  preceding  certificate  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  105, 
by  fourteen  others  of  like  character  which  were  destroyed;  an  undated 
memorandum  of  inquiries  and  purposes,  without  name,  which  was  destroyed ; 
the  draft  of  a  letter  from  Johnson  to  Colonel  Frederick  Haldimand,  dated 
July  4th,  which  was  injured  by  the  fire,  and  is  replaced  in  this  publication 
by  a  letter  in  the  British  Museum. 


TO  FREDERICK  HALDIMAND 
L.  S.1 

Fort  Johnson  July  4ih.  1760. 
DEAR  SIR, 

I  was  favoured  with  yours  of  the  21st.  &  28th.  Ult°.  with  an 
Acco1.  of  the  Arrival  of  some  Swegatchy  Indians,  and  the  Cause 
of  their  Coming,  recieved  likewise  an  Extract  of  your  Letter  to 
General  Amherst  to  the  same  Purport,  to  which  I  immediately 


1  In  British  Museum,  Additional  Manuscripts  2 1 670.  fo.  1 3,  London, 
England. 


Seven   years'  War  265 

replyed  and  thought  it  might  have  sufficed,  as  therein  I  gave  it 
my  Opinion,  that  You  and  the  Onondago  Chiefs  might  have  an 
Interview  with,  and  hear  what  they  had  to  say;  I  am  glad  to 
find  they  have  had  one,  at  which  I  think  the  Onondagos  acted 
a  very  proper  Part,  and  I  am  convinced  they  would  be  glad  to 
have  every  one  of  the  Swegatchys  from  thence ;  Their  Interesting 
themselves  for  the  Enlargement  of  the  Indians  detained  by  you 
is  very  natural,  they  being  their  near  Friends  and  Countrymen.- 
I  trust  we  are  now  so  sufficient,  that  there  is  little  to  be  feared 
from  any  Intelligence  they  could  now  pick  up,  if  so  inclined. 

As  it  is  my  Duty  to  keep  the  Six  Nations  and  their  Allies  in 
so  good  a  Disposition  as  I  can,  And  I  have  General  Amhersts 
special  Orders  to  bring  over  to  His  Majesty s  Interest  all  the 
Enemy  Indians  in  my  Power;  I  have  and  shall  continue  to  use 
my  Endeavours  for  that  End,  indeed  the  Effects  of  my  repeated 
Admonitions  to  them  is  obvious,  several  of  them  having  for  some 
time  past  abandoned  the  French  and  are  now  settled  among  the 
five  Nations,  as  well  from  other  Quarters  as  from  Swegatchy, 
and  I  expect  many  more  will,  if  properly  received,  besides  the 
Consternation  they  are  thrown  into  as  you  justly  observe  by  the 
ill  Success  of  their  old  Friends  the  French,  will  greatly  contribute 
to  it,  and  be  no  invalid  Security  for  their  good  Behaviour. 

From  thence  I  am  of  Opinion  that  when  such  Indians  come 
(of  whatever  Nation),  and  offer  to  be  friends,  they  should  not 
be  refused.-  As  this  may  not  reach  you  before  his  Excellency's 
Arrival  at  your  Post,  he  will  be  Judge  of  the  Terms  on  which 
they  may  be  accepted. 

I  am  sorry  you  have  had  so  much  Trouble  with  (these  People, 
and  hope  on  my  Arrival  at  Oswego,  you  will  be  relieved  from 
it;  In  the  mean  time,  I  must  say  your  Prudence  as  an  Officer  in 
that  Affair  with  the  Swegatchies  is  very  commendable,  and  I 
believe  will  be  thought  so  by  the  General;  possibly  this  Affair 
may  be  settled  before  now,  and  the  few  Officers  I  have  are  upon 
Service  except  Lieu*.  Claus  whom,  notwithstanding  I  would  send, 
if  the  Distance  of  time  was  not  so  Small  between  his  getting  there 


266  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

and  mine,  as  it  would  be  of  little  Signification,  you  may  depend 
I  shall  make  all  the  haste  I  can,  or  the  Nature  of  the  Service  I 
am  engaged  in  will  admit  of,  to  be  at  your  Post. 
I  am  with  perfect  Regard 

Dear  Sir 

Your  most  Obedient 
Humble  Servant 

WM.  JOHNSON 
COL°.  HALDIMAND 

INDORSED:     Chev.  Johnson  Le 
4  Juillet  60 
recue  12  d1.- 


FROM  THOMAS  FLOOD  ETC. 

In  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  105,  occur  the  following  papers,  destroyed 
by  fire:  Major  General  Jeffery  Amherst's  warrant,  drawn  at  Oswego 
July  23d,  on  Thomas  Barrow  for  the  payment  of  £328  1  Od  sterling  to 
Johnson;  Amherst's  warrant,  drawn  at  Oswego  the  23d,  on  Barrow  for 
the  payment  of  £  1  32 1 ,  Is,  7d,  account  annexed ;  and  a  letter  of  August 
2d  from  Thomas  Flood,  at  Castle  Cumberland,  to  Johnson  at  Oswego, 
telling  of  drouth,  haying,  harvesting,  building,  sawing,  flogging  slaves, 
transactions  in  flour  and  wheat,  poor  prospect  for  grain. 


FROM   JOHN   WRAXALL 
A.  L.  S.1 

Bristol  15  Sep'.  1760 
SIR 

Your  Favour  of  14th.  May  last  came  duly  to  Hand.  I  thank 
you  for  your  Condolance  on  the  Death  of  my  dearest  Son  — 
A  better  or  faithfuller  Friend,  Man  never  had;  &  a  Loss  that 
cannot  be  made  up  in  this  World. —  You,  Sir,  was  his  Friend, 
&  on  that  account  I  shall  allways  carry  in  my  Breast,  more  than 
an  Esteem  for  you,  seperate  from  your  Character  as  a  Patriot  & 
brave  Man  — 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


FORT    LEVI 

On  Chimney  Island  near  Ogdensburg.     Johnson  participated  in  its 
taking  in   1760. 


Seven  Years    War  267 

The  Manuscript  you  mention  is  in  the  Hands  of  my  Daughter 
here,  her  Sister  at  New  York  has  wrote  to  her  for  it,  &  it  goes  to 
her  by  this  same  Conveyance.  I  should  with  Pleasure  do  you 
any  Service  in  my  Power,  do  Wish  you  all  Health  &  Prosperity 
&  am 

S' 
Your  most  obed1.  &  most  hble  Serv. 

JOHN  WRAXALL 

FROM  GEORGE  CROGHAN  ETC. 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (Sec  John- 
son Calendar,  p.  105)  by  a  letter  of  October  10th  from  Gw.  Banyar 
to  Mrs  Sarah  Magin  about  a  survey  of  land;  and  a  letter  of  the  15th 
from  George  Croghan,  at  Fort  Pitt,  congratulating  Johnson  on  the  reduc- 
tion of  Canada  and  the  humanity  of  the  Indians  under  his  command  and 
introducing  Mr  Furry  in  behalf  of  Major  Gates.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


TO  DANIEL  CLAUS 
L.  S.1 

Albany  October  10lh  1760 
DEAR  CLAUS 

I  have  only  to  let  you  know  that  we  all  arrived  here  safe  in 
Eleven  days  from  Montreal,  we  had  good  weather  except  the 
first  Day  or  two.  everything  here  quiet  &  still,  the  Troops 
sailed  yesterday  for  New  York  who  are  destined  for  Halifax. — 
this  Town  is  quite  empty  &  dead  like. 

I  shall  this  day  finish  with  the  Coghnawageys  who  accom- 
panied me  here  &  behaved  extremely  well  all  the  time.  Our 
Indians  have  done  no  harm  all  along  the  road.  I  overtook 
several  of  them  at  the  Posts  all  drunk  &  naked. —  Silver  heels 
yesterday  Evening  stabbed  Moses  of  Conajohare  at  the  Ferra- 
barrick,2  of  which  he  instantly  died.— 


Mn  Public  Archives  of  Canada,  Claus  Papers,  v.   I.    1716-1777. 
M.  104,  p.  7. 
2Feura  Bush? 


268  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

I  received  a  letter  yesterday  from  Mr.  Croghan  dated  the 
6th  of  7br.  from  Pitsborough  He  says  the  Western  Indians  have 
been  there  to  a  Conference  held  with  them  by  Genr1.  Monkton 
at  wh.  they  behaved  extremely  well,  and  settled  all  matters  with 
us  in  the  most  friendly  manner,  and  delivered  up  several  Prisoners 
at  the  time. 

The  Bearer  Mr.  Wilson  *  is  the  gent'man  whom  my  Brother 
&.ca  recommended  to  me  some  time  ago,  he  is  now  going  to 
Montreal  in  order  to  see  that  Country,  and  try  how  the  trade 
there  is  likely  to  turn  out.  I  shall  be  glad  you  would  show  him 
all  the  civility  you  can,  and  advice  concerning  Trade  with  the 
Inds.  &.ca 

I  would  have  you  buy  me  some  little  curiosities  there  of  no 
great  Value  &  send  them  by  the  first  opertunity. —  My  Brother 
lies  111  at  New  York.  The  Family  at  Home  I  hear  are  all  well 
and  everything  at  both  places  in  the  best  order. — 

I  propose  going  home  to  morrow,  when  I  shall  prepare  Johnny 
for  the  Journey  if  he  inclines  to  it. —  I  have  not  time  to  add 
further  than  that 

I  am  Yr.  Welwisher 
&  Sincere  Friend 

WM.  JOHNSON 


TO  CADWALLADER  GOLDEN 
A.  L.  S.2 

Fort  Johnson  Octobr.  23J.  1760 
DEAR  SIR 

I  should  not  have  deferred  paying  You  My  Compliments  had 
not  my  time  &  mind  been  much  taken  up  with  matters  relative  to 
the  Campaign,  as  well  as  with  the  Coghnawagey  &  other  Indians 
who  accompanied  me  hither.  And  who  I  have  at  last  despatched 
extremely  well  satisfied. —  I  do  now  from  our  long  acquaintance, 


1  Thomas  Wilson  or  Willson. 

2  In  New  York  Historical  Society,  New  York  City. 


Seven  Fears'  War  269 

and  the  unshaken  regard  I  ever  held  for  You  &  yours,  do  myself 
the  honour  among  the  rest  of  your  friends  &  Welwishers  to 
congratulate  You  on  your  accession  to  the  Supreme  Command 
of  this  Government,  &  wish  You  all  the  benifits  of  the  old 
Patriarchal  Blessing,  Health  &  long  life  to  discharge  everry 
Function  required,  and  am  in  great  reality 

Dear  Sir 

Your  most  Obedient 
Humble  Servant 

WM.  JOHNSON 
The  Honrbl«. 
CADWALLADER  GOLDEN  Esqr. — 


TO   WILLIAM   PITT 
Df.  S. 

<For*  Johnson  October  24th.  1760 
SIR 

It  affords  me  a  sensible  pleasure  that  I  can  now  have  the 
honour  of  congratulating  you  on  the  reduction  of  Canada,  a 
Conquest  of  so  much  consequence  to  Great  Britain,  and  to 
which  your  wise  Council,  and  prudent  measures  have  so  greatly 
contributed. 

Having  myself  had  the  honour  of  being  appointed  to  a 
Trouble>some  employ  during  <the  coarse  of>  the  War, 
< namely  the  Command^  &  Superintendency  of  the  Indians  in 
<the  northern  district  of>  America,  and  affairs  being  now  so 
happi<ly  settled  here  permit^  me  Sir  to  observe  that  nothing 
but  the  Du<ty  of  one  to  his>  Majesty,  heightned  by  a  just 
sense  of  th<ose  favours  >  which  he  has  been  pleased  to  bestow 
so  liber <  ally  on>  me  together  with  a  sincere  regard  for  ye  wel- 
fare <of>  my  Country,  which  I  had  the  vanity  to  think  I  was 
in  some  measure  able  to  promote,  could  by  any  means  have 
induced  me  to  continue  in  the  exercise  of  an  employment  so  incon- 
ceiviably  troublesome,  the  assiduity  necessary  towa<>ds  a> 


270  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

proper  discharge  of  which,  can  only  be  conceived  by  those  who 
have  had  the  experience  thereof. — 

In  order  therefore  to  shew  how  far  I  have  exerted  my  abilities 
in  the  execution  of  my  Employment  I  shall  beg  leave  to  trespass 
a  few  moments  on  your  patience,  while  I  take  the  Liberty  of 
mentioning  some  circumstance  which  may  make  my  conduct 
something  known  to  You  during  the  War,  in  which  I  shall  think 
myself  beyond  measure  happy,  if  I  have  the  honour  to  merrit 
your  Approbation. 

<In  1755  I  was,  from  the  knowledge  which  was  had  of  the 
acquaintance  I  had  with  the  Indians  of  the  Six  Nations,  as  well 
as  from  a  Consideration  of  the  part  which  I  bore  with  the  former 
War,  pitched  upon  &  appointed  by  Gen1.  Braddock  to  the  Sole 
Superintendancy  of  these  People,  a  Task  which  however  dis- 
agreable  in  itself,  I  undertook  from  a  presumption  that  I  should 
be  able  to  do  my  Country  >  some  •  service,  at  a  <time  when 
Indian  Affairs  were  in  a  very^>  fluctuating  condition  &  when 
we  had  not>  interest  <sufficient>  to  prevail  on  them  to  <come 
to  a  meeting^>  with  us.  The  french,  weaker  in  <^ numbers  than 
we,>  having  judged  it  absolutely  necessary  to  their  own  Interest 
to  <^culti^>vate  &  Improve  the  friendship  subsisting  between 
<Ohem  &  the>  Indians,  as  the  only  means  to  incline  them  to 
<\act  in  their  fa^>vour,  spared  neither  pains  or  cost  for  the 
accomplishing  <Cso>  great  a  design,  which  they  at  length 
effected. 

as  it  will  be  foreign  to  my  subject  to  make  any  remarks  <on> 
our  Management  of  Indisn  Affairs  before  that  period  of  <^time^> 
I  shall  only  say  that  the  Campaign  of  1 755  tho  begun  unfortu- 
nately, ended  with  success,  yet  altho  I  had  collected  as  <many>- 
Indians  as  Circumstances  would  at  that  time  admit  to  Join  us, 
and  was  by  all  the  Northern  Provinces  made  Major  Gen1,  of 
their  Provincials,  I  never  received  ye  promised  Sallary  for  either. 
However  in  the  beginning  of  1 756  his  Majesty  was  graciously 
pleased  to  create  me  a  Baronet  and  send  his  Royal  Commission 
by  which  I  was  appointed  Sole  Agent  &  Superintendant  of  the 


Seven  Years    War  271 

Affairs  of  the  Northern  Indians,  their  Allies  &c  with  a  Sallary 
of  £600  <$  ann,  as  also  Collonel  of  the  same  Nations,  for  the 
Latter  of  which  I  <never  yet  received  any  pay,  altho  I  have  con- 
stantly taken  the  Field  at  an  expence  equal  to  the  amount  of  my 
Sallary  as  Superintendant. —  The  Events  of  the  three  following 
Campaigns  being  well  known  I  shall  only  observe  that  duering 
that  Space  I  did  all  in  my  power  to  gain  as  many  Indians  as 
possible  to  act  in  our  favour  as  well  as  to  bring  the  more  obstinate 
to  a  neutrality,  &  the  our  constant  111  successes  prevented  me 
from  doing  as  much  as  I  could  wish,  I  nevertheless  obtained  & 
communicated  constant  Intelligence  of  the  Enemys  <motions> 
sent  out  <Partys  continually >  to  distress  them,  prevented  many 
from  atta<cking  out1  Settlements,  and  in  1758  bro*.  into  the 
field  above  400  In<dians,  a  greater ^>  number  than  could 
reasonably  have  been  expe<cted  from  the>  111  success  of  the 
two  proceeding  Years.  I  may  <say  safely  >  that  during  the 
before  mentioned  time  I  did  every  thing  < which  mi>ght  have 
been  hoped  for  from  a  man  who  was  willing  <to  Sacrifice  his 
own  ease,  &  business  to  the  public  Welfare,  <O°>  which  his 
obligation  to  the  best  of  Kings  did  not  a  little  contribute. 

In  the  beginning  of  1 759  I  acquainted  Gen1.  Amherst  with  the 
success  of  my  Negociations  with  the  Indians  at  a  gen<eral> 
meeting  I  called  them  to  at  Conajohare,  the  Proceedings  of 
which  I  sent  to  the  Lords  of  Trade.  I  then  persuaded  the  whole 
Confederacy,  to  agree  to  Join,  and  go  with  us  against  Niagara 
and  assist  us  in  the  reduction  thereof,  an  Expedition  which  I 
earnestly  recommended  to  the  General  who  was  pleased  to 
approve  of  it,  accordingly  an  Army  was  sent  under  Brigdr.  Pre- 
deaux  whom  I  joined  at  Oswego  with  700  fighting  Men,  which 
number  was  afterwards  augmented  to  900  these  Indians  performed 
their  parts  so  well  and  kept  our  Designs  so  secret,  that  we  had  dis- 
embarked all  our  Artillery,  and  remained  a  Night  at  Niagara 
<before  the  Enemy  had  any  notice  of  our  Arrival. — After 
Brigadier  Predeaux's  death,  the  Command  devolveing  on  me,  I 


This  word  should  probably  be  "  our." 


272  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

did  my  utmost  to  employ  the  Indians  in  gaining  me  such  Intel- 
ligence as  was  of  the  greatest  service,  having  prevented  our  being 
surprised,  the  consequence  of  which  was,  we  defeated  their  rein- 
forcements the  Fort  of  Niagara  Capitulated,  &  I  had  the  pleasure 
in  a  few  days  to  hear  from  the  Inds.  of  the  Enemys  having 
abandoned  Prisque  Isle  Venan^>go,  and  all  the  Posts  ^adja- 
cent, so  that  G>en].  Stanwix  might  proceed  without  difficulty 
thro  a  Country, >  where  before  an  Army  must  have  fought  <at 
a  great  disadv>antage.  <In>  short  every  thing  answered 
our  <  warmest  expectations  that  way,  and  I  had  the  pleasure 
< shortly  afterwards^  of  receiving  by  letter  Gen1.  Amherst's 
appro<bation  &  th^>anks. —  Last  June  I  was  ordered  by  Gen1. 
Am<]herst  to^>  collect  as  Many  Indians  as  I  possibly  could  & 
with  <them>  join  His  Army  which  I  imediately  sett  about,  and 
<dis>patched  my  Officers  for  that  purpose  to  their  severall 
nations,  <as>  I  had  previously  done  in  the  beginning  of  the 
Year.— 

The  French  finding  their  Indian  Interest  to  decay  considerably 
from  the  Success  of  the  last  Campaign  had  recourse  to  all  kind  of 
Artifice  to  recover  it,  and  among  other  things  industriously 
propogated  a  report  amongst  the  Inds.  (who  are  naturally  of  a 
credulous  &  Jealous  disposition)  that  the  English  intended  their 
entire  exterpation,  which  was  to  be  put  in  execution  imediately 
after  the  reduction  of  Canada  which  they  said  must  shortly 
happen  unless  they  the  Indians  gave  them  Assistance  this  Intel- 
ligence they  pretended  to  have  discovered  by  means  of  some 
intercepted  Letters,  notwithstanding  this  artifice  alarmed  many 
of  the  Indians  and  occasioned  their  keeping  out  of  the  way  I  yet 
was  able  to  proceed  from  Oswego  with  upwards  <^of  600 
Warriors,  but  as  there  were  nine  Severall  Nats.  &  Tribes  of  Ind5. 
inhabiting  ye  Country  about  Montreal  consisting  of  above  800 
fighting  men,  previous  to  our  departure  I  judged  it  highly  neces- 
sary to  gain  them  if  possible,  at  least  to  bring  them  to  a  Neu- 
trality, being  very  sensible  of  the  difficultys  which  an  Army  had 
to  encounter  in  their  way  to  Montreal  where  a  few  Indians  Joined 


Seven  Years    War  273 

i 

with  other  troops  might  act  to  great  advantage.  I  therefore  pro- 
posed>  to  Gen1.  Amherst  <the  sending  them  offers  of  peace, 
&  protection,  >  which  he  agreed  to,  <and  on  our>  Arrival  at 
<Fort  Leyi,1  deputies  >  came  from  the  before  mentioned 
Nations  <on  my  Mes>sage  to  them  from  Oswego,  who  there 
ratified  a  <^  Treaty  with^>  us,  whereby  they  agreed  to  remain 
neuter  on  condition  that  we  for  the  fu>ture  treated  them  as 
friends,  &  forgot  all  for<mer  enmi>ty. — After  the  taking  Fort 
Levi  many  of  our  In<dians,  thro>  some  disgust  left  us,  but 
there  still  remained  a  sufficient  <num>ber  to  answer  our  pur- 
pose and  bring  us  constant  Intel lig<<ence  ha>ving  none  against 
us,  and  the  Peace  which  I  settled  with  <the>  9  Nations2 
before  mentioned,  was  productive  of  such  good  conseq<uen>ces 
that  some  of  these  Indians  joined  us,  &  went  upon  Partys  for 
Prisoners  &a  whilst  the  rest  preserved  so  strict  a  neutrality 
<that>  we  passed  all  the  dangerous  Rapids,  and  the  whole 
way  without  the  least  opposition,  &  by  that  means  came  so  near 
to  the  other  two  Armies,  that  the  Enemy  could  attempt  nothing 
further  without  an  imminent  risque  of  the  City  &  inhabitants. 

Thus  Sir  we  became  Masters  of  the  last  place  in  the  Enemys 
possession  in  these  parts  and  made  those  Indians  our  friends  by  a 
peace,  who  might  otherwise  have  given  us  much  trouble. 

It  now  remains  Sr.  to  observe  that  from  the  Peace  which  I 
made  last  year  with  the  Mississageys  —  Ottawawas  &  other 
Nations  of  Indians  inhabiting  the  Country  <about  Niagara,  & 


1  Fort  Levis,  situated  on  Isle  Royale,  known  also  as  Oraconenton,  now 
Chimney  island. 

2  In  the  message  of  the  Canada  Indians  to  western  Indians,  transmitted 

by  Johnson  to  General  Amherst  August  25,  1  763,  the  following  Canadian 

nations  were  named:      Caughnawageys,  Caneghsadarundax,  Skaghnanes, 

Swegachies,  St  Francis,  3  River  Indians,  and  Hurons,  near  Quebec.     In 

the  enumeration  of  Indians  within  the  northern  department,  November  18, 

1  760,  Johnson  named  the  following  nations  of  Canada  in  alliance  with 

the    Six    Nations:     Caghnawagas,    Canasadagas,    Arundacs,    Algonkins, 

jAbenaquis,  Skaghquanoghronos  and  Hurons. —  Doc.  Rel.   to  Col.  Hist. 

iN.  y,,  7:544  and  582. 


274  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

the  Lakes  to  the  Northward  and  Westward  thereof  together  with 
that  now  made  with  all  those  living  in,  and  about  Canada,  we 
may  expect  the  most  salutary  consequences  hereafter,  and  in  case 
of  any  future  disturbances  between  the  Enemy  &  us,  in  America, 
may  be  pretty  sure  of  their  assistance,  provided  we  preserve  their 
esteem  &  cultivate  their  friendship,  by  a  proper  management  of 
them,  as  well  as  by  a  fair  extensive  trade,  than>  which  nothing 
<will  attach  them  more>  to  our  <  Interest.  > —  I  need  not 
Sr.  <^  enlarge  much  on  the  rea^>sons  for  keeping  up  a  good 
understanding  <with  all  Indians,^  who  may  be  friends,  and 
can  be  troublesome  <^  Enemy  s  You^>  being  sufficiently 
acquainted  with  its  consequences,  <and  the  ad> vantage  may 
result  therefrom. —  Permit  <me  to  add^>  that  having  now  dis- 
charged my  Duty  during  the  War  <to  the>  utmost  of  my 
Ability,  I  should  be  glad  to  be  freed  from  the  discharge  of  an 
Office  so  fatigueing,  in  wh<^ich  I  ha^>ve  greatly  impaired  my 
constitution,  &  neglected  my  concerns  in  this  Country,  which  I 
would  willingly  apply  the  remainder  of  my  life  to  retrieve. —  I 
am  the  more  ready  to  mention  this,  as  I  am  conscious  to  myself 
of  having  done  every  thing  in  my  power  since  I  have  had  the 
employment  towards  the  cultivating  a  good  understanding  with, 
&  encreasing  the  number  of  his  Majestys  Indian  Allies,  &  making 
them  serviceable  to  the  designs  of  the  Brittish  Gen1,  in  America.— 
and  as  the  Enemy  have  constantly  employed  so  many  persons 
well  qualified  to  transact  Indian  Affairs,  the  small  number  of 
inferior  Officers  which  have  been  hitherto  allowed  me  will  not 
be  able  to  transact  all  the  business  to  be  necessarily  expected  from 
our  present  extensive  Indian  Alliance,  there  being  a  necessity  for 
employing  proper  Persons  in  different  places  <  where  the  Super- 
intendent cannot  be  present,  if  we  expect  to  preserve  the  friend- 
ship now  subsisting  between  us,  so  as  to  make  them  use  full,  in 
case  we  should  hereafter  have  occasion  for  their  assistance,  as 
well  as  prevent  their  giving  any  disturbance  "to  the  Settlers  in  the 


Seven  Years    War  275 

back  parts  or  to  the  great  numbers  who  will  soon  settle  the 
Frontiers  of  this  &  other  Provinces  whom  they  have  it  in  their 
power  with  all  ease  to  cutt  off  at  pleasure,  in  Spite  of  all  the 
efforts  of  our  severall  Garrisons  to  the  contrary, >  should  we 
now  ^totally  neglect  that  Interest  which  we^>  have  hitherto 
been  at  so  much  <^pains  &  expense  in  im^>proving. 

All  this  Sir  I  beg  leave  to  Sub<mitt  to  your  better^  Judge- 
ment &  consideration,  &  hope  you  will  ex<cuse  my  taking  up> 
so  much  of  your  time,  by  imputing  it  <O°  tne  Nec^>essity  I  was 
under  of  representing  some  Facts.  <My  zeal  for>  His 
Majestys  service  &  my  earnest  desire  of  seeing  <Indian> 
Affairs  established  here  on  so  permanent  a  footing  <as  may> 
procure  a  lasting  peace  and  tend  to  the  honour  and  advantage  of 
great  Brittain.  with  these  sentiments 

I  beg  leave  to  subscribe 

myself  Sr.  &a 

WM.  JOHNSON 

To  the  Right  Honrble.  WM.  PlTT  Esqr. 

INDORSED:     Letter  to  Secretary  Pitt 

Contain^,  a  Summary  of  Sir 
Wm.  Johnsons  conduct  during 
the  Whole  War.  with  his  desire 
to  resign  &  attend  to  his  private 
Concerns. 


276  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM  GEORGE  CROGHAN 
A.  L.  S.1 

Presque  Isle2  Nobr.  Ist.  1760* 
HOND.  SIR 

The  20th.  of  Last  Month  I  Received  yr.  orders  from  Major 
Rogars  att  Pittsburge  to  Joyne  him  and  go  to  Detroat,4  in  pur- 
suance of  which  I  Came  hear  yesterday  and  has  brought  with 
me  Such  Indians  as  I  thought  Necessary  to  Take  with  Me  a  part 
of  which  I  Send  by  Land  with  part  of  the  Trupes  &  Some 
oxen. 

Before  I  Left  Pittsburge  I  Sent  Deputys  of  ye.  Six  Nations 
&  Dallaways  to  Detroat  to  acquaint  all  Nations  of  Indians  in 
that  Country  of  My  going  there  &  ye.  Rasons  thereof  &  to 
Sumens  Some  of  ye.  Cheefs  to  Come  with  ye.  Deputys  I  Sent 
to  Meat  Me  att  ye.  Mouth  of  ye.  River  which  I  Make  No  Doubt 
they  will  Do. 

itt  is  very  Late  in  ye.  Sason  to  Take  Such  a  Journay  Butt  yc. 
Bussness  we  are  going  on  will  Make  itt  agreeable  anough  you 
May  Depend  on  My  Doing  My  Duty  &  Setleing  Matters  with 
all  those  Nations  on  as  good  a  footing  as  I  am  Capable  of  for 
ye.  Good  of  his  Majestys  Gineral  Intrest  I  hope  to  Return  by 
Land  to  Pittsburge  by  ye.  20th  of  Decemr.  and  as  there  will  be 
Little  to  Do  this  winter  in  My  Department  I  Propose  going  to 
Fort  Johnson  and  Make  a  Report  of  My  Journay  to  Detroat  & 
Proceeding  this  Last  Campain  we  Sail  from  hence  in  two  Days 
plase  to  Make  My  Complements  Exceptable  to  all  ye.  Gentle- 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Now  Erie,  Pa. 

3  In  the   Collections  of  the  New   York  Historical  Society  for    1876, 
Golden  Papers,   p.   31,  is  a  letter  of  November   3d  from  Cadwallader 
Colden  to  Johnson. 

4  See  Journals  of  Major  Robert  Rogers,  ed.  F.  B.  Hough,  p.  1 84-1 97. 


Seven  Years9  War  277 

men  with  you.     I  am  Hond.  Sr.  with  Greatt  Esteem  &  Regard 
yr.  Honours 

Most  obeidant  &  Most 

Humble  Servant 

GEO:  CROGHAN 
To  the  Honourable 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Bar1. 

FROM  SIR  JEFFERY  AMHERST  TO  ABRAHAM  MORTIER 
The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  105,  by 
three  warrants  drawn  at  Albany  November  8th,  from  Major  General 
Jeffery  Amherst  on  Abraham  Mortier,  for  paying  Johnson  the  respective 
sums,  £1378,  16s,  lOd,  £838,  9s,  lid  and  £507,  Is,  lOd  sterling,  the 
last  for  the  pay  of  bateaumen.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copp.1 

Copy.  Albany  8th.  November  1760.- 

SlR, 

The  Several  Accompts,  relative  to  Your  Department,  Which 
You  have  this  Morning  laid  before  me,  I  have  referred  to  the 
Proper  officers  for  Examination;  When  they  have  passed  the 
same,  And  are  Approved  of,  I  shall  order  the  Warrants  for  the 
payment  thereof. - 

I  am  at  the  same  time  to  Observe  to  you,  that  as  the  Several 
Sallaries  of  the  Indian  Officers,  are  a  heavy  Charge  to  the 
Publick,  and  that  from  the  Present  Circumstances  of  Affairs, 
their  Services  can  be  dispensed  with,  And  Occasion  a  great  Sav-  , 
ing:  I  must  Desire,  especially  as  I  Make  no  Doubt,  that  Capt8. 
John  Butler,  &  Jeles  Fonda,  and  Lieut8.  William  Hair  &  Henry 
Nellus,  Part  of  the  aforementioned  Indian  Officers,  have  other 


1  In  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.60,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  January  7,  1  761. 


278  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Occupations,  that  you  will  thank  them  for  their  past  Services, 
and  Strike  them  off  the  Lists  from  the  respective  times,  they  are 
now  Charged  to,  in  your  Accompts.- 

And  as  a  Secretary  for  Indian  Affairs,  is  now  Come  over, 
in  Whose  Absence  Doctr.  Shuckburgh  Acted  in  that  Capacity, 
and  that  the  Service  of  the  latter  as  Surgeon  to  the  Independent 
Companys  is  wanted  at  Fort  George,  I  must  likewise  Desire  you 
to  strike  him  off  the  List  also,  and  that  you  will  order  him,  So 
Soon  as  you  can  Spare  him  to  repair  to  Fort  George,  to  Attend 
the  two  Compy8.  that  are  to  Winter  there,  as  they  have  no  Sur- 
geon or  Mate  with  them.— 

I  am  &ca 

JEFF:  AMHERST 
SIR  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar*. 

INDORSED:     Copy  Letter  from  Gen1.  Amherst 
To  Sir  Wm.  Johnson  Bar1 
Dated  Albany  8th.  NoV.  1  760. 
That  as  from  the  present 
Circumstances  of  Affairs,  the 
Services  of  many  of  the  officers, 
Employed  in  Indian  Affairs, 
may  be  Dispensed  with,  &  their 
Sallaries  being  a  heavy  Charge 
to  the  Publick;  he  Desires  Sr.  Wm.  to 
thank  them  for  their  past  Services 
and  Strike  them  off  his  Lists, 
from  that  time.- 

in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  Jan?.  7.  1 761. 
N°.  34 


Seven  Fears'  War  279 

FROM    PIERRE   ROUBAUD 
Contemporary  Translation  x 

^Translation  of  a  letter  from  Pere  Roubaud  2  to  Sr.  Wm. 
Johnson  bearing  date  at  S*.  Francis  13l:  November  1760 


1  The  French  letter  destroyed  by  fire.     It  was  inclosed  in  a  letter  of 
Claus  to  Johnson,  January  20,  1  761. 

2  Pierre  Joseph  Antoine  Roubaud  S.  J.  was  born  at  Avignon  May  28, 
1  724.     Several  of  his  brothers  distinguished  themselves  in  literature ;  and 
it  is  noteworthy  that  one  of  these  was  a  Jesuit,  while  another,  Pierre  Joseph 
Andre,    the   most   celebrated,   originally   adopted   the   clerical   profession. 
Roubaud  entered  the  Jesuit  order  September  7,   1  739,  in  the  province  of 
Lyons,  and  was  transferred  to  a  mission  in  Canada  in  July  1  742.     Sent 
to  the  mission  of  St  Francis  de  Sales,  he  accompanied  the  Abenakis  on  the 
successful   expedition   against   Fort  William  Henry;    and   at  St  Francis, 
October  21,  1  75  7,  he  wrote  a  vivid  and  affecting  narrative  of  Montcalm's 
campaign,  by  which  he  is  represented  in  Letires  Edifiantcs  et  Curieuses. 
He  there  gives  an  account  of  several  minor  engagements  with  the  English, 
besides  portraying  incidents  attending  the  siege  and  capture  of  the  fort. 
The  story  affords  evidence  of  Pere  Roubaud's  devotion  to  the  interests  of 
the  Indians,  whose  cruelty  toward  captives  he  exerted  himself  at  different 
times  to  abate.     After  the  surrender  of  Montreal,  Pere  Roubaud  received 
marks  of  consideration  from  General  Amherst  and  Sir  William  Johnson, 
which  not  only  exalted  the  English  character  in  his  eyes,  but  excited  hopes 
of  gaining  advantage  from  the  conquest  of  Canada.      He  obtained  the 
appointment  of  royal  missionary  and  a  salary  of   £200.      Having  been 
sent  to  England  in  1  764  to  furnish  information  on  the  state  of  the  colony 
to  the  government,  he  renounced  his  religion  and  married.     For  a  time  he 
was  connected  with  the  stage.     In  February  1781,  he  addressed  to  Lord 
North  a  petition  in  which  he  expatiated  in  extravagant  terms  on  his  services 
to  humanity  during  the  French  war  and  his  labors  as  an  English  agent.     It 
is  evident  from  this  document,  entitled  "  Mr  Roubaud's  Deplorable  Case," 
which  has  been  published,  with  a  prefatory  note  by  J.  G.  Shea,  in  the 
Historical  Magazine,  that  he  often  had  political  communications  with  the 
representatives  of  France  and  Spain  at  the  English  court.     He  even  asserts 
in  his  petition  that  he  was  charged  by  the  French  ambassador  in  the  early 
days  of  the  American  Revolution  with  the  business  of  offering  England  an 
alliance,  to  include  the  aid  of  French  troops  in  subduing  the  colonies.     He 
indulges  in  charges  against  the  loyalty  of  eminent  British  statesmen.     His 


280  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

SIR, 

The  livelyness  of  my  gratitude  would  Suffer  were  I  to  remain 
any  longer  Silent.  Your  bounties  are  to  deeply  rooted  in  my 
heart  for  me  not  to  hasten  my  thanks  to  the  respectable  protector 
to  whom  they  are  due.  Little  satisfied  with  having  heaped  on 
me  all  the  Civilities  imaginable,  you  have  moreover  procured  me 
the  knowledge  &  protection  of  the  General  Amherst,  who  alone 
does  &  can  support  me  under  the  Circumstances  in  which  I  am  — 
Your  kindnesses  towards  me  have  gone  still  farther  ;>  informed 
of  the  few  shifts  <left  me  in  my  sorrowfull>  fate;  you  have 
taken  pleasure  <in  giving  me  proof s>  of  Generosity,  which 
hcive  greatly  < softened  the  sad>  days  that  have  run  for  me 
since  <your  departure, >  and  which  I  fear  much  will  run  <on 
still  longer.  ^>  All  those  favors  heaped  on  me  with  <^so  much 
good>ness,  have  given  birth  to  Sentiments  of  <Gratitude,> 
respect  and  Attachment,  which  can  <end  but  with^>  my  Life. 
I  shall  never  flatter  myself  <more  than>  when  I  may  find  the 
Opportunity  of  marking  those>  Sentiments  publick.  It  is  the 
only  Ack<nowledge>ment  I  am  capable  of  towards  a  Man 


complaints  of  ingratitude  and  bad  faith  on  the  part  of  the  British  ministry 
bring  out  the  facts,  that  he  appropriated  manuscript  maps  in  the  Jesuit 
archives,  used,  in  his  relations  with  the  government,  political  and  state 
papers  which,  he  said,  had  belonged  to  Montcalm,  and  attempted  to  open 
a  correspondence  with  his  brothers  in  France  in  order  to  supply  the  British 
government  with  information.  The  appeal  to  Lord  North  contains  a  story 
of  poverty  and  suffering,  and  conveys  the  request  that  the  petitioner  be 
allowed  to  retire  to  the  Austrian  Netherlands,  to  end  his  days  in  a  convent, 
as  he  dared  not  return  to  France.  According  to  one  authority,  Pere 
Roubaud  died  at  St  Sulpice,  in  Paris,  after  1781.  He  was  living  in 
London  as  late  as  April  1787.  Consult,  for  the  Roubaud  family, 
Biographic  Universelle  and  Nouvelle  Biographic  Generale.  For  informa- 
tion touching  Pere  Roubaud,  Jesuit  Relations,  edited  by  R.  G.  Thwaites, 
70:90-203,  311  (note);  Historical  Magazine,  2d  series,  8:282-91; 
Francis  Parkman,  Montcalm  and  Wolfe,  p.  17O-71  ;  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y., 
4:336-39;  Q,  4:215-16;  Canadian  Archives  for  1885,  p.  ix,  xiii-xxi, 
cxxxviii-cxlii,  and  for  1888,  p.  xvi,  also  p.  48-51  (Third  volume  of 
Calendar  of  Haldimand  Collection). 


Seven  Fears'   War  281 

like  <  You> ;  but  a  heart  that  gives  all  it  hath,  is  <beholden>- 
to  no  more;  besides,  having  the  Hea<jt  so  well>  placed  as 
you  have,  I  dare  hope  that  <^you  will^>  receive  and  approve 
these  Sentiments,  <to  which >  your  amiable  Qualities  lir.ve 
given  <  birth  in  mine.^> 

The  Savages  have  according  to  custom  <dispersed>  them- 
selves in  the  Woods;  they  are  not  to  me<[et  again  >  here  till 
towards  next  Spring;  I  must  therefo<je  beg>  of  You  to  be  so 
good  as  to  warn  the  Loups  J'<Orange>1  not  to  be  impatient, 
if  they  do  not  receive  a  Deputation  from  the  Village  of  S*. 
Francis;  <do>  not  let  them  take  this  delay  for  a  refusal. 
<before>  their  Separation  to  go  a  hunting,  the  Chiefs  & 
Cap<tains>  decided  that  in  the  course  of  next  Winter  thr<ee> 
Savages  shall  be  sent  to  Orange  with  four  Be<lts>  and  a  young 
Savage,  to  relieve  him  that  was  ki<^lled^>  last  Summer.  This 
is  the  result  of  the  Counci<ll>  they  have  held,  &  to  the  per- 
formance of  which  <they>  shall  be  summoned  so  soon  as  they 
meet  again. 

Full  of  Confidence  in  You  whom  they  look  upon  <as>  their 
Protector  &  Father,  the  Savages  have  charg-<ed  me  to  recom- 
mend to  your  kindness  about  Twenty  Old  Women  whose  great 
Age  would  not  suffer  them  to  go  into  the  Woods;  some  Cloaths, 
which  they  are  in  great  need  of,  would,  at  the  same  time  that 
they  Love  &  Cherish  the  present  Government,  confirm  them  more 
&  more  in  the  Sentiments  of  fidelity  that  annimates  them.  I 
daily  hear  on  their  part  nothing  but  felicitations  on  the  manner 
in  which  they  are  treated,  but  they  do  not  hide  that  they  believe 
they  owe  this  good  treatment  mostly  to  You  &  Your  protection. 
And  they  protest  openly  that>  whatever  may  be  the  <fate  of 
Canada  at  the  peace,  they^>  will  never  fail  to  be  in  ^Corre- 
spondence with  You,  nor  to]>  obey  you  as  a  father  who  <[has 
assisted  them  in  their>  wants;  You  may  well  Judge  <that  I 
shall  maintain>  them  in  those  dispositions,  <and  that  I  shall 
omit>  nothing  to  render  them  universal  thro'  the  hearts  of> 


Stockbridge  Indians. 


282  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

all  the  Savages.  They  wait  <with  eagerness  for  one>  or  two 
Flags  which  they  wish  <for  ardently.  They>  likewise  desire 
you  would  name  <an  interpreter  for>  them,  they  have  none, 
and  in  causes  where  they  have>  occasion  to  send  a  Talk  they 
will  <;be  greatly  Embar Brassed.  This  is  the  Subject  of  their 
< requests  which  >  I  confidently  state  to  You,  convinced  <;that 
you  will>  decide  the  whole,  with  that  Sagacity  &  <  modera- 
tion^ which  compose  your  Character.  As  to  me,  I  <^wait 
your>  Orders  on  all  these  things,  I  shall  conform  <myself> 
entirely  to  your  will  with  an  inviolable  fidelity  ;^>  and  I  can 
assure  You  I  shall  never  find  any  difficulties  in  whatever  you 
may  desire;  It  <suffices>  that  you  order,  to  make  all  difficulties 
cease;  When  the  heart  is  willing  one  finds  every  thing  easy;  and 
I  may  assure  that  whenever  Sr.  Wm.  Johnson  is  in  question,  or 
any  thing  that  regards  him,  my  heart  will  of  itself  be  prone  to 
yield;  With  such  Sentiments  it  is  that  I  have  the  honor  to  be  with 
the  most  profound  respect  &ca. 

<  Montreal  NovK  4th.  1761  * 

INDORSED:     Translation  of  Pier  Roubaud's  Letter  by  General 
Amherst  recd.  it  but  in  Febry.> 


NICHOLAS  BRANT'S  ACKNOWLEDGMENT 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1 06,  by  an 
acknowledgment,  dated  November  1 3th,  by  Nicholas  Brant  and  other 
Indians  that  their  fathers  sold  to  Teady  Maginis  [Magin]  a  certain  tract 
of  land  between  the  Canada  creeks.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


1  This  date  is  plainly  incorrect.      November   1 4,    1  760,  was  probably 
the  date  when  the  letter  was  received  by  Claus. 


Seven  Years    War  283 

FROM  DANIEL  CLAUS 
A.  L.  S.1 

Montreal  20ih.  NoV.  1760 
SIR 

I  had  the  Honour  of  receiving  your  Favour  of  the  10th.  Ult°. 
from  Albany  the  day  before  Yesterday,  and  that  by  Accident 
I  having  been  ill  with  a  Cold  for  ab*.  8  Days,  Mr.  Wilson  the 
Bearer  thereof  could  not  find  me  out  and  was  told  of  my  being 
quartered  in  the  Country.  This  being  the  first  Acco*.  I  had  since 
you  left  Montreal  it  gave  me  the  infinite  Pleasure  to  hear  of  your 
safe  arrival  at  Albany  and  that  the  Indns.  behaved  so  well  and  "7 
quiet  by  the  Way;  Mr.  S*.  Luc  Le  Corn  returned  from  York 
some  Days  ago.  he  told  me  that  time  and  Season  would  not  x 
allow  him  to  pay  you  a  Visit,  and  that  he  heard  you  were  con- 
fined wth.  a  Sore  Legg  in  so  much  that  you  could  not  come  to  a 
Conference  with  Gen1.  Amherst,  I  was  sorry  to  hear  it.  Since 
the  8th.  ins1,  the  Winter  set  in  here  with  Snow  &  Cold  &  continued 
ever  since ;  every  Body  passes  the  Streets  in  Slays,  I  have  given 
up  the  receiving  of  my  Baggage  this  Season  as  there  will  be  no 
passing  this  River  until  it  is  froze,  the  Weather  being  too  severe 
to  cross  the  Water  in  crafts. 

Mr.  Wilson  desires  his  Complm1*  to  you  and  Captn.  Warren, 
He  finds  his  Trip  answer  very  well  and  intends  to  remain  here 
this  Winter,  he  told  me  he  received  upwards  of  £400  Curr?.  the 
first  Day  he  opened  Shop  &  hopes  to  have  his  Cargo  sold  off  in 
abl.  a  couple  Months.  I  offered  him  all  the  Services  in  my 
Power,  but  I  imagine  he  will  have  no  Goods  to  dispose  of  to  the 
Indns.  after  their  coming  from  hunting.  I  shall  endeavour  to 
make  a  Collection  of  what  little  Couriosities  come  in  my  way 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


284  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

tho'  I  have  met  but  wlh.  very  few  since  I  am  here.  We  have  had 
no  further  Accots.  of  Majr.  Rodgers  since  the  last  Report  of  his 
being  worsted  at  Detroit. —  Twelf  Indep1.  Companies  wlh.  Vaans 
Reg1:1  in  all  2000.  Welsh  Troops  are  arrived  at  Quebec  as  its 
said  to  complete  the  Regts.  there.  We  have  had  the  good  News 
of  the  King  of  Prussia's  having  gained  a  Victory  over  Gen. 
Laudhon's 2  army,  this  will  greatly  contribute  towards  an 
Advantageous  Peace  for  us,  if  he  holds  out  this  Campaign.— 

All  things  are  quiet  and  easy  here  &  the  People  of  this  Town 
seemingly  well  pleased  with  their  New  Mast",  if  they  only  had 
the  Argent  blanc,  the  Country  People  have  the  Advantage  in 
selling  their  Produce  for  cash  and  will  sooner  oblige  the  English 
in  selling  them  things  cheaper  tho  the  others  have  sometimes 
Silver  to  pay,  which  vexes  them  greatly. 

I  was  told  in  Company  that  Sl.  Luc  le  Corn  3  should  have 
said  that  the  Ottawawas  offered  their  Service  against  the  Chero- 
kees.  I  replied  that  I  knew  nothing  of  it,  and  believed  the 
Ottaw9.  were  not  so  firmly  attached  to  us  as  yet,  but  that  they 
could  be  persuaded  to  the  contrary  by  the  French  Emissaries 
among  the  Cherok8.  and  wch.  would  answer  a  fine  political 
Scheme  of  Mr.  Le  Corns. — 


1  Lieutenant  Colonel  John  Vaughan,  afterward  Major  General. 

2  Gideon  Ernest  Laudon,  Baron,  was  born  at  Tootzen,  Livonia,  of  an 
old  Scotch  family,  February  2,   1717.     In   1732  he  entered  the  Russian 
service;   in    1742,   the  Austrian   army;   and  in    1745   he   fought  against 
Prussia  on  the  Silesian  border.     In  the  Seven  Years'  war,  after  several 
notable  successes,  he  distinguished  himself  .at  Rossbach.     For  his  conduct 
at  Domstadt  he  was  made  a  lieutenant  field  marshal ;  and  for  his  behavior 
at  Hochkirch,  a  baron.     He  was  successful,  August  12,  1  759  at  Kuners- 
dorf  in  conjunction  with  the  Russians.     The  next  year,  August  15,  he  was 
beaten   at   Liegnitz,    after   winning   the   battle  of   Landeshut.      In    1 778 
Laudon  was  made  field  marshal.     In  1  788  and  1  789  he  fought  the  Turks 
with  great  distinction.     He  died  at  Neutitschein  July  1 4,   1  790. 

3  Luc  de  Chapt  de  La  Corne  St  Luc,  a  French  scouting  officer,  brother 
of  Chevalier  l^a  Corne  St  Luc. 


Seven  Years'  War  285 

I  have  no  more  to  add  but  remain  with  my  utmost  Respects 
Sir 

Your  most  Obedient  and 

most  humble  Servant 

DANL  GLAUS. 

Pray  Sir  offer  my  best  compliments 
to  Captn.  Warren,1  and  the  Family. 
To  the  Honourable  SR.  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar1. 


FROM  GEORGE  CROGHAN  AND  RICHARD  SHUCKBURGH 
The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  106,  by 
George  Croghan's  draft,  drawn  at  Fort  Detroit  December  1  1  th,  on  John- 
son in  favor  of  Colonel  Edward  Cole;  and  Dr  Richard  Shuckburgh's 
letter  of  the  15th,  written  at  New  York,  to  Johnson,  about  news,  letters 
and  business  affairs.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


FROM   GOLDSBROW   BANYAR 

A.  L.  S.2 

New  York  15  Dec'.  1760 
DEAR  SIR  WM. 

I  send  you  inclosed  a  Captain's  Commission  to  Mr.  Ferral 
Wade  in  the  room  of  Captain  John  Lyne,  the  Subalterns  in  this 
Company  remain  as  before  I  suppose;  therefore  their  Commis- 
sions rec'd 3  not  be  altered  nor  new  ones  issued.  I  send  you 
Commissions  for  Captain  Johnson's  Company  in  the  filling  up 
of  which  I  supposed  you  meant  to  divide  Hend  Hansen's  Com- 
pany into  two.  When  Hansen  was  appointed  in  the  room  of 
Conin  this  Company  was  divided  into  two,  So  that  Company 
which  was  commanded  by  Conin  is  now  properly  divided  into 
three.  If  I  have  mistaken  your  meaning,  and  you  meant  to 


1  Warren  Johnson. 

2  Destroyed  by  fire. 

8  "  Rec'd  "  in  the  copy;  "  need  "  was  probably  written. 


286  Sir  William  Johnson  ljapers 

remove  Hendrick  Hansen  &  his  three  subalterns  and  to  appoint 
Captain  John  Johnson  &  his  Subalterns  in  their  room,  at  least 
Captain  Johnson's  Commission  must  be  returned,  the  Lieutenant  j 
and  Ensign's  will  do  as  you  will  observe  by  the  manner  in  which 
they  are  filled  up.  I  send  you  a  Copy  of  the  Entries  of  the 
Commissions  of  Hansen  &  Lyne  and  their  officers  with  a  Copy 
of  that  part  of  your  Letter  by  which  you  may  observe  I  was 
puzled  to  know  your  meaning,  for  the  Company  you  say  you 
want  to  divide  into  two,  that  is  Conin's,  was  divided  into  two  the 
28  March  last  by  Com8,  then  issued.1 

I  have  no  Indian  Deed  among  my  Papers  that  I  know  of  rela- 
tive to  your  Susquehannah  Purchase  I  remember  there  was  a 
deed,  but  it  was  not  a  regular  One,  that  is  it  was  not  executed 
before  a  Majistrate  &  the  Lands  Surveyed  as  the  Ordinary 
Method  directs.  You  must  if  you  incline  to  proceed,  put  in  a 
JPetition  for  a  New  Lycence,  &  the  sooner  the  better.  All  Peti- 
tions for  large  Tracts  are  at  a  Stand;  the  Council  seem  deter- 
mined  to  grant  no  more  than  20,000  acres  in  one  Patent,  so  that 
if  they  come  to  such  a  Resolution  you  must  present  as  many  Pets. 
for  20,000  acres  as  will  include  the  quantity  you  mean  to  take 
up  and  take  out  as  many  Lycences  as  Petitions.  It  will  be  neces- 
sary perhaps  too  that  you  at  least  offer  a  share  to  each  of  the 
Gentlemen  of  the  Council,  Mr  Chambers  2  I  think  was  to  be 
concerned  originally,  as  I  think  I  was,  but  you  meant  then  a  very 
great  Share  for  yourself,  more  perhaps  than  you'l  now  want; 
as  your  attention  in  point  of  Settlements,  is  taken  up  nearer 
home:  The  Council  too,  have  obliged  me  in  Magin's  Case  and 
^will  do  the  like  in  all  other  Cases,  to  settle  a  Family  on  every 
500  acres  or  that  number  of  Families  in  proportion  to  the  quan- 
tity of  the  whole  Tract,  in  three  years  after  the  Warr,  or  forfeit 
the  Patent.  This  I  am  well  assured  will  be  impracticable  in 
most  Cases.  The  same  answer  &  observations  will  do  as  to  the 
Tract  of  40,000  which  you  have  in  View  but  unless  it  lies  very 


1  See  Third  Annual  Report  of  the  State  Historian,  p.  768. 

2  John  Chambers,  member  of  the  provincial  council  from  1  752  to  1  763. 


CAPTAIN  JOHN  JOHXSOX 

(About  1760  ?) 


Seven  Years    War  287 

remote  indeed  I  dare  say,  there  are  Petitions  before  the  Council 
which  include  it:  If  you  dont  incline  to  communicate  this  Secret 
to  me,  I  will  send  if  you  desire  an  abstract  of  the  Petition 
defending. 

No  News  but  what  you'l  find  in  your  News  Paper.  So  I  will 
conclude  by  wishing  you  all  the  Comforts  of  Life  of  which  you 
can  have  the  fullest  measure  without  yourself  a  wife.  You 
your  *  so  little  account  that  you  take  no  care  to  perpetuate  it. 
Now  is  your  time  if  you *  Intend  it,  you  must,  let  me  See,  be 
now  pretty  farr  advanced  towards  fifty.  I  should  be  sorry  my 
Friend  should  defer  it  to  his  \  which  I  am  apprehensive  of  from 
your  close  attachment  to  your  dirty  Acres  which  after  toiling 
away  all  your  Life  will  produce  only  the  Prospect  of  advantage 
to  those  who  come  after  you.  Pray  present  my  Compliments  to 
your  Brother,  who  I  hope  has  entirely  establish'd  his  Health. 
1  sometimes  think  this  Place  must  appear  as  disagreeable  to  you 
as  Albany,  for  nothing  it  seems  can  prevail  on  you,  gratify  the 
great  Inclination  your  Friends  have  to  See  you  here./  I  am  with 
great  Sincerity 

Dr  Sr.  Wm. 

your  affectionate 

humble  Serv. 
Gw  BANYAR 


Extract  Sir  Wm.  Johnsons  Letter  to  G.  B.  22d.  October 

Ifhere  is  another  Company  in  the  said  Batalion  which  is  too 
large  being  160  Men  and  I  want  to  divide  it  for  the  better 
Disciplining  of  them  wherefore  would  want  the  following  Com- 
missions Viz1. 


John  Johnson  Cap1. 
1st  Leiu*.  John  Welles 
2d  Ditto  John  Johnston 
Ensign  William  Johnston 


This  is  the  Company  which 
Captn.  Conin  lately  had  and 
Commanded  now  by  Cap1 
Hendrick  Hansen  — 


1  Omission  in  copying. 


288 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


Entries  of  Com8,  issued  dated  28  March  1  760 


Hendrick  Hansen   Capm 
John  Wemp  1st  Lieut 

Jeremiah  Quack      2d  Leiut 
Samuel  Gardineer  Ensign 


John  Lyne  Capta 

Goosie  M  Vanalstyn  1  st  Leiu1 
Robert  Flint  Junr.  2d  Lieu1 
Christian  Garlock  Ensign 


Of     the     Comp"? 
of     Militia  Foot 
in     D°     Batalion 
lately  Command- 
ed   by    &    in    the .j-  28  March 
room      of      Cap* 
Peter     Conin     in 
the   Regiment  &c 
as  above 


Of  a  New  Com-  ^ 
pany  to  be  form- 
ed out  of  the 
Company  of  Mil- 
itia foot  Com- 
manded by  Hen- 
drick Hansen 
Esqr.  (now  di- 
vided into  two 
Companies)  in 
the  Schenectady 
Battalion  in  the 
Regiment  &c. 


28* 


March 


As  to  Mrs.  Magin's  additional  Purchase.  She  agreed,  or 
rather  he  did,  for  the  Lands  at  or  about  the  time  he  agreed  for 
the  purchase  of  what  was  lately  surveyed,  but  it  was  not  within 
the  description  of  any  Lycence  that  he  had  at  that  time,  at  least 
I  dont  know  that  he  had  any  Lycence  which  included  it :  when 
she  was  up  in  October  last  she  agreed  with  the  Indian  in  the 
presence  of  the  Surveyor  for  I  think  6  miles  Square  West- 
ward of  what  she  surveyed,  and  which  lies  as  I  understand  back 


Seven  Years    War  289 

of  Glin's  Purchase.  I  think  in  her  Letter  to  me  which  I  have 
not  now  by  me  she  mentions  you  and  Mr  Ogilvie  were  to  have  a 
Share.1  Besides  which  there  is  Mr  A  Colden  and  my  self. 
Klock  in  1 755  obtained  a  Lycence  to  purchase  Lands  including 
this  6  miles;  he  did  not  proceed,  he  has  now  applyed  to  renew 
his  Lycence,  taking  in  Mr.  O  DeLancey  and  Mr.  Peter  DuBois. 
I  wrote  the  latter  Mr.  Du  Bois  I  believed  Mrs.  Magin  would 
have  no  Objection  to  his  having  a  Share,  but  that  I  imagined  she 
would  have  nothing  to  say  with  Klock:  Mr.  Colden  and  my 
self  were  concerned  in  the  Lycence  of  Klock.  All  proceedings 
or  Petitions  not  presented  within  one  year  to  a  patent  are  by  an 
old  Order  of  Council  made  by  Gov.  Clinton  void:  I  am  there- 
fore at  a  Loss  what  to  say  or  to  advise  Mrs.  Magin  to  do  in  this 
Case.  A  new  Lycence  must  be  taken  out  but  the  question  is  by 
whom  Mr.  Philip  Livingston  and  Mr.  Stevenson  of  Albany, 
formerly  made  some  agreement  with  the  Indians  about  these 
Lands  whither  this  was  the  same  with  Magin's  I  know  not,  but 
they  expect  a  Share.  I  make  it  a  Rule  to  be  concerned  where 
I  can,  because  I  look  Upon  this  to  be  the  principal  advantage 
arising  from  the  Office  I  sustain; 


FROM  RICHARD  SHUCKBURGH 
A.  L.  S.2 

Nerv  York  22*.  Dec'.  1760 
SIR 

I  wrote  you  a  Letter  last  week  in  some  hurry  the  Post  being 
just  going  away  &  forgot  to  inclose  M".  Wraxall's  Ace1.  & 
Receipt  which  I  now  do  herewith  also  Parker's  Paper  3  of  the 
1 1  *.  instant  wherein  you  will  find  a  Paragraph  with  an  ace*. 


1See  Calendar  of  Council  Minutes,  p.   401,   402,   and  Calendar  of 
Land  Papers,  p.  292.     Also  Johnson  to  Wendell,  March  10,  1761. 

2  Destroyed  by  fire. 

3  New  York  Gazette  and  Weekly  Post  Bo$. 

Vol.  Ill— 10 


290  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

of  the  death  of  Cap*.  Tyrrel:1  Your  Letter  to  that  Gentleman 
I  reserve  till  the  next  Pacquet  goes  away  unless  you  advise  me 
otherwise:  some  People  believe  the  Acc!.  &  some  do  not 
especially  as  coming  from  the  West  Indies,  from  where  I  had 
seen  myself  frequent  Accte.  of  his  coming  there  w*.  a  fleet  which 
was  not  true  as  this  may  be  too. 

I  have  recd.  from  the  Stocking  Weaver  Seven  pair  of  Stockings 
&  some  yarn  over :  Be  pleas'd  to  acquaint  me  how  I  shall  forward 
them  to  you  &  I  shall  do  it  with  Dispatch  — 

I  have  Recd.  my  Money  fm.  Mr.  Mortier  and  Mr.  Marsh' 
has  lately  Recd.  another  half  years  Salary  from  Mr.  Kenneday 
the  Receiver  Gen1,  which  will  be  the  last  he  will  receive  fm.  that 
Office  till  he  Obtains  a  Warrant  from  the  LA  of  the  Treasury 
for  that  Purpose  the  same  which  Cap*.  Wraxall  had:  which  I 
am  apt  to  believe  he  will  not  get,  as  I  am  almost  sure  yr.  Letter 
to  the  Lds.  of  Trade  in  favour  of  me  came  to  their  hands  by 
Bolderson,  who  is  Returned;  that  being  the  Master  of  ye  Pacquet 
which  Mr.  Kelly  tells  me  he  gave  y*  Pacquet  to,  directed  to  the 
Lords  of  Trade,  but  he  did  not  Sail,  till  the  beginning  of  Augst. 
last,  for  England  &  when  arriv'd  did  not  tarry  long  there  - 
the  key  of  the  Box  in  which  are  the  Indian  Records  I  gave  to 
Mr.  Jno.  Wells.  I  am  in  some  Suspence  till  you  have  an  answer 
from  the  Board  of  Trade;  but  I  am  far  from  giving  up  the 
thoughts  of  Attending  you  with  the  Records  as  long  as  you  con- 
tinue in  the  Station  you  are  in. 

I  took  my  leave  of  Majr.  M  P.  this  Day  who  is 

to  imbark  directly,  with  abl.  1 500  Soldiers  &  four  Months  full 
Provisions,  for  South  Carolina,  the  Indians  as  far  as  I  hear 
continue  wtl\  Cap*.  Kenneday  who  told  me  he  believed  Wm. 
Amherst  will  soon  go  home,  I  have  heard  so  fm.  others  but  how 


1  Captain  Richard  Tyrrel. 

2  The  royal  commission  to  Witham  Marsh  to  be  town  clerk,  clerk  of 
the  peace  and  of  the  common  pleas  at  Albany,  also  secretary  or  agent  of 
Indian  affairs,  was  read  in  the  council,  and  he  was  sworn  in,  July  21, 
1  760. —  Calendar  of  Council  Minutes,  p.  448. 


Seven  Years    War  291 

they  should  know  it  from  a  Person  so  reserved  as  he  is  makes 

it  a  Question  -     Gen1.  Monkton  &  Majr.  Gates  not  yet 

come  from  Philadelphia,  every  thing  quiet  there  as  far  as  I  hear: 
tis  Reported  here  that  Mr.  Lacorn  Sl.  Luke  when  he  was  here 
should  say  he  woud  dispetch  from  Montreal  Eight  Sleds  this 
winter  &  some  of  our  New  York  Gentry  talk  of  making  an 
Excursion  that  way^ 

I  saw  a  Lady  since  my  arrival  who  has  been  some  time  where 
the  General  was,  &  says  that  he  often  mentions  you  with  great 

commendation. you'll  Excuse  this  tittle  tattle  report  f™. 

me.  it  was  uppermost  as  it  gave  me  pleasure  &  I  could  not  avoid 

repeating  it = —  you'll  repeat  my  Compliments  to  yr.  Broth*. 

&  family. 

I  am  yr.  most  oblig'd 

&  very  humble  Serv*. 

R.  SHUCKBURGH 


FROM  DANIEL  CLAUS 
A.  L.  S.1 

Montreal  27  Dec'.  1760. 
SIR 

I  would  not  omit  paying  my  Respects  to  you  by  a  Post  going 
from  hence  altho  I  have  nothing  remarkable  or  worth  reporting 
the  Indns..  being  not  returned  from  hunting  yet,  nevertheless  I 
am  frequently  plagued  with  idle  Visits  by  the  Sachems  who 
stayd  at  home,  The  sickness  still  continues  and  I  am  told  some 
Indns..  upon  the  hunt  were  taken  by  it.  I  shall  transmit  a  Copy 
of  my  Journal  by  that  Canajoree  Indn.  who  came  last  spring 
from  Caghnawage  he  was  left  here  sick  &  intends  to  set  out  for 
home  as  soon  as  the  Ice  sets  which  to  all  the  Inhte..  amasement 
has  not  been  yet.  If  it  was  not  for  the  Papers  2  that  perhaps 


Mn   Public   Archives  of  Canada,   Claus  Papers,  v.   I.    1716-1777. 
M.   104,  p.   16. 

"Capers"  in  the  copy. 


292  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

every  three  or  four  weeks  are  brought  from  Albany  this  Place 
would  be  a  melancholly  one  as  there  is  not  the  least  News  else 
stirring  from  any  other  Part-^7 

/Captn.  Lottridge  has  been  gone  from  hence  these  2  Months 
past  &  I  hear  was  seen  at  Tiyondaroga  Gen1.  Gage  dont  like 
the  Canadiens  being  with  hin> 

I  flatter  myself  my  last  letter  of  the  22d.  Ult°.  has  come  to 
your  hands  since  w0*1..  Nothing  occurred  material  with  regard  to 
Indn.  Matters.  I  find  there  will  be  a  Necessity  of  employing  an 
Interpreter  for  the  foreign  Nations  when  they  come  here  in  spring, 
but  this 

I  am  with  the  utmost  Respect 

Sir 
Your  m.  o.  &  m.  h.  s*. 

D.  C. 

To  the  HonbK. 
SR.  WM.  JOHNSON  Bart. 


TO  ALEXANDER  GOLDEN  .   / 

L.  S.1 

Fort  Johnson  Dec1'.  29**.  1760 
DEAR  SIR 

It  is  with  pleasure  I  embrace  this  opertunity  of  renewing  a 
Correspondence  with  you,  and  heartily  wish  a  continuance  of  it, 
without  any  interruption. 

The  Two  Mohawk  Castles  have  of  late  been  Severall  times 
with  me  in  a  Body,  desireing  in  the  most  pressing  manner,  i 
would  let  them  know  their  Bounds,  or  what  Lands  they  are  still 
Masters,  or  owners  of  in  these  parts,  I  told  them  I  would  do  all 
in  my  power  to  inform  them  but  that  it  was  impossible  before  I 
had  a  Survey  of  this  part  of  the  Country  from  you.  which  they 
begged  I  would  get  as  soon  as  possible  as  they  cant  dispose  of 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years'   War  293 

any  more  Lands,  with  the  least  degree  of  certainty,  before  they 
are  informed  what  is  yet  unsold,  wherefore,  in  order  to  gratifie 
them,  &  remove  their  present  uneasiness  with  regard  to  their 
Lands,  I  should  be  verry  glad  and  willingly  pay  for  (on  account 
of  the  Crown)  an  Exact  &  full  Survey  of  all  the  Patents,  & 
Lands  taken  up  on  both  Sides  of  the  Mohawk  River,  from 
Schenectady  to  Fort  Stanwix.  by  which  Means,  I  shall  be  able 
to  let  them  know  what  they  so  much  desire,  and  which  will  pre- 
vent disputes  ariseing  between  them  &  the  Inhabitants  &ca.,  which 
is  his  Majestys  Intention,  &  desire  Signified  to  Me  several  times 
by  letters  from  ye.  Lords  of  Trade,  therefore,  my  Duty,  to  do  all 
in  my  power  to  keep  up  a  good  understanding  between  them,  to 
do  which,  nothing  can  at  present  more  contribute  than  my  have- 
ing  such  a  full,  and  exact  Survey  as  above  mentioned,  be  so  good 
Sir,  to  let  me  know  whether,  &  when  such  a  Survey  can  be  had, 
&  what  the  Expence  would  be.  the  sooner  I  could  know  it  the 
better,  as  they  are  daily  teasing  me  about  it. 

I  heartily  wish  you  yc  compliments  of  the  Season,  and  am  with 
best  Respects  to  the  good  Family  in  general 
Dear  Sir  yr. 

Sincere  Friend,  &  Humble  Servant 

WM  JOHNSON 
ALEXANDER  GOLDEN  Esqr. 


FROM  RICHARD  SHUCKBURGH 
A.  L.  S.1 

New  York  Dec'.  29'*.  7760 
SIR 

I  finish'd  my  last  Letter  the  day  after  Xmas  Day,2  by  Pat. 
McGhee  since  which  Gen1.  Monkton  &  Majr.  Gates  are  arrived 
the  latter  informs  that  Mr.  Croghan  is  not  returned  as  yet  fm.  a 
Conference  he  is  holding  with  the  Ohio  Ind8.  &  says  that  the 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Not  found. 


294  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Shawanese  Indians  are  not  gone  over  to  the  Southern  Ind8.  our 
Enemies,  that  Majr.  Rogers  was  not  return'd  from  Detroit,  but 
had  met  with  no  Opposition  fm.  the  French  or  Ind8.  in  that 
Quarter,  he  believes  it  may  be  too  late  for  him  Majr.  Rogers 
to  proceed  to  Missilamakinac :  there  is  above  a  hundred  thousand 
Pounds  worth  of  Furrs,  french  Property  at  Detroit,  which  it  is 
suppos'd  among  other  things  is  articled  for  in  the  Capitulation. 
I  din'd  two  days  ago  in  Company  with  Govr.  Ellis *  fm.  Georgia 
who  on  his  way  hither  spent  some  time  att  Philadelphia,  he  is  a 
sensible  distinct 2  Person  &  Says  both  there  &  here,  he  finds  the 
generality  have  too  low  an  Opinion  of  the  Ind8.  he  is  bound  to 
England  as  Fm-inforni'd,  his  Accts.  there  concerning  them  pos- 
sibly may  differ  fm.  some  which  may  go  from  these  Parts.  The 
Proprietaries  of  Pennsylvania  have  gain'd  every  thing  in  England 
against  the  People  of  that  Province  who  were  contending  with 
them  Mrs.  Lutwgche  has  Received  a  Letter  fm.  her  Husband 
Master  of  the  Pacquet,  &  says,  she  Expects  him  every  Day  I'm 
in  hopes  you  will  have  an  Answer  from  the  Board  relating  to  my 
Affair,  which  if  favorable,  &  I  little  doubt  of  its  being  so,  shall 
wait  on  you  as  soon  as  you  think  consistent.  I  saw  Mr.  Marsh 
yesterday  for  the  first  time  since  my  arrival,  who  ask'd  how  you 
did,  &  whether  I  had  heard  fm.  you  since  I  come  to  Town :  Cap1. 
Gahs  3  gives  me  great  incouragement,  thinking  that  the  Board  of 
Trade  will  by  no  means  oppose  yr.  inclination  if  they  provid< 
for  Mr.  Marsh  in  another  way.  This  is  the  third  Letter  I  hav< 
wrote  to  you  since  I  got  home  but  am  not  as  yet  favoun 
with  one 4  You.  I  had  the  Pleasure  of  being  inform'd,  by  M1 
Wallace  (who  din'd  with  me  at  the  same  Table  with  Govr. 
Ellis)  that  you  &  yr.  Brother  were  well  fm.  whom  he  w; 
favoured  with  a  Letter.  Be  pleas'd  to  make  my  Compliment 


1  Henry  Ellis,  governor  from  1757  to  1760. 

2  "Discreet"? 

3  Gates? 

4  "  From  "  does  not  appear  in  the  copy. 


Seven  Years'  War  295 

acceptable  to  him  &  all  of  yr.  Househould.    wishing  them  health 
to  go  thro  the  Jollity  of  the  Season  &  a  Happy  New  Year 
I  am  with  sincere  Regard  Sir 

yr.  most  oblig*1.  &  most  humble 
Serv'. 

R.  SHUCKBURGH 
P.  S. 

Be  pleas'd   to  inform  me  whether  I   shall  send  the  Letter 
directed  to  Cap*.  Tyrrel  by  ye  next  Pacquet  bound  home 
I  sent  by  Patt.  McGhee  the  Stockings  from  the  Weaver 


FROM   JOHN    BRADSTREET,    ETC. 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  106-7, 
by  two  papers  which  were  destroyed  by  fire:  a  letter  of  December  30th 
from  John  Bradstreet,  at  Albany,  on  money  advanced  in  1  756  for  the 
public  service;  and  an  undated  letter  from  Johnson  to  several  provincial 
governments  (draft  of  an  intended  letter),  asking  reimbursement  for 
expenses  incurred  in  the  war. 


FROM  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 
A.  L.  S.1 

[New  York,  Dec. 2  7760] 
DEAR  SIR  WILLIAM 

This  Letter  inclosed  was  put  under  Cover  with  one  from 
Governor  Pownall  to  Me:  We  have  no  other  News  than  what 
I  suppose  will  have  heard  a  Victory  obtained  by  the  King  of 
Prussia  over  Marshal  Daun  the  3d  November  last 3 :  No  particu- 
lars were  arrived  but  as  it  was  a  general  Battle  between  the 
King's  &  the  whole  Austrian  Army  there  is  no  doubt  it  was 
considerable,  &  must  be  great  in  its  Consequences. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Date   conjectural. 

8  At  Torgau  in  Saxony. 


296  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

New  writs  for  electing  a  General  assembly  will  be  issued  this 
Week,  returnable  in  forty  days  after  the  Test:  It  is  necessary 
you  think  of  doing  something  in  your  Susquehana  affairs  Mr. 
Smith  has  put  in  two  Petitions  for  Lands  to  border  on  the  Penn- 
silvania  Line  on  that  side,  and  if  the  Purchase  you  made  or 
agreed  for  be  not  located  &  known  here,  they  may  interfere.  I 
have  not  recd  the  two  Petitions.  I  hope  you  received  my  letter 
with  the  Commissions. 

I  am  D<  S'.  W-. 
your  obedient  • 

hble  Servant 
Gw  BANYAR 


TO  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 
A.  Df.  S.1 

Castle  Cumberland  Janr*.  2<*.2  1761 
SIR 

!  received  your  favour  of  the  1 5th.  Ult°.  with  the  Commissions, 
which  are  right,  as  it  is  that  Company  which  was  Conins  formerly, 
that  I  have  now  divided,  and  that  wh.  was  Nichs.  Hansens,  now 
Vromans  was  divided  last  year,  &  not  Conins  as  you  imagine. 

The  Indians  of  Conojohare  in  full  Council  Sent  me  a  Mes- 
sage some  time  ago,  &  desired  I  would  come  up  to  their  Castle, 
haveing  something  of  Moment  to  communicate  to  me,  on  my 
Arrival  the  whole  Castle  mett  in  form,  and  let  me  know  that 
they  had  unanimously  resolved  to  make  me  a  present  of  a  con- 
siderable Tract  of  Land,  &  desired  a  Deed  of  gift  might  be 


Mn  New  York  Public  Library,  Emmet  Collection,  8053.  This  letter 
is  substituted  for  the  copy  of  a  draft  in  the  Library  Collection,  dated 
January  6th,  as  exhibiting  corrections  made  in  the  interest  of  precision. 
In  that  draft,  which  was  destroyed,  Johnson  mentions  the  refusal  of  the 
Indians  to  sell  the  land  to  Ury  Klock ;  and  in  postscript  speaks  of  the  death 
of  George  II. 

2  See  the  indorsement  for  a  different  date. 


Seven  Years    War  297 

drawn  for  that  purpose.  I  thanked  them  for  their  good  Will 
shown  towards  me,  and  told  them  I  could  not  draw  one  then, 
but  would  consider  of  it.  in  a  few  days  after,  abl.  fifteen  of 
them  deputised  by  the  rest  came  to  my  House,  and  executed  a 
Deed  of  gift  for  a  Tract  of  Land  on  the  North  Side  of  the 
Mohawk  River  l  wh.  they  desired  I  would  Send  up  to  their 
Castle  that  the  rest  might  Sign  it  wh.  I  accordingly  did.  this 
Grant  includes  all  the  Lands  as  yet  unpattented  between  the 
Creeks  called  Takahyuharonwe,  &  Tinghtoghraron,  the  former 
falls  into  ye.  Mohawk  River  opposite  almost  to  Fort  Hendrick, 
the  latter  at  Burnets  feild,  from  the  Mohawk  River  as  it  Runs, 
to  a  line,  wh.  is  to  be  Run  from  the  North  Westerly  Corner  of 
the  Rear  line  of  a  Tract  of  Land  (last  Autumn)  laid  out  or 
surveyed  for  Mrs.  McGin  &ca.  to  the  Canada  Kill  or  Creek  at 
Burnets  feild,  wh.  Rear  line  is  to  be  the  Same  Course  of  Sd.  Mrs. 
Mc.Gins  Rear  Line,  &  will  make  the  length  from  the  Mohawk 
River  to  Sd.  Line  ab*.  13  Miles,  containing  ab*.  40  thousand 
Acres. —  for  wh.  I  would  willingly  get  out  a  Pattent  as  Soon  as 
I  could,  and  for  that  End,  I  would  be  glad  You  would  take, 
or  direct  the  proper  Steps.  I  should  also  be  oblidged  to  You  for 
Abstracts  of  the  Severall  Petitions  for  Lands  now  lying  before 
ye.  Council.  I  have  no  other  view  in  desireing  this  than  to  be 
able  to  See,  or  have  Common  Justice  done  to  yc.  Inds.  who  in 
the  most  earnest  manner  begged,  I  would  take  care  that  they 
were  not  imposed  on  for  the  future  in  the  Sale  of  such  Lands  as 
they  still  were  Owners  of,  &  further,  that  I  would  let  them  know 
what  Lands  were  Pattented,  so  as  to  prevent  any  disputes,  think- 
ing their  request  reasonable  I  wrote  Mr.  Alexander  Colden 2 
lately  for  an  exact  Survey  of  all  the  Lands  Pattented  from 
Albany  or  Schenectady  to  Fort  Stanwix  on  Both  Sides  of  the 
Mohawk  River,  vA  I  shall  readily  pay  him  for,  as  it  will  be  the 


1See  Calendar  of  Land  Papers,  p.    302,   and   Calendar  of  Council 
Minutes,  p.  404. 

2  Johnson  to  Colden,  December  29,   1  760. 


298  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

best  means  of  removeing  ye.  doubts  they  have  concerning  severall 
Tracts,  and  wh.  they  have  been  many  years  very  uneasy  about. 
I  should  be  oblidged  to  You  for  yr.  opinion  in  an  Affair  often 
complained  of  to  me,  &  vA  I  think  a  verry  Villainous  one,  it 
is  this,  The  Troop  at  Albany  formerly  employed  one  Martin 
Garretson  their  then  Captn.,  and  gave  him  money  to  take  out 
a  Patient  for  a  Pasture  near  Albany  for  the  use  of  the  Said 
Troop,  so  that  their  Horses  might  be  always  ready  on  any  emer- 
gency. He  the  Said  Garretson  went  to  York  &  took  out  a 
Pattent  in  his  own  name  and  kept  the  Land  ever  since,  and  also 
the  Money  as  I  understand,  would  it  not  be  proper  to  give  this 
Affair  to  the  Kings  Attorney?  or  if  not,  how  is  it  to  be  prose- 
cuted? I  wrote  you  twice  lately  to  wK  I  impatiently  expect  an 
Answer,  as  also  to  this.  I  am  now  a  good  deal  hurried,  so  can- 
not write  as  full  as  I  could  wish  to  do  and  am  Sir 

Yr.  Sincere  freind 

&  Humble  Servant 

WM.  JOHNSON 
GOLDS  BORROW  BANYAR  Esqr. 

INDORSED  BY  JOHNSON :      Letter  to  Golds  Borrow 

Banyar, 

Janry.  6*    1761. 


FROM  FRANCIS  WADE 

In  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  107,  occur  a  letter  of  January  4,  1761, 
from  Francis  Wade,  at  Philadelphia,  explaining  an  account  presented  by 
the  writer  and  apologizing  for  recommending  Mr  Fury  for  employment; 
and  Francis  Wade's  account  current  with  Johnson,  dated  Philadelphia, 
January  4th. 


Seven  Years    War  299 

FROM  JAMES  STEVENSON 
A.  L.  S.1 

Albany  5*  ]<nt*  1761 
SIR 

Your  favours  of  the  12th.  Ultimo  I  rec'd  this  Day  near  two 
of  the  Clock  in  the  Afternoon  I  hope  you  will  find  out  how  it 
was  with  the  Bond  If  you  have  paid  it  It  wou'd  be  very  hard  to 
pay  it  again,  If  it  is  not  paid  it  is  Just  that  it  should  be  paid. 

There  is  a  Lott  of  Land  lying  this  Side  of  Anthony's  nose 
belonging  to  the  Heirs  of  late  Govr.  Burnett  Several  People 
have  applied  to  purchase  it.  I  wrote  to  William  Brown  Esqr.  of 
Salem  in  N  England  His  Son  is  now  the  Surviving  Heir,  He 
wrote  to  me  that  Several  Years  ago,  Andrew  Besinger  had  affer'd 
£500 :  for  it,  and  was  to  have  it  But  the  Reason  at  that  time  was 
that  Govr.  Burnet's  Son  was  alive,  and  they  wanted  then  to  make 
a  Division  of  the  whole  Estate  But  Mr.  Burnett  is  since  Dead 
and  the  whole  Devolves  on  Mr.  Brown's  Son,  So  that  they  Do 
not  Choose  to  sell  now  Unless  they  gett  a  Greater  Price  for  it 
I  do  not  know  the  Quantity  of  Land  in  the  Lott  Adam  Staren- 
berghs  has  it  in  possession  at  least  the  Low  Land  of  it,  and  pays 
Rent  to  Mr.  Brown 

John  Depeyster  is  Surrogate  here  for  granting  Administration 
But  as  you  wou'd  Administer  as  principal  Creditor  it  will  be 
necessary  for  you  to  Inform  the  Surrogate  whether  there  be  any 
Relations  If  there  be  none  you  will  gett  Administration  of 
Course.  If  there  be  they  must  Relinquish  their  Right  in  Your 
favour.  Had  you  informed  me  who  the  person  was  I  should 
spoke  to  the  Surrogate  not  to  grant  Administration  to  another  till 
he  hear'd  You 

It  will  be  necessary  for  you  to  come  before  the  Surrogate  your 
Self  For  The  Law  prescribes  an  Oath  which  the  Surrogate  is  to 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


300  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Administer  to  the  Person  or  Persons  that  Administer     I  wish 
You  the  Compliments  of  the  Season  and  am  with  great  Respect 

Sir 

Your  most  Obedient 

and  most  humble  Serv*. 

JA  STEVENSON 


GEORGE  CROGHAN'S  RETURN 

Copp1 

Duplicate. 

Copy.  Fort  Pitt  Jarf*:  12*  1761. 

Return  of  the  Several  Men  imployed  in  the  Department 
of  Indian  Affairs  to  the  Westward  — 

A/I    T-L           iv >i     i        A    •  At  12/6  pr  day  each 

Mr    1  homas  Mc :  kee  Assistant  0               .       ' 

Me-  ,        ,  ,V7     ,           ^  Jrensylvania  Currency 

r  Edward  Ward           D°  ,          ,  . 

\n     AI          i      \n     i        r^  r     have  been  doing  duty  at 

Mr  Alexander  Mc:  kee  D°  w              T      n ,     -  ,    0  . 

MT^,             f  i      i  •          r^  Venango  Le  beufr  &  rns- 

r  Thomas  Hutchms      D°  T  , 

que  Isle 

John  Owins  Gunsmith  at  7/6  pr  day 
Thomas  Garrish  his  Assistant  at  3/9  pr  day 

At  Detroit 

Mr  Martin  Interpreter  at  7/6  pr  Day 
Doctor  Antoney  at         5  Sterling  pr  Day 
A  French  Smith  at          7/6  pr  day 

At  Miamis 
A  French  Man  Interpreter  at  7/6  pr  Diem 

George  Croghan 
Deply.  Agent 

Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.61,  London,  England.  Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  February  27,  1  761.  A  copy  in 
the  State  Library  was  destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  301 

INDORSED:     Copy  Return  of  People 

Employed  in  the  Western  Indian 
Department- 
Enclosed  in  Sr.  Wm.  Johnson's  to 
Gen1.  Amherst  of  12*.  Feb?.  1761. 
in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  Feb?;  27:  1761 
N°.  21. 


FROM  GEORGE  CROGHAN 

In  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  107,  is  a  letter  from  George  Croghan, 
reporting  success  in  opening  communication  with  Indian  villages  and 
obtaining  permission  to  build  a  trading  house  at  Little  Carrying  Place  of 
Sandusky;  dated  the  13th. 

FROM  GEORGE  CROGHAN 
A.  L.  S.1 

Fort  Pitt  Jan*.  13*.  1761 
HOND.  SIR 

Some  Days  ago  I  Return*1,  from  Detroit,  Inclosd.  I  Send  yu 
My  Journal  on  pruseal  of  wh.  you  will  See  what  has  been  Trans- 
actted  with  y.  Indians  Since  I  joynd.  his  Majestys  Trupes  under 
y.  Commd.  of  Major  Rogers  by  yr.  honours  orders,  Likewise  I 
Inclose  you  a  Piece  of  Intilegence  I  gott  with  Respect  to  y.  warr 
Carrying  on  by  y.  Cherokes  against  y.  Southern  Colnys. 

Majer  Rogers  Sett  of  for  Missinilmnack  y.  8th  of  Debr.  with 
whome  I  Sent  Cap1.  Montour  &  Some  Indians  whome  I  fitted 
out  for  thire  Journay,  the  Same  Day  Lef1.  Button  of  y.  Rangers 
Sett  of  for  y.  Mamies  to  Rileve  that  part 2  and  if  posable  to 
Remain  there  till  Spring,  as  itt  Lays  on  y.  Carrying  place  3  which 
opens  the  Comunication  to  y.  Elinoes  Cuntrey  Mr.  Mchee  one 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

"  Post "  this  word  should  probably  be. 

8  Fort  Miami,  on  the  Maumee  river.    See  Doc.  Rel.  to  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y. 
5:621. 


302  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

of  My  assistants  I  have  Sent  with  a  french  officer  to  bring  up  y. 
french  from  y.  Lower  Shannes  and  One  Body  a  french  Treeder 
&  great  Partisan  I  have  Sint  to  y.  uper  Shannas  to  bring  up  y. 
french  from  thence  with  those  three  partys  I  have  Sent  Inter- 
preters &  Indians  and  Expect  them  hear  in  about  8  Days*  ye. 
Expence  of  this  Journey  will  be  Much  More  then  I  Expected 
I  shall  Send  My  acounts  &  vochers  to  General  Monckton  Greatt 
part  of  w0*1.  is  Certifyd.  by  Majer  Rogers  &  Cap1.  Campble  *  who 
ordered  Me  to  purchase  y.  Goods  &  see  them  Delivered.  I  shall 
Likewise  Send  yr.  honour  Copeys  of  ye.  whole  as  Soon  as  I  Can 
Make  them  up  I  have  been  oblidgd.  to  Draw  on  you  in  favor  of 
Coll.  Cole2  for  £586:10;6  which  I  will  Desier  Major  Gates  to 
Remitt  you  if  Gineral  Monckton  will  pay  y.  accounts. 
'\  Need  Nott  Truble  you  with  an  account  of  the  Maners  of  y. 
pople  tho  I  think  them  Compliant  to  a  fault  Butt  y.  Cuntrey  is 
fertill  &  level  &  Capable  of  being  Made  as  fine  a  Settlement  as 
any  I  have  Seen  in  America  from  thence  you  have  a  Comunica- 
tion  to  all  parts  by  Water  with  Some  few  Short  Carrying  Places 
a  fine  River  or  Streats  between  Laeke  hurran  &  Eora  about  40 
Leaugs  in  Lenth  full  of  fine  Hands  &  24  foot  Water  Neer  a  Mile 
over  in  some  places  they  had  the  finest  Militia  there  I  Ever  See 
for  y.  Number  About  800  &  y.  best  Stockoade  which  Inclosd. 
about  80  houses  itt  is  an  old  Setlement  &  y.  pople  Seem  to  be  a 
Sett  of  able  farmers  they  all  Talk  Some  Indian  Languge  Men 
Women  &  Children  they  have  been  Much  Distrest  by  ye.  Warr 
Provisions  is  very  Scarce  a  pistole  for  2  fouls  &  as  Much  for  3 
pd.  of  Indian  Sugar  Wine  or  Sperits  there  is  None  butt  what  y. 
Indians  bring  from  Nigero  about  8  miles  below  y.  town  is  an 
Island  about  10  Miles  Long  &  about  three  Miles  wide  in  y. 
midle  Lays  high  well  Timbred  y.  finest  Island  I  Ever  See  itt 
was  oferd.  Me  by  y.  Indians  Butt  I  Did  Nott  Chuse  to  Except  itt 
as  pople  Might  Say  I  went  a  Land  Jobing  when  I  Should  have 
Done  My  Duty  Butt  if  on  a  paice  that  Cuntrey  Should  be 


1  Captain  Donald  Campbell,  governor  of  Detroit. 

2  Colonel  Edward  Cole. 


Seven  Years'  War  303 

Ceaded  to  Grcatt  Britain  itt  will  be  worth  having  if  yr.  honour 
Chusis  to  have  a  Smale  Estate  in  that  Cuntrey  I  will  gett  itt  for 
you  .* 

There  is  to  be  a  greatt  Meeting  of  all  yc.  Westren  Nations  att 
Detroit  Next  Spring  by  there  own  apointment  to  wh.  ye.  Six 
Nations  are  Invited  &  I  think  they  Should  attend,  as  I  blive 
Many  things  will  be  Disgusted1  there  Reletiff  to  what  has  past 
Sence  ye.  Warr  and  fixing  on  Some  plan  for  thire  futer  Conductt, 

I  had  42  of  ye.  English  prisners  Deliverd  up  at  Detroit;  ye. 
Rest  will  be  Deliverd  up  att  that  Meeting  to  who  Ever  attends, 
there  to  Represent  you 

there  is  Now  a  prospect  of  a  good  Treade  with  ye.  Indians 
Butt  unless  you  Regulate  itt  on  a  plan  to  which  ye.  Treaders  from 
ye.  Several  governments  Must  be  bound  I  feer  itt  will  Come  to 
Nothing  as  we  Shall  over  Trade  our  Selves  an  Interfear  with  one 
a  Nother,  I  Must  Beg  pardon  for  Menshoning  this  to  you  Butt 
as  I  have  herd  Some  General  oficers  Say  itt  was  you  that  Should 
Regulate  ye.  Indian  Treade  I  thought  I  wold  Menshon  itt  as  itt 
Certienly  Requires  to  be  putt  on  som  footing  Imeadetly  this  way 
for  if  we  Run  into  Irregularitys  in  Treade  his  Majestys  Indian 
Intrest  in  Gineral  will  Suffer  by  itt  — 

This  Last  fall  I  gott  Gineral  Monckton  to  prohibett  the  Sale  of 
Spirrits  to  ye.  Indians  in  Such  Large  quantitys  as  has  been  Sold 
Sence  that  ye.  Government  of  Pennsylvaine  who  Carry  on  a 
greatt  Treade  heer  has  Sent  out  a  Large  quantity  to  Sell  to  y. 
Indians  tho  they  have  been  this  50  years  past  Makeing  Laws  to 
prohibett  ye.  kings  Subjects  who  formerly  Carryd.  on  yc.  Treade 
&  Sence  ye.  present  Warr  wold  Insinuate  to  y.  World  that  y. 
Debauching  ye.  Indians  with  Spirrits  was  a  Mains  of  alinating 
thire  affections  from  the  British  Intrest,  itt  wold  be  well  Done  to 
Expose  them  in  y.  New  York  Gisette, 


1  Discussed.     *'  Disgusted  "  in  the  copy. 


304  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Gineral  Monckton  pd.  of  my  assistants  till  the  1st.  of  Nobr. 
Last  butt  there  is  more  pople  Sense  Imploy  I  Inclose 

you  a  List  of  them  &  where  they  are  Stacioned  and  hope  you 
will  Setle  itt  with  Gineral  Amhurst  whether  they  are  to  be  Con- 
tinued, and  how  pd.  &  plese  to  Lett  know  whether  yr.  honour 
Intends  to  keep  Me  heer  Till  I  grow  Gray  Plese  to  Make  My 
Complements  Exceeptable  to  all  the  family  &  gentlemen  with 
you  I  am  Sir  with  Greatt  Esteem  &  Regard 

Yr.  Honours  Most  obed1. 

&  most  Humble  Ser1. 

GEO:  CROGHAN 
The  Honourable 
Sir  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Bar1, 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
A.  Df.  S.2 
<Forl  Johnson  18ih.  ]anr*.  1761 


SIR 

I  am  honoured  with  yours  of  the  1st.  Inst.3  containing^  the 
melancholly  <news  of  the  death  of  our  late  King.  I>  sincerely 
condole  <Vith  your  Excellency  on  ye  occasion  >  and  hope  God 
will  enable  his  <present  Majesty  to  finish  >>  with  Honour  the 
work  in  Hand,  and  grant  <him  a>  long  and  happy  Reign.— 

I  am  extremely  glad  to  find  yr.  <dispatches>  from  Montreal 
had  reached  his  late  Maj<esty,>  as  the  news  of  so  great  a 
Conquest,  made  by  his  <Arms,>  under  your  Excellencys  Com- 
mand, must  deser<vedly>  have  mett  his  Majestys  most  gracious 


1  Words  omitted  in  copying. 

2  There  is  another  copy  in  the  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.61,  Lon- 
don, England;  inclosed  in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  February 
27,    1761.      The  underscored  matter  which  in  the  draft  closes  the  last 
paragraph  but  one  does  not  appear  in  that  copy. 

8  Not  found. 


Seven  Years    War  305 

approba<^tion,^>  and  also  greatly  contributed  to  make  the  close 
of  <his>  Day  Happy.— 

The  Notice  his  Majesty  was  plea<^sed^>  to  take  of  my  small 
Service,  (as  Signified  to  you  by  <Mr.>  Pitt)1  does  me  great 
Honour,  and  at  the  same  time  that  <jC>  demands  my  most 
gratefull  acknowledgements,  it  lays  me  under  the  greatest  obliga- 
tions to  your  Excellency,  from  whose  favourable  representations 
it  must  proceed,  of  which,  I  shall  ever  retain  a  due  Sense.— 

When  the  Indians  return  from  Hunting  I  shall  take  the  first 
opertunity  of  letting  them  know  the  purport  of  your  Order  of  the 
1st.  Ins'.,  wh.  I  am  certain  <Vill  give  them  much  Satisfaction, 
and  your  Excellency  may  be  assured  that  as  long  as  I  continue  the 
Management  of  Indian  Affairs,  I  shall  exert  all  my  Influence  & 
abilities  to  keep  those  already  in  Alliance  with  his  Majesty,  firm 
in  their  zeal  for  his  Person,  &  government,  as  well  as  endeavour 
to  bring  over  all  Nations  (with  whom^>  I  can  have  <C^ny  Corre- 
spondence or  with  whom,  the  Indians  und^>er  my  Care  have 
<any  Connections)  to  the  same  way  of  thinking, >  and  I  do 
not  <^doubt  of  succeeding  in,  if^>  I  am  properly  <^ supported.^ 

I  have  this  time  past  flattered  my<self  wth.  the>  hopes  of 
your  Excellencys  receiving  before  <^now  a  favourable  An]>swer 
to  what  you  were  pleased  to  tell  me  you  would  <^write  Home^> 
last  June  concerning  my  Affair,  or  Military  Com<mission, 
whi^>ch  you  were  then  of  opinion  would  be  Settled  to  my 
^Satisfaction^  and  indeed  having  the  Honour  of  yr.  approba- 
tion &  Interest  I  could  make  <no  doubt  of  it>  Should  it  con- 
trary to  my  expectation,  &  the  opinion  of  all  who  have  Seen  my 
Commission  and  know  that  I  acted  in  a  Millitary  Capacity  since 
I  had  the  Honour  of  bearing  it,  turn  out  Otherwise,2  I  can  only 
<say,>  I  must  rest  a  verry  considerable  Sufferer  both  in  Interest 
&  constitution,  and  endeavour  for  the  time  to  come  to  repair  both 
in  another  n>cry. 


1Amherst  to  Pitt,  August  26,  1760,  September  8th,  and  Pitt  to 
Amherst,  October  24,  1 760,  Correspondence  of  William  Pitt  with 
Colonial  Governors  etc.,  ed.  Gertrude  Selwyn  Kimball,  Macmillan. 

2  The  words,  "  turn  out  Otherwise,"  are  supplied  from  the  London  copy. 


306  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

I  beg  your  Excellency  will  excuse  my  giveing  you  so  much 
trouble  abl.  this  Affair  of  mine  wh.  I  should  by  no  means  have 
done,  were  I  not  encouraged  thereto  by  your  verry  friendly,  & 
never  to  be  forgotten  offers  of  Service  to  me,  at  Montreal  &  else- 
where which  I  shall  always  endeavour  to  merit  a  continuance  of. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be  with  the 
utmost  respect  yr.  Excellencys 
most  obedient  &  most  Humble  Serv*. 

w.j. 

His  Excellency 
GENERAL  AMHERST 


FROM  ALEXANDER  GOLDEN 
A.  L.  S.1 

New  York  /an*.  78.  7767 
DEAR  SIR 

It  gives  me  great  Satisfaction  to  find  you  are  pleased  to  renew 
a  Correspondence  which  has  been  so  long  Droped  &  that  you 
are  desirous  it  may  be  Continued  without  any  further  Interruption. 
I  will  indeavour  it  shall  not  fail  on  my  Side  &  shall  be  proud  to 
hear  often  from  you. 

I  am  very  desirous  of  doing  every  thing  in  my  power  to  Comply 
with  the  Request  of  the  two  Mohawk  Castles  which  you  have 
Signified  to  me  in  y™.  of  the  29th  Ult°  &  prevent  any  Disputes 
arising  between  the  Indians  &  Inhabitants  &  in  regard  to  their 
Lands :  But  as  what  you  desire  will  be  a  work  that  must  take  up 
a  good  deal  of  time  &  make  me  lay  aside  other  buissness  &  will 
be  attended  with  many  difficulties,  I  cant  undertake  it  for  Less 
then  £100  Sterling  or  £l  50  Currency  &  even  for  that  Sum  I  cant 
do  it  with  that  Exactitude  I  could  wish  for  want  of  some  Regular 
Surveys:  However  if  you  think  Proper  to  Engage  to  pay  me 
the  above  Sum  I  will  Set  about  makeing  out  the  best  Draft  I  can 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  307 

of  all  the  Lands  Granted  according  to  your  desire  &  finish  it  by 
April  next,  which  will  be  before  the  Season  will  admit  of  any 
Lands  to  be  Surveyed;  but  then  I  must  receive  your  imediate 
answer  that  no  time  may  be  lost. 

There  is  now  great  q't'ys  of  Lands  Petitioned  for  in  the 
Mohawks  &  Oniedos  Country  &  Licences  of  purchases  ordered 
to  be  made  out.  I  shall  take  Due  Care  that  none  of  these  lands 
prayed  for  be  Survey'd  without  a  regular  Notification  being  first 
given  to  the  Castles  &  Deputies  appointed  by  them  to  See  the 
Survey  performed. 

The  Albany  Surveyrs  having  frequently  deceived  both  the 
Surveyor  Gen1  &  Indians,  I  am  determined  to  Employ  none  as 
my  Deputies  but  such  men  in  whom  I  can  confide  &  who  will  not 
be  tempted  either  to  Deceive  us  or  the  Indians  &  as  I  fear  it 
would  be  a  difficult  matter  to  find  such  a  one  at  Albany  I  have 
Determined  not  to  employ  one  there  but  on  all  Surveys  to  Send 
Deputies  from  hence.  I  hope  the  Indians  have  been  pleased  with 
those  I  have  Sent  up  as  also  with  my  Instructions  to  my  Deputies 
which  as  far  as  relates  to  the  Indians  I  always  order'd  to  be 
Interpreted  to  them. 

George  Klock  has  Obtained  a  Lycence  to  purchase  a  small 
peice  of  Land  described  in  these  Words.  On  the  North  Side  of 
the  Mohawks  River  to  the  South  of  a  Creel?  called  Canada  Creek 
or  Cajohairie.  Bounded  Easterly  by  Lands  granted  to  Petrus 
Vandrissen  &  Northwardly  by  Lands  granted  to  William  Nellis 
&  others  Containing  800  Acres*  This  Land  Petitioned  for  I 
suspect  to  be  the  very  Tract  the  Indians  reserved  to  themselves 
and  would  not  dispose  of  in  the  year  1 755  when  my  Br  Cad- 
wallader  Surveyed  a  Tract  for  Timberman  &  Snell 2  &  are  Lands 
part  of  which  I  imagine  the  Indians  improve.  I  know  not  wether 
I  am  right  in  my  Conjectures  or  not.  If  I  am  then  I  fear  some 
unfair  means  has  been  used  to  gain  their  Consent  for  the  Sale 
thereof  &  should  be  glad  to  be  informed  wether  the  whole  Castle 

1  Calendar  of  Land  Papers,  p.  296,  297. 

2  Calendar  of  Land  Papers,  p.  276,  262,  287, 


308  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

unanimously  Consents  that  such  a  purchase  be  made  or  not,  that 
I  may  Govern  my  Self  accordingly. 

I  am  humbly  of  Opinion  all  possible  care  should  be  taken  to 
prevent  the  Indians  from  disposing  of  Lands  they  Occupy  &  that 
some  method  should  be  taken  to  Secure  those  Lands  to  them  for 
their  use  &  prevent  their  being  aplied  to  any  other.  However 
I  submit  to  your  better  Judgment  &  must  leave  you  to  act  therein 
as  you  shall  think  most  proper. 

As  the  Indians  may  be  deceived  by  persons  pretending  to  have 
orders  from  me  for  Surveying  I  should  be  glad  they  would  not 
Suffer  any  to  Survey  but  such  as  shall  produce  to  them  a  regular 
Deputation  under  my  hand  which  I  always  give  to  my  Deputys 
with  Orders  to  have  them  Interpreted  to  them 

I  need  not  mention  the  News  we  have  as  Mr.  Banyar  has  wrote 
to  you  &  no  doubt  given  you  a  better  Acct.  of  it  then  I  could 

I  heartily  wish  you  the  Succession  of  many  happy  years  &  am 

D'S* 

yr  Most  Obed1  & 
humble  Ser1. 
ALEXR  GOLDEN 
Honble  SR  WM  JOHNSON 


FROM  DANIEL  GLAUS 
A.  Df.  S.1 

Montreal  19th..  Jan*.  1761. 

SIR 

A  Post  being  unexpectedly  sent  off  for  Albany  I  found  the 
time  too  short  and  weather  too  cold  to  copy  my  Journal  and 
therefore  made  free  to  send  you  the  Original  wch..  I  should  be 
glad  to  have  returned  agn.  at  a  convenient  Time. — 


Mn  Public  Archives  of  Canada,  Claus  Papers,  v.  I.  1716-1777. 
M.  1 04,  p.  1 8.  The  letter  in  the  Library  Collection  dated  January  20th 
was  destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  309 

I  have  nothing  in  the  least  remarkable  to  comunicate  from 
any  Quarter  we  can  have  intelligence  of  in  Canada  Whites  as 
well  as  Indns..  living  in  the  utmost  Tranqility  &  the  profondest 
time  ef  Peace.  The  inclosed  is  a  Letter  from  the  Priest  of  St 
Francis  *  I  had  one  from  him  also  wherein  gives  me  to  consider 
the  Distress  of  the  Indns..  as  well  his  own,  I  could  not  answer 
him  upon  it  as  I  had  not  heard  from  you  ab*.  the  last  request  he 
made. 

I  could  wish  to  know  in  what  the  Curiosities  should  consist  you 
would  chuse  to  have  I  cant  see  anything  worth  while  buying 
here  of  little  value  as  you  mention  the  Things  I  could  get  &  would 
suit  are  all  valuable  viz.  Silver  Plate,  Gold  &  Silver  Snuff  Boxes, 
Rings,  Tapestry  for  Rooms,  Picturs,  Silk  Paterns  of  embroidered 
Waistcoats  which  are  now  put  to  Sale  at  an  extravagant  Price, 
but  in  the  Spring  if  the  Country  should  remain  ours  or  even  not 
there  will  be  families  going  to  Fr.  &  quantities  of  such  things  be 
sold  at  Vendues  when  they  may  be  had  more  reasonable. 

A  Gen1  court  Martial  is  sitting  abl  a  Challenge  that  happen 
between  Cap*.  Cha.  Osborne  &  Liut.  Gambel  of  the  44  wch.. 
after  this  Dispute  being  amicably  settled  after  wch  a  Court 
2  ensue  ab*  some  ungentlemanlike  Expressions  wch  dropt 
between  Majr.  Beckwith  &  sd.  Captn.  Osborne  3  no  Sentence  is 
passt  yet: 

It  is  now  since  the  1st  of  Decr.  we  had  no  accte..  from  Albany 
wch..  makes  every  Body  very  eager  to  hear  some  News,  there  are 
likewise  no  Accb..  yet  from  Detroit. 

I  could  have  sent  you  a  french  Copy  of  the  Capitulation  by 
the  first  Post  from  this  if  I  did  not  think  you  had  one  from  Gen1. 
Amherst  as  many  of  the  french  had  copies  sent  them  by  the  french 
Officers  from  Quebec  before  they  embarked  for  France. 


1  From  Pierre  Roubaud,  November  13,   1  760,  q.  v. 

2  Omitted  being  illegible. 

3  Major    John    Beckwith,    Captain    Charles    Osborne    and    Lieutenant 
Thomas  Gamble  were  of  the  44th  regiment. 


3 1 0  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

I  beg  to  be  remembered  to  Captn.  Warren  1  and  am  with  my 
greatest  Respect 

S'. 
Yours  &c. 

D.  C. 
To  the  Honble. 

SR.  WM.  JOHNSON  Bart. 


FROM  RICHARD  SHUCKBURGH 
A.  L.  S.2 

NeTV  York  19th.  /an*.  7767 

SIR 

The  Halifax  Racquet  Cap1.  Bolderson  saild  this  Morning 
your  Letter  to  Cap1.  Tyrrel  remains  yet  with  Me  as  you  have  not 
informed  to  the  contrary  since  I  wrote  to  you,  with  a  News  Paper 
inclosd,  wherein  was  inserted  an  Acct.  of  that  Gentlemans  Death : 
I  shall  be  well  pleas'd  at  any  time  when  you  do  me  the  honour 
to  answer  any  of  my  Letters,  but  I  am  in  pain  what  to  do  with 
this  Letter  to  Captain  Tyrrel. — 

Besides  what  you  may  read  in  the  Prints:  I  hear  we  are  to 
have  a  New  Assembly. —  that  there  has  been  a  Requisition  from 
England  to  the  different  Governors  for  Provincial  Troops  for  this 
years  Service  —  &  that  Mr.  Croghan  hearing,  that  Mr.  Belletre  ' 
at  Deroit  with  the  Wyandot  &  Towas,  had  pretended  to  doubt 
on  the  Occasion  of  his  &  Major  Rogers  being  sent  thither  there- 
upon sent  some  Ind8.  forward  to  Satisfy  those  Indians,  from 
thence  had  no  trouble  in  obliging  Mr.  Belletre  to  submit  who  is 
now  in  Carlisle  in  his  way  to  Philadelph  where  thirty  five  English 
Prisoners  are  arrived  from  that  Fort  which  they  found  more 
Respectable  than  they  cou'd  Imagine:  Gen1.  Amherst  cou'd 


1  Captain  Warren  Johnson,  Sir  William's  brother. 

2  Destroyed  by  fire. 

3  Captain  Picote  de  Belletre,  or  Beletre,  in  command  at  Fort  Detroit. 


Seven  Years'   War  3 1 1 

hardly  believe  Monsr.  Vaudreuilee  could  have  made  such  a 
Capitulation.  I  am  with  proper  Compliments  to  yr.  Brother  & 
family  Sir 

Yr.  most  obt.  humble  Serv1. 

RD.  SHUCKBURGH 

P :  S :  if  you  have  any  thing  fm.  England  relating  to  me  wou'd 
be  glad  you  wou'd  favor  me  w*.  a  Line. 


FROM  DANIEL  CLAUS 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  108,  by 
two  from  Lieutenant  Daniel  Claus,  at  Montreal,  to  Johnson,  which  were 
destroyed.  The  first,  dated  January  20th,  corresponds  to  the  Claus  letter 
of  the  1 9th  in  the  Canadian  Archives,  here  printed.  In  the  second,  dated 
the  22d,  the  writer  expressed  his  fear  that,  under  a  recent  regulation  made 
by  General  Amherst,  he  would  be  engaged  in  duty  entailing  an  expense  in 
excess  of  his  pay. 


FROM  RICHARD  SHUCKBURGH 

There  is  found  on  page  108  of  the  Johnson  Calendar  a  letter  of 
January  26,  1761,  from  Dr  Richard  Shuckburgh,  at  New  York,  to 
Johnson,  conveying  intelligence  that  Captain  Richard  Tyrrel  is  alive  and 
will  soon  be  an  admiral  and  information  about  the  market  for  "  ginzeng," 
medals  for  Indians  who  accompanied  the  English  to  Montreal  and  the 
high  rate  of  exchange.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


TO  ALEXANDER  GOLDEN 
Df.  S.1 

Fort  Johnson  28th.  Jarf*.  1761 
DEAR  SIR 

Your  kind  favour  of  the  18th.  Ins*,  came  this  Day  to  hand, 
wher'by  I  am  extremely  glad  to  find  that  a  renewal  of  that  corre- 
spondence which  has  been  interrupted  for  some  time  (by  means 
of  the  War)  will  be  agreable  to  you,  as  there  is  no  Family  in 
the  Country  (without  any  dissimulation)  with  whom  I  would 

1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


312  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

sooner  wish  to  correspond.  As  My  Scituation  is  such,  that  I 
cannot  always  be  verry  punctual,  being  often  from  home,  you 
will  not  attribute  it  to  any  thing  else,  should  I  miss  a  letter  now 
&  then. 

The  method  I  proposed,  being  most  effectual  one  I  can  think 
of,  to  Satisfie  ye.  Ind8.  with  regard  to  what  Lands  they  have  yet 
left,  &  prevent  their  being  imposed  upon  in  the  Sale  of  them 
&ca.  I  should  therefore  be  glad  you  would  fall  about  it  as  soon 
as  possible  and  do  it  with  all  the  correctness  exactness  in  your 
power,  otherwise  twill  be  productive  of  disputes,  let  it  be  done 
in  the  plainest  &  most  intelligible  manner  you  can,  so  as  Everry 
Pattent  or  Tract  between  Albany  &  Fort  Stanwix  on  both  sides 
ye.  Mohawk  River  Scohare  Stoneraby  &  Cherry  Valley  with  ye. 
Pattentees  Names,  ye.  quantity  of  Each  &  year  pattented  may 
be  easily  known,  by  which  means,  what  is  yet  unpattened  & 
belongs  to  the  Indians  may  plainly  appear,  let  it  be  on  proper 
Paper,  or  parchment,  and  finished  compleatly  before  April  if 
possible,  and  I  will  pay  you  £150  New  York  Currency;  but  I 
expect  you  will  not  let  any  other  Person  have  a  Coppy  thereof. 
-  I  have  understood  some  time  ago  y[.  there  were  several 
Petitions  given  in  to  ye.  Govr.  &  Council  &  Lycences  obtained 
thereon  for  purchaseing  great  quantitys  of  Land  in  these  parts 
but  I  believe  the  Indians  from  w*.  I  heard  them  say  in  full 
Council  (will  not  incline  to  dispose  of  much  more  yet  a  while.) 

As  for  Ury  Klock,  I  can  assure  you,  that  the  Ind5.  of  Cana- 
johare  lately  in  a  full  Meeting  declared  their  dislike  to  him,  and 
verry  warmly  remonstrated  on  the  Villany  of  his  proceedings, 
to  obtain  a  Deed  for  y*.  Land  as  described  in  yr.  letter,  and  a 
great  deal  more  adjoining  it,  by  Virtue  of  an  old  Lycence  granted 
in  1  755  *  or  some  years  ago,  to  obtain  which,  he  Worked  under- 
hand with  two  or  three  Indians  &  a  Woman  or  two  whom  he 
bribed  &  made  drunk  to  sign  Sd.  Deed,  wh.  when  sober  they  dis- 


1  Calendar  of  Council  Minutes,  p.   394,  397,  399,  and  Calendar  of 
Land  Papers,  p.  286,  287. 


Seven  Years    War  313 

claimed  &  knew  not  wl.  they  signed  this  has  given  so  much  dis- 
satisfaction to  all  the  rest  of  the  Ind8.  that  they  went  so  far  as  to 
expel  these  Indians  out  of  their  Councils,  wh.  indeed  was  seldom 
troubled  with  them,  as  they  have  for  several  years  past  left  the 
Castle,  and  wander  ab*.  among  the  Country  People  killing  their 
Cattle  &  living  on  them. —  these  are  the  People  he  applied  to 
for  a  Title  of  the  Land  he  wants  to  have,  upon  this,  the  Ind8. 
all  mett  together  last  Month  at  their  Castle,  at  Canajohare  and 
determined  to  send  for  me,  which  they  did  by  one  of  their  Chiefs 
Nicku's  Eldest  Son,  when  I  came  there,  they  all  told  me  wl.  I 
have  above  mentioned  concerning  Klock,  &  a  great  deal  more  of 
his  villany  too  tedious  to  trouble  you  with,  after  w*1.  they 
acquainted  me  that  they  had  all  unanimously  agreed  to  make  me 
a  gift  of  a  Tract  of  Land  on  the  North  Side  of  the  Mohawks 
River  the  Bounds  of  which  I  have  described  to  Mr.  Banyar  in 
my  last  letter1  to  him,  which  he  can  shew  you,  I  have  at  the 
same  time  desired  Mr.  Banyar  to  take  the  proper  steps  towards 
my  getting  a  Pattent  for  Said  Tract,  haveing  a  Deed  of  gift  for 
it,  signed  by  all  the  Castle,  in  ye.  presence  of  a  Justice  &  Inter- 
preter &ca.  who  has  certified  it—  -  your  opinion  of  ye.  Albany 
&  Some  others  Surveyors  heretofore  clandestinely  employed  is 
verry  Just,  and  will  everry  day  appear  Clearer,  wherefore  wl. 
you  propose  is  verry  right  and  cant  fail  of  giveing  general  satis- 
faction to  the  Parties  concerned. 

Surely  Mr  Klocks  Villainous  proceeding  will  not  be  allowed 
of.  as  I  am  certain  it  will  be  productive  of  much  trouble,  and 
prevent  the  Indians  disposeing  of  any  Lands  in  haste,  for  all  the 
Castle  declare  they  would  as  Soon  die  as  he  shall  have  a  foot  of 
Land  from  them.  The  verry  Persons  whom  (when  drunk)  he 
got  to  sign  a  Deed  without  even  a  proper  Lycence,  when  Sober, 
declared  to  me  they  knew  not  what  they  signed  their  names  to, 
and  did  with  the  rest  of  the  Castle  quite  over  execute  a  Deed  of 
gift  to  me  for  all  the  Lands  within  the  Bounds  described  to 


Johnson  to  Banyar,  January  2,  1  761. 


314  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Banyar.  I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  from  you  what  Ury  Klock  is 
gone  down  about,  and  what  steps  are  necessary  for  me  to  take 
in  order  to  get  out  a  Pattent  for  my  self  and  my  associates  for 
Said  Tract  of  Land. 

I  am  with  kind  respects  to  you  &  Family 
Dear  Sir 

Your  most  obedient 

Humble  Servant 

W.J. 

ALEXANDER  GOLDEN  Esqr. 

INDORSED:     Janry  28th  1761 

Letter  to  Alexdr  Golden  Esqr. 
concerning  Lands  &ca. 


TO  THOMAS  POWNALL 
Df.  S.1 

Fort  Johnson  Jarf*.  28th.  1761 
SIR 

Your  verry  friendly  letter  of  ye.  1st.  Novbr.2  last  I  am  Just 
favoured  with  The  Friendship  you  have  always  expressed  and 
now  in  a  more  particular  manner  signified  for  me,  lays  me  under 
the  greatest  obligations  and  be  assured  my  Dear  Sir  I  shall  ever 
retain  a  due  sense  of  it. —  your  mentioning  my  Name  for  the  gov- 
ernment of  New  York,3  was  doing  me  great  Honour,  and  a  most 
convinceing  proof  of  your  regard,  for  which  I  am  extremely 
obliged  to  you.  but  as  I  am  sensible  of  my  inability  for  the  execu- 
tion of  so  important  a  Trust,  and  the  Settleing  of  my  Lands 
requireing  my  Presence  and  daily  encouragement  in  these  parts, 
it  would  not  at  all  answer  for  me.  besides  as  I  have  hitherto  had 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Not  found. 

3Pownall's  letter  was  evidently  written  from  England.  "On  3  June 
1 760  he  quitted  America.  ...  On  his  arrival  in  London  he 
resigned  his  colonial  governorship." — Dictionary  of  National  Biography. 


Seven  Fears'   War  315 

the  most  fatiuging  and  disagreeable  Service  I  now  propose  to 
retire  and  spend  the  remdr.  of  my  Days  more  tranquile,  wh.  I  am 
convinced  in  that  Station  I  never  could. —  wherefore  would  not 
by  any  means  choose  such  a  Station,  altho  a  greater  honor  than  I 
could  expect. —  I  wish  you  all  happiness 

and  am  My  Dear  Sir  with     . 
the  greatest  respect 

Your  most  Obedient 

&  most  humble  Servant 

WM.  JOHNSON 

His  Excellency 

THOMAS  POWNALL  Esqr. 


FROM  THOMAS  WILSON  AND  SARAH  MAGIN 

There  are  found  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1 08,  two  letters  which 
were  destroyed  by  fire:  a  letter  of  February  1st  from  Thomas  Wilson,  at 
Montreal,  to  Johnson,  expressing  friendship,  mentioning  a  journey  from 
New  York,  by  way  of  the  Sorel  and  St  Lawrence,  after  a  cruise  of  six 
weeks  and  three  days  from  England,  also  prospects  of  trade  in  Montreal, 
and  expressing  grief  for  loss  of  the  late  King  "  of  glorious  memory  " ;  and 
a  letter  of  the  1  st  from  Mrs  Sarah  Magin,  asking  Johnson's  attention  to  her 
land  claim  and  warning  him  of  Clock's  trespasses  against  their  common 
interests. 

FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

Contemporary  Copp.1 
Duplicate. 
Copy.  New  York  Ist-  February  1761.- 

SlR, 

Captain  Brewer  of  the  Rangers,  Arrived  here  Yesterday  by 
way  of  Niagara,  from  Major  Rogers  with  Sundry  Letters  for 
me;  wherein  he  Acquaints  me,  that  upon  his  arrival  at  the 
Detroit,  Monsieur  Beletre 2  the  Commanding  Officer,  imme- 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.61,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  February  27,   1761. 
2  Picote  de  Belletrc. 


316  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

diately  delivered  him  possession  of  the  Fort;  that  the  Inhabitants 
to  the  Number  of  500  had  taken  the  Oath  of  Allegiance,  &  had 
laid  down  their  Arms,  amounting  to  upwards  of  400,  which  the 
Major  had  Secured.  That  Monsr.  Beletre  &  his  Garrison  were 
set  out,  by  the  way  of  Pittsburgh  for  this  place,  where  I  Expect 
them  soon,  &  whence  I  shall  Send  them  to  France;—  that  the 
Indians  had  Come  in  &  behaved  Extremely  well;  that  Mr. 
Croghan  Your  Deputy  (whose  Zeal  &  Vigilance  the  Major 
greatly  Commends)  had  had  a  Conference  with  them,  a  Copy 
of  Which  goes  Enclosed.  That  the  Detroit  abounded  in  furrs, 
of  which  there  were  Incredible  Quantities,  owing  to  the  few  that 
had  been  Exported  from  thence,  since  the  Reduction  of  Niagara, 
to  which  place  only  they  had  sent  any  since  that  great  &  happy 
Event.  That  he,  the  Major,  had  sent  an  Officer  &  Some  Rangers 
to  Miamis,  another  to  Sl.  Joseph  to  take  possession  of  those  posts ; 
and  that  he  himself  with  Thirty  five  Rangers,  five  or  Six 
Inhabitants  and  as  many  Indians,  accompanied  by  Mr.  Montour 
were  setting  out  (on  the  25th.  December)  for  Michillimakinah  * 
which  place  he  hoped  he  should  be  able  to  reach;  if  not  that  he 
must  Deferr  it  till  Spring;  but  that  if  he  Succeeded  he  Expected 
to  return  Sometime  in  the  month  of  February:  he  likewise  adds 
that  he  had  Sent  an  Officer  to  the  hither  Shawanese  Towns,  to 
bring  away  from  thence  the  few  french  Troops  that  might  still 
be  among  them.— 

When  all  this  is  Effected,  and  the  Indians  Continue  in  the  good 
Disposition  they  Seemed  to  be  in  (which  as  it  is  for  their  Interest, 
I  am  willing  to  believe  they  will)  Our  Intercourse  must  be  free 
&  Safe ;  to  make  it  still  more  so,  and  to  improve  all  the  Advantage 
that  must  of  Necessity  result  from  the  possession  of  so  valuable 
a  Country,  I  propose,  so  soon  as  the  Season  will  admit  of  it,  not 
only  to  Garrison  these  Several  posts  properly  but  I  propose  to 
appoint  a  Person  of  knowledge,  &  probity  to  be  Governor  at 


1For  different  dates  consult  Croghan  to  Johnson,  January   13,   1761, 
and  Journals  of  Major  Robert  Rogers,  p.  1 98. 


Seven  Years    War  317 

the  Detroit,  with  Directions  to  open  a  free  and  fair  Trade 
between  the  Subjects  &  the  Indians,  giving  to  each  such  Advan- 
tages, as  Shall  make  it  their  respective  Interests  to  deal  fairly 
&  honestly  by  each  Other,  and  at  the  same  time  to  reap  reason- 
able profits ;  I  should  therefore  be  much  Obliged  to  you  for  Such 
hints,  as  may  Enable  me  to  Establish  this  Trade  upon  a  lasting 
&  good  foundation,  by  Acquainting  me  with  what  Commodities 
it  will  be  most  proper  to  Send  among  those  Indians ;  their  value, 
and  what  profit,  the  Trader  should  have  to  Enable  him  to  keep 
it  up  with  a  reasonable  Gain,  &  without  Imposing  on  the  Indians, 
who,  so  long  as  they  behave  well,  must  not  be  Imposed  upon, 
but  receive  a  Just  Equivalent  for  their  furrs;  any  Other  hints  & 
Observations,  that  You  will  be  pleased  to  add  to  these  for  the 
Government  of  the  Indians,  and  the  maintenance  of  this  great  & 
important  post  of  the  Detroit  and  its  Natural  Commerce  with  the 
Subject,  I  shall  receive  with  pleasure,  and  give  a  due  Considera- 
tion. 

I  must  now  own  the  receipt  of  Your  Letter  of  the  1 8th.  Ultimo, 
and  repeat  to  you  the  Confidence  I  am  in  that  so  long  as  the 
Management  of  Indian  Affairs  Continues  in  You,  there  is  not 
the  least  room  to  doubt  but  you  will  Exert  all  your  Influence  & 
Abilities  to  keep  those  already  in  Alliance  with  His  Majesty 
firm  in  their  Zeal  for  his  Person  &  Government,  as  well  as 
Endeavor  to  bring  over  all  Nations  of  Indians  (with  whom  you 
have  any  Correspondence,  or  with  whom  those  Indians  under 
your  Care  have  any  Connections)  to  the  same  way  of  thinking,  in 
which  you  may  rely  on  being  Supported  to  the  Extent  of  my 
Authority.- 

As  an  Encouragement  to  Such  as  behaved  well  during  the 
last  Campaign,  I  have,  as  I  mentioned  to  You,  I  would,  Ordered 
a  Number  of  Silver  Medals  to  be  Struck,  representing  the  City 
of  Montreal  with  a  blank  Reverse,  On  Each  of  which  is  to  be 
Engraven  the  Name  of  One  of  those  Indians,  who,  by  wearing 
the  same  as  a  badge  of  Distinction,  will,  by  Virtue  thereof  have 
free  Egress  &  Regress  to  any  of  His  Majesty's  Forts,  Posts,  & 


318  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Garrisons,  so  long  as  they  Continue  true  to  his  Interests :  they  are 
not  quite  finished  Yet,  when  they  are,  I  shall  send  them  to  you, 
to  make  a  Distribution  of  them.— 

I  Cannot  Close  this  Letter  without  renewing  to  you  my  Assur- 
ances, that  I  Shall  ever  take  the  greatest  pleasure  in  Contributing 
towards  every  thing  that  can  give  You  Satisfaction;  that  my 
Representations  shall  not  be  wanting  to  Obtain  the  Same;  and 
that  I  most  Sincerely  wish  they  may  be  attended  with  all  the 
Success  that  you  yourself  can  Desire. 

I  am,  with  great  Regard, 
Sir, 
&ca. 

Jeff:  Amherst. 
SIR  WILLM.  JOHNSON  Bar*. 

INDORSED:    Copy  Letter  from  Gen1.  Amherst 
To  Sir  WilK  Johnson  Bar1. 
Fort  Johnson 

New  York  1st.  February  1761. 
Acquainting  him  with  Majr.  Roger's 
having  taken  possession  of  Detroit  &ct 
and  of  the  good  Disposition  of  the 
Indians  there,  who  had  Come  in,  & 
behaved  Extremely  well;  Informs 
Sir  William  of  his  Intentions  of 
appointing  a  proper  Person  to  be 
Governor  of  Detroit,  with  Directions 
to  open  a  free  and  fair  trade  between 
the  Subjects  and  the  Indians;  and 
therefore  Desiring  he  would  furnish 
him  with  Such  hints  as  might 
Enable  him  to  Establish  this  Trade 
on  a  Lasting  &  good  foundation;  and 
that  he  had  ordered  a  Number  of 
Silver  medals  to  be  Struck,  to  be 


Seven  years'  War  319 

Distributed  among  such  Indians 

as  had  behaved  well  during  the 

last  Campaign.- 

in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  Feb*.  27:1761 

NO.  17. 


FROM  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 
A.  L.  S.1 

New  York  2  February  1761 
DEAR  SIR  WILLIAM 

I  have  the  favour  of  yours  of  the  6th  of  January  last,  I  cannot 
possibly  as  yet  send  you  extracts  of  the  Petitions  before  the 
Council.  I  have  subjoined  two,  which  include  the  Land  you 
acquaint  me  the  Indians  have  lately  given  you  a  Deed  for.  The 
Parties  concerned  had  notice  of  this  Deed  just  before  I  received 
your  letter.  Those  with  whom  I  have  conversed  on  the  Subject 
seem  disposed  to  accommodate  the  matter  by  Agreement  with 
you,  and  they  were  to  have  delivered  me  their  Terms  to  have 
transmitted  to  you.  Unless  you  and  they  agree  I  forsee  neither 
the  one  or  the  other  will  get  a  Grant  of  the  Land.  The  Council 
are  so  far  from  encouraging  private  Purchases  from  the  Indians, 
that  it  seems  to  me  they  would  apply  the  argument  to  the  Dis- 
advantage of  the  Persons  interested,  as  by  countenancing  such 
applications  to  the  Indians,  they  must  not  only  introduce  confusion 
(as  it  has  already  apparently  done  in  some  Instances)  but  in 
some  Measure  preclude  themselves  from  that  Right  which  they 
have  of  a  voice  in  the  Disposition  of  the  Crown  Lands,  for  such 
they  most  certainly  are,  notwithstanding  the  Government  from  a 
well  judg'd  Policy,  have  always  made  an  Indian  Purchase  the 
Basis  or  Foundation  of  all  Grants.  This  however  cannot  be  con- 
strued to  imply  or  give  a  Right  to  the  Indians  to  convey  their 
Lands  to  Whom  they  please  without  a  Lycense  or  independent 
of  the  Authority  of  the  Government.,, 

1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


320  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

This  is  the  Light  in  which  I  have  always  received  the  Right  of 
the  Crown  and  of  the  Indians  to  the  vacant  Lands  in  this 
Province,  and  I  have  never  yet  heard  the  Contrary  insisted  On.  I 
therefore  hope  you  will  give  up  any  advantage  you  proposed  by 
this  Purchase,  beyond  that  of  an  equal  share  with  those  who  have 
been  before  hand  with  you  in  their  application  to  the  Government 
among  whom  too,  there  are  several  of  your  Friends;  and  in 
general  I  may  venture  to  assert,  that  the  Majority  of  the  whole 
Number  will  not  give  up  the  Point  without  a  Determination  of 
the  Council  against  them.  By  the  next  Post  I  hope  to  send  you 
the  Names  of  the  Parties  &  their  Proposals,  in  the  meantime,  I 
do  not  think  it  proper  to  do  anything  in  the  matter  in  consequence 
of  your  Letter  or  until  I  hear  further  from  you,  nor  will  it  be  any 
prejudice  to  your  Interest  if  these  Petitions  should  pass  and 
Lycenses  issue,  for  without  your  Concurrence  any  Application  to 
the  Indians  upon  the  Lycenses  must  be  fruitless  and  I  dare  say 
will  not  be  thought  of. 

We  have  no  Publick  News.  A  Report  prevails  that  the 
officers,  Serjeants  Corporals  &  Drums  of  some  Regiments  will  be 
sent  home :  Time  must  determine  the  truth  of  it,  however  it  seems 
probable.  I  am  Dr  Sr.  Wm. 

Your  affectionate  humble  Servant 

Gw  BANYAR 

P.  S.  As  to  the  affair  of  Mark  Gerritson  It  will  be  attended 
with  much  Difficulty  as  it  will  be  difficult  to  prove  who  paid  the 
money ;  if  this  can  be  done,  they  or  their  Representatives  may  file 
a  Bill  in  Chancery  and  if  the  Facts  turn  out  on  Proof  as  you 
State  the  Case,  the  Court  will  decree  either  Repayment  of  the 
money  with  Interest,  or  the  Land  to  be  reconveyed  for  the  use  it 
was  originally  intended.  But  you  may  observe  it  is  rather  a  pri- 
vate than  a  Publick  affair,  and  therefore  the  Alt?.  General  may 
decline  the  matter  if  he  pleases  as  not  falling  with  in  the  Bounds 
of  his  Duty. 


Seven  Years    War  321 

Petition  of  Johan  Joost  Petrie  &  associates  for  Lycense  to 
purchase  50,000  acres  of  Land  in  the  County  of  Albany  on  the 
North  side  of  the  Mohawks  River  between  two  certain  Creeks 
the  one  called  Caioharie  or  Canada  Creek  opposite  to  Fort 
Hendrick  and  the  other  called  Canada  Creek  at  Burnets  Field 
also  500  acres  for  a  church  or  Glebe:  Refers  to  a  Lycense  to 
purchase  the  same  Lands  dated  26  April  1  755. 1 

On  a  Presumption  that  no  more  than  25000  acres  of  Land 
would  be  granted  on  this  Petition:  The  following  was  given  in, 
by  the  mayor  to  the  President. 

Petition  of  Abraham  Dowe  and  his  associates  to  the  Number 
of  25  Persons:  Praying  for  a  Lycense  to  purchase  25000  acres 
of  the  same  Lands.2 


FROM  DANIEL  GLAUS 
A.  L.  S.* 

Montreal  2J.  Feb*.  1761. 
SIR 

1  have  since  my  last  enquired  for  the  Pan?  Indn.  that  made  his 
Escape,  but  could  not  hear  of  him  as  yet;  perhaps  he  was  sent 
out  of  the  way. 

Mr.  Chevr.  la  Come  and  another  GentK  have  promised  to 
assist  me  in  getting  a  Match  for  your  horse  the  former  told  me 
that  perhaps  he  could  make  an  Exchange  that  way  for  a  couple 
of  good  large  Milk  Cows  from  thence  wch.  he  should  be  very  glad 
to  have.  Mr.  Pitcher  intends  if  any  way  practicable  to  go  to 
Albany  in  a  Slay  wch.  would  be  a  good  Opportunity  to  send  the 
horse.  I  have  likewise  spoke  to  proper  Persons  to  find  out  a 

^ee  Calendar  of  Council  Minutes,  p.  399,  402,  and  Calendar  of 
Land  Papers,  p.  287,  295. 

2  See  Calendar  of  Council  Minutes,  p.   402,  403,   and  Calendar  of 
Land  Papers,  p.  299. 

3  Destroyed  by  fire. 

Vol.  Ill— 11 


Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

little  Pany  *  girl,  and  if  to  be  had  shall  certainly  get  it  cheap,  tho 
wcl\  I  am  told  is  not  the  case  except  they  come  newly  from  the 
Nations  that  sell  them  and  w^.  has  not  yet  happened  since  I  am 
here  nor  perhaps  mayn't  in  the  Spring  as  the  People  here  think 
the  Traders  wont  care  to  bring  any  because  the  Country  was  in 
our  Possession. 

As  to  Indian  Curiosities  to  be  got  among  the  Indns.  here  they 
are  not  to  be  compared  to  those  of  the  6  Nations  and  even  the 
French  give  them  the  Preference  for  the  like.  The  Shoes  Mr. 
Du  Musseaux  made  you  a  present  of  are  the  handsomest  I  have 
seen  in  Town.  However  I  shall  endeavour  to  pick  up  something 
before  Captn.  Warren's  Departure. 

The  Canadiens  that  were  upon  the  Hunt  with  Captn.  Lott- 
ridge  are  returned  and  reported  Gen1.  Gage  of  his  being  gone 
to  Albany  at  wcl\  he  expressed  his  Displeasure  to  me  saying 
that  if  he  reced  pay  it  was  not  at  all  well  done,  at  the  same  time 
I  cant  see  what  service  he  could  since  been  of  here  nor  for  the 
future  if  there  are  no  parties  wanted  to  be  sent  any  where. 

We  have  no  News  here  of  any  kind,  different  conjectures  are 
made  abl.  the  Destination  of  the  Troops  here  for  the  Next  Cam- 
paign if  the  war  continues  in  Europe  wch.  in  all  probability  it 
will  for  an  other  year;  in  that  case  its  thought  most  of  the  Regts. 
will  be  sent  home. 

The  Indians  that  were  upon  the  hunt  about  Ticondoque.  are 
not  yet  returned. 

His  late  Majestys  thanks  to  his  faithful  Indn.  allies  were  given 
out  here  in  Gen1.  Orders,  with  his  particular  Pleasure  in  having 
had  such  good  order  kept  among  them  that  no  Blood  stained 
the  British  Arms  in  the  Reduction  of  this  Country. 

I  beg  my  compliments  to  Captn.  Warren  and  am  with  pro- 
foundest  Respect  Sir  Your  most  obedient  and  most  humble 
Servant 

DAN.  CLAUS. 
To  the  Honble.  SR.  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar*. 


1  See  A.  J.  Northrup,  Slavery  in  New  York,  p.  306-7. 


Seven  Years    War  323 


FROM  RICHARD  SHUCKBURGH 

A.  L.  S.1 

New  York  2  Feb*.  1761. 
SIR 

Since  my  last  there  are  Letters  in  town  fm.  Cap1-  Donald 
Campbell  of  ye  R.  A.  Reg1,  now  Govr.  of  Detroit,  to  whom 
Mons.  Belletre  gave  quiet  Possession  of  that  Town  &  fortress, 
which  are  very  Respectable  having  7.  or  809  well  disciplined 
Militia,  &  near  there  dwells  1500  Indians,  the  same  number  of 
Indns.  are  likewise  at  Missilimackinac  abl.  200  Miles  farther,  it 
is  said  that  the  Illinois  &  all  the  Inds.  about  there  are  ready  to 
join  us  against  the  Southern  Inds.  when  you  please  to  order  them : 
in  the  mean  time  will  send  out  small  Parties  in  their  own  way 
against  those  Inds.  as  soon  as  they  are  furnish'd  with  Ammunition 
&c  proper  for  such  Excursions.  Mr.  Croghan  is  at  Pitsbourg  & 
I  presume  as  Gen1.  Monkton  Cap*.  Gates  &c  have  intelligence  fm. 
thence  you  will  too  fm.  Mr.  Croghan  possibly  by  this  Conveyance : 
I  inquired  at  the  Post  office  for  Letters  addressed  to  you,  was 
told  by  the  Clerk  that  Mr.  Golden  constantly  forwarded  them. 
I  hear  Cap*.  Prescot  is  soon  to  go  for  Quebec  by  the  way  of 
Crown  Point.  The  Edward  Cap1:  Davis  for  London  sails  the 
latter  end  of  this  week  or  beginning  of  next  on  board  of  whom  I 
was  much  inclined  to  embark  but  believe  shall  wait  till  the  next 
Pacquet  arrives  which  is  now  daily  expected,  but  this  entre  nous 
As  to  N.  York  news.  It  is  said  Lewis  Morris  Junr.  opposes  Col. 
Phillipse  2  in  Westchester.  That  some  of  the  people  on  Staten 
Island  are  inclined  to  put  up  Harry  Holland  3  who  has  lately 
purchased  there  &  that  there  may  be  some  difficulty  in  getting  the 
new  Member  in  for  this  City.  Your  letter  to  Cap1.  Tyrrel  shall 
put  aboard  of  Cap*.  Davis.  Cap*.  Tyrrel's  Picture  in  Metzitinto 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

^Frederick  Philipse  was  returned  from  Westchester  to  the  Colonial 
Assembly  in  1761. 

3  Henry  Holland  represented  Richmond  County  in  the  Colonial 
Assembly  in  1761. 


324  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

is  to  be  sold  here  in  town  but  so  like  you  that  most  People  imagine 
it  was  done  for  you.  The  Town  have  been  so  favourable  to  your 
friend  Mr.  Banyar  to  report  that  he  is  abl.  to  be  married  to  Miss 
Suky  Alexander  &  sometimes  to  Miss  Katy  l  the  two 

greatest  fortunes  in  this  Place.  He  asks  10s/  an  acre  for  the 
Land  He  &  I  are  concern'd  in  &  is  so  Topping  as  to  say  at  the 
same  time  it  is  hardly  worth  his  while  to  set  his  hand  to  a  Con- 
veyance for  such  a  trifle.  I  am  with  proper  Compliments  to  your 
good  Brother  &  family  Sir 

Yr.  most  obl;  &  humble  Serv*. 

R  SHUCKBURGH 

INDORSED:     To  the  Honble.  Sir  Willm.  Johnson  Baronet. 


FROM  JACOB  H.  TEN  EYCK  AND  VOLKERT  P.  DOUW 
A.  L.  S.2 

Albany  3ih  February  1761. 

SIR 

As  the  General  Assembly  of  this  Collony  are  dissolved,  we 
heare  writs  are  issued  for  a  new  Election,  and  as  the  gentlemen 
here  in  town  prepose  to  Set  us  up  for  Representatev's  for  the 
Citty  and  County  of  Albany,  and  if  it's  agreeable  to  you  we  beg 
your  Interest  in  wch.  you'l  very  much  oblige  us,  we  remain 
Respectfully  Sir  Your  Most  Ob1.  Serv1. 

JACOB  H.  TEN  EYCK 
VOLKERT  P.  Douw 
N.  B.  the  Sherit  has  appointed) 
the  9th  Instant  for  the) 
Election.  ) 

SIR  WM.  JOHNSON  &ca- 


1  Manuscript  torn. 

2  Destroyed  by  fire. 


L 


VOLCKERT   P.   DOUW 


Seven  Years'  War  325 


FROM  DAVID  VAN  DER  HEYDEN 
A.  L.  S.1 

Alto:  Fefer*.  3<*  7767. 
SIR 

I  make  no  doubt  but  that  you  are  before  this  ti^ne  acquainted 
with  the  dissolution  of  the  Assembly;  and  as  there  is  to  be  an 
Election  here  on  Monday  the  9th:  Ins':  I  have  with  the  advice  of 
some  Friends  thought  proper  to  acquaint  you  that  the  old  Candi- 
dates 2  purpose  to  advertise  themselves  this  day,  without  the 
advice  of  any  one  of  the  Citysens,  and  as  many  of  them  have 
proposed  Mr.  Abram  Yates,  the  late  (Sheriff,  who  is  a  very  good 
man)  we  have  reason  to  believe  that  he  will  have  a  pretty  strong 
Interest;  but,  nevertheless  we  shoud  be  glad  to  know  your 
Inclinations,  as  we  are  certain  they  would  be  supported  by  both 
the  Manners  of  Rensler  &  of  Livingston.  I  am  Sir 

Y'.  most  Obed'.  Serv1. 

DAVID  VAN  DER  HEYDEN. 


FERRALL  WADE  S  BILL 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1 09,  by 
Ferrall  Wade's  bill  and  receipt  to  David  Quack,  dated  February  6th. 
Destroyed  by  fire. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2 The  "old  candidates"  Jacob  H.  Ten  Eyck  and  Volkert  P.  Douw, 
were  elected  to  the  twenty-ninth  colonial  assembly,  which  convened  March 
10,  1761. 


326  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


TO  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 
0/.1 

Fort  Johnson  10ih:  Fete:  1761. 
SIR 

This  is  my  fourth  letter  since  I  had  the  pleasure  of  receiving 
any  from  you,  altho  I  impatiently  waited  these  three  weeks  past 
an  answer  to  severall  matters  wrote  you  upon.  I  hope  mine 
have  not  miscarried,  if  not,  I  am  at  a  loss  to  account  for  your 
silence  on  an  affair  interesting  to  me  &  of  advantage  to  your  office, 
in  my  first  unanswered  I  desired  to  know  the  charges  of  ye  Pat- 
tent  taken  out  by  Harkemer  and  others  on  the  South  side  of  the 
Mohawks  River  near  to  the  German  Flatts,2  for  which  Mr.  Dies 
advanced  some  money  in  order  that  the  Pattentees  might  settle 
their  share  of  charges  and  divide  the  Land. 

In  another  Letter  of  the  6th  Jan?.3  I  acquainted  you  of  the 
Conajohare  Indians  having  made  me  a  present  of  a  Tract  of 
Land  on  ye  North  side  of  the  Mohawks  River,  including  all  the 
unpattented  Lands  between  the  two  Creeks  Takayuharonwe  & 
Twightaghraron  the  former  falls  into  the  Mohawk  River  about 
200  Yds  below  Fort  Hendrick,  the  latter  at  Burnetsfields,  the 
Mohawk  River  to  be  the  Front  Line,  and  the  rear  line  to  begin 
at  the  Westerly  Corner  of  the  Rear  line  of  a  Tract  of  Land  (last 
Autumn)  laid  out  and  surveyed  for  Mrs.  McGinn  &  others,  &  to 
run  from  sd  N  Westerly  Corner  which  is  on  the  Bank  of  the  Creek 
called  Takayuharonwe  a  Northwesterly  course  to  the  Creek  or 
river  called  by  the  Indians  Twighttaghraron  by  the  Christians 
Canada  Kill  at  Burnets  Field;  which  will  make  it  about  12  or 
1 3  Miles  in  depth,  or  into  the  woods  from  the  Mohawk  River  to 
said  Rear  line,  and  may  contain  about  forty  thousand  Acres,  for 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  See  Calendar  of  Council  Minutes,  p.   397,   398,   and  Calendar  of 
Land  Papers,  p.  285. 

3  See  indorsement  of  Johnson  to  Banyar,  Jan.  2,  1761,  for  date. 


Seven  Years'   War  327 

which  I  desired  then  you  would  be  so  good  as  to  take  the  proper 
Steps  for  my  getting  a  pattent.  I  now  repeat  my  desire  of  pre- 
ferring a  Petition,  and  every  other  step  necessary,  there  are  forty 
of  the  Inhabitants  of  these  parts  concerned,  &  have  a  very  ample 
Deed  for  it,  from  the  whole  Castle  Men  &  Women,  executed  in 
the  presence  of  a  justice  &  Interpreter,  notwithstanding,  I  know 
it  may  be  objected  to  by  those,  who  may  from  their  own  interest 
in  view  alledge  it  is  not  agreable  to  his  Majesty's  Instructions  to 
his  Governours,  but  I  think  it  is  according  to  the  93d  Article  as 
to  its  not  being  surveyed,  if  such  objection  should  be  made  (which 
I  hope  not)  it  is  easily  removed,  there  having  been  severall 
instances  of  the  kind.  I  am  certain  it  will  be  to  no  purpose  to 
endeavour  to  put  us  off,  as  I  am  convinced  the  Indians  will  not 
for  any  consideration  whatever,  recede  from  what  they  have  so 
unanimously  &  voluntarily  granted  their  right  off;  the  Council 
&c  may  retard  it  if  they  are  so  determined,  but  I  can  hardly  think 
they  will  for  so  small  an  error  in  ye  method  of  proceeding, 
especially  as  it  is  not  unprecedented.  What  will  avail  giveing 
License  to  others  for  Lands  when  the  native  Proprietors  will  not 
dispose  of  it  otherwise  than  they  have  done. 

Mr.  Smith  you  say  has  Licenses  for  purchasing  Lands  along 
the  Susquehanna  some  where  which  you  imagine  may  take  in 
mine.  I  am  very  easy  as  to  that  well  knowing  the  Indian  who 
sold  them  to  me,  will  not  sell  them  again  to  another,  so  that  I  can 
take  them  up  at  more  leisure  another  time,  or  I  can  sell  my  interest 
in  them  verry  well  whenever  I  please.  I  inquired  of  all  the 
Indians  at  Conajohare  whether  Mrs.  McGinn  had  as  she  wrote 
you  made  a  further  purchase  of  Six  Miles  Square  to  the  West- 
ward of  what  was  surveyed  last  Fall,1  they  one  and  all  declared 
it  to  be  an  absolute  falsehood,  as  does  Mr.  Tillibag  of  Stoneraby 
Justice  who  says  he  was  present  all  the  time,  but  never  heard  a 
word  mentioned  of  her  buying  any  Land  from  them  more  than 
what  he  had  surveyed.  I  know  when  I  came  there,  they  were 


Banyar  to  Johnson,  December  15,  1760. 


328  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

all  very  angry  with  her  odd  behaviour  and  complained  much  of 
it  to  me,  so  that  it  is  very  unlikely  she  should  be  able  to  prevail 
on  them  to  make  her  a  further  sale  of  Land  and  especially  of 
that  they  intended  for  me  and  my  Associates. 

Ury  Klock  has  been  taking  some  very  unlawfull  Villainous 
Steps  towards  the  getting  a  Deed  from  the  Indians  for  some 
Lands  lately,  which  alarmed  the  Indians  greatly  of  ye  Castle,  as 
well  as  the  Mohawks  &  Oneidas  who  were  made  acquainted  with 
it  by  the  former.  I  am  surprized  how  so  ignorant  and  bad  a  man 
as  Klock  is  well  known  to  be,  can  impose  on  men  of  sense,  so  far 
as  to  employ  or  intrust  him  in  matters  of  the  least  consequence, 
he  is  known  here  to  be  so  designing  letigious  a  Rogue,  that  there 
is  not  a  man  in  the  Country  would  chose  to  have  a  penny  dealings 
with  him.  He  is  also  hated  by  the  Indians  and  for  very  sufficient 
reasons  to  tedious  to  mention  so  that  there  could  not  be  found 
in  ye  whole  Country  a  more  unfit  Person  than  He,  for  the  Service 
I  find  he  has  been  &  is  employed  in  by  the  Gentlemen  of  N  York, 
which  they  may  find  out  before  they  have  done  with  him.  Please 
to  let  me  know  whether  &  when  there  will  be  a  new  Commission 
of  the  Peace.  I  hope  there  may  be  one,  and  with  it  a  change 
for  the  better.  We  have  such  a  sett  of  Dutch  Majistrates,  that 
in  short  there  is  no  justice  or  law  to  be  had  for  any  Englishman, 
I  could  give  you  a  thousand  instances  of  their  Partiality :  but  let 
a  few  suffice  at  present  1  A  man  of  mine  some  years 

ago  walking  the  street  at  Albany  in  ye  evening  was  knocked  down 
dead  on  the  Spot  in  the  presence  of  many  of  the  Dutch  who  were 
accomplices  in  this  there  never  was  any  thing  done  since. 

Last  Month  at  Schenectady  ye  Dutch  Brigade  as  they  call 
themselves  attacked  &  killed  a  harmless  Man  for  which  they  were 
fine  £7  a  Man  and  at  Albany  were  heard  in  Tavern  (after  the 
fine  was  settled  wh.  they  were  each  to  pay)  to  drink  success  to 
the  Dutch  &  Confusion  to  all  others,  if  there  is  no  notice  taken 
of  those  Murthers  &  attrocious  crimes  by  the  Law,  what  English 
are  here  among  them  must  have  recourse  to  something  else  there 


Matter  omitted  in  copying. 


Seven  Years    War  329 

are  Several  English  Merch18.  &  others  settled  at  Albany  & 
Schenectady  better  qualified  for  Majistrates  than  any  of  the 
Dutch  in  my  opinion.  I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  your  sentiments 
hereon  as  also  concerning  the  former  part  of  my  Letter.  I  am  &ca. 

GOLDS  BORROW  BANYAR  Esqr. 


FROM  GEORGE  CROGHAN 

A.  L.  S.1 

Fort  Pitt  Feb*  10*.  1761. 
HOND.  SIR 

Since  I  wrote  you  last  I  have  had  no  Intelegance  worth 
Menshoning,  Butt  an  A  Count  of  a  hundred  Cristane  Indians 
being  gone  by  ye  Elonies  Country  wh.  a  french  officer  to  Joyne 
ye.  Cherokees. 

In  my  Last  I  sent  you  a  Return  of  yc  persons  Imploy'd  here 
in  ye  Indian  Department  by  ye  Ginerals  verbial  orders  &  I  hope 
yr  honour  will  Lett  me  know  whether  they  are  to  be  Continued 
or  Discargd.  and  how  to  be  payd.  for  ye  futer  as  I  never  could 
obtain  a  Writen  order  from  any  Gineral  for  my  acting  in  this 
Department  here  Gineral  Mounckton  has  pd.  them  up  to  ye 
first  of  Nobr.  Last  butt  wold  nott  Discarge  them  as  he  thought 
them  Wanting.  I  am  Now  at  a  Loss  what  to  do  as  itts  posable 
No  Gineral  officer  will  Come  this  way  again.  I  have  sent  my 
account  &  vouchers  Down  to  ye  Gineral  a  Copy  of  wh.  I  Inclose 
your  Honour  for  yr.  pruseal  and  I  have  ordered  Mr.  David 
Franks  who  is  to  receive  the  Money  when  pd.  to  Remitt  you  ye 
Money  for  Mr.  Coles  acount  which  I  was  obligd.  2  on  yr  honour 
for. 

This  day  Cap*.  Montour  Setts  of  for  Fort  Johnson.  Last  year 
he  Drew  on  you  for  £140  part  of  his  pay  wh.  I  advanst  him  a 
Copy  of  his  Draft  I  sent  yr.  honour  wh.  he  says  he  pd.  you  & 

1  Destroyed  by  fire. 
"  To  draw  "  should  be  supplied,  though  wanting  in  the  copy. 


330  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

this  year  I  have  advanst  him  £230  on  a  Draft  w*1.  I  inclose  yr. 
honour  with  a  copy  of  his  acount  which  I  hope  you  will  Slope 
for  me  out  of  his  pay. 

Sir  Last  fall  I  askt  Gineral  Mounckton  for  Leve  to  go  to  See 
you  Butt  he  toulde  me  I  must  aply  to  yr.  honour  I  beg  ye  faver 
you  will  give  me  Leve  to  go  onst  to  Fort  Johnson  that  I  may  have 
the  Plesher  of  Seeing  you  onst  there  at  yr.  Country  Sete  in  yr 
Woods.  I  am  Hond.  Sir  with  Great  Esteem  &  Regard  yr. 
Honours  Most  obedient  &  humble  Serv*. 

GEO:  CROGHAN. 

To  the  Honourable  SlR  WlLLIAM  JOHNSON  Bar*. 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

Contemporary  Copp1 
Duplicate. 

Copy.  Fort  Johnson,  12th.  Feb$.  1761 . 

SIR, 

Yours  of  the  1 sl.  Instant  I  was  not  honoured  with  Untill  Yes- 
terday. I  am  glad  to  find  every  thing  has  gone  on  so  smoothly 
with  Major  Rogers,  and  that  my  Deputy  Mr.  Croghan  has  been 
Serviceable  to  him;  I  Judged  his  accompanying  the  Major  that 
way  would  be  necessary,  as  he  is  well  acquainted  with  most  of 
the  Nations  thereabouts  &  much  liked  by  them,  and  all  others  to 
whom  he  is  known;  by  his  Journal  &  Conference  with  the 
. Different  Nations  (Copy  of  which  he  has  sent  me  also)  I  find 
they  seem  to  be  pleased  with  the  Change;  the  keeping  them  and 
all  other  Indians  firm  in  An  attachment  to  His  Majesty's  Interest, 
will  greatly  Depend  on  a  Steady,  Uniform,  and  friendly  Con- 
duct, and  behavior  towards  them,  and  that  will  be  in  a  great 
measure,  if  not  Entirely  in  the  power  of  the  Commanding  officers 
of  the  Several  Forts  &  Posts  in  their  Country  to  keep  up.  Next 


aln  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.61.,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  February  27,   1761. 


Seven  Years    War  33  T 

to  that  there's  nothing  can  more  Effectually  Establish  &  preserve 
a  good  Understanding  between  us  and  them  than  a  free  and  open 
Trade  to  be  Carried  on  with  them  under  proper  Regulations  & 
Restrictions,  by  a  Law  to  be  passed  for  that  purpose,  which  Law 
should  be  put  in  Execution  by  proper  officers  or  Intendants 
against  all  Delinquents.  I  did  formerly  at  Lord  Loudoun's 
Desire  make  out  in  the  best  manner  I  could  a  plan  for  the  Indian 
Trade ;  but  as  I  kept  no  Copy  of  it,  and  cannot  recollect  it  now, 
I  must  beg  leave  to  referr  your  Excellency  thereto,  it  being  with- 
out doubt  in  Your  Secretary's  Office,  as  I  believe  His  Lordship 
never  made  that  Use  of  it  he  intended,  there  having  been  no 
Opportunity  in  his  time  for  promoting,  or  Carrying  on  such  a 
Trade.  Inclosed  is  a  List  of  Such  Goods  as  are  usually  wanted 
&  bought  by  the  Indians,  and  on  which  the  Trade  Should  at  least 
at  Oswego  have  50  1$  Cent  profit,  the  Expences  &  risque  of  bring- 
ing them  there  being  great,  and  so  in  proportion  at  Niagara 
Detroit  &ca.  I  am  certain  at  that  rate  the  Indians  will  think 
themselves  fairly  dealt  by.  it  has  always  been  Customary;  it 
is  very  necessary,  and  will  always  be  Expected  by  the  Indians 
that  the  Commanding  Officer  of  Every  Post  have  it  in  his  power 
to  supply  them  in  Case  of  Necessity  with  a  Little  Cloathing, 
Some  arms  &  ammunition  to  hunt  with;  also  some  provisions  on 
their  Journey  homewards,  as  well  as  a  smith  to  repair  their  arms 
&  working  utencils  &ca.— Ministers  &  schoolmasters  amongst  them 
would  tend  greatly  to  the  Civilizing  even  the  worst  of  them,  after 
which  they  could  be  the  Easier  managed.- 

Mr.  Croghan  writes  me  he  has  been  obliged  to  give  the  Indians 
a  great  Deal  of  Goods  by  way  of  presents  for  their  good  behavior, 
and  to  others  for  Service  done  by  them  since  he  Joined  Major 
Rogers,  and  has  drawn  on  me  for  a  part  of  it  in  favor  of  one  Mr. 
Cole  £586:10:6  Currency  I  shall  be  glad  to  know  Your  Excel- 
lency's pleasure  therein  As  you  know,  Sir,  I  have  no  money  in 
hands  of  the  Crowns  you  having  given  me  Warrants  last  fall  only 
for  the  pay  of  the  Officers  then  due  Battoemen  &ca.  And 
Desired  I  would  advance  what  was  necessary,  which 'should  be 


332  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

paid  me ;  that  I  have  done,  and  shall  Continue  to  do  in  the  most 
frugal  manner  that  the  nature  of  the  Service  will  admit  but  such 
a  sum  as  that  &  what  other  drafts  may  be  given  on  me,  soon 
would  distress  me  without  Money  in  hand,  or  Warrants  for  it; 
wherefore  Should  be  glad  your  Excellency  would  give  me  a 
Warrant  for  at  least  £1000  Sterling,  and  let  me  know  whether 
you  chuse  Mr.  Croghan  shall  remain  any  longer  at  Fort  Pitt; 
he  says  there  is  not  much  for  him  to  do  there  at  present,  and  as 
there  is  a  very  great  meeting  of  almost  all  Nations  now  in  friend- 
ship with  Us  to  be  held  in  the  Neighbourhood  of  Detroit  next 
Spring;  I  conceive  it  would  be  very  necessary  and  proper  to  send 
him  thither  from  hence  with  what  Instructions  You  may  please 
to  Charge  him  with,  when  he  shall  also  receive  from  me  such  as 
may  be  necessary  on  that  Occasion.- 

I  herewith  Transmit  Your  Excellency  a  Return  of  the 
Assistants  whom  Mr.  Croghan  has  been  obliged  to  Employ  for 
some  time  past,  and  the  pay  promised  them  by  him;  it  will  be 
necessary  for  me  to  know  whether  they  are  to  be  Continued,  if 
they  are,  how  to  be  paid;  You  have  also  herewith  some  Intel- 
ligence sent  me  by  him,  which  he  had  from  Ilianois,  by  an  Ottowa 
Indian.— 

I  had  two  days  ago  Letters  from  Lieut.  Clause,  who  Acts  as 
my  Deputy  in  Canada,  by  which  &  a  Letter  from  Piere  Roubaud 
Priest  to  the  Abenakis,  I  find  that  Nation  is  in  great  distress ;  but 
as  Mr.  Claus  referrs  me  to  the  Priest's  Letter,1  which  is  so  bad 
a  hand  that  I  cannot  read  it.  I  am  At  a  loss  to  know  for  what ; 
I  have  therefore  taken  the  Liberty  to  send  his  Letter,  and  Should 
wish  Mr.  Appy  to  send  me  a  Translation  of  it  that  I  may  know 
their  Complaint,  and  be  able  to  Answer  him  The  Cagnawageys 
&  others  in  them  parts  behave  very  well  as  he  writes  me;  they 
often  apply  to  him  for  what  their  wants  Oblige  them,  and  as 
Brigr.  Gage  will  not  advance  any  thing  for  that  service  he  is 
Obliged  to  make  Use  of  his  own  Credit,  which  I  am  well  assured 


1  From  Pierre  Roubaud,  November  1  3,  1  760,  q.  v. 


Seven  Years    War  333 

he  will  not  do  unnecessarily,  knowing  him  to  be  a  very  frugal 
and  prudent  man  — 

When  I  receive  the  medals,  shall  make  a  Just  Distribution  of 
them  Among  the  Indians,  for  whom  they  are  Designed.  At  the 
same  time  I  can't  help  Expressing  it  as  my  opinion  that  preventing 
the  Indians  now  to  Come  to  the  posts  in  and  about  their  Country 
will  Occasion  a  great  Jealousy  thro*  the  whole,  and  be  looked 
upon  by  them  as  breaking  that  alliance  &  friendship  so  long  kept 
up  between  Us  &  them,  they  cannot  trade,  if  debarred  Coming 
to  the  Posts  where  Goods  are  vended.- 

I  am  Extremely  Obliged  to  Your  Excellency  for  the  renewal 
of  Your  Assurances  for  my  Interest;  I  shall  rest  contented  there- 
with being  fully  Convinced  that  Your  Recommendation  or  repre- 
sentation of  my  Affair,  will  Obtain  my  Ends,  which  if  I  did 
not  think  reasonable  and  Just.  I  should  by  no  means  Sollicit, 
or  trouble  you  about  it.  I  have  the  honour  to  be 

&ca. 

Wm.  Johnson 
His  Excellency  GENERAL  AMHERST 

INDORSED:  Copy  Letter  from  Sir  William 

Johnson  to  Gen1.  Amherst  -  Dated 
Fort  Johnson  12th.  Febry.  1761  - 
In  answer  to  the  Genls.  of  1st.  Febry.; 
That  nothing  could  more  Effectually 
Establish  &  preserve,  a  good  Under 
standing  between  us  &  the  Indians 
than  a  free  and  open  Trade;  and 
Enclosing  a  List  of  such  goods,  as  are 
usually  wanted  by  the  Indians,  and 
giving  him  some  farther  hints  for 
the  better  Regulation  of  the  same  - 
in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  Feby.  27:1761 
N°.  19. 


334  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


A  LIST  OF  INDIAN  GOODS 

Contemporary  Copy  * 
Duplicate 

A  List  of  Such  Merchandise  as  is  Usually  sold  to  the 
Indians  -  the  prices  differs  with  the  times  - 

Deep  blue  Strowds  with  a  narrow  White  Cord ......  9- 

Plain  blue  Strowds 

Black  Strowds 

Scarlet  or  Aurora  D° 

Garterings  &  bindings  for  Strouds  of  different  Sorts 

French  Blankets,  or  twilled  Lettered  white]    in  great  Demand 

Blankets    L  being  better  than 

Purple  &  white  french  Rateen  for  Stockings  J    ours 
English  white  Blankets  of  20-24-&30  to  a  piece  ] 

With  black  or  Deep  blue  Stripes J 

Walsh  Cottons,  or  Pennistons  for  Stockings ...... 

Green  Knapt  Frize  for  D° :  &  also  for  Blankets : 

Red,  Yellow,  Green  &  blue  half  thicks 

Flowered  Serges,  lively  Colours,  or  gay 

Calicoes,  Calimancoes  for  Gowns  &ca 

Ribbons,  of  all  Sorts,  especially  deep  red,  yellow  1 

blue,  &  Green J 

Linnens  &  ready  made  Shirts,  of  all  Sizes 

Light  Coloured  &  white  threads 

Needles  Sorted 

Awl  blades  for  making  Indian  Shoes 

Scalping  &  Clasp  knives 

Vermillion  &  Verdigrease 

Jews  Harps  small  &  large 

Stone  &  plain  rings 

Hawks  bells  different  Sizes 


1  In  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.61,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  February  27,  1761. 


Seven  Years'  War  335 

Small  white  Beeds,  &  other  Coloured  D°  Small 

Horn  Combs  different  kinds 

Brass  Wire  different  Sizes 

Scizars  &  Razors 

Looking  Glasses Different  Sorts 

Brass  &  tinn  Kettles  large  &  Small 

Women  &  Childrens  Worsted  &  Yarn  Hose  with  Clocks 

Roll  of  Paper  Tobacco.     Also  Leaf  D° 

Pipes  long  &  Short 

Red  Leather  trunks  in  Nests 

Black  &  white  Wampum  in  great  demand 

Silver  Works  or  toys,  which  the  Indians  wear"] 

of  different  kinds J 

Tomahawks  or  small  hatchets  well  made 

Also  Pipe  Hatchets 

Tobacco,  &  Snuff  boxes 

Pewter  Spoons 

Gilt  Gill  Cups  &  half  gill  D° 

Good  Gunpowder,  large  grain 

Flints 

Small  bar  lead  of  H  Ib  each 

Goose,  Duck,  &  Pidgeon  Shot 

Light  &  Good  fowling  pieces 

Beaver  &  Fox  Traps 

Iron  Spears  or  giggs  for  striking  fish  with  6V| 

Beaver  with J 

New  England,  or  York  rum  in  runlets  or  Caggs] 
of  12.10.8.6  &  4  Gall"*  each J 

I  have  put  the  Article  of  rum  last,  as  it  is  the  last  thing  they 
should  have,  with  all  these  things  nothing  more  Necessary  than 
Honesty  &  good  Conscience,  but,  as  that  is  not  the  Charecter- 
istick  of  the  People  of  this  part  of  the  Country,  there  should  be 


336  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

a  law  to  Check  them.    Otherwise  there  never  will  be  a  fair  trade 
carried  on.-/ 

W:J- 

INDORSED:    Copy -List  of  Goods  as  are 
Usually  wanted  and  bought  by 
the  Indians.- 

Enclosed  in  Sr.  Wm.  Johnson's  to 
Gen1.  Amherst  of  12th.  Febry.  1761. 
in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  Feb.  27:1761 
N°.  20. 

INDIAN  INTELLIGENCE 
Contemporary  Copp1 

By  a  Thaway  Indian  who  lives  at  Detroit;  &  return'd 
from  the  Illanois  Canery  the  10th  of  Decbr:  I  have  the 
following  Intelligence  - 

That  above  40  days  ago  the  Commandant  at  the  Illanois, 
called  a  Council  of  all  the  Indian  Nations  thereabout,  &  told 
them  by  several  belts  of  Wampum,  that  the  Cherokees  had  Com- 
plained to  the  Governour  of  Missisipi  of  the  ill  Usage  they  had 
received  from  the  English,  for  several  Years  past;  and  told  him 
that  they  had  made  War  on  the  English,  and  desired  his  help; 
then  with  a  Very  large  War  belt  told  them  that  the  Governour 
of  Missisipi  had  agreed  to  help  the  Cherokees,  and  that  the 
Chactaws  a  great  Nation  had  Promised  to  send  2000  Men,  Early 
in  the  Spring,  to  help  the  Cherokees  to  drive  the  English  into  the 
great  Water,  and  then  desired  them  to  prepare  themselves  to  Join 
the  Chactaws  for  which  they  should  be  well  paid  in  goods,  as 
he  would  have  a  great  Quantity  next  Spring,  The  several  Nations 
gave  him  for  Answer,  That  they  had  been  kept  several  years  at 
War  against  the  English,  by  him  meaning  the  Commandant, 


1  In  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.61,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  February  27,   1761. 


Seven  Years    War  337 

And  lost  their  Hunting,  that  now  they  had  made  peace  with  the 
English,  and  was  determined  to  go  no  more  to  War  against  them, 
but  return  to  their  Antient  Employment  of  Hunting,  And  would 
take  no  part  with  the  Cherokees,  That  the  Cherokees  was  their 
Enemies,  And  formerly  you  used  to  send  us  to  War  against  them, 
you  say  you  will  have  a  great  many  goods  in  the  Spring,  We  don't 
know  how  you  will  get  them,  you  have  told  us  so  this  two  Years 
past;  but  we  never  see  any  that  Came,  You  always  said  the 
English  was  Old  Women  and  Could  not  fight,  but  we  now  know 
better,  they  have  beat  you  every  where,  and  are  your  Masters; 
So  Father  we  Will  think  for  ourselves,  &  listen  no  more  to  any 
thing  You  say  to  us.  here  they  Returned  the  War  belt,  &  broke 
up  the  Council  without  saying  a  Word  more,  or  Waiting  to  hear 
any  thing  the  Commandant  would  say  to  them;  And  in  a  few 
days  the  Indians  all  set  off  a  Hunting 

This  Indian  Informed  that  he  see  the  Indians  I  sent  from 
Pittsburgh,  to  Acquaint  the  Mameis  that  their  Bretheren  the 
English  was  going  to  take  the  French  out  of  their  Country ;  and 
to  settle  there  themselves,  which  he  says  pleased  the  Indians 
much;  as  they  said  then  they  were  sure  the  English  would  send 
traders  to  their  Countrys.— 

How  far  the  above  Intelligence  may  be  depended  on  I  cant 
pretend  to  say.  But  I  am  of  Opinion  as  the  Cherokees,  are 
Natural  Enemies  of  the  Western  Indians  that  the  French  will 
not  get  any  Nation  that  lives  on  the  Ohio;  or  the  Lakes;  from 
the  Illanois  Upwards,  to  Join  the  Cherokees;  not  even  the 
Shawaneis,  whom  I  take  to  be  the  worst  people  this  way  at 
present. 

Geo:  Croghan 

Deputy  Agent 

INDORSED:    Copy -Indian  Intelligence 

Enclosed  in  Sr.  Wm.  Johnson's  to 
Gen1.  Amherst  of  12th.  Febr*.  1761. 
in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  Feb?.  27:1761 
N-.  22. 


338  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM  WILLIAM   CORRY   ETC. 

There  are  to  be  found  listed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  109-10, 
four  papers  which  were  destroyed  by  fire:  a  letter  of  February  13th  from 
William  Corry,  at  Albany,  to  Johnson,  giving  results  of  election,  a  rumor 
as  to  movements  of  regiments  from  Montreal  to  the  Mississippi,  and  seeking 
instruction  as  to  legal  process  against  several  persons,  an  account  inclosed; 
Ferrall  Wade's  receipt  to  David  Quack  for  £6,  5s,  8d,  dated  February 
1  3th ;  a  letter  of  the  1  3th  from  William  Corry  to  Johnson,  an  account  cur- 
rent and  a  request  for  information  on  which  to  issue  execution  against 
Joseph  Cannock;  and  a  letter  of  February  19th  from  B.  Eisenlord,  a 
schoolmaster  in  distress  at  Canajoharie,  beseeching  Johnson's  aid  in  obtain- 
ing goods  deposited  with  acquaintances  in  Canada. 


TO  CADWALLADER  GOLDEN 
A.  L.  S.1 

Fort  Johnson  20'*.  Febr*.  1761 
DEAR  SIR. 

Your  verry  friendly  letter  received  some  time  ago,  for  which 
I  am  extremely  oblidged  to  You,  encourages  me  to  trouble  you 
now  with  an  affair  which  I  am  oblidged  to  take  notice  of,  and 
see  Justice  done  to  the  Indians  in,  it  is  concerning  the  Sale  of  their 
Lands;  I  know  that  his  Majestys  Instructions  to  his  Governour 
relative  thereto  (Coppy  of  which,  as  far  as  relates  to  the  Indians, 
was  transmitted  to  me  by  the  Lords  of  Trade  some  time  ago) 
are  very  full  &  explicit,  and  I  doubt  not  in  the  least  of  their  being 
adhered  to  by  You,  but  as  there  has  been  &  still  are  abuses  & 
unfair  means  used  with  them  for  obtaining  Deeds  for  their  Lands, 
which  may  not,  indeed  cannot  be  well  cognisable  to  a  Governour, 
I  think  it  my  Duty  to  give  you  a  hint  of  it,  and  endeavour  all  in 
my  power  to  prevent  their  being  defrauded,  as  I  am  fully  sensible 
that  nothing  can  tend  more  to  alienate  their  affection  &  attach- 
ment from  his  Majestys  Interest,  than  the  pressing  them  to  dis- 


In  New  York  Historical  Society. 


Seven  Years    War  339 

pose  of  their  Lands,  &  that  often  by  verry  unwarrantable  means, 
when  at  their  Castle  three  days  ago,  they  all  expressed  their  con- 
cern, and  great  uneasiness  on  that  Account,  and  desired  I  would 
write  to  You,  and  entreat  You  not  to  pass  Pattents  for  any 
Lands,  that  were  not  given,  or  sold  with  the  consent  of  their 
whole  Castle,  as  they  say  that  their  Bretheren  the  white  People, 
often  make  a  few  of  their  foolish  People  drunk,  then  get  them 
to  sign  Deeds,  while  the  rest,  and  those,  even  whose  property  it 
is,  know  nothing  at  all  of  the  affair. —  this  I  am  certain,  is  con- 
trary to  his  Majestys  Intentions  as  well  as  to  the  regulations  made 
in  yc.  Year  1 736  on  yr.  Memorials.1-  -  there  are  many  recent 
Instances  to  prove  their  Assertions,  but  I  shall  only  trouble  you 
with  two,  viz*,  that  of  Ury  Klock,  &  one  Eve  Pickard  a  Mullatto 
Woman  liveing  on  the  Flatts  of  Conajoharie.  the  former,  about 
two  Months  ago,  haveing  no  Lycence  that  I  can  learn,  did  bribe, 
and  make  drunk  a  few  Indians,  and  perswaded  them  to  sign  a 
Deed,  which  they  knew  not  the  purport  of,  without  a  Magistrate 
or  Interpreter  present,  and  when  the  said  three  or  four  Indians 
got  sober,  and  were  told  of  it,  they  were  ready  to  hang  them- 
selves, and  exclaimed  greatly  against  Klock,  this  and  many  other 
base  things  has  he  done  in  that  way,  wh.  I  shall  now  not  trouble 
you  with,  but  come  to  the  latter,  who  showed  me  a  Deed  of  gift 
for  part  of  the  Indian  Flatts,  or  Lowlands  &ca.  signed  but  three 
days  ago  by  three  Indians  dead  drunk,  it  is  dated  notwithstanding 
last  September,  the  three  Indians  whom  she  got  to  sign  it,  are 
the  drunkenest  Rascals  in  ye.  whole  Castle,  and  were  carried 
away  from  a  Horse  race  on  the  Ice,  by  Eve  Pickards  Children 
to  their  House  wh.  is  a  Tavern  there  made  drunk  for  the  above 
purpose,  I  spoke  to  the  three  Indians  next  day,  who  were  sur- 
prised, and  declared  they  knew  nothing  of  it.  I  do  assure  You 
Sir,  that  all  the  Indians  of  the  two  Mohawk  Castles  are  more 
alarmed,  &  uneasy  of  late,  than  ever  I  knew  them  to  be  before 
occasioned  greatly  by  some  bad  People  telling  them  things  they 
know  nothing  of,  and  wh.  I  believe  has  never  been  thought  of. 


'See  Doc.  Rd.  to  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.t  6:67-69. 


340  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

I  am  endeavouring  to  find  out  the  Persons.  I  did  last  Summer 
punish  two  Dutch  men  for  spreading  wicked  reports  among  the 
Indians,  and  cost  me  much  trouble  to  convince  them  of  the  falseity 
of  them,  the  dread  of  haveing  their  Lands  snatched  from  them, 
as  they  call  it,  without  the  consent  &  knowledge  of  the  whole,  is, 
by  what  I  can  see,  the  greatest  trouble,  and  uneasiness  they  labour 
under.  &  that,  I  took  a  great  deal  of  pains  four  days  ago  at  their 
Village,  to  convince  them  would  not  be  allowed  by  the  King, 

nor  his  Governour. but  Ury  Klocks  reporting  among  his 

Neighbours,  that  he  had  bought  of  the  Livingston  Family,  that 
Pattent,  which  includes  their  Castle,  and  planting  Lands,  and 
which  occasioned  so  much  disturbance  this  time  past,  added  new 
fuel  to  the  fire,  in  all  my  life  I  never  saw  People  so  enraged  as 
they  were  at  it,  when  they  came  to  inform  me  of  it  at  my  Quarters, 
and  to  know  whether  I  knew  anything  of  it.  on  my  telling  them 
I  had  heard  something  of  it,  &  had  reason  to  think  it  was  so, 
they  said,  it  was  such  treatment  as  they  could  not  expect,  as  a 
return  for  the  tenderness,  &  severall  Services  they  had  from  the 
first  Settlement  of  the  Country  by  White  People  shown  &  done 
them,  and  for  their  firm  Attachment  to  his  Majestys  Interest,  by 
which  they  had  lost  the  most  &  best  of  their  Men,  and  were  ready 
to  Sacrifice  the  remainder  in  his  cause,  had  it  been  necessary,  & 
concluded  it  was  better  for  them  all  to  dye  at  once,  than  to  live  in 
misery,  &  at  last  starve,  which  they  foresaw  was  to  be  their 

fate. I  desired  they  would  be  patient  until  I  enquired  into 

the  affair  fully,  and  told  them  likewise  that  I  expected  soon  to 
hear  from  Home,  about  that,  and  other  Matters,  in  consequence 
of  what  was  sent  by  them  to  his  Majesty  some  time  ago,  wherein, 
I  did  not  doubt  there  would  be  proper  steps  taken,  this  quieted 
them  a  little,  but  I  fear  if  they  are  not.  done  Justice  to  soon,  and 
their  greiviances  redressed,  it  may  turn  out  a  more  serious  affair 
than  we  are  apprehensive  of.  I  shall  do  what  I  can  to  reconcile 
them,  and  see  Justice  done,  but  will  want  your  Assistance ;  in  ye. 
first  place,  I  would  be  glad  to  know  from  You  the  true  state  of 
that  affair,  or  Pattent  of  Livingston,  and  yr.  opinion  how  I  may 
act  most  properly  therein. when  anything  new  concerning 


Seven  Years9  War  341 

these  Matters  occurs,  I  shall  take  the  liberty  to  trouble  You  with 
it. 

If  there  be  a  new  Commission  of  the  Peace  &ca.  to  be  made 
out  in  consequence  of  the  Kings  Death,  I  must  beg  leave  to 
observe,  that  there  are  Severall  Europeans  in  Albany,  Schenec- 
tady  and  other  parts  of  this  County,  verry  well  qualified  everry 
way  for  Commis8.,  &  I  do  assure  you  Sir  there  never  was  any- 
thing more  wanted  than  a  change  as  there  is  no  Justice  to  be 
expected  by  any  Englishman  in  this  County,  nor  never  will,  whilst 
the  Bench  of  Judges  &  Justices  is  composed  entirely  of  Dutch, 
who  pride  themselves  in  the  appellation,  which  alone,  in  my 
opinion  should  render  them  odious  to  everry  Britton.  I  could 
give  You  Sir,  numberless  Instances,  supported  by  incontestable 
Facts,  of  the  partiality,  cruelty  and  oppression  of  those  in 
authority  here,  who  call  themselves  Dutch,  but  as  their  Characters 
must  be  well  known  to  You,  from  so  long  a  Residence  in  the 
Country,  I  will  not  intrude  on  your  patience  with  a  detail  of  them, 
but  conclude  with  desireing  your  excuse  for  takeing  up  already 
so  much  of  yr.  time,  and  allow  me  to  assure  You,  that  I  am  most 
sincerely  &  respectfully 

Dear  Sir 

Your  most  Obedient 
&  most  Humble  Servant 

WM.  JOHNSON 


FROM   JOHN   CASPER  LAPPIUS  AND  OTHERS 

L.  S. 

<Carmajoharie  Febr.  20*  1761. 
SIR 

This  is  tho  Certify  what  I  have  told  your  Honour  Some> 

Days  <ago,  the  Subscribers  testify  to  have  b>en  at  New  York 

\with  Master  Philipp  Livings>ton,  about  the  <Land  where 

they  live  upon  at>   present  &  Livingston   <told  them:   they 

might>  have  the  Land  but  he  would  not  <have  War>  with 


342  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

the  Indians,  they  could  with  a  trifle  Satisfy  <;the>  Indians  & 
moreover,  Livingston's  wife  told  <them,>  that  the  Land  could 
never  ben  Divided  So  long  <an>  Indian  was  a  life  in  the 
Castle,  the  following  <is>  a  True  Copy  from  the  Original: 

New  York  the  15.  October  17<54.> 

The  patent  in  Compagnie  with  David  Schuyler  &  others  Con- 
tains 8000.  acres.1  the  Share  of  Philipp  Liv<jng^>stons  heirs 
is  2/5  which  is  3200  Acres  Any  person  Inclined  to  Buy  the 
whole  may  apply  to  the  Subscriber  who  will  sell  the  same  at  Ten 
Shelling  per  acre  rady  Mony. 

Philipp  Livingston 

Our  most  humble  Desire  is,  that  your  Honour  may  grant  us 
your  Most  Valiant  Grace  and  Protection  Against  any  Furder 
invasion  &  Disturbance  in  our  quiet  Possession     we  Dye 
Sir 

Your  Honours  most  Faith.  &  Dutyfull  Servants. 
JACOB  KALLER 
HEINRICH  MEIER 
SALOMON  MEIER 

His 
HANNES    X    DIEFENDORF 

Mark 
In  the  presence  of 

JOH.  CASP:  LAPPIUS. 
V.D.M.2 

INDORSED:    FebT.  20th  1761 

Certificate  from  Severall 
concerning  Livingstons  Land 
near  Conajohare 


^ee  Calendar  of  Council  Minutes,  p.  296,  300,  305,  307,  309,  and 
Calendar  of  Land  Papers,  p.   176,  180,   188,   190,  193. 
2  Verb'i  Dei  Minister,  Minister  of  the  Word  of  God. 


Seven  Years    War  343 

y 

[P.]  S.' 

[  ]  Herckemer  has  last  Lords  Day  told  the  Inhabitants 
after  Sermon  to  put  themself  in  a  way  of  Readiness  because  he 
had  News  that  the  Five  Nations  would  destroy  the  River  with 
Bow  and  Arrow.  Adam  Hellmer  Senr.  &  Lorenz  Hurters  Wife 
told  me  So,  on  the  burring  Day  of  Jurry  Wendeker  in  the 
presence  of  manny  others. 

I  fear  this  may  raise  the  Blood  of  the  Sauvages,  if  it  Should 
come  out  by  one  of  the  other. 

ADDRESSED:  The  Honorable  Sir  William 
Johnson  Baronet. 

INDORSED:     Febry.  20th.  1761.  Letter 

and  advertisement  from  Sevr1. 
Germans  liveing  on  disputed  lands 
between  ye  Ind8.  &  Livingston  — 
Some  things  Material 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

Contemporary  Copy  2 
Duplicate. 

Copy.  Netv  York  22d.  February  1761 '.— 

SIR, 

By  Yesterday's  Albany  Post,  I  am  favored  with  Your  Letter 
of  the  1 2th.  Instant,  in  answer  to  mine  of  the  1 8t.  of  said  month, 
acquainting  you  that  upon  Major  Rogers's  taking  possession  of 
the  Detroit,  the  Indians  in  those  parts,  had  declared  themselves 
attached  to  His  Majesty's  Interest;  that  in  Order  to  keep  them 
to  that  Attachment,  I  proposed  to  Establish  a  free  and  open 
Trade  between  them  and  the  King's  Subjects;  that  to  prevent  all 


1  Postscript  attached  to  a  mutilated  copy  of  the  foregoing  original  letter. 

2  Public   Record   Office,    C.    O.    5.61,    London,    England.      Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  February  27,   1761. 


344  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Imposition  on  the  Indians,  I  Intended  to  appoint  for  Governor 
of  the  Detroit,  not  only  a  Person  of  sagacity  but  Strict  probity 
who  should  see  that  Trade  Carried  on,  under  such  Regulations 
&  restrictions  as  Should  be  found  necessary  for  the  Mutual  & 
Equal  Benefit  of  the  Indians  &  Traders;  for  which  purpose  I 
desired  you  would  be  pleased  to  Inform  me  what  Commodities 
would  be  Chiefly  wanted ;  the  profit  the  Traders  should  be  reason- 
ably Entitled  to,  upon  them  and  to  furnish  me  with  such  further 
Remarks,  as  should  Occurr  to  you  requisite  for  the  better  Carry- 
ing on  of  said  Trade,  as  well  as  Management  of  those  Indians. 

Agreable  to  this  request,  You  have  been  so  good  as  to  furnish 
me  with  a  List  of  such  Goods  as  you  say  are  usually  wanted  and 
bought  by  the  Indians ;  and  on  which  you  Observe,  the  Traders 
should,  at  least,  at  Oswego  have  50  ^  O  profit,  the  Expence  & 
risque  of  bringing  them  there  being  great;  And  that  You  were 
Certain  at  that  rate,  the  Indians  will  think  themselves  fairly  dealt 
by:  As  from  Your  Known  Zeal  for  promoting  His  Majesty's 
Indian  Interest,  I  am  Confident  these  Informations  are  the  Result 
of  your  wise  and  long  Experience  in  these  matters,  they  shall  be 
my  Guides  in  the  Establishment  of  the  Trade  in  Question:  and 
what  further  Regulations  &  Restrictions  may  be  Necessary  to 
prevent  any  Abuses  in  the  same,  I  shall  likewise  Attend  to,  in 
my  Instructions  to  the  Officers,  whom  I  shall  Entrust  with  the 
Command  of  such  Forts  &  Posts,  where  that  Trade  may  be  to 
be  Carried  on.— 

But  with  regard  to  the  Causing  these  Regulations  and  restric- 
tions to  be  passed  into  a  Law,  that  is  what  I  cannot  take  upon 
me  to  do;  as  it  is  to  be  presumed  that  the  plan  of  Trade  You 
mention  to  have  formerly  Delivered  to  the  Earl  of  Loudoun,  & 
which  doubtless  His  Lordship  transmitted  to  the  King's  Minister, 
will  be  taken  into  Consideration,  and  Orders  be  sent  out  in  Con- 
sequence thereof;  And  as  these  Orders  might  Clash  with  those 
Issued  here,  it  will  be  prudent  to  wait  for  Directions  from  home 
on  that  head.— 


Seven  Years'  War  345 

Meanwhile  no  Inconvenience  can  for  the  present  Arise  for 
the  want  of  such  a  Law,  as  our  Officers  who  are  not  permitted 
to  Trade,  will  (as  it  shall  be  a  part  of  their  Duty)  certainly 
make  it  their  business,  to  see  that  the  Traders  Vend  or  Truck 
their  Goods  with  the  Indians  at  the  Stipulated  prices,  and  in 
default  thereof  upon  due  proof  the  Delinquent  will  forfeit  his 
License. 

Moreover  so  long  as  I  am  honored  with  the  Command,  these 
Officers  Shall  be  Instructed  to  keep  up  a  Steady,  Uniform,  and 
friendly  Conduct  &  behavior  towards  the  Indians;  with  regard 
to  furnishing  the  latter,  with  a  little  Cloathing,  some  arms  & 
ammunition  to  hunt  with,  that  is  all  very  well  in  Cases  of  Neces- 
sity; but  as,  when  the  Intended  Trade  is  once  Established  they 
will  be  able  to  supply  themselves  with  these,  from  the  Traders, 
for  their  furrs,  I  do  not  see  why  the  Crown  should  be  put  to  that 
Expence.-  I  am  not  neither  for  giving  them  any  Provisions; 
when  they  find  they  can  get  it  on  Asking  for,  they  will  grow 
remiss  in  their  hunting,  which  Should  Industriously  be  avoided; 
for  so  long  as  their  minds  are  Intent  on  business  they  will  not 
have  leisure  to  hatch  mischief j-  As  to  a  Smith  for  repairing  their 
arms  I  have  no  Objection  to;  and  I  approve  much  of  having 
ministers  &  Schoolmasters  among  them.- 

You  are  the  best  Judge  whether  Mr.  Croghan's  Charge  for 
the  presents  he  says  he  has  been  obliged  to  give  some  Indians  for 
their  good  behavior,  and  Others  for  Services  done,  is  a  proper  one 
or  not ;  I  must  own  it  Appears  to  me  he  has  been  bery  bountiful!.^ 
Services  must  be  rewarded;  it  has  ever  been  a  maxim  with  me; 
but  as  to  purchasing  the  good  behavior  either  of  Indians,  or  any 
Others,  is  what  I  do  not  understand;  when  men  of  what  race 
soever  behave  ill,  they  must  be  punished  but  not  bribed ;  you  will 
therefore  Examine  his  Accote.  and  if  you  think  it  right  Discharge 
his  draft;  to  Enable  you  to  do  so,  and  to  defray  the  other 
Expences  you  mention  I  Enclose  you  a  Warr1.  on  Mr.  Mortier 
for  the  £1000  Sterling  which  you  request.— 


346  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

There  certainly  cannot  now  be  any  business  at  Fort  Pitt  of 
moment  sufficient  to  detain  Mr.  Croghan  there;  wherefore  you 
will  do  right  to  Order  him  to  attend  the  great  meeting  which 
you  say  is  to  be  in  the  Neighbourhood  of  the  Detroit  this  Ensue- 
ing  Spring  furnishing  him  with  such  Instructions  as  you  shall 
Judge  to  be  proper  on  the  occasion.- 

His  List  of  Assistants,  Seems  to  me  to  be  many  more  than  he 
can  now  stand  in  need  of;  I  have  however  Consulted  Brigr.  Gen1. 
Monckton  upon  it,  and  as  he  is  of  Opinion  that  there  may  be 
Occasion  for  all  of  them  except  Doctor  Antoney  &  the  french 
Smith,  who  he  knows  Nothing  of,  you  will  please  to  Continue 
them  in  pay,  and  if  even  you  think  the  Other  two  Use  full,  you 
will  do  with  them,  as  you  Judge  best  for  the  Service— 

I  thank  you  for  the  Intelligence  Enclosed  in  Yours  I  am  glad 
to  find  that  the  Indians  about  the  Illinois  understand  their  own 
Interest  so  well  as  to  Decline  Joining  the  Cherokees;  these  last 
will,  I  dare  say,  soon  repent  their  rashness.- 

I  am  hopefull  that  Lieut.  Claus  does  not  in  Canada  enter  into 
any  other  Expences  than  what  are  absolutely  necessary  for  the 
Indians  in  those  parts;  some  small  triffles  out  of  Charity  I  would 
not  refuse  them,  but  I  should  be  Sorry  to  Swell  that  Expence.— 
by  Pere  Roubaud's  Letter  to  you,  which  I  return  with  a  Transla- 
tion, I  do  not  see  that  the  Abenaquis  are  in  any  Distress;  all  he 
requests  is  some  Covering  for  about  twenty  old  Women,  and  a 
Couple  of  Flaggs.  This  Priest,  I  find,  is  not  much  to  be 
Depended  on;  his  veracity  has  been  Detected,  and  I  am  afraid 
his  head  is  not  very  sound.- 

I  have  not  the  least  remembrance  of  Kass  the  German ;  if  you 
can  give  me  some,  other  tokens,  by  Which  I  may  recollect  him, 
I  shall  be  able  to  Judge  if  he  is  Entitled  to  any  reward  or  pay.- 

I  have  no  doubt  but  you  will  make  a  Just  Distribution  of  the 
medals  among  the  Indians  for  whom  they  are  designed,  that  they 
may  have  the  free  Egress  &  Regress  to  the  Posts  which  they 
are  Entitled  to,  from  their  Accompanying  Us;  those  that  shame- 
fully went  off  I  must  remain  of  opinion  should  not  Enjoy  that 


Seven  Years    War  347 

priviledge;  On  the  Contrary  they  Ought,  as  they  should,  if  I 
had  met  with  them  at  the  time  have  been  punished ;  but  as  I  have 
forgiven  them  I  shall  think  no  more  on't,  and  only  rest  Satisfied 
with  Depriving  them  from  Enjoying  the  same  favors  as  those  that 
behaved  well.- 

I  am  with  great  regard, 
Sir 
&ca. 

Jeff:  Amherst 
SIR  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar*. 

INDORSED:    Copy  Letter  from  Gen1.  Amherst 
To  Sir  Wm.  Johnson  Bar*. 
Fort  Johnson 

New  York,  22d.  Febr.  1761. 
Thanking  Sir  Wm.  for  the  hints 
Contained  in  his  of  1 2th.  Febr?. 
with  some  further  Remarks  & 
Resolves  thereupon  — 
in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  Feb>- :  27 :  1 761 
N°.  23. 


FROM  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR  AND  RICHARD  SHUCKBURGH  ETC. 
There  are  entered  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  110,  Major  General 
Jeffery  Amherst's  warrant,  drawn  at  New  York  February  22d,  for  pay- 
ment by  Abraham  Mortier  of  £1000  to  Johnson;  a  letter  of  the  23d, 
described  as  mutilated,  from  Gw.  Banyar,  at  New  York,  to  Johnson, 
warning  of  controversy  over  land  claims  and  expressing  willingness  to 
renounce  his  own  in  Johnson's  favor;  and  a  letter  of  the  24th  from  Dr 
Richard  Shuckburgh,  at  New  York,  to  Johnson,  mentioning  army  promo- 
tions and  discussing  reductions  in  the  service,  including  his  own  removal 
from  Johnson's  suite  by  General  Amherst.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


348  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM  DANIEL  GLAUS 
A.  L.  S.1 

Montreal  26th  Feb**.  1761. 
SIR 

Since  my  last  by  Mr.  Maltrum  I  could  not  hear  any  thing 
of  the  Pany.  IncK  that  run  away  I  shall  try  whether  I  cannot 
intimidate  the  Owner  some  how  to  tell  the  Truth.  The  People 
here  ask  no  less  than  £50  or  £60  for  young  Pany  Girls,2  which  I 
thought  too  extravagant  a  Prize  to  give.  The  horse  wch.  Mr.  La 
Corn  intended  to  buy2  is  not  to  be  sold  but  I  got  a  Gentleman 
well  esteemed  all  abl.  the  Country  to  write  to  several  of  his 
acquaintances  for  such  a  one  as  will  match  yours,  and  if  possible 
shall  send  him  by  a  safe  hand  to  Albany  while  the  Slaying  lasts 
which  at  present  is  excellent  over  Lake  Champlain. 

Mr.  McKay  will  deliver  you  a  Beaver  coat,  Mittins  D°.  &  a 
Calumet  wch.  I  since  bought  the  former  I  paid  20.  Dollars  for 
wch.  is  rekoned  cheap  here. 

Mr.  Kennedy  Merch*.  arrived  here  yesterday  from  Albany 
and  told  me  that  there  was  a  Letter  from  you  at  his  house  for  me 
few  days  before  he  came  away  and  he  was  not  sure  whether  it 
was  sent  to  the  Post  office  or  no.  I  wished  he  did  not  mention  it 
for  it  made  me  very  uneasy  thinking  it  to  be  lost. 

The  Indians  are  now  chiefly  returned  from  hunting,  and  I  have 
them  every  Thursday  &  Fryday  being  Market  Days,  they  are 
to  go  again  in  a  few  days  upon  Spring  Hunt  &  wont  return  till 
the  latter  End  of  May. 

Gen.  Gage  is  an  entire  stranger  to  the  Transactions  and 
Engagements  the  Indn.  of  Canada  have  entered  into  with  you 
last  Fall,  and  I  think  if  he  had  a  Copy  shewd  him  he  might 
perhaps  be  not  so  strict  with  them  but  treat  them  more  friend  like, 
besides  I  want  a  copy  of  sd :  Proceedings  to  remind  the  Indns.  here 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2Claus  to  Johnson,  February  2,   1761. 


Seven  Years    War  349 

of  what  was  transacted,  and  if  any  foreigners  come  to  acquaint 
them  of  the  mutual  Engagements  entered  into.  Majr.  Christi l 
is  an  inveterate  Enemy  to  the  Indians  and  I  believe  undermines 
the  Gen1,  at  the  same  time  I  believe  he  disposes  of  the  Silver  work 
&  Wampm.  left  in  the  Magazine  as  I  heard  some  of  officers  of 
the  Reg1,  in  Town  offer  some  to  Sale. 

I  cant  hear  of  any  disputes  that  happened  during  the  hunting 
season  between  the  diff1.  Garrisons  &  Indns.  On  contraire  they 
have  been  of  mutual  Service  to  each  other  in  exchanging  fresh 
Venison  for  Salt,  wch.  the  Gen1,  is  conscious  of  and  acknowledgt 
it  to  me.  At  the  same  time  the  44th  who  are  quartered  near 
them  dont  use  them  well,  but  beat  them  very  often  when  they 
meet  them  on  the  Road  if  the  Indns.  wont  turn  out  for  them  w^. 
horse  &  Slay  and  they  afoot. 

Last  Night  we  had  a  Phoenomenon  of  a  North  light  wch.  at 
first  spread  a  red  like  fire  over  the  Sky  and  several  hours  after,  it 
was  as  Clear  as  Moon  Light  in  the  Streets,  and  every  one  beheld 
it  with  Admiration. 

I  beg  my  compliments  to  Captn.  Warren  and  am  with  the 
utmost  Respect  Sir  Your  most  obedient  and  most  humble  Servant 

DAN.  CLAUS. 

To  the  Honourable  SR.  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar'. 


1  Gabriel  Christie,  commissioned  lieutenant  colonel  of  the  60th  regiment 
December  24,   1  768. 


350  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

JEFFERY  AMHERST  TO  WILLIAM  PITT 
Extract 1 

Copy  New  York  27ih  February  1761. 

SIR, 

Sir  William  Johnson  has  renewed  his  application  to  me,  in 
regard  to  his  pay  as  Colonel  of  the  confederate  Indians,  a  claim 
he  has  made  for  some  time  past,  as  you  will  have  been  informed 
by  Copies  of  Letters  I  have  transmitted  to  you,  in  particular  one 
of  the  7th  March,  his  Appointments  are  particularly  stipulated 
by  his  Commission,  but  he  imagines  that  pay  could  not  be  intended 
to  defray  him  the  Expences  of  taking  the  Field,  which  he  tells  me, 
costs  him  more  than  his  Appointments,  and  he  hopes  to  be  con- 
sidered accordingly. 


LETTERS   TO   AND   FROM   JOHNSON 

There  are  several  additional  letters  entered  in  the  Johnson  Calendar, 
p.  1  10,  which  were  destroyed  by  fire:  a  letter  of  March  1st  from  Johnson 
to  Pere  Roubaud  at  St  Francis  about  settlement  of  trouble  between  Abe- 
nakis  and  Loups  d'  Orange,  his  direction  to  Lieutenant  Claus,  at  Montreal, 
to  advance  £  1  0  for  Pere  Roubaud's  use  and  his  own  good  feeling  toward 
St  Francis  Indians  (printed  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  4:303-4;  Q,  4:196)  ; 
a  letter  of  the  2d  from  Dr  Richard  Shuckburgh,  at  New  York,  to  Johnson, 
on  current  reports  as  to  licenses  for  engaging  in  Indian  trade,  delay  of 
European  arrivals  and  mails,  and  preparations  for  military  undertakings 
in  the  South,  Philadelphia  newspapers  inclosed;  a  letter  of  the  2d,  described 
when  calendared  as  mutilated,  from  H.  Van  Schaack,  at  Albany,  to 
Johnson,  about  the  anxiety  of  country  people  over  the  impressing  of  their 
horses  and  sleighs,  with  a  request  that  Johnson  will  intervene  to  stop  abuses 
and  mention  of  the  election ;  and  a  letter  of  the  4th  from  Johnson  to  Richard 
Peters  on  the  disposition  of  the  western  Indians,  Indian  meetings  at  Detroit 
and  Philadelphia,  the  coming  examination  of  Tedyescung's  complaint 
against  the  Proprietaries,  General  Amherst's  discharge  of  Johnson's  suite 
and  the  Connecticut  settlement  in  Pennsylvania. 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.61,  London,  England. 


Seven  Years'   War  351 

FROM  JOH.  CASPARUS  FRYENMOET 
A.  L.  S.1 

Claverak  March  6ih  1761 
HONOURED  SIR 

Whereas  I  am  informed  by  Miss  Peggy  van  Rensselaer,  that 
she  had  seen  some  time  ago  a  Servant-girl  at  your  House,  whom 
your  Honour  had  bought  of  the  Indians;  &  whereas  my  Brother 
in  Law  at  Menissink  Manuel  Gunsales  has  lost  a  daughter, 
named  Elizabeth,  about  7  years  of  age,  when  she  was  carried 
off  captive  by  the  Indians  about  something  more  than  3  yean 
ago ;  I  therefore  humbly  entreat  your  Honour,  to  enquire  whether 
your  Servant-girl  might  not  be  the  same,  which  your  Honour 
can  discover  by  the  following  Circumstances  (if  the  Girl  has  yet 
remembrance  of  them)  viz:  That  her  Father  had  a  very  good 
Fort  round  his  House;  had  a  grist-mill,  that  the  Barn  was  some- 
ways  off  from  the  Fort,  between  which  she  was  taken  Prisoner: 
Now  if  she  might  be  the  same,  I  beg  the  favour,  that  your  Honour 
will  inform  Me  by  a  Line  or  two,  upon  what  Conditions  her 
Father  might  get  her  again :  &  if  she  be  not  the  same,  that  your 
Honour  might  be  pleased  to  ransom  her  from  the  Shawanese 
Indians,  among  whom,  we  are  informed,  she  is  or  has  been,  & 
who,  they  say,  will  not  deliver  up  their  Prisoner,  because  not 
having  made  yet  Peace  with  the  English,  &  I  assure  your  Honour 
to  repay  the  Ransom  &  all  other  Costs  to  your  Satisfaction. 

Pray,  Sir,  pardon  the  Presumption  of  a  stranger,  but  to  whom 
your  Honour  is  very  well  known  by  the  wide  spreading  fame  of 
your  glorious  &  successful  Exploits  since  the  beginning  of  this 
War ;  &  favour  him  with  an  answer  who  with  most  fervent  wishes, 
that  Divine  Providence  might  continue  to  crown  all  your  Enter- 
prizes  for  the  good  of  our  Country  with  glorious  Successes,  sub- 
scribes himself  Sir,  Your  Honours  Most  obedient  &  most  Humble 
Servant 

JOH:  CASPARUS  FRYENMOET  V.D.M. Reform. 

In  Claverak. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


352  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM   CADWALLADER  GOLDEN 

In  the  Collections  of  the  New  York  Historical  Society  for  1876, 
p.  70—7 1 ,  is  a  letter  of  March  7th  from  Cadwallader  Golden,  at  Fort 
George,  to  Johnson,  relating  to  the  land  affairs  of  Ury  Clock,  Eve  Pickard 
and  Rev.  J.  C.  Hartwick. 

FROM   JAMES  STEVENSON 

In  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1  1  1 ,  is  a  letter  of  March  9th  from  J.  Steven- 
son, at  Albany,  to  Johnson  on  a  payment  of  money  and  various  land  trans- 
actions, containing  a  report  that  General  Monckton  is  governor  of  New 
York.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


TO  DANIEL  CLAUS 
Z)/.1 

Castle  Cumberland  March  10th  1761. 
SIR 

Yours  of  the  20th  &  22d.  of  Janry.  I  received  sometime  ago, 
and  I  should  have  answered  them  sooner  but  that  I  waited  for 
an  answer  on  some  points  from  Genrl.  Amherst,  wh.  I  but  yes- 
terday received.  I  told  Mr.  Welles  to  write  you  soon  after  ye. 
receipt  of  yours,  &  to  let  you  know  I  would  not  let  you  suffer,  or 
serve  for  nothing,  be  Mr.  Amhersts  intentions  w*.  they  will.  He 
tells  me  he  has  done  so,  and  I  hope  with  it,  you  have  been  easier 
in  yr.  Mind,  than  by  yrs.  I  find  you  have  been  this  time  past. 
Yr.  journal  shall  keep  safe  for  you.  I  am  glad  to  find  all  is 
peace  and  quietness  there.  I  did  not  mean  you  should  apply  to 
Genrl.  Gage  for  yr.  Sallary  as  my  Agent,  or  to  anybody  else  but 
to  myself.  What  I  meant  was,  that  you  should  call  on  him  as 
Govr.  there,  for  what  you  might  absolutely  want  for  carrying  on 
that  Service  for  wh.  you  were  stationed  there  wh.  if  not  allowed  I 
dont  see  your  being  there  can  be  of  any  service,  rather  ye.  con- 
trary. However,  as  it  is  my  resolution,  as  long  as  I  have  yc 


1  Destroyed  by  fire.     See  p.  358  for  note  on  Castle  Cumberland. 


-Seven  Years    War  353 

direction  of  that  branch  of  his  Majestys  Service,  not  to  neglect 
his  Interest,  nor  let  it  suffer  for  a  small  matter,  should  it  even  come 
out  of  my  own  pocket,  I  will  support  you  while  there,  &  enable 
you  to  do  some  like  service  to  such  of  them  Indians  as  you  realy 
think  deserve,  &  want  it,  but  would  recommend  to  you  the  best 
economy  &  frugality  in  yr.  power,  as  that  is  w*.  Genrl.  Amherst 
desires  &  expects  of  you,  as  you  will  see  by  the  following  Para- 
graph of  his  Letter  to  me :  "I  am  hopefull  that  Lieut.  Claus 
does  not,  in  Canada  enter  into  any  other  expences  than  what  are 
absolutely  necessary  for  the  Ind8.  in  those  parts ;  some  small  trifle 
out  of  charity  I  would  not  refuse  them,  but  I  should  be  sorry  to 
swell  y*.  expence.  By  Pere  Roubaud's  letter  to  you  wh.  I  return 
with  a  translation,3  I  do  not  see  that  the  Abnakis  are  in  any  dis- 
tress, all  he  requests  is  some  covering  for  about  twenty  old 
Women,  &  a  Couple  of  flags.  This  priest  I  find  is  not  much  to 
be  depended  on ;  his  veracity  has  been  detected,  and  I  afraid  his 
head  is  not  verry  sound/* 

I  cant  help  differing  with  the  Genrl.  in  opinion  concerning  Pere 
Roubaud,  I  take  him  to  be  a  sensible  man,  &  I  believe  sincere 
in  what  he  says :  I  should  wish  he  could  be  assisted  &  enabled  to 
do  some  service  with  the  Abanakis,  for,  if  they  are  steady,  all 
the  other  eastern  tribes  may  be  easily  managed,  I  would  have 
you  give  the  Abanakis  two  small  Flaggs,  tho  I  think  one  might 
do  it  is  only  to  use  comeing  to  Albany  with  the  Prisoner  they 
intend  to  give  in  lieu  of  the  Stockbridge  Indn.  they  killed,  wh. 
is  expected  will  be  done  this  Spring  or  early  in  ye.  Summer. 
I  have  kept  the  Stockbridge  &  others  from  being  uneasy  on  that 
ace",  since  my  arrival,  as  I  asured  them  there  would  be  satis- 
faction made  in  ye  spring,  wh.  I  hope  will  be  done.  If  any 
demands  are  made  on  you  by  Caghnawageys  or  others,  wch.  you 
judge  reasonable,  I  would  have  you  apply  to  Brigdr.  Gage,  if  he 
will  not  allow  it,  then  make  use  of  your  own  Credit  or  mine  as 
far  as  a  hundred  Pound,  or  two  will  go,  and  let  the  Inds.  know, 


Roubaud  to  Johnson,  November  1 3,   1  760. 

Vol.  Ill  — 12 


354  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Genrl.  Amherst  does  not  understand  being  at  an  expence  now  for 
Indn.  Management  in  that  part,  but  that  they  purchase  wl.  they 
want  for  Skins  &  furrs.  These  are  his  Sentiments.  Inter  nos, 
he  is  not  at  all  a  friend  of  Inds.  w*1.  I  am  afraid  may  have  bad 
consequences  one  time  or  other,  especially  so,  if  ever  that  Country 
be  given  back. 

I  inclose  you  a  letter  from  a  poor  unhappy  man  of  yr.  Country, 
who  lives  verry  miserable  here  near  Conajohary,  I  shall  be  glad 
if  you  can  serve  or  help  him  to  get  his  money  from  that  French- 
man who  lives  there,  and  let  me  know  it  at  first  oportunity. 

Mr.  Timothy  Connor  of  Albany  Tavernkeeper  has  a  Debt  of 
£600  Due  to  him,  on  a  Bond  with  Judgment  by  one  John  Sul- 
livan now  at  Montreal,  if  you  can  do  him  any  service  towards 
the  getting  it,  or  by  adviseing  him  how  he  may  recover  it,  I  shall 
be  very  glad  of  it,  as  it  will  be  a  charity  to  help  a  man  with  so 
large  a  Family.  As  this  will  go  by  Captn.  Lotteradge,  I  need 
not  write  you  the  little  News  of  the  Country,  but  refer  you  to  him. 

Affairs  to  ye.  Westward,  viz1.  Pitts  Borrough,  Detroit  & 
thereab18.  seem  to  be  in  a  good  way,  if  we  will  but  keep  them  so, 
wh.  I  am  certain  is  in  our  power,  by  keeping  up  a  friendly  cor- 
respondence with  the  Severall  Nations,  &  a  fair  plentifull  Trade. 
I  am  going  to  write  to  Morrow  for  Croghan  &  Montour  to  come 
here  that  I  may  send  them  to  attend  a  General  meeting  of  all  ye. 
Western  Ind8.  wh.  is  to  be  held  at  Detroit  next  Spring  sometime, 
where  the  Six  Nations  are  also  desired  to  attend,  as  the  General 
thinks  there  is  nothing  for  them  to  do  where  they  now  are,  viz1. 
Fort  Pitt.  Pensilvania  is  going  to  war  with  the  Connecticuts 
who  Settle  on  Land  they  claim.1  Mr.  Hamilton  also  writes,  that 
Tedyescung  threatens  the  Ind8.  will  remove  the  Connecticuts  from 
Chiesatonk  I  think  they  call  it,  if  he  will  not.  Peters  2  writes  me 
verry  pressingly  for  you  to  assist  them  at  a  great  Meeting  they 
expect  to  hold  with  all  Nations  in  Philadelphia  next  Summer,  in 


1See  Hamilton  to  Johnson,  March   19,   1754,  and  Fitch  and  Others 
to  Johnson,  April  2,  1754. 

2  Rev.  Richard  Peters,  secretary  of  Pennsylvania  council. 


Seven  Years    War  355 

ye  stead  of  Conradt  Weiser  deceased.  I  wrote  him  you  were 
otherwise  engaged  and  did  not  know  when  you  would  be  recalled. 
I  forsee  a  great  deal  of  trouble  comeing  on  in  that  Government, 
also  here  on  account  of  Lands.  There  are  severall  Merch*8.  there 
who  were  considerably  indebted  to  ye.  late  Captn.  Stoddert,  for 
goods  wh.  were  mine,  and  never  paid  for.  I  wish  you  would 
enquire  into  it,  and  if  you  can  recover  any  You  shall  have  half. 

Have  you  heard  nothing  of  my  Pawny  he  is  certainly  gone 
that  way?  If  you  can  get  and  send  me  some  Seeds  w*1.  we  have 
not  of  the  kind  here,  I  shall  be  obliged  to  you,  also  some  grape 
Vines  if  they  can  be  sent  safe.  If  you  can  get  one  such  a  horse 
as  the  one  I  have  from  Chevalier  La  Corn,  to  match  in  draft,  pray 
buy  him  &  send  him  by  safe  hand.  I  cannot  pay  for  him  in 
Milk  Cows  as  you  mentioned,  as  it  would  be  so  difficult  to  trans- 
port them  thither.  Buy  him  for  money  or  anything  else  there  to 
be  had.  If  you  cannot  get  the  little  curiosities  I  wanted  it  is  no 
Matter,  if  you  can  get  a  bargain  of  any  good  piece  of  Household 
Plate,  and  fashionable,  I  would  have  yu.  buy  it  to  the  amount  of 
One  Hundred  Pounds,  but  not  unless  it  is  good  and  cheap.  As 
Robert  Adems  owes  me  money  some  years,  I  wish  you  could  get 
some  from  him  there,  &  give  a  draft  on  me  for  the  amount.  I 
know  not  how  I  shall  get  it  otherwise. 

I  keep  mostly  here  since  I  came  home,  &  my  Brother  who 
desires  to  be  remembered  to  you,  we  are  all  well  thank  God,  and 
will  be  glad  to  hear  you  are  so.  Yr.  Friend  Brants  Thomas  dyed 
lately,  as  did  the  Seneca  Drunkard,  &  many  Indians  of  yr. 
acquaintance.  This  improvement  goes  on  verry  well.  You 
would  scarce  know  it  now.  Pray  make  my  compliments  to 
Doctor  Ogilvie  and  Family,  and  ask  him  whether  he  has  any 
prayer  Books  left  for  ye  Indians,  as  they  now  want  them  much. 
If  he  has,  how  can  they  be  got.  Be  so  good  to  send  me  an  Indn. 
Almanack  that  I  may  get  some  for  our  Ind*.  I  understand  S*. 
Luke  La  Corn  brought  several  of  them  from  New  York,  dont 
fail  sending  me  some.  I  shall  long  to  hear  how  you  &  all  friends 
there  do  after  so  severe  a  winter.  We  have  had  a  verry  hard  & 


356  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

tedious  one  here,  as  has  been  known  for  many  years,  Snow  being 
yet  near  two  foot  in  ye.  Woods  Ice  verry  Strong. 

Give  my  Compliments  to  all  enquiring  Friends  there,  and 
believe  me  Dear  Claus 

Your  Sincere  Welwisher  &  Humble  Servant 

WM.  JOHNSON 

P.  S.  I  have  had  a  Meeting  w*1.  held  3  days  with  the  Six 
Nation  Deputies.  They  are  in  great  want  of  ammunition.  I 
have  supplied  them  with  a  little.  They  have  been  full  of  their 
old  fears  again,  that  the  English  would  fall  upon  &  destroy  them. 
Great  preparations  are  making  against  the  Cherokees,  who  it 
seems  are  likely  to  get  the  Creeks  to  join  them,  wh.  may  make 
it  a  more  troublesome  affair  than  I  imagined.  I  am  certain  the 
breach  could  have  been  made  up  between  us,  if  proper  measures 
were  taken.  How  it  may  now  end  God  knows,  it  will  certainly 
occasion  great  Suspicion  and  Jealousy  thro  all  Nations. 

I  would  have  you  give  Pere  Roubaud  on  my  acctt.  ten  pounds 
this  Currency,  to  relieve  the  Poor  Man,  who  I  believe  to  be 
greatly  distressed.  If  you  can  any  way  relieve  ye  real  wants  of 
the  few  old  People  of  ye.  Abanakis  Nation  whom  he  writes 
about,  I  would  have  you  do  it,  and  tell  him  if  I  had  not  a  verry 
strict  hand  over  me,  I  should  willingly  relieve  the  distresses  of  ye 
Abanakis  or  any  other  Indians  in  alliance  or  friendship  with  us. 

Ury  Klock  &  Captn.  Fonda  have  lately  at  York  bought  the 
Pattent  whereon  the  Switzers  live,  who  paid  Rent  to  ye  Ind8.  and 
takes  in  the  whole  Canajoharie  Castle  their  planting  Lands  &ca 
w*1.  causes  a  verry  great  uneasiness  among  ye  whole,  how  it  will 
end  I  know  not,  but  am  certain  it  is  a  verry  unjustifiable  affair. 
Adieu 

LIEUT.  DANIEL  CLAUS 


Seven  Fears'  War  357 

PETER  SERVIS  AND  OTHERS  TO  THE  ASSEMBLY 
D.  S.1 

March  10,  1761 

To  the  Honourable,  the  Representatives  of  the  Colony  of 
New  York,  this  Humble  Petition  is  addressed. 

We  the  undernamed,  now  Inhabitants  of  the  County  of 
Albany,  and  Province  of  New  York,  being  by  Education  & 
profession  Protestants,  but  of  forreign  Birth,  are  desirious  of 
becomeing  his  Majesty's  Leige  Subjects  in  this  Colony,  wherefore 
humbly  pray  we  may  have  the  Benefit  of  an  Act  for  our  Naturali- 
zation, and  your  Petitioners  as  in  Duty  bound  will  ever  pray. 

Peter  Servis  John  Albrant 

Christopher  Servis  John  Walter 

Conradt  Smith  John  Winkel 

John  Knafe  John  Everhart  Koghnot 

Jacob  Knafe  Junr.  John  Everhart  Koghnot  Jr 

Hance  Kitts  Augustus  Eikler 

Jacob  Kitts.  Bastian  Steenmier 

Honnis  Apple  Abraham  Ecker 

Honnis  Rice  George  Ecker 

Hendrick  Bussard  Jacob  Seiver 

Phillip  Frederick  Phillip  Baam. 

Paul  Reiter 

Adolph  Young 

John  Alt 

Christopher  Lening 

INDORSED:     Petition  for  an  Act  to  Naturalize  ye  within  men- 
tioned 26  Persons,  March  10,  1761. 

1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


358  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


TO  HENRY  WENDELL 


Castle  Cumberland2  March   10lh  1761 
SIR 

I  received  yours  of  the  25th  Ult0.3  some  days  Ago  incloseing 
a  Licence  granted  by  Govr.  Clinton  to  Mr.  McGin  4  the  8th.  Day 
of  May  1  752,  for  Purchasing  8  Thousand  Acres  of  Land  with 
very  odd  Boundaries  as  thereby  appears  there  is  a  Rule  of 
Council  making  Void  all  licences  unless  the  lands  are  purchasd, 
Surveyd  &  pattented  within  a  Year  after  Granting  the  Licence 
so  that  this  Licence  could  Signify  nothing  now.  I  have  also 
received  Coppy  of  a  kind  of  Instrument  drawn  by  some  Unex- 
perienced Person  in  such  affairs  last  NovK,  and  Signed  by  some 
Indians  without  the  knowledge  or  Consent  of  the  rest,  who  all 
now  Disavow  the  thing,  if  your  Mother-in-law  had  acted  a 
proper  &  prudent  part  in  that  affair,  she  would  not  now  be  so 
Perplexed  besides  I  cant  help  saying  it  is  ungenerous  to  write  me 
as  she  did  by  you  Desireing  me  to  stand  her  friend  against  U. 
Clock  when  she  knew  I  had  got  a  deed  of  it  from  the  whole 
Castle  5  but  would  not  seem  to  know  it  and  at  the  same  time 
working  another  way  at  N  York  which  I  have  an  account  of;0 

1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Castle  Cumberland  was  built  by  Johnson  previous  to  his  journey  to 
Detroit  —  a  handsome  summer  villa  on  the  northwestern  edge  of  the  great 
vlaie  in  the  present  town  of  Broadalbin,  named  out  of  compliment  to  the 
Duke  who  vanquished  the  Pretender.     About  the  same  time  he  constructed 
a  rustic  lodge  on  the  south  bank  of  the  Sacandaga  four  miles  west  of 
Castle  Cumberland,   which  was  subsequently  called   "  the  Fish  House  " 
because  of  his  using  it  for  recreation  and  fishing  in  the  latter  days  of  his 
life.  —  W.  L.  Stone,  Life  and  Times  of  Sir  William  Johnson,  2  :  1  63-64. 

3  Not  found. 
*Teady  Magin. 

5  See  Johnson  to  Banyar,  January  2,  1761. 
'•See  Banyar  to  Johnson,  December  15,  1760. 


Seven  Years    War  359 

this  is  Carrying  two  strings  to  her  bow.  there  is  nothing  will  go 
farther  or  Succeed  better  than  an  upright  Conduct  this  I  assure 
you  Sir  is  &  ever  has  been  a  maxim  with  me  &  I  wrote  her  by 
you  that  if  it  appeared  she  had  a  right  to  any  part  of  the  Land  in 
Question  she  would  always  find  me  the  man  who  would  do  w*. 
is  just  or  right  after  such  a  Declaration  to  take  other  Steps  & 
methods  plainly  Shewed  her  Distrust  of  me  &  what  I  wrote  wh. 
was  not  useing  me  very  well  however  I  am  with  kind  regards  to 
you  &  her  &  to  both  Familys 

Sir 

your  verry 

humble  Servant 

FROM  GEORGE  III 

In  Doc.  Rel  to  Col  Hist.  N.  Y.,  7:458-59,  is  Johnson's  commission 
from  George  III  to  be  agent  and  superintendent  of  the  Six  Nations  and 
their  confederates,  dated  St  James,  March  1  1th. 


FROM  JOHN  DIES  ETC. 

In  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  Ill,  occur  four  letters  which  were 
destroyed  by  fire:  a  letter  of  March  1  1th  from  John  Dies,  at  New  York, 
to  Johnson,  on  St  Patrick  celebrations,  General  Monckton  and  land  buying 
on  Oneida  lake  and  elsewhere ;  a  letter  of  the  1  4th  from  Witham  Marsh, 
at  New  York,  on  the  interruption  of  law  proceedings  by  the  King's  death, 
theft  of  plate  and  coins  by  Marylanders  or  Pennsylvanians,  a  medal  in 
commemoration  of  victories  of  1 759,  which  he  presents,  the  battle  of 
Torgau,  and  speculations  as  to  the  provincial  governorship;  a  letter  of  thf 
16th  from  Dr  Richard  Shuckburgh,  at  New  York,  on  St  Patrick's  day 
at  Fort  Johnson,  a  medal  for  the  Indians,  success  of  French  privateers, 
the  Cherokee  war  and  Colonel  Grant,  and  the  governorship;  and  a  letter 
of  the  1  7th  from  Johnson  to  Lieutenant  Daniel  Claus  touching  the  affair 
between  Abenakis  at  St  Francis  and  Loups  J'  Orange  at  Stockbridge, 
personal  matters  and  General  Amherst's  attitude  toward  Indian  expenses, 
a  deputy's  warrant  for  Indian  service  and  proceedings  of  the  Detroit  con- 
ference being  inclosed.  The  last-named  is  printed  below^ 


360  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


TO  DANIEL  GLAUS 
L.  S.1 

Fort  Johnson  March  17th..  1761. 
SIR 

Altho  I  wrote  you  a  few  days  ago,  and  intended  my  letter 
should  have  gone  by  Captn.  Lotteradge  immediately,  I  now  find 
by  him  there  is  no  passing  the  lakes,  as  he  says  the  ice  is  broke, 
wh.  may  detain  him  some  time,  he  came  here  last  night  and  is  to 
go  for  Albany  to  Morrow  Morning,  from  thence  to  take  the  first 
opertunity  he  can  of  joining  you.  Inclosed  I  send  you  a  Warrant 
for  acting  as  my  Deputy,  for  vA  you  shall  be  paid,  also  a  Coppy 
of  a  conferrence  held  by  Mr.  Croghan  at  Detroit  last  Decbr., 
whereby  you  will  see  the  good  disposition  the  Indians  in  them 
parts  are  in  which,  if  we  take  proper  measures  to  continue,  will 
be  much  for  our  interest. —  I  hear  Capt".  Jacob  of  Stock  bridge 
is  not  inclined  to  make  up  that  affair  with  the  Abanakis,  as  he 
told  Moses  of  the  Mohawks  who  lately  came  from  hence  wh. 
gives  the  Mohawks  a  good  deal  of  concern.  I  propose  sending 
for  Captn.  Jacob  soon,  &  know  his  mind  concerning  it,  wh.  when 
known  I  shall  acquaint  you;  in  the  mean  time  I  think  it  best 
yl.  the  Abanakis  postpone  their  coming  to  Albany,  until  you  hear 
from  me  on  y*.  head.  I  received  yours,  and  one  for  Mr.  Welles 
yesterday,  he  is  much  concerned  at  a  letter  of  his  miscarrying 
w1*.  he  gave  to  Kennedy  &  Lisle  to  forward, —  I  would  not  have 
you  buy  me  a  Pawney  as  I  find  they  are  much  dearer  than  I 
expected.  I  have  recd.  ye.  Bever  Coat  mittens  &  pipe,  vA  I  am 
obliged  to  you  for  bying. 

I  am  glad  to  hear  there  has  been  a  good  agreement  between 
the  troops  in  ye.  severall  Garrisons  &  Indians  this  time  past. —  If 
you  cannot  readily  get  a  horse  to  match  the  one  I  have,  and  that 
reasonable,  I  would  have  you  not  mind  it,  especially  as  the  oper- 


xln  Public  Archives  of  Canada,  Claus  Papers,  v.   I.    1716-1777. 
M.  104,  p.  30. 


Seven  Years9  War  361 

tunity  of  getting  him  by  Ice  is  now  over. —  Do  not  give  the 
Coghnawageys,  or  any  other  Inds.  encouragement  to  come  to  me 
on  business,  as  I  believe  I  shall  be  from  home  all  the  spring,  & 
part  of  ye.  summer,  on  business  to  Pensilvania  &  other  places, 
besides  General  Amherst  is  not  for  my  being  any  ways  free,  or 
generous  to  any  station  of  Indians,  vA  should  they  come,  they 
would  expect. —  My  Brother  desires  his  Compliments  to  you. — 
I  am 

Sir 

Your  Welwisher,  & 

Humble  Servant 
LIEUT.  DANIEL  CLAUS.  WM.  JOHNSON 


FROM  DANIEL  CLAUS 
A.  L.  S.1 

Montreal  19*  March  1761 
SIR 

I  have  at  last  found  out  the  Pany  Indn.  that  run  away  from 
our  Indns.  last  Fall,  and  obtained  Gen.  Gages  order  to  demand 
him  of  his  old  Masster  with  whom  he  was,  and  who  after  some 
words  promised  me  to  deliver  him  up  when  I  called  for  him 
accordingly  I  intented  to  send  him  down  by  this  opportunity  but 
yesterday  Evening  Gen.  Gage  sent  for  me  and  told  me  that  the 
old  Fellow  told  him  a  long  Story  that  his  Pany  only  came  out 
of  Town  to  fetch  Water  and  so  was  taken.  I  assured  him  of  the 
contrary,  and  told  him  that  Genl.  Amherst  would  not  hear  the 
old  frenchman  and  let  the  Indns.  keep  him.  He  replied  that  my 
fellow  was  afraid  of  the  Indins.  hurting  him  for  running  away, 
I  should  find  it  difficult  to  bring  him  down  now  without  escaping. 
And  as  Gen.  Amherst  would  be  here  early  in  the  Spring  he 
might  settle  the  matter  when  he  could  to  be  sent  safer  by  water. 
Its  said  Gen.  Amshsl.  has  leave  to  go  home  and  is  to  set  off  for 
England  from  Quebec.  We  also  hear  that  Gen.  Murray  has 

JIn  Newberry  Library,  Chicago,  111. 


362  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

made  a  Representation  to  Genl.  Amshst.  abl.  the  art6,  of  CapitK 
by  which  the  French  South  Sea  Compy.  are  allowed  the  free 
Transportation  of  their  Peltry,1  and  proves  that  the  french  King 
is  at  the  head  of  P  Compy.  which  renders  that  Art6,  null  Gen1. 
Murray  has  stopt  most  all  the  Peltry  last  fall  at  Quebec  and 
there  are  vast  Quantities  in  the  Indn.  Countries  belongs,  to  Y 
Compy.  this  would  be  a  fine  hawl  if  obtained. 

The  Caghnawages  &  Caneghsadagey  Indians  have  lately  been 
with  me  and  renewed  their  Engagements  entered  into  with  you 
last  Fall,  and  added  that  they  had  since  considered  and  thought 
upon  that  the  English  by  their  Behaviour  toward  them  might  not 
cake  them  to  be  sincere  in  what  they  promised,  they  therefore  had 
firmly  &  unanimously  resolved  upon  in  public  council,  and  a  large 
white  Belt  of  Wampm.  assured  me  that  let  Times  &  Events  be 
as  they  would  they  never  again  would  take  up  the  Hatchet  for 
the  French  agst  the  English,  but  always  remain  stedfast  Friends 
to  the  latter  and  diligently  mind  their  hunting,  and  begged  this 
might  be  recorded  for  the  Memory  of  our  &  their  Posterity. 

I  also  had  the  Chief  of  the  Nipisins  with  me  whom  I  reminded 
as  near  as  I  could  of  what  was  transacted  last  Fall  and  desired 
him  to  see  every  English  Prisn.  left  among  his  people  to  be 
delivered  up,  as  without  which  no  real  Friendship  could  subsist 
between  them  &  us.  He  assured  me  that  it  was  intented  last  Fall 
but  the  Families  who  had  them  were  then  gone  upon  the  hunt 
when  the  others  were  delivered  up,  but  as  soon  as  they  returned 
which  would  be  the  latter  End  of  May  he  would  convince  the 

General  of  the  Sincerity  of  his  Promise. 

Gen.  Gage  told  me  that  Captain  Balfour  2  of  L*.  Infry.  who 
commands  near  those  Indians  mentioned  to  him  that  he  heard 
they  were  apprehensive  we  would  revenge  their  former  conduct. 
I  spoke  to  this  chief  upon  it  and  assured  him  of  our  sincere  Friend- 
ship in  case  they  behaved  accordingly.  The  Genel.  ordered  him 
some  Amunition  for  his  People  and  1 3  set  off  well  contented. 


^ee  Doc.  Rel  to  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.t  10:1  113. 

2  Captain  Henry  Balfour,  of  the  80th  regiment. 

3  This  word  should  no  doubt  be  **  he." 


Seven  years'  War  363 

The  Indians  of  this  Governmt:  are  going  upon  the  Beaver  hunt 
till  the  latter  End  of  May,  and  their  women  begin  to  make  sugar. 
Mrs.  DuMusseaux  died  lately  of  vomiting  Blood,  The  old 
Gentn  &  his  two  daughters  presents  their  Complts. 

Mr.  Wells  mentioned  to  me  of  your  intending  to  have  some 
Indn.  prayer  Books  reprinted,  I  beg  leave  to  observe  that  it  would 
be  necessary  to  have  them  corrected  first  as  there  are  many  Errors 
in  the  Printing  of  the  old  ones  which  I  think  I  could  correct  if  I 
had  a  Book,  there  are  likewise  several  Manuscripts  of  Catechims 
&ca.  among  the  Mohawks  which  would  be  a  pity  to  be  lost  and 
might  be  of  great  service  towards  promoting  Religion  among  the 
Ind'ns.  in  having  them  printed  like  primars  &ca. 

I  hope  you  have  received  by  Cornl8:  M'Kay  the  Beaver  Coat 
&  Mittens  since  which  I  picked  up  a  pair  of  shoes  made  by  the 
Sioux  Indin.  to  the  Westward.— 

By  a  hint  Col°.  Haldiman  gave  me  this  morning  I  find  Gen1. 
Amherst  has  mentioned  to  him  by  yesterdays  Post  that  he  would 
give  me  leave  to  purchase,  and  the  former  asked  me  abl.  it,  I  told 
him  how  you  were  kind  enough  to  offer  me  your  assistance  in  it 
last  Fall  and  he  said  that  he  should  be  glad  to  know  your  Inten- 
tion as  Captn  Rutherfurd  was  going  to  sell  out  &  Gen1.  Amherst 
would  be  satisfied  of  my  purchasing,  should  it  be  agreable  to  you 
to  advance  the  money  I  will  engage  my  self  to  make  repayment 
in  as  short  a  Time  as  I  possibly  will  be  able  and  acknowledge  it 
allways  as  a  piece  of  your  Patronage. 

I  have  no  more  to  add  and  remain  with  highest  Respect. 

Sir 
Your  most  Obedient  &  most 

humble  servant 

I  beg  to  be  remembered  DANL  CLAUS. 

to  Captn.  Warren  and  all 
the  Family. 

Ps'.  The  Company  will  sell  ab«.  £1 100.  Sterling 

and  my  Lieutenancy  300.   D° 

&  therefore  will  stand  £800. 


364  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

TO  CADWALLADER  GOLDEN 
A.  L.  S.1 

Fort  Johnson  19*.  March  1761 
DEAR  SIR 

Your  kind  favour  of  the  7th.  Curr*.  I  had  Yesterday  the 
pleasure  of  receiveing,  and  am  extremely  glad  to  find  thereby  that 
you  are  resolved  to  allow  of  no  purchases  of  Land,  but  such  as 
are  openly  &  fairly  made  of  the  Indians ;  there  certainly  is  nothing 
will  continue  them  firmer  in  their  attachment  to  the  Brittish 
Interest,  or  make  them  live  in  stricter  friendship  with  their 
Neighbours  the  White  People  than  that,  and  I  shall  take  the  first 
opertunity  of  acquainting  all  the  Indians  of  both  Mohawk  Castles, 
Scohare,  &  Oneida  (as  they  are  the  People  who  generally  sell 
Land)  of  your  resolution  to  see  Justice  done  them,  and  redress 
any  injuries  they  may  have  suff erred  with  regard  to  Land.  You 
may  be  assured  Sir  they  shall  not  trouble  You  with  any  com- 
plaints (while  I  have  the  care  of  them)  that  are  not  well  founded. 

Mr.  Livingstons  giveing  Klock  only  a  Quit  claim,  carries  with 
it  a  bad  look,  and  shews  he  did  not  think  his  Title  good.  I  am 
almost  certain  it  is  not,  from  what  I  have  heard  old  David 
Schyler  2  say  about  it,  who  is  one  of  the  Partners,  and  many  more 
who  know  a  good  deal  of  the  affair. —  the  People  liveing  on  said 
Land,  have  for  these  several  years  past,  paid  their  Rent  to  the 
Indians  uninterruptedly,  and  they  say  they  will  pay  it  to  no  other, 
until  it  appears  to  them  clearly  that  the  Indians  have  no  right  to 
it,  &  indeed  I  cant  see  they  are  to  blame.  Should  it  come  to  a 
Law  suit,  I  think  the  Crown  would  defray  the  expence,  but  I 
should  rather  imagine  that  the  affair  from  a  proper  representation, 
ought  to  be  determined  at  Home. — 1  am  much  oblidged  to  You 
Sir,  for  the  regard  You  are  so  good  to  say  You  will  pay  to  my 
recommendation  in  the  choice  of  proper  officers,  should  a  new 


1  In  New  York  Historical  Society,  New  York  City. 

2  See  Deposition  of  David  Schuyler,  January  23,   1762. 


Seven  Years'  War  365 

Commission  Issue  dureing  your  administration ;  let  me  assure  You 
that  nothing  would  give  me  greater  pleasure  than  a  continuation 
of  it  in  your  hands,  or  induce  me  to  trouble  You,  or  myself  in 
the  choice  of  Civil  officers,  but  the  great  necessitty  there  is  for  it 
in  this  part  of  ye.  Country,  where  realy  an  Englishman,  stands  not 
the  least  chance  of  haveing  Justice  done  him,  should  his  opponent 
be  a  Dutchman,  which  is  generally  the  case,  this  is  so  notorious 
that  (were  it  requisite)  numberless  Instances  could  be  given  to 
prove  what  I  say. —  I  need  not  tell  You,  that  I  have  no  connec- 
tions here,  and  I  dare  say  no  Man  could  ever  charge  me  with 
doing  a  wrong  thing  out  of  Nationality,  wherefore  I  flatter  myself 
you  will  attribute  my  desire  of  a  change  (whenever  it  may 
happen)  to  the  cause  already  given,  as  well  as  to  ye.  Superior 
qualifications  of  some  People  now  liveing  in  this  part  of  ye. 
Country./ 

As  to  Mr.  Hartwicks  affair,  or  purchase  of  Land  (it  being 
severall  years  ago)  I  realy  do  not  remember  the  particulars,  but 
I  know  I  stood  his  freind  at  the  time  with  the  Indians,  and  I  think 
made  a  bargain  with  them  for  him,  for  one  Tract,  at  which  time 
he  passed  a  Bond  or  note  to  them  for  a  Sum  of  Money,  which 
lyes  yet  (if  I  be  not  mistaken)  among  my  Papers,  but  for  how 
much  I  know  not,  whenever  he  has  a  mind  to  finish  that  affair, 
with  the  Indians,  I  will  assist  him,  and  see  that  they  do  what  is 
right. 

I  had  a  letter  some  days  ago  from  Mr.  Lappius  Minister  to 
a  Number  of  People  liveing  on  the  south  side  of  the  Mohawk 
River  near  to  Conajohare,  also  a  Petition  from  his  Congregation 
begging  I  would  write  to  You  for  liberty  for  them  to  build  a 
Church,  being  for  these  several  years  past  oblidged  to  meet  in 
Barns  &ca.,  they  are  in  Number  ab!.  600  Souls  Old  and  Young, 
it  is  realy  shocking  to  see  no  Churches  in  so  great  an  extent  of 
Country,  where  People  who  profess  Christianity  Inhabit,  if  you 
approve  of  it,  I  shall  be  glad  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  acquaint 
them  of  it,  as  it  is  so  earnestly  requested. 

The  Mohawks  of  the  lower  Castle  all  met  at  my  House  last 
Sunday,  and  made  a  verry  long  Haraunge  on  the  want  of  a 


366  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Minister,  &  murmured  greatly  at  the  former  Ministers  leaveing 
them  after  acquireing  enough  of  their  language  to  read  the 
Service  to  them,  they  then  in  the  most  earnest  manner  begged  I 
would  write  Home  their  request,  of  haveing  a  Minister  allowed 
intirely  for  them  &  the  Conajohares,  they  at  the  same  time  pressed 
me  greatly  to  acquaint  you  of  their  desire  that  Mr.  Barclay  might 
be  allowed  the  expences  he  was  at,  building  a  House  on  the  Land 
they  gave  him  formerly,  so  as  it  may  ever  remain  a  glebe  for  the 
use  of  a  Minister  who  serves  them.  I  beleive  Mr.  Barclay  did 
formerly  offer,  and  I  dare  say  would  now  give  up  his  right  to 
sd.  Land  for  so  good  a  purpose,  on  that  condn.  I  heartily  wish 
Sir,  it  could  be  settled  so,  as  it  would  make  the  Indians  verry 
Happy  in  their  mind,  &  be  the  means  of  civilizeing  fhem. 

By  this  post,  I  have  wrote  to  Mr.  Banyear,1  and  desired  him 
to  present  You  a  Petition  in  behalf  of  my  self  &  thirty  Nine 
Inhabitants  of  the  Mohawks  Country,  for  a  Lycence  for  a  Tract 
of  Land  near  Conajohare,  on  the  North  Side  of  the  Mohawks 
River,  the  Indians  of  that  Castle  did  last  December  send  for 
me,  and  in  a  full  meeting  of  all  their  People  Old  &  Young,  & 
in  the  presence  of  a  Justice  &  Interpreter  make  me  and  my 
Associates  (for  certain  considerations)  a  gift  of  said  Tract,  and 
executed  a  proper  Deed  of  gift  for  the  same  with  unanimous 
consent,  &  likeing.  I  am  sensible  it  is  not  agreable  to  the  present 
method  of  purchaseing  Lands,  yet,  as  I  before  observed,  as  it 
was  the  unanimous  Act  of  the  whole,  (wh.  I  look  upon  to  be  the 
cheif  thing  intended  by  his  Majestys  Instructions  in  ye.  purchase 
of  Lands)  I  hope  it  will  be  allowed,  and  a  Lycence  granted  me 
&  Company,  so  that  I  may  have  it  Surveyed  as  soon  in  the  Spring 
as  possible,  it  appeared  extremely  odd  to  ms,  when  I  heard,  that 
after  it  was  known,  that  the  Indians  had  made  me  such  a  Deed 
of  gift,  that  some  gentlemen  at  New  York  did  notwithstanding, 
petition  for  Lycence  to  purchase  ye.  same  Tract,  this,  I  must 
say  was  not  acting  generous,  however,  I  am  certain  the  Indians 
will  never  be  got  to  Sell  it  to  others  for  any  consideration  after 

1  Johnson  to  Banyar,  March  20,  1  76 1 ,  q.  v. 


Seven  Fears'  War  367 

giveing  it  to  Us  in  so  Solemn,  &  formal  a  Manner  as  never  was 
before  known  in  any  case.  &  I  flatter  myself,  that,  for  a  mistake 
in  the  form  or  manner  of  our  proceeding  in  this  Affair  (as  long 
as  the  Indians  are  all  Satisfied,  &  well  contented)  You  and  the 
Gentlemen  of  the  Council  will  not  make  any  difficulty  in  granting 
our  Petition  especially  as  we  are  determined  to  Settle  a  Number 
of  People  on  the  Land  directly.  I  hope  you  will  be  good  enough 
to  excuse  my  trespassing  so  much  on  your  patience,  and  beleive 
me  with  the  greatest  respect, 

Dear  Sir 

Your  most  Obedient 
&  most  Humble  Servant 

WM.  JOHNSON 

The  Honrble.  CADWALLADER  CoLDEN  Esqr. 
President 

INDORSED:     Sr  Wm  Johnson  March  19th  1761 


TO  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 
Df.  S.1 

Castle  Cumberland  March  20ih  1761. 
DEAR  BANYAR 

After  waiting  some  time  in  vain  for  an  answer  to  several  things 
wrote  you  about,  I  come  now  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
answer  2  to  part  of  my  letter  of  the  6th  Janry.3  also  your  very  short 
letter  of  the  23d  Ult0.1  by  which  I  am  greatly  surprised  to  hear 
that  there  are  any  Gentlemen,  who  (after  hearing  I  had  a  Deed 
for  Land)  should  think  of  interfering,  by  taking  out  Ly cense  to 
purchase  the  same  Tract,  and  as  you  say  will  allow  me  6000 
Acres,  or  an  equal  share  with  them.  I  can't  help  saying  it  is  a 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Banyar  to  Johnson,  February  2,   1761. 

3  Also  dated  January  2d- 


368  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

very  extraordinary  proposal  to  a  man,  who  already  has  a  very 
full,  &  formal  Deed  for  the  Whole,  and  that,  from  those,  who 
have  not  as  yet  the  least  pretensions  to  the  land,  but  a  Lycense 
lately  granted  to  treat  with  the  Indians  about  it,  which,  you  your- 
self observe  will  not  avail,  in  these  words  "  nor  will  it  be  any 
prejudice  to  your  Interest,  if  these  Petitions  should  pass,  and 
Lycenses  issue,  for  without  your  Concurrence  any  application  to 
the  Indians  upon  the  Lycenses  must  be  fruitless,  and  I  dare  say 
will  not  be  thought  of,"  this  allowed,  and  being  realy  the  case, 
must  it  not  appear  then  very  extraordinary  to  any  man,  that  my 
associates  and  I,  shall  be  limitted  to  such  a  Share  as  these  Gentle- 
men shall  think  proper  to  allow,  who  have  not  as  yet  any  Title 
from  the  Indian  Proprietors,  nor  never  will,  or  can  for  said  Tract 
during  the  lives  of  the  Indians  now  concerned,  or  Mine. 

I  must  own,  I  do  not  at  all  understand  yr.  making  Mention 
in  several  Letters  of  Mrs.  McGins  purchase  of  said  Land,  and 
desire  of  sending  up  in  the  Spring  Surveyors  to  lay  it  out,  by 
virtue  of  what  I  have  seen  &  found  out  what  she  &  others  here 
have  been  very  Clandestinely  carrying  on,1  for  which,  in  my 
opinion,  she  should  be  taken  proper  notice  of,  being  quite  contrary 
to  the  Form,  or  Method  prescribed  by  his  Majesty's  Instructions 
for  the  purchase  of  Lands,  it  surely  therefore  cannot  appear 
to  you  (from  the  Objections  made  to  Mine)  that  what  she  has 
been  endeavoring  to  do,  is  at  all  right,  or  agreable  to  the  Method, 
which  indeed  I  find  is  not  always  strictly  adhered  to.  I  am  very 
sorry  to  meet  with  any  opposition  in  an  affair  so  Openly  &  fairly 
agreed  to,  by  all  those  who  had  the  least  right  in  the  Disposition 
of  said  Land,  &  hope  there  may  be  no  more  of  it,  as  I  hate,  and 
ever  have  avoided  (in  all  my  dealings)  having  any  contention 
with  Mankind.  I  now  send  you  inclosed  the  Names  of  those 
Concerned, 2  and  if  you  do  not  incline  (which  I  can  see  no  reason 
for)  to  make  out,  &  prefer  a  Petition  for  us,  I  must  desire  the 


^See  Johnson  to  Wendell,  March  10,   1761. 

2  See  Calendar  of  Land  Papers,  p.   302,  and  Calendar  of  Council 
Minutes,  p.  404. 


Seven  Fears'  War  369 

favor  of  you,  to  get  it  done  by  some  one  else  &  let  the  thing  go 
on,  as  it  should,  so  as  we  may  have  a  Pattent  for  it.  I  wish  you 
would  please  to  let  me  know  what  the  charges  of  Harkemer  & 
Compy*.  Pattent  near  Burnetsfield  come  to,  as  I  desired  in  a 
former  letter,  the  Pattentees  expect  it  with  great  impatience,  that 
they  may  settle  it  between  them.  If  it  is  possible  to  be  had,  I 
should  be  much  obliged  to  you,  for  the  lists  or  Coppys  of  them, 
sent  by  the  several  officers  of  the  Militia  along  the  Mohawk  River 
&  Stoneraby  to  the  Govr.  by  which  they  were  paid  sums  of  money 
for  paying  their  Men  who  were  on  service  during  the  war  by  my 
orders,  &  with  me,  for  several  of  them  have  been  to  complain  to 
me  of  their  CapP8.  not  having  done  them  justice.  The  Clerk  of 
the  Assembly  can  easily  make  them  out,  for  which  I  will  readily 
allow  him  what  is  reasonable.  If  I  have  Captn.  Nicks  Hansen, 
Captn.  Peter  Waggonnor,  Captn.  William  Wormwood,  &  Captn. 
Peter  Connins  it  will  be  sufficient.  I  only  desire  this  in  order 
to  have  Justice  done  to  some  of  the  poor  People  who  I  believe 
are  not  fairly  dealt  by.  I  am  afraid  I  have  already  been  too 
troublesome,  so  shall  only  add  that  I  am  as  ever, 

Your  Sincere  Welwisher  &  very  humble  Servant, 
GOLDS  BORROW  BANYAR  Esq<.  WM  J°HNSON 

P.  S. 

The  inclosed  is  an  old  Lycense  to  one  Jacob  Miller  1  by  Virtue 
of  which  he  had  the  Land  surveyed  by  Hendk.  Fry  and  the 
survey  sent  down,  but  would  not  be  allowed  by  Mr.  Golden,  as 
Fry  was  not  deputised  by  him.  This  is  a  great  loss  to  the  poor 
man,  wherefore  to  help  him,  I  wish,  if  it  is  necessary  you  would 
please  to  procure  him  a  new  Lycense,  so  that  he  may  get  a  Pattent 
for  it  this  next  Summer,  or,  as  it  is  but  a  small  piece  whether  it 
would  not  be  included  in  y*.  of  mine,  to  save  him  expence  as  he 
is  a  poor  Man.  This  I  leave  to  you. 


1  Calendar  of  Land  Papers,  p.  271,  and  Calendar  of  Council  Minutes, 
p.  386. 


370  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

When  I  hear  from  you  I  shall  let  you  know  more  of  my  mind 
concerning  the  Pattent  I  am  now  about  near  to  Conajohare;  in 
the  meantime,  I  hope  you  will  do  everything  that  is  necessary  for 
forwarding  it,  haveing  herewith  ye  Boundary  &  names  of  those 
concerned,  So  that  I  may  have  it  surveyed  this  Spring  before  I 
leave  Home. 

The  Militia  Company  of  Stoneraby  Commanded  by  Captn. 
Sufferinus  Tyger,  is,  I  find  by  the  last  Return  made  me  large 
enough  for  two  Companys  wherefore  would  willingly  divide  it, 
as  they  can  be  better  disciplined.  In  such  case  I  would  want  ye 
Comrniss"8.  viz1:  One  for  Hendrick  Fry  Junr.  to  be  Captn. 

I       Peter  Grimes 1 8t.  Lieut. 

John  Fry , 2d.  Lieut. 

Isack  Barries  * Ensign 

Captn.  Tyger  &  his  officers  to  remain  as  they  are,  He  haveing  a 
Sufficient  Company  of  the  other  Half. 

Y». 
W.  J. 

FROM  ABRAHAM  MORTIER  ETC. 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See  John- 
son Calendar,  p.  112)  by  three  to  Johnson,  destroyed  by  fire:  a  letter 
of  March  23d  from  Abraham  Mortier,  in  New  York,  about  a  draft  on 
Mr  Dow  and  money  remitted  by  Ferrell  Wade;  a  letter  of  the  23d  from 
Dr  Richard  Shuckburgh,  in  New  York,  mentioning  letters,  printing  of 
prayer  books  in  the  Indian  tongue,  stamped  paper,  his  desire  to  be  John- 
son's secretary,  English  criticism  of  the  retention  of  so  many  troops  in 
Canada,  and  Indian  trade;  and  a  letter  of  the  25th  from  William  Wey- 
man,  in  New  York,  agreeing  to  print  Indian  prayer  books  at  a  reasonable 
price,  blank  bonds,  a  mathematical  series  and  Johnson's  account  with 
Weyman  and  Parker  being  inclosed. 


1  Isaac  Paris,  Third  Annual  Report  of  the  State  Historian,  p.  882. 


Seven  Years    War  371 

FROM   DANIEL  GLAUS 

A.  L.  S.1 

Montreal  26ih.  March  1761. 
SIR 

Since  my  last  of  the  18th.  Inst.  Colonel  Haldiman  assured  me 
that  I  had  Gen1.  Amherst's  Permission  to  purchase  a  Company, 
and  at  the  same  time  desired  me  to  acquaint  you  therewith  by 
this  Post,  which  made  me  guess  You  had  wrote  Gen1.  Amherst 
on  my  behalf. 

As  this  is  an  offer  and  Opportunity  which  I  may  not  have  so 
soon  again,  and  wch.  would  secure  to  me  a  genteel^  Cejttainty  for 
Life  even  if  our  Reg1,  was  to  be  broke,  which  at  the  same  time  is 
in  general  not  believed,  I  should  take  it  as  a  piece  of  the  highest 
Patronage,  if  you  thought  it  proper  and  agreable  to  assist  me  in 
advancing  the  Money,  with  Regard  to  the  Repayment  of  wch.  I 
will  engage  myself  to  make  it  by  living  as  saving  as  in  my  Power 
without  any  will  full  Delay  and  as  soon  as  possibly  I  can.  After 
all  if  I  could  not  reimburse  you  when  required  or  I  could  wish 
for,  I  only  could  get  Permission  to  sell  out  again,  which  I  might 
obtain  the  easier  as  the  Company  was  purchased,  and  thereby 
would  nevertheless  have  gained  Rank  &ca. 

However  I  leave  everything  to  your  Pleasure,  and  beg  Leave 
to  observe  that  should  you  approve  off  and  assist  me  in  the  Matter 
above  ment:  I  would  be  glad  to  have  it  settled  in  such  a  Manner 
as  to  be  ordered  to  continue  in  the  Service  under  your  Manage- 
ment as  I  always  hoped  for,  and  wished  to  have  the  Pleasure  of 
making  one  of  your  Family ;  to  be  more  open  in  my  Sentiments  I 
beg  leave  to  mention  to  you  that  I  always  had  and  ever  shall  have 
a  Sincere  Regard  and  Esteem  for  Miss  Nancy  your  elder 
Daughter,  who  likewise  was  kind  enough  as  not  to  discourage  me 
therein,  wherefore  I  should  before  now  have  asked  your  Consent 
and  Approbation  to  marry  her,  had  it  not  been  for  the  trouble- 
some times  we  hitherto  sustained,  but  that  Period  being  at  last 

1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


372  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

come  I  embraced  this  opportunity  of  doing  it  now,  and  from  your 
natural  Goodness  flatter  myself  a  favourable  Answer. 

I  dont  see  but  what  I  might  (when  Lake  Champlain  opens) 
get  Leave  to  take  a  Journey  to  Fort  Johnson  for  a  Month  or  so 
till  the  Indns.  return  from  hunting.  Colo.  Haldiman  also  told 
me  that  Capt.  Rutherford  whose  Compy.  was  to  be  sold,  waited 
now  for  an  Answer  and  the  sooner  he  had  it  the  better,  but  as  I 
cannot  give  that  positively  I  beg  you  will  let  him  know  your 
Intention  by  a  few  Lines  that  he  may  direct  himself  accordingly. 
Young  Haldiman  *  is  to  purchase  the  Lieutenancy  to  the  Compy. 
at  £300  Sterl.  then  the  Compy.  stands  in  £800.  If  you  have  any 
GentK  to  recommend  for  an  Ensign  in  our  Reg1.  Colo.  Haldn. 
will  obtain  his  Leave  to  purchase. 

Colo.  Eyre  who  is  quartered  in  this  Town  desires  his  Complts. 
to  you,  he  has  orders  to  go  to  New  York  as  soon  as  possibly 
he  can;  Majr.  Beckwth  2  enquires  of  you  as  often  he  sees  me, 
being  in  quarters  at  la  Preieri  over  the  River  begs  also  to  be 
remembered,  none  of  the  Troops  here  know  their  Destination 
for  next  Summer  as  yet 

I  remain  with  the  highest  Respects,  and  Compliments  to 
Captn.  Warren  &  family  Sir 

Your  most  obedient  and  most  humble  Servant 

DAN.  CLAUS 
P.  S. 

If  Captn.  Warren  intends  to  go  to  England  soon  I  think  his 
Way  by  passing  Canada  &  embarking  at  Quebec  would  be  the 
shortest  &  pleasantest. 
To  the  Honourable  SR.  WM.  JOHNSON  Baronet. 


1  Frederick    Haldimand.      His   commission   as    lieutenant   in   the   60th 
regiment  bears  date,  December  8,   1  760. 

2  Major  John  Beckwith,  of  the  44th  regiment 


Seven  Years    War  373 

PETITION  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  AND  OTHERS 
In  N.  S.  Benton's  History  of  Herfyimer  County,  p.  479—81  are  printed 
the  petition  of  Johnson  and  39  others,  presented  March  27  to  Cadwallader 
Golden,  for  the  Canajoharie  patent,  from  Land  Papers,  16:45,  and  the 
reference  of  the  petition  to  the  council  on  July  8,  from  Council  Minutes, 
23:368. 

FROM   REV.   T.   BROWN   ETC. 

Claus's  letter  of  the  26th  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  112, 
by  four  destroyed  by  fire:  a  letter  of  March  27th  from  Rev.  T.  Brown, 
at  Albany,  to  Johnson,  explaining  his  inability  to  meet  the  Indians  at  Fort 
Hunter  on  Sunday  (printed  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  4:304;  Q,  4:196); 
a  letter  of  March  27th  from  Lieutenant  George  Pennington,  of  the  44th, 
at  La  Prairie,  to  M.  Du  Musseaux,  recounting  his  exploit  in  clubbing 
Indians  [translated  from  the  French]  ;  a  letter  of  April  4th,  from  Kennedy 
and  Lyle,  at  Albany,  to  Johnson,  about  an  Indian  trader  and  business 
orders;  and  a  letter  of  the  5th  from  Hugh  Cosgriff,  applying  to  Johnson 
for  relief  from  imprisonment  for  debt. 


FROM  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 
A.  L.  S.1 

Nev>  York  6  April  1761. 
DEAR  SIR  WM. 

I  have  your  long  Letter  of  the  20  March.  I,  sometime  ago, 
gave  an  account  of  the  Fees  of  the  Patent  you  want,  to  some  of 
the  Parties  of  which  I  kept  no  Copy,  but  will  make  out  another 
and  send  it  to  you  with  the  Commissions  by  the  next  Post:  If 
it  should  differ  from  the  first  I  shall  abide  by  the  first  with  respect 
to  the  Fees  of  this  office.  Mr.  Dies  paid  the  Surveyor  and  gave 
his  Bond  for  the  Sum,  so  that  In",  will  be  charged  on  this.  I  shall 
draw  your  Petn.  and  give  it  to  the  President  so  as  to  be  presented 
the  first  Council  day  when  Land  matters  come  before  them  which 
is  very  seldom. 

Two  Gentlemen  at  the  Board  will  I  imagine  oppose  it:  It's 
Fate  I  cannot  even  guess,  but  I  find  the  President  inclines  to  have 
it  passed  but  would  rather  have  the  Matter  accommodated.  Mr. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


374  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Du  Bois  who  will  or  has  waited  on  you  will  make  the  Proposals 
to  you.  I  think  Mr.  Klock  if  he  is  so  very  obnoxious  should  be 
left  out  and  if  the  other  Parties  concerned  would  be  as  willing  as 
I  am,  to  take  a  part  of  what  we  proposed,  the  affair  might  be 
agreed  to  the  Satisfaction  of  both  sides.  Mr.  Golden  and  my  self 
were  originally  that  is  in  1  755  in  petitioning  for  these  Lands. 
We  are  both  of  this  conciliatory  opinion.  The  other  Gentlemen 
became  interested,  about  the  time  you  thought  of  the  Matter,  I 
believe  a  little  before  the  Indians  gave  you  a  Deed.  The  Spott 
of  Jacob  Miller  is  included  within  the  description  you  give  and 
may  go  with  the  Rest.  If  you  can  reconcile  to  yourself  letting 
Mrs.  Magin  have  part  of  the  Land,  I  should  think  it  right,  as  I 
am  told  She  actually  agreed  with  the  Indians,  and  tho  this  gives 
her  no  absolute  Right,  yet  she  has  I  think  a  better  Pretence  than 
Mr.  Klock  who  was  the  means  of  taking  from  her  and  her  asso- 
ciates the  best  Land  back  of  that  where  Klock  lives,  and  leaving 
the  worst  behind  for  her,  which  I  am  told  is  scarce  worth 
patenting. 

Major  Rogers  has  put  in  a  Petition  for  a  Tract  of  Land  near 
Lake  George.1 

The  five  Nations  lay  no  claim  to  the  Lands  on  the  East"  side 
of  Hudsons  River.  Those  are  properly  within  the  same  reason- 
ing. I  should  be  glad  to  know  your  opinion  whether  this  Spott 
ought  to  be  purchased  of  the  five  Nations,  and  of  which  of  the 
Nations.  I  will  apply  to  the  Clerk  of  the  Assembly :  I  am  much 
hurried  with  Business,  you  will  therefore  excuse  me  if  I  do 
not  answer  or  comply  with  your  Letters  with  that  Expedition  it 
would  give  me  Pleasure  to  do  it.  No  News  but  our  Assembly's 
voting  1  787  Men,  but  the  Act  is  without  a  Detachment  Clause 
so  they'l  not  be  raised  I  fear.  I  am  Dr.  Sr.  William 

Your  affectionate  humble  Serv*. 

Gw  BANYAR. 

ADDRESSED:  To  Sir  William  Johnson  Baronet  at  Fort  Johnson 


1  Calendar  of  Land  Papers,  p.  30 1 ,  and  Calendar  of  Council  Minu 
p.  403. 


- 


Seven  Fears'  War  375 


FROM    RICHARD   SHUCKBURGH 


The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1  12,  by 
a  letter  of  April  6th  from  Dr  Richard  Shuckburgh,  at  New  York,  to 
Johnson,  mentioning  medicines  and  expressing  again  a  desire  to  be  rein- 
stated by  General  Amherst  as  Indian  secretary.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


FROM   DANIEL  CLAUS 
A.  L.  S.1 

Montreal  9*  April  1761. 
SIR: 

I  have  a  few  days  ago  found  out  and  bought  a  horse  which 
by  the  Accls.  of  People  that  knew  the  one  Monsr.  S*.  Luc  de  la 
Corne  made  you  a  present  of,  is  the  only  one  in  the  Environs  of 
Montreal  that  will  nearest  match  him ;  he  is  a  Stone  horse  entirely 
black,  five  french  feet  high,  and  will  be  six  Year  old  in  May, 
his  owner  was  offered  100.  Dollrs.  for  him  in  the  beginning  of 
the  Winter,  but  being  now  in  want  of  cash,  I  got  him  for  60  Dlrs. 
Monsr.  S'.  Luc  paid  his  Bror.  Twenty  French  Guineas  for  yours 
which  the  Chevr.  la  Corne  told  me  himself  &  which  surprised  me 
having  for  a  long  time  thought  the  latter  made  you  the  Present. 

If  I  can  get  a  care  full  hand  here,  I  shall  send  him  down  as 
soon  as  the  Vessells  upon  Lake  Champn.  are  going,  wch.  wont  be 
before  a  fortnl.  or  3  Weeks,  and  as  this  goes  by  Colo.  Eyre  (who 
goes  to  Gen1.  Amherst  with  all  Expedition)  it  may  come  time 
enough,  so  that  I  can  have  your  Directions,  how  safest  to  get  him 
down  or  whether  yourself  will  send  a  carefull  Person  to  bring 
him. 

We  reced.  two  days  ago  the  first  Accb.  within  these  6  Weeks 
from  below;  wch.  however  contain  nothing  ab'.  the  Destination 
of  the  Troops  in  Canada  as  I  can  hear.  All  the  Regte.  in 
America  except  Gen1.  Gages  are  to  be  reduced,  viz*:  lOOOds.  to 
700.  and  700.  to  500.  not  touching  the  officers;  its  supposed  this 

1  Destroyed  By  fire. 


376  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

was  done  because  they  in  general  wanted  to  be  compleated,  &  it 
was  not  thought  proper  to  fill  them  up  with  Recruits  got  here. 

Some  Caghnawagey  have  applied  to  me  to  go  to  Albany  and 
I  obtained  Gen1.  Gages  Pass  for  them;  since  wcl\  others  having 
asked  again  it  seems  the  Gen1,  is  prepossessed  of  letting  any  more 
go,  and  says  he  wont  suffer  that  Counterband  Trade  to  be  carried 
on  as  heretofore  between  the  Albany  People  &  Caghnaw?  Indns. 
wc\  was  their  only  Scheme  of  going  down  I  told  the  Indns. 
of  it  in  as  smooth  a  Manner  I  could,  that  if  Gen1.  Amherst  came 
up  Gen1.  Gage  would  consult  with  him  thereupon  they  were 
surprized  that  the  Road  of  Peace  opened  &  shown  to  them  last 
Fall  should  be  barred  up  again,  I  have  told  Gen1.  Gage  ab*.  it 
and  he  is  fixed  in  his  Resolution  so  cannot  do  any  more  &  there- 
fore must  refer  it  to  you. 

Mr.  Pennington  *  of  the  44th.  would  hire  some  Caghnawagey 
Indns.  to  go  w*.  an  Officer  of  sd.  Reg1,  that  was  cashier'd  to 
Crownpoint  before  the  Communication  was  opened  and  when 
they  came  to  his  Quarters  at  la  Preierie  he  got  into  Dispute  wll\ 
them  abl.  the  hire  &  wlh.  a  large  club  fell  beating  them  till  he 
was  tired,  ordering  at  the  same  time  a  parcell  of  Soldiers  to  keep 
at  the  Door  while  he  was  belabring  them  within,  and  at  their 
telling  him  they  expected  no  such  Treatment  by  Virtue  of  the 
Treaty  you  held  with  them  last  Fall,  he  answered  them  in  a 
despisefull,  unbecoming  Manner,  that  he  did  not  pay  any  Regard 
to  that  and  oblidged  them  to  carry  a  Letter  to  their  Priest  wherein 
he  desired  him  to  send  immediately  three  Indns.  to  go  to  Cr.  point 
as  he  could  not  agree  with  these,  and  been  oblidged  to  chastise 
them  for  their  Insolence.  The  Priest  then  wrote  the  above  Affr. 
to  Gen1.  Gage,  who  sent  for  me  and  told  me  of  it  and  at  the  same 
time  delivered  me  an  Answer  to  the  Priests  Letter,  and  said  he 
had  wrote  to  Majr.  Beckwith  to  enquire  into  the  thing. 

I  am  going  to  Caghnawagey  to  Day  to  see  whether  any  thing 
has  been  done  in  it,  and  report  it  to  Gen1.  Gage  accordingly. 


Lieutenant  George  Pennington. 


Seven  years*  War  377 

A  New  England  man,  who  has  been  these  4  years  past  among 
the  S*.  Francis  Indns.  and  gone  several  times  to  war  with  them 
when  he  committed  the  most  horrid  Cruelties  of  his  own  Accord, 
has  been  taken  up  at  Swegachy  where  Mr.  Meredith  was  posted 
last  Winter,  and  brought  down  to  be  tried  here,  and  after 
sufficient  evidence  &  self  Confession  was  condemned  &  hanged 
two  days  ago.  Gen1.  Gage  has  given  orders,  and  is  resolved  to 
take  up  all  white  Men  of  ours  living  wth.  Indns.  wherever  they 
can  be  got,  and  intends  to  send  them  on  board  the  first  Man  of 
War  that  arrives  at  Quebec.  Mr  James  Hamilton  is  in  Prison 
&  destined  for  the  same. 

I  have  taken  the  Liberty  to  draw  upon  you  for  £50  Curr?.  in 
favr.  of  Messrs.  Kennedy  &  Lyle,  for  wch.  I  shall  be  accotble. 

I  am  glad  to  hear  by  the  last  Post  that  Captn.  Lottridge  is  in 
his  way  coming  here,  as  I  long  to  hear  from  below  having  not 
heard  from  you  since  the  last  Favour  of  the  10th  Decr.  last. 

I  am  with  highest  Respects  &  Compliments  to  Captn.  Warren 
&  yr  Family  Sir 

Your  most  Obedient  and  most  humble  Servant 

DAN.  CLAUS. 
To  the  Honble.  SR.  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar*. 


FROM  WILLIAM  CORRY   ETC. 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1  1  3,  by  five 
which  were  destroyed  by  fire:  a  letter  of  April  9th  from  William  Corry, 
at  Albany,  discussing  Albany  politics  and  trouble  over  church-  pasture 
claimed  by  "  old  Bogardus  "  and  informing  of  payment  of  a  note  by 
William  Cuningham;  a  letter  of  tHe  13th  from  Dr  Richard  Shuckburgh, 
at  New  York,  about  shipment  of  medicines,  passes  for  Indian  trade,  Indian 
opposition  to  Connecticut  settlement  in  Pennsylvania,  General  Monckton's 
dogs,  and  marine  affairs;  a  letter  of  the  14th  from  Kennedy  &  Lyle,  at 
Albany,  inquiring  as  to  George  Croghan's  draft,  presented  by  Major 
Robert  Rogers,  and  announcing  arrival  of  gunpowder;  a  letter  of  the  15th 
from  Daniel  Jaqueri,  at  Albany,  conveying  information  as  to  powder,  shot 
and  pistol  balls  in  store,  subject  to  Johnson's  order ;  and  a  letter  of  the  1 8th 
from  John  B.  Van  Eps,  regarding  ammunition  sent  in  care  of  Jacobus 
Johannes  Van  Norst  and  Cornelis  Barhuyt. 


378  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copy  1 

New  York  '7th.  April  1761. 
Copy. 

DEAR  SIR, 

I  send  you  by  Cap1.  Minnett  182  Silver  medals  for  that 
Number  of  Indians  who  were  under  your  Command  On  Our 
Arrival  at  Montreal.  Each  medal  has  a  Name  Inscribed  on 
it,  taken  Exactly  from  the  List  which  you  gave  me  in  Canada, 
according  to  the  Enclosed  Copy.- 

The  Names  of  the  Ashquesashna  Indians  were  left  blank,  but, 
I  imagine,  it  will  not  be  difficult  to  find  a  person  to  add  the 
Names  to  them,  which  I  must  beg  the  favor  of  you  to  have 
Inscribed  on  the  medals,  And  that  you  will  please  to  Deliver 
the  whole,  as  a  mark  of  the  King's  approbation  of  their  faithfull 
Services,  which  they  are  to  wear,  as  a  proof  of  His  Majesty's 
satisfaction  of  their  Zeal  and  Bravery;  And  that  they  may  be 
distinguished  by  this  Token,  whenever  they  shall  Come  to  any 
of  the  Forts  or  Posts,  from  those  unworthy  Indians,  who  so 
shamefully  abandoned  the  army  after  we  left  Oswego.- 

Amongst  these  medals,  there  is  One  for  Silverheels  who  is  at 
present  at  Carolina,  and  I  don't  know  but  there  may  be  more 
Indians  there,  who  are  Included  in  the  List. 

I  Enclose  One  of  these  medals  in  Gold,  which  I  beg  your 
Acceptance  of;  and  that  you  will  permit  me  to  say,  no  one  has 
so  good  a  right  to  it  as  yourself;  for  I  am  convinced  those  Indians 
that  did  Accompany  the  Army  were  Induced  to  it  from  the 
proper  Care,  and  good  Conduct  you  shewed  towards  them.— 

I  am,  with  great  Regard, 

Sir 
&ca, 

0.   ,v.      T  Jeff:  Amherst. 

Sir  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar1. 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.61,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  May  4,  I  761. 


Seven  Years    War  379 

INDORSED:     Copy  Letter  from  Gen1.  Amherst 
To  Sir  Wm.  Johnson  Bar1.  Dated 
New  York  17*.  April  1761.- 
Accompanying  182  Silver  Medals, 
which  the  General  desires 
may  be  delivered  to  that  Number 
of  Indians  which  Accompanyed 
the  Army  to  Montreal,  at  the 
Reduction  of  Canada,  to  be  wore 
by  them  as  a  mark  of  the  King*s 
Approbation  of  their  Faithfull 
Services,  &ca. 

in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  May  4:1761' 
NO.  67. 

FROM  DANIEL  GLAUS 
A.  L.  S.1 

Montreal  21st  Apr1.  1761 
SIR 

Captn.  Lottridge  arrived  here  the  1 5th  Inst.  and  delivered  me 
your  Dispatches  for  which  I  am  highly  oblidged  to  you;  I  shall 
endeavour  to  the  utmost  of  my  Abilities  to  execute  the  Trust  you 
pleased  to  repose  in  me  thereby.  Doubtless  you  have  reced.  my 
Letters  of  the  26th  Ulto.  &  9th  Inst.  since  wch.  Colo.  Haldiman 
told  me  that  he  had  strongly  recommended  me  to  Gen1.  Amherst 
for  that  Company  I  mentioned  to  you  in  the  former,  but  that  he 
wrote  to  the  Gen1,  he  expected  I  would  quit  the  Indn.  Service 
and  join  the  Regt.  In  such  a  Case  I  think  I  would  rather  chuse 
to  remain  in  the  way  I  am  in  at  present  if  I  could  be  sure  of  being 
continued  in  it,  and  therefore  as  no  one  but  yourself  can  better 
judge  herein,  I  humbly  beg  leave  to  throw  myself  upon  you  for 
your  advice,  whereby  I  shall  content  myself  let  the  -event  be  as 
it  will,  but  as  Captn.  Rutherford  expects  an  answer  I  must  beg 
you  will  let  him  hear  from  you  in  a  couple  Lines. 

1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


380  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

All  the  articles  you  required  of  me  in  the  3  Letters  you 
honoured  me  with  I  shall  endeavour  to  execute  as  well  &  as  soon 
as  in  my  Power.  .  , 

As  to  Jacob  Miller  I  shall  send  him  down  by  the  first  good 
Opportunity  the  Priest  being  apprised  of  it  and  unavoidably 
satisfied  to  let  him  go.  The  French  Man  Mr.  Eisenlord  wrote 
to  abl.  the  Contents  of  his  Certificates  is  gone  last  Fall  to  France, 
and  in  case  he  was  here  I  am  told  he  could  not  answer  the 
Demand  as  no  public  money  had  been  paid  yet  by  the  Crown 
of  France  by  wch.  most  all  the  Inhabitants  here  were  great 
Sufferers. 

I  shall  by  the  first  Opportunity  send  the  Continuation  of  my 
Journal;  In  the  interim  I  remain  with  utmost  Respects,  &  my 
Complimts.  to  Captn.  Warren  &  the  Family  Sir 

Your  most  Obedient  and  most  humble  Servant 

DAN.  CLAUS 

P.  S. 

I  am  sorry  to  have  bought  the  horse  since  you  have  counter- 
manded it  by  your  last  but  I  am  convinced  you  will  have  the 
best  &  strongest  pair  in  the  country  in  Sl.  Luc's  &  him.  I  should 
not  have  ventured  to  send  him  by  Ice  as  it  was  not  strong  enough 
in  some  Places  on  the  Lake  all  Winter.  One  Mr.  Chinn  an 
Engsh.  Merch1.  has  promised  me  to  bring  him  down  safe  as  soon 
as  the  Vessels  go. 

To  the  Honble.  SR.  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar1. 


FROM  JOHN   LOTTRIDGE 

The  above  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1 1  3,  by  a 
letter  of  May  1st  to  Johnson  from  Captain  John  Lottridge,  at  Montreal, 
concerning  a  draft  on  Johnson  for  £35  New  York  currency  in  favor  of 
Captain  Abraham  Douw,  a  borrowed  horse  for  the  loss  of  which  he  must 
pay,  and  abuse  of  the  Caghnawagas  by  men  of  the  44th  with  Majof 
Beckwith's  countenance.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  381 


TO  DANIEL  CLAUS 


Castle  Cumberland  May  Ist  1761. 

SIR 

I  come  now  to  answer  Yours  of  the  26th  March,  &  9th  of 
April.  Your  haveing  permission  to  purchase,  I  flatter  myself  is 
owing  to  some  mention  made  of  you  last  Winter  to  the  General 
in  several  of  my  letters.  I  wish  you  may  Succeed  ;  in  one  of  my 
last  letters,  I  told  you  I  would  assist  you  as  far*  as  to  compleat  ye 
purchase,  with  what  you  could  get  for  yr.  Lieutenancy  wh.  you 
then  imagined  would  be  £300  Sterling.  I  understand  Companys 
are  but  a  thousand  or  Eleven  Hundred  Pounds  now.  I  wrote 
Major  Rutherford  abl.  it  last  Week  &  desired  him  to  let  me  know 
his  intention,  which  if  inclineable  to  sell,  &  he  would  let  me  know 
his  Terms,  I  would  settle  the  Affair  with  him,  when  I  have  his 
answer  shall  let  you  know.  In  the  meantime  you  should  push  it 
yourself  &  Collo.  Haldimand,  or  any  other  friend  you  have,  to 
assist  you. 

If  you  cannot  get  the  horse  you  bought  easily  Carried  hither, 
I  would  have  you  dispose  of  him,  as  I  would  not  be  willing  to 
have  much  trouble  about  getting  him  here,  altho  I  want  him  to 
match  the  one  I  have. 

I  am  surprised  Gener1.  Gage  will  not  suffer  the  Caghnawageys 
&  other  Ind8.  inhabitting  there  to  come  to  Albany  after  makeing 
it  one  of  ye  articles  at  the  Treaty  last  Summer  at  Caghnawagey. 
I  think  it  is  not  good  Policy  to  keep  them  so  much  under  at  this 
time.  I  wrote  Genr1.  Amherst  ab!.  it.  I  have  answered  yr.  draft 
to  Kennedy  &  Lisle. 

Your  proposal  of  marriage  2  surprises  me  a  good  deal,  having 
never  had  the  least  hint  of  the  kind  dropped  or  mentioned  to  me 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2Claus  to  Johnson,  March  26,  1761. 


382  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

before ;  so  that  it  seems  to  me  verry  extraordinary,  and  precipitate, 
besides  it  is  giving  me  a  bad  impression  of  my  Daughters  regard  & 
duty  towards  me,  whom  she  should  consult  in  a  case,  wh.  con- 
cerns her  happiness  so  nearly.  It  shall  ever  be  a  Maxim  with  me, 
to  give  a  Child  as  great  liberty  in  the  choice  of  a  Husband,  or 
Wife  as  is  consistent  with  the  Duty  they  owe  to  a  Parent,  in 
whose  power  it  certainly  should  be  to  have  a  voice,  &  indeed  a 
decisive  one,  as  from  them  must  generally  come,  what  will  make 
them  easy  in  the  world  with  their  own  industry  afterwards.  If 
they  exceed  that,  &  will  act  independant  (which  seems  now  to 
be  the  case  as  y*ou  say)  then  I  think  all  expectations  from  a 
Parent  are  forfeited.  I  have  always  had  a  regard  for  you,  and 
shewed  it  by  the  Notice  I  have  taken  of  you,  which  alone  should 
have  weighed  with  you,  and  prevented  your  carrying  on  any 
Intrigue  of  the  kind  privately  in  my  Family.  Had  you  moved 
the  thing  to  me  before  to  others,  it  would  have  been  more  in 
Character,  &  friendlier.  I  shall  talk  to  her  upon  it,  and  when  I 
know  her  Sentiments,  will  be  able  to  say  more  to  you  on  the  Sub- 
ject. In  the  mean  time  am  Sir 

Yours  as  usual 
INDORSED:     Letter  to  Lieut.  Claus. 


FROM  DANIEL  CLAUS 
A.  L.  S.1 

Montreal  2d.  May  1761. 
SIR 

I  was  honoured  with  yours  of  the  7th.  Ult0.2  and  accordingly 
have  been  with  Gen1.  Gage  abl.  the  Pany.  He  told  me  that  by 
the  Character  he  had  of  him  no  Body  would  be  able  to  keep 
him  as  he  would  run  away  if  even  brought  down  to  the  Seacoast. 
However,  if  the  Mohawks  he  belonged  to  would  come  and  fetch 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Not  found. 


Seven  Years    War  383 

him  from  hence  he  would  order  to  deliver  him  up.  I  have  also 
spoke  to  the  old  Frenchman  ab*.  giving  a  little  Boy  or  Girl  in 
Exchange  of  him,  but  he  excuses  himself  of  not  being  able  of 
getting  any  in  Town,1  and  offers  to  deliver  up  his  Pany  when 
ordered  by  Gen1.  Gage,  which  indicates  of  his  having  some  hopes 
of  keeping  him,  I  think  Gen1.  Gage  has  lost  a  good  deal  of  his 
Lenity  since  he  has  this  Government. 

I  was  this  week  at  Caghnawagey  where  I  heard  nothing  but 
Complaints  agsl.  the  44th  Reg*,  officers  as  well  as  soldiers,  how- 
ever more  so  of  the  Latter.  I  presented  them  to  Gen1.  Gage  in 
writing,  and  he  was  surprised  to  hear  it,  telling  me  he  had  given 
repeated  orders  to  Majr.  Beckwith  to  keep  up  a  good  Under- 
standing between  the  Indns.  and  the  Regim1.  but  I  find  the  Majr. 
dont  countenance  the  Indians  in  the  least  by  several  proofs  I 
have  myself.  The  Night  before  I  came  to  Caghnawagey  the 
Indns.  were  so  much  alarmed  at  some  strange  Behaviour  of  his 
too  tedious  to  mention,  that  they  were  up  the  whole  Night  and 
upon  their  Guard.  I  have  given  a  hint  of  it  to  the  Gen1,  and 
observed  that  the  Indns.  were  now  in  Fear  of  us  &  perhaps  might 
put  up  with  some  111  usage,  yet  if  that  Fear  was  pushed  too  far, 
it  might  have  such  consequences  as  to  bring  a  General  Indn  War 
upon  us,  all  Nations  being  already  jealous  of  our  Success  and 
would  easjly  engage  in  it.  He  told  me  he  would  renew  his  orders 
to  Majr.  B.  W:  He  granted  them  some  powder  and  I  have 
procured  them  some  Shot  but  not  out  of  the  Magazeen  those 
being  given  out  to  the  Troops,  it  will  please  them  as  the  Pigeons 
fly  &  they  are  scarce  of  Amn  &  Prov«.  I  endeavor  all  in  my  po^^r 
to  keep  them  as  easy  as  possible,  they  were  extreamly  glad  to 
see  me  the  last  time  telling  me  that  my  coming  put  them  out  of 
all  Fears  and  begged  I  would  stay  longer  the  next  time  w^.  I 
intend  to  ask  the  Gen1,  for. 

I  acknowledge  with  the  highest  gratitude  the  Singular  Mark 
of  your  Favour  in  giving  me  Leave  to  draw  upon  you  towards  the 


1  See  Claus  to  Johnson,  February  2,  and  February  26,   1761. 


384  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Purchase  I  mentioned,  but  as  by  my  2  Letters  of  the  26th  March 
and  218t  of  Apr1,  your  advice  might  make  some  Alteration,  I 
have  not  yet,  nor  shall  divulge  it  to  Mankind  untill  I  have  your 
Answer.  Mr.  Ogilvie  presents  his  Respects  &  says  there  are 
a  few  Indn.  Prayerbooks  in  a  Chest  at  Isaac  Colliers  the  key  of 
wch.  he  has  not  here,  the  one  Mr.  Welles  is  to  bring  here  shall  be 
corrected  with  all  speed.1 

Mr.  Adams  keeps  with  the  46th  at  Sorelle.  If  I  could  have  the 
least  Trace  of  Captn.  Stodderts  Debts  here  I  would  try  to  find 
out  the  People  it  seems  to  me  he  had  some  Dealings  with  the 
Merch*.  at  Caneghsadago  if  I  am  sure  I  would  attack  him  abl.  it. 

I  am  sorry  of  having  not  had  the  Pleasure  of  seeing  Captn. 
Warren.  Remain  with  the  highest  Respect  and  Compliments  to 
the  family  Sir 

Your  most  Obedient  and  most  humble  Servant 

DAN.  CLAUS. 
P.S. 

All  the  Satisfaction  the  Indns.  got  for  being  so  ill  used  by  Mr. 
Pennington,  was  that  they  might  bring  away  their  Arms,  Pack 
&  Canoe  wcl\  they  were  oblidged  to  Leave  when  beat  so  much. 
The  Gen1,  says  he  heard  they  exaggerated  their  Story,  but  Mr. 
Penningtons  own  Confession  in  his  letter  to  Monsr.  Du  Musseaux 
wch.  he  made  the  Indns.  carry  in  the  Bargain  and  whereof  I 
hereby  transmit  you  a  verbal  Translation,  proves  111  Treatment 
&  Presumption  enough. 

To  the  Honble.  SlR  WlLLIAM  JOHNSON  Baronet 


1  Rev.  John  Ogilvie  was  at  this  time  chaplain  of  the  60th  regiment, 
stationed  in  Canada. 


Seven  Years'  War  365 


FROM  WILLIAM  CORRY 

A.  L.  S.1 
SIR  Albany  May  2<*.  1761. 

Our  Sherif  Mr.  Van  Schaick  declines,  it  would  be  best 
to  be  prepared,  I  know  the  other  side  will  have  this  profitable 
place  if  they  can,  for  Mr.  Yates2  the  lawyer.  You  can  oppose 
him,  by  letting  the  Precident  know  that  upon  the  Request  of 
Gen1.  Amherst  Mr.  Yates  was  turned  out  of  that  office,  as  the 
Gen1,  said  for  stiring  up  division  between  the  people  and  the 
Army. 

A  Jersey  man  this  morning  got  a  warrant  from  Mr.  Liddeas. 
He  went  to  the  houses  of  three  Constables  to  serve  it,  they  were 
all  deneyed  being  at  home  at  7  aClock  this  morning,  The  Jersey 
man  could  not  tell  what  to  make  of  it.  Let  an  Albany  man  com- 
plain, how  soon  a  troop  of  Constables  would  appear.  How  hard 
it  is? 

I  can't  but  admire  the  Question  to  shew  cause  why  a  capable 
Subject  should  be  put  in  office.  The  question  would  be  much 
better  stated,  in  my  opinion,  to  shew  cause  why  any  of  the  old 
should  be  kept  in,  who  have  neither  ability  nor  inclination  to 
perform  and  fulfill  the  office  they  undertake. 

When  my  Albany  friends  turned  me  out  of  the  last  commis- 
sion, a  street  of  little  huts  were  built  near  my  house  up  to  the 
hospital,  there  was  not  one  Justice  in  Albany  would  hear  a 
complaint  relating  to  them,  at  length  they  grew  so  outragious 
that  Lord  Rollo  was  oblidged  to  pull  them  all  to  the  ground, 
whereas  had  there  been  but  one  Justice  in  Albany  able  to  do  his 
duty  he  could  with  one  finger  have  restrained  the  whole  to  order 
and  Decency.  I  shall  send  you  a  list  as  soon  as  possible.  Sir  yr 

Serv*.  to  Commd. 

WILLIAM  CORRY. 

To  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Bart  at  Fort  Johnson 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Abram  Yates.    See  Van  Der  Heyden  to  Johnson,  February  3,  1  761. 

Vol.  Ill— 13 


386  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

JEFFERY  AMHERST  TO  WILLIAM  PITT 

Extract * 

NenYork^h  May  1761 
SIR 

•  •  •  •  •  • 

I  have  sent  one  hundred  and  Eighty  two  medals  to  Sr  Wm 
Johnson,  to  be  delivered  to  as  many  Indians,  who  accornpanyed 
the  Army  to  Montreal,  it  will  please  the  Indians  much,  and  I 
trust  will  have  a  good  Effect,  the  Expence  is  not  great,  the 
whole  amounting  to  74  —  6  =  4  Sterling 

J:A: 

FROM  WITHAM  MARSH 
A.  L.  S.2 

Wen;  York,  May  the  5*  7767. 
SIR 

In  the  month  of  March,  I  had  the  pleasure  of  acquainting  you 
that,  as  the  major  part  of  my  Baggage  was  arriv'd,  I  shou'd  send 
a  medal  by  Mr.  Jaqueri  (elk  of  Stores  to  the  Train)  which  I 
accordingly  did,  &  directed  it  to  the  care  of  Col  Vandsrheyden 
at  Albany,  to  whom  it  was  delivered,  &  hope  you've  received  it, 
of  which  I  hope  you'll  favour  me  with  an  account  when  yr. 
Leisure  will  permit.  As  I  hear  your  Brother,  Capt.  Johnson, 
is  in  Town,  I  omit  sending  you  what  little  News  is  current,  as  I 
presume  He'll  transmit  you  everything  worth  knowing,  besides 
what  is  in  the  Prints  of  yesterday. 

The  Pacquet  being  expected  very  soon,  has  detained  me  longer 
here  than  I  intended,  for  as  I  expect  some  orders,  and  a  new 
Commission  in  her,  I  imagin'd  it  wou'd  be  prudent  to  wait  for 


1  Postscript  of  letter  from  General  Amherst  to  William  Pitt.    In  Public 
Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.61,  London,  England. 

2  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Fears'  War  387 

her,  to  avoid  the  necessity  of  returning  soon  after  her  arrival 
from  Albany  County ;  but  if  you  have  any  Commands  for  me  to 
Execute  before  she  may  arrive,  I  beg  you'll  order  me  to  attend 
you  on  receipt  of  this,  or  whenever  you  please.  With  this,  I 
take  leave  to  send  (address'd  to  Col.  Vanderhey den's  care)  an 
engrav'd  Glass  and  cover,  with  3  of  Gen1.  Amherst's  victories 
mention'd  on  it,  wcl\  I  hope  you'll  accept:  another  wch.  I  caus'd 
to  be  made  at  Home,  in  honour  of  yr.  Success  at  Lake  George,  & 
Niagara,  I  have  given  to  my  good  friend  Mr.  Com  Gen1.  Leake. 
I  am,  Sir,  yr.  mo.  obed1.  &  oblig'd  Sert 

WITHAM  MARSH 
Honble.  SIR  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar'. 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

L.  S. 

<New  York,  7th  May  1761. 
SIR 

Your  Brother  delivered  me  the  Favour  of  Your  Letter  of  the 
23d  April,1  by  which  I  see  you  know  Nothing  of  what  Mr.  Denny 
wrote  to  me  about:  Mr.  Croghan;  when  you  see  him,  I^> 
imagine,  <will  be  able  to  Clear  up  that  affair. > 

I  shall  mention  <what  you  say  to  me.  Lieut:  Claus  has> 
Wrote,  to  General  Gage,  <^who,^>  I  am  certain  <[will  do 
what>  may  be  right  for  the  Indians;  and  You  may  < Assure 
them,^>  whatever  promises  have  been  made,  they  shall  be 
< strictly >  Adhered  to,  and  so  long  as  they  behave  well,  they 
<shall  have>  full  Liberty  for  a  free  and  open  Trade. 

I  Send  You  a  Copy  of  a  Permit,  I  have  given  to 
Rutherfurd,  &  Several  other  Gentlemen,  for  Settling 
Niagara;  They  are  to  Buy  the  Soil  of  the  Indians,  <if>  neces- 
sary; As  my  Permit  mentions  the  Reasons  for  Granting  this,  I 
need  Say  no  more  about  it 


Not  found. 


388  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

The  Indians  at  Detroit  must  certainly  be  in  want  of  many 
things:  I  have  given  Copies  of  the  List  You  trans <^mitted^>  to 
me,  leaving  out  the  folowing  Articles,  Viz*.  Scalping 
Clasp  Knives;  Razors;  Tomahawks;  Gun  powder; 
pieces ;  &  Rum.  The  more  Goods  therefore  sent  up  to  <that> 
place,  I  think,  the  better,  that  it  may  Attach  the  Indians  to  His 
Majesty's  Interest. 

I  hope  soon  to  be  at  Albany,  and  that  I  Shall  have  the  pleasure 
of  Seeing  You. 

I  am,  with  great  Truth, 
-      Sir, 

Your  most  Obedient  Humble  Servant. 

JEFF:  AMHERST. 
SIR  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar*. 


FROM  RICHARD  SHUCKBURGH 

A.  L.  S.1 

Nen  York  Uih  Ma],  1761 
SIR 

I  take  this  opportunity  of  inclosing  a  Letter  your  Brother  left 
w*.  me  the  Morning  he  went  on  board  Capt  Lewis  bound  to 
Bristol. 

General  Amherst  is  gone  into  the  Jerseys.  Mr.  O.  DeLancey 
and  Banyar  I  hear  intend  to  make  you  a  visit  in  about  3  weeks. 
The  Pacquet  may  be  expected  every  hour  if  not  taken.  The 
Man  of  War,  under  whose  Convoy  yr.  Brother  went,  was  at  the 
Dock  yesterday. 

I  hear  by  Capt.  Johnson  that  you  have  lately  receiv'd  a  Letter 
f"1  Mr.  Pownall.  I  dont  hear  he  is  confirm'd  by  his  present 
Majesty  in  his  government  of  Carolina.2  I  believe  he  would  like 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Thomas  Pownall  was  appointed  governor  of  South  Carolina  in  1  759, 
but  never  occupied  the  office. 


Seven  Years    War  389 

to  be  here  &  Govr.  Boon  l  of  ye  Jerseys  would  join  his  interest  in 
that  point  as  he  is  desirous  of  being  Governor  of  South  Carolina 
having  a  large  estate  there;  if  I  was  on  ye  same  eminence  with 
you  I  shou'd  be  cautious  how  I  answer'd  any  of  his  relative  to 
Governments.  Tis  the  opinion  of  most  here  that  you  might  have 
whatever  you  pleas'd  to  Signifie  to  yc  Ministry  &  that  the  Gen1, 
would  admit  me  to  act  on  yr.  application.  He  is  expected  soon 
to  go  to  Albany  in  his  way  to  Crown  Point  where  it  is  said  there 
is  to  be  an  Encampment  as  also  at  Oswego.  I  am  yr.  ever  oblig'd 
Servt. 

R.  SHUCKBURGH 
To  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Baronet 
att  Fort  Johnson  Albany. 


TO  CADWALLADER  GOLDEN 
L.  S.2 

Fort  Johnson  May  I2ih.  1761 
DEAR  SIR/ 

It  gives  me  great  satisfaction  to  hear  by  my  Brothers  letter  that 
you  have  recovered  from  your  late  indisposition.-  I  therefore 
could  not  omit  the  first  opportunity  of  congratulating  you  thereon, 
and  wishing  you  a  continuance  of  health  and  prosperity  ~ 

Your  kind  offer  in  a  former  letter  of  favouring  my  recom- 
mendation in  case  of  any  civil  vacancy  in  this  —  Province,  I  shall 
allways  esteem  as  a  proof  of  the  sincerest  friendship,  and,  at 
present  encourages  me  to  represent  to  you,  that  as  the  vacancy  of 
a  Sheriff  for  the  City,  &  County  of  Albany  must  shortly  happen, 
from  the  languishing  state  of  Mr.  Van  Schaack,  I  beg  leave,  (if 
that  place  is  not  allready  promised)  to  recommend  the  bearer 
Cap1.  Ferrall  to  your  consideration,  a  Man  of  a  good  character, 

1  Thomas   Boone  became  governor  of  New  Jersey  in    1 760,  and  in 
1  762  governor  of  South  Carolina,  succeeding  William  Bull. 

2  In  New  York  Historical  Society,  Colden  Mss. 


390  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

and  estimating  in  Albany,  and  in  whose  integrity  you  may  safely 
confide,  for  a  faithful!  and  upright  discharge  of  his  duty  in  that 
station.  If  he  Has  the  good  fortune  to  be  approved,  of  and 
succeed  to  that  employment,  I  shall  esteem  it  as  a  particular 
favour  done  me 

I  troubled  you  some  time  since  with  a  Letter  —  concerning 
some  Land  which  I  was  about  taking  up,  &  which  I  presume  your 
late  indisposition  prevented  you  from  answering,  but  as  you  are 
now  so  happily  recovered  I  hope  shortly  to  be  favoured  with  your 
thoughts  thereon 

I  am  with  the  greatest  respect,  &  sincerity 
Sir 

Your  most  obedient 
&  most  Humble  Servant 

WM.  JOHNSON 

The  Honourable  CADWALLADER  CoLDEN   Esq.1 

INDORSED:    Sr  William  Johnsons  letter 
May  12*  1761 


FROM  JAMES  HAMILTON 
L.  S. 

^Philadelphia,  Mai;  12  1761. 
SlR> 

I  am  to  acknowledge  <the  receipt  of  yours  of  the  4th  of 
March,2>  in  answer  to  mine  relating  to  the  <Settlement  of  the 
Connecticut^  people  in  this  province;  and  to  return  you  my 
< hearty  thanks^>  for  your  kind  promise  of  communicating  to 
me,  any  <thing>  that  should  occur  to  you,  which  it  may  be 
necessary  for  me  to  <^know.^> 

With  regard  to  Teedyuscuncks  complaint  agai<nst  the> 
proprietors  about  Lands,  you  may  please  to  be  assured,  I  <have 


1  The  address  is  in  Johnson's  writing. 

2  Not  found. 


TAMKS     HAMILTON' 
Governor  of  Pennsylvania 


Seven  Years    War  391 

not>  the  least  desire  to  interfere  in  it,  nor  have  ever  used  any 
me<ans  to>  divert  him  from  appointing  a  time  and  place  for  the 
hearing  of  it,  agreable  to  his  Majesty's  order.  On  the  contrary 
whenever  you  shall  please  to  give  me  notice  that  those  prelimi- 
naries are  agreed  on,  I  shall  readily  appoint  Com'issioners  to 
attend  and  explain  to  you  the  Justice  of  the  Proprietors  conduct 
in  that  respect;  being  perfectly  satisfied  with  his  Majesty's  wis- 
dom in  having  referred  this  matter  to  be  heard  by  You. 

Upon  perusing  your  letter  of  the  same  date  to  Mr.  Peters,1  I 
was  concern'd  to  find  that  you  had  been  inform'd,  that  the  Six 
Nation  Indians  had  received  three  Belts  of  invitation  to  Philada 
since  the  winter.  I  hope  upon  inquiry  you  will  find  this  intelli- 
gence not  to  have  been  well  founded;  since,  with  regard  to 
myself,  I  do  very  sincerely  assure  you,  I  have  never  since  my 
arrival  sent  the  least  <  message  or  Belt  of  invitation  to  those 
people  for  any  purpose  whatsoever,  nor  have  I  the  least  expecta- 
tion of  a  visit  either  of  Friendship  or  Business  from  them. 

If  any  other>  persons  of  the  province  <have  presumed  to 
send  Messa>ges  to  them,  it  is  quite  unknown  to  me,  <^and  I 
should  be  glad]>  to  be  made  acquainted  with  their  names,  <^that 
they  may  be>  dealt  with  according  to  their  deserts. 

I  am  sorry  to  acquaint  you  that  the  Connec<Oicut>  Settle- 
ment on  Delaware  still  goes  on;  and  that  another  is  inte<]nded 
to>  be  made  at  Wyomink,2  the  very  place  appointed  by  the  Six 
Na<tions  for>  the  residence  of  the  DelaWares  and  other  Tribes 
who  <^were]>  obliged  to  remove  from  the  inward  parts  of  the 
province  on  account  of  the  great  increase  of  our  people  which 
spoilt  their  hunting,  and  that  the  Indians  living  there  are  so  much 
alar<^med^>  at  this  proceeding,  that  Teedyuscunck  and  Six  or 
seven  others  came  lately  down  to  acquaint  me,  that  Several  had 
already  deserted  their  habitations,  and  that  he  himself  should 


1  Johnson's  draft  destroyed  by  fire. 

2  See  Hamilton  to  Johnson,  March   19,   1754,  and  Fitch  and  Others 
to    Johnson,    April    2,    1754;    also   Narrative   and   Critical   History   of 
America,  5:180. 


• 

Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

soon  be  obliged  to  go  to  the  westward,  unless  a  stop  could  be  put 
to  the  Connecticuts  people  coming  thither. 

I  have  been,  and  still  am  so  much  afraid  that  this  manner  of 
proceeding  will  occasion  a  fresh  rupture  with  the  Indians  that  I 
have  wrote  to  General  Amherst  upon  it,  and  pray'd  his  interpo- 
sition; in  addition  to  which  I  now  also  beg  the  favour  of  yours 
in  such  manner  as  you  shall  judge  most  proper;  and  unless  by 
these  means  a  stop  can  be  put  to  this  Enterprize,  I  despair  of  its 
being  done  at  all. 

<I  must  also  beg  the  favour  that  You  will  acquaint  me 
whether  the  Six^>  Nations  are  appriz<^ed  of  those  proceedings 
and  what  their  opinion  is>  respecting  them?  Since  noth<ing  is 
more  certain  than  that  the  Lands  do^>  yet  belong  to  those 
nations;  having,  <never  that  I  have>  heard  of,  been  fairly  and 
openly  purchased  from  them,  <^nor  can^>  the  people  of  any 
other  province  have  a  right  to  purchase  < Lands  in>  the  very 
center  of  Pennsylva.  all  such  purchases  being  <^declared^> 
null  and  void  by  an  ancient  and  standing  Law  of  this 
<  Govern  >ment. 

Nothing  but  my  concern  for  preserving  the  peace  <^so 
hap]>pily  establishd  between  his  Majesty's  subjects  and  our 
Indian  allies,  after  the  late  terrible  scene  of  murder  and  desola- 
tion; and  the  dangerous  light  in  which  this  wanton  and  unjust 
proceeding  of  the  Connecticut  Men  appears  to  me,  could  have 
induced  me  to  trespass  so  much  upon  your  time  on  which  account 
I  hope  you  will  not  only  excuse  it,  but  believe  me  to  be  with  the 
greatest  Respect 

Sir 

Your  Most  Obedient  & 

Most  humble  Servant 

JAMES  HAMILTON 
SR.  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar1. 

INDORSED:     May  12th.   1761 

Govr.  Hamiltons  Letter 


Seven  Years'  War  393 


FROM  DANIEL  CLAUS 
A.  L.  S.1 

Montreal  24th  Mai?  7767 
SIR 

I  had  the  honour  of  yours  of  the  1 sl  today  and  thereby  found 
what  Pains  you  have  taken  in  assisting  me  towards  my  future 
wellbeing,  and  altho  (as  I  now  find)  it  had  not  its  wished  for 
Effect,  yet  I  always  shall  gratefully  acknowledge  your  kind 
Endeavours. 

I  have  at  present  contentedly  resigned  myself  to  whatever  Steps 
Providence  will  take  towards  my  Temporal  Existance.  The  only 
real  uneasiness  I  now  have  is  your  taking  the  Paragraph  ab'  my 
Marriage  in  so  different  a  Light,  and  thereby  calling  Miss  Nancys 
Regard  for,  &  Duty  towards  you  in  question,  if  I  have  repre- 
sented her  as  acting  independent  of  you,  it  is  entirely  owing  to 
the  Imperfection  in  the  English.  Language,  for  as  long  as  I  had 
the  Pleasure  of  being  acquainted  with  her,  I  always  discovered  in 
her  a  profond  Love  &  Duty  to  her  Parents,  wherefore  could  not 
think  of  or  presume  to  move  such  a  Thing  to  her,  and  if  my  having 
a  great  Regard  &  Esteem  for,  &  her  being  kind  enough  to  retaliate 
it  with  Complaisance  &  Civility,  may  be  called  carrying  on 
private  Intrigues  in  your  Family,  I  only  must  submit  to  your 
interpretation,  for  I  assure  you  sincerely  that  I  never  intended  it 
thereby ;  As  to  my  having  made  my  Inclinations  known  to  others, 
I  am  in  my  conscience  convinced  of  the  contrary,  knowing  of  no 
Person  of  so  much  Intimacy  w*.  me  in  America,  as  to  confide 
things  of  such  a  Nature  to  &  if  any  such  came  to  your  Ears  they 
are  mere  Surmises.  That  I  have  sounded  Miss  Nancys  Dispo- 
sition towards  me  before  I  asked  your  consent,  I  dont  deny,  and 
if  that  may  be  deemed  dishonorable  it  was  not  done  with  any  dis- 
respectfull  Design,  and  hope  you  will  attribute  it  to  my  Inexperi- 
ence in  those  Cases  and  forgive  me,  all  I  meant  in  my  Letter  by 
meeting  with  no  Discouragement  on  her  side  was  that  I  flattered 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


394  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

myself  not  to  be  disagreeable,  and  perhaps  would  not  meet  with  a 
Refusal  from  her  after  obtaining  your  consent,  for  I  assure  you 
Sir  with  Truth  that  I  never  had  nor  expected  any  positive  answer 
from  her  on  that  head,  wch.  you  will  find  when  you  speak  to  her, 
The  Difficulties  &  Troubles  of  the  Times  hitherto,  made  it  unsea- 
sonable for  me  to  move  the  Affair  sooner  to  you,  wherefore  I 
deferred  it  till  now,  and  if  the  busy  World  has  spread  Reports  of 
that  Purpose  they  are  upon  my  conscience  only  conjectures,  for 
as  you  justly  observe  it  would  be  much  beneath  the  Character  of 
any  Gentleman  to  spread  things  especially  of  such  a  kind  without 
Foundation  or  certainty.  I  flatter  myself  these  Instances  will 
represent  to  you  that  Paragraph  in  a  better  Light,  and  bring  on 
your  favourable  Decision  upon  the  affair. 

You  will  have  received  mine  of  the  2d  Ins1,  by  wch.  I  gave  you 
an  account  of  several  Uneasinesses  the  Caglinawages  laboured 
under,  but  I  find  now  things  go  better,  General  Gage  having  spoke 
himself  with  Majr.  Beckwith,  and  made  them  a  friendly  answer 
upon  their  addresses  granting  them  at  the  same  time  some  Powdr. 
wch.  removed  many  Jealousies  and  they  tell  me  now  they  live 
quiet  and  easy  wch.  I  wish  may  continue.  The  Swegachies  have 
sent  down  for  their  Priest,  and  the  General  has  allowed  him  to 
return,  I  never  heard  Indns.  express  themselves  stronger  for  having 
Religion  continued  among  them.  The  little  Judgment  I  have  of 
Indns.  indicates  to  me  that  introducing  Religion  among  them 
would  be  the  only  politic  Scheme  of  securing  the  Interest  of  any 
Nation  *  as,  if  they  once  take  to  it  they  are  very  zealous  and  can 
be  brought  to  any  thing,  it  was  by  what  I  find  the  strongest  motive 
that  engaged  them  so  hearty  in  the  war. 

The  Arundax  2  &  Anakunkos  3  have  been  on  their  Return  from 
Hunting,  but  hearing  by  the  way  that  a  dangerous  sickness  had 
carried  off  many  of  their  People  did  not  proceed  to  Canegh- 


1See  Johnson  to  the  lords  of  trade,  March  6,  1  756. 

2  Adirondacks. 

3  Onnagongues,  or  Onongunges. 


Seven  Years    War  395 

sadago  1  but  halted  abl.  20  Miles  above  it  near  the  River,  and 
the  Sickness  now  being  entirely  over  &  they  not  yet  returned,  I 
have  after  proposing  it  to  Gen1.  Gage  sent  them  a  Message  to 
proceed  to  their  habitations  in  order  to  prevent  Irregularities  w0*1. 
might  ensue  with  the  Traders  going  up  that  Rivr.  they  may  for 
ought  I  know  under  the  pretext  of  keeping  out  of  the  Way  of  the 
Sickness  have  Fears  &  Jealousies  of  us  but  I  have  in  the  Message 
endeavoured  to  remove  them.  We  hear  from  Mishilimakinac 
that  our  People  are  in  the  quiet  Possession  of  that  Country  &  the 
Indns.  easy,  there  are  some  Ottawawas  that  were  hereab18.  since 
last  Fall  going  up  there  in  a  few  days.  They  are  of  4  diff1. 
Nat8,  and  I  intend  to  send  a  Message  by  them  to  the  Indians  in 
those  parts,  reminding  them  of  the  Treaty  of  Friendship,  you 
made  last  Fall,  and  assuring  of  our  Sincerity  in  keeping  it,  of 
wch.  they  saw  one  part  fulfilled  by  us  viz!.  a  plentifull  Trade,  & 
exhorting  them  to  endeavour  to  preserve  that  amity  &ca. 

Tiaogeara,  the  Caghnawago  Sachm.  Brants  wifes  Uncle  is 
coming  in  a  short  time  to  see  his  Relations,  there  are  some  more 
Chiefs  of  Caghny.  &  Caneghs,  going  to  Albany  and  now,  I  shall 
endeavour  to  get  a  Pass  for  them  if  I  cant  succeed  they  are 
resolved  to  go  at  any  Rate. 

Inclosed  I  send  you  a  Letter  from  Mr.  Roubaud.2  I  have  paid 
him  the  £  1 0  on  yr.  account.  He  is  reconed  by  his  own  People  & 
others  that  are  a  while  acquainted  with  him,  a  little  flighty,  I 
have  also  sent  my  accts.  public  &  private.  Captn.  Lottridge  pre- 
sents his  respects,  He  told  me  when  you  settled  with  him  in  the 
Winter  you  could  not  recollect  ab*.  an  Indn.  Ace*,  he  gave  in  at 
Oswego  in  1759  and  asked  me  ab*.  it,  all  I  can  remember  is, 
when  he  gave  in  the  Ace*,  you  were  just  setting  off  for  your  house, 
and  had  no  time  to  settle  it,  so  desired  me  to  give  an  order  upon 
Comins  to  the  Amount  of  the  Ace*,  then  when  Commins  brought 
in  his  Bill  I  showed  you  the  Ace1,  and  as  far  I  can  recollect  you 


1  Canassadaga,    near   Montreal. —  Doc.   Rel.    to   Col.    Hist.    N.    Y., 
7:582. 

2  Not  found. 


396  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

told  me  you  could  not  settle  it  till  Captn.  Lottridge  was  present 
himself,  but  whether  I  left  the  Ace1,  with  you  or  put  it  with  my 
Papers  I  don't  remember,  if  I  have  it,  it  may  be  found  in  my 
Chest  in  a  little  Trunk.  Mess".  Wade  &  Welles  arrived  here 
today.  Their  Cargo  is  safe  on  the  other  side,  they  came  over 
Lake  Champlain  with  the  first  Trip  the  Vessels  made  this  Spring. 

I  shall  now  endeavour  to  send  the  horse  by  a  safe  hand,  also 
some  Vines,  as  they  will  be  now  constantly  going  back  &  for- 
wards. I  have  with  great  Satisfaction  &  Surprise  heard  from  sd. 
GentK  what  fine  &  great  Improvements  you  made  at  Kings- 
borough  since  last  year,  and  I  am  convinced  it  will  be  a  new 
Place  to  me  whenever  I  have  the  Pleasure  to  see  it.  I  am  like- 
wise told  you  are  taking  up  another  Tract  of  Land  near  Cana- 
joharee,  should  you  choose  to  take  in  any  Partners,  Mr.  Ogilvie 
(who  begs  to  be  remembered  to  you)  and  me,  recommend  our- 
selves if  agreeable  to  you. 

I  have  no  more  to  add  but  am  with  the  greatest  Respects  & 
Compliments  to  the  Family,  Sir,  Your  most  Obedient  and  most 
humble  Servant 

DAN.  CLAUS 

P,  S.  Time  would  not  permit  me  to  copy  the  Accounts.  The 
Indn.  Ace*,  amounts  to  £50 -13 -and  the  private  £44.  16- 

To  the  Honble.  SR.  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar*. 


FROM  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 
A.  L  S.1 

[Nev  York]  May  28,  1761 
DEAR  SIR  WILLIAM 

I  find  by  Mr.  Golden  that  there  is  a  Letter  from  you  to  me  in 
the  Hands  of  some  Persons  here.  They  have  yet  neglected  to 
bring  it  to  me,  &  I  am  not  willing  to  let  slip  the  opportunity  of 
writing  a  Line  or  two  to  you  by  a  private  Express  going  to 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years'  War  397 

Albany.  Two  men  are  here  from  the  Persons  concerned  in  the 
Patent  back  of  the  German  Flatts,  and  tomorrow  I  shall 
endeavour  to  do  what  I  can  towards  a  settlement.  Mr.  Dies 
neglected  giving  me  an  account  of  his  demand  so  that  I  could  not 
send  you  the  whole  charges  here.  I  must  however  settle  it  as  well 
as  I  can.  I  expected  to  have  heard  further  from  you  concerning 
your  Cannajoharie  Purchase.  Two  Petitions  each  for  part  of  the 
same  Lands  were  granted  the  4  February.1  The  Lycenses  have 
not  been  issued.  The  President  was  of  opinion  on  hearing  the 
affair  that  the  Parties  should  endeavour  to  agree  together.  I 
have  waited  hitherto  in  Expectation  of  hearing  from  you  whether 
any  agreement  was  likely  to  take  Place,  for  to  what  purpose  can 
it  be  now  or  could  it  have  been  to  present  your  Petition  when  two 
for  the  same  Lands  were  already  granted,  and  two  Gentlemen  of 
the  Council  interested  in  the  two  Petitions.  This  being  the  case 
judge  what  can  be  done.  Suppose  your  Petition  drawn  & 
Offered,  if  any  Gentleman  at  the  Board  was  to  urge  it  was  for  the 
Lands  included  in  a  former  Petition,  it  would  be  enough  to  pre- 
vent any  further  Procedure  on  it:  The  only  Remedy  then  you 
have  left  is  either  to  enter  a  Caveat  against  any  farther  Proceed- 
ings on  those  Petitions  and  bring  the  Matter  to  a  Hearing  when 
you  will  have  an  opportunity  or  urging  what  you  can  in  behalf  of 
your  Pretentions,  or  to  let  the  thing  lye  till  the  Parties,  seeing  the 
Impossibility  of  getting  the  Indians  to  sell  the  Lands,  may  be  thus 
forced  Either  to  drop  it  or  to  accept  of  the  Terms  you  may  be 
willing  to  offer  them.  Do  not  I  beg  of  you  imagine  I  am  any 
obstacle  to  your  designs  for  tho'  I  am  certain  that  so  far  as  the 
Government  can  give  a  Right,  which  I  shall  frankly  own  to  you 
is  preferable  in  my  opinion  to  a  private  agreement  with  the 
Indians,  I  may  Carry  my  Pretentions  back  to  1 754  or  1 755  I 
forget  which,  when  there  was  a  Lycense  issued  by  Governor 
de  Lancey  and  a  Warrant  of  Survey,  I  say  notwithstanding  this, 


1  J.  J.  Petrie  et  al.  Calendar  of  Land  Papers,  p.  295,  and  Calendar 
of  Council  Minutes,  p.  402 ;  A.  Dowe  et  al.,  Calendar  of  Land  Papers. 
p.  299,  and  Calendar  of  Council  Minutes,  p.  403. 


398  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

I  would  waive  it  with  the  utmost  Pleasure,  if  it  could  be  of  the 
least  advantage  to  you,  for  it  is  only  being  a  little  industrious  or 
rather  more  attentive  to  my  own  interest,  and  I  have  opportunities 
of  being  interested  as  often  as  I  could  wish  in  Petitions  for  Lands. 
I  have  not  forgot  your  Commissions,  but  as  they  are  not  fill'd 
up,  the  Express  cannot  wait  for  them.  Governor  Monkton  1  I 
hear  expects  a  commission  over  the  next  Packet  or  Man  of  War. 
I  doubt  its  coming  quite  so  soon.  Pray  let  me  hear  from  you :  It 
will  take  up  much  time  to  collect  the  Several  Petitions  that  have 
been  granted.  In  general  there  are  4  Each  for  25000  acres  back 
of  Cosby's  &  Oriskany  &  about  the  carrying  Place;  The  two  of 
25000  Each  Westward  of  Schoharie;  those  will  hardly  find  so 
much  Land.  One  for  25000  Beginning  at  East  End  of  Oneid 
Lake  &  stretching  Southward  &  Westward.  Two  Dies  has 
informed  you  of  I  suppose  8000  acres  each  on  both  sides  the 
West  End  of  Wood  Creek;  and  three  Major  Rogers  has 
informed  you  of.  I  am  Dr.  Sr.  William  your  affectionate  & 
Obed*.  Servant 

Gw  BANYAR. 

2  of  25000  acres  near  Susquehanah;  there  are  others  with  the 
President  but  not  likely  to  be  presented  soon  if  at  all. 


FROM   RICHARD  SHUCKBURGH 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  114,  by 
a  letter  of  May  29th  from  Dr  Richard  Shuckburgh,  at  Scotia,  to  Johnson 
on  circumstances  which  detain  him  at  Colonel  Glen's,  and  his  desire  to 
be  reengaged  as  Indian  secretary.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


1  Robert  Monckton  was  governor  of  New  York  from  October  26  to 
November  18,  1761,  and  from  June  14,  1762  to  June  28,  1763. 


Seven  Years    War  399 

TO  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 

Df.  S.1 

Castle  Cumberland  5th.  June  1761  * 
DEAR  BANYAR 

I  am  at  length  favoured  with  a  few  lines  from  you  the  28th 
Ult°.  There  was  not  the  least  occasion  or  necessity  for  the  2  Men 
you  mention,  nor  for  those  who  were  down  before  on  the  same 
errand,  to  have  gone  to  ye  trouble  &  expence  of  Journeying  to 
New  York,  had  you  been  so  kind  as  to  let  me  have  known  what 
yc  expence  of  that  Pattent  came  to,  as  I  repeatedly  requested, 
the  Pattentees  who  depended  on  knowing  the  am*,  of  it  from  me, 
now  imagine  I  trifle  with  them,  wh.  is  w*.  I  have  never  done  to 
Mankind,  and  they  are  I  find  a  good  deal  dissatisfied  at  my  dis- 
apointing  them,  which  was  really  yr.  fault,  and  as  to  Mr.  Dies 
ace".  I  think  he  was  long  enough  there  to  have  given  it  in. 

I  am  surprised  to  find  so  much  trifling,  &  little  low  means  used 
by  some  People  in  order  to  retard  my  getting  a  Pattent  for  that 
Tract  of  Land,  wh.  ye.  Conajoharees  Voluntarily,  and  unani- 
mously gave  me  a  deed  of  gift  for,  w*.  will  it  avail  then  to  con- 
tend for  a  thing  wh.  is  the  Voluntary  Act  &  Deed  of  the  whole? 
as  I  mentioned  before,  and  done  in  so  solemn  a  manner,  that  they 
never  will  rece4e  from  it.  I  am  certain  the  main  end  &  design  of 
his  Majestys  Instructions  to  his  Govrs.  relative  to  yc  purchasing 
Indn.  Lands  by  his  Subjects,  was  to  prevent  their  being 
defrauded,  and  to  have  'em  satisfied,  this  I  look  upon  to  have 
been  his  Majestys  Intention,  and  that,  is  answered  in  this  case 
of  mine,  all  to  the  less  material  part,  that  of  first  taking  out  a 
Lycense,  w*1.  could  not  well  have  been  sooner  applyed  for,  if  yl. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  In  the  Collections   of  the  New   York  Historical  Society  for    1876, 
Golden   Papers,   p.    87-88,   is   a   letter   of   June   2d   from  Cadwallader 
Golden,   at   New  York,   to  Johnson  on   the  Albany   shrievalty  and  the 
Canajoharie  land  grant. 


400  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

is  the  reason  why  I  am  stopped  and  my  request  for  a  Lycensc 
refused,  I  shall  think  myself  not  well  treated,  and  that  there  is 
some  other  Motive  more  weighty  and  prevailing  than  that  of  ye 
want  of  Form,  as  mine  would  not  be  ye  first  instance  of  ye  kind. 

I  am  sorry  to  hear  that  the  Gentlemen  who  are  my  oponents  in 
this  Affair  have  been  pleased  to  say,  that  I  have,  and  am  engross- 
ing too  much  Land  in  these  parts,  the  Lands  wh.  I  possess  were 
pattented  by  others,  and  afterwards  purchased  by  me,  except  one 
Tract  which  you  know  adjoining  that  wh.  you  were  concerned 
in,  but  supposing  I  had  made  great  purchases  in  these  parts,  with 
the  consent  of  the  proprietors,  &  to  their  satisfaction,  I  cant  see 
the  least  reason  why  they,  or  any  others  should  envy  me,  as  my 
motive  is  the  Settling  the  Country,  wh.  I  have  been  promoting 
all  the  War  at  a  very  considerable  expence,  and  risque,  and  as  I 
never  spared  any  pains  to  do  all  I  possibly  could  for  the  pro- 
tection of  the  Inhabitants  (who  were  it  not  for  me  would  not  have 
remained  on  their  Lands  either  this,  or  the  last  War)  I  think  I 
have  at  least  as  good  a  right  to  purchase  and  add  to  what  I 
already  have  perilously  acquired,  &  maintained  in  these  parts, 
as  any  man  in  it. 

I  am  ashamed  to  say  so  much  about  it,  but  am  vexed  to  think 
I  should  be  envyed  of  a  thing  so  fairly  &  freely  given  to  me.  I 
shall  add  nothing  more,  until  I  learn  from  you,  whether  a  Lycense 
will  be  granted  me  for  that  Tract  at  Conajoharie  or  not,  wh.  I 
shall  be  impatient  to  hear,  in  the  meantime  am  Dr.  Banyar  Yrs. 
&ca  W.  J. 

P.  S.  As  to  ye  Lycense  wh.  you  say  the  gentlemen  have  got,  for 
yl.  Tract  of  Land,  let  them  try  to  purchase  it  thereby  and  if 
the  Inds.  will  not  agree  to  let  them  have  it,  what  more  have 
they  to  say  or  pretend  to. 

GOLDS  BORROW  BANYAR  Esq'. 


Seven  Years    War  401 


TO  OLIVER  DE  LANCEY 


Castle  Cumberland  6th  June  1761 
DEAR  SIR     - 

When  I  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  In  Albany  the  other 
day  I  entirely  forgot  to  ask  you  for  the  bonds  which  were  taken 
of  me  by  the  late  Sr.  Peter  Warren.  The  accounts  which  were 
between  us  haveing  by  the  consent  of  both  parties  been  Settled 
some  time  ago  and  a  ballance  made  by  them  Gentlemen  in  my 
favour  I  think  the  bonds  should  be  Delivered  to  me.  I  believe 
I  wrote  you  before  on  this  Head.  Should  be  glad  now  you 
would  let  me  have  the  bonds  Also  a  Deed  from  one  Phillip 
Phillips  to  me  for  a  Tract  of  Land  in  these  parts  Called  Teu- 
thendocta,  which  Deed,  Mr.  Warren  I  beleive  tooke  from  me 
by  ~  of  Security  which  I  could  not  have  Suspected  at  that  time. 

Be  so  good  likewise  to  let  me  know  When  it  will  suit  you  to 
let  me  have  a  lease  for  the  two  Lotts  No.  3  and  4  in  that  Land 
wh.  was  Milns  &  let  me  know  the  terms  or  if  you  will  lease  me 
the  whole  which  is  571  acres  or  5  Lotts  as  now  laid  out  it  will 
be  less  trouble  to  you  in  which  case  the  man  who  lives  on  a  lott 
of  it  shall  continue  thereon  on  the  same  footing  or  lay  as  you 
Intended  he  should  which  will  be  the  same  to  him. 

Honrblc.  OLIVER  DELANCEY  Esqr. 

I  heartily  wish  you  well  &  am  with  Sincerity  &  Esteem  Dear  Sir 

Your  most  Obedient  Humble  Servant 


TO  JAMES  HAMILTON 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  114,  by 
Johnson's  letter  of  June  8th  to  Governor  Hamilton  of  Pennsylvania 
touching  the  obstinacy  of  Connecticut  settlers  and  Tedyescung's  charge 
against  the  proprietors.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


destroyed  by  fire. 

2  An  evident  omission  in  the  original.      Doubtless  **  way  "  should  be 
supplied. 


402  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM   DANIEL  GLAUS 

A.  L.  S.1 

Montreal  10th  June  1761. 
SIR 

I  hope  my  last  of  the  28th  came  to  hand,  since  which  I  had  a 
Deputation  from  the  Abinaquis,  concerning  Captn.  Jacobs's 
affair,  notwithstanding  my  acquainting  Mr.  Roubaud  from  you, 
that  said  Indians  need  not  proceed  for  Albany  untill  they  reed 
further  Notice,  and  which  he  acknowledges  to  have  reced.  but 
makes  the  Deputation  a  Matter  of  such  Importance,  as  not  easily 
to  be  sloped,  and  therefore  tells  me  in  his  Letter  he  would  not 
mention  it  to  the  Indians.  After  I  acquainted  those  Deputies 
with  what  you  mentioned  to  me  in  a  former  Letter  concerning 
their  coming  to  Albany,  they  made  a  long  Discourse  upon  the 
Subject,  relating  to  me  the  Circumstances,  and  which  I  think 
heard  Captn.  Jacobs  tell  myself,  viz*,  that  the  Indian  killed  2  was 
one  of  their  own  People,  married  &  settled  in  their  Town,  and 
when  taken  Prisr.  left  to  his  own  choice,  either  to  remain  or  be 
pardoned  or  receive  the  Punishment  which  a  Deserter  from  his 
Country  in  Time  of  War  deserved,  and  he  persisting  in  his 
Obstinacy  was  condemned  by  the  Sentence  of  a  Party  that 
claimed  him  to  be  under  their  Jurisdiction,  which  Party  since  last 
Fall  left  S*.  Francis  and  established  themselves  among  the  Swe- 
gachies  wherefore  they  living  now  at  Sl.  Francis  could  3  be  looked 
upon  as  Accessors  or  guilty  of  sd.  Murder.  At  the  same  time 
they  begged  I  would  recommend  these  Circumstances  to  your 
Consideration,  &  hoped  you  would  use  your  Influence  with  the 
Stockbridge  Indians,  and  bring  the  affair  to  an  amicable  Issue,  to 
contribute  to  it  the  more  (altho'  they  were  not  the  aggressors) 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  See  Roubaud  to  Johnson,  November  1 3,  1  760  and  Johnson  to  Rou- 
baud, March   1,    1761. 

"  Not "  has  apparently  been  omitted  in  the  copy. 


Seven  Fears'  War  403 

they  had  purchased  a  grown  up  Pany  Indian  of  ab*.  18  years, 
to  replace  the  Indian  killed,  whom  they  were  ready  either  to 
bring  themselves,  or  deliver  him  up  to  whoever  desired,  with  the 
Speeches  &  Belts  requisite  on  such  occasions,  and  which  they 
hoped  Captn.  Jacobs  would  be  satisfied  with,  and  drop  the  affair 
into  oblivion. 

They  at  the  same  time  asked  to  have  a  Smith  and  Interpreter 
allowed  them,  but  I  put  them  off  as  well  as  I  could,  knowing  Gen. 
Gage  would  not  come  into  it,  besides  they  belonging  to  Tree 
Rivr.  Governm*.  I  promised  them  to  report  their  Deputation  to 
you  by  the  first  opportunity  and  told  them  they  might  rest  secured 
of  your  doing  your  Endeavours  towards  bringing  about  the  affair. 
I  gave  them  some  Pipes  Tobacco  &ca.  and  a  little  Money  to  buy 
bread,  and  they  sat  off  contented  last  Monday.  I  have  nothing 
remarkable  to  mention  with  regard  to  the  Indians  in  this 
Governm*.  they  are  quiet  and  most  all  come  home  from  hunting 
and  had  good  success,  they  are  selling  their  Furrs  mostly  in 
Town  to  my  Troublej  I  dont  hear  them  complain  of  Dearness; 
and  Goods  grow  cheaper  every  Day  several  London  Vessels 
being  arrived  at  Quebec,  where  every  thing  is  now  cheaper  than 
at  New  York,  there  are  near  fifty  Crafts  at  and  in  Sight  of  that 
Place,  Salt  is  sold  at  1 8  d.  per  Bushel.  The  best  Commodity 
for  Canada  is  Provis.  such  as  Flour  &ca.  as  many  of  the  Inhabit8, 
had  no  bread  all  Winter  and  have  but  little  hopes  of  a  good  crop, 
this  Summers  Wheat  being  mostly  burnt  in  the  Ground  for  want 
of  sufficient  rain. 

'All  Regb.  are  ordered  to  Crownpoint  from  hence  except  five 
which  are  imagined  will  remain  in  Canada  viz1,  the  44th,  46th 
Colo.  Frasers,1  the  2d  &  4th  Battn.  Roy1.  Amn.  wch.  latter  Gar- 
risons Montreal,  and  I  suppose  will  bring  me  to  do  Duty  with 
them  besides  the  dayly  Trouble  of  Indns.  but  according  to  the 
Ideas  of  the  army  Indn.  Business  are  looked  upon  as  no  dutyx 

Jacob  Fisher  is  I  hope  before  now  arrived  with  his  Mother 
having  left  this  before  I  sent  my  last  wherein  I  forgot  to  mention 

irThe  78th  regiment. 


404  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

him,  there  are  likewise  a  Boy  &  Girl  belonging  to  the  Flatts 
gone  down  some  days  ago.  I  had  them  from  Caghnawago  where 
there  is  not  a  single  Prisr.  more  left.  The  Children  left  with  ye 
Arundax  will  be  delivered  up  as  soon  as  they  come  home. 

Captn.  Wait  with  his  Rangers  has  before  now  relieved  Michi- 
limakinac,  we  long  to  hear  how  he  was  received.  Mr.  Mere- 
dith *  of  Gen1.  Gage's  was  drowned  th'  other  day  in  long  Falls 
coming  from  Fl.  Wm.  Augs.2  to  this  place. 

Its  said  Captn.  John  Campbell,  alias  handsome  Jack,  is  to  be 
married  to  Sl.  Luc  laCorn's  Daughter.  Ensn.  Robinson  of  1st 
Battn.  42  Reg*,  married  a  rich  French  officer's  widow,  &  she  goes 
with  him  to  Crownpoint. 

I  have  no  more  to  add  but  am  with  my  highest  Respects  to  you 
&  Complimts.  to  the  Family,  &  Mr.  Johnson  if  with  you  Sir 
Your  most  Obedient  and  most  humble  Servant 

DAN  CLAUS 
To  the  Honbl*.  SR.  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar4. . 


FROM  HENRY  VAN  SCHAACK 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  114,  by 
a  letter  of  June  1  7th  from  H.  Van  Schaack,  at  Albany,  to  Johnson  about 
a  remonstrance  of  the  common  council  against  the  conduct  of  Bradstreet: 
and  a  letter  of  the  same  date  from  H.  Van  Schaack  on  the  mayor's 
avoidance  of  duty,  Bradstreet's  influence  in  the  county  and  recommendation 
of  Harmanus  Schuyler  for  sheriff,  and  war  movements  on  the  continent. 
Destroyed  by  fire. 


1  Hugh  Meredith  was  a  lieutenant  in  the  80th  (Thomas  Gage's)  regi- 
ment.    He  was  commissioned  July  16,  1758. 
"Near  Oswegatchie. 


Seven  years'  War  405 


DONALD  CAMPBELL   TO   WILLIAM   WALTERS 
Contemporary  Copy  l 

Detroit,  June  77,  7767 

<^Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Capt.  Campbell  Commanding  at 
Detroit  to  Major  Walters  Commanding  at  Niagara.  Dated 
Detroit  June  17th,  1761,  two  o'Clock  in  the  morning. 

Sir;  I  had  the  favor  of  yours  with  General  Amherst's  Dis- 
patches.^ 

I  have  sent  You  <an  Express  with  a  very  Important >  piece 
of  Intelligence  I  have  had  the  good  < fortune  to>  discover;  I 
have  been  lately  alarmed  with  < reports  of>  the  bad  Designs 
of  the  Indian  Nations  against  <this>  place  and  the  English  in 
General;  I  can  now  Inform  You  for  certain  it  Comes  from  the 
Six  Nations;  <and>  that  they  have  sent  Belts  of  Wampum  & 
Deputys  <^to]>  all  the  Nations  from  Nova  Scotia  to  the  Illinois 
<^to^>  take  up  the  Hatchet  against  the  English,  and  have 
Employed  the  Messagues  to  send  Belts  of  Wampum  to  the 
Northern  Nations;  there  are  now  two  Chiefs  of  the  Senecas  in 
the  Wyandot  Town  privately  to  invite  the  Nations  here  to  a 
Council  at  the  Little  Lake,  or  Sandoskey ;  I  had  a  Just  Informa- 
tion of  all  their  desig<ns>  before  they  had  time  to  hold  a 
Council  with  the  Nations  and  have  prevented  it  so  far,  that  I 
Called  the  Nations  to  a  Council  this  day,  and  told  of  the  bad 
Intention  of  the  Seneca  Nation  against  us  which  I  hope  will  have 
a  good  Effect,  as  they  promised  to  have  no  Concern  with  them; 
their  project  is  as  follows;  the  Six  Nations,  at  least  the  Senecas 
are  to  Assemble  at  the  head  of  French  Creek,  within  five  and 
twenty  Leagues  of  Presqu'  Isle,  part  of  the  Six  Nations,  the 
Delawares  &  Shanees  are  to  Assemble  on  the  Ohio,  and  all  at 
the  same  time  about  the  latter  End  of  this  Month  to  surprise 
Niagara,  &  Fort  Pitt,  and  Cutt  off  the  Communication  Every 


1  Inclosed  in  Amherst  to  Johnson,  July  8,  1  76 1 ,  q.  v. 


406  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Where ;  I  hope  this  will  Come  time  Enough  to  put  You  on  Your 
Guard,  and  to  send  to  <Oswego,  and  all  the  posts  on  that  Com- 
munication; they  expect  to  be  Joyned  by  the  Nations  that  are 
Come  from  the  North  by  Toronto. 

You  have  certainly  a  great  many  of  them,  at  present  at 
Niagara;  You  cannot  use  too  much  precaution  against  them;  I 
hope  when  they  find  the  whole  plot  is  Discovered,  they>  will 
desist  from  < their  Attempt;  I>  have  sent  an  Express  to  Fort 
Pitt  by  <^Presqu'  Isle;  it^  would  be  proper  you  send  one 
like <^ wise  in  case  any^>  Accident  should  have  happened  to 
<my  Express;  I  have>  put  my  Fort  in  the  best  posture  of 
Defen<ce  I  can,  and>  shall  take  all  methods  to  prevent  a  Sur- 
prise; <^I  have^>  a  good  many  Indian  Nations  here  at  present; 
<but>  hope  there  is  nothing  to  fear  from  them.  I  <have 
sent>  Enclosed  a  Letter  to  General  Amherst,1  which 
will^>  be  pleased  to  forward  with  the  greatest  Diligence. 
am^> 

Sir, 

Your  most  obedient 

Humble  Servant 
Donald  Campbell 

If  you  think  it  is  proper  that  Sr.  Wm.  Johnson  should  know  of 
it ;  You  may  Communicate  this  Intelligence  to  him,  but  I  hope  he 
knows  it  before  this  time. 

D:C: 


1  Campbell  to  Amherst,  June  17,  1761,  in  Niagara  and  Detroit  Pro- 
ceedings, July-September,   1761. 


Seven  Years'  War  407 


FROM  CONRAD  FRANK 


Burnets  field  June  17th  1761 

SIR. 

Two  or  three  days  ago,  there  Came  down  from  Oneida  a 
party  of  Indians  about  Twenty  or  Thirty,  to  have  their  Children 
Christened  &  Likewise  to  have  Some  of  them  Married,  and  as 
they  went  away  to  day,  and  got  up  as  far  as  Franks's  they  Shot 
one  of  Stephen  Franks's  Hogs  just  by  his  House;  So  Franks's 
Son  Justice  Went  to  the  Indian,  and  asked  the  Indian  for  What 
he  had  killed  his  hog;  then  the  Indian  immediately  offered  to 
Shoot  him,  and  so  Justice  Frank  &  one  Etigh  got  hold  of  his 
Gun,  then  he  Draw'd  his  knife  to  Stab  him  ;  but  at  last  the  Indian 
got  away  from  them  and  Shot  Justice  Frank  through  his  throat 
Dead,  and  the  Indian  went  off.— 

So  we  thought  Proper  to  Acquaint  Sir  William  of  it,  to  know 
What  to  do  in  this  Affair.  We  have  no  More  to  add  at  present, 
but  we  remain  Sir,  Your  Humble  servu.  at  Command  - 

Hans  Joost  Herchheimer  Justice 

Conrad  Frank 


In  New  York  Historical  Society. 


408  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


TO  CADWALLADER  GOLDEN 
£>// 

Fort  Johnson  18th  June  1761 
SIR 

I  am  honoured  with  yours  of  the  2  Inst.2  by  Captain  Ferrall,8 
whom  I  am  sorry  my  recommendation  could  not  serve,  as  I  am 
certain  it  would  be  more  for  the  good  of  the  Service,  and  that  of 
the  Inhabitants  of  the  County  than  either  of  the  two  you  mention. 
He  is  an  Honest  man,  he  is  an  Englishman,  and  one  who  would 
act  very  impartially,  which  was  my  only  motive  for  recommend- 
ing him,  but  as  it  is  we  must  submit  to  those  of  greater  conse- 
quence &  Interest,  and  have  things  go  on  in  the  old  Dutch 
Channel,  which  I  flattered  myself  would  not  have  been  the  case 


now.4 


I  cant  realy  see  why  that  affair  of  mine  concerning  the  Land 
which  I  have  a  Deed  of  gift  for  from  the  whole  Castle  of  Cona- 
johare  Men  &  Women,5  could  be  attended  with  so  much  Diffi- 
culty in  Council  as  you  are  pleased  to  observe,  that  you  and  Mr. 
Banyar  were  of  opinion,  it  would,  there  is  no  fraud  in  it,  it 
was  the  unanimous  &  voluntary  Act  of  them  all  which  I  beleive 
fulfils  His  Majestys  Intentions,  all  to  the  want  of  a  Lycense, 
which  I  applied  for  as  soon  as  the  Indians  made  known  their 
resolution  I  dont  think  that  any  person  having  a  Lycense  for 
said  Tract,  got,  or  obtained  when  it  was  known  I  had  a  Deed  for 


1  Destroyed  by  fire.     In  the  New  York  Historical  Society  this  letter, 
in  Johnson's  hand,  is  preserved  in  a  form  exhibiting  a  number  of  differences, 
mostly  in  capitalization  and  punctuation,  when  compared  with  the  draft. 
Such  differences  as  are  important  are  indicated  in  notes  which  follow. 

2  Printed  in  the  Collections  of  the  Nerv  York  Historical  Society,  for 
1876,  Golden  Papers,  p.  87-88. 

2 "  Farrel ."  in  the  New  York  Historical  Society  letter. 
4Cadwallader    Golden,    as   president   of    the    council,    was   the    acting 
governor  at  this  time.     On  August  8th  he  became  lieutenant  governor. 
5  See  Johnson  to  Banyar,  January  2,  1761. 


Seven  Years    War  409 

it,  as  the  Indians  are  Determined  never  to  sell  it  to  any  one,  after 
executing  so  formal  &  firm  a  deed  to  me,  this  being  the  case, 
I  dont  see  what  it  will  avail  them  Gentlemen  to  contend,  unless 
they  do  it  to  give  me  trouble,  which  I  believe  will  be  more  their 
Interest  to  let  alone. 

A  Gentleman  employed  by  Major  Rogers  &  associates  to 
attend  the  Survey  of  some  Lands  proposed  to  be  Set  out  for  them 
ab*.  Lake  George,  came  to  me  the  1 6th  Inst.  -and  showed  me  a 
couple  of  Lycenses  granted  to  Captn.  Js.  Rogers  &  Hazzens  l  for 
purchasing  Lands  above  Fort  Edward  on  the  West  side  of  Hud- 
sons  River,  on  which  I  sent  for  the  Chiefs  of  the  Mohawks  to 
come  to  my  house  in  order  that  I  might  assist  this  Gentleman 
who  is  unacquainted  with  such  affairs.  They  all  came  the  next 
day,  and  after  letting  them  know  that  a  Number  of  Gentlemen 
wanted  to  purchase  such  Tracts,  they  made  answer  that  untill 
they  had  justice  done  them  with  regard  to  some  Lands  they 
alledge  &  have  for  a  long  time  complained  to  have  been  defrauded 
of,  they  were  unanimously  resolved  not  to  dispose  of  any  more 
of  their  Lands,  that  what  they  had  left  was  rather  too  Little  for 
their  Hunting  or  Livlihood  and  as  for  the  other  Tract,  for  which 
there  is  a  Warrant  of  Survey,  they  one  and  all  protested  against 
it  and  desired  that  Nothing  rash  might  be  done  in  it  at  least 
until  you  were  acquainted  with  what  they  now  say,  which  is  that 
all  the  Lands  on  the  West  side  of  Hudsons  River  Lake  George, 
&  Lake  Champlain,  as  far  as  to  a  Rock  there  called  by  them 
Rojioghne  2  belongs  to  them  except  what  was  sold,  that  it  was  so 
settled  between  their  Forefathers  &  the  Indians  Inhabiting  the 
Country  of  Canada,  wh.  never  was  disputed  by  their  Brethren  or 
others  before,  that  within  them  limits  are  their  best  Hunting 
Grounds,  which  they  say  they  cannot  apprehend  his  Majesty 
would  (after  the  many  assurances  given  them  from  time  to  time 


1  See  Calendar  of  Land  Papers,  p.  300,  30 1 ,  and  Calendar  of  Council 
Minutes,  p.  403. 

2  Regioghne.     W.  M.  Beauchamp,  Aboriginal  Place  Names  of 
York,  P.  73. 


410  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

of  his  resolution  to  protect  them  and  their  Lands)  encourage  or 
at  any  Rate  allow,  their  Lands  to  be  now  taken  from  them  with- 
out their  consent,  that  if  such  was  permitted  (meaning  the  Survey 
at  Lake  George)  or  such  they  could  then  have  no  further  depend- 
ance  on  any  thing  has  been  promised  heretofore,  and  must  look 
upon  themselves  from  that  time,  in  danger  of  being  made  slaves, 
and  haveing  their  taken  from  them  at  pltasurt,  which  they 
added,  would  confirm  what  the  French  have  often  told  the 
Six  Nations,  and  should  our  Brethren  begin  with  us  in  that 
manner,  who  have  at  the  risque  of  everything  joined  them  in 
defending  their  &  our  Country,  and  now  thought  to  set  down 
in  peace,  what  must  our  friends  the  Six  Nations  say  or 
think,  they  certainly  cannot  expect  more  favours,  if  so  much 
as  we,  therefore  must  be  in  a  verry  uneasy  scituation,  when  they 
come  to  hear  it.  This  and  a  great  deal  more  too  tedious  now  to 
trouble  you  with  was  spoke  by  them  yesterday  at  my  House  in 
presence  of  the  before  mentioned  Gentleman,  who  asked  my 
opinion,  what  was  best  to  be  done,  I  told  him  I  thought  it  best 
to  prevent  the  surveyor  going  on  the  ground  as  he  intended,  untill 
he  had  acquainted  the  Gentlemen  concerned  with  what  had 
passed,  &  received  their  answer.  He  was  also  of  the  same 
opinion,  and  told  me  he  would  imeadiately  write  them. 

I  cannot  Sir  consistent  with  the  duty  I  owe  his  Majesty  and 
the  good  of  the  Service  I  am  by  him  employed  in  avoid  acquaint- 
ing you,  I  am  verry  apprehensive  that  pressing  the  Indians  so 
much  to  dispose  of  their  Lands  &  that  in  such  great  Quantitys 
contrary  to  their  Inclinations  at  present,  will  give  them  great 
umbrage  and  alarm  all  the  Nations,  and  probably  produce  conse- 
quences wch.  may  be  verry  prejudicial  to  his  Majestys  Interest, 
and  stop  the  settling  of  the  Country,  both  which  are  now  in  a 
prosperous  2  and  may,  by  a  proper  conduct  towards  them,  be 


1  Omission  in  the  copy;  "lands"  in  the  letter  in  the  New  York  His- 
torical Society. 

2 Omission  in  the  copy;  "way"  in  the  letter  in  the  New  York  His- 
torical Society. 


Seven  Years    War  411 

continued  so,  but  should  it  unhappily  fall  out  otherwise,  I  am 
certain  it  will  not  be  in  my  power  or  in  that  of  any  other  (with- 
out violent  measures  which  I  beleive  any  man  of  reason  would 
be  avoiding  if  possible)  to  bring  them  back  to  so  good  a  state. 
This  Sir  I  submit  to  you,  in  whose  power  it  is  to  prevent  it, 
and  doubt  not  in  the  Least  your  doing  every  thing  which  may 
tend  to  his  Majestys  and  the  Publick  good.  I  must  beg  leave 
to  refer  you  to  a  letter  I  did  myself  the  honor  of  writing  you 
the  19th  of  March  last,  as  there  are  two  Articles  of  said 
Letter  (one  for  building  1  a  Church  at  Conajoharie,  the  other  a 
request  of  the  Mohawks,  concerning  the  Lands  wch.  Mr.  Barclay 
has  &  wch.  they  would  be  glad  to  have  made  a  Glebe  or  pasture  2) 
I  should  be  glad  of  an  answer  to.  I  am  &ca.8 


FROM  OLIVER  DE   LANCEY 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1 15,  by  a 
letter  of  June  20th  from  Oliver  De  Lancey,  in  New  York,  promising 
Johnson  to  return  bonds  as  soon  as  Lady  Warren's  consent  is  gained,  abo 
deed,  and  proposing  joint  purchase  of  Mrs  Cosby's  lands  (printed  in 
Doc.  Hist.  N.  7.,  2:794;  Q,  2:461 ).  Destroyed  by  fire. 


1  In  the  New  York  Historical  Society  letter,  "  liberty  to  build." 

"  Parsonage  "  in  the  other  form  of  the  letter. 
8  The  letter  in  its  other  form  has  "  Sir,  with  perfect  Esteem 

Your  most  Obedient 
&  most  Humble  Servant 

Wm.  Johnson" 

It  also  has  the  following  address:     "  The  Honrble. 

Cadwallader  Colden  Esqr." 

and  this  indorsement  in  Colden's  (?)  hand:         "Sr   Wm   Johnson's 

of  June  1761." 


412  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Cop);1 

Albany,  22*.  June  1761 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  the  Reverend  Father  Dujaunay, 
a  Jesuit,  to  Father  Sf.  Pe,  at  Montreal  -  Dated  at 
S*.  Ignace,  7th.  May  1761. 

MON  REVEREND  PERE, 

Nous  sommes  actuellement  icy  tous  trois,  Le  Pere  le  Grave 
doit  retourner  demain  au  fort,  ou  on  attend  de  Jour  en  Jour  Mes- 
sieurs Les  Anglois  du  Detroit;  II  y  a  quelque  Opposition  de  la 
part  de  quelques  Saulteurs  Seulement:  Nous  tenons  assez  la  bride 
a  Ceux  qui  sont  a  Notre  portes ;  main  ~  Nous  Craignons  quelque 
facheux  Evenement  sur  la  Route:  Ce  que  Je  puis  assurer  de 
Science  certaine,  c'est  que  ni  Mr.  Langlade,  ni  aucun  francois 
n'y  ont  aucune  part  outre  1'obeissance  qu'on  doit  a  ce  qui 
a  ete  regie  entre  les  Deux  Generaux,  les  besoms  sont  trop  grands 
pour  qu'on  puisse  desormais  se  passer  de  la  presence,  ou  du  moins 
de  1'assistance  de  Nos  Vainqueurs,  ce  n'est  que  ce  printemps 
que  ces  Etincelles  Sauvages  ont  eclatees,  tout  I'hiver  tout  a 
ete  fort  tranquille  autour  de  Nous,  Et  J'apprends  que  les  Chefs 
Outawas  de  de  la  Grande  Riviere,  qui  ne  sont 

point  encore  arrivez,  n'ont  que  des  Idees  Pacifiques.— 

Mr.  De  Beaujeu  partit  du  Fort  vers  la  fin  d'octobre  dernier 
avec  le  pere  Luc,  les  Officiers  et  les  Soldats,  il  prit  sa  Route  par 
la  Baye;  son  Dessein  etoit  de  se  rendre  aux  Ilinois  par  Chicagou: 
Nous  aprenons  qu'il  a  tante  Ensuite  de  la  prendre  par  le 
Ouisconsin,  les  Glaces  Tont  Obliges  d'abandonner  ses  Voitures, 
et  une  Partie  de  Son  Monde,  Et  de  chez  les  Puants,  qui  se  sont 


Mn  Public  Record  Office  C.  O.  5.61,  London,  England.  Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  Johnson,  June  24,  1761,  and  in  Amherst  to 
William  Pitt,  August  13,  1761. 

2  This  word  should  evidently  be  "  mais.'* 


Seven  Years    W ar  413 

faits  ses  Guides;  II  a  pris  sa  Route  a  travers  les  Terres;  Nous 
n'en  S^avons  pas  d'avantage.  On  Nous  assure  que  le  Mississippi 
Va  avoir  le  meme  Sort  que  le  fleuve  Sl.  Laurent.  Depuis  le 
depart  de  Mr.  Picquet  d'icy,  Je  n'ay  pu  en  avoir  aucune  Nou- 
velle. 

Dumay  Gendre  de  Madame  Chevalier,  a  ete  tue  au  Detroit, 
par  un  fils  de  tous  les  Sauvages  en  sont  Indignez, 

et  Mr.  Campbell,  Commandant  au  Detroit,  n'oublie  rien  pour 
Joindre  ce  Meurtrier,  et  en  faire  Justice.  Mr.  De  Beletre,  et 
les  Officiers,  qui  raccompagnoient  en  qualite  de  Prisonniers  de 
Guerre  ont  ete  tues  au  petit  fort  de  Niagara,  Nous  disent  les 
Sauvages.  Nous  ne  pouvons  Croire  cette  facheuse  Nouvelle,  a 
laquelle  Nous  ne  Comprenons  rien. —  Ceux  qui  ont  poursuivis 
leur  Route  a  la  Grande  Riviere  s'en  reviennent  pleins  de  vie 
avec  les  Outaouas;  Ceux  de  meme  qui  son  demeures  au  fort 
n'ont  eu  que  leur  part  a  la  misere  Commune:  Jugez  en  par  ce 
trait,  il  falloit  deffaire  des  Emballages  pour  en  tirer  de  rats,  J'ai 
vu  de  cette  manufacture  dans  presque  toutes  les  maisons  du  fort.- 

Nos  peres  du  Detroit  partirent  cette  Automne  pour  se  rendre 
aux  Ilinois,  ou  deja  le  pere  de  la  morinie  s'etoit  rendu:  On 
m'assure  qu'ils  ont  hivernes  a  S!.  Joseph,  ou  les  Hurons  sont 
Venus  pour  les  ramener  au  Detroit  ayant  etes  Exhortes  a  cette 
Demarche  par  Mr.  Le  Commandant  du  Detroit/" 

L'Affreux  Beauregard,  qu'on  avoit  deforge,  fort  mal  a  pro- 
pos  (Messrs:  Les  Anglois  en  eussent  sans  doute  egalement  fait 
Justice)  a  ete  tue  a  coups  de  Haches  par  les  Sauvages  avec 
qui  il  remontoit- 

Le  Cher  frere  a  Nourri  icy  un  temps  trois  Anglois  qui  ont 
passes  Thyver  au  fort;  Un  vient  de  partir  pour  les  Ilinois  avec 
une  famille  qui  s'y  retire;  les  deux  autres  ont  pris  parti  avec  les 
Sauvages;  Nous  avons  de  meme  etes  Surcharges  de  Bouches 
affamees  revenants  de  1'Ouest,  en  Sorte  que  1'abondante  recolte 
Nous  Suffira  a  peine  pour  Joindre  la  Nouvelle. 

General  Gage  sent  me  the  foregoing  Intelligence  on  the  1 5th. 
Instant,  which  Confirms  the  Report  of  Mor.  De  Beaujeu  having 


414  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

gone  off  to  the  Illinois;  a  Conduct  very  Scandalous  &  Unwar- 
rantable, as  Major  Gladwin  may  perceive  by  the  Copy  of  the 
Orders  Sent  to  Mor.  De  Beaujeu,  by  the  Mis-  de  Vaudreiiil, 
which  are  very  full  and  Explicit.-  / 

The  Report  Spread  by  the  Indians  of  Mor.  De  Beletre,  and 
the  Officiers  that  Accompanied  him,  being  murdered  near 
Niagara,  is  a  New  proof  of  their  Villainous  Dispositions  in 
progagating  Falsehoods.-  Major  Gladwin  will  Use  all  means 
to  Contradict  such  infamous  Reports,  and  Convince  the  Indians, 
that  Britons  are  not  Capable  of  such  Behaviour  ~~ 

Who  Beauregard,  mentioned  in  the  foregoing,  is,  I  know  not; 
but  I  Suppose  the  other  three  English  must  be  Deserters;  and 
Major  Gladwin,  if  he  finds  them,  or  any  Other  Deserters,  will 
Secure  them,  &  treat  them  accordingly. 

Jeff:  Amherst 
Albany,  22<  June  1761. 

Copy 
INDORSED:     Copy. 

Intelligence 

Referred  to  in  General  Amherst's 

Instructions  to  Sir  Wm.  Johnson. 

Enclosure  No0.  56.- 

rn  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  Aug*.  13:  1761 

NO.  58. 

Translation 

MY  REVEREND  FATHER: 

We  are  at  present  here,  all  three.  Father  Le  Grave  is  to 
return  tomorrow  to  the  fort,  where  they  are  awaiting  from  day  to 
day  the  English  from  Detroit.  There  is  some  opposition,  but 
only  on  the  part  of  some  Sauteurs.1  We  keep  a  pretty  tight  rein 
on  those  who  are  within  reach;  but  we  fear  some  unhappy  occur- 
rence on  the  way.  What  I  can  assure  you  of,  from  certain 


1  Chippewas. 


Seven  years'  War  415 

knowledge,  is  that  neither  M.  Langlade  1  nor  any  other  French- 
man has  any  intention  except  the  obedience  due  to  that  which  has 
been  arranged  between  the  two  generals.  Our  needs  are  too 
great  for  us  to  be  able  hereafter  to  dispense  with  the  presence,  or 
at  least  the  assistance,  of  our  conquerors.  It  is  only  this  spring 
that  these  savage  sparks  have  burst  forth;  all  winter  everything 
has  been  very  tranquil  around  us,  and  I  learn  that  the  Ottawa 
chiefs  of  2  from  the  Grand  river,  who  have  not  yet  arrived,  have 
none  but  peaceful  intentions. 

M.  De  Beaujeu  left  the  fort  toward  the  end  of  last  October 
with  Father  Luc,  the  officers  and  the  soldiers;  he  took  his  route 
by  La  Baye,3  his  design  being  to  proceed  to  the  Illinois  Indians 
by  way  of  Chicago.  We  learn  that  he  tried  afterward  to  take 
it  by  way  of  the  Wisconsin  river,  but  the  ice  compelled  him  to 
abandon  his  boats  and  a  part  of  his  company,  and  from  the  ter- 
ritory of  the  Puans,4  who  acted  as  his  guides  he  took  his  way 
across  the  country.  We  know  nothing  more  about  it.  They  tell 
us  that  the  Mississippi  is  to  have  the  same  fate  as  the  river  St 
Lawrence.  Since  the  departure  of  M.  Picquet 5  from  this  place  I 
have  been  unable  to  obtain  any  news  of  him./ 

Dumay,  son-in-law  of  Madame  Chevalier,  was  killed  at 
Detroit  by  a  son  of  All  the  Indians  are  indignant  over  it, 
and  M.  Campbell,  commandant  at  Detroit,  leaves  nothing 
undone  to  overtake  this  murderer  and  punish  him.  M.  De 
Beletre  and  the  officers  who  accompanied  him  as  prisoners  of  war 
were  killed  at  the  little  fort  of  Niagara,  the  Indians  tell  us.  We 
cannot  believe  this  distressing  news,  which  we  fail  to  understand. 
Those  who  pursued  their  journey  to  the  Grand  river,  are 
returning  full  of  life  with  the  Ottawas.  Those  likewise  who 


1  Charles  Langlade,  trader  and  partisan,  living  at  Green  Bay. 

2  An  omission  in  the  French. 
8  Green  Bay,  Wis. 

4  Puans,  a  nation  living  near  La  Baye,  Doc.  Rel.  to  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y., 
7:583;  9:889. 

5  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.,   1  :286,  for  Abbe  Picquet's  last  movements. 
'An  omission  in  the  French. 


416  Sir   William  Johnson  ljaper& 

remained  at  the  fort  have  had  only  their  share  in  the  common 
wretchedness.  Judge  of  it  by  this  circumstance.  It  was  neces- 
sary to  unpack  the  bales  to  get  rats  out  of  them.  I  have  seen  this 
process  in  almost  all  the  houses  of  the  fort. 

Our  fathers  at  Detroit  departed  last  autumn  in  order  to  go  to 
the  Illinois  Indians,  where  Father  de  la  Morinie  had  already 
gone.  I  am  assured  that  they  wintered  at  St  Joseph,  where  the 
Hurons  have  come  to  conduct  them  back  to  Detroit,  having  been 
exhorted  to  take  this  step  by  the  commandant  of  Detroit. 

The  terrible  Beauregard,  who  was  released  at  a  very  inoppor- 
tune time,  (the  English  would  also  without  doubt  have  brought 
him  to  justice)  was  killed  with  hatchet  blows  by  the  Indians 
with  whom  he  was  going  up., 

The  dear  brother  was  feeding  here  at  one  time  three  English- 
men who  passed  the  winter  at  the  fort.  One  has  just  left  for  the 
Illinois  with  a  family  which  is  withdrawing  there ;  the  two  others 
have  thrown  in  their  lot  with  the  Indians.  We  have  in  the  same 
way  been  overburdened  with  famished  mouths  returning  from  the 
West,  so  that  the  abundant  harvest  will  hardly  carry  us  over  to 
the  next.y 

FROM  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 
A.  L.  S.1 

NCTV  York  22*  June  1761 
DEAR  SIR  WILLIAM 

The  Business  crouded  upon  me  for  some  time,  had  made  me 
almost  forget  the  Commissions  you  so  long  ago  wrote  for.  I  now 
inclose  them  hoping  no  Inconvenience  has  happened  from  the 
delay.  In  my  last  I  wrote  you  that  the  Germans  from  the  Back 
of  the  German  Flatts  were  with  me.  I  settled  the  affair  of  that 
Patent  and  desired  them  to  call  on  you  and  shew  you  the  amount. 
I  have  kept  a  copy  of  what  I  gave  them,  which  you  may  have  at 
any  time,  in  case  you  should  want  it.  I  then  wrote  you  the  Diffi- 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  417 

culties  that  would  prevent  the  passing  your  Petition  for  the  Lands 
back  of  Glen's  Purchase.  You  have  sent  me  no  answer.  If  you 
persist  in  having  a  Petiticn  preferred  and  intend  to  use  the  Pur- 
chase you  made  or  the  Deed  the  Indians  gave  you  for  those 
Lands,  as  an  argument,  it  should  be  lodg'd  here  for  the  purpose, 
first  getting  it  recorded  at  Albany  to  prevent  accidents.  In  one 
of  your  Letters  you  mention  that  M".  Magin  had  £40  of  you 
when  she  went  on  the  Survey  last  Fall.  She  has  undertaken  to 
pay  this  sum  to  you.  I  should  be  glad  to  know  if  she  has  paid 
it,  that  I  may  write  to  her  if  she  has  not,  or  take  some  method 
to  send  it  you  my  self.  That  Purchase  has  cost  those  concerned 
as  much  as  any  two  Purchases  I  have  ever  heard  of.  The 
accounts  amounted  to  within  a  small  matter  of  £700  —  £119  was 
cut  off  for  charges  for  Trouble  &ca  the  sum  allowed  is  £571  and 
by  the  best  accounts  I  can  obtain  the  Land  is  hardly  worth 
patenting.  Mr.  Klock  and  the  Germans  his  Neighbors  having  got 
all  that  may  be  called  good  Land  between  the  two  Creeks 
between  which  these  Lands  lie. 

We  have  no  News.  Governor  Hardy  (appointed  for  New 
Jersey  *)  expected  to  leave  London  in  May  or  June,  when  Gen1. 
Monkton  and  the  other  Governors'  Commissions  are  expected 
over.  I  am  with  great  Sincerity  Dr.  Sr.  Wm.  your  affectionate 
humble  Servant 

Gw  BANYAR 


1Josiah  Hardy,  brother  of  Sir  Charles  Hardy,  was  governor  of  New 
Jersey  from  1761   to  1763. 


Vol.  Ill— 14 


418  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  ALEXANDER  GOLDEN 
A.  L.  S.1 

Wen;  York  June  22*  1761 
SIR 

Last  night  I  recd  y™  of  the  1  7th  Inst 2  wherein  you  forbid  my 
Sending  you  the  Draft  which  you  had  desired  and  which  I  shall 
observe.  Give  me  leave  to  assure  you,  you  have  been  misin- 
formed, for  not  a  person  living  has  even  seen  that  part  of  the 
Draft  which  I  have  plotted,  nor  have  I  near  compleated  the 
Draft  you  desired,  so  it  was  impossible  for  me  to  shew  it. 

As  soon  as  I  recd  yr  letter  of  the  28th  Janry  in  answer  to  mine 
of  the  18th  of  the  same  Month  I  set  about  p^ting  the  Several 
Pattents  &  began  at  Oriskany  laying  down  the  Several  Pattents 
on  both  sides  of  the  Mohawks  River ;  But  by  the  time  I  had  laid 
down  those  as  far  as  Canajohary  &  at  Cherry  Valley  My  Father 
was  taken  dangerously  ill  &  for  three  weeks  I  never  left  him  Night 
or  Day  &  could  not  do  any  kind  of  business.  After  he  recovered 
so  far  that  I  could  be  from  him  I  had  such  a  run  of  business 
came  upon  me  (&  which  I  could  not  possibly  lay  aside)  that  I 
could  not  Set  about  Compleating  the  Draft  and  it  lies  now  Just 
as  I  have  mentioned  above  so  that  no  one  could  reap  any 
advantage  from  it  had  they  seen  it. 

Nothing  but  my  desire  to  oblidge  you  and  the  Indians  made  me 
undertake  it.  I  find  it  a  more  difficult  piece  of  work  &  a  work  of 
more  time  then  I  first  imagined  &  therefore  am  not  displeased  I 
have  your  orders  not  to  proceed  upon  it  as  the  time  it  would  have 
taken  me  up  I  now  can  employ  to  much  more  advantage  to  my 
self  and  familly.  Had  you  desired  drafts  of  any  Particular  part 
of  the  Mohawks  River,  I  could  have  easily  sent  you  those  which 
perhaps  might  have  answered  yr  purpose  as  Well  as  a  Map  of 
every  Patent  between  Albany  and  Fort  Stanwix  which  as  I  said 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Not  found. 


Seven  Years'  War  419 

before  will  be  a  work  of  much  time,  for  I  must  not  only  lose  a 
good  deal  of  time  in  plotting  the  Several  Grants  but  also  a  great 
deal  of  time  would  have  been  taken  up  in  Searching  the  records 
for  the  boundaries  of  the  Old  Grants. 

I  would  not  trouble  you  with  saying  so  much  on  this  head  were 
it  not  that  I  am  desirous  of  removing  the  Diffidence  you  seem  to 
have  entertained  that  I  would  not  do  all  in  my  power  to  oblige 
you,  than  which  no  man  can  be  more  desirous  then  your  humble 
Serv*. 

Perhaps  you  are  displeased  I  never  mentioned  to  you  any 
thing  in  regard  to  yr  Petition  which  you  wrote  to  me  about  May 
21st.1  Mr.  Banyar  knew  much  more  of  that  affair  then  I  possibly 
Could  &  I  Supposed  had  or  would  inform  you  fully  how  it 
Stood  therefore  it  was  needless  for  me  to  do  it. 

On  what  you  mentioned  to  me  of  Clocks  behaviour  with  regard 
to  obtaining  a  Deed  from  the  Indians  in  a  fraudulent  Manner,  I 
del  ay  'd  Endorsing  and  sending  up  his  Ly  cense  for  the  800  acres 
Mentioned  in  mine  to  you  of  the  18*  of  January:  But  Clock 
came  down  about  a  fortnight  since  and  Insisted  on  having  the 
purchase  Surveyed  pursuant  to  his  Lycense  of  Purchase  which  I 
could  not  justly  refuse  &  therefore  the  14th  Inst  I  endorsed  it  to 
and  sent  it  under  Cover  to  my  Deputy  Mr.  Isaac  Vrooman  with 
instructions  for  him  to  go  in  person  to  the  Conajohary  Castle  & 
inform  the  Sachems  of  his  having  Such  a  Lycense  and  where  the 
Lands  lay  before  he  offer'd  to  make  a  Survey  for  Clock.  This 
Step  I  knew  I  could  Justify  &  if  the  Indians  had  not  sold  nor 
would  not  sell  those  Lands  to  Clock  then  he  could  not  get  them 
Surveyed  as  my  Gen1  orders  to  all  my  Deputies  are  that  they 
shall  not  Survey  any  unpatented  Lands  without  the  Consent  of 
the  Castle  nearest  the  lands  to  be  Surveyed  &  sending  three 
Deputies  one  of  each  tribe  to  see  the  same  performed. 

I  have  had  no  returns  of  any  Purchases  made  this  Spring  on 
the  Mohawks  River  or  west  side  of  Hudsons  River  Nor  has  any 


Not  found. 


420  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Grants  passed  except  those  old  affairs  of  Mr.  Hartwicks  *  and 
that  of  Tedy  Magines  between  Cajoharan  or  Cannada  Creek  & 
Garoge  Survey 'd  last  fall  by  my  Deputies  Morgen  &  Campbell. 
Never  was  so  much  Care  taken  that  the  Indians  should  not  be 
deceived  in  the  Sale  of  their  Lands  and  that  no  Private  Surveys 
should  be  made,  as  I  have  for  some  time  past,  as  will  plainly 
appear  from  my  Instructions  to  all  my  Deputies  &  which  I  have  on 
all  occasions  order'd  Should  be  Interpreted  to  the  Indians.  I  was 
flattering  my  Self  my  whole  Conduct  in  Regard  to  Lands  would 
have  been  pleasing  to  you  and  the  Indians  'tho  I  now  fear  from 
your  last  you  have  taken  some  disgust  which  I  am  sorry  for ; 
however  I  have  this  Satisfaction,  that  I  have  done  nothing  will- 
fully to  give  any  reason  for  your  displeasure;  on  the  contrary  I 
should  esteem  it  a  happiness  to  have  it  in  my  Power  to  do  you 
any  Service  and  to  testify  how  Sincerely  I  am  Sir  Your  Most 
Obed*  humble  Ser1 

ALEXR  GOLDEN  2 

P.  S. 

Since  I  wrote  whats  above  Mr.  Banyar  informs  me  he  has 
mentioned  to  you  that  tho  he  was  originally  concerned  in  that 
affair  of  Clocks  which  interferes  with  you,  back  of  Glens  Pur- 
chase, rather  than  give  you  any  uneasiness  he  would  give  up  all 
his  pretensions  intirely.3  I  assure  you  I  will  do  the  same  tho  I  was 
to  have  been  greatly  Interested  in  that  Purchase.  What  the  other 
Parties  will  do  I  cannot  take  upon  me  to  say.  I  fear  they  will 
not  be  so  Compliant  in  giving  up  their  Interests. 

SR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON 


1See  Calendar  of  Land  Papers,  p.  280,  302,  and  Calendar  of  Council 
Minutes,  p.  399. 

2  Alexander,  the  son  of  Cadwallader  Golden,  was  surveyor  general  of 
the  Province  of  New  York,   1  762-74. 

3  Banyar  to  Johnson,  May  28,  1761. 


Seven  Years    War  421 

FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copp  l 

Extract.  Albany,  24lh.  June  1761. 

When  I  had  the  pleasure  of  Seeing  you  here,  I  Acquainted 
You  I  should  Order  Three  Hundred  Men  of  Gage's,  under  the 
Command  of  Major  Glad  win  to  Explore  the  Upper  Lakes,  &  to 
Assist  Captain  Campbell  in  the  Relief  of  the  out  posts,  in  Case 
the  Latter  part  is  not  already  Effected.  These  Orders  are  sent 
to  Major  Gladwin,  &  I  Enclose  You  paragraphs  of  them,  that 
you  may  be  fully  Informed  of  what  I  have  done  thereon. — 

I  Have  Ordered  the  300  Weight  of  powder,  with  the  Horse- 
men's Tents  You  desired,  to  be  Delivered  to  Mess":  Kennedy 
&  Lyle,  that  they  might  forward  them  to  you,  and  as  I  find  it  is 
Likely  you  will  be  ready  the  Latter  End  of  this  Week,  I  send 
Orders  to  Capt:  Waters,  who  was  Directed  to  take  some  Artil- 
lery to  Oswego,  to  Quit  that  Service,  and  to  be  ready  to  Attend 
You ;  a  Copy  of  the  Orders  to  him  is  Enclosed. — 

When  You  Arrive  at  Oswego,  You  will  be  pleased  to  Con- 
tinue him,  with  his  Detachment,  with  You,  or  to  take  any  others, 
in  his  room  as  you  shall  Judge  proper,  for  which  I  Enclose  You  a 
Letter  for  Major  Duncan.— 

I  am  Sorry  to  find,  that  you  are  Apprehensive,  that  the  Indians 
are  Brewing  something  privately  amongst  them;  If  it  is  Mischief, 
it  will  fall  on  their  own  Heads,  with  a  Powerfull  and  Heavy 
Hand ;  and  I  am  hopefull  they  are  not  so  Blind,  as  not  to  See  the 
Protection  they  Enjoy  from  the  King;  that  they  are  sure  of  being 
Used  well,  as  long  as  they  behave  well;  and  I  trust  You  will 
take  Every  necessary  Measure  for  Convincing  them  of  this;  and 
of  Setting  anything  right,  wherein  they  may  have  been  misin- 
formed, that  they  may  not  Contrive  their  own  Ruin. 


xln  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.61,  London,  England.     Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  William  Pitt,  August  13,   1761. 


422  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

I  Enclose  you  a  Copy  of  a  Paper  I  have  received  from  Gen- 
eral Gage,1  by  which  you  will  see  the  Unwarrantable  &  Scan- 
dalous Behavior  of  Monsieur  De  Beaujeu;  for  Michillimafyinac, 
as  well  as  Detroit,  and  Every  post  depending  on  those  places, 
are  Included  in  the  Capitulation  of  Canada;  and  Monsieur  De 
VaudreihTs  Letter  to  Monsr.  de  Beaujeu,  was  very  Explicit  on 
that  head. 

I  Also  Enclose  you  a  Copy  of  part  of  the  Orders,  which  were 
given  to  Major  Rogers,  and  paragraphs  of  Letters  I  have  Wrote 
to  Captain  Campbell,  with  all  such  Other  Papers,  as  I  Judge  can 
give  You  any  Usefull  Intelligence;  that  You  may  be  Informed 
of  the  full  State  of  Every  thing  that  has  been  done  regarding 
those  posts. —  It  is  likewise  necessary  that  you  should  be  fur- 
nished with  a  Letter  to  the  Commanding  Officer  at  Niagara, 
wl>ich  is  also  Enclosed. 2 

I  Shall  not  Attempt  to  point  out  to  You  the  Measure  that  you 
will  take  with  the  Several  Indian  Nations;  the  thorough  Knowl- 
edge that  You  have  of  them,  with  the  Zeal,  Judgement,  & 
Abilities,  which  You  have  so  often  Exerted  for  His  Majesty's 
Service,  will  now  best  Guide  You,  in  doing  Everything  that  may 
be  Conducive  thereto;  And  you  will  please  to  give  to  Captain 
Campbell,  the  Officer  Commanding  at  the  Detroit,  all  such 
Orders  &  Instructions,  as  You  Judge  necessary  for  permitting 
and  Continuing  an  Open  and  free  Trade,  with  the  Indian 
Nations;  for  tho'  these  posts  were,  when  in  the  hands  of  the 
French,  the  King's  posts,  and  Trade  was  Carried  on  in  the  King's 
Name  (Exclusively  of  all  Others)  the  Commerce  is  now  Open, 
and  will  Continue  so,  untill  His  Majesty's  pleasure  is  known 
thereon. — -. 

I  must  likewise  desire  You  will  give  Capt  Campbell  such 
Orders  as  You  shall  Judge  necessary  for  Ensuring  Quiet  Pos- 
session of  the  Detroit,  Michillimakinac,  &  all  the  Out  PoSvS, 
which  are  for  the  Defence  &  protection  of  the  Indians,  as  well  as 


15ee  Amherst  to  Johnson,  June  22,   1761. 
2  Not  found. 


Seven  Years'  War  423 

for  keeping  the  Whole  Country  in  a  proper  Subjection  to  the 
King. 

I  Have  Nothing  further  to  Add,  but  to  Wish  you  a  pleasant 
&  Successfull  Tour  to  the  Detroit;  I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  from 
you,  when  any  Occasion  may  offer;  and  when  You  have  Effected 
the  Service  You  go  on,  You  will  please  to  Return,  when  You 
Judge  proper. 

SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bar*.  JeffrAmherst 

INDORSED:     Extract. 

General  Amherst's 

Instructions 

To  Sir  William  Johnson ; 

on  his  going  to  call  together  the 

Several  Indian  Nations  at  the 

Detroit,   &ca. 

Albany,  24*  June  1761 

in  M.  G.  Amherst's  of  Aug'.  1 3 : 1  761 

N°.  56. 

FROM  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 

A.  L.  S. 

[June  24,  176J] 

[  1 

Gentlemen  of  the  Cou[  ]  could  be  done  in  it.    The 

Council  gran[  ]   acres  in  one  Patent  in  any  Case 

which    [  ]   before  them  for  a  Lycense  to  purchase 

Land  I  [  ]  if  your  Petition  passes,  they  will  observe 

the  [  ]  grant  you  no  more.     Another  Petition  may 

[go?]  in  for  the  Remainder.    I  can  say  nothing  as  [  1 

Fate  it  will  meet  with  but  the  President  I  can  as  [sure]  You 
would  be  very  glad  to  forward  it.  At  the  same  time  your  deed 
will  be  look'd  on  as  a  private  Purch  [  ]  and  if  your  Interest 

1  Several  lines  are  missing- 


424  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

does  not  carry  the  Point,  the  deed  will  not  avail,  but  if  it  would 
I  have  it  not  to  produce,  nor  have  I  mentioned  it  in  your  Petition 
[for]  that  Reason,  tho  it  is  a  Fact  not  at  all  doubted  if  therefore 
the  Knowledge  of  the  Fact  will  have  all  [the]  Effect  perhaps 
that  the  producing  of  it  would  have  but  I  could  not  consistent  with 
Method  recite  it  in  the  Petition  &  have  it  not  to  produce.  I  was 
in  hopes  to  have  found  you  in  a  disposition  to  compromise  the 
Matter,  but  I  dont  observe  the  least  tendency  that  way  in  any  of 
your  Letters.  I  shall  give  you  a  Detail  of  the  Facts  attending 
this  Affair,  all  which,  so  far  as  I  shall  not  speak  doubtfully  of, 
you  may  depend  on,  saving  some  little  variation  perhaps  in  Point 
of  Time  as  I  have  not  the  Papers  before  me. 

In  1754  G.  Klock  came  to  New  York  (I  am  told  Petrie  was 
with  him  but  dont  remember)  and  applyed  to  me  to  draw  a 
Petition  for  50000  acres  (I  believe  the  Q^.  was)  between  the 
two  Canada  Creeks  back  of  Glen.  A  Petition  was  drawn  pre- 
sented and  [  1] 
Name  and  he  thinking  [  ]  I  take  [  ] 
for  granted  the  other  Names  con[  ]  I  had  forgot  this 
declaration  till  reminded  [  ]  Colden.  I  suppose  the 
Troubles  of  the  Times  pre  [vented]  Klock  from  making  the 
Purchase.  In  the  Fall  of  1  7  [  ]  Du  Bois  as  I  understand  the 
Matter  got  acquainted  with]  this  Matter,  and  Klock  without 
consulting  any  [  ]  takes  him  in,  &  Du  Bois  writes 
to  me  to  prefer  a  Petit  [ion  to]  renew  the  Lycense.  Mrs.  Magin 
had  pretention  [  ]  part  of  this  Tract  under  a  Lycense, 
she  informs  me  [  ]  by  Governor  Clinton  which  I 
have  never  seen  that  I  remember.  I  theref  [ore]  declined  doing 
any  thing  in  the  Matter  till  Du  Bois  [came]  to  Town,  when 
Du  Bois  drew  up  a  Petition  to  renew  the  [  ]  Lycense 
for  50000  acres,  and  finding  that  would  not  [  ]  for 
more  than  25000,  took  in  some  Gentlemen  here  [with]  him  & 
presented  a  Petition  for  the  other  25000:  after  these  Petitions 
had  been  read  in  Council  and  referred.  I  received  your  Letter 

1  Several  lines  are  missing. 


Seven  years'  War  425 

first  hinting  your  design,  and  desiring  a  Petition  might  [be]  pre- 
sented, but  no  name  mentioned  nor  a  particular  description]  I 
believe.  Before  your  Letter  in  March  which  inclosed  the  40 
Names  &  description  came,  the  Petitions  were  passed  for 
Lycenses  to  purchase  on  each  25000  a.  The  President  then 
stopp'd  the  Lycenses  and  warmly  recommended  an  agrem*. 
between  the  Parties.  I  wrote  you  on  the  subject  and  Mr. 
Du  Bois  I  understood  was  to  have  treated  with  you  on  the  sub- 
ject. All  this  has  produced  Nothing  yet.  I  am  informed  Mr. 
Du  Bois  has  said  that  in  the  Fall  before  you  obtained  your  deed 
&  before  he  came  down  hither  as  above  he  made  you  acquainted 
with  his  Design  and  offered  that  you  might  be  a  Partner,  that  you 
declined  it  &  absolutely  refused  being  concerned  in  it. 

'] 

[          ]  owed  it  would  raise  such  [  ]  Setts  of  People 

applying   to  the    [  ]    have  a  very  bad  Tendency. 

Nobody  can  deny  [that]  you  deserve  the  Favour  of  the  Gov- 
ernment even  [  ]  to  others,  but  is  it  right  that  they 
should  break  through  [  ]  Rules  to  give  this  Prefer- 
ence. How  much  Reason  then  have  the  Parties  interested  to 
expect  in  you  [  ]  Disposition  to  compromize  a 
matter,  where  the  Ba[  lance]  of  Equity  is  so  Clearly  against  you. 
For  it  is  deny[ed]  flatly,  that  you  or  any  one  else  have  a  Right 
to  pur  [chase]  Lands  without  Ly cense  from  the  Government 
[  ]  that  there  is  the  least  essential  difference  between 
a  Deed  of  Purchase  and  a  Deed  of  G[ift]  Besides  if  we  admit 
a  Right  in  the  Indians  to  give  their  Lands  to  whom  they  please, 
what  becomes  of  the  Right  of  the  Crown  or  its  Representatives 
to  dispense  the  Crown  Bounty.  Let  the  Gentlemen  on  the  other 
side  then  try  to  make  their  Purchase  and  if  they  cannot  do  it  have 
they  any  further  Pretentions?  This  naturally  [lea]ds  to  an 
Enquiry  into  the  Indian  Right  to  dispose  of  their  Lands  inde- 
pendent of  the  Government  or  to  force  the  Government  to  give 
the  Lands  to  whom  they  please  Would  it  not  be  better  then  to 


1  Several  lines  are  missing. 


426  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

listen  to  Conciliating  Measures,  you  do  not  approve  of  the  Pro- 
posals made  to  you  from  hence,  Propose  your  own,  I  dare  venture 
to  say,  so  much  would  not  be  given  Up  by  the  Parties  to  any 
one  as  yourself. 

I  have  wrote  with  that  Freedom  as  I  would  do  to  one  from 
whom  I  would  conceal  Nothing,  and  without  any  view  to  my 
own  Interest,  for  from  the  Moment  I  found  it  would  be  a  Bone 
of  Contention,  I  determined  to  sacrifice  my  own  Interest,  if  it 
could  put  an  End  to  the  Dispute. 

[  M 

[  ]  Issue  to  this  Matter  [ 

]  pass  unnoticed  any  Censure 

that  [  ]  as  to  your  [  ]  to  Engross  too 

much  Lands  in  your  [  ]  my  utmost 

to  remove  these  or  any  other  Prejudices.      [ 
the  Mohawk  Indians  refuse  selling  any  more  Lands  till  their 
[Complaint  ]  King  is  answered  and  that  for 

this  Reason  have  obstructed  the  [survey?]  after  the  Partners 
have  been  to  the  Expence  of  sending  up  a  [surveyor.  This?] 
may  appear  a  sufficient  Reason  to  them.  But  it  cannot  [ 

]  weight  with  others  who  have  not  the  least  design  or 
Intension  to]  impose  on  them.  Nor  can  it  appear  that  they  by 
persisting  [  ]  Resolution  will  hasten  the  satisfaction 

they  look  for  in  [regard?]  to  old  affairs.  They  were  undoubt- 
edly imposed  on  as  to  their  [  ]  in  the  Case  of  Kayoderos- 
seras  they  never  meant  I  believe  [  ]  much  as  the 
Patent  includes.  People  here  will  undoubtedly]  suppose  other 
Reasons  why  this  Obstruction  is  given.  There  [  ]  other 
Persons  concerned  in  Rogers's  affair,  but  the  Persons  named 
[  ]  Lycenses  [  ]  Mr.  Cunningham, 
young  Mr.  Jacob  Wa  [  ]  Mr.  Henry  [  ] 
of  mine  &  the  two  former  [  ]  dep.  secretaries,  Mr. 
Colden  Mr.  John  Dies  and  my  self.  No  Body  has  yet  [  ] 
or  I  believe  thought  of  taking  up  those  Lands;  and  our  views 

1  Several  lines  are  missing. 


Seven  Fears'  War  427 

are  [  ]  with  them  immediatly.     Even  by  an  Importation 

from  Ireland  it  cannot  be  done  immediately  by  other  Methods: 
and  we  shall  give  away  to  settlers  one  half  on  paying  their  pro- 
portion of  the  Costs  and  charges  we  are  put  to  in  obtaining  the 
Patents.  As  to  the  Mohawk  Claim  as  far  as  the  Rock  Rogeo  l 
in  Lake  Champlain,  the  only  Evidence  of  that  Claim  is  the  Patent 
to  Godfrey  Dellius,2  who  purchased  the  Lands  of  the  Indians, 
whose  Patent  was  vacated  [by  an]  Act  [of]  assembly  and  the 
Lands  vested  in  the  Crown,  of  which  [this?]  tract  near  Fort 
William  is  a  part:  and  though  it  is  [  ]  the  Indians  have 

no  Right  to  sell  that  Tract,  yet  we  are  willing  to  submit  to  pay 
them  any  thing  Reasonable  for  it.  And  Rogers  himself  told  me 
(or  I  understood  him  so)  that  you  would  assist  him  in  the  Pur- 
chase of  what  he  had  in  view,  and  this  was  the  Reason  why  we 
were  confident  of  meeting  with  no  Obstruction  and  sent  up  a 
surveyor.  Orders  are  sent  however  to  stop  the  survey,  &c  unless 
[j;ou  3]  the  Indians  can  be  brought  speedily  to  change  their 
Minds  the  Parties  here  think  they  shall  never  obtain  the  Lands 
for  the  time  to  Come.  I  did  not  desire  your  Friendship  in  this 
Case,  not  only  because  I  thought  it  unnecessary  from  your  Engag- 
ing to  assist  Major  Rogers,  but  because  I  would  not  nor  do  desire 
you  to  take  any  step  on  my  Account  in  these  Matters  that  you 
would  otherwise  think  improper.  The  Parties  concerned  with 
Rogers  are  not  nor  would  be  known  as  it  can  answer  no  Purpose 
that  [  ]  in  confidence  that  I  mention  them  to 

you.     I  have  lodg'd  a  Petition  to  secure  to  [  ] 

the  400  acres  he  had  in  view :  He  being  dead  I  am  told.  I  am 
very  seriously  [  ]  to  the  Tendency 

Dr  S*  W*. 

Your  affectionate  humble  servant 

Gw  BANYAR. 


*W.  M.  Beauchamp,  Aboriginal  Place  Names  of  New  York,  p.  73. 
2  See  Ecclesiastical  Records  of  the  State  of  New  York,  P-  1245,  2721, 
and  map  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.t  v.  1,  opp.  p.  368. 
8  Erased  in  the  original. 


428  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  PETER  DU  BOIS  ETC. 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  by  two  to  Johnson  in  the  Johnson 
Calendar,  p.  115,  which  were  destroyed  by  fire:  a  letter  of  June  29th 
from  Mattheus  Ernest,  at  New  York,  about  Coenradt  Critzenberger's 
passage  money,  German  immigration  to  the  Mohawk  country  and  Euro- 
pean goods  kept  in  store  by  his  son;  and  a  letter  of  the  30th  from  Peter 
du  Bois,  at  Albany,  in  relation  to  a  deed  of  trust  to  be  executed  in  his 
favor  by  Johannis  Hendrickse  Vrooman  and  a  purchase  of  madeira  which 
will  be  made  for  Johnson. 


NIAGARA  AND  DETROIT  PROCEEDINGS,  JULY-SEPTEMBER,  1761 

Contemporary  Copp  l 

Minutes  of  the  Proceedings  of  Sir  William  Johnson  Bart 
with  the  Indians  on  his  Way  to,  and  at  the  Detroit  in 
1761  whither  he  went  by  his  Excellency  Sir  Jeff. 
Amhersts  Orders  to  Establish  peace,  &  settle  all  affairs 
between  the  English,  and  the  several  Nations  of  Northern 
and  Western  Indians - 

1761 
July  1" 

Previous  to  Sir  William  Johnson's  departure  for  the  Detroit 
he  assembled  the  Mohocks  at  Fort  Johnson  and  after  acquainting 
them  with  the  cause  of  his  Journey  he  in  the  Strongest  terms 
recommended  to  them  to  preserve  a  friendly  behavior  towards 
their  Brethren  the  English,  and  upon  all  occasions  to  manifest 
their  Love  for  his  Majestys  subjects  during  his  absence  —  to  be 
industrious,  and  follow  their  Hunting  as  formerly,  by  all  which 


xln  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.1276,  p.  357,  London,  England. 
Inclosed  in  a  letter  of  Johnson  to  the  lords  of  trade,  August  20,  1  762. 
A  diary,  kept  by  Johnson,  of  his  journey  to  and  from  Detroit  in  1  761  was 
destroyed  by  fire.  It  is  printed  in  Stone's  Life  and  Times  of  Johnson, 
2:429-78. 


Seven  Years    War  429 

they  would  recommend  themselves  to  his  Majestys  favour  and 
protection  — 

To  which  they  answered  that  they  were  much  pleased  with  Sir 
William's  acquainting  them  with  the  Cause  of  so  long  a  journey 
and  wished  him  all  imaginable  success,  but,  could  not  avoid 
expressing  their  uneasiness  for  his  safety,  as  he  must  pas  thorough 
and  meet  with  several  Nations  of  Indians,  as  yet  much  attached 
to  the  French,  and  that  there  were  likewise  some  of  the  Six 
Nations  who  could  not  be  much  Confided  in,  However,  for  their' 
parts  he  might  be  convinced  of  their  intentions  to  pay  an  implicit 
obedience  to  his  advice,  by  their  earnest  endeavours  to  prevent 
any  irregularities  between  themselves  and  the  English  and  by 
their  firm  resolutions  to  live  with  them  as  Brethren  and  Allies  - 
They  then  entreated  that  a  stop  might  be  put  to  any  farther 
encroachments  of  ours  upon  them,  as  they  sayed  we  had  now 
hemmed  them  in  on  every  side,  and  yet  were  still  solliciting  for 
more  Land,  which  they  begged  we  would  not  Continue  to  do, 
they  having  scarcely  sufficient  left  for  to  hunt  upon  - 

Sir  William  assured  them  that  no  more  Land  should  be  taken 
from  them  without  being  fairly  purchased,  his  Majesty  having 
expressly  ordered  the  Several  Governors  to  prevent  any  persons 
from  settling  on  their  Lands,  without  first  obtaining  the  Indians 
consent,  and  legally  purchasing  it  from  them-  At  which  the 
Mohocks  expressed  great  satisfaction,  and  took  their  leaves.— 

July  5* 

Sir  William  Johnson  left  Fort  Johnson  in  order  to  proceed 
for  the  Detroit.1  On  his  arrival  at  Conajoharee  he  assembled  the 
Indians  of  that  Village,  and  acquainted  them  with  the  cause  of 
his  journey  as  he  had  done  the  Mohocks,  to  which  he  received 
an  answer  to  the  same  purport  as  the  former,  they  greatly  enlarg- 


*A  letter  from  General  Amherst  to  Cadwallader  Golden,  dated  July 
2d,  states  that  Johnson  is  already  on  his  way  to  Detroit.  It  is  in  the  New 
York  Historical  Society. 


430  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

ing  upon  our  encroachments  upon  their  Lands,  to  which  having 
received  a  satisfactory  Answer,  they  concluded  with  telling  Sir 
William  they  purposed  to  send  some  Sachems  and  others  to 
represent  their  Nation  and  speak  in  their  names  to  the  Western 
Indians  at  the  intended  Meeting,  which  Sir  William  highly 
approved  of  and  took  his  leave  of  them,  After  which  he  pro- 
ceeded to  the  German  flatts  where  he  found  above  thirty  Chiefs  of 
Oneida,  and  Tuscarora  who  were  on  their  way  to  Fort  Johnson 
in  order  to  make  up  a  Murder  committed  by  an  Oneida  Indian 
about  a  Month  before  on  one  of  the  German  Inhabitants  of  that 
Neighborhood,1  but  upon  Sir  William's  arrival  they  requested  to 
have  a  Meeting  with  him  thereon. 

At  a  Meeting  held  at  Burnetsfield  July  7th 

Present 

The  Honble  Sir  William  Johnson  Bart. 
The  Revd  Parson  Occum 
John  Johnson  Esqr. 

Lieut.  Smith  of  his  Majestys  Independ*.  Co*. 
Justice  Herkemer  and  several  of  the  principal  Inhabitants 
Lieut.  Guy  Johnson  of  his  Majesty's  Independ*.  Compy* 
as  Secretary 

Upwards  of  30  Sachems  &ca  of  Oneida  &  Tuscarora  - 
Conoghquieson  Speaker,  asked  if  Sir  William  was  ready  to 

hear  what  he  had  to  say,  on  being  answered  in  the  Affirmative  he 

proceeded  - 

Brother  Warraghiyagey 

We  are  come  hither  to  wipe  away  your  tears,  clear  your 
speech,  and  condole  with  you  for  your  late  loss,  &  therefore, 
with  this  string,  we  clear  the  darkness  from  your  Eyes,  that  you 
may  see  clearly,  and  look  upon  us  as  Brethren  - 

Gave  three  Strings  of  Wampum 


1  See  From  Conrad  Frank,  June  17,  1  761. 


Seven  Years    War  431 

Brother 

We  are  now  assembled  together  to  condole  with  you  accord- 
ing to  the  antient  Agreement  between  us,  that  whenever  a  like 
mischance  should  befall  either  of  us,  the  other  should  condole 
with  them  on  their  loss,  take  the  Axe  out  of  their  Heads,  and 
Cover  the  deceased's  grave  so  as  to  bury  every  thing  in  an 
Amicable  manner,  all  which  we  now  perform,  and  hope  it  may 
be  understood  as  we  mean  it  — 

Gave  a  belt  of  9  Rows  of  Wampum 

Brother 

We  acknowledge  ourselves  extreamly  concerned  at  the  late 
Murder  committed  by  one  of  our  Nation;  wherefore  we  now 
dig  up  that  great  Tree  which  reaches  to  the  Clouds,  beneath 
whose  root  runs  a  stream  in  which  we  will  bury  the  late  accident, 
so  as  it  may  never  more  be  remembered,  &  hope  that  when  you 
recollect  that  two  of  our  Nation  were  some  time  ago  murdered 
by  one  of  your  people,  for  which  we  never  received  any  redress, 
you  will  be  the  readier  induced  tc  bury  it  in  oblivion  -  A  belt 
of  9  Rows 

Brother 

By  taking  these  measures  we  keep  up  the  Antient  Custom  sub- 
sisting between  you  and  the  five  Nations  of  imediately  condoling 
with  each  other  on  any  mischance,  whereby  we  preserve  the 
Covenant  Chain  bright  and  lasting;  but  we  are  sorry  to  observe 
you  look  so  coolly  on  us,  and  are  very  uneasy  least  should  the 
Covenant  chain  not  be  preserved  in  like  manner  on  your  parts, 
it  might  prove  of  fatal  Consequence,  and  end  in  the  destruction 
of  one  of  us-  Therefore,  with  this  belt  we  wipe  away  all  your 
tears,  and  renew  and  strengthen  the  Covenant  Chain  of  friend- 
ship which  shall  not  be  broken  by  us,  and  we  therefore  hope  you 
will  forget  what  hath  passed  and  not  let  slip  the  Covenant  Chain  - 

Gave  a  black  belt  of  7  Rows 


432  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Brother 

We  the  Sachems  of  the  Oneidas  &  Tuscaroras  frequently 
cautioned  our  Young  Men  against  Committing  any  Violence  on 
any  of  the  Inhabitants,  or  their  property,  but  unfortunately  for 
us,  we  are  not  (more  than  you)  exempt  from  bad  people,  who 
will  not  hearken  to  advice,  but  get  frequently  in  liquor  which 
your  people  furnish  them  with,  and  as  that  was  the  cause  of  the 
late  Murder  we  beg  you  will  think  more  favourably  of  it- 

A  belt  of  6  Rows 

Brother 

Having  finished  what  I  had  to  say  relative  to  that  Melancholy 
affair,  I  shall  now  begin  on  another  subject 

Brother  - 

This  land  which  was  given  us  by  the  Divine  Being,  we  love 
as  our  lives,  and  therefore  hope  you  will  secure  the  possession  of 
it  to  us,  which  has  been  ours  from  the  beginning  by  preventing 
any  more  of  your  people  from  settling  higher  in  the  Country 
agreable  to  the  desire  of  all  these  Nations,  least,  should  we  give 
the  German  Inhabitants  who  reside  here  a  kick,  we  should  drive 
them  into  the  Sea,  and  should  you  on  the  Contrary  kick  us  in 
return,  we  know  not  whither  we  should  be  driven,  therefore,  &  to 
prevent  any  such  ill  consequences,  we  beg  you'll  secure  our  prop- 
erty to  us  by  complying  with  our  request 

A  belt  of  6  Rows 

Brother 

At  the  commencement  of  this  War,  great  promises  were  made 
us,  that  we  should  have  a  reasonable  extensive  trade,  and  that  at 
the  End  thereof,  you  would  demolish  all  your  outposts  &  fortifica- 
tions erected  in  our  Country,  but  as  it  seems  the  War  is  not  yet 
ended,  &  that  many  of  the  Commanding  Officers  at  the  several 
Posts,  have  used  us  very  unfriendly,  &  not  as  heretofore,  we 
request  that  whilst  you  keep  up  these  Forts,  you  will  post  Officers 
at  them  who  may  behave  in  a  brotherlike  manner  towards  us,  as 


Seven  Years    War  433 

we  shall  do  to  them  And  as  to  the  advantagious  trade  promised 
us,  We  are  sorry  to  observe  that  instead  thereof  every  thing  is 
dearer  than  formerly,  neither  can  our  Young  Men  procure  powder 
for  hunting  as  we  find  it  is  prevented  from  being  sold  to  them 

Brother 

In  consequence  of  your  request  to  us  we  have  sent  Messengers 
amongst  the  most  distant  Nations  to  engage  them  to  enter  into  a 
peace  between  us,  and  you,  which  we  are  glad  to  inform  you 
has  had  the  desired  effect.- 

A  belt  of  Seven  rows 
Brother 

Here  is  a  paper  which  was  sent  to  the  Council  at  Onondaga 
and  as  we  are  illiterate,  we  beg  you  will  explain  to  us  the  pur- 
port thereof  — 

Delivered    a    printed    proclamation    from    the    Governor    of 

Pensilvanis 

The  Speaker  having  finished,  Sir  William  informed  him  he 

would  consider  on  an  answer  to  what  he  had  sayed,  which  he 

would  deliver  them  in  the  afternoon  - 

P.  M.    Sir  William  Johnson  having  sent  to  inform  the  Indians 

he  was  ready  to  answer  them,  they  accordingly  met 

Present  as  before 
Whereupon  Sir  William  addressed  them  as  follows 

Brethren  of  Oneida  and  Tuscarora 

Your  coming  down  at  this  time  carries  with  it  a  good  appear- 
ance and  also  prevents  my  sending  for  you  to  meet  me  at  the 
Oneida  Lake  as  I  purposed  to  do  - 

You  have  now  (agreable  to  your  custom)  condoled  the  loss 
of  the  poor  man  who  was  lately  murdered  by  one  of  your  people 
near  this  place,  and  as  I  know  it  to  be  your  custom,  &  imagine 
(from  your  behavior)  that  all  of  you  present  are  a  good  deal 
concerned  thereat,  I  therefore  thank  you  for  this  part  of  the 
condolence  -  Gave  three  Strings  of  Wampum 


434  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Brethren 

'In  the  next  place  you  say  you  are  come  to  take  the  hatchet 
out  of  our  heads  which  you  lately  struck  into  it,  and  to  cover  the 
grave  of  the  deceased,  so  as  it  never  may  be  seen  or  remem- 
bered- I  am  very  sensible  this  has  been  your  manner  of  acting 
on  like  occasions  heretofore,  but  I  am  now  to  let  you  know  that 
the  General  and  Commander  in  Chief  in  America  (who  does  not 
understand  one  Man's  murdering  another  without  suffering  death 
for  the  same  or  without  being  delivered  up  to  justice  for  a  trial 
of  his  offence)  expects  and  insists  upon  your  delivering  up  the 
Murderer,  and  I  as  your  friend  recommend  a  speedy  Compliance 
with  his  demand  that  it  may  shew  how  disagreable  his  crime 
appears  to  the  Nation  to  whom  he  belonged,  I  therefore  again 
desire  you  will  comply  therewith  by  this  belt  of  Wampum  - 

Bretheren 

I  take  it  well  of  you  that  you  are  desirous  to  take  all  measures 
whereby  we  may  forget  the  late  accident,  but  I  must  Observe 
that  what  you  mention  concerning  two  of  your  peoples  being 
murdered  some  time  ago  by  one  of  ours  can  be  no  mitigation  of 
the  present  Offenders  guilt,  the  case  having  been  apparently 
different,  as  those  persons  of  whom  you  speak  were  found 
plundering  the  House,  and  destroying  the  property  of  the  person 
who  killed  them,  which  behavior  would  have  justified  his  pro- 
ceedings even  by  the  equitable  Laws  of  Great  Britain  and  the 
many  murders  since  that  time  committed  by  your  people,  should 
in  my  opinion  have  sufficiently  cautioned  you  against  so  frivolous 
a  palliation  of  the  Crime  -  A  belt 

Brethren 

I  am  glad  to  hear  it  is  your  intention  to  preserve  the  Covenant 
Chain  bright  and  lasting,  and  I  hope  you  will  consider  it  as  your 
interest  to  adhere  to  your  present  promise,  for  be  assured  should 
anything  hereafter  occasion  a  breach  therein  it  must  prove  fatal 
to  you,  as  well  as  disagreable  to  us  if  necessitated  to  act  contrary 
to  our  present  friendly  intentions  towards  you  -  A  belt 


Seven  Years  War  435 

Brethren 

You  are  all  sensible  that  the  imputing  the  late  Murder  to 
drunkenness  can  be  no  extenuation  of  the  Offenders  crime,  A 
precedent  which  tolerates  murder  should  never  be  admitted  of, 
neither  is  it  for  your  advantage  more  than  for  ours,  I  therefore 
insist  on  your  immediate  compliance  with  the  Generals  demand 
of  delivering  up  the  offender  to  justice  -  A  belt 

Brethren 

With  regard  to  what  you  have  desired  concerning  your  Lands, 
which  you  chuse  not  to  part  with,  I  am  to  inform  You  that  agre- 
able  to  a  former  remonstrance  made  on  that  head  to  the  Court 
of  London,  his  late  Majesty  was  graciously  pleased  to  send  orders 
to  his  several  Governors  in  America,  whereby  they  are  positively 
restricted  from  granting  lands  to  any  person  whatsoever  without 
your  permission,  and  a  legal  purchase  from  you  as  Proprietors, 
for  that  you  must  blame  yourselves  should  any  farther  grants  be 
made  contrary  (as  you  say)  to  your  inclinations,  &  that  of  the 
six  Nations  -  A  belt 

Brethren 

We  have  taken  all  measures  in  our  power  to  render  the  Indian 
trade  as  extensive,  and  as  advantagious  as  possible  for  you,  and 
I  am  surprized  you  have  not  already  felt  the  Effects  of  our 
endeavours  from  the  number  of  Traders,  well  furnished  with 
goods  who  daily  resort  to  your  Country,  for  the  promoting  of 
which  Trade,  and  the  preservation  of  goods  &  Merchandice,  as 
well  as  for  our  mutual  security  and  protection,  those  posts  which 
you  seem  to  wish  destroyed  are  so  essential  that  I  am  astonished 
you  should  wish  their  demolition;  and  if  any  misunderstang 
should  have  happened  at  any  time  to  arise  between  the  Officers 
at  any  of  those  posts,  and  you,  it  must  either  have  been  caused 
from  Your  ignorance  of  each  others  Language,  and  Customs,  or 
from  the  imprudent  behavior  of  some  of  your  people  who  when 
in  liquor  take  the  most  Extravagant  libertys,  to  prevent  which 


436  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

for  the  future  I  earnestly  recommend  it  to  the  Sachems  to  exert 
themselves  upon  all  occasions  by  putting  a  stop  thereto 

Being  now  on  my  way  thro'  the  Country,  in  case  I  discover 
any  extortion  or  frauds  committed  by  traders,  the  Offenders  shall 
be  severely  punished,  (tho*  I  imagine  from  the  number  of  Traders 
now  amongst  you,  that  goods  can  neither  be  scarce,  or  Extrava- 
gant) and  shall  not  fail  to  transmit  your  requests  concerning 
powder  to  the  General  - 

I  am  glad  to  hear  you  have  sent  Messengers  to  procure  a  peace 
with  the  distant  Indians,  as  I  have  always  had  your  welfare  at 
heart,  &  have  considered  your  union  as  so  Essential  thereto  that 
I  am  pleased  you  have  embraced  my  repeated  advice  on  that 
head  A  belt 

Brethren 

The  printed  paper  which  you  desire  to  have  explained  con- 
tains a  proclamation  from  the  Governor  of  Pensilvania  setting 
forth,  that  several  persons  from  the  neighbouring  Colonies  had 
taken  possession  of  some  Lands  near  Cushietunk,  and  in  the  upper 
parts  of  Northampton  County  against  which  Teedyuscung  Had 
remonstrated,  declaring,  that  if  they  were  not  removed,  the 
Indians  would  do  it  by  force  themselves ;  The  Governor  therefore 
issued  the  proclamation  ordering  them  off,  &  forbidding  any  per- 
sons from  settling  thereon,  or  on  any  lands  not  yet  purchased  from 
the  Indians,  on  pain  of  being  prosecuted  for  the  same  — 

Sir  William  Johnson  having  answered  the  several  points  con- 
tained in  the  Speech  of  the  Indians-  The  Speaker  desired  to 
withdraw  having  something  to  deliberate  upon  which  he  would 
communicate  in  a  few  minutes,  whereupon  he  withdrew  On  his 
return  he  addressed  Sir  William  Johnson  as  follows  - 

Brother 

It  gives  us  great  concern  that  we  have  it  not  at  present  in  our 
power  to  comply  with  the  Generals  desire  of  delivering  the 
Offender  up  to  justice,  he  having  made  his  escape  to  some  distant 
part  immediately  after  perpetrating  the  Crime,  but  we  are  deter- 


Seven  Years*  War  437 

mined  whenever  we  can  apprehend  him  to  give  him  up  imme- 
diately, and  in  the  mean  time  we  hope  that  this  Crime  Committed 
by  an  individual  may  not  prove  the  occasion  of  our  forfeiting 
your  friendship  or  be  deemed  a  National  Act.  And  we  could 
heartily  wish  that  this  accident  might  be  made  up  in  an  amicable 
manner,  without  an  infringement  of  that  antient  Agreement  by 
which  our  Ancestors  and  Yours,  were  mutually  engaged  to  settle 
such  mischances  without  farther  bloodshed  - 

The  Conference  being  ended,  Sir  William  Johnson  called  in 
the  Chiefs  of  the  Indians  to  his  Quarters,  and  there  introduced 
the  Revd  Mr.  Occum  l  to  them  inform,  as  a  person  sent  to  them 
for  their  instruction  in  the  principles  &  practise  of  the  Christian 
Religion,  earnestly  recommending  it  to  them  to  treat  him  with 
the  respect  due  to  one  of  his  Sacred  function  which  they  sincerely 
promised  to  do,  returning  hearty  thanks  for  this  proof  which  the 
English  gave  of  their  regard  for  their  future  happiness-  After 
which  the  meeting  dissolved. 


Sir  William  Johnson  being  as  far  as  Canada  Creek*  on  his 
Journey  was  overtaken  by  Coll  Eyre  who  delivered  him  a  Letter 
from  his  Excell?.  General  Amherst  enclosing  the  following  letter 
of  intelligence  from  Capt.  Campbell  Commanding  at  Detroit 

Detroit  17th.  June  1761  - 

"  I  had  the  honour  to  receive  your  Excellencys  Letter  of  1  2*. 
April  the  8th.  instant  - 

It  gives  me  the  greatest  satisfaction  that  you  approve  of  my 
endeavors  for  the  service  — 

I  wrote  you  fully  by  the  Officer  that  went  to  Niagara  with 
the  batteaus  the  22d  May,  whom  I  daily  expect  with  provisions  - 
I  send  this  express  to  Niagara  that  you  may  be  informed  of  a 

*A  Creek  which  empty's  itself  into  the  Wood  Creek,  about  8.  Miles 
from  Fort  Stanwix  —  (Johnson's  own  note.) 

1See  Johnson  to  William  Smith  and  Others,  December  9,  1761. 


438  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

very  important  piece  of  intelligence  which  I  have  learned  I  have 
had  several  reports  of  the  bad  intentions  of  the  Indians  against 
this  place  and  the  English  in  General  and  have  been  at  all  pains 
to  find  out  from  whence  it  proceeded,  and  can  now  inform  your 
Excellency  for  certain  that  it  comes  from  the  Six  Nations  who 
have  sent  Deputies  and  belts  of  Wampum  to  all  the  Nations  from 
the  Bay  of  Gaspe,  to  the  Illinois,  inviting  them  to  take  up  the 
Hatchet  against  the  English,  two  of  their  Deputys  (leading  Men 
of  the  Senecas)  are  in  the  Wiandot  Town  just  now,  who  have 
communicated  their  intentions  to  several  of  the  Chiefs,  and 
demanded  a  Council  with  the  different  Nations  of  which  I  was 
informed  by  the  Wiandot  Interpreter  to  whom  the  Senecas  told 
their  business  in  confidence,  he  immediately  informed  me  of  the 
whole  affair,  upon  which  I  thought  it  was  of  the  greatest 
importance  to  call  a  Council  of  the  different  Nations,  which  I 
did  today,  before  some  of  them  knew  what  these  Indians  came 
about,  I  told  them  we  were  already  informed  of  the  bad  designs 
of  the  six  Nations  particularly  the  Senecas,  and  that  I  knew 
there  were  Deputys  from  them  to  endeavor  to  involve  the 
Nations  here  in  a  War  which  would  certainly  be  their  ruin  — 
The  Wiandots  owned  in  Council  that  the  Deputies  were  in  their 
Town,  and  that  they  believed  they  came  upon  no  good  inten- 
tion, they  all  promised  they  would  by  no  means  be  concerned 
with  them. — ^By  the  repeated  intelligence  I  have  had  from 
People  who  are  much  in  our  interest,  the  scheme  is,  That  the 
Chiefs  of  the  Nations  here,  should  go  to  a  Council  at  Sandousky, 
where  they  would  meet  with  several  Chiefs  of  the  Six  Nations, 
Delawares,  and  Shawanese,  who  are  principally  concerned,  & 
that  the  six  Nations  had  fixed  upon  a  certain  time  to  assemble 
at  the  head  of  french  Creek  about  25  Leagues  from 
Presqu'Isle,  and  expected  to  be  joyned  by  a  great  many  of  the 
Nations  who  are  gone  to  Niagara  by  Toronto;  and  at  the  same 
time  the  Delawares,  &  Shawanese  are  to  assemble  upon  the  Ohio, 
&  both  commence  hostilities  at  the  same  time  by  cutting  off  the 
communications,  and  endeavouring  to  surprize  the  Forts  every 


Seven  Years    War  439 

where  and  if  the  Nations  here,  could  be  prevailed  upon,  they 
were  to  endeavor  to  surprize  this  place;  the  time  fixed  upon  for 
beginning  is  about  the  end  of  this  Month  —  As  there  was  sev- 
eral traders  from  Pensilvania  with  considerable  quantitys  of 
Indian  goods  and  ammunition  at  Sandousky,  and  which  I  under- 
stood they  intended  to  seize  upon,  I  sent  last  Night  a  party  of 
traders  servants  consisting  of  50  Men  armed  to  bring  the  goods 
here,  which  will  be  a  great  disappointment  to  them—/ 

I  have  put  the  Fort  in  the  best  posture  of  defence  I  could,  & 
taken  every  method  to  prevent  a  Surprize  —  I  sent  an  express 
last  Night  to  Col1.  Bouquet  at  Fort  Pitt  to  advise  him  of  this 
intelligence,  and  wrote  to  the  Commanding  Officer  at  Presqu' 
Isle*  to  communicate  it  to  the  different  posts  upon  that  Quarter 
I  hope  as  this  plot  is  discovered,  they  will  not  be  able  to  do 
much  mischief ;  but  it  is  certain  their  intentions  are  bad  - 

There  has  been  more  Indians  here  this  Year  than  ever  was 
known  to  be,  in  one  Season ;  a  great  many  of  them  go  to  Niagara, 
as  I  allow  no  rum  to  be  sold  here  — 

There  are  a  good  many  Traders  here  from  Niagara,  who  have 
brought  little  else  but  Rum ;  the  only  supplys  of  Indian  goods  has 
been  from  Fort  Pitt  — 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  &ca  " 

Immediately  after  Sir  William  Johnson  had  received  the  fore- 
going intelligence,  he  was  overtaken  by  three  Mohocks  from 
Conajoharee,  (which  place  they  had  left  in  the  Morning)  with 
a  belt  of  Wampum,  and  message  from  their  Nation  to  inform 
him  that  one  of  their  people  who  had  lived  for  several  years  at  a 
Village  beyond  Chenussio,  had  been  told  in  Confidence  by  one 
of  the  people  where  he  resided  that  the  Indians  intended  imedi- 
ately  to  fall  upon  all  our  back  settlements,  &  even  to  destroy  the 
two  Mohock  Castles  as  looking  upon  them  to  be  entirely  in  the 
English  interest,  upon  receiving  which  intelligence  he  fled  away 


*  Presqu' Isle,  scituate  on   Lake  Erie,   from  which  there  is  a  road  to 
Fort  Pitt —  (Johnson's  own  note.) 


440  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

in  order  to  give  the  Mohocks  notice  thereof  The  Conajoharees 
therefore  by  A  belt  of  Wampum  begged  Sir  William  rather  to 
return  from  prosecuting  his  journey  than  to  expose  himself  to  the 
dangers  he  must  meet  with  in  passing  through  a  Country  of 
Indians,  Enemys  to  the  English,  and  whose  faith  could  not  be 
relied  on.  To  which  Sir  William  By  another  belt  returned  them 
for  answer,  That  he  took  it  kindly  of  them  to  give  him  the  before 
mentioned  information,  but  hoped  the  Western  Indians  would 
consider  well  the  consequence  thereof,  before  they  engaged  in  a 
design  which  must  end  in  their  ruin  —  That  at  any  event  he  was 
determined  to  obey  his  orders  by  prosecuting  his  journey,  &  hoped 
by  his  timely  arrival,  to  be  able  to  put  a  stop  to,  or  frustrate  their 
designs  —  Upon  which  the  Messengers  were  dismissed 


Sir  William  Johnson  being  at  Fort  Brewerton  at  the  West  end 
of  the  Oneida  Lake,  had  an  interview  with  Sequaresera  Chief 
Sachem  of  Ganaghsaragey  who  informed  him  that  there  had 
been  deputys  sent  by  the  Senecas  to  the  Nations  about  Detroit, 
to  perform  the  ceremony  of  Condolance  on  behalf  of  the  Six 
Nations  for  the  Indians  who  were  killed  in  the  Battle  near 
Niagara  in  1  759,  after  which  ceremony  they  were  to  strengthen 
and  renew  the  old  alliance  subsisting  between  them,  that  the 
Cayugas  were  to  perform  the  same  ceremony,  with  the  Northern 
Indians  &ca  at  Cadarachqui  &  that  on  the  return  of  the  Deputys 
a  Meeting  would  be  called  at  Onondaga,  at  which  the  result  of 
both  embassys  would  be  made  publick  to  all  the  Indians  of  the 
Confederacy.  Sir  William  then  acquainted  him  with  the  Intel- 
ligence he  had  received  concerning  the  Indians  designs,  the  Mad- 
ness &  folly  of  which  he  represented  to  him,  with  advise  to  use 
his  influence  in  frustrating  any  such  attempt.  On  hearing  of 
which  the  Indian  seemed  greatly  surprized,  declaring  solemnly 
that  no  such  design  had  ever  been  agreed  to  by  the  Six  Nations, 
nor  any  such  message  sent  by  them  to  the  Detroit,  or 


Seven  Years    War  441 

Cadarachqui  Meetings  —  that  if  any  such  thing  was  in  Agitation 
it  must  Come  from  the  Senecas  alone,  &  Concluded  with  prom- 
ising he  would  use  all  his  interest  on  his  return  home  to  enquire 
into  the  particulars  thereof,  and  prevent  its  ill  effects  - 

Sir  William  sent  a  String  of  Wampum  by  an  Indian,  to  desire 
the  Bunt  &  other  Chiefs  of  Onondaga  to  meet  him  at  Oswego  to 
talk  over  some  business  as  also  to  deliver  might  deliver  them  the 
Medals  sent  by  General  Amherst  to  all  those  of  that  Nation  who 
accompanied  the  Army  last  year  to  Montreal,  .but  on  mentioning 
some  particular  Chiefs  he  was  informed  by  the  Tuscarora 
Sachem  that  they  were  gone  on  the  Governor  of  Pensilvania's 
invitation  to  attend  a  Meeting  in  that  Province,  adding  that  his 
Nation,  and  the  Oneidas  had  refused  sending  any  Deputy  s 
thither 


Sir  William  Johnson  arrived  at  Oswego 

20*. 

Several  Misisagaes,  and  other  Indians  came  to  his  Tent,  whom 
he  informed  of  the  Cause  of  his  journey  to  Detroit,  at  which  they 
seemed  well  pleased  promising  to  acquaint  their  Nation  there- 
with on  their  return  home  —  asked  the  reason  of  so  many  Men, 
&  so  much  Artillery  passing  by,  —  he  informed  them  that  some 
of  the  troops  were  sent  to  finish  the  Forts  not  yet  compleated, 
and  the  rest  for  garrisoning  the  outposts  surrendered  to  his 
Britannick  Majesty  by  the  Capitulation  of  Canada,  which,  from 
the  lateness  of  the  season  could  not  be  effected  the  last  Campaign 
And  that  the  Cannon  were  for  these  Forts,  and  for  the  Vessells 
on  the  Lakes  — 

Sir  William  sent  a  String  of  Wampum  by  a  Chenussio  Indian 
to  desire  the  attendance  of  a  few  Sachems  of  his  Nation  at 
Niagara,  within  five,  or  Six  days  at  farthest  - 

Two  Onondagas  arrived,  &  acquainted  him  that  several  of 
their  Nation  would  attend  him  next  Morning  — 


442  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

At  a  Meeting  held  at  Oswego  July  21st.  with  several  Sachems 
and  Warriors  of  Onondaga 

Present 

Sir  William  Johnson  Bart 
Major  Duncan  1 

Capt  Grey,  &  several  >      55th  Regiment 
Officers  of  the 

Lieut    Guy    Johnson    as    Secretary    for    Indn.    Affairs 
With  Interpreters 

Upwards  of  40,  Sachems  &  Warriors  of  Onondaga 
Sir  William  opened  the  Conference  by  wellcoming  them  to 
Oswego,  &  after  proceeding  thro'  the  usual  ceremony  of  Con- 
dolance  acquainted  them  with  the  reasons  for  his  not  calling  them 
to  a  general  Meeting  since  his  return  from  Canada  —  Informed 
them  of  the  Cause  of  his  journey  to  the  Detroit,  of  his  discovery 
of  the  Indians  evil  intentions,  and  proceedings  there  which 
he  cautioned  them  against  having  any  hand  in  —  and  that  he 
expected  the  five  Nations  would  have  attended  the  Meeting 
which  he  was  going  to  call  —  Advised  them  to  mind  their  hunt- 
ing and  Trade,  and  to  behave  friendly  towards  the  English 
during  his  absence,  and  by  no  means  to  pay  regard  to  any  idle 
reports  which  might  be  circulated  about  the  Country  tending  to 
create  a  misunderstanding  between  the  English  and  Indians  — 
Gave  a  belt  of  wampum 
Then  proceeded  as  follows 

Brethren 

His  Excellency  General  Amherst  being  desirous  to  shew  his 
regard  to  merit,  having  taken  notice  of  the  behavior  of  all  those 
Indians  who,  as  became  faithfull  Allies  continued  with  the  Army 
after  the  reduction  of  Fort  Levis  &  proceeded  with  them  to 
Montreal,  has  thought  proper  to  have  Medals  struck  in  Com- 
memoration thereof,  to  be  by  me  distributed  amongst  them  as  an 


Seven  Years'  War  443 

honourable  mark  of  his  approbation  of  their  Conduct,  &  which 
will  intitle  the  Wearer  to  some  provisions,  &  good  treatment  at 
all  the  posts  —  It  is  with  pleasure  I  now  present  you  with  those 
ordered  for  your  Nation,  and  I  flatter  myself  that  you  will  on  all 
occasions  manifest  the  same  zeal  and  attachment  to  his  Majesty's 
service  which  hath  intitled  you  to  this  publick  mark  of 
distinction  — 

Then  delivered  out  the  Medals  for  the  Indians  of  that  Nation 
-  after  which  they  withdrew  to  consider  on  an  Answer  with 
which  they  returned  in  about  an  hour,  Whereupon  the 
Speaker  stood  up  and  after  returning  many  thanks  for  what 
Sir  William  had  sayed  to  them,  he  went  thro*  the  usual  cere- 
mony of  condolance 

Gave  three  Strings  of  wampum 

Then  pulling  out  a  large  belt  which  had  been  given  them 
by  Sir  William,  when  they  were  called  to  go  against  Niagara, 
he  proceeded  - 

Brother  Warraghiyagey 

On  your  setting  out  with  the  Army  to  the  Siege  of  Niagara, 
you  then  promised  us  in  a  Meeting  with  our  Nation,  that  after 
the  reduction  thereof,  and  of  the  rest  of  the  Country,  you  would 
be  enabled  to  regulate  trade  so  as  to  reduce  the  exorbitant  prices 
of  goods,  and  likewise  promised  us  good  treatment  for  ever  should 
we  exert  ourselves  in  conjunction  with  the  Army  against  the 
Enemy,  which  we  chearfully  agreed  to,  and  accordingly  con- 
ducted you  to  Niagara,  and  assisted  you  in  taking  it,  as  a  salve 
for  the  Wounds  which  you  have  received  —  Nothwithstanding 
which  we  find  ourselves  very  much  wronged  and  illtreated  by 
your  People  in  trade,  as  well  as  frequently  ill-used  without  Cause 
at  the  several  posts  -  -  This  proceeding  so  contrary  to  your  prom- 
ises &  our  expectations  has  greatly  alarmed  us,  and  been  the 
Cause  of  much  uneasiness,  we  therefore  entreat  you  that  we  may 
meet  with  better  usage  from  the  English  for  the  future,  otherwise, 


444  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

we  shall  be  induced  to  believe  what  the  French  so  often  told  us 
would  be  the  consequence  of  your  reducing  them  — 

Gave  a  large  belt 
Brother 

We  are  surprized  to  find  you  are  going  to  call  a  Council  at 
Detroit,  as  you  know  that  the  Chief,  and  the  only  Council  fire 
burns  at  your  house,  excepting  that  which  we  have  at  Onondaga, 
besides  the  Western  Indians  as  agressors  ought  rather  to  have 
attended  on  you  —  You  recommended  it  to  us  to  mind  our  hunt- 
ing &  trade,  and  to  live  on  good  terms  with  our  Brethren  at  the 
several  posts,  than  which  nothing  would  be  more  agreable  to  our 
inclinations,  but  we  are  sorry  to  observe  that  our  Brethren  don't 
seem  desirous  of  living  on  any  good  terms  with  us,  from  their 
frequent  acts  of  violence  offered  as  well  to  us,  as  to  our  Women ; 
as  also  from  their  hindering  us  from  fishing,  or  hunting  about  the 
posts  altho'  in  our  own  Country,  &  frequently  taking  from  us 
what  we  have  killed  or  taken,  contrary  to  promise,  &  to  the 
friendship  subsisting  between  us  and  you,  We  therefore  beg 
Brother  that  you  will  interpose,  and  see  Justice  done  us  that  we 
may  have  a  free  &  reasonable  trade  with  powder  allowed  us, 
and  that  there  may  be  also  Interpreters  fixed  at  the  several  posts 
who  may  prevent  any  future  misunderstandings  which  otherwise 
may  happen  thro'  our  not  understanding  the  Language  of  each 
other 

Brother 

With  regard  to  what  you  spoke  to  us  concerning  the  intel- 
ligence sent  from  Detroit,  and  to  your  kind  cautions  to  us  on  that 
head,  whereby  you  advised  us  to  avoid  entering  into  any  such 
idel  project,  we  can  truly  answer  that  we  know  nothing  of  any 
such  plot,  neither  are  we,  nor  shall  we  get  drunk,  &  suffer  our 
heads  to  grow  giddy,  being  determined  to  hold  fast  the  Covenant 
Chain,  and  hope  you  will  do  the  same  on  your  parts  so  that  we 
may  live  together  to  be  grey  —  This  belt  which  you  have  deliv- 
ered us,  shall  be  sent  to  the  several  Nations,  our  Allies,  to 


Seven  Years'  War  445 

acquaint  them  with  what  you  say,  &  with  our  resolutions  thereon 
which  we  hope  will  be  a  precedent  for  them  to  follow,  and  when 
they  are  all  acquainted  therewith  you  will  receive  a  belt  in 
return  — 

Brother 

We  esteem  it  a  great  favour  that  the  General  hath  thought 
proper  to  remember  those  Indians  who  attended  him  last  year  to 
Montreal,  by  rewarding  them  with  Medals,  and  we  return  you 
thanks  for  delivering  them  to  us,  assuring  you  that  you  may 
always  depend  on  our  remaining  true  Allies  to  the  English ;  and 
altho'  (through  a  misunderstanding  which  arose  at  that  time) 
several  of  ours,  and  of  the  other  Nations  returned  back  after  the 
taking  of  Fort  Levis,  you  may  with  great  truth  acquaint  the 
General  that  it  was  in  no  wise  owing  to  their  Want  of  zeal,  and 
inclination  to  serve  the  English,  as  you  must  know  that  several  of 
them  have  particularly  distinguished  themselves  in  your  Cause 
during  all  the  rest  of  the  War 

Gave  a  belt 
Brother 

Here  is  one  of  our  People  present  named  Kanadacta  who  had 
his  hunting  house  near  this  place  plundered  (during  the  spring 
whilst  he  was  absent  hunting)  of  thirty  buck  skins,  two  Kettles, 
Gun,  Axes  and  other  things  by  some  of  the  English  then  going 
to  Fort  William  Augustus,  he  therefore  hopes  you'll  get  him 
Some  redress,  being  greatly  reduced  thereby,  and  not  having 
wherewithal  to  purchase  Cloathing  &c  — 

Gave  a  String 
Brother 

I  now  speak  at  the  request  of  the  Warriors  who  came  here  to 
see,  and  wish  you  a  good  journey  and  safe  return,  And  I  am  in 
their  names  to  let  you  know  how  much  they  are  distressed  for 
want  of  powder  (which  renders  them  unable  to  procure  skins  for 
trade  &  for  the  maintenance  of  their  families)  not  being  able  to 
procure  it  even  for  their  money,  they  therefore  by  this  bunch  of 


446  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Wampum  entreat  you  to  consider  their  Wants  by  letting  them 
have  a  Couple  of  Casks  of  powder,  with  a  proportion  of  ball, 
until  your  return  which  they  shall  look  upon  as  a  favour  never 
to  be  forgotten  —  Gave  a  large  bunch  of  Wampum  - 

The  Speaker  having  ended,  Sir  William  Johnson  addressed 
them  as  follows  — 

Brethren  of  the  Onondagas  — 

The  belt  which  you  just  now  laid  before  me  with  design  to 
remind  me  of  my  former  promises  to  you,  I  look  upon  as  need- 
less, since  I  have  it  on  Record,  as  well  as  all  your  promises  & 
Conduct  which  can  never  be  forgotten  —  The  behavior  of  many 
of  your  people  last  year  in  returning  home  &  leaving  the  General, 
&  me  at  Isle  Royale  after  the  reduction  thereof,  has  set  you 
before  us  in  so  bad  a  light  that  neither  the  General  nor  myself 
can  think  of  serving  you  after  such  an  Unbrotherlike  Step,  which, 
as  well  as  some  other  parts  of  your  Conduct,  has  occasioned  our 
not  intirely  fullfilling  all  the  promises  made  to  you,  However,  if 
the  promises  you  now  make  of  preserving  entire  the  Covenant 
Chain  for  the  future  be  sincere  (which  will  be  your  own  interest) 
you  may  in  that  Case  expect  we  shall  treat  you  as  friends,  indulge 
You  with  a  plentiful!  trade,  and  not  permit  any  of  our  people  to 
molest,  or  illtreat  you  undeservedly  without  meeting  with  pun- 
ishment; The  General  being  determined  to  act  with  the  utmost 
partiality,  and  not  permit  either  the  English,  or  you  to  commit 
Crimes  with  impunity  —  Gave  a  belt 

Brethren 

Our  Conquests  in  this  Country  being  at  present  very  consider- 
able our  trade  and  alliances  must  of  course  be  more  extensive 
than  heretofore,  It  will  therefore  be  necessary  to  have  other 
Meetings  &  places  of  trade  than  my  House  &  Onondaga,  neither 
can  you  be  in  the  least  surprized,  when  you  observe  that  we  have 
Agents  for  the  management  of  Indian  affairs  in  several  Quarters, 
namely  Pittsburgh  &  Montreal  the  better  to  keep  up  a  good 
understanding  with,  and  Strengthen  the  Extensive  Alliance  which 


Seven  Fears'  War  447 

continues  to  encrease  by  the  acquisition  of  Nations,  who  are  daily 
coming  into,  and  uniting  themselves  with  us,  which  they  are 
induced  to  from  our  clemency  as  well  as  from  a  Consideration 
how  much  it  is  their  interest  so  to  do,  I  therefore  recommend  it 
to  you  to  live  on  the  best  terms  with  all  such  Indians  —  with 
regard  to  any  illtreatment  which  your  people  may  receive  at  any 
of  the  posts,  I  am  induced  to  think  it  must  be  chiefly  owing  to 
their  own  ill  behavior  when  in  Liquor,  for  which  reason,  I  now 
recommend  it  to  you  to  lay  aside  the  immoderate  use  thereof, 
which,  if  you  do,  I  am  certain  you  will  meet  with  no  ill  treatment 
undeservedly  I  would  likewise  advise  you  not  to  trifle  away  too 
much  of  your  time  about  the  posts,  which  you  can  so  much  better 
employ  in  hunting  for  the  maintenance  of  your  familys,  and  on 
my  return  I  shall  provide  Interpreters  to  reside  at  the  Principal 
Forts,  who  I  hope  may  be  a  means  of  preventing  Any  further 
disputes  arising  between  the  English  &  you,  from  the  want  of 
understanding  each  others  meaning  — 

Brethren 

I  am  very  glad  to  hear  you  profess  yourselves  strangers,  & 
Enemys  to  the  plot  we  lately  discovered,  if  you  act  wisely  you  will 
continue  in  that  disposition,  nor  readily  engage  in  an  Affair  which 
must  prove  your  ruin,  &  I  make  no  doubt  but  on  your  communi- 
cating your  resolutions  to  the  other  Nations  of  holding  fast  the 
Covenant  Chain,  and  living  in  friendship  with  us,  they  will  readily 
follow  so  laudable  an  Example,  which  will  be  the  only  way  of 
living  to  be  greyheaded  and  which  I  heartily  wish  you  may  do  — 

Brethren 

If  the  person  who  robbed  Kanadacta's  Hunting  House  could 
be  found,  or  was  known  he  should  be  punished  in  such  manner 
as  the  Nature  of  the  Crime  deserved,  and  proper  satisfaction 
made  to  the  Sufferer,  but  until  he  be  discovered,  he  can  have  no 
satisfaction  therein  —  I  shall  however,  on  my  return  Consider 
his  losses  by  giving  him  some  Cloathing. 

Gave  a  String 


448  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

Brethren 

As  I  am  pleased  with  your  professions  of  friendship,  & 
behavior  at  this  meeting,  &  being  sensible  of  your  distresses,  I 
shall  speak  to  the  Commanding  Officer  of  this  Garrison  to  let 
you  have  two  Casks  of  powder  for  your  familys  support,  and 
hope  you'll  shew  yourselves  deserving  of  that,  or  of  any  other 
favours  which  may  be  conferred  on  you,  &  which  your  Conduct 
alone  must  intitle  you  to  hope  for  - 

Gave  a  large  bunch  of  Wampum 

Sir  William  Johnson  then  informed  them  that  soon  after  His 
return  home,  he  purposed  to  call  a  Meeting  of  the  Six  Nations 
in  order  to  strengthen  the  Covenant  Chain  &  settle  all  matters  on 
the  best  footing,  after  which  he  took  leave,  &  the  Conference 
ended  - 

P.  M.  Sir  William  Johnson,  Coll  Eyre,  John  Johnson  Esqr.  & 
Lieut  Guy  Johnson  embarked  on  board  a  Schooner  for  Niagara 
where  they  arrived  on  the  24th  on  Sir  William's  landing,  the 
Commanding  Officer  Major  Walters  delivered  him  the  following 
Letter,1  &  Minutes  of  a  Conference 2  from  Cap1.  Campbell 
Command,  at  Detroit  — 

Detroit  8th  July  1761 
"Sir 

I  take  the  liberty  to  send  you  a  Copy  of  a  Council  held  with 
the  Indian  Nations  of  Detroit  at  the  desire  of  two  Seneca  Deputys 
from  the  Six  Nations,  by  which  you  will  Easily  see  that  the  Six 
Nations  have  for  sometime  past  had  very  bad  designs  against  the 
English  —  they  came  here  about  three  Weeks  ago,  and  invited 
the  Nations  to  a  Council  at  Sandosky,  with  the  Delawares, 
Shawanese,  and  other  Nations,  but  as  I  had  been  informed  before 


1  The  same  as  Campbell  to  Johnson,   July  8,    1761,  in  the  Johnson 
Calendar,  p.    115,  which  was  destroyed  by  fire. 

2  The  same  as  Campbell  to  Amherst   [Johnson],  July  8,   1761,  in  the 
Johnson  Calendar,  p.   1  15,  a  document  injured  by  fire. 


Seven  Years'  War  449 

of  their  designs,  I  prevented  the  Nations  here  from  going  there, 
upon  their  resusing  l  to  go  with  them,  they  went  back  to  San- 
dousky,  where  they  met  with  the  other  Nations,  who  refused  to 
take  up  the  hatchet  without  the  Consent  of  the  Nations  here, 
upon  which  they  returned  &  held  the  Council,  the  Copy  of  which 
will  inform  you  fully  of  every  particular  of  the  affair  —  Before 
I  had  this  information,  I  was  frequently  alarmed  with  the  reports 
that  the  Six  Nations  spread  amongst  the  Nations  here,  who  were 
at  Niagara  by  telling  them  that  they  were  soon  to  strike  the 
English,  and  in  general  giving  them  a  bad  opinion  of  the  English 
-  If  there  is  any  merit  in  the  discovery,  I  owe  it  entirely  to  the 
Wiandot,  and  Ottawa  Interpreters  who  I  beg  leave  to  recom- 
mend to  you  for  their  behaviour  in  this  affair  —  After  all  we 
could  do  there  was  a  strong  party  amongst  the  Wiandots  whom 
you  know  leads  the  other  Nations  here  - 

I  am  hopefull  this  discovery  will  disconcert  their  project  I  have 
been  at  all  pains  to  satisfy  the  Indians,  but  beg  leave  to  mention 
to  you,  that  without  our  being  at  some  Considerable  expence  with 
them,  till  matters  are  a  little  more  settled,  it  will  be  impossible  to 
keep  them  in  our  interest,  As  they  have  been  in  use  to  be  entirely 
supported  by  the  French.  Several  partys  have  gone  to  War 
against  the  Cherokees,  but  I  am  told  have  been  stopped  by  the 
Shawanese  and  sent  home  without  doing  any  thing  —  The 
Senecas  tell  me  there  are  Deputys  from  the  Cherokees,  &  other 
southern  Indians  in  their  Country,  who  wait  for  their  return  to 
know  the  Sentiments  of  the  Natives  here  —  When  we  took  pos- 
session of  this  Country  Mr.  Croghan  at  the  desire  of  the  Indians 
employed  the  Smiths  here  to  mend  their  Arms  &  Hatchets,  which, 
as  we  had  immense  numbers  of  Indians  here  will  amount  to  a 
larger  sum  than  we  expected,  but  at  same  time  it  would  be  of  bad 
consequence  to  retrench  that  Expence  in  our  present  critical 
scituation  — 


1  Transcript  reads  *'  s.1 
Vol.  Ill— 15 


450  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

The  great  quantitys  of  Rum  brought  to  Niagara,  &  here  i>y 
the  Albany  traders  is  of  the  most  pernicious  consequence  —  I 
allow  none  to  be  sold  here,  which  obliges  the  Indians  to  go  for 
it  to  Niagara  from  whence  they  bring  it  in  great  quantitys  which 
makes  them  troublesome  &  ill  to  manage  — 

As  I  am  certain  this  abuse  is  without  your  knowledge  I  thought 
it  my  duty  to  let  you  know  of  it,  &  notwithstanding  of  the  Num- 
ber of  Traders  from  Albany  we  should  have  little  Else  but  Rum 
had  it  not  been  for  the  Traders  from  Pensilvania  &  Mr.  Sterling 
from  New  York,  who  are  the  only  people  that  have  brought  any 
Considerable  quantitys  of  goods  for  the  Indians  — " 

I  am  &ca 

Copy  of  the  Conference  sent  by  Capt.  Campble  At  a 
Council  held  at  the  Wiandot  Town  near  Fort  Detroit  3d. 
July  1761  by  the  Deputy's  of  the  six  Nations  with  the 
Ottawas,  Wiandots,  Chipeweighs,  &  Powtewatamis  — 

Tahaiadoris,  &  Kayashoton,  Senecas,  &  Deputys  from  the 
Six  Nations  delivered  twenty  Strings,  &  three  belts  of  Wampum 
to  the  above  Nations,  with  several  speeches  tending  to  accomo- 
date  all  differences  between  them,  &  particularly  that  the  Action 
between  them  at  Niagara  (in  which  they  say  many  Warriors 
were  slain  on  both  sides)  might  be  entirely  forgotten,  they  then 
delivered  four  strings  of  Wampum  with  the  following  speech  - 

When  the  English  took  possession  of  Detroit,  they  willingly 
permitted  your  young  men  to  go  to  War  against  their  Antient 
Enemy s  the  Cherokees,  but  we  now  desire  &  request  that  they 
may  not  go  to  War  against  them  but  remain  at  home  for  some- 
time: we  have  now  finished  all  we  had  to  say  with  respect  to 
affairs  between  you  and  us  — 

They  then  produced  a  large  red  belt,  by  them  termed  the  War 
hatchet,  and  addressing  themselves  particularly  to  the  Wiandots, 
made  the  following  Speech. — 

As  you  are  the  leading  Nation  here,  you  have  only  to  say  the 
Word,  &  the  others  will  follow  your  example ;  we  invite  you  by 


Seven  Years    War  451 

this  belt  to  cut  off  the  English  at  Fort  Detroit,  to  which  if  you 
agree,  it  will  give  us  the  greatest  Joy  and  pleasure,  with  Chear- 
fullness  we  will  return  home  to  our  Nation,  &  endeavor  to  do  the 
same  with  the  Garrisons  at  Niagara  &  Fort  Pitt  —  The  English 
treat  us  with  much  disrespect,  &  we  have  the  greatest  reason  to 
believe  by  their  behavior  they  intend  to  cut  us  off  entirely;  they 
have  possessed  themselves  of  our  Country,  it  is  now  in  our  power 
to  dispossess  them  &  recover  it,  if  we  will  embrace  the  opportunity 
before  they  have  time  to  assemble  together,  &  fortify  themselves 
there,  there  is  no  time  to  be  lost,  let  us  Strike  imediately,  our 
Warriors  are  all  ready  prepared  and  impatiently  wait  till  they 
hear  from  you  — 

The  Nations  declined  giving  them  a  direct  Answer,  but  came 
with  them  the  following  Day  being  the  4th.  inst  to  Fort  Detroit 
and  in  open  Council  in  presence  of  Capt  Campbell  Commandant 
&  several  other  Gentlemen  declared  the  whole  of  the  Conference 
that  had  passed  between  them  the  preceding  day,  &  delivered  up 
to  him  the  War  belt  in  presence  of  the  Deputys  of  the  Six  Nations 
to  their  great  astonishment  —  Tahaiadoris,  one  of  the  Deputys 
on  seeing  the  belt  given  up,  stood  up,  &  in  great  fervour  expressed 
himself  in  the  following  manner. 

Being  it  is  thus  far  discovered  I  myself  will  declare  the  whole 
affair  from  the  beginning,  &  accordingly  after  relating  what  had 
passed  in  Council  between  them  the  day  before,  continued  repeat- 
ing farther  grievances  agst.  the  English,  &  sayed  that  the  belt 
which  he  had  delivered  to  the  Wiandots  &ca  and  they  had  now 
given  up,  was  not  the  real  War  hatchet,  but  a  Copy  of  the  true 
original  one  which  was  left  with  the  Onondagas  - 

Capt  Campble  then  addressed  himself  to  the  Wiandots  &  other 
Nations  with  them  in  the  following  manner 

My  Friends  &  Brethren 

I  return  you  my  hearty  and  sincere  thanks  for  the  important 
discovery  you  have  made  of  the  bad  designs  of  the  six  Nations 
against  the  English;  your  prudently  rejecting  their  proposals  of 
War,  &  the  means  you  have  used  to  put  a  stop  to  it,  yields  me 


452  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

the  greatest  Satisfaction,  I  shall  imediately  acquaint  his  Excel- 
lency General  Amherst  of  your  good  behaviour,  &  friendship  to 
the  English,  &  shall  take  particular  care  that  you  be  constantly 
treated  as  friends,  &  allies,  which  I  hope  you  will  Always 
continue  to  be  — 

He  then  delivered  a  belt  of  Wampum  to  the  Deputys  of  the 
six  Nations  with  the  following  Speech  — 

I  am  very  much  Surprized  at  this  Extraordinary  behavior  of 
the  Six  Nations,  who  have  been  always  hitherto  esteemed  our 
greatest  friends,  and  are  now  not  only  threatning  to  become  our 
Enemys,  but  inviting  other  Nations  to  take  up  the  Hatchet  against 
us  —  You  see  your  Designs  are  discovered,  &  will  be  discon- 
certed every  where;  by  this  belt  of  Wampum  I  advise  you  with 
all  my  heart,  &  in  the  most  friendly  manner  to  return  home,  and 
ardently  recommend  it  to  your  Chiefs,  &  those  of  other  Nations 
in  concert  with  you  to  quit  their  bad  intentions,  &  live  in  peace, 
for,  if  they  proceed  in  their  designs  against  the  English,  it  will 
terminate  in  their  utter  ruin  and  destruction  — 

The  Council  was  then  dissolved  for  that  day. 

On  the  5th.  they  assembled  again,  when  each  of  the  several 
Nations  delivered  four  strings  &  a  belt  of  Wampum  to  the 
Deputys  of  the  six  Nations,  and  addressed  themselves  in  this 
manner  — 

We  return  you  thanks  for  the  agreable  proposals  of  friendship 
you  offered  us,  &  forgetting  the  grievances  that  have  happened 
between  us,  but  by  no  means  approve  of  your  proposing  to  go 
to  War  against  the  English,  we  desire  you  will  desist  from  your 
design  as  it  is  contrary  to  our  Inclinations  that  there  should  be 
any  disturbances,  we  now  think  ourselves  happy  being  in  peace 
and  quiet,  but  if  you  go  on  to  engage  in  Conjunction  with  other 
Nations  agst.  the  English  we  shall  look  upon  you  as  disturbers  of 
the  publick  tranquillity,  &  will  be  obliged  to  interpose  to  put  a 
stop  to  your  proceedings,  &  restore  peace  and  quiet  again  in  the 
Land- 


Seven  Years    War  453 

Tahaiadoris  answered  and  thanked  them  for  the  friendly 
advice  they  had  given  him,  said,  notwithstanding  the  Six  Nations 
had  good  reason  to  be  angry  with  the  English,  that  peace  was 
best,  that  the  Nations,  &  the  English  had  now  opened  his  Eyes, 
that  he  would  bury  all  bad  thoughts  and  forget  the  injuries  done 
against  them  by  the  English,  that  he  would  return  home  and 
acquaint  the  Chiefs  of  the  Six  Nations,  and  all  others  in  Con- 
junction with  them,  of  the  desire,  and  intentions  of  the  Nations 
at  Detroit  &  would  recommend  it  to  them  in  the  most  Ardent 
manner  to  lay  aside  all  thoughts  of  war  and  live  in  peace  —  He 
then  addressed  himself  in  particular  to  Capt  Campbell,  told  him 
that  if  he  had  the  good  fortune  to  get  home  before  any  hostilities 
were  committed  he  would  endeavour  to  put  a  stop  to  their  bad 
intentions,  would  recommend  it  to  the  Chiefs  to  go  and  assemble 
at  Sir  Wm.  Johnson's  in  order  to  hold  a  Council  with  him,  &  make 
up  all  differences,  and  after  it  was  finished  would  willingly  return 
to  Detroit,  to  acquaint  Capt  Campbell,  &  the  Nations  here,  with 
whatever  should  pass  between  them  and  Sir  Wm.  Johnson  at  the 
Council  - 

The  above  is  a  true  Copy  of  the  Council, 
as  it  is  explained  to  me  by  the  Interpreters  - 

Donald  Campbell 
Capt  R.  A.  Reg'.- 

25* 

Some  Indians  Complained  to  Sir  William  Johnson  of  their 
having  been  robbed  of  4  Horses,  by  the  Garrison  of  Niagara, 
&  that  one  of  their  people  was  shot  in  the  breast  &  arm,  by  a 
Soldier  of  little  Niagara  -  Sir  William  thereupon  made  them  a 
present  in  order  to  satisfy  them- 

Another  Indian  complained  of  his  brothers  having  been  killed 
by  some  of  the  Garrison  at  Venango  without  any  Cause,  which 
occasioned  the  rest  of  the  people  of  that  Settlement  to  break  up 
and  go  to  Chenussio  very  much  discontented- 


454  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

27* 

Sir  William  sent  a  Letter  to  apprise  Capt  Campbell  at  Detroit 
of  Troops  being  on  their  way  to  take  possession  of  the  out  posts, 
that  the  Indians  might  not  be  alarmed  at  their  approach 

At  a  Meeting  held  at  Niagara  July  28th  * 

Present 

Sir  William  Johnson  Bart 
Coll1  Eyre  of  the  44th.  Regimt 
Major  Walters 

John  Johnson  Esqr.  Lieut  Guy  Johnson,  as  Sec1"?. 
Du  Coagne  Interpreter 

Wabbicommicot,  Chief  of  the  Chipeweighs,  with 

several  others  of  that  Nation 

Sir  William  addressed  them  as  follows 

Brethren 

I  take  this  occasion  of  calling  you  here  to  Wellcome  &  shake 
you  by  the  hand,  as  also  to  return  you  thanks  for  your  good 
behavior  &  friendly  inclination  towards  the  English,  of  all  which 
I  have  been  informed  since  my  arrival  at  this  place,  I  therefore 
now  give  you  this  publick  testimony  of  nfiy  satisfaction  at  your 
behavior—  Gave  a  string 

Brethren 

The  many  belts  of  Wampum  and  Calumets  of  peace  which 
hang  in  this  Room  *  convince  me  of  your,  and  of  the  Neighbour- 
ing Nations  good  intentions,  and  the  just  sense  which  you  all 
entertain  of  the  blessings  arising  from  peace,  &  our  friendship  - 
continue  still  firm  in  these  sentiments  so  Essential  to  your  own 


*The  Command1"8  Room  in  the  Forts  where  conferences  are  held,  & 
where  all  the  belts  which  the  Indians  deliver  are  hung  up — (Johnson's 
note.) 

1  An  account  of  the  proceedings  of  July  28th  in  the  Johnson  Calendar, 
p.  116,  was  destroyed  by  fire.  A  copy  in  the  State  Historian's  office 
shows  that  it  is  virtually  the  same  as  the  following. 


Seven  Years    War  455 

happiness,  keep  up  a  good  correspondence  with  this  Garrison,  & 
behave  yourselves,  soberly,  &  peaceably  whilst  here,  or  at  any 
other  place  where  you  may  meet  with  your  Brethren  the  English, 
by  which  means  you  may  be  always  assured  of  their  favour  & 
protection  — 

Gave  a  belt  of  wampum 
Brethren 

As  I  am  now  on  my  way  to  Detroit  where  I  hope  at  a  Meet- 
ing of  the  several  Nations  there,  to  establish  a  firm  &  lasting 
peace,  and  put  all  matters  on  the  most  permanent  footing  I  shall 
be  glad  to  have  some  Sachems  present  from  your  Nation  in 
order  that  they  might  Communicate  to  your  people  the  business 
which  may  be  transacted  at  that  Conference,  &  the  mutual 


engagements  there  entred  into  between  the  Indians  and  us- 
After  this  General  Meeting  I  shall  to  the  best  of  my  Judgment 
regulate  the  Trade  there  and  elsewhere  to  the  satisfaction  of 
both  Indians,  &  Traders,  and  I  make  no  doubt  but  your  future 
good  conduct  will  sufficiently  testify  the  sense  which  you  have 
of  our  friendship,  &  the  assistance  which  we  afford  to  render  you 
a  flourishing  people  — 

Sir  William  having  finished  what  he  had  to  say  -  Wabbi- 
commicot  returned  him  hearty  thanks  for  the  Speech  which  he 
had  delivered  to  them,  which  he  saved  they  would  always  have  at 
heart  and  take  particular  notice  of  He  then  produced  their 
Pipe,  or  Calumet  of  peace,  which  he  presented  to  Sir  William 
and  all  present  to  smoke  out  of  it,  saying,  that  the  smoke  arising 
therefrom,  would  reach  the  Clouds  and  be  seen  by  the  most 
distant  Nations  - 

He  then  begged  Sir  William  would  look  at  his  appearance 
that  the  dress  then  on  him,  &  which  was  his  best  would  scarcely 
cover  him  -  &  hoped  he  would  not  be  surprized  that  they  were 
not  able  to  cloath  themselves  by  reason  of  their  being  debarred 
the  liberty  of  purchasing  ammunition  to  kill  game  for  their  carry- 
ing on  of  trade,  and  concluded  by  requesting  Sir  Will"1  would 
take  their  Case  into  Consideration  and  also  order  them  some 


456  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

provisions  of  which  they  stood  in  the  greatest  need;  1  &  that  as 
soon  as  they  had  considered  on  a  proper  answer  to  what  he  had 
sayed,  they  would  attend  him  therewith  — 

The  Conference  ended 

An  Onondaga  Indian  Just  arrived  from  Detroit  who  had  been 
present  at  the  meeting  held  there  between  the  two  Seneca  Deputys 
&  the  Western  Indians,  informed  Sir  William  that  what  had 
passed  thereat  was  chiefly  spoke  in  Chabert  loncair's  name,  who 
before  he  was  made  prisoner  recommended  it  to  the  Senecas  that 
in  case  the  french  should  be  conquered,  they  were  to  propose  to 
the  other  Nations  to  unite  &  fall  upon  the  English  -  The  Indian 
was  of  opinion  that  many  of  the  Ottawas  were  not  yet  well 
inclined  towards  us,  but  that  the  Wiandots  seemed  to  be  entirely 
our  friends-  That  they  asked  him  whether  his  Nation  was  con- 
cerned in  the  affair  with  the  Senecas  and  on  his  declaring  they 
were  not,  the  Wiandots  seemed  vastly  pleased  — 

30* 

Wabbicommicot  sent  to  acquaint  Sir  William  Johnson  that 
he  was  ready  to  give  his  answer  in  behalf  of  that  Nation  Where- 
upon the  Indians  all  assembled 

Present  as  before 
Wabbicommicot  Speaker 

Brother 

It  gives  us  great  satisfaction  to  find  that  our  Conduct  has 
merited  the  approbation  of  the  person  who  has  the  management 
of  our  Affairs,  and  you  may  rest  assured  that  we  are  of  one  heart 
and  mind  with  you-  You  desire  we  should  send  some  of  our 
people  to  be  present  at  the  meeting  at  the  Detroit,  I  shall  there- 
fore readily  accompany  you  thither,  together  with  another  Sachem 


1The  copy  mentioned   above  has:    "After  drinking  some  punch  their 
speaker  arose  &  said  they  would  withdraw     . 


Seven  Fears'  War  457 

here  present,  but  as  our  Wives  must  be  in  great  need  during  our 
absence,  I  hope  you  will  consider  their  Case,  &  allow  them  some 
provisions. 

Brother 

Your  upright  dealing  towards  us,  has  convinced  us  of  the 
esteem  you  have  for  our  people,  who  are  determined  to  shew 
by  their  future  behaviour  that  they  are  very  sensible  of  your 
strict  adherence  to  what  you  first  sayed  to  them,  on  the  reduction 
of  this  place  - 

Brother 

I  hope  you'll  excuse  our  appearing  in  this  dress,  as  our  poverty 
prevents  us  from  coming  before  you  in  a  better ;  You  may  observe" 
the  Days  are  now  clear,  &  the  Sun  burns  bright,  therefore,  I 
should  be  very  glad  to  wear  a  hat  to  defend  me  from  its  heat  - 

Brother 

I  have  tryed  several  times  with  my  Hands  to  catch  fish  for 
my  living  but  found  it  would  not  answer,  therefore  I  should  be 
glad  to  have  a  Spear  to  kill  them  with;  I  am  likewise  prevented, 
from  hunting  by  reason  of  my  Guns  being  broke - 

Brother 

I  have  discovered  a  fine  Tree  which  I  should  be  desirous  to 
cut  down  for  firing,  but  for  want  of  an  Axe  I  am  necessitated  to 
make  a  fire  at  its  root  in  order  to  burn  it  down 

The  Speaker  having  ended,  Sir  William  thanked  them  for 
their  intention  of  sending  the  Sachems  to  Detroit,  and  desired 
they  would  be  ready  to  set  out  when  he  did  -  told  them  he  was 
pleased  to  find  what  he  had  said  to  their  Nation  on  the  reduction 
of  Niagara  had  produced  the  desired  effect,  recommended  to 
them  to  continue  their  good  behaviour,  &  to  cherish  the  friendship 
of  the  English,  who  were  now  become  the  only  powerfull  people 
on  this  continent-  He  told  them,  that  altho'  he  had  some  Boats 
containing  presents  to  be  given  at  the  General  Meeting,  they 
were  not  yet  arrived,  however  he  should  consider  their  wants,  & 
give  them  some  Cloathing  the  next  day,  as  also  order  some  pro- 


458  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

visions  for  the  Women  in  the  absence  of  their  Husbands,  &  give 
those  who  returned  home  some  Ammunition  to  Enable  them  to 
hunt  on  the  road  -  And  on  his  return  from  the  Gen1  Meeting, 
should  consider  the  state  of  their  Arms  &ca  &  send  them  a  Smith 
to  reside  at  Niagara  in  order  to  repair  them  from  time  to  time, 
and  concluded  with  hoping  that  this  favour  towards  them  would 
meet  with  a  gratefull  return,  and  so  far  convince  them  of  our 
friendship  as  to  prevent  their  being  led  away  to  act  as  imprudently 
as  some  Indians  had  lately  done,  and  thereby  justly  incense  that 
people  whose  favour  &  friendship  they  were  bound  both  by  grati- 
tude and  interest  to  improve  - 

31" 

Sir  William  delivered  a  small  present  to  them  for  which  they 
seemed  very  ithankfull,  and  made  the  fairest  promises  of  living 
in  friendship  for  ever  with  the  English  -  Adding  that  on  their 
return  home,  their  Nation  on  seeing  the  friendly  usage  they  had 
met  with,  would  be  more  &  more  convinced  of  our  regard  for 
them  &  that  it  would  prove  a  means  of  securing  them  firmly  to 
our  interest  — 

August  1st 
At  a  Meeting  with  several  Wiandot  Indians  at  Niagara 

Present 

Sir  William  Johnson  Bart 
John  Johnson  Esqr. 
Lieut  Guy  Johnson  as  Seer? 

The  Indians  being  all  Assembled,  Sir  William  spoke  to  them 
as  follows - 

Brethren 

I  desire  by  this  belt  you'll  give  your  Nation  notice  of  my  being 
on  my  way  to  Detroit,  &  that  I  request  they  will  imediately  sum- 
mon all  the  surrounding  Nations  to  the  intended  Meeting,  that 
I  may  be  enabled  to  return  before  the  bad  season  of  the  year 
sets  in  - 


Seven  Years    War  459 

^•« 

As  Major  Gladwin,  an  English  Officer  is  now  on  his  way 
with  a  body  of  men  in  order  to  explore  the  Lakes,  &  take  posses- 
sion of  the  French  posts,  evacuated  to  us  by  the  surrender  of 
Canada,  I  judged  it  necessary  to  inform  you  thereof  that  you 
might  not  be  alarmed  at  their  approach  - 

As  a  proof  of  my  friendship  for  you,  I  now  present  you  with 
some  Cloathing  &  Trinkets  with  some  Cash  to  buy  bread  for 
your  journey  home,  &  expect  you  will  continue  by  your  Conduct 
to  merit  the  favour  of  your  brethren  the  English 

Gave  a  belt  of  seven  rows 

To  which  Speech  their  Chief  returned  the  following  answer 

Brother 

It  gives  us  great  pleasure  to  see  &  speak  with  you  of  whom 
we  have  so  often  heard,  we  therefore  now  shake  you  by  the 
hand,  as  our  friend,  returning  you  many  thanks  for  this  mark 
of  your  friendship,  and  you  may  be  assured  if  the  wind  will 
permit  us,  we  shall  be  home  in  a  few  days  when  we  shall  faith- 
fully deliver  your  message  to  the  Chief  Men  of  our  Castle,  who 
will  doubtless  dispatch  runners  to  call  the  other  Nations  in  order 
to  meet  you- 

The  Speaker  having  finished  what  he  had  to  say,  they  took 
their  leaves  - 

4th 

A  Seneca  Indian  (who  during  the  siege  of  Niagara  came  out 
of  the  Fort  with  thirty  of  his  people  to  Sir  William,)  this  day 
waited  on  him,  on  the  Indians  being  asked  how  the  Senecas  came 
to  send  the  Message  they  did  to  the  Western  Indians  at,  and 
about  Detroit,  he  answered  that  it  must  have  been  set  on  foot 
by  some  Indians  living  on  the  Ohio,  who  had  one  of  their  people 
killed  at,  or  near  Fort  Pitt  last  spring,  others  much  abused  by 
the  English-  That  lately  five  Delawares  were  killed  near 
Shamokin,  &  a  Seneca  by  the  Garrison  of  Venango;  all  which, 
together  with  the  illtreatment  they  generally  met  with  at  the 
Posts,  induced  them  to  imagine  the  English  proposed  to  fall 


460  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

upon  &  destroy  them,  and  was  probably  the  cause  of  their  send- 
ing the  belt  amongst  the  western  Indians  —  That  Tahaiadoris  one 
of  their  Messengers  was  Son  to  Chabert  Joncair- 

Sonajoana  a  Seneca  Chief  with  several  others  arrived,  and 
acquainted  Sir  William  that  he  expected  the  rest  as  tomorrow 

The  Senecas  came  to  inform  Sir  William  that  three  young 
Indians  sent  from  the  Sachems  were  arrived  to  tell  him  that  the 
Sachems  &  Chiefs  of  that  Nation  who  were  on  their  way  to 
Niagara  agreable  to  his  summons,  had  returned  back  on  account 
of  one  of  their  Chief  Men  named  Karaghianaghquas  falling  sick 
which  prevented  their  proceeding,*  but  that  they  would  be  very 
glad  Sir  William  would  deliver  what  he  had  to  say,  to  the  Senecas 
then  at  Niagara,  being  thirty  in  number  with  their  Chief  Sona- 
joana  who  was  impowered  to  hear,  and  acquaint  the  rest  thereof — 
Sir  William  expressed  his  surprize  at  their  not  punctually  obey- 
ing his  summons,  having  something  to  say  to  them  on  which  their 
interest  &  welfare  greatly  depended,  however,  that  he  should 
deliver  what  he  had  to  say  to  those  present  in  the  Afternoon  - 
P.  M.  Monsieur  Gamelin  (newly  arrived  from  Detroit)  informed 
Sir  William  that  an  Ottawa  Indian  had  cautioned  him  to  take 
care  of  himself  as  Niagara,  &  Detroit  would  be  destroyed  in  a 
few  days  — 

Sir  William  sent  to  acquaint  the  Indians  that  he  was  ready 
to  deliver  what  he  had  to  say  to  them  -  whereupon  they  assembled 

Present 
Sir  William  Johnson  Bart 

Major  Walters-]  D     i    A 

.  Koy1  Americans 

Capt  hthermgtonj 

John  Johnson  Esqr. 
Lieut  Guy  Johnson  as  Secry 
Du  Coagne  Interpreter 
Sonajoana,  &  about  thirty  Senecas 


*  It  is  customary  for  Inch,  to  return  home  on  any  of  their  Chiefs  falling 
sick.     (Johnson's  note.) 


Seven  Years    War  461 

Being  all  seated  Sir  William  spoke  to  them  as  follows 

Brethren 

My  sending  for  you  at  this  time  was  to  acquaint  you  that  I 
am  sent  by  the  General  &  Commander  in  Chief  of  his  Britannick 
Majesty's  forces  in  America,  to  the  Detroit  in  order  to  call  a 
Council  and  assemble  all  the  surrounding  Nations,  &  to  establish 
all  matters  on  the  best,  &  most  permanent  footing  in  that  quarter; 
to  assure  them  of  his  Majestys  protection  so  long  as  they  continue 
to  behave  as  Friends 'to  the  English,  as  also  to  regulate  the  Trade 
&  at  every  other  place  where  a  trade  is  carried  on  between  us 
and  the  Indians,  thereby  to  convince  them  of  our  upright  inten- 
tions, and  resolution  to  see  them  done  all  manner  of  Justice 
whilst  they  deserve  our  favour  and  protection  — 

Gave  a  Belt. 
Brethren 

In  the  prosecution  of  my  journey  hither  I  had  frequent  Inter- 
views with  several  of  the  Six  Nations,  but  how  great  was  my 
surprize  when  I  was  given  to  understand  from  a  good  Authority 
that  you,  the  people  in  whom  I  had  always  reposed  so  much  con- 
fidence, whose  happiness  and  true  interest  it  has  been  my  constant 
study  to  promote,  should  without  any  reasonable  motive  for  so 
doing  attempt  to  disturb  the  harmony  subsisting  between  the 
Indians  and  us,  by  sending  Messengers  with  a  War  belt  to 
Detroit  in  order  to  prevail  on  the  several  Nations  of  Indians 
inhabiting  that  Country  to  take  up  the  hatchet,  and  joyn  with 
you  against  the  English,-  Your  Brethren,  Your  Friends  and 
your  Allies  as  you  have  always  termed  them,  ties,  which  your 
perfidiousness  hath  now  falsified  — 

However  astonishing  this  your  extraordinary  Conduct  may 
appear  to  the  English  in  General,  it  cannot  but  affect  me  in  a 
more  particular  &  Sensible  manner  in  consideration  of  the  place 
which  I  hold  under  his  Majesty  which  appoints  me  to  the  Super- 
intendency  of  your,  &  the  Six  Nations  affairs,  A  people  on  whom 
I  have  so  often  bestowed  his  Majestys  bounty,  Who  must  all 


462  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

be  convinced  of  my  constant  &  indefatigable  labour  in  promoting 
a  good  understanding  between  the  English  and  you,  and  in  point- 
ing out  to  you  the  only  means  of  enjoying  peace  &  prosperity 

So  unjustifiable  are  your  late  proceedings  as  not  only  to  sur- 
prize us,  but  to  astonish  those  very  Indians,  so  lately  our  avowed 
Enemys,  who  must  look  upon  it  as  the  highest  perfidy  in  you,  the 
long  feigned  friends  of  the  English  -  suddenly  to  throw  off  the 
Mask  at  a  time  when  all  the  Surrounding  Nations  had  just  began 
to  taste  the  Sweets  of  peace,  &  to  reap  the  advantages  resulting 
from  our  friendly  indulgences  towards  them,  then,  in  violation 
of  the  most  Solemn  treatys  to  lay  a  scheme  which  must  deprive 
them  of  the  blessings  of  peace  and  commerce  by  endeavouring  to 
engage  those  hitherto  well  disposed  people  in  an  unnatural  and 
rebellious  War  which  (if  undertaken)  must  have  unavoidably 
terminated  in  the  ruin  of  the  whole  Indian  Confederacy  -  But 
the  Conduct  of  these  wise  people,  hath  convinced  you,  as  well 
as  us  of  their  just  estimate  of  the  happiness  which  they  enjoy,  & 
the  advantages  resulting  from  our  friendship,  by.  their  con- 
temptuously rejecting  your  pernicious  proposals,  tending  to  a 
breach  of  the  publick  tranquillity  —  If  then  your  Conduct  has 
astonished  those  Nations  as  yet  Strangers  to  us,  in  what  light 
must  you  appear  to  the  English,  who  have  always  hitherto 
esteemed  and  treated  you  as  friends,  and  that  at  a  Considerable 
Expence,  and  what  measures  can  you  take  to  extenuate  your 
guilt,  after  your  evil  tho  weak  endeavors  to  promote  an  unjust 
War 

Let  me  add  as  an  addition  to  your  Crime,  that  on  my  way 
hither,  every  other  Nation  of  the  Confederacy  with  whom  I  had 
any  conference  utterly  disclaimed  their  being  in  any  wise  privy 
thereto  and  in  the  warmest  terms  disapproved  of  your  proceed- 
ings- 

I  now  therefore  address  &  require  you  present  who  represent 
the  Seneca  Nation,  peremptorily  to  acquaint  me,  whether  the  two 
Seneca  Messengers  sent  with  a  belt  to  incite  the  Nations  about 
the  Detroit  to  a  War  against  the  English  were  authorized  for 


Seven  Years'  War  463 

that  purpose  by  your  Nation  or  not,  If  so,  what  were  the  motives 
inducing  you  thereto,  and  what  are  your  present  resolutions 
thereon  that  I  may  be  enabled  to  acquaint  the  Commander  in 
Chief  imediately  therewith  — 

Concluded  with  severely  chiding  them  for  their  stealing  horses 
from  about  Fort  Pitt  &ca 

To  all  which  they  promised  to  prepare  an  answer  against  the 
next  Day  — 

9* 

Sir  William  Johnson  drew  up  Regulations  for  the  Indian  trade 
at  Niagara,  &  Oswego,  Stipulating  the  Quality  &  Quantity  of 
goods  to  be  given  in  exchange  for  the  Indians  Peltry  -  The  Regu- 
lation for  the  former  post  he  delivered  Major  Walters,  &  dis- 
patched that  for  the  latter  to  Major  Duncan  Comds.  Officer  that 
the  Traders  might  be  compelled  to  govern  themselves  thereby, 
&  the  Regulations  properly  enforced  - 

The  Indians  assembled  at  Sir  William's  Quarters  to  answer 
what  he  had  sayed  to  them  the  day  before 

Present  as  before 
Sonajoana  Speaker 

Brother  Warraghiyagey 

What  you  declared  to  us  yesterday  has  given  us  much  uneasi- 
ness especially,  as  we  are  not  only  innocent,  but  entirely  ignorant 
of  the  whole  charge  against  us,  No  such  Message  having  been 
ever  to  our  knowledge  sent  by  our  Nation,  It  having  been 
always  our  intention  to  live  in  strict  friendship  with  the  English; 
but  we  are  of  opinion  that  as  those  Messengers  live  near  Fort 
Pitt  they  must  have  been  dispatched  by  some  Indians  from  that 
Quarter 

We  cannot  deny  but  that  some  of  our  imprudent  young  Men 
have  stolen  some  horses  in  the  Neighbourhood  of  Pittsburgh 
without  our  consent  or  approbation,  but  we  shall  use  all  our 
endeavours  to  put  a  Stop  thereto  for  the  future,  as  well  as  to 


464  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

any  other  cause  of  complaint,  &  hope  thereby  as  well  as  by  the 
rest  of  our  conduct  to  shew  our  good  intentions  to  regain  your 
confidence  &  Esteem - 

gave  a  bunch  of  Wampum 
Brother 

I  now  speak  on  the  behalf  of  the  Warriors  &  principal  Women, 
begging  you  would  consider  their  poverty,  &  allow  the  former 
some  ammunition  to  kill  game  for  their  support,  as  also  to  have 
pity  on  our  Women  who  have  scarcely  cloathing  to  cover  their 
nakedness,  &  be  assured  that  any  favours  which  they  may  now 
receive  from  you  shall  be  remembred  in  the  most  gratefull  & 
friendly  manner  by  the  whole  Nation  — 

gave  a  bunch  of  Wampum 

Having  finished  what  he  had  to  say  —  Sir  William  spoke 
to  them  as  follows  — 

Brethren  of  the  Seneca  Nation 

I  have  attended  with  the  utmost  surprize  to  your  Feigned 
Declarations  of  ignorance  &  innocence  with  regard  to  the  late 
message  sent  to  the  Detroit,  nor  can  your  frivolous  excuses  that 
the  Messengers  lived  Detached  from  you,  have  any  Weight  with 
me,  being  thoroughly  convinced  that  they,  or  any  other  Tribes 
of  your  Nation  (tho*  ever  so  remote)  would  not  presume  to 
undertake  so  dangerous  an  affair  without  your  Concurrence  & 
approbation,  as  you  must  be  sensible  I  well  know  your  custom  of 
consulting  each  other  on  affairs  of  much  less  moment,  nay, 
matters  of  the  smallest  importance  are  never  agreed  to  without 
the  consent  of  you  all  - 

This  affair  so  villainous  &  treacherous  in  its  Nature,  has  been 
fortunately  brought  to  light  partly  thro  the  friendship  and  fidelity 
of  the  Western  Indians,  who  have  made  publick  your  whole 
proceedings.  I  therefore  now  tell  you  plainly  that  I  look  upon 
whatever  you  may  say,  as  an  extinuation  thereof,  to  be  evasive, 
&  Calculated  with  design  farther  to  amuse  and  deceive  a  people 
who  have  too  long  credited  your  false  protestations,  of  friendship, 


Seven  Years'  War  465 

nor  will  all  the  Excuses  you  can  frame  with  all  the  Rethorick 
you  may  be  masters  of,  In  any  wise  satisfy  the  General  or  con- 
vince me  of  your  innocence,  unless  a  Deputation  of  your  Chiefs 
attend  the  Meeting  which  I  am  now  going  to  call  at  the  Detroit, 
&  there  publickly  in  the  name  of  your  people,  &  in  the  presence 
of  all  the  Nations  declare  your  entire  innocence  &  disapprobation 
of  any  thing  proposed  by  those  Messengers  last  Month  tending 
to  excite  a  War  against  us  and  this  I  propose  as  the  onlv 
step  which  you  can  take  to  satisfy  your  Injured  Brethren  the 
English,  and  to  acquit  yourselves  to  the  Indians  of  any  concern 
in  what  was  then  transacted  - 

returned  them  their  own  Wampum  to  shew  he 
paid  no  regard  to  what  they  had  said,  which 
greatly  confounded  them. 

After  some  time  spent  in  Consultation  together,  the  Chiefs 
rose  up,  and  addressed  Sir  William  — 

Brother  Warraghiyagey 

We  are  all  much  concerned  to  find  you  are  so  severe  upon  us, 
after  the  honest  declaration  of  innocence  which  we  made  to  you, 
However,  as  it  has  not  given  you  sufficient  Satisfaction  we  shall 
send  your  belt  off  tomorrow  morning  to  our  Nation  together  with 
what  you  have  sayed  thereon,  &  make  no  doubt  but  some  of  our 
Chief  Men  will  be  imediately  appointed  to  attend,  or  follow 
you  to  the  Detroit,  and  there  (agreable  to  your  request)  publickly 
satisfy  you,  &  the  World  of  our  innocence  of  what  we  are 
accused  - 

Upon  which  Sir  William  desired  they  would  lose  no  time  in 
so  doing  least  the  Meeting  might  be  thereby  retarded,  promised 
he  would  give  them  a  little  cloathing  the  next  Day,  &  as  to 
ammunition  he  told  them  that  their  want  of  it,  &  the  little  notice 
taken  of  them  was  entirely  owing  to  their  own  ill  behaviour  last 
year  in  abandoning  his  Majestys  troops  after  the  Surrender  of 
Isle  Royale,  neither  could  they  with  the  least  Justice  expect  that 


466  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

we  should  put  ammunition  into  the  hands  of  a  people  who 
endeavoured  to  form  a  Confederacy  against  us,  However,  that 
on  their  solemn  declarations  of  innocence,  and  in  expectation  that 
they  might  hereafter  behave  themselves  as  became  faithfull  Allies, 
he  should  so  far  consider  their  demand,  as  to  allow  those  of  their 
Nation  present,  as  much  as  should  serve  them  to  kill  game  on 
their  way  home 

After  which  they  parted 
This  Day  Sir  Williams  boats  arrived  with  the  Indian  present. 

10* 

Nickas  of  Conajoharee  with  the  Mohocks,  &  some  Oneidas 
arrived  — 

Hth 

The  Mohocks  being  desirous  to  speak  with  the  Senecas  upon 
the  before  mentioned  affair,  on  behalf  of  their  Nation  they 
accordingly  called  them  to  the  following  Meeting,  at  which  they 
requested  Sir  William  to  be  present. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Mohocks  &  Oneidas  with  the  Senecas  at 
Niagara  July  1  1 thl 

Present 

Sir  William  Johnson  Bart  Lieut  Guy  Johnson  as  Seer? 
Nickas  Sachem  of  Conajoharee 
&  other  Mohocks  &  Oneidas 
The  Senecas  as  before 

Nickas  addressed  them 

Brethren  of  the  Seneca  Nation 

The  late  imprudent  steps  which  we  are  informed  you  have 
taken,  has  given  our  Nation  much  uneasiness,  &  cannot  fail  of 


"This    should    be    August    1  1th.      July    11th    Johnson    was   at   Fort 

Stanwix. 


Sever?  Years'  War  467 

disobliging  the  whole  Confederacy,  particularly  as  it  hath  been 
without  cause  &  contrary  to  our  inclinations,  And  I  am  to  assure 
you  in  the  Name  of  my  Nation,  that  they,  the  head  of  the  Six 
Nations  are  greatly  disgusted  thereat,  &  expect  that  by  your 
Sorrow  for  what  you  have  done,  &  your  future  good  behaviour 
you  will  make  some  attonement  to  the  English  &  to  us  whom 
you  have  so  greatly  injured,  in  that  we  are  a  part  of  the  Con- 
federacy I  therefore  exhort  you  to  consider  well  what  I  have 
sayed  as  coming  from  the  mouths  of  all  our  Nations,  &  likewise 
to  lay  aside  that  mean  practise  of  stealing  your  Brethren's  horses, 
&  imediately  to  return  all  those  which  are  in  your  possession,  as 
also  to  send  some  of  your  Sachems  to  the  Detroit  with  directions 
to  declare  your  sentiments  in  publick,  &  thereby  clear  yourselves 
(if  possible)  to  your  brethren  the  English  as  well  as  to  all  the 
Western  Indians  of  the  plot  with  which  you  are  charged  — 

Brethren 

Unless  you  agree  to  what  is  proposed,  &  laying  aside  Thieving, 
Drunkenness  &  Quarrells  live  for  the  future  on  the  most  friendly 
terms  with  the  English  you  may  be  assured  that  a  publick  rupture 
must  ensue,  on  which  occasion  you  must  Expect  no  favour  from 
us.  as  we  are  determined  to  look  upon  no  Indians  as  our  friends, 
who  are  Enemys  to  them  — 

Gave  three  Strings  of  Wampum 

The  Senecas  thereupon  after  again  denying  their  knowledge 
of,  or  concern  in  the  plot,  returned  them  thanks  for  their  advice, 
which  they  promised  to  report  to  their  Nation  with  whom  they 
made  no  doubt  it  would  have  the  desired  effect,  as  it  must  be  of 
great  weight  with  them- 

Then  the  Meeting  dissolved 

An  old  Seneca  Chief  called  the  belt,  waited  on  Sir  William 
he  professed  himself  entirely  ignorant  of  the  Indians  designs 


468  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


Sir  William  went  to  the  Landing  place,  or  La  Platon,  from 
which  time  to  the  1  7th  was  spent  in  getting  the  Indian  presents 
&ca  over  the  Carrying  place  to  little  Niagara,  the  Weather  being 
very  wet 

On  the  1  7th  Sir  William  left  La  Platon  &  proceeded  to  Little 
Niagara  where  he  made  preparations  for  proceeding  thro'  Lake 
Erie  to  Detroit  - 

19th  Sir  William  embarked  for  Detroit  having  with  him 
a  Detachment  of  the  Royal  Americans,  &  some  Provincials, 
Indians  &ca  making  in  all  140,  on  board  of  13  Battoes,  & 
Canoes  - 

September  3d 

Sir  William  arrived  at  the  Detroit1 

4th 

A.  M  -  The  principal  Sachems  &  Warriors  of  the  Delawares, 
Shawanese,  Mohiccons,  Wiandots  &  Six  Nations,  residing  over 
the  Lakes,  or  on  the  Ohio,  &  its  several  branches  waited  on  Sir 
William  Johnson  &  acquainted  him  that  agreable  to  his  message 
delivered  by  George  Croghan  Esqr  Depy  Agent,  they  came 
thither  and  had  waited  his  arrival  in  order  to  attend  the  Con- 
ference to  which  they  had  been  summoned;  Assuring  him  that 
his  safe  arrival  gave  them  infinite  Satisfaction  -  Whereupon  Sir 
William  after  after  thanking  them  for  their  punctuality  in  obeying 
his  Summons,  ordered  some  pipes  &  Tobacco  to  be  distributed 
amongst  them,  &  after  giving  each  of  them  a  dram  they  retired  - 

Then  the  principal  Sachems  &  Warriors  of  the  Wiandot 
Castle  opposite  Detroit  waited  on  &  addressed  him  in  the  follow- 
ing manner  — 


1The  following  is  the  same  essentially  as  Johnson's  account,  in  the 
Johnson  Calendar,  p.  118,  of  preliminary  meetings  with  Indians  at  Detroit, 
September  3-4,  1  761 ,  a  document  which  was  burned  but  of  which  a  copy 
is  preserved. 


Seven  Years    War  469 

Brother 

By  this  String  of  wampum  we  heartily  and  sincerely  wellcome 
you  to  our  Country,  &  wipe  the  Sweat  from  off  your  Eyes,  that 
you  may  see  and  distinguish  clearly  your  Brethren  of  all  Nations 
who  have  with  pleasure  assembled  themselves  here,  to  attend  the 
Conference  agreable  to  your  desire. 

Gave  a  String 
Brother 

With  this  String  we  clear  the  passage  to  your  heart  and  remove 
from  your  remembrance  any  ill  news  which  you  may  have  heard 
on  your  way  hither,  so  that  you  may  freely  speak  your  mind,  & 
declare  your  sentiments,  as  well  to  your  Brethren  the  Indians 
of  the  several  Nations  residing  in  &  about  this  Country,  as  on 
the  Ohio,  and  its  branches,  who  are  all  Assembled  here  in 
obedience  to  your  Summons  — 

A  string 
Brother 

With  this  string  we  open  your  ears  that  you  may  likewise  hear 
&  attend  to  what  your  brethren  of  the  several  Nations  here 
assembled  shall  have  to  say  at  the  ensuing  Conference 

gave  a  String 

The  Speaker  having  ended,  Sir  William  Johnson  returned 
them  thanks  for  the  friendly  manner  in  which  they  had  wellcomed 
him  to  the  Detroit,  expressed  his  great  satisfaction  at  their  readi- 
ness in  obeying  his  summons  and  desired  to  know  whether  all 
the  Indians  who  were  to  attend  the  Meeting,  were  yet  arrived, 
to  which  they  answered  that  there  were  some  Indian  Chiefs  of 
each  of  the  Nations  in  the  Neighbourhood  who  were  yet  behind, 
but  that  they  were  expected  within  a  few  days.  After  which 
each  of  them  received  pipes,  Tobacco  &  a  Dram  and  then 
departed  - 

Then  the  Chiefs  &  Warriors  of  the  Powtewatamis,  Ottawas, 
and  Chipeweighs,  successively  waited  on  him,  &  after  going 
through  the  usual  cememonys  practised  at  Meetings  on  these 


470  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

Occasions,  were  treated  and  dismissed  by  Sir  William  in  the 
same  manner  &  form  as  was  used  with  the  Wiandots 

Mr.  Croghan  delivered  Sir  William  The  following  Minutes 
of  a  Conference  held  by  the  Del  a  wares  with  the  other  Nations 
at  Detroit,  August  20th  with  their  Answers  - 

The  Delawares  called  the  other  Nations  to  a  Council  and 
Condoled  with  them,  &  went  thro'  all  the  usual  Ceremonys  on 
these  occasions  -  Then  told  the  Indians  to  meet  the  next  day, 
that  they  had  something  to  say  to  them  before  Sir  Wm  Johnson's 
arrival  — 

On  the  21st.  When  the  Indians  were  all  assembled  the  Dela- 
wares sent  for  Capt  Campble,  &  Mr.  Croghan  to  be  present,  & 
proceeded  as  follows,  first  addressing  the  Wiandots  - 

Uncles  the  Wiandots 

As  we  are  come  with  our  Brethren  the  English  to  your  Council 
fire,  we  have  something  to  say  to  you  from  all  the  Tribes  of  the 
Delawares  &  other  Nations  to  the  sunsetting,  &  we  desire  you 

will  hear  it-  ^  u  u 

Gave  a  belt 

You  sent  us  word  sometime  ago  that  you  were  determined  to 
live  at  peace  with  all  Nations,  we  are  glad  to  hear  it,  and  as  we 
have  now  travelled  the  road  you  have  made,  &  seen  your  Council 
fire  we  find  your  road  good  &  believe  you  are  sincerely  desirous 
of  propagating  a  lasting  peace  which  we  are  glad  to  see  — 

Gave  a  belt 

When  we  heard  what  you  had  done  we  set  off  to  help  you  to 
make  this  road  of  peace,  and  as  far  as  we  have  come  we  have 
thrown  such  Logs  as  you  did  not  see  off  it,  so  that  it  is  now  smooth 
and  pleasant  to  travel,  and  by  this  belt  we  desire  it  may  be  made 
clear  &  pleasant  to  the  very  place  where  the  Sun  goes  down, 
thro'  all  Nations  that  we  &  our  Brethren  the  English  may  travel 
it  in  peace  to  visit  our  Brethren,  &  they  us,  that  our  Children 
unborn  may  enjoy  the  good  of  this  peace  — 

Gave  a  belt 


Seven  Years    War  471 

By  this  belt  I  Clean  out  your  Council  House,  and  throw  every 
thing  that  is  evil  from  your  thoughts,  that  you  may  for  the  future 
believe  no  false  reports  from  any  Nation,  that  will  disturb  the 
peace  which  is  now  to  be  made  between  us,  &  our  Brethren  — 

Gave  a  belt 
Brethren 

We  have  brought  with  us  a  junk  of  the  first  Council  fire  which 
was  kindled  at  the  Sun  rising,  which  was  a  fire  of  peace,  we  now 
kindle  it  in  your  Council  house,  that  all  Nations  to  the  Sun- 
setting  may  see  that  it  is  a  fire  of  peace,  and  come  to  it  to  confirm 
the  peace  with  us,  &  our  Brethren  the  English  - 

Gave  a  belt 
Uncles  the  Wiandots 

Every  thing  is  now  done  on  our  part  to  strengthen  the  peace, 
we  desire  you  to  be  strong  on  your  part,  and  not  to  listen  to  any 
idle  reports,  we  tell  you,  we  are  determined  to  hold  fast  by  it  & 
our  Brethren,  we  desire  you  to  do  the  same  &  all  other  Nations 
to  the  Sunsetting,  that  our  Children  may  enjoy  the  blessing  of 
this  peace  —  Gave  a  belt 

They  then  repeated  the  same  to  the  Ottawas,  &  gave  them  as 
many  belts,  and  also  to  the  Chipeweighs  &  Powtewatamis  in 
like  manner 

On  the  25th  the  Wiandots  had  a  meeting  with  the  Delawares 
When  they  repeated  all  that  had  been  said  to  them,  &  assured 
them,  they  were  well  pleased  with  what  they  had  said ;  and  would 
make  it  their  study  to  preserve  the  peace,  &  returned  a  belt  for 
every  one  which  they  had  received  as  did  the  other  Nations  — 

P.  M.  Sir  William  Johnson  settled  with  Major  Gladwin  the 
Number  of  posts  to  be  taken  possession  of  &  the  strength  of  each 
Garrison  &c  — 

5th  The  Huron  Women  waited  on  Sir  William  to  wellcome  him 
to  the  Detroit,  &  presented  him  with  some  Indian  Corn,  the 


472  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

produce  of  their  Lands,  in  return  he  ordered  a  Beef  for  their 
Nation --The  Priest,  &  all  the  principal  Inhabitants  likewise 
waited  on  him  — • 

6th 

The  Ottawas  made  a  Speech  to  Sir  William  by  Monsr.  Le 
Bute  Interpreter  begging  he  would  consider  their  wants  &  Neces- 
sitys  which  were  very  great  (particularly  their  Want  of  powder) 
and  that  he  would  likewise  consider  the  French  Interpreters,  and 
other  kept  in  Office  about  them,  &  Continue  them  in  their  several 
Employments  —  gave  a  belt  of  Wampum 

Sir  William  answered  them 

That  he  should  in  due  time  consider  the  Wants  which  they 
had  represented  and  hoped  they  would  for  the  future  by  their 
hunting  and  by  an  Industrious  way  of  life  be  enabled  to  Support 
their  f amilys  without  any  other  assistance  - 

That  he  should  likewise  consider  all  those  Interpreters,  or 
others  who  had  behaved  themselves  well,  and  as  he  saw  occasion 
continue  such  of  them  as  were  judged  the  best  qualified  — 

Gave  a  belt  in  return 
7th 

Sir  William  had  all  the  Chiefs  of  the  Delawares,  Shawanese 
&  the  rest  of  the  Nations  living  on  the  South  side  of  Lake  Erie 
&ca  with  him  this  Day,  when  he  informed  them  that  he  would 
open  the  Conference  by  making  a  Speech  to  all  the  Nations  on 
Wednesday  next,  at  which  time  he  desired  that  they,  &  all  the 
rest  of  the  Nations  would  be  ready  to  attend  the  same,  and  after 
giving  to  each  of  them  pipes,  Tobacco,  and  Rum,  they  took 
their  Leaves  promising  to  be  ready  at  the  appointed  time 

8«h 

Sir  William  prepared,  &  Explained  his  Speech  to  the  Inter- 
preters —  he  likewise  prepared  the  following  Instructions  for  the 
Officers  going  to  the  several  Posts 


Seven  Years'  War  473 

Detroit  Sept'.  8*  1761  — 

Instructions  for  the  Officers  Commands  at  Michilimac- 
kinack,  Sl  Joseph  &ca  relative  to  their  conduct  with 
the  Indians  — 

The  Officer  to  keep  up  a  good  understanding  with  all  the 
Indians  who  live  near  his  post,  &  with  those  who  may  resort 
thither  on  business  &  to  see  that  no  injustice  is  done  to  them  in 
trade  or  otherwise  — 

To  prevent  his  Garrison  from  having  much  Intercourse  with 
the  Indians,  or  rambling  abroad  amongst  them,  as  that  often 
creates  disputes  &  Quarrels  between  a  soldier,  &  Indian  for  want 
of  understanding  each  other  — 

As  it  will  be  necessary  to  have  an  Interpreter  at  each  of  the 
posts,  the  Officer  will  (after  he  arrives  at  a  knowledge  of  the 
French  Inhabitants)  choose  one  of  the  honestest  &  best  Qualified 
of  them  to  serve  as  Interpreter  when  called  upon,  &  not  other- 
wise, who  will  be  paid  yearly  what  the  Officer  agrees  with  him 
for,  which  cannot  be  much,  as  it  will  not  prevent  him  following 
his  other  business  — 

To  keep  up  a  Correspondence  as  well  as  possible  with  the 
Officers  of  the  next  posts,  as  also  with  the  Command1,  of  Detroit, 
which  will  enable  him  and  them  to  act  uniformly,  and  have  good 
intelligence  and  knowledge  of  the  dispositions  of  those  Nations 
of  Indians  in  whose  Neighbourhood  they  are  posted  —  In  order 
to  prevent  as  much  as  possible  abuses  in  trade,  the  Officer  is  to 
see  that  all  Traders  strictly  adhere  to  the  regulation  made  for 
that  purpose,  on  pain  of  being  banished,  &  no  person  is  to  be 
allowed  trading  with,  or  carrying  goods  to  any  Nation  or  place 
to  the  Northward,  or  Westward  of  the  Detroit,  except  where 
there  is  a  Garrison  &  an  Officer  Commanding,  who  is  at  every 
such  post  to  see  that  such  Trader  shall  before  he  is  permitted  to 
trade,  produce  his  passport  for  that  purpose  from  Sir  Wm.  John- 
son his  Majestys  Sole  Agent  and  Superintendant  of  Indian  affairs, 
or  his  Deputy,  and  sealed  with  his  seal  at  Arms  — 


474  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

On  the  Officers  arrival  at  his  Post,  if  the  Indians  make  appli- 
cation to  have  their  Arms  &ca  mended,  and  that  he  judged  it 
necessary  to  comply  therewith,  He  is  to  order  any  Smith  residing 
there,  to  repair  the  same,  agreeing  on  the  most  reasonable  terms 
with  him,  which  Smith  is  annually  to  present  an  attested  Accompt 
to  the  Commanding  Officer,  of  the  Work  done  by  him,  in  order 
to  its  being  transmitted  to  Sir  William  Johnson,  who  will  dis- 
charge the  same- 

These  Instructions  Sir  William  delivered  Captain  Campbell 
that  the  Officers  might  have  Copies  thereof 

9th 

The  Indians  all  Assembled,  it  being  the  Day  appointed  for 
opening  the  Conference  — 

Proceedings  at  a  Treaty  held  at  D'etroit  by  Sir  Will™.  Johnson 
Bart  with  the  Sachems,  &  Warriors  of  the  several  Nations  of 
Indians  there  assembled 

Present 

Sir  Wm.  Johnson  Bart  — 

George  Croghan  Esqr.  D.  Agl.  for  Indn.  affairs 

Capt.  Campbell  Commands  at  Detroit 

Balfour 
McLeod 


Lieuts  R  Americans 

McDonnell  J 

Williamoz        ^ 

}  Gages 
Campbell 

r?     •  King  ^ 

Ensigns  r  n       f   Gages 

Horsetail      J 

with  several  other  Gentlemen  & 
Lieut  Guy  Johnson  as  Secretary 

iMonsr.  Le  Bute      1 
L  for 
Monsr.  S*.  Martin  J 


Seven  Years    War  475 

The  Sachems,  &  Warriors  of  the  following  several  Nations  — 
Wiandots,  Saguenays,  Ottawas,  Chipeweighs,  Powte- 
watamis,  Kickapous,  Twightwees,  Delawares,  Sha- 
wanese,  Mohicons,  Mohocks,  Oneidas  &  Senecas  — 

Sir  William  opened  the  Conference  with  the  following 
Speech  — 

Brethren  of  the  several  Nations  here  assembled,  Sachems, 
Chieftains  &  Warriors  — 

It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  meet  so  many  Nations  assembled 
here  on  my  summons,  and  as  I  am  come  A  long  journey  to  see, 
and  talk  with  you,  on  matters  relative  to  your  interest,  in  order  to 
prepare  you  to  hear  the  same  I  do  agreable  to  the  Custom  of  our 
Ancestors,  wipe  away  those  Tears  from  your  Eyes  which  were 
shed  for  the  losses  you  sustained  during  the  War  in  which  you 
were  imprudently  engaged  against  the  English,  that  you  may 
clearly  discern  your  present  interest  &  look  with  a  Chearfull  and 
friendly  countenance  when  you  speak  with,  or  are  spoke  to  by 
your  brethen  the  English  * 

Gave  three  Strings  of  Wampum 
Brethren 

Having  cleared  your  Sight,  I  do  in  the  next  place  open  the 
passage  to  your  heart  that  you  may  at  this  Meeting  speak  honestly 
&  brotherlike,  &  not  from  the  Lips  as  some  unthinking  and  evil 
minded  Nations  have  lately  done  — 

Gave  three  Strings 
Brethren 

Several  of  our  people  being  killed  in  the  War  in  which  you 
were  engaged  against  us.  I  now  therefore  wipe  away  the  blood 
which  was  shed  that  the  sight  thereof  may  no  more  offend  or 
grieve  you  — 

Gave  three  Strings 


*  N.  B.     These  Ceremonys  of  condolance  &ca  are  always  performed 
at  the  opening  of  a  Meeting.     (Johnson's  own  note.) 


476  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

Brethren 

I  do  also  pluck  out  of  your  heads  the  Hatchet  with  which  we 
were  obliged  to  strike  you,  &  apply  a  healing  salve  to  the  Wound. 

Gave  a  belt  of  7  Rows 
Brethren 

As  the  bones  of  those  people  which  you  have  lost,  do  now 
require  interrment,  I  do  with  this  belt  of  Wampum  gather  them 
alltogether,  bury  them  deep,  &  level  the  graves  with  the  ground 
so  that  they  may  no  more  be  seen  — 

Gave  a  black  Belt  of  15  Rows 
Brethren 

The  great  King  George  my  Master  being  graciously  pleased 
some  years  ago  to  appoint  me  to  the  Sole  management  &  Care 
of  all  his  Indian  Allies  in  the  Northern  parts  of  North  America 
directed  me  to  light  up  a  large  Council  fire  at  my  House  in  the 
Mohocks  Country  for  all  Nations  of  Indians  in  amity  with  his 
Subjects,  or  who  were  inclined  to  put  themselves  under  his  Royal 
protection  to  come  thereto,  and  receive  the  benefit  thereof.  This 
fire  yields  such  a  friendly  warmth  that  many  Nations  have  since 
assembled  thereto,  and  daily  partake  of  its  influence  —  I  have 
therefore  now  brought  a  brand  thereof  with  me  to  the  place  with 
which  I  here  kindle  up  a  large  Council  fire  made  of  such  Wood 
as  shall  burn  bright  &  be  unextinguishable,  whose  kindly  Warmth 
shall  be  felt  in,  and  shall  extend  to  the  most  remote  Nations,  and 
shall  induce  all  Indians,  even  from  the  setting  of  the  Sun  to  come 
hither  and  partake  thereof  — 

Gave  a  belt  of  nine  Rows 
Brethren 

With  this  belt  I  clean  out  and  purge  your  Council  Chamber 
from  all  rubbish  in  order  to  prepare  it  for  our  future  reception 
so  that  we  may  meet  and  deliberate  therein  for  the  time  to  come 
without  any  manner  of  impediment  — 

Gave  a  belt  of  six  Rows 


Seven  Years'  War  477 

Brethren 

With  Satisfaction  I  inform  you  that  his  Excellency  General 
Amherst  is  well  pleased  to  hear  of  your  friendly  behaviour 
towards  his  Majestys  Forces,  at  their  taking  possession  of  this 
place  last  Year,  as  well  as  of  the  promises  you  made  us  of  becom- 
ing our  friends  and  Allies,  &  of  renewing  the  old  Covenant  Chain 
at  the  Meeting  then  held  here  in  presence  of  Mr.  Croghan  my 
Deputy,  as  also  of  your  late  Wisdom  in  Rejecting  the  belt  sent 
you  by  some  Indians  with  intent  to  stir  you  up  against  your 
Brethren  the  English,  which  had  you  agreed  to  must  have  not 
only  terminated  in  your  destruction  but  that  of  all  those  con- 
cerned —  And  I  have  the  pleasure  to  observe  that  all  the  Indian 
Nations  through  which  I  passed  on  my  way  hither  were  so  well 
convinced  of  its  consequences  that  they  publickly  disavowed 
their  knowledge  or  approbation  thereof,  I  thereof  take  this  oppor- 
tunity of  addressing  each  Nation  here  assembled  desiring  to  be 
informed,  who  were  the  people  who  sent  that  Belt  hither,  &  what 
were  the  motives  alledged  to  induce  them  to  so  unjustifiable  a 
proceeding  — 

Gave  a  belt  of  twelve  Rows 
Brethren 

With  this  belt  In  the  name  of  his  Britannick  Majesty  I 
strengthen  and  renew  the  antient  Covenant  Chain  formerly  sub- 
sisting between  us,  that  it  may  remain  bright  &  lasting  to  the 
latest  Ages,  earnestly  recommending  it  to  you,  to  do  the  same, 
and  to  hold  fast  thereby  as  the  only  means  by  which  you  may 
expect  to  become  a  happy  &  flourishing  people. 

Gave  a  belt  of  the  Covenant  Chain 
containing  20  Rows  of  Wampum 
Brethren 

The  Just  War  which  his  Britannick  Majesty  undertook  for 
the  defence  of  his  lawfull  Claims,  &  the  territories  which  he  was 
bound  to  protect  for  his  Indian  Allies  in  America  being  well 
known  to  all  here  present,  it  will  therefore  be  judged  needless  to 


478  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

recapitulate  the  same  at  this  period,  or  to  acquaint  you  with  the 
great  success  with  which  his  Arms  hath  been  blessed  by  the  entire 
reduction  of  Canada  and  all  its  Dependencies  - 

The  happy  period  being  now  arrived  which  has  freed  you 
from  the  Calamitys  of  War  &  enabled  you  to  enjoy  your  long 
desired  tranquillity,  His  Majesty  allways  attentive  to  the  Wel- 
fare of  his  Subjects  and  Allies  is  now  resolved  to  shew  you  the 
mild  use  which  he  purposes  to  make  of  his  Victorys  by  Culti- 
vating the  arts  of  peace,  repairing  the  ruins  and  devastation 
usually  attendant  on  War,  &  establishing  harmony  and  concord 
throughout  all  his  dominions  —  For  these  purposes  am  I  sent  by 
the  General  &  Commander  in  Chief  to  renew  in  his  Majesty's 
Name  the  friendship  formerly  subsisting  between  you  and  us,  to 
give  assurances  of  his  clemency  and  favour  to  all  such  Nations 
of  Indians  as  are  desirous  to  come  under  his  Royal  protection, 
as  well  as  to  acquaint  you  that  his  Majesty  will  promote  to  the 
utmost  an  extensive  plentifull  commerce  on  the  most  Equitable 
terms  between  his  Subjects  &  all  Indians  who  are  willing  to 
entitle  themselves  thereto,  &  to  partake  of  his  Royal  Clemency 
by  entring  into  an  offensive  and  Defensive  Alliance  with  the 
British  Crown  —  Gave  a  belt  of  1 5  Rows 

Brethren 

I  can  with  confidence  assure  you  that  it  is  not  at  present, 
neither  hath  it  been  his  Majestys  intentions  to  deprive  any  Nation 
of  Indians  of  their  Just  property  by  taking  possess",  of  any  Lands 
to  which  they  have  a  lawfull  Claim,  farther  than  for  the  better 
promoting  of  an  extensive  Commerce,  for  the  security  and  pro- 
tection of  which  (and  for  the  occupying  of  such  posts  as  have 
been  surrendered  to  us  by  the  Capitulation  of  Canada)  Troops 
are  now  on  their  way;  I  therefore  expect  that  you  will  consider 
and  treat  them  as  Brethren,  and  continue  to  live  on  terms  of  the 
strictest  Friendship  with  them  —  and  as  I  now  declare  these  his 
Majestys  favourable  intentions  to  do  you  justice,  I  expect  in 
return  that  nothing  shall  on  your  parts  be  wanting  to  testify  the 


Seven  Years    War  479 

just  Sense  which  you  all  conceive  of  his  Majesty's  favour,  and 
of  your  earnest  desire  to  live  with  the  British  Subjects  on  the 
terms  of  friendship  and  alliance  — 

Gave  a  belt  of  7  Rows 
Brethren 

I  have  heard  with  great  satisfaction  from  Mr.  Croghan  that 
agreable  to  my  desire  made  to  the  several  Nations  two  years 
Ago,  of  delivering  up  what  English  prisoners  remained  amongst 
you,  or  were  still  in  your  possession,  you  have  in  Consequence 
thereof  given  up  a  Considerable  number,  and  as  we  are  now  to 
be  unted  by  Alliance  &  become  one  people,  I  expect  you  will 
likewise  discharge  any  who  yet  remain  with  you  —  Agreable  to 
the  promises  then  made  — •  Gave  a  belt  of  7  Rows 

Brethren 

It  gives  me  great  concern  to  hear  daily  complaints  from  your 
Brethren  the  English  against  you  on  account  of  your  stealing  his 
Majesty s  Horses,  &  those  of  the  Traders  who  bring  goods  to 
dispose  of  amongst  you;  As  a  behaviour  of  this  kind  so  unlike 
that  of  Brethren  may,  if  not  imediately  discontinued  be  pro- 
ductive of  very  fatal  Consequences  —  I  therefore  by  this  belt 
recommend  it  to  you  all  to  desist  for  the  future  from  a  practise  so 
mean,  &  scandalous  &  unbecoming  the  Character  of  Men  who 
claim  the  title  of  Brethren  and  British  Allies,  and  I  hope  that 
what  I  have  now  been  obliged  to  say  on  that  head  will  suffi- 
ciently put  a  Stop  thereto  &  prefent  me  from  being  obliged  to 
consider  you  as  a  people  incapable  of  relishing  the  benefit  of 
friendly  admonition  or  advice  — 

Gave  a  belt  of  8  Rows 
Brethren  of  the  Delawares 

The  sensible  and  friendly  manner  in  which  you  delivered 
your  sentiments  on  several  interesting  points  at  the  Conference 
held  between  you  and  the  Nations  inhabiting  these  parts  before 
my  arrival  here  (as  appears  by  the  Minutes  of  that  Conference 


480  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

now  before  me)  gives  me  the  highest  idea  of,  your  wisdom,  as 
well  as  of  your  friendship  for  us,  and  cannot  fail  of  producing 
the  most  salutary  ends,  When  attended  to  and  seconded  by  the 
rest  of  the  Nations  of  the  Confederacy,  and  therefore  as  a  proof 
of  my  Intention  to  promote  so  necessary  a  work,  I  do  by  this  belt 
of  Wampum  offer  my  assistance  to  make  the  road  of  peace  even, 
broad,  and  easy  for  travelling  as  far  as  the  Setting  of  the  Sun  — • 
Assuring  you  that  whenever  it  may  happen  to  be  any  ways 
obstructed,  or  out  of  order  I  shall  use  all  my  endeavors  towards 
the  repairing  of  the  same,  and  thereby  keep  open  a  friendly 
intercourse  with  our  Allies  to  the  latest  Ages  — 

Gave  a  belt  of  9  Rows 

Brethren  of  the  several  Nations  here  assembled 

Altho'  the  management  of  your  Affairs  is  the  Province  allotted 
to  me  by  his  Majesty,  I  am  no  less  bound  by  inclination  than  by 
duty  to  serve  you,  &  so  long  as  you  shall  pay  a  strict  adherence 
to  every  part  of  the  present  treaty,  I  shall  esteem  all  your  Nations 
as  our  true  and  natural  Allies,  treat  with  you  independent  of  any 
other  Nation,  or  Nations  of  Indians  whatsoever,  &  use  the  utmost 
exertion  of  my  abilities  in  the  promoting  of  your  interest  & 
welfare  — 

Let  me  then  recommend  to  you,  unanimity  in  preserving 
inviolably,  &  without  the  least  infringement  every  part  thereof 
to  the  latest  posterity  —  Let  me  exhort  you  to  remember  that 
you  are  now  furnished  with  the  means  of  becoming  a  great  and 
flourishing  people,  and  to  consider  the  due  observance  of  the 
present  union  as  the  basis  on  which  your  freedom  and  happiness 
must  for  ever  depend —  Gave  a  belt  of  7  Rows 

Sir  William  having  ended  his  Speech  —  The  Mohocks  & 
Oneidas  addressed  the  other  Indians  in  manner  following 


Seven  Years    War  481 

Nickas  Sachem  of  Conajoharee  Speaker 
Brethren  of  the  Huron  &  Ottawa  Confederacy 

I  am  now  on  the  part  of  my  Nation  to  wipe  your  Eyes  that 
you  may  see  us  clearly,  and  discover  us  to  be  your  brethren,  and 
I  now  likewise  clear  your  births  from  any  rubbish  which  may  be 
therein  — 

Gave  three  Strings  of  Wampum 
Brethren 

With  this  belt  I  level  the  graves  of  all  those  Indians  of  your 
Nations  who  were  slain  during  the  War,  so  that  the  sight  thereof 
may  no  more  grieve  you,  or  give  offence  to  those  yet  unborn  — 

A  Belt 

Brethren 

I  now  clear  away,  and  dispel  those  dark  Clouds  which  Your 
late  Father  the  French  threw  over  the  Earth  by  plucking  the  Sun 
out  of  the  firmament,  so  that  all  your  Nations  were  in  darkness 
&  consequently  could  not  see  your  friends  the  English,  and  us, 
neither  could  you  attend  to  your  own  interest,  therefore  with  this 
belt  I  now  clear  away  and  remove  the  Clouds,  and  put  the  Sun 
in  its  proper  place,  so  that  you  may  again  behold  your  Brethren, 
and  Friends,  &  be  enabled  to  pay  attention  to  your  own  interest  — 

A  Belt 
Brethren 

I  am  sent  hither  by  my  Natibn  to  acquaint  you  all  of  our 
disposition  &  resolutions  to  remain  steadfast  friends  &  brethren 
to  the  English,  (as  we  always  have  been)  &  we  earnestly  recom- 
mend it  to  you  to  follow  our  Example  so  essential  to  your  own 
interest  —  As  our  Brother  is  now  come  to  settle  all  matters  on 
the  most  amicable  footing  &  renew  the  Covenant  Chain  of  friend- 
ship, we  hope  you  will  embrace  this  favourable  opportunity  and 
hold  each  other  fast  by  the  Arm,  so  firm  that  nothing  may  ever 
seperate  us  till  our  deaths  —  A  belt 

Vol.  Ill— 16 


482  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

Brethren 

We  are  the  Door  of  the  six  Nations,  as  we  live  next  to  our 
Brethren  the  English  we  must  therefore  of  Course  be  first 
acquainted  with  whatever  News  may  be  stirring,  I  must  therefore 
beg  and  request  you  will  not  listen,  or  pay  the  least  regard  to  any 
evil  reports  which  may  happen  to  be  brought  to  you  by,  or  from 
any  of  the  other  Nations  (Such  as  that  from  the  Senecas  the 
other  day)  since  if  any  thing  ill  is  intended  against  us,  you  may 
depend  on  seeing  the  Mohocks  here  —  A  belt 

Brethren 

You  now  see  your  Friend  and  Brother  who  is  come  into  your 
Country  for  your  benefit,  and  that  of  all  Indians  whatsoever, 
he  has  made  the  Lakes  hither  smooth,  &  the  roads  even  and 
good,  so  that  they  may  be  passed  without  any  interruption,  I 
have  accompanied  him  &  contributed  my  small  assistance  towards 
the  completion  of  so  good  a  Work,  I  now  therefore  beg  to  recom- 
mend the  same  to  you,  &  that  you  may  strictly  attend  towards 
the  same  for  the  future  so  that  our  intercourse  may  for  ever  be 
free  &  uninterrupted  —  A  belt 

Brethren 

Your  Brother  having  taken  so  much  pains  to  establish  tran- 
quillity, as  a  means  for  preserving  the  same  I  must  recommend 
it  to  you  Sachems  to  put  an  imediate  stop  to  your  young  men's 
practise  of  stealing  Horses  either  belonging  to  the  King  of  Eng- 
land, to  the  Traders,  or  any  other  persons  who  are  your  Brethren, 
as  a  Continuance  in  so  doing  must  not  only  prove  to  your  preju- 
dice in  preventing  the  Traders  from  Coming  amongst  you,  but 
must,  as  your  Brother  has  already  observed  be  inevitably  produc- 
tive of  a  quarrel,  as  well  as  overset  the  good  work  of  peace  which 
your  Brother  has  been  at  so  much  pains  to  establish 

A  belt. 

Having  finished  his  Speech,  the  Conference  broke 
up  for  this  day,  the  Indians  retiring  to  consider 
on,  &  prepare  an  Answer  — 


Seven  Years    War  483 


P.  M.     The  Indians  all  assembled  to  deliver  in  their  Answer 

Present  as  Yesterday 
Anaiasa,  Chief  of  the  Hurons,  addressed  Sir  Wm.  as  follows 

Brother  Warraghiyagey 

By  this  Belt  we  return  you  our  Sincerest  acknowledgments  for 
your  compliance  with  the  Customs  of  our  forefathers  in  drying 
up  those  tears  which  were  shed  for  our  losses  in  the  War  which 
we  were  imprudently  led  into  against  the  English,  as  also  for 
clearing  our  sight  so  that  we  may  now  see  our  interest  — 

Brother 

We  return  you  hearty  thanks  for  your  goodness  in  clearing 
and  opening  the  passage  to  our  hearts,  so  as  to  enable  us  to 
speak  our  Mind  freely  together,  and  we  are  greatly  rejoyced 
and  return  thanks  to  the  great  being  above,  for  preserving  and 
conducting  you  hither  for  so  good  a  purpose  which  we  are  certain 
must  afford  great  satisfaction  to  all  Indians  whatsoever  — 

A  belt 
Brother 

We  are  likewise  very  sensible  of  your  goodness  in  wiping 
away  the  blood  which  was  shed,  so  that  the  sight  thereof  might 
not  give  any  farther  Cause  of  grief  —  A  belt 

Brother 

Your  taking  the  hatchet  out  of  our  heads  with  which  you  were 
obliged  to  strike  us,  and  your  applying  a  remedy  to  our  Wounds 
claims  also  our  most  gratefull  Acknowledgm*  A  belt 

Brother 

Your  goodness  in  collecting  the  bones  of  our  slain  which 
required  interrment,  &  in  burying  them,  &  levelling  the  graves 
so  that  they  may  no  more  be  seen,  we  heartily  return  you  thanks 
for,  as  we  do  likewise  for  your  clearing  the  Sky,  and  dispelling 
the  darkness  under  which  we  have  lived  by  bringing  us  peace. 

A  belt 


484  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

Brother 

The  Choice  which  the  Great  King  of  England  made  of  you 
for  the  Superintendency  of  our  Affairs,  affords  us  all  much 
satisfaction,  we  already  feel  the  good  effects  of  your  Council 
fire  in  that  you  bring  us  the  agreable  news  of  peace,  we  likewise 
heartily  thank  you  for  the  Council  fire  which  you  have  kindled 
at  this  place  and  which  it  shall  be  our  constant  study  to  renew 
and  keep  it  continually  up,  so  that  we  may  always  partake 
thereof  — 

A  belt 
Brother 

The  care  you  have  shewn  in  Cleansing  out  our  Council 
Chamber  so  that  nothing  may  prevent  our  proceeding  on  business 
We  take  very  kindly,  and  shall  for  the  time  to  come  keep  it  in 
such  good  order  that  it  may  always  be  prepared  for  our  mutual 
reception-  A  belf 

Brother 

We  are  very  happy  in  finding  that  our  behaviour  last  year  on 
the  taking  possession  of  this  place  by  the  English  has  meritted 
the  Generals  and  your  approbation,  and  we  hope  that  all  the 
steps  which  we  have  since  taken  will  be  considered  as  so  many 
proofs  of  our  firm  intentions  to  keep  the  Covenant  Chain  bright 
and  lasting  and  so  to  hand  it  down  to  posterity  — 

We  are  now  to  answer  your  demand  concerning  the  belt  sent 
to  us,  the  motives  for  their  so  doing  who  were  the  cause  thereof 
we  know  not  but  here  is  the  Man  *  now  present  who  was  one 
of  the  Messengers,  he  best  can  inform  you,  and  we  hope  our 
proceedings  thereon  with  which  you  are  well  acquainted,  will 
convince  you  of  our  disapprobation  thereof  — 

A  belt 


*  Pointing  to  Kayashoto  one  of  the  Seneca  Messengers  then  present  — 
(Johnson's  own  note.) 


Seven  Years'  War  485 

Brother 

We  thank  you  for  renewing  the  old  Covenant  Chain  subsisting 
between  our  Ancestors,  &  you,  and  we  on  our  parts  heartily  con- 
curr  with  you  therein,  and  with  this  belt  we  now  renew  & 
strengthen  it,  and  shall  hold  fast  by  it  for  ever  — 

A  belt 

We  are  heartily  obliged  to  the  great  King  for  his  good  inten- 
tions towards  us,  &  to  the  General  for  sending  you  to  us  to  pro- 
mote the  good  work  of  peace,  and  to  heal  our  Wounds  which 
were  still  running,  and  it  is  with  pleasure  we  tell  you  that  we 
now  begin  to  see  with  our  own  Eyes,  &  can  perceive  the  pains 
you  have  taken  to  dispell  the  darkness  which  so  long  hung  over 
us,  and  to  make  the  way  smooth  between  our  Brethren  and  us; 
We  therefore  with  pleasure  embrace  This  union,  and  we  joyn 
ourselves  together  with  our  Brethren  with  a  strong  Chain  which 
can  never  be  broken,  and  we  hope  that  on  your  parts  you  will 
do  the  same,  and  that  you  will  never  forget  the  Words  which 
you  have  now  made  use  of,  but  that  you  will  send  us  a  plenty 
of  goods,  &  that  at  a  Cheaper  rate  than  we  have  hitherto  been 
able  to  procure  them  —  A  belt 

Brother    . 

It  gives  us  great  satisfaction  to  hear  that  the  King  has  no 
intentions  to  deprive  us  of  our  Lands  (of  which  we  were  once 
very  apprehensive)  and  as  to  the  Troops  who  are  now  going 
to  the  distant  posts,  we  are  well  pleased  therewith,  and  hope 
they  will  look  upon  and  treat  us  as  Brethren,  in  which  light  they 
shall  always  be  Esteemed  by  us  as  we  are  determined  to  live 
on  the  best  terms  with  them  —  A  belt 

Brother 

We  are  greatly  concerned  to  find  you  have  had  any  occasion 
to  speak  to  us  concerning  the  stealing  of  horses,  which,  be  assured 
has  never  been  done  with  either  our  approbation  or  Consent,  but 
has  proceeded  from  some  of  our  idle  young  Men  who  you  know 


486  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

are  very  difficult  to  restrain,  however,  we  shall  for  the  future 
exert  ourselves  &  do  all  in  our  power  to  put  a  stop  to  that,  or 
any  thing  else  which  may  give  you  uneasiness,  and  we  believe 
that  what  you  have  sayed  thereon  at  this  Meeting  will  make 
them  ashamed,  &  prevent  their  so  doing  for  the  future  — 

A  belt 
Brother 

You  have  spoke  to  us  concerning  the  English  prisoners  —  • 
which  we  delivered  up,  &  desired  if  any  remained  yet  amongst  us 
that  we  might  imediately  set  them  free  —  It  is  now  two  years 
since  we  were  spoke  to  on  that  head  at  Fort  Du  Quesne,  by  our 
Brethren,  who  desired  that  we  might  dismiss  all  such  prisoners 
as  were  amongst  us  who  were  willing  to  return  home,  all  which 
we  have  complied  with,  but  we  must  observe  that  they  are  no 
Slaves  with  us,  being  at  their  free  liberty  to  go  anywhere,  or 
act  as  they  please,  neither  is  it  our  Custom  to  Exercise  any 
Authority  over  them,  they  having  the  same  priviledges  with  our- 
selves —  We  beg  you  will  not  suppose  that  we  ever  illtreated 
any,  or  detained  them  a  moment  longer  than  they  chose  to  stay, 
and  now  assure  you  that  we  have  not  one  remaining  amongst  us, 
having  delivered  over  Six,  which  were  the  last  we  had,  to  Mr. 
Croghan  some  days  ago  — 


Brother 

Many  of  our  people  having  been  frequently  illused  as  well  by 
the  Soldiers,  as  Inhabitants  of  this  place,  we  therefore  entreat 
you  to  take  the  same  into  your  consideration  &  prevent  them 
from  so  doing  for  the  future  — 

There  is  but  one  thing  more  which  we  have  to  say  to  you 
before  we  Make  an  end,  that  is,  to  remind  you  of  your  promises 
concerning  trade,  of  which,  and  of  the  dearness  of  goods,  and 
Scarcity  of  ammunition  we  could  say  a  great  deal,  The  traders 
selling  their  Goods  so  dear  that  we  are  scarcely  able  to  purchase 
them,  besides,  many  articles  are  very  scarce  &  in  particular 


Seven  Years    War  487 

powder  is  sold  so  sparingly  &  is  so  hard  to  be  got  that  we  are 
all  apprehensive  we  must  shortly  be  obliged  to  leave  off  hunting 
entiiely,  as  our  Young  Men  cannot  procure  sufficient  to  cloath 
themselves  or  provide  for  their  Wives  &  Children;  all  which 
Brother  we  beg  you  will  seriously  consider  on  &  let  us  have  our 
goods  cheaper  &  a  sufficiency  of  powder  for  our  hunting  so  that 
we  may  be  enabled  to  trade  as  formerly. — 

A  belt 

The  Speaker  having  ended  —  Macatepilesis  - —  Speaker  for  the 
Ottawas  arose,  &  after  going  through  all  the  ceremony  of  Con- 
dolance  as  the  Hurons  had  done  —  he  proceeded 

Brother  Warraghiyagey 

Hearken  to  your  Brethren  the  Ottawas,  and  all  that  Con- 
federacy here  present  — 

Brother,  We  were  called  to  Fort  Du  Quesne  at  the  time  of 
the  War  between  you  and  the  French,  we  imediately  attended 
your  summons  where  we  found  Mr.  Croghan  who  spoke  to  us 
by  order  of  the  General,  that  we  might  acquaint  the  Nations  of 
his  intentions  to  live  at  peace  with  them,  &  to  require  them  to  do 
the  same,  &  act  as  Friends  &  Allies  to  the  English;  since  which 
time  we  have  begun  to  look  upon  you  as  Friends,  and  not  in  the 
light  in  which  you  had  been  represented  to  us  by  the  French  — 

A  belt 
Brother 

I  speak  on  the  part  of  all  our  Confederacy  here  present  who 
are  charmed  with  the  speech  which  you  made  to  them  Yesterday, 
&  determined  to  act  for  the  future  agreable  thereto,  &  to  make 
all  Nations  of  Indians  acquainted  therewith,  even  to  the  setting 
of  the  Sun,  &  with  the  great  Work  which  you  have  now  executed, 
whereby  you  have  established  tranquillity  throughout  the  Land, 
&  made  the  Roads  &  the  Waters  of  our  Lakes,  smooth  &  passa- 
ble which  were  before  rough  and  dangerous. — 

A  belt 


488  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

Brother 

You  have  wisely  recommended  to  us  to  pay  no  regard  for 
the  future  to  any  evil  reports  which  may  be  spread,  &  you  desire 
to  know  the  people  who  sent  the  bad  Bird  lately  Amongst  us, 
to  stir  us  up  against  our  Brethren  —  It  is  certain  such  bad  Birds 
have  been  amongst  us,  but  we  should  look  upon  ourselves  as  a 
very  unhappy  people  if  we  payed  any  attention  to  such  disturbers 
of  peace  whom  we  shall  always  despise  for  attempting  to  put 
such  evil  thoughts  into  our  ears,  who  are  all  determined  as  one 
Man  to  hold  fast  by  the  Covenant  Chain  for  ever —  But  if 
you  would  know  who  this  bird  is,  Cast  your  Eyes  to  Kayashota 
&  you  will  see  him  —  A  belt 

Having  finished  what  he  had  to  say  on  behalf  of  that 
Confederacy  —  Anaiasa,  Speaker  for  the  Hurons  &ca  stood 
up,  and  after  performing  the  ceremony  of  Condolance 
addressed  the  Mohocks  as  follows  — 

Brethren  of  the  Mohocks  — 

We  return  you  many  thanks  for  your  good  work  in  assisting 
your  Brother  to  clear  the  Sky,  and  dispel  the  Clouds  which  hung 
over  us,  and  we  in  return  now  clear  away  your  Cabins  from 
any  rubbish,  so  that  your  Chiefs  may  meet  &  deliberate  therein, 
and  also  renew  your  fire  making  it  of  such  Wood  as  shall  burn 
for  ever  bright. —  Three  strings 

Brethren 

It  is  with  much  pleasure  we  now  see  you  here  employed  in 
so  good  a  Work,  and  we  are  very  sensible  of  your  Nations 
Wisdom  in  sending  you  here,  for  which  we  return  them  thanks. 
&  you  may  assure  them  that  we  are  unanimously  resolved  to  keep 
the  Covenant  Chain  bright  and  to  hold  each  other  so  fast  by  the 
Arm  that  nothing  can  seperate  us,  &  we  beg  you  will  consider 
that  this  Alliance  which  you  have  made  is  not  an  inconsiderable 
one,  being  made  with  all  the  Nations  of  the  North  and  West  — 

A  belt 


Seven  Years'  War  489 

Brethren 

We  are  Extremely  obliged  to  you  for  your  friendly  admoni- 
tion concerning  any  evil  reports  which  may  be  spread  amongst 
us,  You  may  be  assured  we  will  do  as  you  have  recommended,  & 
should  any  bad  news  come  amongst  us,  or  amongst  any  of  the 
Nations,  we  shall  imediately  rise,  and  come  to  you,  &  our  Eyes 
shall  be  upon  you,  &  Ears  open  to  hear  News  from  you  only  — 

A  belt 
Brethren 

We  return  you  many  thanks  for  your  goodness  in  assisting  our 
Brother  to  make  the  roads  even,  &  to  smooth  the  Lakes  hither; 
we  shall  with  pleasure  give  all  the  Assistance  in  our  power 
towards  finishing  them  &  keeping  them  in  good  order  for  ever, 
even  to  the  setting  of  the  Sun  —  A  belt 

Brethren 

We  have  listned  attentively  to  your  good  advice,  and  Cautions 
to  us,  not  to  steal  any  of  our  Brethren's  Horses  for  the  future, 
but  to  deliver  all  those  up  which  we  have  -  We  are  very  sorry 
that  some  of  our  Young  people  have  given  occasion  to  complain, 
but  we  shall  for  the  future  prevent  it,  &  comply  entirely  with 
your  desire  being  convinced  that  we  should  do  wrong  to  our 
Brethren,  &  injury  to  ourselves  if  we  persisted  in  such  a 
practise. —  A  belt 

The  Huron  Confederacy  having  finished,  The  Ottawas  &ca 
after  performing  the  Ceremony  of  Condolance  with  a  White 
belt,  proceeded  as  follows. 

Macatepilesis  Speaker 

Brethren  of  the  Mohocks 

We  are  well  pleased  and  approve  much  of  what  you  have 
sayed  to  us,  and  be  assured  we  are  now  so  united  that  we  will 
not  permit  any  Nation  to  hurt  you,  but  that  we  will  give  you, 
and  our  Brethren  the  English  our  Friendly  Arm  should  any 
Nation  rise  up  against  you  — 


490  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

Brethren 

We  are  all  unanimously  resolved  to  abide  by,  &  follow  what- 
ever has  been,  or  shall  be  proposed  at  this  Meeting,  and  no  person 
shall  be  able  to  change  our  resolutions  — 

Brethren 

You  now  see  that  we  have  linked  ourselves  with  a  Chain  of 
Iron  to  our  Brethren  the  English  and  to  you,  and  we  hope  that 
no  person  shall  be  able  to  break  that  Chain,  or  dissolve  our 
union  — 

We  observe  the  Conduct  of  our  Brethren  the  English  who 
have  already  began  to  spread  peace  amongst  us,  &  hope  there- 
fore that  you  who  are  so  nearly  allied  to  us  will  not  be  wanting 
in  aiding  and  promoting  the  same,  &  that  you  will  not  forget  what 
now  has  been  sayed  —  On  our  parts  here,  we  most  solemnly 
assure  you  that  we  shall  always  remember,  &  abide  by  the 
same —  We  are  now  Brethren  all  together  &  united,  and  have 
nothing  more  to  do  but  to  offer  our  hands  to  each  other  whenever 
we  shall  meet  on  the  Lakes,  Rivers,  or  in  the  Woods,  with  either 
the  English,  French,  or  Indians  - 

Gave  a  bunch  of  black  &  white  Wampum 

Then  the  Speaker  of  the  Hurons  addressed  them  — 

Brethren  of  the  Mohocks 

We  have  it  not  in  our  power  to  make  a  Silver  Chain,  it  is  you 
that  can  make  such,  therefore,  we  beg  you  may  make  it  so 
strong  that  nothing  can  break  it,  &  you  may  be  assured  we  will 
hold  fast  thereby  to  the  latest  Ages,  and  this  we  desire  you  will 
make  known  to  all  the  Nations  your  way,  as  we  shall  do  in  these 
parts,  that  from  the  rising  to  the  Setting  of  the  Sun,  the  good 
work  of  peace  and  union  here  now  made  &  settled  may  be  for 
ever  known  &  observed  A  belt  6  Rows 

After  which  Wabbicommicott  Chief  of  the  Chipeweighs 
addressed  them  on  behalf  of  the  Ottawa  Confederacy 


Seven  Years'  War  491 

Brethren  of  the  Mohocks 

Although  we  are  a  Numerous  Nation,  we  are  but  an  ignorant 
People,  so  that  we  shall  not  say  much  at  present,  but  hope  we 
shall  within  a  short  time  meet  and  say  a  good  deal  to  our  Brother 
Warraghiyagey  who  has  now  brought  peace  to  our  Country 
which  was  in  a  treamor,  &  has  fixed  our  hearts  in  their  proper 
places  which  before  his  arrival  were  fluttering  &  knew  not  where 
to  settle  —  We  now  take  him  by  the  hand,  as  all  the  Nations 
have  done,  with  a  Certainty  that  nothing  can  seperate  us,  we 
give  him  now  this  bunch  of  Green  Wampum  which  has  a  power 
to  dispel  all  darkness  by  Night  or  by  Day,  and  will  lead  him 
through  any  part  of  our  Country  without  stumbling  or  hurting 
his  feet;  and  this  pipe  which  is  known  by  all  the  Nations  here 
I  give  to  you  Brethren  of  the  Mohocks,  to  smoak  out  of  it  in 
your  Councils  with  your  Brother  Warraghiyagey,  the  smoak  of 
which  shall  be  seen,  and  shall  reach  to  the  most  remote  Nations  — 

Delivered  a  bunch  of  Green  Wampum  to  Sir  William, 
&  a  Calumet  of  peace  to  the  Mohocks  - 

On  Wabbicommicotts  ending  his  Speech,  Kayashota  the 
Seneca  Messenger  (who  had  accompanied  the  Messengers  Who 
came  with  the  War  axe  to  the  Hurons)  stood  up,  and  made  use 
of  many  words  to  Exculpate  himself  from  the  imputation  laid  to 
his  charge,  observing  with  Vehemence  that  he  being  as  far  as 
Chenussio  on  his  way  to  Fort  Johnson  was  met  by  Tahaiadoris 
the  other  Messenger,  who  earnestly  requested  he  would  accom- 
pany him  to  the  Detroit,  which  he  was  at  length  persuaded  to  do, 
and  on  his  arrival  there  was  greatly  astonished  at  hearing  the 
proposals  made  by  his  Companion  to  the  Wiandots  of  which  he 
before  had  not  received  the  least  intimation  — 

Sir  William  then  rose  up  &  addressing  Kayashota  told  him 
he  should  be  very  glad  to  find  he  was  able  to  clear  himself  of 
bearing  any  part  in  so  treacherous  an  affair,  but  as  it  was  of 
much  consequence,  he  should  the  first  opportunity  insist  upon  his 
Nations  giving  him  all  the  particulars  thereof,  when  he  hoped 


492  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

that  he  might  appear  as  innocent  as  he  then  pretended  —  Then 
turning  to  the  rest  he  told  them  that  the  next  Day  he  purposed 
to  deliver  out  the  presents  to  them,  &  dissolved  the  Meeting  — 


The  presents  having  early  this  morning  been  divided  into 
parcells  for  each  Nation  —  The  Indians  to  the  Number  of  500 
assembled  about  noon,  when  the  Delawares  and  Shawanese  spoke 
to  Sir  William  in  the  following  manner 

Brother  Warraghiyagey 

We  return  you  thanks  for  the  friendly  sentiments  you  Expressed 
at  the  Meeting  in  favour  of  our  late  proceedings,  &  as  we  hope 
that  every  thing  on  your  parts  will  be  strictly  adhered  to,  you 
may  rest  assured  that  nothing  shall  be  wanting  on  our's  to  shew 
the  sense  which  we  have  thereof,  &  the  satisfaction  which  an 
Union  with  you  affords  us  — 

Sir  William  then  spoke  to  all  the  Nations 

Brethren  of  the  several  Nations  here  assembled 

I  return  you  thanks  for  the  manner  in  which  you  received  my 
Speech,  and  the  approbation  &  acceptance  which  all  my  pro- 
posals met  with  —  I  earnestly  recommend  it  to  you  to  continue 
in,  and  to  cherish  your  present  sentiments,  the  good  effects  of 
which,  yourselves  will  every  day  be  sensible  of  — 

It  gives  me  concern  to  hear  that  you  should  have  met  with 
any  illusage  from  either  the  Soldiers,  or  Inhabitants  of  this  place, 
who  I  am  apt  to  think  must  have  been  provoked  thereto  from 
the  behavior  of  some  of  your  people  when  in  liquor,  however, 
I  have  spoke  to  Capt  Campbell  thereon  who  seems  very  well 
disposed  towards  you  all,  &  will  pay  a  due  attention  to  any 
reasonable  complaint  made  to  him,  as  well  as  prevent  such  ill 
treatment,  &  see  justice  done  you  for  the  future 

Brethren 

I  am  much  pleased  with  your  free  and  Candid  Declaration 
of  the  partys  concerned  in  sending  the  Belt  lately  amongst  you, 


Seven  Years    War  493 

and  hope  that  you  will  consider  them,  or  any  people  who  may 
attempt  the  like  for  the  future,  as  Enemys  to  your  Country,  Dis- 
turbers of  the  publick  tranquillity,  and  violators  of  the  solemn 
union  entred  into  between  the  English  and  you  — 

Gave  a  belt 
Brethren 

Having  brought  you  some  Cloathing  Ammunition  &c  of  which 
I  judged  you  might  stand  in  need,  I  desire  you  will  make  an 
equal  distribution  thereof  amongst  you,  and  consider  it  as  a  proof 
of  his  Majestys  bounty,  &  esteem  for  his  Indian  allies,  and  I 
earnestly  recommend  it  to  you  to  shew  by  your  future  conduct 
your  just  sense  of  such  favours,  &  of  the  blessings  which  you 
enjoy  from  his  Royal  Clemency  &  protection  — 

Then  the  presents  being  in  parcells  for  the  Number  of 
Nations  present  were  by  them  divided  amongst  one  another, 
after  which  Sir  William  Johnson  ordered  an  Ox  to  be 
roasted  as  a  Feast  for  them  — 


Sir  William  sent  for  an  Indian  called  the  White  Mingo  als 
Kanaghoragait  1  &  the  Seneca  (who  accompanied  Tahaiadoris 
to  the  Detroit)  named  Kayashota  to  whom  he  spoke  much  con- 
cerning the  Message  laid  to  his  charge,  and  after  Expatiating  on 
the  folly  of  undertaking  any  enterprize  against  so  powerfull  a 
people  as  the  English,  represented  to  them  that  without  giving 
ourselves  much  trouble  we  might  easily  have  persuaded  many 
of  the  Western  and  other  Nations  to  fall  upon  them,  &  revenge 
our  quarrel,  they  being  easily  inflamed  against  the  Senecas,  very 
little  affecting  that  Nation,  and  entirely  disapproving  of  their  late 
scheme  —  That  on  his  return  home  he  would  call  a  Meeting  of 
the  Six  Nations  when  the  whole  affair  should  be  thoroughly  can- 
vassed,  and  if  they  seemed  heartily  sorry  for  their  Attempt,  he 


1  Alias  John   Cook,   a   Seneca  chief.      See  Journals  of   the  Military 
Expedition  of  Major  General  John  Sullivan,  p.   129   (footnote). 


494  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

hoped  he  might  be  still  able  to  make  up  the  breach  between  the 
English  &  them  — 

Then  Sir  William  condoled  the  death  of  a  Young  Seneca 
killed  at  Venango,  by  covering  his  grave  (after  the  Indian 
custom)  with  a  black  stroud  &ca  after  which  they  Departed 

A.  M.     Sir  William  had  a  Meeting  with  several  Chipeweighs, 
the  chief  of  whom  addressed  him  as  follows, 

Brother  - 

We  take  this  opportunity  of  repeating  to  you  our  assurances 
of  living  hereafter  on  the  most  friendly  terms  with  the  English, 
and  of  observing  punctually  every  thing  recommended  by  your 
Speech  which  gives  us  great  satisfaction,  as  does  your  friendly 
treatment  which  has  convinced  all  the  Nations  here  of  your 
Esteem  for  them.  Your  presence  has  made  the  Sky,  and  Sun 
bright,  &  Clear,  the  Earth  smooth,  &  level,  The  roads  even  & 
pleasant,  &  the  Lakes  gentle  and  safe;  we  beg  you  will  continue 
in  the  same  friendly  disposition  towards  us,  &  we  shall  look  upon 
ourselves  as  a  happy  people,  &  that  you  will  let  us  have  a  plenti- 
full  &  fair  trade  on  reasonable  terms  — 

Gave  two  large  bunches  of  Wampum  - 

Sir  William  thanked  them  for  what  they  had  sayed,  and 
begged  they  would  always  continue  in  those  Sentiments,  as  they 
might  be  assured  of  our  adherence  to  whatever  we  had  promised 
them  so  long  as  they  remained  our  friends 

15th 

Sir  William  had  the  three  Huron  Chiefs  with  him,  when  he 
thanked  them  for  their  conduct  in  the  affair  of  the  War  belt 
Which  was  sent  to  them,  strongly  recommended  to  them  a  steady 
&  uniform  adherence  to  all  the  advice  he  had  given  them,  and 
that  as  he  looked  upon  them  as  the  head  of  the  Ottawa  Con- 
federacy for  which  reason  he  had  lighted  up  a  Council  fire  at 
the  Detroit,  he  therefore  desired  they  would  take  care  to  keep 


Seven  Years'  War  495 

it  in  good  order,  and  not  to  neglect  their  friends,  and  Allies,  as 
other  Nations  had  done,  notwithstanding  his  repeated  admoni- 
tions —  cautioned  them  against  attending  to  evil  Minded  People, 
or  their  Wicked  Schemes,  &  laid  before  them  the  danger  of 
quarrelling  with  the  English  — 

They  returned  him  many  thanks  for  his  advice,  which  they 
promised  to  pay  the  strictest  attention  to,  &  informed  him  that 
they  had  discovered  that  the  Senecas  had  given  another  belt  to 
the  Shawanese,  who  answered  them  thereon  that  they  would  act 
as  the  Hurons  did  — 

Sir  William  then  dismissed  them  with  a  Private  present 


This  Day  Sir  William  drew  up  &  Delivered  to  Captain  Camp- 
bell Regulations  for  the  Indian  Trade  at  the  Detroit,  Michili- 
mackinack,  Miamis,  &  Sandousky  as  also  for  Fort  Pitt,  &  the 
River  Susquehanna  to  Mr  Croghan  Deputy  Agent  for  Indian 
affairs  in  that  quarter 

17th 

Every  thing  being  in  readiness  for  Sir  William  Johnson's 
Departure  from  the  Detroit  he  embarked  in  his  boat  in  the  after- 
noon &  proceeded  to  the  Huron  Village,  near  Detroit  where  he 
was  to  remain  that  Night  having  a  good  deal  to  say  to  the  Indians 
there  —  On  his  arrival  he  proceeded  to  the  Huron  Council  House 
where  he  found  the  Indians  all  Assembled 

At  a  Meeting  held  at  the  Huron  Village  near  D'etroit 

Present 

Sir  William  Johnson  Bart 
George  Croghan  Esqr.  Dep?  Agent 
John  Johnson  Esqr. 
Lieut  Guy  Johnson  as  Sec*?. 

Monsr.  Sl.  Martin  Interpreter 

The  Chiefs  and  Warriors  of  the  Hurons,  Powtewatamis 
&ca  — 


496  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Anaiasa,  Speaker  for  the  Hurons  addressed  Sir  Wm 

Brother  Warraghiyagey 

All  the  Nations  living  about  the  Detroit  have  attended  with 
great  satisfaction  to  what  you  have  sayed  to  them  &  will  with 
pleasure  observe  whatever  you  have  recommended,  and  I  am 
now  in  their  names  to  speak  to  you  on  an  Article  of  the  utmost 
consequence  to  us,  namely  that  of  Trade,  and  of  the  exchanging 
of  our  furrs  for  Merchandice,  which  is  not  at  present  on  the  best 
terms  for  us,  &  which  Capt  Campbell  always  told  us  you  would 
regulate  on  your  arrival  here  — 

Gave  seven  strings  of  Wampum 
Brother 

We  were  always  told  before  the  reduction  of  this  Country 
that  whenever  you  became  Masters  of  it  we  should  be  very  well 
used,  find  the  same  treatment  which  we  had  met  with  from  the 
French,  and  get  from  you  such  necessarys  as  we  wanted,  for 
which  reason  we  now  beg  you  will  allow  us  a  Credit  when  the 
Autumn  comes  in  for  what  we  shall  want,  as  the  French  were 
used  to  do  formerly,  and  all  the  Nations  in  these  parts  hope  you 
will  agree  thereto  — 

Brother 

You  know  that  the  greater  part  of  our  Warriors  agreable  to 
the  request  made  to  them  last  year  by  Mr.  Croghan  are  gone 
to  War  against  the  Cherokees  for  which  reason  we  beg  you 
will  have  pity  on  them,  as  when  they  return  home  they  will  be 
quite  naked,  we  likewise  pray  that  you  will  not  omit  any  thing 
for  our  service  &  that  the  Great  Man  who  governs  all,  will  not 
forget  us,  that  you  will  order  our  Guns  &  Hatchets  to  be  mended 
for  us  as  also  procure  us  some  Hoes  for  our  Corn  of  which  we 
stand  in  as  much  need  as  of  any  thing  else  —  This  is  the  earnest 
request  of  all  the  Nations  hereabouts,  and  we  beg  that  as  we 
shall  for  the  future  deserve  it,  we  may  meet  with  the  same 


Seven  Years'  War  497 

favours  &  indulgences  as  those  Nations  of  Indians  do,  who  live 
in  your  Neighbourhood,  to  whose  good  usage  we  are  not 
Strangers —  Gave  six  Strings 

Brother 

These  three  belts  which  we  now  deliver  you,  are  in  return 
for  three  belts  which  you  delivered  us  when  you  sent  to  recom- 
mend peace  to  all  our  Nations,  whereby  you  exhorted  us  to  be 
always  well  disposed  towards  the  English;  We  have  given  one 
of  these  belts  to  our  Brethren  the  Sharvanese  to  desire  that  they 
may  likewise  remain  friends,  and  well  disposed  as  you  have 
recommended  to  us,  which  we  shall  always  observe. 

Gave  three  Belts 
Brother 

All  the  Nations  inhabiting  about  the  Detroit  are  charmed  with 
your  discourse  to  them,  in  which  they  could  not  find  the  least 
cause  of  Exception,  they  beg  therefore  that  all  the  English  may 
be  informed  of  the  good  work  now  made,  &  of  our  good  inten- 
tions towards  them  as  we  shall  make  all  our  Young  people 
Acquainted  therewith  —  We  likewise  return  General  Amherst 
many  thanks  for  his  care  of  us  in  sending  you  hither,  and  accom- 
panying such  agreable  news  with  a  handsome  present,  and  you 
may  assure  him  that  all  we  have  sayed  is  the  Truth  &  from  our 
hearts;  We  entreat  you  will  on  your  part  consider  what  hath 
passed,  and  live  peaceably  with  us,  &  recommend  tranquillity 
to  both  the  Troops  and  Inhabitants  of  this  place,  whereby  we 
shall  look  upon  them  as  true  Brethren,  &  form  one  heart  and 
one  body  together,  &  that  when  any  trifling  crime  may  be  com- 
mitted contrary  to  the  present  Agreement,  by  any  ignorant,  ill- 
disposed  and  Ungovernable  person,  we  beg  you  not  to  look  upon 
it  either  as  an  Act  authorised,  or  approved  of  by  any  of  our 
Nations,  or  as  a  thing  agreable  to  us  in  General,  but  that  we  may 
together  enjoy  the  blessings  of  the  present  peace  and  union  with- 
out any  differences  or  interruption  whatsoever  - 

Gave  a  large  belt 


498  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

Having  finished  what  he  had  to  say,  Sir  William 
addressed  them 

Brethren  of  the  Hurons  &ca  — 

I  was  unwilling  to  let  slip  the  opportunity  of  visiting  you  at 
your  Castle  before  I  left  this  Country,  especially  as  I  was 
desirous  to  bid  you  farewell,  &  hear  &  answer  whatever  you 
might  have  farther  to  say  to  me  — 

The  resolutions  which  you  have  made  of  abiding  by  what 
I  have  recommended  to  you  gives  me  great  satisfaction  and  you 
may  all  be  assured  of  every  things  being  inviolably  Preserved 
on  our  sides,  whilst  you  act  as  Friends  and  Allies  towards  us, 
and  pay  a  due  attention  to  the  solemn  alliance  into  which  you 
have  now  entred  — 

In  order  to  satisfy  you  on  the  Subject  of  trade,  and  to  con- 
vince you  of  our  desire  to  let  you  have  all  Indulgences  which  we 
can  reasonably  afford  you,  I  have  made  &  left  a  Regulation  for 
the  Trade  at  the  Detroit,  Michilimackinack  &  other  posts,  and 
have  fixed  the  prices  therein  so  low  that  I  am  apprehensive  the 
Traders  will  scarcely  be  enabled  to  afford  trading  with  you,  or 
bringing  goods  amongst  you  on  such  reasonable  terms  — 

Gave  a  belt 
Brethren 

With  regard  to  the  Credit  which  you  desire  of  the  Traders 
it  is  absolutely  out  of  my  power  to  satisfy  you,  as  all  English 
Subjects  are  free,  &  cannot  be  compelled  to  sell  their  goods 
without  receiving  Value  for  the  same  unless  they  themselves  chuse 
it,  so  that  it  must  entirely  depend  on  their  inclinations. 

I  am  pleased  to  hear  that  many  of  your  people  are  gone  to 
War  against  the  Cherokees  your  antient  Enemys  which  I  never 
pretended  to  solicit  you  to,  as  knowing  you  to  be  Principals 
therein,  and  I  heartily  wish  they  may  return  with  good  Success, 
which  is  a  Warriors  sufficient  recompence,  and  at  the  same  time 
I  hope  you  will  consider  our  distance,  &  the  difficultys  of  com- 


Seven  Years'  War  499 

plying  with,  or  assisting  you  in  your  demands,  &  as  to  the  having 
your  arms  repaired  I  shall  give  orders  to  Mr.  Croghan  to  send  a 
Smith  from  Pittsburgh  for  that  purpose,  and  shall  send  you  some 
Hoes  in  the  Spring  Gave  a  Belt 

Brethren 

I  return  you  thanks  for  your  sending  one  of  the  Belts  which 
you  received  to  the  Shawanese,  &  for  your  Exortation  thereon  to 
them,  as  well  as  to  the  other  Nations,  and  for  recommending  it 
to  them  to  make  their  young  Men  acquainted  with  all  that  had 
passed  at  the  Meeting  Your  assurances  of  remaining  our  firm 
friends,  &  your  approbation  of  this  Visit,  &  of  the  present  which 
I  delivered  you  are  very  agreable  to  me  &  I  shall  on  my  return 
home  acquaint  his  Majesty  and  the  General  therewith,  and  with 
all  that  hath  been  transacted  in  Council  between  us,  with  which 
I  apprehend  they  will  be  well  satisfied  — 

As  I  have  recommended  it  to  the  Commanding  Officer  at  the 
Detroit  to  prevent  any  of  the  Soldiers  or  Inhabitants  from  using 
you  ill,  I  expect  in  return  you  will  endeavour  all  you  can  to 
prevent  any  differences  on  the  parts  of  your  Young  Men  who  are 
frequently  very  imprudent  in  their  Conduct,  &  Guilty  of  many 
irregularities  — 

Brethren 

I  give  you  thanks  for  all  the  Assurances  you  have  made  of 
remaining  firm  in  your  resolutions  of  abiding  by  the  present 
Treaty,  and  promising  to  communicate  your  intentions  to  all  the 
other  Nations,  as  also  for  your  presenting  the  Calumet  of  peace, 
&  the  bunch  of  Green  Wampum,  as  proofs  of  the  truth  of  what 
you  had  sayed,  and  I  sincerely  wish  that  the  Chain  of  friendship 
together  with  these  your  resolutions  may  remain  entire  &  unbroken 
for  ever  on  your  parts,  which  I  am  confident  It  must  whilst  you 
regard  your  own  peace  &  welfare  and  the  friendship  of  the 
English,  so  long  therefore  as  you  pay  a  strict  attention  thereto, 


500  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

you  may  depend  on  our  preserving  the  Chain  entire,  bright,  and 
unsullied,  and  that  we  shall  afford  you  all  the  Protection,  friend- 
ship, and  reasonable  indulgences  to  which  your  conduct  shall 
intitle  you  — 

The  Conference  then  ended 


A  M.  The  Hurons  &ca  waited  on  Sir  William  and  after 
repeating  what  he  had  said  to  them  the  last  Night,  returned 
their  hearty  thanks  for  the  same  &  gave  a  bunch  of  Wampum  — 
Then  told  him  they  were  very  glad  to  hear  he  would  represent 
what  had  passed  and  been  said  by  them  to  his  Majesty  and  to 
the  General,  &  hoped  their  conduct  would  be  pleasing  to  the 
King  and  Him,  as  they  were  determined  to  remain  his  Friends 
&  Allies,  and  to  live  in  strict  amity  with  the  Mohocks  and  with 
all  his  Subjects  in  America  by  preserving  the  Covenant  Chain 
for  ever  entire,  Thanked  Sir  William  for  having  spent  a  Night 
at  their  Castle  and  wished  him  a  pleasant  Journey  and  safe 
arrival  at  home.  — 

Then  Sir  William  Delivered  the  following  Instructions  to  Mr. 
Croghan  his  Deputy 

Detroit  Sept'.  18*.  1761. 
Sir 

You  are  required  imediately  to  proceed  to  Sandousky 
(together  with  Cap1  Montour  whom  you  are  to  dispose  of  as 
you  shall  judge  best  for  the  service)  and  from  thence  to  the  Ohio, 
where  you  will  collect  all  the  English  Prisoners  who  may  yet 
be  found  amongst  the  Indians,  or  in  their  Towns,  and  send  them 
forthwith  to  their  respective  former  places  of  abode  - 

After  having  effected  this  service  you  will  return  to  Fort  Pitt 
and  there  agree  with  a  Smith  on  the  most  reasonable  terms,  who 
is  to  repair  to  D'etroit  there  to  remain  for  one  year  in  order  to 
mend  the  Arms  &ca  of  any  Indians  in  amity  with  the  English, 
who  may  apply  to  him  for  that  purpose  by  order  of  the  Com- 
mands Officer 


Seven  Years'  War  501 

As  I  have  promised  to  the  Nations  living  in  the  Neighbour- 
hood of  Detroit  a  parcel  of  Hoes  for  weeding  their  Corn-fields, 
you  will  order  a  Couple  of  hundred  of  the  middling  sort  to  be 
imediately  made  and  sent  thither  by  the  first  conveyance  with 
directions  for  the  distribution  of  them  as  equal  as  possible.— 

You  are  next  to  proceed  to  Philadelphia,  &  wait  on  General 
Monchkton  before  whom  you  are  to  lay  the  accompts  relative  to 
the  Indian  Expences  which  have  lately  accrued,  And  Lastly 
You  are  to  give  me  notice  of  the  success  which  you  have  had  in 
getting  the  prisoners  out  of  the  Indians  hands,  as  also  to  inform 
me  of  any  other  matters  relative  to  the  department  of  Indian 
affairs  —  I  am  &c  — 

Sir  William  Johnson  having  taken  his  leave  of  the  Indians, 
proceeded  to  his  Boat  and  embarked  in  order  to  return  to  Fort 
Johnson,  where  he  arrived  on  the  3 1 8l  of  October  — 

The  foregoing  is  a  true  Copy  of  Sir  Wm.  Johnson's  proceed- 
ings with  the  Indians  on  his  way  to,  &  at  the  Detroit. 
Examd.  with  the  Records  of  Indian  affairs 

GUY  JOHNSON  Lieut  of  his  Majestys 
Indep*.  Company,  as  Secretary 

Sir  William  received  the  following  Answers  to  some  Ques- 
tions proposed  by  him  to  the  Interpreters  &  some  Intelligent 
Persons  residing  at  D'etroit 

Answer  to  the  1st.  Question  concern^,  the  Inds.  Numbers  in 

that  part 

The  Hurons  are  200.  &  upwards,  The  Ottawas  220.  The 
Powtewatamis  160,  &  those  called  les  Sauteurs  du  Detroit  are 
200.  The  Savages  of  Saguinant,  &  of  Yachetanont *  are  400 
makeing  in  all  1 1 80.  Fighting  Men  who  live  about  the  D'etroit. 


Detroit. 


502  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

They  are  all  connected  together,  &  in  an  offensive  &  defensive 
Alliance  with  the  Delawares,  'Shawanese,  Miamis,  Wawiagh- 
tonos,  Maskoutins,  Quicapous,  &  all  the  Nations  of  the  North 

To  the  2d  Article 

In  the  time  of  the  French  the  Garrison  of  D'etroit  consisted 
but  of  20  Men,  that  of  the  Miamis  1 0  or  12.  Wawiaghta  and 
S*  Joseph  the  same  —  The  Inds.  never  shewed  any  dislike  to 
such  Garrisons,  but  frequently  desired  the  General  not  to  aug- 
ment their  number,  but  that  the  more  Traders  were  amongst 
them  the  better 

The  Ind8.  did  not  like  their  new  establishments,  the  building 
of  new  Forts  giving  them  great  cause  of  Suspicion 

To  the  3d.  Article 

The  French  had  a  Vessell  on  Lake  Superior,  &  another  on 
Lake  Huron  but  they  never  answered  their  purpose.  Lake 
Superior  is  the  most  practicable  for  Navigation,  by  reason  of  its 
many  little  Harbours,  and  places  of  Shelter  against  Storms  — 
The  Navigation  thereof  begins  about  the  10th.  or  15th.  of  June 
&  ends  about  the  end  of  September  —  Lake  Huron  is  more 
Difficult  for  Navigation  Lake  Michigan  &  Lake  Erie  are  very 
Shallow 

The  Navigation  of  Lakes  Michigan  &  Huron  commences 
about  the  20th.  or  25th.  of  May,  &  ends  about  the  end  of 
October  — 

The  Navigation  of  Lake  Erie  begins  about  the  15th.  or  end 
of  April  and  ends  about  the  End  of  November. 

The  most  Considerable  posts  or  places  for  Trade  are  Le  Baye  * 
Le  pointe  de  Chagoiiamigon,2  Le  Nipigon  3  &  Kamanistygouyo 4 


1  Green  Bay,  Wis. 

2  In  Northwestern  Wisconsin  on  Chaquamegon. 
8  Lake  Nepigon  in  Ontario,  Can. 

4  Fort  William,  near  Thunder  Bay,  Lake  Superior. 


Seven  Years'  War  503 

INDORSED :     Pensylvanis. 
Minutes 

of  the  Proceedings  of 
Sir  WilK  Johnson  Bart  &ca 
with  the  Indians  on  his  way 
to,  and  at  the  Detroit  in  1761. 
X.  25. 

EXPENSES  OF  WESTERN   INDIAN   MEETINGS* 

5  Men  a  hundred  Days  @  3/  ^  Day  Each.  .  .  £75:     0:  0 

20  thousand  Wompum  @  60/  ty 60:     0:  0 

5  hundred  Tobaco  @  £7 : 1 0  ty  hundred  — ...  37:10:  0 

6  Casks   powder   400  Weight   only   for  yO  OQ.     Q.  Q 

Distant  posts  @  20£ ; J 

6  O  Lead  @  I/  W  P<* 30:  0:  0 

1000  flents  @  5/  $  hundred.  .  . 02:  10:  0 

20  p<  of  Vermilian  @  20/ 20:  0:  0 


£305:     0:     0 

INDORSED:     Mr.  Croghan's  Calculation 
of  Expences  attending 
the  visit  of  the  Western 
Indian  Nations  — 


Mn  British  Museum,  Additional  Manuscripts  21655.  fo.  287,  London, 
England. 


504  Sir   William  Johnson  Paper* 


FROM    CADWALLADER    GOLDEN 

In  the  Collections  of  the  New  York  Historical  Society  for  1876, 
Golden  Papers,  p.  96-97,  is  a  letter  of  July  2d  from  Cadwallader  Golden, 
at  New  York,  to  Johnson  on  the  Canajoharie  land  grant  and  a  grant  on 
the  east  side  of  the  Hudson. 

TO  SIR  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Extract x 

German  Flatts  7th  July  1761. 

Extract   of   a  Letter    from   Sir   William   Johnson    to   General 
Amherst;  Bearing  Date,  at  the  German  Flatts  7th.  July  176 1. 

On  my  Arrival  here,  I  met  with  about  Thirty  of  the  Chief 
men  of  Oneida  &  Tuscarora,  who  were  on  their  Way  to  my 
House,  in  order  to  Settle  Matters  relative  to  the  Late  murder. 
I  Immediately  Assembled  them  together,  and  after  the  Cere- 
mony of  Condolance  was  gone  thro',  they  Expressed  their  great 
Concern  for  that  Unhappy  Accident ;  and  Informed  me  that  not- 
withstanding they  had  constantly  Cautioned  their  Young  men 
not  to  offer  the  least  Insult  to  any  of  the  Inhabitants,  or  their 
Property,  unfortunately  One  of  them  being  Drunk,  Committed  it 
without  their  Knowledge,  and  immediately  fled;  Neither  have 
they  as  yet  been  able  to  Learn  which  way  he  is  gone;  when 
they  do,  and  can  get  him,  they  will  readily  Conform  to  Your 
Demand  of  Delivering  him  up.  They  then  added  that  as  two 
of  their  People  were  some  time  ago  Murdered  by  One  Smith 
near  this  Place,  for  which  they  never  met  with  any  Redress,  they 
hoped  it  would  be  a  means  of  Inducing  Us  to  forget  the  late 
Accident,  which  was  Committed  so  contrary  to  their  Inclinations 
or  Intentions. 


1  In  New  York  Historical  Society,  New  York  City. 


Seven  Years    War  505 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
L.  S.1 

Albany.  8*  July  1761. 

I  enclose  You  a  Copy  of  a  Letter  I  have  received  this  moment 
from  Captain  Campbell  at  the  Detroit2  with  also  one  from  him 
to  Major  Walters  ;3  and  one  from  Major  Walters4  to  me  ;  I  Doubt 
not  in  the  least  but  you  Will  have  received  Intelligence  of  a  part 
of  this,  which  I  look  on  has  proceeded  from  what  You  acquainted 
me  some  time  ago,  was  Brewing  amongst  the  Indians  but  as  there 
is  something  more  particular  in  regard  to  the  Six  Nations,  in  what 
Captain  Campbell  writes  me,  than  in  what  he  has  mentioned  in 
his  Intelligence  to  the  Commanding  officer  at  Niagara;  I  there- 
fore transmit  you  a  Copy  of  his  Letter,  that  you  may  5  Such 
measures  as  You  Judge  proper  for  totally  suppressing  Every 
part  of  the  Indians  Intentions;  which  seem  to  me  to  be  so  very 
wild,  that  I  cannot  give  credit  to  them. 

I  am,  with  great  Regard,  Sir,  Your  most  obedient  Humble 

servant'  JEFF:  AMHERST. 

SIR  WM.  JOHNSON,  Baronet. 

PROCEEDINGS  AGAINST  GEORGE  CROGHAN 

There  is  found  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  11  6,  a  letter  of  June  6, 
1757,  from  George  Croghan  to  Governor  Denny  and  the  provincial  com- 
missioners on  Indian  presents,  with  an  order  to  pay  Paull  Peirce,  £  1  1  9, 
8s,  6d  for  goods;  and  this  was  accompanied  by  a  letter  of  August  29, 
1  758,  from  Denny  to  the  Commissioners  on  Peirce's  account  and  a  legal 
protest  against  Croghan  in  Peirce's  behalf  based  on  the  commissioners' 
refusal  to  pay  the  bill;  copies  attested  by  William  Peters,  notary  public 
at  Philadelphia  July  11,  1761.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Campbell  to  Amherst,  June  17,   1761,  in  Niagara  and  Detroit  Pro- 
ceedings, July— September,    1761. 

3  Campbell  to  Walters,  June  17,  1761. 

4  Not  found. 

6  Omission  \u  the  copy. 


506  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
L.  S.1 

Albany,  II*:  July  1761. 
SIR 

I  Have  this  morning  Received  the  favor  of  Your  Letter  of 
the  7th.  Instant,  from  the  German  Flatts,  where  I  See  You  have 
met  the  Chief  Men  of  the  Oneida  &  Tuscarora  Nations,  who 
were  on  their  way  to  your  House,  to  Settle  matters  relative  to 
the  Murder  lately  Committed  by  an  Indian:  There  Excuse  of 
not  knowing  where  the  Murderer  is  gone,  I  take  it,  is  a  Made 
one,  to  avoid  giving  him  up,  which  I  must  persist  in,  as  far  as 
Depends  on  me,  that  he  may  be  brought  to  Justice,  and  that  the 
Civil  power  may  bring  its  Jurisdiction  in  Force. 

As  to  what  they  say  of  two  of  their  People  being  heretofore 
murdered  for  which  they  have  met  with  no  Redress,  there  seems 
to  have  been  a  Neglect  in  that;  but  that  is  no  reason  why  the 
present  Murderer,  is  not  to  be  brought  to  Justice ;  at  that  way  of 
going  on  there  will  be  no  End  to  these  Mischiefs. 

The  Indians  may  be  Assured  I  will  protect  them  in  their 
Lands ;  Whether  they  dispose  of  them  or  not,  is  entirely  at  their 
own  option,  I  shall  never  force  them  to  dispose  of  any,  but  will 
Secure  them  in  what  they  have;  and  no  otherwise  Interfere  with 
their  Lands,  than  by  taking  such  Posts  as  I  may  think  necessary, 
for  ensuring  the  protection  of  this  Country  for  the  King;  This 
I  will  always  do  as  far  as  I  shall  Judge  proper;  and  the  Indians 
may  be  assured  I  shall  always  use  them  as  they  Deserve ;  Reward 
them  as  far  as  is  in  my  power,  if  they  merit  it,  &  punish  them  if 
they  Deserve  it. 

Their  Complaints  of  the  Dearness  of  Indian  Goods,  must  be 
greatly  owing  to  an  Abuse  in  the  Traders,  which  I  am  glad  to 


1  Destroyed  by  fire.  In  the  New  York  Historical  Society  is  an  extract 
comprising  the  first  two  paragraphs,  which  exhibits  some  variations  from 
this  text  in  capitalization  and  punctuation. 


Seven  Years    War  507 

find  you  intend  to  Regulate  in  the  best  manner  You  can;  I  fear 
the  people  to  whom  you  give  passes  Misuse  the  Liberty  You  give 
them  of  Carrying  off  small  Quantities  of  Rum,  and  that  they 
take  Nothing  Else;  if  this  was  better  Regulated,  I  should  think 
it  would  greatly  help  to  Supplying  the  Indians  with  things  that 
are  proper  for  them. 

You  will  see  by  a  Letter  I  sent  you  from  Captn.  Campbell  that 
he  complains  that  the  Traders  from  Niagara,  which  of  Course, 
go  from  Oswego,  Carry  nothing  with  them  but  Rum. 

I  Do  not  Doubt  but  all  the  Nations  will  Complain  of  not 
having  powder  sufficient;  but  I  am  for  giving  it  to  them  with  as 
sparing  a  hand  as  possible. 

General  Monckton  writes  me  word  that  he  has  sent  orders,  for 
forwarding  Cattle  from  Pittsburgh  to  the  Detroit  for  You;  that 
Mr.  Croghan  Set  out  from  New  York,  on  the  4th  for  Pensyl- 
vania;  I  hope  he  will  meet  you  in  time  and  that  you  will  be 
Supplied  with  as  Much  fresh  provisions  as  You  will  want. 

There  is  a  Report  in  New  York,  that  Lord  Rollo  1  has  taken 
S*.  Dominique  which  probably  may  be  true. 

The  Lowness  of  the  Waters  must  certainly  render  Your 
Journey  tedious;  but  I  am  in  hopes  You  will  be  able  to  get  all 
Your  Batteaus  on,  without  Damaging  Your  presents,  and  I  sin- 
cerely wish  You  a  Successfull  and  pleasant  Journey.  I  am  with 
great  Regard,  Sir,  Your  most  obedient  Humble  Servant, 

JEFF.  AMHERST 
SlR  WM.  JOHNSON,  Baronet. 


1  Andrew,  fifth  Lord  Rollo.  "In  June  1761  he  was  sent  in  command 
of  twenty-six  thousand  troops  to  the  West  Indies,  and,  landing  in  Dominica 
under  fire  of  the  men-of-war,  he  drove  the  French  from  their  entrench- 
ments, and  in  two  days  reduced  the  island  to  submission." — Dictionary  of 
National  Biography. 


508  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM  WILLIAM  BAKER 

[Land*.  15  July  1761] 
DR  SIR 

Your   Brother    [  ]    your  Letter  the  6th   Instant 

dated  13th  Apr1  [  ] 

I  am  glad  to  find  that  you  had  Received  my  [  ] 

Account  Currant  made  up  to  the  end  of  the  last  Ye  [ 
you  had  found  it  agree  with  your  Books. 

You  desire  my  Opinion  whether  [  ]ly  to  Rise  or 

not,  In  Answer  thereto,  There  is  no  doubt  [that]  Peace  will 
bring  the  three  <P  Cent  Annuities  above  Par,  th[  ]  above 
1 00,  which  are  now  about  86.  In  November  last  you  have  seen 
they  were  at  8P/4.  In  January  they  were  at  74J/2  and  since 
that  at  89.  The  fall  was  Occationed  by  the  vast  Sum  borrowed 
by  the  Publick  in  December  &  by  the  inability  of  those  who  had 
undertaken  to  Lend.  And  the  Rise  was  instantly  upon  the 
knowledge  of  an  approaching  Congress,  every  day  as  appear- 
ances alter  towards  a  speedy  accommodation,  they  vary  One  or 
two  <i$  Cent,  these  alterations  you  may  be  assured  are  assisted 
by  the  designs  of  the  dealers  who  are  Interested  in  such  fluctua- 
tions, but  the  Stability  of  the  funds  is  as  certain  as  that  of  this 
Government  and  the  market  prices  must  most  certainly  be  at  or 
above  Par  the  moment  that  Parliament  have  done  borrowing, 
and  that  will  be  so  soon  as  they  have  discharged  the  Arrears  of 
their  Expences,  and  in  a  [ 

]  with  your  Brother 

on  the  [  ]  to  write  to  you  on  the  head ;  he  went  a 

few  d[ays  ago  to  Ire?]  land,  the  Result  of  our  thoughts  were 
that  you  [  ]  memorial  to  his  Majesty  setting  forth 

your  Military  service  attended  with  Success,  which  had  not  been 
if  a  great  [  ]  your  own  fortune  had  not  attended 

'Not  found. 


Seven  Years'  War  509 

the  Service,  that  your  [  ]ve  you  Rank  but  no  pay 

which  undoubtedly  was  intended  [  ]  your  Military 

Capacity,  which  is  entirely  distinct  from  that  of  [  ] 

Agency  among  the  Indians,  and  to  pray  that  you  may  have  the 
[  ]  pay  as  others  of  the  like  Rank  from  the  time  you 

took  the  Field  first  as  a  Military  Officer. 

I  dont  know  what  Success  you  will  have  in  such  an  appli- 
cation, but  as  the  War  draws  near  an  end  perhaps  you  may  have 
the  better  chance,  when  Peace  is  settled  the  surest  way  will  be 
to  come  here  and  solicite  for  yourself,  People  are  ashamed  to 
deny  Justice  to  the  face  of  the  Injured,  which  they  don't  scruple 
Refusing  their  friends  or  attorneys  Sollicking  for  them. 

Your  Letter  was  sent  to  Mr.  Pitt,1  but  he  is  a  Gentleman  who 
is  not  to  be  seen  even  about  the  most  Urgent  business,  nor  ever 
Answers  any  Letters  but  what  his  Office  obliges  him,  this  is  most 
true  though  it  may  seem  incredible,  as  I  know  by  experience  in 
various  cases. 

Mr.  Charles  Townsend  2  is  now  become  secretary  at  War, 
pray  write  your  case  to  him,  I  have  no  interest  there  you 

[  ] 

tters  Military  [  ]  Memorandum 

of     [  ]     And    your    Tenants    Letters    shall    be 

forwf  ]  a  proper  means  of  doing  it. 

I  am 

[  ]  JOHNSON: 

Lond°.  6  August  1761 
SIR: 

I  confirm  what  proceeds.    Your  letters  for  the  [  ] 

I  have  sent  to  Holland,  having  a  son  [  ]  pondence  is 

much  in  those  pa  [its?  ]  their  respective  directions  in 

[  divjidend  has  put  me  in  a  [  ]  in  the 


Johnson  to  Pitt,  October  24,   1  760. 

Charles  Townshend,  secretary  of  war  from  1761  to  1  763. 


510  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

Consolidated  Bank  An  [  ]  name  as  at  foot  which 


1761.  July  29.  Paid  for  £30  [  ] 

28th  Inst.  of  [  ] 

into  the  [  ] 
Brokerage  [ 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
D/.1 

Niagara  July  24^  1761 

SIR 

I  have  been  honoured  with  yours  of  the  8th  inst  by  the  hands 
of  Coll.  Eyre  containing  the  intelligence  from  Cap1.  Campbell 
at  Detroit 2  corroborating  what  I  had  formerly  suggested  to  your 
Excelly.  The  same  day  being  then  at  Canada  Creek  I  was 
overtaken  by  3  Indians  sent  express  from  Conajoharee  which 
they  left  in  the  morning  of  that  day  to  inform  me  of  the  intelli- 
gence they  had  received  from  a  Mohock  of  their  Castle  (who 
had  long  resided  amongst  the  most  distant  Senecas)  relative  to 
the  intended  ruptures  between  us,  upon  discovery  of  which,  as 
well  as  on  hearing  that  they  purposed  to  attack  the  Mohocks 
from  their  attachm1.  to  us,  he  left  their  Nation  in  order  to  give 
timely  notice  of  their  designs.  The  Conajoharees  therefore  by 
a  belt  of  Wampum  intreated  me  to  return  from  so  hazardous  an 
Expedition  as  that  on  which  I  was  proceeding.  I  returned  them 
thanks  for  their  intelligence  telling  them  that  I  was  determined 
to  continue  my  Journey,  &  hoped  that  my  timely  arrival  at 
Detroit  might  put  a  Stop  to  their  Evil  intentions. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Campbell   to  Walters,  June    17,    1761,  and  Campbell  to  Amherst, 
June  17,  1761,  in  Niagara  and  Detroit  Proceedings,  q-  v. 


Seven  Years    War  511 

The  lowness  of  the  Water  at  this  very  dry  season  occasioned 
my  taking  a  small  battoe  on  board  of  which  I  came  to  Oswego, 
when  I  was  favoured  with  yours  of  the  1 1 th  Inst. 

On  passing  Fort  Brewerton  I  was  met  by  the  Chief  of  the 
Tuscaroras  with  a  few  other  Indians,  with  whom  I  had  a  short 
conference,  &  to  whom  I  gave  some  admonitions  relative  to  their 
Conduct,  Representing  the  fatal  consequences  which  must  follow 
so  unwarrantable  a  proceeding.  They  assured  me  that  they  were 
utter  Strangers  to  the  before  mentioned  intelligence,  and  that  the 
Journey  of  the  Seneca  Dep?8.  &ca.  to  the  Wiandots  was  with  no 
other  design  as  they  were  informed  than  to  renew  the  ancient 
Covenant  Chain,  &  condole  with  them  for  their  losses  sustained 
at  Niagara  in  1  759,  where  they,  the  Wiandots,  &  Ottawawas 
lost  a  good  many  men,  &  this  they  found  it  unnecessary  *  to  settle 
on  hearing  that  those  Nations  were  a  good  deal  out  of  temper  with 
them  on  that  account,  and  indeed  from  the  proceedings  at  the 
conference  at  Detroit,  that  will  appear  to  have  been  part  of  their 
errand. 

At  Oswego  the  Onondagas  likewise  in  a  meeting  declared 
their  entire  ignorance  of  any  thing  tending  toward  a  Rupture 
amongst  the  Indians,  and  endeavoured  by  all  the  Rhethorick  they 
could  make  use  of  to  convince  me  of  their  invariable  attachment 
to  us,  from  which  behaviour  &  declaration  being  satisfied  that 
they  were  not  parties  to  any  such  plot  I  was  induced  at  their 
earnest  entreaty  to  give  them  an  Order  for  some  powder,  &  Lead 
of  which  they  stood  in  great  Need. 

Being  unwilling  to  halt  any  length  of  time  before  I  came  to 
this  post  I  proceeded  in  one  of  the  Vessells  then  ready  to  sail 
leaving  my  boats  to  follow. 

On  my  arrival  here  I  received  a  letter  from  Cap1.  Campbell  ^ 
at  Detroit  enclosing  a  Copy  of  the  proceedings  of  a  meeting  held 


aSo  in  the  proof;  the  word  should  manifestly  be  "necessary." 
2  Campbell   to  Johnson,  July  8,    1761,  in  Niagara  and  Detroit  Pro- 
ceedings, July-September,    1761. 


512  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

at  the  Wiandot  Town  near  Detroit  with  the  two  Dep?8.  of  the 
Six  Nations1  &ca.  confirming  the  acct8.  of  their  former  inten- 
tions, to  which  proceedings,  I  refer  your  Excell?.  for  particulars, 
as  I  understand  he  has  likewise  sent  you  a  Copy  thereof,  together 
with  the  belt  of  Wampum,  on  which  they  spoke,  a  thing  necessary 
to  me  to  produce  at  a  gen1,  meeting  with  them,  as  well  as  here- 
after, as  a  proof  of  the  discovery  of  their  proceedings  &  malicious 
intent",  towards  us  for  which  reasons  I  should  be  glad  it  was 
forwarded  after  me  by  the  first  opportunity. 

I  sent  a  belt  of  Wampum  from  Oswego  to  assemble  some  of 
the  Chiefs  of  the  Senecas  to  meet  me  here  with  whom  I  shall  have 
a  conference  relative  to  their  conduct  &  the  above  discovery  w0*1. 
I  expect  will  have  a  good  effect,  as  I  intend  to  have  likewise 
tomorrow  with  the  Chief  of  the  Mississagaes  of  which  Nation 
there  are  sev1.  now  here,  and  'tis  with  satisfactn.  I  learn  that  they, 
&  the  western  Indns.  act  very  well,  &  seem  to  bear  no  part  in,  nor 
Do  they  encourage  or  approve  of  the  present  intended  step  pro- 
posed by  the  Rest. 

I  am  informed  one  of  the  Vessells  builds,  by  Mr.  Dyce  will  be 
launched  in  about  1 0  days.  Majr.  Gladwin  with  the  Ll.  Infantry 
left  Oswego  the  same  day  on  which  I  did  for  this  place,  but  the 
contrary  winds  have  as  yet  I  believe  prevented  his  arrival. 

By  some  deserters  from  Illinois  now  here  I  am  informed  of 
the  low  state  of  the  inhabitants  in  that  quarter,  who  have  not 
received  any  European  supplys  for  this  considerable  time  past. 
That  the  Indians  in  those  parts,  from  the  long  residence,  &  con- 
nexion of  the  French  with  them,  are  entirely  in  their  interest,  & 
would  certainly  take  up  arms  in  their  favour  if  the  French  had  it 
in  their  power  to  supply  them  with  Ammunition,  &ca.  As  they 
are  shortly  to  go  down,  Your  Excell?.  may  receive  a  more  full 
information  from  themselves.  My  boats  not  being  yet  come 
hither,  I  am  detained  until  their  arrival,  when  I  shall  proceed  on 


of  the  Conference     .      .      .      near  Fort   Detroit  3d  July,  in 
Niagara  and  Detroit  Proceedings,  July-September,  1761. 


Seven  Years'  War  513 

my  journey  with*,  delay  and  take  all  possible  measures  towards 
preventing  the  Indians  designs  from  being  put  in  execution,  by 
pointing  out  to  them  their  true  interest,  and  thereby  preserving 
to  the  utmost  of  my  power  the  peace  and  Tranquility  of  this 
Country. 

I  am  with  &ca. 

P.  S.  I  beg  leave  to  assure  your  Excel  1?.  there  is  an  absolute 
necessity  for  putting  into  the  hands  of  the  Comd8.  Offr.  or  rather 
allowing  him  to  give  the  dist.  Nations  &  others  who  resort  here 
Ammunition  &  a  little  provns.  on  their  return  if  we  want  to  con- 
tinue their  friendship.  They  must  suffer  greatly  without  such 
assistance.  The  officers  and  others  have  assured  me  that  several 
of  the  dist1.  Indns.  who  were  coming  here  this  Summer  to  trade, 
perished  by  the  way  for  want  of  ammunition  to  kill  Game  for 
their  Subsistence. 

INDORSED:      Niagara  July  24,  1761 

Letter  to  General  Amherst  on  the  intended  rupture 
of  the  Indians. 


TO  SIR  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

There  is  found  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1  1 6,  a  letter  of  July  29th 
from  Johnson,  at  Niagara,  to  Amherst,  relative  to  proceedings  with  Chipe- 
weighs  and  Mississagees,  encroachments  on  Indian  territory,  and  reinforce- 
ments despatched  to  Detroit.  It  was  destroyed  by  fire,  but  the  letter  is 
printed  in  Stone's  Life  and  Times  of  Sir  William  Johnson,  2 : 1 45-47. 


Vol.  Ill  — 17 


514  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

L.  S.1 

Albany,  9*  August  1761. 
SIR 

I  see,  with  pleasure,  by  Your  Letter  of  the  29th  Ult°.  from 
Niagara,  that  You  had  got  so  far  on  your  way  and  that  from 
your  Conference  with  Several  Chiefs  of  the  Chippaway  Nation, 
&  some  Missisageys,  as  well  as  from  the  very  good  character 
given  you  by  the  Commanding  officer  and  every  one  Else  there 
of  the  behavior  of  those  Indians  You  are  convinced  they  are  not 
Concerned  in  any  Schemes  against  us. 

You  will  find  the  upper  Nations  equally  remote  from  any 
Such  bad  Intentions;  they  seem  sensible,  and  indeed  they  cannot 
well  be  otherwise,  of  the  advantages  they  may  reap  from  His 
Majesty's  protection,  and  the  trade  proposed  to  be  settled  for 
them;  There  has  been  a  Meeting  at  the  Detroit  between  those 
Indians,  &  Deputies  from  the  Six  Nations,  which  has  Ended,  as 
I  Expected,  in  the  descovery  of  the  disaffected,  &  the  overthrow 
of  their  Machinations,  which  never  gave  me  a  moment's  Concern, 
as  I  know  their  Incapacity  of  attempting  anything  Serious,  and 
that  if  they  were  rash  enough  to  venture  upon  any  ill  Designs,  I 
had  it  in  my  power  not  only  to  frustrate  them,  but  to  punish  the 
delinquents  with  Entire  Destruction,  which  I  am  firmly  resolved 
on,  whenever  any  of  them  give  me  Cause;  but  I  am  hopefull  they 
never  will. 

On  the  other  hand,  as  I  am  desirous  to  take  the  proper  notice 
of  those,  that  behave  peaceably  and  quietly,  and  strictly  adhere 
to  His  Majesty's  Interest,  I  must  Desire  that  You  will  be  pleased 
in  Your  Conference  at  the  Detroit,  not  only  to  repeat  what  you 
said  to  the  Chippaways  &  Mississageys  at  Niagara,  but,  that  you 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


'/,         S5 

x-     .      »_^ 

.^3 


r 


1 


Seven  Years    War 


will  Express  to  the  Ottowas,  Wyandots,  Chippaways,  and 
Poutowatamis,  the  sense  I  have  of  their  Prudence  and  proper 
behavior  at  the  Council!,  to  which  they  were  called  by  the  Depu- 
ties of  the  Six  Nations,1  a  Copy  of  the  proceedings  whereof,  I 
have  directed  Captain  Campbell  to  Lay  before  You. 

You  are  sensible  how  averse  I  am,  to  purchasing  the  good 
behavior  of  Indians,  by  presents,  the  more  they  get  the  more  they 
ask,  and  yet  are  never  satisfied;  wherefore  as  a  Trade  is  now 
opened  for  them,  and  that  you  will  put  it  under  such  Regulations 
as  to  prevent  their  being  imposed  upon,  I  think  it  much  better  to 
avoid  all  presents  in  future,  since  that  will  oblige  them  to  Supply 
themselves  by  barter,  &  of  course  keep  them  more  Constantly 
Employed  by  means  of  which  they  will  have  less  time  to  concert, 
or  Carry  into  Execution  any  Schemes  prejudicial  to  His  Majestys 
Interests;  and  to  abolish  entirely  every  kind  of  apprehension  on 
that  account,  the  keeping  them  scarce  of  Ammunition,  is  not  less 
to  be  Recommended;  since  nothing  can  be  so  impolitick  as  to 
furnish  them  with  the  means  of  accomplishing  the  Evil  which  is 
so  much  Dreaded. 

The  Indians  need  be  under  no  apprehensions  of  Losing  their 
Lands,  it  never  was  my  Design  to  take  an  Inch  from  them,  unless 
where  the  necessity  of  the  service  obliges  me  to  it,  and  that  they 
have  been  warned  of,  so  that  they  need  not  take  any  umbrage 
at  the  Settlements  on  the  Carrying  Place,  where  People,  Horses, 
Carriages  &ca.  are  absolutely  necessary  to  keep  up  the  Commu- 
nication with  the  upper  posts  and  those  that  are  now  there  for 
that  purpose,  have  no  grants  of  those  Lands,  but  are  only  upon 
Sufferance  till  His  Majestys  pleasure  is  known,  and  untill  that  is 
known  they  must  not  be  removed. 

With  regard  to  their  objection  against  our  Erecting  a  Block- 
house at  Sandusky,  that  has  no  manner  of  weight  with  me;  a 


1Copy  of  the  Conference     .      .      .     near  Fort  Detroit  3d.  July  1761, 
Niagara  and  Detroit  Proceedings. 


516  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

post  at  that  place  is  absolutely  necessary,  not  only  for  the  above 
purposes  of  keeping  up  the  Communication,  but  also  to  keep  the 
Canadians  in  proper  Subjection;  I  must  and  will  therefore,  say 
what  they  will,  have  one  at  that  place. 

You  were  perfectly  in  the  right  to  advise  an  immediate  Rein- 
forcement for  Captain  Campbell  and  I  am  much  obliged  to  you 
for  it,  as  it  will  gain  a  great  deal  of  time;  I  cannot  neither  but 
approve  the  Caution  You  have  given  Cap*.  Campbell  to  apprise 
the  Indians  of  the  Troops  intended  to  be  sent  that  way,  for  as 
they  are  not  proposed  by  way  of  hurt  or  Detriment  to  them,  it 
is  very  proper  to  avoid  giving  them  any  unnecessary  alarm. 

I  am,  with  great  Regard,  Sir,  Your  most  obedient  Humble 
Servant 

JEFF:  AMHERST 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Bar*. 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

L.  S.1 

Albany,  11ih  August  1761. 
SIR 

The  Packett  which  has  been  so  long  Expected,  &  had  almost 
been  given  over  for  taken,  or  Lost,  is  at  last  Arrived,  and  by  her 
I  yesterday  received  Letters,  with  the  Confirmation  of  the  Success 
of  his  Majestry's  Arms  against  the  Citadel  of  Palais  on  the 
Island  of  Belleisle,2  which  Surrendered  by  Capitulation  the  7th 
of  June  last,  and  as  this  happy  Event  will,  I  am  Certain,  be  par- 
ticularly agreeable  to  You,  I  would  not  fail  communicating  it 
to  you  by  the  Earliest  opportunity,  and  for  your  further  Satis- 
faction I  herewith  transmit  a  Copy  of  the  London  Gazette  of  the 
14th  June,  Containing  the  Articles  of  Capitulation,  and  the  Let- 
ters Introducing  the  same  to  His  Majesty's  ministers. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Belle-Isle-en-Mer,  France. 


Seven  Years'  War  517 

As  I  did  not  doubt  you  would,  via  Philadelphia,  be  Informed 
of  the  Chastizement  the  Cherokees  have  met  with  from  the  King's 
Troops,  under  the  Command  of  Colonel  Grant,  in  Carolina,1  I 
did  not  mention  them  in  my  last  Letter  to  You  of  the  9th  Instant ; 
but  lest  I  should  prove  mistaken,  I  have  the  pleasure  to  Acquaint 
You,  that  from  what  has  been  done  in  those  parts,  there  is  the 
greatest  room  to  Expect,  that  those  Indians  have,  e're  this, 
Eagerly  Seized  upon,  &  Accepted  the  offers  that  have  been  made 
to  them,  by  way  of  preventing  their  Entire  Destruction,  which 
certainly  cannot  fail,  if  they  continue  obstinate  &  persist  in  their 
Error,  since  Colonel  Grant  has  not  only  destroyed  Fifteen  of 
their  Towns  (of  the  Names  of  which  you  have  a  List  Enclosed) 
but  also  1 400  Acres  of  Corn,  pease,  &  Beans,  &  has  driven  near 
5000  Men,  Women,  &  Children,  into  the  Woods,  where,  if  they 
do  not  make  a  proper  Submission,  they  cannot  fail  of  starving  in 
the  Winter. 

From  this  Example  the  Indians  may  be  Convinced  that  We 
have  it  in  our  power  to  Reduce  them  to  Reason,  and  You  will 
accordingly  make  use  of  this  last,  as  well  as  first  piece  of  Intelli- 
gence, among  those  You  are  to  Treat  with,  in  such  a  manner  as 
You  Shall  see  most  for  His  Majesty's  Interest. 

I  am,  with  great  Regard,  Sir,  Your  most  Obedient  Humble 
Servant, 

JEFF:  AMHERST 

SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Bar1. 


1  Lieutenant  Colonel  James  Grant,  of  the  40th  regiment  defeated  the 
Cherokees  in  an  action  at  Etchoe  June  10,  1761. 


518  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

A    MEETING   WITH   SENEGAS1 

At  a  Meeting  with  The  Belt  &  other  Senecas  at  Niagara 
Aug'.  1 1  *  1  761 .  Pres*.  Sr.  Wm.  &c*. 

The  Belt  Speaker 

Brother 

We  are  very  sorry  to  find  you  are  under  a  necessity  of  taking 
so  long  a  journey  as  that  on  which  you  are  now  proceeding, 
especially  as  we  are  certain  you  have  many  difficultys  to 
encounter  in  your  way  &  that  your  person  is  not  secure,  nor 
your  life  safe  from  your  enemies.  But  our  uneasiness  on  your 
account  meets  with  a  great  addition  from  reflecting  that  this 
journey  in  which  you  are  so  much  exposed  is  generously  under- 
taken with  the  design  to  promote  our  interest  &  Wellfare. 
Accept  therefore  of  our  most  ardent  wishes  for  your  Success 
therein  &  be  assured  of  our  earnest  desires  &  prayers  for  your 
safe  return  from  discharging  a  Business  so  essential  to  our 
happiness.  A  Belt  7  Rows. 

Then  representing  that  his  provn.  was  out  begged  for  a  Little 
supply,  together  with  some  Ammunition  to  carry  him  home. 

A  String. 

That  as  a  proof  of  the  treatment  which  he  met  with  he  might 
have  a  Cag  of  Rum  to  take  back  which  he  would  open  before 
the  Sachems  in  a  meeting  at  his  Castle  where  he  should  acquaint 
them  with  all  that  passed  between  Sr.  Wm.  &  himself.  A  String 

INDIAN  PROCEEDINGS 

The  preceding  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  117—18,  by 
proceedings  of  the  Easton  conference,  held  August  3-12,  by  Lieutenant 
Governor  James  Hamilton,  of  Pennsylvania,  Richard  Peters  and  Benjamin 
Chew  of  the  Council,  Joseph  Fox,  provincial  commissioner,  and  others  with 
deputies  of  the  Onondagoes,  Cayugas,  Oneidas,  Nanticockes,  Mohickons, 
Delawares,  Tuteloes  and  Conogs;  Samuel  Weiser,  James  Sherlock,  Joseph 
Pepy,  Isaac  Stille  and  David  Seisberger,  interpreters  (printed  in  Pa.  Col. 
Rec.,  8:630-54).  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  519 

FROM  SIR  JEFFREY  AMHERST 
L.  S.1 

SlR  Albany,  18th.  August  1761. 

In  my  Answer  to  Your  favor  of  the  29th.  Ultimo,  I  forgot  to 
Acquaint  You,  that  the  One  You  mentioned  having  wrote  to  me 
the  24th  of  Said  Month,  by  Captain  Buttler,  was  not  Come  to  my 
hands,  nor  is  it  Yet,  Unless  that  of  the  25th  July,  received  last 
Night,  Should  be  it,  Which  I  am  apt  to  believe. 

My  above  Mentioned  Answer  bearing  date  the  9th  Inst  is  so 
very  full,  Upon  the  same  Subject  Matter  of  Your  Letter  now 
before  Me,  that  I  can  have  little  Else  to  trouble  You  with  than 
Repetitions,  Which  however,  I  had  rather  be  guilty  of  than  not 
to  take  the  Proper  Notice  of  the  Intelligence  You  are  pleased 
to  furnish  me  with,  And  for  Which,  I  am  obliged  to  You. 

Nothing  can  do  more  honor  to  the  Mohawks,  than  the  Cause 
Assigned  for  the  Motive  of  the  Senecas  Quarrelling  with  that 
Nation ;  I  hope,  for  their  own  Sakes  that  they  will  Continue  firm 
in  their  Attachment  to  Us. 

The  Endeavors  of  the  Conajoharees  to  prevent  Your  Journey 
to  the  Detroit,  is  Just  of  a  piece  with  those  of  the  Little  Carpenter 
to  delay  the  Progress  of  Colonel  Grant's  Operations  against  the 
Cherokees,  Calculated  with  no  other  View  than  to  gain  time 
for  brewing,  and  afterwards  Attempting  Mischief;  but  they  cer- 
tainly Must  have  known  very  little  of  You,  if  they  could  Con- 
ceive that  Such  Insignificant  Reports  were  Capable  of  retarding, 
or  putting  a  Stop  to  Your  Progress;  I  am  sure  it  would  rather 
hasten  it,  as  Your  Determination  thereupon,  and  Answer  to  them, 
has  plainly  proved. 

Your  Admonitions  to  the  Tuscaroras,  &  Others  are  most 
Judicious,  and  I  am  very  glad  to  hear  that  they  disavow  being 
Privy  to  any  bad  Designs;  a  Proof  if  they  were  concerned  in 
Any,  ttat  they  are  Sensible  of  their  Incapacity  to  bring  them  to 
bear,  Which  alone  is  Sufficient  to  keep  them  within  due  Bounds. 

1  In  New  York  Public  Library,  Emmet  Collection. 


520  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

I  am  very  glad  that  Captain  Campbell  Sent  You  a  Copy  of 
the  Conference  held  at  the  Wiandott  Town  near  to  Detroit,  since 
it  would  Earlier,  and  better  Prepare  You  for  Your  Meeting  with 
the  Indians;  And  tho'  I  am  afraid  the  Belt  You  desire  cannot 
get  to  You  in  time,  Yet  I  send  it  herewith  that  it  may  take  its 
Chance. 

By  the  Proceedings  of  that  Conference  You  will,  not  only  have 
Seen  the  Disappointment  the  Six  Nations  have  met  with,  but  also 
the  Resolutions  of  the  Upper  Indians  to  adhere  firmly  to  His 
,  Majesty's  Interest;  And  I  Doubt  not  but  they  are,  by  this  time, 
one  and  all,  Perfectly  Convinced  of  the  necessity  of  their  being 
So ;  if  they  are  not,  I  must  desire  You  to  let  them  know  from  Me, 
that  upon  the  first  Hostilities  they  May  be  Guilty  of,  they  Must 
not  only  Expect  the  Severest  Retaliation,  but  an  Entire  Destruc- 
tion of  all  their  Nations,  for  I  am  firmly  Resolved,  Whenever 
they  give  me  an  Occasion,  to  Extirpate  them  Root  &  branch,  but 
I  am  hopefull  they  will  not  force  me  to  that  cruel  Necessity. 

I  have  repeatedly  given  You  My  Reasons  for  being  Sparing 
in  Our  bounties  of  Ammunition,  Yet  I  cannot  refrain  from 
Recommending  it  to  You  anew,  More  Particularly  So,  as  I  am 
well  Convinced  of  the  Truth  of  Your  Intelligence  from  the 
Illinois,  Where  I  am  certain  they  must  be  deficient  in  that  Article, 
as  well  as  in  all  other  European  Supplies,  Unless  they  have  been 
furnished  with  them  by  those  Who  Call  themselves,  His 
Majesty's  Faith  full  American  Subjects  Which  I  am  but  too  much 
afraid  is  the  Case;  And  therefore  it  is  the  more  Necessary  not 
to  give  Any  to  the  Indians,  lest  they  Should  Encrease  their  Stock 
from  Our  Bounty. 

One  of  the  Deserters  You  Mention,  is  Come  here,  and  I  have 
Examined  him;  he  Seems  a  very  Intelligent  Man,  and  Confirms 
to  me  the  inability  of  the  Enemy  to  Undertake  Anything  Serious 
against  Our  Settlements,  or  Inhabitants. 
I  am,  with  great  Regard, 

Sir 
Your  most  Obedient 

Humble  Servant. 

To  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Bar*.  JEFF:  AMHERST. 


Seven  Years'  War  521 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

Little  Niagara  Aug1.  19,  1761. 
SIR 

I  did  myself  the  honour  in  m  last  of  the  29th  ult°  to  acquaint 
your  Excelly.  of  my  conference  with  the  Chipeweighs  &  Missis- 
sagees  After  which  they  agreed  to  my  desire  that  some  of  their 
Sachems  shod.  attend  me  to  the  Meeting  at  Detroit,  who  are 
now  with  me  in  consequence  thereof  as  are  also  some  Mohocks 
Senecas  &  Oneidaes.  My  boats  which  had  so  long  detained  me, 
arrived  at  Niagara  the  13th  inst  upon  which  I  made  all  possible 
dispatch  to  get  them  &  the  goods  &ca.  over  the  Carrying  place, 
which,  with  difficulty  (by  reason  of  the  Cattle  being  much 
fatigued)  I  yesterday  effected.  And  shall  set  off  from  hence  if 
possible  this  day. 

Major  Gladwin,  &  his  Detachm1.  left  this  on  the  14th  but  the 
High  Winds  has  much  delayed  him  as  he  was  only  entering  the 
Lake  the  1  7th,  &  yesterday's  storm  must  have  prevented  his  mov- 
ing. I  was  yesterday  on  the  Island  where  the  Vessell  is  building, 
which  is  in  great  forwardness,  &  will  be  launched  in  three,  or  four 
days,  after  which  she  will  proceed  to  Detroit. 

The  Senecas  have  absolutely  denyed  their  knowledge  or 
approbation  of  the  late  plot  agl.  us  2  attributing  the  whole  to  a 
Castle  of  Seneca  &  other  Indns.  near  the  Ohio,  who  they  say  had 
some  young  men  killed  &  others  abused  by  us,  and  as  a  proof  of 
their  inocence  thereof  have  agreed  to  send  Deputys  to  attend  the 
Meeting  at  Detroit  there  publickly  to  disavow  w*.  the  2. Mes- 
sengers had  done  last  month  in  yc  name  of  the  Six  Nations.  I 
have  left  a  Regulation  for  the  Indn.  trade  at  Niagara,  and  sent 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  See  Campbell  to  Johnson.  July  8,  1  761,  in  Niagara  and  Detroit  Pro- 
ceedings, July— September,   1761. 


522  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

another    to    Majr.    Duncan    at    Oswego,   which    if   punctually 
observed,  will  I  hope  produce  the  desired  effect. 

Your  Excell0?8.  Letter  of  the  1 4th  Ult0.1  I  received  a  few  days 
ago,  and  shall  endeavour  all  in  my  power  to  procure  those  things 
which  you  desire,  if  they  are  to  be  had  abl.  Detroit,  As  nothing 
could  afford  me  greater  pleasure  than  the  executing  any  of  your 
Comnyk.  to  your  Satisfaction,  being  with  ye  great5*.  Sincerity 
&  respect  Sir  yr.  Excell0?8. 

INDORSED:     Letter  to  Gen1.  Amherst 


INDIAN    PROCEEDINGS,    ETC. 

The  foregoing  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar  by  three  papers 
p,  118,  destroyed  by  fire:  an  agreement,  drawn  at  Ston  Rabi  August  19th, 
between  Johannes  Van  Derwerken  and  Jorg  Schenck,  witnessed  by 
Christian  Dillenbach  and  Wilhelmus  Dillenbach,  by  which  Van  Der- 
werken binds  himself,  in  £100  New  York  currency,  to  give  title  to  59 
acres,  and  Schenck  obliges  himself,  in  the  sum  of  £100,  to  pay  £50  in 
instalments  of  £20,  £15  and  £15  for  the  land  [In  German]  ;  a  letter  of 
the  31st  from  Lieutenant  Governor  Hamilton,  at  Philadelphia,  to  General 
Amherst,  transmitting  proceedings  of  the  Easton  conference  and  mentioning 
Indian  complaint  against  Johnson  (extract)  ;  and  an  account  of  Johnson's 
reception  at  Detroit  and  preliminary  meetings  with  Indians,  September  3-4 
(See  Niagara  and  Detroit  Proceedings,  from  original  in  Public  Record 
Office).  A  copy  of  the  last  paper  is  preserved. 


Not  found. 


Seven  Years'  War  523 


MEMORANDA  OF  POINTS  OF  INQUIRY1 

Detroit  7*"-  6*.  7767. 

To  learn  from  Mons"  La  Bute 2  &  Sl.  German  z  the  names  of 
ye  several  Nations  of  Indians  in  this  Country,  their  numbers  of 
men,  places  of  residence,  their  connections,  disposition,  and 

Warrs. 

2d.  How  many  Posts  the  French  had  in  the  Indn.  Country,  the 
number  of  men  in  each,  how  maintained,  from  whom  they 
received  their  orders,  how  often  relieved,  how  liked  by  the 
Ind8.  on  what  footing  Trade  was  carried  on  w*.  the  Indians 
in  all  their  parts,  &  how  far  the  bounds  of  Canada  extends, 
and  that  of  Mississippi. 

3d.  Whether  the  French  had  any  shipping  on  the  Lakes  Huron, 
Michigan  or  Superior,  whether  &  w*1.  of  them  is  reckoned 
the  best  Navigation,  how  late  &  early  they  can  be  used  in  ye 
Season. 

4th.  Which  Post  or  place  was  always  looked  upon  as  the  best  for 
trade,  what  prices  the  French  generally  paid  for  Bever  firrs 
&ca. 

5th.  What  Posts  &  Settlements  from  Mississippi  to  the  Illinois 
Country  and  what  number  of  Inhabitants,  Soldiers  &  Slaves. 

WM.  JOHNSON 


FROM  SIR  JEFFERY  AMHERST  TO  JAMES   HAMILTON 

The  preceding  paper  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1  1 8,  by  a 
letter  of  September  6th  from  General  Amherst,  at  Staten  Island,  to  Lieu- 
tenant Governor  Hamilton,  expressing  hope  that  a  copy  of  proceedings  at 
Easton  has  been  sent  to  Johnson  at  Detroit.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


1  Memoranda  of  information  to  be  gained  at  Detroit.     Destroyed  by 
fire.     For  the  information  see  close  of  Niagara  and  Detroit  Proceedings, 
July-September,   1761. 

2  La  Butte,  an  interpreter  at  Detroit. 
3St  Germain,  an  interpreter. 


524  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

Detroit  Septr.  I0lh  1761 

SIR 

After  a  tedious  passage  of  1 5  days  on  Lake  Erie  I  arrived 
here  the  3d  inst.  The  weather  has  been  so  bad  that  I  apprehend 
one  of  my  boats  with  my  Interpreter  is  lost  he  not  having,  yet 
been  heard  of.  Mr.  Croghan  was  here  before  me  w*.  the 
Shawanese,  Delewares  &  5  Nations  living  ab*.  the  Ohio,  but  no 
Cattle,  there  being  none  at  Pittsburgh  which  has  greatly  dis- 
appointed me.  On  my  arrival  I  imediately  made  preparation  for 
the  Gen!.  Meeting  with  the  Indians,  which  I  yesterday  opened 
by  delivering  them  a  Speech,  the  particulars  of  which  I  have  not 
now  leisure  to  transmit  to  your  Excell0?.  It  was  received  with 
great  Satisfaction,  and  this  day  they  have  appointed  to  give  me 
their  answer  thereto.  From  their  behaviour  I  draw  the  most 
favourable  conclusions,  and  hope  in  my  next  to  be  enabled  to 
acquaint  your  Excell0?.  with  the  result  thereof. 

Major  Gladwin  lyes  here  very  ill  of  a  fever,  &  yesterday  Cap*. 
Balfour  set  out  with  1 20,  of  that  Reg*,  in  executn.  of  your  orders, 
Cap*.  McCloud  2  returns  to  Niagra  for  provns.  of  which  there 
is  great  want  here.  Cap*.  Campbell  will  acq*.  you  by  this  oppor- 
tunity with  the  reasons  which  induced  us  to  make  those  alter- 
ations in  the  former  dispositions,  however,  notwithstanding  the 
lateness  of  the  Season,  the  loss  of  provisions,  &  ammunitn.  on  the 
way  hither,  with  other  accidents,  I  am  in  great  hopes  we  shall 
still  be  enabled  to  relieve  causes  &  garrison  the  posts,  &  effect 
the  other  ends  required  agreeable  to  your  Excellencys  instruc- 
tions. 

I  am  with  all  imaginable  sincerity  &  respect  Sr.  yr.  Excell0?8. 

His  Excellcy  GENL  AMHERST 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Major  Henry  Gladwin,  Captain  Henry  Balfour  and  Captain  Norman 
McLeod  were  attached  to  the  80th,  General  Thomas  Gage's,  regiment. 


Seven  Years    War  525 


TO  WILLIAM  WALTERS 

D/.1 

Detroit  Sepr.  10th  1761. 
DEAR  SIR 

I  take  the  opportunity  of  Cap*.  McCloud's  return  to  Niagra 
to  acquaint  you  that  the  lateness  of  the  Season  &  the  necessity 
we  were  under  (from  the  want  of  prov5.  here)  to  make  up  the 
complmts.  wanted  for  the  posts  out  of  what  came  in  the  boats  wth 
Gages  Reg1,  hath  induced  me  (Majr.  Gladwin  being  very  ill  of 
fever)  to  send  Cap1.  Balfour,  with  120  of  Gages,  as  far  as 
they  can  proceed  with  any  possibility  of  return,  &  Cap*.  McCloud 
is  with  the  remr.  sent  for  a  fresh  supply  to  your  Garrison.  Cap*. 
Campbell  tho*  in  great  want  of  Ammunit".  as  he  tells  me,  has 
sent  what  he  could  possibly  spare  with  the  officers  to  their  posts, 
&  will  therefore  want  a  Supply  of  2  Barrels  of  powder,  with  a 
proportion  of  ball,  mostly  small  Ammunitn.  being  a  verry 
material  article  here.  For  want  of  officers,  we  are  obliged  to 
leave  an  officer  of  Gages  with  10  men  at  the  Miamis.2  Mr. 
Holmes  being  very  ill,  in  case  Cap1.  McCloud  returns  with  a 
Supply  of  provisions  for  this  post,  there  will  be  an  officer,  Serj*. 
&  1  0  men  wanted  to  Garrison  Wawiaghta;3  if  otherwise  we  shall 
not  be  able  to  relieve  it,  &  in  that  case  an  officer  &  Serj*.  only 
will  be  required.  Cap1.  McCloud  will  acquaint  you  with  any 
farther  particulars  relative  to  the  above  disposition  &c. 

I  expect  to  be  enabled  to  set  out  from  here  in  a  few  days  and 
with  Compliments  to  the  Gentlemen  of  your  Garrison,  I  remain 
Sir 

Lastly  for  Missillimacinac  Gorrel  La  Bay  Slosser  S*.  Joseph 
Newland,  Miamis,  Holmes  if  well,  Wawiaghtanock.3 

INDORSED:     Letter  to  Majr.  Walters  comd«.  at  Niagara. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Fort  Miami,  on  the  Maumee  river. 

3  Fort  Ouatanon,  on  the  Wabash  river. 


526  Sir   IVilliam  Johnson  Papers 


FROM  JAMES  HAMILTON  TO  SIR  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1  1 9,  by  a 
letter  of  September  1  3th  from  Lieutenant  Governor  Hamilton,  at  Philadel- 
phia, to  General  Amherst,  suggesting  in  what  ways  Johnson  may  be  made 
acquainted  with  the  Easton  proceedings.      Destroyed  by  fire. 


CADWALLADER  GOLDEN  TO  CORNELIUS  HORNBECK  AND 

OTHERS 

Contemporary  Copy  * 
(Copy) 

Nerv  York,  16*  Sep'.  7767 
GENTLEMEN 

I  Have  communicated  your  letter  to  the  Gentlemen  of  the 
Council,  &  by  their  Advice,  You,  together  with  Coll:  Harden- 
burgh,  &  Coll:  Ellison,  the  Members  of  Assembly  for  your 
County,  &  such  others  of  the  Principal  Inhabitants  of  the  Same, 
as  You  shall  Call  to  Your  Assistance,  are  to  meet  the  Indians  at 
the  time  they  shall  Come,  as  they  have  Requested,  to  Renew 
Amity  &  Friendship  with  His  Majesty's  Subjects. 

On  their  Expressing  their  Sorrow  for  what  is  passed,  &  freely 
delivering  up  all  our  people  who  are  detained  among  them;  and 
their  promising  to  live  peaceably  &  friendly  with  all  His 
Majesty's  Subjects,  for  the  future,  You  may  assure  them  of  the 
protection  of  this  Government. 

They  must  not  be  permitted  to  Demand  any  Gratuity  or  Sum 
of  Money,  for  the  Delivery  of  any  of  His  Majesty's  Subjects,  as 
such  Demand  is  inconsistent  with  that  Friendship  &  Submission 
which  they  profess  &  must  be  looked  on  as  an  Indignity  offered 
to  His  Majesty's  Authority, 

As  it  is  usual  for  the  Indians  to  make  presents  at  these  Meet- 
ings, it  will  be  proper  for  you  to  Return  presents  to  them,  as  an 
Assurance  that  you  will  pass  over  &  forget  the  Injuries  they  have 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years'  War  527 

done,  on  their  duly  performing  the  Assurances  they  shall  give 
You  of  their  future  good  behaviour.  At  the  same  time  you  are 
to  advise  the  Indians  not  to  Approach  near  any  of  the  Houses  on 
our  Frontiers,  without  first  giving  Notice  to  the  Inhabitants,  and 
having  their  Liberty  &  Consent  to  come  near  them. 

Mr.  Bruyn,  One  of  your  Representatives  can  Inform  You,  in 
what  manner  you  may  expect  to  have  the  necessary  Expence  upon 
this  occasion  paid. 

You  are  to  keep  regular  Minutes  of  all  Your  Proceedings  in 
this  Affair;  and  of  everything  Material  which  shall  pass,  in  Your 
Conferences  with  the  Indians;  and  you  are  to  transmit  a  full  and 
perfect  account  of  all  your  proceedings  herein  to  me,  or  to  the 
Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Province  for  the  time  being. 

I  am,  Gentlemen,  &ca. 

To  CORNELIUS  HORNBEEK,  LEVI  PAWLING 
JACOB  HORNBECK,  COLL.  HARDENBURGH 
COLL.  ELLISON,  LT.  COLL.  HAASBROUCK,'  &  JACOBUS 
BRUYN  Esqr. 


TO  OFFICERS  AT  WESTERN  POSTS 
D/.2 
Fort  Detroit  16  SepP.  1761. 

Instructions  to  the  Officers  at  the  difK  Posts  among  the  North; 
ern  &  Western  Indn.  Nat5,  at  Missilimk.  &ca. 

The  officer  to  keep  up  a  good  understanding  with  all  Ind8.  who 
live  near  his  Post,  and  w*.  those  who  may  resort  thither  on 
Business,  and  see  that  no  Injustice  is  done  them  in  Trade  or 
otherwise;  to  prevent  his  Garrison  having  much  intercourse  wlh. 
the  Ind5.  or  rambling  abroad  among  them,  as  that  often  creates 


1  Abraham  Haasbrook  and  Jacobus  Bruyn  represented  Ulster  county 
in  the  Assembly  of   1761-68. 

2  Destroyed  by  fire. 


528  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

Disputes  &  Quarrels  between  soldier  &  IncK  for  want  of  under- 
standing each  other. 

As  it  will  be  necessary  to  have  an  Interpreter  at  each  of  the 
Posts  the  officer  will  after  he  arrives  at  a  knowledge  of  the  French 
Inhabit5,  choose  one  of  the  honestest  and  best  qualified  of  them 
to  serve  as  Interpr.  when  called  upon  &  not  otherwise,  who  will 
be  paid  yearly  what  ye  officer  agrees  with  him  for,  w0*1.  cannot 
be  much  as  it  will  not  Prevent  him  from  following  his  other  Buss. 

To  keep  up  a  Correspondence  as  well  as  possible  wth.  the  off". 
of  ye  next  Posts,  also  w*.  the  Commandr.  at  Detroit,  w°h.  will 
enable  him  &  them  to  act  uniformly  and  have  good  Intelligence  & 
knowledge  of  the  Dispositions  of  those  Nations  of  Indns.  in  whose 
Neighbourhood  they  are  posted. 

In  order  to  prevent  as  much  as  possible  Abuse  in  Trade,  the 
officer  is  to  see  that  all  Traders  strictly  adhere  to  the  Regulations 
made  for  that  Purpose,  and  no  Person  to  be  allowed  trading  with 
or  carrying  Goods  to  any  Nation  or  place  to  the  Niward  or 
Wrward  of  Detroit,  except  where  there  is  a  Garrison,  &  an  officer 
commas,  who  is  at  every  such  Post  to  see  that  such  Trader  shall 
before  he  is  permitted  to  trade,  produce  his  Passport  for  that  Pur- 
pose from  Sr.  Wm.  Johnson,  His  Majs.  Agent  and  Superintend*, 
of  Indn.  Affrs.  or  his  deputy,  and  sealed  with  his  Seal  of  Arms. 

On  the  Off".  Arriv1.  at  his  Post  if  ye  Inds.  make  application 
to  have  their  Arms  &ca.  mended,  &  that  he  judges  necessary  to 
comply  therewith,  he  is  to  order  any  Smith  residing  there  to 
repair  the  same,  agreeing  on  the  most  reasonable  Terms  w*.  him, 
wch.  Smith  is  annually  to  present  an  Attested  accP*.  to  the  Com- 
mds.  Offr.  of  the  Work  done  by  him  in  order  to  its  being  trans- 
mitted to  Sr.  Wm.  Johnson  who  will  discharge  the  same. 


Seven  Years    War  529 


TO  HENRY  BOUQUET 
L.  S.1 

Detroit  Sept'.  I8ih.  1761 
SIR/ 

The  many  complaints  made  to  me  by  the  Indians  of  the  dear- 
ness  of  goods,  &  extortion  of  the  Traders,  hath  induced  me,  with 
General  Amhersts  approbation  to  make  the  enclosed  Regulation 
for  the  Trade  at  your  Garrison,  as  I  have  likewise  done  for 
Oswego,  Niagara,  Detroit  &ca.  and  hope  it  will  be  a  means  of 
putting  an  end  to  the  general  Clamour  amongst  the  Indians  on 
that  head  &  that  by  a  strict  adherence  thereto  they  may  be  con- 
vinced of  our  upright  dealing  in  trade,  and  intentions  to  live  on 
terms  of  Friendship  with  them 

Mr.  Croghan  by  whom  I  now  write  will  inform  you  of  my  pro- 
ceedings, &  of  the  success  of  the  meeting  at  this  place  with  the 
several  Indian  Nations. 

I  heartily  wish  you  an  Agreable  season  at  Fort  Pitt  And 
remain  with  sincerity 

Sir 

Your  most  Obed1. 

& 
most  humble  Serv*. 

WM.  JOHNSON. 
COLL.  BOUQUET. 

INDORSED:     Letter  from  Sir 
William  Johnson 
Detroit  18th  Septr. 
Received  by  Mr.  Croghan 
the2d.  Oct'.  1761 


1In  British  Museum,  Additional  Manuscripts  21655.  fo.  170.  London. 
England. 


530  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 


PRICES  FOR  INDIAN  GOODS  * 

1    Stroud 19/ £0..  19..  0 

1    Pair  Halfthicks  Stockings 0:  3:  9 

Gartering  to  wab  the  Stroud 0 :  7 :  6 

1    Plain  Shirt 0:  8:  0 

1    Rufled  Shirt    0:  15:  0 

500  Wampum 1  :  2:  6 

1    Arm  Band     ) 

1    Wrist  Band J°fSllver   1: 

1  dozen  Broches 0:  10:  0 

2  «  Powder 0:  4:  6; 

4  «  Lead 0:  2:  0 

4      Knives @   lO*1 0:  3:  4 

%  «  Vermillion. 0:  3:  9 

4  yds  Ribbon @  10d 0:  3:  4 

6  yds  Callicoe @  4/ 1  :  4:  0 

1    Plain  Shirt for  the  Wife    0:  8:  0 

1    Matchcoat 0:  10:  0 

small  things  of  several  kinds 0:  10:  0 


£8:      19:     8 


INDIAN   TRADE   REGULATIONS   AT   FORT   PITT 
D.2 

By  the  Honourable  Sr.  Wm.  Johnson  Baronet  His  Majestys 
Sole  Agent  Superintendant  &  ColK  of  the  Six  United  Nations, 
their  Allies  &ca,  &ca, — 


Mn  British  Museum,  Additional  Manuscripts  21655.  fo.  282,  London, 
England.  Inclosed  apparently  in  a  letter  of  Johnson  to  Bouquet,  Septem- 
ber 18,  1761. 

2  In  British  Museum,  Additional  Manuscripts  21655.  fo.  283-84, 
London,  England.  Inclosed  apparently  in  a  letter  of  Johnson  to  Bouquet, 
September  1 8,  1  76 1  *  A  copy  of  the  order  without  the  regulations  is  in 
the  New  York  Historical  Society,  Miscellaneous  Manuscript, 


Seven  Years'  War 


531 


As  Nothing  can  contribute  more  to  the  Strengthening  and 
extending  his  Majestys  Indian  Interest  in  this  Country,  then  a 
free  open  Trade  on  the  fairest  and  most  reasonable  terms  with 
the  Indian  Inhabitants  thereof,  I  have,  with  the  approbation  of 
his  Excellency  General  Amherst,  Judged  it  adviseable  for  the 
preventing  of  any  extorsion  or  abuses  therein,  to  make  the  fol- 
lowing Regulations  with  Regard  to  the  prices  of  Indians  Goods, 
Hereby  ordering  all  Traders  &c,  strictly  to  adhere  to  the  same 
on  pain  of  being  banished  from  the  Post  at  which  they  Trade 
by  the  Commanding  Officer  thereof,  their  Lycence  to  be  taken 
from  them  and  they  rendered  incapable  to  trade  at  any  of  his 
Majestys  Garrisons,  or  Posts  for  the  future  and  Each  of  the 
Commds.  Officers  of  his  Majestys  Garrisons,  are  required  not  to 
allow  any  Person  or  Persons  whatsoever  to  carry  on  any  Trade 
with  the  Indians,  who  do  not  first  produce  him  their  Pass  Signed 
&  Sealed  by  Sr  Wm:  Johnson  or  George  Croghon  Esqr  his 
Deputy  — 

Regulations  for  the  Trade  at  Fort  Pitt  — 


Indian  Goods 


To  be  Sold   for  — 


A  Stroud  of  two  yds:  Long 
Penniston  Stockings  of  1 1/£  ydf : 
Mens  Plain  Shirts 
Mens  Ruffeld  Ditto 
Childrens  Shirts 
Mens  Large  Blankets 
Mens  Single  Stript  Ditto 

30  in  a  pice  for  Children  Ditto 
Mens  Penniston  Coats  bound 
Boyes  Ditto  Ditto  of  1 6  Years 

Old 
Womens  Wosted   Stocks    ty: 

Pr: 


2  Good  Beaver  or  three  Bucks 
1    Medlin  Beaver  or  Buckskin 

1  Beaver  or  Buck  &  a  Doe 

2  Beavers  or  3  Buck  Skins 

1  small  Beaver  or  Doe  Skin, 

2  Good  Beavers  or  3  Bucks 
2  Medlin  Beavers  or  2  Buck 

Sk»- 

1  Medlin  Beaver  or  1   Buck 

2  Beaver  or  three  Bucks 

1    Good    Beaver    or    Buck    & 
Doe 

1   Buck  Skin 


532 


Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 


Indian  Goods 


To  be  Sold  for 


Womens  Yarn  Ditto 

Child5:  Ditto 

Black  Wampum  &  Hundred 

White  D°.—  Ditto 

Gun  Powder  3$  pound 

4  bars  Lead 

12  flents 

one  fathem  Calico 

one  Ditto  Calamanco 
Large  Silk  Handk8. 
Vermillion  lPr  pd: 
Cutteau  Knives 
Small  Ditto 

1  pice  of  Role  Gartring 

2  fathem  of  Ribbon 

1    Brass  Kettle  by  Weight 
Tin  Kettles  of  a  Gallon 
Large  Silver  arm  Bands 
Small  Ditto     Ditto 
Wrist  Bands 
Womens  Hair  Plates 
Silver  Brochess 
Large  Croses 

Ear  Bobs 


1    Doe  Skin 

1    Racoon 

1    Buck 

1    Racoons. 

1    Buck  Skin 

4  Buck 

1   Racoon 

1    Buck    &    a    Doe    or   Good 

Beavr: 
1    Buck 

1  Buck  &  a  Doe 

2  Good  Beavers  or  3  Bucks 
2  Racoons 

1    Racoon 
1    Buck 
1    Buck 

1  lb  one  pound  of  Beavr: 

2  Bucks 

4  Beaver  or  5  Bucks 

3  Beaver  or  4  Bucks 

2  Bucks 

3  Beaver  or  4  Bucks 
1    Racoon 

1    Small     Beaver    or    Medlin 

Buck 
1    Doe 


INDORSED:     Sir  William  Johnson 
His  Regulation  for 
Indian  Trade  — 


Seven  Years    War 


533 


INDIAN  TRADE  REGULATIONS  AT  SANDUSKY  * 

By  the  Honourable  Sr.  William  Johnson  Baronet  His 
Majesty's  Sole  Agent,  Superintendant  and  Coll:  of  the  Six 
United  Nations  &c:  &c:  &c: — 2 

Regulations  for  the  Trade  at  Sanduskey 


Indian  Goods    to  be  Sold  for    Indian  Goods 


Four  Racoons 
One  Buckskin 
One  Buck 
One  Racoon 


INDORSED:     Regulations  for  Trade 
att  Sanduskey  — 


1  Brass  Kettle 
by  Weight  1  Ib 


to  be  Sold  for 


One  Pound  of 
Beaver 


INDIAN   TRADE   REGULATIONS  AT   MIAMI 

By  the  Honourable  Sr:  William  Johnson  Baronet  His 
Majesty's  Sole  Agent,  Superintendant  and  Coll:  of  the  Six 
United  Nations,  &c.  &c.  &c.— 

As  nothing  can  contribute  more  to  the  Strengthening  and 
Extending  His  Majesty's  Indian  Interest  in  this  Country,  then 
a  free  Open  Trade  on  the  fairest  and  most  Reasonable  Terms 
with  the  Indian  Inhabitants  thereof.  I  have  with  the  Aprobation 


1  In  British  Museum,  Additional  Manuscripts  22655.  fo.  285,  London, 
England. 

2  Matter  which  is  the  same  in  the  Fort  Pitt  and  the  Sandusky  regulations 
is  omitted  here. 

3  In  British  Museum.  Additional  Manuscripts  21655.  fo.  288,  London, 
England. 


534 


Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 


of  his  Excellency  General  Amherst,  Judged  it  Advisable  for  the 
Preventing  of  any  Extortions  or  abuses  therein,  to  make  the  fol- 
lowing Regulations  with  Regard  to  the  Prices  of  Indian  Goods, 
Hereby  Ordering  all  Traders  &c:  strictly  to  adhere  to  the  same 
on  pain  of  being  banished  from  the  Post  at  which  they  Trade  by 
the  Commanding  Officer  thereof  their  Licence  to  be  taken  from 
them  and  they  rendered  incapable  to  Trade  at  any  of  his 
Majesty's  Garrisons,  or  Posts  for  the  future.  And  each  of  the 
Commanding  Officers,  of  his  Majesty's  Garrisons  are  Required, 
not  to  allow  any  Person  or  Persons  whatsoever  to  carry  on  any 
Trade  with  the  Indians,  who  do  not  first  produce  him  their  Pass 
Signed  and  Sealed  by  Sr:  William  Johnson  or  George  Croghan 
Esqr  his  Deputy 

Regulations  for  the  Trade  at  Miamies 


Indian  Goods 


to  be  Sold  for 


A  Stroud  of  two  Yards  long 

Penniston    Stocks8,   of    1    Yd. 

&!4 
Mens  Plain  Shirts 

Mens  Ruffled  D°. 
Childrens  Shirts 
Mens  large  Blankets 

Mens  Single  Strip'd  D°. 

30  in  a  Piece  for  Children  D°. 

Mens  Penniston  Coats — bound 

Boys   D°.    DO.    of    16   Years 
Old  — DO. 


Three  Beavers  or  four  Buck- 

skins 
A  Midlin  Beaver  or  Buckskin 


A  Beaver  or  One  Buck  &  a 

Doe 

two  Beavers  or  three  Buckskins 
A  small  Beaver  or  Doeskin 
three    Beavers   or   four  Buck- 

skins 
two    Beavers   or    three   Buck- 

skins 
One  Beaver  or  One  Buck  & 

Doe 
three    Beaver    or    four    Buck- 

skins 
two    Midlin    Beaver    or    two 

Bucks 


Seven  Years    War 


535 


Indian  Goods 


To  be  Sold  for  — 


Womens  Worsted  Stock*.  $'. 

Pair 

Womens  Yarn  D°. 
Childerns  D°. 
Black    Wampum,    good,    ^r. 

Hund<*. 

White          D°.          DO. 
Gun  Powder  3$r.  Pound 

Four  Barrs  of  Lead 
Twelve  Flints 

One  Fathom  Callicoe 

Ditto  Callimancoe 

large  Silk  Handkerchiefs 
Vermilion  3$T.  Pound 
Cuttoe  Knives 
Small  Knives 

1  Piece  of  Role  Gartering 

2  Fathom  of  Ribbon 

1  Brass  Kettle  by  Weight  1  Ib. 
Tin  Kettles  of  a  Gallon 

large  Silver  Arm  Bands 
Small  DO. 

Wrist  Bands 
Womens  Hair  Plates 
Silver  Broaches 
large  Crosses 
Ear  Bobbs 


A  Beaver  or  Good  Buckskin 

A  Martin  or  Doe  skin 

One  Racoon  or  two  Muskrats 

One  Beaver  or  Good  Buck 

four  Racoons  or  two  Martins 
One   Beaver  or   Good   Buck- 
skin 

One  Beaver  or  Good  Buck 
One   Racoon    or    two    Musk- 

ratts 
two    Midlin    Beaver    or    two 

Bucks 

One  Beaver  or  three  Doe  skins 
two  Midlin  Beaver  or  2  Bucks 
three  Beavers  or  4  Buck  skins 
One  Doe  or  two  Racoons 
One  Racoon  or  2  Muskratts 
One  Beaver  or  One  Buck 
One  Beaver  or  good  Buckskin 
One  Pound  of  Beaver 
two     Midlin     Beavers     or     2 

Bucks 

four  Beavers  or  5  Bucks 
three  Beavers  or  4  Bucks 
Two  Beavers 
three  Beavers  or  4  Bucks 
One  Racoon 

One  Buck  or  Midlin  Beaver 
One  Doe  or  small  Beaver 


INDORSED:     Regulations  for  Trade 
att  Miamies  — 


536  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
L.  S.1 

Slaaten  Island,  23d.  Septemr.  1761. 
SIR 

This  will  probably  meet  You  on  your  Return  from  the  Detroit, 
where  I  am  hopefull  you  will  have  Settled  Every  thing  to  Your 
Wishes. 

As  Captain  Etherington  2  is  Setting  out  for  Niagara,  I  take  the 
occasion  of  Sending  this  by  him,  and  to  Return  You  my  thanks 
for  the  favor  of  Your  Letter  of  the  1 9th  Ult°.  from  that  place. 

The  Regulations  You  have  been  pleased  to  send  to  the  Com- 
manding officer  at  Oswego,  which  you  acquaint  me  you  have  also 
left  with  the  Commanding  officer  at  Niagara,  for  the  Indian 
Trade,  I  am  confident  will  be  punctually  observed  by  the  officers 
of  both  places;  and  I  trust  will  have  the  desired  good  effect. 

I  had  some  time  since  a  Letter  from  Ll.  Govr.  Hamilton  in 
regard  to  his  having  met  the  Indians  at  Easton,  and  Enclosing  me 
a  Copy  of  the  said  Treaty :  I  imagined  he  had  sent  you  a  Copy 
of  those  Conferences;  but  as  he  Acquainted  me  since,  that  he 
was  sorry  he  had  omitted  Sending  You  a  Copy,  I  now  Enclose 
you  One,3  with  paragraphs  of  his  Lettres  to  me,  &  mine  in  Answer 
thereto. 

On  the  19th  Instant,  I  received  some  Letters  from  Europe,  by 
the  packett,  that  left  England  on  the  1 8th  July ;  and  I  had  the 
pleasure  of  being  Informed  from  Mr.  Secretary  Pitt,  by  a  Letter 
of  the  8th  of  that  Month,  of  His  Majesty  having  that  day 
Declared  to  His  Council,  His  Resolution  of  Demanding  in 
Marriage  the  Princess  Charlotte  of  Mecklenburgh  Strelitz, 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Captain  George  Etherington,  of  the  60th  regiment. 

3  This  copy  was  burned.     But  the  proceedings  of  the  conference  with 
deputies  of  "  the  Onondagoes,  Cayugas,  Oneidas,  Nanticockes,  Mohickons, 
Delawares,  Tuteloes  and  Conogs "  are  printed  in  Pennsylvania  Colonial 
Records,  8:630-54. 


Seven  Years    War  537 

which,  I  am  certain,  will  give  the  greatest  Joy  &  Satisfaction  to 
all  His  Majestys  Faithfull  Subjects,  and  I  most  sincerely  con- 
gratulate you  thereon;  I  herewith  Enclose  you  a  Copy  of  the 
Extraordinary  Gazette.  The  Coronation  was  fixed  for  the  22d 
of  this  Month;  and,  by  private  letters,  I  am  told  Lord  Harcourt 
was  to  fetch  over  the  Queen,  &  was  to  be  her  Master  of  the 
Horse;  Duke  of  Manchester  Lord  Chamberlain;  and  the 
Dutchess  of  Portland  her  Groom  of  the  Stole,  There  are  no 
other  material  News  from  England :  Nothing  decisive  as  to  peace 
or  War ;  preparations  for  the  Latter  of  Course,  were  Carrying  on 
with  great  Vigor. 

I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  your  kind  Intentions  of  procuring 
me  some  things,  which  I  imagined  might  be  got  about  the  Detroit. 

I  am,  with  great  Truth  &  Regard,  Sir,  Your  most  Obedient 
Humble  Servant, 

JEFF:  AMHERST 
SIR  WM.  JOHNSON,  Bar1. 


HENRY  BALFOUR'S  CONFERENCE  WITH  INDIANS  * 

Speech  delivered  to  the  Indians  of  the  Nations  living  in  the 
Environs  of  Michillimackinack,  at  said  Fort  the  29th  September 
1761. 

Brethren  the  Great  Chiefs  of  the  Villages  and  principal  war- 
riors of  the  Sauteurs 2  and  Ottawas 

It  is  with  pleasure  that  I  see  you  assembled  here  on  my  arrival 
in  your  Nation,  as  I  have  nothing  but  good  things  to  say  to  you 
and  which  greatly  concerns  you,  For  which  reason  I  beg  you  will 
pay  due  attention  to  my  words,  and  to  the  end  that  nothing  might 
hinder  you  from  listn'g  thereto,  I  by  this  String  open  your  eyes 
and  Ears  that  you  may  see,  and  attend  clearly  to  all  which  I  have 


1  The  original  in  French  destroyed  by  fire;  likewise,  Guy  Johnson's 
translation,  of  which  the  following  is  a  copy. 

2Sauteurs,  Saulteurs,  Sauteaux,  Sauteux,  Indians  living  about  Sault 
Ste  Marie;  Chippewas,  Ojibwas. 


538  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

to  say  at  present,  and  what  your  Brethren  the  English  may  here- 
after say  to  you. 

My  Brethren,  As  you  have  without  doubt  lost  of  your  people 
in  the  War  in  which  you  were  imprudently  engaged  with  the 
French  agl.  your  brethren  the  English,  and  whereby  you  drew 
our  Just  wrath  upon  you,  we  would  willingly  forget  and  pardon 
all  that  hath  passed,  and  for  my  part  I  am  well  pleased  to  have 
this  occasion  to  condole  with  you  for  the  losses  you  have  sustained 
in  this  unjust  War,  and  at  the  same  time  to  efface  all  the  blood 
which  was  spill'd,  and  with  this  String  I  bury  the  bones  of  your 
Brethren  yet  dispersed  on  the  Earth,  to  the  end  that  the  sight  of 
their  blood  and  bones  may  give  you  no  more  pain,  and  that  you 
may  shed  no  more  tears  on  that  Subject,  as  we  would  not  will- 
ingly have  anything  but  joy.  I  likewise  open  by  this  String  the 
passage  of  your  heart,  to  the  end  that  you  may  always  speak 
sincerely,  and  I  banish  from  you  everything  which  is  bad,  to  the 
end  that  (like  your  Brethren  the  English)  you  may  think  on 
nothing  but  good.  I  also  light  up  here  a  fire  of  peace,  friendship, 
&  Concord,  which  shall  communicate  an  heat  of  gentleness  and 
agreement  for  all  those  who  shall  approach  it.  It  is  kindled  for 
all  those  Nations  of  Indians  who  would  receive  the  benefit  of  its 
influence,  and  under  its  auspices  live  in  peace  &  good  friendship 
with  the  English,  and  that  nothing  may  impede  their  approach,  I 
clear  the  road  from  the  sun  rising  to  its  setting  of  everything  which 
may  make  it  difficult,  to  the  End  that  all  the  Nations  may  travel 
Easily  and  without  any  danger.  5  Strings  of  Wampum. 

My  Brethren.  As  you  cannot  be  ignorant  that  the  arms  of  our 
Great  King  George  has  conquered,  and  are  become  entirely 
Masters  of  the  Dominions  of  the  King  of  France  in  Canada  as 
well  as  with  the  most  Just  reasons  which  occasioned  his  taking  up 
arms  &  making  this  Conquest,  I  shall  say  nothing  more  on  that 
Subject,  but  that  in  consequence  of  the  Capitulation  made  last 
year  by  which  all  Canada  and  its  dependencies  are  surrendered 
to  his  Majesty  King  George  my  Master,  and  your  Father,  I  have 
been  sent  by  his  General  to  take  possession  of,  and  leave  Gar- 


Seven  Years'  War  539 

risons  in  the  Posts  which  heretofore  were  Garrisoned  by  the 
French.  The  intention  of  the  King  my  Master  in  sending  these 
Garrisons  here,  is  to  preserve  good  order  and  to  have  the  most 
strict  Justice  done  to  his  Subjects  as  well  as  to  protect  all  Indian 
Nations  who  will  render  themselves  worthy  his  Royal  Goodness, 
by  their  good  conduct  towards  him,  and  his  Subjects  in  this  Coun- 
try. He  has  done  still  more,  &  has  recommended  to  all  his  people 
to  come  amongst  you,  and  bring  you  necessaries,  so  that  you  may 
avoid  to  go  any  distance  to  fetch  them;  and  as  in  Consequence 
of  these  orders,  a  Number  of  Merchants  are  come  here,  as  well 
as  amongst  the  other  Nations,  by  which  means  you  can  want  for 
nothing  I  hope  and  I  expect  that  Sensible  of  the  attention  which 
we  have  for  you,  you  will  give  us  proofs  of  your  acknowledgm*. 
by  your  good  conduct  in  general,  but  particularly  with  the 
Traders  who  are  amongst  you,  &  the  Comde.  Officer  of  this  Post 
and  his  Garrison  who  are  here  only  to  protect,  and  succour  you 
if  you  merit  it.  You  will  find  in  the  Command1,  who  I  shall 
leave  amongst  you,  a  Father,  who  will  take  pleasure  in  rendering 
the  most  Exact  Justice,  and  who  will  support  you  with  all  his 
power  when  you  merit  it.  In  a  word,  as  by  this  belt  I  renew  and 
confirm  all  the  Treatys  of  peace  and  alliance  which  formerly 
subsisted  between  your  Ancestors  and  ours,  and  which  have  been 
lately  renewed  by  your  Chiefs,  or  their  Deputys  at  Detroit,  and 
at  Niagara,  I  expect  that  you  will  adhere  strongly  thereto,  and 
follow  the  same  because  thereby  you  will  hold  by  your  promises 
&  your  interests,  and  you  will  always  be  in  a  State  to  give  us 
proofs  of  your  friendship,  &  good  intentions,  which  I  hope  will 
always  be  sincere,  and  from  which  you  will  never  derogate. 

A  belt  of  Alliance,  of  1 2  Rows. 

My  Brethren  Since,  in  consequence  of  the  present  treaty,  we 
form  ourselves  &  become  as  one  people,  I  expect  that  according 
to  your  promises,  you  will  deliver  up  to  us  all  the  prisoners  who 
may  be  amongst  you,  and  also  by  this  String,  I  beg  &  desire  you 
will  send  speedily  to  the  Commandant  of  this  post,  all  those  who 


540  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

may  be  yet  with  you  as  it  will  be  very  improper  for  you  to  detain 
any  person  belonging  to  your  Brethren  &  Friends,  nor  that  we 
should  be  long  separated  from  those  who  form  a  part  of  our  body 

Gave  3  Strings  of  Wampum. 

Brethren,  I  recommend  it  to  you  likewise  to  pay  due  attention 
to,  and  think  often  of  what  I  am  come  to  tell  you,  as  on  your 
good  conduct,  and  friendship  with  the  English  depends  entirely 
your  present  happiness,  and  what  is  to  come,  by  your  friendship 
with  them  you  may  remain  forever  an  happy  people,  who  will 
enjoy  all  the  advantages  of  a  peace  of  which  they  have  been  so 
long  deprived ;  on  the  contrary  by  a  different  conduct  you'll  only 
draw  inevitable  ruin,  on  you,  &  your  families,  and  we  shall  be 
obliged  to  consider  you,  &  treat  you  as  a  people  without  senti- 
ment, without  sense,  &  without  Sincerity,  that  know  not  their  own 
interest,  and  merit  not  the  regard  which  we  have  for  them,  and 
will  oblige  us  to  treat  them  as  Brutes,  and  not  as  Men,  as  in  that 
case  you  can  expect  nothing  else. 

To  which  Quinonchaming  Principal  Chief  of  the  Ottawas, 

Brother,  I  beg  you  will  listen  to  me  &  hearken  to  the  Chief  of 
the  Ottawas,  who  is  charmed  at  seeing  you.  Brother  I  am 
greatly  charmed  that  having  come  hither  to  buy  some  Mer- 
chandice,  with  some  of  my  young  people  to  go  ahunting,  I  was 
informed  of  your  coming,  and  attended  to  hear  what  you  sayed 
to  us  in  which  I  learned  several  good  things,  which  afforded  me 
sensible  pleasure,  and  for  which  I  thank  you. 

Brother,  I  cannot  sufficiently  thank  you,  neither  have  I  under- 
standing sufficient  to  answer  you,  and  pay  you  my  acknowledg- 
ments for  the  good  things  which  you  have  sayed  to  us.  Brother, 
I  shall  not  cease  to  thank  you  for  what  we  have  not  meritted  from 
you.  You  are  come  hither  to  bring  us  peace,  and  give  us  good 
tidings.  Brother,  I  most  sincerely  thank  you  in  that  you  are 
come  to  tranquillize  our  old  people,  our  women,  and  Children. 


Seven  Years    War  541 

who  could  not  expect  so  much  goodness.  Brother,  I  beg  you  will 
believe  that  I  have  none  but  Sentiments  of  peace  &  friendship, 
and  as  you  are  willing  to  call  us  Brethren  I  return  you  infinite 
thanks  for  your  favour  and  shall  regard  you  always  as  such. 
Brother  Tis  only  by  accident  that  I  am  here,  and  I  have  none 
others  with  me  but  people  without  authority,  almost  all  the  other 
Chiefs  and  Warriors  are  gone  ahunting,  for  which  reason  I  cannot 
answer  you  positively,  but  I  make  no  doubt  of  their  thinking  like 
me,  &  of  their  thanking  you,  and  accepting  the  Belt  which  you 
have  given.  I  shall  take  the  strings  with  me  for  to  show  them,  to 
tell  them  of  and  confirm  the  good  things  which  you  have  sayed 
to  us.  I  shall  leave  the  Belt  of  Alliance  with  the  Sauteurs  for 
them  to  keep,  and  in  the  Spring,  we  shall  come,  and  give  you  an 
answer.  Brother,  I  also  thank  you,  for  myself  &  my  children, 
the  Ottawas,  for  that  you  are  come  in  good  friendship  amongst 
us,  and  have  told  us  that  you  have  pity  for  us.  I  am  very  Sen- 
sible of  that  goodness  and  shall  study  in  the  end  to  render  myself 
worthy  of  your  friendship. 

The  30th.  The  Sauteurs  desired  to  be  heard,  &  to  give  answer, 
which  was  agreed  to,  &  Kipimisaming  a  Delaware  Inhabiting 
amongst  them,  spoke  in  their  names, 

Brother,  I  beg  you  will  hearken  to  me,  me,  who  speaks  in  the 
Name  of  the  Sauteurs,  people  with1,  understands,  but  having  good 
hearts. 

Brother,  I  give  you  thanks  for  having  come  to  us,  to  bring  us 
peace  and  tranquility.  Brother,  I  thank  you  for  all  the  good 
things  which  you  have  sayed  to  us,  they  are  true  and  full  of 
friendship  and  tenderness,  and  I  shall  never  make  an  end  of  tell- 
ing you,  how  much  we  thank  you  for  your  goodness  in  pardoning 
us,  &  forgetting  what  is  past,  and  for  treating  us  as  Brethren  & 
Friends.  Brother,  we  return  you  thanks  for  the  new  fire  which 
you  came  to  kindle  amongst  us,  for  the  fine  Road  which  you  have 
made  from  the  Sun  rising  to  its  setting,  for  the  fine  Sun  which  you 
caused  to  beam  upon  us,  and  for  the  Tranquility  which  you  have 


542  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

Caused  our  wives  &  children  te  enjoy,  and  of  which  they  stood 
in  great  need.  How  shall  I  be  enabled  to  thank  you  agreable 
to  our  Sentiments  thereof.  You  are  not  only  willing  to  forget 
what  is  past,  but  also  you,  yourself,  efface  the  blood  which  we 
have  so  foolishly  lost,  and  you  yourself  interr  the  bones  of  our 
brethren  which  were  dispersed  throughout  the  Land.  Oh  how 
great  is  your  goodness,  &  how  much  we  thank  you.  Brother,  my 
thanks  are  long,  and  I  often  repeat  the  same  thing,  which  if  I  do, 
it  is  to  the  end  that  I  may  be  the  better  understood.  As  we  have 
not  sufficient  understanding  to  enable  us  to  speak  like  you,  and 
as  we  have  nobody  in  our  Nation  who  speaks  well,  or  hath  under- 
standing, We  have  had  Great  Chiefs  &  fine  Speakers,  but  they 
are  all  dead,  and  there  only  remains  the  Sons  of  those  great  Men, 
who  have  not  understanding  like  their  Fathers. 

9  Strings  of  Wampum. 

Brother,  we  return  you  thanks  for  the  fine  Belt  of  peace  and 
alliance  which  you  have  given  to  us,  and  we  shall  hold  the  same, 
for  our  Ancestors  have  always  told  us  that  the  English  were 
formerly  our  Brethren  and  Friends  and  that  we  had  treaty s  of 
alliance  together,  but  there  halh  been  so  thick  a  fog,  that  we  were 
entirely  blinded  for  a  great  while,  in  such  a  manner  that  we  could 
not  see,  nor  know  what  we  were  doing,  some  charm  having  gotten 
possession  of  our  hearts,  which  rendered  us  fools,  and  occasioned 
us  to  act  against  our  Sentiments  and  interest,  in  a  Word  we  con- 
trary to  the  Councils  &  Custom  of  our  ancestors,  forget  our 
ancient  treaties,  and  like  Thieves  made  War  against  our  brethren 
and  our  Friends,  but  in  the  end  you  have  well  opened  our  eyes, 
our  ears,  and  the  passage  to  our  heart  in  such  a  manner  that  we 
are  sensible  of  our  faults,  and  beg  of  you  to  pardon  us,  as  we 
knew  not  what  we  did.  Brother,  what  you  have  sayed  to  us  is  all 
true,  we  know  that  those  of  our  Nation,  as  well  as  our  Brethren 
the  Ottawas  who  were  at  Detroit,  and  at  Niagara,  have  given  up 
their  arms,  have  submitted  themselves  to  you,  and  have  demanded 
peace  &  tranquility.  There  are  none  of  us,  who  do  not  ask,  & 


Seven  Fears'  War  543 

ardently  desire  the  same  thing,  therefore  we  accept  it  with  joy, 
and  thank  you  fo.-  the  Belt  which  you  gave  us.  We  shall  keep 
it  with  care,  and  we  shall  hold  strongly  thereby  to  the  end  that  we 
may  be  enabled  to  observe,  and  have  always  before  our  eyes 
your  Goodness,  and  the  engagements  we  have  made  this  day  with 
you.  Brother,  we  were  formerly  an  happy  people,  and  a  power- 
ful Nation,  we  had  Great  Chiefs,  who  governed  us  very  well, 
and  who  kept  our  young  people  curbed.  Warriors  who  were 
redoubtable  by  their  Enemies,  but  who  never  made  any  but  Just 
wars.  The  Chiefs  who  by  their  example  inspired  our  Youth  with 
fine  Sentiments  are  all  dead,  as  are  our  Great  Warriors,  and 
there  only  remains  the  Children  and  Grand  children  of  those 
Chiefs,  People  without  understanding  and  without  authority. 
Our  Nation  is  full  of  Villians  who  know  not  what  they  do,  they 
have  eyes  and  ears,  but  they  can  neither  see  nor  hear.  They 
understand  well  at  present  all  the  good  things  which  have  been 
said  on  the  one  side  and  the  other;  but  they  are  such  fools  that 
they  forget  them  soon  after  and  as  there  is  nobody  who  hath 
understanding  sufficient  to  Govern  them,  they  may  perhaps  com- 
mit some  follys,  and  strike  you;  pardon  them  therefore,  for  they 
are  a  people  without  understanding,  and  who  know  not  how  to 
conduct  themselves,  and  I  am  certain  they  will  be  sorry  for  it 
themselves  in  the  end.  I  have  already  said,  and  I  repeat  it  we 
have  not  one  Chief  of  understanding  to  govern  them,  and  conse- 
quently to  answer  for  them,  therefore,  I  beg  of  you  not  to  impute 
to  the  Chiefs  the  bad  actions  of  the  young  people. 

]  1  Strings  of  Wampum. 

Brother,  I  am  charmed  to  see  a  Day  so  fine,  so  clear  and 
without  any  Clouds;  but  I  greatly  fear  that  we  cannot  enjoy  it 
long  without  you  take  pity  on  us,  that  this  fine  day  may  not 
change  to  Dark  Night.  We  are  so  poor  that  I  have  great  fear 
our  old  people,  our  Women  and  Children  will  perish  with  hunger. 
We  are  destitute  of  every  thing,  having  neither  powder,  nor  lead 
for  hunting  to  support  ourselves  during  the  winter.  We  have 


544  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

nothing  to  cover  us  as  well  as  our  Wives  and  Children  from  the 
Cold,  and  if  you  have  not  Compassion  for  us,  our  ruin  must  be 
inevitable,  and  the  next  Winter  will  prove  our  last.  You  have 
told  us  that  you  are  our  Brother,  can  you  then  see  your  blood 
perish  so  miserably,  and  will  you  not  Succour  them  under  their 
pressing  necessity*.  ,  ,  ^^  ^  Wampum 


To  which  I  made  the  following  Answer. 

My  Brethren  of  the  Sauteurs.  I  am  charmed  that  you  have  in 
the  end  opened  your  eyes,  and  begin  to  know  your  interests,  and 
that  you  repent  of  your  having  engaged  yourselves  so  impru- 
dently as  you  did;  I  am  not  more  affected  than  surprised  to 
understand  that  you  are  so  miserable;  Your  Nation  I  am  certain 
have  been,  and  can  always  be  rich,  &  furnished  with  all  the 
Necessaries  of  life.  You  had  plenty  of  pelletry  last  spring  ;  what 
is  become  thereof.  It  was  more  than  sufficient  to  purchase  what 
you  wanted.  How  then  can  you  complain,  &  have  recourse  to 
us  to  furnish  with  that  which  we  cannot  think  you  are  in  any  want 
of.  I  well  know  it  is  not  by  misfortune  you  have  become  miser- 
able. When  you  were  at  Niagara  you  sold  your  pelltry  for 
Rum,  without  even  buying  powder,  Lead,  or  any  other  Things; 
you  are  continually  drunk,  and  then  you  behave  yourselves  not 
as  Men,  but  as  Beasts.  You  say  that  you  have  not  understand- 
ing, but  will  that  excuse  your  follys?  Who  will  be  sufficient 
dupes  after  you  are  impoverished  thro'  your  own  fault,  to  furnish 
you  with  the  means  of  continuing  your  debauches?  I  have  con- 
sidered you  hitherto  as  Men,  but  I  believe  you  merit  not  that 
title,  because  you  prefer  a  little  Rum  to  your  old  people,  your 
Wives  and  your  Children.  You  foolishly  expend  what  you  have, 
without  ever  considering  that  those  who  remain  in  your  Villages 
are  perishing  with  hunger.  You  beg  of  us  to  have  pity  on  them. 
How  can  you  expect  that  people  who  are  strangers  amongst  you 
should  have  more  consideration  for  them,  than  yourselves.  Con- 
sider yourselves  &  become  Wiser  for  the  time  to  come.  For  the 


Seven  Years'  War  545 

rest  Tho*  you  do  not  Merit,  we  will  not  let  you  perish  this 
Winter.  The  Commd1.  will  therefore  give  you  tomorrow  what 
we  can,  and  the  Traders  at  my  request  are  willing  to  give  you 
credit  for  what  you  want.  Behave  yourselves  towards  them  as 
honest  people,  and  pay  them  for  what  you  take,  when  you  return 
from  hunting.  The  French  have  given  a  bad  character  of  you 
saying  that  you  will  not  pay.  Let  them  see  the  contrary,  and  in 
the  end  they  will  take  pleasure  in  advancing  you  necessaries,  and 
bringing  to  your  Villages  all  that  you  can  desire;  on  the  contrary 
if  you  deceive  them,  they  will  abandon  you,  and  support  you  no 
more.  Brethren,  give  good  attention  to  what  I  say  to  you,  that 
your  young  people  may  learn  to  behave  as  Men,  and  be  no  longer 
Children.  We  know  they  can  behave  themselves  well  when  they 
chuse  it,  therefore  let  them  take  good  care  not  to  Commit  irregu- 
larities, nor  derogate  from  their  friendship  with  us.  We  shall  be 
sorry  to  be  obliged  to  punish  you  but  if  they  will  continue  to 
commit  crimes,  what  can  they  else  expect.  Therefore  I  exhort 
you  to  take  care  of  your  future  conduct,  because  thereon  depends 
all  your  happiness  to  come;  we  look  upon  you  at  present  as  our 
Brethren,  and  our  allies,  but  any  traitor  or  man  without  faith  has 
no  right  to  that  title  from  the  English;  if  your  conduct  is  good 
they  will  cherish  you,  and  treat  you  as  their  children;  but  other- 
wise they  will  be  obliged  to  consider  you  as  Brutes,  unworthy 
their  friendship,  who  no  longer  merit  their  regard,  and  who  should 
be  treated  as  wild  Beasts. 

Translated  from  the  French  by  Lieut  G.  Johnson  acts,  as  Sec- 
retary for  Indian  affairs. 

INDORSED :    Translation  of  Capt.  Balf  our's  Speech 
to  the  Indians  at  Michilimack.  and 
their  answer  thereto  in  1761. 


Vol.  Ill— 18 


546  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM  DANIEL  CLAUS 

A.  L.  S.1 

Montreal  30th  Septr  1761. 

I  had  the  honor  of  receiving  yours  by  Mons.  Des  Onie  the 
24th  Ult°.  whereby  I  found  what  Delay  you  met  with  on  your 
Journey  by  being  oblidged  to  wait  so  many  Days  for  your  Battoes 
by  Reason  of  the  Shallowness  of  the  Rivers;  and  afterwards  I 
had  farther  Information  of  your  Proceedings  by  two  Indns.  who 
went  from  hence  to  Albany  and  returned  by  the  way  of  Oswego 
where  they  told  me  they  saw  the  Battoes  unloading  in  order  to 
dry  every  thing  wch.  got  wet.  I  could  easily  guess  thereby  what 
Impatience  &  Vexation  you  went  thro;  however  I  hope  all  this 
ended  well,  and  wish  these  may  meet  you  on  your  safe  Return 
&  after  having  settled  all  Matters  to  your  Satisfaction  and  the 
good  of  his  Majs.  Interest. 

I  acquainted  the  Indns.  here  with  the  Contents  of  your  Letter 
ab!.  the  bad  Disposition  of  the  Chenusios  they  were  surprised. 

I  have  nothing  in  particular  to  communicate  you  from  hence 
all  being  well  wth.  Regard  to  Indn.  Matters,  I  had  a  good  many 
Visits  from  all  the  different  Nations  this  Summer,  and  they  are 
seemingly  well  contented  &  satisfied,  I  acquainted  them  all  of 
your  Journey  and  the  purport  thereof  and  that  you  were  going 
to  establish  an  universal  &  everlasting  Peace  with  all  Indn. 
Nations  in  your  way  that  were  suing  for  it  &  would  behave 
accordingly. 

Mess".  La  Corne,  Chab1.  Joncaire  and  all  the  French  officers 
left  here  last  Fall,  sailed  last  Saturday  for  France  which  I  am 
glad  of,  being  persuaded  of  their  not  having  instilled  Principles 
of  Regard  towards  us  into  the  Minds  of  the  Indns. 

The  Swegachies  have  been  with  me  to  ask  for  ammunition  in 
the  Name  of  their  Nation,  I  told  them  how  they  could  not  expect 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  547 

any  by  reason  of  not  being  interrupted  going  hunting,  at  the  same 
time  after  a  good  deal  of  arguing  with  Gen.  Gage  I  obtained 
some  for  them /he  told  me  that  Commd8.  officer  at  Fort  Wm. 
Aug1.1  had  sent  him  complaints  of  John  Davis's  trading  there  wlh. 
the  Indns.  in  a  most  cruel  &  unfair  Manner,  that  he  accordingly 
had  sent  for  him  down,  punished  &  ordered  him  out  of  the  Gov- 
ernm*.  by  way  of  Crown  Point.  He  said  Davis  produced  a  pass 
to  Trade  from  you.  I  told  him  he  must  have  got  it  in  a  Clandes- 
tine Manner  as  his  character  was  well  known  with  you, 

Gen1.  Gage  is  resolved  not  to  give  a  Crain  more  of  Ammu- 
nition to  the  Indians,  saying  they  could  well  afford  to  buy  it,  if 
industrious,  wch.  I  dont  think  him  much  amiss  in;  however  there 
are  some  cases  where  it  is  unavoidable  to  refuse  a  pound  or  so  to 
Strangers  or  others  that  deserve  it,  and  I  was  obliged  to  buy  some 
by  the  Merchts.  here  wtl\  whom  it  is  scarce  &  dear.  I  think  a 
couple  100  Ib.  would  bring  me  thro  the  year. 

The  Oneidas,  Cayougas,  Tuscaroras,  Skaniada".2  and  Tode- 
righrs,3  have  in  Conjunction  invited  the  seven  Nations  in  Canada 
to  enter  into  a  Treaty  of  Alliance  &  Friendship  with  them,  the 
latter  have  in  a  Meeting  acquainted  me  with  the  Contents  they 
contain  five  Belts  it's  to  be  settled  early  in  the  Spring,  I  dare 
say  you  will  know  the  Rise  of  it.  We  are  in  a  manner  starved 
here  for  News  from  Europe,  and  General  Amherst  its  said  waits 
for  Orders  abl.  the  Expedtn.  wch.  are  to  come  by  a  Man  of  War, 
He  is  now  encamped  wll\  his  army  at  Long  Island,  some  report 
was  spread  lately  of  his  going  to  England  with  some  Regimts.  I 
hope  it  may  prove  true. 

I  shall  as  soon  as  I  learn  your  arrival  at  Fort  Johnson,  send  or 
bring  myself  my  Acco1.  of  Indn.  Expences  &ca.  together  with  the 


1  Near  Ogdensburg. 

2Nanticokes. —  W.  M.  Beauchamp,  The  New  York  Iroquois,  p.  139. 

3  Toderichroone,  Todirighroones,  a  tribe  of  the  Catawbas,  living  at  the 
head  of  Cayuga  lake. —  W.  M.  Beauchamp,  The  New  York  Iroquois, 
p.  265,  290,  and  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.t  v.  4,  opp.  p.  1090,  Q,  v.  4,  opp. 
p.  660.  (Guy  Johnson's  map.) 


548  Sir   WilVam  Johnson  Papers 

Continuation  of  my  Journal,  since  after  the  Ind05.  are  on  the  hunt 
there  wont  be  much  to  do.  In  the  mean  while  I  have  the  honour 
to  be  with  the  greatest  Respect  Sir  Your  most  Obedient  &  most 
humble  Servant 

DAN.  CLAUS 

I  beg  you  will  give  my  Compliments  to  the  Gentlemen  in  Com- 
pany with  you. 

P.  S. 

I  acknowledge  with  the  highest  Gratitude  your  Assistance 
which  procured  me  the  Compy.  I  now  have.  All  the  Disad- 
vantage I  at  the  same  time  laboured  under,  was  that  the  Pur- 
chase came  so  unexpected  upon  me,  and  I  had  no  Purchaser 
ready  for  the  Lieut0?.  &  in  Consequence  for  the  Shortness  of 
time  was  obliged  to  sell  it  as  well  as  I  could,  wch.  fell  much  short 
of  the  £300.  but  Cap1.  Prevost  our  Paymastr.  accepted.my  Draft 
for  what  I  fell  short,  wch.  I  am  to  discount  wth.  him  hereafter. 
I  accordingly  settled  wth.  O.  Will02.1  and  delivered  him  your 
Draft  of  £800.  and  the  Remdr.  I  paid  him  here  at  the  Rate  of 
4/8  ye.  Dollr.  After  he  arrived  at  Albany,  he  seemingly  was 
advised  by  his  friends  Col°.  Roberts  Messrs.  Appyx&  Mortier 
to  insist  upon  my  buying  Bills  of  Exche.  w0*1.  going  swet  down 
w*.  Mr.  Will02.  He  did  not  tell  them  that  I  settled  wth.  him  at 
4/8  ye.  Doll,  and  paid  him  £300.  in  part  upon  it  &  in  that  manner 
worried  Mr.  Wade  to  give  it,  notwithstanding  there  being  several 
Instances  of  Gen1.  Amhersts  having  ordered  the  like  Money  to 
be  paid  at  the  Rate  above  mentd.  and  I  am  sure  if  the  affair  came 
before  him,  he  could  not  have  contradicted  his  Orders. 

As  soon  as  I  heard  of  it,  I  immediately  wrote  the  whole  man- 
ner of  Settlement  to  Col°.  Roberts  and  insisted  upon  O.  Will07, 
refunding  me  what  was  paid  by  Mr.  Wade  above  par,  also 
advised  Mr.  Wade  to  do  all  in  his  power  to  recall  his  bills  if 
given;  Likewise  laid  the  affair  before  Col.  Amherst,  and  asked 


Willamoz. 


Seven  Years    War  549 

for  having  it  adjusted  before  a  Court  of  officers,  who  I  am  per- 
suaded would  have  given  their  Sentence  in  my  favr.  as  every  one 
here  looked  upon  it  as  a  gross  Imposition.  I  have  since  recd.  an 
answer  from  Colo.  Roberts  wherein  he  tells  me  y*.  O.  Will02, 
was  gone  to  N.  York,  where  he  was  to  go  likewise  wch.  was  the 
1 5th  of  Aug1.  and  that  he  would  endeavour  to  get  the  Excess  of 
Exche.  back  from  O.  Woz.  w^.  is  all  I  heard  since  of  ye  affair. 

Mr.  Wade  might  have  settled  it  at  oncet  by  telling  Captn. 
Will02,  and  his  friends  that  he  had  £800.  to  deliver  from  you  in 
my  behalf  at  the  Rate  of  4/8  per  DolK  and  if  there  was  any- 
thing else  in  Question  they  must  get  further  Directions  from  me, 
haveing  no  farther  to  do  with  it. 

I  am  &ca 

D.  CLAUS 

FROM   DAVID  SCHUYLER  TO  JOHN  GLEN 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  119,  by 
a  receipt  of  October  6th  from  David  Schuyler  Jun'r,  at  Schenectady,  to 
John  GUn  for  £97,  10s  for  one  trip  to  Fort  Stanwix  with  15  men  and 
one  to  the  Little  Falls  with  1  7  men ;  witnessed  by  John  Fry.  Destroyed 
by  fire. 

FROM  GEORGE  CROGHAN 
A.  L.  S.1 

Fort  Pitt  Od'.  12*  7767. 
HOND.  SIR 

Inclosd.  I  Send  you  a  Return  of  ye  number  of  people  Necessary 
to  be  Imployd.  in  yr.  Honours  Department  of  Indian  affairs  for 
ye  Western  Division  &  Less  in  My  opinion  will  Nott  be  able  to 
Do  the  Duty  as  itt  Shold  be  Done. 

I  have  Since  my  Arivel  hear  purchasd.  ye  200  Hoes  for  the 
four  Nations  att  Detroit  &  sent  them  to  Cap*.  Campbell  as  you 
ordered  for  them. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


550  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

A  Gunsmith  I  have  sent  for  to  ye  Inhabitance  which  I  will 
send  to  Cap1.  Campble  as  Soon  as  posable  as  itt  will  save  Ex- 
pence  the  French  Smiths  Charging  So  high  for  there  Work. 

With  ye  prisoners  Delivered  up  att  ye  Conferance  &  Since 
my  Return  &  those  I  gott  on  My  Way  hear  there  has  been  46 
given  up  by  the  Indians  of  Diferant  Nations  &  they  are  bringing 
them  in  Every  Day  Butt  many  refuse  to  Return  home  &  Chuse 
to  stay  with  ye  Indians.  On  perrusing  My  Journall  from  my 
Arrival  hear  in  June  1759  To  this  Day  I  find  ye  Number  of 
prisoners  Delivered  up  hear  to  be  three  Hundred  &  thurty  Eight 
by  ye  several  Westren  Nations. 

I  hear  send  yr  honour  an  account  for  goods  purchasd.  for 
presents  to  ye  Cherrokes  to  Make  up  a  present  promist  them  by 
ye  Goverment  of  Pennsylvanie  in  1  757.  I  purchasd.  those  goods 
by  an  order  from  Coll.  John  Stanwix  to  ye  amount  of  £l  19:  8:6 
ye  other  goods  for  wh.  I  past  my  Note  was  for  presents  given  to 
another  party  of  Indians  in  his  own  presents  all  wh.  he  promist 
me  he  wold  gett  ye  Goverment  of  Pensylvaine  to  pay  Butt  by 
ye  purtested  bill  that  accompanys  the  account  yr  honour  will 
Sea  they  wold  Do  Nothing  in  itt.  I  aplyd.  to  General  Amherst 
this  Sumer  on  this  affair  &  he  advised  me  to  send  you  the  account 
&  purtested  bill  for  yr  prusal  &  Tould  me  he  wold  Write  you  to 
pay  itt  if  you  thought  itt  Just  as  he  said  there  was  No  Reason  I 
Should  pay  itt  My  Self  as  the  Goods  were  purchast  for  a  publick 
use,  I  make  no  doubt  butt  ye  Gineral  has  Wrote  yr  honour  on 
this  Head  which  I  Submitt  to  you  on  prusing  ye  papers. 

In  a  few  Days  I  will  send  yr.  honour  in  a  box  to  ye  Care  of 
Mr.  Francis  Wade  all  ye  Seeds  &  other  things  I  have  been  able 
to  procure  hear.  Plese  to  Make  my  Compliments  Exceptable  to 
all  the  family  &  Bleve  me  with  greatt  Esteem  &  Regard  yr 
Honours  Most  humble  Servant 

GEO.  CROGHAN 


Seven  Fears'  War  551 

P.  S. 

I  hope  you  had  a  pleasant  Journey  home  &  make  no  Doubt 
butt  Cap1  Johnson  1  by  this  time  has  a  good  Relish  for  parchmale 
&  Wild  Ducks  &  Despises  Rest-  Beeff. 

To  the  Honble.  SlR  WlLL:  JOHNSON  Barr*. 


FROM  GEORGE  CROGHAN 
A.  D.  S.2 

Fort  Pitt  Oct*.  12*  1761 

A  return  of  People  to  be  Imployd.  in  the  Westrene  Division  of 
ye  Indian  Department 3  under  the  Direction  of  the  Honourable 
Sir  William  Johnson  Barr*.  in  order  To  See  Strict  Justus  Don  ye 
Several  Nations  of  Indians  in  their  Trade  &  Commerce  with  his 
Majestys  Subjects  as  Well  as  to  Transact!  publick  Busness  with 
those  Nations  &  that  those  people  May  Make  themselves  well 
acquainted  with  the  Indians  Custom,  Maners  &  policys  that  plots 
may  Nott  be  Conserted  by  any  111  Disposd.  Indians  without  those 
people  being  acquainted  thereof  whos  busness  itt  will  be  To  give 
Imeidett  Intilegance  to  Sir  William  Johnson  by  which  Mains  if 
Diligent  Cair  be  taken  the  present  Aliance  and  frendship  Interd. 
into  att  Detroit  May  be  preservd.  &  the  Trade  &  Commerce  of 
his  Majestys  Subjects  flurish  in  this  part  of  America. 

Two  Asistant  agents  att  Fort  Pitt  one  of  them  by  Turns  to 
Travel  throu  ye  Indian  Settlements  where  Traders  go  amongst  ye 
Dallaways  Shawnes  &  to  ye  Miamies  &  Sandusky  and  to  Return 
to  Fort  Pitt  then  ye  other  to  take  his  Turn. 

A  gunsmith  att  Fort  Pitt  &  his  Man  as  One  Can  Nott  Do  the 
work. 


1  John    Johnson,   commissioned    November    15,    1760,    captain   in   the 
second  battalion  of  Albany  County  militia* 

2  Destroyed  by  fire. 

3  Inclosed  in  Croghan  to  Johnson,  October  12,  1761. 


552  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

A  Man  to  attend  ye  Indians  &  Asist  in  Wauing  their  Skins. 

An  asistant  Agent  att  Detroit. 

And  two  Interpreters  as  there  Can  Nott  be  own  found  which 
spokes  all  ye  Indian  Langudgess- Spoke  there. 

A  gunsmith  at  Detroit  and  his  man. 

An  asistant  Agent  att  Misslamackina  with  an  Interpreter  whos 
Duty  will  be  to  Visett  ye  Post  att  ye  Bay1  and  that  att  Sl. 
Josephs  ~  twist  a  year  att  least. 

And  if  ye  post  att  Wayona  3  be  Retird.  as  itt  is  so  Near  the 
Elinois  Cuntry  there  should  be  an  agent  and  Interpreters  there  & 
to  visett  ye  Miamies  fort. 

GEO.  CROGHAN 

Deputy  Agent. 

FROM  DANIEL  CLAUS 

A.  L.  S* 

Montreal  27 lh  Octr.  1761. 
HONOURED  SIR 

I  hope  mine  of  29th  UIt°.  in  answer  to  your  Favour  from 
Niagara  is  come  to  hand,  and  that  this  may  find  you  well  &  safe 
returned  from  your  long  &  fatiguing  Journey,  since  wch.  nothing 
occurred  in  Indn.  Matters  worth  of  Remark,  The  Indns.  being 
now  all  on  the  Hunt,  &  most  part  of  them  are  abl.  Crn.  point, 
Tyondarogo  and  Lake  George.  Captn.  Lottridge  is  gone  to  be 
thereabouts  in  order  to  be  at  hand  if  wanted  by  the  Comd§. 
officers;  I  have  desired  him  to  make  his  report  to  you. 

By  Mr.  Mathw.  Wade  I  have  sent  you  my  original  Journals 
continued  from  that  of  January  last,  after  you  have  perused 
them,  and  made  what  Extracts  you  judge  proper  I  would  beg 
the  favour  of  you  to  lay  them  by  for  me,  begging  of  you  at  ye 


1  La  Baye.  Bay  des  Puans,  Green  Bay,  Wis. 
2St  Joseph,  on  Lake  Michigan. 
3Ouatanon,  on  the  Wabash. 
4  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  553 

same  time  to  pardon  its  incorrectness  in  every  Respect.  Inclosed 
you  have  likewise  my  Acco1.  of  Indn.  Expences,  whereby  you'll 
find  I  have  followed  your  orders  as  well  as  Gen1.  Amhersts  in  not 
being  too  extravagant,  not  going  farther  than  Charity  required, 
and  what  I  could  not  avoid,  which  however  in  rny  humble  opinion 
cant  be  continued  so  if  the  Country  remains  ours,  and  his  Majestys 
Indn5.  Interest  is  to  be  promoted  among  the  Indians  in  Canada, 
and  which  after  our  continued  signal  Successes  must  undoubtedly 
be  the  Case,  One  great  Inconvenience  for  Instance  is,  that  when 
the  Indns.  come  to  me  upon  Business  in  my  Quarters,  I  cannot 
give  -them  Lodging  if  at  Midnight  having  only  a  Small  room  for 
myself  and  therefore  must  send  them  away  when  they  are 
oblidged  to  ask  submissively  for  Shelter  from  the  Canadians,  who 
being  jealous  of  our  having  the  Management  of  them  now  seldom 
let  them  come  into  their  houses,  &  if  they  do,  naturally  influence 
them  with  falsehoods  opposite  to  our  Interest  wch.  then  oversets 
every  thing.  Gen1.  Gage  I  believe  has  it  not  in  his  Power  to  pro- 
cure a  house  for  them  without  paying  Rent,  and  wch.  he  cant  do 
without  Gen1.  Amherst's  orders.  However  I  am  persuaded  these 
Matters  will  be  duly  considered  when  the  Fate  of  the  Country 
is  known.  I  also  Inclosed  hereby  a  Memorial  to  Gen1.  Amherst 
setting  forth  the  veritable  manner  of  Settlement  between  me  & 
Cap*.  Willyam2  1  and  as  I  have  framed  it  without  the  advice  of 
any  one  here  I  would  submitt  it  to  to  your  Revisal  and  opinion 
whether  it  might  not  be  taken  better  to  represent  it  by  Word  of 
Mouth  to  the  General,  as  I  find  he  was  a  friend  of  O.  Will2,  on 
Mrs.  Will2,  acco*.  &  might  perhaps  misinterpret  it,  altho  I  have 
all  Justice  on  my  Side. 

I  should  think  myself  happy  to  pay  you  a  Visit  this  Winter 
and  intended  to  get  leave  from  Gen1.  Gage  &  Colo.  Haldimd.  but 
finding  that  officers  who  have  leave  from  hence  are  not  received 
with  a  wellcome  Eye  from  Gen1.  Amherst  (who  I  hear  is  to  be  at 
Albany  soon)  and  are  generally  oblidged  to  return  soon  with 


1  See  Claus  to  Johnson,  September  30,  1761. 


554  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

some  of  his  usual  Arrants;  I  should  therefore  be  extreamly  glad 
you  would  procure  me  his  Leave  that  I  need  not  be  under  the 
apprehension  above  mentioned  &  wch.  I  dare  say  you  may  effect 
with  the  least  hint,  especially  as  the  Indians  wont  return  from 
Hunting  till  the  latter  End  of  May  next. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  with  Compliments  to  the  Family 
Honoured  Sir  Your  most  Obedient  and  most  Dutifull  Servant 

DAN.  CLAUS 
P.  S. 

The  Indns.  here  continually  enquire  after  your  Return  &  long 
to  hear  the  Result  of  your  Journey 

To  the  Honble.  SR.  WlLLIAM  JOHNSON  Bar1. 


FROM  PIERRE  ROUBAUD  1 

S<  Francis  30*  Oct'.  1761 
SIR 

It  is  not  long  ago  since  I  had  the  honour  to  inform  you  of  the 
State  of  the  Village  S*.  Francois  and  the  Indns.  remaining  there.2 
I  am  now  going  to  make  you  two  important  Discoveries,  which 
demand  my  giving  you  an  Acco*.  thereof.  The  first  regards  a 
Silver  mine  which  is  in  Acadia,  and  wch.  the  French  towards  the 
Beginning  of  the  War  kept  very  secret,  in  so  much  that  the 
Secret  transpired  no  farther  than  Mr.  Vaudreuil  by  the  carefull- 
ness  of  Mr.  Montcalm,  according  the  Instructions  w0*1.  I  had  the 
honour  to  give  to  Mr.  Amherst.  A  chance  occasioned  my  dis- 
covering the  whole  Mystery.  The  Reports  of  a  Peace  and  the 
Cessation  of  Canada  to  England  untied  the  Tongue  of  the  Indian 
who  knows  the  whole,  he  asked  me  in  great  Confidence  if  the 
Riches  w^.  the  River  of  Accadia  contained  (and  wch.  it  was 
recommended  to  him  to  keep  it  as  a  great  Secret)  were  lost  to 


1The  original  destroyed  by  fire;  likewise  the  manuscript  in  French  of 
which  this  document  is  a  translation  made  by  Daniel  Claus. 
2  Roubaud  to  Johnson,  November   1 3,   1  760. 


MARQUIS   I)E  VAUDREUIL 

Governor  of  Canada 


Seven  Years    War  555 

him.  On  my  asking  him  w^.  was  the  Quality  of  said  Riches 
he  answered  me  they  were  no  less  than  a  Silver  Mine  upon  the 
Bane  of  a  River  in  Accadia,  which  need  not  to  be  worked  any 
farther  than  by  taking  a  blackish  sort  of  a  Stone  w^.  was  found 
there,  and  dissolving  it  in  the  fire  wcl\  would  give  the  half  of  its 
weight  in  Silver,  the  Trial  having  been  made.  This  Sort  of 
Stones  is  found  scattered  upon  the  surface  of  the  ground.  The 
Indian  who  discovers  this,  and  who  offers  himself  to  justify  it,  is 
an  Acadian  of  more  than  60  years  old,  he  is  called  Jacques  or 
Jacque,  &  his  Warrior  Name  is  Ouasesesis,  him  only  and  his  2 
children  know  the  secret.  I  have  enjoined  him  not  to  go  far  out 
of  the  way,  he  therefore  has  limited  his  hunting  in  the  environs 
here  and  is  to  be  back  with  the  first  ice.  As  I  never  was  in 
Acadia,  and  the  Names  by  w°h.  he  calls  the  different  Places  lead- 
ing to  the  Mine  are  Indn.  Names  I  find  it  needless  to  mention 
them  to  you  as  they  could  not  give  you  any  light  into  the  Matter. 
This  Discovery  will  doubtless  require  my  going  to  Acadia  with 
that  party  of  Indns.  who  wont  move  without  a  Missionary.  Upon 
this  &  thousand  other  points  I  could  wish  ardently  to  confer  with 
you  this  winter,  I  dare  flatter  myself  that  you  will  procure  me 
this  Honour,  as  the  Service  as  well  as  my  Interest  seem  to  require 
it. 

The  second  Discovery  is  no  less  interesting. 

The  Abinaquis  have  hardly  shown  themselves  at  Sl.  Francis 
this  Summer,  they  did  not  delay  to  go  to  Caghnawago,  where 
in  concert  with  the  Iroquois  they  have  held  frequent  Councills. 
The  Subject  of  those  Councils  was  upon  Speeches  brought  to 
them  from  the  Ohio  by  some  Ottawawas  &  even  by  the  Cherokees 
from  Carolina.  These  Speeches  are  to  reunite  all  the  Indians  in 
the  same  Sentiment  &  to  prevail  on  them  to  live  nearer  to  them 
so  that  even  the  most  part  of  the  Abinaquis  are  gone  hunting 
upon  the  Ottawawa  River,  in  short  to  be  the  readier  at  hand  in 
the  Spring  to  decide  what  is  to  be  done,  which  is  another  Reason 
to  make  me  wish  of  having  an  Interview  with  you  as  nothing 


556  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

is  more  prejudicial  to  the  Service  as  such  Journeys  of  Indns.  to 
strange  Nations.  Good  Policy  should  mistrust  such  Assemblies 
or  Meetings.  That  wch.  would  make  the  Abinaquis  a  faithfull 
People  is  to  draw  them  to  their  native  Country,  some  to  Acadia 
&  others  to  Albany  where  they  came  from,  nothing  would  be 
more  easier  than  to  persuade  them  to  that. 

I  hope  I  may  during  the  Winter  treat  with  you  upon  all  those 
points.  This  Acco*.  wch.  I  have  the  honour  to  give  you  is  a 
proof  of  my  Acknowledgment  to  you,  happy  could  I  be  to  con- 
vince you  how  far  my  Sentiments  extend;  you  would  find  that 
nothing  could  be  added  to  my  Regard,  Esteem  and  Respect  for 
you.  I  dare  flatter  myself  that  upon  this  Condition  you  will  con- 
serve me  your  protection,  and  continue  to  give  me  the  proofs 
thereof,  I  dare  say  I  deserve  it,  if  it  may  be  deserved  by  the 
Sentiments  of  Veneration  with  which  I  have  the  honour  to  be 
Sir  Your  most  humble  &  most  Obedient  Servant, 

R.  Jest. 
INDORSED:     Pierre  Robauds  Letter. 


FROM  ELEAZAR  WHEELOCK 

A.  L.  S.1 
Lebanon  in  Connecticut  2d.  Novr.  1761 

SIR, 

The  Lads  your  Honr.  sent  me,  have  behaved  Well,  and  so 
far  as  I  see,  are  likely  to  answer  the  Design  proposed.  I  shall 
be  able  to  know,  and  judge  better  as  they  grow  more  able  to  dis- 
course with  me.  (Joseph)2  appears  to  be  a  considerate,  Modest, 
and  manly  spirited  youth.  I  am  much  pleasd  with  him.  If  his 
Disposition,  and  Ability,  upon  further  Trial,  shall  appear  as 
inviting  as  they  seem  to  be  at  present,  there  shall  nothing  be  want- 


1  In  Library  of  Congress. 
f2  Joseph  Brant. 


Seven  Years'  War  557 

ing,  within  my  Power,  to  his  being  fitted,  in  the  best  Manner  for 
Usefulness. 

(Mr.  Sam1.  Kirtland)  who  waits  on  Your  Honr.  With  this, 
is  a  Charity  Schollar,  Whom  I  have  been  fitting  for  College ;  And 
is  designed  to  continue  With  me  several  Years,  in  order  to  learn 
the  Mohawke  Language  &ca  With  a  View  to  a  Mission,  if  God 
pleases.  He  is  son  to  the  (Revd.  Mr.  Kirtland)  of  Norwich  a 
worthy  Minister  of  the  Gospel,  who  has  been,  for  Many  Years, 
taken  off  from  his  publick  Labour,  by  bodily  Disorders,  and 
reduced  to  needy  Circumstances. 

I  have  Sent  him  to  accompany  Joseph  home;  and  with  such 
Hopes,  as  Yours  of  July,  7.1  encouraged,  that  you  have  by  this 
Time  obtained,  and  that  he  may  accompany  back,  four  more 
likely  Boys,  in  Addition  to  these  two  which  You  have  sent, 
Whom  I  also  expect  will  return  with  him. 

Your  Honr.  well  Understands,  that  this  Support  of  the  Design 
has,  and  dos,  depend  upon  the  Charity  of  such  whose  Hearts  are 
disposed  to  contribute  to  it,  and  I  hope  the  Success,  &  good  Fruit 
of  our  Endeavours  may  More,  &  More  invite  Gentlemen  of 
Ability  to  lend  a  helping  Hand.  And  that  your  Honour  may 
not  think  it  unworthy  Your  Encouragement. 

I  should  be  glad,  they  might  return  as  soon  as  may  be  con- 
venient, as  it  is  near  Winter,  and  also,  as  I  am  loth  they  should 
loose  More  Time  then  Necessity  requires.  And  if  they  can 
return  without  Horses,  I  had  Much  rather,  and  With  a  View  to 
continue  here  'till  next  fall  before  they  make  another  visit  Home, 
because  Horsekeeping  is  very  Scarce  in  these  parts,  by  reason  of 
the  Extream  Drought  last  Summer,  and  Journeying  very  Expen- 
sive, however  I  submitt  the  Matter  wholly  to  your  Discretion. 

I  was  very  Sorry  for  the  Jealosies  which  the  Schollars  con- 
ceived concerning  the  Nature  of  Centers  Disorder,  While  I  was 
gone  to  Boston,  and,  that  there  Was,  that  said,  on  2  done,  Which 


1  Not  found. 

2  In  the  original  "  on  "  appears;  "  or  "  was  doubtless  the  word  in  mind. 


558  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

gave  him  a  Disgust.  I  hope  the  Case  will  be  so  considered,  as 
that  it  will  prove  of  no  real  Diservice  to  the  Cause. 

We  have  heard  nothing,  Yet,  of  the  Success  of  your  Late  long 
Journey.  I  hope  your  Honr.  enjoys  a  good  state  of  Health  not- 
withstanding such  a  long  Fatigue.  I  am  With  most  sincere 
Respect,  Honor'd  Sir. 

Your  Honours 

most  Obedient 

Humble  Servant 

ELEAZAR  WHEELOCK 

P.  S.  The  (Revd.  Mattw.  Graves)  an  Episcopal  Mission,  at 
New  London,  (about  30  miles  from  hence)  sends  me  Word, 
which  just  now  comes  to  me,  by  1  Mr.  Whitaker  of  Norwich, 
that  if  I  will  procure  him  a  likely  Indian  Lad  he  will,  at 
his  own  Expense,  Undertake  and  go  thro',  with  his  Education. 
And  as  the  Offer  is  kind  and  generous,  and  Worthy  to  be 
imbraced  with  Thankfulness,  perhaps,  your  Honr.  may  find  one 
Willing  to  accept  it,  notwithstanding  the  disagreable  Circum- 
stance of  living  so  far  from  the  Society  of  any  of  his  own  Nation. 

The  Honle.  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Esqr. 


TO  SIR  JEFFERY  AMHERST  ETC. 

There  can  be  found  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  120,  Johnson's 
letter  of  November  5th  to  General  Amherst  on  proceedings  with  western 
Indians,  Johnson's  reports,  Captain  Campbell's  account  of  expenses,  the 
complaints  made  against  Johnson  at  Easton,  and  his  measures  for  relieving 
the  Indians  complaining;  a  letter  of  the  5th  from  Johnson  to  Gw.  Banyar, 
conveying  regrets  for  trouble  caused  by  Canajoharies'  gift  to  Johnson, 
acknowledging  the  generosity  of  Banyar  and  Alexander  Colden,  offering 
to  admit  them  to  an  advantageous  purchase  in  the  Mohawk  country,  asking 
that  a  caveat  may  be  entered  against  Klock's  land  transactions  and  rallying 


1  Illegible. 


Seven  Yean    War  559 

Banyar  on  love  affairs;  and  a  copy  of  a  letter  of  the  5th  from  General 
Amherst  to  Lieutenant  Richard  Smith,  of  the  Independents,  acknowledging 
memorials  regarding  a  grant  of  land  at  Fort  Schuyler  and  referring  Smith 
to  other  authority.  Destroyed  by  fire.  An  extract  from  the  first  follows 
this. 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

Contemporary  Copp  1 

Fort  Johnson,  Novemr.  5th:  1761 . 
Extract. 

"  I  Have  the  Honour  to  Acquaint  you,  that  I  Arrived  here 
from  the  Detroit  on  Saturday  last,  after  a  tedious  Journey  of 
Six  Weeks,  having  left  that  place  on  the  18th.  of  September 
last. — 

It  it  with  great  Satisfaction  I  now  Inform  your  Excellency, 
that  I  have  left  the  Western  Indians  Extremely  well  Disposed 
towards  the  English;  and  I  am  of  Opinion  that  matters  are 
Settled  on  so  stable  a  foundation  there,  that  unless  greatly  Irri- 
tated thereto  they  will  never  break  the  Peace  Established  with 
them;  And  there  now  only  remains  to  Compleat  Every  thing  by 
Calling  down  the  Six  Nations  to  a  meeting,  and  Settling  all 
matters  with  them,  which  I  doubt  not  being  readily  able  to  do,  and 
will  immediately  set  about  it,  if  your  Excellency  Approves  of  it. 

The  particulars  of  my  proceedings  Since  leaving  home,  and 
of  the  Several  Conferences  which  I  had  on  my  Journey;  as  also 
that  of  the  General  meeting  with  the  Western  Confederacy  &ca. 
at  Detroit,  being  very  long,  I  cannot  be  able  to  transmit  them  for 
Some  time;  I  should  therefore  be  glad  to  know  whether  your 
Excellency  would  Chuse  those  at  the  meeting  at  the  Detroit 
alone,  before  the  rest  are  made  up.— 

As  Soon  as  all  the  proceedings,  or  Such  part  as  your  Excel- 
lency may  chuse  can  be  made  ready  for  your  perusal,  they  shall 
be  immediately  transmitted  to  you;  and  I  flatter  myself  that  on 

Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C  Q.  5-61,  London,  England, 


560  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

Inspection,  they  will  appear  to  your  Excellency's  Satisfaction, 
than  which  nothing  will  give  me  greater  pleasure. — 

I  Should  be  glad  your  Excellency  would  give  me  an  order  for 
Some  ammunition,  and  Provision,  as  I  have  not  an  Ounce  of 
either  in  Store." — 

Wm.  Johnson 
His  Excellency  SlR  JEFFERY  AMHERST. 

INDORSED:      Extract. 

Letter  from  Sir  Wm: 

Johnson  to  General  Amherst; 

Dated  Fort  Johnson,  5th:  Novemr. 

1761. 

Acquainting  the  General  of  his 

Return  from  the  Detroit,  and  of  the 

good  Disposition  he  had  left  the 

Western  Indians  in;  and  that  he 

Should  as  soon  as  possible,  transmit 

the  General  the  whole  of  his  proceedings, 

&ca. — 

in  Sr.  J :  Amherst's  of  Novr.  27 :  1 761 

NO.  21. 


TO  CADWALLADER  GOLDEN 


Fort  Johnson  Novr.  6th  1761 
DEAR  SIR 

After  a  tedious  Journey  of  6  Weeks  I  arrived  from  the  Detroit 
a  few  days  ago,2  &  am  now  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
favour  of  the  2d  of  last  July,3  which  I  was  then  prevented  from 
answering  by  reason  of  my  being  on  my  Journey. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  October  30th.     See  W.  L.  Stone,  Life  and  Times  of  Sir  William 
Johnson,  2:477   (Diary  on  Journey  to  and  from  Detroit). 

3  In  Collections  of  the  New  York  Historical  Society,    1876,  Colden 
Papers,  p.  96-97. 


Seven  Years    War  561 

With  regard  to  the  Lands  I  beg  leave  to  refer  you  to  Mr. 
Banyar,  to  whom  I  have  wrote  by  this  opportunity,  &  made  him 
such  proposals  as  I  imagine  will  be  acceptable. N  I  must  confess 
I  was  a  good  deal  out  of  humour  when  I  wrote  you  last,1  as  I 
judged  myself  in  a  great  measure  trifled  with  by  some  people, 
especially  as  I  had  the  Indn  Deed  of  Gift,  prior  to  any  other  pre- 
tensions,2 &  when  it  is  notorious  that  I  am  the  only  person  in  these 
parts  who  (far  from  preventing)  takes  every  measure  for  Setling 
the  Lands  which  I  purchase  by  the  encouragmt.  of  industrious 
people  to  whom  I  grant  Lotts  on  the  most  reasonable  terms  At 
the  same  that  I  was  a  good  deal  disgusted  at  the  delays  which  I 
met  with  I  still  flattered  myself  that  the  friendship  subsisting 
between  us,  would  secure  me  your  interest  therein  and  I  should  be 
heartily  glad  that  the  affair  might  be  Setled  during  your  adminis- 
tration. 

I  shod.  be  glad  to  hear  from  you  what  Mr.  Barclay  has  wrote 
you  concerning  this  land  in  the  Mohocks  Country,  as  well  as 
upon  the  Subject  at  present  in  question. 

The  Western  Confederacy  of  Indns.  seem  entirely  disposed  to 
favour  the  English  &  will  not  in  my  opinion  unless  provoked  be 
ever  persuaded  to  break  the  peace  w0*1.  I  have  made  with  them, 
and  in  order  to  finish  all  matters  &  put  them  on  a  proper  footing 
I  purpose  w*.  Gen1.  Amherst's  approbation  to  call  down  the  6 
Nations  to  a  Meeting  where  I  hope  every  thing  will  be  adjusted 
to  the  public  Satisfaction. 

As  I  am  busied  at  present  in  preparing  and  making  up  the 
Ind11.  Proceedings  for  Gen1.  Amherst's  perusal  I  hope  youl  excuse 
my  present  brevity  w0*1.  I  shall  make  up  for  in  my  next  for  altho' 
a  good  deal  interrupted  at  present  I  was  unwilling  to  let  slip  the 
acknowledgment  of  your  last,  as  well  as  the  opportunity  of  assur- 
ing you  how  much  I  am  &<*. 

Honble.  MR.  CoLDEN. 


Johnson  to  Golden,  June  18,  1761. 

2  For  a  contrary  view,  see  Banyar  to  Johnson,  February  2,  April  6, 
May  28  and  June  24,  1761. 


562  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

P.S. 

I  judge  it  necessary  to  inform  you  that  one  Urie  Klock  resick 
at  Conajoharee,  has  during  my  absence  deported  himself  in  so 
extraordinary  a  manner  towards  the  Inhabit8.  &  Ind8.  there  that 
he  has  given  universal  discontent  particularly  concerning  the  land 
purchased  of  Mr.  Livingston  1  (which  you  know  included  the 
Indian  Castle)  by  warning  &  turning  2  sev1.  people  off  who  have 
resided  thereon,  &  payed  rent  to  the  Indians  for  the  same  these 
sev1.  years  past,  with  other  unwarrantable  steps.  I  should  there- 
fore be  glad  to  have  your  opinion  thereon  &  to  have  a  stop  put 
thereto  at  least  until  I  shall  hear  from  Europe  havs.  wrote  home 
on  that  Subject,  otherwise  the  Ind8.  may  attempt  to  right  them- 
selves, which  may  be  productive  of  bad  consequences  &  which  it 
may  not  be  in  my  power  to  prevent. 


FROM   JAMES   PETERS 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1 20,  by  a 
letter  of  November  7th  from  James  Peters,  at  Fort  Stanwix,  to  Johnson, 
mentioning  need  of  medicines  at  the  post  for  Indians.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


FROM  PETER  DU  BOIS 
A.  L.  S.3 

[Albany.  Nov.  [9P],  7767] 

SIR 

Inclos'd  You  will  Receive  a  Letter  Commited  to  my  Care  by 
Mr.  Shuckburgh  at  New  York  which  I  Left  the  6th  Instant.  On 
my  arrival  this  morning  I  was  very  happy  to  hear  you  were  again 


1See  Johnson  to  Amherst,  February  5,  1762. 

'2  A  letter  in  the  New  York  Historical  Society,  of  which  this  is  a  draft, 
has  "  threatening  to  turn." 
3  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  563 

Safe  at  your  Estate  in  the  Mohocks  Country;  I  heartily  Con- 
gratulate You  on  your  Return  and  Rejoyce  to  hear  you  are  in 
Health  after  Your  long  Dangerous  &  Fateagueing  Journey. 

The  Wines  I  were  to  Deliver  you  per  agreement,  I  purchased 
when  at  N  York  In  the  Summer  from  Mr.  Phil  Livingston,  and 
shipd  them  Immed'y.  for  this  place  where  they  have  been  in  your 
Cellar  untill  a  few  Days  past  waiting  any  directions  Mr.  Stringer  x 
Might  Receive  Concerning  them  As  I  did  not  know  to  Whose 
Care  to  send  them  during  Your  absence.  I  hope  &  dont  doubt 
But  they  will  meet  with  your  approbation  as  they  were  the  oldest 
&  Best  To  Be  had  in  New  York.  Mr.  Livingston  assured  me 
they  had  been  three  Years  in  his  Cellar  and  I  took  the  opinion  of 
several  Tasters  In  the  Choice  of  them. 

I  am  very  sorry  to  observe  that  the  Concernd  in  the  Lands 
purchased  from  the  Conajoharies  last  Summer  have  Not  Yet 
Obtained  the  patents  for  them;  from  some  Defects  in  the 
Boundaries  of  The  adjoining  Patents,  wch.  Mr.  Golden  Trans- 
mited  To  His  Deputy,  Mr.  Vrooman  has  Included  1 4,000  acres 
of  Land  in  the  Survey  he  Made  which  was  already  Patented,  so 
that  we  shall  fall  short  that  Quantity  of  what  we  actually  pur- 
chased and  paid  for.  As  the  Indians  were  fully  Satisfied  and 
Realy  Intended  to  Convey  to  us  the  quantity  Contained  in  Mr. 
Vroomans  Survey,  I  hope  and  Dont  doubt  But  we  May  Yet  Be 
able  to  get  it  from  them;  and  I  Rely  from  the  Equity  &  Justice 
of  the  thing,  upon  your  good  offices,  which  I  flatter  myself  your 
Goodness  will  Not  Withhold,  when  we  treat  with  them  on  the 
Matter. 

Whether  our  friend  Shuckburgh  has  Communicated  you  the 
News  Received  the  Evening  before  I  left  N  York  I  Cannot  Say. 
Least  he  Shod.  not,  Give  me  leave  to  acquaint  you ;  That  a  Ship 
arrived  in  24  days  from  the  Orkneys,  by  which  we  Learn,  that 
The  Czarina  was  Dead ;  that  she  had  Bequeathed  the  Empire  to 


Dr  Samuel  Stringer,  of  Albany, 


564  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

the  Duke  of  Holstine; 1  that  one  of  The  Russian  Princes,  by  the 
Name  of  Alexowitz,  had  put  in  a  Claim  to  the  Imperial  Diadem, 
which  was  likely  to  occasion  Great  Commotions  in  Russia,  Not 
less  than  a  Rebellion;  &  The  Troops  of  that  Empire  it  was 
thought,  woud.  Be  recal'd  from  the  Eastern  Parts  of  Germany, 
which  will  leave  the  Prussians  to  act  only  against  the  Austrians. 
The  King  was  Married  &  Crown'd.2  We  had  Taken  another 
74  Gun  ship  from  the  French.  Adm1.  Hawke  was  ready  to  Sail 
with  twenty  Ships  of  the  line  &  twelve  regiments  —  their  Destina- 
tion private.  Several  of  the  Plenipotentiaries  withdrawn  from 
Augsburg  &  no  prospect  of  a  sudden  Peace. 

This  Sir  was  what  had  Transpired  before  my  leaving  New- 
york.  By  the  Post  we  may  have  farther  Matters  in  the  Prints. 
If  a  Conveyance  offers  shall  forward  you  the  papers.  In  the 
Meanwhile  after  Beging  your  Excuse  for  the  Hurry  I  must  write 
this  I  Subscribe  myself  Sir  Your  Most  Obed1.  &  very  Humble 
Serv'. 

PETER  Du  Bois 
INDORSED:    Novr.  1761 

Peter  Du  Bois's  Letter  to  Sir  Wm.  Johnson 


TO  DANIEL  CLAUS 
D/.3 

Fort  Johnson  TVovK  14*  7767 
SIR 

I  have  now  bare  time  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  Several 
of  Yours  since  I  left  home  also  yr.  last  of  the  30th  of  Septr.  As 
Guy  Johnson  I  presume  has  wrote  you  concerning  ye.  Tour  we 


1  Duke  Peter  of  Holstein-Gottorp. 

2  George  III  was  married  on  September  8th,  crowned  on  September 
22,   1761. 

3  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  565 

tooke  I  need  say  nothing  concerning  it  more  than  that  I  can  in 
general!  tell  you  that  I  settled  all  Matters  to  my  Satisfaction  w*. 
all  ye  Western  Nations  and  left  Regulations  for  trade  at  all  the 
Posts  that  way  which  I  hope  will  have  a  good  effect. 

I  believe  I  shall  call  a  meeting  of  the  Six  Nations  soon  that 
is  of  some  Sachems  of  every  Nation  in  Order  to  feel  their  Pulse 
now,  wh.  I  believe  is  pretty  low  &  flatter  myself  I  can  bring 
them  to  any  reasonable  terms,  at  the  same  time  I  am  sorry  to  Say 
their  late  ill  behaviour  is  occasioned  in  a  great  measure  by  our 
111  treatment  of  them  in  severall  respects.  I  hope  the  Coghna- 
wageys  &ca  will  act  a  more  prudent  part  than  the  Chenussio's 
have,  that  is,  that  they  will  not  Alter  from  the  engagements  they 
entered  into  with  me  but  Steadily  Observe  them,  &  not  let  their 
Hearts  turn  to  their  own  Ruin.  The  111  Success  wh.  ye  Chenus- 
sios  mett  with,  in  their  endeavours  to  stirr  up  a  Villanous  Con- 
spiracy, or  unnaturall  Plot  against  the  English,  will  I  hope  be  an 
example  to  them,  &  all  our  Allies.  You  may  drop  Hints  of  this 
to  them  from  me  by  a  belt  of  Wampum  &  conclude  with  my 
Recommending  to  them  a  friendly  behaviour  towards  the  English 
which  is  the  Determination  of  all  the  Nations  I  have  Spoke  with 
this  Summer.  You  may  also  tell  them  I  have  received  from 
Mr.  Croghan  their  Belts  which  I  shall  take  a  proper  Opportunity 
of  Answering.  I  should  be  glad  to  have  the  remainder  of  your 
Journal  or  proceedings  to  this  time,  as  soon  as  may  be,  that  I 
may  from  that  &  the  rest  of  my  proceedings  be  able  to  form  a 
judgment  of  the  true  State  of  the  whole  Confederacy,  so  as  to 
represent  it  home,  in  order  to  have  the  Management  Settled  on 
some  one  Certain  Plan,  or  footing,  as  the  precarious  manner  it 
now  Stands  will  never  answer  the  End  Designed,  wh.  is  ye  Good 
of  his  Majestys  Service,  &  Extension  of  his  Indian  Alliance. 
Let  me  also  have  your  Acctls.  which  you  need  not  Shew  to  any 
one  else,  or  let  them  know  anything  about  them.  If  you  can 
come  yourself  it  will  be  better  on  Severall  Accounts.  Pray  bring 


566  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

me  some  Seeds  of  every  kind  worth  Sowing.  Also  some  field 
Pease  &  Summer  wheat  for  a  Trial,  as  I  am  going  to  Com- 
mence a  Husband  man. 

Pray  let  me  know  how  far  Mr.  Gage  looks  upon  his  Govern- 
ment to  Extend,  &  how  far  his  tradeing  Passes  reaches.  I  am 
certain  by  my  Commission,  it  is  a  perquisite  of  mine,  if  I  am 
to  manage  the  affairs  of  all  them  Indians,  wh.  is  General 
Amhursts  orders  to  me. 

Expecting  to  see  you  soon  I  shall  defer  adding  further  than 
that  I  am  yr.  Welwisher  &  Humble  Servant 

P.  S.  Remember  me  kindly  to  Squire  Welles  &  Mr.  Wade,  altho 
I  never  heard  a  word  from  either  of  them  since  they  left  this  wh.  I 
take  unkind. 

To  CAPT.  CLAUS 


TO  DAVID  FRANKS  AND  FROM  WM.  DARLINGTON 
The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1 2 1 ,  by  two 
destroyed  by  fire ;  one  of  November  1 4th  from  Johnson  to  David  Franks, 
informing  that  he  has  drawn  on  him  for  £586  in  favor  of  Francis  Wade, 
of  Philadelphia;  the  other,  of  the  15th,  from  William  Darlington,  at  New 
York,  to  Johnson  about  goods  sent  on  Abraham  Cuyler's  sloop. 


A  CONFERENCE  WITH  DELAWARES 
Contemporary  Copp  1 

Kingston,  November  16-17,  1761 
Copy) 

Pursuant  to  an  order  of  His  Honour  Cadwallader  Colden 
Esqr.  Lieut.  Governor,  &  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Province 
of  New  York  Directed  to  Cornelius  Hoornbeck,  Levi  Pawling, 
Jacob  Hoornbeck,  Colo.  Johannis  Hardenburgh,  Collo.  Tho5, 
Ellison,  Colonel  Abraham  Haasbrook  and  Jacobus  Bryn,  to 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  567 

meet  with  some  of  the  Delaware  Indians,  as  they  had  requested 
to  Renew  amity  &  friendship,  with  His  Majesty's  Subjects. 

Accordingly  they  were  mett  in  Kingston  in  Ulster  County,  the 
16th  of  November  1761. 

Cornelius   Hoornbeck   Esqr.  Moses  Depue  Esqr 
Levi  Pawling  Esqr.  Lawrence  Salisbury  Esqr. 

Capt.  Jacob  Hoornbeck         Lewis  Bevier  Esqr. 
Colo.  Joh8.  Hardenburgh        Stephen  Nottingham  Esqr. 
{ Colo.  Abraham  Haasbrook  Abraham  Low  Esqr.  High  Sheriff 

{ P.Edmundus  Elmendorph  Clerk 

with  several  other  principal  Inhabitants  of  said  County  —  Gerrit 
Broadhead  Interpreter. 

Michtagh  \  r    ,.       -,.  t 
.  .  ,  r  Indian  Cmers 

Malonap  J 

By  Major  Pawling  the  Indians  were  spoke  to,  with  saying  to 
them. 

We  look  upon  You  as  Brethren,  and  we  bid  you  welcome 
here.  You  told  us  about  ten  weeks  ago  when  we  met  you  at 
Rochester,  that  you  was  earnestly  desirous  to  live  peaceably  with 
us  (the  English)  and  that  you  Desired  that  we  would  dry  up 
our  tears,  &  wipe  our  eyes  &  Cleanse  our  hearts,  and  that  you 
would  Deliver  up  all  our  People  detained  among  You  at  this 
meeting.  According  to  Your  Desire  we  have  dried  up  our  Tears, 
&  wiped  our  Eyes  open,  so  that  we  See  clear  out  of  our  Eyes, 
but  cannot  see  any  of  his  Majesty's  Subjects  who  have  been 
captivated  by  some  of  Your  People;  and  which  you  have  prom- 
ised to  Deliver  at  this  Meeting.  We  now  Demand  the  Reasons 
why  You  have  not  brought  them 


568  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

The  Indians  Answer. 

Say'd  their  uncles  the  Six  Nations  had  promised  the  Gov- 
ernor of  Pensylvania,  that  all  the  Prisoners  should  be  delivered 
next  Spring,  &  further  said  there  was  a  grand  treaty  to  be  Held 
either  in  Easton,  or  Philadelphia  where  Sir  Wm.  Johnson,  the 
Governor  of  New  Jersey,  &  the  Governor  of  New  York  was  to 
be ;  and  all  the  Prisoners  was  to  be  delivered  at  said  Treaty ;  and 
therefore  they  was  not  admitted  by  their  Uncles  to  bring  any  of 
them  to  this  Meeting. 

The  Indians  were  told  that  we  had  Communicated  to  His 
Honour  our  Governor  all  what  they  had  requested,  &  what  they 
had  promised  at  Rochester  and  that  the  Governor  had  sent  his 
orders  now,  and  in  what  manner  we  should  treat  with  them ;  The 
Governor's  orders  were  read  to  them,  &  the  same  Interpreted 
by  Mr.  Broadhead,  &  told  them  further  that  we  had  no  more  to 
say  to  them;  and  they  were  asked  whether  they  had  any  more 
to  say  to  us;  they  answered  they  had  something  to  say  that  was 
good  but  as  they  had  not  brought  in  the  Prisoners,  as  they  had 
promised,  they  would  not  be  Believed.  They  were  told  we 
would  hear  them.  They  answered  they  could  not  speak  till  the 
next  day. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'Clock  next  day. 

Mett  according  to  Adjournment.     Present  as  before. 

Monolap,  one  of  the  Indian  Chiefs,  said,  that  he  was  some 
time  ago  sent  by  Cornelius  Hoornbeck  Esqr-  and  Colo.  Johannis 
Hardenburgh  from  Mamacating  to  Onoquague,  to  know 
whether  there  was  any  Evil  Design  among  the  Indians.  When  I 
came  there  I  found  all  well  &  Peaceable,  &  no  Evil  intended. 

Gave  a  String  of  Wampum. 

Many  years  agoe  there  was  a  Treaty  made  between  the  Gov- 
ernor of  New  York,  &  our  Ancestors,  and  we  was  Settled  at 
Minising,  and  there  was  fire  kindled  for  us,  and  the  smoke  of 
that  fire  was  to  ascend  strait  up  into  the  air;  it  was  not  to  be 


Seven  Years    War  569 

driven  by  the  wind,  neither  one  way  nor  the  other ;  it  is  our  desire 
now  to  live  according  to  our  former  Covenant,  as  long  as  Sun  & 
Moon  Shines.  Gave  a  Belt  of  Wampum. 

They  were  told;  we  know  there  was  a  Covenant  Chain  made 
between  the  Governor  of  New  York,  and  Your  Ancestors,  and 
that  chain  was  broke  by  You  &  not  by  us  and  now  you  Declared 
you  are  Desirous  to  have  that  Chain  linked  together  again,  and 
live  in  peace  with  the  English.  We  assure  you  that  when  You 
have  Delivered  up  our  People  that  are  detained  among  you, 
according  to  your  former  promise,  we  shall  look  upon  you  as  our 
Brethren,  and  live  with  you  as  such. 

INDORSED:  Proceedings  of  Corn8.  Hoornbeck  and  others  with 
some  of  the  Delaware  Indians  att  Kingston  in 
Ulster  County,  16th  Novemr.  1761. 


TO   ELEAZAR  WHEELOCK   ETC. 

The  preceding  paper  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  121,  by 
an  undated  letter  from  Colonel  Abraham  Haasbrouck  to  Lieutenant 
Governor  Colden,  an  account  of  duplicity  practised  by  the  Delawares  at 
the  Kingston  conference ;  a  letter  of  November  1  7th  from  Johnson  to  Rev. 
Eleazar  Wheelock,  regarding  a  school  for  instruction  of  Indian  youth, 
which  he  promises  to  encourage  still  further,  and  Samuel  Kirtland's  inten- 
tion of  learning  the  Mohawk  language  (printed  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  V., 
4:305-7;  Q,  4:197-98)  ;  and  a  letter  from  Lieutenant  Richard  Smith, 
dated  the  21st,  acknowledging  Johnson's  liberality  and  General  Amherst's 
condescension.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


570  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
L.  S.1 

New  York,  22d.  November 
SIR 

I  Deferr'd  Acknowledging  the  Receipt  of,  &  thanking  You 
for  Your  Letter  of  the  1  Oth  Septr.  from  the  Detroit,  untill  your 
arrival  at  Fort  Johnson,  as  I  heard  you  was  on  your  way  thither; 
and  I  have  a  particular  pleasure  in  Learning  by  Yours  of  the  5th 
Instant,  received  last  Night,  that  you  are  Returned  in  Health. 

The  Disposition  you  left  the  Western  Indians  in  leaves  me  no 
doubt,  but  that  everything  in  those  parts  will  remain  quiet,  as 
there  can  be  no  fear  of  their  being  Irritated,  or  provoked  by  any 
of  His  Majesty's  Subjects,  but  on  the  contrary  those  Indians  will 
always  find  protection  from  the  King's  officers,  while  they  con- 
tinue to  Act  like  true  &  faithful  Allies  to  his  Majesty,  which  I 
am  persuaded  will  appear  to  be  so  much  for  their  own  Interest, 
that  they  will  be  carefull  of  Deviating  therefrom. 

You  are  certainly  the  best  Judge  how  necessary  a  meeting  with 
the  Six  Nations  will  be  at  this  time :  To  me  it  appears  to  be  very 
requisite,  in  order  that  these  Nations  may  be  made  acquainted 
with  your  Transactions  amongst  their  Western  Brethren,  and 
thereby  be  Convinced  of  the  Strong  Chain  of  Friendship  that 
now  Subsists  between  the  King's  Subjects,  and  the  Several  Indian 
Nations  in  His  Majesty's  Dominions;  And  the  sooner  this  meet- 
ing is  Called,  I  think  the  better. 

I  Doubt  not  but  the  Regulations  you  have  made,  and  left  at 
the  several  posts,  for  fixing  the  Prices  of  Goods  &  Cloathing,  will 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  In  the  Collections  of  the  New   York  Historical  Society  for    1876, 
Co  Wen  Papers,  p.   1  30-32,  is  a  letter  of  November  22d  from  Cadwal- 
lader  Golden  to  Johnson  on  the  Canajoharie  grant,  Rev.  Henry  Barclay's 
grant  and  Ury  Clock's  behavior. 


Seven  Years'  War  571 

Effectually  put  a  stop  to  the  Complaints  made  by  the  Indians,  in 
regard  to  the  Dearness  of  those  Commodities. 

I  shall  be  very  glad  to  have  the  particulars  of  Your  proceed- 
ings with  the  several  Conferences  which  You  had  on  your  Jour- 
ney, as  well  as  those  at  the  General  meeting  at  the  Detroit;  but 
You  will  please  to  do  whichever  is  most  Convenient  for  Yourself, 
by  transmitting  them  to  me  separately,  or  when  the  whole  are 
finished. 

You  will  please  to  acquaint  me  of  the  Quantity  of  Provisions 
&  Ammunition  you  think  absolutely  necessary  to  have  at  this 
time;  I  imagine  it  can  be  but  little,  and  I  will  give  Directions  for 
your  being  Supplied  accordingly. 

Altho'  I  have  ordered  all  absent  officers  to  their  posts,  yet  as 
L*.  Johnson  is  usefull  to  you,  and  that  I  shall  on  all  occasions  be 
glad  to  oblige  you,  he  may  remain  with  you,  untill  he  settles  Your 
Records  &ca.  after  which,  if  you  can  spare  him,  it  will  be  right 
that  he  joins  his  Company. 

I  Have  the  pleasure  to  acquaint  you  that  the  Troops  under  the 
Command  of  Major  General  Monckton,1  all  in  good  health, 
sailed  from  the  hook,  on  the  1 9th  Instant,  with  a  fair  Wind,  and 
fine  Weather;  The  whole  Consisting  of  Seventy  one  Sail. 

I  am  with  great  Truth  &  Regard  Sir,  Your  most  obedient 
Humble  Servant  JEFF.  AMHERST. 

P.  S.  I  have  not  had  time  as  yet  to  Examine  into  the  Accompts 
You  have  transmitted  me  from  Capt.  Campbell;  I  imagine  you 
have  still  more  accounts  of  his  and  I  would  Settle  the  whole 
together;  I  am  hopefull  all  the  occonomy  that  could  be  used  has 
been  observed  tho'  I  must  own,  even  these  Expences  I  have  seen 
appear  to  be  high. 

SIR  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar*. 


In  the  expedition  against  Martinique. 


572  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  GOLDSBRQW  BANYAR 
A.  L.  S.1 

New  York  23d  Nov.  1761. 
DEAR  SIR  WILLIAM 

I  am  favoured  with  yours  of  the  5th  by  yesterday's  post.  Mr. 
Du  Bois  who  is  concerned  not  only  for  himself  but  I  imagine 
acts  for  several  other  Persons  interested  therein  living  now  at 
Albany,  you  will  consider  whether  a  Line  from  you  to  him  may 
not  be  proper  on  this  occasion  if  the  thing  can  be  amicably  setled 
it  must  be  most  agreeable  to  all  Parties.  I  will  observe  to  you 
that  besides  the  disadvantage  of  going  so  much  further  from  the 
River,  they  will  probably  object  to  paying  you  £300  for  the 
Indian  Purchase  of  10,000  acres  of  Land,  a  Sum  altogether  I 
believe  unprecedented,  and  they  will  be  lead  to  inquire  whether 
that  is  the  proportion  of  what  you  have  expended  on  the  40,000, 
for  notwithstanding  it  is  a  Real  Gift  to  you,  yet  it  is  known  that 
presents  are  always  made  on  those  occasions,  and  whether  in 
equity  they  ought  to  pay  more  than  their  proportion  of  these  and 
other  necessary  Expences  relative  to  the  Indian  Claim,  You  will 
consider  as  they  must  pay  the  purchase  of  the  Additional  20000 
acres.  If  you  don't  incline  to  treat  with  any  Body  else  about  it, 
let  rne  know  whether  you  are  inclinable  to  abate  anything  of  the 
Rigour  this  Demand  of  £300  seems  at  least  to  carry  with  it  and 
I  will  when  I  know  your  Sentiments  let  the  Parties  on  the  Spott 
here  know  them,  and  acquaint  you  with  their  Resolutions.  If  I 
have  any  share  in  it  it  will  be  rather  with  a  View  to  conciliate 
matters  than  any  interested  one  as  to  myself ;  for  I  believe  if  they 
were  to  pay  £300  or  even  £200  for  the  whole  30000,  after  you 
have  that  quantity  next  the  River,  it  will  be  but  a  bad  Bargain. 
I  imagine  you'l  not  think  it  proper  to  urge  the  Report  on  your 
Petition  till  you  know  whether  the  Parties  will  accept  of  your 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years'  War  573 

offer,  and  I  do  not  think  it  proper  till  your  answer  to  this,  to  lay 
your  proposals  before  them.  We  have  no  particular  News  but 
what's  in  the  Papers.  Your  presence  here  which  I  wish  for  from 
every  Motive  of  Friendship  will  greatly  I  am  certain  facilitate 
this  knotty  piece  of  Business. 

I    am   Dr.    Sir  William  very   sincerely   your   affectionate  & 
obedient  Servant 

Gw  BANYAR 

Klock  has  a  Lycense  to  purchase  a  small  Tract  of  about  6  or  700 
acres  on  the  N  side  the  Mohawks  River  near  the  Vandrissens 
and  the  Tract  he  him  self  lives  on.  I  see  no  difficulty  in 
excluding  him  from  any  Share,  if  your  proposal  takes  Effect. 

To  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Baronet. 


FROM  WILLIAM  KELLY 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  121,  by 
a  letter  of  November  26th  from  William  Kelly,  at  New  York,  to  Johnson, 
about  a  negro  who  has  fled  from  Johnson  to  Connecticut,  investments  in 
land,  the  Cosby  tract  and  another.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


TO  GEORGE  CROGHAN 
D/.1 

Fort  Johnson  Novbr.  30th  1761. 
SIR 

Yours  of  the  1 2th  Ult°.  I  received  a  few  days  ago  together 
with  ye  other  Papers  it  inclosed.  I  have  wrote  to  General 
Amherst  concerning  ye  Ace".  &  Protest  and  shall  acquaint  you 
with  his  Answer.  I  am  glad  you  have  sent  the  200  Hooes  to 
Capt.  Campbel,  and  wish  you  had  been  able  to  have  sent  the 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


574  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

smith  also,  as  he  is  verry  much  wanted  at  Detroit.  I  beg  you  will 
send  a  good  one  thither  as  soon  as  possible,  that  I  may  not  break 
my  word  with  them  Indians.  I  am  much  pleased  at  your  getting 
so  many  of  our  People  out  of  the  hands  of  the  Indians,  and  hope 
you  will  soon  be  able  to  get  all  that  are  yet  among  them.  The 
number  you  have  already  got  is  very  considerable,  and  shews  the 
Indians  good  intentions  which,  from  their  late  conduct  at  Detroit, 
I  have  but  little  reason  to  doubt  of. 

The  regulation  you  have  made,  for  ye  proper  Management  of 
Indian  affairs  to  ye  Westward  &ca  *  is  not  amiss ;  and  ought  to  be 
allowed,  if  Indian  Alliances,  or  Trade  with  them  be  considered 
Worthy  our  attention,  if  not  it  will  be  thought  extravigant  & 
unnecessary,  however  let  that  be  judged  of  by  those,  whose 
Province  it  is.  I  am  obliged  to  you  for  the  Seeds  &ca.  You  are 
so  good  to  say  you  will  send  me  to  the  care  of  Mr.  Wade  at 
Philadelphia.  I  assure  you  I  shall  take  ye  greatest  care  to  prop- 
agate them  at  my  new  place,  &  hope  they  will  afford  you  &  me 
pleasure  to  see  them  thrive.  We  all  got  home  safe  about  ye  latter 
end  of  Octobr.  I  suffered  greatly  after  I  left  you  by  the  Ball  wch. 
is  lodged  in  my  thigh.  It  is  now  somewhat  easier.  Capt.  John- 
son is  here  yet,  &  desires  his  Compliments  to  Yo.  as  does  all  the 
Family.  He  says  nothing  can  prevent  his  likeing  &  Eating  Roast 
Beef  &ca.  or  oblige  him  to  exchange  it  for  Indian  Meal,  .  .  . 

I  wish  you  well,  &  am  Sincerely  your  Welwisher  &  Humble 
Servant 

GEORGE  CROGHAN  Esqr. 

P.  S-  Govr.  Hamilton  had  a  very  extraordinary  meeting  in 
our  absence  wth.  some  of  the  wandering  Susquahana  Ind8. 
Tediescung  &  a  few  others  whom  he  declares  he  never  called  or 
Invited. 


xCroghan  to  Johnson,  October  12,  1761,  q.  V. 


Seven  Years'  War  575 


FROM  DANIEL  GLAUS 

A.  L.  S.1 

Montreal  3<*.  Dec'.  1761 
HONOURED  SIR 

I  was  yesterday  honoured  with  yours  of  the  14th  Ult°.  and 
thereby  learn'd  your  safe  arrival  at  Fort  Johnson  which  gave  me 
infinite  Pleasure. 

Doubtless  you  have  since  received  the  Packet  I  sent  by  Mr. 
Matthw.  Wade,  whereby  you'll  find  the  Continuation  of  my 
Journal  and  Accob.  of  Indn.  Expences  agreable  to  your  Desire. 

As  to  the  Caghnawagey  &  other  Indians  of  Canada  I  must  say 
they  in  general  behave  beyond  Expectation,  notwithstanding  the 
indifferent  &  dispiteful  Eye  they  are  looked  upon  here  by  the 
People  in  Power,  and  the  many  ill  Usages  and  Robberies  they 
meet  with  from  the  Soldiery  &ca.  As  to  the  former  I  hush  it  up 
as  well  as  I  can  by  telling  them  they  were  Strangers  to  the  Man- 
agement of  their  affairs,  and  as  to  the  Latter,  I  convinced  them 
that  they  will  be  redressed  &  get  Satisfaction  if  they  have  a  just 
Cause  and  the  Persons  can  be  found  out,  and  even  got  Soldiers 
once  or  twice  severely  punished  on  their  Accote.  but  sometimes  in 
drunken  affairs  they  themselves  are  culpable,  and  wch.  I  repre- 
sented to  them  very  often  not  to  get  drunk  among  a  parcel  1  of 
Soldiers  who  were  glad  on  such  occasions  to  impose  upon  them. 
There  is  no  Meeting  or  conference  but  I  give  them  to  consider 
that  if  any  Accident  should  happen  between  2  &  the  Soldiers 
it  would  chiefly  be  their  own  Fault,  having  been  forwa'rned 
to  avoid  them  as  much  as  possible.  I  likewise  enjoin  them 
frequently  that  if  they  keep  firmly  the  Engagm*.  of  Friend- 
ship entered  into  with  you,  &  would  mind  diligently  their  Hunt- 
ing &  Planting  there  would  not  be  a  happier  People  than  they, 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Omission  in  the  copy. 


576  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

assuring  them  at  the  same  time  in  the  strongest  Terms  of  the  Con- 
tinuation of  our  Friendship  on  the  former  condition.  They  are 
sensible  of  it  and  the  Sachems  pleased  to  tell  me  several  times 
that  if  it  was  not  for  my  clearing  up  now  &  then  some  Points  to 
them  they  should  be  uneasy  &  suspect  their  New  Friends  of 
intending  to  break  their  Promises. 

I  may  without  Vanity  say,  that  were  there  not  great  Precau- 
tions used  in  these  Counter  actions,  Indn.  Matters  would  already 
have  occasioned  Disputes.  When  I  told  Gen1.  Gage  of  the 
Indns.  having  recd.  News  from  the  upper  Nations,  that  the  Eng- 
lish intended  to  cut  off  the  praying  Indns.  of  Canada  &ca.,  Majr. 
Hervey  replied  I  should  have  told  them  that  the  English  had  it 
in  their  Power  whenever  they  pleased,  I  thought  it  not  proper  to 
give  an  Answr.  upon  it,  finding  there  is  great  caution  to  be  used 
on  both  sides,  for  I  can  assure  you  Sir  that  there  is  no  Discurse 
started  here  of  Indns.  but  they  may  be  dealt  with  as  we  please 
and  we  are  so  intoxicated  with  providential  Success  that  we  will 
presently  stumple  over  the  whole  Universe,  if  no  Block  should 
happen  to  lay  in  our  way. 

I  pleased  myself  all  summer  long  with  the  hopes  of  making  a 
Tour  to  Fort  Johnson  in  ye  Fall  but  3  CapF5.  of  our  Battn.  being 
gone  to  New  York  (2  of  wh.  were  called  to  EngK)  made  the 
Duty  so  unintermitting  that  I  could  not  expect  leave,  besides  an 
order  afterwards  from  Gen1.  Amherst  commanding  all  officers  to 
join  &  keep  with  their  respective  Corps  put  it  out  of  the  Power 
of  the  Commanders  here  to  give  me  Leave.  These  are  Incon- 
veniences not  suitable  as  well  to  the  Business  I  am  employed  in 
under  you  as  my  own  private  affairs,  &  I  partly  forsaw  them 
when  ordered  to  remain  here,  for  from  the  Beginning  I  was 
ordered  to  do  Bus8,  for  the  Reg*,  when  in  Cantonements  and 
after  it  came  to  Town  was  given  to  understand  by  the  Colo,  that 
I  could  not  avoid  doing  regular  duty,  so  that  my  Purchasing  was 
of  many  advantages  to  me  such  as  not  doing  duty  as  Subaltern, 
&  having  now  Rank  &  a  much  better  Right  to  sell  out  than 
before,  and  wc}l.  I  now  did  not  care  how  soon  it  could  be  brought 


Seven  Years'  War  577 

about,  it  will  however  require  a  palpable  Excuse,  such  as  my 
military  Station  interfering  too  much  with  the  other  Service  &ca. 
as  such  a  speedy  change  would  w*.  out  it  appear  some  how  odd 
to  the  World.  Should  the  Regiment  be  broke  (which  however 
several  impartial  Politicians  have  laid  wagers  that  it  would  not) 
that  my  half  pay  would  be  a  sure  &  high  Interest  for  Life  for  the 
Money  laid  out,  should  it  be  soon  known  that  it  would  stand  I 
would  by  selling  out  gain  a  couple  hundred  Guineas.  Notwith- 
standing all  this  had  I  a  clever  Opportunity  to  sell  out  now  I 
would  embrace  it  with  Pleasure. 

These  and  other  interesting  Points  regarding  me,  made  me 
wish  ardently  to  have  an  Interview  with  you,  but  I  have  already 
mentioned  Sir  it  is  not  in  my  Power  to  effect  it  here,  and  the  only 
means  to  obtain  Leave  is  to  apply  immediately  to  Gen1.  Amherst 
as  I  hinted  in  my  last  &  w^.  I  flatter  myself  had  its  desired  effect 
&  I  look  out  for  said  Permission  by  the  first  Slays  coming  from 
below  wch.  must  be  soon  as  all  the  Waters  here  are  passable  now 
&  with  more  Surity  than  last  year  tho'  almost  a  Month  sooner. 

I  begun  this  letter  as  you  found  imediately  after  the  Receipt 
of  your  favor,  as  it  was  thought  there  would  be  a  Post  sent  off 
before  the  Winter  sat  in,  but  a  few  days  after  the  weather 
changed  so  sudden  that  we  have  now  near  4  feet  Snow  and  the 
cold  so  severe  that  notwithstanding  the  amazing  Rapidity  of  S*. 
Lawrence  it  spread  a  Bridge  of  Ice  over  it  stronger  than  ever 
since  the  20th  Inst  &  this  being  the  29th  the  Post  to  set  off 
tomorrow. 

Inclosed  I  send  you  a  Letter  from  Mr.  Roubaud  *  w^.  I  tran- 
scribed in  English  as  you  desired.  That  poor  man  I  believe  is 
very  uneasy  &  his  chief  aim  perhaps  is  to  get  out  of  this  Country, 
as  the  Jesuits  here  have  detected  his  Deportment  towards  us,  and 
their  Superior  was  going  to  send  him  off  but  Gen1.  Burton  2  would 


1  Roubaud  to  Johnson,  October  30,  1761. 

2  Brigadier  General  Ralph  Burton,  colonel  of  the  95th  regiment. 

Vol.  Ill— 19 


578  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

not  permit  it,  at  the  same  time  he  is  not  a  favorite  of  Colo.  Bur- 
tons, as  he  is  constantly  plaguing  him  wth.  his  schemes  &  Dis- 
coveries so  much  that  he  is  looked  upon  as  a  little  crackd  brain ; 
at  the  same  time  I  could  wish  he  was  out  of  the  reach  of  the 
Jesuits,  for  if  the  Country  should  happen  to  be  given  back  he 
would  certainly  be  in  a  bad  Box. 

I  deferr  more  particulars  to  my  Arrival  at  Fort  Johns",  in  the 
interim  remain  with  my  utmost  Respect,  and  Compliments  to  the 
Family  Sir  Your  most  Dutyfull  humble  Servant 

DAN  CLAUS 
To  the  Honble.  SIR  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar1. 


TO  THE  ALBANY  COUNTY  MEMBERS 


Fort  Johnson  4ih  Decbr.  1761 
GENTLEMEN 

I  have  been  last  Summer  (by  order  of  General  Amherst)  as 
far  as  the  Detroit,  where,  and  at  the  severall  Posts  in  my  way 
thither,  I  have  with  His  approbation,  settled  (in  the  most  equi- 
table manner  I  possibly  could)  the  prices  of  such  goods  as  our 
Traders  generally  carry  to  vend  among  the  Severall  Indian 
Nations;  but  the  exorbitant  hire  of  the  Battoemen,  as  well  as 
that  of  Carriages  at  the  severall  Portages,  which  I  have  had  an 
opertunity  of  Seeing  enhances  the  Value  of  the  goods,  they  carry 
up  so  much,  that  it  is  impossible  for  the  Trader,  or  Sutler  to 
supply  either  the  Troops  or  Indians  at  a  reasonable  rate,  this  of 
course,  must  cause  a  generall  uneasiness,  as  also  the  latter  an 
unfavourable  opinion  of  our  veracity,  haveing  been  repeatedly 
assured  by  the  severall  Generals,  and  myself  that  the  English 
could,  and  would  supply  all  their  allies  wth.  Goods  at  a  cheaper 
rate  than  the  French  did,  or  could  do.  From  these  promises  they 
flattered  themselves  &  other  distant  Nations  with  the  hopes  of  an 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Fears'  War  579 

extensive,  fair  and  plantifull  Trade.  It  is  very  evident  we  can 
perform  our  promises,  and  furnish  them  wth.  goods  much  cheaper 
from  this  government  than  the  French  could,  nay  even  than  any 
of  ye  Southern  Govermts.  can  do,  provided  the  Battoemen  & 
Waggoners  hire  or  wages  is  regulated  by  the  Legislature.  I 
dare  venture  to  affirm,  if  that  is  done,  the  good  effect  there  of  will 
soon  be  felt,  as  the  Trader  &  Sutlers  will  thereby  be  enabled  to 
dispose  of  their  goods  &  stores  much  cheaper  than  heretofore,  to 
the  great  Satisfaction  &  benefit  of  ye  garrisons  &  Indians,  than 
wh.  nothing  will  more  contribute  towards  keeping  all  the  Indians 
now  in  our  alliance  firm  in  their  present  good  dispositions  towards 
us,  &  increase  yl.  Interest  as  well  as  Trade  with  them.  I  have 
been  an  Eye  witness  to  the  extravigant  rate  things  were  sold  for 
at  ye  severall  garrisons,  as  well  as  to  the  Inds.  occasioned  chiefly 
by  the  high  wages  of  the  servants  employed  by  ye  Traders.  I 
looked  upon  it  incumbent  on  me  to  represent  it  to  yu  the  Repre- 
sentatives of  this  County,  and  cannot  doubt  of  your  zeal  &  readi- 
ness in  endeavouring  to  remedy  an  evil  so  prejudicial  in  its 
consequences  to  his  Majestys  Indn.  Interest,  and  that  of  his 
Troops  in  the  severall  distant  Forts  &  Posts,  who  can  have  no 
refreshment  but  from  the  Suttlers  &  Traders. 

I  shall  finish  with  reminding  you  of  a  Letter  I  took  the  liberty 
of  writing  you  last  Summer  l  before  I  left  home,  which  I  hope  you 
received,  as  I  therein  observed  to  you,  that  the  High  Ways  were 
much  neglected  &  out  of  repair,  owing  to  the  lowness  of  the  Fine 
on  such  Delinquents  as  refuse  to  work  at  ye  Roads,  Many  choos- 
ing to  stay  at  home,  &  pay  their  Fine,  wh.  is  not  sufficient  now  to 
hire  others  in  their  stead,  as  the  Law  directs.  I  therefore  hope 
you  will  enlarge  the  Fines,2  otherwise  I  do  assure  you  the  Road 
(which  should  be  good  thro  such  a  Country  as  this  is  and  wh. 
would  be  one  of  ye  greatest  inducements  to  the  further  settling  of 


1  Not  found. 

2  Enlarged  by  act  of  December  31 ,  1  761 .    See  Colonial  Lavs  of  Ne*> 
York,  4:578. 


580  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

it)  will  scarce  be  passable.  I  should  not  trouble  you  so  much, 
were  it  not  for  the  publick  Emolument,  &  that  I  am  certain  you 
want  only  information  to  lead  you  to  redress  those  or  any  other 
greivances  wh.  yr.  Constituents  may  labour  under.  I  am  &ca 

VOLJERT  P  Dow,  JACOB  H.  TENYKE,  ABRM.  TEN  BROOK  * 
&  NICHS.  GROTE  2  ESQRS. 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Z)/.8 

Fort  Johnson  Decr.  6*  1761. 
SIR 

I  do  myself  great  pleasure  in  Congratulating  your  Excell0?. 
on  the  honour  lately  conferred  on  you  by  his  Majesty,4  sincerely 
wishing  that  you  may  continue  still  to  receive  more  distinguishing 
proofs  of  your  Generous  prince's  Esteem  for  your  deserved  merit, 
&  the  many  important  services  which  your  ExcelK.  hath  per- 
formed for  your  Country. 

I  am  to  acknowledge  the  rec1.  of  your  Excell0?8.  of  the  22d. 
Ult°.  wherein  I  am  glad  to  find  you  approve  of  my  calling  the 
6  Nations  to  a  Conference  which  I  purpose  doing,  as  soon  as  I 
can  provide  such  things  as  are  necessary  to  be  given  them  on  that 
occasion,  &  which  will  require  at  least  500  York  curr?  for  the 
purchase  thereof. 

I  herewith  transmit  your  Excell?.  my  proceedings  on  the  way 
to,  and  at  the  Detroit  (except  the  Senecas  Conference  at  the 
Wiandot  Town,  &  such  other  particulars  as  you  are  allready 
acquainted  with)  And  I  should  be  glad  to  know  whether  you 
approve  of  my  publishing  the  whole,  in  which  case  I  shall  send 


1  Abraham  Ten  Broeck  represented  Rensselaerwyck  in  the  assembly. 

2  Nicholas  Groot  represented  Schenectady. 
8  Destroyed  by  fire. 

4  General  Amherst  had  been  invested  with  the  dignity,  Knight  of  the 
Bath. 


Seven  Years'  War  581 

down  a  copy  as  soon  as  'tis  prepared  for  your  Excell?8.  farther 
inspection  with  directions  for  its  being  afterwards  put  into  the 
printers  hands. 

Mr.  Croghan  has  enclosed  to  me  an  ace*,  amounting  to  near 
200  Curry,  which  was  expended  on  Cloathing  for  the  Cherokees, 
purchased  by  him  in  1757  by  order  of  Gen1.  Stanwix.1  This  is 
the  money  concerning  which  Mr.  Denny  wrote  to  you,  &  the 
Government  of  Pensilvania,  whose  province  I  understand  it  was 
to  pay  it,  having  acted  so  ungenerously  as  to  protest  his  bill.  Mr. 
Croghan  writes  me  that  he  had  acquainted  your  Excellcy.  some 
time  ago  of  the  affair,  when  you  were  pleased  to  order  him  to 
send  the  ace*,  to  me,  that  in  case  I  found  it  just,  you  would  order 
me  to  discharge  it.  All  I  can  say  thereon  is,  that  he  being  ordd. 
by  Gen1.  Stanwix  to  purchase  said  goods,  I  imagine  your 
Excellcy.  will  not  let  him  be  a  Sufferer  thereby.  I  shall  therefore 
expect  to  be  favoured  with  your  orders  thereon.  Mr.  Croghan 
also  writes,  that  agreable  to  my  Instructions  he  has  obtained  46 
English  prisoners  from  the  Inds.  about  ye  Ohio  &  its  Neighbor- 
hood wh.  together  wlh.  those  delivered  up  to  us  since  1 759  make 
the  whole  338. 

I  can't  find  that  I  have  any  more  of  Capt.  Campbells  accu.  & 
believe  I  sent  them  all  with  my  last  letter  to  your  Excelly.  which 
ace*.  I  think  amounts  to  near  3000  Y.  Curry.,  if  so,  they  will  be 
right. 

Your  indulging  me  with  Lieut.  Johnson's  assistance,  this  time 
past,  has  been  of  much  service  to  me,  having  no  secretary  I  should 
otherwise  have  been  at  a  great  loss  on  my  journey,  as  well  as  at 
present,  in  Copying,  &  Recording  the  proceedings  &ca.  Were 
it  not  for  him.  As  soon  as  all  are  finished  &  that  he  can  be  with 
Conveniency  spared,  he  will  joyn  his  Compy.  agreable  to  your 
Excellcys.  orders. 

I  judge  20  Barrels  of  pork,  a  proportion  of  flour,  &  500  Ib 
Weight  of  powder  with  lead  for  that  quantity,  may,  with 


1See  Croghan  to  Johnson,  October   12,   1761. 


582  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

Oeconomy  Suffice  until  next  Spring.  You  cannot  Sir  conceive 
the  misery  of  sev1.  IncK  familys,  occasioned  by  sickness,  &  a 
failure  of  their  Crop  of  IncK  Corn  by  the  dryness  of  the  Summer, 
many  of  them  must  inevitably  perish  without  assistance. 

Herewith  I  send  your  Excelb.  my  ace*,  curr*.  including  the 
pay  due  to  the  officers  in  these  parts  for  all  which  I  shd.  be  glad 
your  Excelly.  wd.  please  to  order  me  a  Warr*.  as  also  for  £  1 000 
Curry,  in  order  to  purchase  ye  present  for  the  6  Nat8,  (which 
has  ever  been  done  on  the  like  occasion,  and  will  I  am  certain 
be  a  means  cementing  what  has  been  done  amongst  the  rest,  & 
making  all  matters  easy  for  the  future)  as  also  for  farther  carry- 
ing on  the  service  &  discharging  Capt.  Claus's  ace*,  of  Indn. 
expences  accrued  since  his  management  of  Indn.  affairs  in  Canada. 

There  is  in  my  opinion  a  necessity  for  putting  some  Cloathing 
ammunitn.  &ca.  into  the  hands  of  the  Comjg.  officers  at  Oswego, 
Niagra,  Detroit  &ca.  to  be  occasionally  given  to  such  Indians  as 
are  found  deserving,  and  servicable,  and  as  they  have  been  used 
heretofore  to  receive  presents  in  great  abundance,  I  submit  it  to 
your  Excellcy.  whether  it  will  be  thought  convenient  to  break  off 
that  expence  all  at  once,  until  everything  be  entirely  settled 
thro'out  the  Country. 

I  am  extremely  glad  to  hear  the  Troops  were  all  in  good  health 
&  wish  them  a  favourable  wind  to  the  place  of  their  destination, 
and  when  there,  as  much  success  as  has  constantly  attended  your 
Excellencys  unwearied  endeavours  to  add  to  the  Conquests  of 
Britain. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be 

SR.  JEFF.  AMHERST  Kn*.  of  the  Bath. 


Seven  Years    War  583 


TO   GOLDSBROW   BANYAR 
D/.1 

Fort  Johnson  6ih  Dec*".  1761 
DEAR  BANYAR 

I  am  sorry  to  find  by  yours  of  the  23d  Ult°.  that  the  proposals 
which  I  offered  in  my  last,  regarding  ye  lands  near  to  Conajohare, 
have  not  been  satisfactory.  I  realy  thought  them  verry  rea- 
sonable; however  to  shew  You  &  Mr.  Golden  my  inclination  to 
a  friendly  settlement  (chiefly  on  your  and  his  Ace1)  I  shall  make 
you  (what  I  think)  the  fairest  offer  in  my  power,  to  wit,  You  & 
your  Associates  shall  (on  paying  me  £600  Curr?.  as  your  and 
their  share  of  the  Indian  purchase)  have  thirty  thousand  Acres, 
which  shall  run  to  the  Mohawk  River,  as  well  as  my  thirty  thou- 
sand, by  a  line  to  be  run  from  the  Rear  of  the  land,  to  the  Front 
or  Mohawk  River,  so  as  to  give  each  Party  thirty  thousand 
acres  —  or,  on  paying  the  sd.  Sum  of  £600  Curry,  to  me,  you 
may  have  20  thousand  Acres  of  said  Land  nearest  to  the  River, 
and  I  will  take  40  thousand  in  your  Rear,  adjoining  to  the  Bounds 
of  the  twenty  thousand,  otherwise  I  will  take  the  20  thousand 
next  to  the  Mohawk  River  &  you  the  40  thousand  in  the  Rear 
paying  me  £600. 

I  hope  one  or  other  of  these  proposals  will  please,  if  not,  my 
good  intentions  will  be  frustrated,  and  the  affair  remain  unsettled, 
as  I  know  of  no  other  I  can  with  any  propriety  make,  being  I 
fancy  more  favourable  than  any  I  could  flatter  myself  with,  from 
my  most  intimate  acquaintance.  I  have  not  spoke  to  Mr.  Dubois 
concerning  it  but  if  I  see  him  I  shall  let  him  know  what  offer  I 
have  made  you,  wh.  you  did  not  consider  when  you  objected  to 
the  £300  besides  this  Tract  is  better  Scituated  than  any  Land 
now  to  be  Purchased  in  the  Country  &  good  in  quality. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


584  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

Ury  Klock  has  been  for  some  time  endeavouring  by  every 
unjust  method  to  get  the  Conojoharies  to  sell  him  a  piece  of  Land 
on  the  North  side  the  River,  the  Sachims  &  young  Men  &ca 
forbid  his  treating  with  a  few,  whom  he  by  Supplying  them  con- 
stantly with  Liquor  to  make  them  drunk  they  were  apprehensive 
might  be  persuaded  to  sign  anything  he  would  desire,  notwith- 
standing all  ye  warning  they  have  given  him,  he,  since  his  return 
from  York,  persists  in  ye  purchase  thereof  to  the  great  uneasiness 
of  all  ye  Indians,  except  a  few  whom  as  I  before  observed  he 
bribes  with  a  little  money  &  liquor.  In  my  last  I  Desired  he 
might  not  be  allowed  to  proceed  in  ye  Purchase  untill  I  was  heard 
thereon.  I  now  repeat  my  desire  that  no  Pattent  Pass  to  him 
either  for  the  800  acres  he  has  a  Lycense  to  purchase,  or  for  any 
other  quantity  or  Tract  of  Land,  as  I  will  make  it  appear  that 
his  method  of  proceeding,  is  not  only  very  villanous,  but  if 
allowed  of,  will  be  productive  of  a  great  deal  of  trouble,  &  hurt 
his  Majestys  Indian  Interest  now  in  so  favourable  a  way. 

You  cant  forget  what  a  dangerous  &  troublesome  man  this 
Klock  is,  and  what  pains  the  Govr.  &  Council  were  at  in  the  years 
1 753  &  54  to  settle  the  breach  &  ill  Blood  which  he  occasioned 
at  that  time  between  the  Germans  &  Inds.  &  for  which  he  would 
have  been  trounced,  by  a  motion  of  Mr.  Alexanders  in  Council, 
that  the  Kings  attorney  should  take  him  in  hand,  had  I  not  inter- 
fered, &  Given  my  opinion  that  it  was  better  not  take  such  vigor- 
ous measures,  not  but  he  deserved  being  made  an  example  of,  but 
I  knew  that  as  things  were  then  circumstanced  with  regard  to  the 
partys  among  the  Inds.  it  was  best  drop  it. 

I  have  wrote  the  Lieut.  Governour  concerning  the  great  uneasi- 
ness among  the  two  Mohawk  Castles  owing  to  Klocks  violent 
measures *  proposed  by  him  to  be  taken  in  the  getting  possession 
of,  &  removeing  a  Number  of  People  (who  pay  rent  to  the  Cona- 
joharees  these  several  years)  from  of  a  Tract  of  Land,  sold  last 
Winter  by  Mr.  Livingston  to  said  Klock  &ca.  which  the  Inds. 


1  Johnson  to  Golden,  November  6,  1761. 


Seven  Years'  War  585 

claim  as  their  property  &  which  Tract  Includes  all  their  Houses, 
&  Planting  Grounds.  As  I  have  wrote  him  thereon,  &  Desired 
his  advice  &ca.  I  shall  not  enlarge  nor  add  further  than,  that  I 
am  as  ever 

Yours  Sincerely  &  Affectionately 
Excuse  my  hurry  &  incorrectness. 

GOLDS  BORROW  BANYAR  Esqr. 


TO  GAVIN   COCHRAN 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  122,  by  a 
letter  of  December  6th  from  Johnson  to  Captain  Gavin  Cochran,  con- 
gratulations on  recovery  from  illness.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


TO  WILLIAM  SMITH  AND  OTHERS l 

Fort  Johnson  Decr.  9th.  1761 
GENTLEMEN 

I  was  favoured  with  yours  of  the  22d.  of  last  June  at  the  time 
when  I  was  setting  out  on  my  Journey  to  the  D'etroit  which  pre- 
vented me  from  answering  you  at  that  time. 

Agreable  to  your  desire  I  took  Mr.  Occum  2  with  me  whom  I 
introduced  to  the  Oneidas  &  Tuscaroras  as  a  person  sent  for  their 
Instruction  in  the  Christian  Religion,  and  earnestly  desired  & 
recommended  it  to  them  to  treat  him  as  became  one  of  his  sacred 
functions,  and  to  pay  due  attention  to  his  advice  &  Doctrine  as 
a  means  towards  attaining  happiness  hereafter.  They  returned 
many  thanks  for  his  having  been  sent  amongst  them,  &  promised 
to  observe  &  follow  whatever  he  should  say  to  them. 


1  In  American  Antiquarian  Society,  Worcester,  Mass.     In  handwriting 
of  Guy  Johnson. 

2  Samson  Occom,   an   Indian  preacher,   born  in  Mohegan,  Conn.     In 
1759  he  was  ordained  to  the  Presbyterian  ministry,  and  in   1761    went 
on  a  mission  to  the  Oneidas. 


586  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

Since  which  time  I  have  heard  that  Mr.  Occum  has  left  the 
Oneida  Village,  &  returned  home,  the  occasion  of  which  I  have 
not  yet  been  made  acquainted  with. 

I  am  very  sensible  of  the  great  importance  of  ye.  design  as 
well  in  a  Religious,  as  a  Political  Sense.  The  French  having 
first  obtained  an  Interest  amongst  the  Indians  by  means  of  their 
Missionarys,  thro'  whose  Assiduity  it  continued  still  to  increase, 
the  fatal  effects  of  whose  influence  amongst  them,  our  frontiers 
&c  have  often  severely  felt.  It  gives  me  therefore  great  satis- 
faction to  find  so  essential  a  business  undertaken,  &  carried  on  by 
Gentlemn.  of  your  Character,  &  Esteem  in  the  Province,  in  which 
you  may  be  allways  assured  of  my  ready  concurrence  &  assistance 
in  promoting  so  laudable  an  undertaking^ 

I  am  with  esteem  Gentlemen 

Your  most  Devoted  &c 
To 

WM.  SMITH  D  BOSTWICK,  P.  V.  B  LIVINGSTON 
DAVID  VANHORNE,  &  WILL.  LIVINGSTON  Esqr*. 


TO  BENNING  WENTWORTH 
A.  L.  S.1 

Fort  Johnson  10th.  Decbr.  1761 
SIR 

The  weighty  business  of  a  War,  which  has  so  long  engaged 
the  attention  of  the  Severall  Governments  being  now  so  fortu- 
nately determined  in  the  Northeren  Colonies  of  America,  gives 
me  an  opertunity  which  your  attention  to  publick  affairs,  as  well 
as  my  own  unsettled  &  troublesome  situation  hath  hitherto  pre- 
vented me  from  taking,  of  laying  before  You  the  demands  which 
I  have  to  make  upon  the  severall  Governments  who  did  me  the 


In  Library  of  Congress. 


Seven  Yean    War  587 

honour  to  appoint  me  to  the  Command  of  their  Forces  in  the 
Year  1  755,  which  Trust,  I  flatter  myself  I  have  discharged  to 
their  approbation. —  and  as  I  had  no  farther  desire  in  taking 
that  Command  upon  me,  than  to  manifest  the  pleasure  which  I 
took  in  sacrificing  my  own  ease,  and  neglecting  my  business  (then 
verry  considerable)  for  the  Publick,  and  at  a  time  when  our 
affairs  were  in  a  verry  critical  situation,  I  am  well  convinced  those 
Governments  who  honoured  me  w*.  their  Comisns.,  never 
intended  I  should  be  a  Sufferer  in  my  private  Fortune  from  the 
expences  which  the  Commander  of  an  Army  must  necessarily  be 
at,  during  the  course  of  a  long  Campaign,  in  which,  mine  Bona 
Fide,  amounted  to  near  a  thousand  Pounds  New  York  Curr0?., 
I  therefore  now  take  the  liberty  of  reminding  You  thereof,  not 
doubting  but  you  will  take  the  same  into  consideration  and  lay 
it  before  the  Legislature,  who  I  flatter  myself  will  make  me  such 
an  allowance,  as  (with  the  Quotas  of  the  other  Colonies  con- 
cern'd,  to  whom  I  now  apply)  may  reimburse  me  the  expences  of 
that  Campaign,  as  well  as  my  Pay.— 

I  have  the  honour  to  be 
Sir 

Your  most  Obedient 
Humble  Servant 
WM.  JOHNSON 

His  Excellency  GOVERNOUR  WENTWORTH  — 

INDORSED:    Sr  Willm  Johnsons  Letter 
December  1761 
June  ye  1  762     Ordered 
to  Lay  for  Consideration 


588  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

THE  EARL  OF  EGREMONT  TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Cop*1 

Extract  of  a  Letter  from  the  Right  Honble  The  Earl  of  Egre- 
mont2  to  Sir  Jeffrey  Amherst;  Bearing  Date  —  Whitehall,  12th 
Dec-".  1761. 

"  It  is  needless  to  observe  to  You  how  much  His  Majesty's 
Interests  may  be  promoted  by  treating  the  Indians  upon  the  same 
principles  of  Humanity,  and  proper  Indulgence;  Your  knowledge 
of  the  genius  and  turn  of  the  People  will  suggest  to  you  the  more 
particular  Rules  for  Your  Conduct  towards  them,  which  are  left 
to  Your  own  Prudence. 

I  Can't  however  help  mentioning  to  You  one  Circumstance 
on  this  Head,  which  is  so  generally  Affirmed  and  Credited,  that 
I  Fear  there  must  be  too  much  Foundation  for  it.  It  is  said  that 
the  Indians  are  disgusted,  &  their  minds  alienated  from  His 
Majesty's  Government,  by  the  Shamefull  manner  in  which  Busi- 
ness is  transacted  between  them  and  our  Traders,  the  latter  mak- 
ing no  Scruple  of  using  every  Low  Trick  and  Artifice  to  Over- 
reach and  Cheat  those  unguarded  ignorant  People,  in  their  Deal- 
ings with  them,  while  the  French  by  a  Different  Conduct,  and 
worthy  of  our  Imitation  deservedly  gain  their  Confidence;  it  is 
Superfluous  to  animadvert  upon  what  so  evidently  obstructs  the 
King's  service,  &  dishonours  the  English  Trader;  It  will  naturally 
excite  your  Indignation  and  Call  for  what  Redress  may  be  in 
your  power." 

TO    WILLIAM    KELLY 

The  preceding  paper  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See  John- 
son Calendar,  p.  122)  by  a  letter  of  December  15th  from  Johnson  to 
William  Kelly  about  buying  Mrs  Cosby's  lands  and  recovery  of  a  negro 
who  has  run  away  to  Connecticut.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


xThe  manuscript  was  destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Charles  Wyndham,  second  Earl  of  Egremont,  secretary  of  state  for 
the  southern  department. 


Seven  Years'  War  589 

FROM  CADWALLADER  GOLDEN 
A.  L.  S.1 

New  York  Dcc^  13*  1761 
May  it  please  your  Honour 

I  have  considered  the  Paragraph  of  (Sir  William  Johnson's) 
Letter,2  which  your  Honour  was  pleased  to  communicate  to  me, 
and  beg  leave  to  observe  thereon,  that,  as  it  was  allways  my 
earnest  desire  to  promote  the  interests  of  Religion  amongst  the 
Indians,  I  am  still  disposed  to  do  every  thing  in  my  power,  to 
render  a  Missionaries  Residence  among  them  as  agreable  as 
possible.  I  found  by  Experience  the  great  inconveniency  of  being 
in  Lodgings,  which  was  the  only  motive  that  induced  me  to  accept 
of  the  offer  made  me  by  the  Indians  of  those  Lands,  which  was 
at  first  their  own  motion  without  the  least  influence  of  mine 
directly  or  indirectly,  as  may  appear  by  the  Minutes  of  the  Com- 
missioners of  Indian  Affairs,  of  the  25th  of  October  1  739.  The 
Lands  they  gave  me  were  by  them  pretended  to  be  a  free  gift; 
but  I  was  told,  at  the  same  time,  that  I  must  pay  the  then  pro- 
prietors and  Occupiors,  who  were  very  numerous,  which  together 
with  presents  to  the  Sachems,  and  lOO*.  of  Gun  Powder  to  the 
Warriors  &c  fell  little  short  of  the  price  of  Lands,  as  they  then 
purchased  from  Indians,  and  with  the  Pattent  and  improvements, 
did  not  cost  me  less  than  £500.  Upon  (Mr  Ogilvie's)  succeed- 
ing me  in  the  Mission,  I  ordered  my  Tenant  in  lieu  of  the  Rent 
he  was  to  pay  me,  to  Lodge  and  Diet  Mr  Ogilvie,  allowing  him 
the  best  Room  in  the  House:  So  that  the  whole  benefit  I  have 
had  was  only  four  Years  occupation 

I  am  now  ready  to  convey  the  whole  upon  the  following 
conditions  — 
viz. — 


Mn  Library  of  Congress.     Colden's  part  is  A.  L.  S. 
2  See  Johnson  to  Golden,  March   19,   1761. 


590  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

1st.  That  the  Conveyance  be  made  to  the  Society  for  Propa- 
gating the  Gosple  in  foreign  parts  for  the  use  of  their  Missionary, 
for  the  time  being,  to  the  Mohawk  Indians  — 

2nd1?.  That  there  be  paid  me  on  Executing  the  Release  the 
Sum  of  Five  Hundred  pounds  Currency,  which  I  have  been 
offer'd  in  ready  money  last  Winter,  and  was  strongly  importuned 
to  Sell  it;  but  I  neither  thought  it  an  equivalent,  nor  was  I  dis- 
posed to  part  with  it  on  any  account  but  for  the  Benefit  of  the 
Mission. — 

3dly.  Inasmuch  as  I  agreed  with  the  Corporation  of  the  City 
of  Albany,  to  pay  them  the  Yearly  Rent  of  one  Schepel  of  wheat 
for  each  Morgan  of  the  Flatts  or  Low  clear  Land,  provided  they 
Executed  a  Lease  in  a  Legal  manner,  which  they  afterwards 
alledged  they  could  not  do,  unless  I  would  first  convey  to  them 
the  Indian  Purchase,  which  was  not  in  my  Power,  nor  did  I  think 
myself  oblidged  to  comply  with,  I  expect  to  be  acquited  from 
any  obligation  of  warranting  the  Low  Lands  —  against  any  Suit 
or  Claim  of  said  Corporation.  If  Sir  William  shall  think  these 
terms  reasonable,  and  can  find  means  to  make  the  purchase,  I 
intend  to  make  a  Present  towards  puting  the  House  and  Farm 
in  repair.  If  Sir  William  should  think  these  terms  unreasonable, 
I  shall  be  ready  to  consider  any  proposals  he  shall  be  pleased  to 
make.  I  am  with  all  Dutifull  Respect 

Your  Honours 

most  Obedient  and 

most  Humble  Servant 

Henry  Barclay 
New  York  December  2nd. 

1761 

• 

The  Pattent  Contains 
320  Acres  - 

The  Honble:  CADWALLADER  CoLDEN  Esq*-1 — 


1  Barclay's  letter,  of  which  the  above  is  a  copy,  is  in  the  New  York 
Historical  Society,  Golden  Manuscripts. 


Seven  Years    War  591 

S* 

Above  is  copy  of  a  letter  which  I  received  from  Dr  Barclay 
in  answer  to  what  you  wrote  to  me  on  the  subject  of  the  lands 
which  he  has  near  the  Mohawks  Castle  As  I  make  no  doubt  of 
the  truth  of  the  facts  which  he  relates  I  am  in  hopes  his  answer 
will  be  Satisfactory  to  you  If  any  thing  farther  be  on  my  power 
for  promoting  the  interest  of  Religion  among  the  Indians  it  will 
give  me  great  Satisfaction  to  do  it 

Some  Delaware  Indians  living  (if  I  mistake  not)  near  Ohquaga 
came  to  Kingston  after  they  had  promised  the  people  there  to 
bring  and  deliver  up  all  his  Majestys  subjects  they  had  prisoners 
among  them  which  they  have  not  don  &  still  detain  them  under 
false  excuses 

As  I  have  informed  (General  Amherst)  of  this  Transaction 
I  expect  you  will  hear  more  particularly  from  him 

I  have  a  letter  from  the  (Earl  of  Egremont  of  the  9th  of  Octr) 
informing  me  of  his  being  apointed  Secretary  of  State  for  the 
Southern  Department  in  the  place  of  (Mr.  Pit)  who  has  retired, 
with  his  Majesty's  leave,  from  Business  My  Lord  Egremont 
informs  me  that  this  Change  will  make  no  change  in  his  Majesty's 
measures,  and  that  the  war  will  be  carried  on  vigorously 
I  am  with  great  truth  &  regard 

Sr  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant 

CADWALLADER  GOLDEN  * 
SR  WM  JOHNSON  Bar1 

FROM  WILLIAM  CORRY 

A.  L.  S.2 
DEAR  giR  [Albany]  December  I6lh  1761 

I  don't  know  where  you  live,  for  I  can  neither  see  you,  nor 
hear  tell  of  you.  You  put  me  in  mind  of  the  Antideluvian  Sha- 


1Colden's  letter  without   Barclay's  is  in  the  Collections  of  the  New 
York  Historical  Society  for  1876,  Colden  Papers,  p.   142-43. 
2  Destroyed  by  fire. 


592  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

lum  that  lived  in  Mount  Terza,  that  covered  the  Country  with 
trees  of  his  own  planting  —  so  you  are  taking  down  the  old 
Forrests  and  planting  a  new  of  Fruit  Trees  &ca. 

The  news  here,  a  Packet  is  last  week  arrived,  Mr.  Pitt  is  out 
of  office  has  resigned  the  Seal  and  has  got  an  annuity  of  3000 
per  annum  for  3  lives  his  own,  his  Ladys  and  Son.  She  is  made 
a  Barrenness.  Private  letters  say  the  loan  office  was  immediately 
sloped,  and  the  Commons  insisted  on  Pitts  being  restored.  Earl 
of  Egramont  got  his  place.  It  is  very  likely  the  money  bill  and 
loan  office  will  restore  him. 

Fourteen  days  ago  your  Friend  Capt.  March  1  sent  an  order 
to  the  Mayors  Court  to  admit  him  as  Clerk  or  to  shew  Cause. 
They  have  shewn  Cause,  Mr.  Gansevourts  2  older  commission. 

Some  months  ago  the  L*.  Govr.  and  Counsil  Cited  Mr.  Liddeas 
to  appear  at  New  York  about  the  Settle*,  of  his  lands,  he  did  not 
obey  the  Citation,  last  week  an  order  came  to  the  sheriff  to  take 
him  in  Custody  and  bring  him  forthwith  to  New  York,  which  he 
did,  and  they  are  now  there.  What  will  follow  I  can't  yet  tell. 

As  the  Yankey  says  —  this  is  at  present  The  Special  — 
Relieve  yourself  out  of  your  Elizium,  and  come  and  spend  some 
time  among  us.  Christmas  is  a  coming,  and  pretty  good  riding 
here,  which  will  bring  plenty  of  Turkeys  &ca  &ca  to  town.  Let 
me  request  you  to  come  and  take  share  of  them.  This  Family 
heartily  salute  you  and  believe  me  to  be  with  compliments  to 
your  self  and  Family  your  most  affect,  humble  Serv1. 

WILLIAM  CORRY 
To  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bar1. 


1  Witham  Marsh. 

2Harme  Gansevoort,  made  county  and  town  clerk  September  25,  1  750. 


Seven  Years    War  593 

FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
L.  S.1 

Nev>  York,  20*.  Decent:  1761. 
SIR, 

The  Post  came  in  so  late  today,  that  I  have  not  time  to  give 
the  Proceedings,  &ca,  Enclosed  in  Yours  of  the  6th.  Instant,  a 
Reading;  but  I  shall  peruse  them  as  soon  as  possible,  and  give 
You  my  thoughts  thereon  by  the  first  opportunity :  Your  Accompts 
shall  be  Examined,  &  a  Warrant  granted  for  the  Amount  thereof, 
as  well  as  another  for  the  £7000,  You  desire  to  have,  in  order 
to  purchase  the  Necessary  Presents  for  the  Six  Nation  Meeting, 
&  which,  You  say,  are  usually  given  on  the  like  Occasion :  I  have 
only  to  repeat  my  Desires,  that  You'll  be  pleased  to  be  as  sparing 
in  these  presents  as  possible. 

With  regard  to  publishing  Your  Proceedings,  I  should 
Imagine,  that  as  I  shall  transmit  Copies  to  His  Majesty's  Min- 
isters, who  will  of  Course,  Communicate  the  Contents  of  them 
to  those  to  whom  they  should  be  made  known,  &  make  publick 
such  part  thereof  as  may  be  Judged  proper,  it  will  be  better  to 
Leave  that  Entirely  to  the  Ministry;  whose  province  it  is  to 
publish,  by  proper  Authority,  the  Transactions  of  the  King's 
Servants,  in  the  Several  Departments  of  His  Majesty's 
Dominions.  This,  at  first  View,  is  my  opinion  of  the  matter;  If, 
on  a  perusal  of  Your  papers,  it  should  appear  in  a  different  Light, 
I  shall  not  fail  to  Acquaint  You  therewith. 

The  Expence  of  Cloathing  the  Cherokees  in  the  Year  1757, 
as  it  was  Incurred  during  General  Stanwix's  Command  to  the 
Southward,  and  by  his  Order,  ought  certainly  to  have  been  Dis- 
charged before  he  left  the  Country ;  and  it  is  not  possible  for  me 
to  do  anything  in  the  Affair,  without  hearing  from  Mr.  Stanwix 
on  the  Subject. 


1  In  New  York  Public  Library,  Miscellaneous  Papers. 


594  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

I  Did  Imagine,  from  Captain  Campbell's  Letter,  that  I  might 
Expect  some  more  Accompts  from  You ;  but  since  You  say  You 
have  sent  all  You  received  from  him,  I  shall  have  them  Examined, 
&  Order  payment  accordingly. 

As  You  represent  the  miserable  Condition  of  Several  Indian 
Familys,  occasioned  by  Sickness,  and  a  failure  of  their  Crops,  I 
send  Orders  to  Colonel  Bradstreet  to  furnish  You  with  Twenty 
Barrels  of  pork,  &  a  proportion  of  Flour;  and  I  have  Directed 
Colonel  Williamson  to  Order  the  Ordnance  Storekeeper  at 
Albany  to  Deliver  the  Five  Hundred  Weight  of  powder  (if  there 
is  so  much  in  Store)  with  Lead  in  proportion,  agreable  to  Your 
Request. 

Altho'  I  shall,  at  all  times,  pay  the  greatest  Regard  to  Your 
opinion,  in  matters  concerning  the  Indians,  yet  I  should  Imagine 
the  Expence  of  giving  presents  to  the  Indians,  at  any  of  the  Posts, 
may  very  well  be  Saved,  if  the  Trade  is  carried  on,  in  that  Open 
and  fair  way,  which  I  have  so  often  Recommended,  and  which 
I  am  Sure  You  have  Used  Your  utmost  Endeavors  to  Establish. 

A  Few  days  ago,  a  Sloop  Arrived  here  from  Carolina,  in  which 
came  passengers,  two  of  the  Iroquois  Indians,  that  went  from 
hence  with  Captain  Kennedy ;  and  L*.  Governor  Bull  Writes  me, 
that  he  has  not  only  given  these  two,  a  present  of  Forty  Dollars 
Each,  with  a  Gun  &  Cloathing,  but  the  Like  Sum,  with  an 
Equivalent  to  the  Arms  &  Cloathing  for  the  Widow  whose  Hus- 
band Died  in  that  Province;  And  that  he  has  likewise  presented 
two  other  Indians,  who  Chose  to  Accompany  Captain  Kennedy 
to  the  West  Indies,  with  Fifty  Dollars  Each;  a  good  Gun,  & 
Suitable  Cloathing  &ca;-  One  of  the  Indians  Arrived  here, 
being  Sick,  I  have  Ordered  him  to  the  Hospital ;  and  so  soon  as 
he  Recovers,  they  shall  both  be  sent  to  their  Homes:  I  shall  try 
to  Secure  the  Money,  so  that  they  may  have  it,  when  they  get 
home. 


Seven  Years9  War  595 

I  Must  not  Omit  thanking  You  for  Your  kind  Congratulations 
on  the  Honor  His  Majesty  has  been  Graciously  pleased  to  Confer 
on  me;  And  I  beg  Leave  to  Assure  You,  that  I  am,  with  the 
greatest  Truth  and  Regard, 

Sir, 

Your  most  Obedient 
Humble  Servant. 

JEFF:  AMHERST. 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bar*. 

INDORSED:     New  York  20th.  Dec'.  1761. 
Letter  from  Sir  Jeff.  Amherst 
Kn».  of  the  Bath 

Lord  Amherst,  commander  of 
the  British  forces  in  America  1— 


FROM   GOLDSBROW   BANYAR 
A.  L.  S.2 

New  York  2fsi  December  1761 
DEAR  SIR  WILLIAM 

I  have  the  pleasure  of  your  Letter  and  both  Mr.  Golden  and 
myself  are  sensible  of  the  Friendship  you  intend  us,  in  the  pro- 
posal you  made  in  these  Words  "  You  and  your  associates  shall 
on  paying  me  £600  Currency  as  your  and  their  Share  of  the 
Indian  purchase  have  thirty  thousand  acres  wch.  shall  run  to  the 
Mohawk  River  as  well  as  my  30000,  by  a  line  to  be  run  from 
the  Rear  of  the  Land  to  the  Front  or  Mohawk  River  so  as  to 
give  each  Party  30000  acres."  By  which  I  suppose  you  mean 
that  each  shall  as  nearly  as  may  be,  be  of  equal  Value,  and  that 
all  charges  of  surveying  &c  to  the  Completion  of  the  Deed  shall 
be  included  in  that  Sum.  I  have  no  reference  to  the  Return  fee 


1The  second  indorsement  is  of  a  later  date  than  the  first. 
2  Destroyed  bv  fire. 


596  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

of  4  or  £5  per  1000  usually  paid  to  the  surveyor.  I  shall  only 
tell  you  that  Mr.  Golden  and  myself,  agree  to  this  proposal,  and 
if  the  other  Parties  here  are  content  to  do  so,  that  I  shall  imme- 
diately take  the  proper  Steps  to  get  Lycenses  passed,  which  I  see 
not  the  least  prospect  of  otherwise  than  by  Agreement  between 
the  Parties.  I  shall  insist  if  this  proposal  takes  Effect  that  Klock 
who  Mr.  Dubois  inclined  to  give  a  Share  to,  shall  be  excluded, 
and  I  suppose  Mrs  Magin  will  partake  of  the  same  Fate.  You 
may  be  assured  Klock  shall  proceed  no  farther  in  the  800  Acres 
if  I  can  help  it,  but  as  I  know  that  others  were  concerned  with 
him  I  shall  be  glad  to  know  the  objections  if  there  are  any  agsl. 
taking  it  up.  Does  it  lye  within  your  purchases  mentioned  above, 
if  it  does  there  is  an  end  of  it.  Rogers's  Lands  on  being  exam- 
ined will  I  believe  be  thought  by  the  Concerned  not  worth  patent- 
ing, altho  there  has  already  been  a  great  deal  of  Trouble  and 
Cost  attending  it.  I  must  conclude  with  wishing  you  every  Good 
in  this  Life  particularly  the  Compliments  of  the  approaching 
Season  and  am  Dr  Sir  Wm  your  affectionate  humble  Servant 

Gw  BANYAR 
SIR  WM  JOHNSON. 


FROM  RICHARD  SHUCKBURGH   ETC. 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See  John- 
son Calendar,  p.  122—23)  by  three  papers  which  were  burned:  a  letter 
of  December  22d  from  Dr  Richard  Shuckburgh,  at  Fort  Johnson,  to 
Johnson,  at  Kingsburgh,  on  illness,  the  Indian  secretaryship  and  the  clerk- 
ship of  Albany  county;  lists,  dated  the  28th,  of  articles  that  belonged  to 
the  Indian,  John,  who  died  in  the  hospital  at  New  York  December  28th, 
and  of  articles  belonging  to  the  Indian,  Cram,  an  inmate  of  the  hospital  — 
all  in  keeping  of  Garret  Abeel,  clerk;  and  a  fragment,  without  date, 
address  or  signature,  of  a  letter,  containing  an  incident  about  Mr  Pownall 
and  the  government  of  Jamaica. 


Seven  Years    War  597 

FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

L.  S.1 

Wen;  York,  30lh:  December  1761. 
SIR 

Mr.  Croghan  having  presented  me  the  Accompts  of  his  Dis- 
bursements for  the  Indian  Service  under  his  Care,  that  I  might 
order  paym*.  for  the  Same,  I  find  in  looking  over  these  Accompts. 
that  a  great  many  of  the  Articles  charged  therein,  are  said  to 
have  been  furnished  by  Your  order  for  the  Detroit  meeting;  I 
therefore  cannot  think  of  passing  them,  Untill  I  have  your  Report, 
and  opinion  of  these  as  well  as  the  other  Accompts  which,  in  the 
Whole,  amount  to  a  prodigious  Expence,  as  You  will  see  by  the 
Abstract  delivered  to  me  by  Mr.  Croghan,  which  I  herewith 
Enclose  You,  together  with  the  Accompts.  Mr.  Croghan  tells 
me,  he  should  be  glad  to  wait  on  you  himself  to  which  I  have 
agreed ;  and  he  will  be  the  bearer  of  this  Letter ;  You  will  please 
to  return  the  Accompts  by  him  &  Your  Report  thereupon. 

Lieut.  Butler  arrived  here  this  morning  from  the  Miamis;  and 
he  has  likewise  delivered  me  large  Accompts  of  Disbursements 
made  by  him,  which  I  cannot  pass  untill  I  hear  from  Capt.  Camp- 
bell, as  whatever  necessary  Expenses  are  Incurred  at  these 
Dependent  posts,  ought  to  be  paid  by  the  Commanding  officer  at 
the  Detroit ;  or  at  least  Certified  by  him,  I  have  Directed  Lieut. 
Butler  to  Deliver  his  Accompts  to  Mr.  Croghan,  that  he  may 
Lay  them  before  You ;  and  I  shall  be  glad  to  know  Your  opinion 
in  regard  to  the  necessity  of  Incurring  such  Expences  at  that 
post;  and  whether  Capt.  Campbell  mentioned  anything  to  You 
of  Lieut.  Butler's  being  obliged  to  make  Such  Disbursements, 
My  opinion  is,  that  the  most  Effectual  Method  of  avoiding  these 
Expenses  at  the  outposts,  would  be,  by  totally  prohibiting  the 
Traders  from  Carrying  any  Rum  thither ;  the  Indians  would  then 
barter  their  Skins  for  Cloathing  and  Necessaries,  that  would  be 
of  real  Use  to  them;  and  if  there  was  no  Rum  to  be  sold  this 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


598  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

heavy  Article  with  which  the  Crown  is  Charged  must  drop  of 
Course;  and  certainly  the  prohibition  of  Selling  this  pernicious 
Liquor  to  the  Indians  becomes  very  necessary,  since  by  their  own 
Confession,  it  only  serves  to  Intoxicate  them,  and  occasions  their 
Committing  outrages,  for  which  they  never  fail  to  plead  as  an 
Excuse  their  being  in  Liquor. 
I  am,  with  great  Regard,  Sir 

Your  most  obedient  Humble  Servant. 

JEFF.  AMHERST 
SIR  WILLM  :  JOHNSON,  Bar1. 


FROM   DANIEL   CAMPBELL   ETC. 

The  preceding  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  123,  by  three 
papers  destroyed  by  fire:  a  letter  of  January  4,  1  762,  from  Daniel  Camp- 
bell, at  Schenectady,  to  Johnson,  agreeing  to  give  £300  or  £400  for  a 
bill  on  New  York  and  mentioning  rum  to  be  included  in  accounts  of  Fort 
Niagara;  a  pass,  given  by  General  Amherst  at  New  York,  the  4th,  per- 
mitting George  McMichael  to  convey  an  Indian  named  Cram  from  New 
York  to  Fort  Johnson;  and  an  extract  of  a  letter  of  the  6th  from  Mrs 
Cosby  to  Charles  Williams  about  selling  her  lands. 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
D/.1 

Fort  Johnson  January  7ih  1762 
SIR 

Your  Excellcys.  favour  of  the  1  1 th  Ult°.  I  have  received  with 
the  several  enclosures  concerning  prisoners  yet  amongst  the  Tribes 
of  the  Monseys,  Minisink  Indns.  &ca.  You  may  be  assured  of 
my  taking  such  Steps  to  the  proposed  Meeting  of  the  Six  Nations 
(on  whom  said  Indians  are  dependant)  as  will  effectually  oblige 
them  to  deliver  them  up  but  such  Meetings  as  were  held  for  that 
purpose  by  the  Country  Gentlemen  are  only  productive  of  con- 
fusion, and  contempt. 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years'  War  599 

I  am  also  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  Excell0?9.  of  the 
20th,  26th  l  &  30th  Ult°.  in  the  former  of  which  you  promised  to 
acquaint  me  with  your  Excell0?9.  opinion  concerning  the  publish- 
ing the  Treaty  at  the  Detroit  with  which  I  have  not  yet  been 
favoured;  It  is  now  ready  for  the  press  and  only  wait  to  hear 
from  you  on  that  head  as  it  hath  hitherto  been  customary  to 
have  all  such  publick  treaties  with  the  Indians,  published  at 
New  York,  with  the  approbatn.  of  the  Commander  in  Chief. 

I  should  be  very  glad  to  be  informed  whether  the  Ace1,  of 
Capt.  Campbells  which  I  sent  your  Excellency  sometime  ago, 
answer  near  the  amount  I  mentioned  in  my  last,  as  my  mislaying 
any  of  them  would  give  me  great  Uneasiness. 

I  have  great  satisfaction  in  your  Excell0?8.  approbation  of 
my  proceedings  with  the  Indians  on  the  way  to,  and  at  the 
Detroit  as  well  as  of  the  Instructions  given  to  the  Officers  rela- 
tive to  the  outposts  and  I  am  of  opinion  the  good  effects  of  those 
meetings  will  be  felt  by  his  Majesties  American  subjects,  if  it 
be  not  their  own  fault. 

At  the  proposed  meeting  of  the  6  Nations  I  flatter  myself  I 
shall  be  able  to  convince  the  Senecas,  or  those  concerned  in  the 
late  intended  villainous  plott,  of  their  error,  and  obtain  such 
satisfaction  from  them  as  may  shew  us,  and  all  the  Indian  nations 
that  they  repend  of  the  wild  Scheme  they  had  in  agitation. 

Altho  the  business  I  was  sent  to  transact  with  the  several 
Indian  Nations  at  the  Detroit,  was  as  much  for  their  own,  as 
our  Interest,  &  notwithstanding  I  should  exert  all  my  influence, 
and  endeavours  in  the  discharge  of  my  duty,  I  was  sensible  that 
in  case  I  did  not  appear  there  with  a  present  adequate  to  the 
importance  of  the  Embassy,  matters  would  not  be  so  smoothly 
carried  on,  &  amicably  accommodated.  Many  of  the  goods 
being  considerably  damaged,  or  destroyed  from  badness  of  the 
boats  and  the  weather,  laid  me  under  a  necessity  of  replacing 
them,  as  the  whole  of  what  I  had  on  my  first  setting  out  was 
but  trifling  for  so  large,  and  so  important  a  Meeting,  if  it  is  con- 


Not  found. 


600  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

sidered  that  on  a  division  of  said  present  among  so  many  Nations 
and  after  that,  among  the  individuals  of  each  then  present,  each 
persons  share  was  but  a  trifling  recompense  besides  the  necessity 
I  was  under  of  making  some  small  presents  to  Indns.  as  well  on 
my  way  thither,  as  on  my  return  from  thence,  for  their  long 
Journeys,  &  loss  of  hunting.  I  can  only  say  that  I  assure  your 
Excellcy.  I  have  used  all  the  economy  consistent  with  the  good 
of  the  service  on  which  I  was  sent,  and  hope  it  appears  to  you 
in  that  light  as  nothing  can  at  any  time  afford  me  more  Satis- 
faction than  your  Excell0?8.  favourable  opinion  &  approbation 
of  my  Services. 

With  regard  to  Mr.  Croghans  accts  I  acknowledge  they  are 
considerable  but  I  observe  many  articles  are  placed  therein  to 
Indn.  accts.  which  I  think  are  not  properly  chargeable  to  that 
branch,  &  which  have  been  incurred  from  time  to  time  for  other 
parts  of  his  Majesties  Service,  by  order  of  the  Comd?.  officers 
in  the  Southern  Department,  which,  together  with  Mr.  Croghans 
taking  the  Rout  of  Pittsborough  in  order  to  bring  with  him  the 
Indians  then  going  to  meet  Mr.  Hamilton  in  Pensilvania  the 
disappointment  of  the  expected  provisions  &ca.  and  the  purchas- 
ing goods  at  an  exorbitant  price  has  considerably  inflamed  hk 
accte.  But  I  have  given  Mr.  Croghan  orders  for  the  retrenching 
of  those  expences  hereafter,  as  they  appear  to  be  of  a  great 
amount  except  when  ordered  to  incurr  them  by  the  Comds  officer 
in  that  quarter,  which  hath  frequently  happened.  Lieut  Butlers 
ace1,  is  large  which  must  I  imagine  be  attributed  to  his  having 
been  necessitated  to  take  up  Goods  at  a  very  high  price  from 
the  Traders  at  the  Miamis,  as  well  to  purchase  provisions  for 
his  Garrison,  as  to  make  some  necessary  presents  to  the  Indians 
at  that  Critical  time,  which  presents  will  I  am  certain  be  found 
trifling  on  a  calculation  being  made  of  the  expence  attending  the 
maintenance  of  the  Garrison,  as  well  as  of  the  French  who  were 
there  for  some  time.  This  charge  might  have  been  however 
greatly  lessened,  had  he  been  enabled  carry  such  articles  from 
hence  as  were  requisite  for  that  purpose,  and  as  I  have  heard 


Seven  Years   War  601 

Capt.  Campbell  express  himself  concerning  some  acc!.  of  Lieut 
Butlers,  I  hope  the  expence  is  not  more  than  the  time,  &  occasion 
required.  Agreable  to  your  Excell0?8.  orders  I  return  you  by 
Mr.  Croghan  his,  &  Lieut.  Butlers  accounts,  of  the  necessity  of 
the  amount  of  which,  I  hope  your  Excellcy.  will  be  convinced 
from  what  I  have  observed  on  that  head.  It  has  always  been 
my  opinion,  and  particularly  since  my  late  observations,  that 
nothing  would  tend  more  to  the  good  of  the  Service,  and  to  the 
retrenching  of  the  Indn.  expences  than  the  prohibition  of  Rum, 
which  I  purposed  observe  to  your  Excell?.,  &  which  I  have  used 
my  endeavours  to  put  a  stop  to  by  all  the  passes  lately  granted, 
as  well  as  by  turning  sev1.  traders  back,  whom  I  met  with  on 
the  way,  with  Cargoes  of  the  same  (tho*  I  apprehend  it  can 
not  be  entirely  prevented  without  your  Excellcy.  orders  for  that 
purpose  to  the  sev1.  posts)  and  I  must  beg  leave  to  observe,  that 
tho'  it  may  occasion  an  abatement  in  the  Indn.  expences,  it  can- 
not totally  put  a  stop  thereto,  at  those  posts  where  they  have 
been  accustomed  to  receive  frequent  &  very  considerable 
presents,  and  which  in  my  opinion  they  must  be  gradually 
weaned  from,  as  Capt  Campbell  justly  observed  in  his  letter 
to  me,  now  before  yr.  Excell0?:  and  altho'  I  should  be  equally 
averse  with  you  to  purchase  their  favour  with  presents,  yet,  as 
I  have  already  suggested  to  you  it  will  be  necessary  as  yet  in 
some  measure  to  keep  up  a  practice  which  they  have  been 
allways  accustomed  which  in  our  present  situation  cannot  be 
looked  upon  as  a  bribe  and  which  they  in  a  little  time  may  be 
intirely  broke  of. 

I  have  been  favoured  with  the  two  warrants  inclosed  with 
your  Excell0?8.  letter  of  the  26th  ult°.  which  shall  be  applied  to 
the  uses  allready  mentioned  and  will  I  hope  enable  me  to  com- 
pleat  the  whole  to  your  Excellencys  Satisfaction. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  Sir 

Your  ExcelH8.  &  c». 

To  SIR  TEFF  AMHERST  Knl.  of  fh«  Bath. 


602  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


EVIDENCE  AS  TO  ACTS  OF  URY  KLOCK 

The  preceding  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  123,  by  two 
papers  which  were  destroyed  by  fire:  Colin  McLelland's  evidence  about 
Ury  Klock's  method  of  obtaining  deeds  from  Indians,  dated  January  7th; 
deposition  of  Conrad  Timmerman  and  Daniel  Miller  regarding  the  base 
action  of  Urie  Klock  and  the  connivance  of  Justice  Tillebach  in  the  matter 
of  Domine  Lappius's  salary,  sworn  before  Johnson,  dated  the  7th. 


TO   GOLDSBROW   BANYAR 

Z)/.1 

Fort  Johnson  Janr».  7th  1762. 
DEAR  BANYAR 

Yours  of  the  21st  Ult°.  came  to  hand,  by  which  I  still  see 
some  odd  objections  made  to  my  last  proposals,  altho  I  thought 
they  could  admit  of  none,  and  I  realy  imagined  I  had  wrote 
expressive  enough  on  the  subject,  When  I  told  you  that  I  would 
(on  You  &  your  Associates  paying  me  £600  New  York  Cur- 
rency, as  Your  &  their  share  of  the  Indn.  purchase)  allow  you 
and  them  (Klock  excepted)  to  come  in  for  such  a  part  as  in 
my  letter  was  Mentioned,  &  described,  that  is  still  my  intention, 
&  think  no  reasonable  sett  of  Men  can  say  but  it  is  a  fair  Offer, 
Why  you  should  expect  me  to  pay  for  the  Survey,  when  nothing 
of  the  kind  was  signified  I  cannot  Conceive.  I  am  willing  to 
pay  my  share  of  the  Survey  as  any  other  of  the  partners  do,  & 
as  to  the  Division  I  had  nothing  else  in  view  than  what  was 
consistant  with  Honour  &  Equity,  &  I  am  sorry  to  find  you  seem 
to  Harbour  some  thoughts  to  the  Contrary,  which  is  not  very 
friendly.  I  shall  be  glad  to  have  no  farther  delay  or  trouble 
about  it.  It  is  already  more  than  ever  I  had  with  any  other 
affair,  You  are  pleased  also  to  Observe  that  you  cannot  see 
the  least  prospect  of  Succeeding  otherwise  than  by  an  agree- 
ment between  the  Parties,  realy  if  they  are  not  determined  agst. 
comeing  into  the  most  reasonable  terms,  they  cannot  hesitate 
a  moment  accepting  those  already  offered  them,  if  they  will  not 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  603 

I  shall  never  make  any  other,  should  the  Land  lye  so  to  eternity. 
You  have  not  sayed  any  thing  concerning  a  part  of  my  proposals 
which  was  to  include  in  Said  Pattent  about  1400  Acres  for  me 
on  the  south  side  of  ye  Mohawk  River,  which  the  Indians  are 
willing  to  let  me  have  as  they  are  sure  I  will  not  hinder  them 
the  use  of  it  if  Wanted.  Pray  let  me  have  your  answer  thereto 
in  Your  Next. 

The  Land  which  Ury  Klock  is  endeavouring  to  get  at  any 
rate  from  the  Indians,  adjoins  that  which  the  Indians  gave  me 
ye  Deed  for,  and  may  be  taken  in,  it  is  about  12  or  1400 
Acres  and  can  be  sold  as  soon  as  pattented  to  a  good  price, 
indeed  I  never  had  any  thoughts  of  Purchaseing  it,  finding  the 
Inds.  averse  to  Selling  it,  but  they  now  could  be  prevailed  on  to 
dispose  of  it,  rather  than  Ury  Klock  should  get  it.  My  Object- 
ing to  his  haveing  it,  was  at  the  earnest  desire  of  all  the  principal 
Indians,  who  was  afraid  Klock  might  by  the  unfair  means  he 
was  using  prevail  on  some  of  their  lose  Idle  Young  People 
(whome  keeps  constantly  Drunk  at  his  house)  to  Sign  a  Deed 
to  him  for  it,  notwithstanding  the  whole  Castle  of  Cona- 
johare  have  repeatedly  forbid  him  tampering  with  their  People 
about  Land  &  Declared  they  would  by  no  means  dispose  of 
any  to  him,  for  several  reasons  very  sufficient,  but  too  tedious 
now  to  mention,  It  may  soon  appear  tho,  before  the  Governour 
&  Council,  whom  I  expect  will  take  proper  steps  to  make  an 
example  of  him  for  all  his  Villany. 

I  shall  only  add  &  assure  you  that  I  have  never  known  the 
Indians  of  both  Mohawk  Castles  so  uneasy  in  their  Minds,  as 
at  present  entirely  owing  to  Ury  Klocks  proceedings,  and 
particularly  to  the  unwarrantable  steps  he  has  for  some  time 
past,  &  still  continues  takeing  in  order  to  persuade  at  any  rate, 
a  few  Inds.  to  execute  Deeds  for  that  tract  of  1200  acres,  as 
well  as  for  that  Pattent  which  he  Purchased  last  Winter  of  Mr. 
Livingston,1  and  all  this,  is  done  by  him,  in  open  defiance  of, 
and  opposition  to  the  repeated  Warnings  the  Chiefs  &  Young 


1  See  Johnson  to  Banyar,  December  6,  1761,  and  Johnson  to  Amherst, 
February  5,   1  762. 


604  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Men  have  Given  him  and  letters  wrote  by  me  to  him  on  that 
head.  As  these  are  proceedings  intirely  repugnant  to  &  incon- 
sistent with  the  Kings  Royal  intentions  &  instructions,  they  will 
I  fear,  if  not  immediately  put  a  stop  to,  be  productive  of  more 
trouble  &  Confusion  in  this  part  of  the  Country,  than  any  thing 
ever  happened.  This  I  have  repeatedly  Given  as  my  opinion, 
&  wish  proper  notice  may  be  taken  of  it  before  it  is  too  late. 

I  am  also  of  opinion  that  the  Lands  in  General  around  Lake 
George  are  but  very  indifferent,  &  hardly  worth  takeing  up. 

I  should  be  desireous  of  knowing  whether  there  is  a  new  Com- 
mission of  the  Peace  to  Issue  soon,  or  not,  if  not,  whether  it 
would  be  practicable  to  remove  a  Justice  or  two  in  these  parts, 
against  whom  realy  the  whole  Body  of  the  Settlers  along  the 
Mohawk  River  &  Stoneraby  greatly  Complain  for  being  very 
partial  &  Overbearing,  and  from  what  I  daily  learn  they  do  not 
Complain  without  cause. 

I  wish  you  would  be  so  good  as  to  order  the  printer  to  send 
me  the  Votes  &  Laws  passed  this  Session,  as  soon  as  printed. 

I  wish  you  all  happiness  and  am  Dr  Banyar  Sincerely  and 
heartily  your  verry  Humble  Servant 

GOLDS  BORROW  BANYAR  Esqr. 


TO  GEORGE  CROGHAN 
Contemporary  Copp  * 

January  8,  7762. 

Instructions  for  George  Croghan  Esqr. 
Deputy  Agent  for  Indian  Affairs 

Sr.  you  are  to  proceed  from  hence  to  Pittsburgh  and  after 
your  Arivil  there  you  are  to  Make  ye.  Most  Strict  inquiry  Con- 
cerning any  English  prisoners  yett  Remaining  amonng  the 
Indians  and  to  gett  them  Dischargd. 


1  In  British  Museum,  Additional  Manuscripts  21655.  fo.  1  74,  London, 
England.  Inclosed  in  a  letter  of  Croghan  to  Henry  Bouquet,  March  27, 
1762. 


Seven  Years'  War  605 

You  are  then  Either  to  proceed  in  person  or  Send  one  of  yr. 
asistants  to  ye.  post  of  yc.  Miamies  to  y«.  Detroit  and  if  the 
Service  Requier  itt  to  Misilimackmack  in  order  to  Examine  into 
ye.  State  and  behaviour  of  ye.  Indians  in  those  parts  as  allso  to 
Regulate  or  transact!  any  busniss  with  them  which  May  be 
found  Requisett  for  yc.  Good  of  the  Service  and  the  promoting 
of  his  Majesty  Intrest  and  Influence  amonngst  ye  Indians 

As  Maters  are  Now  happily  Established  between  us  you 
will  for  yc  futer  Retrench  all  Indian  Expences  and  Make  use 
of  all  the  Oconemy  which  yc.  good  of  yc.  Service  will  in  any 
wise  admitt  of  Makeing  No  Charges  to  Indian  Expences  which 
Do  Nott  properly  belong  to  that  Department  and  —  Lastly 
you  will  as  Expeditiously  as  posable  Transmitt  to  Me  yc.  whole 
of  yc.  proceeding  &  Since  My  Departure  from  the  Detroit 

Given  under  My  hand  att  Fort 

Johnson  the  8th  Day  of  January   1762 

Wm.  Johnson 

To 

GEORGE  CROGHAN  Esqr. 

INDORSED:     Copy  of  Sir  William 
Johnson's  Baronet 
Instructions  to  Geo: 
Croghan  Esqr  — 
1762 


606  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST   ETC. 

A  letter  from  Johnson  to  General  Amherst,  asking  reinstatement  of 
Doctor  Shuckburgh  as  Indian  secretary  or  his  reappointment  to  the  place 
of  army  surgeon,  dated  the  1  Oth ;  articles  of  indenture  by  which  Abraham 
Messigger  binds  himself  in  service  to  Frederick  Bourghsdorff  of  Kings- 
bourgh,  dated  the  1  Oth ;  Rev.  John  Caspar  Lappius's  story  of  outrageous 
treatment  at  the  hands  of  Ury  Clok,  Justice  Tillebagh  and  others,  dated 
the  1  1  th ;  a  letter  of  compliment  to  Johnson  from  John  Welles,  at  Mon- 
treal, containing  a  copy  of  a  congratulatory  address  presented  by  Eng- 
lish trading  people  at  Montreal  on  New  Year's  to  Major  General  Gage, 
governor  of  the  city,  with  his  response,  dated  the  1  3th ;  a  deposition  made 
by  Johan  Joost  Klock,  regarding  fraudulent  practices  of  Ury  Klock  to  get 
deeds  of  Indian  lands,  sworn  before  Johnson,  dated  the  14th;  and 
memoranda  of  a  letter  to  be  written  to  General  Amherst  and  of  one  to 
be  written  to  Lieutenant  Governor  Golden  concerning  practices  of  Ury 
Klock  and  countenance  given  to  them  by  Justice  Dillebagh,  dated  the  14th, 
in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  123—24,  were  destroyed  by  fire. 


TO   GOLDSBROW    BANYAR 

Df.  S.1 

January  I4ih  1762 
SIR 

I  return  you  enclosed  the  2  Lieut.  Coll3.  Commissions  to  have 
Altered  in  this  manner  Viz*.  David  Van  Derheyden  to  be 
Lieut.  Coll.  of  the  1st  or  Albany  Battalion,  and  Jacobus 
Vanslyke  Lieut.  Coll.  of  the  2d  or  Schenectady  Battalion  which 
is  giveing  each  of  them  a  Step  regularly.  The  Fees  they 
promised  me  they  would  send  down  or  order  to  be  paid  there. 

I  am  busy  now  to  inform  myself,  who  the  properest  Persons 
are  to  recommend,  for  filling  up  the  severall  Vacancies  in  the 
Regiment.  There  are  also  sev1.  Compy8.  too  large  wch.  will 
require  to  be  divided  but  y*.  cannot  be  done  immediately,  as  I 
have  so  many  things  at  present  in  Hand. 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years'  War  607 

I  am  surprised  that  I  have  not  heard  a  word  yet,  of  what  has 
been  done  in  yl.  affair  of  ye  Conajohare  Pattent  the  1 5th  of  last 
Month,  the  Party  against  the  Ind8.  have  on  the  9th  Ult°.  taken 
some  of  the  most  unwarrantable  steps  in  that  affair,  that  perhaps 
ever  was  known,  in  order  as  I  suppose  to  have  *em  down  on  the 
day  of  hearing.  I  have  taken  the  Deposition  of  ye  Person  who 
acted  as  Interpreter  between  them  &  a  few  scrub  Ind".  Boys  & 
Children  whom  they  prevailed  on  to  sign  a  paper  sent  up  from 
York,  the  whole  of  which  I  suppose  *  transmitting  to  ye  Gover- 
nour  after  I  hear  what  has  been  done  there  in  the  affair  and  I 
think  it  will  bring  to  light  a  great  deal  of  Villany. 

I  am  verry  sorry  to  find  Silence  &  reservedness  among  friends, 
so  reigning  a  fashion  now  at  New  York.  The  example  may 
have  Come  from  whom  or  where  it  will,  we  plain  Rough  bred 
Country  People  cannot  be  induced  to  fall  into  nor  approve  of 
it,  therefore  hope  that  our  Rustick  impoliteness  in  keeping  up 
to  that  old  Silly  custom  of  Corresponding  with  our  Friends  and 
acquaintances  will  be  excused,  &  attributed  to  the  distance  we 
live  from  the  Beau  Monds. 

I  am  &".  W.  J. 

GOLDSBORROW  BANYAR  Esqr. 


FROM   HENDRICK  FREY  ETC. 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  124,  by 
five  destroyed  by  fire :  one  of  January  1 6th  from  Hendrick  Frey,  Ju' r,  at 
Canajoharie,  to  Johnson,  telling  at  the  request  of  Paules,  an  Indian,  of  an 
unsuccessful  effort  by  Canajoharies  to  make  George  Klock  explain  the 
method  by  which  he  got  a  deed  of  their  land;  one  of  the  18th  from 
Abraham  Mortier,  at  New  York,  to  Johnson,  acknowledging  the  receipt 
of  warrants  drawn  by  General  Amherst,  amounting  to  £3305,  14s,  2d 
sterling,  equal  to  £5666,  18s,  7d  New  York  currency,  and  inclosing  an 
order  drawn  on  Abraham  Dow  for  £1420,  lOd  New  York  currency; 
a  letter  of  the  18th  from  Hugh  Wallace,  at  New  York,  to  Johnson, 


1  An    apparent    error.      The    sense    requires    "  propose "    rather    than 
suppose." 


608  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

inclosing  a  letter  and  offering  assurance  of  regard;  a  letter  of  the  19th 
from  William  Kelly,  at  New  York,  to  Johnson,  about  an  interest  in 
the  purchase  of  the  Cosby  lands,  and  the  character  of  former  Lieutenant 
Governor  De  Lancey  as  a  politician;  and  a  letter  of  the  20th  from  John- 
son to  James  Johnson,  deputy  quartermaster  general,  concerning  money 
paid  to  the  former  in  General  Shirley's  time. 


FROM  OLIVER  DE  LANCEY 

In  Doc.  Hist.  N.  7.,  2:795,  is  a  letter  of  January  19th  from  Oliver 
De  Lancey  to  Johnson  regarding  the  purchase  of  Mrs  Cosby 's  land, 
bonds  held  by  Lady  Warren  and  Sir  Peter's  lands. 


FROM  THE  ALBANY  COUNTY  MEMBERS 
A.  L.  S.1 

Albany  tf:  20th  Jan*.  1762. 
SIR 

Your  letter  of  the  5th  of  last  month  We  Recd;  at  New 
York,  In  answer  to  which  we  beg  Leave  to  Acquaint  you 
that  we  are  as  well  as  many  of  our  friends  of  opinion  that  our 
present  Happy  Scituation  of  affairs  will  very  much  Lower  the 
wages  not  only  of  those  people  but  all  Labour;  and  Conceive  a 
few  months  more  will  Convince  us.  As  such  Thought  it  best  to 
Refer  the  matter  untill  fall.  Your  former  Letter  we  have  also 
recd:  We  can  inform  you  that  a  Law  is  Passed  Makeing  the 
fine  6/.  instead  of  3/.  and  that  the  fines  shall  be  Laid  out  on  the 
Roads  &  no  othr.  Use  whatsoever.  As  many  Learned  Gent1,  are 
of  opinion  That  on  the  Demise  of  the  Crown  all  Commissions 
Became  Void,  We  mention*1,  to  his  Honr.  the  Lieut.  Govr.  while 
at  New  York  our  Desire  of  Haveing  a  new  Com:  of  the  peace 
for  this  County  &  as  you  are  a  Gent:  Thoroughly  acquainted 
with  the  People  to  the  westward  we  Desire  to  Consult  you  and 
will  be  glad  to  have  a  List  of  such  persons  names  As  you  Judge 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  609 

most  proper  for  that  Office,  which  with  a  List  we  are  preparing 
we  will  Transmitt  to  the  Govr.  for  his  Approbation  Agreable  to 
ye.  Conversation  we  had  with  his  Honour,  We  are  Sr.  Your 
Humble  Serv18. 

JACOB  H.  TEN  EYCK 
VOLCKERT  P.  DOUW 
ABM.  TEN  BROECK 

To  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Baronet 

INDORSED :     Letter  from  the  Members  of  Assembly  for  Albany 
County. 


A  Proposed  List  of  Justices  * 

Capt.   Peter  Conin  "1    f       ,     m»  ,       ,     ^ 

w         T  ,      ~  r  for  the  Mohawks  Country 

Capt.  John  Butler  J 

Hanjoost  Harkemer^l     D  r  .,. 

^  _      .  >•    Burnetsfeild 

Conradt  rrank 

John  Welles         Cherry  Valley, 

Hendrick  Fry  Junr.  "| 

Sufferinus  Frey  ^Conajohare, 

or  Michael  Keysar    I 

Cornelius  Vroman  1  Q    L 

Johannis  Lawyer  Junr.     /  k 

Daniel  Campbel       Schenectady 
John  Mac  Comb       Albany 


1  Appended  to  the  letter  by  Johnson. 

Vol.  Ill  — 20 


610  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

TO  CADWALLADER  GOLDEN 
Z)/.1 

Fort  Johnson  /an*.  20ih  1762 
DEAR  SIR 

Your  favour  of  the  1 3th  Ult°.  with  Mr.  Barclays  proposals  I 
have  perused  and  altho*  I  think  his  demand  reasonable  enough 
yet  I  am  at  a  loss  to  know  in  what  manner  the  money  is  to  be 
procured,  or  from  whence  unless  the  Legislature  of  this  province 
falls  upon  ways  &  means  for  that  purpose.  I  know  that  the 
Mohocks  have  all  along  looked  upon,  &  esteemed  the  flats  to  be 
entirely  their  property  2  and  not  to  be  legally  vested  in  the  Corpo- 
ration of  Albany,  therefore  I  submit  it  to  your  consideration 
what  is  to  be  done  in  that  case.  The  Late  Gov.  Cosby  on  the 
Indians  application  to  him  sensible  of  the  wrong  which  they  must 
suffer  thereby  procured  the  Indian  Deed  for  the  same  from  the 
Corporation,  which  he  delivered  to  a  Mohock  named  Ana,  who 
imediately  burned  it  a  circumstance  well  known  in  this  Province. 
The  General  has  transmitted  me  some  proceedings  relative  to 
prisoners  still  in  the  hands  of  the  Inds.  and  as  I  am  soon  to  have 
a  meeting  of  all  the  6.  Nations,  on  whom  those  Inds.  are  depend- 
ant, I  shall  do  everything  in  my  power  for  the  procuring  of  a 
discharge  for  all  such  prisoners. 

I  am  to  acknowledge  the  rec*.  of  your  favour  of  the  27th  ult0.3 
wherein  you  inform  me  of  your  having  laid  my  Letter  concerning 
the  Lands  at  Conajoharee  before  the  Council;  and  I  have  already 
procured  sev1.  Affidavits  &  facts  to  prove  the  frauds  of  that  pur- 
chase but  as  the  most  material  are  still  wanting  and  as  the  Indians 
of  both  Castles  are  to  have  a  meeting  with  me  in  a  few  days,  I 
shall  then  be  enabled  to  transmit  you  every  thing  necessary  on 
that  Subject  as  well  as  my  proceedg8.  at  the  Detroit.  I  am  &ca. 

INDORSED:     Letter  to  Lieut.  Governour  Colden. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  See  Calendar  of  Land  Papers,  p.  241,  243,  244,  and  Doc.  XeL  to 
Col.  Hist.  N.  7.,  6:315,  851. 

3  In  Collections  of  the  New   York  Historical  Society,    1 876,   Colden 
Papers,  p.  143-44. 


Seven  Years    War  61 1 

FROM  RICHARD  SHUCKBURGH 
A.  L.  S.1 

New  York  21*  Jan*.  1762 
SIR 

I  was  favoured  with  yours  by  Mr.  Croghan  on  Saturday  last 
and  the  inclosed,  address'd  to  Gen1.  Sir  Jeffrey  Amherst  which 
I  did  not  present  till  yesterday  agreable  to  your  intimation. 

Having  read  the  contents  said  that  he  supposed  I  was 
acquainted  with  the  Purport.  I  answered  that  I  had  prevaild  on 
you  to  Recommend  me  to  his  Excellency :  He  said  that  you  had 
and  very  strongly,  and  that  he  would  do  something  for  me.  We 
had  some  discourse  afterwards  about  the  necessity  of  continuing 
to  visit  and  treat  with  the  Indians  tho'  he  said  not  in  so  Expensive 
a  manner  as  during  the  War,  Intimating  that  he  was  far  from 
thinking  they  should  be  neglected  &  spoke  much  of  the  import- 
ance of  your  last  Excursion  to  Detroit  &c.  He  then  proceeded 
to  Breakfast  with  Coll.  Amherst  &  Capt  Dalzel.2  I  drank  a 
Bowl  of  Tea  with  them  and  took  my  Leave. 

I  would  be  glad  if  you  hear  from  his  Excelb.  any  thing  relating 
to  me  that  you  would  give  me  as  early  intelligence  as  you  can 
conveniently,  that  I  may  prepare  myself  Accordingly.  I  enclose 
herewith  Parkers  Gazette  of  this  Day  to  which  I  Refer  you  for 
Publick  News  &  to  the  Mercury  of  Last  Monday  in  which  was 
inserted  some  preliminaries  for  a  Peace  between  England  & 
France  which  is  worth  your  reading.  I  presume  you  got  that 
Paper  by  the  Post. 

I  can  but  Love  &  thank  you  for  the  generous  Mention  you 
made  of  me  in  your  Letter  to  the  Gen1,  who  I  am  in  hopes  will 
answer  my  expectations  in  some  way  or  other. 

The  Lieut.  Govr.  does  not  agree  very  well  with  the  Assembly ; 
has  buried  his  Wife  as  you  may  see  by  the  Gazette.  Our  New 

1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Captain  James  Dalyell,  of  the  first  regiment. 


612  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

England  Judge  Mr.  Pratt1  sits  alone  on  the  Bench,  Hors- 
manden,2  Chambers  3  &  Jones  4  haveing  demitted. 

Fm.  England  we  hear  that  Capt.  McLean  Ranks  as  a  Major 
&  is  raising  Men;  Majors  Tuliken  5  &  Browning6  rank  as  Ll. 
Colonels,  Tis  generally  thought  we  shall  have  war  with  Spain  & 
some  think  a  Peace  may  be  negotiated  this  Winter,  tho*  you'll 
see  by  the  Kings  Speech  &  Lords  address  that  they  are  unanimous 
to  continue  the  war. 

There  are  several  London  ships  arrived.  Your  Letters  if  any 
from  thence  I'm  Informed  are  forwarded  by  Mr.  A.  Colden.  No 
News  as  yet  from  Gen1.  Monkton.  A  Pacquet  may  be  soon 
Expected.  When  arrived  shall  do  myself  the  Honour  of  writing 
to  you  every  material  or  amusing  occurrence. 

I  am  with  the  utmost  gratitude  &  Affection  Your  most  Obed1. 
and  humble  Serv1. 

R.  SHUCKBURGH 
P.  S. 

For  fear  you  should  not  have  last  Mondays  Mercury  I  have 
inclosed  one. 

P.  S.  There  is  a  man  here  that  engraves  Seals  in  Steel,  Stone,  &c. 
If  you  should  want  any  thing  in  that  way;  your  Silver  Seal  of 
office  will  soon  wear. 

To  the  Honble.  SlR  WlLLM.  JOHNSON  Baronet. 

FROM  W.   BROWNE  TO  JAMES  STEVENSON 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1 24,  by  a 
letter  of  January  23d  from  W.  Browne,  at  Salem,  Mass.,  to  James 
Stevenson,  accepting  an  offer  made  by  Johnson  for  a  lot  in  the  Mohawk 
country.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


benjamin  Pratt,  chief  justice  of  New  York  from  1761   to   1763. 

2  Daniel   Horsmanden,   a  judge  of  the  supreme  court   from    1737  to 
747,   1  750  to   1  778,  chief  justice  from  1  763. 

3  John  Chambers,  a  judge  of  the  supreme  court  from  1  75  1   to   1  762. 

4  David  Jones,  a  judge  of  the  supreme  court  from  1  758  to  1  773. 

5  Major  John  Tullikens,  of  the  45th  regiment,  later  lieutenant  colonel. 


Seven  Fears'  War  613 


DEPOSITION  OF  DAVID  SCHUYLER 
D.1 

Jan.  23,  7762 

This  day  appeared  before  me  Sir  Wm.  Johnson  Bar1,  one  of 
his  Majesties  Council  for  the  province  of  New  York,  David 
Schuyler  of  Conajoharee  in  the  County  of  Albany,  who  being 
duly  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evangelists  of  Almighty  God,  deposeth 
&  sayeth,  that  many  years  ago  as  the  deponent  was  going  about 
some  business  to  the  House  of  one  Suffrenus  Tygers  he  met  Mr. 
Collins  Surveyor,  Peter  Waggoner  &  Collins's  Serv1.  near  the 
house  of  Leonard  Helmer,  when  said  Collins  told  him  he  was 
going  to  survey  his  the  said  Schuylers  flatts  and  asked  the  depo- 
nent to  accompany  him  but  the  deponent  told  him  he  could  not 
well  go  at  that  time  &  they  parted.  After  the  dep1.  had  gone  a 
little  way  he  considered  it  was  best  to  return  and  go  with  Collins 
least  he  might  play  him  some  prank,  &  take  in  more  land  for  Mr. 
Livingston  than  he  ought,  for  which  the  dep1.  might  afterwards 
be  blamed.  They  then  went  together  in  a  Canoe  from  the  Depo- 
nents house  to  the  upper  end  of  his  lowland,  &  then  went  on  shore 
when  said  Collins  looked  over  the  flatts,  and  said  he  judged  it 
about  thirty  Morgan,  it  then  rained  hard  on  which  Collins  sayed 
he  must  go  farther,  I  know  of  a  good  shelter.  When  they  came 
near  the  Castle  the  Depo1.  asked  where  the  Shelter  was.  Collins 
desired  him  to  be  silent  as  he  knew  the  place  of  Shelter.  They 
then  proceeded  to  an  empty  Indian  Wigwam  near  the  bank  of 
the  Mohawk  River,  &  near  to  where  the  Onawadaga  Creek  falls 
into  said  River,  which  Wigwam  they  entered  &  there  went  to 
rest.  About  Daybreak  Collins  called  to  the  Depo1.  &  Waggoner 
to  arise  &  come  away,  swearing  that  if  there  should  be  any 
Indians  about  there  they  should  be  all  killed  by  them.  The 
Depo1.  asked  him  for  what  they  should  be  killed,  as  they  were 
not  Surveying  or  running  chains.  Collins  still  calling  come  away, 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


614  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

the  Depo'.  and  Waggoner  went  to  the  Water  Side  in  order  to 
embark  In  the  Canoe,  when  to  his  surprise  he  found  Collins's 
Surveying  Staff  of  the  Compass  standing  by  the  water  side,  on 
which  he  looked  at  Waggoner,  &  both  shook  their  heads;  they 
then  set  off  in  the  Canoe  and  after  going  about  one  hundred 
yards,  the  Depot,  missed  his  axe  &  wanted  to  return  for  it,  but 
Collins  swore  at  him,  and  would  not  allow  him  to  return,  telling 
him  that  his  partners  could  well  afford  to  pay  for  it.  They  then 
proceeded  in  the  Canoe  down  the  River,  Collins  sitting  on  its 
side  with  a  paper  in  his  hand  taking  observations  as  he  passed 
along  and  the  said  Collins  then  told  the  Depo1.  &  Waggoner 
that  he  had  then  cut  off  four  farms  from  the  Indian  flatts  at 
which  the  Depo*.  looked  at  Waggoner  and  both  shook  their 
heads,  imagining  he  had  done  wrong.  They  then  arrived  at  the 
house  of  the  Deponent,  where  the  Depo1.  parted  from  them,  & 
they  proceeded  to  the  house  of  said  Waggoner,  and  further  the 
Depo*.  sayeth  not. 

Sworn  before  me  this  23d  Day  of  Janr?.  1 762. 


TO  ABRAHAM    MORTIER   ETC. 

The  preceding  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  125,  by  John- 
son's letter  of  January  28th  to  Abraham  Mortier  to  say  that  he  has  sent 
the  order  on  Abraham  Dow  to  that  gentleman  and  has  drawn  on  Mortier 
in  favor  of  Ferrall  Wade;  and  Johnson's  letter  of  the  30th  to  Lieutenant 
Governor  Golden,  condolence  on  the  death  of  his  wife  and  apology  for 
intrusion  of  public  matters.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years'  War  615 

FROM  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 
A.  L.  S.1 

Wen;  York  1st  February  1762. 
DEAR  SIR  WILLIAM 

I  am  favoured  with  yours  of  the  7th  January  the  charges  of 
Surveying,  that  is  20  s.  p.  day,  chain  Bearers,  Provisions,  &c. 
are  I  think  always  included  under  the  charge  of  the  Indian  Pur- 
chase :  and  as  to  an  equal  Division,  if  you  will  look  to  your  letter 
of  the  6  Decemr.  you  will  observe  it  not  very  explicit  on  that 
point;  to  reduce  these  two  Points  to  a  certainty,  was  my  only 
intention  in  what  I  wrote  on  this  subject,  and  this  not  to  satisfy 
myself,  but  others  who  would  naturally  desire  Certainty  in  so 
material  a  Part  of  the  Proposal.  I  am  authorized  to  acquaint 
you  that  the  Parties  agree  to  pay  you  £600  for  the  Purchase  of 
their  30,000,  and  to  pay  their  half  of  the  charges  attending  the 
Survey.  And  Mr.  Du  Bois  and  my  self  are  of  opinion  that 
Lycenses  should  issue  on  the  two  first  Petitions  that  have  passed 
the  Council  a  year  ago,  for  25,000  acres,2  and  that  your  Petition 
an  entry  whereof  remains  in  the  Council  Books,  should  be 
reported  for  25000 :  this  Method  will  prevent  the  putting  in  any 
other  Petition,  and  will  coincide  with  the  Entries  as  they  now 
stand.  More  than  60,000  and  the  allowance  for  Highways  need 
not  be  purchased,  unless  you  choose  to  enlarge  the  Purchase,  & 
think  it  worth  the  while  of  the  Parties  interested,  as  perhaps  it 
may  be  done  at  a  very  little  if  any  additional  Expence.  Klock 
is  to  be  absolutely  excluded  as  you  desire,  as  his  Name  nor  any 
one  for  him  that  I  know  of  or  believe  is  used.  And  as  to  the 
Division,  it  seems  by  your  Letter  of  the  6  Decr.  you  intend  your 
30,000  acres  shall  be  in  a  Body,  if  this  your  desire,  and  an  equal 
Division  can  take  Place  in  this  Method,  'no  objection  will  be 

1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  See  Calendar  of  Land  Papers,  p.   295    (J.  J.    Petrie  et  al.)    and 
p.  299  (A.  Doweet  al.). 


616  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

made  to  it.  Upon  the  plan  of  three  Petitions,  there  must  be  three 
Patents,  each  for  20,000  unless  an  addition  is  made  as  above 
observed,  for  the  Council  will  not  exceed  25000  in  one  Grant. 
Proceedings  in  Land  Affairs  move  very  slowly,  to  be  as  early  as 
possible  therefore  in  the  Spring  Mr.  Golden  consents  that  you 
may  if  you  think  proper  and  it  should  appear  necessary,  employ 
Mr.  Vrooman  in  making  the  survey  before  the  Lycenses  issue,  in 
order  to  prepare  for  executing  the  Deeds,  the  Terms  relative  to 
which  you  and  he  are  well  acquainted  with,  there  ought  to  be 
three  Deeds,  and  it  is  immaterial  what  particular  part  of  the 
Tract  is  included  in  each,  as  the  Division  cannot  well  take  Place 
until  after  the  Patents  issue.  I  send  you  a  Copy  of  your  list  of 
Names  that  you  may  after  the  purchase  send  down  any  twenty 
nine  more  of  them  whom  you  would  have  inserted  in  the  Patents 
for  you,  in  doing  which  you  will  be  pleased  to  be  as  exact  as 
possible  in  the  spelling  the  Names ;  and  recollect  that  no  alien  can 
take  Lands  by  Grant  from  the  Crown,  or  one  under  21  years  of 
age  execute  Deeds  &c. 

I  come  now  to  that  part  of  your  several  Letters  respecting  the 
1400  acres  on  the  South  side  of  the  River.  It  would  be  incon- 
venient to  alter  the  Proceedings  as  they  now  stand,  therefore  and 
as  it  would  be  irregular  to  purchase  Lands  not  contiguous  to 
those  described  in  the  Lycense  it  will  be  best  I  apprehend 
especially  as  you  intend  it  for  yourself  to  put  in  a  separate  Petition 
for  it.  The  charge  will  be  very  little  more  and  as  the  same  Diffi- 
culty occurs  with  respect  to  the  800  acres,  (or  500  acres  as  Mr. 
Dubois  says  it  contains)  if  you  approve  of  it,  these  two  small 
Tracts  may  be  included  in  the  same  Petition,  the  first  for  your- 
self and  the  other  for  Mr.  DuBois  and  myself,  as  the  Gentlemen 
concerned  in  the  30000  have  no  interest  in  this.  Klock  you  know 
was  to  have  been  concerned  in  it,  but  if  you  insist  on  excluding 
him  from  this,  as  the  Condition  upon  which  only,  you  will  agree 
to  this  proposal,  or  suffer  Mr.  DuBois  and  myself  to  purchase 
and  patent  it,  we  shall  acquiesce.  Klock  first  mentioned  it  to 
DuBois,  who  for  this  reason  is  desirous  he  should  partake;  as  to 


Seven  Years'  War  617 

myself  I  owe  him  no  Favour,  nor  can  he  expect  it  from  his  con- 
duct in  Magin's  affair.  It  is  included  I  observe  within  Klock's 
purchase  made  in  Council  at  Albany  when  Magin's  affair  was 
settled,  but  they  did  not  think  proper  to  take  it  in,  it  being  left 
out  of  the  survey.  However  if  you  think  it  better  to  purchase  it, 
we  shall  proceed  in  that  way,  tho  I  had  rather  proceed  as  if  it 
was  vested  in  the  Crown  even  tho  we  paid  the  Indians  a  farther 
consideration  for  it. 

A  regular  application  to  remove  a  Justice  is  by  affaidavit  of 
mal  administration  in  his  office.  I  suppose  a  Letter  from  you  to 
the  L*.  Govr.  assigning  the  reasons  for  such  an  application,  will 
be  sufficient  to  induce  the  Council  to  advise  a  Removal.  I  know 
of  no  application  or  the  intention  of  any  for  a  New  Commission 
of  the  peace  for  Albany.  The  Printer  has  not  yet  finished  the 
Proceedings  of  last  session,  when  done  he  has  promised  me  to 
send  them  to  you. 

The  Lieutenant  Governor  thought  the  Notification  in  the 
inclosed  Letter  necessary,  and  I  wish  it  may  have  any  weight  in 
prevailing  with  you  to  take  a  Journey  hither:  Tis  a  long  time 
since  you  were  here,  and  if  Inclination  is  not  wanting  I  dare  say 
you  have  other  Reasons  to  induce  you  to  it.  I  am  with  very 
great  Regard  Dr  Sir  William 

Your  most  obed1.  &  mst.  humble  Servant 

Gw  BANYAR. 

P.  S.  I  should  be  glad  of  an  answer  by  the  first  Post:  we 
have  no  News. 

SIR  WM  JOHNSON  Baronet. 


TO   GEORGE   WRAY 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See 
Johnson  Calendar,  p.  125)  by  a  letter  of  February  1st  from  Johnson 
to  George  Wray,  clerk  of  ordnance  stores,  concerning  ammunition  for 
the  Indian  service.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


618  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 

A.  L.  S.1 

Nev>  York  Ist  February  1762. 
SIR 

His  Majestys  Instructions  to  his  Excellency  Governor  Monck- 
ton,  being  lately  come  over,  on  the  opening  of  which  the  Council 
thought  it  necessary  again  to  take  the  usual  Oaths  &c.  I  am 
directed  by  the  Board  to  acquaint  you  therewith,  and  that  they 
are  desirous  you  will  attend  for  the  like  purpose,  as  soon  as  your 
Affairs  will  permit  you  to  do  it  conveniently.  I  am  with  great 
Respect  Sir 

Your  most  obed1.  humble  Servant 

G\v  BANYAR 
Honble.  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Baronet 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

D/.2 

Fort  Johnson  [Feb^  5ih  1762] 
SIR 

Since  my  last  Letter  to  your  Excell?.  I  have  been  visited  by 
several  Chiefs  of  the  Onondagas,  Oneidas,  &  Tuscaroras,  as  well 
as  by  the  Indians  of  both  the  Mohock  Castles,  who  all  have  had 
some  conferences  with  me,  the  Minutes  of  which  I  have  the 
honour  to  enclose  you. 

Your  Excellency  will  therein  observe  that  their  principal  Com- 
plaint is  concerning  their  Lands,  and  the  fraudulent  proceedings 
of  some  persons  who  have  endeavoured  to  cheat  them  thereof, 
which  I  am  sorry  to  say  I  know  too  many  instances  of. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire.      This  notice  was  inclosed  in  Banyar  to  Johnson 
of  the  same  date. 

2  Destroyed  by   fire.      Johnson  to  Amherst,   February   6th,   presents   a 
revised   form   of  this  letter,  most  of  the  matter  relating  to  Klock  being 
omitted  and  a  paragraph  touching  the  St  Francis  Indians  supplied. 


Seven  Years'  War  619 

Such  proceedings,  are  not  only  highly  unjust  in  themselves  but 
are  contrary  to  his  Majesties  instructions  to  his  Governors,  and 
may  prove  of  bad  consequence  if  not  attended  to,  &  prevented. 
I  have  therefore  agreable  to  the  Indians  desire  laid  the  par- 
ticulars of  their  grievances  before  the  Ll  Governor  together  with 
such  proofs  of  the  fraud  as  I  could  procure  within  so  short  a  time. 

The  following  part  not  sent  now 

The  land  concerning  which  Klock  busies  himself  is  a  large 
tract  which  Mr.  Livingston  many  years  ago  was  desirous  to  pur- 
chase from  the  Indians  and  after  some  extraordinary  Steps  taken 
for  that  purpose  (the  particulars  of  which  are  tedious)  without 
paying  any  consideration  for  the  same  Mr.  Collins  surveyor  since 
deceased  went  on  a  Moonlight  night,  and  took  a  Course  with  his 
Compass  into  the  Woods  from  a  Creek  above  Fort  Hendrick,  by 
which  he  took  in  all  the  Indians  planting  land,  &  Cashes,  after 
which,  a.t  the  dawn  of  day  he  waked  his  Companions  &  hurried 
them  on  board  their  Canoe,  &  returned  with  all  Silence  &  dis- 
patch swearing  that  if  the  Indians  knew  thereof,  they  should  all 
be  murthered  which,  together  with  several  other  circumstances 
concerning  that  piece  of  fraud,  have  been  proved  to  me  by  the 
Affidavit l  of  a  person  then  with  Collins,  &  by  that  of  sev1.  others, 
all  which  I  have  sent  to  the  Ll.  Governor  since  which  fraudulent 
survey,  Mr.  Livingston  conscious  thereof  never  to  Stir  therein  and 
refused  to  make  any  partition  of  the  lands,  to  some  people  settled 
thereon,  alledging  for  reason  that  it  would  be  productive  of  a 
quarrel  with  the  Indians,  Mrs.  Livingston  his  wife  at  the  same 
time  observing  that  he  never  could  do  any  thing  therein,  so  long 
as  an  Indian  remained  alive,  all  which  is  proved  by  the  testimony 
of  some  Settlers  2  on  that  land  who  had  then  applied  to  Mr 
Livingston  for  a  partition  thereof,  and  who  have  ever  since  ye. 
year  1  754  paid  their  rent  to  the  Indians,  who  demanded  it  from 
them  on  discovery  of  the  fraud,  and  those  Settlers  have  remained 


1  Deposition  of  David  Schuyler,  January  23,   1  762. 

2  John  Casper  Lappius  and  Others  to  Johnson,  February  20,  1761. 


620  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

in  peaceable  possession  of  the  parts  which  they  occupied  till  lately 
this  Klock,  with  others  purchased  Mr.  Livingston's  pretended 
title,  and  have  been  making  the  Indians  constantly  drunk  during 
this  Winter,  by  which  they  have  prevailed  on  several  of  them  to 
sign  Deeds  for  the  same. 

I  believe  your  Excelb.  will  agree  with  me  in  opinion  that  such 
a  proceeding,  is  very  unjust,  as  well  as  prejudicial  to  his  Majesties 
Service,  since  if  it  is  allowed  of,  the  Indians  must  loose  their 
planting  ground  &  having  no  support  become  Vagabonds,  and 
Thieves  throughout  this  Country,  for  which  reason  I  judged  it 
proper  to  lay  the  same  before  your  ExcelK  least  it  should  not 
be  redressed  by  the  Govr.  &  Council  of  this  province. 

I  received  a  Memorial  the  other  day  directed  to  me  as  Super- 
intendent of  Indian  Affairs  &  signed  by  upwards  of  50  Indian 
traders  wherein  they  speak  of  the  trading  house  established  near 
Niagra  Falls  which  by  being  in  the  way  of  the  Indians  to  the 
Fort  hath  engrossed  all  the  trade,  &  prevented  them  frojn  selling 
their  goods.  They  therefore  prayed  to  know  whether  they  might 
not  meet  with  the  like  indulgence  of  trading  at  little  Niagara  by 
which  the  Indians  would  be  more  plentifully  supplied,  and  the 
traders  would  be  enabled  to  enjoy  some  profits  as  well  as  the 
Company  now  settled  there.  I  should  therefore  be  glad  to  be 
honoured  with  your  Excellency8  Sentiments  thereon  as  I  am  very 
happy  in  finding  that  what  I  observed  concerning  Rum  has  met 
with  your  Excell0?5.  approbation,  and  as  there  are  now  great 
quantities  at  several  of  the  posts  yet  unsold,  I  should  be  glad  to 
be  favoured  with  your  directions  concerning  the  same. 

INDORSED:      Febry.  7th  1762 

Copy  of  a  Letter  to  Sr.  Jeffery  Amherst  not  sent, 
but  part. 


Seven  Years    War  621 


TO  THE  ALBANY  COUNTY  MEMBERS 


Fort  Johnson  6*  Fefrv  J762 
GENTLEMEN 

Yours  of  the  20th  Ult°.  came  to  hand  but  yesterday.  I  heartily 
wish  that  the  present  favourable  Scituation  we  are  in,  may  lower 
the  exorbitant  wages  of  men  &  carriages,  but  I  am  apprehensive 
nothing  would  so  effectually  put  a  stop  to  it  as  a  Law  for  that 
purpose,  indeed  Sir  Jeffrey  Amhersts  prohibiting  Spirituous 
liquors  being  sent  among  the  Indian  Nations,  altho  but  a  tempo- 
rary thing,  will  in  some  measure  contribute  towards  lowering  the 
wages  of  Battoemen  &ca.  as  there  wont  be  a  call  for  so  many  of 
them. 

Your  raising  ye  fine  on  such  as  refuse  to  work  on  the  High 
Roads,  and  applying  it  to  no  other  use  than  that  of  repairing 
them,  will  I  doubt  not  enable  us  to  have  in  a  short  time  tollerable 
good  Roads  which  must  tend  greatly  to  ye  advantage  &  Settling 
of  the  Country. 

As  you  are  pleased  to  desire  a  List  of  such  Inhabitants  as 
are  best  qualified  for  Justices  I  accordingly  send  you  ye  names 
of  as  many  as  are  Sufficient  for  ye  administration  of  Justice  in 
these  parts  and  as  I  have  no  motive  but  the  good  of  the  Com- 
munity, I  hope  they  will  be  all  approved  of,  and  hereafter  by 
their  upright  conduct  appear  worthy  the  recommendation.  I 
have  indeed  mentioned  them  to  ye  Govr.  but  none  for  any  other 
part  of  the  Country,  leaving  that  to  the  recommendation  of 
Gentlemen,  who  I  am  convinced  will  have  no  other  motive  to 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


622  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

direct  their  choice,  than  a  desire  of  haveing  Justice  distributed 
in  the  most  equitable  manner  for  the  benefit  of  their  Constituents. 
I  am  Gentlemen,  Your  Wellwisher  &c». 

Names  of  persons  for  Justices. 
.1  eter  C-onvn  ELso''  1  »  * 
John  Butler  / 

Hendrick  Fry  Junr.   \n       .  ,  Ci          ,  . 

T      ,    T^I     i  rConejoharee  &  btonerabia 

Jacob  Klock 

Johann  joost  Herkemer  Esqr  "1  D        t  r  i  j 
„         ,  „      .  f  Burnetsfield 

Conrad  rrank  J 

John  Welles  Esqr.       Cherry  Valley 
Cornelius  Vroman  Esqr.  "1  q     , 
Johann8.  Lawyer  Junr.      / 

INDORSED :     Letter  to  the  Members  of  Assembly  for  the  County 
the  peace,  agreable  to  their  desire, 
of  Albany  recommending  persons,  as  Justices  of 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Df.1 

Fort  Johnson,  February  6lh  1762. 
SIR 

By  your  Excellency's  esteemed  favour  of  the  24th  ult0.2  I  have 
the  pleasure  to  find  that  you  consider  Mr.  Shuckburghs  merit 
and  are  willing  to  make  some  provision  for  him  which  I  shall 
allways  look  upon  as  a  great  obligation. 

Since  my  last  I  have  been  visited  by  sev1.  chiefs  of  the  Onon- 
dages,  Oneidas  &  Tuscaroras,  as  well  as  by  the  Indians  of  both 
the  Mohawk  Castles  who  all  have  had  some  conferences  with  me, 
the  Minutes  of  which  I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  you. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Not  found. 


Seven  Years'  War  623 

Your  Excelly.  will  therein  observe  that  their  principal  Com- 
plaint is  concerning  their  Lands,  and  the  fraudulent  proceedings 
of  some  persons  who  have  endeavoured  to  cheat  them  thereof 
which  I  am  very  sorry  to  say  I  know  too  many  witnesses  of. 

Such  proceedings  are  not  only  highly  unjust  in  themselves  but 
are  contrary  to  his  majesties  instructions  to  his  Governours,  & 
may  prove  of  bad  consequence  if  not  attended  to,  and  timely 
prevented.  I  have  therefore  agreable  to  the  desire  of  the  Indians 
laid  the  particulars  of  some  of  their  grievance  before  the  Lieut 
Governor  together  with  such  proofs  of  the  fraud  as  I  could  pro- 
cure within  so  short  a  time. 

Two  Caghnawaga  Chiefs  are  come  from  their  Castle  with  a 
Message  from  them  &  the  Algonkins  &  Abenaquis  requesting  to 
have  a  meeting  at  Albany  with  me  &  the  Stockbridge  or  New 
England  Indians,  in  order  to  make  up  an  affair  concerning  a 
Murther  committed  by  them  on  a  River  Indian  l  who  accom- 
panied Capt.  Kennedy  2  about  2  years  ago  to  ye  village  of  Sl. 
Francis,  and  which  (when  I  was  in  Canada)  I  insisted  on  their 
makeing  Satisfaction  for. 

I  received  a  memorial  the  other  day,  directed  to  me  as  Super- 
intendent of  Indian  affairs  &  signed  by  upyards  of  50  who  are 
Indian  traders,  Inhabitants  of  Albany  Schenectady  &ca.  wherein 
they  sett  forth  that  the  trading  house  established  near  Niagra 
Falls,  which,  by  being  in  the  way  of  the  Indians  to  the  fort  will 
engross  the  Trade,  &  prevent  them  from  selling  their  goods. 
They  therefore  prayed  to  know  whether  they  might  not  have  the 
like  indulgence  of  trading  at  Little  Niagra3  as  otherwise  they 
could  not  continue  the  trade.  I  look  on  any  application  of  this 
nature  to  be  improperly  addressed  to  me  &  I  should  therefore  be 
glad  to  be  honoured  with  your  Excell?8.  Sentiments  thereon. 


1See  Claus  to  Johnson,  June  10,  1761. 

2  Captain  Quinton  Kennedy  of  the   1 7th  regiment,  sent  on  a  mission 
to  St  Francis  by  General  Amherst,  August  8,    1759. —  Correspondence 
of  William  Pitt  with  Colonial  Governors  etc.,  2:187. 

3  Fort  Schlosser. 


624  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

It  gives  me  pleasure  to  hear  that  my  opinion  concerning  the 
prohibition  of  Rum  to  the  Indians  has  met  with  your  Excell?8. 
approbation,  and  as  there  are  now  great  quantities  at  several  of 
the  posts  yet  unsold  I  should  be  desirous  to  receive  your  direc- 
tions concerning  what  is  to  be  done  therewith  as  I  am  of  opinion 
that  in  case  it  is  permitted  to  be  sold  to  Inds.  it  will  greatly 
prejudice  those  Traders  who  now  go  without  that  article. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  great  Esteem  Sir  &ca. 

To  SIR  JEFF.  AMHERST 


TO  CADWALLADER  GOLDEN 


Fort  Johnson  February  6th  1762 
DEAR  SIR 

Upon  a  former  letter  of  mine  you  were  pleased  to  assure  me 
that  I  would  be  acquainted  whenever  there  was  a  new  Commis- 
sion of  the  peace  to  be  made  out  and  that  my  recommendation 
shod.  have  a  due  weight  with  you.  As  I  am  now  informed  by 
the  Members  of  Assembly  for  the  County  of  Albany  (who 
desire  a  List  from  me  of  those  who  I  think  most  proper  for  this 
part  of  the  Country)  that  a  new  Commission  of  the  peace  is 
shortly  to  issue,  I  judged  it  proper  to  remind  you  thereof  and  to 
send  you  the  enclosed  names  of  such  persons  as  are  really  the 
best  qualified  of  any  in  these  parts  to  serve  as  Justices  of  the 
peace,2  and  therefore  beg  leave  to  recommend  them  for  that  office, 
assuring  you  that  nothing  but  the  publick  good,  and  my  desire  to 
see  Justice  more  equally  dispenced  throughout  the  Country  could 
induce  me  to  wish  any  changes  in  the  present  Civil  Magistrates. 

I  hope  you  have  ere  now  received  my  last  packett,  with  the 
Indian  proceedings,  &  affidavits  relative  to  Klocks  behaviour  & 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  See  Johnson  to  the  Albany  County  Members,  February  6,  1  762. 


Seven  Years'  War  625 

the  land  in  dispute  on  which  subjects  I  should  be  glad  to  be 
favoured  with  your  and  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Councils  Senti- 
ments as  soon  as  convenient. 

Dr.  Sir,  with  perfect  Esteem  Your  &ca. 

P.  S.  If  Mr.  Dan1.  Campbell  was  to  be  made  a  Justice  for 
Schenectady,  I  am  certain  he  would  make  a  very  good  one.  I 
forgot  to  mention  his  name  in  the  list  to  the  Members. 

The  Honble  LT  GovR  GOLDEN 


FROM  JOHN  GARDEN 
A.  L.  S.1 

Martinique  February  8th  1762 
D'S'. 

I  hope  the  account  I  give  you  of  transactions  here  wont  be 
Disagreable  to  you.  On  the  16th  of  January  we  landed  near 
point  Negroe  in  the  morning  the  Men  of  war  hauled  up  and 
Silencd  all  their  Batterys  at  our  Landing  they  never  fir'd  one 
Shot  at  us  but  the  next  day  had  skirmishes  with  the  Inhabitants 
&  Negroes  we  took  numbers  of  negroes  prisoners  the  first  troops 
that  landed  was  four  company s  of  rangers  (which  I  am  with) 
Comdd.  by  Captn.  Kennedy  then  followed  the  Grenadiers  Sup- 
ported by  the  Battalions  we  lay  on  our  arms  that  night  and  the 
next  day  moved  nearer  the  Enemy  we  dislodg'd  about  three 
hundred  whites  &  blacks  and  took  possession  of  very  advanta- 
geous ground  where  we  had  skirmishes  every  day  and  killd  num- 
bers of  the  Enemy.  We  erected  batterys  of  Cannon  &  Howitzers 
and  Cohorns.  The  enemy  had  all  the  heights  caled  Morntor- 
tanson  fortify'd  with  redoubts  and  cannon  mounted  in  them  which 
on  the  24th  of  January  (the  Corps  I  belong  to  &  the  Grenadiers) 
attacked  and  drove  the  enemy  out  of  them.  Our  Loss  inconsider- 
able, four  officers  and  one  hundred  privates  killd  and  some  officers 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


626  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

wounded.  We  erected  batterys  of  heavy  cannon  and  Mortars 
which  plays  Incessantly  on  fort  Royal  and  did  vast  Execution. 
On  the  30th  of  Jan?,  the  French  attacked  all  our  advanced  posts 
but  we  repulsed  them  &  kiled  numbers  of  them.  They  were 
struck  with  such  a  pannick  that  they  abandoned  the  only  hill  that 
coud  save  them  the  Island,  Call'd  Mont  Gamier  where  they  had 
a  strong  redoubt  with  very  heavy  cannon  which  we  turnd  on  the 
fort.  Monsieur  La'touche  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  French 
made  off  with  a  few  of  his  troops  and  now  is  on  a  Mountain 
where  he  Intends  making  a  Stand.  On  the  4th  of  February  Fort 
Royal  the  principal  fortification  on  the  Island  Surrendered  to  his 
Britannick  Majesty.  The  garrison  March'd  out  with  the  honours 
of  war  and  in  them  I  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  English  Colours 
hoisted.  The  fortification  is  very  strong  built  on  a  rock  which 
runs  out  into  the  bay  and  what  Little  ditch  is  to  it,  is  immensely 
broad  and  full  of  water  the  Cavelier  is  built  on  a  high  Rock  all 
fac'd  with  mason  work  which  commands  the  rising  ground  about 
it.  It  is  very  strong  to  the  Sea  all  42  pounders  mounted  and 
about  120  of  them.  The  town  is  very  low  &  swampy  ground 
which  makes  it  unwholesome.  The  Island  very  Mountainous. 
Its  produce  is  sugar,  coffe,  Cotton  &  Indigo  which  is  here  in  great 
quantitys.  Our  army  very  healthy  and  everything  carried  on 
with  great  Harmony.  The  Inhabitants  Come  in  Daily.  We 
expect  Sl.  Piere  a  small  fort  to  Leeward  of  the  Island  will  sur- 
render very  soon.  We  found  great  quantitys  of  Cattle  &  Sheep 
and  horses  very  woody. 

I  now  mention  one  thing  which  I  hope  wont  give  offence  and 
if  you  will  Consent  will  get  leave  to  go  to  your  house  which  is  to 
give  me  your  daughter  as  a  wife  which  you  refus'd  me  before 
but  hope  you  wont  now  Miss  Molly.  I  hope  you  wont  take  it 
ill  my  making  such  a  request  but  the  vast  regard  I  have  for  obliges 
me  to  desire  her  for  my  wife.  I  begg  if  you  dont  think  it  loosing 
time  you  will  let  me  hear  from  you  as  it  will  give  me  great 
pleasure  to  hear  you  are  well. 


Seven  Years'  War  627 

Mr.  Farral  Wade  Us'd  me  extremely  ill  and  had  not  the  least 
reason.  He  made  Corry  take  out  a  writ  again  me  and  at  the  same 
time  my  bills  for  Eighty  pounds  Sterling  was  in  York  to  be  sold 
which  I  shew'd  Mr.  Corry  but  that  would  not  Satisfy  him  and 
wrote  me  a  very  impertinent  Letter  which  I  did  not  think  worth 
while  to  answer.  He  inclosed  the  Letter  for  Corry  to  Vanschaak 
and  sent  it  by  myself  and  the  next  day  he  sent  me  word  he  must 
arrest  me  which  I  did  not  think  was  good  Usage. 

I  begg  you  will  consent  to  my  request  &  make  me  a  happy  man 
which  I  must  be  if  I  am  so  fortunate  as  to  have  her  for  my  wife. 
I  desire  no  money  with  her.  l  I  beg  you  will  comply.  If  there 
is  any  other  news  here  will  Communicate  it  to  you. 

I  am  Dr.  Sr.  Your  Most  Obed*.  &  most  Hble.  Serv*. 

JOHN  GARDEN2 

My  Complt!  to  Miss  Nancy  &  Miss  Molly  and  Mrs.  Wallace. 
SR.  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Baronet 


FROM  RICHARD  SHUCKBURGH 
A.  L.  S.3 

New  York  8*  Fefev.  1762 
SIR 

In  my  last  by  Mr.  M.  Parrel,  was  my  request  that  you  would 
please  to  advise  me  if  Sir  Jeffry  should  mention  any  thing  to  you 
in  what  manner  I  might  be  provided  for,  I  am  the  more  earnest 
at  present  as  it  is  near  three  Weeks  since  he  accepted  of  your 
recommendation  and  have  heard  nothing  from  him  &  there  being 
no  Levee  Day  kept  now,  I  am  afraid  it  may  be  thought  too  bold 
in  me  to  appear  again  unless  his  Excellency  should  be  pleased 
to  send  for  me;  by  this  you  may  Judge  of  the  Dilemma  I  am  in. 


1  Omission   in   copy. 

2  John  Garden  was  an  ensign  in  the   1  7th  regiment,  and  was  commis- 
sioned a  lieutenant  April  29,   1  762, 

3  Destroyed  by  fire. 


628  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

One  Capt.  Balfour  is  arrived  in  this  Town  fm.  Pitsburgh  in 
his  way  from  Missilimakinac  &  the  Lakes  Hurons,  Michigan, 
Puans  Bay  &  River  S*.  Joseph.  I  suppose  this  Gentleman  was 
detach'd  with  some  of  Majr.  Godwins  *  Party  that  escorted  you 
to  Detroit. 

Much  Damage  has  been  done  at  Pitsburgh  by  the  rising  of 
the  Waters,  thereupon  Colo  Eyre  is  going  up  as  Engineer.  We 
are  likely  to  break  with  the  Spaniards  they  demanding  the  dis- 
puted Part  of  Georgia.  This  may  bring  on  an  Indian  War  in 
that  Quarter  in  which  many  tribes  of  the  Savages  will  be  involved, 
may  be  universally. 

It  is  said  Mr.  Pitt  is  at  the  helm  again,  the  Pacquet  daily 
Expected  and  we  are  impatient  to  hear  how  it  goes  in  the  West 
Indies. 

Mr.  Kenneday  has  promised  me  some  Melon  seeds  of  all  sorts 
&  a  peculiar  kind  of  Beet  root  which  with  all  the  extraordinary 
kind  of  Seeds  I  can  procure  shall  send  to  you  as  soon  as  the  River 
is  open  for  the  Sloops.  Be  pleased  to  make  any  Compliments  & 
best  service  acceptable  to  your  family. 

I  am  with  most  fervent  wishes  for  your  health  &  Prosperity 
yr  most  obliged  and  most  humble  Serv* 

R  SHUCKBURGH 

To  the  Honble  SlR  WlLLM.  JOHNSON  Baronet. 


FROM    JACOB   OEL 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See 
Johnson  Calendar,  p.  125)  by  a  letter  of  February  8th  from  Rev.  Jacob 
Oel,  inquiring  as  to  the  purpose  of  Boston  people  in  their  movement  to 
educate  New  York  Indians  and  revealing  fears  of  a  sectarian  design 
(printed  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.t  4:307-8;  Q,  4:198-99).  Destroyed  by 
fire. 


Gladwin's. 


Seven  Years    War  629 

TO  DANIEL  GLAUS 

Df.  S.1 
SlR  Castle  Cumberland  Febr*.  9th  1762 

Yours  of  the  3d  of  Decbr.  &  continued  to  the  29th  I  received 
a  few  days  ago,  as  I  did  also  your  Packet  by  Mr.  Wade  in  the 
Fall. 

I  am  extremely  glad  to  hear  the  Inds.  there  behave  so  well 
under  so  much  oppression,  and  111  usage,  and  I  greatly  commend 
your  care  in  accommodating  the  many  differences  wh.  have  hap- 
pened between  them  and  Soldiery  &ca.  I  am  surprised  to  hear 
that  gentlemen  of  any  Rank  or  sense  should  give  themselves  Airs 
now  in  talking  so  Slightly  of  Inds.  who  before  would  fly  before 
a  handfull  of  them,  nay  perhaps  would  do  the  same  now  if  put 
to  the  trial.  Those  are  the  kind  of  people  whom  the  Indians 
would  have  least  to  dread  from  if  ever  they  were  to  engage,  for 
brave  men  would  not  talk  so  idely  or  inconsistently. 

I  am  fully  convinced  your  presence  there  has  been  indis- 
pensably necessary  and  am  as  apprehensive  that  your  absence 
would  leave  them  Indns.  verry  uneasy,  and  liable  to  be  111  treated 
by  everry  indiscreet  person,  of  wh.  kind  I  fear  there  are  a  great 
many  there  as  well  as  here.  I  should  have  tried  with  General 
Amherst  ere  now  for  liberty  for  you  to  come  down  a  while,  but 
that  I  expected  my  letter  to  you  would,  on  being  communicated 
to  Governour  Gage  undoubtedly  have  procured  you  his  leave 
which  I  am  now  sorry  to  find  is  not  the  case  and  that  you  are 
thereby  disappointed  which  I  could  not  have  suspected,  my  write- 
ing  now  to  the  Gener1.  will  be  too  late,  for  this  winter,  as  ye  ice 
will  not  be  passable  by  the  time  I  could  have  his  Answr.  in  case 
it  should  be  favourable,  wh.  is  realy  more  than  I  expect,  from  his 
late  conduct  to  all  the  officers  of  garrisons.  However,  I  will  try 
my  Interest  with  him,  which,  except  on  your  ace".  I  should  verry 
reluctantly  do  as  you  know  I  hate  to  ask  favors.  As  ye  standing 
of  your  Regiment  is  looked  upon  to  be  very  precarious,  (and  in 
case  you  liked,  or  proposed  to  yourself  a  Country  life)  I  cant 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


630  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

say  but  you  would  be  right  to  sell,  provided  it  can  be  done  with 
propriety,  &  credit,  which  you  will  doubtless  first  consider. 

I  expect  the  Caghnawageys  &  ether  Inds.  of  Canada  in  a  day 
or  two  at  Albany  on  business,  as  two  of  their  people  were  here 
to  apprise  me  of  their  comemg  some  days  ago.  I  had  an 
unexpected  visit  last  week  from  the  Ondagaes,  Oneidaes,  Tusca- 
rora's  &  two  Mohawk  Castles,  wh,  lasted  8  Days.  It  was  chiefly 
Compliment  &  to  Welcome  me  home  from  the  Detroit,  and  learn 
what  passed  there,  as  well  as  to  exculpate  themselves,  and  assure 
me  in  ye  strongest  manner  they  were  noways  concerned  in  the 
message  sent  to  the  Inds.  of  Detroit  Ottawaes  &ca.  and  lastly  to 
desire  no  more  of  our  People  should  be  allowed  to  purchase  or 
settle  any  of  their  Lands.  I  have  now  sent  to  call  all  the  Six 
Nations  to  a  meeting  at  my  house  abl.  ye  begins,  of  March  when 
I  expect  to  know  the  Resolution  of  the  Chenussios  &ca.  who 
wanted  to  quarrel  with  us.  I  would  have  you  inquire  all  you 
can  into  the  disposition  of  the  Ind5.  in  that  Quarter,  and  wl.  mes- 
sages were  sent  them  by  the  Six  Nations  last  year  concerning  a 
war  agst.  ye  English,  also  inquire  where  Atquandadeghte  ye 
Swegatchy  Chief  is,  and  w*  he  is  ab!.  I  understand  he  is  of  ye 
same  way  of  thinking  with  Kindarunti  ye  Chenussio,  who  is  ye 
promoter  of  the  Scheme  to  carry  on  a  war  with  us.  If  you  find 
it  is  'so  Send  for  him,  &  talk  to  him  privately  about  it  and  tell 
him  by  such  a  step  he  would  infallably  bring  on  ye  entire  ruin 
of  all  the  Indians,  who  would  Join  in  so  unnatural  a  Plott,  and 
then  let  me  know  what  he  says  or  intends. 

My  Compliments  to  Doctor  Ogilvie  &  Family,  who  I  hope  are 
well,  tell  him  his  brother  has  been  here  two  days  on  a  visit  from 
Fort  Stanwix,  is  very  well,  desires  his  regards  to  him  &  Family, 
&  wonders  he  does  not  hear  from  them.  He  is  now  just  setting 
off  in  a  hurry,  so  has  not  time  to  write.  Pray  let  me  know 
whether  you  have  finished  ye  correction  of  the  Indian  Prayer 
Book,  as  I  want  to  get  a  Number  printed. 

All  freinds  here  are  well,  and  desire  to  be  remembered  to  you, 

I  am  Sir  Your  Welwisher  &  Humble  Servant 

WM.  JOHNSON 


-    - 


v 


-. 


Seven  Years'  W ar 


631 


FROM   JOHN   GLEN   JUN*R 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See 
Johnson  Calendar,  p.  126)  by  a  letter  of  February  9th  to  Johnson  from 
John  Glen  Jun'r,  at  Schenectady,  about  the  charges  of  David  Schuylcr 
Ju'r  for  trips  to  Fort  Stanwix  and  the  Little  falls1.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


ACCOUNT  OF  DAVID  SCHUYLER  JUN  R 


Account  of  Persons  employ1*,  in  the 
David  Schuyler  Jur,  Schenectady 

N°   1       David  Schuyler  Ju'. 
John  Schuyler 
Anthoneey  Schuyr. 
Philip  Schuyler 
Lowrance  Splacies 
Elias  House 
Lodewick  Snyder 
John  Clusser 
John  Petrie 
Brant  Indian 
Moas  Indian 
John  Indian 
Jacob  Indian 
Joseph  Indian 
Hendrick  Mattise 


[Feb.  9,  1762] 
Battoe  Service  Under 

£7—10—0 
4—  0—0 

0—0 

0—0 

0—0 

0—0 

0—0 

0—0 

0—0 
4_  0—0 
4—  0—0 
4—  0—0 

0—0 

0—0 

0—0 


£63—10—0 
The  Above  being 
Paid  for  one  Trip  Fort  Stan". 


1  Glen  was  much  employed  by  Johnson  in  this  kind  of  service.  In  the 
New  York  Historical  Society,  Miscellaneous  Manuscripts,  is  a  letter  from 
one  Swart  to  Glen  about  a  request  of  the  latter  for  accounts  of  the  wages 
for  scouting  parties  (alarms)  in  1756  and  1757.  As  Swart  has  lost 
the  rolls  of  the  "alarms,"  he  asks  if  oaths  from  the  men  will  answer;  and 
requests  Glen  to  present  the  accounts,  which  he  says  he  has  sent,  and  one 
which  he  now  incloses,  to  Johnson. 


632  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

N°.  2     David  Schuy.  Ju'  £2—0—0 

Phillip  Schuy.  2—0—0 

Ger'.  Van  Slycke  2—0—0 

Hendrick  Matties  2 — 0 — 0 

Jacobus  Swart  2 — 0 — 0 

Moas  Indian  2 — 0 — 0 

Johannis  Indian  2 — 0 — 0 

John  Indian  2—0—0 

Nicholas  Indian  2 — 0 — 0 

Wassataken  Indian  2 — 0 — 0 

Tho*.  Indian  2—0—0 

David  Indian  2—0—0 

Adam  Indian  2 — 0 — 0 

Jacobus  Indian  2 — 0 — 0 

David  Indian  2—0—0 

Powles  Indian  2—0—0 

Joseph  Indian  2 — 0 — 0 

£34—0—0 

The  Above  being  Paid 

for  one  Trip  to  the  Little  falls 

[  J        £63.10    . 

34 


£97.10 


Seven  Years    War  633 

N°.  3     David  Schuyr.  Jur.  £ 

Joseph  Indian  2 — 0 — 0 

David  Indian  2—0—0 

Cornelius  Indian  2 — 0 — 0 

Johannis  Indian  2 — 0 — 0 

Wadjadise  Indian  2—0—0 

I  have  paid  the  above  five  Indians  there  are  Still  Seven  which 
I  dont  know  their  names  as  soon  as  I  can  Learn  their  Names  I 
will  pay  them  Imidiatly  the  Money  Lies  Ready. 

JNO  GLEN  A.  D.  Q.  M  G 
INDORSED :     List  of  persons 

employed  in  the  battoe  service 


TO  OLIVER  DE  LANCEY  ETC. 

The 'preceding  paper  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  126,  by 
a  letter  of  February  12th  from  Johnson,  at  Castle  Cumberland,  to  Oliver 
De  Lancey  on  land  affairs  —  Mrs  Cosby's  tract,  Sir  Peter  Warren's 
lands  and  those  of  the  late  Mr  Miln  —  and  bonds  once  given  by  Johnson 
to  Sir  Peter  (printed  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.t  2:796;  Q,  2:462)  ;  a  letter 
of  the  1  3th  from  Johnson  to  Mrs  Cosby  relative  to  the  sale  of  her  lands 
(printed  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.t  2:797;  Q,  2:462-63);  a  letter  of  the 
14th  from  Johnson  to  Gw.  Banyar,  agreeing  to  suggestions  for  obtaining 
patents  of  lands  along  the  Mohawk,  but  renewing  the  condition  that  Ury 
Klock  shall  be  excluded  from  any  interest,  and  mentioning  appointment  of 
new  justices  and  the  case  against  Justice  Dillebagh.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


634 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


TO   GOLDSBROW   BANYAR 


Ferrall  Wade 
George  F.  Cheap 
James  Rogers 
Dennis  Madden 
5  John  Johnston     . 
Peter  Faiz 
Michael  Russel 
Wilhelmus  Russel 
Paul  Reiter 

10  Philip  K.  Klyne 
John  Spangenburgh 
Lucas  Veder 
Lawrence  Eman 
Michael  Gallenger 

15  Mathias  Link 
Hanthy  Preitz 
George  Stamm 
George  Kap 
Peter  Cooley 

20  John  Johnson 


[Fort  Johnson,  Feb»  14  1762] 

William  Johnston 

Peter  Servis 

Francis  Rupert 

Christopher  Servis 
25  Adam  Rupert 

Hannis  Wert 

Andreas  Snyder 

Conradt  Creitzenberger 

Conradt  Smith 
30  Jonathan  French 

Jacob  Pickle 

Hannis  Wolfe  Barlet 

Augustus  Eikler       * 

Jacob  Sefer 
35  Johannis  Alt 

Bastian  Steenmyer 

Stephen  Kipp 

George  Kipp 

Peter  Frederick 
40  Sr.  William  Johnson 


INDORSED:     List  of  Peoples  Names  to  be 
inserted  in  a  Patent  Sent  down 
ye  30  Names  wh.  are  crossed. 
1762. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  635 

FROM  RICHARD  SHUCKBURGH 
A.  L.  S.1 

New  York  15*  Feb».  1762. 
DEAR  SIR 

I  am  for  ever  obliged  by  your  continued  kindness  to  me,  but 
have  no  hopes  from  what  the  Gen1,  writes  to  you  of  ever  succeed- 
ing to  my  wishes.  The  prospect  being  so  remote  puts  me  out 
of  all  expectation;  therefore  may  possibly  by  the  strength  of  the 
same  Recommendation  apply  to  his  Excellency  for  something 
wherein  He  may  be  more  inclined  to  serve  me. 

The  General  Wall  Pacquet  arriv'd  the  Day  after  I  wrote 
my  last  &  contradicts  all  the  bad  News  we  had  by  way  of  Lisbon, 
which  you'll  see  in  a  great  measure  by  the  Public  Prints. 

The  News  of  this  Day  is,  that  Gen1.  Monkton  had  made  good 
his  Landing  at  Martinico,  that  he  had  Summoned  the  Gen1,  of 
the  Island  to  surrender  which  he  refus'd  as  long  as  he  had  ammu- 
nition &  on  which  Fort  Royal  was  attacked  &  taken  which  2  an 
inconsiderable  Number  of  officers  &  men  on  our  side,  the  French 
having  retired  to  a  Hill  above  ye  town  &  are  entrenched.  This 
ace1,  comes  from  Antigua  &  by  the  same  we  hear  that  a  vessel  in 
a  short  passage  from  England  was  arrived  there  with  News 
that  the  King  of  Prussia  had  gained  a  great  victory  over  Count 
Daun  &  that  there  was  great  rejoicings  thereat. 

I  have  seen  Mr.  Banyar  who  as  he  is  alive  declares  that  he 
has  wrote  to  you  since  you  to  him,  &  that  you  are  in  his  debt  in 
point  of  Correspondence.  I  inquired  of  him  and  Mr.  Mair  what 
alteration  there  was  in  the  address  to  the  Public  Officers,  by 
whom  I  understand  that  the  Public  Letters  are  addressed  to  the 
Secretary  of  State,  that  being  the  old  Channel  before  Ld  Hallif ax 
engrossed  the  dispatches  from  all  the  Colonies.  If  any  that  relate 
to  the  department  of  the  Board  of  Trade  they  are  sent  thither 
from  the  Secretary  of  States  office;  &  the  disposal  of  all  offices 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  "Which"  in  the  copy;  "with"  was  probably  written. 


636  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

in  the  Colonies  are  from  the  Secretary  of  State  &  not  fm  the  first 
Lord  of  Trade  as  in  the  late  Ld  Hallifax's  time. 

Agreeable  to  your  Memorandum  I  asked  Mr.  Mair  for  a  Copy 
of  George  Klocks  Petition  or  Complaint  agst.  the  Conojohary 
Inds.  to  Gen1.  Abercrombie,  that  Gen1,  left  no  Papers  in  his 
office  but  what  related  more  immediately  to  the  army,  the  rest 
he  supposes  he  carried  home  with  him.  I  see  in  some  of  the 
accls  from  London  that  your  cousin  Tyrrel,1  is  made  an  Admiral 
&  in  another  that  he  is  Commissioner  of  the  Navy.  As  soon  as 
I  wait  upon  Sir  Jeffry  again  shall  inform  you  of  my  Success 
in  whatever  way.  The  Assembly  of  this  Province  meeting  so 
soon  ab!.  business  tis  supposed  more  Provincials  will  be  wanted 
some  say  a  great  many.  There  is  a  vast  variety  of  opinion  among 
the  People  in  England  &  here  about  a  Spanish  war.  Capt 
McLean  I  hear  keeps  his  Company,  has  the  Rank  of  Major  in 
the  Army  &  it  is  supposed  on  a  Peace  he  may  return  to  it  again, 
this  piece  of  news  I  had  from  Mr.  Dubois  who  is  agent  for  him 
here.  Be  pleased  to  make  my  respects  acceptable  to  Mr.  Guy 
Johnson.  I  have  received  his  favour  &  Mr.  Dubois  will  write 
to  him  &  obtain  what  he  advised  of  him  in  a  Memorandum  I 
gave  to  him  a  Month  agoe.  The  Post  is  just  going  off  or  should 
write  to  him  particularly. 

I  am  with  due  regards  to  you  &  family  your  most  Devoted  & 
very  humble  Serv1. 

R  SHUCKBURGH 

The  Honble  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Baronet. 


FROM  JAMES  STEVENSON 

In  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  126,  is  a  letter  of  February  15th,  1762, 
from  James  Stevenson,  at  Albany,  relative  to  Mr.  Brown's  acceptance 
of  Johnson's  offer  for  a  lot  in  the  Mohawk  country.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Captain  Richard  Tyrrel. 


Seven  Years9  War  637 

FROM  DANIEL  GLAUS 

A.  L.  S.1 

Montreal  16th  Feb^.  1762 
HONOURED  SIR 

The  28th  Ult°.  I  was  honoured  with  your  Favours  of  the  22d 
Novr.  &  12  Decr.  a.  u.  by  which  I  am  glad  to  find  my  Journal 
&ca.  came  safe.  I  hope  you  have  since  that  recd  my  answer 
upon  the  Letter  you  did  me  the  Honour  to  acquaint  me  of  your 
Return  from  Detroit.  The  reason  of  my  deferring  to  answer 
the  above  2.  Letters  till  now,  was  my  expecting  to  have  the 
Pleasure  of  going  myself  to  Fort  Johnson  by  the  first  Slays  that 
came  from  below  but  to  my  great  Mortification  I  now  find  Lake 
Champlain  is  not  passable  with  carriages,  nor  wont  in  all  proba- 
bility be  this  winter.  None  of  the  Indians  that  were  hunting  ab!. 
Crn.  Pl.  and  Tiyonda.  are  yet  returned  its  supposed  for  the  same 
reason,  and  the  Express  tells  me  it  was  very  tedious  &  difficult 
to  cross  several  Officers  being  detained  from  coming  here  & 
waited  above  2  Months  at  Cr.  Pl.  for  the  Lakes  freezing,  as 
soon  as  Captn.  Lottridge  returns  with  the  Inds.  I  shall  learn  how 
they  get  along  and  if  possible  undertake  the  journey  afoot,  had 
the  Lake  been  froze  and  Lottridge  not  come  back  the  Gen1,  gave 
me  to  understand  he  could  not  have  let  me  gone. 

I  have  mentioned  what  you  desired  me  to  Pere  Roubaud,  and 
sent  him  his  present  by  a  safe  opportunity.  The  Ball  left  in  the 
fall  1  760  (there  being  no  Shot  or  Lead  with  it)  I  soon  after 
delivered  to  the  Store  of  Odnance  except  one  Cask  wch.  I  kept 
for  the  use  of  the  Ind8.  here,  there  were  1400  Ib  delivered  for 
which  I  a  certificate  from  the  Comd«.  officr.  of  Artily.  here, 
which  must  be  the  means  of  getting  it  exchanged  at  Albany 
by  obtaining  an  order  from  the  Comd«.  Officr.  of  the  Troops 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  *'  Received "  can  be  supplied  for  a  word  uncertain,  or  omitted,  in 
the  manuscript. 


638  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

there  to  the  Officr.  of  Arty,  at  Albany  after  the  certificate  is 
produced  to  him. 

By  what  I  can  find  Gen1.  Gage  thinks  no  other  but  his  Passes 
can  be  granted  to  Traders,  and  I  believe  would  make  it  tedious 
to  those  that  had  not  his  Permissions  as  allready  no  Goods  or 
Liquors  can  pass  the  Gates  of  the  Town  or  any  Guarrison  in  the 
Governm*.  without  his  Permit,  besides  the  Indian  affairs  in  this 
Govermt.  are  so  interwoven  with  the  civil  that  they  cannot  well 
be  managed  without  the  assistance  of  civil  Power.  An  Instance 
occurred  a  few  days  ago.  The  Caghnawages  Village  sent 
Deput5.  to  me  with  a  formal  Complaint  against  their  Priests  for 
granting  away  the  Lands  they  live  upon,  and  wch.  the  King  of 
France  gave  only  in  Trust  to  the  Jesuits  for  the  use  of  the  Inds. 
and  not  for  them  to  grant  it  out  to  the  Inhabitants,  and  thereby 
strip  them  of  their  Lands.  This  being  an  affair  that  must  come 
before  the  Gover.  in  order  to  have  it  searched  for  among  the 
Records  in  the  Secretarys  Office  to  find  &  examine  the  Title  of 
sd.  Lands,  and  have  it  adjusted  &  decided  before  the  Govr.  & 
this  Council,  and  accordingly  I  went  with  them  before  the  Gen1, 
who  after  hearing  them  promised  to  take  the  affair  in  hand  and 
do  for  them  as  much  as  lay  in  his  Power,  and  also  gave  me  direc- 
tions to  get  the  Names  of  the  Inhabitants  already  living  upon  it 
that  he  might  send  for  them  &  examine  their  Titles. 

I  must  do  that  Justice  to  Gen  Gage  that  he  never  takes 
cognizance  of  Indn.  matters  (wch.  sometimes  are  brought  before 
him  by  the  Priests  &  Inhabitants)  without  letting  me  know  every 
thing. 

I  am  still  in  hopes  to  be  at  Fort  Johnson  this  Winter,  where- 
fore I  leave  farther  Particulars  to  a  personal  Interview  and 
remain  in  the  Interim  with  highest  Respects  and  sincere  Compli- 
ments to  the  Family  Honoured  Sir 

Your  most  obedient  and  dutyfuH  Servant 

DAN  CLAUS. 


Seven  Years    War  639 

P.  S.  I  have  begun  to  correct  the  Indn.  Prayer  Book  but  am  told 
by  those  that  understand  it  that  it  was  labour  in  vain  as  it  must 
be  printed  first  upon  course  paper  and  then  corrected,  after  wch. 
it  was  to  be  printed  upon  good  Paper  &  finished. 

To  the  Honble  SIR  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar*. 


FROM    ELINORA    CUMMINS 

In  Doc.  Hist.  N.  7.,  2:798-800,  is  a  letter  of  February  19th  irom 
Elinora  Cummins,  at  Schenectady,  to  Johnson,  describing  the  sale  of  her 
household  effects  at  auction. 


TO  RICHARD  PETERS 
D/.1 

Fort  Johnson  Feb*.  20lh  1762 
DEAR  SIR 

As  Teedyuscung  to  whom  I  wrote  in  1760  &  therein 
acquainted  him  with  my  having  received  his  Majesties  orders  to 
enquire  into  the  grievances  of  which  he  had  complained,2  has  not 
since  appointed  either  time,  or  place  for  a  meeting  thereon, 
agreable  to  my  request  then  made;  I  judged  it  necessary  in 
obedience  to  his  Majesties  order,  to  send  him  a  second  letter 
thereon  that  he  may  as  speedily  as  possible  comply  with  my 
former  letter,  otherwise,  I  shall  be  obliged  to  represent  his  conduct 
at  home.  I  therefore  take  the  Liberty  of  troubling  you  with  my 
letter  to  him,3  as  I  know  no  other,  or  surer  method  for  its  being 
conveyed  to  his  hands  with  expedition,  as  it  will  not  admit  of  any 
farther  delay  without  showing  a  manifest  contempt  of  his 
Majesties  clemency  offered  him  in  directing  me  to  hear,  and 
examine  into  the  particulars  of  his  grievance. 

I  am  Sir 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

ESee  Doc.  Hist.  N.  y.,  2:789-90;  Q,  2:458. 

3  Not  found. 


640  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

P.  S.  As  I  imagine  you  must  have  heard  of  your  Nephews  1 
having  been  under  an  arrest  at  Fort  Stanwix,  I  have  the  pleasure 
of  inclosing  you  his  Letter,  by  which  you  will  find  he  is  now  at 
liberty. 

To  RICHARD  PETERS  Esqr. 


FROM  OLIVER  DE  LANCEY 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (Ste 
Johnson  Calendar,  p.  127)  by  a  letter  of  February  28th  from  Oliver 
De  Lancey,  at  New  York,  to  Johnson,  asking  the  price  of  the  Cosby 
lands,  mentioning  lands  of  Miln  and  bonds  once  delivered  to  Sir  Peter 
Warren,  and  inclosing  deeds  (printed  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.t  2:800-1; 
Q,  2:464).  Destroyed  by  fire- 


FROM  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 
A.  L.  S.2 

NCTV  York  1  March  1762 
DEAR  SIR  WILLIAM 

The  Post  brought  me  yours  of  the  14  3  &  19  4  Febfy.  As  an 
answer  for  the  present  I  enclose  you  a  Copy  of  the  late  Instruc- 
tion respecting  the  passing  grants  of  Lands :  5  in  a  few  days  it  will 
be  made  publick  by  Proclamation  when  probably  the  LA  Govr. 
may  order  a  certifyed  Copy  of  the  Instruction  to  be  sent  you.  It 
would  have  been  extremely  agreable  to  Mr.  Du  Bois  and  my  self 
that  you  take  ai;  equal  part  in  the  500  acre  Tract,  and  as  I 
believe  it  to  be  already  purchased  you  will  consider  whether  it 
may  not  be  done  yet  if  the  Indians  receiving  a  small  consideration 
in  a  private  way,  I  mean  without  Lycense,  should  disclaim  any 


1  James  Peters,  surgeon,  of  the  New  York  regiment,  was  stationed  at 
Fort  Stanwix. 

2  Destroyed  by  fire. 

3  This  manuscript  was  burned,  and  no  copy  is  known  to  exist. 

4  Not  found. 

6 See  Doc.  Rel  to  Col  Hist.  N.  Y.,  7:478-79. 


Seven  Years'  War  641 

Title  or  Claim:  if  you  are  of  this  opinion  we  will  on  the  joint 
account  of  yourself  Mr.  Dubois  and  myself  put  in  a  petition  at  a 
proper  time,  as  it  will  not  be  long  I  imagine  before  I  shall  find  out 
whether  the  Council  will  advise  the  granting  small  Tracts  lying 
between  patented  Lands  against  which  I  can  conceive  no  Argu- 
ment arising  from  the  Instruction. 

On  the  1  7th  Ult°.  an  order  was  made  in  Council,  for  Klock  to 
appear  on  3 1  st  March  in  Council,  &  hear  the  charge  against  him 
and  to  shew  Cause  why  a  Prosecution  should  not  be  ordered  ag*. 
him.  I  have  been  much  indisposed  so  that  I  ommitted  sending 
it  by  the  last  and  it  goes  by  this  Post:  with  regard  to  Justice 
Dillibags  *  complained  of  I  can  only  say,  that  when  the  new 
Commission  is  to  be  made  out,  I  will  endeavour  to  prevent  his 
name  being  inserted  in  it:  The  Post  will  be  going  and  I  must 
conclude  by  wishing  you  the  ReEstablishment  of  your  Health 
Being  with  very  great  sincerity  Dr  Sir  Wm  Your  affectionate  & 
obed1  humble  servant 

Gw  BANYAR 

A  Message  just  from  the  LJ  Govr.  desires  me  to  send  you  a  Copy 
of  the  Instruction,  so  I  have  certifyed  it. 


1Wilhelmus  Dillenbach. 

Vol.  Ill  — 21 


642  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  WADDELL  CUNNINGHAM 
A.  L.  S.1 

New  York  I  March  1762* 
SIR 

I  am  induced  to  again  write  to  you  about  the  Tracts  of  Land, 
Major  Rogers  apply ed  to  the  Council  for  as  the  Licenses  are  not 
out  to  the  27th  May,  & -I  hear  there  is  an  order  from  home,  to 
stop  the  Governor  granting  more  lands,3  which  Mr.  Banyar 
writes  you  fully  about.  He  informs  me  the  Two  Tracts  I  now 
mention,  if  bought  from  the  Indians  immediately,  we  will  be 
entitled  to  a  grant  of,  the  first  Tract  of  25,000  acres,  begins  on 
the  Kayoderasseras  Patent,  &  runs  Northard  along  the  River,  & 
as  far  in  the  Country  as  we  please.  The  Second  Tract  joins  this 
&  runs  in  same  manner,  the  end  of  this  unbounded  Patent  of 
Kayorderosseras,  is  not  known  here,  some  Says  it  ends  above 
Fort  Edward,  &  others  twelve  miles  below  it,  at  a  Falls  that  is 
in  the  River  there,  this  you  must  know  much  better  than  we  can. 
We  are  to  begin  our  grant  at  the  North  bounds  of  that  patent. 
The  concerned  are  quite  Ignorant  if  the  lands  are  worth  Taking 
up,  &  indeed  what  part  to  fix  upon,  which  we  may  more  easily  do 
now,  as  almost  all  the  Licenses  granted,  will  stop,  &  may  make 
ours  more  valuable,  indeed  we  have  already  been  at  a  consider- 
able expence,  which  makes  us  more  urgent  to  bring  about  this 
affair,  the  Conserned  are  Major  Rogers,  his  Brother,4  Mr. 
Banyar,  Mr.  Alexr.  Colden,  Mr.  John  Dies,  Mr.  Henry  White, 
Mr.  Jacob  Walton,  &  myself,  &  in  the  second  Tract,  one  Mr. 
Hazon  5  comes  in,  &  Major  Rogers  Brother  is  left  out.  We 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  In  Doc.  Rel.  to  Col.  Hist.  N.  7.,  7:492,  Cadwallader  Colden,  in  a 
letter  of  March  1  st  to  the  lords  of  trade,  mentions  the  Canajoharies*  grant 
of  land  to  Johnson. 

3  See  Doc.  Rcl.  to  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  7:477-79. 

4  James  Rogers.     See  Calendar  of  Land  Papers,  p.  300. 

5  See  Calendar  of  Land  Papers,  p.  301. 


Seven  Fears'  War  643 

would  be  all  very  glad  you  would  hold  an  equal  share  with  us, 
in  them,  indeed  we  must  &  will  with  pleasure,  either  pursue,  or 
Drop  thoughts  of  this  land,  as  you  may  advise.  I  shall  look 
upon  your  answer,  as  a  particular  favour  done  us,  &  if  you  think 
we  ought  to  pursue,  to  point  out  the  proper  Method. 

I  imagine  it  will  be  hard  to  get  any  new  Tracts  of  Land 
granted,  &  they  will  be  cloged  with  quit  rents  &  engagements  of 
Settlement  from  home,  that  few  will  be  able  to  take  any  up,  & 
the  Tracts  now  granted,  will  be  that  means  become  more  valuable, 
&  soon  get  Setled,  &  I  am  sure  we  can  get  those  setled  well  in 
Three  years,  if  the  Lands  are  Tolerable. 

With  much  respect  I  am  Sir, 

Your  very  Hume.  Ser*. 

WADDELL  CUNNINGHAM 
SIR  WM.  JOHNSON 

FROM    JOHN    GLEN    JUN*R,    ETC. 

There  are  found  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  127,  two  papers  of  March 
2d,  1762,  which  were  destroyed  by  fire:  a  letter  from  John  Glen 
Jun'r,  at  Schenectady,  inquiring  of  Johnson  whether  he  shall  pay  £14 
to  David  Schuyler  Jun  for  seven  Indians  employed  on  a  trip  to  Little- 
falls;  and  two  agreements  between  Reformed  and  Lutheran  churches, 
before  Piter  Conyn,  justice,  and  Frederick  Shultz  V.  D.  M.,  for  equal 
division  of  two  gifts  of  land,  each  of  50  acres,  made  by  Johnson  for  a 
parsonage,  signed  by  Peter  Servos  and  Jacob  Bickel. 

FROM  JOHN  WELLES 
A.  L.  S.1 

Montreal  March  3d  1762 
S* 

I  have  done  myself  the  pleasure  of  writing  three  or  four  times, 
both  before  your  Journey  to  Detroit  &  since  &  am  greatly  afraid 
they  never  came  to  hand.  It  would  give  me  the  greatest  uneasi- 
ness, to  Imagine  you  thought  me  guilty  of  so  great  a  part  of 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


644  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Ingratitude,  as  never  to  write,  or  even  enquire  after,  a  person 
from  whom  I  have  received  the  most  paternal  kindness  ever  since 
I  arrived  in  America  &c 

Give  me  leave  Sir  to  wish  you  joy,  on  the  happy  marriage  of 
our  most  Gracious  Sovereign,  &  we  have  now  the  pleasure  at 
least  to  hope,  that  Virtue  will  become  fashionable,  the  example 
being  sett  by  King  &  Queen. 

I  dont  doubt  but  before  this  time  you  must  have  heard  of  the 
most  Melancholy  Accident  that  happened  the  Augusta,  Captn. 
Knowles  from  Quebec  with  French  prisoners.  She  was  wrecked 
near  Cape  &  out  of  121  souls  114  Perished  most  of  the 
Principal  families  of  this  City  or  their  Children  going  to  France 
for  Education.  Amongst  the  saved  is  Captn.  Knowles  &  St 
Luke  LeCorn.  It  seems  by  the  latter  as  if  Providence  thought 
him  to  bad  to  take  away.  He  had  two  sons  with  him,  which  he 
had  almost  saved.  About  4  years  ago  he  lost  two  sons  by  Ship 
Wreck.  In  the  Whole  the  Inhabitants  here  are  in  the  most 
lamentable  scituation,  their  Country  lost,  &  some  of  them  have 
received  Letters  from  their  husbands  desiring  them  to  ship  them- 
selves for  France  in  the  Spring  as  the  Country  will  certainly 
remain  with  the  English.  Others  ruined  by  the  loss  of  their 
Paper  money,  others  lost  their  Children,  wives,  husbands,  fathers 
&ca.  Such  is  their  scituation  &  what  is  more,  with  those  that  are 
obliged  to  remain  here,  their  Religion  liable  to  suffer.  It  is  like- 
wise imagined  the  other  two  Vessels  are  lost  in  the  same  Gale  of 
Wind  (as  a  Vessel  from  London  with  Clbathing  was  lost  come- 
ing  to  Quebec  in  the  same  storm  &  only  the  Mate  saved)  if  so 
Monsr.  Shaboir  Jon  Coir  alias  Senunsis  is  a  Passenger.  Mr. 
Claus  sett  off  for  Fort  Johnson  next  week.  I  hope  he  will  find 
yourself  &  the  rest  of  the  family  in  good  health.  Pray  give  my 
CompK  to  Lieut  Guy  Johnson  Captn  John  Johnson  &c. 

I  am  Sr 

Most  Respectfully  your  most  obd*.  Servant 

JNO.  WELLES 


1  Omission  in  the  copy.     "  Breton "  is  doubtless  the  missing  name. 


Seven  Years    War  645 

TO  ROBERT  LEAKE  ETC. 

The  preceding  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  127-28,  by  six 
which  were  destroyed:  a  letter  of  March  3d  from  Robert  Leake,  at  New 
York,  to  Johnson,  asking  advice  in  the  purchase  of  a  tract  for  a  nephew 
and  inquiring  about  the  Visschers  tract;  a  letter  of  the  8th  from  William 
Corry,  asking  Johnson  for  instructions  in  a  case  of  ejectments  and  informa- 
tion in  support  of  a  title;  a  letter  of  the  12th  from  Johnson  to  Robert 
Leake,  advising  him  not  to  be  concerned  in  the  Kayadarusseras  tract,  as 
the  patent  is  thought  to  have  been  obtained  surreptitiously,  and  offering 
assistance  in  the  purchase  of  lands  from  other  than  Indians;  a  letter  of 
the  12th  from  Johnson  to  Oliver  De  Lancey,  acknowledging  receipt  of 
papers,  discussing  the  value  of  Mrs  Cosby's  lands  in  view  of  the  stop  put 
to  grants  from  Indians  and  presenting  an  account  for  expenses  of  a 
meeting  at  Onondaga  when  Shirley  was  general  (printed  in  Doc.  Hist. 
N.  Y.,  2:801-2;  Q,  2:465);  of  the  12th  from  Johnson  to  William 
Kelly,  repeating  Oliver  De  Lancey's  offer  for  Mrs  Cosby's  lands,  prais- 
ing the  tract  and  setting  the  same  price  as  is  named  in  the  letter  of  the 
same  date  to  De  Lancey ;  and  a  letter  of  the  1  3th  from  Johnson  to  the 
Rev.  Mr  Barclay,  considering  a  proposal  relative  to  land,  commending 
Mr  Bennet's  zeal  in  the  interest  of  religion  and  mentioning  his  own 
inability  to  afford  other  aid  than  countenance  to  a  pious  undertaking 
(printed  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.t  4:309-10;  Q,  4:199). 

FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

L.  S.1 

We*  York.  13*  March  1762 
SIR 

Captain  Balfour  having  had  some  Talk  with  the  Indians  who 
Live  near  Michillimakinac,  I  send  you  a  Copy  of  what  passed 
between  him  and  them,2  by  which  you  will  see  that  they,  to  all 
appearance,  seem  pleased  with  the  change  of  their  neighbours, 
but  complain,  as  usual,  of  their  great  poverty,  which  indeed  is 
too  much  owing  to  their  own  Folly:  However  Captain  Balfour 
got  some  of  the  traders  to  venture  to  give  them  a  Little  Credit, 
on  their  promise  of  repaying  the  Same  the  Ensuing  Spring. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Henry  Bal four's  Conference  with  Indians,  September  29-30,  1761. 


646  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Some  strings  of  beads,  &ca.  which  they  presented  with  their 
Talk  to  Captain  Balfour,  Lieut.  Willyamos  tells  me  are  amongst 
some  that  are  left  in  my  hands,  which  I  shall  send  you  by  the 
first  opportunity. 

I  am,  with  great  regard,  Sir 

Your  most  obedient  Humble  Servant 

JEFF:  AMHERST 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bar1. 

FROM  DAVID  VAN  DER  HEYDEN,  AND  WILLIAM  CORRY  ETC. 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See 
Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1 28)  by  three  papers  of  the  1 5th  which  were 
destroyed:  a  letter  from  David  Van  Der  Heyden,  at  Albany,  to  John- 
son about  kettles  sent  in  care  of  Captain  Peter  Fairservice  and  steel  traps 
to  be  forwarded  from  Schenectady  by  John  B.  Van  Eps;  a  letter  from 
William  Corry  to  Johnson  about  legal  measures  in  behalf  of  poor  people 
threatened  with  ejectment,  and  support  given  to  their  cause  by  the 
proclamation  concerning  land  grants;  and  an  indenture  by  which  Jochim 
Albrecht  Gienke  (Yockem  Albright  King)  binds  himself  to  serve  John- 
son two  years  and  three  months,  receiving  "  meat,  drink,  washing  and 
lodging  "  and  *'  cloaths,"  in  consideration  of  £45  paid  to  take  him  out 
of  the  Albany  jail,  acknowledged  before  Cornelis  Ten  Broeck,  justice. 

TO  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 
Z)/.1 

March  13*  1762 
DEAR  BANYAR 

Yesterday  yours  of  the  1st  Inst.  with  that  part  of  His  Majestys 
Instructions  relative  to  the  purchaseing  Lands  from  the  Indians  I 
received. 

I  was  in  full  expectation  by  the  former  Post,  of  haveing  your 
and  the  Gentlemen  desirous  to  be  concerned  in  the  60000  acres 
ultimate  resolution  concerning  that  affair,  but  you  make  no  men- 
tion of  it,  so  that  I  am  now  at  a  loss  what  to  do,  until  I  hear  from 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  647 

you.  I  cant  understand  what  you  mean  regarding  the  500  acres 
as  You  are  pleased  to  call  it,  (which  I  am  assured  is  above 
double  that  Quantity)  You  say  you  believe  it  already  purchased, 
and  yet  would  have  me  give  the  Indians  in  a  private  way  some- 
thing for  disclaiming  any  Title  or  claim  thereto,  I  think  I  can  get 
it  from  the  Indians  for  about  £40,  and  not  less,  owing  to  Klocks 
tampering  with,  and  offering  money  for  it  last  year.  I  would 
have  it  included  in  the  Patent  if  Possible  and  be  Jointly  con- 
cerned with  you  &  Mr.  Dubois  therein.  It  will  be  worth  more 
to  us  than  twice  that  Quantity  of  the  other  Land.  As  I  dont 
look  upon  His  Majestys  instructions  to  prevent  obtaining  a 
Pattent  for  Land  purchased,  &  paid  for  previous  to  the  Gov- 
ernours  receiving  it,  I  would  be  glad  to  have  the  survey  made  as 
soon  as  maybe,  least  I  may  be  obliged  to  leave  home,  and  that 
would  prevent  the  proceedings  in  it.  Pray  let  me  hear  fully  from 
you  what  passes  in  Council  concerning  Klock.  He  is  I  do  assure 
you  the  most  troublesome,  and  worst  man  I  ever  knew.  He  con- 
tinues to  make  divisions  and  partys  among  all  the  Neighborhood 
and  vast  uneasiness  and  Jealousies  among  the  Indians,  which  is 
spreading  among  the  other  Nations  verry  fast  &  which  if  not 
Stopped,  &  the  authors  punished  there  will  be  no  possibility  of 
keeping  peace  longer  in  the  Country.  This  I  have  signified  sev- 
eral times  to  the  Lieut.  Governour,  &  hope  he  will  support  me  in 
the  proper  execution  of  my  Duty,  as  His  Majestys  officer. 

I  fear  from  the  too  despicable  opinion  People  in  General  enter- 
tain of  the  Indians,  &  of  the  Mohawks  particularly  (from  their 
declineing  state)  they  may  be  led  to  go  such  lengths  &  do  such 
rash  things  as  may  make  them  (altho  ever  well  inclined  to  us) 
desperate.  Should  that  be  the  case  (which  I  hope  it  never  will) 
I  am  convinced  it  would  alter  the  present  System  of  Indian  affairs 
for  the  worse,  which,  to  those  unacquainted  with  their  connections 
and  consequence  among  the  many  Indian  Nations  may  appear 
unlikely.  I  had  a  verry  polite  letter  lately  from  the  Albany 
Members,  acquainting  me  that  the  Governour  had  at  their  request 
promised  to  issue  a  New  Commission  of  the  peace,  at  the  same 


648  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

time  desired  I  would  send  them  a  list  of  such  Persons  for  the 
Western  part  of  ye  County  as  were  fittest  to  serve  as  Justices. 
I  did  accordingly  send  them  such,1  &  a  copy  thereof  to  the  Gov- 
ernour,  who  writes  me  that  he  directed  them  to  take  my  nomina- 
tion for  the  Mohawk  River  2  &  that  he  had  given  You  my  list  in 
order  to  insert  in  the  Commission  when  to  be  made  out.  As 
Dillebaghs  Name  is  not  mentioned  in  said  list  I  cannot  suppose 
that  he  would  be  again  appointed.  I  expected  you  would  have 
given  me  your  opinion  what  were  the  proper  steps  to  be  taken  in 
order  to  bring  him  to  an  ace*,  for  his  Malpractice.  I  shall  be 
glad  to  hear  from  you  thereon  per  Next. 

Pray  acquaint  the  Lieut.  Governour  (as  I  do  not  write  him 
now)  that  Klock  &  Funda  have  served  Ejectments  on  two  of  the 
Tenants  liveing  on  the  Disputed  Land  who  or  Attorney  for  them 
are  to  appear  at  New  York  the  3d.  Tuesday  in  April  &  tell  him 
I  shall  be  glad  to  know  what  is  to  be  done  in  it. 

I  find  by  letters  of  Mr.  Livingston  to  People  liveing  here  that 
he  is  determined  at  any  rate  to  support  Klock  &  Fonda  to  the 
utmost,  altho  by  his  letter,  and  otherwise,  he  discovers  Consious- 
ness  of  the  inequity  of  that  Pattent,  which  I  can  make  appear. 
Nay  Fonda  acknowledged  to  me  lately,  that  he  was  of  opinion 
from  all  he  could  learn,  that  the  upper  part  of  sd.  Pattent  was 
never  purchased  or  paid  for,  wherefore  was  willing  if  Klock 
would  agree  to  it,  to  release  that  part  to  the  Indians,  but  his 
associate  Klock  declared  he  would  have  the  whole  or  none.  I 
am  heartily  glad  to  hear  you  have  got  the  better  of  your  indis- 
position, &  wishing  you  a  Continuance  of  Health  conclude  as 
ever  Dear  Banyar  &ca. 


1  Letter   of   February    6th. 

2  Letter  not  found. 


Seven  Years   War  649 


TO  WILLIAM  CORRY 

0/.1 
Castle  Cumberland  15th  March  1762 

DEAR  SIR 

Your  favour  of  the  8th  came  to  my  hands  two  days  ago,  when 
I  last  saw  you  I  said  I  expected  to  hear  something  ab*.  ye  affair 
from  ye  Govr.  All  I  can  as  yet  learn  is  that  Klock  is  ordered  to 
appear  before  yc  Council  on  the  last  of  this  month  to  answer  for 
himself.  What  ye  result  of  sd.  meeting  will  be,  you  shall  be 
informed.  In  the  meantime  I  believe  it  will  be  necessary  to  have 
a  good  lawyer  at  New  York  Employed,  to  appear  for  the  Two 
Men  who  have  been  ejected  by  Klock  and  Fonda,  Viz1.  Lodo- 
wick  Crane  &  Felix  Myar.  If  you  think  it  will  be  necessary  to 
send  you  the  state  of  the  case  now,  it  shall  be  done,  but  I  was  of 
the  opinion  it  would  not  be  requisite  the  first  court.  However 
you  will  let  me  know  whether  it  is  or  not.  If  it  is,  I  believe  the 
best  way  will  be  to  send  one  or  two  of  the  most  intelligent  of  the 
Tenants  to  you,  who  may  give  you  an  account  of  the  ffair.  I 
know  the  Inds.  have  recd  Rent  from  the  People  liveing  on  ye 
Land  called  Livingstons  ab'.  8  years,  and  some  of  them  have 
lived  on  sd.  Land  about  twenty  years,  unmolested  by  any  one,  I 
believe  by  the  affidavits  I  have  already  procured  &  sent  to  the 
Lieut.  Govr.  and  what  more  may  be  had,  it  must  appear  that  that 
Pattent  was  not  justly  got,  Phil.  Livingstons  Letter  &ca  wh.  is 
in  my  possession,  shews  his  consciousness  of  the  Illegality  of  said 
affair,2  in  short  all  the  people  in  these  parts  are  of  opinion  it  was 
verry  unjustly  taken  up  by  sd.  Livingston  &  Collins  his  surveyor/ 
If  it  be  found  necessary  at  present  to  be  more  circumstantial  & 
particular  you  will  please  to  let  me  know  it. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  See  Lappius  and  others  to  Johnson,  February  20,   1761. 

3  See  Deposition  of  David  Schuyler,  Jaunary  23,  1762. 


650  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

I  shall  be  glad  of  your  opinion  whether  such  people  of  Dominie 
Lappius  congregation  who  promised  to  pay  him  so  much  yearly 
&  signed  their  names  to  it,  and  now  will  not  pay  him,  cannot  be 
obliged  to  pay  him  by  Law,  otherwise  ye  Man  and  his  family 
must  perish,  as  he  has  not  any  thing  in  ye  world  to  live  upon. 
The  Church  Wardens  have  been  many  times  to  demand  the 
money,  but  they  refuse  paying  it,  w*1.  to  me  appears  verry  odd  & 
unjust.  Ury  Klock  has  the  Bond  still  wh.  he  took  from  one 
Keyser  to  look  at  as  I  was  telling  you  before.  I  look  upon  it 
Felony,  as  it  is  equal  to  a  Mans  Money. 

Pray  advise  me  in  those  matters.     I  am  Dr.  Sir  yrs. 

WM.  CORRY  Esqr. 

FROM   LACORNE   ST   LUC   ETC. 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See 
Johnson  Calendar,  p.  128)  by  two  of  March  17th  to  Johnson  which 
were  destroyed:  one  in  French  from  Lacorne  St  Luc,  at  Montreal,  about 
the  shipwreck  of  the  Augusta,  in  which  perished  his  brother,  the  chevalier, 
two  sons  and  two  nephews;  and  a  letter  from  Captain  John  Lottridge, 
declaring  anxiety  over  the  uncertainty  of  his  present  appointment  and 
desiring  Johnson's  interest  in  his  case. 

FROM  WILLIAM  CORRY 
A.  L.  S.1 

Albany  March  18*  1762 
DEAR  SIR 

I  am  favoured  with  yours  of  the  1 5th.  If  Clock  is  ordered  to 
appear  before  the  Govr.  and  Council  it  will  be  of  advantage  to 
our  Clients,  as  the  Proclamation  I  mentioned  in  my  last  letter  is 
come  out  since  I  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you,  and  I  assure  you 
will  be  a  great  restraint  upon  the  Govr.  &ca.  in  respect  to  the 
Indians,  I  think  it  would  not  be  amiss  by  some  means  to  let  the 
Livingstons  know  that  the  fraudulent  purchase  of  those  lands 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years9  War  651 

should  be  laid  before  the  Lords  of  Trade  —  that  would  bridle 
them  at  once.  I  can  now  certainly  further  inform  you  that  an 
original  letter  of  old  Philip  Livingstons  to  Ned  Collins  relating 
to  the  survey  of  that  land  is  now  to  be  produced,  ordering  him  to 
make  the  survey  at  such  a  time,  or  he  need  not  think  more  about 
it,  as  if  a  new  Govr.  was  coming  —  which  will  shew  the  fraud 
of  it.  We  must  imploy  a  Lawyer  below  to  appear  for  them  in 
April  court.  It  is  time  enough  to  send  a  State  of  the  Case  the 
tenth  of  May  next,  when  the  people  or  some  of  them  can  best 
spare  time  to  come  down  let  them  come.  Their  State  will  be 
much  alter'd  to  their  advantage  by  this  Proclamation,  and  ad 
Terrorem  of  the  others.  The  more  particular  the  account  is 
remitted  to  me,  the  better  with  all  the  Circumstances  relative 
thereto. 

As  to  Dominie  Lappius,  all  who  signed  can  be  made  pay,  and 
as  it  is  under  £4  Peter  Canine  the  Justice  can  oblige  them  by 
Law,  If  more  than  £4  by  one  man,  I  shall  make  him. 

You  say  Ury  Clock  took  the  bond  from  Keysar.  Let  Keysar 
make  affidavit  of  it,  and  Dominie  Lappius  inclose  it  in  a  letter  to 
me,  I  shall  immediately  sue  Clock  and  make  him  return  it.  They 
shall  not  impose  upon  him,  nor  shall  I  take  any  fee  from  him. 

I  think  it  very  necessary  Sir  William  that  you  write  to  the 
L*.  Govr.  about  taking  out  a  new  Commission  of  Justices,  also 
the  dedimus.  The  Europians  are  much  imposed  upon  by 
Delanceys1  last  commission,  There  is  not  one  Europian  in  the 
county  of  Albany,  has  the  honr.  to  be  a  petty  constable  —  and 
an  English  L*.  Govr.  in  New  York,  Indeed  I  would  insist  upon 
it  with  him,  and  let  him  know  if  the  Europians  had  not  their  share 
of  the  Authority  of  the  province  I  would  acquaint  those  con- 
cerned in  England.  You  can  inform  him  of  all  from  Schenectady 
and  upwards  and  I  shall  from  Schenectady  downwards,  nor 
would  I  have  you  let  the  Europians  be  trampled  under  foot 


l"Delaneys"  in  the  copy. 


652  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

longer  Was  I  to  acquaint  you  of  the  Impossibility  of  Justice,  and 
present  unfitness  of  those  in  office.  It  deserves  a  severe  rebuke. 
Tilliback  *  must  be  removed. 

Dr.  Sir  your  assured  friend  and  serv*. 

WILLIAM  CORRY 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON. 

TO  CADWALLADER  GOLDEN 

D/.2 

Fort  Johnson  March  20ih  1762 
DEAR  SIR 

Since  the  receipt  of  your  favour  of  the  22d  ult°.  I  have  been 
frequently  applied  to  by  the  Indians  to  know  what  hath  been 
done  in  the  affair  concerning  their  land  which  gives  them  the 
greatest  uneasiness,  they  having  no  idea  of  the  unavoidable  delays 
in  proceedings  of  that  nature  more  especially  as  Klock  continues 
his  old  conducts  by  inveigling  &  seducing  the  most  drunken  & 
profligate  amongst  them  to  agree  to  his  measures  which  will  be 
productive  of  a  difference  between  the  Indians  themselves  as  well 
as  between  them  and  ye  white  People.  Amongst  the  number 
of  those  People  so  deluded  I  am  informed  there  are  Children, 
&  Wandering  Indians  who  not  being  Conajoharee  are  not 
esteemed  by  that  Castle  as  having  any  right,  neither  can  they 
claim  the  smallest  proprietary  title  to  said  lands  for  wch.  reason 
I  shd.  be  glad  to  be  favoured  wth.  a  list  of  the  Names  of  those 
who  signed  the  Deed,  that  I  may  be  the  better  enabled  to  dis- 
cover the  imposition,  neither  can  I  see  the  least  necessity  for  their 
attempts  to  procure  a  second  deed  if  a  former  was  Legally,  or 
justly  obtained.  Such  steps,  together  with  the  rest  of  the 
behaviour  of  Klock,  &  his  adherents  has  so  exasperated  the 
Indians,  that  it  is  with  the  greatest  difficulty  I  have  hitherto  been 


1  Justice  Dillenbach. 

2  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  653 

able  to  prevail  upon  them  to  wait  your  determination  of  the  affair, 
&  to  restrain  them  from  committing  acts  of  Violence,  for  which 
reason  I  consider  it  my  duty  as  Superintend1,  of  Indn.  affairs,  to 
lay  before  you  the  difficulties  I  have  hitherto  met  with  in  pre- 
serving peace  between  the  Indians  &  Inhabitants  &  the  Impos- 
sibility of  my  being  able  to  do  so  much  longer  unless  they  are 
redressed  therefore,  I  most  earnestly  recommend  it  to  your  Con- 
sideration, &  that  of  the  Gent0,  of  the  Council  to  enable  me  as 
soon  as  possible  to  give  the  Indians  satisfaction  concerning  their 
Grievance  as  the  Meeting  with  the  6  Nations  will  (I  expect)  be 
in  a  few  days,  they  being  now  on  their  way,  I  should  be  very 
desirous  that  matters  were  settled  by  that  time,  else  the  purpose 
of  this  Meeting  will  (from  the  Conajoharees  complaints  to  them) 
be  in  a  great  measure  defeated  and  the  6  Nations  will  certainly 
return  home  with  strong  prejudices  agsl.  us,  and  greatly  alarmed 
at  our  treatments  of  Ind8.  always  so  much  attached  to  us,  for  tho 
I  am  determined  to  make  the  best  use  of  his  Majesties  late  instruc- 
tions, in  appeasing  their  general  Clamour  concerning  Land,  I  am 
certain  it  will  have  no  effect,  if  they  do  not  find  that  satisfaction 
which  they  expect  &  consider  themselves  entitled  to  in  the  Case 
now  under  consideration.  In  my  former  I  omitted  recommending 
Mr.  John  Macomb  of  Albany  as  a  person  whom  I  judged 
extreamly  well  qualified  for  the  Dischargeing  the  office  of  a 
Justice  of  the  peace  for  that  city,  and  as  I  look  upon  him  to  be 
a  very  honest  man,  &  very  capable  of  dischargeing  that  duty,  I 
shod.  be  Desirous  he  was  nominated  for  the  same. 

I  am  &c. 

LIEUT.  GovR.  GOLDEN 


654  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM   GOLDSBROW   BANYAR 
A.  L.  S.1 

New  York  21sl  March  1762. 
DEAR  SIR  WILLIAM 

I  am  favour'd  with  yours  of  the  13th.  The  reason  I  did  not 
mention  in  my  last  any  Thing  concerning  the  60,000  acres  was 
because  I  apprehended  the  Instruction  I  Inclosed  would  stop  the 
proceeding  farther  therein,  at  least  until  the  Council  should 
determine  on  the  Point.  It  is  to  be  fear'd  that  they  will  not  look 
on  the  Lands  in  this  Case  as  already  Purchased:  The  parties 
concerned  will  look  on  themselves  as  bound  by  the  Agreement; 
that  is,  to  pay  you  £600  for  the  30,000  whenever  the  Lands  can 
be  obtained,  but  this  will  probably  not  be  until  application  is 
made  to  the  Board  of  Trade  as  the  Instruction  directs,  and  the 
King  is  pleased  to  signify  his  Directions  to  his  Governor  to  make 
a  Grant  of  the  Lands.  And  I  should  be  glad  to  know  your 
Sentiments  upon  it.  The  Instruction  does  not  I  am  clearly  of 
opinion  extend  to  Cases  where  the  Lands  have  been  purchased, 
or  to  Lycenses  granted  for  the  purchase  of  Lands,  which  the 
Indians  are  willing  to  sell,  provided  that  the  purchase  is  made 
within  the  time  limited  and  on  the  Terms  prescribed  in  the 
Lycense.  Mr.  Cunningham  shew'd  me  your  letter  in  answer  to 
what  he  wrote  you  concerning  the  two  Lycenses  granted  to 
Rogers.2  I  am  sorry  the  Indians  are  averse  to  selling,  because 
it  will  be  a  great  Disappoint™1,  as  it  has  been  attended  already 
with  a  very  considerable  expense  to  the  Parties,  not  far  short  I 
am  told  of  £200.  These  two,  and  the  two  granted  to  Doctor 
Jones,  and  his  Brother,3  are  all  the  Lycenses  that  are  still  in  force, 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Cunningham   to   Johnson,   March    1,    1762.      Johnson's   letter  is  not 
found. 

3  Calendar  of  Land  Papers,  p.  300,  and  Calendar  of  Council  Minutes, 
p.  403. 


Seven  Years    War  655 

and  if  the  Indians  were  willing  might  for  ought  I  see  to  the  con- 
trary go  through,  being  granted  before  the  Instruction  was 
probably  thought  of  at  home,  the  27  May  1  761 . 

The  Tract  you  would  have  join'd  to  the  60,000  I  understood 
to  be  at  first  800  acres,  Mr.  Golden  since  informed  me  he 
thought  it  did  not  contain  more  than  500  acres;  be  that  as  it  will, 
It  was  either  purchased  by  the  Germans  who  obtained  the  first 
Patent  there  lying  on  the  River,  or  in  included  in  the  Purchase 
made  by  Klock  at  Albany  in  1 754,  when  Magin  made  his,  and 
if  included  in  either  might  now  be  petitioned  for  as  Lands  vested 
in  the  Crown,  and  granted  as  such,  being  left  out  by  the  original 
Purchasers:  but  if  the  Indians  still  lay  claim  to  it,  we  must  if 
we  proceed  to  take  out  a  patent  for  this  small  tract  alone,  which 
I  believe  is  well  worth  our  while  to  do,  satisfy  them,  and  I  should 
have  no  objection  to  the  Payment  of  forty  Pounds  to  induce 
them  to  relinquish  their  claim:  If  you  can  make  any  draft  of 
it,  I  shou'd  be  glad  you  would  send  me  a  rough  sketch,  and  I 
will  get  one  from  Mr.  Golden  and  send  you,  with  copies  of  the 
Indian  deeds  in  which  I  suppose  it  to  be  included,  tho  not 
patented,  that  you  may  be  convinced  it  is  purchased,  and  both  of 
us  be  certain  that  we  mean  the  same  tract. 

The  Albany  members  have  presented  a  list  of  Justices,  in 
which  those  nominated  by  you  are  included;  Dillebaugh's  name 
is  not  among  them  nor  will  be  in  the  Commission.  A  prosecution 
by  Information  is  the  only  Method  I  can  see  by  which  he  can 
be  punished.  I  read  to  the  I_A  Governour  that  part  of  your  letter 
about  Fonda  and  Klock,  and  shall  acquaint  you  with  whatever 
steps  shall  be  taken  in  that  affair.  If  the  Indians  would  be  con- 
tent with  a  release  of  the  upper  Part  of  the  Tract  which  I  under- 
stand takes  in  this  Castle,  I  should  imagine  it  would  be  so  much 
more  for  the  Honour  of  the  parties  from  whom  Fonda  and  Klock 
purchased,  to  accommodate  the  affair,  that  it  would  be  no  difficult 
matter  to  bring  them  to  Refund  a  proportionable  part  of  the  pur- 
chase money,  and  as  Klock  will  be  down  here  at  the  close  of  the 
month,  it  might  be  of  use  perhaps,  if  you  signified  to  the  Lieu- 


656  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

tenant  Governour  who  is  heartily  disposed  to  do  the  Indians 
Justice,  on  what  terms  they  would  be  willing  to  compromize 
Matters,  if  anything  less  will  satisfy  them  than  the  disanulling 
of  the  Patent,  and  thereby  reinvesting  the  whole  Tract  in  them. 

We  have  no  News  from  England  since  the  1 2  December  nor 
any  Accounts  from  Martinico  since  the  taking  the  Six  Redoubts. 
If  General  Monkton's  Return  does  not  prevent,  I  propose  to 
myself  the  Pleasure  of  paying  you  a  visit  this  Summer, 

I  am  Dr  Sr.  William  with  great  Sincerity 

Your  affectionate  &  most  obed1.  Servant 

Gw  BANYAR 

New  York  2 1"  March  1762. 

N.  B.  The  small  Tract  above  mentioned,  I  understand  lyes 
on  the  East  side  of  Caioharon  or  Canada  Creek  adjoining  to  the 
Patent  of  the  Lands  on  the  River,  or  to  Klocks  patent  in  1 754 
or  55,  and  I  believe  next  to  or  near  to  the  Land  of  the  Van- 
driesens,1  who  I  believe  have  got  an  old  deed  for  it  from  the 
Indians,  or  pretend  to  have  such  deed.  The  persons  concerned 
in  the  30,000  besides  Mr.  Golden  and  myself  are  Messrs.  O. 
Delancey,  William  Smith,  John  Cruger,  Peter  DuBois,  Johan 
Joost  Petrie  and  Abraham  Dowe,  the  two  last  I  understand  from 
Mr.  DuBois  are  to  have  only  1 000  acres  each, 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Baronet. 

FROM  OLIVER  DE  LANCEY  ETC. 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See 
Johnson  Calendar,  p.  129)  by  three  to  Johnson  which  were  destroyed: 
one  of  March  22d  from  Oliver  De  Lancey,  in  New  York,  agreeing  to 
pay  the  price  named  for  Mrs  Cosby's  lands,  and  promising  to  forward 
to  Amherst  Johnson's  account  for  expenses  of  the  Onondaga  meeting 
in  Shirley's  time  (printed  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  2:802-3;  Q,  2:465); 
a  letter  of  the  22d  from  Robert  Leake,  in  New  York,  men- 
tioning the  first  appearance  of  a  newspaper  called  the  Chronicle,  unfriendly 
to  the  lieutenant  governor,  and  indicating  the  extent  of  the  tract  which 


1  See  Calendar  of  Land  Papers,  p.  297. 


Seven  Years    War  657 

his  nephew  desires  to  buy;  and  a  letter  of  the  27th  from  David  Schuyler 
Junior,  at  Canajoharie,  about  an  arrangement  for  paying  his  debt  to 
Corry  and  about  money  due  from  John  Glen  to  a  party  of  Indians 
employed  on  a  trip. 


FROM  WITHAM  MARSH 
A.  L.  S.1 

New  York  Mar.  28*  7762. 
SIR, 

If  my  long  Silence,  or  what  is  worse,  my  long  absence,  have 
merited  your  Displeasure,  (as  I  belive  they  have)  let  disap- 
pointmts.  Sickness,  and  the  Gout,  be  sufficient  Excuses;  and,  as 
I  know  you  have  Humanity,  you  will  Excuse  me.  Mr.  Delaney 
did  not  go  to  Albany,  in  the  good  sledding  weather,  and  soon 
afterwards  I  was  obliged  to  attend  the  Secretary's  office,  and  my 
Lawyer,  but  if  ever  I  engage  in  another  Law  suit,  it  shall  be  for 
no  less  than  ten  thousand  a  year,  one  half  of  which,  I'll  bargain 
before  hand  to  give  my  attorney,  for  recovery  of  the  other  half. 
Just  as  I  had  proposed  to  hire  two  Horses,  in  order  to  attend  you, 
a  violent  fit  of  the  Gout  seiz'd  me,  from  which,  I'm  this  day 
enabled  to  be  strong  enough  to  beg  your  Pardon  for  my  long 
Stay,  tho  still  Confin'd  to  my  room.  My  cause  was  to  've  been 
tried  next  Term;  but  I  dont  know  how  it  happens,  my  attorney 
says,  we  are  somehow  in  the  wrong!  For  my  part  I  think  I'm  in 
the  right  upon  both  Commissions:  but  /  was  not  born  in  this 
province. 

I  hope  you  received  the  Essence  of  Honey  &c.  which  I  had  the 
pleasure  to  transmit  to  Col.  Vanderheyden,  by  young  Van  Ale, 
agreeable  to  your  order. 

As  I  am  not  insensible  how  highly  you  esteem  very  valuable 
men,  I  cannot  help  congratulating  you,  very  sincerely,  on  the 
great  honour  our  Governor,  Gen1.  Monckton,  has  justly  merited 
by  his  reduction  of  Martinico,  the  particulars  of  which  you'll 
receive  no  doubt,  by  this  Post,  from  some  intelligent  Hand.  The 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


658  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

French  are  fairly  bang'd ;  but  the  worst  is,  they've  now  nothing 
left  of  Importance  enough  to  give  'em  a  sound  Banging  for, 
except  in  Europe.  Oh  Louis  le  petit!  thou  are  really  fallen! 
We  expect  our  General  every  fair  wind;  yet  tis  not  impossible 
He  may  be  order'd,  with  his  victorious  Troops,  to  take  the 
Havanna,  as  Jack  Spaniard  has  been  dup'd  by  France,  and 
declared  war  against  us  last  January.  I  beg  leave  to  conclude 
with  fervent  wishes  for  your  Health,  and  to  assure  you,  I  am 
with  great  respect  Sir, 

Your  most  oblig'd  &  mo:  hble.  Serv*. 

WITHAM  MARSH 
Honble.  SIR  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar*.  &c.  &c.  &c. 

FROM  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 

A.  L.  S.1 

New  York  29  March  1762 
DEAR  SIR  WILLIAM 

I  congratulate  you  sincerely  on  the  Acquisition  of  Martinico, 
obtained  with  as  much  facility  as  we  have  rather  reason  to  be 
astonished  at  than  to  have  expected;  The  Extent  of  our  Loss  is 
100  killed  and  400  wounded:  The  Army  did  not  land  until 
the  1 6th  January,  and  on  the  4th  February  the  Capitulation  was 
made  for  Fort  Royal ;  after  which  an  officer  of  distinction  writes 
a  Shot  was  not  fired,  and  that  it  seem'd  to  him  like  a  dream,  that 
we  were  so  soon  Masters  of  an  Island  of  so  great  Importance. 
The  Capitulation  for  the  whole  Island  was  not  perfected  until 
the  16th  February.  The  Regulars  were  embark'd  &  embarking 
when  the  Vessel  left  it,  for  old  France,  not  to  serve  either  For 
or  against  the  French  during  the  War.  I  have  not  seen  the 
articles  but  believe  what  youl  see  if  2  the  Papers  to  be  the  Sub- 
stance of  them.  What  the  Troops  will  do  further  after  taking 
Possession  of  the  Grenada's  and  of  the  Neutral  Islands,  must 
depend  on  further  orders,  which  Mr.  Monckton  must  have 
received  long  ago,  as  the  English  most  undoubtedly  declared  war 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  The  copy  has  "  if  ";  "  in  "  is  doubtless  the  word  written. 


Seven  Years    War  659 

against  Spain  on  or  about  the  4  January,  in  Consequence  of  the 
Manifesto  as  its  called  of  Spain  of  the  15  Decr.  Sir  Piercy 
Brett  one  of  Lord  Ansons  officers  in  his  voyage  last  war  round 
the  world,  is  going  on  a  like  errand  with  7  or  9  capital  ships. 
The  King's  speech  &  addresses  of  Parliament  were  just  got  to 
Boston  but  have  not  been  forwarded  hither.  Mr.  Pitt  was  not 
restored,  but  great  unanimity  prevailed  at  home.  The  King  of 
Prussia  had  lost  Colbergh  after  an  obstinate  Defence.  He  must 
soon  change  his  System,  or  gain  more  assistance,  or  fall,  it  being 
now  I  think  impossible  if  the  Enemy  continue  their  Efforts  ag*. 
him,  that  he  should  resist  much  longer.  I  cannot  help  thinking 
that  we  have  full  enough  to  do  with  our  troops  without  employ- 
ing them  in  Germany.  But  how  to  get  out  of  the  scrape  is  the 
Question. 

In  order  to  obtain  a  Grant  of  the  small  Tract  so  often  men- 
tioned, I  think  it  would  be  better  to  put  in  the  name  of  some 
Person  up  your  way.  Let  me  know  who  will  be  proper  and  I 
will  send  up  a  Petition  for  him  to  sign,  by  which  time  I  suppose 
it  will  appear  what  Cases  the  Council  think  the  Instruction 
extends  to,  and  until  I  am  able  to  inform  you  whether  it  is  likely 
to  be  granted  or  not,  it  will  not  be  prudent  to  advance  any  money 
to  the  Indians. 

I  am  Dr  Sr.  William 

Your  most  affectionate  &  obed*.  hble.  Serv1. 

Gw  BANYAR. 

The  Albany  Commission  of  the  Peace  is  defer'd  until  they 
settle  who  is  to  be  of  the  Quorum,  &  alter  the  List  by  making  all 
the  Judges  &  assistant  Justices,  also  Justices  of  the  Peace,  which 
they  had  omitted  to  do,  owing  to  the  Judges  and  assistants  not 
choosing  to  be  Justices  of  the  peace  also. 

TO  CORNELIA  SCHUYLER 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  129,  by 
a  letter  of  March  29th  from  Johnson  to  Mrs  Cornelia  Schuyler,  offering 
to  buy  her  share  in  a  patent  lying  near  Sacondaga,  and  called  North- 
ampton, or  sell  his  own.  Destroyed  by  fire, 


660  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


TO  THE  STOCKBRIDGE  INDIANS 
Df.  S.1 

March  29*  1762. 
CHILDREN  OF  STOCKBRIDGE 

When  I  saw  you  last  at  Albany,  I  told  you  I  would  give  you 
notice  when  the  Canada  Indians  were  comeing.  They  arrived 
here  at  my  House  in  the  Woods  two  days  ago,  without  my  hav- 
ing any  previous  notice  thereof.  Yesterday  they  finished  what 
they  come  about,  and  delivered  over  the  Prisoner  to  me,  in  Room 
of  the  Man  of  Yours  which  was  killed  in  Canada 2 ;  also  per- 
formed the  Ceremony  usual  on  such  Occasions,  and  behaved 
extremely  well  thro  the  whole  Ceremony.  Your  Uncles  the 
Mohawks  were  present  at  ye  Meeting  and  others  of  the  Six 
Nations.  I  would  have  two  or  three  of  your  Soberest  Men  come 
imediately  and  fetch  your  Prisoner  from  here.  He  is  a  Young 
Man  about  twenty  five  years  of  age,  and  seems  verry  well  con- 
tented at  the  change.  I  wish  you  all  well,  and  am 

Your  loving  Father, 

WM.  JOHNSON. 

TO  THOMAS  FITCH  3 

Johnson  Hall  March  30*.  1762 
SIR 

Herewith  I  transmit  you  a  Speech  made  by  the  Mohocks  at 
my  House,  together  with  a  Belt  of  Wampum  which  I  was 
requested  by  the  Indians  to  lay  before  you. 

I  had  the  pleasure  of  writing  you  after  the  Departure  of  Col1. 
Fitch  &  Mr  Chew  last  Summer  who  came  to  me  on  the  affair 
of  the  Susquehanna  Company,  which  Letter  I  hope  you  have 
received. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  See  Roubaud  to  Johnson,  November  1 3,  1  760,  and  Claus  to  Johnson, 
June  10,  1761. 

3  In  American  Antiquarian  Society,  Worcester,  Mass.     Unsigned. 


Seven  Years'  War  661 

A  Few  Days  ago  Col1.  Eliphalet  Dyer,  &  Mr.  Woodbridge 
of  Stockbridge  arrived  here  and  acquainted  me  with  their  having 
been  charged  with  a  Sum  of  money  to  pacify  the  Ind8.  &  make 
matters  easy,  &  that  they  expected  to  have  met  ye.  Six  Nations 
at  Albany,  in  consequence  of  an  Invitation  sent  them  last  year 
by  one  Smith  of  New  England  then  at  Susquehanna.  I  informed 
them  that  the  Inds.  had  certainly  no  such  intention,  as  they  were 
all  with  me  a  few  days  before  &  had  said  nothing  thereof,  I 
then  gave  these  Gentlemen  my  Sentiments  as  I  had  done  to  Col1. 
Fitch,  &  represented  that  the  6  Nations  would  never  agree 
thereto,  &  that  the  putting  their  plan  in  Execution  would 
inevitably  bring  on  a  rupture  with  the  Ind8.  in  General  which 
would  not  only  be  severely  felt  by  the  Settlers,  but  would  involve 
all  the  Neighbouring  frontiers  in  an  Indian  War, —  they  replyed 
that  as  the  Company  had  the  House  of  Representatives  permis- 
sion, &  right  given  up  to  them,  by  virtue  of  the  Claim  of  Con- 
necticut to  the  Westward,  &  as  they  had  obK  a  Deed,  & 
Expended  much  money  thereon,1  they  were  determined  to  persist 
in  their  undertaking,  &  would  shortly  settle  there  to  a  Con- 
siderable number,  sufficient  to  maintain  themselves  in  the  posses- 
sion thereof. 

At  the  time  of  these  Gentlemens  Arrival  the  Mohocks  were 
all  Assembled  in  Meeting  at  my  House  &  on  being  made 
acquainted  with  the  Cause  of  their  Errand,  which  they  Expressed 
a  Desire  to  know,  they  showed  the  utmost  uneasiness,  declaring 
such  measures  would  certainly  occasion  the  whole  6  Nations  & 
their  Confederates  to  commence  hostilities;  after  which  the 
Mohocks  returned  home  &  two  Days  ago  delivered  me  the 
Speech  &  Belt  herewith  Enclosed  desiring  the  same  might  be 
transmitted  to  you,  for  your  timely  interposition  therein. 

From 
The  Honble  GovR.  FlTCH 


15ee  Speech  of  Timothy  Woodbridge  in   Indian  Proceedings,  April 
21-28,   1762. 


662  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM  GEORGE  CROGHAN 
A.  L.  S.1 

March  31*  1762  Fort  Pitt 
HOND.  SIR 

By  feaver  of  Coll.  Earys  2  who  has  been  hear  to  viw  the 
Damidges  Don  to  this  Fort  by  the  late  floods  I  enclose  you  a 
Copy  of  my  Journal  of  Indian  affairs  sence  March  Last  and 
shall  as  soon  as  posable  gett  a  Copy  Made  out  of  all  ye  Trans- 
actions of  Indian  affairs  from  my  first  a  Rivel  hear  in  June  1  759 
with  the  Several  Conferances  att  Large  for  yr.  Perrusial. 

In  two  Days  I  send  an  A  Sistant  to  Viseatt  all  the  Distant 
posts  as  Directed  by  yr.  honours  Instructions  of  ye  Eight  January 
Last  and  on  his  Return  will  send  you  his  Report  thereon. 

The  Expence  of  Indian  affairs  sence  Nobr.  Last  has  been  butt 
Trifling  as  ye  Winter  has  been  so  Severe  hear  that  very  few 
Indians  has  come  this  Way,  Except  some  partys  of  Sinecas  going 
to  Warr  against  ye  Cherrokes  who  all  behave  very  111  whn. 
Refusd.  amunision  vermilian  knifs  &  such  things  Butt  as  ye 
Gineral  is  averst  to  giveing  them  Such  Nessarys  Nither  ye  Com- 
manding offaser,  Nor  My  Self  Can  Take  upon  us  to  give  them 
any  thing,  tho  Coll.  Boquet  is  of  opinion  they  iould  be  Supply^. 
&  I  blieve  has  wrote  the  Gineral  thereon. 

The  Sinicas  are  a  very  bad  peple  proud  &  Mischevous  and 
Look  on  themselves  as  ye  absolute  Lords  of  ye  Soyle  and  has 
been  two  Much  Indulgd.  by  ye  provinces  of  New  York  &  Pensyl- 
vania  formerly  &  Now  say  that  ye  English  is  Seting  up  ye  West- 
ern Nations  against  them  so  that  unless  you  can  Setle  them  att 
ye  Insueing  Conference  wh.  you  intended  to  hold  at  Fort  Johnson 
&  oblidge  some  of  there  Cheefs  whom  you  can  Depend  on  to 
Come  to  Ohio  &  Chastise  ye  Rable  of  that  Nation  hear  I  am  of 
opinion  they  will  make  some  Disturbance  tho  all  the  other 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Lieutenant  Colonel  William  Eyre. 


Seven  Years'  War  663 

Nations  this  Way  behave  Extreamly  Well  att  present  Butt  the 
Sinecas  seem  Ripe  for  some  Mischiff,  and  there  Nott  being 
Alowed  amunision  &  Nessarys  as  they  pass  an  Repass  hear  to 
Warr  Make  them  very  uneasy,  Butt  if  any  acsedant  should 
happen  from  that  ye  Gineral  Must  Take  ye  Consequences,  for 
my  part  I  have  Don  Every  thing  in  my  power  to  promote  yc 
good  of  his  Majestys  Indian  Intrest  Sence  I  have  been  in  ye 
Service  &  with  as  Much  Frugality  as  the  nature  of  ye  service 
wold  admitt  Butt  for  ye  futer  will  Never  putt  ye  Crown  to  Six 
pence  Expence  Lett  what  will  hapen  without  a  Writen  order. 
I  sent  Montour  up  Susquehanna  where  there  is  a  Ristless  Num- 
ber of  Indians  of  Diferant  Nations.  I  have  given  him  orders  to 
send  yr  honour  his  Report  as  soon  as  he  finds  out  there  uneasy- 
ness.  If  Capt.  Thomas  McKee  Could  be  apointed  by  yr  honour 
to  Take  Care  of  them  Indians  I  am  of  opinion  itt  wold  be  of 
great  Service  as  he  has  Considerable  Influences  with  them  & 
Spakes  all  there  Langridge. 

From  what  I  can  larn  from  yc  five  Indians  I  have  seen  since  I 
Returnd.  hear  a  greatt  Number  of  those  Nations  are  preparing 
to  go  to  Phill.  to  hold  a  Conferance  with  that  Government  in 
May  Next. 

I  am  with  great  esteem  &  Regard  yr  Honours  Most  Obeedent 
Humble  Servant 

GEO.  CROGHAN 

P.  S.     Plese  to  Make  My  CompK  agreable  to  Mr.  Johny 
Capt  Johnson  &  all  yr  Honours  good  family. 
To  the  Honourable  SlR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Bar*. 

TO  ROBERT  LEAKE 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See 
Johnson  Calendar,  p.  130)  by  a  letter  of  April  1st  from  Johnson  to 
Robert  Leake,  censuring  party  papers,  and  suggesting  that  a  tract  near 
Fort  Hunter,  belonging  to  Colonel  Glen  of  Schenectady  and  De  Lancey 
heirs,  may  be  for  sale.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


664  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

Fort  Johnson  April  Ist  1762 
SIR 

Yesterday  I  was  favoured  with  your  Excellencies  of  the  I  7th  * 
and  21st2  ult°  with  inclosings  of  Letters  from  Major  Gladwins, 
relative  to  some  designs  of  the  Indians,  concerning  which  some 
days  ago  I  did  myself  the  honour  to  transmit  your  Excellency 
some  farther  Letters  from  him,  which  I  hope  you  have  received. 

On  Governor  Gages  being  acquainted  therewith,  he  Dis- 
patched Capt.  Claus  to  Canassadaga  in  order  to  enquire  into 
the  same  which  he  accordingly  did,  a  Copy  of  whose  proceed- 
ings thereon  I  herewith  enclose  your  Excellency. 

I  have  had  a  good  opportunity  for  the  Week  past  to  enquire 
into  the  same,  by  some  Abenaquis  Deputies  who  arrived  here 
with  a  Panis,  Indian,  whom  they  delivered  up  to  replace  yc 
Stockbridge  Indn.  killed  &  to  accommodate  all  matters  with  those 
of  Stockbridge,  and  I  cannot  find  after  the  widest  enquiry  neither 
do  I  believe  that  the  Indians  in  Canada  have  any  designs  of  that 
Nature  —  Altho'  those  Abenaquis  have  confessed  to  me  that 
they  are  all  greatly  alarmed  at  the  many  reports  propagated 
amongst  them,  that  the  English  intend  to  destroy  them.  It  is  not 
my  opinion  they  will  give  any  credit  thereto,  so  long  as  they 
receive  good  usage  from  us,  and  I  am  hopefull  the  late  order  of 
the  Council  at  Montreal  in  favour  of  yc  Caghnawageys  concern- 
ing the  Lands  which  they  were  deprived  of  by  the  Jesuits,3  will 
also  greatly  contribute  to  remove  their  Jealousies  by  convincing 
them  of  our  intention  to  do  them  all  possible  Justice. 

The  Indian  traders  in  these  parts  (having  been  credibly 
informed  that  those  who  go  to  trade  from  Montreal  to  the  Severall 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

aNot  found. 

8  See  Claus  to  Johnson,  February  1 6,   1  762. 


Seven  Years    War  665 

Indian  Nations  are  allowed  by  Govr.  Gage  to  carry  rum  with 
them)  have  the  other  day  made  application  to  me  concerning  the 
same,  representing  that  they  cannot  in  that  case  pretend  to  carry 
on  Commerce  with  the  Indians,  who  will  go  any  distance,  &  pay 
any  price  for  that  liquor.  I  should  be  glad  to  hear  from  your 
Excelly.  concerning  the  same  as  I  am  of  opinion  you  will  Judge 
it  should  be  totally  prohibited,  otherwise,  those  who  are  not 
allowed  that  article  can  have  no  dealings  with  them. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be 
His  Excelly.  SIR  JEFF  AMHERST 

TO  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 
0/.1 

April  2,  7762. 
DEAR  BANYAR 

By  yours  of  ye  2 181  Ult°.  which  I  two  days  ago  received,  You 
seem  to  think  the  Council  will  not  look  on  the  Lands  given  me 
by  yc  Inds.  as  already  purchased,  if  so,  there  is  an  end  of  the 
agreement  between  us,  relative  to  yc  30000  acres.  I  am  of 
opinion  with  you,  that  the  late  Instruction  does  not  effect  Lands 
purchased  of  ye  Ind5.  agreable  to  the  Regulation,  or  Lycenses 
granted  to  purchase  Lands,  provided  the  Indians  were  willing, 
and  that  such  were  Issued  before  his  Majesty's  pleasure  therein 
was  known  to  his  Governors.  Doubtless  we  shall  soon  hear  his 
&  the  Councils  opn.  thereon. 

It  would  have  afforded  me  much  pleasure  to  have  served  Mr. 
Cunningam  2  &ca.  thro  regard  as  well  as  knowing  they  had  been 
at  some  unnecessary  expence  in  sending  up  surveyors  stores  &ca. 
previous  to  any  application  to  the  Indians,  which  you  know  is 
unprecedented  but  I  do  assure  you  the  Indians  would  not  hear  to 
it,  unless  I  was  to  use  improper  measures,  wh.  I  dare  say  my 
friends  will  rather  commend  than  condemn  me  for  not  takeing. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2Waddell  Cunningham.     See  his  letter  of  March  1st. 


666  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

It  is  verry  evident  to  me  that  we  both  mean  the  Same  peice  of 
Land,  viz1,  that  angle  on  the  East  Side  of  the  Creek  called 
Kaiaharon  or  Canada  Creek  nearly  opposite  to  the  Indian  Village 
of  Conajohare,  and  between  the  Pall8,  of  the  River,  or  Klock's 
purchase  in  1  754,1  and  them  of  Joost  Snell,2  Vandreisen  &ca.  but 
by  all  acctls.  not  included  in  any  Patient,  yet  I  am  of  opinion,  it 
has  been  purchased  by  some  of  the  before  mentioned  Pattentees, 
and  that  the  Inds.  look  upon  themselves  the  Proprietors  thereof 
as  it  is  not  included  in  any  Patient,  as  well  as  by  Ury  Klock's 
offering  them  money  for  it  lasl  year.  Their  quil  claim  can  never- 
iheless  be  easily  oblained  for  aboul  forly  pounds.  A  Receipl 
from  the  Sachims  for  so  much  money  paid  them  for  their  Quit 
claim  to  y*.  p8.  of  Land  will  be,  I  presume,  sufficient 

I  shall  be  glad  to  have  Coppies  of  ye  Indian  Deeds,  as  well  as 
a  sketch  of  yc  Land  from  Mr.  Golden,  y*.  I  may  see  how  it  lies 
belween  the  other  Patients.  Pray  let  it  be  laken  up,  and  pal- 
lenled  by  us  if  possible  and  as  soon  as  you  can  ihe  Inds.  claim 
to  il  can  be  Sellled  wilhoul  any  Doubt 

I  hope  ihe  Govr.  will  have  no  objection  lo  ihe  Persons  recom- 
mended by  me  for  Justices,  ihey  are  men  of  ihe  besl  abilities  in 
ihese  parls,  pray  lei  me  know  whelher  ihe  Commission  for  ihe 
Peace  be  made  oul  already.  If  nol  I  would  be  glad  lo  recom- 
mend Mr.  Duncan  lale  of  ye  44th  Regimenl  now  of  Schenectady 
as  a  Gentleman  verry  well  qualifyed  lo  be  one  of  ihe  Quorum 
and  Mr.  John  McComb  Merch*.  in  Albany,  wh.  if  nol  loo  late, 
I  beg  you  will  mention  il  lo  ihe  Lieut  Governour  (and  lell  him 
I  shall  take  it  as  a  particular  favour,  if  he  will  appoinl  ihese  Iwo 
gentlemen  with  ihe  resl  I  mentioned  lo  him  formerly)  as  I  have 
not  lime  now  lo  wrile  him. 

I  am  obliged  lo  you  for  your  promise  of  acquainting  me  wilh 
whatever  steps  shall  be  taken  in  Klocks  affair.  Had  Klock  & 
Fonda  at  firsl  endeavoured  (in  an  amicable  manner)  to  accom- 


1  Calendar  of  Land  Papers,  p.  286. 

2  Calendar  of  Land  Papers,  p.  264. 


Seven  Fears'  War  667 


modate  yc  affair  with  the  Indians,  without  going  the  lengths  they 
have  now  gone,  I  dont  know  but  they  might  have  succeeded,  but 
I  can  hardly  believe  they  will  now  be  satisfied  with  any  thing  else 
than  the  whole,  as  they  have  so  long  tasted  the  Sweets  thereof, 
Viz1,  the  grain  paid  them  as  rent,  which  is  a  great  support  to 
them.  Besides  as  they  all  know  that  the  affair  is  now  under  con- 
sideration, the  result  of  wh.  they  impatiently  expect  to  hear,  I 
think  it  would  be  improper  to  mention,  or  propose  any  other 
method  of  adjusting  it  to  them  until  they  are  acquainted  with 
what  is  done  by  the  Governour  &  Council. 

General  Monktons  return  would  give  me  great  pleasure,  as 
would  also  your  Company  here  sometime.  .  •  . 

INDORSED:      April  2,   1762. 

Letter  to  Mr.  Banyar. 

TO  JOHN  DIES 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See 
Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1 30)  by  a  letter  of  April  2d  from  Johnson  to 
John  Dies,  jesting  about  the  advantages  of  inspection  of  Johnson's  hus- 
bandry, and  describing  opposition  of  Oneidaes,  Tuscaroras  and  Ondagaes 
to  grants  of  land.  Destroyed  by  fire. 

FROM  WILLIAM  CORRY 
A.  L.  S.1 

Albany  April  3*.  1762 
DEAR  SIR 

I  am  favoured  with  yours,  have  wrote  a  State  of  the  case  as 
far  as  came  to  my  knowledge  to  Mr.  Smith  Jnr.2  and  also  I  let 
him  know  as  soon  as  I  rec'd  the  Information,  I  expected,  would 
further  inform  him. 

I  can't  procure  a  Copy  of  old  Philip  Livingstons  letter  untill 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  William  Smith,  of  New  York  city,  lawyer  and  author  of  the  "  His- 
tory of  the  Province  of  New  York.*' 


668  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

the  June  Supream  Court  is  over,  as  Billy  Livingston  is  imployed 
in  an  action  of  consequence  that  the  person  and  I  are  concerned 
in,  and  if  he  knew,  or  heard  of  it,  it  might  be  attended  with  loss, 
but  it  will  be  ready  when  occasion  requires. 

I  spoke  to  Capt  Down  to  propose  the  takeing  out  a  new  Comis- 
sion  of  Justices  before  he  went  to  New  York.  I  have  not  spoke 
to  him  on  that  head,  since  I  had  not  oppertunity  since  his  return 
as  he  has  been  much  abroad  —  and  Ten  Eyke  is  in  New  York, 
I  purposed  this  day  to  have  spoke  to  him,  but  have  been  prevented 
by  business.  To  speak  freely,  I  can't  say  that  it  can  be  brought 
to  any  satisfaction  through  his  application.  Shall  further  inform 
you  in  my  next. 

The  News  came  yesterday  of  the  intire  Reduction  of  Marti- 
nico.  There  is  a  paper  for  you  in  Col.  Vanderheydens.  They 
are  prisoners  of  war,  that  is  the  full  Capitulation,  and  a  very  just 
one. 

The  current  news  here  that  Monckton  and  the  Army  are  soon 
expected.  Then  we  can  do  the  Europians  Justice.  It  is  also  said 
Luisania  next  is  to  be  the  seat  of  war,  but  I  suppose  the  General 
who  must  be  much  fatigued,  and  the  greatest  part  of  these  troops, 
will  remain  on  this  part  of  the  Continent. 

Your  advertisements  are  duly  notified.  I  wish  they  may  have 
the  desired  effect.  Money  very  scarce  amongst  the  Treading 
people  and  every  kind  of  provisions  for  man  and  beast  not  to  be 
had,  except  Beef,  we  are  pretty  well  supplied  with  that.  I 
heard  you  was  very  plenty  of  fother,  which  must  be  of  singular 
service  to  you  now.  I  had  two  year  old  hay  which  I  hope  will 
cleverly  carry  me  through,  but  the  country  all  over  are  in  a 
wretched  condition. 

Wishing  you  most  sincerely  all  happyness,  believe  me  to  be 
Dear  Sir  your  most  effect,  humble  serv*. 

WILLIAM  CORRY 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Bar1. 


Seven  Fears'  War  669 


FROM  WILLIAM  CORRY 
A.L.1 

[Albany,  April  3,  77621 

By  a  Gentle",  of  the  44th  Just  arrived  going  express  to  Mon- 
treal we  hear  a  Spanish  war  actually  proclaimed,2  and  nine  sail 
of  Men  of  War  are  sailed  to  the  south  seas  to  plunder  the 
Spaniards  —  Sir  Percy  Bret,  Commodore.  Also  that  Gen1. 
Amherst  is  to  command  the  army  to  Louisainia. 

The  Army  at  Martinico  attacked  the  redoubts,  carryed  them 
all  in  six  hours,  killed  1 000  of  the  Enemy  and  so  intimidated  the 
French  that  they  gave  up  their  country,  without  one  battery 
raised,  or  stone  knocked  out  of  their  walls.  They  paid  them  a 
compliment  that  no  Troops  in  the  world  were  able  to  attempt, 
and  succeed,  in  so  great  an  attack,  but  English  men. 

Col.  Massy,3  Major  Read,4  Major  Corry5  slightly  wounded. 
Two  or  three  officers  dead  of  fevers.  Several  more  wounded, 
L*.  Murray  of  the  Highlanders  shot  through  the  Lungs.  All  the 
regulars  to  be  left  at  Martinico  as  our  Last  letters  say. 

A  Conspiracy  was  discovered  to  assassinate  the  King  of 
Prussia  in  his  tent,  seven  of  his  principal  officers  concerned. 
They  were  taken  out  instantly  and  burnt. 

A  List  of  the  Killed  and  wounded.  I  have  seen  Mr.  Doun, 
they  have  not  appointed  one  man  (in  the  commission)  of  the 
strangers  as  I  expected  they  would  have  done. 

Not  anything  to  be  expected  from  them,  I  shall  wait  until 
Gen1.  Monckton  comes  and  shall  then  further  inform  you. 
INDORSED:  Mr.  Corry's  Letter 
April  3 J,  1762. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Great  Britain  declared  war  against  Spain  January  4,  1762,  and  it 
was  publicly  announced  in  New  York  April  3d. —  Collections  of  the 
York  Historical  Society  for  1876,  Golden  Papers,  p.   186. 

3  Lieutenant  Colonel  Eyre  Massey,  of  the  27th  regiment. 

4  Major  John  Reid,  of  the  42d  regiment. 

5  Major  Ralph  Corry,  of  the  28th  regiment. 


670  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

L.  S.1 
SlR  New  York,  4*  April  1762. 

I  am  to  own  the  Favor  of  your  Letter  of  the  20th  March 
Inclosing  a  packett  from  Major  Gladwin,  whereby  I  see  he  has 
fully  Informed  you  of  the  Whole  of  the  Indian  Plot,  &  of  which 
I  had  likewise  given  you  Notice:  I  make  no  doubt  but  at  the 
General  Meeting,  you  will  be  able  to  discover  the  Ring  leaders 
of  this  Treacherous  Design  and  put  an  Effectual  Stop  to  its 
Execution,  which  might  in  the  meantime  Interrupt  the  Publick 
Tranquility,  but  in  the  end  would  bring  certain  Destruction  on 
those  who  Contrived  it. 

By  a  Letter  I  received  last  Night  from  Colonel  Bouquet,2  he 
Acquaints  me,  "  that  he  had  been  Informed  by  an  Indian,  that 
a  Party  of  Shawanese  had  lately  taken  four  Scalps,  on  the 
Frontiers  of  Virginia,  or  North  Carolina,  which  had  been  con- 
firmed by  three  Traders,  coming  from  the  lower  Shawenese 
Town,  who  said,  that  the  rest  of  that  Nation  are  very  peaceable, 
and  have  Expressed  great  Discontent,  &  Uneasiness  at  those 
Scalps." 

Altho'  I  am  most  sensibly  Concerned  to  find  such  Cruelties 
Continued,  yet  I  have  Directed  Colonel  Bouquet,  not  to  take  any 
Steps  against  the  Indians,  as  I  should  communicate  this  Intelli- 
gence to  you,  for  your  Advice;  and  I  must  Desire  you  will  be 
pleased  to  give  me  your  opinion  accordingly;  and  that  you  will 
send  such  Directions  to  Mr.  Croghan  as  may  have  proper  effect 
on  those  Indians,  &  prevent  their  Committing  such  Barbarities 
for  the  future. 

I  am,  with  great  Truth  &  Regard,  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  Humble  Servant, 

SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bar*.  JEFF:  AMHERST 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Colonel  Henry  Bouquet,  of  the  60th  regiment. 


Seven  Years'  War  671 

FROM    CADWALLADER    GOLDEN 

In  Collections  of  the  Ner»  York  Historical  Society  for  1 876,  Golden 
Papers,  p.  185-86,  is  a  letter  of  April  5th  from  Cadwallader  Golden  to 
Johnson,  dealing  with  George  Clock. 

FROM  DAVID  ZISBERGER  TO  MR  PETERS  ETC. 

Among  papers  which  were  to  be  found  in  the  Library  Collection  (Sec 
Johnson  Calendar,  p.  130)  were  two  of  April  5th  which  were  destroyed: 
a  letter  from  David  Zisberger,  at  Philadelphia,  to  Mr  Peters,  explaining 
the  necessity  of  engaging  an  Indian  guide  and  acknowledging  the  receipt 
of  £10  (printed  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.t  4:310;  Q,  4:200)  ;  and  John  Fitz 
Gerald's  certificate  that  Major  Walters  has  left  the  decision  of  an  affair 
between  Jean  Baptist  De  Couagne,  Indian  interpreter,  and  Levy  Solomon, 
sutler,  to  Fitz  Gerald  and  Collin  Andrews  and  certifying  other  matter 
pertaining  to  the  dispute — at  Niagara. 

FROM  CADWALLADER  GOLDEN 
Printed  Doc.1 

New-York,  6*  April  1762. 
SIR 

It  being  absolutely  necessary,  in  Order  to  expedite  the  Raising 
of  Volunteers  for  the  Service  of  the  present  Year,  that  the  Militia 
in  the  several  Counties  should  be  drawn  out,  to  give  the  officers, 
who  are  authorized  to  enlist  men,  an  opportunity,  on  such  occa- 
sions, to  engage  what  men  they  can :  You  are  forthwith  to  issue 
your  Orders  to  the  several  Captains  in  the  Regiment  under  your 
command,  to  appear  with  their  respective  Companies  at  such 
Time  and  Place  as  you  shall  appoint,  either  in  single  Companies, 
or  otherwise,  as  you  shall  think  best  for  the  service,  and  most 
convenient  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the  several  Towns,  Precincts, 
or  Districts;  giving  proper  notice  of  the  Time  and  Place,  and 
of  the  Company  or  Companies  so  appointed  to  appear,  to  the 
several  officers  who  have  my  Warrants  to  raise  Men  in  your 
County;  to  the  Intent  that  they  may  attend  on  every  such  occa- 
sion :  And  that  you  repeat  these  orders,  as  you  shall  find  proper. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


672  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

I  also  recommend  to  you  to  be  vigilant  yourself;  and  that  you 
do  your  utmost  to  excite  all  officers  of  your  Regiment,  to  be 
active  and  diligent  in  forwarding  the  Levies  by  all  Means  in  your 
Power,  and  aiding  and  assisting  in  this  and  all  other  Respects  to 
the  Officers  nominated  to  command  in  the  Provincial  Forces; 
that  His  Majesty  may  not  be  disappointed  in  his  just  Expecta- 
tions from  this  Colony,  which  hath  hitherto  so  greatly  distin- 
guished itself  by  their  Loyalty  to  their  King,  and  their  Zeal  for 
his  Service. 

I  am  Sir  Your  most  Humble  Servant 

CADWALLADER  GOLDEN 

To  SlR  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar*:  Colonel,  or  to  the  Commanding 
officer  of  the  Regiment  of  Militia  for  the  County  of  Albany. 

FROM   WILLIAM   DARLINGTON 

The  preceding  order  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See 
Johnson  Calendar,  p.  131)  by  a  letter  of  April  6th  from  William 
Darlington,  at  New  York,  to  Johnson,  specifying  merchandise  sent  and 
speaking  of  blue  glazed  tiles,  a  silver  crane,  pork,  fruit  trees,  brandy, 
flower  seeds  etc.;  and  an  invoice  of  the  7th.  Destroyed  by  fire. 

PROCEEDINGS  AGAINST   GEORGE   KLOCK 
Cop.V1 

At  a  Council  held  at  Fort  George  in  the  City 
of  New  York  on  Wednesday  the  Seventh  day  of 
April  1762. 
Present 

The  Honble.  Cadwallader  Golden  Esqr.  Lieutenant  Governor 
and  Commander  in  Chief  &c. 

Mr.  Horsmanden  Colonel  Martin 

Mr.  Chambers  Mr.  De  Lancey 

Mr.  Smith  Mr.  Chief  Justice  Pratt. 

M'.  Walton 


1  Destroyed  by  fire.     From  Council  Minutes,  25:440-41, 


Seven  Y  ears'  War  673 

George  Klock,  who  by  Sundry  Affidavits  and  other  Papers 
Read  at  this  Board  on  the  1  7th  of  February  last,  is  Accused  of 
Inticeing  and  inviegling  the  Connajoharie  Indians,  and  giving 
them  Liquor  whereby  they  became  intoxicated,  and  of  prevailing 
on  many  of  them  when  so  intoxicated,  to  sign  Deeds  to  him  for 
Lands  at  Connajoharie;  attending  without  according  to  order, 
was  called  in,  and  produced  two  Deeds  signed  by  several  of  the 
said  Indians,  as  also  Sundry  affidavits,  and  the  said  George  Klock 
being  fully  heard  as  to  the  matters  Charged  against  him,  and 
being  withdrawn;  the  Council  on  Consideration  of  the  whole 
matter,  were  of  opinion,  and  it  is  accordingly  ordered  by  his 
Honour  the  Lieutenant  Governor,  with  the  advice  of  the  Council, 
that  the  said  George  Klock  do  stand  committed  until  he  shall 
enter  into  Recognizance  before  one  of  the  Judges  of  the  Supreme 
Court,  unto  our  Sovereign  Lord  the  King  in  the  Sum  of  three 
Thousand  Pounds  Current  money  of  the  Province  of  New  York, 
Conditioned  that  the  said  George  Klock  shall  be  of  Good 
behaviour  towards  all  his  Majesty's  Subjects  within  the  Said 
Province,  more  especially  to  all  and  every  the  Indians  of  the 
Connajoharie  Castles;  and  that  he  shall  appear  at  the  Supreme 
Court  of  Judicature  to  be  held  for  the  said  Province  in  the  next 
Succeeding  Term,  to  answer  to  such  Matters  as  shall  then  and 
there  be  objected  against  him  on  his  Majesty's  Behalf,  and  not 
depart  the  Court  without  Leave. 

It  is  also  Ordered  that  his  Majesty's  Attorney  General  of  this 
Province,  do  prosecute  the  said  George  Klock  by  Information, 
for  the  matters  aforesaid  with  which  he  stands  Charged  by  the 
Several  Affidavits  and  other  Papers  now  before  this  Board,  the 
Originals  or  Copies  whereof  are  to  be  laid  before  the  Attorney 
General  for  this  Purpose. 

And  Whereas  Complaint  hath  been  made  by  the  Conna- 
joharie Indians  that  they  have  been  defrauded  of  Certain  Lands 
Claimed  by  the  Heirs  or  Assignes  of  Abraham  Van  Home, 
David  Provoost,  Philip  Livingston  and  Mary  Burnet  deceased, 
scituated  lying  and  being  in  the  County  of  Albany,  on  the  west 
Vol.  Ill  — 22 


674  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

side  of  the  Mohawks  River,  Beginning  at  a  Certain  Marked 
Tree  on  the  Bank  of  the  said  River,  a  little  above  the  upper  End 
of  a  certain  Island  granted  to  Rutgert  Blecker  and  others,  and 
running  thence  along  their  Line  South  Eighty  degrees  West  One 
hundred  and  thirty  Five  Chains,  to  the  North  East  corner  of 
Land  granted  to  Peter  Wagoner  and  others,  then  along  the  Land 
surveyed  for  Hartman  Windecker  and  others,  North  nine 
degrees  East  One  Hundred  and  nine  Chains,  and  North  Fifty 
three  Degrees  West  One  hundred  and  Eighty  three  chains,  and 
South  thirty  Five  Degrees  Westerly  One  hundred  and  fifty  nine 
Chains,  then  North  fifty  eight  degrees  West  three  hundred  and 
ninety  Chains,  then  in  a  straight  line  to  the  Mouth  of  a  certain 
Rivulet  Running  into  the  Mohawks  River,  which  Rivulet  is 
called  by  the  Indians  Inkannanodo,  being  nearly  upon  a  Course 
North  Eighty  Degrees  East,  and  then  from  the  Mouths  of  the 
said  Rivulet  down  to  the  Stream  of  the  Mohawk  River,  to  the 
Place  where  it  first  began,  Containing  Eight  Thousand  acres  of 
Land  with  the  usual  allowance  for  Highways.  It  is  ordered  by 
his  Honour  the  Lieutenant  Governor  with  the  advice  of  the 
Council,  that  his  Majestys  Attorney  General  do  take  such 
Methods  as  he  shall  think  Proper  to  remove  the  Encroachments 
on  the  said  Lands  Claimed  by  the  Connajoharie  Indians  afore- 
said, and  to  restore  the  said  Indians  to  the  rightfull  possession 
thereof. 

A  true  Copy  Examd,  By 

Gw.  BANYAR  D  Cl  Con 


COUNCIL    PROCEEDINGS 

The  preceding  document  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See 
Johnson  Calendar,  p.  131 )  by  two,  dated  April  7th,  which  were  destroyed: 
a  list  of  papers  read  in  council  in  behalf  of  George  Klock —  the  certificate 
of  Wilhelmes  Dillenback,  justice  of  the  peace,  and  six  affidavits,  with 
notes  on  several  persons  concerned  in  this  defense;  and  a  duplicate  of  the 
above  proceedings  before  the  council. 


Seven  Fears'  War  675 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
/>/.' 

Fort  Johnson  April  tOth  1762 
SIR 

Two  days  ago  I  was  favoured  with  your  Excellencys  of  the 
28th  ult°.  containing  the  very  agreable  and  important  news  of  the 
reduction  of  the  Island  of  Martinico.  A  Conquest  so  glorious, 
&  Considerable  cannot  fail  of  affording  the  highest  satisfaction 
to  all  his  Majestys  Loyal  Subjects,  and  for  which  pleasing  intel- 
ligence I  return  your  Excellency  my  most  hearty  thanks. 

This  day  an  express  arrived  from  the  6  Nations  &c*.  to  inform 
me  that  they,  to  a  Considerable  Number,  with  some  prisoners  are 
now  on  the  way,  and  will  be  here  within  about  3,  or  4  days.  As 
they  will  be  much  more  numerous  than  I  either  desired,  or 
expected,  I  have  been  under  the  necessity  (from  the  Consumption 
of  provisions  during  the  last  meeting,  &  other  necessary  demands) 
of  applying  to  Coll.  Bradstreet  for  20  Barrels  of  Pork,  &  a  pro- 
portion of  flour,  which  I  thought  it  necessary  to  acquaint  your 
Excellency  of,  as  it  will  be  impossible  for  me  to  subsist  them 
during  the  intendd.  Meeting  without  that  Quantity. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  &c. 

SIR  JEFF:  AMHERST. 

FROM  EDWARD  JOHNSON  AND  A  TUSCARORA 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  by  two  to  Johnson  in  the  Library 
Collection  (See  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  131)  destroyed  by  fire:  a  let- 
ter of  April  1 0th  from  Edward  Johnson,  at  Tuscarora  Castle,  on  trials  of 
leaching  Tuscaroras  and  Oneidas  (printed  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.t  4:310— 
1  1  ;  Q,  4 :200)  ;  and  of  the  1  Oth  from  Isaac,  the  Tuscarora,  at  the  Castle, 
by  the  hand  of  Edward  Johnson,  suggesting  that  Christian  Indians  should 
be  separated  from  the  others,  and  conveying  a  request  from  Sarah,  Isaac's 
wife,  for  chocolate  (printed  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  4:312;  Q.  4:201). 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


676  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  ELIZABETH  WRAXALL 
A.  L.  S.1 

[Wen;  York.  April  70*   7762] 
GOOD  SIR 

My  sensibility  of  your  friendly  and  Benevolent  disposition 
leaves  me  no  room  to  apologize  for  the  liberty  I  take  in  com- 
municating to  you  my  Sollicitude  in  an  affair  relative  to  Mr. 
Smith,2  and  in  which  you  are  the  acting  and  principal  person  con- 
cerned. Sometime  this  winter  he  wrote  my  Brother  Stilwell,  and 
his  wife,  that  Sir  William  had  made  him  rich  by  a  free  and  gener- 
ous present  of  some  valuable  land  at  Fort  Schuyler,  and  intended 
shortly  to  make  it  sure  by  deed  of  gift  to  him  and  his  heirs  — 
but  as  I  am  very  sensible  that  Mr.  Smith's  precipitate  Temper 
has  often  lead  him  to  imagine  and  represent  matters  in  a  different 
light  from  what  they  really  are,  I  am  apprehensive  he  misunder- 
stood you,  and  that  your  intentions  were  he  should  possess  and 
settle  the  land  on  the  same  terms  with  your  other  Tenents,  by  a 
certain  Tribute  annually  and  forever,  this  I  heard  was  your  plan 
formerly.  Should  it  be  otherwise  it  is  indeed  a  Compassionate 
generous  act,  very  opportunely,  and  what  he  has  no  title  to  expect 
on  any  score  from  you  -  "  But  the  liberal  deviseth  liberal  things, 
and  by  liberal  things  he  shall  stand."  I  believe  Sir  Wm.  is  not 
altogether  a  stranger  to  Mr.  Smiths  Conduct  and  Circumstances. 
It  is  too  obvious  that  by  a  series  of  imprudences  he  has  brought 
distress  on  his  family  and  so  far  involved  himself  in  debt  that 
there  is  no  reason  to  Imagine  he  will  ever  be  extricated,  and 
should  your  generous  dispositions  Towards  him  be  Confirmed, 
probably  his  Creditors,  not  a  few,  may  determine  to  seize  the 
land,  make  sale  of  it  and  divide  the  proceeds  among  themselves, 
an  Instance  similar  happened  to  him  not  long  since  in  a  grant  of 
land  from  the  governor  of  Halifax. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Richard  Smith. 


Seven  Years    War  677 

In  these  perplexed  Circumstances  and  my  anxiety  for  the  well- 
fare  of  his  family  excuse  me  sir  if  I  recommend  ft  to  your 
maturer  Judgment  to  carve  for  him  —  and  permit  me  to  ask 
whether  it  would  be  equally  as  agreeable  to  you  to  fix  the  con- 
veyance on  his  youngest  son  Samuel,  a  little  boy  between  five  and 
six  years  old,  with  the  lives  of  Mr.  Smith  and  his  wife  Included. 
This  method  will  Effectually  secure  your  bounty  to  Mr.  Smith, 
and  make  his  family  happy  (as  his  two  elder  sons  will  soon  be  in 
a  capacity  of  providing  for  themselves)  and  unavoidably  entail 
on  them  a  Tithe  of  perpetual  gratitude  in  their  noble  and  bene- 
ficent donor. 

One  hint  more  my  friendship  compels  me  to  give  —  that  is 
should  Mr.  Smith  propose  to  take  up  money  on  interest  of  you  — 
I  can  say  from  many  years  experience,  that  when  once  his  ends 
are  answered  Thereby  he  will  never  farther  concern  himself 
about  paying  you  interest  or  principal.  It  would  not  become  me 
to  speak  thus  much  of  Mr.  Smith's  private  character  but  I  am 
persuaded  tis  safe  with  Sir  Wm»  and  Therefore  I  hope  he  will 
cast  this  in  oblivion. 

I  have  received  from  England  the  manuscript  wrote  by  my 
Beloved  friend,1  and  yours,  which  if  you  incline  to  have  a  copy 
of,  I  will  forward  it  by  some  safe  hand,  and  the  last  sheets  that 
fell  from  his  Ingenious  pen  Intitled  —  Some  General  Thoughts 
upon  the  Security,  the  Cultivation,  and  the  Commerce  of  the 
Northern  Colonies  of  America  2  unfinished,  wrote  in  answer  to 
some  queries  proposed  to  him  by  Dean  Tucker,3  if  the  perusal 
would  afford  you  any  Satisfaction  are  all  at  your  service. 


1 "  Some  Thoughts  upon  the  British  Indian  Interest  in  North  America, 
more  particularly  as  it  relates  to  the  Northern  Confederacy  commonly 
called  the  Six  Nations,"  by  Peter  Wraxall,  printed  in  Doc.  Rel  to  Col. 
Hist.  N.  7.,  7:15-29,  probably. 

2  This  manuscript  is  not  known  to  be  in  existence. 

3Josiah  Tucker,  Dean  of  Gloucester,  a  writer  on  politics  and  political 
economy. 


678  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

I  am  very  respectfully  Sir  WmX  Friend  and  most  obedient 
Humble  Servant 

ELIZABETH  WRAXALL.X 

INDORSED:    New  York  April  10*  1762. 
Letter  from  Mr«.  Wraxall. 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
L.  S.2 

New  York,  t'ih  April  (762. 
SIR 

I  am  to  own  the  Favour  of  your  Letter  of  the  1 st  Instant,  which 
I  received  last  Night;  and,  from  what  you  tell  me,  as  well  as 
from  the  Report  of  Captain  Claus,  I  am  Confirmed  in  my  Opin- 
ion, that  the  Indians  in  Canada,  never  had  any  Serious  Designs, 
since  the  Reduction  of  that  Country,  of  Revolting  against  the 
English,  and  that  the  Whole'  must  have  Sprung  from  some 
Indians  Intoxicated  with  Liquor;  But  as  Major  Gladwin 
Imagined  his  Intelligence  well  founded,  he  certainly  did  right  to 
report  the  same,  and  his  giving  Credit  to  it,  will,  of  course,  make 
him  the  more  Diligent  in  Searching  to  the  Bottom,  to  find  out 
whether  there  was  any  ground  for  the  plot,  or  not. 

I  am  sorry  the  Indians  in  that  Country  should  be  so  Weak  as 
to  Entertain  the  least  Fear  of  the  English  Destroying  them; 
but  I  am  hopewell,  from  the  Orders,  that  have  been  lately  trans- 
mitted to  me  by  His  Majesty's  Secretary  of  State,  regarding  the 
Treatment  of  the  Indians,  &  which  I  have  sent  to  the  several 
Governors  in  Canada,  together  with  your  Assurances  (as  I  am 
well  Convinced  they  have  the  greatest  Confidence  in  you)  will 
intirely  quiet  their  Minds  in  that  Respect;  and  that  by  their 


1  Miss  Elizabeth  Stilwell  before  marriage  to  Peter  Wraxall. 

2  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  679 

Behaviour,  they  will  Deserve  the  protection  His  Majesty  has 
been  graciously  pleased  to  offer  them. 

I  Agree  with  you  in  thinking  that  it  would  be  hard  to  prevent 
the  Traders  on  this  side  from  Carrying  Rum,  while  it  is  per- 
mitted to  be  taken  from  Montreal :  I  Do  not  Imagine  from  what 
I  have  Wrote  General  Gage,  that  Rum  is  Allowed  to  be  Carried 
by  the  Traders;  but  I  shall  by  the  first  opportunity,  Write  par- 
ticularly to  him  on  this  Subject,  that,  if  any  has  been  permitted, 
a  Total  Stop  may  be  put  thereto,  for  the  future. 

I  am,  with  great  Regard,  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  Humble  Servant, 

JEFF:  AMHERST. 

P.  S.  The  New  York  Independent  Companys  are  ordered  to 
this  Place.  I  must  therefore  desire  you  will  direct  Lieut:  John- 
son to  joyn  the  Company  at  Albany  &  proceed  with  them  here. 

J.  A. 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bar*: 

FROM  JOHN   BRADSTREET 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See 
Johnson  Calendar,  p.  132)  by  one  of  April  1 2th  to  Johnson  from  Colonel 
John  Bradstreet,  at  Albany,  about  provisions  to  be  sent  to  Canajoharie. 
Destroyed  by  fire. 

FROM  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 
A.  L.  S.1 

New  York  12  April  1762 
DEAR  SIR  WILLIAM 

I  look  on  it  that  the  Agreement  is  set  aside  unless  an  applica- 
tion is  made  to  the  Board  of  Trade  for  leave  to  purchase  and 
Liberty  is  given.  But  I  am  apt  to  think  the  instruction  was  meant 
to  reserve  the  Lands  to  be  granted  to  the  Army.  I  can  in  no 
other  light  see  the  least  Propriety  in  it.  And  if  I  mistake  not,  it 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


680  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

will  not  be  long  before  the  Indians,  repenting  of  the  measure, 
will  endeavour,  perhaps  to  no  purpose,  to  get  it  annulled.  The 
Council  have  yet  given  no  opinion  to  what  lands  the  Instruction 
extends.  Lands  purchased  of  them  before  the  Instruction  came 
to  hand  are  not  I  think  meant,  nor  even  in  virtue  of  a  Lycense 
dated  before  that  period,  but  the  land  purchased  after  the  Instruc- 
tion arrived.  As  to  the  latter  case,  there  were  only  Rogers's  and 
Jones  within  that  Predicament,  and  the  Indians  will  not  sell  in 
either.  Another  case  I  think  not  within  the  intention  of  the 
Instruction  is,  the  Lands  on  the  east  side  of  Hudson's  River,  as 
it  appears  clearly  the  six  nations  lay  no  claim  there,  and  yet  by 
the  words  "  adjacent  &c.  or  the  property  or  the  possession  of 
which  has  at  any  time  been  reserved  to  or  claimed  by  them  "  one 
might  think  the  whole  Province  is  meant,  at  least  every  part  not 
actually  granted.  Most  of  the  facts  inserted  in  the  instruction  I 
cannot  account  for.  I  have  no  knowledge  of  any  lands  reserved 
to  the  Indians  that  have  been  granted,  except  it  is  meant  Liv- 
ingston's which  includes  one  of  the  Castles ;  and  all  the  purchases 
since  1 736,  wherein  the  Regulations  appear  by  Certificates  to 
have  been  observed,  must  have  been  fair.  Nor  do  I  know  any- 
thing of  Governors  &c.  granting  Lands  pretended  to  have  been 
purchased  that  have  not  actually  been  so,  and  it  must  if  at  all  be 
before  1  736.  It  occasions  various  Surmises.  As  soon  as  I  can 
tell  the  opinion  of  the  Council,  it  will  be  known  perhaps  whether 
they  will  grant  the  small  Tract  or  not.  The  Commission  of  the 
Peace  is  defer'd  I  acquainted  you  in  my  last.  Mr.  Duncan's 
Christian  name  will  be  necessary.  I  have  already  mentioned 
that  matter  to  the  L.  G.  who  will  have  no  objection. 

Inclosed  you  have  the  determination  of  the  Council  on  Klock's 
affair.1  He  has  entered  into  Recogn'z  and  I  suppose  will  not 
return  till  after  Court.  The  deeds  and  affidavits  he  produced 
were  returned  you  have  the  substance  of  them.  The  two  Deeds 


1  Proceedings  against  George  Klock,  April  7,  1  762. 


Seven  Years'  War  681 

I  have  taken  copies  of  by  order  of  the  Council.    The  post  is  just 
going  off  so  am  obliged  to  conclude  and  am  Dr.  Sr.  William 
Your  affectionate  &  obed*.  humble  Servant 

Gw  BANYAR 
SIR  \VM.  JOHNSON  Baronet 


FROM  ROBERT  LEAKE 
A.  L.  S.1 

'  Nev>  York  I2ih  April  1762 
HONBLE  SIR 

Nothing  new  but  that  which  are  in  the  Publick  papers  Since 
I  had  the  honor  and  pleasure  of  sending  you  the  Surrender  of 
Martinique  &ca. 

Our  polititions  here  build  great  hopes  that  as  death  has  taken 
off  the  Empress  of  Russia  the  March  of  a  Turkish  Army  for 
Hungary,  the  just  fears  of  the  Danish  King  about  Holestein  all 
which  great  good  events  must  favor  the  Prussian  Hero ;  the  King 
of  Sardinia  continuing  our  firm  ally  with  most  of  the  small  States 
of  Barbary,  will  give  some  Check  to  the  Proud  &  ungrateful! 
Spaniard.  Yet  I  think  Admiral  Saunders's  late  Capture  of  half 
a  Million  Sterl.  about  fifty  times  repeated  and  to  destroy  their 
Capital  Ships  wou'd  soonest  bring  em  to  reason.  Lord  Albe- 
marles  Expedition  is  firmly  believd  to  be  to  the  West  Indies; 
they  supposed  at  home  Martinique  was  ours  therefore  he  is  to 
take  from  thence  what  Troops  can  be  Spared;  we  have  also  a 
Surmise  that  an  Expedn.  a  few  months  hence  will  go  from  hence. 
Excuse  the  Scrall  &  want  of  time.  I  am  Honble  Sir 

Yr  most  Hble  Serv* 

ROBT  LEAKE 
SIR  WM  JOHNSON  Bar*. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


682  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM   RICHARD  SHUCKBURGH 
A.  L.  S.1 

New  York  12  April  1762 
SIR 

I  inclose  herewith  an  Extract  out  of  Mr.  Chas.  Williams's 
letter,  fm.  Mra.  Cosby,  wh.  he  wrote  himself  &  desir'd  me  to  for- 
ward. I  am  just  in  the  same  scituation  as  when  I  left  Fort  John- 
son. Mr.  Marsh  I  hear  proposes  to  go  to  England  afterwards 
I  heard  he  was  going  to  Maryland  to  see  his  friends  there.  I 
wish  he  woud  admit  of  my  Purchasing  of  him,  instead  of  my  old 
office  in  the  Indep*.  which  I  was  informed  fm.  the  General  pos- 
sibly might  become  vacant.  The  Proclamation  (of  which  I 
understand  you  have  an  Authentick  Copy)  warning  all  people 
off  the  Lands  surreptitiously  obtained  fm.  the  Ind8.  has  alarmed 
many  people :  Capt :  R  —  d  2  says  the  Goverment  at  home  will 
soon  alter,  it  being  agst.  the  interest  of  the  Province.  I  believe  he 
imagines  it  was  made  in  consequence  of  the  Carrying  Place  being 
taken  possession  of  at  Niagra,  but  I  am  apt  to  think  it  is  not  only 
fm.  that  but  also  the  Remonstrance  of  the  Ind8.  of  ye  2  Castles 
of  the  Mohawks,  nevertheless  I  hear  Kiedarusseras  is  to  be 
divided  this  Summer.  I  must  refer  you  to  the  papers  for  News 
of  which  there  is  enough.  The  war  is  just  beginning  to  be  uni- 
versal. LA  Albermarle  3  with  two  other  Generals  older  than  Sr. 
Jeffy.  or  Monkton  are  comeing  out  to  the  West  Indies  with  troops 
&  more  men  of  war  to  destroy  the  Havanna  or  Sl.  Domingo. 
Cap*.  Quinton  Kenneday  has  sent  18  Negroes  from  Martinico 
to  Capt,  Rutherford  as  part  of  his  Plunder  with  Silver  heels  &c. 
It  is  said  Mr.  Monkton  is  coming  back  on  the  arrival  of  the  afore- 
said Genls.  &  Sr.  Jeffy.  is  to  go  to  Louisiana.  That  must  be  con- 
jectured as  he  informed  nobody.  I  am  just  going  over  the  River 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Captain  Walter  Rutherford,  who  had  a  permit  to  settle  near  Niagara. 

3  General  George  Keppel. 


Seven  Years    War  683 

to  Pavonia  wth.  Mr.  Kenneday  who  waits  for  me  so  must  take 
my  leave  &  am  with  sincere  regard  your  most  oblig*1  and  very 
humble  Serv*. 

RD.  SHUCKBURGH. 

FROM  JOHN  GLEN  JUN*R 

In  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1  32  is  a  letter  of  April  1  3th  from  John  Glen 
Jun'r,  at  Schenectady,  to  Johnson,  about  pay  of  Indians  employed  on  the 
"  last  trip,*'  and  pork,  flour  and  pease  which  he  is  sending  to  Canajoharie, 
Destroyed  by  fire. 

TO  LIEUTENANT  COLONELS  OF  MILITIA 

D/.1 

Fort  Johnson  April  14*  1762 
SIR 

In  pursuance  of  LA  Governor  Coldens  orders  to  me  for  that 
purpose  dated  the  6th  inst.  you  are  forthwith  to  cause  the  several 
Capts  of  your  Battalion  of  Militia  to  appear  with  their  respective 
Companies,  at  such  time  &  place  as  you  shall  appoint,  either  in 
single  Companies,  or  otherwise,  as  you  shall  think  best  for  the 
service,  giving  proper  notice  thereof,  and  of  the  Company,  or 
Companies  so  appointed  to  appear  to  the  several  officers  who 
have  the  L*.  Govrs.  Warr*.  to  raise  men  in  this  County,  to  the 
intent  that  they  may  attend,  &  have  an  opportunity  on  such 
occasions  to  engage  what  Men  they  can  for  the  Service  of  the 
present  year. 

You  will  likewise  exert  yourself,  &  do  your  utmost  to  excite 
all  officers  of  your  Battn.  to  be  active  &  diligent  in  forwarding 
the  Levies,  &  aiding  &  assisting  in  this  and  all  other  respects  to 
the  officers  nominated  to  come  in  the  provincial  troops. 

I  am  Sir, 

INDORSED:  Orders  to  the  Lt.  Colonels  of  the  Albany  Militia 
to  draw  out  their  men  pursuant  to  the  L*.  Governors  orders. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


684  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


TO  CADWALLADER  GOLDEN 

D/.1 

Fort  Johnson  Apl.  17*  1762 
DEAR  SIR 

I  am  favoured  with  yours  of  the  5th  inst.  and  as  I  make  no 
doubt  of  your,  &  of  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Concils  inclinations  to 
procure  Justice  to  the  Much  injured  Indians,  I  hope  before  this 
all  matters  are  made  easy  for  them. 

My  Commission  as  Sole  Agent  &  Superintendent  for  Indn. 
affairs  &c.  is  at  my  other  house,2  so  that  I  cannot  at  present  send 
you  a  Copy  of  the  powers  therein  which  are  very  Extensive,  but 
shall  do  it  in  a  few  days.  In  the  meantime  I  believe  you  may 
see  a  Copy  thereof  in  the  Generals  office.  I  have  lately  received 
one  from  his  present  Majesty  to  the  purport  of  the  former. 

I  heartily  wish  the  war  with  Spain  may  be  attended  with  good 
success,  &  produce  a  lasting  &  honourable  peace. 

The  sooner  I  am  favoured  with  the  3  Resolution 

with  regard  to  Clock  the  better,  as  he  may  come  into  these  parts,4 
&  report  as  usual  the  affair  in  such  a  light  as  to  be  productive  of 
bad  Consequences. 

As  I  look  upon't  that  the  Council  have  a  right  to  act  as 
Justices  of  the  peace  throughout  the  province,  I  am  at  a  loss  to 
understand  the  paragraph  in  yours  relative  to  my  qualifying  as 
a  Justice,  unless  it  is  meant  that  I  have  not  qualified  as  one  of 
the  Council  since  his  present  Majesty s  accession,  which  I  must 
beg  the  favour  of  you  to  explain. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire.     The  original   (addressed  in  Johnson's  hand)   of 
this  draft  is  in  the  New  York  Historical  Society,  and  reveals  many  varia- 
tions, mostly  in  capitalization.     Those  of  importance  will  be  indicated. 

2  Johnson  Hall  doubtless. 

8 An    omission   in    the   draft.      In   the   original    "Councils"    precedes 
"  Resolution." 

*  In  the  original  *'  into  these  parts  "  is  omitted. 


Seven  Years    War  685 

I  have  been  favoured  with  your  Orders  of  the  6th  inst.  relative 
to  the  Militia,  &  imediately  issued  mine  in  Consequence  thereof 
to  the  LA  Collo.  of  each  Battalion.  I  heretofore  issued  the  orders 
myself  to  the  Capt8  of  my  Reg*  but  as  I  have  not  for  these  2 
years  past  been  made  acquainted  with  the  officers  appointed  to 
the  provincials,1  I  was  at  a  loss  how  to  act 

I  am  &c*.2 

LT.  GovR.  GOLDEN 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
L.  S.» 

New  York,  /5'A  April  1762 
SIR 

I  am  to  Acknowledge  the  Favour  of  your  Letter  of  the  10* 
Instant,  which  I  received  this  morning;  and  I  find  by  one  I  had, 
at  the  same  time,  from  Colonel  Bradstreet,  that  he  had  Complied 
with  your  Demand  of  provisions  for  the  Indians,  which  I  approve 
of;  as  I  am  convinced,  you  would  not  have  required  but  what 
you  think  absolutely  necessary  for  the  Subsistence  of  the  Indians 
at  the  Meeting. 

By  a  Letter  I  lately  received  from  Colonel  Haldimand  he 
Recommends  your  son  to  purchase  an  Ensigncy  in  the  Royal 
Americans,  and  as  there  is  one  to  dispose  of  in  the  4th  Battalion, 
the  Colonel  Says  he  has  acquainted  you  thereof ;  I  shall  therefore 


1  The  original  has  "  appointment  of  Officers  for  the  Provincial  Service." 

2  The  original  has  "  I  am  with  great  Esteem 

Dear  Sir 

Your  Most  Obedient 
Humble  Servant 

Wm   Johnson" 
and  this  indorsement:     "Ap.    17*   1762 

Sr  Wm  Johnson's" 

3  Destroyed   by   fire. 


686  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

be  glad  to  hear  from  you  on  this  head,  as  the  Commission  shall 
be  made  out  &  Signed,  immediately  on  your  acquainting  me, 
that  it  will  be  agreable  to  you;  and  you  will,  at  the  same  time, 
be  pleased  to  Send  me  your  Son's  Christian  Name. 
I  am,  with  great  Regard,  Sir, 

Your  most  Obedient  Humble  Servant 

JEFF:  AMHERST 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bar*. 

FROM  HENRY  VAN  SCHAACK  AND  JOHN  LOTTRIDGE 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See 
Johnson  Calendar,  p.  132)  by  two  to  Johnson  which  were  destroyed: 
one  of  April  1 9th  from  H.  Van  Schaack  at  Albany,  relating  an  interview 
with  General  Amherst  regarding  permission  to  convey  liquor  to  frontier 
posts  and  sell  ammunition  to  Indians;  and  one  of  the  20th  from  John 
Lottridge,  at  Montreal,  mentioning  the  determination  of  General  Gage  to 
prevent  intercourse  between  priests  and  English  subjects,  and  discredited 
information  brought  from  Oneida. 


TO  JAMES  HAMILTON 
Z)/.1 

Fort  Johnson  April  27"  7762 
SIR 

Teedyuscung  by  his  Letter  to  me  of  the  19th  ult°2  has 
appointed  me  to  meet  him  within  2  months  from  that  date  at 
Philadelphia  But  as  I  am  to  have  a  meeting  within  a  few  Days 
with  the  Six  Nations  at  this  place,  and  likewise  a  good  deal  of 
business  of  Consequence  to  occupy  my  time  for  a  while  after 
It  will  be  impossible  for  me  to  meet  him  when  he  desires.  I  have 
therefore  enclosed  a  Letter  for  him  to  Mr.  Peters  representing  the 
necessity  I  am  under  of  postponing  the  meeting  till  about  the  1 5th 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Not  found. 


Seven  Years'  War  687 

of  June,  and  that  as  I  look  upon  Easton  to  be  better  Calculated 
both  for  the  Indians  &  myself  as  well  as  least  expensive,  I  shall 
attend  there  at  the  before  mentioned  time. 

I  therefore  beg  the  favour  (in  case  Teedyuscung  agrees 
thereto  w^  I  make  no  doubt  of)  That  you  will  give  orders  to  the 
Commissioners  on  behalf  of  the  proprietors  to  attend  at  that  time. 

I  am  certain  your  motive  for  meeting  with  the  6  Nations,  could 
only  proceed  from  humanity,  and  an  earnest  desire  for  procuring 
the  liberty  of  those  people  yet  prisoners  amongst  them,  whom  the 
Ind8.  have  informed  me  they  are  collecting  throughout  their 
Castles  for  that  purpose. 

I  am  &ca. 

The  Honble  GovR.  HAMILTON. 


TO  RICHARD  PETERS 

D/.1 

Fort  Johnson  Apl  2/"  7762 
SIR 

Yours  of  the  6th  of  March  2  inclosing  Teedyuscungs  answer 
to  me  I  was  favoured  with  yesterday  and  am  much  obliged  to 
you  for  the  care  you  took  in  sending  my  Letter  to  Wyoming. 

Teedyuscung  by  his  Letter  which  is  dated  the  1 9th  of  March 
has  appointed  the  meeting  to  be  at  Philadelphia  within  two 
Months  from  that  date,  but,  as  I  am  now  in  a  few  days  to  hold 
a  meeting  of  the  6.  nations  here,  I  am  thereby,  and  by  other 
affairs  so  circumstanced  that  it  will  be  impossible  for  me  to  attend 
at  the  time  he  desires.  I  should  be  very  unwilling  to  postpone  an 
affaur  I  am  so  desirous  to  finish  and  which  hath  hitherto  been 
greatly  delayed,  but  that  the  business  I  now  have  in  hand  must 
unavoidably  be  first  accomplished.  I  have  therefore  wrote  the 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 
•Not  found. 


688  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

herewith  inclosed  to  Teedyuscung  (which  I  beg  the  favour  of 
you  to  forward)  acquainting  him  with  the  necessity  I  am  under 
of  putting  it  off  until  about  the  1 5th  of  June,  and  that  as  I  look 
upon  Easton  to  be  better  calculated  for  the  place  of  Meeting 
both  for  the  Indians,  and  myself  as  well  as  least  expensive,  I  shall 
attend  there  at  the  above  mentioned  time  Making  no  doubt  that 
you,  and  the  rest  of  the  Gentlemen  who  are  to  attend  will  con- 
sider a  journey  from  Philadelphia  there,  as  trifling,  by  reason  of 
its  convenience  &  Vicinity  to  the  Indians  &ca. 

I  have  not  heard  from  Mr.  Croghan  relative  to  the  Belts  which 
he  delivered  to  Governour  Hamilton  from  the  bearer,  &  other 
Indian  Chiefs,  neither  can  I  see  any  Necessity  there  is  for  a  Meet- 
ing with  the  Western  Indians  at  present  Affairs  having  taken  a 
considerable  turn  since  the  Treaty  at  Easton,  and  they  having 
settled  all  matters  &  Established  peace  at  the  Detroit  last  year  in 
my  presence.  At  the  same  time  I  am  readily  induced  to  believe 
the  Governors  motive  to  have  been  the  procuring  the  delivery  up 
of  such  prisoners  as  remained  in  the  Country  of  the  6.  Nats. 
which  they  have  informed  me  of,  &  are  collecting  them  for  that 
purpose. 

I  herewith  inclose  a  Letter  to  Mr.  Hamilton  desiring  he  will 
be  so  good  as  to  give  his  directions  to  the  Commissioners,  in  case 
Teedyuscung  shall  approve  of  the  time  and  place  before  men- 
tioned of  which  I  can  have  no  reasonable  doubt. 

I  am  &ca. 

INDORSED:     Letter  to  Mr.  Peters, 


Seven  Years   War  689 

TO  TEEDYUSCUNG 

D/.1 

Fort  Johmon  April  21  *<  1762. 
BROTHER  TEEDYUSCUNG 

Your  Letter  of  the  19th  of  last  Month  2  I  did  not  receive  till 
yesterday,  wherein  I  find  you  desire  I  may  meet  you  within  two 
Months  from  that  date  at  Philadelphia,  which  I  should  be  very 
desirous  to  do  if  the  affairs  I  have  in  hand  would  admit  of  it, 
but  as  I  am  obliged  to  have  a  Meeting  with  the  6  Nations  within 
a  few  Days,  and  have  several  affairs  of  importance  to  transact 
imediately  afterwards,  I  am  therefore  under  the  necessity  of 
putting  it  off  'till  about  the  15th  of  June,  and  as  I  look  upon 
Easton  to  be  better  Calculated  every  way  as  a  place  of  meeting 
for  the  Indians,  and  myself  by  reason  of  its  being  nearer  to  us 
both  — •  I  shall  therefore  meet  you  there  at  the  time  before  men- 
tioned, to  which  time,  and  place  I  Expect  you  can  have  no 
objection,  as  I  have  proposed  it  for  our  mutual  Conveniency.  I 
have  wrote  to  the  Governor,  that  all  persons  concerned  may  like- 
wise be  present,  and  hope  you,  and  such  of  your  people  as  are 
necessary  will  be  then  there,  where  I  shall  enquire  into  the  merit 
of  your  former  Complaints,  and  shall  procure  you  all  the  Justice 
which  your  case  may  appear  to  deserve. 

I  am  &ca. 

To  TEEDYUSCUNG  a  Chief  of  the  Delawares. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 
'Not  found. 


690  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

INDIAN  PROCEEDINGS,  APRIL  21-28,   1762* 

Copy./. 

Proceedings  at  a  Meeting  &  Treaty  held  with  the  Six  Nations 
at  Johnson  Hall  —  April  2  H  1 762  — 

Present 

Sir  William  Johnson  Bar*. 
Lieut.  Guy  Johnson  as  See1?. 
William  Printup  Interpreter, 
The  Sachems  &  Chiefs  of  the  Several  Nations. 

Sir  William  Opened  the  Conference  by  Performing  the  Cere- 
mony of  Condolance  Usual  on  these  Occasions,  then  told  them, 
that  as  he  purposed  to  Morrow  to  Deliver  them  a  Speech,  & 
proceed  upon  Business,  he  hoped  they  would  be  all  in  Readiness 
to  Attend  the  Same,  After  which  they  parted  for  that  day. — 

22*. 

They  all  Assembled 

Present 

Sir  William  Johnson  Bar*. 
Captain  Daniel  Claus  Depy.  Agent. 

with  Several  Gentlemen  Living 

in  the  Neighbourhood. 
Lieut.  Guy  Johnson  as  Secretary, 
Wm.  Printup  Interpreter, 

All  the  Sachems,  Chiefs  &ca,  amounting  to  above 
400. 

The  Onondago  Speaker  in  the  Name  of  the  rest  performed 
the  Ceremony  of  Condolance  on  their  parts  — 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.62,  London,  England.  Inclosed 
in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  the  Earl  of  Egremont,  July  20,  1  762.  A  copy, 
C.  O.  5.  1276  p.  445,  was  inclosed  in  Johnson  to  the  lords  of  trade, 
August  20,  1762.  It  differed  in  no  essential  respect  from  this. 


Seven  Years    War  691 

Gave  a  String  of  Wampum,  After  Which  on  behalf  of  his 
Nation,  he  Returned  Sir  William  Many  thanks  for  Condoling 
with  them,  &  Covering  the  Grave  of  the  Bunt's  Son  — 

Gave  a  Belt, 

Then  Sir  William  Addressed  them, 

Brethren  of  the  Six  Nations, 

Before  I  proceed  upon  Business  I  cannot  help  Expressing  My 
Surprize  at  the  Slowness  of  Your  Coming  down  to  Attend  the 
Conference,  Which  I  long  ago  Expected  to  have  finished;  as 
well  as  at  the  Small  Number  of  Sachems  &  Chiefs  from  the 
Senecas,  as  I  did  not  doubt  there  would  have  Attended  a  Con- 
siderable Number  of  them  to  Represent  their  People,  And 
Answer  me  at  this  Meeting  on  Several  important  heads ;  however 
I  hope  that  the  few  of  them  who  are  here  as  well  as  all  the  rest 
of  the  Nations  present  will  Deliver  their  Sentiments  ingenuously, 
and  Speak  their  Minds  with  the  utmost  Sincerity,  &  Truth  at 
this  Conference. —  Gave  a  Belt. 

Brethren, 

After  our  great  Successes  in  the  Reduction  of  Montreal  &  all 
Canada,  His  Britannick  Majesty  was  Determined  to  render  his 
Indian  Allies  as  happy  as  possible,  &  to  make  them  Sensible  of 
his  Friendship  by  Every  reasonable  Indulgence,  with  these 
Assurances  as  also  with  Intent  to  Accommodate  all  Matters,  and 
make  &  Establish  a  Peace  with  all  the  Western  &  Northern 
Indians  I  was  last  year  sent  to  the  Detroit,  when  on  My  way 
I  was  greatly  Astonished  to  hear  that  those  very  People,  whom 
the  English  were  then  Studying  to  Render  happy  were  them- 
selves busied  in  promoting  a  war  with  Us,  &  Corrupting  the 
Nations  about  the  Detroit  to  bring  them  over  to  their  measures, 
Which  those  People  Rejected,  &  made  an  honest  discovery 
thereof,  Acknowledging  that  two  Deputys  from  the  Senecas  had 
been  amongst  them  for  that  purpose.— 

The  Scheme  being  thus  frustrated,  I  Sent  to  Desire  the 
Attendance  of  the  Senecas  at  Niagara,  that  I  might  Speak  with 


692  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

them  thereon,  &  know  their  Motives  for  Such  a  proceeding;  but 
after  waiting  a  Considerable  time  for  them,  they  sent  me  a 
frivolous  Excuse,  &  Desired  I  would  Speak  to  Sonajoanay  who 
(with  a  few  Senecas)  was  then  at  Niagara,  Accordingly  I  did 
so,  desiring  him  to  Communicate  What  I  had  said,  to  the  rest, 
agreable  to  their  Desire,  and  Insisting  on  their  Sending  a  proper 
Deputation  to  the  Detroit,  in  order  to  Clear  themselves  (if  pos- 
sible) of  the  Charge  Against  them,  at  the  General  meeting,  which 
they  neglected  to  do. — 

This  Behavior  has  therefore  in  a  great  Measure  Confirmed  me 
in  the  Opinion  that  the  Affair  Came  first  from  them,  and  that 
they  were  Incapable  of  Justifying  themselves  —  Therefore  I  now 
Desire,  that  I  may  be  Informed  from  the  Senecas  themselves  of 
the  particulars  &  Cause  of  Such  Behavior,  which  I  Insist  on 
knowing;  And  that  I  May  likewise  be  Satisfied  with  regard  to 
the  daily  Reports  which  I  hear,  of  a  General  disaffection  of  the 
Indians,  &  of  their  Designs  to  breed  a  Rupture  in  the  Country. — • 

I  Expect  you  will  Answer  me  clearly  &  particularly  concern- 
ing these  Matters,  And  that  you  will  not  only  Make  Me 
Acquainted  with  Every  Circumstance  thereof  but  Exert  Your- 
selves to  the  utmost  of  your  power  in  preventing  the  Same,  so 
that  I  may  never  hear  of  Such  Reports  for  the  future,  for,  be 
Assured  that  Should  you  attempt  to  Disturb  the  Publick  tran- 
quility  from  any  Vain  hopes,  which  you  may  Entertain  of  Suc- 
cess, you  will  at  last  find  yourselves  so  fully  mistaken,  &  have 
Cause  for  ever  to  Repent  your  Insensibility  of  the  happiness  & 
Indulgencies  you  at  present  Enjoy.  If  there  any  Amongst  you, 
who  still  persist  in  that  weak  Design,  I  for  the  last  time  advise 
you  to  drop  all  Such  Vain  thoughts,  Since  if  you  persist  therein 
you  will  Assuredly  Oblige  us  to  a  Quarrel,  which  must  bring 
Inevitable  Destruction  on  you  &  all  your  Adherents. — 

Gave  a  Belt,  &  Shewed  them  the  Belt  Sent  by  the  Senecas  to 
the  Indians  at  Detroit  last  year. — 


Seven  Years    War  693 

Brethren, 

It  greatly  Astonishes  me  to  hear  Constant  Reports  of  the 
Indians  disaffection  &  Intentions  to  Quarrel  with  their  Brethren 
the  English  &  Attack  Our  Outposts,  Many  particulars  of  Which 
I  have  lately  been  Informed  of,  from  Canada,  as  also  that 
Kinderunlie  the  Chenussio,  is  now  out  with  600  Warriors,  with 
Design  to  Committ  Hostilities  on  the  English. —  I  have  likewise 
received  Certain  Advice  that  a  party  of  Shawanese  have  lately 
taken  four  of  our  People's  Scalps  at  the  back  of  Virginia,  or 
North  Carolina, —  As  we  cannot  longer  pass  over  Such  Behavior, 
I  Expect  you  will  Acquaint  me  with  the  Designs  of  that  party 
under  Kinderuntie,  as  also  with  the  Reasons  which  have  Induced 
the  Shawanese  to  Offer  Such  treatment  to  the  English  in  a  time 
of  Publick  Tranquility,  &  after  the  Solemn  Engagements  into 
which  they  Entered  before  me  last  year;  at  this  rate  there  can 
be  no  Faith  or  Peace  kept  with  the  Indians,  neither  can  their 
most  Solemn  promises,  Assurances,  &  Treaties  be  depended 
upon,  or  have  any  weight  with  us  for  the  future.— 

If  you  can  Clear  yourselves  of  being  Concerned  or  of  Approv- 
ing of  Such  Unaccountable  Attempts,  I  now  Expect  you  will 
immediately  do  it,  &  that  a  total  &  Immediate  Stop  may  be  put 
to  all  future  hostilities.  A  Belt. 

Brethren, 

In  the  beginning  of  last  winter  I  received  Advice  from  His 
Excellcy.  Sir  Jeffery  Amherst,  &  the  Lieut.  Governor  of  this 
Province  that  there  were  many  of  His  Britannick  Majesty's  Sub- 
jects in  the  hands  of  your  Nephews  the  Mounsies,  which  they 
having  delayed  giving  up,  I  was  Directed  to  Apply  to  you  for 
that  purpose,  &  Accordingly  I  did  so  at  the  Meeting  which  I 
had  with  Several  of  your  Nations  last  January,  who  then  put 
the  Same  off  untill  the  present  Meeting  should  take  place. 
Wherefore  I  now  Desire  you  will,  without  farther  Delay  Send 
Messengers  to  these  Indians  requiring  them  immediately  to  Set 


694  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

at  Liberty  all  the  English  Prisoners  remaining  Amongst  them, 
and  to  let  them  know  that  We  cannot  Consider  them  as  Brethren, 
whilst  they  Detain  Our  People  in  their  Custody. 

A  Belt. 

Then  the  Mohocks  Addressed  the  rest  of  the  Nations  Abra- 
ham Speaker, 

Brethren  of  the  Confederacy, 

Being  now  Assembled  at  the  Council  Fire  kindled  by  your 
Brother,  We  have  Something  on  our  parts  to  Say  to  you,  Which 
is,  that  we  have  been  very  uneasy  for  Some  time  past  at  the  Many 
bad  Reports  we  have  heard  from  your  Country  tending  to  Create 
Disturbances;  And  as  you  cannot  but  know  the  Ancient  Agree- 
ment entered  into  between  Our  Brethren  the  English  &  Us,  of 
holding  fast  by  the  Covenant  Chain  and  Preserving  it  Entire, 
So  that  no  Cause  Should  Occasion  its  being  broke,  &  that  if 
any  of  your  Nephews  or  Young  Men  should  Infringe  that  agree- 
ment, the  Sachems  &  Chiefs  should  put  a  Stop  to  their  proceed- 
ings, immediately  Accommodate  Matters  &  prevent  any  trouble, 
that  we  should  do  Every  thing  on  Our  parts,  &  you  &  yours  for 
the  preservation  of  Peace. —  Now  as  we  hear  So  Much  bad 
News  from  Chenussio,  &  your  Neighbourhood,  we  cannot  but 
be  greatly  Alarmed  thereat,  &  hope  you  will  Exert  yourselves 
in  the  due  observation  of  your  promises. — 

Have  you  not  Seen  that  all  the  most  Distant  Nations  have 
made  Peace,  &  Entered  into  an  Alliance  with  the  English,  shall 
we  then,  Who  have  been  always  Considered  as  Allies  forgetfull 
of  our  former  promises  &  Engagements,  be  the  first  People  to 
promote  War,  If  you  do  not  regard  your  Antient  Treaty s  & 
Agreements,  we  beg  you  will  Consider  the  Dangerous  Conse- 
quences Attendant  on  War,  that  you  will  reflect  on  the  hazards, 
to  which  our  Wives  &  Children  must  be  Exposed  thereby,  and 
the  Blood,  which  you  will  be  the  Cause  of  Spilling  we  therefore 
Earnestly  Desire  (as  the  Affair  Comes  from  your  Quarter)  that, 


Seven  Years    War  695 

by  this  Belt  you  will  think  on  what  you  May  have  been  about, 
that  you  will  Call  to  Mind  your  Old  Alliances,  &  Use  your 
Most  Vigorous  Efforts  to  put  a  Stop  to  any  Evil  Designs,  which 
you  may  have  foolishly  had  in  hand,  as  well  as  Cause  all  those 
concerned  to  Repent  of  their  bad  Intentions.— 

Gave  a  Large  Belt 

The  Speaker  of  the  Onondagos  desired  that  the  Belt  Which 
Sir  William  had  produced,  as  Sent  by  the  Senecas  to  Detroit 
Might  be  given  them,  untill  they  Should  repeat  the  Message, 
which  they  had  Sent  thereon,  as  also  give  their  Answer  to  the 
Charge  against  them  —  Which  being  Complied  with,  the  Chief 
of  the  Chenussios  Stood  up,  &  Spoke  as  follows. — 

Brother  Warraghiyagey, 

I  Beg  your  Attention  till  I  answer  you  concerning  the  Belt, 
Which  we  are  Charged  with  having  sent  last  year  to  the  Detroit; 
And  therefore  I  shall  begin  with  Informing  you  that  after  the 
Reduction  of  Niagara,  the  Wiandots  sent  Several  verbal  mes- 
sages Amongst  Us  Representing  that  now  the  English  had  taken 
that  place,  &  were  Establishing  themselves  throughout  the 
Country,  the  Six  Nations  would  Shortly  be  entirely  hemmed  in 
&  Surrounded,  &  Whenever  the  Wiandots  met  with  any  of  our 
People,  they  made  it  their  business  to  Instill  this  Notion  into 
their  heads,  by  Constantly  Alarming  them  thereon,  and  advising 
them  to  be  upon  their  Guard,  to  all  which  our  nation  paid  no 
Manner  of  Regard. —  The  Succeeding  fall  they  likewise  Spoke 
with  a  String  of  Wampum  to  Aivetharung'waghs  (a  Chief  of 
Cayouga,  who  with  Some  Families  of  Indians,  then  lived  at 
Oug/irem,*  on  L,afye  Erie)  desiring  him  to  observe  how  the 
English  were  Surrounding  them  on  Every  Side,  and  would  not 
fail  Cutting  off  the  Indians  within  a  very  Short  time. —  Early  last 
Spring  the  Wiandols,  &  PolvteJvatomis  agreed  to  Send  a  Mes- 
sage with  Eight  Strings  of  Wampum  each,  to  the  Six  Nations, 


*i.  c:     Presqu'  Isle. 


696  Srr  William  Johnson  Papers 

Requesting  them  to  Assemble  at  Junundat,  aK  Sandusky,  in 
order  to  hold  a  Conference;  These  Messengers  from  the  Detroit 
having  left  the  Message  with  the  Senecas,  they  Sent  Persons 
with  it,  thro*  all  the  Nations  as  far  as  Oneida  intending  to 
Acquaint  the  Mohocks  afterwards  therewith;  but  none  of  the 
Nations  taking  notice  of  the  first  Message,  the  Senecas  Sent  a 
Second,  which  being  likewise  disregarded,  they  began  to  Consult 
together  What  was  to  be  done,  &  at  length  agreed  to  Send 
Deputys  to  the  meeting,  &  take  with  them  Some  Shatoanese  & 
Delatoars.  These  Deputys  were  Charged  to  know  the  real  Senti- 
ments &  Resolutions  of  the  Wiandots,  Whether  they  were  for 
War,  as  formerly  they  Expressed  themselves,  or  would  not  rather 
Incline  to  Peace,  &  thereby  prevent  the  Effusion  of  Blood. — 
The  Belt  Which  was  sent  by  them  had  formerly  been  left  by 
/oncarr,f  when  he  had  his  last  Interview  with  our  Nation,  One 
half  of  which  Belt  Represented  War,  &  the  Other  half  Peace, 
Which  the  Deputys  were  Charged  Earnestly  to  Recommend,  & 
to  labour  to  the  utmost  of  their  power  for  the  preservation  thereof; 
and  on  Discovery  of  the  Wiandots  intentions,  they  were  to 
Return,  and  Report  them  to  Our  Nation,  who  would  then  hold 
a  Meeting  with  the  five  Nations  thereon  before  they  Returned 
any  answer  to  the  Wiandots  Accordingly  ten  Deputys  (all 
young  Men)  Set  out,  the  Chiefs  of  Whom  were  Tahahaiadoris 
&  Kayashota;  there  also  Accompanied  them  Some  Shaivanese  & 
Delawares;  When  these  Deputys  Arrived  at  Junundat,  the 
Wiandots  (finding  the  rest  of  the  Six  Nations  did  not  Come) 
Called  them  to  their  Town  near  the  Detroit;  When  they  Came 
there  Tahahaiadoris  Who  speaks  French,  Made  Some  Excuse 
for  Crossing  the  River,  &  without  Acquainting  Kayashota  or 
the  rest,  went  to  the  Interpreter,  &  told  him  that  the  five  Nations 
Intended  to  be  there  within  10  Days,  &  would  fall  upon  the 
English,  &  afterwards  in  Presence  of  the  ^Wiandots  the  Same 
was  Repeated  without  the  knowledge  of  the  rest;  but  the 


f  Chabert  Joncair,  a  French  Partizan. 


Seven  Fears'  War  697 

Wiandots  having  Some  Apprehensions,  on  Account  of  the  Com- 
manding Officers  being  Acquainted  therewith,  &  finding  that 
the  Six  Nations  would  not  Come  into  Such  Measures,  to 
Endeavor  to  Clear  themselves  delivered  up  the  Belt  to  the  Com- 
manding Officer,  throwing  the  Cause  of  the  Whole  upon  the 
Senecas. 

Kayashota,  together  with  the  rest  of  the  Deputy s  were  entirely 
Strangers  to  Tahahiadoris's  behavior,  And  the  Senecas  have  met 
with  the  Most  Injurious  treatment,  in  that  Kayashota  was 
Accused  thereof  in  your  Presence  at  the  Meeting  held  at  the 
Detroit  last  year. — 

Having  now  opened  Our  Hearts  to  you  entirely  on  that  Affair 
According  to  your  Desire,  we  hope  you  will  not  look  upon  that 
Man's  behavior  to  have  been  either  agreable  to  Us,  or  with  Our 
knowledge,  &  that  you  will  not  Charge  Our  Nation  with  a 
design  so  foreign  to  their  Intentions,  especially  as  We  now 
Declare  it  to  be  our  Sincere  Resolution  to  hold  fast  by  the 
Covenant  Chain,  &  preserve  entire  the  friendship  between  Us, 
and  We  beg  you  will  Consider  these,  as  the  real  Sentiments  of 
our  hearts. — 

We  shall  now  take  our  leaves  for  the  present,  And  shall 
Assemble  to  Morrow  to  Answer  the  rest  of  your  Speech. — 

23d. 

P.  M.  The  Indians  Sent  to  Acquaint  Sir  Wm.  Johnson  that 
they  were  ready  to  Deliver  their  Answer,  Whereupon  he  went 
to  the  Place  of  Meeting,  where  they  were  all  Assembled. 

Present  as  before. 

The  Chief  of  the  Chenussios  Addressed  Sir  William,  as  fol- 
lows (first  Repeating  what  Sir  William  had  yesterday  Said  to 
them.) — 


„ 


Brother  Warraghiagey, 

>The  Reason  that  you  do  not  See  many  of  Our  Sachems  at 
esent  here  is,  that  the  Weather  &  Roads  having  been  very  bad, 


698  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

they  were  less  able  than  we  to  travel,  &  therefore,  we  the 
Warriors,  were  made  Choice  of  to  Attend  you,  &  transact  busi- 
ness ;  and  I  beg  you  will  Consider  that  we,  are  in  fact  the  People 
of  Consequence  for  Managing  Affairs,  Our  Sachems  being 
generally  a  parcell  of  Old  People  who  say  Much,  but  who 
Mean  or  Act  very  little,  So  that  we  have  both  the  power  & 
Ability  to  Settle  Matters,  &  are  now  determin'd  to  Answer  you 
honestly,  &  from  our  hearts  to  Declare  all  Matters  fully  to  you; 
We  therefore  Remove  Every  bad  thought  from  your  heart,  and 
beg  your  Attention  to  what  we  have  to  Say  — 

a  Belt  of  6  Rows. — 
Brother, 

I  Shall  Answer  you  ingenuously  concerning  Kinderuntie. — 
It  is  certain  he  is  gone  out  to  War,  tho'  with  a  Much  Smaller 
party  than  you  mentioned,  it  consisting  only  of  50  Men;  but  tis 
with  the  Approbation  of  the  English  at  Fort  Pitt  last  Fall;  and 
against  the  Cherokees,  who  were  then  your  Enemies,  for  which 
he  was  there  Supplyed  with  Provisions  &  ammunition  both  for 
himself  &  party;  I  therefore  remove  from  you  all  bad  thoughts 
on  that  head;  and  beg  you  will  not  Entertain  any  thing  Evil 
concerning  the  Same,  as  that  is  the  real  truth,  with  regard  to  the 
Destination  of  him  &  his  Party  — 

A  Belt  of  8  Rows.— 

Then,  Conoghquieson,  Chief  Sachem  of  Oneida,  arose  &  Said, 

Brother 

The  Seneca  Speaker  being  a  little  Indisposed,  begs  your 
Excuse,  &  has  Deputed  the  Speaker  of  Onondago  in  his 
Room. — 

The  Onondago  Speaker,  then  Addressed  Sir  William, 

Brother  Warraghiyagey, 

I  am  on  the  behalf  of  My  Brother  to  Answer  you  concerning 
the  News  you  have  heard  about  the  Shawanese,  of  which  the 


Seven  Years    War  699 

Senecas  have  not  had  any  Intelligence.  For  My  part  I  own  we 
have  heard  Such  a  Report  tho'  we  do  not  know  as  yet  any  of 
the  particulars  but  What  the  Bunfs  *  Grandson  Informs  Us, 
that  he  was  Some  time  ago  in  Company  with  Some  Shawanese, 
who  with  two  Horses  Loaded  with  Skins  were  going  to  Trade 
at  Fort  Pitt,  When  they  were  met  with  &  Robbed  by  Some  of 
the  English,  we  therefore  Conjecture  if  the  Shawanese  has  Com- 
mitted any  hostilities,  they  must  have  been  Exasperated  thereto 
by  what  I  have  mentioned.— 

The  Cayugas  then  told  the  Onondago  Speaker  that  they  knew 
Something  concerning  it,  which  they  Communicated  to  him, 
Whereupon  he  proceeded. — 

Brother, 

I  am  Informed  by  the  Cayugas,  that  the  nephew  of  the  Chief 
Man  of  the  Hurons,  named  Aghstaghregcl?  being  Killed  in  the 
Battle  at  Niagara  in  1  759,  the  Hurons  had  last  winter  Sent  out 
a  party  towards  Virginia,  to  Revenge  his  Death,  And  the 
Cayugas  have  likewise  been  Informed  that  three  partys  of 
Shawanese  went  out  on  some  bad  design,  last  fall;  but  as  we 
have  Thirty  days  before  we  left  home,  Sent  to  Desire  a  Meeting 
as  soon  as  possible  at  Chenussio,  with  the  Hurons  Ottarvas, 
Tivightrvees,  Sharvanese,  &  others  to  Promote  Peace;  and  for 
the  preservation  of  the  Publick  Quiet,  we  Shall  then  Enquire 
into  all  these  Matters,  &  Acquaint  you  therewith.— 

a  Belt  of  9  Rows.— 

Then  he  Repeated  what  Sir  William  had  said  to  them  last 
winter  concerning  Prisoners,  after  which  he  proceeded. 

Brother, 

On  our  being  Invited  to  the  present  Conference,  we  were  so 
Desirous  to  Obey  your  Call,  &  Come  down  to  Settle  your  Mind, 
that  it  was  thought  best  our  warriors,  and  those  who  could  best 
travell,  Should  immediately  Set  out  to  Meet  you;  We  have 


*  a  Chief  Sachem  of  Onondago. 


700  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Accordingly  brought  two  Prisoners,  Which  we  now  deliver  up 
to  you,  and  have  Sent  to  Collect  all  the  rest,  Who,  together  with 
those  who  were  not  Used  to  travel  with  Snow  Shoes  Shall  all 
be  sent  down  to  you,  as  Expeditiously  as  possible ;  and  we  Shall 
also  immediately  Send  to  our  Nephews  the  A/ounsfes,  and  Cause 
them  to  Deliver  up  all  the  English  Prisoners  in  their  possession; 
we  have  likewise  Six  English  Deserters,  Whom  we  found  in  the 
woods,  almost  Dead  with  Fatigue  &  Hunger,  And  having 
brought  them  home,  &  mantained  them  for  Some  time,  we  should 
be  glad  you  would  Inform  us,  what  we  are  to  do  with  them,  or 
how  they  are  to  be  Disposed  of. — 

Gave  a  Belt  of  6  Rows,  &  Delivered  a  bundle  of  nine  Sticks, 
being  the  number  of  Prisoners,  which  they  had  at  Chenussio. — 

Brother, — 

We  have  Consulted  lately  Amongst  ourselves,  &  Considered 
the  bad  Effects  of  Spirituous  Liquor  amongst  Us,  &  are  there- 
fore Come  to  a  Resolution  not  to  admit  of,  or  use  any  more,  as 
we  Discover  it  to  be  so  destructive  to  all  our  People;  we  are 
very  much  obliged  to  the  General,  in  what  we  hear  he  has  put  a 
Stop  to  the  Carrying  of  Rum  amongst  us;  and  as  we  have  even 
Staved  what  Liquor  was  in  our  Castle,  we  beg  he  will  Continue 
to  keep  any  more  from  Us,  &  not  permit  it  to  be  brought  into  our 
Country,  on  any  Account  Whatsoever. — 

Gave  a  Belt. 

Then  the  Speaker  of  the  Oneidas  Addressed  Sir  Wm.  on 
behalf  of  their  Alliance  to  the  Same  purpose. — 

Gave  a  Belt. 

After  which  the  Onondago  Speaker  Addressed  the  Mohocks, 
and  after  Repeating  what  they  had  said  yesterday  to  the  Six 
Nations,  he  proceeded, — 

Brethren  of  the  Mohocks, 

We  Return  you  our  hearty  thanks  for  your  Speech,  &  Advice 
to  Us  yesterday,  not  having  heard  you  Speak  for  Some  time; 


Seven  Years    War  701 

And  as  you  are  the  head  of  the  Confederacy,  your  Silence  turned 
our  heads,  &  Occasioned  great  Uneasiness  Amongst  Us;  We 
now  therefore  are  highly  pleased  with  what  you  have  Said,  and 
have  taken  great  Notice  thereof.  As  you  never  Attended  Our 
Conferences,  altho'  you  knew  we  had  two  places  of  Meeting, 
Onondago  &  Fort  Johnson,  we  hope  for  the  future  you  will, 
agreable  to  Antient  Custom,  attend  them  more  Closely  and  that 
you-  will  not  fail  being  present  at  that  which  we  are  Shortly  to 
have  at  Chenussio. — 

Brethren, 

We  are  so  well  Satisfied  with  What  you  have  said  to  Us  that 
we  are  resolved  to  fling  away  all  bad  thoughts,  and  agree  to 
Every  thing  desired  of  Us;  And  now  Brethren,  we  Desire  you 
will  drop  all  bad  thoughts  on  your  Side,  as  we  have  been 
Informed  that  you  applied  to  the  Hurons  last  Summer  for  a 
place  of  Settlement  there,  as  you  had  no  Lands  left  in  these 
parts;  we  therefore  Desire  you  will  not  think  more  of  it,  as  it 
Might  prove  of  fatal  Consequence,  Should  you,  the  head  of  the 
Six  Nations  remove  from  your  present  dwellings;  And  as  we 
have  Attended  to,  &  Shall  follow  your  Advice,  we  beg  in  Return 
you  will  likewise  take  Notice,  of  what  we  have  now  Said  to 
you. — 

Gave  a  Belt  &  a  Bunch  of  Wampum. 

After  which  they  dissolved  for  this  day. — 

24*. 

P.  M.     The  Indians  Assembled  again  —  Present  as  before. 
Sir  William  Addressed  them, 

Brethren  of  the  Six  Nations 

As  you  have  now  Expressed  your  Desire,  and  Intentions  to 
preserve  Peace  &  have  made  me  so  many  Assurances  of  your 
friendly  Disposition,  and  firm  Resolutions  to  Maintain  the  Same, 


702  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

&  to  hold  fast  by  the  Covenant  Chain,  which  you  declare  to  be 
your  real  Sentiments  &  Determination;  and  as  I  am  hopefull 
your  Conduct  will  Convince  me  of  the  Sincerity  of  your  Profes- 
sions, I  am  now  to  offer  His  Majesty's  Protection,  &  Royal 
Assurances  of  favor  to  all  of  you  Who  are  Desirous  thereof, 
and  may  Deserve  the  Same,  and  to  Declare  to  you  that  he  has 
lately  been  graciously  pleased  to  Send  over  Instructions  to  his 
Governor  of  this  Province,  which  will  Effectually  Secure  you 
from  being  hereafter  Defrauded  of  your  Lands,  or  possessions, 
having  ordered  no  more  Grants  to  be  made  but  by  himself 
alone  —  with  your  Consents,  declaring  it  to  be  His  Royal  Inten- 
tions to  Support  &  protect  you  in  your  Just  Rights  &  possessions, 
&  to  keep  Inviolable  the  Treatys  and  Compacts,  which  have  been 
Entered  into  with  you. 

To  Such  Indians  therefore  as  are  Desirous  of  Embracing  His 
Majesty's  most  Gracious  Offers,  I  now  make  a  tender  of  the 
Antient  Covenant  Chain,  which  I  renew  &  Strengthen  on  the 
Part  &  behalf  of  the  English,  &  promise  that  the  Same  shall  be 
kept  Entire  &  Unbroken  (as  we  have  always  kept  it) — So  long 
as  you  Continue  not  alone  to  profess,  but  to  Act  the  parts  of 
Brethren  &  faithfull  Allies;  and  I  Expect  you  will  be  very 
Sincere  &  punctual  in  the  Observance  of  your  present  promises 
&  Engagements,  in  which,  if  you  fail,  the  Consequence  thereof 
must  Prove  fatal  to  yourselves  as  it  must  prevent  Us  from  paying 
the  least  Regard  to  any  Treatys,  or  Engagements  made  with 
you. — 

Gave  the  Belt  of  the  Covenant  Chain  — 
Brethren, 

Having  Strength'ned  &  Renewed  the  Covenant  Chain,  I,  in 
the  next  place,  open  the  Road  of  Peace  and  level  the  Same, 
Clearing  it  from  all  Obstructions  so  that  it  may  be  even  &  pas- 
sable through  all  the  Nations,  thereby  to  Enable  Us  to  travel 
without  any  Impediment  whatsoever,  and  I  Expect  you  will 
make  it  your  Study  on  your  parts  to  preserve  the  Same  free  and 
open  for  ever. — 

a  Belt. 


Seven  Fears'  War  703 

Brethren, 

I  Give  you  thanks  for  the  two  Prisoners  you  have  now 
Delivered  up,  and  for  the  promises  you  have  made  of  Sending 
the  Other  nine  as  well  as  of  Sending  to  your  Nephews  the 
Mounsies  for  the  Delivery  up  of  all  those  who  are  Amongst  them; 
all  which  I  Expect  you  will  not  fail  of  performing  as  soon  as 
possible,  which  will  greatly  Contribute  to  Strengthen  your  present 
Engagements,  and  Incline  Us  to  place  Some  Confidence  in  the 
professions  you  have  now  made. — 

And  with  regard  to  those  Deserters,  who  are  Amongst  you,  on 
your  bringing  them  to  One  of  His  Majesty's  Garrisons  the  Com- 
manding Officer  will  receive  them,  &  Satisfy  you  for  your 
Trouble ;  And  I  must  Desire  you  will  not  Screen,  protect,  or 
Encourage  any  of  them  for  the  future.  a  belt. 

Brethren, 

I  am  glad  you  approve  So  Much  of  Sir  Jeff:  Amherst's  pro- 
hibition of  Rum,  Which  was  done  with  no  Other  Design  but  to 
promote  your  welfare,  and  free  you  from  What  had  proved  of 
pernicious  Consequence  to  you,  you  may  therefore  be  Assured 
that  the  General's  Orders  on  that  head  will  be  punctually 
Observed;  and  that  no  Spiritous  Liquor  will  be  Carried  up,  or 
permitted  to  be  Sold  to  you  in  your  Countrys,  or  at  the  Posts, 
so  that  any  Liquor  which  you  may  at  any  time  see  by  the  way, 
you  may  be  Assured  is  that  belonging  to  Suttlers  for  the  Use  of 
the  Troops,  and  to  be  Sold  to  them  only. — 

And,  as  we  have  now  Removed  this  Evil  from  you  to  Which 
you  so  frequently  Attributed  the  Disorders  you  Committed,  I 
hope  you  will  Shew  your  Gratitude  for  the  Same,  by  using  your 
Influence  in  preventing  all  Irregularities  from  being  Committed 
by  your  People  for  the  time  to  come,  as  they  can  have  no  Excuse 
or  plea  for  Such  behavior  hereafter ;  and  I  Expect  that  both  your 
Young  &  Old  Men  will  treasure  up,  and  preserve  in  remem- 
brance all  that  hath  been  said,  &  transacted  at  this  meeting;  and 


704  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

that  they  will  Adhere  Strongly  to  all  the  Engagements  into  which 
they  have  now  Entered. — 

As  I  am  hopefull  you  are  Sincere  in  your  promises,  &  that  you 
will  be  Steady  in  the  performance  of  them,  I  purpose  to  Morrow 
to  Confirm  What  I  have  said  by  delivering  you  a  present,  which 
I  hope  you  will  Consider  as  an  Instance  of  His  Majesty's  bounty 
and  Generosity  to  all  those,  who  shall  study  to  Deserve  his 
Favor  —  a  Belt  — 

Then  the  Mohocks  Addressed  them  —  Abraham  Speaker. 

Brethren  of  the  Confederacy. 

On  our  parts  I  am  now  to  Answer  what  you  have  Said  con- 
cerning our  long  Silence,  and  want  of  Attendance  at  your  Sev- 
eral meetings. 

It  is  very  true,  we  have  not  been  present  at  them,  as  formerly, 
never  having  been  Invited,  or  Called  upon  by  you  for  that  pur- 
pose, notwithstanding  We  are  the  head  of  the  Confederacy; 
Whenever  our  presence  is  Required,  we  shall  meet  you,  &  there- 
fore we  shall  not  fail  to  Attend  your  Meeting  at  Chenussio,  or 
any  Other,  Which  may  be  Calculated  for  the  Publick  Good, 
and  the  promoting  of  Peace,  Which  we  hope  to  be  your  present 
Intentions;  and  with  regard  to  what  you  Say  concerning  our 
Demanding  Lands  from  the  Hurons,  I  am  to  tell  you  that  Under- 
standing the  Cause  of  Our  Brother  Warraghiagey's  Journey  to 
Detroit  last  year  to  be  for  the  Advantage  of  us  all  &  for  the 
promoting  of  Peace,  Friendship  &  Alliance,  between  the  English 
&  all  Indians,  So  that  they  might  become  One  People,  we 
Accordingly  Sent  Deputy s  with  him  to  Afford  our  Assistance 
towards  perfecting  so  laudable  a  work,  Neither  did  we  Declare 
Ourselves  in  want  of  Lands  or  Habitations,  we  being  no  wander- 
ing People,  but  a  nation  determined  to  leave  Our  Bones,  where 
those  of  our  Ancestors  have  been  Deposited ;  therefore  the  Whole 
is  a  groundless  Charge  Against  Us,  Which  the  Deputys  of  Your 
nations  who  were  present  at  the  Detroit  meeting  must  certainly 


Seven  Fears'  War  705 

have  heard  it  made  &  therefore  cannot  but  be  Convinced  of  the 
falsehood  thereof. —  a  Belt. 

Then  the  Onondago  Speaker  in  behalf  of  all  the  rest  got  up, 
&  Returned  Sir  William  thanks  for  what  he  had  Said,  as  he  did 
also  to  the  Mohocks. —  then  told  Sr.  Wm.  that  they  would  Say 
Something  in  the  Morning  in  Answer  to  what  he  had  Spoke  to 
them,  as  also  concerning  the  Delivery  of  the  present. — 

At  Night  Three  Sachems  of  Each  Nation  Came  to  Sr.  Wm.  & 
Desired  a  private  Conference  with  him,  which  being  granted,  the 
Onondago  Speaker  Stood  up,  &  after  Desiring  Attention  might  be 
given  to  what  he  was  going  to  Say,  proceeded  with  Acquainting 
Sir  William  what  had  passed  between  Thomas  als.  Tagaderiagh- 
sera,  an  Oghguago  Sachem,  &  the  Governor  of  Boston,  as  also 
with  What  has  passed  between  him  &  Mr.  Woodbridge  of  Stock- 
bridge,  by  whom  he,  Said  Woodbridge  had  sent  a  Speech  to  be 
delivered  by  Thomas  in  the  Name  of  a  Thousand  English  Fam- 
ilys  to  the  Six  Nations  relative  to  Lands  on  the  Susquehannah. — 
After  Which  he  Expressed  their  Disapprobation  of  Any  Attempt 
being  Made  to  Settle  these  Lands  least  the  good  Work  of  Peace 
now  happily  Established  might  thereby  be  overset,  Alledging 
that,  Should  any  Such  Number  of  People  Come  to  Settle  in  their 
Country  they  must  all  Move  away  to  make  Room  for  them, 
whereby  they  must  be  Ruined,  it  being  their  best  Land  as  well 
as  their  Chief  Hunting  Country;  they  therefore  asked  Sir  Wm. 
if  he  knew  any  thing  thereof,  begging  he  would  let  them  know 
how  it  was,  they  being  Strangers  to  any  right  Which  the  English 
had  to  these  Lands,  After  Sir  William  had  Acquainted  them 
with  the  nature  of  the  purchase  made  by  John  Lydias  of  Albany 
in  behalf  of  a  number  of  People  living  in  Connecticutt,  and 
reproved  them  for  their  foolish  Manner  of  Acting  in  Such  Cases, 
as  well  as  Cautioned  them  against  Such  Imprudent  Steps  for  the 
future;  he  Concluded  with  Explaining  to  them  His  Majesty's 
late  Instructions  concerning  Indian  Lands,  Assuring  them  that 
the  King  was  Determind  to  protect  them  in  all  their  Just  Claims, 
Vol.  Ill  — 23 


706  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

and  hoped  they  would  Render  themselves  worthy  of  His  Royal 
Favor  &  Indulgence. — 

25*. 

The  Indians  remained  in  Council  together  Untill  afternoon, 
At  4  P.  M.  they  sent  to  Acquaint  Sir  Wm.  Johnson  they  were 
prepared  to  Say  Something  of  Moment,  upon  Which  he  went 
to  them. — 

Present  as  before. — 

The  Chenussio  Chief  Kanadiohora  Spoke  as  follows. — 
Brother  Warraghiyagey, 

You  Recommend  it  to  Us  to  Repent  of  what  we  have  done; 
And  I  am  now  to  Answer  you,  that  the  Evil  Spirit  hath  certainly 
had  power  over  Us,  &  the  French  had  persuaded  Us  to  Many 
things  of  Which  we  now  heartily  &  Sincerely  Repent,  &  are 
Sorry  for;  and  we  beg  you  will  Consider  that  Our  Repentance 
is  Sincere,  and  from  Our  hearts,  &  that  we  really  &  truly  mean 
what  we  Say;  And  we  Desire  all  the  Six  Nations  here  present 
may  be  witness  thereof,  &  that  we  now  bury  every  bad  thought 
in  a  bottomless  pit,  &  Cover  them  with  a  Large  Stone,  so  that 
they  may  never  more  Arise  to  Disturb  either  you  or  Us. — 

a  Belt  of  8  Rows. — 
Brother, 

Finding  that  you  have  harboured  Some  bad  thoughts  con- 
cerning Us,  We  now  give  you  a  water,  which  Shall  Wash  them 
all  away;  we  likewise  Sweep  away  all  Evil  things  from  about 
you,  &  Clear  the  Air  by  dispelling  all  Clouds  &  Vapours,  So 
that  the  Sun  May  Shine  brightly  on  you  as  formerly. — 

a  Belt  of  8  Rows. — 
Brother, 

You  have  frequently  Required  Us  to  Deliver  up  all  the  Eng- 
lish Prisoners  who  were  Amongst  Us;  we  have  Listened  to  you 
Attentively,  and  are  now  Resolved  to  agree  to  your  Desire ;  and 
as  We,  the  Chief  Warriors,  are  the  Most  Active  &  Ruling 


Seven  Years*  War  707 

People,  we  shall  not  fail  to  see  that  they  are  all  Delivered  up  to 
you  immediately,  So  that  not  one  Shall  Remain;  all  which  you 
May  Depend  upon;  and  we  hope  that  those  People,  who  have 
been  at  great  Expence  in  Cloathing,  and  Maintaining  them,  will 
not  be  forgot  on  their  Coming  down,  but  that  you  will  Consider 
them  by  giving  them  Something  to  Make  their  hearts  easy. — 
Then  Conoghquieson  Sachem  of  Oneida  Spoke  as  follows. — 

Brother  Warraghiyagey, 

I  am  now  Directed  to  Speak  to  you  on  behalf  of  all  our  Con- 
federacy, as  all  Matters  are  So  Amicably  settled  between  you, 
&  the  Senecas,  &  the  Covenant  Chain  renewed  so  that  it  May 
last  for  ever;  We  cannot  but  Express  our  great  Uneasiness,  at 
the  ill  treatment  we  Generally  meet  with  at  the  Several  Garrisons, 
Such  as  the  being  debarred  the  Liberty  of  fishing,  &  our  People 
for  the  Most  frivolous  Causes  abused,  threatned  to  be  fired 
upon  &  often  Run  at  with  Bayonets ;  this  treatment  we  look  upon 
as  not  only  Unjust,  but  very  Unbrotherlike ;  besides  if  we  were 
Starving  with  Hunger  (which  is  often  Our  Case)  they  will  not 
give  Us  a  Morsel  of  Any  thing;  a  Usage  very  different  from 
What  we  had  Reason  to  Expect,  or  were  promised;  and  there- 
fore we  beg  you  will  take  the  same  into  Consideration,  &  put  a 
Stop  to  the  like  for  the  future,  neither  can  we  See  that  you  have 
any  Occasion  for  the  Posts  between  the  German  Flails,  & 
Osrvego  (which  we  had  been  told  were  only  to  Remain  for  a 
time)  as  the  French  are  now  entirely  Conquered. — 

Gave  a  very  long  Belt  of  14  feet. 
Brother, 

I  am  in  the  next  place  to  Speak  to  you  at  the  Request  of  the 
women  of  the  Six  Nations,  who  on  your  first  Summons  were 
desirous  to  Come  down,  &  Assist  in  the  good  work,  which  you 
had  in  hand,  but  afterwards  were  Informed  you  did  not  Desire 
their  Attendance;  however  as  it  was  always  the  Custom  for  them 
to  be  present  on  Such  Occasions  (being  of  Much  Estimation 


708  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Amongst  Us,  in  that  we  proceed  from  them,  &  they  provide  our 
Warriors  with  Provisions  when  they  go  abroad) — they  were 
therefore  Resolved  to  Come  down,  &  hear  the  good  words,  which 
you  had  to  Say,  Which  hath  afforded  them  great  Satisfaction; 
they  now  therefore  hope  you  will  Consider  their  fatigue  in  Com- 
ing so  far,  &  that  His  present  Majesty  will  follow  the  Same  good 
Steps  of  His  Royal  Grandfather,  by  Considering  their  wants, 
agreable  to  his  Example  &  Affording  them  Cloathing  &  Petti- 
coats to  Cover  them,  as  our  Warriors  for  want  of  Ammunition 
cannot  take  Care  of  them  as  formerly. — 

a  Belt  10  Rows.— 

Then  the  Speaker  of  the  Onondagas  Spoke  as  Follows. — 

Brother  Warraghigagey, 

We  have  Carefully  Attended  to  your  Speech,  and  Return  you 
our  Sincere  thanks  for  Renewing  and  Strengthening  the  Covenant 
Chain ;  And  we  on  our  parts  promise  to  do  the  Same,  as  it  is  not 
our  Custom  to  forget  Such  good  Works,  You  Shall  find  that 
we  will  preserve  them  faithfully  in  our  Memories,  and  take  Care 
to  keep  the  Chain  bright  &  Lasting  on  Our  parts  for  ever  — 

a  Belt  of  1 0  Rows,  with  4  Strings. — 
Brother. — 

We  Return  you  many  thanks  for  Clearing  the  Road  of  Peace, 
and  we,  on  our  parts,  promise  to  keep  the  Same  free,  open  & 
Clear,  So  that  we  may  both  Use  it,  and  pass  thereon  in  Safety 
for  ever;  and  that  you,  &  the  Mohocks  may  be  always  Enabled 
to  Attend  our  Meeting  place  at  Onondago,  without  Molestation, 
whenever  your  presence  may  be  required  — 

a  Belt  of  8  Rows. 
Brother. — 

Here  is  a  Belt,  which  you  Delivered  Us  at  Oswego  in  1 759, 
when  on  your  way  to  the  Siege  of  Niagara,  whereby  you  Assured 
Us  that  if  you  Conquered  the  French  as  you  Expected,  we  then 
Should  be  Much  happier  than  before,  and  be  Enabled  to  Supply 


Seven  Years    War  709 

our  Necessitys  Cheaper  than  formerly;  we  therefore  hope  you 
will  not  forget  your  promise,  as  the  Article  of  Trade  is  of  the 
greatest  Consequence  to  Us;  we  now  give  you  this  Belt  to 
Remind  you  thereof. —  A  Belt. 

Brother. 

We  now  Deliver  you  a  Belt  of  the  Covenant  Chain  which  was 
formerly  given  Us  at  Albany  by  One  of  the  Governors;  And  as 
Our  Chiefs,  Who  were  present  at  that  time  are  mostly  Dead, 
those  who  are  at  present  Alive,  &  Who  Manage  Our  Affairs, 
would  be  very  Desirous  (as  you  know  all  these  Matters)  that 
you  would  remind  them  of  the  particulars  of  What  was  Said 
thereon,  We  having  no  Records,  great  part  therof  hath  been 
forgot,  which  we  are  Desirous  to  know  and  Observe  — 

Gave  a  large  Covenant  Chain  belt. 
Brother, 

I  am  Directed  to  Speak  to  you  on  the  behalf  of  the  Warriors 
&  Women  of  the  Senecas,  who  beg  you  will  Consider  their 
Wants  &  Indulge  them  as  formerly  with  a  smith  to  mend  their 
Axes,  &  other  working  Implements  as  also  to  permit  a  Trader  to 
Carry  Indian  Goods  into  their  Country  (but  no  Rum)  as  it  is  so 
far  for  them  to  go  to  Osrvego  or  Niagara  for  their  Necessaries. 

Gave  2  Strings. 
26* 

P.  M.     Sir  William  Assembled  all  the  Indians  —  Present  as 
before 

Being  all  Seated  he  Addressed  them  as  follows. — 

Brethren  of  the  Chenussios, 

I  am  very  glad  to  find  you  are  at  length  become  sensible  of  your 
Error,  Which  you  have  now  publickly  Acknowledged  in  the 
presence  of  all  the  Nations,  calling  them  to  witness  your  Sincere 
promises  of  Ammendment  &  Reformation,  which  I  hope  you  are 


710  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Unanimously  Determined  in,  &  that  you  will  Consider  your 
Interest  &  welfare  Depends  upon  the  Sincerity  of  your  present 
professions;  from  which  if  you  should  be  imprudently  led  to 
Deviate,  it  must  Render  you  Odious  to  the  Generality  of  the 
Indians,  as  well  as  bring  upon  you  the  Just  Indignation  of  your 
Brethren  the  English,  Which  I  hope  you  will  Study  to  Avoid  — 
I  thank  you  for  Removing  any  bad  thoughts  Which  I  had  Enter- 
tained by  Cleansing  Me  with  Water,  Sweeping  away  all  Evil 
from  about  me,  &  Clearing  the  Air;  All  which  I  now  perform 
on  our  parts  for  you,  &  hope  it  may  be  the  last  time  there  Shall 
be  Occasion  for  the  Same  as  I  Expect  you  will  for  the  future, 
pay  Attention  to  Nothing  but  what  may  tend  to  Our  Mutual 
Welfare  &  Advantage. — 

Brethren, 

I  am  glad  to  find  you  Seem  Determined  to  Deliver  up  all  the 
English  Prisoners  yet  Amongst  you,  &  will  procure  the  Dis- 
charge of  those  in  the  Moumies  possession,  as  it  will  be  a  proof 
of  your  Desire  to  preserve  Peace,  &  fullfill  your  Engagements 
with  Us,  but  at  the  Same  time  I  cannot  but  be  Surprized  you 
Should  Expect  a  Gratuity  for  having  Joyned  with  the  Enemy, 
made  our  People  Prisoners,  &  detained  them  so  long  in  your 
Custody ;  This  is  a  Request  I  can  by  no  means  agree  to,  especially 
after  the  many  murders  Some  of  your  People  have  Committed 
without  having  made  Us  any  Satisfaction  for  the  Same ;  I  Expect 
therefore  if  you  hope  for  a  Continuance  of  Our  Friendship  you 
will,  without  fail,  deliver  up  all  the  English  Prisoners,  Who  are 
in  any  of  your  Castles. — 

Brethren  of  the  Six  Nations, 

You  have  repeatedly  Spoke  to  me  concerning  ill  treatment 
which  your  People  receive  at  the  Posts,  &  I  have  as  often  told 
you  of  the  behavior  of  your  People  when  Drunk,  to  which  I  am 
apprehensive  Such  Usage  may  be  in  a  great  Measure  Attributed. 
— The  Posts  between  the  German  Flatts  &  Oswego,  would  not 


Seven  Years'  War  711 

have  been  Erected  if  there  had  not  been  Occasion  for  them, 
neither  is  it  Our  Custom  to  Abandon  places  of  that  kind  even 
on  a  Peace,  as  a  wise  People  Should  at  all  times  be  prepared 
against  the  Worst  which  may  happen; 'beside  these  posts  Afford 
a  place  of  Shelter  &  Security  to  the  Traders  &  their  Goods,  & 
Serve  as  Checks  to  prevent  their  defrauding  you,  as  well  as 
keep  open  the  Communication  into  your  Country s  —  I  Have 
already  Acquainted  you  with  His  Majesty's  &  the  General's 
Resolutions  to  protect,  &  do  you  all  manner  of  Justice,  &  Shall 
Lay  your  present  Complaints  before  the  General,  Who,  you  may 
be  Assured  will  not  permit  you  to  be  ill  treated  so  long  as  you 
behave  yourselves  well. — With  regard  to  your  not  having  your 
wants  Supplied  at  the  Garrisons,  it  cannot  be  the  fault  of  those 
Who  Command  them,  they  having  no  more  provisions  than  are 
necessary  for  the  Subsistence  of  His  Majesty's  Troops,  as  it  is 
Naturally  Concluded  you  must  now  be  Enabled  to  help  Your- 
selves; and  as  Sir  Jeffery  Amherst  has  prohibited  Rum  from 
being  Carried  up,  or  Sold  to  you,  I  am  Convinced  it  will  not  only 
prove  a  means  of  putting  a  Stop  to  your  Irregularities  but  also 
Incline  you  more  to  Assist  yourselves,  and  to  follow  your  Hunt- 
ing &  Trade  as  formerly  for  your  &  your  Family's  Subsistence, 
Which  I  earnestly  Recommend  to  you  as  absolutely  Necessary 
towards  preserving  our  Esteem,  &  making  yourselves  happy. — 

A  Belt. 
Brethren, 

When  I  Called  you  to  this  Meeting  I  really  could  not  Dis- 
cover any  Necessity  there  was  for  the  presence  of  Women  & 
Children,  and  therefore  I  Called  none  but  those  who  were  Quali- 
fied for,  and  Authorized  to  proceed  on  business;  And  altho'  I 
am  Obliged  to  your  Women  for  their  Zeal  &  Desire  to  promote 
a  good  work,  And  know  it  is  their  Custom  to  Come  down  on 
Such  Occasions,  I  could  heartily  wish  that  no  more  persons  would 
Attend  any  meeting  than  were  necessary  for  the  Discharge  of 
the  business  on  Which  they  were  Summoned,  I  have  notwith- 


712  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

standing  provided  Some  Cloathing  for  the  women,  with  Some 
Ammunition  and  other  Articles  for  the  Warriors  to  Enable  them 
to  Subsist  their  Familys  as  formerly,  &  hope  it  will  be  applied  to 
a  proper  use. —  a  Belt. 

Brethren, 

I  Return  you  thanks  for  the  hearty  promises,  which  you  have 
made  of  Strengthening  &  holding  fast  by  the  Covenant  Chain  for 
ever ;  and  I  heartily  wish  you  may  Always  have  wisdom  enough 
to  Consider  it  as  necessary  to  your  Peace  &  Welfare,  I  likewise 
thank  you  for  your  promises  of  preserving  the  Road  of  Peace 
open  &  free,  so  that  we  may  pass  &  repass  to,  and  from  Each 
other  without  Molestation ;  and  I  hope  you  will  always  continue 
to  keep  the  Same  in  good  Order. 

Brethren, 

I  am  Surprized  you  imagine  there  is  any  Occasion  to  Remind 
me  on  the  Article  of  Trade,  which  I  Regulated  on  the  Most 
Advantageous  Terms  for  you  last  year,  with  which  you  Must  all 
be  Acquainted ;  but  you  must  Consider  that  altho'  the  War  is  at 
an  End  in  these  parts,  it  Still  Continues  between  the  French  & 
Us,  so  as  to  Occasion  a  Dearness  of  Goods  for  the  Indian  Trade, 
notwithstanding  which  I  believe  you  can  have  little  Cause  of 
Complaint,  as  I  am  Convinced  you  must  be  Sensible  of  the  good 
Effects  of  these  Regulations  apparently  Calculated  for  your 
Advantage  —  A  Belt. 

Brethren, 

As  the  Volume  of  Indian  Records  containing  the  Proceedings 
when  the  Belt  of  the  Covenant  Chain  was  formerly  given  you,  is 
at  My  House;1  I  cannot  at  present  repeat  Each  particular  to  you, 
but  as  I  was  then  present;  I  can  Inform  you  that  the  purport 
thereof  was  a  Renewal  of  the  Antient  Covenant  Chain  of  Friend- 


xFort  Johnson.     "At  my  other  house"  in  the  copy  inclosed  in  John- 
son's letter  to  the  lords  of  trade. 


Seven  Fears'  War  713 

ship  formerly  Established  between  your  Ancestors  &  Ours,  that 
we  should  be  United  in  Friendship,  and  alliance,  &  form  one 
body  together  which  Alliance  I  hope  Neither  time  nor  the  Death 
of  your  Chiefs  shall  ever  Occasion  you  to  forget. — 

Brethren, 

The  Senecas  having  now  made  me  so  many  fair  promises  of 
Amendment,  &  of  preserving  Peace,  &  Cultivating  Friendship 
with  Us,  Which  I  am  hopefull  it  is  their  Intention  Strictly  to 
Adhere  to  has  Induced  me  to  Comply  with  their  Request  of  a 
Smith  to  Reside  in  their  Country  as  formerly,  &  Shall  procure 
One  for  that  purpose;  But  as  the  Regulations  Which  I  made 
last  year  puts  the  Indian  Trade  Under  the  Inspection  of  the 
officers  at  the  several  posts,  at  which  the  Traders  Reside,  in  order 
to  prevent  abuses  &  See  Justice  done  you;  I  can  by  no  means, 
allow  you  any  Trade  in  your  Countrys,  where  you  may  be  liable 
to  be  Imposed  upon  without  Redress,  Which  cannot  be  the  Case 
at  any  of  His  Majesty's  Garrisons,  Where  on  a  Just  Complaint 
you  cannot  fail  of  Obtaining  Satisfaction  — 

• 

Brethren, 

The  present  being  now  ready,  I  Desire  you  will  make  an 
Equal  and  fair  Distribution  amongst  you  of  this  fresh  proof  of 
His  Majesty's  Royal  Bounty. — 

Then  Delivered  them  the  present  which  they  afterwards 
Divided  Amongst  One  Another. — 

27*. 

The  Indians  Made  Several  Small  demands  &  Applications  to 
have  their  Guns,  Tools,  &ca  mended,  with  which  Sr.  Wm. 
Complyed. — 

He  likewise  Delivered  out  Some  private  presents  to  a  few  of 
the  Chief  Sachems,  &  principal  People  of  Each  Nation. — 


714  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

28*. 

The  Cayougas  on  behalf  of  themselves  &  the  Tederighrono's 
begg'd  Sr.  Wm.  to  let  them  have  a  Smith  likewise  to  reside 
Amongst  them  which  he  promised  to  take  into  Consideration. — 

Shortly  after  the  Chiefs  of  Each  Nation  Assembled,  when 
Little  Abraham,  Chief  of  the  Mohocks  Spoke  as  follows. — 

Brother  Warraghiyagey, 

We  are  now  publickly  to  Repeat  to  you  what  we  had  before 
said  concerning  our  Lands  on  the  Susquehannah  River  which 
Col°.  Lydias  of  Albany  was  Employed  by  the  new  England 
People  to  procure  for  them,  &  which  he  pretends  he  has  bought 
altho'  the  Same  was  never  fairly  Sold,  he  having  made  some  of 
our  People  Drunk,  &  then  persuaded  them  to  Sign  a  Deed  for 
it,  &  prevailed  upon  Others  who  had  no  right  to  Dispose  thereof, 
to  follow  their  Example ;  As  to  the  Lands  below  these  we  Speak 
of  &  which  the  Pensylvanians  purchased,  we  do  not  Claim  them ; 
but  we  hope  &  Expect  you  will  protect  the  rest,  &  not  Suffer  Us 
to  be  deprived  of  that  Tract  which  Lydias  pretends  he  has 
bought,  as  We  hear  the  People  of  New  England  are  preparing 
to  Settle  thereon,  which  they  have  no  right  to  do  neither  can  we 
by  any  means  Approve  thereof. —  A  Belt  of  7  Rows. — 

Sir  William  Answered  them, 
Brethren  — 

I  Have  heard  much  concerning  the  Lands  you  Speak  of,  & 
have  always  opposed  the  Settling  thereon.— 

You  May  be  Assured  I  shall  omit  nothing  in  my  power  to 
Secure  to  you  the  possession  of  the  Land  you  Speak  of,  &  all 
other  your  Just  Claims,  concerning  Which  you  need  be  under 
no  Apprehension  after  the  Publication  of  His  Majesty's  Royal 
Instructions  on  that  head,  with  which  I  have  already  Acquainted 
you. — 


Seven  Fears'  W ar  715 

After  which  the  greatest  part  of  the  Indians  took  their  Leave 
&  Returned  home,  the  remainder  Staid  in  the  Neighbourhood, 
or  went  to  Schenectady  &  Albany  to  Trade. — 

A  True  Copy  from  the  Records  of  Indian  Affairs,  by 

G.  JOHNSON  Lieut,  of  His  Majesty's 
Independ15  —  as  Secretary  — 


Speech  of  Timothy  Woodbridge  of  Stockbridge. — 
Brethren  of  the  Five  Nations, 

I  Speak  to  you  all,  &  particularly  to  your  great  men;  I  speak 
in  the  name  &  for  a  Thousand  of  your  English  Brethren. 

Six  years  ago  I  asked  you,  to  sell  me  some  of  your  Land  on 
Susquehannah  River,  your  great  men  took  it  into  Consideration, 
&  at  Albany  they  Sold  me  a  piece  of  Land,  which  took  the  Land 
that  is  called  Shaunuhdohrvauneh,  &  a  great  piece  of  Land  with 
it  on  both  sides  of  Susquehannah  River. —  Your  great  men  took 
a  great  deal  of  money  of  me.  I  put  my  money  into  CoK  John 
Lydias's  hand,  and  he  gave  it  to  your  great  men.  Your  great 
men  have  had  Two  Thousand  Dollars  of  my  money,  and  about 
Twenty  of  your  great  men  have  put  their  hands,  made  their 
marks  to  a  Deed,  to  make  the  Land  mine.  Some  of  your  great 
men  have  took  my  money,  that  have  not  sign'd  my  Deed; 
Hendrick  had  a  great  deal  of  my  money:  Seth  of  Scohare  had 
a  good  deal  of  my  money  for  the  Land,  &  told  me  they  would 
put  their  hands  to  my  Deed;  but  they  died  &  did  not  put  their 
hands;  but  a  great  many  of  your  great  men  did  Sign  my  Deed 
in  Col°.  John  Lydias's  House  at  Albany,  &  there  took  my 
money. — 

Brethren 

You  must  not  Cheat  me  out  of  my  money,  you  Used  to  stand 
to  what  your  great  men  did,  &  I  Expect  you  will  now. — 


716  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Brethren, 

I  say  again  you  must  not  Cheat  me,  for  the  great  God  will 
punish  you  if  you  do,  for  he  knows  what  you  have  done;  he 
knows  you  have  took  my  money  for  the  Land;  and  I  have  a 
great  many  witnesses  at  Albany,  that  you  sold  me  the  Land,  & 
took  my  money  for  it. 

Brethren, 

Don't  say  you  was  Drunk,  &  did  not  know  what  you  did  for 
that  is  a  Shame  for  wise  &  great  men  to  Say ;  And  I  have  many 
witnesses  that  you  was  Sober  when  you  Signed  my  Deed. — 

Brethren  — 

If  I  should  think  good  to  settle  a  Town,  on  the  Land  you  sold 
me  next  Spring,  or  any  time,  with  one  Hundred  Families,  you 
must  not  think  hard,  or  do  me  any  hurt,  because  your  great  men 
have  sold  me  the  Land,  &  took  a  great  deal  of  my  money  for  it. — 

Brethren, 

I  hear  that  Onas  *  says  that  the  Land  you  Sold  to  me  is  his, 
&  that  if  I  come  to  Live  on  the  Land,  he  will  tell  the  Indians  to 
kill  my  Cattle,  &  if  I  won't  go  away,  then  he  will  tell  the  Indians 
to  kill  me. 

This  is  bad  Advice,  &  you  must  not  hearken  to  Such  words 
from  any  body. — 

Brethren, 

If  you  hear  I  am  on  the  Land,  think  no  hurt,  let  Some  of  your 
wise  men  come  to  me  in  a  friendly  Manner,  for  I  am  Your 
friend,  hear  no  Vain  words,  for  such  words  are  Poison.  If  Onas 
says  the  Land  is  his,  let  him  try ;  the  English  have  a  great  &  good 
King,  good  Laws  &  good  Courts ;  Why  should  you  Quarrell  for 
him;  he  don't  want  the  Land  for  you  but  for  himself. — 


*  the  Proprietor  of  Pensylvania. 


Seven  Years    War  717 

Brethren, 

I  Say,  if  you  hear  I  am  on  trie  Land,  let  some  of  your  wise 
men  come  &  talk  with  me,  and  as  Friends  we  will  Settle  all  things, 
&  you  shall  be  well  treated. — 

Brethren, 

I  send  you  my  words  by  your  Brother  &  my  brother  Thomas, 
&  let  me  hear  you  speak  as  soon  as  yuu  can;  he  knows  Where  I 
am,  &  can  tell  you  where  I  am. — 

Solohkuhwauneh  — 

A  True  Copy  of  a  Speech  sent  from  Timothy 
Woodbridge  of  Stockbridge,  by  Thomas  of 
Oughguago,  to  the  five  nations 

GUY  JOHNSON  Lieut,  of  His  Ma- 
jesty's Indep*.  Acting  as  Secretary 
INDORSED :     Copy 

Proceedings 

at  a  Meeting  &  Treaty  held 
by  Sr.  Willm.  Johnson  with  the 
Six  Nations  April  1 762 
with  the  Speech  of  a  Stockbridge 
Indian  concerning  Some  Lands 
on  the  Susquehanna  River. 
Enclosed  in  Sr.  Wm.  Johnson's  Letter 
to  Sir  Jeffery  Amherst  of  21st.  May  1762. 
in  S'.    J.    Amherst's  of  July  20.  1 762 
N°.  15 

FROM   SIR  JEFFERY   AMHERST   ETC. 

There  occur  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  133,  four  letters  to  Johnson 
which  were  destroyed  by  fire:  one  of  April  23d  from  Hendrick  Frey,  at 
Canajoharie,  inclosing  an  account  for  victuals  delivered  to  Indians,  and 
promising  soon  to  lay  out  the  patent  of  Lenard  Hellmar  and  others  into 
lots;  one  of  the  25th  from  General  Amherst,  at  New  York,  declining  to 


718  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

appoint  Lieutenant  Guy  Johnson  to  the  secretaryship  of  Indian  affairs,  but 
agreeing  to  permit  Dr  Shuckburgh  to  perform  the  duties,  in  view  of  thtt 
sickness  of  Mr  Marsh,  who  holds  the  appointment;  one  of  the  25th  from 
H.  Van  Schaack,  at  Albany,  informing  that  he  has  drawn  on  Johnson 
for  £50  in  favor  of  John  Diell,  and  communicating  news  from  the  West 
Indies  brought  by  Captain  Ormsby;  and  one  of  the  26th  from  Fran. 
Pfister,  at  Fort  Stanwix,  sending  a  map,  with  a  promise  to  send  a  supple- 
mentary map  as  soon  as  he  receives  a  survey  from  Ticonderoga  to  Mon- 
treal which  Mr  Eraser,  draftsman  to  the  general,  will  furnish  him,  and 
inquiring  whether  Indians  would  sell  a  tract  near  Wood  creek,  "  opposite 
to  Fort  Newport." 

FROM  WILLIAM  EYRE 
A.  L.  S.1 

New  York  26*  April  1762 
DR.  SR.  WILLIAM 

I  send  Inclosed  a  Letter  I  Received  from  Mr.  Croghan  2  at 
Pittsborough  which  Place  I  left  the  1st  April  and  arrived  here 
the  Day  before  yesterday. 

I  found  him  well,  the  Fort  in  a  very  so  so  way,  and  what  is 
Worse,  if  repaired  is  very  Subject  to  the  like  again. 

I  never  experienced  worse  weather  in  all  my  Travels.  I  set 
off  from  this  Town  the  1 6th  of  Feb?.  and  in  Canada  during  my 
Stay  there  the  Winter  before  the  Last,  I  did  not  meet  with  such 
severe  cold  as  I  felt  on  my  Journey.  I  wrote  you  two  or  three 
Letters  after  I  left  you  at  Niagara,  but  I  do  not  know  whether 
you  received  them  or  not.  War,  war,  is  now  the  word:  Fare- 
well. I  am  D'.  Sr.  Will™. 

Most  faithfully  yr.  Sincere  Wellwisher 

WILL:  EYRE. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Croghan  to  Johnson,  March  31,   1  762. 


Seven  Years'  War 


719 


RETURN  OF  LIQUOR  IN  STORAGE 

Fort  Niagara  the  26*  April  1762. 

Return  of  the  quantity  of  Rum  and  Spirituous  Liquors  taken 
into  Store  by  Order  of  Major  Walters,  belonging  to  the  Several 
Indian  traders  at  this  Post. 


Capt.  Rutherford  Liut.  Duncan 

&  Co 

De  Quony  2  &  Co 

William   Newkirk 

Barret  Visscher 

Garret  Reychman 

Traders  Named  Colling  Andrews 

Jacobus  Taller 

Valkert  Van  Veghten 

Henry  Williams 

John  Maxwell 


Total  of  the  Whole 


Number  of 
Gallons 


244 
286 
4511 
69 
424 
290 
111 
220i 
240 
166 


2602 


1  Destroyed  by  fire.    This  document  was  inclosed  in  Walters  to  Johnson, 
April  27,   1762. 
2De  Couagne. 


720  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  COLLIN  ANDREWS  AND  OTHERS 
A.  L.  S.1 

[Niagara.  April  27 [?]  1762] 

To  the  Honourable  Sir  William  Johnson  Bar1,  his  Majesties 
sole  Agent  and  Superintendant  of  Indian  Affairs  for  the  Northern 
District  of  North  America,  Collo.  Six  United  Nations  their 
Allies  &  Dependants  &ca.  &ca. 

The  humble  Petition  of  the  Indian  Traders  now  residing  at 
Niagara  Most  humbly  Sheweth, 

That  your  Petitioners  having  had  your  honors  liberty  to  Trade 
and  Supply  the  Brittish  Allies  of  Indians,  with  what  was  neces- 
sary to  carry  on  a  Lawful  Commerce,  and  at  that  time  that  we 
had  your  honor's  Passport  Rum  was  not  Excepted ;  therefore  we 
your  honor's  Petitioners  brought  as  much  of  that  commodity 
with  us,  as  we  thought  in  reason  would  Vend  the  Blankets, 
Strouds  &ca.  and  as  we  are  all  very  sensible  that  the  impoverish- 
ing an  Indian  of  Cloaths  &  Ammunition  would  be  the  Decay 
of  Trade,  for  that  reason  we  never  thought  it  Convenient  to  let 
them  have  any  more  than  what  was  proportionable  to  the  Dry 
Goods  they  had  from  us,  for  if  any  of  our  Designs  were  other- 
wise, all  the  Rum  we  had  might  be  sold,  and  then  our  other 
Merchandize  would  be  left  on  our  hands  which  would  be  equally 
Mortifying,  but  instead  of  doing  so  there  has  been  the  greatest 
Decorum  this  last  Season  observ'd  by  us  to  all  the  Tribes  who 
came  to  Trade  at  this  Post  that  cou'd  be  invented ;  therefore  we 
your  honor's  Petitioners  hope  that  you  will  take  this  affair  into 
consideration,  and  know  that  we  have  still  a  proportion  of  Rum 
equal  to  the  Stock  of  Dry  Goods  yet  remaining  since  last  Season, 
now,  this  Rum  is  taken  from  us  without  a  Receipt  and  put  in  the 
Kings  Store,  with  strict  orders  not  to  let  an  Indian  have  a  Drop ; 
so  that  we  may  justly  Conclude  the  Liquor  lost  to  us,  yet  what 
will  be  worse  they  will  not  Trade  and  when  the  news  of  this 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    W ar  721 

hindrance  Circulates  amongst  them  they  will  not  come  near  this 
Post,  then  we  may  look  upon  ourselves  nothing  better  than  ruin'd 
Bankrupts  our  Creditors  will  take  it  in  as  bad  a  light,  and  we 
are  inevitably  drove  to  Destruction,  as  it  were  by  a  Common 
Enemy,  unless  supported  by  your  honor's  benevolence,  under 
whose  protection  we  fly  for  shelter,  and  that  you  may  be  the  sup- 
port of  a  number  of  Poor  endeavouring  Men,  upon  the  brink  of 
the  greatest  Misfortunes,  if  your  honor  does  not  interfere,  and 
allow  a  small  trifle  to  be  given  to  each  Indian,  even  two  Gallons 
to  he  that  comes  from  afar,  and  that  under  the  inspection  of  the 
Commandant;  if  your  honor  does  not  look  on  us  in  this  our 
Extremity  we  must  either  leave  our  Goods  here  in  a  perishing 
Condition,  or  take  them  back  to  our  Merchants  from  whom  we 
expect  a  Cool  reception. 

We  most  humbly  crave  your  honors  liberty  &  protection  to  sell 
no  more  than  what  we  have  on  hands,  and  we  your  Petitioners 
as  in  duty  bound  shall  pray  &c. 

COLLIN  ANDREWS  ALEXANDER  COULTER 

JACOBUS  TELLER  HENRY  WILLIAMS 

B  VISSCHER  GERRET  TELLOR 

WM.  EDGAR  WILLIAM  BRUCE 

GT.  RYCKMAN  WILLIAM  NEWKARKE 

EPHRAIM  VAN  VEGHTEN  JOHN  MAXWELL 

FROM  WILLIAM  WALTERS 

A.  L.  S.1 

Niagara  April  27ih:  1762. 
DEAR  S*. 

I  am  to  acquaint  you  that  I  Received  an  order  from  General 
Amherst  not  to  suffer  the  Traders  to  sell  any  Rum  or  spirituous 
Liquor  to  the  Indians  on  any  pretense.  I  likewise  see  by  your 
pass  granted  to  the  Traders  spirituous  Liquor  is  Except. 

In  order  to  comply  with  these  orders  I  have  taken  all  the  Rum 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


722  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

from  the  Traders  &  have  Locked  it  up  in  a  Store;  a  return  of  the 
Quantity  I  now  enclose  to  you  by  which  you  will  see  that  it  is 
very  Large  for  the  few  traders  to  have  in  their  Possetion  that 
remained  here  this  winter./ 

I  am  now  to  acquaint  you  that  since  I  have  put  an  entire  stop 
to  the  Traders  selling  rum  to  the  Indians  I  have  had  some  of 
their  Chiefs  one  of  which  was  the  man  that  went  with  you  to 
Detroit  Last  Summer,  beging  that  I  would  allow  the  traders  to 
sell  their  people  a  Little  Rum  for  their  Refreshment.  I  told 
them  that  I  could  not  allow  it  on  any  account  assuring  them  that 
the  great  General  had  thought  fit  to  put  an  Intire  Stop  to  that 
pernicious  Liquor  being  sold  to  them  in  order  to  preserve  their 
Health  telling  them  that  they  would  Live  many  years  Longer  by 
refraining  from  that  bad  Liquor  and  that  they  would  now  have 
it  in  their  power  to  purchase  every  necessary  of  Life  they  wanted 
for  their  famelys  which  would  be  sent  to  the  several  posts  in  great 
abundance. 

I  used  all  the  argument  in  my  power  to  convince  them  that  the 
keeping  Rum  from  them  was  for  their  good  but  all  I  could  say 
did  not  satisfie  them  but  they  desired  me  to  write  to  the  great 
men  to  allow  each  of  their  people  to  purchase  a  two  Gallon  cag 
of  Rum  when  they  came  to  Trade  to  carry  home  by  way  of  a 
cordial.  Your  old  friend  which  went  with  you  to  Detroit  would 
not  Quit  me  untill  I  did  promise  him  that  I  would  write  to  his 
Brother  Sir  William  Johnson  and  acquaint  him  with  his  request 
which  I  promised  him  I  would  do. 

As  he  had  a  great  number  of  his  Tribe  with  him  I  made  him 
a  preasent  of  three  two  gallon  Cags  of  rum  to  take  whome  with 
him  telling  him  that  he  must  take  a  little  of  it  now  and  then  by 
way  of  a  cordial.  I  shall  meet  with  a  great  deal  of  trouble  this 
Summer  to  endeavour  to  convince  the  Indians  that  the  Debaring 
them  from  rum  is  for  their  good.  I  wrote  to  you  the  218t. 
November  and  the  5th  April  Last  which  I  hope  came  to  hand. 


Seven  Years'  War  723 

The  Indian  which  I  mentioned  to  you  in  my  letter  dated  5th: 
April  I  send  by  this  opportunity  to  Oswego  in  order  that  he  might 
proceed  to  his  whome. 
I  am  Dear  Sir 

Your  most  obedient  Humble  Servant 

WM.  WALTERS 
SIR  WM  JOHNSON  Baronet. 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

D/.1 

Fort  Johnson  29*  Apl.  1762 
SIR 

Your  Excellencys  favour  of  the  1 1 th  Inst  I  did  not  receive 
until  three  Days  ago,  and  here  I  must  beg  leave  to  observe  that 
the  arrival  of  Letters  in  these  parts  are  not  only  tedious  but  some- 
times uncertain.  For  these  2,  or  3  days  past  I  have  been  a  good 
deal  indisposed  with  a  fever,  &  some  symptoms  of  the  Jaundice, 
which  prevents  me  from  sitting  down  to  write.  I  am  likewise  to 
acknowledge  the  Red.  of  your  Excellencys  obliging  Letter  of 
the  18th  inst.  Major  Gladwin  I  am  of  opinion  must  have 
imagined  he  had  good  grounds  for  what  he  wrote,  and  did  it  for 
the  good  of  the  Service,  but,  I  am  hopefull  the  Indians  in  that 
quarter  can  at  present  entertain  no  design  towards  a  breach  with 
us.  If  what  yr  Excell?  mentions  to  have  lately  recd  relative  to 
the  Inds.  be  not  of  a  private  Nature,  I  believe  my  being  enabled 
to  make  them  acquainted  therewith  will  not  a  little  contribute  to 
preserve  the  publick  tranquility. 

I  have  had  a  General  Meeting  with  all  the  6  Nations 2  where 
the  Senecas  have  very  satisfactorily  accounted  for  the  reports 
concerning  them,  &  have  declared  in  the  warmest  terms  their 
intentions  to  preserve,  &  Cultivate  the  peace  Subsisting  between 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  See  Indian  Proceedings,  April  21-28,  1762. 


724  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

us.  They  have  likewise  (agreable  to  their  Custom)  brightened 
&  strengthened  the  Cov*  Chain,  together  with  the  rest  of  the 
Nations  and  delivered  up  two  prisoners,  promising  to  send  down 
Nine  others  imediately.  I  have  taken  every  measure  at  the 
Meeting  to  convince  them  of  their  Errors,  as  well  as  Explained 
to  them  his  Majestys  late  Instructions  to  the  Govr  of  this  Province 
relative  to  their  Lands,  which  I  hope  may  prove  a  means  of 
satisfying  them  on  a  Subject  that  hath  created  great  uneasiness. 

As  there  hath  been  a  good  deal  said  &  Transacted  at  this 
Meeting,  In  case  your  Excelb  chuses  to  be  informed  of  the 
Particulars,  I  shall  imediately  transmit  you  a  Copy  of  my  pro- 
ceedings with  them.  Some  of  the  Indians  are  about  departing 
and  I  hope  within  a  few  days  to  be  able  to  finish  with  them. 
They  have  sent  to  call  a  Grand  Meeting  at  Chenussio,  within 
a  short  time,  where  I  believe  I  shall  be  obliged  to  be  present  also. 

On  Enquiring  of  the  Inds.  concerning  the  Scalps  taken  by  the 
Shawanese  they  informed  me  that  the  Grandson  of  the  Bunt, 
Chief  Sachem  of  Onondaga,  was  some  time  ago  with  some 
Shawanese  who  with  2  Horse  Load  of  Skins  were  going  to  Fort 
Pitt,  when  they  were  met  by  some  English,  who  robbed  them  of 
what  they  had.  The  Inds  therefore  conjecture  that  they  have 
been  provoked  thereby,  to  take  revenge  for  the  same  —  but  they 
promise  at  the  Chenussio  Meeting  to  enquire  into  the  affair,  & 
put  an  entire  stop  to  such  proceedings. 

I  formerly  acquainted  your  Excell?  with  the  order  of  his  late 
Majesty  in  Council,  to  me  dated  in  Aug1  1  759,  directing  me  to 
meet  Teedyuscung,  the  Delaware  Chief,  when  &  where  he  should 
appoint  together  with  the  Commissrs.  on  behalf  of  the  proprietors 
of  Pensilvania  in  order  to  enquire  into  the  nature  of  his  Claims  & 
remonstrance  concerning  the  back  parts  of  that  province,  which 
I  was  to  report,  that  he  might  have  justice  done  him  therein  - 
shortly  after  the  rec*  of  which  I  acquainted  Teedyuscung  there- 
with who  found  means  to  delay  the  same  hitherto.  He  has  at 
length  wrote  me  a  Letter  which  I  received  a  few  Days  ago 


Seven  Fears'  War  725 

appointing  a  Meeting,  which  is  to  take  place  at  Easton  the  15th 
of  June  with  which  I  thought  it  proper  to  acquaint  your  Excelb. 

I  am  much  obliged  to  your  Excellency  for  your  approbation 
of,  and  intended  favour  to  my  Son  concerning  whom  Coll  Haldi- 
mand  has  likewise  wrote  to  me,  but  as  I  purpose  making  another 
provision  for  him,  I  can  only  return  your  Excel  1?  thanks  for  your 
kind  offer,  &  the  honour  you  designed  for  him,  and  I  beg  you 
will  believe  me  to  be  with  the  greatest  Esteem,  Sir  &ca. 
P.  S. 

I  believe  I  can  have  it  in  my  power  to  send  some  partys  to  the 
Southward  agst  the  Spanish  back  Settlements,  &  Indians  in  Alli- 
ance with  them,  provided  it  meets  with  your  Excellencys 
encouragem*.  &  approbation. 

SIR  JEFF:  AMHERST 

TO  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 

£/.  S.1 

Fort  Johnson  2W  Apl.  1762 
DEAR  BANYAR 

As  soon  as  the  Council  has  determined  Concerning  the  grant- 
ing of  Lands  I  may  then  consider  on  an  application  to  the  Board 
of  Trade  for  leave  to  purchase  altho  it  is  what  I  should  be  very 
unwilling  to  do.  I  have  considered  his  Majestys  Instructions  in 
no  other  Light  than  Calculated  to  satisfy  the  Indians,  and  secure 
their  property  to  them,  who  I  am  certain  so  far  from  repenting 
of  such  measures,  will  always  remain  in  the  same  Sentiments,  as 
they  really  have  very  little  in  these  parts  to  spare,  and  which 
their  knowledge  of  its  value  by  what  they  have  already  been 
deprived  of,  together  with  the  loss  they  must  suffer  in  the  Article 
of  hunting,  and  their  Jealousy  of  our  encroachments  will  always 
induce  them  to  keep  what  remains,  in  their  own  possession. 

I  am  of  opinion  his  Majestys  Instructions  cannot  but  effect 
many  large  &  other  tracts  in  this  Country,  surreptitiously  obtained 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


726  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

&  amongst  the  rest  Kayioderosseras,  the  Mohock  flats1  &c. 
the  manner  of  obtaining  which,  &  the  offence  they  Give  being 
pretty  well  known,  and  will  probably  be  felt,  if  attempted  to  be 
settled.  I  cannot  help  believing  there  has  formerly  been  good 
foundation  for  the  facts  inserted  in  the  Instruction,  as  well  as 
for  every  thing  else  therein  mentioned  —  the  manner  of  seducing 
the  Indns.  into  bargains,  and  including  more  lands  in  patents  than 
the  Indians  ever  sold  or  agreed  to,  being  more  frequent  than  was 
consistent  with  Justice.  I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  from  you  what 
the  Decree  of  the  Court  is  Concerning  Klocks  affair,  &  whether 
you  are  of  opinion  the  determination  of  the  Govr.  &  Council 
regarding  the  Conajoharee  patent  will  put  a  stop  to  any  pro- 
ceedings in  the  law.  For  I  know  the  people  who  live  on  the 
lands  &  pay  rent  to  the  Indians  have  been  ejected  last  Winter, 
&  as  I  understand,  are  to  stand  trial,  if  so,  the  resolution  &  good 
intentions  of  the  Govr.  and  Council  can  answer  no  end,  nor  prove 
satisfactory  to  the  injured  Indians,  for  which  reason  I  have 
deferred  acquainting  them  therewith  until  I  hear  from  you  on 
that  head.  , 

I  would  also  be  desirous  to  know  when  ye  commisn.  of  the 
Peace  is  to  be  made  out.  Mr.  Duncans  Christian  name  is  Richd. 
I  think,  You  can  easily  know  that  at  York.  Would  it  not  be 
proper  for  me  to  write  the  Kings  atty.  concerning  Klocks  affair? 
Y»  W.  J. 

INDORSED:     Letter  to  Mr.  Banyar. 


See  Doc.  Rel  to  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.t  7:577. 


Seven  Years'  War  727 


TO  WILLIAM  WALTERS 


Fort  Johnson  29*  April  1762 
DEAR  SIR 

I  was  favoured  with  yours  of  the  5th  Inst  2  a  few  days  ago 
and  am  sorry  to  hear  that  the  Indian  you  mention  should  go 
about  to  propagate  any  storys  tending  to  create  a  disturbance, 
but  I  am  certain  your  Judgment,  &  knowledge  of  the  ill  conse- 
quences attending  tales  of  that  Nature  will  enable  you  to  con- 
vince the  Indians  of  the  falsehood  thereof,  and  I  think  the  sooner 
that  fellow  is  sent  home  the  better. 

Notwithstanding  my  repeated  application  to  the  General  for 
leaving  some  things  in  the  Comd«  officers  hands  to  be  occasionally 
distributed  amongst  the  Indians,  I  cannot  induce  him  to  agree 
thereto,  which  I  am  very  sorry  for  as  I  look  upon  it  to  be  very 
necessary. 

The  6  Nations  have  had  a  General  meeting  with  me,  where 
the  Senecas  have  very  satisfactorily  cleared  up  their  behavior,  & 
accounted  for  the  Charges  against  them,  they  have  all  likewise 
made  the  greatest  protestations  of  preserving  peace,  &  a  good 
behavior  towards  the  English,  have  delivered  up  two  prisoners, 
&  promise  imediately  to  send  down  the  remainder,  and  I  believe 
will  abide  by  their  present  resolutions,  so  long  as  they  receive 
good  treatment  from  us. 

As  I  am  sensible  there  must  be  a  good  deal  of  occasion  for  a 
Smith  at  your  post  I  now  send  up  Mr.  Harsen.  He  w*1.  have 
been  there  last  fall,  being  then  on  his  way  as  far  as  F*.  Stanwix 
when  his  boat  was  prest  which  hath  hitherto  delayed  him. 

On  a  Memorial  from  the  Indian  traders  to  me  wherein  they 
desire  an  equal  Liberty  with  the  Company,  of  trading  at  Little 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Not  found. 


728  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Niagara  1  which  I  communicated  to  Sir  Jeff?  Amherst  he  was 
pleased  to  answer  me  **  that  as  he  had  never  granted  an  Exclu- 
sive privilege  to  any  persons,  &  that  every  one  was  free  to  carry 
on  trade  at  Niagara  Carrying  place  (until  his  majestys  pleasure 
was  known  in  regard  to  those  Lands)  agreable  to  the  order  and 
Regulations  that  had  been  given."  I  have  therefore,  in  Conse- 
quence thereof,  Granted  some  passes  for  that  place,  &  hope  that 
the  officer  Comd§  there  will  take  care  that  they  comply  with  such 
Regulations,  of  which  I  can  have  no  manner  of  doubt  since  tis 
so  nearly  under  your  inspection,  as  I  am  convinced  your  zeal  for 
the  Service,  &  acquaintance  with  the  Indians  will  prevent  their 
being  imposed  upon,  or  ill  treated  in  that  Quarter./  I  beg  you 
will  offer  my  Compliments,  &  good  wishes  to  the  Gentlemen  of 
the  Garrison,  &  that  you  will  believe  me  to  be  Dr.  Sir  &ca. 

MAJOR  WALTERS  at  Niagara. 


TO  ELIZABETH  WRAXALL 
D/.2 

Fort  Johnson  Apl.  29*  1762 
MADAM 

Your  very  obliging  &  esteemed  favour  3  came  to  my  hands 
a  few  days  ago,  relative  to  Mr.  Smith  on  whose  death  (which 
happened  the  24th  and  of  which  you  must  have  heard)  I  am 
extremely  sorry  I  have  the  occasion  to  condole  with  you,  it 
having  given  me  a  good  deal  of  concern  from  my  knowledge  of. 
and  Esteem  for  him. 

On  my  passing  Fort  Schuyler  in  returning  from  D'etroit  last 
Year,  Mr.  Smith  expressed  his  desire  of  having  some  Land  there- 
about and  as  I  had  then  thought  of  purchasing  wl.  is  called 
Cosbys  Manor  which  comprehends  the  piece  of  land  he  took  a 


1  See  Johnson  to  Amherst,  February  6,  1  762. 

2  Destroyed  by  fire. 

8Wraxall  to  Johnson,  April  10,  1762. 


Seven  Years    War  729 

fancy  to  I  readily  promised  him  the  same  if  the  whole  became 
mine,  &  that  as  a  free  Gift.  This  my  knowedge  of  Mr.  Smith's 
merit  &  Circumstances  readily  induced  me  to,  and  I  should  have 
thought  myself  very  happy  in  having  it  in  my  power  thereby  to 
contribute  to  his  happiness,  and  the  welfare  of  his  family  —  but 
my  disappointment  therein  deprived  me  of  the  satisfaction  I 
should  have  felt  by  serving  Mr.  Smith  whom  I  had  always  Con- 
sidered as  a  man  of  just  principles,  but  whose  misfortunes  had 
put  it  out  of  his  power  of  Convincing  the  World  of  the  Integrity 
of  his  Disposition. 

The  Judicious  manner  in  which  you  were  desirous  to  have  my 
intended  Gift  secured  to  Mr.  Smiths  posterity,  at  the  same  time 
that  it  manifests  your  tender  regard  for  them,  must  have  made 
you  a  very  powerful  Advocate  for  him  in  case  I  had  not  been 
already  greatly  prejudiced  in  his  favour. 

I  am  very  glad  to  hear  you  have  received  the  Manuscript  from 
England  wrote  by  my  much  esteemed  friend,  which  I  should  be 
glad  to  be  favoured  with,  together  with  the  unfinished  piece  you 
have  likewise  mentioned,  as  the  perusal  of  them  cannot  fail  of 
affording  the  greatest  Satisfaction,  when  considered  as  the  Work 
of  a  Gentleman  of  his  ability  whose  memory  I  shall  always 
esteem. 

I  beg  you  will  believe  me  to  be  with  the  utmost  Sincerity,  & 
Esteem,  Madam,  Yr.  most  obed1  &  most  Devoted  &ca. 

MRS.  WRAXALL. 

AN   INVENTORY 

There  is  found  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  134,  an  inventory,  dated 
May  4th,  of  live  stock,  farm  tools  and  domestic  articles  delivered  by 
Flood  to  Maddin.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


730  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

Fort  Johnson  A/ap  6ih  1762 
SIR 

I  am  to  acknowledge  the  rec1.  of  your  Excell0?5.  favour  of  the 
25th  April,2  and  am  glad  to  find  you  are  sensible  of  the  neces- 
sity I  am  under  for  a  proper  person  in  Quality  of  Secretary,  in 
which  Station  I  acquainted  your  Excell^.  I  know  no  one  so  fit 
to  act  as  Lieut  Johnson,  and  am  therefore  satisfied  Your  Excell0?. 
would  not  if  'twas  consistent  with  the  Service  deprive  me  of 
his  assistance. 

Lieut  Johnson  in  pursuance  of  your  orders  was  to  have  set  out 
to  join  his  Company  but  unluckily  the  other  day  got  a  fall  from 
his  horse,  which  has  entirely  lamed  him,  and  prevented  him  from 
stirring. 

Since  my  last,  I  have  received  a  Letter  from  Major  Gladwin  8 
Enclosing  Copies  of  two  others  which  he  had  wrote  to  your 
Excelly.  Containing  some  farther  intelligence  on  the  former  sub- 
ject. Altho'  I  can  hardly  be  persuaded  that  the  Indians  in 
general  would  at  present  undertake  any  thing  against  us,  yet  the 
Circumstances  with  regard  to  the  French's  designs  of  setting  them 
up,  are  so  very  particular  that  I  am  still  of  opinion  there  are 
Certainly  many,  amongst  them,  who,  (however  improbable  the 
Success  of  the  undertaking  may  appear)  would  not  fail  to  use 
all  their  influence  to  excite  them  to  a  War  with  us,  but  I  can't 
believe  they  are  able  to  bring  many  over  to  their  purpose,  from 
the  disposition  I  have  found  the  Senecas  &  other  Nations  in  at 
the  late  Meeting. 

Capt  Lottridge,  one  of  my  officers  now  at  Montreal  &  a  Young 
fellow  of  much  merit  during  the  whole  war,  has  applied  to  me,  to 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2 This  manuscript  destroyed  by  fire;  no  copy  made. 

a  Not  found. 


Seven  Years'  War  731 

represent  to  yr  Excell0?.  that  his  present  situation  being  very 
precarious,  &  the  greatest  part  of  his  life  having  been  spent  in 
the  Service  he  begs  your  Excellency  will  take  his  case  into  Con- 
sideration, that  some  provision  may  be  made  for  him  as  you  shall 
judge  most  fitting,  otherwise,  he  must  be  reduced  to  great 
Extremity,  whenever  discharged  from  his  present  duty.  I  have 
therefore  in  compliance  with  his  earnest  Entreaty  taken  the 
liberty  to  lay  his  Case  before  your  Excellcy.  to  which  I  was  the 
readier  induced  from  my  knowledge  of  his  Activity,  &  good 
behavior. 

I  am  &ca. 

P.  S.  I  omitted  mentioning  to  your  Excell?  that  I  am  given  to 
understand  sev1.  Traders  procure  papers  from  Govr.  Gage  to 
trade  at  places  where  there  is  no  Garrison.  As  the  bad  Conse- 
quence thereof  does  not  perhaps  occur  to  him,  I  judged  it  neces- 
sary to  observe  to  your  Excellency  that  if  'tis  continued,  the 
Regulations  which  I  have  made  &  sent  to  all  the  posts  can  have 
no  effect,  these  Traders  being  by  such  an  Indulgence  enabled  to 
impose  upon  the  Indians  with  impunity. 

INDORSED:     Letter  to  Sir  Jeff:  Amherst 


TO   RICHARD   SHUCKBURGH 

The  preceding  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1  34,  by  one  of 
May  7th  from  Johnson  to  Dr  Shuckburgh,  informing  him  of  the  sale  of 
Mrs  Cosby's  lands  to  Oliver  De  Lancey  for  £6000,  Indian  opposition 
to  land  grants  and  sincere  behavior  of  the  Sei<ecas,  and  explaining  the 
circumstances  under  which  employment  as  Indian  secretary  was  promised 
to  Lieutenant  Johnson.  Destroyed  by  fine. 


732  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

TO   GOLDSBROW   BANYAR 
Df* 

May  8*  1762 
DEAR  BANYAR 

Since  mine  of  ye  29th  April  have  not  been  favoured  with  any 
from  you,  neither  has  there  any  thing  new  occurred  this  way, 
any  more  than  that  I  have  now  just  finished  ye  general  meeting 
with  the  Six  Nations  &  others  to  satisfaction  &  they  are  now 
returning  home  well  contented  &  will  I  am  certain  remain  so, 
unless  ill  treated  by  us  wh.  has  been  too  much  the  case  of  late. 

I  must  desire  the  favour  of  you  to  Send  me  per  first  opertunity 
Coppy  of  an  Indian  Deed  for  Lands  Sold  to  Ebenezor  Wilson  & 
John  Abell  in  the  year  1 708  called  Tentkendocta  on  the  North 
Side  of  the  Mohawk  River  near  to  Fort  Hunter,  with  the  Ind8. 
Names  &  Marks  who  signed  said  Deed.  It  is  in  order  to  satisfy 
the  Mohawks  who  have  some  doubt  about  an  Isleand  included 
in  sd.  Pattent,  also  ye  Boundaries  of  a  Pattent  on  the  South  Side 
of  the  Mohawks  River  near  Fort  Hunter,  granted  to  John  Scott 
in  ye  year  1 725. 

Pray  let  me  know  whether  Gener1.  Monkton  is  expected  to 
N  York  &  when.     I  am  Dear  Banyar  Y".  &c. 
Also  when  it  is  thought  the  Troops  will  leave  York  &  where  to. 

FROM  GEORGE  CROGHAN 
A.  L.  S.1 

Fort  Pitt  May  10ih  1762 
HONOURED  SIR 

A  few  days  ago  I  was  Honoured  with  yr  feaver  by  a  party 
of  Mohocks  whome  I  used  as  well  as  in  My  power  att  ye  time 
they  Ariv'd.  hear  Kinderunta  or  blew  Cheeks  Return^,  from 
Warr  with  two  Cherrokes  prisners  &  Eight  Sculps  so  that  he  has 
behav'd.  better  then  yr  Honour  or  any  Body  Else  Expected  he 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  733 

&  his  party  of  Eighty  has  behav'*1.  Siveler  hear  booth  going  & 
Coming  than  any  party  this  year.  They  ware  in  great  want  of 
Every  Nessary  &  tho  Coll.  Boquet  could  give  them  Nothing 
without  breaking  ye  Ginerals  orders  I  Lett  them  have  as  much 
as  sent  them  away  well  Satisfy d.  as  I  thought  it  wold  be  fer  ye 
good  of  ye  Service.  I  bleve  I  have  given  to  them  &  some  others 
to  ye  amount  of  £l  00  out  of  my  own  little  purse  wh.  I  assure  you 
is  butt  small  however  Rather  than  ye  service  Should  Suffer  under 
me  hear  I  shall  expend  my  whole  Salery  fer  this  Sumer  and  hope 
yr  Honour  will  give  me  Leve  to  Resign  in  yc  fall. 

I  wrote  you  by  Coll.  Eyare  who  was  hear  to  view  the  works 
some  time  ago  wh.  I  hope  you  have  Reced.  with  an  Extract  of 
my  Journal. 

I  have  sent  Gineral  Amhurst  my  account  of  Expences  this 
Last  half  year  amounting  to  £317  Excluseff  of  ye  pay  of  the 
people  Imployd.  hear  &  att  Detroit  which  No  Doubt  he  will 
think  too  Much  tho  Certify^,  by  Coll.  Boquet  agreeable  to  his 
orders. 

The  Dallaways  &  Shawnes  I  hear  are  to  go  to  Phill.  in  June 
to  have  a  Talk  with  ye  Governor  as  ye  Suthren  people  Call  itt, 
as  ye  pass  hear  they  propose  to  Deliver  up  all  ye  prisners  yett 
Remaining  amongst  them. 

I  sent  of  Mr.  Hutchens  my  Assistant  hear  ye  3d  of  April  to 
visett  ye  Several  Nations  Resideing  about  ye  Distant  posts  over 
ye  Laakes;  on  his  return  I  will  send  yr  honour  his  Journal  with 
a  Draft  of  that  Cuntry  as  he  is  very  Capable  of  Takeing  itt. 

The  Indians  in  those  parts  behave  very  Sivelly  to  all  our 
Traders  butt  Now  &  then  Some  of  ye  Most  Sensable  of  them  ask 
Me  what  is  ye  Reason  that  we  allways  was  Calling  them  to 
Council  During  ye  Warr  &  giveing  them  presents  &  Now  Take 
No  Notice  of  them.  They  say  ye  French  was  butt  a  poor  peple 
butt  they  allways  Cloathed  any  Indians  that  was  poor  or  Naked 
when  they  Come  to  see  them. 

We  have  had  an  account  hear  yesterday  that  South  Carolina 
was  Taken  by  ye  French  &  Spanerds,  if  so  &  they  Stay  in  that 


734  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Cuntry  all  ye  Southren  Indians  will  be  in  their  Interest  and  itt 
is  not  improbable  butt  they  may  attempt  Detroit  &  yc  several 
posts  depending  thereon.  However  if  they  Do  I  assure  them  they 
wont  gett  Much  Provisions  or  Amunision  tho  they  may  save 
Gineral  Amhurst  the  expence  he  Complains  so  much  of  on  ye 
Indians. 

About  ye  7  of  April  two  Verginians  was  killd.  above  Red- 
stone by  yc  Indians.  I  Dont  take  it  to  be  a  National  Merder 
butt  Rather  a  kind  of  Robery  as  ye  men  were  hunters  and  Setling 
a  plantation.  However  it  has  drove  off  a  Number  of  people  who 
was  about  Setling  ye  Cuntry  wh.  made  ye  Indians  a  Litle  uneasy. 
I  have  taken  every  Step  in  my  Power  to  find  them  out  or  of  what 
Nation  butt  as  yett  Can  Nott  tho  I  flater  My  Self  I  soon  shall 
when  I  will  Write  your  Honour. 

I  have  Nott  heard  from  Capt.  Montour  since  I  sent  him  to 
Fort  Agusta.  At  that  time  he  gave  me  an  order  on  yr  Honour 
for  one  hundred  p<k.  Sterling  or  as  much  as  wold  be  due  him  by 
ye  5th  May.  I  was  oblidgd.  to  advance  him  then  £80  &  Ingage 
for  as  much  more.  I  Inclose  yr  Honour  ye  order  &  Request  ye 
feaver  you  will  if  Convenient  order  Mr.  Francis  Wade  to  pay 
Me  ye  Mony  if  there  be  any  of  his  pay  in  yr  hands. 

Pray  make  my  Complements  to  all  yr  good  Family  and  bleve 
me  with  great  Esteem  &  Regard  yr  Honours  Most  Obedient  & 
Humble  Servant, 

GEO:  CROGHAN 

To  the  Honourable  SlR  WlLL:  JOHNSON  Bar*. 


FROM  WILLIAM  DARLINGTON 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See 
Johnson  Calendar,  p.  134)  by  two  papers  which  were  destroyed:  a  letter 
of  May  10th  from  William  Darlington,  at  New  York,  to  Johnson,  on  a 
silver  crane  which  he  sends  by  Marte  Garritse,  and  the  scarcity  and 
dearness  of  pork;  and  John  Heath's  bill  to  Mr  Darlington  for  a  silver 
crane. 


Seven  Years    War  735 

TO  LUC  DE  CHAPT  DE  LA  CORNE  ST  LUC 

or 

Fort  Johnson  May  IIth  1762 
SIR 

Altho*  I  should  be  highly  pleased  with  any  occasion  which 
affords  me  the  Correspondence  of  a  Gentleman  I  so  much  Esteem, 
yet  I  could  not  avoid  greatly  shocked,  as  well  as  con- 

cerned, at  the  News  of  the  late  unfortunate  disaster  which  has 
deprived  you  of  so  many  dear  relations,8  at  the  same  time  It 
affords  me  Infinite  Satisfaction  to  find  you  have  escaped  the  great 
dangers,  to  which  you  were  exposed,  a  circumstance  which  gives 
me  hopes  that  Destiny  has  some  great  happiness  in  store  for  you, 
to  Compensate  for  your  late  Misfortunes. 

As  I  have  a  great  opinion  of  your  fortitude  of  mind  I  hope  this 
sad  accident  found  you  armed  &  enabled  to  support  yourself 
under  so  great  a  Calamity  &  superior  to  the  severest  Strokes  of 
Fortune,  than  which  nothing  is  more  difficult,  consequently,  noth- 
ing can  reflect  greater  merit  on  your  Character. 

As  I  have  a  deep  sense  of  yr  Loss  as  well  as  a  pleasure  in  being 
made  acquainted  with  your  own  escape,  so  I  shall  at  all  times 
feel  a  very  particular  pleasure  on  hearing  that  you  enjoy  a  per- 
fect state  of  health  and  felicity,  and  I  beg  leave  to  assure  you 
that  I  am  with  great  Sincerity,  Sir  &ca. 

MONSR.  LACORNE  ST  Luc 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 
B  Omission  in  the  copy. 


8  See  Welles  to  Johnson,  March  3.  1  762. 


736  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

TO  JOHN  BRADSTREET 

Castle  Cumberland,  May  t3ih  1762 
SIR 

Your  favor  of  the  10th  inst.  I  did  not  receive  until  this  morn- 
ing, neither  did  I  see  the  Messenger,  as  he  came  not  farther  than 
Fort  Johnson. 

Agreable  to  your  desire  I  herewith  Inclose  you  a  list  of  my 
Tenants,  to- whom  ( altho'  most  of  them  are  naturalized)  I  have 
not  as  yet  given  Leases,  which  I  am  sorry  for,  as  I  apprehend  that 
may  be  made  an  objection  to  them  —  I  likewise  inclose  you  a 
list  of  the  Tenants  living  on  the  lands  belongs,  to  the  heirs  of  Sr 
Peter  Warren,  who  all  have  deeds  for  the  same,  and  wish  they 
may  answer  your  purpose,  as,  I  am  Sir 

Your  most  obed1.  Humble  Serv1. 
To  COLL.  BRADSTREET. 


TO   WILLIAM   WINEPRESS 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See 
Johnson  Calendar,  p.  135)  by  a  letter  of  May  13th  from  Johnson  to 
Captain  Winepress,  relating  the  affair  of  Thomas  Flood,  discharged 
from  Johnson's  service  for  want  of  sobriety,  who  was  afterward  made 
drunk  by  soldiers  of  the  garrison  at  Schenectady  and  robbed  of  £  1 00. 
Destroyed  by  fire. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  737 

FROM  WILLIAM  CORRY 
A.  L.  S.1 

73*  [7762] 


DEAR  SIR 

I  am  favoured  with  yours,  You  wrote  to  me  to  know  Mr. 
Smiths  opinion  on  the  affair,  I  thought  Mr.  Smiths  Information 
not  altogether  sufficient,  as  I  informed  him  I  should  send  him  a 
further  state  of  the  case  in  a  short  time,  therefore  for  the  present 
order'd  him  to  appear  for  our  Clients,  which  I  make  no  doubt  is 
done  —  as  the  Supreme  Court  was  about  to  sit  and  a  good  deal 
of  hurry  among  them  it  might  have  prevented  his  writing.  I  have 
wrote  to  him  again  —  shall  let  you  know  as  soon  as  I  hear  from 
him.  I  think  I  ought  to  acquaint  him  of  the  resolution  of  the 
Council  in  our  favour,  that  and  the  Proclamation  will  in  my 
opinion  end  the  matter,  if  you  make  no  secret  of  the  transactions 
of  the  Council  shall  inform  him  of  it  in  my  next. 

The  taking  the  bond  is  a  material  thing.  If  Keyser  will  relate 
the  whole  affair  and  swear  it,  before  Mr.  Conine,2  I  shall  then 
further  acquaint  you  of  the  Consequences  —  who  was  present 
when  he  took  it  at  present  it  appears  bad  on  Clocks  side. 

There  is  one  Paragraph  in  the  Proclamation  much  in  our 
favour  (that  in  case  you  shall  find  upon  strict  inquiry  to  be  made 
for  that  purpose,  that  any  person  or  persons  do  claim  to,  hold  or 
possess  any  lands  within  our  said  Province  upon  pretence  of 
Purchases  made  of  the  said  Indians  without  a  proper  License 
first  had  and  obtained  &ca.  you  are  forthwith  to  cause  a  prose- 
cution to  be  carried  on  against  such  person  or  persons  who  shall 
have  made  such  fraudulent  purchases,  to  the  end,  that  the  land 
may  be  recovered  by  a  due  Course  of  Law  —  )  now  the  claimers 
of  this  land  are  Clock  and  Funda,  for  their  Ejectments  are  a 
Claim  in  Law  —  their  new  Indian  purchases  will  show  their 

1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Peter  Conyn,  a  justice. 

Vol.  Ill  —  24 


738  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

villanny,  and  their  abbettors  cannot  produce  any  Indian  purchase 
for  that  Land,  and  the  Govr.  is  ordered  to  appoint  the  prose- 
cution that  the  Lands  fraudulently  obtained  may  be  restored  by 
due  Course  of  Law  —  and  as  sole  director  of  the  Indian  affairs 
your  under  the  strongest  obligation  to  Represent  the  affair  to  the 
Govr.  and  Council,  untill  the  lands  are  actually  recover'd,  and 
you  can't  in  law  look  upon  any  person  concern'd  but  the  present 
claimants.  It  will  be  sower  sause  to  them  I  assure  you,  and  there 
is  a  dread  attending  the  proclamation,  which  will  add  an  efficacy 
to  every  word  you  write,  (the  Land  must  be  restored  to  the 
Indians  by  due  course  of  Law)  and  this  is  the  time.  Not  a  word 
of  News. 

I  am  Dear  Sir  your  most  obed1.  Serv*. 

WILLIAM  CORRY 

(Our  Assembly  men  went  down  yesterday) 
To  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Bar1. 
May  13*. 

TO  CADWALLADER  GOLDEN 


Fort  Johnson  May  15th  1762 
DEAR  SIR 

It  gives  a  great  concern  to  hear  by  your  favour  of  the  3d  inst 
of  the  loss  you  have  lately  sustained  by  the  death  of  your 
daughter  Mrs.  Willet,  as  also  of  her  sister's  indisposition  which 
I  heartily  wish  she  may  recover  from,  and  I  beg  you  will  believe 
me  to  be  much  affected  with  your  late  misfortune  &  very  sensible 
of  what  you  must  feel  on  such  an  occasion.2 

1  Destroyed  by  fire.  The  letter  is  in  the  New  York  Historical  Society, 
and  reveals  many  variations,  mostly  in  capitalization.  Important  differ- 
ences will  be  indicated. 

2  Colden's  letter  is  in  the  Collections  of  the  New  York  Historical  Society 
for  1876,  Golden  Papers,  p.  198.  In  a  letter  of  January  30,  1762,  to 
Golden,  which  was  burned  but  is  calendared,  Johnson  offers  condolence 
on  the  death  of  Colden's  wife. 


Seven  Fears'  War  739 

Mr.  Banyar  has  some  time  ago  transmitted  me  the  Order,  with 
respect  to  Klock,  and  the  Lands  at  Conajoharee,  which  I  hope 
will  prove  effectual.  I  have  not  yet  acquainted  the  Indians  there- 
with, least  it  might  have  been  premature,  as  I  understand  it  is 
become  a  point  of  law,  Klock1  having  ejected  the  Tenants  on 
those  Lands,  in  the  Winter,  for  an  Explanation  of  which  I  have 
wrote  to  Mr.  Banyar,  who  I  hope  has  communicated  to  you  my 
Letter  thereon. 

I  have  lately  had  a  Meeting  here  of  all  the  6  Nations  to  the 
number  of  near  500,  who  have  declared  themselves  very  well 
thereat  I  made  them  acquainted  with  his  Majestys  late  Instruc- 
tions to  you,2  which  seemed  to  give  them  great  satisfaction.  They 
are  all  vastly  uneasy  at  the  late  behavior  of  the  Connecticut 
people,  who  are  settling  3  to  the  Number  of  1 000  f amilys  on 
some  Lands  scituate  on  the  Susquehanna  River  claimed  by  them 
in  virtue  of  an  illegal  purchase  made  some  years  ago  by  Lydius 
at  Albany,  the  consequence  whereof  will  fatally  feel  these 
Sellers  4  I  am  apprehensive  as  well  as  his  Majesties  Subjects  in 
general  if  not  prevented  from  selling  thereon  and  that  imediately. 
The  Senecas  in  particular  have  at  the  late  Meeting,  cleared  up 
&  explained  the  Cause  of  what  was  laid  to  their  Charge  last  year 
have  renewed  the  Cov*.  Chain  and  delivered  up  two  Men 5  pris- 
oners promising  to  send  down  10  others  immediately  &  to  cause 
the  Mounsies  &ca.  to  deliver  up  all  the  English  amongst  them 
without  delay.  In  your  last  favour  you  mention  my  qualifying 
as  a  Justice  in  order  to  act  as  such,  with  which  circumstance  I  was 


1  In  the  original  "  Klock"  is  followed  by  "and  Fonda." 

2  Doc.  Rel  to  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y..  7:477-79.     In  the  original  "  Instruc- 
tions to  you  "  is  followed  by  "  with  regard  to  their  Lands  in  this  part  of  the 
Country." 

3  In  the  original  "  settling  "  is  followed  by  "  or  about  to  Settle." 

4  In  the  original  "  will  fatally  feel "  follows  "  Sellers." 

5  *'  Men  "  is  omitted  in  the  original. 


740  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

before  unacquainted,  and  shod.  therefore  be  glad  to  know  whether 
such  Qualification  may  be  made  at  Albany,  &  before  whom. 
I  am  &<*/ 

The  Honble  LT.  GovR  CoLDEN.1 


TO  GEORGE  CROGHAN 
Df.* 

Fort  Johnson  May  J5ih  1762 
SIR 

I  have  received  yours  of  March  31st  together  with  your  Jour- 
nal, wherein  mention  is  made  of  4  English  having  been  killed 
by  the  Shawanese,  concerning  which  I  had  lately  wrote  to  you, 
I  also  wrote  you  sometime  ago  to  meet  at  Easton  the  15th  of 
June  where  I  am  to  have  a  conference  with  Teedyuscung  which 
letter  I  hope  you  have  received. 

I  have  had  a  Meeting  with  the  6  Nations  to  the  am1,  of  400 
lately,  who  all  behaved  very  well.  The  Senecas  after  Explain- 
ing the  affair  concerning  which  they  were  accused,  renewed  the 
Cov*  Chain,  &  called  all  the  Nations  present  to  Witness  the 
Promises  &  protestations  they  made  of  preserving  peace,  &  living 
in  friendship  with  us,  after  which  they  delivered  up  two  prisoners 
promised  to  send  down  nine  more  &  to  oblige  their  Nephews,  the 


1  In  original  "  I  am  with  all  respect 

Dear  Sir 

Your  most  Obedient 
&  verry  Humble  Servant 
Wm.  Johnson" 

2  In  original  in  Johnson's  hand,  at  bottom  of  first  page.  **  The  Honrble. 
Cadwallader  Golden  Esqr. 

Lieut  Governour  of  New  York  ". 

The  original  has  this  indorsement:  *'  15th  May  1762 

Sir  Wm.  Johnson 
answered  the  6th  of  June. 

8  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years'  War  741 

Mounsies  &ca.  to  deliver  up  all  those  who  were  in  their  Custody 
&  I  make  no  doubt  of  the  Senecas  giving  some  advice  &  cautions 
to  those  disorderly  people  of  theirs  who  live  at  the  Ohio  &  else- 
where. The  Ind8.  are  all  very  uneasy  at  the  Connecticut  peoples 
intentions  to  settle  on  a  Large  tract  on  the  Susquehanna  River, 
which  Lydius  pretends  to  have  formerly  bought  at  Albany. 

I  have  not  heard  as  yet  from  Montour  concerning  the  par- 
ticulars of  the  uneasiness  of  the  Ind8.  mentd.  in  your  letter,  and 
shod.  be  glad  to  appoint  Mr.  Magee1  as  I  believe  he  might  be 
very  usefull  in  that  quarter,  but,  as  the  General  seems  not  dis- 
posed to  any  augmentation  of  officers,  I  cannot  prtend  to  do  it. 

It  is  not  expected  that  a  total  stop  shd.  be  put  to  Indn.  Expenses 
(such  a  step  must  as  yet  be  very  impolitick)  but  only  that  they 
should  be  retrenched  and  brought  as  low  as  the  good  of  the 
Service  can  possibly  admit  of. 

My  son,  and  L*.  Johnson  present  their  Compliments,  and  I  am 
Sir  &ca. 

To  G:  CROGHAN  Esqr. 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

L.  S.2 

Ner»  York,  16*  May  1762. 

R 

Last  Night  I  received  the  Favour  of  your  Letter  of  the  6th 
Instant;  and  am  sorry  for  the  Accident  that  has  happened  to 
ieut:  Johnson;  but  you  will  order  him  down,  so  soon  as  he 
Recovers,  that  he  may  joyn  his  Company. 

Major  Gladwin's  giving  faith  to  the  Indian  plot,  will  intirely 
frustrate  their  Designs,  if  they  really  have  any,  as  you  will  per- 
ceive by  his  Letters,  that  he  is  so  much  on  his  guard,  'tis  Impos- 
sible for  them  to  do  any  Mischief  at  his  post,  or  Oswegatchie; 
and  for  my  own  part,  I  must  Confess,  I  Cannot  think  the  French 


1  Captain  Thomas  McKee. 

2  Destroyed  by  fire. 


742  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

such  Fools  as  to  Attempt  any  thing,  by  means  of  the  Indians,  at 
a  time  when  it  is  not  in  their  power  to  assist  them. 

From  the  Character  you  give  of  Captain  Lotteridge,  &  his 
long  Services  in  your  department,  I  should  be  glad  to  provide  for 
him ;  and  I  shall  accordingly  think  of  it. 

I  am  persuaded  Governor  Gage,  if  he  has  Granted  Passes  to 
any  Traders  at  places  where  there  is  no  Garrison,  must  have  done 
it,  without  being  aware  of  the  bad  Consequences  that  would 
Arise  therefrom:  It  is  what  I  have  carefully  avoided,  and  I 
shall,  by  the  first  opportunity,  Write  to  Governor  Gage,  to  pro- 
hibit any  persons  whatever  within  his  Government,  from,  Trading 
at  any  places  but  where  there  are  fixed  Posts,  and  that  they 
Conform  to  the  Regulations  Established  by  you. 

I  am,  with  great  Regard,  Sir 

Your  most  Obedient 

Humble  Servant, 

JEFF:  AMHERST 
Sir  WM.  JOHNSON 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

D/.1 
Johnson  Hall  19*  May  1762. 

SIR 

I  am  to  acknowledge  the  rec1  of  your  Excellencys  Letter  of 
the  9th  Inst 2  and  to  return  you  thanks  for  ye  Coppy  of  Lord 
Egremonts  letter  therewith,  as  far  as  it  relates  to  Indian  matters, 
which  you  received  from  home,  relative  to  the  Indians,  &  which 
I  shall  make  the  best  use  of  for  his  Majestys  service. 

Herewith  I  inclose  your  Excellency  a  Copy  of  my  Trans- 
actions with  the  6  Nations  at  the  late  Meeting,3  together  with  an 


1  Destroyed  by  fire.     An  extract  from  the  letter,  dated  the  2 1  st,  relat- 
ing to  the  Susquehanna  settlement,  was  sent  by  Amherst  to  Lord  Egre- 
mont,  and  is  in  the  Public  Record  Office,  London,  England. 

2  Not  found. 
'April  21-28. 


Seven  Years'  War  743 

Extract  from  Mr.  Croghans  Journal,  relative  to  the  murder  Com- 
mitted by  the  Shawanese  which  he  has  lately  transmitted  me  an 
ace1  of. 

Your  Excellency  will  observe  in  these  Transactions  the  great 
Jealousy  of  the  Indians  with  regard  to  their  Lands,  &  particularly 
their  uneasiness  concerning  the  designs  of  some  Connecticut 
people  who  to  the  Number  of  1000  families,  are  preparing,  & 
some  of  them  as  I  am  Informed  already  gone  to  Settle  on  a  large 
tract  of  Country  on  the  Susquehanna  River,  which  they  Claim  a 
Right  to  in  virtue  of  a  purchase  made  for  them  by  one  Lydius  of 
Albany  some  years  ago  in  a  very  wrong  manner,  one  Wood- 
bridge  of  Stockbridge  sent  a  Speech  to  the  6  Nations,  which  I 
had  a  Copy  taken  of,  some  time  ago,  &  now  Enclose  it  with  ye 
rest  to  your  Excellency. 

I  am  glad  to  find  my  proposal  of  procuring  some  Indians  to  the 
Southward  &ca  hath  met  with  your  Excellencys  approbation  & 
I  shall  in  consequence  thereof,  send  amongst  the  Nations  to 
excite  them  thereto.  As  the  Indians  generally  chuse  to  go  in 
small  parties  of  20,  or  30  Men,  it  will  not  be  easy  to  ascertain 
the  exact  Number  I  may  be  able  to  Depend  on,  but  I  look  upon 
it  I  shall  have  it  in  my  power  to  send  several  parties  of  that  Num- 
ber, who  may  answer  the  purposes  of  much  larger,  by  harassing, 
&  continually  alarming  the  Inhabitants  of  the  interior  part  of  that 
Country,  as  well  as  keeping  the  Spanish  &  French  Indians  too 
much  Employed  at  home  to  afford  the  Enemy  much  assistance. 

As  these  parties  will  chuse  to  make  their  inroads  in  different 
Quarters  about,  I  believe  the  places  must  be  chiefly  left  to 
themselves. 

Whenever  I  am  made  acquainted  therewith,  &  with  the  man- 
ner in  which  they  receive  my  proposals,  I  shall  give  your  Excel- 
lency notice  of  their  Sentiments  &  resolutions  thereon. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  &ca. 

To  SIR  JEFF:  AMHERST. 


744  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

Johnson  Hall  26*  Ma^  1762 
SIR 

I  was  honoured  with  your  ExcelK8  Letter  of  the  1 6th  ult°  two 
days  ago  on  my  return  from  ye  German  Flatts. 

I  am  hopefull  that  Major  Gladwins  2  giving  faith  to  the  Indian 
plot,  together  with  the  steps  he  will  take  in  consequence  thereof 
for  the  security  of  his  Neighbourhood  may  prevent  their  succeed- 
ing, in  case  they  really  have  any  bad  designs;  but  according  to 
my  ideas  of  the  Canadians  they  have  always  appeared  to  be  a 
people  too  ready  to  catch  at  any  Expedient,  which  from  the 
natural  disposition  of  the  French  might  fill  them  with  Vain  hopes 
of  serving  their  Country  thereby. 

The  behavior  of  the  Pensilvanians  hath  throughout  the  War 
been  of  a  very  extraordinary  nature  in  many  cases  as  the  loss  of 
a  proportionable  assistance  from  so  rich  &  populous  a  Province 
must  be  felt  by  the  rest,  such  nonresisting  principles  are  illcal- 
culated  from  a  Country  which  has  been  I  may  say  the  Seat  of 
War.  The  £5000  they  have  voted  for  presents  to  Indians  is  a 
handsome  sum  &  from  my  Experience  of  the  Quakers  proceed- 
ings seems  to  be  with  some  other  view  than  for  obtaining  the 
delivery  up  of  Captives,  &  cannot  but  greatly  influence  the  Ind5. 
in  their  favour  at  the  Ensuing  Meeting  when  they  find  they 
receive  no  presents  from  anybody  else.  I  have  a  Letter  now  by 
me  from  Mr.  Peters  of  that  Govermt.  wrote  2.  years  ago  wherein 
he  informs  me  "  That  the  Inds.  said  with  a  Sneer  on  a  like 
former  occasion  "  Govr.  Pemberton  gives  us  everything,  but 
Govr.  Denny  has  it  not  in  his  power  to  comply  with  any  of  our 
Demands." 

I  shall  be  now  very  particularly  distressed  by  being  obliged  to 
go  to  a  Meeting  of  so  much  Consequence  where  so  many  people 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Major  Henry  Gladwin,  of  the  80th  regiment. 


Seven  Fears'  War  745 

from  below  will  be  present,  without  any  Secretary.  Lieut  John- 
son's accident  has  affected  him  so  much  from  staring. 
I  return  your  Excellency  many  thanks  for  your  promise  of 
taking  Capt  Lotteridge's  case  into  Consideration  and  I  beg  you 
will  believe  me  to  be,  with  great  Sincerity,  Sir  &ca. 

To  SIR  JEFF:  AMHERST. 


TO   WILLIAM    CORRY 

The  preceding  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  136,  by  two  of 
May  26th  from  Johnson,  destroyed  by  fire:  one  to  William  Corry  advis- 
ing him  to  confer  with  the  attorney  general  in  the  interest  of  tenants 
on  the  Indian  lands,  and  informing  him  that  in  1  754,  in  the  presence  of 
commissioners  of  the  several  colonies  at  Albany,  the  present  Earl  of 
Sterling  and  Billy  Livingston  offered  to  give  up  claim  to  lands  now  in 
dispute;  and  one  to  Corry,  essentially  the  same,  with  the  addition  of  a 
postscript  asking  the  Christian  name  of  the  King's  attorney. 


PENNSYLVANIA  COMMISSIONERS  TO  JOHNSON 
A.  L.  S.z 
Philadelphia  May  the  26*.  1762. 

SIR, 

By  a  Message  from  Teedyuscung  at  Wyomen  to  our 
Governor  we  are  informed  that  you  have  appointed  a  Meeting 
at  Easton  with  that  Chief  and  the  Nations  he  represents,  about 
the  middle  of  next  month,  in  Order  to  a  Hearing  of  their  Com- 
plaints in  respect  to  Lands  in  this  Province,  for  which  they  appre- 
hend neither  their  Ancestors,  or  themselves  have  been  duly 
satisfied. 

As  this  is  a  Matter  of  some  Importance,  in  which  the  Province 
of  Pennsylvania  is  principally  concerned,  the  provincial  Commis- 
sioners thereof  woud  chearfully  take  upon  them  the  Trouble  of 
attending  the  sd  Meeting  and  with  the  Governors  Concurrence 


1  Omission  in  the  copy. 

2  In  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.1276,  p.  301 ,  London,  England. 
Inclosed  in  a  letter  of  Johnson  to  lords  of  trade,  August  20,  1  762. 


746  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

bear  the  Expence  of  a  suitable  Provision  for  the  Indians  during 
the  Continuance  of  it,  but  that  a  general  Treaty  for  renewing 
the  Chain  of  Friendship  between  this  Government  &  the  northern 
and  western  Nations  is  shortly  expected  to  be  held  at  the 
Borough  of  Lancaster,  where  it  is  presumed  Teedyuscung  with 
all,  or  the  greater  part  of  the  Tribes  interested  in  the  above 
Claim  may  be  present  many  of  whom  cannot  possibly  attend  at 
Easton  at  ye  Time  appointed  for  want  of  proper  Notice:  We 
have  therefore  thought  it  necessary  to  acquaint  your  Excellency, 
that  in  Case  your  Appointment  with  the  said  Indians  can  be 
postponed  for  a  few  Weeks,  we  are  apprehensive  the  good  Pur- 
pose thereof  may  be  better  answered  by  your  being  present  at 
the  general  Meeting  at  Lancaster,  besides  that  the  Trouble  & 
Charge  that  must  otherwise  arise  to  the  Province  of  Pennsylvania 
will  be  much  lessen'd  by  this  Expedient  which  we  beg  Leave  to 
recommend  to  your  Consideration  &  are  with  great  Regard, 

ff|     ._  .....  '        Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  humble  Servants 
P.  S. 

If  your  Excellency  shoud  approve  of  the 
above  Measure  and  acquaint  us  therewith 
by  the  Bearer,  we  shall  take  particular 
Care  to  give  you  Notice  by  a  special  Mes- 
senger of  the  Time  at  which  the  Lancaster 
Treaty  begins 

Signed  by  Order  of  the  Commissioners 
MOORE  Clk. 


INDORSED:     Philadelphia  May  26th.   1762  — 
Letter  from  the  Comrs.  on  behalf  of 
the  Province  of  Pensilvania 
recd.  &  answered  June  2d. 
by  Sir  Wm.  Johnson. 
Reced  Nov.  11.  1762 
X.  18. 


Seven  Years   War  747 

FROM  DANIEL  CLAUS 
A.  L.  S.1 

Montreal  29*  May  1762 
HONOURED  SIR 

I  arrived  here  last  Sunday  Evening  after  suffering  well  by 
heat  and  Muskeetoes  in  the  lakes.  Passing  Lake  Champlain  I 
saw  the  vessels  at  anchor  with  the  58th  Reg1,  on  board.  A 
Whale  boat  was  sent  after  me  to  let  me  know  that  Gen1.  Gage 
was  with  them,  that  if  I  had  any  Letters  for  him  to  leave  them, 
and  having  had  the  N.  York  Packet  with  me  for  Canada  I  sent 
his  Letters  &  Papers  together  with  those  to  Collo.  Burton;  G1: 
Gage  I  hear  goes  only  to  accompany  the  latter  as  far  as  Cr. 
P*.  and  is  hourly  expected  back  again. 

As  Collo.  Haldimand  resides  now  at  the  3  Rivr$.  I  shall  write 
him  per  first  Opportunity  ab*.  my  Intentions  to  sell  out  &  hear 
his  Sentiments  thereon.  Our  Reg*,  its  thought  will  for  certain 
remain  this  Summer  in  Town  or  the  Cantoonments  ab!.  it.  I 
believe  shant  be  at  a  Loss  for  Purchasers. 

I  was  surprised  at  my  Arrival  to  hear  from  Capt.  Lottridge 
that  DeCuagne  who  lately  came  from  below  and  Pertuis  the 
Interpreter  have  obtained  a  Pass  to  Trade  at  Toronto,  I  dare 
say  Trade  is  not  their  only  Scheme,  likewise  the  Albany  people 
that  came  this  Way  are  going  to  the  West  Side  of  Ontario 
Lake.  Colo.  Vanderheyden  of  Van  Skaak  joined  them  when 
they  says  they  could  not  go  the  other  way.  They  say  a  Quan- 
tity of  Liquors  went  with  them. 

O.  Lottridge  tells  me  that  Gen1.  Gage  could  not  find  out  any 
of  the  People  Majr:  Gladwin  informed  agst.  and  the  Caghn^. 
Indn.  he  had  it  from  seems  to  have  the  Character  of  little  Sobriety 
&  Truth,  however  Majr  Gladwin  arrived  in  Town  yesterday  & 
wont  give  it  up  bringing  in  Otquandageghte  as  one  of  his 
Informers  who  he  says  assured  him  before  he  came  away  that  a 
Meeting  was  to  be  at  Cataraghqui  this  Summer. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


748  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

The  Morning  after  my  arrival  the  Caghnewageys  sent  Deps. 
to  Gen1.  Gage  to  know  when  he  would  publish  the  Sentence  abl. 
their  Land  not  knowing  of  my  return,  they  were  glad  to  see 
me  and  I  told  them  that  as  soon  as  the  Govr.  was  come  back  I 
should  let  them  know  what  Day  I  was  to  meet  them  with  regard 
to  that  affr.  as  well  as  other  matters  I  was  charged  with  from 
you.  They  were  pleased  and  then  told  me  that  during  my 
absence  nothing  material  happened  among  them  and  they  lived 
in  Tranquility,  they  would  not  know  anything  of  a  meeting  at 
Cataraghqui,  but  said,  that  by  the  Message  they  recd.  from  the 
Six  Nats.  last  Summer  &  wch.  they  acquainted  me  with;  the 
Meeting  was  to  be  at  their  Town  but  having  heard  nothing  of  it 
since,  they  imagine  it  came  to  nothing. 

When  I  wrote  you  from  Albany  forgot  to  mention  that  I  heard 
Mr.  Duncan  say  that  Captn.  Rutherford  was  very  stirring  in 
getting  the  Tiyononderra *  Land  and  flattered  himself  greatly 
of  obtaining  a  License  from  home  &  procure  an  Indn.  deed  with- 
out Difficulty.  I  told  him  that  you  paid  for  the  land  and  had 
an  Indn  Deed  of  it  in  the  Secretarys  office  at  N.  York,  but  he 
seemed  not  to  mind  it  much. 

I   conclude  with  my  highest  Respects,  &  Complts.   to   Mr. 
Johnson 
Hon.  Sir 

Your  most  Dutyfull  Obedient  Servant 

DAN.  GLAUS 

Captn.  Lottridge  presents  his  Respects. 

I  was  surprised  to  hear  some  officers  of  the  46.  Reg*,  give  Mr. 

McCombe  of  Albany  the  Character  of  a  very  unfair  Dealer, 

and  giving  me  an  Instance  of  a  bad  action  of  his  when  here  last 

Winter. 

To  the  Honble.  SR.  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar*. 


'Tienaderha,    the    Unadilla    river. — W.    M.    Beauchamp,    Aboriginal 
Place  Names  of  New  York,  P-  44,  and  C.  J.  Sauthier's  map,   1779 


Seven  Years    War  749 

FROM  GOLDSBROW   BANYAR 

A.  L.  S.1 

May  31,  1762 
DEAR  SIR  WILLIAM 

Inclosed  you  have  a  copy  of  the  Indian  Deed  to  Wilson  & 
Abeel 2  &  the  Boundaries  of  Scotts  Patent.3  General  Monkton 
left  Martinico  the  Beginning  of  this  Month,  the  9th  bound  to 
Antegoa.  He  is  to  visit  from  thence  some  of  the  Islands  lately 
conquered  and  then  to  come  hither,  and  may  be  expected  in  a  few 
weeks  and  by  some  daily.  I  shall  be  at  Albany  unless  he  pre- 
vents it  the  4  Tuesday  in  June  to  give  Evidence  against  John 
Henry  Lidius  on  an  Information  brought  against  him  for  Intru- 
sion on  the  Crown  Lands,  lying  between  Saraghtoga  and  Fort 
Edward  &  above  it  on  East  side  Hudson's  River  —  and  another 
Tract  on  Otter  Creek  near  &  opposite  to  Crown  Point.  I  pro- 
pose going  by  Land  &  will  try  to  find  you  out  some  day  in  that 
Month.  I  send  you  a  Copy  of  the  list  for  the  Commission  of  the 
peace  &  a  Memorandum  by  which  you  will  know  the  Names  of 
those  in  the  pleas.  The  Albanians  did  not  like  the  two  last  you 
added,  because  they  said,  you  had  proposed  and  agreed  to  the 
List  before:  I  told  them  it  would  be  very  hard  indeed,  if  one 
of  the  Council  could  not  get  any  such  addition  if  he  would  take 
the  trouble  to  desire  it:  I  believe  you  never  mentioned  to  me 
whether  Mrs.  Ma^in  paid  you  the  40. 

If  you  see  Mr.  Abraham  Lott  our  Clerk  of  the  Assembly  in 
his  way  to  view  Magin's  Land,  as  he  is  a  proprietor  and  one 
whom  I  have  a  Regard  for,  youl  oblige  me  to  look  on  him  as 
such.  I  wont  add  anything  as  I  shall  soon  have  the  pleasure 
I  have  long  wished  for  of  seeing  you  soon.  The  King  of 
Prussia  I  believe  will  by  the  New  Czar  being  his  Friend  extricate 
himself  at  last.  *  I  am  Dr.  Sir  Wm. 

Yours  affectionately, 
Sir  WM  JOHNSON  Baronet  Gw  BANYAR. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  See  Calendar  of  Land  Papers,  p.  88. 

3  See  Calendar  of  Land  Papers,  p.  1  78. 


750 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


JUDGES  AND  JUSTICES1 

Copy  of  the  Justices  Names  in  the  Commission  of  the  Peace  for 
the  County  of  Albany.2 


Renselaer  Nicholl 
Volkert  P.  Douw 
Jacob  C.  Ten  Eyck 
David  Vanderheyden 
5  Jacob  H.  Ten  Eyck 
Isaac  Swits 
John  Glen 
John  H.  Ten  Eyck 
Cornelius  Ten  Broeck 

10  John  Cuyler 

Harmanus  Wendell 
Volkert  Douw 
Abraham  Ten  Broeck 
Henry  Van  Renselaer 

15  Jacobus  Van  Slyck 
John  Baptist  Van  Eps 
Jacob  Ten  Eyck 
Johan  Joost  Herchemer 
Peter  Conyn 

20  Abraham  Douw 

Cornelius  Van  Schaack 
Anthony  Quackenboss 
Isaac  Van  Alstyne 
Johannes  Corts 

25  Abraham  Fonda 
Johs  Van  Zante 
Johannis  Provoost 
John  Fisher 


John  Sanders 
30  John  Barclay 

John  Glen  Junior 

Reynier  Mindertse 

Stephen  Van  Dyck 

Marten  Hallenbeeck 
35  Martin  Van  Bergen 

Isaac  Vrooman 

Daniel  L.  Van  Antwerp 

John  Butler 

John  Duncan 
40  Jacob  Klock 

John  Wells 

Johannis  Lawyer  junr. 

Guysbert  Marselius 

Dewit  W.  Ten  Broeck 
45  Johannes  Ten  Eyck 

Jacob  Frize 

Killian  Van  Renselaer 

Hendrick  Haynes 

Daniel  Campbell 
50  Hendrick  Fry  Junr. 

Coenradt  Frank 

Cornelius  Vrooman 

Evert  Wendell 

Martin  G.  Van  Bergen 
55  John  McComb 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Inclosed  in  Banyar  to  Johnson,  May  31,  1  762. 


Seven  Years'  War  751 

The  first  fifteen  are  of  the  Quorum. 

In  the  Commission  of  the  Pleas 

The  first  three  Names  in  the  above  List  are  the  Judges:  and  the 
next  Ten  are  the  Assistant  Justices.     Dated.  May  1 762. 


FROM  DANIEL  CLAUS 
A.  L.  S.1 

Montreal  2*  June  1762 
HONOURED  SIR 

Gen1.  Gage  arrived  here  last  evening  from  Crown  Point.  I 
waited  upon  him  this  morning  and  he  acknowledged  to  me  the 
Receipt  of  your  Favour,  then  enquired  of  me  the  present  Senti- 
ments of  the  Six  Nations  and  their  Allies.  I  gave  him  a  brief 
Detail  of  the  Transactions  you  had  with  them  at  the  last  Con- 
gress in  Kingsborough  and  my  private  opinion  of  their  Senti- 
ments as  well  as  I  could  judge.  He  then  acquainted  me  with 
what  Major  Gladwin  informed  him  regarding  the  Swegachy 
Indians  and  those  of  the  S1.  Francis  &  Schachkok  Tribes  that 
kept  thereabouts  since  the  Reduction  of  this  Place,  and  what 
Discoveries  he  made  a  few  Days  before  he  came  from  thence 
viz*,  that  Otquandageghte  revealed  to  him  every  Scheme 
projected  to  the  Indns.  by  the  French  here  and  confirming  all 
the  Acco15.  he  hitherto  had  of  Messages  being  sent  among  the 
French  friendly  Indians,  and  that  an  attempt  was  intended  last 
Winter  upon  Fort  Wm.  Aug8.  declaring  at  the  same  time  his 
sincere  Repentence  &  Contrition  for  having  had  a  hand  in  it 
and  assured  the  Major  that  his  future  Behaviour  should  prove 
his  Uprightness  &  Sincerity  to  the  English  giving  up  at  the  same 
Time  a  Commission  he  had  from  the  French;  and  then  told  the 
Names  of  the  Swegachy  chiefs  who  recd  the  Belts  you  heard  off, 
from  the  French  Emissaries,  also  the  IndM.  Name  that  for- 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


752  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

warded  &  carried  the  Belt  to  Onontago  &  delivered  to  those 
chiefs  with  his  own  hands:  (which  List  I  hereby  inclose  you). 

All  that  Gen1.  Gage  now  aims  at  is  to  have  an  undoubted 
proof  of  the  affair  in  order  to  deal  properly  with  the  Traitors, 
and  as  the  Discovering  of  the  Message  sent  to  Onontago  would 
give  some  Light  in  the  thing,  he  desired  me  to  acquaint  you  there- 
with as  perhaps  you  might  have  an  Opportunity  of  finding  out 
something  from  the  Onondagos  the  Belt  was  delivered  to  the 
head  Warrr.  of  that  Nation  a  tall  Indn.  whose  Name  Majr. 
Gladwin  forgot;  it  seems  Otquandageghte  &  the  other  chiefs 
of  Swegachy  are  backward  in  confronting  the  Persons  they 
informed  against  wch.  makes  it  difficult  for  Gen1.  Gage  to 
prosecute  the  thing  properly;  The  former  assured  Majr.  Gladwin 
that  between  7  or  800  of  the  Western  Indns.  had  been  assembled 
near  Cataraghqui  this  Spring  upon  sd.  messages,  wch.  Gen1. 
Gage  thinks  the  five  Nations  could  not  be  ignorant  of. 

I  at  the  same  time  hinted  to  him  the  Impropriety  of  Pertuis 
or  Ohoa's  1  being  allowed  to  go  to  Toronto.  He  was  surprised 
to  hear  it  and  imediately  went  to  ask  his  Secretary,  &  finding  it 
to  be  fact  expressed  his  Displeasure  to  him  directing  him  at  the 
same  time  to  tell  De  Couagne  that  if  he  heard  in  the  least  of 
his  sons  or  Pertuis  tempering  with  the  Indians  he  would  send 
for  them  and  punish  them  with  the  utmost  Severity. 

Tara  (properly  Tarongoa)  the  Indn.  whom  Majr.  has  men- 
tioned to  you  is  a  Arundax  chief  of  Caneghsadagey  who  I  hear 
is  a  Boaster  and  pretends  to  have  great  Influence  with  the  western 
Indns.  I  shall  take  an  opportunity  of  sounding  him.  I  have 
sent  an  invitation  to  the  Caneghsadageys  to  come  to  the  Meeting 
at  Caghnawago  wch  I  shall  hold  in  a  few  days,  as  at  present  Gen1 
Gage  is  very  busy  its  thought  with  changing  &  relieving  the 
Garrisons  &  Cantonements  of  his  Government  our  Reg*,  they 
say  goes  into  Cantonemts  &  the  44.  or  L*.  Inf1"?.  comes  to  Town. 
Things  in  this  Country  seem  to  be  quiet  &  easy.  The  Inhabitants 


1  Ohoa  was  Pertuis. 


Seven  Years'  War  753 

here  promise  themselves  great  things  from  the  Spanish  Alliance 
but  dont  half  like  the  present  lucky  Scituation  of  ye  King  of 
Prussia  &  ye  Vigorous  measures  taken  by  us  in  the  West  Indies. 
I  have  had  an  offer  by  Lieut.  James  Stevenson,  of  Lasellses 
Reg*,  to  purchase  my  Company  but  as  it  is  Contrary  to  custom 
&  what  Gen1.  Amherst  would  perhaps  not  allow  of  to  agree 
witH  him  before  the  Command^,  officer  of  ye  Reg*,  was 
acquainted  with  in  order  to  give  the  first  Refusal  to  the  Corps; 
besides  as  there  are  some  in  it  that  want  to  purchase  and  Mr. 
Herring  has  already  Gen1.  Amhersts  Leave,  I  could  not  pretend 
to  settle  with  him  tho  I  am  persuaded  he  would  be  the  highest 
and  best  paymaster.  However,  I  shall  not  agree  a  farthing  less 
than  I  paid,  together  with  the  Exchange,  with  whoever  is  the 
Purchaser.  Mr.  Stevenson  nevertheless  thinks  he  could  make 
it  out  with  Gen1.  Amherst  if  countenanced  or  recommended  by 
you. 

I  have  wrote  and  sent  you  a  Viol  with  Clove  Oil  by  one  Mr. 
Jas.  Campbell  Merch*,  Sunday  last,  which  hope  came  safe  to 
hand. 

I  am  with  highest  Respect  Hon.  Sir, 

Your  most  Dutyfull  and  Obedient  Servant, 

DAN.  CLAUS 

P.  S.  Should  you  Choose  to  write  Gen1.  Amherst  in  Mr. 
Stevenson's  behalf,  I  think  your  assuring  him  from  me  of  my 
Intention  to  sell  out  may  serve  for  a  Resignation  as  likewise  I 
leave  the  Settlement  of  the  Price  of  the  Compy.  to  you.  I  paid 
£1 1 00  Sterl.  at  85.  p.  Cent  &  was  offered  the  same  here,  and  by 
an  officer  of  the  58  Reg1.  £1200  Sterl. 

To  the  HonWe  SIR  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar*. 

List  of  the  chiefs  of  Swegachy  who  recd  the  French  Belts 
from  Monsr.  Roger  in  Janfy.  last. 

Saghwangaris,  recd  the  Belts  generally. 


754  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

A  young  Indn.  of  the  same  Name  carried  it  to  Onontago 

Catsistund'ye 

Sahikta 

Taghrightane 

Tsiivanthis,  carried  the  Message  to  the  Western  IndM. 

Missisages,  Ottawawas,  Renards  &  Sioux,  were  the  Nations 
assembled  at  Cataracqui. 

Translation  of  Otquandageghte's  Testimony  from  Govr. 
Vaudreuil  By  Pierre  Rigaud  Vaudreuil,  Govr.  &  Lieut.  Gen1, 
for  the  King  of  all  New  France  &  the  Country  of  Louisiana  &ca. 

We  upon  the  good  Testimony  given  us  of  the  Religion  & 
zealous  Attachment  to  the  French  &  Affection  to  the  Kings 
Service  of  the  hereby  named  Otquandageghte  of  the  Village  of 
Presentation  alias  Oswegachy,  Have  hereby  Named  and  rise 
him  to  be  head  Warrior  of  sd.  Village,  to  be  &  to  have  in  said 
Capacity,  all  Authority  &  Command  over  the  Warr".  of  sd. 
Village.  In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  granted  him  this  Com- 
mission wch.  we  have  sealed  with  our  Court  of  Arms. 

Montreal  the  29*.  March  1757. 

(Seal)     Signed,  Vaudreuil. 


A  PASS  FOR  TRADERS  TO  TORONTO. 
Copp1 

June  5,  7762 
By  the  Honourable  Thomas  Gage 

Colonel  of  his  Majestys  Regiment  of  Light  Arms  foot  Major 
General  Governour  of  Montreal  and  its  Dependencies  and  Com- 
manding his  Majestys  forces  in  that  Government. 

Permitt  the  Bearer  Lucas  Van  Vachten  &  Compy.  4  English 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years'  War 


755 


Men  two  Negroes  1 2  Canadians  in  3  Canoes  to  pass  from  hence 
to  Toronto  or  Else  where  on  lake  Ontario  &  to  carry  on  a  furr 
Trade  with  the  savages  being  provided,  with  Merchandize  as 
Stated  on  the  back  of  this  for  that  purpose  in  which  they  are  not 
to  be  Molested. 

Conforming  themselves  to  the  Regulations  laid  down  in  our 
proclamation  of  the  1st  of  April  &  such  further  orders  as  ye 
Commander  in  Chief  may  have  given  at  said  Posts. 

Given  under  My  Hand  &  Seal  at  Montreal  this  5th  day  of 
June  1762. 

Sig'd  Thomas  Gage. 

By  the  Generals  Orders 

G.  Maturin. 

To  all  whom  it  may  Concern. 

A  true  Copy  of  the  Original  pass.  Examined  by  us  the  21st 
day  of  June  1 762. 

JOHN  VISGER 
WILLEM  STAATS 
EPHRAIM  VAN  VEGHTEN. 


Merchandize  Permitted. 

40  Bales  dry  Goods 
8  Nest  gilt  Trunks 
6  Tea  Kettles 

400  w*.  gun  Powder 
450  D°  Shott 
4  Large  Trunks 
2  Boxes 
30  Fusils 

41  Steel  Traps 

G.  Maturin 


Provisions. 
800  w'.  Biscuit 
600  D°  Pork 

6  B  B  pease, 

2  Caggs  Buttr. 

1    B  B  wine 

1   D°  Spirits 
400  w*.  flour 
200  gallons  Rum 

G.  M, 


756  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

The  names  of  the  Persons  belonging  to  this  pass  are  — 
Lucas  Van  Vachten 
Evert  J.  Wendell 
John  Stevenson. 


FROM  JAMES  STANLY  GODDARD  ETC 

The  preceding  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  137,  by  three, 
destroyed  by  fire:  General  Gage's  pass,  drawn  at  Montreal  June  5th, 
permitting  Cornelis  Cuyler  and  company  to  trade  with  savages  at  Toronto, 
selling  wine,  spirits  and  rum  with  other  articles  (certified  copy)  ;  Gage's 
pass,  undated,  permitting  John  Seger,  Thomas  Finchly  and  five  Canadians 
to  trade  with  savages  at  Toronto,  selling  rum  and  other  commodities 
(certified  copy)  ;  and  a  letter  of  the  7th  from  James  Stanly  Goddard,  at 
Fort  Edward  Augustus,  asking  of  Johnson  license  to  trade  at  that  post, 
where  Mr  Gorrell,  the  commander,  feels  that  a  trader  is  needed. 


THOMAS   FITCH   TO   SUSQUEHANNA  COMPANY 
Copp.1 

Jane  8,  7762 

By  the  Honble.  Thos.  Fitch,  Esqr.  Governor  of  his  Majesty's 
colony  of  Connecticutt,  in  New  England,  in  America. 

A  Proclamation. 

Whereas  a  considerable  Number  of  persons,  mostly  inhab- 
itants of  this  colony,  lately  convened  in  this  place  by  the  Name 
of  the  Susquehannah  Company,  among  other  things  agreed  and 
voted,  a  Number  of  them  Should  within  the  Space  of  four 
Months,  proceed  and  Settle  themselves  on  the  Banks  of  the 
Susquehannah  River,  from  whence  much  Disturbance  may  be 
apprehended,  and  opposition  made  to  such  Settlement,  to  the 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Yean   War  757 

Hazard  of  the  publick  peace ;  in  the  blame  whereof,  this  Govern- 
ment may  possibly  become  Involved,  unless  prevented  by 
publickly  Discountenancing  a  procedure  of  Such  a  Dangerous 
Tendency. 

I  have  therefore  thought  fit,  by  and  with  the  advice  of  the 
Council,  and  at  the  desire  of  the  Representatives,  now  in  Gene1, 
court  assembled,  to  Issue  this  proclamation,  hereby  warning  all 
persons,  Inhabitants  of  this  Colony,  to  forbear  making  Entrance 
on  the  said  Lands,  lest  they  thereby  occasion  new  Disturbances 
of  the  Publick  peace  and  Tranquility,  and  Subject  themselves 
to  the  Royal  Displeasure,  and  I  do  hereby  publish  and  Declare, 
that  Such  proceedings  are  disapproved  and  discountenanced  by 
the  Authority  of  this  Government. 

Given  under  my  Hand  at  the  Council  Chamber  in  Hart- 
ford, the  Eighth  day  of  June  in  the  Second  Year  of  the 
Reign  of  our  Sovereign  Lord  George  the  Third,  of 
Great  Britain  France  and  Ireland,  King,  Defender  of 
the  Faith,  &c.  Anno  Domini  1 762. 

Thos.  Fitch  (Copy) 


FROM   DONALD  CAMPBELL 

A.  L.  S.1 

Detroit  9*  June  1762 
SIR 

I  flattered  myself  that  I  would  have  had  the  honor  to  hear 
from  you,  after  your  Arrival  at  home. 

However,  I  am  very  Sensible  the  good  Effects,  your 
favourable  representations  of  my  Conduct  has  had  with  the 
General  which  I  shall  allways  acknowledge  with  gratitude. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


758  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

The  General  has  passed  all  my  accompts  and  granted  War- 
rants for  the  Payment,  he  only  complained  a  little  of  the  Indian 
Expences,  and  recommends  Economy  in  time  to  come.  I  repre- 
sent to  him  the  absolute  necessity  there  is  of  bestowing  some 
trifles  on  the  Indians  on  our  first  taking  Possession  of  the  Posts. 
I  still  continue  to  give  them  some  Tobacco  and  other  Trifles  at 
this  Place,  and  have  allowed  the  officers  commanding  at  the 
other  Posts  to  do  the  same.  It  will  be  but  a  small  expense  to  the 
Crown.  The  General  in  every  Letter  insists,  not  to  allow  of  any 
Ammunition  being  given  to  the  Indians  at  the  different  Posts, 
that  there  should  only  be  a  Sufficient  Quantity  for  the  defence 
of  the  Garrisons. 

Some  of  the  officers  writes  me  that  they  were  absolutely 
oblidged  to  make  some  presents  to  the  Indians,  on  taking  Posses- 
sion of  their  Posts,  I  have  acquainted  the  General  with  it  and 
have  represented  it  to  him  in  the  most  favourable  way  I  could 
as  they  had  noe  orders  for  it,  they  are  afraid  they  may  suffer  by 
it  tho  I  am  certain  it  is  for  the  good  of  his  Majestys  Service. 

I  have  now  heard  from  all  ye  officers  at  the  Siveral  Posts. 
They  are  all  well  and  their  Garrisons,  but  great  Demands  on  me 
for  things  to  give  the  Indians.  Ensign  writes  that 

he  had  Intelligence  that  some  Canoes  that  came  from  Montreal 
(before  we  took  Possession  of  the  Posts)  and  went  to  trade  with 
the  Sioux  a  numerous  nation  that  inhabit  the  heads  of  the  Missis- 
sippi, had  been  pillaged  by  them  and  some  of  the  men  killed, 
and  taken  Prisoners.  These  accidents  happened  often  to  the 
French  that  ventured  amongst  them.  They  come  sometimes  to 
Trade  at  the  Bay.y  I  already  feel  the  good  effects  of  the  Rum 
being  forbid  at  Niagara,  tho  the  Indians  grumbled  at  first,  and 
even  threatened  us,  they  begin  now  to  hunt  and  take  Care  of 
their  Corn,  and  give  me  much  less  trouble  than  last  year.  There 
is  nothing  happened  since  you  left  Detroit  that  merits  your  atten- 


Manuscript    torn. 


Seven  Years   War  759 

tion  to  repeat.  Sir  Robert  Davers  passed  the  Winter  with  us. 
It  was  a  great  addition  to  our  small  Society.  Sir  Robert  is  a 
very  accomplished  young  Gentleman  and  an  excellent  com- 
panion. He  is  very  fond  of  the  Indians  and  has  made  some 
progress  in  their  Language.  He  is  now  gone  to  make  a  Tour 
of  the  Lakes. 

I  gave  a  Ball  on  the  Kings  Birthday  where  a  certain  acquaint- 
ance of  yours  appeared  to  great  advantage.  She  never  neglects 
an  opportunity  of  asking  about  the  General,  what  says  she,  is 
there  noe  Indian  Councils  to  be  held  here  this  Summer  —  I 
think  by  her  talk  Sir  William  had  promised  to  return  to  Detroit. 
She  desired  I  would  present  you  her  best  compliments.  I  have 
the  honor  to  be  Sir  with  the  greatest  Respect 

Your  most  obdient  humble  Servant 

DONALD  CAMPBELL. 

My  compliments  to  Capt.  Johnson  and  Mr.  Johnstown. 

D.  C. 

PENNSYLVANIA   COMMISSIONERS   TO   TEEDYUSCUNG 
Contemporary  Copy1 

BROTHER  TEEDYUSCUNG 

We  find  the  Allegheny  Indians  are  not  likely  to  Com  so  soon 
as  We  exspected  and  that  the  time  and  plase  you  have  appointed 
Sr.  William  Johnson  to  meet  at  Easton  will  not  be  so  Seutabel 
as  to  meet  Him  when  all  the  Indians  are  together  We  have 
therefore  informed  Sr  William  Johnson  that  it  will  be  better  to 
putt  of  the  Intended  Meeting  tell  that  time  and  to  meet  you  all 
together,  and  as  We  think  Brother  you  will  be  willing  to  have 
the  Buseness  well  doon  We  desire  you  not  to  Com  from 
Wyoming  till  you  Hear  the  Western  Indians  are  com  to  Shamok- 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.  1276.  p.  285,  London,  England. 
Inclosed  in  a  letter  of  Johnson  to  the  lords  of  trade,  August  20,  1  762. 


760  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

ing  and  then  to  Com  down  with  them  to  the  Sam  plas  thay  do 
where  We  shall  order  provisions  to  be  Ready  for  you 

A  String. 

A.  true  Copy  from  the  original  shewn  to 
Sir  William  Johnson,  by  the  Son  of 
Teedyuscung : 

WITHAM  MARSH 

Sec:  for  Indn:  Affairs, 
June  14*   1762. 

INDORSED :     Pensylvania. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from 

the  provin1.  Commrs.  of 

Pennsylvania  to  Teedyuscung 

By  Willis 

N.  B.  Joseph 

Fox  paid  10.  .  0.  .0  for  a  Horse  to 

send  Willis  with  the  orig1. 

of  the  within  Letter. 

Read  Nov.  11.  1762 
X  14. 


MEETING  AT  EASTON  WITH   DELAWARES 
D.  S.1 

At  a  Meeting  at  Easton  in  Pennsylvania  on  the  1 8th.  of  June 
1 762,  with  the  Chiefs  of  the  Delaware  Tribes,  pursuant  to 
the  order  of  His  late  Majesty  in  Council,  directed  to  the 
Honourable  Sir  William  Johnson,  Baronet,  dated  the  29th. 

Day  of  August  1 759. 



1  In  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.  1276.  p.  87,  London,  England. 
Attached  to  a  letter  of  Johnson  to  the  lords  of  trade,  August  1 ,  1  762. 


Seven  Years'  War  761 

Present, 
The  Honble.  Sir  William  Johnson,  Bar4,  Chief  Agent  for 

Indian  Affairs  &ca.  &ca. 
The  HonWe.  James  Hamilton,  Esquire,  Lieu*.  Governor  of 

Pennsylvania,  &c.  &c. 
Richard  Peters  Commissioners  for  the  Proprie- 

&  Esq™.       taries  of  Pennsylvania. 

Benjamin  Chew 

George  Croghan  Esqr.        deputy  Agent  for  Indian  Affairs 
Joseph  Fox  Edward  Pennington 

John  Hughes  William  Moreton 

&  Esquires 

Sam1.  Rhoads  Isaac  Dickerson 

a  Committee  of  the  Members,  of  Assembly. 
Teedyuscung,  Chief  of  the  Delaware  Tribes,  with  several 
Sachems  &  Warriors. 
Isaac  Still,  Interpreter. 

and  a  great  many  Gentlemen,  Inhabitants  of  Philadelphia, 
and  other  Parts  of  the  Province  of  Pennsylvania. 

Sir  William  Johnson  made  the  following  Speeches  of  Con- 
dolance  usual  in  the  like  Cases. 

"Brethren  of  the  Delaware  Tribe,  Sachems  &  Warriors; 

I  am  glad  to  See  you,  and  of  having  this  Opportunity,  with 
these  Strings  of  Wampum,  to  wipe  away  the  Tears  from  your 
Eyes,  also  the  Sweat  &  Dust,  that  you  may  look  chearful  and 
friendly  at  your  Brethren  as  heretofore:  also  that  you  may 
clearly  See  what  Justice  the  Great  King  is  resolv'd  to  do  you. 

Brethren, 

In  the  next  place  I  shall  cleanse  and  open  the  passage  to  your 
Hearts,  that  nothing  evil  may  remain  lurking  there. —  With  these 
Strings  I  desire  you  will,  at  this  meeting,  Speak  to  me  freely  and 
candidly  — 


762  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Brethren, 

With  these  Strings  I  take  away  the  Blood  from  your  Council 
Seats  and  Wigwams,  and  cover  them  with  green  Leaves,  so  as 
never  more  to  be  seen,  or  thought  of. 

A  Bunch  of  Strings  deliver'd. 
Brethren ; 

As  you  have  lost  several  of  your  old,  and  young  People,  by 
Sickness  and  otherwise,  I  do  now,  agreeable  to  the  Custom  of 
your  Forefathers,  with  this  Belt  of  Wampum  level  their  Graves, 
So  that  they  may  no  more  be  seen,  or  give  their  Friends  Uneasi- 
ness. 

A  Belt. 

Brethren ; 

As  I  have  now  finish'd  the  Ceremony  usual  on  these  like 
occasions,  I  propose  to  begin  upon  the  Business  I  am  come  here 
for,  as  Soon  as  you  let  me  know  you  are  ready:  and  I  must 
recommend  it  to  you  to  keep  Sober  during  the  Meeting." 

At  a  Meeting  in  the  afternoon,  at  the  Bower  in  Easton,  on 
the  18th.  of  June. 

Present  as  before. 

Teedyuscung  shaking  Hands  with  Sir  William  Johnson,  and 
the  Governor,  said 

"  Brethren; 

We  are  glad  to  see  you  here  in  Council,  as  your  Grandfathers 
and  ours,  us'd  to  meet. 

Brethren ; 

I  desire  to  be  heard. 

We  the  Delawares,  Mohiccons,  and  Opings,  all  Speak  to  you 
as  one  Man. 

Brethren ; 

I  am  glad  that  We,  who  are  yet  living  are  met  here. 


Seven  Years'  War  763 

Brethren 

By  this  Belt,  I  wipe  away  the  Tears  from  your  Eyes,  and 
the  Blood  from  off  your  Bodies:  —  You  did  not  look  so  in 
former  Days. —  The  French  made  you  look  so  bloody. 

A  Belt  and  String. 

Brother,  (addressing  himself  to  Sir  Wm.  Johnson) 

In  former  Treatys  here,  we  receiv'd  a  friendship-belt,  and 
were  desired  to  Holloa  loud,  and  shew  it  to  all  nations  to  the 
Sun-Setting.  We  took  hold  of  it,  and  shew'd  it  as  far  as 
the  Twightwees,  and  told  them  that  no  Hurt  shou'd  come  to 
them,  because  We  had  a  firm  hold  of  you:  and  the  Twightwees 
have  given  us  a  Pipe  to  Smoak,  Saying,  if  you  see  any  Clouds, 
you  must  Sit  down  and  Smoak  this  pipe  of  Peace,  and  then  the 
Clouds  will  disappear. 

Brother ; 

I  shall  speak  to  you  to  morrow,  This  is  all  I  have  to  Say  at 
present.  When  I  do  speak  to  you,  I  shall  put  the  largest  Buck- 
Horns  on  your  Head,  that  all  the  World  may  know  I  have 
spoken  to  you."  Meaning  that  They  wou'd  acknowledge  Sir 
William  Johnson  to  be  one  of  the  Chief  Counsellors  of  their 
Nations,  as  He  was  of  the  Six  Nations. 

Sir  Wm.  Johnson  then  desired  to  know  if  Teedyuscung  wou'd 
hear  him,  before  He  Spoke  to  morrow  morning.  Teedyuscung 
left  that  matter  to  Sir  William,  who  thereupon  Spoke  as  follows. 

"  Brethren  of  the  Delaware  Tribe,  Sachems  &  Warriors; 
In  conformity  to  His  late  Majesty's  orders  to  me  directed,  I 
now  attend  you  to  hear,  and  Examine  into  the  particulars  of 
your  Complaint  to  Him,  concerning  your  having  been  deprived 
of  some  Lands  in  this  Province :  and,  that  you  may  be  the  better 
acquainted  with  His  Majesty's  Royal  Intentions  to  do  you 
Justice  therein,  I  desire  your  Attention  till  the  order  is  read  and 
explain'd  to  you. 

Here  the  order  was  read  and  explain'd. 

A  String. 


764  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Brethren, 

By  the  Steps  which  I  took  immediately  on  Receipt  of  His 
late  Majesty's  order,  you  may  easily  perceive  my  desire  and 
Inclination,  to  Enquire  into  your  Complaints,  (which  I  am  sorry 
to  find  have  hitherto  met  with  Delays,)  and,  as  I  am  fully 
impower'd,  and  authoriz'd  to  hear  the  same,  I  expect  you  will 
now  give  me  a  circumstantial,  and  clear  detail  of  the  Affair, 
which  gave  Rise  to  your  Complaints,  and  His  Majesty's  order; 
with  the  best  Description  in  your  Power,  of  the  Lands  you 
alledge  to  have  been  taken  from  you,  without  Satisfaction  being 
made  to  you  for  the  same:  And  I  must  recommend  it  to  you, 
to  make  no  claims  to  any  Lands,  but  such  as  you  have  the  most 
just  Pretentions  to;  in  which  case,  I  shall  not  only  be  ready  to 
Serve  you,  but  enabled  to  State,  and  Transmit  your  Grievance 
to  London,  with  the  answers  of  the  Gentlemen-Commissioners, 
(here  present)  to  the  same,/  on  Behalf  of  the  Proprietaries, 
and  to  lay  the  whole  before  His  Majesty  for  his  royal  Deter- 
mination thereon. 

A  Belt. 

It  is  with  pleasure  I  inform  you  of  His  present  Majesty's 
friendly  Disposition  towards  all  His  faithful  Indian  Allies, 
express'd  as  well  in  His  Instructions  lately  transmitted  to  the 
Governor  of  New  York,  as  in  some  orders  lately  receiv'd  by  his 
Excellency  Sir  Jeffry  Amherst:  in  all  which,  He  expresses  His 
Inclination  of  doing  them  all  possible  Justice,  and  of  Strictly 
adhering  to  the  several  Engagements,  and  Treaties,  formerly 
enter'd  into  with  the  Indians;  which  protection,  and  Indulgence, 
I  hope  you  will  Study  to  merit:  and  as  you  can  have  no  doubt 
of  obtaining  redress,  if  your  case  shall  appear  to  deserve  it,  you 
may  likewise  be  assur'd,  that  as  well  from  the  nature  of  my 
Employment,  as  my  desire  to  Serve  all  good,  and  honest  Indians, 
nothing  shall  be  wanting  on  my  part  to  Secure  to  you  the  pos- 
session of  your  just  Rights,  and  promote  your  real  Interest  and 
Welfare."  A  Belt. 


Seven  Years'  War  765 

Governor  Hamilton's  Commission  to  Richard  Peters,  and 
Benjamin  Chew,  Esquires,  appointing  them  to  be  Commis- 
sioners on  the  Behalf  of  the  proprietaries  of  Pennsylvania, 
was  read  by  the  Secretary  openly,  by  order  of  Sir  William 
Johnson ;  after  which  He  Adjourn'd  the  Meeting  till  to  mor- 
row morning  at  ten  o'Clock. 

Saturday,  June  19th.  in  the  Bower  at  Easton. 
Present  as  yesterday. 

Sir  William  Johnson  desired  the  Interpreter  to  acquaint  the 
Indians,  that  He  was  going  to  say  something  to  them,  in  answer 
to  their  last  Belt  spoke  with  yesterday;  then  proceeded: 

"Brethren; 

I  am  well  acquainted  with  all  that  has  been  Transacted  at 
the  several  Treaties  and  Conferences  held  with  your,  and  other 
Nations  of  Indians,  at  this  Place,  for  several  years  past;  and  I 
now  take  this  opportunity  of  thanking  you  for  the  pains  you 
latterly  took  in  promoting  the  Peace,  which  has  been  happily 
establish'd  here  three  years  ago ;  and  I  have  only  to  Recommend 
to  you  a  Strict  observance  thereof,  as  that  will  be  the  surest 
means  of  making  you  once  more  a  happy  People." 

A  Belt. 

Teedyuscung  reply 'd, 

"Brother; 

I  wou'd  speak  a  word,  and  desire  you'll  listen  to  what  I  say. 

About  five  years  ago,  or  thereabouts,  you  told  me  about  your 
Flesh  and  Blood,  which  We  were  to  bring  in.  It  was  not  our 
old  Counsellors  Faults  that  things  happen'd  so.  It  was  the 
French  who  deceiv'd  our  young  men  by  telling  them  Lies;  and 
that  was  the  Occasion  of  your  Flesh  and  Blood  being  made 
Prisoners.  I  have  held  our  Friendship  ever  since. — Wherever 
I  come  across  your  Flesh  and  Blood,  I  will  take  care  of  them." 

Presented  a  Belt;  as  also  a  young  Woman,  who  had 
been  a  Prisoner  amongst  the  Indians  beyond  Pittsburg. 


766  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Sir  William  Johnson  thank'd  Teedyuscung  for  the  delivery 
of  the  Prisoner. 

Then  Teedyuscung  continued,  and  Said, 

"  Brothers; 

I  can't  tell  you  a  great  deal  now  for  I  want  a  Clerk  to  take 
down  what  I  may  have  occasion  to  Say." 

Sir  William  Johnson  said, 

"  Here  is  the  Secretary  who  is  appointed  by  the  King, 
and  who  will  write  every  thing  fairly  down. 

It  wou'd  be  unprecedented  to  allow  a  Clerk,  as  no  person 
writes  but  the  Secretary,  in  all  Treaties  and  Conferences  with 
the  Six  Nations  &ca."  yet  Teedyuscung  persisted  some  time  to 
have  a  Clerk,  on  Account  of  his  Grandchildren,  who  ought  to 
have  something  to  shew  in  writing  as  well  as  the  English:  but 
Sir  Willm.  told  Him,  "  He  was  surpris'd  at  his  shewing  any 
Diffidence  of  the  Secretary,  who  was  a  sworn  Officer;"  and 
then  order'd  the  Secretary  only  to  take  the  minutes,  and  read 
them  aloud  to  all  the  Auditors  as  He  took  them,  which  was 
done. 

Then  Teedyuscung  proceeded  in  his  Speech,  and  said, 

"Brother; 

You  may  remember  when  you  sent  a  Letter  about  two  years 
ago  by  my  Son  Jacob:  then  you  told  Me  you  wou'd  come  to 
this  Province,  to  hear  my  Complaint:  likewise  you  let  me  know 
you  had  Authority  from  the  King  to  come  here  to  see  Justice 
done;  and  you,  and  I  are  now  come  here  for  that  Purpose. 
You  likewise  told  me,  if  there  was  any  wrong  done  to  me,  you 
wou'd  assist  me  in  causing  Justice  to  be  done.  You  also  told 
me  what  Steps  you  wou'd  take  in  writing  to  London,  and  that 
all  proceedings  shou'd  be  laid  before  the  King. 

I  do  not  want  to  say  any  more  at  present;  but  if  you  have 
any  Deeds  for  the  Lands,  you  may  shew  them." 


Seven  Years'  War  767 

Sir  William  said, 
'  Where  do  these  Lands  lye?     Let  them  be  described.'* 

Teedyuscung  answerd, 

'  The  Lands  I  complain  about  lye  from  this  Place  up  the 
river  Delaware  to  Samuel  Dupuy's  at  the 'Gap,  to  the  Kitta- 
tinny  Hills,  or  blue  Mountains,  and  along  the  Top  of  those 
Mountains  to  Allimingey;  from  thence  to  Mackcungee,  from 
thence  to  Shammony  and  from  thence  across  to  Delaware  River 
at  Pitcock's  Creek,  and  from  thence  to  Easton:  also  four  several 
Islands  within  the  above  described  Limits. 

Some  years  ago;  Newtymas,  (then  Chief  of  the  Delawares) 
made  some  Complaint  to  Mr.  James  Logan,  now  deceas'd,  who 
told  Newtymas,  it  wou'd  not  be  worth  his  while  to  trouble  him- 
self about  the  Lands :  '  if  you  do  said  He,  you'll  make  the  big 
Trees  and  Logs,  and  great  Rocks  and  Stones  tumble  down  into 
our  Road  ' ;  and  added,  He  did  not  value  Newtymas,  but  look'd 
upon  Him  as  the  little  Finger  of  his  left  Hand ;  but  that  He  him- 
self was  a  great,  big  man;  at  the  same  time  Stretching  out  his 
Arms.  Mr.  Logan  added,  '  that  no  Body  dared  to  write  any 
thing  wrong,  for  if  any  one  writes  any  thing  out  of  his  own 
Head,  We  hang  Him/  " 

Teedyuscung  now  Says,  "  Somebody  must  have  wrote  wrong, 
and  that  makes  the  Land  all  bloody." 

Sir  Wm.  Johnson  ask'd  "  what  Lands  did  Mr.  Logan  mean?  " 

Teedyuscung  said,  "  The  same  Lands  as  above  described." 

Sir  Wm.  Johnson  "  How  long  is  it  ago  since  Mr.  Logan  men- 
tioned this  affair?" 

Teedyuscung.     "About  26  years  ago,  in  my  presence." 

Sir  Wm.  Johnson,  "  Where  was  the  meeting  with  Mr.  Logan 
&  Newtymas?" 

Teedyuscung.  "At  Pennsbury.  What  Mr.  Logan  said  to 
Newtymas  has  made  me  Travel  greatly,  and  take  much  pains 
for  Six  years,  (and  I  am  almost  tired)  in  order  to  make  up  the 
Breach  occasioned  by  Mr.  Logan's  Words." 


768  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Sir  Wm.  Johnson  then  desired  to  know  of  Teedyuscung, 
"  whether  this  was  the  whole  of  his  Charge  about  the  Lands?" 

Teedyuscung  Said,  "  it  was  all  at  present,  but  desired  Sir 
Wm.  to  Consider  of  what  He  had  Said;  and  when  He  had 
Consider  d,  to  bring  out  the  Deeds." 

Teedyuscung  was  again  Ask'd  by  Sir  William,  if  this  was  the 
whole  of  his  Charge  against  the  proprietaries? 

To  which  Teedyuscung  reply 'd,  "  it  was  the  whole  of  his 
Complaint." 

Then  Sir  Wm.  order'd  the  Interpreter  to  let  Teedyuscung, 
and  the  rest  know,  that  as  soon  as  He  had  thoroughly  examined 
into  the  nature  of  their  Complaint,  and  was  ready  to  meet  them 
again,  He  wou'd  give  Them  notice. —  Then  the  meeting  broke 
up  for  this  Time. 

Saturday,  5  p.  m. 

Sir  Wm.  Johnson  sent  his  Interpreter  Cap*.  Henry  Montour 
to  acquaint  Teedyuscung,  and  the  rest  of  the  Indians,  that  as 
the  next  day  was  the  Sabbath,  or  Lord's  Day,  He  must  defer 
meeting  them  until  Monday  at  ten  of  the  Clock,  at  which  time 
the  Proprietaries  Commissioners  wou'd  be  ready  to  answer  to 
the  Charge  relative  to  the  Lands  (which  they  had  this  day  in 
Council  made)  and  desired  they  wou'd  be  ready  to  attend 
accordingly. 

Monday,  June  the  21st.    In  the  Bower  at  Easton,  10,  a.  m. 

Present  as  before. 

Sir  William  Johnson  addressing  himself  to  the  Indians  spoke 
as  follows. 

"  Brethren  of  the  Delaware  Tribe; 

We  are  now  met  agreeable  to  the  Notice  I  gave  you  last 
Saturday  Evening  by  Henry  Montour,  in  order  to  hear  what  the 
Gentlemen  Commissioners  for  the  Proprietaries  have  to  answer 
to  the  Charge  made  by  you  against  the  Proprietaries.  And,  in 


Seven  Years    War  769 

order  to  hear  their  Defence  fully  and  clearly,  I  did  last  Satur- 
day desire  they  wou'd  please  to  Commit  it  to  Writing,  wch.  I 
presume  they  have  done." 

Here  ask'd  the  Commissioners  if  They  were  provided  with 
their  Defence;  who  then  delivered  it  to  Sir  William. 

Then  Sir  William  addressing  the  Indians,  desired  their 
Attention  while  the  Secry  was  reading  it. 

The  Defence  was  read;  also  several  Deeds,  original  Letters, 
Affidavits,  Affirmations,  and  other  papers  were  read  openly  in 
the  Hearing,  and  in  the  presence  of  Teedyuscung,  and  a  great 
Number  of  Auditors,  both  Whites,  and  Indians. 

Sir  William  desired  Cap*.  Montour  to  let  Teedyuscung  know, 
as  well  as  the  other  Indians,  what  had  been  read  on  Behalf 
of  the  proprietaries,  which  was  done:  also,  that  the  Commis- 
sioners had  deliver'd  the  several  proofs,  and  papers  to  Him  (Sir 
William)  which  He  wou'd  carefully  peruse,  and  duly  Con- 
sider. 

Teedyuscung  reply'd;  that  what  had  been  read,  was  very 
satisfactory  to  Him,  and. the  Indians;  for  they  very  well  under- 
stood the  purport,  or  meaning  of  what  had  been  read. 

Tuesday,  June  the  22d.   1762,  in  the  Bower  at  Easton,  p.  m. 

Present  as  before. 

Sir  Wm.  Johnson  open'd  the  Meeting  with  the  following 
Speech. 

"  Brethren  of  the  Delaware  Tribe; 

Yesterday  the  Commissioners  on  behalf  of  the  Proprietaries 
of  this  Province,  deliver'd  in  their  defence  in  support  of  their 
Rights  to  the  Lands  you  claim;  which  Defence  was  openly,  and 
distinctly  read  to  you;  as  were,  at  the  same  time,  several  original 
Deeds  &  papers  relating  to  the  Title  of  Messieurs  Penns. 

I  now  meet  you  with  Chearfulness,  and,  I  can  assure  you, 
with  the  utmost  willingness  to  hear  what  you  can  farther  say, 
to  Establish  your  Right  to  the  Lands  in  dispute,  or  object  to 

Vol.  Ill  — 25 


770  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

what  has  been  yesterday  offer'd  by  the  Proprietaries  Commis- 
sioners; and  whatever  you  Offer  on  that  Head,  shall  be  faith- 
fully transmitted  by  me  to  the  Great  King,  as  well  as  the  rest 
of  the  proceedings  of  this  Meeting. 

Brethren ; 

If  you  have  anything  to  Say,  which  you  apprehend  may  be 
material  to  make  good  your  Right,  I  wou'd  recommend  it  to 
you,  to  have  it  put  into  Writing  by  the  Secretary,  and  deliver 
it  here,  that  it  may  be  publickly  read.  This  will  prevent  any 
Mistakes  which  might  happen  in  taking  down  your  Reply,  or 
Objections  from  the  Interpreter,  and  put  what  you  have  to  Say 
in  the  clearest  Light." 

Afterwards  Sir  William  added, 

That  Teedyuscung,  and  any  of  his  Counsellors,  might  peruse 
Such  Deeds,  papers,  &c,  (as  were  delivered  to  Sir  William  by 
the  proprietaries  Commissioners)  with  the  Secretary,  Mr. 
Croghan  the  Deputy  Agent,  the  Interpreter,  and  any  two 
indifferent  persons,  to  make  the  best  Use  of  them  they  cou'd. 

A  String. 

After  Sir  Wm.  Johnson  had  finished  his  Speech,  Teedyuscung 
Stood  up,  and  reply 'd 

"Brother; 

Please  to  hear  me  what  I  am  going  to  say.  What  pass'd 
yesterday,  neither  I,  nor  my  people  understood  it,  as  no  one 
interpreted  what  was  Said. 

Brother; 

Now  you  tell  me  you  have  orders  from  the  King  to  see  Justice 
done  me. 

Brother; 

About  five  years  ago,  when  Mr.  Croghan  was  here,  He  had 
orders  to  see  Justice  done  me :  now  I  desire  you  won't  do  as  He 
did,  for  He  went  away,  and  did  nothing  at  all. 


Seven  Years   War  771 

Brother; 

I  desire  you'll  let  me  have  the  Writings  which  were  read  yes- 
terday, that  I  may  have  time  to  Consider  of  them,  as  We  did 
not  understand  what  was  read. —  I  told  you  another  Thing, 
which  was,  to  let  me  have  a  Clerk,  to  write  down  what  I  have 
to  say.  This  is  the  request  of  Us  all. 

A  String. 
Brother; 

I  desire  all  my  Brethren  to  attend  to  what  I  Say. —  I  do  not 
Speak  this  only  from  my  Mouth,  but  from  my  Heart." 

A  String. 

Here  He  deliver'd  Sir  William  a  Paper,  which  is  as  follows. 
Brother  Johnson ; 

You  promis'd  to  see  Justice  done,  but  when  you  refus'd  to  let 
me  have  a  Clerk,  I  began  to  Fear  you  intended  to  do  as  George 
Croghan  did,  when  We  were  here  five  years  since, —  King 
George  has  order'd  you  to  hear  me,  and  all  the  Indians  fully. 
But  how  do  you  think  I  can  make  Answer  at  once  to  as  many 
Papers  as  your  Clerk  was  four  Hours  reading,  in  a  Language 
I  do  not  understand,  and  which  have  not  been  interpreted  to  me? 
I  expect  to  have  all  those  Papers  deliver'd  to  me,  that  I  may 
have  time  to  Consider  them;  and  if  you  refuse  this,  I,  and  all  the 
Indians  shall  see  you  do  not  intend  to  do  Justice,  and  We  shall 
Complain  to  King  George,  who  We  are  Sure  is  our  Friend ;  and 
from  what  orders  you  told  us  He  had  given  the  Governor  of 
New  York,  we  know  the  King  will  do  us  Justice. 

Sign'd,  with  the  Marks  of 
Teedyuscung.  Moses. 

Abram.  Nemeham. 

Augustus.  Mackcuwas. 

Mauwalun. 
Opelauwahun.  Tepiscoung. 


772  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

The  above  paper  Sir  William  read  to  Himself,  and  then 
addressing  Himself  to  Teedyuscung,  told  Him,  that  He  was 
very  sorry,  that  after  the  repeated  Declarations  He  had  made, 
He  shou'd  find  by  that  Paper,  that  He,  Teedyuscung,  was 
suspicious  of  Him,  as  if  He  did  not  intend  to  do  him  Justice; 
but  he  did  not  believe  what  was  Contain'd  in  that  paper  came 
from  his  own  Heart,  and  therefore  desired  He  wou'd  tell,  who 
put  it  in  his  head,  or  who  it  came  from? — Teedyuscung 
answer'd,  that  it  did  come  from  his  own  Heart,  and  was  the 
Sentiment  of  all  his  people,  but  added,  that  He  did  not  Entertain 
any  Suspicions  that  He  wou'd  do  Him  Injustice ;  which  Declara- 
tion of  Teedyuscung's,  Sir  William  Johnson  observ'd,  and  told 
Him,  was  directly  repugnant  to  the  paper  which  He  had  just 
before  delivered  to  Him.  Sir  Wm.  Johnson  said  farther,  that  He 
was  sorry  to  Find,  that  what  He,  Teedyuscung,  now  Said,  was 
so  different  from  what  He  said  yesterday,  and  also  so  different 
from  the  Sentiments  of  the  rest  of  the  Indians,  for  that  He, 
Teedyuscung,  had  after  the  Deeds  and  Papers  were  read,  and 
Henry  Montour,  by  his  order,  had  told  Him  what  they  had  been 
doing,  and  ask'd  him  if  he  understood  what  had  been  read,  then 
declared,  that  He  understood  it  well,  and  was  very  well  Satisfied 
with  what  had  been  done,  as  everyone  who  was  present  must 
remember  and  cou'd  Evidence:  and  moreover  that  He  told 
him  so  again  in  the  Afternoon,  in  the  hearing  of  Seven  or  eight 
Gentlemen. 

Whereupon  Israel  Pemberton,  one  of  the  Heads  of  the 
Quaker-Society,  Stood  up,  and  speaking  aloud  with  great 
warmth  and  Indecency,  contradicted  Sir  Willm,  Saying,  "  that 
since  Sir  William  had  appeal'd  to  the  By-Standers  for  the  Truth 
of  this  matter,  He  thought  Himself  oblig'd  to  declare,  that 
Teedyuscung  said  no  such  thing,  and  that  the  Minutes  were  not 
fairly  taken:  that  many  material  Things  which  Teedyuscung 
had  said,  were  altogether  omitted,  and  other  Things  misrepre- 
sented: that  it  was  unjust  and  unreasonable,  to  call  on  Teedyus- 
cung to  answer  a  number  of  Title  Deeds  and  Proofs,  produced 


Seven  Years   War  773 

yesterday  on  the  part  of  the  Proprietaries,  which  took  up  three 
Hours  and  an  half  in  reading,  especially  as  they  were  wrote  in 
English,  not  one  Sentence  of  which  Teedyuscung  understood 
to  his  certain  Knowledge;  and  He  had  known  Him  for  many 
years:  that  the  Lives  of  the  Inhabitants,  and  the  Peace  and  Wel- 
fare of  the  Province  were  concerned  in  having  this  matter  fully 
heard,  and  that  if  Sir  William  wou'd  not  do  them  Justice,  They 
wou'd  not  suffer  the  matter  to  rest  here,  but  ivoud  Complain 
Home;  where,  He  did  not  doubt  of  being  heard  and  redress'd;" 
with  a  good  deal  more  to  the  same  purpose. 

Sir  William  then  asked  Israel  Pemberton,  "  what  right  he 
had  to  interpose  in  this  matter,  and  said  that,  He  was,  by  the 
Royal  Order,  to  hear  the  Complaints  of  the  Indians,  and  the 
Proprietaries  Defence,  and  that  no  other  person  had  any  right 
to  Intermeddle.  That  the  Governor,  and  the  Proprietary-Com- 
missioners who  were  by,  did  not  at  all  interfere."  —  Israel 
insolently  answer'd  "  that,  He  was  a  Freeman,  and  had  as  much 
Right  to  speak  as  the  Governor.  That  it  was  unjust  to  deny 
Teedyuscung  a  Clerk,  which  was  his  natural  Right. —  That  He 
had  as  much  right  to  appoint  a  Clerk,  as  Sir  William." —  Upon 
wch.  Mr.  Marsh  said,  that  He  was  not  appointed  Secretary  by 
Sir  William,  but  by  the  King. 

Sir  William  then  observ'd  that,  "  He  plainly  saw  thro  what 
Channel  Teedyuscung  conducted  his  Business,  and  had  taken 
Notice  that  He  was  constantly  nurs'd  and  Entertain'd  at  Pem- 
berton's,  or  at  the  Lodgings  of  the  Committee  of  Assembly  " : 
to  which  Israel  reply'd,  that  Teedyuscung  was  as  much  with  Sir 
William,  as  with  Him.1 

As  soon  as  Israel  had  done,  Mess".  Fox,  Galloway  and 
Hughes  made  another  Attack  upon  Sir  William. —  Mr.  Fox 
warmly  said  that,  "  Teedyuscung  did  not  understand  a  word  of 
what  was  read  yesterday,  nor  did  He  say,  that  He  understood 


1  An  account  of  proceedings  on  the  22d  including  the  Pemberton  inci- 
dent is  entered  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  138.  It  was  destroyed  by 
fire. 


774  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

it:"  to  which  Sir  William  reply'd  that,  He  did  not  at  the  time 
Imagine  that  Teedyuscung  understood  all  that  ivas  read  to  Him; 
and  therefore  was  going  to  tell  Him  what  He  intended  to  do 
with  respect  to  having  the  Deeds  explain'd  to  Him,  but  was  pre- 
vented in  so  doing,  by  his,  Teedyuscung's,  repeating  when  ask'd 
by  Montour,  that  He  did  well  understand  what  had  been  read 
to  Him. 

Joseph  Galloway  then  Said,  "  that  the  Assembly  had 
appointed  Him,  and  some  others,  a  Committee  to  attend  this 
Treaty,  and  see  Justice  done,  in  which  the  Peace,  and  Welfare 
of  the  Province  was  concern'd:  that  they  had  requested  by  a 
Letter  to  Sir  William,  that  He  wou'd  furnish  them  with  a  Copy 
of  the  State  of  the  Proprietaries  Title,  which  was  presented  Him 
by  their  Commissioners,  and  which  He  had  not  granted  them; 
but  they  shou'd  have  been  glad  of  an  Answer  from  Him  in 
writing." 

To  this  Sir  William  answer'd,  that  He  had  been  apply'd  to 
by  other  Persons  on  the  same  Head  before,  and  that  his  reason 
for  refusing  them  was  —  That  he  did  not  think  it  right  to  give 
any  Copy  of  the  proceedings,  lest  they  shoud  be  in  everyBody's 
hands,  before  He  coud  ma^e  his  Report  to  His  Majesty. 
.*  .  .  Whereupon  Joseph  Fox,  another  Quaker,  (and  another  of 
the  Committee)  said,  "  yes,  I  and  Mr.  Hughes  apply'd  to  you, 
and  thought  it  our  Duty,  as  We  were  appointed  by  the  Assembly 
to  attend,  and  see  Justice  done." —  And  then  repeated  what  the 
others  had  said  about  the  Peace  of  the  Province. 

John  Hughes  mutter'd,  and  said,  "  He  was  not  afraid  of 
acknowledging  what  He  had  said  to  any  Man." 

Sir  William  then  told  them  that  matters  wou'd  go  on  quietly, 
and  He  wou'd  do  Justice,  if  they  wou'd  let  Business  go  on  in 
its  proper  Channel,  and  desired  they  wou'd  not  interpose;  for 
He  wou'd  not  Suffer,  or  put  up  with  such  Treatment. 

Israel  Pemberton  again  insisted  on  their  right  as  Freemen,  and 
pull'd  out  of  his  Pocket  a  paper,  which  He  said  was  the  King's 
proclamation,  lately  published  in  the  New- York  Paper,  and  that 


Seven  Years   War  775 

His  Majesty  therein  shew'd  his  paternal  Regard  and  Affection 
for  the  Indians,  and  called  Them  His  Allies. 

Sir  William  said,  "  He  knew  what  was  contain'd  in  the 
Proclamation,  adding,  that  He  had  the  opinion  of  the  King's 
Ministers  as  to  the  Mischiefs  of  any  person's  interposing,  but  the 
King's  Agent,  in  Indian  Affairs."  —  Israel  said,  "  He  had  the 
opinion  of  the  ablest  Man  in  America  on  that  Point." 

Sir  William  repeatedly  requested  that  they  wou'd  be  silent; 
but  they  Still  continuing  their  Interruption,  He  rose  up,  and 
desired  the  Interpreter  to  tell  Teedyuscung,  and  the  rest,  that 
He  cou'd  do  no  more  at  that  time,  and  so  broke  up  the  Confer- 
ence. 

As  Sir  William  was  going  off  the  Bench,  Joseph  Galloway 
offer'd  Him  a  Bundle  of  Papers,  which  He  said  were  Submitted 
to  his  Consideration  by  the  Committee  of  Assembly,  and  wou'd 
enable  Him  to  represent  the  Dispute  between  the  Proprietaries, 
and  the  Indians  in  a  proper  light. —  Sir  Willm.  answer'd,  that 
that  was  not  a  proper  place : —  He  wou'd  do  no  Business  in  a 
Mob :  on  which  Joseph  Galloway  said  that  the  Committee  wou'd 
wait  upon  Him  at  his  Lodgings. —  Israel  Pemberton  said,  that 
was  the  proper  place,  and  Business  shou'd  not  be  done  in  a 
Corner. 

Mr.  Chew  took  that  opportunity,  in  presence  of  Joseph  Gallo- 
way, Frs.  Hopkinson,  Tho8.  Mc.  Kean,  and  several  others,  of 
speaking  to  Sir  William  with  respect  to  what  He  had  said  to 
Teedyuscung  about  the  Secretary's  Meeting  Him,  and  the 
Indians,  in  Council,  to  take  down  their  answer  in  writing;  and 
ask'd  him  whether  He  did  not  intend  that,  as  Teedyuscung  was 
now  pleas'd  to  Say,  "  that  He  did  not  understand  the  Deeds  and 
writings  read  yesterday,"  they  shou'd  be  again  laid  before,  & 
interpreted  to  Them,  previous  to  their  answering:  to  which  He 
reply'd,  "  that  this  was  what  He  intended." 

After  Sir  William  came  from  the  Bower,  the  Quakers 
deliver'd  him  two  written  sheets  of  Paper  at  his  Lodgings,  about 
the  Indians  Title  &c,  which  will  be  inserted  at  the  End  of  the 


776  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Proceedings,  as  'tis  answer'd  on  the  24th.  by  the  Proprietaries 
Commissioners,  tho  they  did  not  deliver  their  Reply  till  the  28th. 

Wednesday,  23d.  June,  at  Easton. 

This  Evening  Sir  William  Johnson  sent  a  written  Message, 
and  a  String  of  Wampum  to  the  Indians,  by  Mr.  Mc.  Gee,  and 
Daniel  Broadhead;  but  as  Teedyuscung  cou'd  not  be  found, 
they  brought  back  the  same  to  Sir  William. 

Thursday,  24th.  June,  at  Easton. 

Sir  William's  message  in  writing,  but  dated  yesterday,  was 
delivered  this  morning  by  Cap*.  Montour,  in  the  presence  of  Mr. 
Alexander  Mc.  Gee,  and  Daniel  Broadhead,  to  Teedyuscung 
and  the  Indians;  and  after  the  same  was  interpreted  to  them  by 
Cap1.  Montour,  they  greatly  approv'd  of  it. 

Sir  Williams  Message  was  as  follows. 

Easton,  June  23d.  1 762  — 

Brethren  of  the  Delaware  Tribe; 

I  met  you  yesterday  at  the  Bower  in  this  Place  with  the 
warmest  Affection,  in  order  to  hear  what  you  cou'd  say  to  the- 
Defence  made  by  the  Proprietaries  Commissioners. —  I  was  in 
hopes  what  I  then  said,  wou'd  have  been  listen'd  to  with  the 
deepest  attention;  but  Teedyuscung  gave  me  no  direct  Answer, 
and  only  made  Complaints  which  were  not  to  the  Purpose  for 
which  we  met. 

I  now  repeat  it  to  you,  I  shall  be  glad  to  See  you,  and  hear 
everything  you  can  offer  by  your  Interpreters  to  do  you  Service; 
and  the  Secretary  shall  attend  you  and  them  (with  any  two 
indifferent  Persons)  to  write  down  what  you  have  to  offer,  which 
will  prevent  any  Interruption  like  to  that  wch.  happen'd  yester- 
day, by  busy  people  interfering  in  this  matter,  which  they  had 
no  right  to  do;  for  I  am  the  only  Person  appointed  to  hear  your 
Complaint,  and  to  Send  it  to  the  Great  King.—  I  will  likewise 


Seven  Years   War  777 

Order  to  be  laid  before  you  such  Deeds  and  Papers  as  you  may 
judge  proper  to  have  perus'd,  and  interpreted  to  you,  whereby 
you  may  be  enabled  to  make  such  use  of  them,  as  may  conduce 
to  making  your  right  more  clear ;  and  to  give  you  every  advantage 
you  yourselves  can  desire. 

A  String. 

In  answer  to  the  above,  Cap1.  Bull  (Son  of  Teedyuscung,) 
waited  on  Sir  William  with  a  String  of  Wampum,  and  brought 
a  message  from  the  Indians,  requesting  He  wou'd  meet  them 
after  Dinner,  at  the  Bower;  to  which  Sir  William  agreed. 

At  a  Meeting,  p.  m.  in  the  Bower  at  Easton. 
Present  as  before. 

Teedyuscung  rose  up  and  Said, 

"Brother:    (meaning  Sir  William)   and  Brethren,   (addressing 
Himself  to  the  Auditors.) 

Take  notice  of  what  I  am  going  to  Say. 

You  have  come  here  to  make  my  Troubles  easy;  therefore 
I  shall  give  you  no  Trouble,  for  I  want  to  Behave  and  Act  in 
such  a  manner  as  two  Friends  ought  to  do. —  I  deliver  up  the 
Lands  to  you  (meaning  He  submitted  the  whole  Dispute  about 
them  to  Sir  William)  for  I  really  desire  to  be  Friends  with  you 
all." 

Then  Teedyuscung  deliver'd  a  long  abusive  paper  to  Sir 
William,  which  He  desired  might  be  publickly  read. 

Sir  William  perus'd  part  of  the  Paper,  and  Said,  Teedyus- 
cung had  not  pursu'd  the  Method  mention'd  in  his  Message  sent 
to  the  Indians  this  morning;  but  had  deliver'd  Him  a  writing 
reflecting  upon  Himself,  and  the  sworn  Officers,  meaning  Mr. 
Deputy  Croghan,  the  Secretary,  and  Cap*.  Montour  the  Inter- 
preter: however,  after  making  some  Observations  on  the 
Calumnies  contain'd  in  the  Paper,  Sir  William  order'd  it  to  be 
read,  and  is  as  follows. 


778  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Brother  Johnson; 

You  told  me  the  day  before  yesterday,  that  I  might  see  the 
Papers  which  were  read  the  day  before,  if  I  wou'd  look  them 
over  in  some  private  place  with  Croghan,  Montour,  and  your 
Clerk 

You  know  it  wou'd  take  a  great  deal  of  Time  to  make  me 
acquainted  with  what  is  in  so  many  papers  which  have  not  been 
interpreted  to  me;  and  I  cannot  Trust  Croghan  and  Montour; 
and  I  do  not  knorv  your  C7er£:  So  that  if  you  will  not  let  me 
have  Copies  of  them,  and  time,  with  help  of  such  men  as  I  £HOIP, 
to  consider  them,  you  cannot  give  the  King  a  true  state  of  the 
matter. 

As  I  observ'd,  when  I  spoke  to  you,  you  ask'd  me  many 
Questions,  which  made  me  forget  what  I  was  Saying;  and  as 
I  cannot  write  myself,  I  have  therefore  employ 'd  a  Clerk  the 
other  day,  to  write  what  I  then  deliver'd  to  you,  which  I  observ'd 
you  did  not  read  in  publick;  and,  I  now,  by  the  same  way,  tell 
you  my  whole  mind. 

When  I  spoke  to  you  five  days  since,  I  knew  there  was  some 
part  of  the  Land  I  Claimed,  which  the  Proprietaries  had  a  Deed 
for ;  but  I  thought  it  best  to  make  them  Say  all  they  cou'd  about 
all  the  Lands  above  Neshaminey.  This  I  can  assure  you,  from 
my  Heart,  I  did  without  the  Knowledge  or  advice  of  any  white 
man.  Neutimus  told  me  to  do  so,  when  He  gave  me  his  place 
of  Chief  man  of  the  Delawares.  I,  and  many  of  our  old  men 
know  that,  our  Fathers  told  us  they  were  never  paid  for  the 
Lands  they  agreed  to  Sell  at  the  Treaty  held  at  Pennsbury  more 
than  70  years  since,  and  therefore  they  thought  it  was  no 
Bargain. 

When  I  was  here  five  years  Since,  many  of  my  old  men  were 
here,  who  are  now  dead.  All  of  them  said,  that  the  Agreement 
they  made,  was  to  walk  up  by  River  side;  and  in  order  that 
William  Penn  might  know  what  he  bought,  They  walk'd  the 
Land  before  they  agreed  to  Sell  it,  and  the  Walk  ended  in 
Cusho-hoppen,  which  they  knew  to  be  no  further  than  belong'd 


Seven  Fears'  War  779 

to  the  Indians  that  made  the  Agreement:  But  the  year  William 
Penn  died,  several  of  the  Chiefs  who  lived  below  the  Le-high 
Hills,  that  we  might  live  in  peace,  gave  a  Deed,  by  which  those 
Hills  were  fixed  as  a  Boundary,  and  I  now  give  you  a  Copy  of 
that  Deed. —  Eight  or  nine  years  afterwards,  Neutimus  sold 
James  Logan,  and  some  other  Gentleman,  4  Miles  Square  of 
Lands,  where  Durham  Iron-Works  is  built.  About  seven  years 
afterwards,  Neutimus,  and  some  other  Indians,  were  invited  to 
meet  the  two  young  Proprietors  at  Durham.  I  was  then  there ; 
and  in  the  next  Spring  they  met  again  at  Pennsbury,  where  a 
paper  was  shewn  to  Neutimus,  and  other  Chief  men  who  were 
there,  which  they  were  told  was  the  Deed  our  Fathers  had 
Signed,  but  They  knew  it  was  not,  and  therefore  said  so;  upon 
which  they  were  threaten'd  in  the  manner  I  told  you  before.  I 
was  there  present,  and  heard  it  with  my  own  Ears. —  After  this, 
the  Minquas  threaten'd  Us;  So  Manahahickon,  and  some  more 
Chief  men  came  to  Philadelphia,  and  Sign'd  a  Deed;  soon  after 
which,  two  Men  walk'd  over  the  Forks  of  Delaware,  up  beyond 
the  Pehoqualin  Mountains,  by  the  course  of  a  Compass,  different 
from  what  was  ever  intended;  and  thus  They  took  away  our 
Lands,  which  made  us  very  uneasy:  and  soon  afterwards  our 
people  threatned  to  Drive  the  white  People  away  from  the 
Forks,  and  sent  Letters  to  the  Governor,  and  Jeremh.  Langhorne. 
Soon  after  which,  the  Minquas  being  at  Philadelphia,  the 
Governor  shew'd  them  the  same  paper,  which  they  Said  was  the 
Deed  Signed  by  our  Fathers;  but  tho  it  was  not,  the  Minquas 
beleiv'd  them,  and  telling  us  We  were  women,  they  took  us  by 
the  Hair  of  the  Head,  and  removed  Us  off  of  the  Land:  upon 
which,  many  of  our  People  went  to  Allegheny,  and  others  high 
up  Susquehanna,  very  uneasy  and  displeas'd.  About  12  years 
afterwards,  when  the  War  with  the  French  was  over,  and  the 
Minquas  came  down  to  see  Governor  Hamilton,  they  agreed  to 
sell  some  of  their  Land  on  Susquehanna,  below  Shamokin,  and 
were  perswaded,  with  it,  to  sell  some  of  our  Land  on  Delaware, 
to  which  they  had  no  Right;  and  tho  Paxsinosa,  Neutimus,  and 


780  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Qualpaghach  Signed  the  Deed  with  them,  they  did  not  know 
what  they  Signed,  for  it  was  only  interpreted  to  the  Minquas,  by 
Conrad  Weiser,  who  cou'd  not  speak  our  Language. —  Paxsi- 
nosa  own'd  no  part  of  their  Lands,  and  what  He  lived  on,  had 
been  before  taken  away  by  the  Walk ;  and  the  other  Two  had 
no  right  at  all  to  any  of  them  Lands,  nor  the  Consent  of  the 
Owners  to  Sell  them. —  I  never  knew  that  Nutimus  receiv'd  any 
money  in  pay  for  Land;  but  when  We  were  here,  4  years  Since, 
an  Indian  then  Said,  He  had  out  of  it  44  Dollars,  which  He 
declared  to  me,  He  receiv'd  as  a  present  from  our  Uncles  the 
Minquas,  and  that  He  does  not  yet  remember  he  Sign'd  any 
Deed;  tho  I  did  not  now  insist  on  the  Claim  I  had  before  made 
for  them  Lands,  but  I  must  tell  you,  that  the  chief  Owners  of 
them  now  live  at  Wehaloosing,  and  are  peaceable  good  people, 
and  several  of  them  are  now  here. —  They  Say,  they  will  give 
their  Brethren  no  Trouble,  if  the  Governor  will  not  pay  them 
for  their  Lands,  nor  help  them  to  get  other  Lands  for  them  from 
the  Minquas,  beyond  where  the  Proprietors  have  bought,  they 
will  leave  their  Right  to  be  settled  when  they  both  appear  before 
that  Judge  above  that  knows  they  are  wrong'd. 

Hearken  to  me  Brother,  did  you  never  know  any  Nations  of 
Indians,  who  had  sold  their  Lands,  and  receiv'd  the  money,  or 
Goods  for  it,  ever  go  from  their  Bargain?  I  never  did. —  The 
Copy  of  this  last  Deed,  I  also  now  deliver  to  you.  Before  We 
Struck  our  Brethren,  and  tried  to  Drive  them  off  these  Lands, 
We  heard  many  bad  Stories  from  the  French,  and  were  told  that 
our  Brethren  intended  to  Strike  Us.  We  sent  a  Messenger  to 
them  for  News,  and  waited  for  some  time,  for  his  Return;  but 
He  not  coming,  some  of  our  young  Men  Struck  some  of  our 
Brethren  who  lived  on  the  Land  next  to  Us.  Our  old  men  were 
sorry  for  it;  and  as  soon  as  We  heard  our  Brethren  desired  to 
keep  hold  of  the  Covenant  Chain,  and  Brighten  it,  We  came 
to  them  in  this  place.  We  Brighten'd  the  Chain,  made  a  great 
Fire,  which  they  helped  us  to  so  much  Wood  upon,  that  the 
Light  has  been  since  seen  to  the  Indians  near  the  Sun-Set. — 


Seven  Fears'  War  781 

We  desire  to  live  in  peace  with  our  Brethren,  and  to  let  our 
good  Brother  the  Great  King  George,  know  this.  We  are  ready, 
as  many  of  us  that  are  here,  to  make  a  Bargain  with  the  Governor 
immediately,  and  Sign  a  Deed  for  all  the  Lands  We  have  been 
disputing  about:  And,  as  there  will  be  some  others,  Who  have 
a  Right  in  these  Lands,  in  a  short  time  at  Lancaster,  We  will 
let  them  have  some  part  of  the  Money,  and  do  all  we  can  to 
perswade  them  to  Sign  the  Deed;  or  if  the  Governor  will  not 
pay  us  now,  let  King  George,  who  We  know  is  just,  Say, 
whether  we  shall  have  any  thing  for  these  Lands,  or  not,  and 
how  much. —  But  that  the  King  may  have  a  right  Knowledge 
of  the  Affair,  I  desire  now,  as  I  did  five  years  since,  that  the 
Speaker,  and  Assembly  of  this  Province,  may  take  care  to  Send 
the  King  copies  of  all  the  Deeds,  and  of  all  they  can  find  about 
it :  and  if  you  intend  to  act  like  a  Friend  to  the  Indians,  you  will 
let  them  See  all  the  Papers  which  were  read  here. 

Brother; 

This  is  all  I  have  to  Say  to  you,  unless  you  will  let  me  have 
Copies  of  the  Papers,  which  you  know  is  my  Right;  and  if  I 
can  have  them,  I  will,  with  the  Assistance  of  the  Assembly-men, 
who  are  now  here,  give  you  such  further  Answer,  as  /  ma)?  think 
proper:  but  I  do  not  think  your  wanting  to  do  things  in  the  dark, 
looks  well. 

Easton,  24th.  June  1762. 
Signed  by 

Teedyuscung.  Joseph  Neutymus. 

Tepiscauen.  Abraham  Smalley. 

Philip  Compass.  Tonguakana.  , 

Opelawahend  Shepelanquanahund. 

Mackuose. 
Who  made  their  several  Marks. — 

Together  with  the  aforementioned  Paper,  Teedyuscung  pre- 
sented to  Sir  William  the  Copy  of  a  Deed  from  Canasatego, 
and  other  Indians,  to  Mess".  Penns,  dated  the  22d.  of  August 


782  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

1749;  and  also  the  Copy  of  another  Deed  from  Sassoonan,  and 
other  Indians  to  Will*.  Penn,  dated  the  17th.  Septemr.  1718, 
which  were  read,  and  are  transmitted  with  these  Minutes. 

Mr:  Commissioner  Chew,  .after  the  above  Deeds  were  read, 
made  some  cursory  Observations  upon  them,  and  desired  time 
to  Set  the  matters  contain'd  in  'em,  in  their  True  Light.  As 
Teedyuscung  had  intimated  a  Suspicion  that  Sir  William  John- 
son wou'd  not  do  Him  Justice,  to  wch.  He  must  have  been 
instigated  by  the  false  Insinuations  of  some  evil-minded  Persons, 
and  tho  He,  Teedyuscung,  was  convinc'd,  as  it  will  afterwards 
appear,  that  the  Aspersions  cast  by  Him  on  Sir  William,  and 
the  Officers,  were  without  Foundation,  yet  there  was  no  further 
meeting  till  the  Sunday  following  being 

June  the  27th.  when  were  present  at 
the  Bower  as  before. 

Sir  William  order'd  the  Interpreter  to  ask  the  Indians 
whether  they  were  ready  to  hear  what  He  had  to  Say  to  them. 

Teedyuscung  reply 'd, 
'  We  are  ready  to  Hear  you." 

Then  Sir  William  taking  three  Strings  of  Wampum,  and 
holding  them  in  his  Hand,  said, 

"  Brethren  of  the  Delaware  Tribe, 

With  these  Strings  of  Wampum  I  desire  you  will  Listen,  and 
hear  with  your  own  Ears  what  I  am  going  to  Say;  and  also 
desire  that  when  you  speak  to  me,  it  may  be  from  your  own 
Hearts. 

When  assembled  in  the  Bower  on  Tuesday,  I  told  you  I  met 
you  with  the  warmest  Affection,  to  do  all  in  my  power  for  your 
Service,  and  to  hear  everything  you  cou'd  object  against  the 
Defence  made  by  the  Proprietaries  Commissioners  the  day 
before.  With  this  view  I  met  you  on  Thursday  in  the  Bower, 


Seven  Years   War  783 

and  waited  for  your  Replication  to  what  the  Commissioners  Said, 
expecting  you  wou'd  particularly  confine  your  Selves  to  your 
Claim:  But  to  my  great  Surprise,  and,  I  believe  to  that  of  the 
greatest  part  of  the  Audience,  Teedyuscung  deliver'd  me  a  most 
abusive  and  Scurrilous  Paper  (which  at  his  Desire  was  publickly 
read)  reflecting  upon  my  Self,  as  if  I  wanted  to  Settle  your 
Business  in  the  Dark;  calumniating  my  Deputy  Mr.  Croghan, 
and  the  Interpreter  Cap*.  Henry  Montour;  at  the  same  time 
insinuating  a  Suspicion  of  the  Secretary  for  Indian  Affairs, 
(whom  you  are  pleas'd  to  call  my  Clerk)  and  that  only,  because 
you  did  not  J^noTv  Him. 

I  must  observe  to  you,  that  by  Abusing  me,  and  the  sworn 
Officers  now  with  me,  you  shew  a  Contempt  to  the  Appointment 
of  the  Great  King,  to  whom  you  have  appeal*d  for  a  Decision 
in  the  Dispute  between  you  and  the  Proprietaries;  and  with 
which  Appointment,  by  your  Letters  to  me,  as  well  as  by  your 
Declarations  here,  you  seem  well  pleas'd. 

I  must  add,  that  as  I  have  been  many  years  employ'd  in  Indian 
Affairs,  and  never  had  any  Objections  that  I  have  yet  heard, 
made  to  my  Conduct  in  all  my  Transactions  with  any  Indians 
before,  it  now  gives  me  great  Cause  of  Wonder  that  you,  who 
are  only  Cousins  to  and  Dependents  on  the  Six  united  Nations, 
shou'd  so  peremptorily  charge  me,  and  the  Officers,  with 
Injustice,  when  I  have  proceeded  so  candidly  and  openly,  in 
your  Disputes  with  the  Proprietaries  of  this  Province. 

In  the  last  part  of  Teedyuscung's  paper,  He  desires  that  the 
Speaker,  and  Assembly  of  this  Province,  may  take  care,  (as 
they  are  said  to  have  done  five  years  ago)  to  send  the  King 
Copies  of  all  the  Deeds,  and  all  they  can  find  about  the  Lands. 
To  this  I  answer,  that  no  Speaker,  or  member  of  Assembly 
of  this  province,  or  any  other  person  whatever,  has  any  thing  to 
do  with  sending  Deeds,  or  papers,  to  His  Majesty,  relative  to 
this  Affair,  but  my  Self;  as  the  whole  Enquiry  into  the  Dispute 
betwixt  you  and  the  Proprietaries,  is  solely  delegated  to  me ;  and 
consequently  I  am  the  proper  Person  to  lay  every  thing  before 


784  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

the  King. —  As  to  giving  Copies  of  papers,  which  Teedyuscung 
says  is  his  Right  to  have,  I  must  tell  you  again,  you  have  already 
had  my  Sentiments.  Teedyuscung  also  tells  me,  that  if  He  can 
have  Copies  of  the  Deeds,  papers,  &ca,  He  wou'd,  with  the 
Assistance  of  the  Assembly  men  who  were  then  present,  give  me 
such  farther  answer,  as  He  might  think  proper. —  I  must  again 
repeat,  that  no  Assembly-man,  or  any  other,  is  to  be  a  Judge  of, 
or  interfere  in  the  Business  for  which  I  meet  you,  but  myself; 
and  I  will  not  Suffer  the  Royal  Appointment,  and  the  power 
arising  from  it,  to  be  farther  invaded,  or  lessen'd,  by  any  person 
whatever;  as  I  think  too  great  a  Contempt  has  been  cast  upon  it 
already,  by  certain  Persons,  who  have  too  officiously  interfer'd, 
notwithstanding  they  heard  the  Royal  Authority  read  to  a 
numerous  Audience. 

Teedyuscung  says  lastly,  He  does  not  think  my  wanting  to 
do  things  in  the  dark,  looks  well. 

To  confute  this  malicious  Aspersion,  I  refer  you  to  my  mes- 
sage of  the  23d.  instant,  where  no  mention  is  made  that  a 
clandestine  meeting  was  desired  by  me. —  I  scorn  so  mean  a 
Thing. —  as  I  likewise  do  his  base  Insinuations : —  yet,  to  Evince 
the  Sincerity  of  my  Heart,  and  for  the  Sake  of  doing  you 
Justice,  I  am  Still  ready  to  hear  everything  you  can  say  for 
your  own  Advantage,  and  will  faithfully  Transmit  the  same  to 
the  Great  King;  but  I  will  permit  no  farther  Abuse,  nor  any 
thing  in  Diminution  of  the  King's  Authority 

A  large  Belt.— 

Brethren ; 

I  shall  conclude  with  Saying,  that  as  We  have  been  here  a 
long  time,  I  must  desire  you  to  hasten  to  a  Conclusion  of  the 
Business  we  are  met  upon,  as  soon  as  you  possibly  can." 

A  String.— 

After  the  above  Speech,  Sir  William  added, 
"  The  Gentlemen  Commissioners  have  been  so  busy,  that  they 
cannot  give  in  their  Replication  to  what  the  Indians  delivered  last 


Seven  Years    War  785 

Thursday,  but  will  be  able  to  give  it  in  to  morrow  morning;  and 
hop*d  the  Indians  wou'd  Stick  closer  to  Business  for  the  future." 

Then  Teedyuscung  told  his  People  *'  to  observe  what  Sir 
William  had  said  in  his  Speech,  as  it  was  for  the  Benefit  of 
them  all." 

Sir  William  ask'd  Teedyuscung  "  if  He  knew  the  Contents 
of  the  paper  which  He  deliver'd  to  Him  on  Thursday  last?  " 

Teedyuscung  reply'd, 

"  My  Cousin  wrote  it. —  I  did  not  come  to  have  any  Differ- 
ence, but  to  Settle  matters  upon  a  good  Footing. —  I  did  not 
come  to  put  my  hand  into  your  Purse,  or  to  get  Cloathing. — 
I  give  up  the  Land  to  you,  and  the  white  People.** 

Monday  June  the  28th.  1  762,  in  the  Bower  at  Easton. 
Present  as  before. 

Sir  William  Johnson  order'd  the  Interpreter  to  tell  Teedyus- 
cung, He  was  ready  to  hear  what  He  had  to  say  to  Him 
agreeable  to  his  Message  receiv'd  this  morning  to  meet  Him 
at  ten  o'Clock. 

Teedyuscung  then  Said,  to  Sir  William, 
"  Brother,   (and  to  the  Audience  Brethren,) 
Take  notice  of  what  I  am  going  to  Say. — 

Brothers;  (Speaking  to  Sir  WilK  &  the  Governor) 

The  Governor,  and  We,  have  been  Six  years  in  some  Trouble 
about  Land  Affairs,  You  Brother,  (to  Sir  William)  have  been 
sent  by  the  Great  King,  and  We  look  upon  you,  as  if  the  King 
was  present;  and  We  are  very  thankful  to  the  Great  King  for 
his  appointment.** 

Then  Teedyuscung  deliver'd  a  Paper  to  Sir  William,  and 
Said,  "  what  was  contained  therein,  came  from  his  Heart,  and 
desir*d  it  might  take  out  the  Stings  from  his  Brothers  Hearts." 

Two  Belts.— 


786  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Then  Sir  William  order'd  the  Secretary  to  read  the  Paper 
aloud,  which  was  accordingly  done,  and  is  as  follows. 

Brother; 

What  I  am  now  about  to  Say,  I  had  determin'd  on,  and 
intended  to  Say  yesterday,  before  you  Spoke  to  me. 

At  a  Treaty  held  about  Six  years  ago,  I  made  a  Complaint 
against  the  Proprietaries,  and  charged  them  with  Depriving  Us 
of  our  Lands  by  Forgery  and  Fraud,  which  we  did  at  a  time 
when  We  were  just  come  from  the  French;  by  whom,  we  were 
very  much  incens'd  against  our  Brothers  the  English. —  This 
matter  was  afterwards,  by  our  mutual  Consent,  refer'd  to  the 
Great  King  George  over  the  Water,  who  directed  you,  Brother, 
to  enquire  into  the  Circumstances  of  the  Case,  and  make  a  Report 
to  Him  that  He  might  do  what  was  just  therein. 

You  have  taken  the  Trouble  to  come  here  for  this  purpose, 
and  many  Days  have  been  spent  in  this  Affair.  It  now  appears 
by  sundry  old  Writings  and  Papers,  which  have  been  shewn 
by  the  Proprietary  Commissioners,  and  read  at  this  Conference, 
that  the  said  Charge  of  Forgery,  was  a  Mistake;  into  which 
Mistake,  we  were  led  by  the  Accounts  We  had  receiv'd  from 
our  Ancestors  concerning  the  Land  sold  by  Mayhkerrick-kisho, 
Sayhoppey,  and  Taugh-haughsy,  to  old  William  Penn,  in  the 
year  1686. 

As  to  the  Walk,  the  Proprietary-Commissioners  insist  that  it 
was  reasonably  performed;  but  We  think  otherwise:  which 
Difference  in  opinion  may  happen  without  either  of  Us  being 
bad  Men;  but  this  is  a  matter  that  Brethren  ought  not  to  Differ 
about. —  Wherefore,  being  desirous  of  living  in  peace  and 
Friendship  with  our  Brothers  the  Proprietaries,  and  the  good 
People  of  Pennsylvania,  We  bury  under  Ground  all  Contro- 
versies about  Land;  and  are  ready,  such  of  Us  as  are  here,  to 
Sign  a  Release  for  all  the  Lands  in  Dispute :  and  will  Endeavor 
to  persuade  the  rest  of  our  Brethren,  who  are  concerned,  to  Sign 
the  same.  A  Belt. 

Teedyuscung  +  his  Mark. 


Seven  Years   War  787 

After  the  above  Paper  was  read  by  the  Secretary,  Sir  William 
order'd  the  Interpreter  to  ask  Teedyuscung,  whether  He  under- 
stood the  meaning  of  it:  who  reply 'd  yes.  All  the  Counsel- 
lors acknowledged  the  same,  for  it  had  been  interpreted  to  them 
by  Isaac  Still,  before  they  came  to  the  Bower.  Teedyuscung 
added,  that  the  Paper  was  his  Cousin's  writing :  then  He  pointed 
to  a  young  Indian  Man,  and  told  Sir  William,  that  was  the 
Person  who  wrote  it. — 

Then  the  Governor  said  to  Sir  William,  "  that  He  shou'd  be 
glad  to  speak  to  the  Indians  within  an  Hour,  or  two,  in  answer 
to  what  was  mentioned  in  the  above  Paper."  Sir  William 
reply'd,  "  He  wou'd  be  ready  to  attend  the  Governor,  and 
Indians,  at  the  time  desired;  and  shou'd  then  say  a  few  words 
to  them  Himself." 

Monday,  June  28th.  1 762,  in  the  Bower  at  Easton. — 
At  12  Sir  William  Johnson  met  the  Indians. 

Present  as  this  morning. 

Governor  Hamilton  order'd  the  Interpreter  to  tell  Teedyus- 
cung, that  as  some  part  of  his  Speech  to  Sir  William  this  morn- 
ing, related  to  Himself,  therefore  He  was  going  to  speak  to  the 
Indians,  which  was  done,  and  then  the  Governor  began. 
*'  Brother  Teedyuscung,  and  all  our  Indian  Brethren  now 
present ; 

Take  notice  of  what  I  am  going  to  Say. 

It  gives  me  great  Pleasure  to  hear,  that  you  are  now  Satisfied 
that  the  Charge  you  made  against  the  Proprietaries  of  Forgery, 
at  a  time  when  you  were  incens'd  by  the  French  against  your 
Brethren  the  English,  was  founded  on  a  Mistake,  and  owing  to 
your  being  misinformed  by  your  Ancestors. 

The  Proprietors  knowing  their  own  Innocence,  and  that  their 
Father  William  Penn  had  fairly  bought,  and  paid  for  the  Lands 
convey'd  in  the  Deed  of  1686,  were  pricked  to  their  Hearts, 
when  they  heard  that  their  Brethren,  with  whom  they  sincerely 


788  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

desired  to  live  in  Friendship,  had  charged  them  with  Forgery; 
and  it  will  give  them  much  pleasure  to  be  informed,  that  you  did 
them  the  Justice  to  acquit  them  of  the  Charge,  as  soon  as  you 
were  made  sensible  of  your  Error. 

Brothers: 

As  to  the  Walk,  you  say,  you  think  it  was  not  reasonably 
performed,  and  the  Proprietary-Commissioners  on  the  contrary 
contend,  that  it  was. — Whether  it  was,  or  was  not,  is  mere  matter 
of  Judgment  and  Opinion ;  it  being  an  uncertain  Thing,  at  best, 
how  far  a  Man  can,  or  shou'd  go  in  one  Day  and  an  half's 
Walk. 

It  is  no  uncommon  thing  for  the  wisest  and  best  men  to  differ 
in  Judgment,  but  this  ought  not  to  Cause  ill  Blood,  especially 
among  Brethren;  wherefore  I  heartily  Join  with  you,  and  Bury 
all  Disputes  about  Land  under  Ground,  so  deep,  that  neither 
We,  nor  our  Children,  shall  ever  hear  of  them  again. 

You  shew  your  good  Disposition  in  offering  to  Sign  a  Release 
for  those  Lands  your  Selves,  and  to  Endeavour  to  persuade  the 
rest  of  your  Brethren  to  sign  it  also. —  However  prudent  it  might 
be  to  take  a  Release,  in  order  to  shew  your  Children  that  this 
matter  was  fully  settled,  and  cleared  up  at  this  Time;  yet  I  do 
not  think  a  Release  at  all  necessary  to  Confirm  the  Proprietaries 
Title,  as  they  have  already  two  Deeds  for  the  Land  executed 
at  different  Times;  and  what  further  Convinces  me  it  wou'd  be 
improper  at  any  rate  to  accept  such  a  Release  as  you  offer,  is 
that  you  have  Said,  many  of  the  People,  who  you  suppos'd  were 
the  owners  of  the  Lands,  about  which  you  have  Complain'd, 
were  absent,  and  are  not  now  here. 

Brothers; 

When  I  first  returned  from  England,  I  had  it  in  charge  from 
the  Proprietors,  to  be  kind  to  you,  and  to  give  you  proofs  of 
their  Regard,  as  soon  as  their  Characters  were  set  right,  and 
cleared  from  the  heavy  Charges  made  against  them. —  This  End 
being  now  happily  obtained,  I  propose,  as  a  Mark  of  their 
Reconciliation  with  you,  and  a  Token  of  their  affection  for  you, 


Seven  Fears'  War  789 

to  give  you  a  Present  to  supply  the  wants  of  your  Wives  and 
Children. 

I  expect  shortly  to  meet  at  Lancaster  the  rest  of  your 
Brethren  the  Delawares,  who  live  near  the  Ohio,  and  shall  then 
give  them  the  like  marks  of  the  good  Disposition  of  the  Proprie- 
tors towards  them.  And  now,  Brethren,  I  hope  that  all  Heart- 
Burnings  and  Animosities  are  at  an  End,  and  will  be  Buried  so 
deep  in  the  Earth,  as  never  to  rise  again ;  and  that  We,  and  our 
Children  may  live  in  perfect  Peace  and  Friendship  together  as 
Brethren,  as  long  as  the  Sun  shines  and  the  Rivers  run.  In 
confirmation  whereof  I  give  you  this  Belt. 

This  is  all  I  have  to  Say." 

A  Belt  of  12  Rows. 

When  the  Governor  had  finish'd  his  Speech  (which  was 
receiv'd  with  great  Approbation  by  the  Chiefs)  Sir  William 
order'd  Isaac  Still,  the  Interpreter,  to  tell  the  Indians,  He  had 
a  small  matter  more  to  Say  to  them,  in  addition  to  what  he  had 
spoken  this  morning.  This  being  interpreted,  Sir  William  Said, 
'*  Brethren  of  the  Delaware  Tribe; 

I  am  glad  that  the  Business  of  this  meeting  is  so  happily  con- 
cluded and  tho  some  warm  Expressions  have  been  made  use  of 
here,  yet  I  shall  part  with  you  with  a  sincere  and  brotherly 
Affection. 

Brethren; 

You  may  Assure  your  Selves,  as  I  think  I  have  now  a  full 
State  of  the  Case,  with  all  necessary  Proofs,  I  will  faithfully 
transmit  the  same  to  the  Great  King,  my  Master,  for  his  Royal 
Determination. 

Brethren ; 

The  Openess  of  Heart  you  have  shewn  in  the  Paper  delivered 
me  this  morning,  gives  me  great  Satisfaction. 

Brethren ; 

I  have  now  only  Strongly  to  Recommend  to  you,  to  preserve 
a  Strict  and  fast  Friendship  with  your  Brothers  the  English,  who 


790  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

will  never  do  you  any  Injury  whilst  you  Behave  as  Brethren 
ought  to  do:  and  you  may  rest  assured,  We  have  so  good  a 
King,  that  He  will  never  Suffer  any  Injury  to  be  done  to  his 
faithful  Indian  Allies ;  but  is  determin'd  to  Treat  them  with  the 
same  Humanity,  as  He  does  his  own  Subjects." 

A  Belt.— 

The  Speech  being  finish'd,  it  was  greatly  approv'd  by  the 
Indians. 

Then  Mr.  Commissioner  Chew  said, 

'  When  Teedyuscung  deliver'd  his  paper  of  Thursday,  We 
intended  to  have  answer'd  it  yesterday,  but  the  rough  Draught 
was  hardly  then  finish'd.  If  Teedyuscung  will  have  it,  We'll 
Finish  and  Sign  it;  and  it  shall  be  read  in  Publick." — which 
being  interpreted, 

Teedyuscung  said,  "There  was  no  Necessity  to  read  the 
Paper,  as  He  was  well  Satisfied;  and  everything  was  at  an 
End."  •* '  -  -  To  this  Sir  William  Johnson  added,  "  That 
He  was  very  glad  every  thing  was  so  amicably  Ended;"  which 
was  very  much  approv'd  by  the  Indians. 

Afterwards  Teedyuscung  taking  a  String  of  Wampum,  Said, 

"  Brothers;   (meaning  Sir  William,  &  the  Governor.) 

I  desire  to  let  you  know  something  about  some  New-Eng- 
landers,  who  we  hear  are  coming  to  Wyoming.  You  both  have 
a  power  to  do  good.  If  these  people  shou'd  come  there,  neither 
I,  nor  my  People  will  Stop  them;  but  as  you  are  in  Authority, 
I  desire  you'll  Endeavour  to  prevent  their  Coming,  as  that  may 
breed  Mischief  between  Us,  and  Them." 

A  String.— 
To  this  Sir  William  answer'd. 

"Brothers; 

As  I  am  going  to  New  York,  I  shall  speak  of  this  matter  to 
General  Amherst,  and  Governor  Monckton;  and  do  everything 
in  my  Power  to  make  you  easy." 


Seven  years'  War 


791 


Governor  Hamilton  said,  '*  He  wou'd  write  not  only  to  Gen- 
eral Amherst,  but  to  the  Governor  of  New  England:  and  in  the 
mean  time  desired  the  Indians  wou'd  not  Strike  the  People  who 
were  coming.  If  these  Folks  shou'd  come,  I  desire  your  People 
may  tell  them  to  go  away  peaceably,  and  not  sit  down  on  your 
Lands." 

A  String 

Then  Wine  was  brought  in,  and  the  Governor  drank  to  Sir 
William,  and  then  to  the  Indians,  wishing  them  a  good  Journey 
Home. —  Sir  William  return'd  the  Complement  to  the  Gov- 
ernor, and  wish'd  the  Indians  well,  and  then  this  Meeting  Ended. 

The  above  is  a  true  Copy  of  the  Minutes  of  the  Proceedings 
at  a  Meeting  with  the  Indians  at  Easton  in  Pennsylvania,  begun 
the  1 8th.  of  June  1 762,  and  continued  to  the  28th.  of  the  same 
Month.  WITH  AM  MARSH 

Secretary  for  Indian  Affairs. 

INDORSED:     Minutes  of  the  Proceedings  at  a  Meet- 
ing with  Teedyuscung  and  other  Delaware 
Indians,  begun  the  18th.  of  June  1762,  at 
Easton  in  Pennsylvania,  concerning  the 
Lands  claim'd  by  those  Indians. 
RecedNoV.  11.  1762. 
X.  11. 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

L.  S.1 

Neiv  York  2I«  Jane  1762. 
SIR 

Having  now  perused  your  Proceedings  with  the  Six  Nations 
at  the  Late  Meeting  in  April  last,  I  am  to  Express  my  Satis- 
faction at  Every  thing  you  therein  said  to  the  different  Tribes 
of  Indians,  that  were  there  assembled. 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


792  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

The  confession  made  by  the  Chenussio  Chief,  proves  fully 
the  Evil  Intentions  of  that  Nation,  in  the  late  Conspiracy  but  I 
hope  the  Repentance  he  Expresses,  in  the  name  of  the  Whole, 
is  Sincere,  and  that  they  will  be  cautious  of  Hearkening  to  Bad 
Advice  for  the  future,  if  they  Expect  the  Friendship  of  the 
English*  who  are  the  only  People  that  can  Protect  them. 

Your  answer  to  the  Indians,  in  regard  to  the  Posts  Estab- 
lished between  the  German  Flatts  &  Oswego,  cannot  fail,  in 
my  opinion  of  Convincing  them,  that  it  is  for  their  own  Interest 
these  Posts  are  kept  up;  and  it  gives  me  a  particular  pleasure  to 
find  that  they  seem  so  sensible  of  the  good  effects  that  will  Arise 
to  them,  by  preventing  the  Traders  from  Carrying  up  any  Rum, 
as  to  Desire  the  prohibition  may  be  Continued,  which  they  may 
Depend  upon,  whilst  I  have  the  honor  to  Command  in  this 
Country. 

I  Hope  they  will  think  in  Earnest  of  Delivering  up  the  Eng- 
lish that  are  still  in  their  Hands :  As  to  the  Six  Deserters,  whom 
they  promise  to  bring  in  to  any  of  the  Posts,  I  must  Desire  you 
will  Endeavor  to  get  them  to  Name  the  particular  Fort  they 
would  chuse  to  bring  them  to,  that  Orders  may  be  sent  to  the 
Commanding  officer  to  Receive  them,  as  I  think  this  of  the 
utmost  Consequence  to  the  Service,  and  I  trust  you  will  be  able 
to  Effect  it. 

I  am  to  own  the  Favour  of  your  Letter  of  the  3d  Instant 
which  I  would  have  Acknowledged  sooner,  but  that  I  found 
you  was  to  set  out,  in  a  few  days,  for  the  Meeting  at  Easton. 

I  am  Sensible  you  must  have  occasion  for  a  Secretary,  par- 
ticularly on  such  occasions ;  and  as  I  Acquainted  you  in  mine  of 
the  25th  April,  that  if  Mr.  Marsh  did  not  Attend,  or  find  a 
Deputy,  I  had  no  Objection  to  your  Employing  a  proper  Per- 
son. I  imagined  you  might  have  sent  for  Dr.  Shuckburgh,  who, 
from  the  Character  you  had  formerly  given  me  of  him,  I  did  not 
doubt  would  be  agreable  to  you:  I  have  only  to  Repeat  that  I 
shall  gladly  Consent  to  your  Employing  such  a  Person  as  you 


Seven  Years'  War  793 

think  proper  for  the  office,  provided  Mr.  Marsh  does  not  Attend 
you;  but  I  cannot  think  it  right  to  Allow  Lieut:  Johnson  to  be 
Absent  any  longer  from  his  Company. 

I  am  with  great  Regard,  Sir 

Your  most  Obedient 

Humble  Servant 

JEFF:  AMHERST. 
SIR  WM.  JOHNSON,  Bar1. 


FROM  DE  COUAGNE  1 

Niagara  June  22:  1762. 
SIR 

I  am  in  duty  bound  to  acquaint  you  that  Davids  as  I  am 
Informed  is  now  in  Geneseoh  and  has  Invited  all  the  Seneca 
Indians  to  Oswego  with  a  large  Belt  of  Wampm.  in  order  to 
have  a  meeting,  there  to  treat  with  them  which  Surprises  me  the 
more  because  he  is  a  man  of  so  Bad  a  Character.  I  shall  soon 
be  able  to  give  a  good  Account  of  the  people  That  are  at 
Toronto  as  there  are  Men  gone  to  Enquire  wether  they  have  a 
pass  from  Gen1.  Gage  and  sell  Rum  as  we  are  told  by  Indians 
to  the  great  Detriment  of  the  fair  Trader  as  they  will  be  almost 
Ruined  if  not  many  Intirely  as  here  is  no  Trade  from  no  part. 
There  seems  to  be  some  Mischief  Carrying  on  among  the  far 
Nations  which  is  owing  of  Rum  being  Prohibited  by  what  I  can 
Learn.  I  am  Sir 

Your  humble  Serv*. 

DE  COUAGNE 
To  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


794  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  JOHN  MORTON  AND  OTHERS  * 

Copy  of  a  Paper  deliver'd  to  Sir  Willm.  Johnson  by  the 
Quakers,  and  others,  a  Committee  from  the  House  of  Assembly 
in  Pennsylvania  on  the  22d.  June,  which  is  mentioned  in  the 
preceding  Minutes,  page,  21st. 

Easton  22d.  June  1762. 
SIR, 

In  our  Letter  to  you  of  last  Evening,  we  inform'd  you  by  what 
Authority  we  attend  this  Conference  with  the  Natives.  And 
now  we  beg  leave  to  Assure  you  that  We  have  no  other  Motive 
in  adding  to  what  we  then  offer'd,  but  the  future  peace  and 
Tranquility  of  the  Province,  which  will  greatly  depend  on  the 
Fairness  and  Impartiality  of  the  Representation  of  the  Indian 
Complaints,  and  the  Justice  that  shall  be  done  in  consequence 
thereof  by  the  Crown.  We  shou'd  have  been  glad  if  the  Trust 
repos'd  in  us,  would  have  excused  us  from  giving  you  any 
farther  Trouble  on  this  Occasion.  But  as  we  could  not  help 
observing  yesterday,  that  numbers  of  Facts,  very  material  to  a 
just  Determination  of  the  Dispute  depending  before  you,  were 
omitted,  and  some  misrepresented,  that  from  the  Ignorance  of 
the  Indians  it  was  impossible  you  shou'd  procure  such  Evidences 
on  their  Parts,  as  are  necessary  to  Enable  you  to  represent  their 
Case  to  the  Crown  with  Justice,  we  are  obliged  by  the  Trust 
reposed  in  Us.  to  Point  out  to  you  the  following  facts  necessary 
to  be  laid  by  you  before  His  most  gracious  Majesty. 

1 .  The  Deed  made  by  the  Natives  on  the  1  7th.  September 
1718  herewith  deliver'd  to  you,  by  which  it  will  appear  that  the 
several  Grants  for  the  Lands  from  Duck  Creek,  to  near  the 
Forks  of  Delaware,  made  by  the  Ancestors  of  the  Delawares, 
were  then  taken  into  Consideration,  and  that  that  Deed  was 
intended  as  a  full  and  final  Settlement  of  the  Bounds  of  all  the 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.  1276,  p.  133,  London,  England. 
Inclosed  in  a  letter  of  Johnson  to  the  lords  of  trade,  August  20,  1  762. 


Seven  years'  War  795 

Lands  between  the  Rivers  Susquehannah  &  Delaware,  from 
Duck  Creek  to  the  Mountains  on  the  South  Side  of  the  Lehigh, 
and  of  Consequence  of  the  Purchase  of  28th.  August  1686, 
even  admitting  there  was  such  a  Purchase. 

2.  The  Treaty  of  June  1  728  at  Philadelphia,  shou'd  also 
be  laid  before  the  Crown,  from  which  it  will  appear  that  the 
said  Indians  complain'd  of  the  Settlement  of  their  Lands  at 
Tulpehockin,  Situate  on  the  North  Side  of  the  Lehigh  Moun- 
tains, which  were  establish'd  as  the  Northern  Boundaries  of  the 
former  Indian  purchases  between  them  and  the  proprietaries  by 
the  said  Deed  of  1718,  upon  which  the  same  Deed  was  pro- 
duc'd  by  the  then  proprietary  Agent,  as  a  final  Settlement  of 
the  Bounds  between  the  Proprietors  &  Natives;  and  it  is  there 
declared  to  have  been  made  upon  mature  Consideration  of  the 
Indian  purchases,  and  in  full  Council  And  no  pretence  of  Claim 
was  mentioned  or  Set  up  either  in  1  7 1 8  or  in  1  728  to  the  Lands 
in  the  Forks,  or  to  the  westward  of  the  said  Mountains,  which 
undoubtedly  would  have  been  done  by  the  Proprietary  Agents, 
had  it  ever  been  the  Intent  of  the  Purchase  in  1686,  to  have 
extended  over  the  said  Mountains. 

It  may  not  be  amiss  to  observe  for  your  further  Information 
that  the  Deed  of  1686,  either  was,  or  was  not  considered  at 
that  time,  and  made  part  of  the  Consideration  of  that  Release. 
If  it  was  not,  then  the  Indians  must  have  been  grossly  imposed 
on,  as  it  is  not  alledged  that  there  ever  was  any  other  Deed 
for  the  Lands  -  -  in  Dispute  between  Pitcock's  Falls,  and 
the  Mountains  aforesaid,  if  it  was,  as  it  seems  to  be  positively 
confessed  and  declared  by  the  Preamble  and  granting  part  of 
the  same  Deed,  then  certainly  that  Deed  ought,  and  must  oper- 
ate as  a  full  Settlement  of  the  northern  Boundaries  of  the  Pur- 
chase of  1 686,  as  well  as  the  other  Purchases  to  the  westward, 
which  are  expressly  confined  to  the  South  side  of  the  said 
Mountains. — 

3.  The  Deed  of     1 732  not  recorded,  but  in  the  Hands  of  the 
proprietary  Commissioners  shou'd  be  produced,  as  it  is  appre- 


796  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

hended  it  will  fully  demonstrate  that  the  Lands  now  claimed 
by  the  Indians  to  the  Eastward  of  that  Purchase,  were  not  at 
that  time  included  in  any  Deed  of  Sale,  but  deemed  and  taken 
to  be  not  purchased  from  the  Natives.  By  this  Deed  We 
expect  it  will  appear,  that  the  Lehigh  Mountains  were  held  by 
the  Proprietaries  to  be  the  northern  Bounds  of  the  Lands  there- 
tofore purchased  otherwise  He  would  not  have  made  the  Pur- 
chase of  the  said  Tulpehockin  Lands. 

4.  To  confirm  what  we  have  already  offered,  we  also  lay 
before  you  a  Copy  of  a  Letter,  compared  with  the  original,  now 
in  our  Hands,  wrote  by  James  Logan  Esqr.  formerly  President 
of  the  Council  of  this  Province,  Secretary  to  the  Governor,  & 
near  40  years  Commissioner  of  Property  under  the  Proprietaries, 
directed  to  Thomas  Watson  declaring  that  the  Lands  four  miles 
above  Durham  on  the  Lehigh  Mountains,  and  to  the  South  of  the 
Forks  of  Delaware,  were  not  on  the  20th.  November  1 727,  nine 
years  after  the  Deed  of  1718,  and  41  years  after  the  Deed  of 
1686,  purchased  from  the  Indians,  and  therefore  forbade  the 
said  Watson,  who  was  then  the  Proprietary-Surveyor  for  Bucks 
County,  to  Survey  the  same  for  one  Joseph  Wheeler.  This 
Letter,  from  a  Gentleman,  who  had  the  principal  direction  of 
the  Indian  Affairs,  and  one,  who  in  Behalf  of  the  Proprietors, 
and  as  their  Agent  in  1718,  Settled  the  Boundaries  of  the 
former  Purchases,  and  was  present  at  the  Treaty  of  1 728,  where 
said  Bounds  were  again  determined,  certainly  demonstrates  that 
the  Lands  convey 'd  by  the  Deed  of  1 686,  were  taken  into  Con- 
sideration at  those  Times,  and  their  Boundaries  settled  and 
ascertained  to  be  the  South  Side  of  the  Lehigh  Mountains;  to 
which  may  be  pertinently  added,  that  the  same  Gentleman, 
conscious  that  the  Durham  Lands  situate  on  the  said  Moun- 
tains, were  not  included  in  any  former  Purchase,  on  or  about 
the  year  1 727,  bought  the  said  Lands  of  which  He  was  a  part- 
Owner  under  the  proprietary  Survey,  of  certain  Indians  to  whom 
it  belonged,  and  had  shown  great  Disatisfaction  at  it's  being 
Settled. 


Seven  Fears'  War  797 

5.  From  the  Courses  of  the  Deed  1686,  when  rightly  con- 
sidered it  seems  clear  that  the  Lands  thereby  sold,  were  not 
understood  by  the  Indians  to  Extend  over  Delaware  River,  or 
either  Branch  thereof,  otherwise  it  wou'd  have  certainly  been 
mentioned.     Can  it  be  persum'd  that  so  material  a  Land  Mark 
as  the  River,  would  not  have  been  inserted  by  the  Parties  as 
intended  to  be  crossed  if  such  was  the  Design  of  the  Contract: 
But  so  far  from  it  that  the  Bounds  are  to  run  to  it,  and  not  over, 
or  a-cross  it;  and  that  the  western  Branch,  into  which  the  small 
Creek  called  the  Lehigh  empties  itself,  has  been  ever  known  by 
the  name  of  Delaware  will  appear  from  all  the  Draughts  of  that 
part  of  the  Country,  and  particularly  from  the  Draught  pro- 
duced in  Evidence  to  you,  as  made  at  the  time  of  the  Release 
in  1737. 

6.  We  cannot  think  it  necessary  to  make  many  remarks  on 
the  Extravagance  of  the  Walk,  &  the  manner  of  performing  it. 
However,  we  must  observe  that  55  Statute  miles   (Supposing 
the  proprietary  Account  thereof  to  be  true)  never  could  be  what 
the  Indians  in  those  early  Times  meant  &  understood  by  a  Day 
&  an  half's  Journey  on  foot  through  a  very  mountainous  Coun- 
try over  Creeks,  Swamps,  &  every  other  Impediment  to  be  met 
with  in   a  Wilderness,   and  that  when  the   Distance  between 
Wright's-Town  &  the  Lehigh  Mountains,  where  the  Bounds 
were  Settled  by  the  Deed  of  1718,  is  rightly  considered,  it  will 
be  judged  not  too  small  for  a  Day  &  an  half's  Journey  on  foot 
in  the  Indian  sense,  if  not  in  the  sense  of  the  other  party.     This 
will  appear  manifest  when  it  is  compared  with  the  Deeds  for  the 
Lands  between  Upland  and  Neshaminey,  dated  30th.  July  1685, 
&  5th.  July  1697,  herewith  produced:     For  by  these  Deeds  the 
Proprietor  purchas'd  of  the  Natives  2  Summer  Days  Journey 
on  Horseback  from  Delaware,  back  into  the  Woods,  the  north- 
ern Boundary  whereof  hath  ever  been  acknowledged,  &  is  settled 
by  the  Deed  of  1 718  to  be  the  South  Side  of  the  Lehigh  Moun- 
tains not  more  than  45  miles  distant  from  Delaware.     If  then 
45  miles  have  been  allowed  and  received  by  the  Proprietary  in 


798  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

former  Purchases  as  two  Summer  Days  Journey  on  Horse-back, 
certainly  35  miles  the  distanct  between  Wright's  Town  and  the 
Forks  must  be  allowed  no  inconsiderable  one  &  half  days  Jour- 
ney on  foot.  If  this  be  fact,  as  it  certainly  will  appear  to  be, 
how  very  unreasonable  must  55  Statute  Miles  be  for  one  &  half 
Days  Journey.  These  Facts  appear  to  Us  very  necessary  to  be 
laid  before  you,  as  We  know  of  no  better  Construction  of  the 
Deed  &  purchase  of  1686,  than  by  the  same  Rule  which  has 
prevail'd  between  the  Parties  both  before  &  Since,  viz,  in  1 685 
&  1697. 

7.  We  shall  Conclude  these  Remarks  with  Observing  that 
the  Facts  on  which  they  Depend,  all  confirm  the  Boundaries 
Settled  between  the  Proprietary  &  Indians  by  the  Deed  of  1718, 
&  shew  that  the  Lands  on  the  north  Side  of  the  Lehigh  moun- 
tains were  never  intended  to  be  included  in  the  purchase  1686. 
And  that  consequently  the  Deed  of  Confirmation  procured  from 
the  Delawares  in  1737,  without  any  Consideration  for  the  same 
Lands  to  be  measured  according  to  the  directions  of  the  first 
Deed  cannot  vest  the  Proprietaries  with  a  right  which  they  did 
not  hold  before,  &  that  the  Natives  had  good  reason  to  make 
those  repeated  Complaints  which  appear  in  the  several  Treaties, 
&  particularly  that  of  1742,  respecting  the  Settlement  of  their 
Lands  in  the  Forks  of  Delaware,  without  their  having  ever 
receiv'd  any  Consideration  for  them. 

Thus  We  have  given  you  such  an  Account  of  the  Facts  neces- 
sary to  be  laid  before  the  Crown  in  Behalf  of  the  Indians,  as 
the  shortness  of  the  time  will  permit.  Many  other  material 
Proofs  might,  &  ought  to  have  been  exhibited,  had  We  been 
furnished  with  Copies  of  such  minutes  of  Council  as  We 
requested,  &  a  Copy  of  the  Proprietary-Agents  State  of  their 
Case,  the  former  whereof  has  been  refused  by  the  Governor  of 
this  Province,  and  the  latter  by  yourself.  However  imperfect 
as  it  is  &  under  all  it's  disadvantages  We  cannot  doubt  you  will 
think  it  necessary  to  lay  it,  with  the  Facts  therein  referred  to, 
before  His  Majesty,  as  they  are  Facts  which  have  not  been 


Seven  Fears'  War  799 

mentioned  by  the  proprietary  Agents,  and  are  of  the  utmost 
Importance  to  a  right  Decision  of  the  present  Controversy. 

But  if  from  this  view  of  the  Facts,  you  should  be  of  Opinion 
that  the  present  Dispute  may  be  amicably  accommodated,  either 
now,  or  at  the  approaching  Treaty  at  Lancaster,  We  shall  chear- 
fully  contribute  all  that  is  in  our  Power,  towards  so  necessary 
&  salutary  a  Work. 

Signed  by 

John  Morton.  Edwd.  Penington.     Jos.  Galloway. 

Isa.  Pearson.  Giles  Knight.  Jos :  Fox. 

Samuel  Rhoads.       Jon.  Hughes. 


FROM  RICHARD  PETERS  AND  BENJAMIN  CHEW 
D.  S.1 

fasten,  June  24,  J762 
SIR 

As  you  have  been  pleased  to  lay  before  us  a  Paper  delivered 
to  you  Yesterday  by  a  Number  of  Gentlemen  who  are  Members 
of  Assembly  and  have  been  appointed  a  Committee  by  the 
House  to  attend  this  Treaty,  containing  many  Observations  and 
Arguments  in  Support  of  the  Complaints  made  by  Teedyuscung 
against  the  Proprietors  for  defrauding  the  Delawares  of  their 
Lands,  we  beg  Leave  to  offer  to  your  Consideration  such  further 
Remarks  and  Proofs  as  will  not  only  obviate  every  Objection 
made  by  these  Gentlemen  but  confirm  and  establish  the  Justice 
of  our  Consituent's  Claim  to  the  Lands  now  in  Dispute.  To 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.  1276,  p.  319,  London,  England. 
Inclosed  in  a  letter  of  Johnson  to  the  lords  of  trade,  August  20,  1  762. 
In  the  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.  1276,  p.  305,  London,  is  a  long 
paper  (of  which  there  is  a  copy  in  the  State  Library)  signed  by  Peters 
and  Chew,  a  defense  of  the  Proprietaries'  title.  In  the  Public  Record 
Office,  C.  O.  5.  1276,  p.  141  et  seq.  are  35  papers,  deeds,  depositions, 
minutes  etc.,  presented  at  the  Easton  meeting. 


800  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

you  Sir,  who  are  so  well  acquainted  with  Indian  Affairs  and 
their  Policy  and  rude  Forms  of  Government,  it  is  scarce  neces- 
sary to  premise  that  altho'  in  the  several  Parts  of  this  Continent 
which  they  inhabit  and  possess  they  are  divided  into  Nations, 
yet  each  Nation  is  again  subdivided  into  Tribes,  every  one  of 
which,  from  Time  immemorial  have  claimed  and  enjoyed  by 
common  Consent  certain  Tracts  of  Land,  which  are  bounded 
or  circumscribed  by  Rivers,  Creeks,  Mountains  or  other  natural 
Land  Marks.  These  Tribes  also  have  severally  their  Chiefs, 
or  Sachems,  to  every  One  of  whom  the  English  have,  tho'  not 
very  properly,  been  accustomed  to  give  the  Title  of  King,  with 
whom  for  the  Sake  of  Order  all  publick  Business  between  them 
and  the  Christians  hath  been  transacted;  and  it  is  no  uncommon 
Thing  to  find  in  One  Nation  of  Indians  a  great  many  Kings  or 
Sachems  at  the  same  Time  according  to  the  Number  of  Tribes 
into  which  they  are  divided.  This  we  know  was  the  Case  with 
the  Delaware  Indians,  who  at  the  Time  of  the  royal  Grant  to 
William  Penn  were  settled  on  both  Sides  of  the  River  Dela- 
ware; and  in  the  interior  Parts  of  the  Province,  and  all  spoke 
the  same  Language.  Mr.  Penn  the  first  Proprietor  being  early 
made  acquainted  with  their  Customs,  and  well  knowing  that 
there  was  no  one  King  or  Sachem  among  the  several  Tribes  of 
Delawares  who  had  a  general  Jurisdiction  over  the  whole 
Nation,  or  a  Power  to  sell  the  Lands  of  the  whole  made  it  a 
Rule  to  treat  with  and  purchase  from  Time  to  Time  of  the 
Sachems  of  each  Tribe  the  particular  Lands  that  respectively 
belonged  to  them.  The  Deed  of  1682,  which  we  laid  before 
you  in  our  State,  for  Land  which  borders  on  the  Tract  conveyed 
by  the  Deed  of  1686  and  lying  between  Neshaming  and  the 
River  Delaware,  is  one  Instance,  among  a  great  many  others 
which  we  could  produce  (if  it  was  necessary)  of  the  Truth  of 
this  Fact.  It  is  also  observable  that  the  Indians  who  were 
Parties  to  the  Deed  of  1 682  did  not  pretend  any  Right  to  the 
adjoining  Lands  mentioned  in  the  Deed  of  1686,  and  therefore 
did  not  join  in  that  Sale. 


Seven  Years    War  801 

We  presume  that  the  Proofs  which  were  adduced  to  you  on 
Monday  respecting  the  Deed  of  1686  supported  by  the  con- 
current Chain  of  original  Letters  and  other  ancient  Papers 
evince  beyond  the  Possibility  of  a  Doubt,  that  a  Purchase  was 
fairly  made  of  the  Lands  therein  mentioned,  by  the  first  Pro- 
prietor, and  that  the  Consideration  was  actually  paid  to  the 
Indians.  Indeed  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Committee  in  the  Paper 
now  before  us,  however  unwillingly,  are  obliged  to  admit  it, 
and  many  of  their  Arguments  respecting  the  Limits  of  the  Lands 
in  Question  are  grounded  upon  it;  whence  we  conclude  that  the 
Proprietors  stand  fairly  acquitted  of  the  scandalous  Charge  of 
Forgery  exhibited  against  them  in  Teedyuscung's  first  Com- 
plaints in  the  Year  1  756.  It  only  remains,  therefore,  for  us  to 
shew  that  they  are,  with  as  little  Justice  liable  to  the  Charge  of 
Fraud,  by  takeing  from  the  Indians  more  Land  than  was 
intended  to  be  conveyed  by  that  Deed. — 

The  Foundation  on  which  every  Argument  in  the  Committe's 
Letter  upon  the  Proprietary  Commissioners  State  of  their  Case 
is  raised,  is  that  the  Northern  Boundary  not  only  of  the  Pur- 
chase of  1686  (tho*  by  that  Deed  expressly  directed  to  be 
ascertained  by  the  One  and  half  Day's  Journey)  but  of  every 
other  Purchase  which  had  theretofore  been  made  was  by  the 
Proprietor  William  Penn  and  all  the  Delaware  Nation  of 
Indians  solemnly  and  finally  settled,  fixed  and  confined  to  the 
South  Side  of  the  Lehigh  Hills.  In  this,  we  must  take  the 
Liberty  of  saying  the  Gentlemen  have  most  egregiously  erred, 
and  manifested  how  little  they  are  acquainted  either  with  Indian 
Affairs  in  general,  or  the  End  for  which  the  said  Deed  of  1718 
was  given  or  accepted.  For  the  better  understanding  this  Matter 
it  may  not  be  impertinent  to  observe  that  William  Penn  soon 
after  the  royal  Grant,  purchased  at  several  Times  of  the  Sachems 
or  Chiefs  of  a  great  Number  of  the  different  Tribes  of  the  Dela- 
ware Nation  the  several  Tracts  of  Land  from  Duck  Creek  up 
to  Neshaminey  which  Tracts  were  limited  and  described  by 

Vol.  Ill  — 26 


802  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

natural  Bounds  Viz1,  the  Delaware  and  the  several  Creeks  men- 
tioned in  the  respective  Deeds,  and  the  Depth  from  Delaware 
River  by  a  Journey  of  Two  Days  back  into  the  Country. 
Among  many  others  it  appears  by  the  Deed  of  the  30th  of  June 
1685,  a  Copy  of  which  is  delivered  to  you,  that  the  Sachemacas 
who  were  the  right  Owners  of  the  Lands  lying  between  Upland 
or  Chester  Creek  to  the  Southward,  and  Pennapecka,  sold  and 
conveyed  to  the  said  William  Penn  their  Lands  bounded  by  the 
said  Creeks,  and  to  run  back  into  the  Woods  as  far  as  a  Man 
could  go  in  a  Journey  of  Two  Days  upon  a  North  westerly 
Course  as  expressly  mentioned  in  that  Deed.  The  Indians  who 
signed  this  Deed  were  of  that  Tribe  of  Delawares  called  the 
Schuylkill  Indians  from  their  living  on  and  near  the  River 
Schuylkill,  the  Lands  on  each  Side  whereof  are  comprehended 
within  the  Bounds  of  those  conveyed  by  the  said  Deed.  This 
is  confirmed  by  a  Commission  dated  the  7th  of  July  1688  from 
Thomas  Holme  to  Benjamin  Chambers  empowering  him  to 
mark  out  and  clear  a  Westerly  Line  for  travelling  the  said  2 
Days  Journey  when  Notice  should  be  given  to  the  said  Sachems 
or  Kings,  and  directed  it  to  them,  and  by  his  Indorsement 
thereon  calls  them  the  Schuylkill  Indians  —  which  Commission 
we  now  produce  to  you.  Besides  the  said  general  Deed  for  all 
the  Land  between  Chester  and  Dublin  or  Pennapecka  Creeks, 
William  Penn  took  many  other  Deeds,  which  we  have  seen,  from 
the  particular  under  Chiefs  who  held  Lands  within  the  said  Limits, 
as  it  was  his  frequent  Practise  to  do;  and  it  will  appear  here- 
after that  the  Deed  of  1718,  which  is  so  much  relied  upon  as  a 
general  Settlement  of  the  Bounds  of  all  the  Proprietary's  former 
Indian  Purchases  and  said  to  be  signed  by  Sassoonan  on  Behalf 
of  all  the  Delaware  Indians  as  their  universal  King  was  nothing 
more  nor  could  possibly  be  intended  otherwise  than  as  a  Quit 
claim  and  Release  of  any  Right  that  Sasoonan  and  the  Parties 
to  the  said  Deed  of  1718  had  or  could  claim  to  the  Lands  men- 
tioned in  that  and  the  other  Deeds  from  their  Ancestors  the 
Schuylkill  Indians.  Before  we  take  any  further  Notice  of  the 


Seven  Years'  War  803 

Deed  of  1 7 1 8  it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  settle  and  adjust  one 
material  Fact,  about  which  we  must  differ  to  to  Caelo  from  the 
Gentlemen  of  the  Committee,  and  it  is  a  Point  on  which  we 
conceive  the  whole  matter  will  principally  turn.  viz*,  whether 
Sasoonan  was  King  of  the  whole  Body  of  the  Delaware  Indians 
or  only  a  Sachem  or  Chief  of  a  petty  Tribe  and  particular  Dis- 
trict among  them;  for  if  the  former  was  the  Case  it  may  with 
some  Degree  of  Probability  be  alledged  by  the  Committee  that 
the  Bounds  of  all  the  former  Purchases  were  settled  and  ascer- 
tained in  that  Deed  of  Sasoonan  on  Behalf  of  all  the  Tribes, 
but  if  the  latter  should  prove  to  be  the  Case,  as  we  will  demon- 
strate by  and  by,  we  must  submit  to  you  whether  the  Super- 
structure which  they  have  built  on  a  Fact  so  contrary  to  Truth 
must  not  fall  to  the  Ground.  We  are  persuaded  the  Gentlemen 
have  nothing  to  support  the  sovereignty  and  extensive  Authority 
of  Sasoonan  but  the  Deed  of  1 7 1 8  in  which  the  Writer  of  that 
Deed  calls  him  in  the  Premisses  King  of  the  Delaware  Indians; 
but  we  will  undertake  to  prove,  H  That  he  was  not  a  general 
Monarch,  &  2'dly  by  shewing  who  he  was  find  the  Clue  that  will 
lead  to  the  right  Understanding  of  that  Deed  and  the  End  of 
it's  being  executed.  As  to  the  First  we  may  safely  rest  on  what 
we  have  said  before  respecting  the  Policy  and  Customs  estab- 
lished amongst  the  Indians;  for  the  Truth  of  which  we  cannot 
appeal  to  any  one  so  properly  as  you  Sir,  who,  without  a  Com- 
pliment, we  may  assert  have  more  Knowledge  in  these  Matters 
than  any  other  Gentleman  in  America.  Their  Form  of  Gov- 
ernment did  not  admit  of  one  supreme  Ruler  or  Governor  who 
should  have  universal  Property  and  Power  and  the  general 
Direction  of  Affairs  over  the  whole  collective  Nation;  and 
accordingly  we  find  that  the  Purchases  were  made  by  the  old 
Proprietor  of,  and  all  the  Deeds  executed  by  many  different 
Sachems  or  Chiefs  of  the  several  Tribes  of  the  Delaware 
Indians.  As  to  the  Second  it  will  be  evident  by  the  Deeds 
herewith  exhibited  to  you  dated  the  7th.  of  September  1 732  and 
the  20th  of  August  1  733  from  Sassoonan  and  others  to  the  pres- 


804  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

ent  Proprietaries  and  their  Receipt  for  the  Consideration  Money, 
that  he  was  nothing  more  than  a  Sachem  or  Chief  of  the  Schuyl- 
kill  Indians  who  were  Owners  of  the  Lands  on  the  Rivei 
Schuylkill  only,  and  consequently  had  no  Right  to  treat  about, 
sell  or  settle  the  Bounds  of  Lands  elsewhere.  The  Affidavit 
of  the  Honourable  William  Allen  Esqr.  which  we  also  exhibit  tc 
you,  would  confirm  this,  if  it  could  possibly  want  Confirmation, 
The  Lands  on  Schuylkill  are  far  distant  from  the  Country 
included  in  the  Deed  of  1 686  and  therefore  Sassoonan  who  wai 
living  some  years  after  the  Deed  of  Confirmation  in  1737  well 
knowing  that  he  was  not  interested  in  the  several  Treaties  which 
were  held  respecting  the  said  Lands  neither  attended  the  saic 
Treaties  nor  signed  the  said  Deed.  He  was  so  far  from  think- 
ing his  Right  invaded  or  affected  by  the  Deed  of  Confirmation 
sign'd  by  Monockahickon,  Teeshicunck,  Lappawinzoe  anc 
Nutimus  (who  must  have  been  considered  by  him  in  the  Lighl 
of  Usurpers,  if  they  had  not  an  exclusive  Right  to  the  saic 
Lands)  that  on  the  contrary  we  find  by  the  Minutes  of  Council 
at  a  Conference  held  at  Philadelphia  the  3d.  Day  of  Octobei 
1 738  in  a  Visit  he  and  his  Tribe  then  made  to  Governor  Thomas 
he  among  other  things  says  he  is  one  Body  and  one  Heart  with 
us  and  that  there  remained  nothing  to  make  him  uneasy  or  dis- 
turb his  Friendship  or  Peace  with  us,  in  Words  the  most  strong 
and  expressive,  as  by  a  Copy  of  the  said  Minutes  from  the  saic 
Council  Books  now  laid  before  you  may  more  fully  appear, 
Presuming  therefore  that  it  must  by  this  Time  be  most  evident 
to  you  that  Sassoonan  and  the  other  Indians  who  executed  the 
Deed  of  1718  were  not  Kings  or  Sachems  of  the  whole  Dela- 
ware Nation,  it  follows  that  the  Committee  have  misconceived 
and  misconstrued  that  Deed,  and  consequently  that  all  their 
Reasonings,  being  founded  on  that  Mistake,  are  false  and  incon- 
clusive. Permit  us  now  Sir,  to  express  our  own  Sentiments  upon 
the  Deed  of  1718  and  say  in  what  View  the  same  ought  to  be 
considered  and  the  Construction  which  ought  most  naturally 
be  put  upon  it,  and  which  we  conceive  will  render  the  whole 


Seven  Fears'  War  805 

Conduct  and  Proceedings  of  the  Proprietary  Agents  equitable 
and    consistent. —  It    is    foolish    and    absurd    to    suppose    that 
Sassoonan  who  was  in  1718  and  1 732  only  a  Sachem  or  Chief 
of  that  Tribe  of  the  Delawares  called  the  Schuylkill  Indians 
whose  Land  lay  on  each  Side  of  the  River  Schuylkill,  should 
take  upon  him  to  settle  the  Bounds  of  other  Parts  of  the  Country 
which  belonged  formerly  to  &  had  been  purchased  of  other 
Sachems  or  Tribes:     And  it  is  still  more  wild  to  suppose  that 
the  Proprietary  Agents  should  apply  for  or  require  such  a  final 
Settlement  of  Bounds  from  one  whose  Act  they  must  know  was 
not  binding  on  the  other  independant  Tribes.     This  Considera- 
tion leads  to  the  Explanation,  and  shews  the  true  meaning  and 
Intent  of  the  said  Deed  of  1718,  which  we  clearly  apprehend 
and  conceive  can  import  Nothing  more  than  to  ratify  and  con- 
firm to  the  Proprietaries  all  such  Lands  within  their  particular 
District  on  Schuylkill  as  were  conveyed  by  their  Ancestors, 
Chiefs  or  Sachems  of  the  Schuylkill  Indians  who  signed  the 
former  Deed  of  1685,  as  far  as  the  Lehigh  Hills.     The  Com- 
mittee with  great  Exultation  lay  hold  of  the  following  Words 
in  the  Deed  of   1718  Viz1.  "  We  have  seen  and  heard  divers 
deeds  of  Sale  read  to  us  under  the  Hands  and  Seals  of  the 
former  Kings  and  Chiefs  of  the  Delaware  Indians  our  Ancestors 
and  Predecessors,  who  were  Owners  of  Lands  between  Dela- 
ware and  Susquehannah  Rivers."  &ca  and  infer  from  thence 
that  it  is  plain  the  Deed  of  1 686  and  all  the  former  Deeds  were 
at  that  Time  produced,  and  that  the  Northern  Boundaries  of 
all  former  Purchases  were  by  that  Deed  finally  settled  and  con- 
fined to  the  South  Side  of  Lehigh  Hills.     We  apprehend  these 
Words  are  tortured  and  perverted  by  the  Gentlemen,  and,  when 
taken  in  their  plain  and  natural  Sense,  have  a  very  different 
Meaning.     The  Words  We  and  our  coming  out  of  the  Mouth 
of  a  Schuylkill  Sachem  can  never  be  extended  to  the  whole 
Delaware  Nation,  but  must  be  confin'd  to  their  own  particular 
Class  and  Tribe.     The  Lands  described  in  the  said  Deed  of 
1685   which  their  Ancestors  had   conveyed   did   actually   lye 


806  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

between  the  River  Delaware  and  Susquehannah,  and  there  were 
several  other  Deeds  from  their  Ancestors  for  the  Lands  bounded 
to  the  Westward  by  Chester  and  to  the  Eastward  by  Penne- 
pecka  Creeks;  all  which  Deeds  no  doubt  were  then  shewn  and 
read  to  them.  This  reddendo  singula  singulis,  the  Deed  of  1718 
could  only  be  intended  to  confirm  the  ancient  Deeds  of  the 
Schuylkill  Indians  and  to  confine  the  Northern  Boundary  of  the 
Lands  thereby  sold  and  conveyed  to  the  Lehigh  Hills.  Again, 
it  appears  by  our  former  Proofs  that  the  original  Deed  of  1 686 
(the  ancient  Copy  of  which  we  have  clearly  prov'd  and  estab- 
lished) was  soon  after  lost  or  mislaid,  and  Thomas  Holme  who 
made  that  Purchase  and  was  possessed  of  that  Deed  dying  in 
1 694,  and  that  Deed  having  never  been  seen  to  our  Knowledge 
by  any  Person  who  survived  him,  it  is  impossible  that  it  could 
be  shewn  and  read  to  Sasoonan  in  the  year  1 7 1 8. — The  Truth 
is  there  was  no  Vestage  of  the  said  Deed  until  Thomas  Penn 
Esquire,  one  of  the  present  Proprietaries  came  from  England 
in  the  year  1  732  and  happened  to  bring  with  him  among  his 
Father's  Papers  the  said  ancient  Copy  of  this  Deed,  which  was 
the  Occasion  of  the  several  Meetings  with  the  Chiefs  who 
claimed  the  Lands  now  in  Dispute  at  Durham,  Pennsburg  and 
at  last  at  Philadelphia  where  the  Sachems  whose  Ancestors  had 
formerly  owned  the  Lands  in  Question,  in  the  most  solemn  and 
deliberate  Manner,  as  mentioned  in  our  former  State,  ratified 
and  confirmed  the  Sale  made  by  their  said  Ancestors  after  they 
had  received  undeniable  Proof  of  the  Fairness  of  the  first  pur- 
chase.—  The  Letter  from  Mr.  James  Logan  Proprietary  Com- 
missioner of  Property  dated  in  the  year  1 727,  a  Copy  of  which 
the  Committee  have  delivered  to  you,  so  far  from  supporting  the 
Construction  put  upon  the  Deed  of  1718  by  the  Committee, 
operates  most  strongly  against  it,  since  it  is  notorious  that  the 
Lands  four  Miles  above  Durham  do  not  lye  on  Lehigh  Hills 
as  they  contend,  but  below  and  several  Miles  to  the  Southward 
of  them:  and  if  the  said  Deed,  which  was  taken  and  witnessed 
by  him  was  meant  to  settle  finally  all  the  Purchases  formerly 


Seven  Years'  War  807 

made  of  the  several  Delaware  Tribes  as  well  as  that  of  the 
Schuylkill  Indians,  who  alone  signed  the  said  Deed,  he  must 
have  known  that  what  he  wrote  in  that  Letter  respecting  the 
said  Lands  not  being  purchased,  was  absolutely  false;  but  it 
seems  he  was  then  a  Stranger  to  the  Said  Deed  of  1686,  and 
this  well  accounts  for  and  reconciles  the  Part  he  afterwards  acted 
at  Pennsburg  and  Philadelphia  when  being  then  possessed  of 
the  said  ancient  Copy  he  positively  declares  that  the  said  Lands 
had  been  purchased  of  the  Indians  by  the  first  Proprietor,  and 
was  a  principal  Instrument  in  obtaining  the  Deed  of  Confirma- 
tion in  the  year  1737.  We  shall  add  no  further  on  this  Head, 
than  that  Mr.  Logan  was  known  to  be  a  great  Friend,  Patron 
and  Benefactor  to  the  Indians,  of  which  he,  throughout  the  whole 
Course  of  his  Life,  gave  the  most  strong  and  convincing  Proofs. 
He  was  also  a  Gentleman  of  strict  Morals  and  of  an  unblemish'd 
Character  and  was  incapable  of  countenancing  a  Measure  to 
defraud  either  the  Indians  or  any  other  Person  whatsoever, 
which  he  tacitly  stands  accused  of  by  the  pretended  Incon- 
sistency in  his  Conduct  in  the  Year  1718  when  he  procured 
Sassoonan's  Deed,  in  the  year  1727  when  he  wrote  the  above 
Letter,  and  in  the  Year  1  735  at  the  Conference  at  Pennsburg, 
respecting  the  Lands  now  in  Dispute. — 

We  do  not  think  it  necessary  to  say  anything  more  in  Explana- 
tion of  the  Deed  of  1  732,  than  that  the  Lands  therein  conveyed 
by  Sassoonan  as  Chief  of  the  Schuylkill  Indians,  lay  to  the 
Northward  of  those  Lands,  which  the  said  Indians  had  released 
and  quitclaimed  by  the  Deed  of  1718  and  border  on  Schuylkill 
and  it's  Branches,  and  to  observe  that  nothing  therein  supports 
the  Suggestion  of  the  Committee  with  respect  to  the  Lands  to 
the  Eastward  of  it  not  being  then  purchased  of  the  Indians. — 

The  Committee,  under  their  5th..  Head  say  that  'tis  clear  by 
the  Courses  of  the  Deed  of  1686,  the  Indians  never  intended 
the  walk  should  go  over  Delaware  or  either  Branch  of  it,  other- 
wise that  so  material  a  Land  Mark  as  the  River  would  have  been 
inserted  in  the  Deed,  adding  that  the  Bounds  were  to  run  to  it, 


808  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

and  not  cross  it;  and  say  that  the  said  Western  Branch  into 
which  the  small  Creek  called  Lehigh  empties  itself,  has  been 
ever  known  by  the  Name  of  Delaware  as  will  appear,  as  they 
alledge,  from  all  the  Draughts  of  the  Province  and  particularly 
by  the  Mass  which  we  exhibited  to  you  with  our  first  State. — 
We  know  of  no  other  Rule  for  the  Construction  of  Deeds  and 
ascertaining  the  true  Intention  of  the  Grantors,  than  by  takeing 
the  natural  meaning  of  the  Words  and  Expressions  thereof:  If 
the  Committee  do,  we  must  bow  down  to  them  and  acknowledge 
their  superior  Gifts  and  Talents.  Certain  it  is  then,  by  the 
express  Words  of  the  Deed  of  1 686,  that  the  Northern  Bounds 
of  that  Purchase  were  to  terminate  at  the  End  of  the  one  Day 
and  an  half's  Journey  or,  as  it  is  said  in  another  Part  "  as  far 
as  a  Man  can  goe  in  one  Day  and  an  half"  which  Journey  or 
Walk  was  to  be  performed  at  some  future  Time,  and  after  the 
Westerly  Side  Line  should  be  carried  back  into  the  Woods 
North  westerly  (as  the  Course,  intended  by  the  words  "  bad? 
into  the  Woods"  is  expressly  called  in  the  said  Deed  of  1685) 
up,  from  the  most  westerly  Branch  of  Neshaminey  as  high  as 
the  End  of  the  Walk,  then  the  Head  Line  of  the  said  Tract 
was  to  run  from  the  End  of  the  said  Side  Line  along  by  the  End 
of  the  said  Walk  to  the  River  Delaware,  as  Mr.  Eastburn  the 
Surveyor  General  (who  was  present  at  and  knew  the  Minds  of 
the  Proprietor  and  Indians  respecting  the  said  Walk)  laid  it 
down  in  his  sd:  Map,  and  thereby  ascertained  and  fixed  the 
Westerly  Side  and  Head  Lines  which  had  been  left  open  in 
the  Deeds  of  1688  and  Confirmation  Deed  of  1737,  till  the 
Walk  should  be  performed  And  tho'  such  Walk  should  happen 
to  cross  the  Westerly  Branch  of  Delaware,  yet  it  is  plain  that  it 
was  to  continue  and  not  to  stop  till  the  Time  fixed  on  was  expired. 
The  Lehigh  Mountains  were  a  more  remarkable  Land  Mark 
than  the  West  Branch  of  Delaware  and  if  those  Hills  were 
intended  to  be  the  utmost  Limits  of  the  One  and  half  Day's 
Journey,  the  Indians  most  assuredly  would  have  expressed  such 
their  Intention  in  the  Deed,  and  not  left  it  to  the  Journey,  which 


Seven  Years'  War  809 

being  uncertain  might  extend  beyond  them.  We  need  only  refer 
to  the  Maps  of  the  Province  and  the  rough  Draught  made  in  the 
Hand-writing  of  Andrew  Hamilton  Esquire,  shewn  to  the 
Indians  who  signed  the  Deed  of  Confirmation  in  the  year  1737 
to  explain  to  them  the  Lands  conveyed  by  the  Deed  of  1686, 
which  we  before  produced  to  you,  to  confute  what  the  Committee 
say  respecting  the  West  Branch  of  Delaware's  being  allways 
known  and  called  by  the  Name  of  Delaware. —  This  Arm  of 
the  River  originally  was  known  by  (and  even  to  this  Day  is 
frequently  called  by)  the  Name  of  Lehigh  as  it  was  also  in  the 
Deed  of  1718  and  never  was  distinguished  by  the  Name  of  the 
West  Branch  of  Delaware  till  of  late  years.  We  will  trouble 
you  with  but  one  Observation  more  on  this  Head,  which  is,  that 
from  the  Minutes  of  the  Conference  at  Philadelphia  in  1737  it 
manifestly  appears  that  the  Indians  who  then  signed  the  Deed 
of  Confirmation  knew,  or  expected  that  the  One  and  half  Day's 
Journey  would  go  far  beyond  the  Lehigh  and  even  up  to  the 
Kittatinny  Hills,  as  may  be  clearly  inferred  from  that  Part  of 
the  said  Minute  wherein  they  requested  that  they  might  be  per- 
mitted to  remain  in  their  present  settlements  and  Plantations, 
tho'  within  that  Purchase  without  being  molested,  which  were 
then  extended  as  high  up  in  the  Forks  of  Delaware  as  a  place 
called  Hockyondoque  Creek  and  within  Eight  or  Nine  Miles 
of  the  said  Kittatinny  Hills  - 

The  Committee  under  their  Sixth  Head  of  Remarks  would 
have  you  to  believe  that  the  Proprietors  claimed  by  the  Deeds 
of  1686  and  1  737  to  the  End  of  the  One  and  half  Day's  Walk 
which  Mr.  Skull  in  his  Deposition  computes  at  55  Miles;  but 
by  recurring  to  our  former  State,  you  will  find  that  the  Walk 
extending  15  Miles  beyond  the  Kittatinny  Hills  into  the  Six 
Nation  Country;  the  Proprietors  relinquished  all  Pretensions 
beyond  those  Hills,  which  reduces  the  Walk  to  about  40  Miles 
which,  according  to  the  common  Rate  of  Walking  is  no  extra- 
ordinary One  and  half  Day's  Journey  to  an  Englishman,  and 
very  inconsiderable  to  an  Indian,  who  frequently  goes  more  than 


810  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

that  Distance  in  one  Day. —  The  Lands  beyond  the  Kittatinny's 
were  afterwards  purchased  of  the  Six  Nations  by  the  Proprietors 
in  the  year  1 749. 

As  we  have  the  Honour  of  being  Members  of  the  Governor's 
Council,  and  advised  him  to  refuse  the  Demand  made  of  him 
by  the  Committee  to  have  Copies  from  the  Council  Books,  which 
they  pretend  has  disabled  them  for  furnishing  you  with  more 
ample  Proofs  in  Favour  of  the  present  Complaints  we  are  the 
more  capable  of  shewing  on  what  good  Reasons  so  extraordinary 
a  Demand  was  rejected.  When  the  Committee  made  their 
Application  to  the  Governor,  they,  at  the  same  time  served  him 
with  an  Order  of  the  House  of  Assembly  appointing  them  a 
Committee  to  attend  this  and  the  ensuing  Meeting  with  the 
Indians  at  Lancaster,  and  with  another  Order  that  the  said  Com- 
mittee should  inspect  the  Council  Books  and  furnish  themselves 
with  such  Copies  from  thence  as  they  judged  necessary  relative 
to  the  Dispute  which  is  the  Object  of  your  present  Inquiry.  The 
Rights  and  Prerogatives  of  the  Crown,  whose  Representative 
the  Governor  is  being  concerned  in  this  Order  made  by  the 
Assembly,  and  the  Council  being  in  this  Province  no  Branch 
of  the  Legislature,  and  consequently  their  Minutes  not  being 
Records  or  Matters  of  a  publick  Nature,  the  Governor  and 
Council  were  unanimously  of  Opinion  that  the  House  of 
Assembly  had  no  such  legal  or  constitutional  Power,  as  they, 
by  making  the  said  Order  had  assumed;  which  was  assigned  as 
a  Reason  by  the  Governor  to  the  Committee,  and  was  the  only 
one  for  refusing  their  Demand.  However,  to  silence  any  ill 
natur'd  Insinuation  that  by  this  Denial  there  was  an  Intention 
to  suppress  Evidence  that  might  tend  to  throw  a  Light  upon 
this  Matter,  we  have  with  the  Governor's  Consent  been  at  the 
Trouble  and  Expence  of  bringing  up  to  this  Place  all  the 
Minutes  of  Council  consisting  of  14  large  Volumes  in  Folio, 
which  at  all  Times  shall  be  open  for  your  Perusal  and  Inspection. 

Thus,  Sir,  we  hope  that  we  have  answered  every  Objection 
made  in  the  Committee's  Letter  against  the  Title  of  our  Con- 


Seven  Fears'  War  811 

stituents,  and  fully  vindicated  their  Characters  from  the  Imputa- 
tions attempted  to  be  cast  upon  them,  and  shall  conclude  with 
desiring  you  will  excuse  the  Want  of  Accuracy  and  Correctness 
in  the  Manner  of  doing  it;  the  Time  being  too  short  to  revise 
and  put  these  our  further  Remarks  into  better  Order,  and  are, 
Sir 

Your  most  obedient  and 
most  humble  Servants 

RICHARD  PETERS 
BENJAMIN  CHEW 
Easton  June  the  24th.  1 762 

To  The  Honourable 

SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Baronet 

INDORSED  June  24th.  1 762 

The  Answer  of  the  proprietary 

Commissioners  to  a  written 

Paper  deliver'd  by  a  Committee 

of  the  Assembly  of  Pennsylvania 

to  Sir  William  Johnson  at  the 

Meeting  in  Easton, 

Receiv'd  by  Sir  Wm.  Johnson 

on  the  28<h. 

Read  Nov.  11.  1762 

X.20. 

FROM    DE    COUAGNE 

In  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1  38,  is  a  letter  from  De  Couagne,  dated 
June  27,  Niagara,  inclosing  copy  of  passes  issued  by  General  Gage  for 
trading  at  Toronto,  and  complaining  of  disadvantage  to  traders  at  posts 
from  competition  with  Canadian  and  Philadelphia  traders  not  confined  to 
posts.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


812  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM   RICHARD   PETERS  AND   BENJAMIN   CHEW 
D.  S.1 

Easton,  June  28,  7762 

To  The  Honourable  SR.  WlLLIAM  JOHNSON  Bar1. 

The  Answer  of  Richard  Peters  and  Benjamin  Chew  Esquires 
Commissioners  for  the  Honourable  the  Proprietors  of  the 
Province  Pennsylvania  to  the  several  Facts  and  Observations 
contained  in  the  Paper  delivered  the  24th.  of  this  Instant  June, 
by  Teedyuscung,  in  further  Support  of  his  Charge  against  the 
said  Proprietors. — 

The  said  Paper  containing  many  Things  foreign  to  the  Matter 
now  in  Controversy,  and  most  of  them  unsupported  by  any 
Proof,  we  shall  confine  ourselves  to  such  only  as  appear  to  us 
to  be  in  any  wise  Material;  and  beg  Leave,  for  the  Sake  of 
Perspicuity,  first  to  state  the  several  Facts  on  which  he  seems  to 
rely,  and  our  Answers  to  each  of  them  in  their  Order. — 

First,  Teedyuscung  owns  that  when  he  spoke  to  you  Five  days 
before,  he  knew  there  was  some  Part  of  the  Land  he  then 
claimed,  which  the  Proprietor  had  a  Deed  for,  but  he  thought 
it  best  to  make  them  say  all  they  could  about  the  Lands  above 
Neshaminey. — 

On  this  we  beg  leave  to  observe  that  it  is  not  a  little  extra- 
ordinary that  Teedyuscung  should  comprehend  in  his  Charge 
against  the  Proprietors  any  Lands  to  which  he  knew  they  had  a 
Title  by  Deed.  He  has  in  this  Instance,  out  of  his  own  Mouth 
confessed  himself  insincere  and  to  have  acted  an  unfair  Part; 
how  far,  therefore,  he  may  be  supposed  to  act  with  Sincerity  in 
other  Parts  of  his  Conduct  or  may  appear  worthy  of  Credit  in 
any  thing  he  is  pleased  to  assert,  we  must  submit  to  your  Judg- 
ment and  Consideration. — 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.  1276,  p.  333,  London,  England. 
Inclosed  in  a  letter  of  Johnson  to  the  lords  of  trade,  August  20,  1  762. 


Seven  Fears'  War  813 

Secondly,  He  affirms  that  he  and  his  old  Men  knew  that  their 
Forefathers  told  them  they  were  never  paid  for  the  Lands  they 
agreed  to  sell  at  the  Treaty  held  at  Pennsburg  more  than 
Seventy  Years  ago,  and  therefore  they  thought  it  was  no 
Bargain. 

If  what  he  says  about  the  Tradition  from  their  Forefathers  is 
true,  (for  which  we  have  only  his  Word)  the  ancient  Letters  we 
before  produced  to  you  from  William  Markham  to  William 
Penn,  particularly  that  bearing  Date  the  2d  Day  of  May  1 688 
and  the  Account  inclosed  in  that  Letter  containing  a  List  of  the 
Goods  paid  to  them  the  21st  of  April  1688  prove  the  said 
Tradition  to  be  untrue.  That  this  was  the  last  Payment  for 
the  said  Purchase  of  1 686  is  evident,  both  from  the  said  Letter 
where  William  Markham  informs  the  said  William  Penn,  that 
they  had  but  one  Payment  more  to  make  the  Indians  of  Christina 
(who  lived  near  New  Castle)  and  then  they  should  be  out  of 
the  Indians  Debt;  &  by  the  Affidavit  of  William  Allen  Esquire 
by  which  it  appears  that  Joseph  Wood  and  William  Biles,  at 
the  Treaty  of  Pennsburg  in  1 735  declared  they  saw  Part  of  the 
Consideration  paid,  when  the  Deed  of  1 686  was  executed.  We 
cannot  but  observe  also  that  Teedyuscung  here  confessing  that 
he  knew  the  Proprietor  had  a  Deed  for  Part  of  the  Land  he 
claimed  which  extended  quite  from  Neshaminey  to  the  Kitta- 
tinny's  (for  no  Part  of  which  the  Proprietors  had  any  other 
Deed  than  that  of  1686)  and  his  disclosing  the  Tradition  he 
mentions  handed  down  from  his  Forefathers  that  they  were  never 
paid  for  the  said  Lands,  at  the  same  Time  not  only  acquits  the 
Proprietors  from  the  Charge  of  Forging  that  Deed  but  demon- 
strates that  he  made  that  Charge  Five  Years  ago  knowing  it 
to  be  false  and  unjust. — 

Thirdly,  Teedyuscung  alledges  that  many  of  his  old  Men 
who  were  with  him  five  Years  ago  (who  unluckily  are  since 
dead)  said,  the  Agreement  respecting  the  Walk,  was,  that  it 
should  go  up  by  the  River  Side,  and  that  in  order  to  know  what 
was  bought  they  walked  the  Land  before  they  Agreed  to  sell 


814  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

it,  and  the  walk  ended  in  Cushahoppin,  which  they  knew  to  be 
no  further  than  belonged  to  the  Indians,  that  made  the  Agree- 
ment. 

That  he  is  at  least  misinformed  about  the  Agreement  that  the 
walk  should  go  by  the  Side  of  the  River,  the  Deed  of  1 686  puts 
beyond  a  Doubt ;  by  the  express  Words  of  which  the  walk  was 
to  go  from  the  Second  Line  running  from  the  River  to  Nesha- 
miney  Creek  back  into  the  Woods  as  far  as  a  Man  could  go  in 
one  Day  and  an  half,  and  the  River  was  actually  made  the 
natural  Boundary  in  the  closing  Line  which  comes  back  to  the 
Place  of  Beginning  Viz*,  to  a  Spruce  Tree  standing  on  the  said 
River.  That  the  Indians  walked  the  Land  before  they  sold  it 
is  equally  incredible,  otherwise  Cushahoppin  to  which  Place  he 
says  the  walk  extended  would  have  been  expressly  ascertained 
by  the  Deed  to  be  the  Bounds  of  that  Purchase :  And  if  there 
had  been  the  least  Foundation  to  alledge  that  the  Indians  who 
signed  the  Deed  of  1686  had  no  Right  to  the  Lands  above 
Cushahoppin,  which  is  not  above  16  Miles  to  the  Northward 
of  the  Head  of  the  West  Branch  of  Neshaminey,  can  it  be  sup- 
posed that  the  Chiefs  who  executed  the  Deed  of  Confirmation 
35  years  ago,  and  must  have  been  better  acquainted  with  this 
Matter  than  Teedyuscung  can  be  at  this  Day,  would  not  have 
made  it  an  Objection  against  ratifying  the  former  Deed.  The 
Minutes  of  the  Treaty  at  Philadelphia  in  the  year  1737,  when 
the  said  Indian  Chiefs  signed  the  Deed  of  Confirmation,  shew 
that  no  such  Objection  was  made,  and  further  that  they  then 
expected  the  One  and  half  Day's  Walk  which,  was  yet  to  be 
made,  would  go  far  beyon  the  Lehigh  and  come  to  the  Kittatinny 
or  Pehaquehin  Mountains  may  be  clearly  inferred  from  the  said 
Minutes,  wherein  they  requested  that  they  might  be  permitted  to 
remain  in  their  then  Settlements  and  Plantations,  tho'  within  that 
Purchase,  without  being  molested ;  it  being  well  known  that  their 
Settlements  at  that  Time  extended  as  high  up  in  the  Forks  of 
Delaware  as  a  Place  called  Hockyondoque  Creek  and  within 
Eight  or  Nine  Miles  of  the  said  Kittatinny  Mountains. 


Seven  Years'  War  815 

Fourthly,  Teedyuscung  advances  in  Support  of  part  of  his 
Charge,  that  the  year  William  Penn  died,  several  of  the  Chiefs 
who  lived  below  the  Lehigh  Hills,  that  they  might  live  in  Peace, 
gave  a  Deed  by  which  these  Hills  were  fixed  as  a  Boundary. 

It  is  very  remarkable  that  Teedyuscung's  Claim  made  before 
you,  Sir,  at  the  Beginning  of  this  Meeting,  extended  to  all  the 
Lands  from  Neshaminey  to  the  Kittatinny  Hills,  which  takes  in 
a  Tract  of  Country  not  less  than  Forty  Miles  in  Extent,  and 
now  he  produces  a  Deed  which  he  is  willing  to  acknowledge 
gives  the  Proprietors  a  Right  to  the  greatest  Part  of  that  Tract 
up  to  the  Lehigh  Hills  which  is  about  thirty  Miles  to  the  North- 
ward of  Neshaminey.  We  are  bold  to  say  he  is  not  less  incon- 
sistent with  himself  than  he  is  ignorant  or  misinformed  respecting 
the  Deed  of  1718,  which  we  conceive  has  no  Relation  to  the 
Limits  or  Bounds  of  the  Lands  now  in  Dispute. 

In  order  to  set  this  Matter  in  a  clear  Light  it  may  be  proper 
to  premise,  that  William  Penn  the  first  Proprietor  purchased, 
among  many  other  Tracts  of  Land  within  the  Province  from  the 
Sachems  or  Chiefs  of  the  Tribes  of  the  Delaware  Indians  who 
owned  particular  Tracts  and  Bodys  of  Land  upon  and  near  the 
River  Schuykill  lying  at  a  great  Distance  from  the  Lands  now 
in  Question  to  which  the  Schuylkill  Indians  never  pretended  any 
Right.  In  the  Year  1718  Sasoonan  &  the  other  Sachems  who 
were  the  Descendants  of  the  said  Schuylkill  Indians,  treating 
with  Mr.  Logan,  then  Mr.  Penn's  Agent,  respecting  the  said 
former  Purchases,  were  shewn  by  Mr.  Logan  the  ancient  Deeds 
from  their  Ancestors  the  Schuylkill  Indians:  and  the  Lehigh 
Hills,  which  continue  their  Course  from  the  River  Delaware 
across  the  River  Schuylkill,  were  agreed  between  the  said  James 
Logan  and  Sasoonan  and  his  Brethren  to  be  in  that  Quarter  of 
the  Country,  the  North  Boundary:  In  Consequence  of  which 
Agreement  the  said  Deed  1718  was  executed  by  Sasoonan  and 
his  Brethren.  That  Sasoonan  tho'  he  is  called  in  the  Deed  of 
1718  King  of  the  Delawares,  was  nothing  more  than  a  Chief 
of  the  Schuylkill  Indians,  will  clearly  appear  by  two  Deeds, 


816  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

now  produced,  executed  by  him  and  his  Chiefs  to  the  present 
Proprietors  in  the  years  1732  and  1733,  and  a  Receipt  from 
him  for  the  Consideration  paid  for  the  Lands  thereby  conveyed, 
which  lye  between  the  Lehigh  and  Kittatinny  Hills,  and  are 
situate  on  the  said  River  Schuylkill  and  its  Branches. —  To  this 
it  may  be  added,  that  Sassoonan  being  only  Chief  of  the  Tribe 
called  the  Schuylkill  Indians,  and  having  no  Right  or  Interest 
in  the  Lands  now  in  Contest  gave  himself  no  Concern  about  the 
Several  Treaties  respecting  them  at  Durham,  Pennsbury  and 
Philadelphia,  tho*  he  was  then  living;  nor  was  he  called  upon 
to  sign  the  Deed  of  Confirmation  in  the  year  1737.  Had  he 
been  King  of  the  Delawares  and  his  Right  had  been  injur'd  by 
this  Proceeding,  it  is  natural  to  suppose  that  he  would  have  taken 
the  first  Opportunity  of  complaining  to  the  Government  about  it; 
but  this  was  so  far  from  being  the  Case  that  on  a  Visit  he  made 
the  very  next  year  to  Governor  Thomas,  we  find  him  expressing 
his  Friendship  and  Regard  for  us  in  the  strongest  Terms  declar- 
ing that  he  was  one  Body  and  one  Heart  with  us,  and  that 
nothing  remained  that  could  interrupt  a  good  Understanding 
with  us. —  From  all  which  we  think  it  may  be  clearly  inferred 
that,  if  it  could  be  supposed  (which  we  deny)  that  by  the  said 
Deed  and  Agreement  of  1718  between  Sasoonan  and  the  Agent 
of  Mr.  Penn  to  limit  the  Northern  Boundary  of  the  said  Pur- 
chases, as  far  as  Pennepecka  Creek,  to  the  Southern  Side  of  the 
Lehigh  Hills,  the  Proprietors  were  barred  and  defeated  of  their 
Claim  to  the  full  Depth  of  two  Days  Journey  back  into  the 
Woods,  which  every  former  Deed  for  their  Lands  gives  them, 
yet  that  Agreement  can  by  no  means  be  extended  to  the  Lands 
in  the  Forts  of  Delaware,  to  which  Sasoonan  or  any  of  the  said 
Southern  Indians  never  made  the  least  Claim  or  Pretension. 
And  certainly  if  Monockakickon,  Tisheecunck,  Nutimus  and 
Lappawingoe  who  gave  the  said  Deed  of  Confirmation  for  the 
same  in  1  737.  had  thought  so,  they  would  have  insisted  that  the 
Northern  Boundary  of  the  said  Purchase  should  go  on  higher 
than  to  the  South  Side  of  the  Lehigh  Hills,  and  would  not  have 


Seven  Years    War  817 

consented  to  the  One  and  half  Days  Walk  which  they  knew 
or  expected  would  take  in  their  principal  Settlements  at 
Hockyondoque,  as  before  set  forth. — 

Fifthly.  In  Answer  to  what  Teedyuscung  relates  with 
Regard  to  the  Delawares  being  threatned  by  the  Mingoes 
before  the  Treaty  of  1  742  at  Philadelphia,  we  shall  only  say 
that  no  kind  of  Evidence  has  been  or  can  be  produced  to  shew 
that  the  Mingoes  or  Six  Nations  concerned  themselves  about  the 
Matter  till  they  came  to  that  Treaty  when  the  Dispute  was,  at 
the  particular  Desire  of  the  Delawares  before  and  at  the  said 
Treaty,  and  by  the  Consent  of  both  Parties  submitted  to  the 
Decision  of  the  Six  Nation  Indians,  and  they,  after  a  full  Hear- 
ing gave  the  Judgment  which  we  mentioned  in  the  former  State, 
and  ordered  the  Delawares  to  remove  off  from  the  Lands  now 
in  Contest  and  settled  them  at  Wyoming. 

Sixthly,  Teedyuscung  next  asserts  that  Nutimus  and  such  other 
Delaware  Chiefs  as  signed  the  Deed  with  the  Six  Nations  in  the 
year  1749  did  not  know  what  they  signed,  it  not  being  inter- 
preted to  them  in  their  Language;  and  further  that  Paxinosa 
had  no  Right  in  these  Lands  but  that  they  belonged  to  the 
Indians  who  now  live  at  Weholoosing,  and  lastly  that  Nutimus 
does  not  yet  remember  he  ever  signed  any  Deed. 

Truth  is  ever  consistent  and  uniform,  but  we  are  at  a  Loss  to 
understand  how  it  is  possible  that  Nutimus  should  tell  Teedyus- 
cung the  Deed  he  signed  in  1749  was  not  interpreted  to  him, 
and  yet  assert  that  he  does  not  remember  he  ever  signed  any 
Deed.  That  the  said  Deed  was  fairly  interpreted  to  all  who 
signed  it  is  proved  by  the  Affidavits  annexed  to  it,  in  which  tho* 
only  Mr.  Weiser  is  mentioned  as  the  Interpreter,  yet  some  Per- 
sons here  present,  and  who  are  Witnesses  to  the  said  Deed  can 
prove  that  Deed  was  interpreted  in  the  Delaware  as  well  as  Six 
Nation  Language. —  You  may  remember,  Sir,  that  but  a  few 
Days  ago  Teedyuscung  confin'd  his  Complaint  to  the  Lands 
lying  between  Pitcocks  Creek  to  the  Southward  and  the  Kittatin- 
nies  to  the  Northward.  By  this  last  Paper  he  concedes  that  the 


818  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Proprietors  have  a  Right  to  the  Lands  from  Pitcocks  to  the 
Lehigh  Hills,  and  now  he  sets  up  a  new  Claim  to  the  Lands 
included  in  the  Deed  of  1  749  which  lye  to  the  Northward  of 
the  Kittatinnys.  In  Answer  to  which  we  shall  content  ourselves 
briefly  with  observing  that  the  Delawares  never  yet  pretended  a 
Right  to  Lands  beyond  the  said  Hills;  but  tis  well  known  they 
belonged  to  the  Six  Nations  of  whom  the  Proprietaries  made 
the  Purchase  in  the  year  1 749.— 

0  f  RICHARD  PETERS 

Propry'  CommrH  BENJAMIN  CHEW 

Easton  June  ye  28th.   1  762 

INDORSED :      Pennsylvania 

June  the  28th.  1 762 
The  Answer  of  the  Proprietary 
Commissioners  to  Teedyuscung's 
Paper  delivered  to  Sir  Wm.  Johnson 
on  the  24th.  at  the  Meeting  at 
Easton,  wch.  paper  is  mentd. 
in  the  Minutes  of  that  Meeting 
page  24,  &  herewith  Transmitted. 
Reed  Nov.  11.  1762 
X.  21. 


FROM  JOHN  JOHNSTON 

In  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p,  138,  is  a  letter  of  the  29th  from  John 
Johnston,  in  the  Seneca  country,  reporting  the  activity  of  John  Davison, 
who  aims  to  assemble  men  of  the  Six  Nations  at  Oswego,  where  Koran 
Queter  will  impart  good  tidings  and  regulate  Indian  affairs,  also  an  agree- 
ment of  the  Six  Nations  to  surrender  captives  at  Philadelphia,  the  satis- 
faction of  the  Indians  with  his  work  as  a  smith,  the  intention  of  60  war- 
riors to  set  out  from  Cayuga  against  the  Cherokees  and  the  departure  of 
10  "to  the  flatt  heads."  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  819 

FROM  DANIEL  CLAUS 
A.  L.  S.1 

Montreal  30th  June  1762 
HONOURED  SIR 

I  hope  my  Letter  by  Lieut  Stevenson  came  safe  to  hand,  since 
which  I  waited  eagerly  to  hear  from  you  or  him  what  Expecta- 
tions he  might  have  of  getting  my  Company,  so  as  to  act  here 
accordingly;  I  have  not  had  as  yet  the  least  Ace*,  from  Fort 
Johnson  since  I  left  it,  which  gives  me  no  small  uneasiness. 

The  Meeting  with  the  different  Nations  in  Canada  I  held  the 
9th  Inst.  a  Copy  of  which  I  hereby  Inclose  you;  as  it  consisted 
chiefly  in  an  answer  it  made  not  a  long  affair. 

I  pressed  upon  them  the  discovering  to  me  with  Truth  &  Sin- 
cerity what  passed  between  the  Swegachy  Indns.  and  some  white 
People  in  this  Government  since  last  fall,  but  they  seemed 
Strangers  to  it,  and  assured  me  they  never  had  the  last  hint  or 
knowledge  of  such  a  Thing,  promising  at  the  same  Time  to  do 
all  in  their  Power  to  find  it  out  and  clear  it  up  so  to  the  General 
as  to  free  him  from  all  Suspicion  of  the  kind. 

As  to  the  Informers  Majr.  Gladwin  had  the  Accb.  from  they 
gave  them  unanimously  the  character  of  the  greatest  Scrubs  & 
Lyars  who  would  to  ingratiate  themselves  with  any  Commds. 
Officer  that  was  unacquainted  with  their  Character,  invent  and 
tell  such  palpable  Falsehoods,  as  would  make  sd.  Gentlemen 
believe  them  to  be  real  Truths.  Ottawanthos  is  one  of  the  prin- 
cipal Informers  and  I  believe  you  have  partly  found  him  out 
during  his  stay  near  you  and  that  he  did  not  own  anything  to 
you  of  what  he  told  Major  Gladwin,  knowing  you  to  be  better 
acquainted  with  the  Characteristik  of  Indians  in  such  Cases,  than 
him. 

I  shall  nevertheless  send  a  Message  to  the  Swegachies  to  warn 
and  advise  them  of  cultivating  and  maintaining  Tranquility 

1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


820  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

among  the  Mississageys  and  other  Western  Indians,  letting  them 
know  that  they  are  the  Door  of  Canada  to  those  Nations  and 
consequently  must  know  first  if  any  thing  is  carried  on  among 
them  to  endanger  the  Peace  now  established,  making  them  at 
the  same  time  sensible  of  the  Inconveniencies  and  Miseries  they 
should  draw  upon  themselves  and  those  Indians  should  they  be 
so  wrongheaded  as  to  disturb  the  Tranquility  now  Subsisting 
between  the  English  and  the  Indians  in  general,  and  that  in  such 
a  Case  they  the  Swegachies  might  justly  be  deemed  blame- 
worthy. 

The  6  Nations  should  likewise  take  them  in  hand  for  their 
underhand  work,  for  if  I  may  believe  credible  accounts  given 
me,  they  received  Messages  from  the  West".  Nat8,  before 
matters  were  accommodated  with  them,  which  were  not  friendly 
towards  us. 

The  General  Congress  of  the  Inds.  I  hear  is  to  be  at  Onon- 
dago  to  which  Deputies  from  the  Nations  in  Canada  are  like- 
wise invited. 

Last  Sunday  the  44th  Reg*,  relieved  ours  in  this  Town  and 
we  took  up  their  Quarters  in  the  Country,  my  Compy.  is 
quartered  at  Longeuil  and  la  Prairie,  strait  over  the  River  & 
w^.  I  luckily  happened  to  get  by  drawing  for  them,  after  I 
had  settled  the  Company  Gen1.  Gage  ordered  me  to  Town 
again  &  I  may  now  visit  their  quarters  with  Conveniency. 

I  shall  have  opportunity  enough  to  sell  out  now  and  that  with 
Credit  as  the  Reg1,  wont  go  upon  service  this  Campn.  Majr. 
Gladwin  is  ordered  to  remain  where  he  is  till  further  orders. 
Mr.  Mathw.  Wade  asked  me  for  a  Draft  of  100  Curry,  on  you 
which  I  gave  him  and  intend  it  towards  the  Purchasing  the 
ammunition  you  allowed  the  Indns.  here,  wch.  I  acquainted  them 
with  and  will  serve  them  for  their  next  Hunt.  I  shall  send  you 
my  Acco*.  of  Indn.  Expences  as  soon  as  I  hear  of  your  Return 
from  Pennsylva. 

Mr.  Sl.  Luc  la  Corne  is  vastly  proud  of  the  answer  you 
favoured  him  with  and  shows  it  to  every  Body.  I  can  find  by 


Seven  Years    War  821 

him  that  he  would  be  glad  of  having  a  saddle  horse  from  our 
Colonies. 

I  conclude  and  remain  with  greatest  Respect  Honoured  Sir 

Your  most  Dutyfull  and  Obedient  humble  Servant 

DAN.  CLAUS. 
To  the  Honble  SlR  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar1. 


FROM  JOHN  JOHNSTON 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1  38,  by  an 
undated  letter  from  John  Johnston  to  Johnson,  describing  liberties  taken  by 
a  straggler,  one  Gilbert,  a  smith,  and  the  presumption  of  John  Davis,  who 
has  invited  the  Six  Nations  with  wampum  and  the  use  of  Johnson's  name 
to  gather  at  Oswego  with  peltry.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


MEMORANDA  FOR  GENERAL  AM H ERST  * 

New  York,  Jufy  V.  1762. 

A  Warrant  for  2000  SterK  to  pay  the  officers,  Interpreters, 
Smiths,  and  other  expences  lately  accrued.  The  Acctls.  shall  be 
made  out,  and  sent  down  soon  after  I  get  home. 

To  know  what  is  to  be  done  with  an  Ace",  of  one  Conradt 
Frank  am^.  to  upwards  of  100  Curr?.  for  Services  in  ye  year 
1 756  as  per  sd.  Ace",  (now  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Oliver  DeLan- 
cey)  will  appear. 

What  answer  am  I  to  give  the  Six  Nations  and  Susquehanna 
Indians  with  regard  to  the  Connecticut  Peoples  intentions  of 
Settleing  on  their  Lands,  also  to  their  Complaints  of  111  treat- 
ment at  the  Posts. 

Mr.  Croghan  begged  I  would  ask  yr.  Excellency  whether  a 
Warrant  had  been  granted  him  for  ye  am*  of  his  last  Ace",  he 
being  much  in  need  of  it,  haveing  been  oblidged  to  advance  his 
own  money. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


822  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

He  also  requested  I  would  ask  your  Excellency  whether  that 
Sum  of  191  which  he  engaged  for,  by  order  of  Genrl.  Stanwix, 
is  yet  allowed. 

Some  amunition  &  other  trifleing  Articles  as  knives  paint  &ca, 
verry  necessary  to  be  allowed  at  Fort  Pitt  Niagra  &  Detroit  for 
ye  use  of  such  Parties  of  Indians,  as  call  there  in  their  way  to 
War  agst.  ye  Southren  Inds. —  particularly  at  ye  former. 

INDORSED:      Memorandums  for  Gen1.  Amherst. 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

The  preceding  memoranda  were  followed  in  the  Library  Collection 
(See  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  139)  by  Johnson's  letter  of  July  5th,  written 
at  New  York,  to  General  Amherst,  in  which  the  memoranda  were  inclosed. 
The  letter  emphasized  the  need  of  preventing  the  settlement  by  New 
Englanders  of  Susquehanna  Indian  lands.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


FROM  GEORGE  CROGHAN 
A.  L.  S.1 

Phill.  July  the  3*  1762. 
HOND.  SIR 

Since  I  came  hear  there  has  been  Nothing  Talkd.  of  butt  ye 
proceedings  of  ye  Treaty  att  Easton 2  before  we  gott  Down 
itt  was  Reported  that  you  had  Drown  yr  Sowrd  on  Pemberton 
&  the  Comeety  of  Asembly.  However  now  the  Truth  is  known 
ye  Quakers  seem  very  quiett  and  only  Say  that  ye  Indians  are 
Made  Satisfaction  &  well  plas'd.  which  is  all  they  Wanted,  and 
as  to  yr  Reports  home  its  of  No  use  Now  as  the  affair  has  been 
Acomodated  hear.  This  is  what  is  Talkd.  abroad.  Butt  some 
of  my  friends  who  is  prity  deep  in  there  Secrets  Tell  me  that 
the  Most  thinking  peple  amongst  them  are  Much  alarmd.  &  says 
that  Pemberton  Fox  &  Hughs  has  Carryd.  things  too  far  which 
they  fear  will  Drow  his  Majestys  Resentment  on  this  province, 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  June   18-28. 


Seven  Years'  War  823 

&  if  itt  should  they  say  there  is  an  end  to  Quaker  Influence  as 
ye  Eys  of  popelass  will  be  opend.  &  the  people  of  ye  other  party 
Look  on  itt  as  ye  Luckest  thing  that  Could  hapen  to  pull  Down 
Quaker  power. 

The  Chieff  of  them  that  attended  yc  Treety  has  Nott  yet 
Recovered  there  Sperrets  so  as  to  apear  att  yc.  Cofey  House 
and  ye  Most  Voilent  amongst  them  Confess  yr  Moderation  & 
Say  by  that  alone  you  gott  all  advantidge  of  them,  however  I 
am  creadetably  Informd.  they  are  Bussy  Writeing  a  Remon- 
strance home  against  yr  Conduct. 

As  to  Counseler  Mershe  they  Say  he  a  Madman  and  a  fool 
and  for  Me  they  have  Declaird.  open  Warr  &  Say  they  will 
Ruin  me  by  some  Mains  or  other. 

I  have  hard  Nothing  of  ye  Indians  coming  Down  to  Lancaster 
Butt  if  they  Should  I  will  be  there  in  order  to  Expose  them  and 
there  king  Teadyuscung.  Ye  York  post  is  Nott  yett  Come  in 
so  that  I  have  herd  Nothing  from  Ginreal  Amhurst  about  my 
accounts.  I  will  stay  hear  Till  ye  New  York  post  Comes  in  on 
Wensday  Next  as  I  Expect  the  favour  of  a  Line  from  you. 

Mr.  McKee  &  Mulruney  presents  there  Comple1"8  to  yr. 
Honour  please  to  make  Mine  to  Mr.  Mershe.  I  am  with  great 
Esteem  &  Regard  yr  Honours 

Most  Humble  Servant 

GEO:  CROGHAN. 

To  the  Honourable  SlR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Bar1. 


GEORGE  CROGHAN  S  MEMORANDA 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (S^e 
Johnson  Calendar,  p.  139)  by  Croghan's  memoranda  for  Johnson:  to 
ask  General  Amherst  if  ammunition  may  be  furnished  to  warriors  acting 
against  southern  Indians  and  small  presents  made  to  Indians  who  restore 
prisoners,  or,  like  the  Tweetwees,  have  all  the  time  been  friendly;  if 
Croghan's  accounts  have  been  passed  by  the  general;  and  if  Amherst  has 
heard  from  General  Stanwix  regarding  goods  which  Croghan  bought  for 
Cherokees  in  1757  on  Stanwix's  order.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


824  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

L.  S.1 

New  York,  6*  July  1762. 

I  am  Sorry  to  find  your  Letter  of  yesterday  that  you  are  so 
much  out  of  Order  as  to  be  Confined  to  your  Room;  but  I  hope 
I  shall  soon  have  the  pleasure  of  Seeing  you  out. 

As  it  is  necessary  that  an  Abstract  of  the  Pay  of  your  officers, 
Interpreters,  &ca.  with  other  Expences  Incurred  in  your  Depart- 
ment, should  be  Annexed  to  a  Warrant,  &  as  that,  it  seems, 
cannot  be  done  until  you  get  home,  I  now  Enclose  you  a  War- 
rant for  Fifteen  Hundred  pounds  Sterling,  On  Accompt;  And 
another  shall  be  Granted  for  the  Ballance,  when  the  Abstract 
is  sent  to  me,  giving  Credit  for  this,  as  well  as  the  former  of 
1000,  which  I  transmitted  to  you  in  December  last,  to  Enable 
you  to  purchase  the  Necessary  Presents  for  the  Six  Nation 
Meeting. 

I  have  already  sent  Mr.  Croghan  a  Warrant  in  full  for  his 
Disbursements,  to  the  1st  May  last,  agreable  to  the  Accompts 
he  had  transmitted  me.  With  regard  to  the  Money  Advanced 
by  General  Stanwix's  order,  that  cannot  be  settled  by  me,  with- 
out hearing  from  Mr.  Stanwix  on  the  Subject,  which,  I  believe, 
is  what  I  told  you  the  last  time  you  mentioned  the  Affair  to  me. 

I  Can  do  Nothing  more  in  regard  to  the  Lands  in  Dispute  on 
the  Susquehannah  River  than  I  have  already  done;  for  I  have 
wrote  to  the  Governors  of  Pensilvania  &  Connecticut,  of  which 
I  likewise  Acquainted  you,  of  the  bad  consequences  that  would 
Arise  from  Disputes  of  that  kind,  &  Recommended  to  the  Latter 
to  prevent  any  of  the  Connecticut  people,  if  they  had  no  Right 
to  the  Lands,  from  Settling  on  them. 

The  Complaints  of  the  Indians  of  being  111  treated  at  our 
Posts,  I  have  great  reason  to  think  are  groundless,  for  I  Suspect 
what  they  call  111  treatment  is  only  necessary  Checks  which  the 
Commanding  officers  are  obliged  to  give  them,  in  their  Drunken 

1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years'  War  825 

Frolicks :  I  can  only  Repeat  what  I  have  often  told  you,  that  on 
the  least  proof  of  an  Indian  being  111  used  by  any  of  our  People, 
a  Court  Martial  shall  be  immediately  Called,  and  whoever  is 
found  Guilty  shall  be  punished  according  to  his  Crime;  but  I 
would  have  the  Indians  know  that  we  will  be  Masters  at  these 
posts,  and  that  they  are  to  behave  in  an  orderly  manner  when 
they  come  to  them:  The  Total  prohibition  of  Carrying  up  any 
Rum,  will  greatly  Contribute  to  this,  and  I  am  hopefull  there 
will  be  an  End  to  all  Complaints  of  this  Nature  on  Either  Side. 
I  am,  with  great  Regard,  Sir, 

Your  most  Obedient  Humble  Servant, 

JEFF:  AMHERST. 
SIR  WM.  JOHNSON,  Bar4. 


TO  GEORGE  WILLIAMSON 
Df.  S.z 

July  8  1762. 
SR 

As  Sir  Jeffrey  Amherst  thinks  it  necessary  I  signifie  from 
whom  I  got  that  Brass  Gunn,  and  how  the  Person  I  had  it  from 
come  by  it,  all  I  can  say  is,  that  I  had  it  from  Sr.  Peter  Warren 
in  ye  year  1 746  or  47,  Who  I  believe  took  it  from  the  Enemy, 
as  he  had  many  Hundreds  more  at  that  time,  and  made  me  a 
pres*.  of  it,  as  he  did  also  of  several  Swivels  &c.  which  I  have 
now  at  my  house.  I  must  say  I  am  concerned  to  find  a  doubt 
made  of  his  manner  of  getting  it. 

As  I  am  unacquainted  with  the  form  of  such  a  certificate  as 
may  be  thought  necessary  to  procure  an  order  for  its  delivery,  I 
will  if  such  sent  me  sign  it. 

Your  very  humble  Serv*. 

WM.  JOHNSON. 
To  COLLO.  WILLIAMSON. 


1  Colonel  of  artillery. 

2  Destroyed  by  fire. 


826  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM  EBENEZER  ROSSITER  ET  AL.  TO  MR  DEBERTS 
The  preceding  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1 40,  by  a  letter 
of  July  10th  from  Rev.  Ebenezer  Rossiter,  at  Chilsea  in  Norwich,  and 
24  others,  pastors  of  churches  in  Stonington,  Norwich,  Hebron,  New 
London,  Groton,  Preston,  Windham,  Mansfield,  Ashford,  Colchester,  East 
Haddam,  Middletown  and  Marlborough,  to  Mr  Deberts,  merchant  in 
London,  in  praise  of  the  labors  and  motives  of  Rev.  Eleazar  Wheelock  in 
the  education  of  Indians  (printed  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  4:317-19;  Q, 
4:204-5).  Destroyed  by  fire. 


FROM  GEORGE  CROGHAN 
A.  L.  S.1 

July  70*  7762. 
HOND.  SIR 

This  Day  I  Received  your  Honours  feaver  Dated  ye  4th  2  & 
6th  Int.2  and  Take  this  opertunity  to  Return  you  My  thanks  for 
ye  truble  you  have  had  with  Gineral  Amhurst  in  my  affairs. 

I  wated  on  ye  governeur  with  yr  Complements.  He  has 
ordered  Mr.  Peters  to  Certifye  in  Writeing  the  mesidge  sent  by 
ye  Commite  which  I  Inclose  you.  (Willsie?)  is  Nott  in  Town 
butt  Mr.  Peters  will  send  you  his  Deposition  in  a  few  Days. 

I  Wrote  you  that  ye  Quakers  had  made  a  greatt  Stir  hear  in 
order  to  keep  up  ye  Sperrits  of  Some  few  of  their  party  which 
seem  to  fall  much.  Every  Gentleman  hear  observes  that  those 
Trublesome  peple  Never  gott  such  a  Check  before.  They  now 
seem  prity  quiett  &  tis  easy  to  see  by  there  Conduct  that  there 
pride  is  Humbled.  Mr.  West  tould  me  Last  Night  that  they 
begin  to  Difer  in  Judgment  amongst  themselves  &  trowing  ye 
blame  on  Each  other  &  Dread  much  ye  consequences  that  may 
attend  yr.  Report  home. 

The  Ohio  Indians  are  Nott  yett  come  Down.  The  Governor 
has  Requested  that  I  wold  attend  that  meeting  with  him  &  Seems 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Not  found. 


Seven  Years    War  827 

to  be  Determined  to  act  with  more  Sperrit  for  ye  futer  with  his 
Quaker  frends. 

I  have  been  oblidgd.  to  Drow  on  yr.  honour  for  Capt.  Mon- 
tours  pay  &  Likewise  have  given  Mr.  Wade  a  Draft  on  you 
for  My  own  Account  to  pay  hear.  Nothing  butt  Necessity 
Could  have  made  me  Drawn  on  yr.  honour  which  I  hope  you 
will  pardon  as  I  Did  Nott  Chouse  to  Leve  itt  in  ye  power  of 
any  person  hear  to  afront  me. 

The  Governor  Mr.  Allen  Mr.  *  &  Mr.  Peters 

Desires  me  to  present  their  Complem*  to  yr.  Honour  &  plese 
to  make  Mine  to  Mr.  Johny  &  Capt.  Guy  Johnson  with  ye  Rest 
of  yr  Honours  Good  family  (Mr.  Swamp2  I  Sopose  you  have 
Left  in  ye  Goutt  att  New  York)  As  soon  as  ye  Meeting  is  over 
att  Lancaster  I  will  Write  you  &  send  a  Copy  of  ye  proceedings 
there.  I  am  with  greatt  Esteem  &  Regard  yr  Honours  Most 
obedient  &  Humble  Servant 

GEO:  CROGHAN. 

P.  S.  Tomorrow  I  Sett  of  for  Lancaster  where  I  will 
Indeavor  to  gett  a  good  brick  maker  for  to  send  you  &  ye  plan 
for  ye  town. 

G:  C: 
To  the  Honourable  SlR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Bar*. 


RICHARD  PETERS'  CERTIFICATE 
A.  D.  S.3 

Philadelphia  10  July  J762 

I  the  Subscriber  do  certify  that  on  Munday  the  28th  Day  of 
June  at  Easton,  just  after  the  Close  of  the  Conferences  between 
Sr  Wm  Johnson  &  Teedyuscung  the  Delaware  Chief,  Mr  Joseph 
Fox.  Mr  Joseph  Galloway  &  Mr  John  Hughes  three  of  the 


1  Name  illegible. 
2Witham  Marsh. 
3  In  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.  1276.  p.  353,  London,  England 


828  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Provincial  Commissioners,  who  have  with  the  Governor  the  dis- 
position of  the  publick  money  by  Act  of  Assembly,  did  deliver 
a  Message  to  me  in  the  absence  of  Governor  Hamilton,  intended 
as  they  said  to  be  spoken  to  him  in  person,  and  which  they 
desired  might  be  deliverd  to  him  in  their  names,  as  soon  as  I 
shoud  see  him ;  namely,  that  if  Sr.  William  Johnson  or  his  deputy 
Mr  Croghan  shoud  come  &  preside  at  the  ensuing  Treaty  to  be 
held  with  the  Northern  &  Western  Indians  at  Lancaster  they 
woud  not  on  the  Part  of  the  Province  consent  to  be  at  any  of 
the  Charges  about  those  Indians  and  they  repeatedly  desired 
that  this  might  be  told  to  the  Governor  as  their  determinate 
Resolution 

RICHARD  PETERS 

One  of  the  Council  of  the 
Province  of  Pennsylvania 
INDORSED :     Pennsylvania 

July  10*.  1762 
Certificate  from  Richard 
Peters  Esqr.  one  of  the  Council 
of  Pennsylvania  in  relation 
to  the  Message  deliverd  to  him 
in  the  absence  of  Governor 
Hamilton,  by  the  provincial 
Comm™.  respecting  the  next 
Treaty  to  be  held  with  the 
Northern  &  western  Indians 
at  Lancaster, 
Read  NoV.   11,  1762 

X.24. 


TO  GRACE  COSBY 

In  Doc.  Hist.  N.  7.,  2:803,  is  a  letter  of  July  13th  from  Johnson  to 
Grace  Cosby,  informing  her  that  he  has  sold  her  share  in  the  Cosby 
Manor  and  incloses  a  bill  of  exchange  for  a  part  of  the  money. 


Seven  Years    War  829 

FROM  DANIEL  CLAUS 
A.  D/.1 

Montreal  13*..  July  1762. 
HON  SIR 

The  Caghnawago  Nation  has  yesterday  sent  me  a  Deputa- 
tion and  by  a  Belt  and  Wampum  made  me  the  following  Com- 
plaint ag8'..  Stockbr  Indn».. 

That  as  you  had  made  a  Road  of  Peace  &  Friendship  from 
hence  to  Albany  at  the  first  Congress  with  the  Nations  in 
Canada  &  lately  cleared  and  mended  said  Road  from  all 
obstructions  they  accordingly  expected  to  make  use  of  it  quiet 
&  uninterrupted,  but  to  their  sorrow  it  happened  that  when 
about  12  Days  some  of  their  People  had  come  to  Albany 
they  were  met  by  6  or  7  other  Stockbridge  Indns..  in  2, 

their  People  were  then  somewhat  in  Liquor  but  the  others 
were  not  when  Jacobs  asked  them  to  come  with  him  to  a  house 
they  accordingly  followed  and  were  brought  into  house  out 
of  Town  and  shoved  into  a  Room  up  stairs  after  seating  them- 
selves every  one  of  their  People  being  3.  in  number  found 
themselves  between  two  Stockbridge  Ind"8..  pinned  down  as 
it  were  with  their  Blankets  when  Captn.  Jacobs  began  to  talk 
very  warm  in  his  lange.  walking  up  and  down  with  his  knife 
drawn  and  making  Motions  to  run  it  into  their  Body,  wch.. 
Discourse  and  Treatment  they  were  obliged  to  endure  for 
some  hours,  till  at  last  their  People  resolved  to  rescue  them- 
selves at  any  Event  by  jumping  up  and  making  off  with  them- 
selves w0*1..  they  at  last  with  Difficulty  Effected.  They 
Caghnawagos  therefore  requested  me  to  apprise  you  imme- 
diately of  the  Behaviour  of  sd.  Stockbridge  Indn8..  that  you 
would  learn  from  them  what  they  meant  by  such  violent 


1  In  Public  Archives  of  Canada,  Claus  Papers,  v.  I.  1716-1  777.    M. 
104,  p.  88. 
"Illegible. 


830  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Behaviour  to  their  People  who  never  had  any  Dispute  with 
them  and  as  they  could  find  by  your  last  speech  delivered 
them  1  by  me,  all  matter  between  them  &  the 

Abenaquis  were  *  amicably  settled,  they  were 

surprised  at  such  *  Breach  of  Faith  and  obstructing 

the  Road  of  Peace  so  solomnly  opened  &  carefully  maintained 
by  you  w^..  gave  them  hopes  of  using  it  with  pleasure  & 
uninterrupted,  but  after  such  Usage  from  thos  Ind1*..  it  was 
in  a  manner  stoped  up  before  hardly  it  was  used.  Wherefore 
they  would  beg  of  you  as  a  party  no  less  injured,  to  learn  the 
Sentiments  of  the  Stockbridge  Indn8..  and  that  they  expected 
they  would  clear  up  the  Matter  to  them  so  as  to  know  how 
to  behave  towards  them  for  the  future.  I  could  see  that  the 
Caghnawagos  were  much  vexed  with  the  Stockbridge  and 
believe  the  least  Thing  that  would  happen  again  between  them 
and  the  others  would  bring  on  a  Quarrel  if  not  timely  pre- 
vented. 

I  have  given  in  my  Resignation  and  it  is  gone  to  Gen1. 
Amherst  by  this  Post,  so  that  the  Col.  will  have  Answer  by 
next  Post.  Herring  is  the  oldest  Officer  in  the  Battn.  to  pur- 
chase &  is  recommended  by  the  Gen1.  I  could  wish  Mr.  Steven- 
son would  get  the  Preference,  he  expected  to  succeed  with 
your  Recommendation  &  assistence  w^..  I  dare  say  would  be 
the  Case. 

CaptP.  Lottridge  is  uneasy  abl.  his  Situation  in  Case  I  should 
leave  this  Country  as  he  wont  pretend  to  take  the  Care  of  the 
Indn8..  upon  him  alone. 

Gave  an  Acco*.  of  the  Dep*.  to  Cayouga  Also  the  News  the 
french  have  here  ab*.  them  Voleurs  in  France.2 


1  Manuscript  torn. 

2  For  the  tribulations  of  Vaudreuil,  Bigot,  Cadet  and  others,  charged, 
after  their  return  to  France,  with  peculation  in  office  in  Canada,  see  Park- 
man,  Montcalm  and  Wolfe,  3:231-32,  Avery,  A  History  of  the  United 
States  and  its  People,  4:317-18,  and  Doc.  Rel  to  Col  Hist.  N.   Y., 
10:1126. 


Seven  Years    War  831 


FROM  WILLIAM  DARLINGTON 

There  are  entered  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  140,  Johnson's  account 
current  with  William  Darlington  and  a  receipt  for  £192,  4s,  lid,  dated 
July  15th;  also  a  letter  from  Darlington,  in  New  York,  dated  the  16th, 
about  articles  sent  in  care  of  Dr  Samuel  Stringer.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


THOMAS  BAUGH  TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Copp1 

Fort  Starwix  July  20th:  1762. 
Copy 

A  few  days  ago  a  large  number  of  Indians  Insulted  the 
Soldiers  at  Fort  Schuyler,  without  having  received  any  provoca- 
tion from  the  Garrison,  they  had  even  a  Design  to  Surprise  the 
post,  which  was  Discovered  to  the  Serjeant  commanding  there, 
by  a  French  prisoner,  and  on  the  Sutler  refusing  to  sell  them 
Rum,  they  plundered  his  house,  and  afterwards  Endeavoured 
to  gett  over  the  Stockades,  threatening  to  kill  the  Soldiers;  their 
behavior  has  been  So  Extreamly  ill,  that  I  thought  it  my  Duty 
to  Inform  Your  Excellency  with  it;  the  Oneida  Indians  were 
principally  concerned. 

I  am 

Your  Excellencys  Most  obedient  hble  Serv1. 

Thos.  Baugh2 

To  SIR  JEFFREY  AMHERST. 


destroyed  by  fire.     It  was  inclosed  in  Amherst  to  Johnson,    1762, 
August  1. 

12  Captain  in  the  55th  regiment. 


832  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


TO  ELEAZAR  WHEELOCK 
L.  S.1 

Fort  Johnson  July  21 X  7762 
OlR 

This  day  on  my  return  from  Easton  I  was  favoured  with 
yours  of  the  27th.  ultimo,  &  am  glad  to  find  the  progress  which 
the  Boys  have  made  under  your  care 

As  I  should  have  nothing  more  at  heart  than  to  promote  so 
good,  &  usefull  an  undertaking,  I  strongly  recommended  it  to 
the  several  Nations  of  Indians,  at  a  meeting  sometime  ago,  when 
they  seemed  much  pleased  thereat,  &  Determined  to  encourage 
the  same,  but  my  being  for  two  Months  absent  from  home,  has 
prevented  me  giving  any  thing  therein  during  that  period 

I  shall  enquire  of  Josephs  friends  whether  they  approve  of 
your  proposal,  and  shall  at  all  times  give  you  my  assistance 
towards  promoting  a  Scheme  so  well  calculated  for  the  Instruc- 
tion of  the  Indians  by  which  they  may  become  Usefull  Members 

of  Society. 

I  am 

Sir 
Your  most  Obedient 

Humble  Servant 

WM.  JOHNSON 

excuse  my  brevity  being  greatly  hurried  — 
please  to  remember  me  to  Joseph  &  ye.  others 
tell  them  I  hope  that  they  will  mind  their  learning 
closely  —  his  Sister  &ca.  are  well  and  will  be 
glad  to  hear  often  from  him  — 
The  Revd.  MR.  WHEELOCK 

ADDRESSED:      To 

The  Reverd.  Mr.  Wheelock 

INDORSED:    Sr.  Wm.  Johnson 

July  1762 

1  In  Dartmouth  College  Library.  Signature  and  postscript  in  Johnson's 
handwriting. 


Seven  Years    War  833 

FROM   FRANCIS  WADE   ETC. 

There  are  entered  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1 40,  four  papers  which 
were  destroyed  by  fire:  a  letter  of  July  26th  from  Francis  Wade,  at 
Philadelphia,  to  Johnson  stating  that  he  has  shipped  a  chaise  on  board 
the  sloop,  Henery  &  Marp,  to  New  York  to  care  of  Mrs  Ann  De  Visme, 
with  orders  to  forward  to  Albany,  care  of  Kennedy  &  Lyle,  giving  direc- 
tions for  preserving,  inclosing  an  account,  advising  of  Croghan's  draft  on 
Johnson  for  £260,  and  asking  for  a  bill  on  New  York  or  Philadelphia; 
Ferrall  Wade's  receipt,  dated  the  27th,  to  John  S.  Quackenbush  for  14s, 
3d;  David  Quacbos's  promise,  dated  the  27th,  to  pay  Ferrall  Wade  or 
order  on  demand  £3,  5s.,  Id  —  on  back,  P.  Silvester's  receipt  to  John 
Scot  Quackenboss  for  the  same,  dated  January  24,  1  763 ;  and  Ferrall 
Wade's  order  of  the  27th  to  Urius  Wood  to  pay  £l,  Is  —  on  back,  an 
entry  against  David  Quack  for  the  sum  covered  by  the  note  of  hand,  due 
to  Ferrall  Wade. 

TO  ALEXANDER  DUNCAN  * 

Df.2 

Johnson  Hall  July  3/«  7762. 
SIR 

I  have  received  repeated  advice  as  well  from  the  Indians  as 
from  some  White  people  that  one  John  Davis,  a  fellow  who 
speaks  Indian  well,  &  is  usually  employed  by  the  Traders  about 
your  Garrison  has  presumed  for  some  unknown  purpose  to  Sum- 
mon all  the  Indians  both  in  your  Name  and  mine  to  a  Meeting 
there,  &  that  numbers  have  left  their  Castles  for  that  purpose. 
As  such  a  step  must  disgust  the  Indians  being  without  your 
knowledge  as  some  Onondagas  have  informed  me  &  he  having 
received  no  directions  from  me  relative  thereto,  I  think  it  neces- 
sary to  request  that  you  Would  give  orders  for  his  being  appre- 
hended &  sent  down  close  Prisoner  to  me,  as  he  is  an  old 


1  Major  of  55th  regiment. 
*  Destroyed  by  fire. 

Vol.111— 27 


834  Sir  William  Johnson 

Offender,  and  a  fellow  who  has  frequently  created  misunder- 
standings between  us  &  the  Indians. 

I  hope  you  find  all  things  agreable  at  your  Garrison  and  am 
Sir  &ca. 

MAJOR  DUNCAN. 

FROM  HENDRICK  FREY 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See  John- 
son Calendar,  p.  140)  by  a  letter  of  July  31st  from  Hendrick  Frey,  at 
Canajoharie,  to  Johnson,  conveying  a  report  of  the  destruction  of  German 
Flats  by  Indians.  Letter  destroyed  by  fire. 


TO  MILITIA  OFFICERS 
Df.  S.1 

July  31,  1762. 
Orders. 

As  I  have  this  Moment  received  an  acclt.  by  letter  from  Mr. 
Fry  2  of  this  Days  date,  that  the  Inhabitants  of  German  Flatts 
are  destroyed  by  the  Enemy  Indians. 

You  are  hereby  required  &  ordered  to  March  imediately  with 
yr.  Company s  to  the  German  Flatts,  and  remain  there  untill 
further  orders,  as  you  will  meet  me  there  tomorrow  morning. 

Given  under  my  hand  at  Johnson  Hall  this  3 1 sl  Day  of  July 
17629p.m. 

WM.  JOHNSON 
Collo. 

To  all  officers  Commanding  Comp^8.  along  the  Mohawk  River. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Hendrick  Frey,  of  Canajoharie, 


Seven  Years'  Wat  835 

JEFFERY  AM  H  ERST  TO  THOMAS  BAUGH 

Copp1 

Wen;  York  /•«:  August  1762. 
SIR 

I  had  last  Night  your  Letter  of  the  20th  July  the  contents 
of  which  I  Shall  immediately  Communicate  to  Sir  Willm.  John- 
son, that  he  may  acquaint  the  Oneida  Indians,  as  well  as  any 
of  the  other  Tribes,  of  what  they  are  to  expect,  if  they  make 
Such  attempts  on  any  of  the  posts,  as  you  Inform  me  they  have 
lately  done  at  Fort  Schuyler:  I  hope  it  will  drop  here,  and  that 
I  shall  hear  of  no  further  complaints  of  the  like  Nature;  but  had 
the  Serjeant  ordered  his  Garrison  to  fire  on  the  Indians,  if  they 
persisted  in  getting  over  the  Stockade,  and  killed  some  of  them, 
he  should  have  had  my  Approbation:  These  posts  are  estab- 
lished as  well  for  the  protection  of  the  Indians,  as  the  rest  of 
His  Majesty's  subjects,  and  while  they  behave  well,  they  are  to 
meet  with  Good  Treatment,  but  they  must  by  no  means  be  per- 
mitted to  behave  in  a  Riotous  manner,  when  they  come  there, 
much  less  to  plunder  the  Traders,  or  to  attempt  any  thing  against 
the  Garrison.  I  hope  the  Sutler's  Stock  did  not  consist  of  Rum, 
for  if  it  did,  I  should  not  be  sorry  that  it  was  Destroyed. 

I  am  Sir  &c. 

To  CAPT.  BAUGH  or  officer  commanding  in  Fort  Stanwix. 
INDORSED:    Amherst  to  Cap*.  Baugh. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire.     It  was  inclosed  in  a  letter  of  Amherst  to  Johnson, 
August  1,  1762. 


836  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
L.  S.1 

Ne-w  York  Ist  August  1762. 
SIR 

The  Inclosed  Copy  of  a  Letter,  which  I  received  Last  Night 
from  Captain  Baugh,2  Commanding  officer  at  Fort  Stanwix, 
will  show  you  how  much  reason  there  is  for  the  Complaints  of 
the  Indians  of  the  Treatment  they  meet  with  at  our  Posts;  and 
by  the  Copy  of  my  Answer  to  Captain  Baugh,  which  I  likewise 
Inclose,  you  will  see  the  manner  in  which  I  Regard  the  Riot 
Complained  of;  And  have  only  to  desire  you  will  Immediately 
Call  the  Oneida  Indians  to  an  Account  for  such  a  Daring 
Attempt  at  any  of  the  King's  Posts;  and  that  you  will  Assure 
them,  as  well  as  any  of  the  other  Tribes,  that  I  never  will  suffer 
them  to  Behave  in  such  a  manner,  without  Chastising  them, 
according  to  the  Nature  of  their  Crime ;  and  surely  none  can  be 
greater  than  that  of  Daring  to  Plunder  the  Traders,  who  Live 
under  the  Protection  of  our  posts,  &  even  Venturing  to  Attack 
the  Garrison,  when  ordered  to  Desist. 

I  am,  with  great  Regard,  Sir 

Your  most  Obedient  Humble  Servant, 

JEFF:  AMHERST. 

P.  S.  By  the  packett  which  Arrived  this  day,  I  have  the  pleasure 
to  Inform  you,  that  a  Treaty  of  Peace  has  been  Concluded 
between  Russia  &  Prussia,  &  also  between  that  last  Crown  and 
Sweden. 

J.A. 
SIR  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar1: 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Baugh  to  Amherst,  July  20,  1  762. 


Seven  Fears'  War  837 


FROM  WILLIAM  DARLINGTON 

The  preceding  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1 4 1 ,  by  a  letter 
of  August  1st  from  William  Darlington,  at  New  York,  to  Johnson,  men- 
tioning the  receipt  of  a  brass  gun  and  his  sending  of  several  articles  by 
Skipper  Guysbert  Marselis.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


TO  THE  LORDS  OF  TRADE 
L.  S.1 


Aug.  /,  7762. 


To  the  Right  Honourable  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade 
and  Plantations 

MY  LORDS, 

His  late  Majesty  having  been  pleased  by  his  Order  in  Coun- 
cil of  the  29th.  Day  of  August  1 759,  on  the  Petition  of  Ben- 
jamin Franklin  Esqr.  Agent  appointed  by  the  Assembly  of 
Pensilvania  relating  to  the  differences  subsisting  between  his 
Majestys  Subjects  and  the  Indians  bordering  upon  the  said 
Province  concerning  large  Quantitys  of  Land  which  the  said 
Indians  alledge  they  have  been  deprived  of  without  their  Con- 
sent or  satisfaction  made  them  for  the  same,  particularly  of  the 
Lands  included  within  the  Forks  of  the  River  of  Delaware,  and 
also  of  other  Lands  on  both  sides  the  said  River,  to  direct  his 
Agent  for  Indian  affairs  to  examine  thoroughly  into  the  com- 
plaints of  the  Delaware,  Indians  with  respect  to  Lands  which 
they  alledge  they  have  been  defrauded  of  by  the  Proprietaries, 
and  that  for  this  purpose  he  do  take  the  earliest  Opportunity  of 
signifying  to  them  that  he  has  in  Consequence  of  what  passed 
at  the  Conferences  in  July  and  August  1757  received  his 
Majestys  Orders  to  Enquire  into  their  Grievances,  and  press 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.  1276.  p.  65,  London,  England. 
Inclosed  in  a  letter  of  Johnson  to  the  lords  of  trade,  August  20,  1  762. 


838  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

them  to  appoint  such  time  and  place  as  shall  be  most  Convenient 
to  them  for  that  purpose,  that  he  do  likewise  give  timely  notice 
of  such  Meeting  to  the  Commissioners  appointed  by  the  Pro- 
prietaries to  act  on  their  part,  to  the  End  they  may  come  prop- 
erly instructed  and  prepared  to  support  the  Claims  of  their 
Constituents,  and  that  when  he  shall  have  made  a  full  and 
particular  enquiry  into  the  circumstances  of  the  Case,  and  heard 
what  all  partys  may  have  to  offer  he  do  transmit  his  proceedings 
in  this  business  to  your  Lordships  in  order  to  be  laid  before  his 
Majesty,  together  with  his  opinion  of  what  may  be  proper  to  be 
done  thereupon. 

In  pursuance  of  the  above  Order  I  have  the  Honour  to 
represent  to  your  Lordships,  that  having  signified  to  Teedyus- 
cung  who  stiles  himself  Chief  of  the  Delawares  at  Wyoming 
his  Majestys  Orders,  he  nevertheless,  thought  proper  to  put  off 
the  Meeting,  until  I  had  again  applied  to  him  for  that  purpose 
when  he  by  Letter  dated  the  2 1 st.  of  April *  last  after  Express- 
ing his  satisfaction  thereat,  appointed  to  meet  me  at  Easlon  on 
this  Subject  on  the  15th.  day  of  June  then  next,  and  to  bring 
with  him  all  such  of  his  People  as  were  concerned  in  the  Lands 
in  Question,  Of  this  Appointment  I  gave  Notice  to  the  Gov- 
ernor of  Pensilvania,  that  he  might  appoint  Commissrs.  on  behalf 
of  the  Proprietaries  agreable  to  his  Majestys  Orders.— 

On  the  13th.  of  June  I  arrived  at  Easton,  but  could  not  pro- 
ceed on  business  before  the  18th  the  Indians  being  until  that  Day 
drunk. — 

As  I  do  myself  the  honour  to  transmit  Copys  of  the  whole 
proceedings  at  this  Meeting,  containing  the  demands  of  the 
Indians  at  large  in  their  own  words,  and  also  Copys  of  the  Pro- 
prietaries defence,  and  of  the  Deeds  and  Evidences  produced 
to  me  in  support  of  the  Claim  of  both  parties,  I  shall  content 
myself  with  stating  in  a  concise  manner  the  claim  of  the  Indians, 


1  Johnson   wrote   to   Teedyuscung   April   21st,    appointing   June    15th. 
Teedyuscung's  letter  of  consent  was  necessarily  written  later. 


Seven  Years   War  839 

and  the  defence  of  the  Proprietaries  —  with  such  other  Matters 
as  I  conceive  necessary  to  lay  before  your  Lordships  — 

It  appears  by  the  Minutes  of  this  Meeting  on  theNineteenth 
of  June  that  Teedyuscung  describes  the  Lands  about  which  he 
complains  as  laying  from  Easton  up  the  River  Delaware  to 
Samuel  Dupuys  at  the  Gap  to  the  Kittatinny  Hills  or  Blue 
Mountains,  and  along  the  Top  of  those  Mount08  to  Allimingey, 
from  thence  to  Mackcungee,  and  from  thence  to  Shamony,  and 
from  thence  across  to  Delaware  River  at  Pitcocks  Creek  and 
from  thence  to  Easton,  also  four  several  Islands  within  the  above 
described  Limits 

These  Lands  the  Indians  formerly  insisted  were  never  pur- 
chased from  them  or  their  forefathers,  that  if  the  Proprietaries 
have  any  Deed  for  these  Lands  it  is  fraudulent  and  a  Forgery, 
and  that  neither  they  nor  their  Forefathers  have  ever  been  paid 
for  the  same  — 

On  the  Twenty  first  of  June  the  Proprietaries  Commissioners 
delivered  in  their  defence  in  Writing  from  which  and  the  Deeds 
and  Evidences  therein  referred  to,  they  insist  it  clearly  appears 
that  the  first  Proprietor  of  Pensilvania  by  himself  and  Agents 
did  fairly  purchase  from  the  Indian  Proprietors  among  other 
Lands  a  Tract  in  the  year  1682,  and  in  the  year  1686  other 
Lands  in  part  bounded  on  those  purchased  in  1682,  which  last 
purchased  Tract  was  by  Deed  dated  26th  August  1686,  con- 
veyed to  William  Pen  by  A/an£eeric£is/ie,  Sayhoppy,  and 
Taughaughsey,  Indian  Kings,  or  Chiefs  the  proprietors  thereof 
whose  Rights  to  those  Lands  I  do  not  find  has  been  denied  by 
the  Indians,  none  claiming  them  — 

This  original  Deed  being  lost,  or  mislaid,  has  occasioned  the 
Proprietaries  much  trouble  to  prove  the  Reality  of  this  purchase, 
and  the  Truth  of  a  Copy  of  that  Deed  produced  before  me  in 
support  of  their  Right  to  the  Lands  in  Controversey 

The  proofs  of  this  your  Lordship  will  observe  are  sundry 
Extracts  from  ancient  Letters  mentioning  at  that  time  a  Treaty 
to  be  on  foot  for  purchasing  Lands  above  the  Forks  of  Dela- 


840  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

"Ware  from  the  Indians,  and  an  ace*,  of  goods  paid  them  21st 
April  1 688,  which  in  Quality  agrees  with  the  consideration  men- 
tioned in  the  Deed  of  the  28l  August  1 686,  and  in  quantity  also 
in  many  Articles;  and  as  the  List  agrees  not  with  the  Goods 
mentioned  in  any  precedent  Indian  Deed,  and  also  as  the  Letter 
mentioning  this  payment  says  "  We  have  another  Payment  to 
make  to  the  Indians  of  Christina  then  shall  be  out  of  the  Indian 
debt  — " ;  the  Proprietaries  Commissrs.  infer  it  was  the  Residue 
of  the  Goods  paid  for  the  purchase  of  these  Lands  — 

That  this  was  really  so,  seems  to  be  confirmed  past  Contra- 
diction by  the  Affidavit  of  the  Honble.  William  Allen  Esqr. 
Chief  Justice  of  the  province  of  Pensilvania  marked  G,1  to 
which  I  beg  leave  to  referr  your  Lordship 

This  tract  of  Land  is  in  the  said  Deed  described  as  follows  — 
All  that  Tract  and  those  tracts  of  Land  lying  and  being  in  the 
said  Province  of  Pensilvania  aforesaid,  beginning  upon  a  Line 
formerly  laid  out,  or  to  be  laid  out  from  a  corner  marked  Spruce 
Tree  by  the  River  Delaware  about  Macheririk-kitten,  and  from 
thence  running  along  the  Ledge  or  foot  of  the  Mountains  West 
North  West  to  a  corner  White  Oak  marked  with  the  letter  P, 
standing  by  the  Indian  path  that  leadeth  to  an  Indian  Town 
called  Playuricfyey,  and  from  thence  extending  westward  to 
Neshaminey  Creel?,  from  which  said  line  the  said  Tract  hereby 
granted  doth  extend  itself  back  into  the  Woods,  as  far  as  a  Man 
can  go  in  one  Day  and  an  half,  and  bounded  on  the  Westerly 
side  with  the  Creek  called  Neshaminey  or  the  most  westerly 
Branch  thereof  so  far  as  the  said  Branch  doth  Extend  and  from 
thence  by  a  Line 

to  the  utmost  extent  of  the  said  One  Day  and  an  halfs  Jour- 
ney, &  from  thence  by  a  Line  to  the  River  Delaware,  and 
from  thence  down  the  several  Courses  of  the  said  River  to  the 
first  mentioned  Spruce  Tree,  together  with  all  the  Islands  in  the 
said  River  lying  over  against  the  said  Tract  of  Land  and  also 
other  Islands  &ca. 


Mn  Public  Record  Office,  London. 


.    Seven  Years    War  841 

I  do  not  find  by  any  proofs  before  me  there  were  any  Com- 
plaints made  by  the  Indians  relating  to  this  Tract  until  the  year 
1 734,  Forty  eight  years  after  the  Purchase  —  When  at  a  Meet- 
ing between  Thomas  Pen,  &  John  Pen  Esq",  the  two  Pro- 
prietors at  Durham,  with  Fisheecunk  one  of  the  Delaware 
Chiefs,  and  some  others,  they  complained  of  some  People  hav- 
ing settled  above  the  West  Branch  of  Delaware,  which  they 
claimed  as  their  Land,  tho*  at  the  same  time  they  said  that  the 
pui  chases  formerly  made  of  their  Ancestors  being  before  their 
time  they  could  not  certainly  know  the  bounds  of  the  same,  but 
if  it  appeared  those  Purchases  were  actually  made  they  must  be 
honest  &  content  themselves  with  the  Bounds  and  Limits  thereof, 
and  appointed  to  meet  the  Proprietors  at  Pensbury  next  Spring 
to  treat  with  them  on  that  Occasion,  as  your  Lordships  will  see 
by  the  Minutes  of  that  Treaty  marked  F  x 

Pursuant  to  that  appointment  a  Treaty  was  held  with  them 
at  Pensbury  in  the  year  1 735,  when  the  Copy  of  the  Deed  of 
1686  was  shewn  them,  the  Witnesses  Examined  before  them, 
who  proved  the  purchase  and  the  Consideration  paid,  the  Exe- 
cution of  a  Deed  for  that  purchase,  and  that  Joseph  Wood 
one  of  the  persons  Examined  was  a  Witness  thereto  and  sub- 
scribed his  Name  to  the  Deed  as  a  Witness,  and  Tishecunck  a 
Delaware  Chief  then  there  acknowledged  himself  to  be  present 
at  the  Execution  of  the  said  Deed  and  that  he  was  satisfied 
about  it,  but  nothing  was  then  concluded  on  by  reason  of  the 
Absence  of  Monockakickon  their  Chief,  but  concluded  to  go 
home  and  consult  their  old  Men,  and  that  if  they  found  what 
had  been  told  them  respecting  the  said  Purchase  was  true  they 
would  return  and  confirm  it:  This  will  more  fully  appear  by 
the  Affidavit  of  William  Allen  Esqr.  before  referred  to 
Accordingly  after  two  years  Monockakickon  and  other  Chiefs 
and  Indians  of  the  Delaware  Tribe  came  to  Philadelphia  where 
a  Treaty  was  held  with  them  on  the  twenty  fourth  Day  of 
August  1737  to  settle  and  adjust  this  matter,  the  Result  of 


In  Public  Record  Office. 


842  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

which  was,  that  after  the  said  Deed  of  1686  and  the  Depo- 
sitions of  the  said  Joseph  Wood  and  William  Biles  were  read 
&  explained  to  the  Indians,  and  a  map,  or  plan  shewing  in  what 
manner  the  Lines  in  the  said  Deed  mentioned  were  to  run,  had 
been  laid  before  and  fully  explained  to  them,  they  did  with  great 
Deliberation  declare,  that  they  were  sufficiently  convinced  of 
the  truth  thereof,  and  that  the  Lands  mentioned  therein  were 
sold  by  their  Ancestors  to  William  Pen  and  that  they  had  no 
objection  but  were  willing  to  joyn  in  a  full  and  absolute  Con- 
firmation of  the  said  Sale:  and  accordingly  on  the  25th.  of 
August  1737  Monockakickon,  Lappawingoe,  Tishacomen 
(alias  Tishecunck)  and  Notamis  (als  Nutimus)  Chiefs  or 
Sachems  of  the  said  Delaware  Indians,  and  a  great  number  of 
other  Indians  of  Inferior  Rank  executed  a  Deed  reciting  the 
said  Deed  of  1686  made  by  Maykeanc'kisho,  Sayhoppy,  and 
Taughhasey,  the  Chiefs  or  Kings  of  the  Northern  Indians  on 
Delaware,  for  large  quantitys  of  goods  delivered  by  the  Agents 
of  William  Pen  to  those  Indian  Chiefs  for  the  Lands  therein 
mentioned,  and  also  reciting  the  several  before  mentioned  Treat- 
ies respecting  the  said  Lands  at  Durham  and  Pensbury,  and 
also  that  their  old  Men  not  being  at  the  said  Treaties  they  had 
taken  time  to  advise  with  them,  and  reciting  that  the  said  pur- 
chase appeared  by  the  Depositions  of  Joseph  Wood,  and  Wil- 
liam Biles,  and  declaring  themselves  fully  satisfied  that  the  said 
Tract,  or  Tracts,  were  truly  granted  to  William  Pen  and  his 
heirs  by  the  said  Maykeerickkisho,  Sayhoppy  and  Taughhausey, 
did  release,  quit  claim,  and  confirm  the  said  Land  to  the  then 
Proprietors  by  the  same  Bounds  Limits  and  Courses,  and  in  the 
very  Words  by  which  the  same  are  described  in  the  said  Deed 
of  1686 

And  the  Extent  of  the  said  Lands  not  being  then  settled  so 
far  as  respected  the  Day  and  Halfs  Walk,  it  was  agreed  by 
them  that  it  should  be  walked  over  by  the  proper  persons  to  be 
appointed  for  that  purpose;  As  by  the  said  Deed,  the  Minutes 
of  that  Treaty  and  the  Affidav*.  marked  G  before  referred  to, 
will  appear 


Seven  Fears'  War  843 

It  may  not  be  improper  to  remark  here  to  your  Lordships  that 
it  appears  by  that  Affidavit  that  Teedyuscung  the  person  now 
claiming  to  be  chief  of  the  Delawares  and  principally  concerned 
in  this  Complaint,  acknowledged  that  the  Ancestors  of 
Tisheecunk  and  Nutimus  (the  two  Chiefs  that  among  others 
Executed  this  last  Deed)  had  been  always  esteemed  to  be  the 
Chief  original  owners  of  the  Land,  in  and  about  the  Forks  of 
Delaware,  and  the  adjacent  Lands  above  Tohiccon. 

Pursuant  to  the  agreement  beforementioned  for  the  Walking 
the  Journey  of  the  Day  and  half,  It  appears  by  the  Affidavits 
of  Timothy  Smith x  a  person  employed  to  Superintend  the 
Walkers,  Edward  Marshall *  one  of  the  Walkers  (the  others 
being  dead)  by  the  Affidavits  of  John  Hyder,1  Ephraim 
Goodwin  1  and  Nicholas  Scull,1  present  at  the  performing  the 
said  walk,  that  the  same  was  fairly  performed  in  the  month  of 
September  1737  in  the  presence  of  several  Indians  appointed  for 
that  purpose  by  the  Chiefs  of  the  Delawares,  and  terminated 
some  Miles  beyond  the  Kittatinny  Mountains,  To  which 
Affidavit  I  also  beg  leave  to  referr  your  Lordships 

About  the  latter  end  of  the  year  1 740,  &  in  the  beginning  of 
the  year  1740/1  it  appears  by  the  Minutes  of  Council  held  at 
Philadelphia  26th.  March  1741  the  Indians  yet  discontented  had 
sent  a  Letter  directed  to  Jeremiah  Langhorn  and  other  Magis- 
trates of  the  Province  of  Pensilvania,  and  another  to  the 
Governor  complaining  of  certain  Lands  in  Bucks  County,  being 
taken  and  held  from  them  without  their  having  received  satis- 
faction for  the  same:  The  Proprietaries  Commissioners  (allud- 
ing to  this  as  I  understand  them)  say  they  cannot  help  observing 
that  after  the  said  Indians  had  in  so  solemn  a  manner  ratified 
and  confirmed  by  their  Deed  in  1 757  the  Lands  which  had  been 
purchased  of  and  conveyed  by  their  Ancestors  above  50  years 
before  the  Proprieter  might  reasonably  have  expected  they  would 
suffer  them  and  those  to  whom  they  might  grant  any  of  the  said 
Lands  to  remain  in  the  quiet  &  undisturbed  possession  thereof, 


1  In  Public  Record  Office. 


844  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

but  to  their  great  surprize  after  the  bounds  Of  the  said  Land  to 
the  Northward  had  been  ascertained  by  the  Walk  of  one  Day 
and  an  half  which  was  performed  in  the  Month  of  September 
1 737  in  the  presence  of  the  Deputys  of  the  said  Delaware 
Indians  for  that  purpose  appointed,  according  to  the  terms  of 
the  said  Deeds,  some  few  disatisfied  persons  amongst  the  said 
Indians,  who  resided  in  the  Forks  of  Delaware  in  the  year  1 741 
Expressed  some  uneasiness  that  the  said  Lands  should  be  granted 
by  the  Proprietors  to  the  persons  who  about  that  Time  began  to 
seat  and  improve  them,  several  Messages  passed  between  them 
and  Governor  Thomas  on  this  subject;  The  Result  of  which 
in  the  end  was,  that  it  was  mutually  agreed  that  the  whole 
matter  should  be  submitted  to  their  Uncles  the  Six  Nations,  who 
were  soon  expected  at  Philadelphia 

It  appears  by  the  said  Minutes  of  Council  of  26th  March  1741 
that  on  the  reading  the  said  Indian  Letters,  &  other  papers  therein 
mentioned  particularly  a  Letter  from  the  Six  Nations,  wherein 
they  declare  that  their  Cousins  the  Delawares  have  no  right  to 
dispose  of  Lands,  and  pray  the  Proprieter,  not  to  buy  or  accept 
of  any  Grant  of  Lands  from  them,  it  was  the  opinion  of  that 
board  that  a  Letter  from  the  Governor  be  sent  to  the  Delaware 
Indians,  setting  forth  the  former  purchases  &  Releases  of  the 
said  Lands  and  the  request  of  the  Six  Nations  aforesaid,  and 
exhorting  and  requiring  them  to  live  peaceably  and  friendly  with 
the  English  Inhabitants  as  heretofore,  and  at  the  same  time  to 
inform  them,  that  as  the  Chiefs  of  the  Six  Nations  were  to  be  at 
Philadelphia  in  May  next  unto  whom  this  whole  affair  will  be 
made  known  The  Delawares  may  if  they  please  at  their  own 
Expence  come  down  at  the  same  time  and  be  present  In  the  year 
1 742  in  July  at  a  Treaty  held  with  the  Six  Nations  and  Dela- 
wares at  the  Proprietors,  Governor  Thomas  in  Council  laid  the 
matter  before  the  six  Nations,  who  after  perusing  the  Proprieters 
Writings  with  a  Draught  of  the  Land  in  dispute,  declared  the 
Delawares  to  be  a  very  unruly  people  &  absolutely  in  the  wrong, 
and  after  severely  rebuking  them,  peremtorily  ordered  them  to 


Seven  Years    War  845 

remove  instantly  off  the  Lands.  The  whole  of  these  Transactions 
will  appear  to  your  Lordships  by  the  Minutes  of  Council  of  26th. 
March  1741  *  and  the  9*.  and  12*  of  July  1742  *  transmitted 
to  your  Lordships. —  With  this  the  Proprietaries  Commissioners 
say  the  Delawares  acquiesced,  and  never  renewed  their  Claim 
'till  the  said  Teedyuscung  in  the  year  1756,  made  his  first 
complaint  against  the  Proprietors  of  Forgery  —  In  the  year  1 761 
in  August  it  will  appear  to  your  Lordships  that  at  a  Conference 
held  by  Governor  Hamilton  at  Bush  Hill  with  the  said  Teedyus- 
cung and  his  Son,  that  Teedyuscung  declared  he  himself  knew 
nothing  of  any  fraud  or  cheating  the  Proprietors  had  been  guilty 
of,  That  the  French  put  it  in  the  minds  of  their  foolish  young 
men,  and  they  forced  him  to  mention  it,  and  was  sorry  he  had 
troubled  them  so  much,  and  owned  that  Nutimus  told  him  that 
the  Delawares  had  sold  old  Mr.  Pen  as  much  Land  as  Man 
could  walk  over  in  a  Day  and  an  half;  To  begin  at  Pitchcocks 
Creek,  and  go  up  the  River  according  to  the  course  thereof,  but 
complained  that  all  the  consideration  for  the  same  was  not  paid, 
and  that  the  Walk  was  not  performed  along  the  River  accord- 
ing to  the  bargain,  but  upon  a  strait  course,  by  which  they  had 
got  more  Lands  than  the  Indians  intended,  &  that  on  complaining 
about  it  they  were  threatned;  &  forbore  at  that  time  to  say  any 
more  about  it;  to  those  Minutes  at  large  I  beg  leave  also  to 
referr  your  Lordships 

Having  stated  to  your  Lordships  the  Facts  and  Transactions 
relating  to  this  controversy  antecedent  to  this  present  meeting 
collected  from  the  Proprietors  defence  of  218t.  June  and  sup- 
ported by  the  Indian  Deeds  Affidavits  and  other  proofs  here- 
with transmitted,  I  proceed  to  acquaint  your  Lordships  with  the 
farther  proceedings  at  this  Meeting  - 

The  Proprietors  defence  of  21st.  June  to  Teedyuscungs  com- 
plaint on  the  19th-  being  read,  together  with  the  Deeds  and 
papers  therein  referred  to,  Teedyuscung  declared  that  he 
and  the  Indians  well  understood  the  purport  or  meaning  of  them 


1  In  Public  Record  Office. 


846  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

And  yet  My  Lords  on  the  next  Day  at  a  continuance  of  this 
Conference  Teedyuscung  denied  that  he  or  any  of  his  People 
understood  what  passed  the  Day  before,  &  in  a  Speech  and 
Written  paper  by  him  delivered,  which  your  Lordships  will  find 
at  large  in  the  Minutes  of  the  22d-  June,  reflected  on  my  Deputy 
Mr  Croghan  and  on  me  as  not  intending  to  do  them  justice 

This  behaviour  so  extraordinary  gave  me  great  reason  to 
imagine  the  Indians  were  excited  to  this,  and  that  some  People 
present  were  so  bad  as  to  endeavour  to  prevent  this  controversy 
from  being  brought  to  a  conclusion,  to  create  farther  disatis- 
faction  in  the  Indians  and  to  lessen  their  Confidence  in  me 

Permit  me  my  Lords  here  to  lay  before  you,  such  proofs  as  I 
have  been  able  to  collect  shewing  that  my  surmise  on  that  occa- 
sion was  not  ill  founded. 

In  the  first  place  my  Lords  it  was  endeavoured  to  prevent  these 
Indians  from  coming  to  this  Meeting,  for  proof  of  which  I  trans- 
mit to  your  Lordships  a  Copy  of  an  Anonymous  Letter  sent  to 
Teedyuscung  the  original  of  which  his  Son  shewed  me,  &  is  as 
follows  — "  Brother  Teedyuscung,  We  find  the  Alleghenny 
Indians  are  not  likely  to  come  so  soon  as  we  Expected,  and  that 
the  time  and  place  you  have  appointed  Sir  William  Johnson  to 
meet  at  Easton  will  not  be  so  suitable  as  to  meet  him  when  all 
the  Indians  are  together,  We  have  therefore  informed  Sr  William 
Johnson  that  it  will  be  better  to  put  off  the  intended  Meeting  till 
that  time  and  to  meet  you  all  together  and  as  we  think  Brother 
you  will  be  willing  to  have  the  business  well  done;  We  desire 
you  not  to  come  from  Wyoming  til  you  hear  the  Western 
Indians  are  come  to  Shamofyin  and  then  to  come  down  to  them 
to  the  same  place  they  do,  "where  we  shall  order  provision  for 
you  "  This  Letter  was  sent  by  one  Willis  a  Messenger  to 
Teedyuscung,  and  Joseph  Fox  (who  together  with  Sam1. 
Rhoades  Edward  Pennington,  Joseph  Galloway,  John  Morton, 
Isaac  Pearson,  Giles  Knight,  and  John  Hughes,  were  appointed 
as  they  say  by  the  Assembly  of  Pensilvania  to  attend  this  Treaty 
and  see  Justice  done)  paid  Ten  pounds  for  a  Horse  to  send 
Willis  with  this  Letter  — 


Seven  Years    War  847 

That  Teedyuscung  was  stimulated  to  these  Jealousies  &  insti- 
gated to  this  behaviour  will  appear  to  your  Lordships  by  the 
Affidavits  of  Samuel  Dupuis  1  John  Neal,1  and  James  Hillman  * 
John  Biddle,1  William  Craig,1  and  Henry  Montour  l  which  I 
lay  before  your  Lordships,  by  which  it  appears  that  All  that 
Teedyuscung  said  on  the  22d-  June  was  by  the  directions  of 
Irael  Pemberton  a  principal  person  among  the  Quakers,  who 
(with  several  others  of  that  Denomination)  attended  at  this 
Treaty,  and  by  the  last  Affidavit  it  further  appears  that  Teedy- 
uscung declared  that  the  Quakers  and  Nutimus  a  Chief  of  the 
Jersey  Indians,  had  made  him  a  great  Man,  and  persuaded  him 
to  say  what  he  had  heretofore  said  respecting  the  Proprieters 
of  Pensilvania  cheating  the  Indians,  and  my  Lords  Teedyuscung 
himself  hath  since  declared  to  me,  that  he  never  should  have 
troubled  the  Proprieters  about  these  Lands  had  he  not  been 
instigated  so  to  do  by  the  Quakers 

I  am  sorry  to  observe  that  the  behaviour  of  Israel  Pemberton 
and  some  of  the  Committee  of  the  Assembly  of  Pensilvania  this 
Day,  was  such  as  too  much  tended  to  Excite  the  worst  suspicions 
in  Minds  Jealous  as  Indians,  and  to  promote  the  worst  conse- 
quences from  persons  so  irascible,  and  such  as  seemed  calculated 
to  destroy  all  the  good  consequences  to  be  Expected  from  my 
future  interpositions  with  them  as  Agent  for  Indian  affairs,  by 
instilling  in  their  minds  prejudices  against  my  integrity,  They 
openly  supported  Teedyuscung  in  the  denial  of  what  he  had 
said  the  Day  before,  charged  me  with  untruths,  That  the  Minutes 
were  not  fairly  taken,  of  omitting  many  Material  things  said  by 
Teedyuscung  and  misrepresenting  others,  and  insinuated  that  I 
would  not  do  the  Indians  justice,  and  this  in  publick  before  the 
Indians,  with  so  much  noise  and  clamour,  that  I  was  compelled 
to  break  up  the  Conference  for  that  Day ; —  This  whole  trans- 
action at  large  is  entred  in  the  Minutes  from  which  your  Lord- 
ships will  more  plainly  see  the  indecent  manner  in  which  I  was 


In  Public  Record  Office. 


848  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

treated  I  need  not  make  any  remarks  to  your  Lordships  on  the 
111  consequences  that  naturally  must  be  expected  from  such  pro- 
ceedings, as  I  have  the  satisfaction  to  find  from  several  papers 
now  before  me  and  particularly  from  a  Letter  of  Governor 
Denny s  in  1 757  that  your  Lordships  are  not  only  well  acquainted 
with,  but  disapprove  of  their  intermeddling  in  these  matters,  but 
think  I  cannot  omit  observing  to  your  Lordships  that  if  Provincial 
Commissioners  or  any  others  continue  to  interfere  in  Indian  affairs 
by  calling  Meetings  and  distributing  the  public  money  in  presents 
amongst  them,  as  they  have  done,  it  will  be  impossible  for  me 
or  any  other  Superintendant  of  Indian  affairs  to  preserve  that 
weight  with  them  necessary  for  his  Majestys  interest,  or  to  dis- 
charge the  duty  of  that  office  by  conducting  our  concerns  with 
them  with  any  Uniformity  or  regularity.  The  different  Views 
and  interests  of  each  Government,  the  General  publick  good,  and 
the  private  advantage  of  self  interested  individuals  frequently 
clashing  must  produce  nothing  but  partys  &  Confusion  amongst 
the  Indians,  to  the  prejudice  of  his  Majestys  interest,  and  that 
of  the  Colonies  in  General  — 

I  therefore  humbly  submit  to  your  Lordships  consideration  the 
great  impropriety  of  any  of  his  Majestys  Subjects  holding  Meet- 
ings with  the  Indians  or  intermeddling  in  Indian  affairs  without 
the  Royal  Authority  for  so  doing. 

After  the  Breaking  up  of  the  Conference  of  this  Day  I 
received  from  the  Committee  of  the  Assembly,  a  Letter  dated 
22d.  June  1762,  containing  several  things  alledged  by  them  as 
material  and  necessary  in  this  Controversy  to  be  represented  in 
behalf  of  the  Indians,  a  Copy  of  this  I  have  transmitted  to  your 
Lordships  entered  at  large  at  the  end  of  the  Minutes,  and  I 
transmit  also  the  Answer  of  the  Proprietary  Commiss".  thereto 
of  the  24th.  June,  Wherein  your  Lordships  may  observe  they 
have  explained,  and  cleared  up  several  matters  on  which  those 
of  the  Assembly  laid  much  Stress  — 

On  the  24th.  June  I  met  the  Indians  again  in  pursuance  of  a 
message  I  sent  them,  when  Teedyuscung  seemed  to  be  in  a  good 


Seven  Years'  War  849 

disposition  by  his  Speech  entered  in  the  Minutes,  and  at  the 
same  time  delivered  a  Written  paper  containing  his  account  of 
the  Transactions  relating  to  this  controversy  in  support  of  his 
charge  against  the  Proprieters,  and  also  Copies  of  two  Deeds 
the  one  dated  17th  Day  of  September  1718,1  and  Executed  by 
Sassoonan  and  other  Chiefs  of  the  Delawares,  The  other  dated 
22d.  Aug'-  1  749,1  and  executed  by  Canasatego  and  other  Chiefs 
of  the  Six  Nations,  together  with  some  Chiefs  of  the  Delawares 
and  other  Nations  which  I  also  transmit,  begging  leave  to  referr 
your  Lordships  to  Teedyuscungs  Remarks  thereon  together  with 
his  other  observations  and  assertions  as  contained  in  the  paper 
entered  at  large  in  the  Minutes  of  23d.  June;  but  think  it  proper 
to  remark  to  your  Lordships  that  some  passages  in  that  paper 
seem  not  to  have  been  dictated  with  the  same  good  Disposition 
as  Teedyuscungs  speech 

The  Proprietary  Commissioners  on  the  28th.  of  June  delivered 
me  their  Answer  thereto  which  is  likewise  transmitted,  &  to 
which  I  also  beg  leave  to  referr  your  Lordships 

I  met  not  the  Indians  again  until  the  27th-  June  when  I  spoke 
lo  them  on  the  proceedings  of  the  24th-  as  far  as  I  conceived 
was  proper  as  your  Lordships  will  see  by  the  minutes  of  that 
Day 

On  the  28th-  June  I  met  the  Indians  again,  in  pursuance  of  a 
Request  from  Teedyuscung,  and  found  them  in  a  very  friendly 
Disposition 

After  a  short  Speech  by  Teedyuscung  he  delivered  me  a  paper 
saying  it  came  from  his  Heart,  and  he  hoped  would  wipe  out  the 
stings  from  his  Brothers  Hearts,  This  paper  is  entered  at  large 
in  the  Minutes  of  that  Day  and  is  in  Substance,  that  they  had 
charged  the  Proprietaries  with  Fraud  and  Forgery  at  a  time 
when  they  were  Just  come  from  the  French  and  incensed  against' 
the  English  by  them,  that  it  appears  by  sundry  old  Writings  and 
papers  read  at  this  Conference  that  this  Charge  was  a  mistake, 
into  which  they  were  led  by  the  Accounts  received  from  their 


1  In  Public  Record  Office. 


850  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Ancestors  concerning  the  Lands  sold  to  William  Penn  in  the 
year  1 686  That  as  to  the  Walk,  the  Proprietary  Commissioners 
think  it  /  was  reasonably  performed,  that  they  think  otherwise, 
that  this  difference  in  opinion  may  happen  without  either  being 
bad  men,  That  it  is  a  matter  about  which  Brethren  ought  not 
to  differ,  that  being  desirous  of  living  in  peace  &  friendship  they 
bury  underground  all  Controversies  about  Land,  and  offer  to 
sign  a  Release  for  the  Lands  in  dispute 

The  Governor  of  Pensilvania  thanked  them  on  the  behalf  of 
the  Proprietaries  but  thought  the  Release  not  necessary  to  con- 
firm the  Proprietaries  Title,  and  had  promised  them  a  present, 
and  recommended  peace  and  friendship  to  them 

Thus  my  Lords  this  dispute  is  at  length  brought  to  a  Con- 
clusion —  The  Indians  appear  satisfied  that  the  Charge  of  fraud 
and  forgery  ascribed  to  the  Proprietaries  is  a  mistake,  and 
nothing  seems  to  remain  of  the  truth  and  fairness  of  which  the 
Indians  do  not  acknowledge  except  the  Walk  of  a  Day  and  an 
half,  and  as  they  for  the  sake  of  peace  &  friendship  have  never- 
theless given  up  that  point,  and  as  the  Proprietaries  have  obtained 
this  tract  of  Land  for  a  trifling  consideration  in  respect  of  the 
worth  of  the  Lands,  and  this  Tribe  of  Indians  being  very  poor, 
I  would  beg  leave  to  recommend  that  the  Proprietors  make  them 
a  handsome  present  as  a  Token  of  their  friendship  for  them,  and 
this  I  conceive  will  make  them  effectually  easy  under  this  their 
concession 

I  cannot  my  Lord  close  this  Report  without  mentioning 
Teedyuscungs  complaint  That  the  people  of  the  Colony  of  Con- 
necticut were  coming  to  settle  at  Wioming  on  the  River  Susque- 
hanna,  of  this  I  have  had  notice  sometime  ago,  that  1 00  Families 
were  first  to  settle  thereon  and  to  be  followed  by  a  considerable 
number,  and  that  they  had  appointed  an  Agent  to  negociate  the 
same  in  England,  falsly  giving  out  that  tis  at  the  Indians  request 
they  come  to  settle  those  Lands  — 

It  being  of  the  utmost  consequence  to  prevent  any  such 
Attempt,  as  In  all  probability  the  effects  will  be  very  fatal  — 


Seven  Years    War  851 

The  Lands  at  Wyoming  do  not  belong  to  the  Delawares  there 
residing,  but  to  the  Six  Nations  who  have  only  permitted  them  to 
settle  there  as  they  have  no  Lands  of  their  own 

The  6  Nations  are  already  greatly  alarmed  hereat,  having 
made  their  complaint  to  me  on  this  Subject  last  Spring  as  will 
appear  to  your  Lordships  from  the  Transactions  at  my  House 
herewith  transmitted  x 

To  put  a  stop  thereto  the  Governor  of  Connecticut  hath  lately 
issued  a  Proclamation  forbidding  any  persons  from  that  Province 
to  settle  thereon,  but  should  the  New  Englanders  persist  in  their 
design  (which  I  am  apprehensive  they  may)  the  Jealousies  of 
the  Indians,  that  they  will  be  deprived  of  their  Lands,  against 
their  consent  which  I  have  with  so  much  pains  quieted  will  again 
revive,  the  Six  Nations,  and  their  Numerous  Allies  &  Dependants 
will  be  thereby  irritated  to  fall  upon  our  Settlements;  and  it  is 
not  improbable,  that  other  Nations,  not  knowing  how  soon  they 
may  meet  with  the  like  treatment,  will  unite  with  them,  as  in  a 
Common  Cause,  and  thereby  involve  the  American  Colonies  in 
an  Indian  War. 

*  I  have  the  Honour  to  be  with 
the  greatest  Respect 

My  Lords  —  Your  Lordships 
Most  Obedient  &  Most 
Humble  Servant 

WM.  JOHNSON 
INDORSED:  Pensylvania. 

Report  to  the  Right 

Honble  the  Lords  Commissioners 

of  Trade  and  Plantations 

of 

The  Proceedings  of  the  Treaty 

held  at  Easton  by  Sir  William 

Johnson  Bart  to  examine 


1  Indian  Proceedings,  April  21-28,  1762. 

2  That  which  follows  is  in  Johnson's  handwriting. 


852  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

into  the  Complaint  of  the 

Delaware  Indians  against 

the  Proprietors  of  Pensilvania 

for  defrauding  them  of  their 

Lands 

Fort  Johnson  Aug1.  1st.  1762. 

Read  Nov.  11.  1762  X.  10. 


TO  MILITIA  OFFICERS 
Df.  S.1 

August  1,  1762 

Orders. 

It  is  Sir  William  Johnson's  orders  that  the  Companys  now 
under  arms  at  Conajoharee  do  proceed  to  the  House  of  Han 
Nichles  Herkemer  beyond  that  place  &  here  to  remain  for  this 
day  sending  frequent  Scouts  to  reconnoitre  the  German  Flatts 
that  they  may  be  in  readiness  to  Protect  that  Settlement  if 
attacked. —  That  they  also  make  enquiry  of  the  Inhabts.  there 
into  the  cause  of  the  late  report  which  appears  to  be  without 
foundation. 

Given  under  my  Hand  at  Mr.  Frys  August  1 8l  1 762-5  in  the 
Morning. 

WM.  JOHNSON 

To  the  officers  Comds.  Comp^8.  at  Conajoharee. 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


MAJOR   GENERAL   ROBERT   MONCKTON 
Governor  of  New  York 


Seven  Years    War  853 


TO  ROBERT  MONCKTON 

DfS 
Frys  near  Conajoharee  Augt.  /*' 

5  in  the  morning. 

SIR 

Last  Night  at  ten  o'Clock  I  received  a  Letter  by  Express  from 
one  of  the  Capts  of  Militia  informing  me  that  the  German  Flatts 
was  destroyed  by  the  Indians  on  which  I  imediately  sent  orders 
to  the  Militia  of  this  River,  &  the  Mohawks  to  joyn  me  at  the 
Flatts,  &  arrived  here  at  two  Oclock  this  morning. 

Shortly  after  I  received  a  second  Letter  to  acquaint  me  that 
it  was  a  false  report  occasioned  by  a  Drunken  Indian  who  ran 
about  and  made  much  noise,  together  with  a  Story  propagated 
a  few  days  ago  of  a  design  to  destroy  their  Settlement  was  the 
Cause  of  their  giveing  the  alarm. 

I  cannot  easily  persuade  myself  that  the  Indians  have  any 
such  design,  from  the  favorable  disposition  in  which  I  find  all 
the  Western  &  Northern  Ind8.  are  (from  whom  I  the  other  day 
received  a  Calumet  with  a  friendly  message  &  severall  belts  of 
Wampum  renews,  all  their  Engagements)  as  well  as  from  the 
present  Inclintn.  of  the  6.  Nations  in  General  whom  are  now 
here,  &  at  my  House. 

I  have  notwithstanding  issued  the  necessary  orders  to  the 
Militia,  &  posted  some  of  them  for  this  day  on  the  road  near 
the  Flatts  in  order  to  support  the  Inhabitants  in  case  of  an  Attack, 
as  also  to  keep  out  proper  Scouts,  but  I  must  beg  leave  to  observe 
that  from  the  present  dearness  &  scarcity  of  Powder  the  Poorer 
sort  of  the  Militia  are  not  in  a  Capacity  to  procure  a  Sufficiency 
neither  is  there  any  quantity  to  be  had  in  the  Country. 

I  have  wrote  to  Stockbridge  to  enquire  the  particulars  Con- 
cerning the  Murder  of  the  Indian,  and  as  soon  as  I  can  procure 
their  answer  I  shall  not  fail  to  transmit  it  to  you. 
His  Excelly.  MAJOR  GENL.  MONCKTON  Govr.  N.  York. 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


854  Srr  William  Johnson  Papers 


TO    JEFFERY    AMHERST 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See  John- 
son Calendar,  p.  141)  by  a  letter  of  August  1  st  from  Johnson,  at  Fry's, 
to  General  Amherst,  reporting  the  alarm  at  the  German  Flats,  his  conse- 
quent measures,  the  apparent  favorable  disposition  of  western  and  northern 
Indians  and  the  Six  Nations,  his  inquiry  of  the  Indians  concerning  behavior 
to  Bourk,  the  sutler,  a  small  present  of  money  to  Silver  Heels  and  another 
Indian,  and  expressing  apprehensions  that  the  Governor  of  Connecticut's 
proclamation  will  not  restrain  encroachments  on  Indian  lands  along  the 
Susquehanna,  and  that  rum-selling  to  Indians  at  the  German  Flats  will 
largely  defeat  the  good  purpose  of  prohibition  at  the  posts.  Destroyed  by 
fire. 


FROM  WILLIAM  WINEPRESS 
A.  L.  S.1 

Albany,  Aug5t.  2»*,  1762 

3  oclock  in  the  morning. 
DEAR  SIR  WILLIAM 

Yesterday  about  One  Oclock  in  the  afternoon  Mr.  John 
Duncan  of  Schenectady  brought  me  a  Copy  of  your  orders  to 
the  officers  Commanding  the  Companys  of  Militia  on  the 
Mohawk  River,  to  march  immediately  to  the  German  Flatts; 
with  the  Malancholy  account  of  the  Inhabitants  there  being 
destroyed  by  the  Enemy  Indians ;  upon  receipt  of  which  I  imme- 
diately went  to  Major  Swits  2  who  Commands  the  Militia  here; 
and  delivered  him  a  Copy  of  your  orders  to  the  Officers  of  the 
Militia,  &  told  him  that  I  thought  it  was  absolutely  necessary 
that  he  should  order  the  Comp^8.  to  march  immediately  up  to 
you,  he  seemed  to  hesitate  a  good  deal,  and  say'd  the  order  was 
directed  only  to  the  officers  that  Commanded  Companys  on  the 
Mohawk  River  &  did  not  extend  to  him,  but  that  he  would  send 
for  the  Captains,  &  have  every  thing  ready  to  march  on  the 
shortest  notice  from  you;  but  I  dont  find  that  one  of  them  have 
offered  to  stir  yet,  nor  do  I  believe  they  intend  it. 

1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Isaac  Switts,  of  the  first  battalion  of  Albany  county  militia. 


Seven  Years'  War  855 

I  immediately  dispatched  an  Express  to  General  Amherst  with 
an  account  of  this  affair;  and  I  pitty  the  poor  unhappy  sufferers 
from  my  heart,  and  I  am  with  great  truth,  Dr.  Sir 

Your  most  obliged  Humble  Servant 

WILLM.  WINEPRESS  * 
SIR  WILLM.  JOHNSON  Bar*. 

INDORSED:    Captn.  Winepress  Letter. 


TO   WILLIAM   WINEPRESS 
D/.2 

Johnson  Hall  August  4lh  1762 
DEAR  SIR 

Your  favor  of  the  2d  Inst.  was  delivered  me  yesterday  by 
Parson  Brown.3  I  am  sorry  (as  the  affair  turned  out)  that  the 
alarm  spread  so  far,  which  by  my  order  I  endeavored  to  avoid 
as  judging  the  Militia  along  this  River  would  have  been  Sufficient 
to  repell  any  number  of  Indians  that  could  be  assembled  within 
so  short  a  time  even  tho'  they  were  so  inclined;  but  the  Mil. 
Offrs.  who  were  greatly  alarmed,  forwarded  my  orders  to  All 
as  judgs.  affairs  in  the  Worst  light.  On  a  Strict  enquiry  into 
the  affair,  I  find  it  was  occasioned  by  a  Drunken  Indian  stripping 
of  his  Cloathes,  Swimming  across  the  Mohawk  River,  in  order 
to  buy  more  Rum  at  a  Tipling  House  a  Mile  distant  from  where 
he  lives  and  on  his  entering  the  House,  a  Couple  of  little  girls 
who  were  left  in  charge  of  it  got  frightened  at  the  sight  of  the 
naked  Indian  (tho  without  any  arms)  run  out  and  came  to  a 
Number  of  People  mowing  wheat,  crying  out  y*.  there  were 
Inds.  naked  in  the  house  on  which  these  Timerous  people  who 
had  often  Experienced  Indn.  Cruelty  (without  further  enquiry) 


1  Captain  in  the  55th  regiment. 

2  Destroyed  by  fire. 

8  Rev.  Thomas  Brown,  of  Albany,  chaplain  to  the  Mohawks. 


856  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

run  away  to  the  River,  which  they  crossed  and  frightened  all 
ye  people  on  the  other  side  who  imediately  spread  the  alarm  as 
far  as  Conajoharee  w*  this  addition,  that  the  Settlement  was 
destroyed,  on  receipt  of  w*1.  one  of  my  officers  dispatched  an 
Express  to  me  with  the  Ace". 

Upon  rec*.  of  this  Intelligence  I  set  out  at  10  at  Night  for 
the  German  Flatts  in  order  to  Cover  the  Country  &  make  a  stand 
with  the  Militia  of  the  River  and  the  Mohocks  whom  I  had 
ordered,  but  at  Mr.  Frys  near  Conajoharee  I  recd  a  2d  Express 
acquainting  me  that  the  report  was  without  foundation.  Where- 
upon I  wrote  Genrl.  Amherst  &  Govr.  Monkton  and  informed 
them  how  the  alarm  had  been  occasioned  wK  I  hope  they  may 
receive  time  enough  to  stop  any  Steps  they  might  Judge  necessary 
to  be  taken  thereon. 

I  am  with  much  esteem  Dear  Sir 

Your  most  obedient  Humble  Serv1. 

WM.  JOHNSON 
INDORSED:     Letter  to  Captain  Winepress. 

WILLIAM  DARLINGTON'S  ACCOUNT 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See 
Johnson  Calendar,  p.  141)  by  an  account,  dated  August  6th,  from  Wil- 
liam Darlington  for  pork  and  salt  sent  to  Johnson,  £29,  8s,  9d.  Destroyed 
by  fire. 

FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

L.  S.1 

Nev>  York,  ?ih  August  1762. 
SIR 

I  Have  this  Evening  the  Favor  of  your  Letter  of  the  1st 
Instant,  and  you  will  have  seen  by  Mine  of  the  4th2  that  on 
receiving  the  Intelligence  of  the  Indian  Alarm,  I  Judged  it  would 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Not  found. 


Seven  Years'  War  857 

turn  out  to  be  no  other  than  it  has  proved  to  be.  What  you 
mention  of  the  Disposition  of  the  Indians  in  General,  at  present, 
I  believe  to  be  very  Just,  tho'  I  must  confess  I  Can't  overlook 
their  Late  Behavior  at  Fort  Schuyler,  and  I  must  repeat  my 
Desires  that  you  will  be  pleased  to  Call  them  to  a  Severe 
Account  for  that  Riot. 

Your  Readiness  in  proceeding  to  the  Relief  of  the  Inhabitants, 
on  a  Supposition  that  they  were  in  Danger,  was  very  Commend- 
able; and  I  am  sorry  to  hear  the  Officers  of  Militia  at  &  about 
Albany  were  so  wanting  in  their  Duty  as  not  to  move  a  Step, 
altho'  the  Intelligence  had  reached  them;  On  this  occasion,  I 
can't  help  mentioning  that  great  care  should  be  taken  to  Grant 
Commissions  to  Persons  that  can  be  depended  on,  and  that  are 
Capable  of  Discharging  their  Duty  with  Spirit.  Mr.  Duncan,1 
late  of  the  44th  who  now  lives  at  Schenectady,  could  not  fail  of 
making  a  good  Militia  officer,  &  therefore  I  would  Recommend 
him  to  be  Appointed  in  the  Room  of  One  who  is  Incapable,  of 
which,  I  am  afraid,  there  are  too  many. 

I  Was  against  giving  Silverheels  &  Peter  any  money  at  this 
place,  as  I  was  sure  it  would  only  tend  to  their  own  hurt;  but  I 
shall  approve  of  whatever  you  may  think  proper  to  Bestow  on 
them,  now  they  are  got  to  their  Homes ;  and  I  shall  mention  them 
again  to  Governor  Monckton,  as  I  know  not  what  he  may  have 
Intended  to  give  them. 

Your  Postcript  relating  to  the  Rum  Sold  to  the  Indians  at 
the  German  Flatts  Surprises  me,  after  the  orders  I  have  given 
for  Prohibiting  the  least  drop  of  that  pernicious  Liquor  to  pass 
any  of  the  Posts:  I  shall  Acquaint  Captain  Winepress  of  it, 
that  he  may  Renew  the  Orders,  &  Effectually  put  a  stop  to  any 
Complaints  of  this  Nature  for  the  future. 

I  am,  with  great  regard,  Sir 

Your  most  Obedient  Humble  Servant, 

JEFF:  AMHERST. 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bar1. 


1  John  Duncan. 


858  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

LETTERS  TO  AND   FROM  JOHNSON 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  by  two  of  August  1  Oth  in  the  Johnson 
Calendar,  p.  142,  destroyed  by  fire:  a  letter  from  David  Van  Der 
Heyden,  at  Albany,  saying  that  he  sends  an  account  of  iron  and  nails, 
he  has  returned  from  Montreal,  and  he  will  let  Peter  Schuyler  keep  a 
certain  piece  of  land  on  condition  of  immediate  payment;  and  a  letter  from 
Johnson  to  Hugh  Wallace,  sending  a  draft  for  Captain  Spiesmacher's 
account,  mentioning  his  meeting  at  Seneca  with  more  than  2400  Indians 
and  an  injury  received  at  Onondaga,  and  inquiring  about  land  trans- 
actions. 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

D/.1 

Johnson  Hall  Aug.  14*  1762. 
SIR 

I  am  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  Excellencys  favour 
of  the  25th  2  ult°.  and  Ist  and  4th  2  of  this  Inst  in  the  former  of 
which  was  Enclosed  a  State  of  the  Standing  expences  of  the 
Department  under  Mr.  Croghan  which  I  have  retrenched  as  far 
as  I  possibly  could,  and  transmitted  the  same  with  the  several 
alterations  &  Retrenchments  which  I  have  made  therein. 

I  have  likewise  lately  examined  &  inspected  the  whole 
expences  attending  the  Indian  Department  in  every  quarter 
within  my  jurisdiction  in  order  to  make  all  possible  retrenchm1. 
but  altho'  in  many  articles  I  can  at  present  reduce  the  annual 
Expence,  I  must  again  observe  to  your  Excellency  the  absolute 
necessity  there  is  for  an  augmentation  of  some  necessary  officers, 
to  the  present  want  of  which  many  Differences  are,  and  more 
may  be  owing,  all  which  might  be  prevented  by  such  an  appoint- 
ment with  a  saving  to  the  Crown  in  other  articles. 

I  need  not  say  more  on  the  necessity  of  such  assistance,  as 
your  Excellency  may  please  to  recollect  what  I  mentioned  on 
that  Head  after  the  reduction  of  Canada,  which  I  have  since 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Not  found. 


Seven  Years9  War  859 

taken  the  liberty  to  repeat,  with  regard  to  the  great  Extent  of 
our  Indian  alliance,  from  such  an  additn.  of  Country  the  peace 
&  security  of  which  must  in  a  great  measure  depend  on  a  due 
management  of  the  Indians.  At  present  I  feel  the  want  of  such 
assistance  &  the  great  Necessity  there  is  for  a  Deputy  with  my 
self,  for  whom  I  have  sufficient  employm1.  and  who  might  be  of 
good  service  at  present  by  being  sent  about  amongst  the  Indians, 
for  which  there  will  be  constant  occasion,  as  well  as  for  many 
purposes  to  describe  which  would  take  up  too  much  of  yr  Excel- 
lencys  time.  I  really  cannot  possibly  do  all  that  is  necessary 
myself,  neither  will  my  Constitution  permit  me  to  act  as  I  have 
done  even  tho*  there  were  no  more  Indians  in  the  alliance  than 
we  had  at  the  Beginning  of  the  War. 

I  shall  conclude  the  Subject  with  assuring  your  Excellency 
that  it  will  be  impossible  for  me  to  perform  the  Service  without 
such  assistance. 

For  the  particulars  of  the  Riot  at  Fort  Schuyler  I  beg  leave  to 
refer  your  Excellency  to  the  herewith  enclosed  Extract  from  my 
Proceedings  with  the  Oneidas  who  came  the  other  day  to  give 
an  ace1  thereof,  &  apologise  for  their  behavior. 

In  my  last  I  represented  to  your  Excellcy  the  quantitys  of 
liquor  to  be  sold  along  the  River  which  I  am  certain  will  be  the 
cause  of  many  such  disorders  if  not  put  a  stop  to.  I  hope  your 
Excellency  has  recd.  my  last  with  the  Circumstances  which  gave 
rise  to  the  alarm  at  the  German  Flatts,  by  which  you  will  observe 
it  was  Suggested  by  the  fears  of  the  Inhabitants  without  any 
reasonable  foundation.  I  have  given  the  Indians  a  severe  Lesson 
&  strict  Charge  to  behave  with  more  discretion  for  the  future, 
otherwise  they  must  Expect  to  feel  our  Resentment. 

As  There  appears  to  be  no  occasion  at  present  for  the  assist- 
ance of  Capt  Hopkins's  Company,  I  shall  direct  Lieut  Cuyler 
to  pursue  his  route  in  case  he  should  apply  to  me  for  any  orders. 

I  am  with  great  Esteem  &ca. 

His  ExcelK  SIR  JEFF.  AMHERST  Kn'.  of  the  Bath. 


860 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


RETURN  OF  FORT  PITT  DEPARTMENT  * 
Return   of   the   Persons   Necessary   for  the  Department  of 
Indian  Affairs  at  Fort  Pitt  &ca  with  An  Estimate  of  their  Annual 
Pay  in  Sterling,  in  which,  Some  Officers  And  Expences  are 
retrenched. 


Officers 

Stations 

Sallary 

Sterling 

One  assistant  with  ] 

1               T^v                                               >• 

Fort  Pitt 

100—..—.. 

the  Deputy  .  .  .  J 
One  Surgeon  

36—10—.. 

One  Interpreter  .... 

One  Smith  &         \ 
»     . 

50^-..—.. 
100—..—.. 

286—10—.. 

Assistant   J 

Two  Interpreters  .  .  . 

Fort  Detroit 

100—..—.. 

One  Surgeon  

36     10 

OO/:           1  f\ 

One  Smith  &          | 

100—..—.. 

>£jb  —  IU  —  .  . 

Assistant   J 

523—..—.. 

Johnson 
August  14 

Hall 
!>:  1762: 

Remarks 


Mn  British  Museum,  Additional  Manuscripts  21655.  fo.  188,  London, 
England.  A  draft  in  the  Library  Collection  was  destroyed.  Dated 
Aug.  14. 


Seven  Years    War  861 

To  be  Employed  in  Making  Tours  throughout  the 
Several  Nations  in  that  Quarter,  ficca.1 
If  a  Surgeon's  Mate  Resides  there,  that  Sallary  will  be 
a  Sufficient  addition  to  his  pay,  otherwise  not. 

Former  Estimate  Pensylvania  Curr^: £1377 — 17 — 6 

Present  Estimate  in  D°.  Currency 840 — 10 — 9 


Retrenched  from  former  Estimate.  ,          £537 —  6 — 9 


N:  B:  Mr.  Croghan's  Sallary,  as  Deputy  Agent  Being  £200 
Sterling  pr.  Annum  is  not  Included  in  Either  of  the  Estimates. 

(Signed) 

Wm.  Johnson. 

Head  Quarters  1     A  True  Copy  X 

New  York,  28th  Aug"  1 762  J          ARTHUR  MAIR, 

INDORSED:     Copy  X 

Estimate  of  the  Indian 
Expences  in  Mr.  Croghan's 
Department,  as  Settled  by  Sir 
W.  Johnson— 1762. 


FROM  DANIEL  CLAUS 
A.  L.  S.2 

Montreal  17*  Aug*.  1762. 
HONOURED  SIR 

Mr.  Welles  arrived  here  the  14th  Inst.  and  delivered  me  your 
Favour  of  22d  ult0.3  by  which  I  saw  to  my  great  Joy  that  you 
returned  safe  from  Easton  after  completely  settling  a  tedious 


1This  defines  the  duty  of  the  Deputy's  assistant 
a  Destroyed  by  fire. 
3  Not  found. 


862  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


affair  with  a  set  of  people  who  under  the  cloak  of  their  Religious 
principles  take  the  assurance  to  insult  every  Body  that  does  not 
clash  with  them  to  their  cause  just  or  unjust.  Mr.  Welles  gave 
me  some  particulars  of  their  Insolence  to  you  during  the  Treaty 
which  he  tells  me  when  they  found  you  shunned  &  guarded 
against  they  were  sorry  and  ashamed  of. 

By  last  Saturdays  Post  came  Gen1.  Amhersts  answer  to  L1. 
Collo  Munster  1  upon  my  Resign11,  by  which  I  have  his  leave 
to  quit  the  army  and  dispose  of  my  Company  to  Lieut.  Carr  of 
1st  Battn.  who  is  the  oldest  Ll.  to  purchase  in  the  Regim*.  and 
will  be  soon  here  from  Niagara  where  he  is  posted,  to  settle 
with  me  and  take  my  Company  into  his  charge  by  which  Time 
(wch  WJU  kg  abt  the  Beginning  of  Septr.)  I  shall  likewise  be 
better  able  to  leave  this  Country  with  Regard  to  Indn.  Matters 
as  then  they  will  be  mostly  gone  upon  the  Hunt. 

Since  I  published  the  Sentence  abl.  the  Indns.  Lands  I  had 
a  wrangling  with  the  Jesuits,  as  they  merely  blame  me  with  their 
Loosing  it,  and  when  I  came  to  have  it  surveyed  I  found  so  many 
errors  and  Frauds  of  theirs  in  running  their  Line  so  as  to  add  to 
their  Grant  joining  the  Caghnaw8.  that  I  have  not  been  able  to 
come  upon  the  true  line  as  yet  but  hope  to  please  the  Inds.  the 
next  time  w^1.  will  be  in  a  few  days. 

The  Deputies  that  are  gone  to  the  general  Congress  to  be  held 
at  Cayouga  are  not  yet  returned. 

Otquandageghte  has  been  with  me  some  days  ago  and  told 
me  that  the  Caghnaw8.  &  Caneghs8.  summoned  him  to  appear 
before  me  to  clear  up  last  Winters  Reports  and  alarms;  as  it 
appeared  to  me  he  cleared  them  up  candidly,  and  then  pro- 
fessed before  the  Gen1.  &  me  his  hearty  Repentance  of  his  past 
Behaviour  during  the  War,  and  declared  his  Sincere  Resolution 
of  repairing  his  past  Fault  by  such  a  Behaviour  as  to  convince 
us  of  his  real  Sentiments  of  Friendship. 


1  Herbert  Munster,  of  the  60th  regiment. 


Seven  Years'  Wat  863 

I  have  taken  down  his  Declaration  and  my  Conference  with 
him  in  my  Journal. 

As  I  am  in  hopes  of  soon  wating  upon  you  I  deferred  send- 
ing my  accot8.  of  Indn.  Expences  as  something  may  be  added 
during  my  Stay. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  utmost  Respect,  Honoured 
Sir 

Your  most  dutyfull 

and  obedient  humble  Servant 

DAN  CLAUS 
The  Honble  SIR  WM.  JOHNSON  Bar4. 


TO  ROBERT  MONCKTON 
A.  L.  S.1 

Johnson  Hall  August  18th.  1762 
SIR 

As  Notice  hath  been  sent  to  me  of  the  Death  of  Lieu*.  Co11. 
Jacob  Glen  of  the  1st.  Battallion  of  the  Militia  Regiment  of 
which  I  am  Co11.,  I  take  the  liberty  to  recommend  Lieu*.  Co1. 
David  Van  Derheyden  of  the  2d.  Battallion  to  Succeed  him,  & 
Major  Jacobus  Vanslyke  being  the  oldest  Major  to  Succeed 
Lieu*.  Coll0.  Van  Derheyden.  I  have  not  as  yet  got  the  name 
of  the  oldest  Captain  for  Major  Vanslykes  Majority,  which 
when  I  do,  I  beg  leave  to  request  that  Mr.  Duncan  formerly  of 
the  44th.  Regiment  who  is  Settled  in  Schenectady  may  Succeed 
to  his  Company,  tho  I  am  realy  of  Opinion,  if  it  would  be  done 
with  propriety,  He  could  make  a  much  better  Major  than  any 
of  the  Captns. 

As  soon  as  I  can  possibly  procure  a  Return  of  the  Regim*. 
for  which  I  have  given  Orders,  I  shall  transmit  it  to  your 
Excellcy.  for  the  filling  up  of  the  other  Vacancys. 

1  In  Chalmers  Collection,  New  York  Public  Library.  The  draft,  dated 
the  10th,  entered  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  142,  was  destroyed  in  the 
fire. 


864  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Mr.  Mc.Crackan  a  Merchant  &  Inhabitant  of  Albany,  who 
will  have  the  honour  of  delivering  this  to  your  Excellency  is 
strongly  recommended  to  me  by  many  of  the  principall  People 
in  this  County  for  my  Interest,  that  he  may  succeed  as  Sheriff. 
I  therefore  take  the  liberty  to  recommend  him  to  your  Excel- 
lencys  notice,  as  from  his  generall  character,  I  am  induced  to 
believe  he  will  discharge  that  Office  faithfully  and  impartially, 
and  I  dare  say,  more  to  the  Satisfaction  &  Interest  of  the  pub- 
lick  than  usual. 

I  beg  leave  to  assure  Your  Excellency,  that  I  am  with  the 
greatest  respect  Sir 

Your  Excellencys  Most  Obedient  & 
most  Humble  Servant 

WM.  JOHNSON 
His  Excellency 
GOVERNOUR  MONKTON 


FROM  ELEAZAR  WHEELOCK  ETC. 

There  are  entered  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  143,  two  letters  of 
August  20th,  destroyed  by  fire:  a  letter  from  Rev.  Eleazar  Wheelock, 
at  Lebanon,  to  Johnson,  concerning  Indian  boys  received  at  his  school,  also 
a  youth,  George  Haxton,  employed  at  the  royal  blockhouse  on  Oneida 
lake,  whom  he  thinks  of  fitting  for  interpreter  or  missionary,  and  a  project 
for  establishing  among  the  Indians  settlements  favorable  to  their  welfare 
(printed  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  4:313-14;  Q.  4:201-2);  and  a  letter 
from  Johnson  to  William  Darlington  regarding  articles  sent,  and  to  be 
sent,  from  New  York,  and  letters  which  he  desires  to  be  forwarded  to 
Europe. 


Seven  Years    War  865 


TO  THE  LORDS  OF  TRADE 
D/.1 

Duplicate 

Fort  Johnson  August  20lh  1762. 
MY  LORDS 

I  do  myself  the  honour  to  transmit  your  Lordships  my  Pro- 
ceedings at  the  Treaty  which  I  lately  held  at  Easton  with  the 
Delaware  Indians  in  obedience  to  his  late  Majestys  order  to  me 
to  Examine  into  the  Complaint  made  by  those  Indians  against 
the  Proprietors  of  Pensilvania  for  defrauding  them  of  their 
Lands,2  for  the  particulars  of  which  Treaty  I  beg  leave  to  refer 
your  Lordships  to  the  Minutes  of  the  Proceedings,  and  my 
report  thereon  herewith  transmitted. 

Together  with  my  proceedings  at  Easton  I  likewise  transmit 
your  Lordships  my  Transactions  with  the  Indians  on  my  way  to, 
and  at  the  Detroit  last  Summer,3  whither  I  was  sent  by  Sir  Jeff. 
Amherst,  that  I  might  settle  all  matters,  and  enter  into  a  Treaty 
of  Alliance  with  the  Western  and  Northern  Indians;  and  as  at 
that  time  a  report  had  been  spread  of  the  disaffection  of  the 
Senecas,  with  their  designs  to  excite  the  Western  Indians  &0*. 
to  a  revolt.  I  therefore  delayed  transmitting  to  your  Lordships 
the  before  mentioned  Transactions,  until  I  should  likewise  be 
enabled  to  hold  a  Meeting  with  the  Six  Nations  on  my  return 
home,  to  enquire  into  the  cause  of  such  reports,  the  Motives 
which  induced  them  to  such  a  proceeding,  with  their  present 


1  Destroyed  by  fire.  The  letter  is  in  the  Public  Record  Office,  London, 
England. 

"August  29  1759  (Doc.  Hut.  N.  Y.t  2:789-90;  Q.  2:458).  For 
proceedings,  see  Meeting  with  Delawares  at  Easton,  June  1 8—28,  attached 
to  Johnson  to  the  lords  of  trade,  August  1 ,  1  762. 

8  See  Johnson  to  Amherst,  July  24,  1761  ;  Johnson  to  Amherst,  July 
29th,  Stone,  Life  and  Times  of  Johnson,  2 :\ 45-47;  and  Niagara  and 
Detroit  Proceedings,  July-September,  1761. 

Vol.  Ill— 28 


866  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

resolutions  thereon,  which  meeting  having  some  time  ago  taken 
place,  a  Copy  of  the  Minutes  of  the  Transactions  1  thereat  are 
herewith  likewise  enclosed. 

On  Inspecting  my  transactions  of  last  year,  and  those  of  the 
late  meeting,  your  Lordships  will  observe  that  the  Indians  are 
not  only  very  uneasy,  but  jealous  of  our  growing  power,  which 
the  Enemy  (to  engage  them  firmly  in  their  Interest)  had  always 
represented  would  prove  their  destruction,  as  we  should  hem 
them  in  and  in  the  end  extirpate  them. 

This,  a  people  Jealous  of  their  libertys  as  the  Indians,  are  the 
readiest  induced  to  believe  from  the  many  posts  which  we  have 
erected  throughout  the  Country  during  the  course  of  and  since 
the  War  in  these  parts,  for  several  of  which,  according  to  their 
ideas  of  these  matters,  they  are  led  to  think  we  can  have  no  other 
use  at  present  except  to  serve  as  checks  upon,  and  at  last  sur- 
round them,  neither  are  there  wanting  people  in  America  to 
remind  them  thereof  from  a  mistaken  zeal  for  the  Interest  of 
their  Monarch,  altho  it  can  serve  them  but  to  little  purpose. 

The  treatment  they  meet  with  from  the  more  unthinking  of 
our  People,  being  very  different  from  that  to  which  they  had 
been  accustomed,  does  not  a  little  strengthen  them  in  this  belief 
and  we  cannot  be  surprised  that  a  people  who  judge  only  from 
exterior  actions  and  appearances,  and  who  have  been  constantly 
treated  with  the  greatest  friendship,  and  loaded  with  an  infinity 
of  presents,  particularly  by  the  French  (who  owed  all  their 
successes  in  a  great  measure  to  them)  should  harbour  doubts 
and  suspicions  on  a  too  sudden  change,  and  I  am  very  appre- 
hensive that  we  who  always  fell  greatly  short  of  the  Enemy  in 
presents  and  kindnesses  to  them,  may  become  too  premature  in 
a  sudden  retrenchment  of  some  yet  necessary  Expences,  which 
on  due  Consideration  I  flatter  myself  your  Lordships  will  be  of 
opinion  they  should  be  gradually  weaned  from,  and  that  by  a 
prudent  Conduct,  and  due  distribution  of  some  little  favours  to 


1  Indian    Proceedings,    April    21-28,    1762.      See    also    Johnson    to 
Amlierst,  April  29,  1  762. 


Seven  Years    War  867 

them  for  a  time,  we  may  effect  without  much  trouble,  what  we 
should  find  no  small  difficulty  in  compassing  by  force,  Namely, 
a  quiet  possession  of  our  distant  posts,  and  an  increase  of  settle- 
ments on  the  back  parts  of  the  Country  so  as  within  a  few  years 
to  have  a  well  Setled  Frontier,  in  itself  strong  enough  to  repel 
any  sudden  attempt  from  the  Indians. 

The  great  abuses  in  Trade  with  the  Indians,  of  which  they 
had  frequently  complained,  occasioned  my  making  Regulations 
therein  for  the  present  which  I  left  at  all  the  principal  posts  as 
mentioned  in  my  Transactions  of  last  year,  and  I  am  hopefull 
if  strictly  attended  to,  and  enforced  at  the  several  Garrisons,  it 
will  in  a  great  measure  contribute  to  make  the  Indians  easy  on 
a  Head  which  they  consider  of  the  utmost  importance. 

I  have  likewise  made  the  best  use  I  could  of  his  Majestys  late 
Instructions  to  his  Governour  of  this  Province  concerning  the 
Indian  Lands,  thereby  to  convince  them  of  his  Royal  intentions 
to  do  them  Justice.  As  this  was  a  subject  which  had  created 
much  Jealousy  and  uneasiness,  what  I  said  thereon  afforded 
them  a  General  satisfaction,  Except  the  Mohocks  who  still 
remain  very  discontented  on  account  of  the  Lands  which  they 
alledge  they  have  been  unjustly  deprived  of,  that  is  to  say,  a 
large  Tract  of  several  hundred  Thousand  Acres  of  Land  called 
Kaiadarusseras  alias  Queensborough  pattented  in  the  year  1 708, 
and  as  yet  undivided  and  unsettled,  comprehending  a  great  part 
of  the  Country  lying  between  the  Mohock  and  Hudsons  River, 
also  the  Low  Lands  called  the  Mohock  Flatts,  or  planting 
grounds  whereon  they  live,  claimed  by  the  corporation  of 
Albany,  also  their  Lands  at  Conajoharee  called  the  upper 
Mohock  Castle  or  Village;  which  Complaints  of  theirs  I  for- 
merly laid  before  your  Lordships,  and  as  they  frequently  solicite 
me  for  an  answer,  I  hope  to  be  honoured  with  your  Lordships 
Sentiments  thereon. 

Altho'  I  am  thoroughly  convinced  of  the  Experience  and  dis- 
cernment which  your  Lordships,  and  his  Majestys  Ministers  have 
of  the  importance  of  keeping  on  good  terms  with  the  Indians, 


868  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

and  of  your  sense  of  the  ill  treatment  and  frauds  often  used 
towards  them,  I  am  nevertheless  induced  to  offer  a  few  remarks 
on  that  Subject,  for  which  I  humbly  presume  on  your  Lordships 
favourable  indulgence,  and  that  you  will  believe  they  arise  from 
no  other  motive  than  a  zealous  desire  to  preserve  peace,  and  to 
promote  his  Majestys  interest  and  the  prosperity  of  his  American 
Colonies. 

The  defenceless  state  of  the  back  parts  of  each  province,  and 
their  importance  towards  promoting  the  flourishing  state  of  the 
rest  being  duly  considered,  will  no  doubt  incline  your  Lordships 
to  use  every  Expedient  which  may  prevent  their  receiving  any 
Check  in  their  growth,  which  must  certainly  put  them  back 
several  years,  the  Evils  of  which  can  in  no  wise  be  effectually 
prevented  but  by  preserving  peace,  and  the  Friendship  of  the 
Natives.  For,  altho'  our  frontier  Forts  are  erected  in  the  best 
manner,  and  most  advantageous  Scituation  for  covering  the 
Country,  yet  I  cannot  help  observing  to  your  Lordships  that  tho' 
they  may  prove  a  means  of  retarding  the  progress  of  an  Army, 
or  oppose  an  European  force,  they  can  in  no  wise  prevent  the 
Incursions  of  the  Indians,  who  need  not  approach  them  in  any 
of  their  inroads,  and  can  destroy  the  inhabitants  and  their  Dwell- 
ings with  very  little  risque,  which  (from  their  Experience  and 
dread  of  Indian  cruelty)  will  sufficiently  alarm  all  the  Neigh- 
bouring Settlers,  and  occasion  their  forsaking  their  places  of 
Abode. 

It  will  be  needless  to  detain  your  Lordships  with  a  representa- 
tion of  the  many  ill  consequences  which  must  attend  an  Indian 
War  amongst  Scattered  Settlements,  and  the  Expences,  losses  & 
difficulties  to  be  sustained,  together  with  the  time  it  may  require 
before  a  Body  of  Troops  can  be  enabled  to  restore  the  Country 
to  a  State  of  Tranquility,  it  being  a  Subject  of  too  much  import- 
ance to  have  escaped  your  Lordships  observation. 

I  shall  therefore  only  beg  leave  to  observe,  that  to  effect  so 
necessary  an  end  as  that  of  securing  the  friendship  and  esteem  of 
the  Indians,  it  will  be  expedient  that  we  convince  them  by  our 


Seven  Years    War  869 

Treatment  we  are  determined  to  adhere  firmly  to  all  our  Engage- 
ments with  them,  that  we  indulge  them  with  a  free  and  plentifull 
trade  subject  to  a  proper  Regulation,  and  that  the  Department 
of  Indian  affairs  (which  by  our  Acquisition  of  Territory  is 
become  very  extensive)  be  carried  on  with  the  utmost  regularity 
and  uniformity  so  as  to  promote  his  Majestys  Interest  by  remov- 
ing any  misunderstandings  and  Jealousys,  without  which  they 
will  consider  themselves  as  neglected,  and  that  will  tend  to  con- 
firm their  suspicions  concerning  us.  With  regard  to  the  former 
I  make  no  doubt  of  its  being  closely  attended  to  and  as  to  the 
Indian  Department  I  am  now  busied  in  retrenching  such 
Expenses  as  I  can,  and  making  some  necessary  alterations 
therein,  with  the  consent  of  Sir  Jeff  Amherst,  a  state  of  which  I 
shall  within  a  short  time  be  able  to  transmit  to  your  Lordships 
for  your  approbation  hoping  for  the  same  favourable  Indulgence 
which  I  have  experienced  whenever  I  had  the  honour  of  offering 
your  Lordships  my  humble  Sentiments  on  Indian  affairs. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  Highest  Respect,  My  Lords, 
Your  Lordships  Most  Obedient  and  most  Humble  Servant 

WM.  JOHNSON. 
By  the  Cygnet  Frigate. 


FROM   KENNEDY  AND   LYLE 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1 43,  by  a 
letter  of  August  22d  from  Kennedy  &  Lyle,  at  Albany,  informing  Johnson 
of  the  receipt  by  them  of  a  chaise  and  a  saddle  from  Philadelphia  and 
inclosing  a  bill  from  Francis  Wade.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


HUGH  WALLACE  TO  ALEXANDER  DUNCAN 

Contemporary  Copp1 

Coppy  of  a  Paragraff  of  a  Letter  from  Lieutenant  Wallace 
of  55th  Reg1,  to  Major  Duncan  Dated  at  Fort  Brewerton,  27 
August  1762 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


870  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

In  the  Night  of  the  22d  Inst :  the  Indians  broke  into  the  Island 
Garden,  that  is  opposite  the  Fort,  and  carry ed  away  every  kind 
of  Roots,  with  all  the  Cabbages  that  grew  on  the  Island  —  and 
what  was  still  more  Impudent :  they  told  me  next  Morning  in  an 
Insolent  manner,  that  they  would  take  every  thing  that  was 
planted  or  would  be  planted  there,  until  they  were  paid  for  the 
ground. 

You'll  please  to  let  me  know  how  I  shall  behave  in  Case  they 
should  make  another  attempt  on  the  garden,  on  this  side  of  the 
River.  Your  Complyance  will  oblige  Dr.  Sir  Your  very  Humble 
Serv'. 

Hugh  Wallace, 

Ll:  55th  Reg*. 
To  MAJOR  DUNCAN. 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See  John- 
son Calendar,  p.  143)  by  a  letter  of  August  28th  from  Johnson  to  General 
Amherst,  commending  John  Duncan  as  well  qualified  for  office  in  the 
militia,  pointing  out  the  difficulty  of  preventing  by  military  force  the  sale 
of  rum  to  the  Indians,  as  the  traffic  is  favored  by  the  province,  submitting 
accounts  and  asking  for  a  warrant  for  £500  sterling.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


FROM  INDIANS  AT  OQUAGA 
A.  L.  S.1 
Onohoquage  Aug5t.  30*  1762. 

SIR 

You  told  us  in  the  Beginning  of  the  War  that  we  must  be 
faithfull  to  help  you  against  the  French,  and  that  if  it  should 
please  God  to  Succeed  our  united  Force  against  our  Enemy,  & 
We  should  overcome  them  —  then  everything  would  be  plenty. 
And  you  told  us  that  you  gave  us  but  little  now,  because  you 
lov'd  us  &  expected  nothing  in  return,  but  our  Friendship.  But 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years'  War  871 

the  French  who  seem'd  so  ready  to  give,  intended  to  have  all 
our  Lands,  when  they  could  overcome  the  English.  You 
inform'd  too  that  our  great  Brother  King  George  loved  us  much 
and  would  not  let  us  be  hurt,  &  that  he  would  build  Forts  in 
our  Country,  not  that  He  would  take  away  our  Lands  by  Eng- 
lish Settlers,  but  that  he  would  defend  us  &  our  Lands  and  if 
God  should  succeed  his  warriors  joined  with  ours,  so  that  if  the 
Enemy  sho'd  be  subdued,  then  he  would  pull  down  those  Forts 
as  being  of  no  farther  use  and  leave  us  in  the  quiet  possession  of 
our  Lands  as  before  the  Wars.  Also  you  told  us  that  our  great 
Brother  said,  that  if  the  French  should  prevail  and  subdue  the 
English  we  should  next  be  destroyed,  for  the  French  King  had 
not  forgot  what  had  passed  in  Antient  Wars.  And  we  now 
believe  all  that  was  told  us,  for  we  cant  think  that  You,  or  our 
great  Brother  the  King  will  lie,  for  we  believe  all  that  he  says 
to  be  as  true  as  religion.  And  now  it  is  our  Prayer  to  God  that 
our  Great  Brother  may  be  strong  to  do  all  which  he  has  prom- 
ised. We  rejoice  much  that  God  has  so  far  prospered  him,  that 
he  has  overcome  his  enemies,  and  we  are  thankfull  to  God  for 
his  goodness  to  us,  as  well  as  to  our  Brethren  the  English,  for 
we  are  now  sensible  that  it  would  have  been  very  bad  with  us 
if  the  French  had  prevailed.  But  we  are  now  left  in  Peace, 
and  have  nothing  to  do  but  to  plant  our  Corn,  Hunt  the  Wild 
Beasts,  Smoke  our  Pipes,  and  mind  Religion.  But  as  these 
Forts  which  are  built  among  us,  disturb  our  Peace,  &  are  a  great 
Hurt  to  Religion,  because  some  of  our  Warriors  are  foolish,  & 
some  of  our  Brothers  soldiers  dont  fear  God  We  therefore, 
desire  that  these  Forts  may  be  pull'd  down  &  kick'd  out  of  the 
way.  We  that  mind  Religion  at  Onohoquage  repeat  our 
request  that  these  Forts  might  be  pulled  down,  acording  to 
promise  which  we  well  remember.  Those  that  done  mind 
Religion  amongst  us  are  greatly  stumbled  that  so  great  &  good 
a  man  as  our  Brother  does  not  fullfill  his  promises  and  pull  down 
these  Forts  &  let  us  have  goods  in  exchange  for  our  Skins  more 
reasonably. 


872  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

We  thank  our  great  Brother  that  He  has  taken  care  of  our 
Souls,  &  has  directed  our  good  Fathers  &  Brethren  at  Boston  to 
teach  us  Religion,  which  we  begin  to  see  a  little  into  and  it 
appears  to  us  to  be  honest  and  beautiful.  And  we  inform  our 
Brother  that  our  good  Fathers  &  Brethren  at  Boston  have  sent 
us  a  Minister  from  whom  we  receive  the  messages  of  the  Gospel 
gladly  and  who  writes  these  things  at  our  desire.  We  are  like- 
wise thankfull  to  our  great  Brother  that  he  has  wrote  to  our  good 
Friend  &  Brother  Sr.x  William  Johnson  to  take  care  that  our 
Lands  are  not  taken  from  us  without  honesty.  Our  eyes  are  so 
far  opened  as  that  we  are  more  afraid  of  Losing  our  Souls  by 
our  Sins,  than  our  Lands  by  dishonesty.  We  have  made  choice 
of  Religion  as  the  best  thing  &  are  determined  never  to  let  it  go. 
When  we  look  this  way,  we  See  good,  when  we  turn  our  eye 
off  from  Religion  we  see  nothing  but  Evil.  We  love  our  Brother 
the  King  very  much.  We  hope  He  wont  grieve  our  hearts.  We 
always  expect  good  when  we  look  to  him,  for  He  is  in  God's 
room  to  us;  and  we  hope  God  will  strengthen  his  heart  &  enable 
him  to  overcome  all  his  Enemies  and  that  He  would  pity  us  his 
ignorant  Brethren  &  Children,  and  that  he  would  send  us  the 
good  news  of  Religion,  and  make  the  Light  of  Christianity  Shine 
here  as  clear  as  at  Boston.  We  are  glad  we  have  a  Father  here 
to  strengthen  and  comfort  our  Hearts  that  we  may  not  be  shaken 
by  those  who  are  bad. 

Our  Lands  extend  from  the  Head  of  Susquehannah  River  to 
Chugnute  2  &  some  Men  are  not  wise  of  whom  we  are  afraid  but 
if  anything  should  happen,  as  we  have  chose  Religion  we  are 
determined  to  go  with  our  Religious  Fathers  when  ever  they  go. 

Now  we  hope  our  good  Brother  will  forgive  our  mistakes  & 
errors  and  think  upon  us  his  Brethren  &  Child",  for  good. 

The   above  was  taken   from  the  mouth  of  Peter   (a  very 


1Dr.  in  the  copy. 

2Chugnutts,  an  Indian  town  in  Broome  county,  N.  Y. 


Seven  Years    War  873 

religious  and  principal  man  of  the  Onyda  Tribe  who  spoke  at  the 
desire  and  on  the  behalf  of  all  the  Christian  Indians  inhabiting 
at  Onohoquage  in  one  of  their  general  Councils)  Per 

ELI  FORBES 
ASAPH  RICE 

Commissionaries. 
To  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON. 


FROM  JOHN  BRADSTREET 

The  preceding  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1 43,  by  a  letter 
of  September  3d  from  Colonel  John  Bradstreet,  at  Albany,  inquiring  of 
Johnson,  in  behalf  of  Colonel  Wilmot,  about  land  near  the  Mohawk 
included  in  the  grant  to  the  late  Governor  Cosby.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


FROM  GEORGE  CROGHAN 
A.  L.  S.1 

Bedford  4*  September  1762 
HONOURED  SIR 

Yesterday  I  return'd  here  from  the  Conference  held  at  Lan- 
caster by  Governor  Hammilton  with  about  Six  Hundred  Indians 
of  different  Nations.  For  the  particulars  of  what  pass'd  there, 
I  must  refer  you  to  the  minnets  which  Governor  Hammilton 
promised  me  he  would  send  your  honour  as  soon  as  he  arrived 
in  Philadelphia.  The  chief  objects  which  the  People  of  Penn- 
sylvania seem  to  have  at  heart,  is  as  follows. 

First  the  Quakers  laboured  to  get  the  Indians  to  insist  on  the 
Governors  discharging  the  Troops  from  Fort  Augusta2,  and  to 
continue  the  Fort  as  a  Store  for  the  Quakers.  The  Indians 
desired  the  Troops  might  be  discharged,  and  at  the  same  time 
desired,  that  the  Traders  might  likewise  be  remooved,  and  honest 


1  Destroyed  by  fire.     A  postscript  devoted  to  a  scandalous  report  con- 
cerning Mr  Pemberton,  a  Quaker  politician,  was  omitted  in  copying.     It  is 
not  now  available. 

2  At  Shamokin,  now  Sunbury,  Pa. 


874  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

men  sent  in  their  places;  to  which  the  Governor  answered,  That 
the  Fort  was  built  for  the  King,  and  he  could  not  take  upon 
him  to  send  the  Troops  away  But  as  the  Quakers  who  Treaded 
there  seemed  to  be  disagreeable  he  wou'd  endeavour  to  get  better 
Men  to  place  there. 

Secondly.  The  Governor  desired  liberty  to  reconnoiter  the 
River  Susquehannah,  in  order  to  make  it  Navigable  for  Boats, 
and  liberty  to  build  stores  at  the  Head  of  the  River,  in  order  to 
carry  on  a  Trade  with  the  Indians,  and  open  a  communication 
with  the  Lakes  free  of  the  Kings  Posts,  which  I  thought  an 
extraordinary  proceeding  for  the  Governor  to  come  into  without 
first  acquainting  General  Amherst,  or  you  with  it:  However 
Kinderunty  or  blew  cheeks,  the  Sinaca  Warrior  got  up  and 
made  a  speech  on  that  occasion,  which  from  the  manner  he 
delivered  it,  frighten'd  the  Governor,  and  all  present  and  flatly 
denied  them  any  communication  that  way. 

Thirdly.  The  Quakers  endeavoured  all  they  could,  privatly 
to  spirit  up  the  Indians  to  make  fresh  complaints  about  Lands, 
and  wanted  the  Six  Nations  to  give  the  Dillewares  a  deed  for  a 
large  Tract  of  Land  bordering  on  the  River  Dilleware,  which 
the  Six  Nations  refused  to  do  so  that  the  Conference  ended  with- 
out the  Quakers  being  able  to  carry  any  one  point  they  aim'd  at: 
more  than  spending  eight  thousand  pound  of  the  publicks  money 
and  exposing  themselves;  for  there  was  hardly  any  thing  they 
ask'd  which  this  blue  cheeks  did  not  turn  into  ridicule  both  in 
public  &  private  conversation. 

He  is  a  very  sensible  Indian,  and  has  great  Interest  in  the 
Sineca  Nation,  he  was  averst  to  coming  to  Philadelphia,  and 
wanted  .  the  Indians  to  go  to  your  house,  and  deliver  up  the 
prisoners.  He  wants  much  to  be  in  favour  with  you.  I  promised 
him  I  wou'd  recommend  him,  and  am  of  opinion  you  will  find 
him  a  man  who  will  be  of  great  service  to  you  when  you  try  him. 
Captain  Montour  was  at  the  Treaty  and  kept  sober  all  the  time 
and  behaved  very  well. 

I  am  of  opinion  the  assembly  of  Pennsylvania  will  discharge 
the  few  Troops  they  have  at  Fort  Augusta,  the  next  setting.  If 


Seven  Years'  War  875 

they  do  I  hope  General  Hamerst  will  send  an  officers  command 
to  keep  the  Indians  who  reside  there  about  in  some  Order. 

Tomorrow  I  set  out  for  Fort  Pitts,  where  I  hope  to  meet  Mr. 
Hutchins  who  I  sent  round  the  Lakes  to  visit  the  Indians  residing 
near  our  posts,  when  I  shall  send  you  his  Journal  and  proceed- 
ings. 

As  I  have  had  hitherto  two  assistants  at  Fort  Pitt,  I  have  now 
but  one,  as  my  brother  has  quit  the  service,  and  I  will  do  with 
young  McKee.  His  Father  who  your  Honour  promised  to  pro- 
vide for  will  be  of  great  service  at  Fort  Augusta  on  Susque- 
hannah,  where  I  think  there  will  be  a  want  of  an  assistant.  If 
agreeable  to  your  Honour,  you  may  appoint  him  there,  and  send 
him  Instructions,  with  orders  to  make  all  his  reports  to  you,  and 
I  will  put  his  pay  in  my  Pay  List  as  before,  which  will  make  no 
addition  to  my  ace1. 

Inclosed  I  send  you  a  plan  of  the  Town  of  Carlisle,1  with  a 
coppy  of  the  Tickets  for  Each  Lott,  which  I  hope  will  answer 
your  expectations.  Pray  make  my  compliments  agreeable  to 
Cap1.  Johnson,  and  Mr.  Johny,  and  the  rest  of  your  good  family 
&  Gentlemen  with  you,  and  believe  me  Honored  Sir,  with  great 
esteem  and  regard, 

Your  most  Humble  Servant 

GEO:  CROGHAN. 

FROM   WILLIAM   DARLINGTON 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See  John- 
son Calendar,  p.  1 44)  by  a  letter  of  September  4th  from  William  Darling- 
ton, in  New  York,  to  Johnson,  dealing  with  letters  forwarded  to  London 
by  the  ship  Beulah,  work  intrusted  to  Mr  Hamersly,  a  cruet  stand  pre- 
viously sent  by  John  Van  Allen  and  articles  now  sent  by  John  Beekman, 
and  news  of  the  surrender  of  Havana  on  August  1  1  th.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


1  Carlisle  was  laid  out  and  made  the  county  town  of  Cumberland  county, 
Pa.,  in  accordance  with  instructions  given  by  Governor  James  Hamilton 
to  Nicholas  Scull,  surveyor-general,  April  1 ,  1  75 1 .  In  1  762  the  town 
was  resurveyed  by  Colonel  John  Armstrong. —  Conway  P.  Wing,  History 
of  Cumberland  County,  Pa.,  p.  230. 


876  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
D/.1 
Johnson  Hall  Sepf.  5lh  1762. 

SIR 

Your  Excellencys  Letter  of  the  22d  Ult0.2  I  have  had  the 
favour  of  receiving  and  am  glad  to  find  you  agree  to  the  neces- 
sary appointment  of  a  Deputy. 

The  Dep,  Agent  at  the  Ohio  finds  not  only  constant  Employ- 
ment for  himself  but  also  for  an  Assistant  and  therefore  can  be 
of  no  use  to  me  but  in  that  quarter  for  which  reason  It  was  with 
the  greatest  difficulty  I  have  hitherto  transacted  that  multiplicity 
of  affairs  which  occurs  here  not  only  with  the  6  Nations,  but  with 
all  the  Northern  Indians  &  Western  Indians,  &  had  I  not  per- 
formed the  Tour  last  year  in  person,  I  should  then  have  required 
such  assistance. 

The  Duty  of  the  Person  to  be  appointed  will  be  that  of  a  Dep. 
Agent  for  the  affairs  of  the  6  Nations,  &  the  Western  Indians  to 
be  employed  under  me  for  the  Transacting  all  publick  business 
with  them,  to  make  tours  throughout  these  several  Nations,  now 
&  then  Preside  at  their  Meetings,  and  discharge  every  Necessary 
Duty  which  the  Service  may  require,  for  this  office  I  know  no 
person  so  well  qualified  as  L*.  Johnson  who  is  now  so  far 
recovered  from  the  accident,  which  prevented  his  making  the 
Campaign  that  I  expect  he  will  shortly  be  enabled  to  discharge 
that  Duty  and  therefore  I  beg  leave  to  recommend  him  to  your 
Excell?  as  a  person  so  well  acquainted  with  those  affairs  that  the 
service  cannot  fail  reaping  some  advantage  from  his  appointment. 
This  did  not  appear  to  me  to  be  any  addition  more  than  what  was 
necessary  &  should  have  been  done  before,  &  I  am  convinced  it 
will  within  a  little  time  be  a  Saving  to  the  Crown,  but  as  I  have 
already  represented  the  necessity  of  it  in  the  strongest  terms,  & 
received  your  Excellencys  favourable  answer  in  return  I  have 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Not  found. 


Seven  Years    War  877 

only  to  assure  you  that  I  shall  never  create  any  additional 
Expence  more  than  the  Good  of  the  Service  absolutely  requires. 
There  it  will  be  necessary  to  observe  that  Cadarachqui  (which  | 
was  always  a  place  of  Considerable  resort  for  the  Ind*.)  is  now 
a  place  of  Gen1,  rendezvous  where  not  only  the  Neighbouring 
Mississagas,  Chippawaes  &ca.  who  are  very  numerous,  but  many 
other  Nats.  spend  a  great  part  of  the  year  fishing  &  hunting  and 
also  hold  several  Meetings  there,  which  will  make  it  necessary 
to  visit  that  country  often  (amongst  the  other  parts)  for  the 
preserving  peace  &  preventing  any  ill  Designs. 

The  Retrenchments  which  I  made  to  the  Southward  were 
such  as  I  judged  might  be  done  with  propriety  &  therefore  I  am 
glad  your  ExcelK.  approves  of  them.  As  Capt  Montour  who 
is  to  the  Southward  under  Mr.  Croghan  does  not  now  act  in  a 
Military  capacity,  but  as  an  Interpreter  and  as  there  is  a  very 
usefull  Man  named  McGee  *  who  resides  at  the  Susquehanna  in 
which  Neighbourhood  are  a  great  Number  of  Inds.  of  cliff1. 
Nations  with  whom  he  has  much  influence,  being  often  employed 
amongst  them.  I  have  therefore  thought  that  Montour's  Pay 
may  now  be  reduced  to  £50  Ster.  per  Ann.  after  this  year  wh. 
will  be  soon  expired  &  the  Sum  of  £60  Sters.  given  to  McGee 
for  that  Quarter  both  making  £110  per  Ann.  which  deducted 
from  Montour's  present  pay  makes  a  Saving  to  the  Crown  of 
£72.  1 0s  ster  per  annum  all  which  I  submit  to  your  Excellency. 

Just  now  I  have  dispatched  a  party  of  Mohocks  who  are 
desirous  to  proceed  ag!.  the  Spanish  back  Settlements  &  Ind8.  in 
their  Interest,  &  are  to  be  Joined  by  several  of  the  other  Nations 
in  their  way  for  which  purpose  I  have  furnished  them  with  a 
pass.  Several  other  partys  have  set  out  on  that  service  since  my 
return  from  Easton. 

I  have  &ca. 

INDORSED:     Letter  to  Sir  Jeff  Amherst. 


Captain  Thomas  McKee. 


878  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM   GOLDSBROW   BANYAR   ETC. 

The  preceding  is  followed  by  two  papers  of  September  6th  in  the  John- 
son Calendar,  p.  144,  destroyed  by  fire:  a  letter  from  Gw.  Banyar,  in 
New  York,  introducing  to  Johnson  Mr  Campbell,  a  surveyor,  and  bespeak- 
ing for  him  any  needed  protection,  and  acquainting  Sir  William  with  the 
arrival  of  1 4  transports  from  Havana,  bringing  the  1  7th,  two  battalions 
of  the  Royal  Highlanders  and  the  77th  or  Colonel  Montgomery's  Royal 
Highlanders — destined  for  the  Mississippi;  and  a  "Return  of  the  First 
battalion  of  the  Albany  Regt.  of  Militia  whereof  the  Hon'ble  Sir  William 
Johnson  Bart,  is  Colonel." 


FROM  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 
A.  L.  S.1 

New  York,  Sep'  6*  1762 
DR  SIR  WILLIAM 

Since  I  wrote  this  morning  2  I  have  learn'd  some  interesting 
Particulars.  When  the  Reinforcemts.  from  hence  (of  which  4 
ships  were  taken)  arrived  at  Havanna,  there  were  not,  exclusive 
of  these,  more  than  3000  Men  its  said  fit  for  duty  so  great  was 
the  sickness  and  some  say  till  that  Reinforcement  arrived  it  was 
greatly  doubted  whether  we  should  succeed  or  be  obliged  to  raise 
the  siege.  After  springing  the  two  Mines  under  Moore  3  Castle, 
the  Breach  was  scarcely  thought  practicable,  there  being  Room 
only  for  one  Man  to  enter  at  a  Time.  We  entered  at  Noon  day  4 
when  we  were  not  expected  &  of  course  the  Spaniards  being  sur- 
prised in  some  Measure,  made  little  or  no  Resistence.  Tis  said 
100  of  them  would  have  kept  out  our  whole  Army.  The 
Spaniards  had  6000  sick.  I  have  seen  a  list  of  1 2  Seventy  and 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Letter   destroyed  by   fire.      It  mentioned  the  arrival   of  troops   from 
Havana. —  Calendar  of  Sir  William  Johnson  Manuscripts,  p.  1 44.     See 
details  above. 

3  Morro. 

4  Havana  capitulated  on  August   1 4th. 


Seven  Years    War  879 

sixty  Gun  ships  taken  there,  of  which  three  Sunk  at  the  Entrance 
of  the  Harbour,  two  lately  launched.  Besides  these  two  more 
of  the  Line  and  a  Frigate  on  the  stocks.  The  Treasure  which  is 
immense  is  to  be  divided  among  Army  and  Navy  to  share  as 
customary  according  to  Rank,  the  whole  of  what's  taken  is  to 
be  included  in  the  Division:  a  Subaltern  officer's  share  tis  said 
will  be  three  hundred  pounds  Sterling,  Captains  £600  &  so  in 
proportion.  I  dont  understand  any  of  the  Inhabitants  effects  are 
included,  only  Kings  Treasure  &  stores,  ships  &ca. 

Tis  said  a  great  quantity  of  Cash  had  been  removed  to  the 
other  end  of  the  Island  S*.  lago  De  Cuba,  from  whence  the 
Spaniards  received  1500  Men  during  the  Siege.  The  Sallies 
were  made  by  the  Sailors,  who  behaved  well,  but  were  always 
beat.  The  Numbers  of  men  belonging  to  the  Spanish  Navy 
were  upwards  of  5000  Sailors,  and  1400  Soldiers  or  Marines. 
What  the  Garrison  consisted  of  properly  I  have  not  heard,  but 
more  were  taken  &  surrendered  Prisoners,  I  mean  exclusive  of 
Inhabitants,  than  our  Army  had  of  effective  Men  as  I  under- 
stand. The  Spaniards  had  not  the  least  Intelligence  of  their 
approaching  Fate,  &  3  of  their  Frigates  were  taken  near  at 
Hand,  who  said  they  knew  of  no  war,  but  they  had  certainly 
received  the  Spanish  Manifesto. 

We  are  unable  twas  thought  to  do  anything  farther  with  this 
much  reduced  Army,  I  mean  by  Sickness,  of  which  about  700 
had  died.  Our  whole  Loss  in  the  Army  kill'd  &  dead  of  wounds 
&  Distempers  was  1900:  and  the  4  Reg*,  or  Batalions  arrived 
here  are  very  sickly.  On  board  one  Vessel  80  of  1 20  perished 
on  their  Voyage,  only  1 6  Days  or  at  most  1 7.  Unless  they 
recover  who  remain,  &  some  Detachments  are  made  from 
Canada,  or  they  are  otherwise  recruited,  it  will  hardly  be  possible 
for  them  to  go  on  service.  The  Enterprise  a  40  Gun  ship  Capt. 
Holton  is  ordered  to  sail  tomorrow  to  Newfdland  to  join  Lord 
Colvill  in  the  attempt  to  retake  S*.  John's.  Adieu. 

Yours 
6  Sepr.  Noon,  Gw  BANYAR, 


880  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

An  officer  who  was  counting  the  cash,  said  he  had  already 
counted  five  Millions,  I  suppose  Dollars.  There  was  much  more 
in  all.  Our  Fleet  too  is  very  sickly,  and  if  any  other  attempt 
could  be  made  'twas  thought  it  would  be  against  the  other  part 
of  the  Island  not  surrendered  being  the  Government  of  S*.  lago, 
about  1/3  of  the  Island.  Mr.  Campbell  the  surveyor  has  my 
other  Letter. 

FROM   ELEAZAR  WHEELOCK  ETC. 

The  preceding  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  144-45,  by  six 
papers,  destroyed  by  fire:  a  letter  of  September  8th  from  Rev.  Eleazar 
Wheelock,  at  Lebanon,  concerning  a  bequest  of  Sir  Peter  Warren,  £750 
sterling,  intrusted  to  the  province  of  Massachusetts  for  the  education  of 
youth  of  the  Six  Nations,  and  the  attempt  of  a  Boston  society  to  deprive 
his  school  of  the  benefit  of  that  fund,  now  received  to  the  extent  of  £72 
a  year,  and  apply  it  to  schools  of  the  society  to  be  attended  by  children 
residing  at  home,  requesting  Johnson  to  write  to  Governor  Bernard  on  the 
merits  of  the  rival  plans,  and  advise  Wheelock  as  to  opening  an  Indian 
school  on  the  Susquehanna  purchase,  also  commending  the  application  of 
Joseph  Brant  to  study  (printed  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  4:314-16;  Q. 
4:202—3)  ;  a  letter  of  the  8th  from  Rev.  Benjamin  Pomroy,  at  Hebron, 
commending  the  "  noble  and  charitable  Design  "  of  Mr  Wheelock  to 
Johnson  and  sending  a  testimonial  regarding  Wheelock's  character  (printed 
in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.t  4:316-1  7;  Q.  4:203)  ;  a  letter  of  the  8th  to  John- 
son from  Joseph  Chew,  at  New  London,  about  mad  adventurers  settling 
on  the  Susquehanna;  an  effective  return,  dated  Schenectady,  September 
10th,  to  Johnson  of  all  captains,  lieutenants  and  ensigns  belonging  to  the 
second  battalion  of  New  York  militia,  with  the  date  of  each  officer's  com- 
mission and  the  number  of  men  belonging  to  each  company ;  a  letter  of  the 
1  3th  from  J.  T.  Kempe,  at  New  York,  to  Johnson  about  difficulty,  in  the 
ejectment  suits,  of  defending  a  rightful  Indian  title  against  patentees,  many 
of  whom  are  out  of  reach  of  legal  process  of  the  colony,  and  who  can 
produce  the  patent  of  the  King,  lord  paramount  in  the  King's  courts ;  and  a 
copy  of  terms  of  surrender  of  the  French  garrison  and  troops  at  St  Johns, 
N.  F.,  partly  in  French  and  partly  in  English,  signedby  Le  Cte.  d'Haus- 
sonville  and  by  William  Amherst,  to  be  signed  also  by  Lord  Colvill,  dated 
the  18th. 


Seven  Years    War  881 

FROM   HENRY  VAN  SCHAACK 

A.  L.  S.1 

Albany  18  Sep.  1762. 

SIR, 

The  inclosed  Letter  and  papers  I  have  received  by  the  Post. 
We  have  very  little  stirring  more  than  what  the  Publick  Prints 
Contain.  My  Letters  from  N  York  are  full  of  Melancholy 
accounts  about  the  Bad  State  of  health  the  Army  is  in  att  the 
Havanna.  Its  so  reduced  by  sickness,  that  nothing  otherwise 
will  be  further  attempted.  The  4  Reg18,  come  to  York  are  in 
a  miserable  way.  The  people  die  very  fast.  The  Siege  has 
been  a  very  Teedious  and  Laborious  one  indeed,  and  it  is  now 
said  by  People  who  have  served  there,  that  it  might  have  been 
very  short,  If  the  City  had  been  immediately  attacked,  instead 
of  the  Mora.  Such  an  attack  might  have  succeeded  in  40  hours 
at  most,  which  would  have  enabled  us  to  prevent  succours  from 
being  thrown  in  the  Castle,  which  was  every  day  relieved  by 
1 200  Fresh  Troops  from  the  Town,  &  their  supplies  of  provisions 
were  also  carried  to  the  Castle  by  means  of  this  Communication. 
They  were  all  fresh  for  it  seems  they  had  very  little  Salt  prov8. 
there.  Had  this  measure  been  taken,  they  say,  the  Conquest 
might  have  been  made  in  10  or  12  day's  at  most  from  the  time 
of  our  Landing.  This  reasoning  seems  to  have  Weight  with 
Military  People  who  are  judges  of  those  matters.  But  People 
are  generally  very  wise  after  a  Siege. 

I  hear  nothing  more  of  Colo.  Amherst,  than  what  the  Papers 
contain.  We  may  soon  expect  Interesting  accote.  from  that  part 
of  the  World. 

I  had  like  to  have  forgot  telling  you  that  Major  Gen1.  Kepple, 
Lord  Albermarles  Br.,  is  appointed  Governor  of  the  Havanna. 

I  am  with  Respect  Sir 

Your  most  ob!.  hblc.  Servant 

H.  V.  SCHAACK. 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


882  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


TO  ALEXANDER  DUNCAN 
D/.1 

Johnson  Hall  Sept.  2/«  7762. 
SIR 

Since  the  receipt  of  your  favour  of  the  29th  ult0.2  I  have  been 
visited  by  some  Deputys  of  the  6.  Nations  who  came  chiefly  on 
ace*  of  the  late  behavior  of  some  of  their  People  at  Fort 
Schuyler,  &  to  apologize  for  the  same. 

I  then  acquainted  them  with  the  particulars  of  your  Letter 
togther  with  the  Paragraph  from  Ll.  Wallace,3  at  which  they 
seemed  much  surprised,  &  declared  they  knew  nothing  of  it  more 
than  that  they  heard  some  of  their  People  on  being  debarred 
liberty  of  fishing  at  their  fishing  place  near  Fort  Brewerton,  their 
Children  went  upon  a  little  Island  and  pulled  some  Cuccumbers 
or  other  things  vA  grew  there  adding  they  were  sorry  to  see 
their  Bretheren  the  English  too  apt  to  remark  all  their  actions, 
and  frequently  provoked  them  to  acts  of  Irregularity.  They 
absolutely  deny  having  taking  any  Sheep  or  Cattle  whatsoever 
belonging  to  the  Garrisons  or  others  but  that  they  have  fre- 
quently, &  particularly  of  late  detected  the  Drivers  in  killing 
some  Sheep  which  they  make  no  doubt  has  been  laid  to  their 
Charge.  They  have  given  me  many  assurances  of  their  good 
behaviour  hereafter,  &  that  they  will  resort  as  little  as  possible 
to  any  of  those  posts. 

The  Cause  of  their  behaving  in  a  diff1.  manner  at  Your  Garri- 
son &  the  small  posts  is  easily  accounted  for,  from  their  dislike 
of  the  latter  which  the  former  Generals  assured  them  were  to  be 
only  during  the  War  in  these  parts,  &  therefore  the  keeping  them 
up  at  present  causes  great  discontent. 

The  Case  is  quite  different  at  Oswego  which  was  built  with 
the  consent  and  approbation  of  all  the  Nations  as  a  place  of 
Trade,  but  as  am  convinced  an  Interpreter  will  be  very  useful 

1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Not  found. 

3  Wallace  to  Duncan,  August  27,   1762.  q.  V. 


s 


Seven  Years    War  883 

in  your  Neighbourhood,  as  soon  as  such  a  person  can  be  pro- 
cured who  is  properly  qualified  I  shall  send  him  to  Ontario. 

MAJOR  DUNCAN. 

TO  JAMES  HAMILTON  * 

Johnson  Hall  Sef>tr.  2/«.  7762 
DEAR  SIR 

Since  my  return  home  I  have  been  visited  by  two  Gentlemen 
from  Connecticut,  namely  Coll.  Fitch  &  Mr.  Jos :  Chew  of  New 
London  who  were  sent  as  Deputys  from  the  Company  concerned 
in  the  Land  on  Susquehanna  to  know  my  opinion,  &  Sentiments 
with  regard  to  the  propriety  of  their  settling  thereon,  against 
which  I  strongly  advised  them,  &  represented  the  many  ill  conse- 
quences which  must  inevitably  attend  that  settlement  in  such  a 
manner  as  entirely  convinced  those  Gentm.  &  they  returned  home 
to  report  the  same. 

But  as  I  was  apprehensive  (from  the  Nature  of  the  People) 
that  the  Govrs.  late  Proclamation  together  with  my  advice  would 
not  be  sufficient  to  prevent  their  Proceedings  I  since  laid  the 
affair  before  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  whom  I  submitted  the  ill 
consequences  thereof  &  my  opinion  that  they  could  not  here  be 
restrained. 

Of  the  Truth  of  which  I  am  now  convinced  by  a  Letter  which 
I  received  Yesterday  from  Mr  Chew  (one  of  the  Gentlemen  who 
attended  me  from  Connecticut)  acquainting  me  that  on  his  arrival 
at  home  he  was  surprised  to  find  that  those  rash  people  had 
already  sett  out  in  order  to  settle  their  Lands. 

This  proceeding  of  theirs  must  greatly  surprise  the  6  Nations 
&  Susquahana  Indians  with  whom  I  have  lately  had  a  second 
Meeting  here  at  which  they  Expressed  much  uneasyness  at  the 
claims  of  the  Connecticut  People,  &  greatly  pressed  on  their 
being  prevented  from  Settling  on  the  Lands  intended  on. 
The  Honble  GovR.  HAMILTON 

1  In  American  Antiquarian  Society,  Worcester,  Mass.  In  handwriting 
of  Guy  Johnson. 


884  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
D/.1 

Johnson  Hall  Sept.  24*  1762 
SIR 

The  agreable  news  contained  in  your  Excell0?8.  Esteemed 
favour  of  the  6th  Inst.2  concerning  the  Reduction  of  the 
Havannah  has  afforded  me  infinite  Satisfaction,  and  I  beg  leave 
to  return  your  Excelly  my  hearty  thanks  for  communicating  to 
me  the  account  of  so  important  a  Conquest  as  cannot  fail  of 
giving  the  greatest  pleasure  to  all  his  Majesty's  loyal  Subjects. 

I  have  likewise  been  favoured  with  your  Excell?8  Letter  of 
the  1 2th  inst2.  together  with  a  Warr*.  for  the  ballance  of  my  acc!« 
&  desiring  I  should  acquaint  you  with  the  quantity  of  powder 
required  for  my  Department.  In  answer  to  which  I  am  to 
acquaint  your  Excelly  that  'tis  to  the  general  scarcity  of  that 
article  we  must  impute  the  Indians  wants  at  present,  as  the 
Traders  cannot  procure  a  Sufficient  quantity  for  their  supply 
from  the  great  demand  there  is  for  it  at  present,  and  that  the 
small  quantitys  they  can  buy  are  sold  at  an  Enormous  price. 

I  should  not  trouble  your  Excelly  for  any  quantity  but  that  I 
find  it  so  very  usefull  to  the  Inds.  that  it  is  absolutely  necessary 
to  have  some  ammunitn.  always  at  hand  to  be  bestowed  occa- 
sionally on  such  Ind8.  as  shall  appear  to  deserve  it  for  which 
purpose  400  or  500  Ib  will  answer  the  demand  for  some  time. 

Sometime  ago  I  was  visited  by  Coll.  Fitch  &  Mr.  Chew  of 
Connecticut  who  were  sent  by  the  People  of  that  Province  or 
Susquehanna  Compy.  concerned  in  the  Lands  situate  on  that 
River,  in  Pensilvania,  with  the  particulars  of  which  your  Excelly. 
is  well  acquainted. 

The  Business  of  these  Gentlemen  was,  in  the  name  of  that 
Compy  to  be  informed  of  my  opinion,  &  Sentiments  with  regard 
to  their  Settling  these  Lands,  which  I  gave  them  very  plainly, 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Not  found. 


Seven  Fears'  War  885 

&  represented  not  only  the  illegality  of  the  purchase,  but  the  ill 
consequences  attending  that  Settlement  in  such  a  Light  as 
entirely  convinced  them  of  its  impropriety,  &  they  accordingly 
returned  to  N  England  to  report  the  same.  Since  which  I  have 
had  a  meeting  with  sev1.  Deputys  of  the  Six  Nations,  who  came 
thither  chiefly  to  apologize  for  the  late  behaviour  of  the  Oneidas 
&  others,  to  assure  me  that  'twas  so  disagreable  to  the  rest  of  the 
Nat5,  that  they  would  give  them  a  severe  reprimand  for  it,  & 
put  an  end  to  such  irregularities  for  the  future,  &  that  they  should 
hereafter  study  nothing  but  the  due  observance  of  their  alliances 
with  the  Neighbouring  Ind5.  &  their  promises  &  Engagements 
entered  into  with  us.  After  which  they  spoke  much  on  the  Set- 
tlem!.  which  the  N.  Englanders  had  purposed  making  on  the 
Susquehanna  &  requested  in  ye  most  pressing  manner  we  would 
defend  them  in  the  possn.  thereof,  &  that  they  might  not  be 
reduced  to  the  necessity  of  removing  such  Settlers  by  force.  In 
ansr.  to  which  I  communicated  to  them  the  Govr.  of  Connecticuts 
Proclamation  prohibiting  the  same,  &  assured  them  that  they 
might  rely  on  being  protected  in  those  &  all  other  their  Just 
claims  &  possessions,  with  which  ansr.  they  returned  home  well 
contented. 

A  few  days  after  which  I  recd.  a  Letter  from  Mr.  Chew, 
acquaint^,  me  that,  these  rash  people  as  he  calls  them,  had  before 
his  return  to  Connecticut,  set  out  to  begin  a  Settlement  on  the 
Susquehanna,  in  defiance  of  their  Gov".  Proclamation  to  the 
contrary,  &  he  concludes  with  wishing  that  this  mad  &  impru- 
dent step  may  not  be  attended  with  fatal  consequences.  I 
heartily  wish  ye  same  but  must  say  I  am  apprehensive  it  will  fall 
heavily  on  the  first  poor  Setlers,  who  I  look  upon  to  be  but  the 
Tools  of  a  few  principal  persons  and  sett  on  by  them  to  break 
ye  way  at  ye  risque  of  every  thing. 

I  have  been  lately  informed  that  passes  are  granted  by  officers 
at  some  of  the  different  outposts,  permitting  Traders  to  go  where 
they  please  into  the  Indn.  Country  Notwithstanding  Gen1.  Gages 
passes  &  mine  are  limited  to  the  sev1.  Garrisons,  as  the  evil  effects 
of  a  contrary  practice  are  very  evident. 


886  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

I  cannot  close  my  Letter  without  acquainting  your  Excell?. 
that  some  Senecas  lately  arrived  from  the  Southward,  &  who 
were  at  my  House  with  the  6  Natn.  Depy8.  have  informed  me 
that  the  French  from  Mississippi  are  building  Forts  on  the  Banks 
of  a  Large  River  which  runs  thro  the  Country  of  the  Cherokees, 
&  that  they  had  a  Considerable  number  of  Boats  there.  I  have 
the  honour  to  be  &ca. 

To  SIR  JEFF  AMHERST. 


FROM   HENRY  VAN   SCHAACK   ETC. 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See  John- 
son Calendar,  p.  146)  by  three  to  Johnson,  destroyed  by  fire:  a  letter 
of  September  26th  from  H.  Van  Schaack,  at  Albany,  requesting  that 
drafts  which  may  be  presented  by  Mr  De  Couagne  be  not  paid,  on  account 
of  the  debt  of  the  latter  to  him;  a  letter  of  the  28th  from  William  Darling- 
ton, in  New  York,  on  letters  forwarded  by  him  to  England  and  com- 
modities shipped,  and  to  be  shipped,  to  Johnson  —  on  back,  a  receipt  for 
letters  signed  by  Norris  Godard,  master  of  the  "  Pitt  Packett,"  bound  for 
Falmouth ;  and  a  letter  of  the  29th  from  Captain  J.  Schlosser,  at  Niagara, 
explaining  detention  at  the  post,  and  proposing  terms  to  confirm  a  bargain 
for  a  plantation  which  he  has  agreed  to  buy  of  Johnson. 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
D/.1 

Johnson  Hall  October  Ist  1762. 
SIR 

Your  Excellencys  favour  of  the  19th  ult0.2  is  now  before  me 
and  I  beg  leave  to  return  you  thanks  for  the  great  readiness  you 
have  therein  Expressed  to  oblige  me,  provided  it  could  have  been 
done  with  propriety  at  this  time. 

Lieut.  Johnson  very  much  regrets  his  hav§.  been  prevented 
from  making  the  Campaign  with  his  Compy.  but  as  he  is  sensible 
of  my  occasion  for  his  assistance  I  must  therefore  beg  leave  to 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Not  found. 


Seven  Years    War  887 

request  your  Excellency  will  give  him  permission  to  make  such 
a  Change  as  you  may  approve  of  in  some  Corps  here  or  other- 
wise to  dispose  of  his  Commission. 

If  this  proposal  is  honored  with  your  Excellencys  approbation 
It  will  confer  a  great  obligation,  and  do  me  much  service  in  my 
Department,  without  prejudice  to  that  of  his  Majesty  in  any 
other  Quarter. 

Some  days  ago  I  received  the  ace1,  of  the  Murder  of  Mr. 
Clapham  by  two  Panis  Slaves  whom  he  had  bought  at  the 
Detroit,  a  barbarous  act  and  I  am  informed  is  held  in  such 
Detestation  by  all  the  Indians  in  that  Quarter  who  only  have  as 
yet  heard  it,  that  waited  imediately  on  ye  Commd8.  officer  and 
earnestly  entreated  the  offenders  might  be  burnt  for  the  same  at 
Detroit,  and  offered  themselves  to  put  the  murderers  to  that 
Death  if  they  might  be  permitted  as  a  proof  of  their  wrath 
against  the  perpetrators  of  so  great  a  Crime. 

His  Excelly.  GENL.  AMHERST. 


FROM  WITHAM  MARSH 

A.  L.  S.1 

Albany  Oct'.  2*.  1762. 
SIR 

Agreeable  to  yr  command,  I  take  leave  to  inform  you  I  was 
detained  at  Fort  Johnson  2  days  on  account  of  the  weather,  and 
the  want  of  a  Batteau;  that  yesterday  I  came  from  Schenectady 
to  this  place,  after  receiving  many  civilities  from  Justice  Van 
Epps.  On  the  Road  I  met  Col.  Brad-t  with  a  Lady,  whom  I 
saluted,  chapeau  en  bas,  immediately  He  call'd  to  me,  &  on  my 
approaching  the  Chaise,  He  told  me,  He  had  heard  when  I  pre- 
sented this  King's  Commission  to  the  Mayor's  Court,  that  chick 
Cope2  Ten  Eyck  had  the  assurance  to  say,  they  (the 
Dutch)  knew  no  such  man  as  George  the  third.  I  told  him  he 

1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Jacob? 


888  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

must  be  misinformed,  tho  too  much  was  said  in  Court,  as  would 
appear  by  affidavits  I  had  in  Albany,  wch.  I  wou'd  shew  him. 
He  then  said  he  wou'd  wait  on  me  at  my  Lodgings,  which  I 
declined,  and  attended  Him  this  morning  at  the  new  House, 
when  he  read  the  Depositions  with  pleasure,  assuring  me,  that 
as  the  bulk  of  the  Dutch  people  were  Rascals,  He  would  give 
me  any  assistance  in  his  power;  for  as  he  had  begun  with  them 
upon  rational  grounds,  He  was  determined  to  go  thro  his  whole 
Scheme.  All  this  surprised  me  much,  as  you  may  well  imagine, 
because  I  was  scarcely  known  to  him.  He  added,  "  I  think  I've 
sufficient  matter  to  break  the  Charter;  if  I  have,  I  will  assuredly 
do  it."  He  intends  writing  to  you  about  the  Dutch  roguery  in 
regard  to  the  Scorticoake  Indians,  w^1.  will  raise  another  Dust 
in  their  Eyes.  He  has  procured  affidavits  about  their  knavish 
Behavior  in  regard  to  the  English  Church,  before  its  foundation 
in  this  Town,  wch.  will  confound  the  Frogs  in  the  end. 

We  have  not  a  Syllable  new  from  York,  as  yet;  but  if  any 
thing  turns  out  worth  your  knowledge,  your  friends  will  be  sure 
to  inform  you  of  it.  There's  strange  news  relating  to  my  affair. 
All  the  English,  and  many  of  the  Dutch  tell  me,  that  my  Busi- 
ness will  certainly  be  happily  terminated  to  my  advantage,  and 
that  Ganse  is  now  really  frightened.  He  look'd  shockingly 
black  this  day.  No  Letters  from  my  Lawyers!  I  have  now 
only  to  make  you  my  unfeigned  Thanks  for  your  very  very  kind 
favours,  and  wch.  to  my  sorrow,  I  am  afraid  I  never  shall  be  able 
to  return,  unless  the  D — 1  will  take  away  Ganse,  or  his  precious 
Lawyers.  Mess".  McComb,  Gamble,  and  all  who  preserve  a 
Sincere  esteem  for  you,  make  their  Complements.  No  sloop 
sails  till  Monday  when  I  intend  going  with  Lieut.  Francis  of  the 
44th.  I  deliver'd  yr.  Letter  to  Mr.  Corry  yesterday,  &  put  one 
for  Capt.  Claues  into  the  Post  office.  I  am  Sir 

Your  ever  obliged,  &  most  hblc  Servant, 

WITHAM  MARSH 

P.  S.     My  complements  to  Capt.  Guy,  cum  alijs. 
Honble.  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Baronet. 


Seven  Fears'  War  889 


FROM  PETER  DARCY 
A.  L.  S.1 

Nev>  York  Sep'.2  [Oct.]  the  4*  1762. 
D"  SIR  W». 

I  take  this  opportunity  to  acquaint  you  that  I  am  now  to  sett 
out  for  England  the  very  first  ship  that  sets  out  from  here.  I 
begd  leave  from  the  General  to  go  with  my  Commission  in  my 
pockett  but  was  absolutely  refused,  so  was  oblidged  to  sell  out, 
as  I  shall  see  some  of  your  friends  in  Ireland  if  you  have  any 
Commands  there  shou'd  be  all  ways  proude  to  have  it  in  my 
power  to  serve  you.  I  shoud  call  on  you  myself,  but  am  afraid 
I  might  lose  my  passage.  If  yu  have  any  Commands  send  them 
down  as  soon  as  possiable.  You  shall  hear  from  me  from  Lon- 
don with  the  hogghed  of  Rhenish.  Believe  me  to  be  allways 
your  most  Sincere  affale.  and  very  humble  Servant 

PETER  DARCY. 

The  Bearer  of  this  is  a  Gentleman  from  London  who  came 
over  to  this  Country  to  see  it,  so  is  determined  to  pay  a  visit  to 
your  part.  He  is  a  friend  of  mine. 

INDORSED:     Capt.  Darcy's  Letter. 
OctK  4<h  1762. 
per  Mr.  Kenerick. 


FROM  CORNELIS  CUYLER  AND  GEORGE  CROGHAN 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See  John- 
son Calendar,  p.  146)  by  two  of  October  5th  to  Johnson  which  were 
destroyed:  a  letter  from  Cornelis  Cuyler,  at  Albany,  desiring  that  his  sons, 
Henry  C.,  now  in  Martinico,  and  Abraham  C,  may  have  appointments 
in  the  militia  —  the  former  as  captain  or  lieutenant  of  horse,  the  latter  as  a 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  This  letter  was  apparently  written  October  4th.      It  was  indorsed 
by  Johnson  as  of  that  date,  and  was  answered  October  13th. 


890  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

lieutenant  or  ensign;  and  a  letter  from  George  Croghan,  at  Croghan  Hall 
near  Fort  Pitt,  mentioning  the  journal  of  Thomas  Hutchens,  just  returned 
from  a  tour  over  the  Lakes,  information  of  French  intrigues  in  the  West, 
a  copy  of  instructions  given  to  an  agent  sent  to  the  Shannas,  minutes  of  the 
Lancaster  treaty,  opposition  of  General  Amherst  to  furnishing  Indians  with 
ammunition  and  the  Indian  resentment,  also  offering  new  theories  as  to  the 
murder  of  three  men  by  Shannas  on  the  Carolina  frontier  and  of  two 
Virginians. 

TO  JAMES  HAMILTON 
Contemporary  Copp1 

Johnson  Hall  October  7*.  7762. 
DEAR  SIR, 

About  the  latter  End  of  last  Month  I  have  been  visited  by 
two  Gentlemen  from  Connecticut,  namely,  Col°.  Fitch  and  Mr. 
Joseph  Chew  of  New  London,  who  were  sent  as  Deputies  from 
the  Company  concerned  in  the  Lands  on  Susquehannah,  to  Know 
my  Opinion  &  Sentiments  with  regard  to  the  Propriety  of  their 
settling  thereon,  against  which  I  strongly  advised  them,  and 
represented  the  many  ill  Consequences  which  must  inevitably 
attend  that  Settlement  in  such  a  Manner,  as  entirely  convinced 
those  Gentlemen,  and  they  returned  home  to  report  the  same. 
But  as  I  was  apprehensive  (from  the  Nature  of  the  People)  that 
the  Governor's  late  Proclamation  together  with  my  Advice 
would  not  be  sufficient  to  prevent  their  Proceedings  or  Scheme, 
I  since  laid  the  Affair  before  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade 
&  Plantations,  to  whom  I  pointed  out,  and  submitted  the  111 
Consequences  thereof,  and  my  Opinion  that  they  could  not  here 
be  restrained,  of  the  Truth  of  which  I  am  now  convinced  by  a 
Letter  which  I  received  Yesterday  from  Mr.  Joseph  Chew  (one 
of  the  Gentlemen  who  attended  me  from  Connecticut)  acquaint- 
ing me  that  on  his  Arrival  at  Home,  he  was  surprized  to  find 
that  those  rash  people  were  actually  set  out,  in  order  to  settle 
those  Lands. — This  Proceeding  of  theirs  must  greatly  surprize 


xln    Pennsylvania    Historical    Society,    Pennsylvania    Manuscripts. — 
Official  Correspondence,  IX   1758-64. 


Seven  Years'  War  891 

the  Six  Nations  &  Susquehanna  Indians,  with  whom  I  have 
lately  had  a  second  Meeting  here  since  Spring,  whereat  they 
expressed  much  Uneasiness  at  the  Claims  of  the  Connecticut 
people  and  greatly  pressed  for  their  being  prevented  from  settling 
on  those  Lands.  On  which  I  acquainted  them  with  the  Procla- 
mation of  the  Governor  of  Connecticut  &  of  his  Intentions  to  put 
a  Stop  to  that  Settlement,  which  pleased  them  greatly,  &  they 
returned  Home  well  contented. 

But  I  am  very  apprehensive,  that  on  their  hearing  the  people 
still  persist  therein,  and  are  actually  going  on  with  a  Settlement 
in  Defiance  of  the  Governor's  Proclamation,  they  may  be  induced 
to  take  such  Measures  for  redressing  themselves  as  cannot  fail 
of  terminating  in  Bloodshed,  and  as  a  Quarrel  of  that  Nature 
will  hardly  rest  there,  it  will  be  highly  necessary  to  take  such 
Measures  as  may  effectually  prevent  the  fatal  Consequences  to 
the  Provinces  in  General,  which  an  Affair  of  that  Kind  would  be 
productive  of. 

Altho'  I  am  extremely  hurried,  I  could  not  omit  doing  myself 
the  pleasure  of  writing  You  on  this  Occasion,  as  it  may  be  in 
Your  Power  (before  the  Settlement  is  carried  on  any  further) 
to  put  a  Stop  to  it.  I  have  also  by  this  Post  wrote  &  acquainted 
Sir  Jeffery  Amherst  with  the  Affair;1  who  (from  what  he  wrote 
me  sometime  ago,  and  on  that  Government's  issuing  a  Proclama- 
tion forbidding  any  Person  settling  said  Land)  imagined  there 
was  an  End  to  it. — 

I  am  with  perfect  Esteem 

Dear  Sir 

Your  most  obedient 

humble  Servant 

Wm  Johnson 
This  is  a  true  Copy  of 
Sir  Wm  Johnsons 
letter  to  me. 

JAMES  HAMILTON. 


Not  found. 


Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM   HENRY  VAN  SCHAACK 
A.  L.  S.1 

Albany  7  Oc'.  1762 
SIR 

On  my  arrival  home,  I  found  myself  honored  with  your 
favour  of  the  1st  Instant.2  I  thank  you  most  sincerely  for  your 
kind  remembrance  of  what  passed  between  us  this  Spring  rela- 
tive to  De  Couagnes  pay;  I  hope  his  intentions  may  be  honester 
than  I  had  reason  to  expect  from  the  Reports  I  had  of  some  of 
the  Traders. 

As  you  are  pleased  to  ask  me  to  communicate  News,  I  shall 
from  time  to  time,  as  I  have  oppertunities  forward  you  all  the 
intelligence  I  receive.  I  have  now  to  inform  you,  that  I  have 
read  a  New  York  Paper  of  the  30th  Ultimo,  In  which  I  find, 
that  a  vessell  is  arrived  there,  last  Tuesday  was  a  Week,  in  7 
Weeks  from  Bristol,  and  Brings  a  Bristol  News  Paper  of  the 
7th  August  last,  which  contains  very  important  advices  indeed. 
The  Emperor  of  Russia  is  Dethron'd  &  the  Empress  his  Con- 
sort, was  proclaimed  the  9th  July  last,  sole  and  Reigning 
Empress,  by  the  Name  of  Catherine  the  Second. 

The  French  armies  under  the  Command  of  the  Marshals  De 
Trees  *  and  Sobise,4  have  been  obliged  (by  some  movements 
of  Prince  Ferdinand's  army)  to  abandon  their  Camp  of  Land- 
werhagen  so  that  they  have  now  no  Post  left  in  the  Electorate 
of  Hanover,  except  the  Garrison  of  Gottingen. 

The  King  of  Prussia  on  21st  July  attacked  a  Wing  of  Marshal 
Dauns  army  with  success,5  which  has  enabled  him  to  cut  the 
Communication  of  the  Austrian  army  with  Schweidrich  6  intirely 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Not  found. 

8  Louis-Cesar-Letellier,  count  d'Estrees. 
*  Charles  de  Rohan,  prince  de  Soubise. 
5  At  Burkersdorf,  in  Prussia. 

9  Schweidnitz,  in  Silesia. 


Seven  Fears'  War  893 

off,  and  has  drove  the  Marshall  to  the  necessity  of  retiring  with 
part  of  his  army  in  Bohemia.  The  Prussians  in  this  attack  took 
14  Pieces  of  Cannon  and  made  about  1000  Prisoners.  The 
Loss  of  the  Prussians  did  not  exceed  300  men. 

Capt.  Cunningham  arrived  2d.  August  at  Sl.  James's  from 
Prince  Ferdinand,  with  ace1,  that  the  Prince  on  23  July  ordered 
a  Large  Detachment  from  the  Allied  Army  to  attack  the  Right 
Wing  of  the  French  army  which  was  Effected  with  great  success. 
In  this  attack  we  took  1 3  ps.  Cannon  some  Standards  and  made 
(if  I  remember  right)  1000  Prisoners.  Capt.  Cunningham 
reports  also  that  Prince  Fredrick  of  Brunswick  Marched 
towards  Bratsburgh,  a  high  ground,  which  covers  Cassel,  & 
Cannonaded  the  Enemys  Lines,  where  a  Body  of  1 1 ,000  Men 
were  Encamped  who  upon  the  news  of  our  success  (the  23d 
July,  on  their  Right  Wing)  quitted  those  lines,  whereupon 
Prince  Fredrick  got  possession  of  them  without  opposition.  The 
foregoing  is  from  the  London  Gazitt.  There  are  many  other 
particulars,  which  I  Cannot  recollect.  I  have  endeavoured  to 
procure  the  Paper,  but  Cannot  obtain  it  for  you. 

There  are  several  Reports  relative  to  the  Late  Emperor  of 
Russia's  Fate.  It  is  said  that  his  Majesty  and  his  cousin  the 
Prince  of  Holstine  are  confined  in  Sl.  Peters  Castle  at  Peters- 
burgh.  Another  Report  goes  about  that  he  has  made  his  escape, 
and  joined  his  Army  in  Germany,  where  he  was  received  with 
the  utmost  Zeal  and  Loyalty.  Other  advices  treat  this  report  as 
without  any  Foundation  and  that  the  Treaty  concluded  between 
the  Late  Emperor  &  the  Prussian  Monarch  was  declared  Void 
by  the  Empress  &  that  the  Russian  Troops  had  already  received 
orders  to  separate  from  the  Prussian  army.  A  fourth  report 
prevails  that  the  Emperor  was  Wounded  at  supper,  and  Carried 
to  a  distant  part  of  his  Dominions.  It  is  also  said  that  he  was 
assassinated  in  the  Night,  in  the  Street  as  he  was  going  home.  I 
hope  the  most  favourable  of  these  Accounts  may  be  true.  His 
being  Dethroned  is  undoubtedy  true.  Young  Van  Derheyden 
is  come  passenger  with  the  Bristol  Vessell,  and  says  it  was  con- 
firmed before  he  Left  London. 


894  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

From  Lisbon  their  is  News  that  8000  English  troops  were 
arrived  there,  2000  of  which  are  marching  to  Oporto.1  One  of 
the  Portugal  Provinces  which  had  Sworne  Fidelity  to  his 
Catholic  Majesty  has  Revolted.  Great  changes  in  that  part  of 
the  Globe  are  expected  in  our  favour,  for  it  seems  that  the  droop- 
ing spirits  of  the  Portugues  are  quite  revived  upon  the  arrival  of 
the  British  troops. 

A  Kings  ship  is  arrived  at  the  Hook  from  the  Havanah  in  wh. 
came  passengers  2  Aids  De  Camp  to  the  Earl  of  Albermarle. 
By  this  ship  we  are  informed  that  4  Companies  of  the  Royal  ye 
15,  48th  &  3  Battalions  of  R  Americans  And  Independants  were 
coming  to  Philadelphia.  The  3d  Battalion  is  to  be  Quartered  at 
Albany,  for  wh.  purpose  the  Barracks  and  Hospital  are 
preparing. 

Two  ships  of  the  Line  were  Sailed  from  the  Havanna  to  join 
Lord  Colvill  at  St.  John's.  The  Weazel  Sloop  of  War  arrived 
the  29  ultimo  in  7  Weeks  from  Falmouth  with  Dispatches  from  2 
Sir  Jeffrey  Amherst.  In  consequence,  its  said  of  the  Accounts 
sent  home  of  the  taking  of  St.  John.  I  Cannot  charge  my  mem- 
ory with  more  particulars,  I  must  therefore  beg  youll  suspend 
your  Curiosity  till  the  Post  comes  in.  I  am  most  Respectfully, 
Sir 

Your  most  obl.  hble  Servant, 

H.  V.  SCHAACK 

All  the  Provincials  are  coming  Back  from  the  Havanna. 


FROM  JOHN  WELLES  ETC. 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See  John- 
son Calender,  p.  146-47)  by  three  to  Johnson,  destroyed  by  fire:  a 
letter  of  October  7th  from  John  Welles,  at  Montreal,  about  the  departure 


1  In   1  762  General  John  Burgoyne  was  sent  to  Portugal  with  troops 
to  assist  that  country  against  Spain.     The  transports  anchored  in  the  Tagus 
May   6th.      He  closed   a   successful   campaign   at  Villa  Velha  October 
5th. —  Dictionary  of  National  Biography. 

2  "From"  in  the  copy;  it  should  be  "  for." 


Seven  Fears'  War  895 

and  services  of  Captain  Claus,  visits  of  Ferrall  Wade  and  Francis  Wade, 
shameful  behavior  of  Ferrall,  military  incidents  and  expected  news  from 
St  Jean;  a  letter  of  the  7th  from  Captain  John  Lottridge,  at  Montreal, 
touching  the  concern  of  mind  which  he  feels  on  succeeding  to  duties  so 
capably  performed  by  Captain  Claus,  and  an  order  drawn  on  Johnson; 
and  a  letter  of  the  8th  from  Lacorne  St  Luc,  at  Montreal,  in  French,  con- 
veying good  wishes,  thanks  for  words  of  consolation  and  expressions  of 
desire  to  be  of  service  to  him  near  whom  misfortune  orders  that  he  shall 
continue  to  dwell. 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

L.  S.1 

New  York,  10*  October  1762. 
SIR 

I  Was  last  Night  Favored  with  your  Letter  of  the  I8t  Instant; 
and  as  you  seem  so  desirous  of  having  Lieut.  Johnson  Appointed 
to  Act  as  your  Deputy,  in  your  own  particular  department,  I 
shall,  on  your  Request,  Agree  to  his  Disposing  of  his  Commis- 
sion in  the  Independents  (but  this  will  be  Quitting  the  Army, 
and  I  think  Merits  a  Serious  Consideration  before  he  Resolves 
on  such  a  Determination)  and  I  can  have  no  Objection  to  his 
being  Employed  in  the  Way  you  Desire;  but  I  Can't  think  it 
right,  for  the  Reasons  I  have  already  given  you,  that  he  should 
hold  that  Employment  while  he  Continues  in  the  Army;  and  as 
to  his  Exchanging  into  any  other  Corps,  that  could  not  Answer, 
there  being  no  Regiments  or  Corps,  in  this  Country,  but  Must 
Move  when  and  wherever  the  Service  may  require  them.  If  it 
were  time  of  peace,  as  I  mentioned  to  you  in  my  last,  I  should 
have  no  Objection  to  his  Remaining  with  you  since  you  think  him 
so  Usefull;  but,  at  this  time,  I  really  Cant  Consent  to  his  being 
Absent  from  his  Corps. 

I  am  Willing  to  hope  that  the  Indians  about  the  Detroit  will 
Shew  a  proper  Detestation  of  the  Horrid  Murder  lately  com- 
mitted there;  but  the  bringing  the  Murderers  to  Condign  punish- 
ment by  the  Sentence  of  our  own  Garrison  must,  in  my  opinion, 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


896  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

have  a  better  Effect  than  by  Leaving  them  to  the  Wild  Fury  of 
the  Indians,  who  are  too  Apt  to  run  into  Extremes,  and  perhaps 
might  be  as  ready  to  Sacrifice  the  Innocent  as  the  Guilty :  I  most 
Sincerely  Wish  that  this  may  be  the  last  occasion  I  may  ever 
have  for  ordering  a  Tryal  for  such  Offenders;  but  I  am  firmly 
Determined,  while  I  have  the  Honor  to  Command,  to  make 
Examples  of  Every  One,  whether  Indian  or  White,  that  are 
Guilty  of  that  Horrid  Crime  of  Murder,  in  Districts  where  the 
Civil  Law  cannot  take  place. 

I  am,  with  great  Regard,  Sir, 

Your  most  Obedient  Humble  Servant, 

JEFF:  AMHERST. 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bar1. 


FROM  HENRY  VAN  SCHAACK 

A.  L.  S.1 

Albany.  10  OCT.  1762. 
SIR 

I  had  the  pleasure  of  writing  you  per  Mr.  Fry:  since  which 
the  Post  is  come  in ;  By  Private  letters  from  London,  from  good 
Authority,  I  learn,  the  talck  of  Peace  is  again  upon  the  Carpet, 
some  People  go  so  far,  as  to  say,  that  Preliminaries  are  actually 
settled,  and  that  the  Duke  of  Bedford  is  going  to  France,  &  a 
Nobleman  of  that  Nation  is  expected  in  London  to  settle  all 
differences;  those  reports  occasioned  great  changes  in  the  Stocks 
'till  the  1 6  July,  when  it  was  generally  thought,  that  what  is  said 
above  was  true;  For  the  Stocks  of  the  Current  year  rose  from 
Seventy  odd  to  92;  but  that  they  would  have  rose  much  higher 
had  it  not  been  for  the  Czars  misfortune.  This  misfortune  occa- 
sions much  speculation,  Some  Politicians  will  have  it,  that  it 
will  Facilitate  a  Peace  &  that  ye  King  of  Prussia  will  be  obliged 
to  submit  while  others  will  have  it  that  this  change  in  the  Russian 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  897 

Empire  will  spread  the  flames  of  War  in  Germany.     A  Short 
time  will  determine  the  Event. 

I  wrote  you  in  my  last  that  Troops  were  coming  to  America 
since  which  I  have  heard  that  all  the  Privates  of  the  2d  Ba :  R 
Highlanders  are  Incorporated  in  the  1st  Battalion  &  that  the 
Commission  &  Non  Commission  Officers  are  going  home  to 
recruit  a  New  Battalion.  No  News  from  Sl.  Johns. 

I  am  in  great  haste  Sir 

Your  most  obt  hble  Servant 

H.  V.  SCHAACK 

SR.  WILLIAM  JOHNSON 

Coventry1  has  sold  his  Independant  Company  and  is  gone 
home.  Spearing  2  &  Gullen 8  are  Dead. 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

L.S.* 

Nen  York  13th  October  1762. 
SIR, 

I  have  the  Satisfaction  to  Inform  you  that  by  the  Gosport  Man 
of  War,  just  now  arriv'd  from  S*.  John's,  I  have  Received  Letters 
from  Lord  Colvill  &  L*.  Colonel  Amherst,  Acquainting  me, 
that  the  Ships  under  His  Lordship's  Command,  &  the  Troops 
under  the  Command  of  Ll.  Colonel  Amherst,  had  Retaken  S1. 
John's,  the  Garrison  Consisting  of  Seven  Hundred  &  Seventy 
Men,  under  the  Command  of  the  Compte  De  Haussonville,  hav- 
ing Surrendered  by  Capitulation  on  the  18th  September,  to  be 
Prisoners  of  War,  whereby  that  Place,  &  Consequently  the 
Whole  Island  of  Newfoundland,  becomes  again  Entirely  into 


1  Captain  George  Coventry,  of  the  New  York  regiment. 

2  Lieutenant  William  Spering,  of  the  New  York  regiment. 
8  Lieutenant  William  Gullen,  of  the  New  York  regiment 
4  Destroyed  by  fire. 

Vol.  Ill  — 29 


698  Sir  IVilliam  Johnson  Papers 

His  Majesty's  possession :  This  gives  me  particular  pleasure,  as 
the  Dislodging  the  Enemy  from  thence  is  of  so  much  Conse- 
quence to  the  Trade  of  this  Continent:  I  Inclose  you  a  Copy 
of  the  Articles  of  Capitulation,  as  they  have  been  transmitted  to 
me  by  L1.  Colonel  Amherst. 

I  am,  with  great  Regard,  Sir, 

Your  most  Obedient  Humble  Servant, 

JEFF:  AMHERST. 
SIR  WM.  JOHNSON,  Bar1: 


TO  PETER  DARCY 
D/.1 

Johnson  Hall  Oct'.  13*  1762. 
DEAR  SIR 

Yesterday  I  was  favoured  with  your  Letter  by  Mr.  Kenerick 
the  contents  of  which  a  good  deal  surprised  me,  in  that  I  find 
you  were  not  able  to  procure  liberty  to  return  home  without  dis- 
posing of  your  Commission  which  I  am  sorry  for  but  hope  it  may 
turn  out  to  your  future  advantage. 

I  return  thanks  for  your  kind  offer  of  doing  me  any  Service  at 
home,  but  as  the  time  is  now  so  short  before  your  Departure,  it 
will  not  be  in  my  power  to  write  to  some  Friends,  However  I 
shall  take  the  Liberty  to  trouble  you  when  in  London  as  I  know 
nobody  on  whom  I  could  place  a  greater  confidence. 

My  own  affairs  with  regard  to  my  Rank  &ca  still  remains  in 
suspence,  not  having  heard  anything  relative  thereto  in  answer 
to  my  Letters,  and  I  must  own  I  cannot  conceive  the  propriety  of 
a  Colonels  Commission,  which  orders  me  to  observe  and  follow 
such  orders  as  I  shall  receive  from  my  Superior  officers  &ca.  with- 
out being  entitled  to  the  Rank,  &  promotion  from  that  Station, 
Especially  as  I  have  always  enjoyed  it  here,  &  commanded 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  dears'  War  899 

accordingly,  &  that  without  any  pay  or  allowance,  notwith- 
standing my  necessary  expenses  in  the  field  was  sometimes  con- 
siderably more  than  my  sallary  as  Superintendant. 

You  may  have  an  opportunity  in  London  of  letting  me  hear 
somewhat  on  that  head,  and  as  I  shall  at  all  times  have  a  par- 
ticular Satisfaction  in  hearing  of  your  prosperity  I  must  request 
you  will  now  and  then  favour  me  with  a  Letter,  &  acquaint  me 
where  to  address  you,  when  I  shall  trouble  you  with  some  Letters. 

It  would  give  me  great  pleasure  to  have  seen  you  before  your 
Departure,  but  as  that  seems  to  be  out  of  your  power  I  have  only 
to  wish  you  a  Safe  arrival  in  England,  &  pleasant  meeting  with 
all  your  Friends,  being  with  great  Sincerity,  Dr.  Darcy  &c*. 

INDORSED:     Letter  to  Cap1.  Peter  Darcy. 


FROM  JOHN  J.  SCHLOSSER 

A.  L.  S.1 

Niagara  8b«  the  13*  1762. 
DEAR  SIR 

Some  Days  ago  I  received  a  Letter  from  Lieutenant  Carre 
with  whom  I  am  in  a  bargain  about  my  Company.  I  give  the 
Copia  of  the  whole  letter  that  you  may  better  understand  what 
we  are  about. 

Fort  Pitt  Aug".  [Oct.        ]  5*  1762. 
Dear  Sir. 

I  received  some  Days  ago  a  letter  from  Capt.  Rutherfurt  in 
answer  to  what  I  wrote  concerning  our  proposed  Transaction. 
He  informed  me  that  Colonel  Robertson  approved  of  my  mak- 
ing the  Purchase  on  the  terms  you  mentioned,  tho  at  the  same 
time  he  thought  them  high.  Colonel  Robertson  had  also  wrote 
me,  but  by  some  accident  his  letter  has  miscarried;  However  I 
presume  or  am  rather  most  certain,  that  he  had  spoke  to  the 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


900  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

General  &  obtained  his  Consent.  An  Express  is  expected  soon 
which  perhaps  may  bring  me  that  letter.  As  the  season  advances 
fast  &  our  Correspondence  with  Niagara  will  be  soon  over  for 
this  year:  I  will  try  to  obtain  leave  to  pay  you  a  visit,  when  we 
can  sooner  come  to  a  Conclusion  than  by  the  tedious  course  of 
Correspondence  betwixt  your  Place  &  this,  but  in  case  it  may 
not  be  possible  for  me  to  go  to  Niagara  you  can  impower  Colonel 
Bouquet  to  settle  the  affaire  &c  &c  &c. 

I  had  the  honor  to  wreit  you  on  the  29th  7ber  &  told  you  all 
my  Circumstances  &  what  I  desired  you  to  do  with  the  Plantation 
till  my  arrival,  &  at  the  first  opportunity  (if  Mr.  Carre  Should 
not  come  here)  I  shall  wreit  to  the  Colonel  send  him  my  resigna- 
tion &  impower  him  to  act  in  my  Name  &  for  me,  so  that  I 
continue  to  think  I  can  set  off  from  here  erly  in  the  Spring  to 
go  See  you  and  to  finish  our  Convention  likewise.  The  second 
Wessel  is  gone  by  Presqu'  Isle  to  Detroit  under  Command  of 
Captain  Robeson,  Capt.  Hopkins  is  in  the  Wessel  with  him, 
but  has  sent  off  the  Lieutenant,  Ensign  &  men  with  Batteaux 
longst  the  North  Shore  before  him,  the  Commander  Mr.  Lauring 
tho  very  sick  is  to  set  off  for  Ontario  &  York  in  the  meantime  as 
this  letter. 

Please  to  make  my  best  Compliments  to  your  son  &  the  Gentle- 
men with  you,  as  also  Capt.  Claus  when  he  is  arrived  Like  I 
believe. 

I  am  with  Respect  Dear  Sir 

Your  most  obedient  humble  Servant, 

J.  SCHLOSSER, 
Capt.  1st  B.  R:  A:  R. 
To  SIR  WM.  JOHNSON. 


Seven  Fears'  War  901 

FROM  WITHAM  MARSH 

A.  L.  S.1 

N.  York  Thursday,  8*"  14*  1762. 

SIR, 

Pursuant  to  that  Duty  I  owe  you,  I  did  myself  the  honour  of 
writing  to  you  from  Albany  the  last  week.  Just  as  I  had  agreed 
for  my  passage  from  thence,  with  Lieut.  Francis,  and  about  1 2 
women,  I  was  very  unfortunately  seis'd  with  the  Gout,  w^. 
detain'd  me  till  Saturday  last,  when  I  went  on  board,  extremely 
lame,  and  arrived  here  Monday  night  past.  Your  Letters  were 
duly  delivered,  but  I  did  not  see  Sir  Jeff,  he  having  been  gone  his 
tour  of  perambulation.  The  Kegg,  with  Potatoes,  was  sent  to 
Mr.  Darlington;  and  tho  the  water-melon,  and  some  of  the  first 
were  spoiled,  yet  the  Frow  preserved  all  the  remains,  &  the  Hus- 
band swears  that  the  whole  Town  can't  shew  any  ones  so  good 
as  your  smallest  —  what  would  he  say  if  he  had  a  Barrel  of  the 
largest?  Why  out-puff  (but  with  propriety)  the  Puffs  of  all 
Puffers  here,  who  are  no  small  number!  At  my  Club,  to  be 
sure  I  have  not  expatiated  at  all  about  the  produce  of  your  match- 
less Garden,  and  the  remainder  of  your  Farm!  Oh  the  Oats, 
&c.  Some  people  wore  a  twelve  o'Clock  aspect.  The  Devil 
help  'em  to  to  a  better  if  He  can,  tho  he  would  gladly  assist 
them,  I  know  he  has  not  the  Power. 

Two  days  before  I  left  Albany,  a  writ  was  brought  me  against 
Ganset.  I  preemptorily  ordered  Mr.  Sheriff  to  serve  it,  hoping 
to  catch  him  Tardy,  for  which  I  would  have  swing'd  him 
severely,  but  he  disappointed  me,  and  did  his  office  or  duty ;  yet 
when  he  gave  me  the  writ,  returned  properly,  He  doggedly  left 
me,  and  looked  like  a  R-l.  My  Lawyers  have  done  all  in  their 
power  last  Term,  to  procure  a  mandamus.  Father  Horsmanden, 
(my  Countryman),  either  misunderstood  the  matter  of  the 
motion,  or  was  Boggled  by  the  opposite  Council;  but  we  intend 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


902  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

to  have  a  Riot  next  Court  for  the  Mandam8.  besides  working 
Ganse  with  the  new  action.  A  Friend  of  mine  is  lately  come 
from  England.  Mr.  Sec.  Pownall  still  preserves  his  Friendship 
for  me,  as  do  two  greater  men,  The  Earl  of  H-x,  and  Lord 
Londes.  The  usage  of  Mr.  Mayor,  and  the  Court  last  year,  has 
made  a  great  Noise  at  home,  and  what  I  shall  now  write  will 
make  much  more. 

I  congratulate  you  heartily  on  our  retaking  New  Fd.land. 
It  will  certainly  accelerate  the  Peace.  Lord  A-le's  conduct  at 
the  H-h  is  variously  censured  here;  and  upon  the  whole,  they 
reckon  him  no  great  Things!  Now,  as  I  detest  Slander,  I  dis- 
believe the  whole  urged  against  Him.  Is  not  the  place  taken? 
Yes,  but  he  wont  let  the  merchants  go  on  in  their  own  T»ay. 
They  are  the  Clamourers.  A  Friend  of  yours,  (J.  W-ts)  tis 
said,  suffers  a  good  deal,  but  how  I  cannot  tell. 

Col.  Williamson  sails  soon  for  England,  and  there's  no  hope 
of  a  Mississippi  expeditn. 

Mr.  Lentz  waits  on  you  with  this.  I  had  the  pleasure  of 
introducing  him  to  you  at  this  place  when  we  returned  from 
Easton.  You'll  find  him  very  sensible  about  Mines,  many  other 
things,  and  an  excellent  Musician.  He  has  a  great  Inclination 
to  Settle  near  you,  as  his  wife  has  some  Lands  at  Stonerabia. 
As  I  am  in  some  pain  with  the  Gout,  I  could  not  write  the  New- 
fod.land  particulars,  so  have  inclosed  this  day's  paper. 

I  have  now  only  to  repeat  my  sincere  thanks  for  all  your 
Favours,  wch.  I  never  can,  nor  will  forget,  whilst  I  have  memory, 
or  power  to  cogitate ;  and  hope  you  will  believe  me  ever,  Sir, 
Your  most  obliged  &  faithful  Serv*. 

WITHAM  MARSH 

Honble.  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bar1-  &c  &c  &c. 


Seven  Years    War  903 


TO  HENRY  BARCLAY  ETC. 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See  John- 
son Calendar,  p.  147-48)  by  three  of  October  16th  from  Johnson, 
destroyed  by  fire:  a  letter  to  Rev.  Doctor  Barclay,  inviting  attention  to 
material  to  be  inserted  in  the  new  edition  of  the  Indian  prayer  book,  of 
which  Doctor  Barclay  undertakes  the  inspection  (printed  in  Doc.  Hist. 
N.  Y.t  4:321-22;  Q,  4:206-7);  a  letter  to  Rev.  Benjamin  Pomroy, 
acknowledging  a  letter  and  a  joint  testimonial  regarding  Rev.  Eleazar 
Wheelock  and  declaring  confidence  in  the  Indian  work  of  Wheelock 

(printed  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.t  4:320;  Q,  4:205)  ;  and  a  letter  to  Rev. 
Mr  Wheelock,  expressing  preference  for  the  plan  of  Wheelock  over  that 
of  his  Boston  rivals  in  Indian  education,  but  declining  to  intervene  in  the 
dispute,  and  discouraging  thought  of  a  settlement  on  the  Susquehanna 

(printed  in  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  4:320-21 ;  Q,  4:206). 


TO  JOHN  WILKINS 
D7.1 

Johnson  Hall  OcP.  16*  1762. 
SIR 

I  am  to  acknowledge  the  rec*  of  your  favour  of  the  29th  ult°. 
and  am  very  sensible  of  the  necessity  there  is  for  some  trifling 
presents  to  be  occasionally  bestowed  to  the  IndM.  at  your  Gar- 
rison, which  I  represented  a  Good  while  ago  to  Sir  Jeffrey 
Amherst,  but  as  he  does  not  incline  to  be  of  the  same  way  of 
thinking,  and  as  I  have  nothing  of  that  nature  at  present  in  my 
hands,  it  is  impossible  for  me  to  do  anything  therein. 

I  am  glad  to  hear  Mr.  De  Couagne  continues  to  be  usefull, 
and  could  heartily  wish  that  the  Smith  might  remain  there  as  I 
know  he  must  be  greatly  wanted  by  the  Indians  severall  nations 
of  who  resort  there,  but  he  has  lately  appeared  very  much  dis- 
contented, and  wrote  to  me  requesting  to  be  discharged,  Com- 
plains, that  he  was  obliged  to  work  for  the  Garrison,  &  that  he 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


904  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

had  been  turned  out  of  his  house,  and  as  he  declared  that  he  did 
not  by  any  means  chuse  to  continue  there  any  longer,  I  accord- 
ingly have  discharged  him  which  I  was  sorry  to  be  under  the 
necessity  of  doing  as  the  Indians  must  not  only  be  greatly  dis- 
tressed for  want  of  his  assistance  but  also  think  verry  odd  of  their 
not  having  a  Smith  as  I  promised  'em. 

I  hope  the  Indians  may  continue  to  deport  themselves  friendly 
in  your  neighbourhood  and  make  no  doubt  you  will  use  all  your 
endeavours  to  preserve  them  in  good  temper  &  prevent  any  mis- 
understandings, of  which  your  good  and  friendly  advice  to  them 
on  the  article  of  Rum  &ca  may  prove  a  great  means  of  preventing. 
I  am  Sir 

MAJOR  JNO  WILKINS  *  ConA  at  Niagara 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

L.  S. 

<Ne»  York,  17ih  October  1762 
SIR, 

A  Few  days  ago  I  had  the  Favor  of  Receiving  your  Letter  of 
the  24th  September. 

I  know  nothing  of  the  Motives  that  can  Induce  the  People 
of  Connecticut  to  Act  so  Contrary  to  the  Express  Orders  of  their 
Government,  as  to  attempt  a  Settlement  on  the  Susquehannah, 
when  the  Evils  that  in  all  probability  will  Arise  therefrom  have 
been  so  often  pointed  out  to  them;  But  if  there  are  any  Rash 
enough  (after  the  proper  Warning  that  has  been  given  them  by 
the  Governor)  to  settle  on  the  Lands  in  Dispute,  they  must> 
Blame  ^themselves  if  the  Consequences  prove  Fatal  to>  them; 
<for  I  Don't  See  that  anything  more  can  be>  Done  by  <the 
Government  to  prevent  them.> 


Of  the  60th  regiment. 


Seven  Years    War  905 

I  should  ^imagine  you  must  have  been  Misinformed^  in 
regard  to  the  < Officers  at  the  Out  posts,  giving  Improper > 
Passes  to  the  Traders;  but  if  you  <can  obtain  any  of>  those 
Passes,  I  shall  immediately  <put  a  Stop  to  them>  for  the 
Future. 

The  Intelligence  given  by  the  Indi<ans  of  the  French > 
Building  Forts  in  the  Cherokee  Country,  <may  be  very>  true, 
altho*  it  is  the  first  time  I  have  heard  <of  it;  but  they>  will  no 
doubt  take  Every  Method  they  can  <to  secure >  their  Back 
Settlements. 

I  Find  there  is  no  powder  in  Store  <at  present  at>  Albany; 
but  I  will  give  Directions  for  <^your  being  Supplyed^>  with 
some  Soon. 

I  am,  with  great  Regard,  <Sir, 

Your  most  Obedient  Humble  Servant, 

JEFF.  AMHERST 
SIR  WM.  JOHNSON,  Bar*. 

P.  S.  As  I  can't  get  any  Indian  powder,  I  have  ordered  the 
Comptroller  of  the  Ordnance  to  Send  Directions  to  the  Store- 
keeper at  Albany  to  Deliver  to  Your  Order  Four  Hundred  Wl. 
of  powder,  with  Ball  in  proportion  on  your  Application  for  the 
same. 

JA> 

FROM  HENDRICK  FREY,  JR. 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See  John- 
son Calendar,  p.  148)  by  a  letter  of  October  17th  from  Hendrick  Frey 
Ju'r,  at  Canajoharie,  about  the  difficulty  of  completing  a  purchase  of 
land  held  by  Joh's  Ehll,  and  about  provision  for  transporting  com. 
Almost  entirely  destroyed  by  fire, 


906  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


TO  J.  SCHUYLER  [SCHLOSSER]1 

Johnson  Hall  Oct.  17*.  1762. 
SIR 

Since  my  letter  to  you  with  the  boundaries  of  the  Land  &c. 
which  I  hope  you  have  received,  I  am  favoured  with  yours  of 
the  29th..  Ult;  by  which  I  am  glad  to  find  you  arrived  Safe  at 
your  post.  I  am  sorry  you  should  meet  with  any  delay  or  dis- 
appointment in  the  execution  of  your  designs  or  intentions.  I 
belive  that  Lt.  Carr  has  purchased  Capt.  Claus  commission  which 
might  have  been  the  reason,  of  the  Col's  Silence.  As  to  the 
plantation,  you  may  recollect  that  I  told  you  I  had  let  it  to  one 
Adam  Starmbeigh  for  a  year,  at  the  same  rent  which  he  had 
paid  for  many  years,  viz  35  skipples  of  wheat  pr  annum  which 
allowing  wheat  at  p  4/-  pr  skipple  would  make  only  the  interest 
of  £100,  for  a  year;  so  that  there  would  be  the  interest  of  £80 
behind,  which  would  be  too  much  for  me  to  lose  together  with 
the  interest  for  the  time  past  —  which  is  near  to  half  a  year,  all 
which  I  doubt  not  you  will  consider  &  think  it  reasonable;  I 
should  have  interest  for  that  sum  until  paid.  As  to  any  imme- 
diate writing  to  secure  you,  I  have  no  objection  of  giving  when- 
ever required,  &  can  be  done  with  conveniency  &  propriety.  I 
have  made  an  entry  of  it  in  my  books  in  case  any  thing  might 
happen  before  it  could  be  thoroughly  settled,  for  my  own  satis- 
faction &  your  security,  &  it  is  done  in  such  a  manner  as  to  oblige 
my  heirs  to  fulfil  the  bargain  when  required. 

The  only  hardship  upon  me  at  present  is  the  want  of  the 
money,  which  I  declare  to  you,  distresses  me  a  good  deal;  hav- 
ing so  many  calls  upon  me  for  cash  other  wise  I  should  not 
mention  a  word  about  it,  until  it  suited  your  conveniency,  which 
I  hope  to  you  will  plead  my  excuse.  All  friends  here  desire 


1  In  Library  of  Congress,  Force  Transcripts,  Miscellaneous,  v.  3.  John- 
son's correspondence  with  Captain  Schlosser,  under  dates  of  September  29, 
October  13,  November  30  and  December  22,  indicates  that  the  address 
of  this  letter  should  be  J.  Schlosser. 


Seven  Years    War  907 

their  kind  compliments  to  you,  &  believe  me  Sincerely,  Dear  Sir 
your  hearty 

Well-wisher  &  humble  servant 

WM.  JOHNSON 
CAPT.  J.  SCHUYLER. 


FROM   WILLIAM  CORRY 
A.  L.  S. 

Albany  October  18*  1762. 
<DEAR  SIR 

I  am  favoured  with  yours.  I  have  wrote  to  Mr.  Smith  Junr. 
and  Mr.  Kemp  l  and  had  no  answer  from  Either  which  I  much 
wonder  at.  As  soon  as  the  Supreme  Court  will  be  over  (it  sits 
on  Tuesday)  shall  write  to  them  both  again  and  insist  on  their 
answers. 

There  has  happened  since  my  last  a  great  Revolution  in 
Russia,  the  Emperor  dethroned,  and  Catherine  the  2d.  set  on  the 
throne,  a  heavy  stroke  to  the  King  of  Prussia.  I  dread  the  con- 
sequences. 

Newfoundland  is  invested.  The  3d  Battalion  of  the  Royal 
Americans  are  daily >  expected  <in  Albany,  the  Barracks  are 
ready  for>  their  < Winter  Quarters.  > 

Capt.  < Marsh  is  gone  down  to  New  York.  Hermanus> 
Schuyler  <is  appointed  Sheriff,  and  the  Corporation  ]>  as 
formerly,  <^the  Sheriff  is  gone  down  to  answer^-  some 
compl<aints.  Col.  Bradstreet  lately>  sent  for  <Mrs.>  Mat- 
thews <the  Major  being  absent,  >  and  swore  it  was  no  fault 
of  his  <but  the  affair  of>  the  Island  was  accommodated 
between  <the  Major  and>  him,  and  he  was  very  willing  it 
should  <be  adjusted. >  used  her  with  great  Civility  and  com- 
pla<isance  and>  so  dismissed  her. 


John  Tat  or  Kempe,  attorney  general. 


908  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Just  now  a  Gentle0,  tells  me  the  <lsl  and  2d.  Battallions> 
of  the  Royals  are  incorporated,  making  in  con < junction  300 
men,>  the  Serjants  and  Corporals  going  home  to  re<cruite  one 
Intire>  Reg*,  if  the  highlands  can  do  that,  there  <will  scarce 
a>  man  be  left  Able  to  carry  arms.,, 

Just  now  the  news  is  come  that  S*.  Johns  <is  retaken,  and> 
the  french  men  of  war  escaped  in  <a  fog.> 

I  am  Dear  Sir 

Your  most  obed1  humble  Serv1, 

WILLIAM  CORRY. 
To  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Bar!. 

ADDRESSED:     <Sir  Will>iam  Johnson 

at  Johnson  Hall 
INDORSED:     8br.  18^  1762 

Mr.  Corrys  Letter 


TO  RICHARD  PETERS 


<Johnson  Hall  19*  Oct'.  1762 
DRSiR 

The  Copy  of  the  Treaty  of  Lancaster  2  together  with  your 
Letter  came  to  my  hands  yesterday  and  I  am  much  obliged  to 
you  for  the  trouble  you  have  taken  in  forwarding  the  same,  as 
also  for  your  Communicating  to  me  the  information  which  Mr. 
Allen  received  to  whom  I  beg  you  will  offer  my  hearty  thanks 
for  the  friendship  which  he  has  manifested  thereby.  > 

I  am  also  <much  obliged  to  you  for  your  kind  hint  to  me> 
concerning  the  ^employing  some  Friend  at  home,  but  I  flatter  ^> 
myself  there  <will  be  little  occasion  for  it,  as  all  impartial 


1  In  handwriting  of  Guy  Johnson. 

2  Proceedings  in  Minutes  of  Provincial  Council  of  Pennsylvania,  8: 
723-74,  and  Pennsylvania  Archives,  4:90-91,  100-1. 


Seven  Years    War  909 

persons>  must  be  con<vinced  of  the  Party  malice  which  gives 
rise  to  such>  Scurrility,  to  <disappoint  which  it  need  only  be 
dispised.> 

I  cannot  see  any  <  impropriety  in  printing  the  Treaty  at 
Lancaster>  together  with  a  General  Detail  of  the  <Trans- 
actions  at  Easton>  as  Introductory  thereto  in  which  an 
oppor<tunity  would  offer  for>  representing  the  Steps  which 
that  Party  have  <  constantly  taken >  to  influence  the  Indians,  & 
engross  all  matte<rs  of  that  nature>  in  opposition  to  Govern- 
ment, &  if  a  few  Copies  <were  sent  home>  it  might  prove  a 
means  of  clearing  up  these  matters  <^ beyond  any^>  thing  else. 

It  gives  me  pleasure  to  find  that  all  differences  appear  to> 
be  settled,  and  I  hope  all  disputes  are  now  at  <an  end  but  I> 
perceive  by  the  Treaty  of  Lancaster  (which  I  <have  Just 
dipped  into)^>  that  the  Land  matters  are  to  be  canvassed  <Cat 
the  Grand  Council  >  at  Onondaga,  altho'  I  have  not  as  yet 
<been  informed  thereof  by  the>  Indians  <  themselves — but 
expect  if  such  is  their  intentions  I  shall  be  shortly  made 
acquainted  therewith  as  Ll  Johnson  my  Dep?  is  now  going  to 
attend  a  meeting  at  Onondaga  occasioned  by  an  unhappy 
murther  lately  committed  on  two  of  our  Traders  passing  thro* 
the  Senecas  Country,  by  two  Indians  of  Kanestio. 

I  am  &ca. 

RICHD.  PETERS  Esqr. 


FROM  DAVID  VAN  DER  HEYDEN  f 

Albany  Oct.  19*.  1762 
HOND.  SIR, 

Your  favor  of  the  12th.  Instant  I  received  this  day  from 
Kinderhook :  I  humbly  ask  pardon  for  the  omission  of  the  Field 
Officers  Num8:  &  dates  of  their  Commissions,  it  having  not 
entered  my  mind. 


1  In  Library  of  Congress,  Force  Transcripts,  Miscellaneous,  v.  3. 


910  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Mine  &  Maj.  Isaac  S wilt's  Commissions  are  both  dated  the 
23rd.  Oct.  1 759,  &  no  mention  whether  first  or  second  Battalion, 
but,  of  the  Albany  Battalion.  My  Commission  appointing  me 
Major  in  1748,  was  thus,  David  Van  der  Heyden,  Major  of 
the  first  Battalion  of  Militia  foot,  in  the  County  of  Albany,  to 
be  distinguished  hereafter  by  the  name  or  title  of  the  East 
District,  &c. 

Your  honors  appointed  time  to  discharge  with  me  I  can  very 
well  dispense  with;  I  wish  I  had  as  good  a  prospect  in  seeing 
Peter  Schuyler's,  as  I  would  much  rather  have  his  money  than 
his  lands,  but  he  is  very  wrong  in  suspending  the  sale  so  long; 
I  hardly  think  that  it  improves  the  annual  interest,  which  perhaps 
he  don't  consider. 

As  we  have  nothing  new,  I  conclude  with  assurance  that  I 
am,  with  unfeigned  regard. 

Hond.  Sir,  Your  most  obedient  humble  serv1. 

David  Van  der  Heyden. 


FROM  HENRY  VAN  SCHAACK 
A.  L.  S.1 

Albany  20  October  1762 
SIR 

I  have  just  time  to  inform  you  (before  Colo  Van  Derheyden 
goes  away)  That  the  Gospot  Man  of  War  arrived  at  New  York 
last  Wednesday  with  Dispatches  from  Col°.  Amherst  to  his  Br. 
giveing  an  ace1,  of  the  Surrender  of  Sl.  John's  to  his  Majesty's 
arms  on  the  18  ultimo.  I  hear  this  conquest  cost  us  very  few 
men  altho'  the  Enemy  were  750  strong.  I  believe  this  affair 
will  turn  out  well  for  the  Col°.  for  the  place  was  taken  some 
days  before  the  arrival  of  Reinforcements  from  home  w*1.  con- 
sisted of  three  ships  of  the  Line  and  a  Frigate,  what  Land  forces 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Fears'  W ar  911 

I  cannot  say.  The  French  Fleet  give  us  the  Slip  in  a  Fog  three 
days  before  the  Surrender  of  the  Place.  A  Great  Pity,  as  we 
had  reason  to  be  Sanguine  in  takeing  the  whole  of  them. 

I  just  now -saw  a  Mr.  Wendell  (a  Neighbour  of  mine)  who 
left  N  York  a  thursday  4  o'Clock  P.  M.  Just  as  he  came  away 
a  Packet  arrived,  the  Capt.  of  which  came  ashore,  who  informed 
some  of  his  acquaintances,  that  welcomed  him  ashore,  that  an 
ace*,  came  to  Falmouth  from  London,  that  Peace  was  actually 
Concluded  wh.  he  (the  Capt)  said  might  be  depended  upon, 
and  that  a  confirmation  might  be  expected  every  day.  Mr. 
Wendell  adds  that  the  Sloop  he  came  in,  sailed  that  evening, 
and  came  to  anchor  about  2  miles  above  York,  where  she  was 
detained  by  Contrary  Winds  till  next  Day  about  Noon,  when 
they  heard  the  Fireing  of  about  40  or  50  ps  Cannon  which  he 
supposed  was  on  ace*,  of  the  foregoing  p8.  of  news.  I  asked 
him  if  this  Firing  could  not  have  been  on  ace1,  of  the  News 
received  from  S*.  Johns.  He  told  me  No,  That  there  was  firing 
two  days  before  that  at  York  when  the  news  first  came.  I  am 
a  little  doubtful  about  the  truth  of  a  Peace.  I  fancy  this  great 
work  requires  rather  more  time.  We  are  very  impatient  for 
more  particulars. 

I  am  in  great  haste  but  with  much  Esteem  and  Respect  Sir 

Your  most  obl.  hble  Servant, 

H  V  SCHAACK. 
Albany  the  20  Ocr. 

INDORSED:     Post  Master  Van  Schaacks  Letter. 


FROM  WILLIAM  LESLYE 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See  John- 
son Calendar,  p.  148)  by  a  letter  of  October  22d,  and  its  duplicate,  from 
Lieutenant  William  Leslye,  at  Michilimackinak,  to  Johnson,  stating  the 
accounts,  which  he  has  certified,  of  Jac.  Farly,  post  interpreter,  at  one 
dollar  per  day,  and  of  the  gunsmith  at  the  post  for  repairing  the  Indians' 
arms  for  "  1  795  livers,  1  7  Sols."  "  Etherington  commands  at  this  post" 
Partially  destroyed  by  fire. 


912  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
D/.1 

<Mnson  Hall  October  23<*  1762> 
<SlR 

I  return  your  Excellency  many  thanks  for  communicating  the 
agreeable  news  of  the  retaking  of  S*.  Johns,  together  with  the 
Articles  of  Capitulation,  and  I  do  assure  you  that  I  have  a  very 
particular  satisfaction  therein  from  the  honor  which  it  must 
reflect  on  your  Excellencys  Judicious  measures  after  the  loss  of 
that  important  Island  which  so  happily  &  speedi>ly  succeeded 
<thro  the  good  Conduct  of  L*.  Col1.  Amherst  &  the  Bravery 
of  the  Troops  >  under  his  Command. 

I  have  likewise  <been  hond.  with  your  Excellcy8.  of  the  1 0th 
inst>  and  am  to  return  you  <  thanks  for  permitting  Ll.  John- 
son >  to  Dispose  of  his  Commission,  <in  order  to  his  becoming 
my  Deputy. >  I  could  have  wished  that  the  same  <  might 
have  been  done>  without  his  being  obliged  to  leave  the  Army, 
but  as  your  <  Excellency  >  cannot  think  the  same  at  present 
consistent  <Vith  the  good>  of  the  Service  L*.  Johnson  will 
immediately  take  <^the  same  into^>  Consideration,  and  I  am 
convinced  that  nothing  but  his  desire  to  assist  in  a  Department 
in  which  he  will  be  very  use<full>  could  by  any  means  induce 
him  to  entertain  <the  least>  thoughts  of  quitting  the  Army. 

I  am  &ca 

P.  S.     I  hope  to  be  favoured  with  your  Excell?8  order  concern^ 
the  Quantity  of  powder  requested  in  mine  of  the  <24th  ult°. 

To  SIR  JEFF  AMHERST.> 

INDORSED:   <Johnson>  Hall  Octr.  23 

1762 

Letter  to  Sir  Jeff  Amherst 


In  handwriting  of  Guy  Johnson. 


Seven  Years    War  913 

FROM  ABRAM   MORTIER 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See  John- 
son Calendar,  p.  148)  by  a  letter  of  October  23d  from  Abram  Mortier, 
in  New  York.to  Johnson,  notifying  him  of  the  receipt  of  a  warrant  drawn 
in  his  favor  by  General  Amherst  for  £764:  [15:8?],  inclosing  receipts  for 
his  signature,  and  mentioning  bills  presented  to  Mortier  by  Mr  Wade,  for 
£558:8:11  Pennsylvania  currency,  and  payment  of  them  by  a  bill  on 
Philadelphia,  leaving  a  balance  "  on  this  account  of  £206:6:9  New  York 
currency."  At  the  bottom  appear  the  figures  764:15:8 

564:   1:0 


200:14:8 
Partially  destroyed  by  fire. 


TO  GEORGE  CROGHAN 
A.  Df. 

<Johnson  Hall  #~  24*  1762 
DEAR  SIR 

Yours  of  the  10*  July  came  to  hand  and  agreable  to  your 
desire  thereby  signified,  have  answered  Mr.  Montours  Draft,  and 
your  own,  altho  he>  was  <in  my  Debt  something  at  yc  time.> 
I  have  <never  received  Willsie's  Deposition  which  >  you  said 
<Mr.  Peters  would  send  me,  wh.  would>  have  been  of  <as 
much  consequence  as  all  ye  rest.> 

Yours  <of  the  4th  7ber  is  also  come  to  hand,>  but  have  not 
as  yet  <seen  the  Treaty  held  at  Lancaster,  >  Mr.  Peters  wrote 
me  <some  time  ago  he  would  send  it  as>  soon  as  coppied,  but 
have  <not  received  it  yet,  which  >  is  wrong  as  I  should  be 
imediately  <  acquainted  with  all>  that  passes  at  every  publick 
conference  <with  Indians>  for  many  reasons.  From  yc. 
General  <idea  you>  gave  me  of  the  Treaty,  I  think  it  answered 
but  <little  or>  no  purpose,  except  ye.  delivery  of  our  Pris"8.1 
wh.  yu  do  not  <  mention >  a  word  off  *  -  however  I  shall  be  a 


Mn  the  Pennsylvania  Archives,  4:100-1,  is  a  list  of  15  prisoners, 
including  one  deserter,  delivered  up  by  the  Six  Nations  at  Lancaster,  Pa., 
on  August  19th,  1762. 


914  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

better  Ju<dge  when>  I  see  it.  I  hear  Kindarunti  or  Blew 
Cheeks  <is  since>  Dead  of  wounds  he  reced.  from  one  of  his 
Cou<Tntrymen.>  Indeed  if  so  I  am  sorry  for  it,  for  as  you 
jus«<tly  observe]>  he  might  be  made  a  usefull  Man. 

<I  am  very>  glad  to  hear  that  the  Quakers  were  dis- 
ap<pointed  in  all>  their  unjust  Views,  and  as  for  yc  Immense 
<sum  of  money >  You  say  they  threw  away  at  sd.  Meeting, 
<I  think  it  a  pitty>  they  could  not  be  brought  to  an  <acc". 
for  it,  wh.  would  break>  them  of  the  like  for  <the  future,  but 
I  am  in  hopes  that  the  true  representation  I  sent  home  of  what 
passed  at  Easton  will  convince  the  Ministry  of  the  necessity 
there  is  for  checking  their  Insolence,  &  unjustifiable  interfereing 
in  Indian  matters. 

I  doubt  not  you  will  find  Mr.  Hutchins  returned  on  your 
arrival  at  Pittsborough,  as  I  was  told  by  one  of  the  Traders  he 
was  returned  from  La  Bay  a  great  while  ago.  I  had  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Gorrel  at  that  Post  who  was  not  yet  able  to  procure 
me  any  of  the  Firrs  I  gave  him  commission  to  purchase. 

Sir  Jeffrey  Amherst  has  lately  thought  proper  to  retrench 
Indian  Expenses  as  much  as  possible,  and  Settled  the  officers  of 
your  Department,  as  he^>  has  also  of  Mine,  ^the  former  no 
doubt  he  has  sent  you,]>  therefore  need  not  mention  <it  here. 
Mr.  Montour  is  to>  have  but  £50  Sterling  P  Annum  <as  he 
has  nothing  to  do  in  the  Military  >  Way,  but  to  act  as  an 

<  Interpreter,    and  if>    Mr.    McGee   the  old  gentleman  will 

<  accept  of  £60  sterling  per  annum,  >  to  Act  as  an  Assistant 
in  that   ^Quarter  Viz*,   along  ye  Susque>hana  River  &  its 
Branches,    I    will    <on   his    letting   me   know    its^>    agreable 
appoint  him  &  send  him  <such  Instructions >  as  I  shall  Judge 
necessary,  &  his  pay  shall  <^commence^>  from  ye.  29th  of  this 
Ins*.,  which  day  Montours  former  <Pay  aC>  an  officer  ceased, 
and  his  £50  sterling  3$  Annum  commences  <which>  you  will 
please  to  let  them  both  know  as  soon  as  possible. 

I  am  oblidged  to  you  for  ye  Plan  of  a  Town  you  were  so 
kind  to  send  me,  wh.  is  a  verry  good  one,  but  too  <ex> tensive 
for  the  place.  I  intend  mine. 


Seven  Years    War  915 

w*  yu  tell  me  abt  [the]  Head  of  the  Quk»..  is  verry  merry,  and 
I  think  verry  worthy  [of  be]  ing  published,  many  things  not  half 
so  diverting  or  Interesting  [  da]ily  in  our  publick  Prints  and 
Magazines,  wherefore  I  wish  [  ]  d  Man  had  some  worthy 

freind  would  make  known  [  ]  Works  to  the  World,  as 

it  might  be  of  the  utmost  Service  [  ]  &  Body. — 

We  have  nothing  new  here,  all  is  <peace  and  qu>ietness. 
Aron  ye.  Mohawk  is  lately  come  <[here  from  the]>  Detroit,  and 
says  that  the  Hurons  desired  him  to  <  acquaint  me  that  the 
Smith >  whom  you  sent  there  will  not  mend  <  their  Traps  or 
Hooes,  wh.  are  as  use^>full  things  as  any  they  have  <^&  that 
he  has  no  Steel  to  mend  their  arms]>  &ca.  These  are  things 
<  which  I  would  have  you  look  into  &  remedy  as  them  Indians 
realy  deserve  good  treatment.  They  also  complain  as  he  says 
that  the  Interpreters  do  not  interpret  between  them  &  the  officer 
commds.  there  fairly,  which  may  occasion  disputes  &  Misunder- 
standings. I  am  in  hopes  if  there  is  reason  for  their  complaints 
that  they  have  mentioned  it  to  yr  assistant  when  there,  &  that  he 
has  taken  the  proper  Steps  to  redress  such  grievances.  If  not  I 
hope  you  will  inquire  into  it,  &  let  me  know  how  it  is. 

Aron  proposes  to  return  next  Spring,  when  I  shall  let  them 
Indns.  know  by  him  that  I  have  wrote  yu  ab1.  their  >  Complaints, 
and  <that  if  Just»  vou  will  see  that  they  are  redressed. 

I  am  &c.> 

GEORGE  CROGHAN  Esqr. 

INDORSED:     Octbr.  24th.  1762 

Letter  to  George  Croghan 


916  Sir  William  Johnson  Paper* 


FROM   SAMUEL   STRINGER 

The  preceding  paper  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  149,  by 
a  letter  of  October  24th  from  Dr  Samuel  Stringer,  at  Albany,  to  Johnson, 
giving  directions  for  making  oil  from  nuts,  a  prescription  for  a  sick  child, 
and  information  regarding  letters  mailed  and  goods  sent  or  held  in  charge. 
Partially  destroyed  by  fire.  "  As  to  the  Child  you  mention  to  be  so  much 
trou  [bled  with]  Fevers,  I  would  advise  you  to  give  it  about  ten  or  fifteen 
[  ]  Spirit  of  Nitri  Dulcis,  in  a  little  common  drinki  [  ] 

times  a  Day,  till  its  fever  abates     The  [  ]  method  of  giving 

the  Sugar  Plumbs,  more  than  wh  [  ]   you  already,  they  are 

as  conveniently  given  as  in  any  other  form,  so  they  take  but  all  [ 


FROM  WILLIAM  CORRY 
A.  L.  S.1 

Albany  October  25*.  1762 
<DEAR  SIR 

This  day  I  read  a  proclamation >  in  the  news  paper  that  the 
<Govr.  and  Council  will>  inquire  into  the  demerrits  <of  that 
Patten  t  gran  ted '>  unto  Philip  Livingston  and  others,  <on  the 
14th  day  of  December  next.>  This  appears  <to  be  a  short 
method  of  doing  Justice  to>  those  poor  people,2  <which  by  all 
means  ought  to  be>  embraced,  and  one  effort  <well  evidenced 
and  supported^  may  in  a  summary  way  <  determine  the  whole 
affair.  > 

I  heartily  < recommend  it  to  you,  if  I  can>  be  of  any  service, 
please  <to  let  me  know,  and  be>  assured  not  any  thing  shall  be 


xThe  original  in  bad  condition. 

•2  Tenants  renting  from  the  Canajoharie  Indians. 


Seven  Fears'  War  917 

wanting  <in  my  power>  to  bring  the  affair  to  a  happy  con- 
clusion. 

I  am  Dear  Sir 

Your  most  obed1.  and 

very  humble  Serv1. 

WILLIAM  CORRY 
INDORSED:    8br.  25th.  1762 

Mr.  Corrys  Letter 


FROM  FRANCIS  WADE  AND  ROBERT  SANDERS 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See  John- 
son Calendar,  p.  149)  by  two  to  Johnson  which  were  partially  destroyed: 
a  letter  of  October  25th  from  Francis  Wade,  in  New  York,  to  Johnson, 
discussing  a  disagreeable  affair  between  his  brother  Ferrall  and  Johnson's 
family  and  advising  measures  to  check  the  loquacity  of  Mr  McComb  — 
on  back  of  letter  a  list  of  plate:  [  ]  Silver  Bowls,  1  Ladle  for  D°.,  1 
Large  Tankard,  1  [pin]t  D°.f  I  large  Drinking  Cup,  1  half  pint  Cup, 
12  smaller  drinking  D°.,  2  Servers,  3  Dishes,  1  Large  Shaveing  Bason, 
3  Doz:  table  Spoons,  2  large  Soop  D°.,  3  Doz:  Tea  Spoons,  2  Salts 
and  4  Shovels,  1  Sugar  Dish  &  Cover,  1  Cream  Pott,  2  Silver  Cases 

for  Spu   [          ].   1   Silver  Coffe  Pott,  3  Doz:  Knives  &  Forks, 2 

pr.  Candle  Sticks,  2  Snuffer  Dishes,  2  Saltsellars,  2  Butter  Bo  [  ]  ; 
and  a  letter  of  the  26th  from  Robert  Sanders,  at  Albany,  asking  the  atten- 
tion of  Johnson,  as  administrator  on  the  estate  of  James  Ellwood,  to  his 
account  of  £24,  1 0s,  7d.,  and  saying  that  he  has  been  confined  to  his  house 
for  6  months  by  a  very  sore  leg. 


TO  LUC  DE  CHAPT  DE  LA  CORNE  ST  LUC 

Z)/.1 

Fort  Johnson  Od'.  29*  </762 
DEAR  SIR> 

I  was  agreably  favoured  <with  yours  by  the  hands  of  Capt. 
Claus>  from  whom  I  had  the  pleasure  <to  hear  of  your  being 

Mn  handwriting  of  Guy  Johnson. 


918  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

in  perfect>  health,  which,  together  with  <your  friendly  Letter 
has  afforded^  me  much  Satisfaction. 

Altho'  I  am  heartily  sorry  for  the  ^melancholy  occasion 
which  >  detains  you  in  these  parts,  I  am  notwithstanding 
oblidg<ed  to  that>  Cause  for  your  Agreable  Correspondence, 
and  the  frequent  opportunities  it  affords  me  of  hearing  that  you 
are  superior  <to  all>  Misfortunes. 

As  I  have  the  pleasure  to  hear  that  your  present  Situat<ion> 
is  agreable  to  you,  so  I  should  be  happy  to  be  esteemed 
cap<able>  of  contributing  to  render  it  more  so 

Being  at  all  times         Dr.  Sir  &ca. 

A  MONSR,  LACORN  ST  Luc. 

INDORSED:     Fort  Johnson  Octr.  29th 

1762 

Letter  to  Monsr  Lacorne 
S<  Luc 


FROM  WILLIAM  DARLINGTON 

A.  L.  5. 

New  York  30*  [OcF  1762] 

[  ]  7  ber  27th:  is  now  before  me. 

In  regard  [  ]  Com.  for  Trade 

refer  you  to  my  [  ]  accounts  of  Our 

Privateers  &  ships  [  ]  verry  good  Cruise. 

I  have  received  your  kind  Fav[ours  ]   mellon  &  the 

Potatoes  for  which  [I]  am  extreamly  Obl[  ]  Melon 

was  broke  to  pieces  before  I  received  it  but  [  ]  are 

the  best  I  have  [  ]  Since  I  have  been  in  America. 

[  ]   jaunt  to  Kingsbury  and  acquainted  Mr  Dyke- 

man    [  ]    he  Informed  me  the  Season  is  not  quite 

advanced  far   [  ]   Out  of  the  Ground,  but  he  will 

gett     [  ]     the    last    Sloops.      Your    letter    of    the 


Seven  Years    War  91 9 

[  ]     Curiosities    you    Sent    me    Some    time    past 

]   as  I  have  never  received  any  Such  things,  am 
[  ]    with  your  Order  therein  mentioned.      I   shall 

take  care  to  get   [  ]    Herbs  and  Curious  Plants  I 

can  against  the  Spring  I  have  sp[oken]  to  Lord  Ster:  Gardner 
about  them,  by  John  Van  Allen  shall  [  ]  You  two 

Boxes  of  Tallow  mould  Candles  as  I  imagind  they  w[ere] 
Cheap  &  woud  Answer.  Sir  I  shoud  be  Glad  to  hear  if  you 
have  received  [the]  plate  &  how  Lik'd,  I  forwarded  Your  last 
Letter  for  the  Lords  of  Trade  by  the  Cygnet  Frigate  James 
Ames  Esqr  Com  who  [  ]  the  29th  Ins*.  I  sent  Some 

books  wch  came  from  Mr  Rivington  [  ]  Ferrol  wch 

hope  you  have  received.  My  Wife  desires  her  [compliments?] 
to  you  &  Fam.  Sir  On  all  Occasions 

Y'.  Very  Hum[  ] 

WILLIAM  D  [ARLINGTON] 

P.  S.  my  wife  has  also  Sent  ty  Jn  Van  Allen 
two  Kegs  of  Pickled  Oysters  One 
of  wch  beg  your  acceptance  &  the 
Young  Squire  of  the  Other. 

I  shoud  be  glad  to  hear 
How  the  Salmon  arriv'd  I  sent  Some 
time  [  ] 

Since  writing  the  above  my  wife  [  ]  for  the  Young  Ladies 

ADDRESSED:    Sir  William  Johnson  Bar1 

att 
Johnson  Hall 

INDORSED:     New  York  30th  Octr  1 762 
Letter  from  Mr  Darlington 


920  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
L.S. 

<7Ven>  York,  31*  October  1762. 
SIR, 

Having^  Received  a  Letter,  within  these  few  <days,  from 
Mr.  Cro^>ghan,  I  think  proper  to  Transmit  <Cyou  Copies  of 
some^>  Intelligence  given  him  by  a  Wes<^tern^>  Indian,  <^& 
his>  Instructions  to  Mr.  McKee,  altho'  <I>  Conclude  <he 
will>  have  fully  Informed  You  of  Everything  that  <has> 
happened  in  his  Department. 

The  Instructions  to  Mr.  McKee  are  very  proper,  but  I  See 
Nothing  in  the  Intelligence,  of  any  Conse<quence.>  The 
French  no  doubt  will  do  what  they  can  to  Stir  <^up^>  the 
Indians  against  Us,  <but  their  power  is  altogether  >  Insuffi- 
cient, while  our  ^Commanding  officers  are  on  their>  Guard; 
And  Indeed  I  cannot  < think  the  Indians  are  so>  Blind  to 
their  own  Interest  as  to  <  Attempt  any  Mischief^>  in  those 
parts. 

I  am,  with  great  Regard, 
Sir, 

Your  most  obedient 

Humble  Servant 

JEFF:  AMHERST 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bar*. 

INDORSED :    New  York  3 1 st.  October 

1762 

Letter  from  Sir  Jeff.  Amherst 
with  Mr.  Croghans  Indn.  intelligence 


Seven  Years    W or  921 

FROM  THOMAS  McKEE 
A.  L.  S. 

Paxton  November  /"  </762. 
SIR. 

I  have  made  bold>  to  write  to  you  concerning  <what  you 
mention'd  to  me  at  the  Treaty>  at  Easton  about  being  an 
Assistant  <in  the  Indian  Department  upon  this>  River.  I 
would  be  glad  to  know  <your  Pleasure  as  soon  as  it  is  con- 
venient^ You  may  depend  upon  it  in  Case  <of  my  being> 
appointed  to  this  <Station,  that  my  utmost  end>  eavours 
shall  not  <be>  wanting  for  the  Good  of  that  ^Service;  and 
such>  Instructions  as  I  <may  from>  time  to  time  receive  shall 
be  strictly  <adher'd  to.> 

I  don't  doubt  but  Mr.  Croghan  <has,  before  this,  made 
you^>  acquainted  with  the  Transactions  at  the  Lancaster 
<^Treaty;  I  was  there^>  present,  and  heard  all  the  Confer- 
ences; But  must  <begg  Liberty  in  my  own  Oppin>ion  to 
condemn  the  Conduct  of  our  Government  in  < the  Management 
of  this  Treaty.  > 

The  Indians  went  away  much  dissatisfied,  especially  the> 
Six  Nations;  The  Shawanees  and  Delawares  left  the  most  of 
their  Pres<ents>  upon  the  Road  to  the  Ohio,  and  sent  word 
to  the  Governor  "  He  might  <send>  for  them  to  give  to  the 
Indians  the  next  Treaty."  The  Indians  prom<is'd  to>  deliver 
up  all  their  Captives  the  first  of  October,  but  they  have  not  as 
yet  <brought>  one,  I  have  an  account  that  Alex:  McKee  is 
gone  to  their  Towns  to  dem<and>  them  agreeable  to  their 
promise. 


922  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

The    Indians    behave    but    very    indifferently    <upon    this 
River, >  If  you  think  proper  to  write  Please  direct  for  me,  at 
Pax<ton  near  Harris's  Ferry,>  Susquehannah. 
I  am  Sir  with  greatest  Respect 

<Your  most  obedient  Humble  Servant, 

THOMAS  McKEE. 
The  Honble.  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON.> 

INDORSED:    Paxton  in  Pensilvania 
Nov.  1-t  1762 
Letter  from  Mr  Tho».  Mc.Kee 


FROM  WITHAM  MARSH 

A.  L.  S. 

Neiv  York,  Nov.  /"  7762. 
SIR, 

In  my  last  Letter  <by  Mr.  Lentz,]>  I  had  the  pleasure  of 
info<rming>  you  what  I  had  done  in  regard  <to  my 
prec>ious  Law  Suit,  to  wh<icrf>  I  can  now  add  nothing 
worth  your  <  knowing,  ]>  or  my  writing,  <having>  met  with 
disappointments,  and  by  not  ^receiving  Judge  Horsmanden's^> 
Order  of  Court,  sent  by  the  King's  attorney,  <am  distanced  3 
months>  more,  because  I  cannot  procure  a  manda<mus  till 
January  Term.>  This  is  cruel  Usage!  but  there  is  no  remedy 
^besides  patience,  of  which, >  Thank  God,  I  have  no  small 
Stock  yet  left.  <Last  Saturday  one>  of  my  Counsel,  and 
anor.  of  Van  Scheit's,  had  a  small  Taty,  <in>  order  to  com- 
promise matters;  on  which,  I  drew  up  my  articles,  a>  /en> 
advantageous  to  my  Se//,  and  there  is  some  glimmer  of  <^hope^> 
they  may  be  agreed  to.  If  the  affair  cannot  be  settled  in  this 
ma<nner,;>  Currat  Lex;  and  if  I  cou'd  be  cast  here,  I  will 
carry  the  ca<use,>  by  appeal,  to  the  King  in  Council,  where 
I  am  sure  of  having  Justice,  as  His  Majesty  will  assuredly  con- 


Seven  Years    War  923 

firm  his  own  Grant:  but  as  I've  just  hinted  there  is  a  probability 
of  an  agreement,  <I>  beg  you'll  permit  me  to  stay  here  to 
negociate  this  Business,  <as  I>  am  convinced  nothing  will  be 
done,  without  a  personal  Soli<citation.> 

This  morning  young  David  Vanderheyden  came  to  me 
<with  Geo:  Croghan's>  order  for  Harry  Montour's  pay  of 
£156  —  drawn  payable  to  <Mr.  Franks,  &  accep>ted  by  your 
self  for  payment  this  Month.  I  <wou'd  gladly  have  paid  it,> 

but my  Cashier,  some  <^how  does^>  not  Chuse  to 

<ad>vance  the  Cole  so  soon  as  I  <cou*d  wish:>  I  mean  Mr. 
Deputy  Receiver,  who,  by  the  bye,  <is  in  arrear>  to  me  of 
my  last  half  <^year,  besides^>  what  was  due  <^to  me  at^> 
Michas  1  David  says  he'll  <pay  the  order,  and  acquaint  his> 
Father  by  this  Post.  There  are  <2  London  vessells,  and  a 
man^>  of  war  just  come  in,  but  have  had  a  <long  passage; 
and  we]>  have  no  other  news  than  what  you'll  <See  in  the 
Papers.  The>  clamours  indeed  ag*.  L-d  A-m-le,  ^continue: 
Billy  Bayard>  says  he  loses  £2000,  this  money,  by  his 
L-dship's  <  regulation  :>  that  immense  Fortunes  are  made  by 
some  <  People,  >  and  the  Devil  to  pay  among  the  Merchants. 
By  the  <last>  accounts  from  the  Havanna,  there  have  died 
3000  more  of  our  <Men,>  since  the  Reduction  of  the  Place; 
that  the  Sickness  rages  <among>  the  Spaniards,  as  much  as 
among  our  People. 

Dear  Sir  William,  permit  me  to  call  you  so,  as  you  are  my 
<only>  Friend  here,  do  me  the  Favour  of  giving  me  three 
Lines,  with  <your>  approbation  of  Staying  to  terminate  my 
cursed  Suit.  I  dare  <not  yet>  acquaint  you  of  the  Terms 
wch.  I  believe  may  be  accepted,  <as  some>  curious  person 
might  probably  read  this  Letter  before  you  Saw  it.  <I  must,> 
as  in  my  former,  take  the  Liberty  of  again  repeating  my  Thanks 


Michaelmas. 


924  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

<to  you,  for  all  your>  kind  Favours,  and  to  assure  I  am,  with 
the  greatest  regard, 

Your  ever  obliged  &  hble  Servant 

WITHAM  MARSH 

<P.  S.     My  complem*   to>  Capt.  Guy,  <and  all  my  Hall 
acquaintance.^ 

INDORSED:     New  York  Novr  1st  1762 
Letter  from  Mr.  Marsh 


FROM  THOMAS  McKEE 
A.  L.  S. 

Paxton  the  2d.  Novr.  1762. 
SIR 

After  I  had  sealed  the  one  that  accompanies  this,  I  thought 
of  several  things  I  forget  to  mention  which  occasions  this 
postcript. 

After  the  Treaty  was  over  at  <]  Lancaster,  a  Seneca  Capt> 
called  the  Garr,1  having  had  great  Esteem  <&  Respect  paid 
him>  there  by  severals  of  Note,  especially  the  Qua<ker  party, 
&  in  particular  Israel  Pemberton  from  whom  he  received 
<^some  considerable^  presents,  on  which  a  Jealousy  com- 
menc'd  between  him  <^and^>  his  own  Tribe,  one  of  whom 
struck  him  with  a  Tomahawk  in  such  a  manner  that  his  life  has 
been  despaird  of  these  six  weeks;  He  lays  at  Fort  Augusta; 
where  Mr.  Pemberton,  through  his  tender  Concern  for  his 
favourite  has  sent  up  his  own  Son,  a  Doctor  and  another  Quaker 
at  his  own  Expence. 

Mr.  Pemberton  told  a  Gent,  of  my  Acquaintance  on  whom  I 
can  depend,  That  he  cou'd  not  help  thinking  But  you  were  some 
way  concerned  with  the  New  Englanders  in  their  Claim  at 


Kindarunty,  or  Blue  Cheeks. 


Seven  Years    War  925 

Wyoming,  as  they  must  certainly  some  encouragement  from  you 
in  their  approaches  there. 

Cap*.  Montour  lives  abl.  six  Miles  from  Fl.  Augusta,  <he 
has  been>  ailing  but  is  recovered. 

<I  begg  leave  to>  conclude  myself  once  more,  with  great- 
est Respect,  > 

Your  most  Obedient 

Humble  Servant 

THOMAS  McKEE 

Pray  make  my  Complim**.  to  Mr.  Mass  &  Master  Johnny. 
<To  the  Honble  Sir  William  Johnson  Bar'.> 

ADDRESSED:     To 
The 
Honble:  Sir  William  Johnston  Bar1 

INDORSED:     Paxton  Novr.  2d.  1762 

Letter  from  Mr  Tho».  McKee 


FROM  DE  COUAGNE   ETC. 

There  are  entered  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  150,  two  papers  which 
were  destroyed  by  fire:  a  statement  of  the  action  of  Governor  Monckton 
and  Council,  on  November  3d  permitting  Canajoharie  Indians  to  present 
before  Johnson  and  three  justices  of  the  peace  of  Albany  county  evidence 
to  be  read  and  considered  by  the  Council  December  15th  in  examination 
of  Indian  claims  comprised  within  the  Canajoharie  patent  (in  Council 
Minutes,  25 :462)  ;  and  a  letter  of  the  5th  from  De  Couagne,  at  Niagara, 
about  the  unfavorable  effect  on  trade  at  Niagara  exercised  by  the  privileges 
which  traders  away  from  the  post  enjoy,  with  a  copy  of  Major  Wilkins's 
instructions  to  De  Couagne  to  visit  the  Senecas  and  obtain  the  return  of 
deserters  living  among  them. 


926  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 


FROM  WILLIAM  KELLY 

New  York  Nov.  5*  776  [2] 
SIR 

The  Inclos'd  came  to  hand  this  day    [          ]   with  a  small 
Box  which   I  now  forward  you    [  ]    in  Cap*.   Van 

Antwerp,  under  [  ]   Mc.  Nutt  of  Schenectady:     No 

News  [  ]  you'l  see  in  the  prints:     I  am  very 

re  [spect]  fully     Sir 

Your  most  obed*.  Se[rvant] 

WILLIAM  KELLY 
SR.  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Bar1. 

INDORSED:     Kelly's  Letter 

abl.  my  box  of  Books 
by  Mc.  Nutt 


FROM  WILLIAM  DARLINGTON 
A.  L.  S. 

Nen  York  [7th  NoV  1762] 

[  ]  advice  you  of  the  receipt  of  your  [  ] 

Bill  on  Mr.  Mortier  for  One   [  ]   for  wch  return 

thanks  when  I  ha[  ]   securd  all  I  can  Send  this  Year, 

Shall  Settle  Your  ac  [  ]  accordingly  &  Transmit!  it  You. 

In  Regard  to  John  Mof[fat]  Mr:  Ferrall  Wade  acquainted 
me  he  had  discharged  Wil  [  ]  Parsman  &  Fran :  Kowen- 

hoven,  &  desird  me  to  pay  the   [  ]  wch  I  accord- 

ingly did,  but  that  he  would  pay  Jn°.  Moff[at]  himself,  so 
that  I  wrote  him  what  I  was  in  advance  [to]  Jn°.  Moffit,  & 
desird  him  to  deduct  it  out  of  [  ]  Shoud  Charge 

Mr:   Wades  account    [  ]    desird  me  to  Send  my 

account  of  what   [  ]   to  me,  &  he  woud  discharge 

it,  wch  I  did,  but  Instead  [of]  the  Cash  I  received  a  Trunk  of 


Seven  Veers'  War 


927 


Dry  Goods  for  Sale  on    [  ]   Containing  Chints  & 

Handkerchiefs  &ca:,  wch  is  quite  out  [of]  my  way;  I  have 
Shewed  them  to  Severalls,  who  Say  they  are  Extreamly  Over- 
charg'd  &  I  have  them  all  On  hand  [  ]  am  lying 

out  of  my  Cash,  part  of  wch  is  of  long  Stan  [ding]  I  expect  Mr. 
Moffat,  will  Settle  with  Mr.  Wade  as  I  have  Closd  my  account, 
&  Sent  it  him  Some  time  past  Bal[ance]  in  my  Favor  £101. 
15.2;  £66.107  of  wch  to  the  Mas[  ]  the  rest  for  Beef 

Hams  Mollasses  &c.  I  wrote  to  [  ]  Some  time  ago 

about  these  affairs  but  have  not  [had  the]  pleasure  of  a  Line 
from  him  Since. 

I  concflude  with]  the  Compliments  of  my  Wife  &  family  to 
You  [and]  am 

Sir 

Y'.  Obliged  [ 

1 
ADDRESSED:     To 

Sir  William  Johnson  Bart 

at 
Fort  Johnson 

INDORSED:    New  York  Novbr.  7th.  1762 
Lettr.  from  Mr.  Darlington 


FROM   HENRY  VAN   SCHAACK 

A.  L.  S. 

Albany  7  Novr  1762. 
SIR 

I  inclose  you  several  letters  and  Papers,  received  by  yester- 
days Post.  There  is  one  liable  to  16/3  Postage  for  which  I 
have  charged  your  ace".  It  runs  in  my  head  <that  I  have 
forwarded>  a  Packet  to  you  some  Posts  ago  in  a  great  hurry, 
<that  had  Considerable>  Postage  on  from  Philadelphia  to 
York ;  If  this  should  be  so,  and  you  could  find  the  Cover,  where 


928  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

the  weights  are  Marked  on,  I  would  be  much  obliged  if  you 
would  be  so  kind  as  let  me  know.  For  I  have  omitted  to  make 
a  Charge  of  it. 

Our  accounts  from  the  Havanna  are  truely  Melancholy.  Col°. 
Christie  came  lately  from  N  York;  he  told  me  that  he  had  seen 
a  Letter  from  Lord  Albemarle  to  Sr.  Jeffrey  Amherst  acquaint- 
ing him  that  he  had  lost  3,000  Men  since  the  1 7th  &  R  High- 
landers came  away,  1 500  sick  in  the  Hospital  and  only  700  Fit 
for  Duty.  It  is  generally  believed  that  the  Regiments  intended 
for  the  Con<Oinent>  will  be  Detained  at  the  Havanna  on 
account  of  the  above  <  Losses.  >  I  believe  the  sick  and 
Wounded  will  come  among  us:  For  Docr.  Barr  writes  me  they 
are  hourly  expected  at  New  York,  there  designed  for  our 
Hospital  <he  is  to>  Attend. 

I  have  a  Letter  from  London  Dated  6  July,  which  <has> 
the  following  Paragraph  in  it,  relative  to  our  Petition  against 
having  a  Settlement  on  the  Niagara  Carrying  Place,  Viz*. 

"  I  have  taken  not  a  little  pains  about  the  Petition  to  the 
Lords  of  Trade,  &  I  hope  it  may  meet  with  success,  but  it  has 
been  alledged  that  all  your  Traders  ought  to  have  apply'd  to 
Sr  Jeffrey  Amherst  or  the  Council  at  New  York."  I  begin  to 
be  a  little  apprehensive  about  that  Carrying  Place,  I  wish  it 
may  be  kept  free.  I  am  upon  all  occasions  with  the  Greatest 
Respect 

Sir 

Your  most  ob* 

hble  Servant 

H  V  SCHAACK 

INDORSED:  Albany  Novr  7th  1762 
Letter  from  Mr  Van  Schaack 
Postmaster 


Seven  Years    War  929 

FROM  WITHAM   MARSH 

A.  L.  S. 
Nev>  York,  8A.  No*.  1 7  [62] 

12  o  Clock 
[Sm] 

This  moment  affords  me  the  pleasing  Satisfaction  of  receiving 
y[our]  humane  Favour.1  It  revives  me,  and  my  Spirits  are  so 
exhilira[ted]  I  believe  the  cursed  Gout  will  not  attack  me  for 
some  time.  Tis  [  ]  for  me  to  answer  your  whole 

Letter  at  present,  the  Post  going  off  [  ]  Hurry.— 

I  sent  last  night  to  Mr.  Golden  for  Letters,  a  worn  [an  ] 

the  door  in  my  messenger's  face,  and  said  there  [  ] 

The  Devil  Hump  her  for  that  Rudeness! 

Dear  Sir  William  (I  am  grown  mighty  familiar  [  ] 

heap'd  so  many  favours  on  me,  that  I  want  words  to  express 
[my  grate] fulness;  and  as  I  have  not  the  power  to  make  any 
Return,  I  [  ]  Great  Spirit  will  never  cease  shower- 

ing his   Blessings  on   you,    [  ]    I   thank   you   ten 

thousand  Times  for  your  good  wishes,  and  hope  [  ] 

so  long  that  His  Majesty s  Perogative  (wch.  is  but  a  Right  in 
[  ]  with  his  Subjects)  may  meet  that  deference, 

which  all  good  men  [  ]  I  shod.  have  been  glad  to  *ve 

seen  Sir  J — y,  but  as  I  am  no  [  ]  Man,  I  declined 

waiting  on  Him  after  I  delivered  your  Letter :  you  [  ] 

believe  what  I  mentioned  in  company  before  Or. —  D  —  y,  had 
some  [  ]  respecting  the  Indians,  as  very  soon  after- 

wards Mr.  Furnis  to  [  ]  was  a  Supply  of  Powder 

brder'd. — According  to  my  last,  [  ]  a  little  gloomy, 

there  are  some  Hopes  of  an  Accommodation  to  [ 
but  the  preliminaries  are  not  yet  Settled :  as  soon  as  [ 
the  pleasure  and  Honour  to  send  you  a  Copy.   [ 
will  not  agree  to  them,  if  you  have  any  objection. 


"Not  found. 

Vol.  Ill  — 30 


930  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

Mr.  Attorney  and  my  Self  lately  talked  over  the  affair  about 
[  Indian?]   Business. —  He  says  He  cannot  do  so  much 

in  it  as  he  gladly    [  ]    by  reason  several  persons 

interested  in  the  Patent,  live  in    [  ]ernments  than 

this  who  cannot  be  made  Parties,  as  no   [  ]    can 

reach  them;  but  as  for  those  who  are    [  ]   Scire 

Facias  in  Chancery,  where  the  [  ]  chancellor,  who 

will  assuredly  do  the  Indians  [  ]  I  freely  told  Mr. 

Kempe  my  opinion,  which  was,  [  ]  the  Indians  are 

not  absolutely  our  Subjects,  they  might   [  ]   them- 

selves of  the  Land ;  and  if  they  used  Force,  I  knew  [  ] 

to  Hinder  them:  and  if  the  Governor's  Proclamation  was 
[  ]arded  by  the  white  Claimants,  'twas  very  probable 

the  [Indians]  would  proceed  to  the  utmost  extremities. — The 
King's  Attorney  [  ]  present  is  greatly  embarass'd; 

yet  wou'd  willingly  do  every  [thing]  that  you  and  the  Governor 
shall  plan  to  quiet  my  Cousins.  [Mr.]  Leynts  is  returned  with 
Raptures  for  the  hospitable  Treatment  [  ]  at  the 

Fort,  and  espially  at  the  Hall. —  He  and  I  are  [  ] 

to  Settle  at  Stonerabia. —  If  my  affair  with  Goose  van 
[  terminated  cleverly,  I  believe  we  can  do  something 

you  will  approve  [  ]  had  your  good  advice. 

[  ]  Letters  in  Town  by  a  Ship  lately  come  to  New 

Eng[land]  after  a  short  passage,  wch.  Say,  a  peace  with  France 
[is]  positively  concluded:  but  the  particulars  are  not  known 
[  ]  that  we  are  to  keep  Canada,  and  the  rest  of  our 

acq[uisiti]ons  are  to  be  given  up. —  Non  Credo! 

The  post  man  going  off  in  16  Seconds,  makes  me  con  [elude] 
by  assuring  Dear  Sir  William  Johnson  that  I  [am  with]  the 
utmost  Graditude,  and  Respect, — 

his  sincere,  &  [  ] 

WITHAM  MARSH 

Honble.  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Baronet,  &c 

INDORSED:    the  8th.  9br.  1762 

[  ]  from  Mr.  Marsh 


Seven  Fears'  War  931 

FROM  GEORGE  CROGHAN 
A.  L.  S. 

<Bedford  No*.  70*  7762. 
HOND.  SIR 

Yester>day  I  Received  from  Co11.  Boquet  <the  Regula- 
tion >  you  made  Last  august  for  paying  ye.  pop<le>  Imployd. 
under  yr.  Honour  this  way  fer  yc.  futer  whi<ch  I>  will  Con- 
form to  I  have  wrote  to  Every  person  Imployd.  to  acquaint  them 
therewith  I  have  No  asistant  Now  butt  Mr.  McKee  who  Is 
Residing  amungst  ye  Shawnas. 

A  few  Days  ago  there  was  hear  one  of  yc.  Cayugos  from 
Susquehanna  who  Informd.  me  that  ye  Dallaways  and  Muncy 
Indians  on  that  River  was  vert  Trubleso<^me^>  and  uneasy  & 
Said  the  Sinicas  &  his  own  Nation  <Seemd.>  Little  better, 
he  tould  Me  as  he  Livd.  att  Ohio  <^he  was^>  sorry  to  see  them 
so  Restless  in  their  < Minds  tho>  he  had  Nothing  to  Do  with 
them,  on  My  <^asking^>  him  from  what  Cause  thier  unesayness 
Sprung  he  tould  Me  they  were  Mutering  &  Grumbling  <on> 
account  of  their  Lands  &  Complaining  that  yr.  honour  Did  Nott 
order  ye.  boundary  Line  between,  them  <and>  the  proprietors 
of  Pensilvania  to  be  Run,  this  <and>  the  Want  of  amunision 
he  Said  was  ye.  Cheefe  Complaints  he  herd  amoungst  them 

I  thought  itt  my  Duty  to  give  you  as  Early  No<tice>  of 
this  as  I  could  that  you  Might  have  Time  <Oo>  Inquier  Into 
itt,  I  Make  No  Doubt  but  <ye  Quakers>  are  att  yc.  Bottom 
of  this 

I  am  with  Greatt  Esteem  and  Regard  yr  Honours 

Most  <  Humble  Servant 

GEO:  CROGHAN.> 

To  the  Honourable 

SIR  WILLIAM  JOH<NSON  Bar*.> 


932  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copp1 

Fort  Johnson  Novr.  I2ih.  1762 
Extract  ./. 

"  Just  now  One  Allen  from  Niagra  Arrived  here  in  Company 
with  two  Seneca  Indians;  he  Informs  me,  that  about  a  Fortnight 
ago,  he  being  in  Company  with  One  William  Newkirk  of  the 
Mohawk  Country,  &  his  own  Servant,  were  met  on  the  Banks 
of  the  Seneca  Lake,  near  to  the  Castle  of  that  Nation,  called 
Canussadagey,  by  Two  Indians  of  Kaneslio,  a  Village  towards 
the  Ohio,  who  Shook  hands  with  Netvkirk,  and  after  passing 
them  by,  Immediately  Faced  about,  and  Fired  upon  them,  by 
which  Netofyirk  &  the  Servant  were  Killed,  and  Aliens  Horse 
Shot  under  him,  &  Himself  made  Prisoner ;  That  the  Indians  of 
the  Seneca  Castle  freed  him,  and  after  Expressing  great  Concern 
for  what  had  happened,  they  sent  two  Indians  with  him  hither, 
One  of  them  Charged  with  Several  Belts  of  Wampum,  Excusing 
themselves  from  having  any  part  therein,  or  being  Privy  thereto. 
— I  Have  thereupon  Dispatched  a  Message  to  that  Nation  or  Vil- 
lage Requiring  them  Immediately  to  Deliver  up  the  Offenders 
on  pain  of  our  Resenting  it  on  the  Castle  to  which  they  belong; 
and  as  these  Indians  were  Likewise  Charged,  to  Inform  me  that 
their  Nation  have  Immediately  Called  a  Meeting  thereon  at 
Onondago,  where  they  Request  the  Presence  of  the  Mohawks, 


1  In  Public  Record  Office,  C.  O.  5.62,  London,  England.  Inclosed  in 
a  letter  of  Amherst  to  Earl  of  Egremont,  November  30,  1  762.  A  draft 
of  this  letter  in  the  Library  Collection  was  destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years9  War  933 

shall  therefore  Send  Lieut.  Johnson  to  Attend  the  Same,  with 
proper  Instructions  for  that  purpose." 

Wm.  Johnson 
His  Excellency  ^ 

SIR  JEFFERY  AMHERST    j 

INDORSED:     Extract  ./.  Letter  from  Sir 
William  Johnson  to  Sir 
Jeffery  Amherst 

Dated  Fort  Johnson,  12th.  NoV.  1762 
Acquainting  the  General  of  two 
men  being  murdered  by  the 
Indians,  near  One  of  the  Seneca's 
Castles  ;  And  of  the  measures 
he  was  taking  for  the  Delivering 
up  of  the  Murderers,  &ca. 
in  S'.  J:  Amherst's  of  Nov.  30:  1762 

NO.    1 

TO  ROBERT  MONCKTON 


Johnson  Hall  <NoV.  12*  1762. 
SIR 

I>  have  the  honour  to  enclose  your  Excellency  a  Return 
the  Regiment>  of  Militia  under  my  command,  in  which  you 
may  obser<Ve  there  are>  several  Vacancy  s  in  each  Battallion, 
and  as  soon  as  I  can  be  made  <  acquainted  w*.  ye.  proper 
Persons  I  shall  take  the  liberty  to  <recommend>  them  to  your 
Excellency  for  ^filling  up>  such  Vacancys. 

I  likewise  had  the  honour  to  write  to  your  Excel  1°?.  on  the 
<  1  st  of  >  last  August  on  account  of  the  Alarm  at  the  German 
flatts,  <as  also>  on  the  18th  of  the  same  Month  concerning 
Militia  <  Field  Officers  &ca.>  both  which  Letters  I  am  hope- 
full  you  have  received. 


1  In  handwriting  of  Guy  Johnson. 


934  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

By  your  Excellencys  Proclamation  of  the  8th.  ult°.  I  <have 
the>  pleasure  to  observe  that  you  have  appointed  the  15th.  of 
De<cember  for>  hearing  the  matter  of  the  Complaint  of  the 
Conajoh<aree>  Indians  concerning  their  Lands  at  that  place. 

As  this  is  an  affair  which  if  not  redressed  may  be  productive 
of  <fatal^>  consequences,  I  thought  it  my  Duty  as  his  Majestys 
Sole  Ag<ent  &>  Superintendant  of  Indian  Affairs  to  lay  the 
same  before  Mr.  < Golden >  &  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Council, 
together  with  the  purport  of  <a>  Meeting  held  with  these,  and 
other  Inds.  on  the  28th.  <of  last>  January  to  which,  and  the 
several  Affidavits  there<;with>  transmitted  I  beg  leave  to  refer 
your  Excellency,  <as  also  to  the>  Order  of  the  Ll.  Governor 
&  Council  thereon  of  the  <7th  of  April  lasf>.  The  Indians  are 
continually  making  application  to  me  on>  that  head,  as  the 
late  Order  of  Council  <has  not  put  a  stop  to  the  Pro^>ceedings 
at  Law,  and  they  are  ^continually  threatned  with  being>  dis- 
possessed of  their  property,  by  <  which  they  must  become 
Va>gabonds  throughout  the  Province.  <In  the  year  1  754> 
a  Complaint  being  made  <^by  the  Indians]>  to  the  late  L*.  Govr. 
De  Lancey  in  Co1,  at  Al<bany  (at  w011.  I  was  present)  of  the 
fraud  made  use  of  m>  obtaining  the  Patent  <in  Quest11.  Lord 
S>terling,  &  Mr.  Wm.  Livingston  being  <sent  for  by  the 
Board,  &  examined  concerng  it,  readily  signified  their  willing- 
ness to  surrender^  up  their  claims  thereto,  but  many  of  those 
concerned  being  Minors,  nothing  more  was  done  therein,  and 
the  principal  person  concerned  in  procuring  sd.  Patent  gave  it  as 
the  reason  to  me,  why  it  was  not  Divided  that  as  it  was  obtained 
without  ye.  knowledge  of  ye.  Indians  the  Patentees  cod.  not 
attempt  the  same  so  long  as  any  of  the  Indians  were  alive. 

Upon  the  whole  I  flatter  myself  your  Excell0?  will  be  of 
opinion  that  the  most  fraudulent  steps  were  taken  to  obtain  the 
patent  in  Question.  The  Inds.  think  themselves  particularly 
happy  in  having  the  affair  heard  &  determined  by  your  Excel- 
lency &  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Council,  who  I  am  convinced  will 
procure  them  such  relief  in  the  premises,  as  the  <circumst>ances 
of  their  Case  shall  appear  to  deserve. 


Seven  Years    War  935 

<This  moment>  one  Allen  from  Niagra  arrived  here  with 
<2  Seneca  Indians.  He  Informs  me>  that  about  a  fortnight 
ago  he  <being  in  company>  with  one  William  Newkirk  of 
the  Mohawk  Country  &  <his  own>  Servant  were  met  <on 
this  side  of  the>  Seneca  Castle  called  Canassadagey  by  two 
Indians  of  Canestio  <a  Vill.  of  Ind'.>  nearer  to  the  Ohio, 
who  shook  <hands>  with  Newkirk,  &  after  passing  them  by 
turned  < about  >  &  fired  upon  them,  by  which  Newkirk,  & 
Aliens  Servant  <was  killed, >  his  horse  was  shot,  and  himself 
taken  prisoner.  That  the  Ind8.  of  the  Seneca  Castle  freed  him, 
&  after  expre<^ssing  great^>  Concern  for  the  affair  sent  an 
Indian  with  him  hither,  <&  another  >  Charged  with  sev1.  belts 
of  Wampum  Excusing  themselves  from  <having>  any  part 
therein  or  the  least  knowledge  thereof. 

I  have  thereupon  dispatched  a  Messenger  to  <that  Nation  or 
Village  requiring^  that  they  do  immediately  deliver  up  the 
Offenders,  <on  pain>  of  our  resenting  it  on  the  Castle  to  which 
they  belong. 

I  have  the  honor  &ca. 
His  ExcelK  GOVR.  MONCKTON. 

INDORSED:     Johnson   Hall   Novr.    12th. 

1762 

Letter  to  Govr.  Monckton 
concern^  the  Indn8.  Lands  at 
Conajoharee  together  with 
a  Return  of  the  Militia. 


TO   JEFFERY  AMHERST 

The  preceding  letter  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  1 5 1 ,  by  a 
letter  of  November  1 2th  from  Johnson  to  General  Amherst,  informing  that 
Connecticut  settlers  in  Pennsylvania  have  returned  home,  picturing  evil 
consequences  of  French  trade  in  the  Illinois  country  and  French  activity  in 
Cherokee  territory,  and  relating  the  murder  of  two  men  by  Kanastio 


936  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

Indians — accompanied  by  a  copy  of  Thomas  Hutchens's  journal  and 
report  of  a  tour  through  the  Indian  lake  settlements.  Destroyed  by  fire. 
An  extract,  preserved  in  the  Public  Record  Office,  London,  England,  is 
printed  above. 

FROM  WILLIAM  DARLINGTON 
A.  L.  S. 

[Ner»  York  14th  Nov  1762} 
[ 

Jerves  to  acquaint  You  that  I  have  [sent  by  Garret 
Mar] selis  Two  barrels  of  Mackarel  &  One  doz  [Playing] 
Cards  wch  wish  Safe  to  hand.  I  have  also  Sent  two  Almanack's. 
There  is  no  Cod  fish  to  be  had  at  present  the  first  that  comes 
Shall  Send  you  up  some  I  have  spok[en]  to  Mr.  Gaine  about  the 
account  and  he  Cant  tell  what  time  you  began  to  take  his  paper. 
Inclosed  is  Mr  Weyman's  [  ]  wch  if  right  I  Shall  dis- 

charge it  Shoud  be  glad  to  know  if  the  things  some  time  past 
Sent  to  the  Care  of  Mr  Stringer  is  come  to  hand,  as  I  am  afraid 
they  are  detained  often  at  Albany  I  hope  you  11  receive  the  Two 
Cags  Oysters  &  the  [  ]  of  Sweetmeats  (there  is  a  great 

talk  of  Peace  here  [at]  present.)  I  am  with  my  Wifes  Compli- 
ments &  those  of  my  family 

Sir 

Your  Very  Humbl:  Serv. 

WILLIAM  DARLINGTON 

ADDRESSED:      To 

Sir  William  Johnson  Bar1: 

at 
Fort  Johnson 

INDORSED:     New  York  Novr.  14th.  1762 
Letter  from  Mr.  Darlington 


Seven  Years'  Wax  937 

TO  JOHN  WATTS 
Df* 

Johnson  Hall  <WoV.  78*  7762. 
DEAR  SIR 

I  return  you^>  thanks  for  the  trouble  you  have  taken  in  for- 
war<ding  the>  Roll,  and  Mr.  Allen's  Letter  &ca.  which  I 
have  received  and  <take>  what  is  therein  communicated  as  a 
great  proof  of  Mr.  Aliens  friendship  as  well  as  of  yours  in  trans- 
mitting it  to  my  hands. 

As  I  flatter  myself  I  have  at  all  times  made  it  my  study  to 
discharge  the  Duty  of  my  Employment  with  Integrity,  and  the 
utmost  impartiality^  both  to  his  Majestys  Subjects  and  the 
Indians  under  my  Superintendent cy>  I  am  the  more  indifferent 
with  regard  to  any  malicious  insinuations  to  the  contrary,  from 
my  Confidence  in  the  favorable  opinion  of  my  Friends  &  the 
unprejudiced  part  of  the  World  who  must  regard  such  false 
Suggestions  as  the  natural  effects  of  an  Irritated  party  dis- 
appointed in  their  partial  &  unjust  expectations. 

It  would  give  me  great  concern  to  find  that  a  War  which  has 
been  conducted  with  such  great  success  in  all  parts  &  prosecuted 
with  so  great  an  Expence  of  blood  &  treasure  should  not 
terminate  >  with  all  possible  honour  to  the  British  Crown, 
and  advantage  to  his  Majestys  Subjects.  And  I  am  hopefull 
that  the  People  of  England  ever  attentive  to  the  liberty  and  credit 
of  the  Nation,  will  unite  < their >  utmost  efforts  to  attain  that 
Glorious  end,  in  defiance  of  all  opposit<ion>,  as  from  the 
present  favourable  Situation  of  our  affairs  we  have  everything  to 
Expect  from  the  Ministry,  provided  they  divest  themselves  of 
that  mistaken  partiality  which  cannot  but  be  highly  disgustfull 
to  all  Englishmen. 

A  few  days  ago  I  wrote  to  his  Excell0?  Governor  Monckton 
concerning  the  <affair>  which  is  to  be  heard  by  him  &  the 


In  handwriting  of  Guy  Johnson. 


938  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

Council  on  the  15th  of  next  Month  re<lative>  to  the  Claims 
laid  to  the  Inds.  lands  at  Conajoharee,  and  I  can<not  omit> 
mentioning  the  same  to  you,  together  with  my  Sentiments,  <that 
as  the^>  Irregular  steps  taken  to  obtain  the  Land  <in  Question, 
must>  on  a  thorough  Examination  into  the  Circumstances 
thereof  < appear  highly >  unjust  I  am  of  opinion  you  will 
agree  <with  me  that  such  steps  should  >  be  taken  therein  to 
procure  the  <Ind9.  Justice,  as  may  convince  them  &  all 
Indians^  that  we  are  deter < mined  to  take  no  advantage  of 
them  but  to  do>  them  the  strictest  Justice  whe<jever  the  case 
shall  deserve  it>  which  will  not  only  do  honor  to  his  <Majestys 
Instructions  &  the  English  >  in  General,  but  prevent  the  Ind8 
from  taking  <  measures  concerning  which  I>  have  reason  to 
be  very  apprehensive  in  case  they  meet  with  <no  redress.  >  I 
shall  not  fail  as  Early  as  possible  in  the  Spring  sending  you 
<the  Potatoes  >  you  mention  thro*  the  Conveyance  of  Mr. 
Gamble,  and  hope  they  may  <prove>  as  good  as  described, 
which  may  at  some  time  induce  you  to  come  &  par<take>  of 
my  other  Productions  in  this  Distant  part  of  the  Province, 
whi<ch  w*.^>  give  me  a  sensible  pleasure. 

I  am  with  kind  respects  to  you,  Mrs.  <Watts>  &  family 
Dr  Sir  &ca. 
The  Honble  J.  WATTS  <Esq'.> 


TO  THOMAS   FITCH 
D/.1 
Johnson  Hall  N0V.  19*  1762. 

SIR 

I  am  to  return  you  thanks  for  the  trouble  you  have  promised 
to  take  in  laying  my  demand  before  the  Assembly  of  your 
Province  when  they  shall  meet. 

Since  the  Departure  of  Coll.  Fitch  &  Mr.  Chew  who  were 
sometime  ago  with  me  to  know  my  Sentiments  concerning  the 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Years    War  939 

Claims  laid  by  the  people  of  Connecticut  to  some  Lands  on  the 
River  Susquehanna,  I  have  been  informed  that  a  number  of  per- 
sons concerned  had  assembled  and  began  to  establish  themselves 
there,  but  were  induced  to  retire  on  the  Indians  admonishing 
them  to  leave  the  same,  least  they  should  be  under  a  necessity 
of  compelling  them  thereto  by  force  and  as  such  settlement  is  in 
open  defiance  of  your  Proclamation  I  cannot  avoid  giving  you 
my  Sentiments  as  I  formerly  did  to  the  beforementioned  Gentle- 
men, that  the  Indians  looking  upon  that  Claim  as  unlawfull,  and 
the  steps  taken  to  obtain  the  Same  to  be  unjust,  have  declared 
themselves  determined  to  oppose  any  such  Settlement.  I  am 
therefore  very  apprehensive  any  farther  attempts  to  any  estab- 
lishm*.  there  may  not  only  be  severely  felt  by  those  who  shall 
put  the  same  in  Execution,  but  may  (notwithstanding  all  my 
Endeavors  to  the  contrary)  be  productive  of  fatal  Consequences 
on  our  Frontiers.  I  could  not  omit  offers,  this  my  Intelligence  & 
opinion,  as  I  am  convinced  from  the  Tenor  of  yr  proclamation 
you  will  take  all  possible  steps  to  prevent  any  attempts  of  that 
Nature  and  I  beg  you  will  believe  me  to  be  Dr  Sir  &<*. 

The  Honble  GoVR.  FlTCH 


TO  JAMES   HAMILTON 
Df.1 

Johnson  Hall  NoV.  <19*  7762. 
DEAR  SIR 

Since  the  receipt>  of  your  favour  of  the  1 7th  of  last  month,* 
<I  have  received>  a  Copy  of  the  Treaty  at  Lancaster,  together 
with  <a  letter>  from  Mr.  Peters. 

I  am  very  glad  to  find  that  the  Warning  given  by  the  Indians 
<to>  the  people  of  Connecticut  has  produced  the  desired  effect, 
<and  I>  hope  it  will  induce  them  to  lay  aside  their  scheme. 


1  In  handwriting  of  Guy  Johnson. 

2  Not  found. 


940  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

The  jealousy  of  the  6  Nations  has  been  so  inflamed  from 
<many>  steps  of  ours  lately  taken,  that  I  am  not  so  much 
surpri<sed  at>  the  opposition  which  your  proposal  met  with, 
as  they  <are  apt>  to  consider  it  merely  as  an  Encroachment, 
however  calcula<ted  for>  their  benefit  and  that  of  their  Allies. 
The  Connecticut  people  <I  am>  of  opinion  will  readily  be 
induced  to  sacrifice  <  their >  Claims  to  their  real  security  which 
would  be  <  greatly >  Exposed  by  so  wild  an  undertaking  in 
defiance  of  the  origin<al  &>  Lawfull  proprietors,  I  should 
therefore  be  sorry  that  Govr  Fi<tch>  had  any  hand  in  that 
Scheme  (as  by  your  Letter  there  is  re<ason  to>  Suspect)  in 
which  he  must  greatly  deceive  himself,  after  < hearing >  my 
opinion  thereon  &  the  Ind8.  determination  to  the  Contrary. 

Thomas  King  has  always  appeared  to  me  as  a  busy  <Man, 
who^>  often  intermeddles  in  public  matters  without  proper 
authority  <from  an>  Earnest  desire  to  appear  a  person  of 
Consequence  as  well  as  from  a  Mercenary  motive  but  I  imagine 
the  Six  Nations  will  consider  the  whole  affair  <in  a>  Gen1. 
Council  at  Onondaga,  altho'  they  have  not  as  <yet  acquainted^ 
me  with  such  their  intentions. 

I  make  no  doubt  but  the  Quakers  would  gladly  < seize  on  any 
thing>  which  they  might  apprehend  to  be  conducive  to  <  their 
designs,  and  have>  for  several  years  considered  them  as  a  people 
<^  desirous  to  engross  the  management^  of  Indn.  affairs  <] within 
yr.  province  in  opposition  to  Government  but  I  ima^gine  they 
will  never  have  it  <jn  their  power  to  obtain  their  ends^>  by 
transacting  affairs  thro'  so  corrupt  <a  Channel  as  I>  must 
think  myself  bound  in  duty  to  op<pose  any  Scheme  which  > 
may  be  calculated  for  private  views  in  <^  opposition  to  the 
Royal>  Authority. 

I  am  glad  Mr.  Croghan  was  of  so  much  use  at  Lan<caster, 
in>  preventing  the  Indians  from  being  influenced  by  the 
Machinations  of>  designing  People  and  it  gives  me  pleasure 
to  find  that  the  <Treaty>  was  so  happily  terminated  in  defiance 
of  their  Partial  de<signs.>  Whenever  I  may  come  at  the 


Seven  Years    War  941 

knowledge  of  any  future  attempts  to  be  made  by  the  People  of 
Connecticut  I  shall  imediately  communicate  them  to  you  as  well 
as  take  all  measures  within  my  power  for  preventing  any  such 
from  taking  place,  for  which  purpose  I  shall  now  write  to  Govr. 
Fitch  and  give  him  my  farther  Sentiments  thereon,  and  as  I  shall 
at  all  times  be  Glad  to  be  favored  with  your  friendly  intelligence 
and  Correspondence  So  I  shall  omit  no  opportunity  of  assuring 
you  how  much  I  am  with  the  greatest  Esteem 

D'.  Sir  &*. 
<The  Honblc  GovR  HAMILTON.> 

INDORSED:      Johnson  Hall  Novr.   19th  1762 
Letter  to  Govr  Hamilton 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

L.  S. 

<New  York,  21**  Novem'.  1762. 
SIR, 

I>  had  last  Night  the  Favor  of  your  <Letter  of  the  I2th> 
Instant;  And  I  shall  Write  Immediately  to>  Major  Gladwin 
concerning  the  Trade  said  to  be  Carried  on  between  the  French 
Inhabitants  at  our  <Out  Posts>  &  the  People  of  the  Missis- 
sippi, that  an  Effectual  <Stop>  may  be  put  to  Every  thing  of 
that  kind,  that  may  <have>  happened,  by  Ordering  the  Com- 
manding Officers  to  <be>  more  on  their  Guard,  not  to  Allow 
any  of  the  Inhabit<ants>  to  have  the  least  Commerce  with 
those  of  the  Illinois,  <or>  Country  Adjacent,  on  any  Account 
whatsoever. 

In  a  Letter  from  Colonel  Bradstreet,  which  <I  had> 
Opened  just  before  Yours,  I  was  Shocked  on  Read  < ing >  that 
the  two  men  who  Accompanied  Allen  from  Ni<agara>,  had 
been  Murdered  by  the  Indians:  The  Parti<culars>  mentioned 
by  You,  Discover  such  a  Spirit  of  Wanton  Cruelty  in  those 


942  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

Savages,  that  no  Punishment  can  <be>  too  Severe  for  the 
Perpetrators  of  such  Horrid  Deeds:  <I>  Cannot  but  Approve 
of  the  Steps  you  have  already  taken  to  have  the  Offenders 
Delivered  up,  &  I  shall  <be>  glad  they  are  Attended  with 
Success;  for  I  am  to  Acquaint  You,  that  no  Excuses  from  the 
Indians  <will>  Avail,  as  I  am  Determined  that  the  Murderers 
<shall>  be  Delivered  up,  or  I  Will  give  Immediate  Or<ders 
for>  the  March  of  a  Body  of  Men  to  take  Reven<ge  on  the> 
Nation,  or  Village,  to  which  they  belong:  <It  will>  therefore 
Behove  them  to  Consider  Seri<^ously  of  the^>  Message  you 
send  them,  for  I  once  <more  Repeat,  that>  No  Expressions 
of  Concern,  <or  Excuses  of  any  kind,  for  the>  past  Crime, 
<^will  Atone,  but  that  I  insist  on  the^>  Delivering  up  of  <^the 
Murderers:  This,  I  trust,  they>  will  do,  on  your  Appli< cation, 
without  Forcing  me  to>  Measures  which  I  would  A<void,  if 
possible,  But  were^>  I  to  overlook  this  fresh  Instance  of  <^ their 
Barbarity,^  I  should  think  Myself,  in  some  Degree,  <  Acces- 
sory >  to  their  Crimes;  And  I  must  Desire  you  <will> 
peremptorily  Insist  on  the  Murderers  being  De<^livered>  up 
to  You. 

I  am,  with  Great  Regard, 

Sir 

Your  Most  Obedient 
Humble  Servant 

JEFF:  AMHERST 
P.  S. 

I  Enclose  you  a  Paragraph  of  a  Letter  I  have  Received  from 
Governor  Gage,  whereby  you  will  see  that  some  Traders  at 
Toronto  have  been  Guilty  of  very  Unwarrantable  Behavior,  by 
taking  upon  them  to  Send  Belts  of  Wampum  to  the  Indians  at 
Michillimakinac:  And  what  Regards  their  having  Supplied  the 
Indians  with  Rum  is  Confirmed  by  Letters  <I  have>  from 
Major  Wilkins,  wherein  he  tells  me,  that  many  < Indians  are> 
come  to  his  Post  <Naked  &  Destitute  of  Everything,>  having 


Seven  Years'  War  943 

Sold  their  Skins  <at  Toronto  for  Rum;>  I  have  Directed 
Major  Wi<lkins  to  send>  Partys  thither,  when  he  thinks 
proper,  &  <Seize>  every  Drop  of  that  pernicious  Liquor  that 
is  <found>  in  the  Traders  Stores,  as  they  must  have  Con- 
ve<yed>  it  up  in  a  Clandestine  manner,  &  therefore  <they> 
Deserve  to  Lose  it.  These  Traders,  I  think,  sh<ould  be> 
Called  to  an  Account  for  taking  upon  them  <to  send>  Mes- 
sages, or  Belts  of  Wampum,  to  the  Indians  <at>  Michilli- 
makinac.  .  . 

SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bar*. 


THOMAS  GAGE  TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Contemporary  Copj?  * 

Extract    of    a    Letter    from    General    Gage,    to    Sir    Jeffrey 
Am<herst> 

By  a  Letter  from  a  Merchant  at  Michillimakinac,  <  there  > 
are  Complaints,  that  the  Indians  have  been  drawn  from  those 
Parts,  by  some  Traders  at  Toronto,  having  Seduced  them  by 
the  Sale  of  Rum,  that  a  Belt  of  Wampum  has  been  sent  from 
Toronto  by  those  Traders  for  this  purpose,  and  that  the  Indians 
thereupon,  set  out  with  their  Skins,  and  Returned  with  a  Quan- 
tity of  Rum;  The  People  who  are  N<amed>  for  this  Illicit 
Trade,  are  Schuyler,  Stevinson,  Everarht,  Wendel  &  Company, 
all  of  them  Albany  People. 

AFFIDAVITS  AND  A  MEMORIAL 

The  preceding  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  155-56,  by 
three  undated  papers  destroyed  by  fire :  the  affidavit  of  Colin  McLeland  as 
to  the  methods  of  George  Klock  in  obtaining  Indian  signatures  to  a  deed; 
a  paper  in  which  McLeland's  affidavit  is  associated  with  an  affidavit 
repeating  evidence  given  by  David  Schuyler  as  to  Collins's  survey  for  the 
Livingston  patent,  the  deposition  of  Christiane  Nellus  Junr.  as  to  proceed- 
ings of  Ury  Klock  in  obtaining  Indian  names  for  a  deed,  and  a  declaration 
of  Captain  Jacob  Klock,  brother  of  Ury,  of  like  purport;  and  a  memorial 


1  Inclosed  in  Amherst  to  Johnson,  November  21,  1  762. 


944  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

of  English  traders  at  Detroit  to  Lieutenant  Colonel  John  Campbell,  com- 
mandant (copy),  touching  the  disadvantage  to  them  of  unrestricted  trade 
privileges  enjoyed  by  French  inhabitants,  and  the  justice  of  considering  the 
case  of  fair  traders. 


TO  JOHN  BRADSTREET 
D/.1 

Johnson  Hall  <A/W.  2/*<  7762. 
SIR 

Since  my>  last  I  made  the  strictest  inquiry  possible 
<con>cerning  the  Land  which  you  wrote  me  Coll.  Willmot 
was  desirous  to  be  informed  of,  and  have  at  length  procured 
from  Mr.  Vroman  the  Dep  Sur.  Gen1,  the  enclosed  Draft  of 
one  side  of  the  <Land>  of  the  Heirs  of  Mr.  Cosby,  with  the 
Adjacent  Land  on  the  <South>  and  from  the  Surveyors 
Description  of  the  2000  acres,  <I  look>  upon  them  to  be 
situated  between  the  North  bounds  of  Corry  <&  Duane>  & 
butting  on  the  Lands  of  Harma  Vedder  near  <the  Mohawk  > 
River,  which  supposed  situation  I  have  marked  in  the  <Draft> 
with  the  Letter  A. 

He  likewise  informs  me  that  the  Soil  is  in  General  good, 
<but>  Stony,  and  from  its  Vicinity  to  the  Mohawk  River  & 
<Schenectady  I  am  of>  opinion  the  same  will  be  valuable. 

I  hope  the  Particulars  which  I  have  procured  may  <prove> 
Satisfactory,  and  if  I  hear  any  thing  more  relative  <thereto> 
I  shall  communicate  it  to  you  for  your  farther  inf 

as  I  am 

Sir  &ca 
CoLL.  JOHN  BRADSTREET 


In  handwriting  of  Guy  Johnson. 


Seven  Years    War  945 


TO   ELEAZAR  WHEELOCK 

An  autograph  letter  of  November  23,  1  762,  from  Johnson  at  Johnson 
Hall  to  Eleazar  Wheelock  was  sold  April  21.  1910,  at  the  E.  B.  Holden 
sale  at  the  American  Art  Galleries. 


FROM  WITHAM  MARSH 
A.  L.  S. 

New  York,  Nov.  24*.  1762 

Your  very  kind  Letter  of  the  1 3th  *  was  not  delivered  me  till 
the  Post  [  ]  gone  for  Albany,  w0*1.  gives  me  great 

Trouble  of  mind  for  fear  you  [shojud  think  I  wou'd  neglect 
obeying  your  Commands  about  Klock's  [  ]  I  am  now  to 

thank  you  again  for  your  additional  Kindness  in  permitting] 
me  to  stay  here,  in  order  to  solicit  my  Business  with  van  Frog  — 
I  [  ]  the  Lawyers  will  Settle  it  to  my  Satisfaction,  before 

the  end  of  next  Term;  but  I  will  agree  to  no  Terms  which  are 
derogatory  to  His  Maj[  ]st  Right,  and  Prerogative, 

for  ye.  republican  R  —  s  shall  know  [the  difference  betwixt  a 
great  Prince  and  Tom  Bell. 

In  obedience  to  your  orders,  I  waited  on  Mr.  Attorney  (but 
as  from  [  ]  )  and  ask'd  the  necessary  Questions. —  There 

is  to  be  no  hearing  [  ]  Governor  &  Council  on  the  1 5th. 

of  next  Month.  The  white  claima[nts]  are  then  to  appear  only, 
and,  if  they  please,  to  shew  their  pretended  Rights,  if  they  won't 
come  in,  the  Indians  can  by  no  means  suffer;  and  if  they  appear, 
then  the  Governor  &c  will  know  how  to  proceed.  Mr.  Smith 
Jun  2  is  concerned  for  one  of  the  Tenants,  against  whom  an 
Ejectment  is  br[  ]  and  will,  as  I  hear,  do  the  Indians 


xNot  found. 

2  William  Smith,  historian  of  New  York;  chief  justice  of  New  York, 
1763-1782;  chief  justice  of  Canada,  f  786-1  793. 


946  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

all  imaginable  Justice.  On  [  ]  Business,  Mr.  Kempe, 

wrote  to  you  last  week,1  when  I  mentioned  a  po[int?]  in  your 
former  favour. 

As  to  David  Van  Derhey'5  affair,  I  thought  it  very  strange, 
the  [  ]  as  He  brought  the  Draught  on  the  1st.  instant, 

when  it  was  not  [  ]  what  Day  you  pleas'd  in  this 

Month ;  and  it  was  equally  strange  [  ]  it  tender'd 

to  you,  without  acquainting  any  other  ^son  with  ye.  contents 
[  ]  kind  Invitation  to  the  Hall,  (abstracted  from 

Duty  or  Business)  [  ]  me  deeply,  and  you  may  be 

assured,  Sir,  I  shall  never  forget  [  ]  Goodness.  God 

knows  'tis  not  pleasure  detains  me  here,  for  the  [mo]ment  I  can 
settle  my  Albany  matters,  I  will,  if  I  have  no  Gout  [imme]  diately 
return  to  the  Mohawks  country,  where  I  am  sure  of  a  [frijend. 

I  liave  wrote  twice  to  Cap*.  Johnson,  your  Son,  but  have  had 
no  [answ]er,  which  makes  me  fearful  I've  incurred  his  Dis- 
pleasure. I  [  ]  I  wou'd  not  willingly  offend  any  one 
who  had  the  least  Connection  [with]  your  Family,  more 
especially  Him,  who  has  conferr'd  Favw.  on  me  [  nei]ther 
Mr.  Darlington,  nor  my  self  can  procure  him  a  Saddle  of  the 
[ma]ke  He  desired,  from  the  Shops;  but  by  good  Luck,  Mr. 
Courtland  has  [  ]  wch.  He  has  used  but  thrice,  with  blue 
Housings,  elegant  Stirrup  [s  Eng]lish  made,  and  was  sent  to 
Mr.  Billy  Bayard,  who  disliking  it,  [so]  Id  it  to  Mr.  Cortland, 
but  for  what  price  I  cannot  yet  learn.  It  [  ]  be  a  hand- 
some parade  Saddle,  and  the  Pistols  can  be  nicely  secreted 
[  ]  Pommel,  which  rises  according  to  the  present  mode. 
If  Mr.  Johnson  [appr]oves  of  it,  I  will  Buy  it  for  Him,  and 
Bring  it  when  I  come  in  a  Sled:  [on  whi]ch  head,  I  shall  think 
it  a  great  Kindness  to  hear  from  Him. 

[  ]  to  tender  my  complements  again  to  yr.  Family 


Not  found. 


Seven  Years    War  947 

at  the  Hall,  and  Fort,  [  ]  you,  I  am,  Sir,  with  the 

sincerest  respect, 

Your  most  obliged,  &  mo:  obed'.  Ser*. 

WITHAM  MARSH 
[SiR  WILLIAM  JOHN] SON  Baronet,  &c  &c  &c 

INDORSED:      New  York  Novbr.  24  1762 
Mr.  Marsh's  Letter 

TO  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 
A.  Df.  S. 

Johnson  Hall,  Novbr.  [26 

] 

Yours  of  the  1 1th.  Ins1.1  with  the  [Minute]  of  Council  of  the 
3d.  Ins*.  (Sent  me  bye.  Cover  [nors]  direction)  I  received,  and 
in  consequence  [thereof?]  have  Sent  him,  the  Indians  declara- 
tion [made?]  to  me  in  the  presence  of  three  Justices  of  the  Peace 
the  [24th.]  Ins*. —  I  cannot  understand  what  you  mean  by  hint- 
ing that  my  presence  may  be  necessary  as  I  know  of  no  business 
I  have  to  be  there.  Ind[eed]  if  I  could  attend,  it  would  be 
much  for  the  In[terest]  of  the  Indians.  I  hope  that  none  who 
are  [concerned?]  in  the  Affair,  will  be  allowed  to  be  at  the 
[  ]  that  day,  as  it  would  be  hard  for  them  to  [act 

impartially. —  I  wish  you  would  be  so  kind  as  [to]  give  me  yr 
opinion  of  the  Affair,  and  after  [  ]  over,  to  write  me 

fully,  when   the   Determin[ation]    of  the  Govr.  &  Council  is 
known. —  I  wro[te]   you  some  time  ago  w*1.  I  hope  you  have 

received]  T 

1  am 

Sir  as  ever 

Your  Welwisher 

and  Humble  Servant 

GOLDSBOROUGH  BANNYAR  Esqr. 

INDORSED:      Novbr.   26th    176 [2] 

Letter  to  Mr.  Bany[ar] 


Not  found. 


948  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

TO  ROBERT  MONCKTON 
A.Df. 

Johnson  Hall  WovK  <26*  1762. 
SIR> 

Since  I  had  the  honour  of  writeing  <you  I  received  >  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Banyar  (by  your  directions)  <^enclosing]>  me  Coppy 
of  a  Minute  of  Council  of  the  3d.  Ins*.1  directing  ye  < manner > 
in  which  the  Examinations  of  any  Indians  respecting  <the> 
Conajoharee  Pattent  are  to  be  taken.  I  <imediately> 
acquainted  the  Indians  of  that  Village  wtl\  ye.  same  who  there 
<upon>  mett  me  &  three  of  his  Majesty's  Justices  of  the 
<Peace>  at  the  House  of  Hendrick  Fry  Esqr.  at  Cono- 
jo<haree  two>  days  ago,  and  in  their,  &  my  presence  made 
<the  enclosed^  declaration,  &  Assured  us,  that  <this>  was 
ye.  unanimous  opinion  &  Sentiments  of  all  ye.  <rest  of  their 
People^  who  were  then  &  had  been  for  some  time  past  on  the 
<Hunt.> 

this  declaration  of  theirs,  I  thought  <my  Duty>  to  transmit 
to  your  Excellency  without  delay,  as  ye.  <Day>  appointed  is 
so  near  at  hand. 

I  am  <with>  the  greatest  respect  <Sir> 

Your  ExcelK8.  <most> 

&c*. 
<To  GovR.  MONCKTON.> 

INDORSED:      Novb.  26th   <1762> 

Letter  to  Govr.  Mo<nckton> 
encloseing  ye.  Con<ajoharee  Inds.}> 
Declaration  <  >• 

to  their  Lands 


Document  destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Fears'  War  949 


FEES  FOR  TWO  COMMISSIONS  * 
New  York.  Secretary's  Office  27th  November  1762 
Sir  William  Johnson   [  ] 

To  fees  of  2  Lieut  Colonel8.  Commissions  @  *12  £1 :4 

INDORSED:    Ace"  of  Fees  24» 


FROM  GOLDSBROW  BANYAR 
A.  L.  S. 

New  York  29  Nov.  1762 
<DR.  SIR  WM.> 

Inclosed  you  have  a  Commission  to  Ll.  <Colonel>  Vander- 
heyden2  of  the  Schenectady  Batal<ion>  and  to  Major  Van 
Slyck,3  as  Lieut1.  Colonel  of  the  Albany  Batalion:  They  are 
not  distinguished  by  the  last  Commissions,  <as>  the  1st.  &  2d. 
Batalion,  but  as  in  the  present  Commissions.  If  an  alteration  in 
this  Respect  is  necessary,  it  may  be  made  on  your  returning  these 
Commissions. 

The  Pacquet  which  arrived  here  yest<erday>  Morning  in 
8  weeks  tho'  it  brings  us  no  late  Advices,  yet  gives  us  a  greater 
Certainty  <as  to>  Peace.  A  Letter  of  some  Authority,  men- 
tions that  Lord  Bute 4  had  declared,  that  the  Duke  <of  >  Bed- 
ford 5  would  sign  preliminaries  or  a  Peace  on  his  arrival  in  France, 
and  that  he  Lord  Bute  would  be  answerable  that  <the>  Terms 
would  be  agreable.  Missisippi  R<iver>  it  is  said  is  to  be  the 
Limit  between  us  <and>  the  French.  This  is  an  advantageous 
&  a  good  Boundary  if  <the>  Treaty  distinguishes  the  River 
from  its  Branches,  giving  us  all  the  Eastern  <&  the>  French 


1  Inclosed  in  a  letter  of  Banyar  to  Johnson,  November  29,  1  762. 

2  David  Van  Der  Heyden. 
8  Jacobus  Van  Slyck. 

*John  Stuart,  third  Earl  of  Bute. 

5  John  Russell,  fourth  Duke  of  Bedford. 


950  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

all    the    Western    Branches.       <Mr    Lawrence  >    Read1    is 
appointed  of  the  Council,  <I  understand,  in>  the  Room  of 
Colonel  Martin2  <gone  to  the  West  Indies.> 
I  am  Dr.  Sr.  Wm. 

<Your  most  obed1.  &  affectionate  Serv*. 

Gw  BANYAR. 
SIR  WM.  JOHNSON  Baronet> 

INDORSED:      Novbr.  29th  1762 

Letter  from  Mr  Banyar 
w*.  Comsns. 


FROM  WILLIAM  DARLINGTON 
A.  L.  S. 

[Ne»>  York  29*  Nov  1762 

]  favour  of  the  16th.3  Instant 

[  mclojsed  is  your  account  Current 

wi[  ]  have  Sent  per  John  Van  Allen 

to  the  care  of  [  ]  barrels  of  Cod  fish  mark'd 

S  W  J.     In  regard  to  [  ]  Trees  I  have  Seen  Mr 

Dykeman  Since  and  he  acquaint  [ed  ]  that  he  has  delayed 

Sending  the  fruit  Trees  this  fall  but  will    [send]   them  in  the 
Spring.     I  am  Sorry  for  this  disappointment,  but   [ 
Owing   to  him    I    shall   Enquire    of   Mess"   Golden   &   Kelly 
[  ]  Your  Box  of  Books  and  Send  them  as  Soon  a[s] 

Possible  I  am  a  [  ]  uneasy  about  the  Indian  Curiosities  you 

mention  some  [time]  past  as  I  never  received  any  Shoud  be  glad 


1  Lawrence  Reade  was  the  father  of  Joseph  Reade,  a  councilor, 
1764-71.  See  History  of  the  City  of  New  York,  by  Mrs  Martha  J. 
Lamb  and  Mrs  Burton  Harrison,  v.  2,  p.  209-10  (note). 

2Josiah  Martin,  a  councilor,  1759-62;  commissioned  lieutenant  colonel 
of  the  22d  regiment  December  24,  1  762 ;  governor  of  North  Carolina, 
1771-76. 

8  Not  found. 


Seven  dears'  War  951 

to  hear  of  their  being  Safe.  I  shall  acquaint  Mr  Hamersly  about 
the  Server's.  [My]  Wife  desires  her  Compliments  &  I  am  with 
due  regard. 

Sir 

Your  Verry  Humble  Serv. 

WILLIAM  DARLINGTON 

INDORSED:    Novb'.  29th.  1762 

Mr.  Darlingtons  Letter 
wth.  his  Ace".  Cur*. 


FROM  JOHN  J.  SCHLOSSER 

The  preceding  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  152,  by  a  letter 
of  November  30th  from  Captain  J.  Schlosser,  at  Niagara,  communicating 
the  fact  of  failure  to  sell  his  commission  to  Lieutenant  Carre,  and  arguing 
that  he  should  not  pay  interest  for  the  farm  bought  of  Johnson  from  the 
time  of  conclusion  of  the  bargain.  Partially  destroyed  by  fire. 


FROM  WILLIAM  McCRACKEN 
A.  L.  S. 

[  ]AM  JOHNSON 

SIR 

I  beg  leave  to  acquaint  you,  that  I  [  ]  Latly  in 

New  York,  and  had  the  Honour  of  a  private  Interview  With 
the  Governour  on  which  Occation  he  Expressed  a  good  Deal  of 
Concearn,  that  he  could  not  Serve  me  in  regard  [to]  the  Sherifs 
Office,  he  said  the  Shiref  had  been  Tried  and  Acquited,1  and 
that  it  appeared  to  the  Court,  that  with  resp[ect]  to  the  Shirefs 
Conduct,  in  not  taking  Coll  Broadstreet,  [  ]  Intirely 

through   feare  and  finaly,   that  the  Affair  was  made  up,  he 


lSee  Carry  to  Johnson,  October  18,  1762. 


952  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

seemed  to  Intemate  that  he  was  a  good  deal  Int[  ]  in 

the  Affair,  its  said  Gen1  Amherst  made  a  point  of  keep  [ing]  in 
the  Shiref,  I  tould  his  Excelencey  I  was  sorry  I  had  given  him 
any  Trouble  in  the  Mater,  and  in  a  perticular  man[ner]  that  I 
had  Troubled  Sir  William  Johnson  for  his  Recom[  ] 

Seeing  it  did  not  succeed,  Coll  Broadstreet  seems  a  good  deal 
Elated  on  this  Occation,  I  assure  you  Sir  I  am  very  sorry  that 
I  gave  you  so  much  Trouble,  yet  I  Esteem  it  a  perticular  honor 
to  Obtain  such  a  recommendation  from  Sir  William  Jo[hnson] 
Tho  it  did  not  Succeed,  I  could  not  Express  my  thanks  ful[ly] 
When  I  had  the  honour  of  Waiting  on  you  last,  because  I 
[  ]  I  might  Offend  that  Great  Modesty,  which 

alloane    [  ]    and   Does   ad  Luster  to  your  Amibel 

Carracter,    and    [  ]    Actions  —  I    must  beg  lave  to 

acquaint  you   [  ]   Some  Leters  from  Ireland  that  A 

young  man  [  ]  Some  Gentlemen  in  Ireland,  Desiring 

him  to   [  ]   if  a  large  Track  of  Land  Could  be  got 

to  Set  [tie  ]   People  on  Good  Tearms,  I  mentioned 

your   [  ]   Tould  me  he  would  Com- 

municate [ 

Safly  give  Credit  to  [  ]   frends  and 

Neighbours  who  [  ]  Minister  with 

them,  a  Man  of  great  [  ]  and  is  an 

Able  Physician,  if  they  Could  be  certifyed  [ 
get  Land  on  Tearm  that  they  could  live  by,  I,  have  a  family 
in   [  ]   and  am  only  waiting  untill  the  Peace  is 

Concluded,  when  I  [am]  resolved  to  Send  for  them,  I  would 
gladly  Settle  under  you  Sir  on  a  little  pice  of  Land,  and  keep 
a  few  things  to  Sell  to  Your  Tenants,  if  it  would  seem  good  to 
you,  I  flater  myself  I  might  do  well  if  I  could  be  so  hapy  as  to 
have  your  Countenance,  I  beg  youl  plase  to  let  me  have  a  Few 
Lines  in  answer  to  the  above.  Trade  is  quite  over  here,  I  am 


1  Several  lines  are  missing. 


Seven  Fears'  War  953 

going  to  quite  this  Place  aganst  May  Next,  I  beg  youl  Excuse 
My  freedom  in  Writing  to  you. 

I  am  Sir  with  the  greatest  Esteem 

your  Most  Obliged  Servant 

WILLIAM  MCCRACKEN 

ADDRESSED:  To 

The  Honourble:  Sir  William  Johnson  Bar*. 

at 
Fort  Johnson 


TO  WILLIAM   BAKER 


Johnson  Hall  Decb'.  4*  1762. 
SIR 

Since  my  last  to  you  of  the  5th  of  August  wh.  enclosed  a 
Power  of  Attorney  enabling  you  to  dispose  of  my  annuities,  or 
as  much  as  would  answer  ye  Draft  I  gave  my  Brother  on  you, 
I  am  favoured  with  yours  of  the  23d  2  July,  with  an  Invoice  of 
a  small  case  of  Books  wh.  is  come  to  hand,  as  are  also  the  Maga- 
zines wh.  were  packed  in  Mr.  Bleekers  Goods. 

I  find  by  sd.  letter  you  have  made  a  further  purchase  for  me, 
wh.  I  am  pleased  at,  and  doubt  not  you  will  be  able  to  make 
another  for  ye  Christmas  Dividend,  as  I  imagine  Draft  will  not 
be  offered  sooner,  if  otherwise  it  is  also  well.  As  from  the  many 
acctte.  we  have  of  a  Peace  being  verry  near  at  hand,  I  am  hope- 
full  you  will  be  able  to  sell  so  much  to  advantage. 

I  did  last  year  receive  copy  of  my  Commission  as  Superin- 
tendent of  the  Indians,  but  without  ye  Military  part,  as  in  the 
former,  but  have  not  received  ye  original  you  mentioned  would 
be  sent  me,  wh.  I  am  very  easy  ab*.  being  heartily  tired  of  a 


1  Destroyed  by  fire. 

2  Not  found. 


954  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

service  by  wh.  I  have  entirely  ruined  my  Constitution,  and  been 
obliged  during  the  war  to  expend  much  more  in  Campaigning 
than  the  am*,  of  my  Pay  as  a  Civil  officer,  and  to  you  (as  the 
only  person  in  that  part  of  the  World  I  have  any  Correspondence 
with)  I  must  beg  leave  to  observe  that  I  think  it  hard  treatment 
neither  to  be  allowed  pay  or  promotion,  notwithstanding  I  have 
done  service  as  a  Military  officer  during  ye  whole  Course  of  the 
War,  and  sometimes  in  lieu  of  a  better,  Commanded.  It  is 
owing  to  that  unavoidable  &  considerable  expence  I  have  been 
at  as  an  officer  of  that  Rank  I  am  now  so  much  distressed  & 
obliged  to  break  upon  my  Capital  in  the  Funds.  I  hope  you  will 
pardon  my  giveing  you  so  much  trouble  about  it,  the  reason  is 
(as  I  before  observed)  that  I  realy  know  nobody  there,  to  whom 
I  could  mention  my  grievance  with  so  much  confidence  and 
freedom.  If  you  think  sir  there  is  any  probability  of  my  recover- 
ing pay  even  for  the  time  I  faithfully  slaved  &  served  wh.  is 
above  Seven  years,  I  shall  take  yr  adviseing  me  the  properest 
manner  of  applying  for  it  extremely  kind.  You  may  remember 
Sir  receiveing  my  pay  last  War  as  Coll0,  of  the  Six  Nations 
on  Mr.  Clintons  Commission,  and  now  not  to  receive  pay  or  get 
promotion  on  his  late  Majestys  Commission  for  ye  same  Corps 
&  constantly  on  ye  severest  duty  (wh.  is  notorious)  is  a  thing  I 
cannot  account  for  and  is  I  believe  without  president. 

As  I  purpose  building  a  good  dwelling  House  next  spring  on 
my  new  Pattent  w*1.  I  have  been  Settleing  Tenants  on  during 
ye  War,  and  have  already  above  one  Hundred  Familys  thereon, 
for  ye  encouragement  of  whom  I  purpose  liveing  there,  so  shall 
want  the  severall  Articles  mentioned  in  the  enclosed  memorandum 
of  a  good  kind,  and  beg  you  may  order  them  to  be  sent  me  as 
early  in  the  Spring  as  possible,  that  I  may  not  be  delayed  for  ye 
want  of  them.  I  am  in  hopes  this  may  reach  you  e're  you  invest 
the  Christmas  dividend  in  the  Funds,  so  that  you  may  be  able, 
to  pay  for  these  Articles  out  of  it  Notwithstanding  I  have  in  the 
former  part  of  my  letter  (without  considering)  wrote  otherwise. 
The  People  who  wrote  to  their  friends  in  Germany  last  year 


Seven  Years'  War  955 


were  so  luckly  as  to  receive  answers  to  them,  which  they  never 
could  by  any  other  Channel  before,  they  have  again  so  pressingly 
entreated  me  to  forward  a  few  of  their  Relations,  which  as  I 
could  not  well  refuse,  lays  me  under  the  necessity  of  troubleing 
you  again  with  the  care  of  those  enclosed,  and  beg  you  will  be 
so  good  to  forward  them,  and  charge  me  with  any  expence  may 
attend  the  same. 

I  am  &ca.  yn. 

W.J. 
Sir  WM.  BAKER 

FROM  WILLIAM   CORRY 

A.  L.  S. 

Albany  December  6ih.  1762 
<DEAR  SIR 

I>  Just  now  received  a  letter  from  the  Kings  Art?,  which  I 
inclose  to  you.  You  will  find  by  <jC>  that  Mr  Smith  is 
imployed  by  us.  they  take  notice  of  amd*.  taken  before  you 
and  three  Jus<tices>  of  this  county  to  be  admitted  as  evidence 
before  the  Council  the  15  of  this  month,  and  this  is  the  6th.  I 
can't  see  how  the  affidts.  can  be  taken  in  the  manner  directed 
and  sent  to  New  York  in  time,  in  that  case,  as  the  notice  to 
you  is  so  very  short,  I  think  it  necessary  that  you  write  to  the 
Govr.  or  to  Mr  Bannier  that  the  hearing  may  have  a  longer  day, 
at  least  six  or  eight  weeks,  or  longer,  or  shorter,  as  you  desire 
time  and  full  time  for  the  parties  to  be  prepared. 

a  packet  is  arrived,  had  a  long  passage,  brought  no  news,  it 
is  said  the  Missis <sippi>  will  be  the  boundaries  between  the 
French  and  English. 

I  am,  Dear  Sir 

Your  most  obed1. 
humble  Serv!. 

WILLIAM  CORRY 

INDORSED:      Decbr.  6th   1762 
Mr.  Corrys  letter 


956 


Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 


WILLIAM  DARLINGTON'S  ACCOUNT  l 


Sir  William  [Johnson 


1762 


To  W[illiam  Darlington] 


July  14th.  To  ballance  of  an  account  renderd        [ 

To  Cash  paid  Gerardus  Dyckink 

To  Correl  for  a  Child 

To  a  Steem  Pot 

To  a  Sauce  Pan 

To  2  Small  Tea  Kettles 

To  Case  of  Oil 

To  1   Roll  of  Tobacco 

To  an  Umbrello 

To   [      ]    Barrels  Pork  @   112« 

To  Cartage 

To  Barrel  Clown  Salt  4J  B  @  5/6 

To  Barrel  &  Triming 

To  a  Cruet  Stand  Sent  the  7th:  April 

1762 
Sep.   4th:  To  5  Barrels  Pork  @   1 12* 

To  Cartage 

To  1    Barrel  Salmon 

To  Cartage 

To  1  Cheshire  Cheese  w*  24J  B  @  1 5 

[To]   Cash  Paid  Benjamin  Hallstead 
25th.    [To]  Thorn  Hamersly's  Account 

To  2  Coat  of  Arm's  Engraving 

To  2  Silver  Waiters  25 
2d  w'  @  15/6 

To  Engraving  2  Armes 

To  1  Box  Candles  41  D  N<  @ 


oz 


2[ 


1  Inclosed  in  a  letter  of  Darlington  to  Johnson,  November  29,  1  762. 


Seven  Years,'  Wai 


957 


5[ 


4[ 


To  Box 

To  14  Loaves  Sugar  w«  154  fl  @  15d  9[ 

To  1   Box  Spermaceta  Candles  | 

wt  321  B  @  3/6 
To  Box 

fov  14th  To  2  Barrels  Mackarel  @  40* 
To  1  doz  Playing  Cards  @  16* 
To  Cartage  of  Mackarell 
To  2  Almanack's  @  6 
To  2  Pocket  d°.  @   !• 
29  To  2  Barrels  Fish  35' 
To  Cartage  d° 
To  James  Rivingtons  Acco 
To  2  Vol  of  Clio  for  Cap':  Dan 

Clause 
To  Wm.  Weymans  Account 


£401..8..9 


ON  REVERSE:       [ 


1762 


£300\40Q 
M'  Mortier     100J 


now  due  W  D 


£1..8.9 


FROM  JEAN  BAPTISTE  DE  COUAGRE  * 
To  the  Honorable  SIR  WlLLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bart 

Niagara  the  6th  Dec-1762 
SIR— 

The  first  instant  I  returned  from  the  Seneca's  Castle,  I 
executed  the  orders  directed  to  me  by  Maj.  Wilkins  to  the  utmost 
of  my  power,  &  the  good  of  his  Majesty's  service.  A  Copy  of 
which  I  sent  you  in  my  letter  of  the  7th  Novr- 


1  In  Library  of  Congress,  Force  Transcripts,  Miscellaneous,  v.  3. 


958  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

That  at  my  arrival  at  the  Indian  Town,  I  showed  the  Indians 
&  particularly  the  Sachems  my  orders  from  the  Commandant 
at  this  post,  &  explained  to  them  his  intention  &  my  business 
there  —  On  which  they  reply ed  that  for  the  liking  they  had  for 
the  Commandant,  nothing  should  be  wanting  on  their  side  in 
complying  with  his  request,  &  that  they  would  deliver  to  me 
without  loss  of  time  all  the  deserters  in  their  custody,  which  being 
done  I  returned  to  Niagara,  with  14  Deserters  &  a  good  many 
Indians  to  guard  them. —  that  as  soon  as  I  came  and  delivered 
the  deserters  up,  the  Commandant  treated  the  Indians  very 
generously,  giving  them  for  each  deserter  40s/  with  plenty  of 
ammunition  &  provisions  which  greatly  pleased  them  —  they  told 
me  that  nothing  pleased  them  more  than  to  have  the  pleasure 
of  serving  the  English,  whose  friendship  and  allegiance  the  never 
would  decline. 

I  am  Sir,  with  the  greatest  respect  — 

Your  most  faithful  servant 

DE  COUAGRE 


FROM  RICHARD  SHUCKBURGH 
A.  L.  S. 

Nev>  York  6lh.  Dec*.  </762. 
DEAR  SIR 

I  have>  no  pretence  of  writing  which  Satis<fies  me,  hav- 
ing>  little  to  say  of  import  to  you  or  Amusement,  <but>  as 
I  once  had  the  pleasure  of  a  more  frequent  Corre<spon>dence 
would  be  glad  to  renew  it,  by  which  I  may  be  <more>  precise 
to  your  enquiring  friends,  for  we  often  think  <of  >you  in  our 
Potations. 

When  I  had  the  honour  of  seeing  you  at  New  York  I  told 
you  that  "  I  waited  on  the  General  and  am  well  pleas'd  that  he 
hath  inclined  his  Ear  unto  me,  but  wherefore  should  I  call  upon 
him  as  long  as  I  live."  I  am  now  to  Console  myself  in  this 


Seven  Years'  War  959 

Beatitude,  "  Blessed  is  <he>  who  Expects  nothing  for  he  shall 
never  be  Disappointed.*'  However  I  hope  soon  to  be  on  some 
Establishment,  having  <both>  Generals  leave  to  purchase, 
You  may  beleive  it  is  noth<ing>  in  the  Indian  way,  as  by 
whatever  accident  I  have  been  deprived  off  or  disappointed  in 
every  mode  of  serving  there,  is  enough  to  put  a  final  Period  to 
all  my  Aims  in  that  Department:  'tho  my  Letters  brought  by 
Majr.  Gates  <^from^>  my  friends  in  England,  inform  me  that 
Ld.  Hallifax  <Vou'd>  not  have  hesitated  a  Moment  to  my 
Appointment,  <had>  your  recommendation  arriv'd  and  I  am 
assured  <at  the>  same  time,  would  yet  make  it  up  to  me  in 
<some  way  or>  other  if  my  cruel  disappointment  was 
sig<^nified  to  his^>  Lordship,  in  which,  when  there  is  a  Ne<^ces- 
sity,  I  dare  say>  you  will  join  me;  I  do  not  ask  that  <now, 
as  I  am  in  pursuit  of  what,  if>  Effected,  will  determine  my 
prospect  in  this  part^>  of  the  world:  But  while  that  <js  in 
suspense  and  I  have>  heard  that  Ll.  Johnson  is  to  be  One  <of 
your  Deputies  with>  an  Appointment  of  200£  sterl«  33  Ann 
and  ^thereupon  to  Dis>pose  of  his  Commission,  I  would  be 
glad,  as  I  flatt<er  mys>elf  I  have  yet  some  share  in  your  good 
will,  that  <you  would>  interest  yourself  so  far  in  my  behalf 
as  to  enquire  <if>  Mr.  Johnson  would  accept  of  my  Land  in 
the  Mohawks  country  in  lieu  of  his  Lieutenancy,  and  shou'd  he 
accept  or  not,  be  pleased  to  inform  me  what  he  Expects  to  com- 
pleat  the  Purchase,  in  this  you'll  oblige  your  Constant  friend, 

and  very  humble  Servant 

RD  SHUCKBURGH 


S. 

<The>  last  Pacquet  K  England  saild  ye  1  7th.  of  Octob' 
fm.  Falmouth,  as  to  <news>  writing  tis  only  anticipating  what 
you  may  read  in  <the>  publick  Papers  &  would  be  too  tedious 
to  write  the  various  <opi>nions  of  People  on  what  is  there 
inserted:  they  have  the  News  <in>  England  of  ye  reduction 
of  the  Havanah  &  the  retaking  Sl.  Johns  by  CoK  Amherst: 


960  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 


twas  remarkd  at  Halifax,  while  the  <  French  >  were  in  pos- 
sesion  of  Newfoundland  that  the  Indians  <ab'.>  there  &  Nova 
Scotia  disappeared  &  it  is  supposed  if  the  French  <had>  con- 
tinued wou'd  probably  join'd  them.  There  has  been  a 
<French>  ship  taken  going  to  Newfoundland  wth.  2  millions 
<of  Livres>  to  pay  the  french  troops  had  they  remained  there 
<this  winter  &>  possibly  to  bribe  the  Ind8.  there  was  also 
aboard  <^some  ship^>  taken  a  large  scalping  apparatus.  <CA 
peace  is  not  so>  near  as  was  generally  Expected.  <Great 
murmurings  in  Eng>land  agst.  the  Scots  Minister  <Lord  Bute. 
I  have  heard  the  last>  Pacquet  brought  <  nothing  but  letters 
as  she  was>  forbid  to  take  any  Prints  <or  Pamphlets  on  board, 
there  is  such^>  papers  publish'd  the  like  was  <^never  seen.  Tis 
thought  >  the  People  will  not  submit  to  be  <under  his 
direc^>tion  of  Government. 

Some  of  the  Indep1  officers  are  arrived  (no  privates 
Exp<ected)>  viz*.  Cap*.  Coventry1  LA  McKane2  &  Minzis  8 
both  indisposed,  <]The^>  vacancies  by  the  deceasd  are  fill'd 
up  mostly  Gratis,  what  is  become  of  the  Remainder  of  ye 
officers  is  uncertain  being  in  a  leaky  vessel  &  order'd  into  Provi- 
dence if  they  should  not  arrive  <it>  may  possibly  hasten  the 
dissolution  of  that  Corps  as  th<ere>  is  so  few  remaining. 
twas  shocking  to  look  at  the  poor  Remains  of  the  People  landed 
from  the  Havannah,  meer  shadows  of  what  they  were  Ghosts 
of  every  occupa<tion>  every  Rank  every  Station,  Soldiers  & 
Sailors,  Doctors  <and>  Traders,  some  look  as  pale  as  pieces 
of  Eight  that  one  <would>  imagine  they  were  surfieted  wth. 
the  sight  of  such  sums  <of>  Silver  there  and  by  their  Com- 
plexions they  sympathiz<ed>  with  colour  of  that  Metal. 


1  Captain  George  Coventry. 
E  Lieutenant   John   Mackane. 
8  Lieutenant  Thomas  Menzies. 


Seven  Years    War  961 

I  have  heard  that  Admiral  Tyrrel  was  Dead  ha<ving> 
never  got  the  better  of  that  wound  in  his  hand;  tis  <said>  he 
died  immensely  Rich 

To  SIR  WM.  JOHNSON  Baronet 

ADDRESSED:      To 

The  Hon'ble 

Sir  Wm  Johnson  Baronet 

INDORSED:     New  York  Decr  6th.   1762 
Letter  from  Dr  Shuckburgh 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
A.  Df.  S. 

Johnson  Hall  7*.  Decb'.  17<62. 
SlR> 

On  my  return  from  ye.  upper  parts  <of  ye  Country  >  where 
I  had  been  some  days,  I  was  honoured  wi<th  yours>  of  the 
2 1'1.  Ult0.,  signifying  yr.  ExcelK8.  intentions  of  <putting>  an 
entire  stop  to  any  communication  or  commerce  <with>  the 
People  of  the  Illinois,  and  the  parts  adjacent,  which  must  cer- 
tainly have  a  verry  good  effect. 

As  soon  as  Lieu1.  Johnson  returns  from  Onondaga  (w\  I 
expect  will  be  in  a  few  days)  I  shall  send  your  ExcelK.  the 
result  of  that  Meeting,  &  I  am  hope<full>  that,  from  ye.  part 
he  is  directed  to  act  thereat,  Second <ed>  by  some  Cheifs  of 
the  two  Mohawk  Villages,  the  Six  Nat8,  will  be  convinced  of 
the  propriety  &  necessity  of  their  interesting  themselves  heartily 
in  that  affair,  as  well  as  of  useing  all  possible  means  to  appre- 
hend, and  deliver  up  the  late  Murderers  to  Justice. 

I  am  much  oblidged  to  yr.  Excellency  for  communicateing  to 
me  that  Paragraph  of  Govr.  Gages  let<ter>  by  which  it 
appears  that  the  Persons  therein  mention<ed>  are  verry 

Vol.111  — 31 


962  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

deserveing  of  punishment,  it  also  shews  that  <my  >  Informa- 
tion &  apprehensions  mentioned  in  my  letter  <to^>  your  Excel- 
lency of  the  6th.  of  May  last  were  well  gr<ounded.>  I  did 
some  time  after  that,  receive  severall  letters  as  well  <fronT>  the 
Commanding  officer  of  Niagra,  as  the  Trad<ing  People> 
there,  setting  forth  the  great  expence  &  entire  disap<ointment> 
they  met  with  in  Trade,  by  reason  of  a  Company  <of  Traders  > 
being  allowed  to  carry  (by  way  of  Montreal)  <Rum,  other> 
Spiritous  liquors  &  Merchandise  to  vend  at  <  Toronto.  >  As 
I  was  then  given  to  understand  that  < complaint  had  been> 
made  &  Petitions  already  sent  to  yr.  <Excellcy  by  the  People 
at>  Niagra,  also  Copies  of  the  <Pasports  whereby  they  were 
allowed  to  trade  at  said  place,  I  did  not  conceive  it  proper  or 
necessary  to  trouble^  your  Excellency  abl.  it,  <being  thor- 
oughly Satisfied^  from  what  you  were  pleased  to  <tell  me  at 
York  on  yl.  Subject,  that  there>  would  be  an  entire  Stop  put 
to  such  <^ Irregularities  for  ye  future.  I  am  in]>duced  to  think 
that  what  Govr.  Gage  writes  about <^,  must  have  been  done^> 
early  in  the  summer.  Certainly  those  < Traders  or  any  others  > 
unauthorized,  takeing  upon  them  to  send  Belts  of  <^Wampum 
and^>  Messages  among  the  Indians,  as  those  from  Toronto  have 
done,  <is>  verry  wrong,  &  must  inevitably  be  one  time  or 
other  productive  of  pernicious  consequences,  to  prevent  which,  I 
would  most  readily  <call>  the  Delinquents  to  a  verry  strict 
ace",  could  I  but  be  informed  of  the  measures  proper  to  be  taken 
in  such  case,  w*1.  in  these  parts  I  cannot,  as  we  have  not  a  Lawyer 
on  whose  advice  I  can  depend.  I  shant  add  further  on  this  sub- 
ject than  to  observe  to  yr.  Excellency,  that  whilst  People  are 
allowed  to  trade  where  they  please  among  the  Ind8.,  all  the  best 
calculated  regulations,  &  stated  prices  which  can  be  made,  will 
not  prevent  the  Traders  (in  the  least)  from  overreaching  and 
grossly  imposing  on  the  Indians,  for  wh.  reason  I  give  no  Pas- 
ports  for  Trade  but  where  there  is  a  Kings  garrison,  but  this  is 
looked  upon  by  the  People  of  this  Province  as  a  verry  great 
Hardship,  whilst  those  from  Montreal,  and  even  the  French 


Seven  Years'  War  963 

there,  are  suffered  to  go  a  Trading  among  the  Ottawawaes,  and 
other  numerous  distant  Nations  without  limitation,  whether  such 
kind  of  People,  who  are  not  always  possessed  of  the  best  prin- 
ciples, and  who  from  a  long  settled  acquaintance  with  severall 
Nations,  have  acquired  their  language,  may  not  be  verry  capable 
and  ready  to  raise  uneasinesses  &  Jealousies  in  their  minds  to 
the  prejudice  of  the  Service,  I  humbly  submit  to  yr.  Excellencys 
consideration.  As  I  was  applied  to  a  few  days  ago  by  one 
<Tho>mas  Williams  &  Hennery  Smith  formerly  officers  in 
ye.  York  service,  <for>  ye.  payment  of  one  barrel  of  Pork, 
two  of  flower,  &  other  species  <in>  proportion,  given  by  them 
in  ye  year  1757  at  Fort  Harkemer  <to  a>  party  of  Ind8.  then 
going  on  service  to  La  Gallet,  I  thought  proper  <O°>  acquaint 
yr.  Excellency  of  it,  and  shall  be  glad  to  know  yr  <pleasure> 
concerning  ye.  same.  Inclosed  is  an  account  <of  the  Pay> 
due  to  officers  in  my  Department  to  the  respective  < Dates, 
also>  my  own  to  last  7br  for  ye.  amount  of  wh.  I  shall  be  <glad 
to  receive^>  your  Excellencys  Warrant. 

I  have  &ca. 

W.J. 

<His  Excellency  SIR  JEFF.  AMHERST  K*.  of  the  Bath> 

INDORSED:      Decbr.  7th.   1762 

Letter  to  Sr.  Jeff:  Amherst 

wth.  An  Ace",  of  Pay  Due 
to  Sevr1.  officers. 


CANAJOHARIES*   DECLARATION 

The  preceding  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  153,  by  the 
declaration  of  eight  Indians,  represented  as  the  majority  of  the  Canajohane 
tribe,  upholding  the  patent  to  Abraham  Van  Home,  David  Provoost, 
Philip  Livingston  and  Mary  Burnet,  witnessed  by  Justice  Jacob  Klock  and 
others,  dated  Canajoharie,  December  9th.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


964  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  GEORGE  CROGHAN 
A.  L.  S.1 

Fort  Pitt  Dec'.  10*  1762. 
HONRD.  SIR 

This  fall  when  I  sent  Mr.  McKee  to  Reside  amongst  the 
Shawnas  I  enclosd.  you  a  Copey  of  his  instructions  and  Now 
on  his  Return  I  Inclose  you  a  Copy  of  his  Jornal  by  which  your 
Honour  will  see  that  the  Sinecas,  Dellaways  &  Shawnas  has 
been  ploting  against  his  Majestys  Subjects  this  Sumer.  I  have 
had  lately  an  opportunity  of  Talking  with  Several  principall 
Warriers  of  ye  Dellaways  Shawnas  &  Sinecas  that  Live  on  this 
River  Concerning  ye  Belt  &  hatchett  Menshoned  In  Mr. 
McKees  Jornal  &  they  all  Confess  such  a  Belt  past  throw  their 
Nations  and  agree  that  it  came  from  ye  Waweautannas  Last 
Spring  &  was  ye  Same  given  to  them  by  the  French  att  Elinois, 
w*1.  you  will  see  in  ye  Intelligence  I  sent  you  In  Octr.  Last,  they 
say  that  they  have  No  Intensions  to  Make  Warr  with  ye  English 
Butt  say  itt  is  full  Time  for  them  to  prepair  to  defend  themselves 
from  us  as  they  Say  itt  apears  very  Clear  to  them  that  we  intend 
to  make  Warr  on  them  by  our  Sloping  ye  Sale  of  powder  & 
Lead  from  them  &  Nott  giveing  their  Warrers  any  to  carry  on 
their  Warr  against  the  Southern  Indians  wh.  was  an  old  Custom. 

This  I  understand  is  what  Incresiss  thire  Jelousys  and  alarms 
them.  They  begin  more  and  more  to  dread  our  growing  power. 
They  seem  convenst  in  their  own  opinion  that  as  soon  as  they 
Deliver  up  all  our  prisners  that  we  will  then  fall  upon  them  wh. 
is  Natural  anouff  as  they  themselves  are  a  peple  who  never  for- 
gett  Nor  forgive  they  think  we  will  act  on  ye  same  prenciples 
and  this  I  blive  is  the  only  Rason  why  they  have  putt  off  ye 
Delivery  of  our  prisners  So  Long. 

Itt  is  very  luckey  for  us  that  those  Indians  &  them  over  ye 
Lackes  are  Nott  upon  a  good  understanding  with  Each  other. 


Destroyed  by  fire. 


Seven  Fears'  War  965 

If  they  ware  united  I  am  of  opinion  we  should  Soon  have  an 
Indian  Warr.  The  Indians  are  a  very  Jelous  peple  &  they  had 
great  Expectations  of  being  very  Ginerally  Supplyd.  by  us  & 
from  their  poverty  &  Mercenery  Disposion  they  cant  Bear 
such  a  Disapointment.  Undoubtedly  yc  Gineral  has  his  own 
Rason  for  Nott  allowing  any  presents  or  amunision  to  be  given 
them,  &  I  wish  itt  may  have  its  Desird.  Effect  Butt  I  take  this 
opertunity  to  acquaint  you  that  I  Dread  the  Event  as  I  know 
Indians  cant  long  persevere.  They  are  a  Rash  Inconsistent 
peple  &  Inclin^.  to  Mischiff  &  will  never  Consider  Consequences 
tho  itt  May  End  in  thire  Ruen.  Thire  Success  ye  beginning  of 
this  Warr  on  our  fronteers  is  to  Recent  in  thire  M emery  to 
Suffer  them  to  Consider  thire  present  Inability  to  make  Warr 
with  us  and  if  ye  Sinecas  Dellaways  &  Shawnas  Should  Brake 
with  us  it  will  End  in  a  ginerall  Warr  with  all  yc  Western 
Nations  tho  they  att  present  Seem  Jelous  of  Each  other. 

I  have  sent  my  Last  half  years  aclt.  to  yc  ginerall  \A  amounted 
to  a  little  better  than  £300  above  ye  one  half  of  w1*.  was  accrued 
on  Mr.  Hutchings  Journy  over  ye  Lackes  wh.  I  hope  will  meet 
with  ye  Gineralls  aprobation  and  for  the  futer  I  Shall  charge  yc 
Crown  with  No  Expences  Except  Such  as  ye  Commanding 
officer  gives  a  posetiff  order  for,  as  itt  is  his  Desier  that  No 
Expences  Should  accrue  In  this  Department  I  Shall  louck  on 
my  Self  accountable  fer  any  Consequences  hereafter. 

On  Receiving  ye  Regulation  fer  paying  yc  peple  Imployd.  in 
this  Department  I  Sent  a  Copey  to  Detroit  Butt  has  received  no 
ansfer,  butt  as  ye  Smiths  there  has  applyd.  fer  more  pay  than 
they  formerly  had  I  Dont  Expect  they  will  Continue  in  the 
Service.  Nor  can  I  gett  any  body  heer  wh.  will  go  to  that  post 
for  ye  pay  as  Every  thing  is  to  Dear  there  Nor  will  the  Smith 
heer  Continue  any  Longer  then  Spring  In  the  Service  for  ye  pay. 
Mr.  McKee  will  Continue  in  ye  Service  tho  I  assure  you  his  pay 
will  Scarce  purchase  him  horses  to  travel  from  Nation  to  Nation 
&  pay  for  the  provisions  he  must  purchase  when  amongst  yc 
Indians.  Mr.  McKee  setts  off  in  two  Days  again  to  yc  Lower 


966  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

Shawnas.  I  Shall  do  every  thing  in  my  power  to  gain  all  the 
Information  I  can  of  ye  Designs  of  those  Indians  &  Transmit!  itt 
to  yr  Honour  from  time  to  time.  Plese  to  make  my  Complem18. 
Ecceptable  to  Mr.  Johny  Capt.  Clouse  Capt.  Johnson  &  all  the 
good  family  &  yr  Secretery  Counceler  Swamp  if  with  you  & 
Bleve  Me  Honoured  Sir  with  Great  Esteem  &  Regard  yr.  Most 
Humble  Servant 

GEO:  CROGHAN. 

P.  S.  Silver  heels  with  a  party  of  Mohocks  past  by  heer  a  few 
Days  ago  &  Tould  me  that  as  he  past  throw  ye  Sineca  Country 
that  ye  most  of  ye  Sinecas  talkt  of  Nothing  butt  a  Warr  with  ye 
English. 

TO  WILLIAM  EYRE 
Df. 

Johnson  Hall  Dec*.  <10th  1762. 
DEAR  SIR> 

Having  been  absent  from  home  for  sometime  I  had  not  an 
< opportunity >  of  answering  your  Letter  of  October  *  until 
now.  I  suppose  th<is  will>  find  you  at  New  York,  and  should 
have  been  very  glad  to  have  <seen  y°u>  before  you  went 
down,  but  I  presume  you  were  too  much  tired  <of  the> 
frontiers  to  make  any  Stay  at  Albany 

I  am  glad  to  hear  the  fortifications  at  Crown  Point  are  in 
such  forwar<dness;>  a  Work  so  considerable  &  Extensive 
must  take  a  considerable  time  to  Compleat  and  will  probably 
cost  you  a  Visit  next  Season  which  <may>  afford  me  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  you.  As  You  are  now  at  the  Fountain  head 
I  hope  when  time  will  per<mit,  you>  will  give  us  a  little  of  the 
War  and  Politicks  going  forward  in  that  Quarter  for  I  suppose 
you  will  hardly  go  on  any  Service  this  Win<ter.>  A  Murder 
having  been  lately  committed  by  two  Kanestio  Inds.  (a  <Vil- 


Not  found. 


Seven  years'  War  967 

lage>  made  up  of  Stragglers  from  sev1.  Nations  near  the  Senecas 
Country)  <on  2>  White  Men;  Lieut.  Johnson  is  gone  as  my 
Depy.  to  attend  a  <Meeting>  to  be  held  on  that  occasion  at 
Onondaga  where  he  is  to  insist  on  <the>  Murderers  being 
imediately  apprehended,  &  delivered  up  to  Justice 

Be  assured  I  shall  at  all  times  be  glad  to  hear  from  you,  & 
<that  I  am> 

Dr.  Sir  &<*. 
LT.  COLL.  WM.  EYRE 

INDORSED:     Johnson  Hall 

Dec'.  10*.  1762. 
Letter  to  L*.  Coll  Eyre 


FROM  FRANCIS  PFISTER1 

A.  L.  S. 

Fort  Stamvix  Dec'.  10th  1762. 
SIR 

I  take  the  opportunity  of  returning  the  two  books  you  were 
pleasd  to  lend  me  to  read. 

The  Bearer  James  Plato  will  also  Deliver   [  ]   green 

Paint  for  Mr  Johnson,  I  have  taken  this  liberty  to  sent  them  to 
you,  by  hearing  of  his  being  sent  to  the  Indian  Castels,  which 
I  hope  you'll  vergive. 
Sir 
Your  Most  Obedient  Humb1  Ser': 

FRANS:  PFISTER. 
SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON 

INDORSED:     Fort  Stanwix  Decr.  10th  1762 

Letter  from  Lieu*.  Pfister  Engineer 


1  Lieutenant  Francis  Pfister,  of  the  60th  regiment 


968  Sir  IVilliam  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  HUGH  WALLACE 
A.  L.  S. 

New  York  10  Dec'.  1762 
DEAR  SIR 

I  was  favoured  with  yours  16th  Octo*.1  3$  Mrr  Furrye.  to 
whom  I  shall  be  glad  to  do  any  service  on  your  Account,  &  so 
I  have  told  him. 

I  had  also  yours  by  your  Tennant  who  had  the  Potashes.  I 
should  be  vastly  glad  such  a  manufacture  could  be  Established] 
in  this  country.  I  desired  your  Tennant  [to]  call  on  me  &  bring 
me  a  Sample  of  it,  &  I  could  the  better  judge  of  it.  My  design 
was  to  purchase  a  small  Quantity  of  it  about  1 00  w*.  at  any  price 
&  send  it  [to]  Ireland,  where  I  could  have  a  certain  ac [count] 
of  its  goodness  &  the  Value  of  it. 

But  he  never  called,  so  I  can  say  [no]  more  about  it.  I  should 
be  verry  [  ]  of  any  Opportunity  to  shew  you  [with] 

what  Esteem  &  respect  I  am 

D'  Sir 

Your  most  obedient  & 
very  humble  Ser1 
HUGH  WALLACE 

Inclosed  is  three  Letters  I  received  for  you  by  a  Vessell  from 
Dublin,  that  has  had  a  long  Passage. 

SIR  WILL  JOHNSTON  Bar*. 

INDORSED:    New  York  10th.  Decbr.  1762 
Letter  from  Mr  Wallace 


Not  found. 


Seven  Years    Wat  969 


FROM  JOHN   LOTTRIDGE 
A.  L.  5. 

Monirial  I2lh  December  1762. 
HOND.  SIR 

Permit  me  to  thank  you  for  the  honour  of  your  Letter  29th  of 
Novm..1  and  to  return  you  my  most  humble  thanks  for  your 
Favourable  Opinion  of  me,  I  will  endeavor  to  deserve  it  as 
much  as  possibly  I  can,  and  shall  Esteem  it  my  greatest  happi- 
ness to  find  a  Opportunity  to  shew  my  Zeal  and  Fedility  towards 
you 

I  have  inquired  in  to  Gin1.  Gages  passes  for  Trade  which  are 
from  hence  to  Eshselemackanac,  Lak  ay.2  Leak  Superiour  La 
Grand  Portadg,  St.  Marrys  on  leak  Hurong,  Sl:  Josephs,  the 
officers  Commanding  at  those  posts  are  at  liberty  or  at  least  take 
on  them  selves  to  give  permission  to  any  of  the  traders  to  go  and 
remane  in  any  of  the  indian  nations  for  the  winter,  and  dispose 
of  thire  goods.  Many  of  [the]  f ranch  who  live  at  Eshsele- 
mackenac  purchase  thire  goods  from  our  Mercht8.  there  and  take 
thire  familys  with  them  remane  in  any  of  the  Indian  villiages 
[for]  the  advantage  of  trade.  As  for  spiritous  liquors  the  are 
Exempted,  [only]  what  is  necessary  for  the  use  of  the  March18., 
with  men.  for  thire  Journey,  &  they  are  greatly  stinted,  he  like- 
wise gives  passes  to  fort  Wm.  Agustus,  [Niag]ra,  to  the  west- 
ward of  that  place,  near  Toronto,  and  to  Detroyt. 

There  Came  last  spring  from  Albany  to  [this  place]  Traders 
here  who  obtained  a  pass  from  the  Govr.  to  go  to  Toronto,  they 
took  unknown  to  him  a  large  Quantity  of  rum  with  them  which 
had  near  been  of  bad  Consequence  to  other  people  Trading 
there,  which  had  non  of  that  kind  with  them 

the  Caghnawageys  have  been  very  uneasy  Owing  to  some  ill 
tretment  they  have  reeived  from  Cap*.  Ormsbay  who  Commands 


xNot  found. 

2  Evidently  intended  for  Eri«. 


970  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

at  Ticonderoga,  they  have  acquanted  the  govr.  of  his  takeing 
thire  Vennison  and  skins  from  them  without  making  propper 
satisfation,  and  useing  them  in  Contemptable  manner,  they 
therefore  begd  he  would  writ  to  him  in  order  that  the  Useage  to 
thire  people  Mout  be  favourable  and  that  if  he  did  not  incline  to 
pay  for  thire  things,  not  to  take  them  from  them  but  let  them 
pass  to  the  other  posts  where  they  always  Meet  with  the  greatest 
sevelitye  and  got  the  full  value  for  what  Ever  they  Brought  with 
them,  On  my  reporting  this  to  the  govr.  he  seemed  to  be  Much 
out  of  Temper  with  the  officer  for  his  Misbehaviour  to  the 
indeans  has  wrot  him  a  very  severe  letter  acquanting  him  of 
thire  Complants.  I  am  affard  it  will  have  no  great  affect,  as  he 
is  not  in  the  limits  of  his  Goverment.  Morover  he  is  a  very  od 
kind  of  a  man.  rathear  too  intumate  with  his  Bottol.  Many  of 
the  indeans  are  returned  from  thire  hunt  As  Deer  are  very  scarce 
some  of  them  have  Come  back  without  killing  one.  there  are 
Numbers  of  them  in  town  and  are  very  troubelsom,  altho  thire 
[  Jssiness  is  not  menterial,  ginrealy  a  market  days,  they 
plead  a  great  povertey  which  they  say  is  owing  to  thire  bad 
success  a  hunting. 

There  is  at  present  a  vanecy  1  of  an  insingence  in  the  44  Reg*. 
Ocasinoed  [by]  the  Misbehavour  of  a  offcer  who  is  dismised, 
it  is  not  known  wheath[er]  he  will  be  allowed  [  ]  thing 

or  not,  &  yesterday  Coll0.  Beck  with  [  ]  for  me  and 

very  pressingley  puruaded  me  to  apply  for  it,  said  it  was  Nothing 
but  mere  friendship  that  prompt  him  to  it,  also  if  the  Gin1,  did 
order  who  ever  got  it  to  pay  100  sterling,  that  it  would  sell 
[for]  two  or  three  in  time  of  pece. 

I  told  him  I  was  under  the  greatest  Obligation  to  him  for  his 
kindness  in  indeavouringe  to  serve  me,  that  I  Could  not  think  of 
any  thing  of  that  kind  without  the  advice  and  Approbation  of 


1  Vacancy. 


Seven  Years'  War  971 

Sir  William  and  I  beg  leave  to  observe  to  you  that  I  have  a 
great  sence  of  the  many  fav[ours]  which  you  have  been  pleased 
to  Confer  on  me,  unmerited,  had  I  the  Utmost  [  ]  in 

going  into  the  Army,  it  could  not  incorunge  me  to  go  into  it 
had  I  the  [  ]  hope  to  be  Continued  in  your  imployment,  but 
seeing  only  myself  [  ]  in  the  survice  it  gives  me  not  a  littel 

Uneesiness. 

Col°.  Beck  with  advised  me  to  writ  you  on  this  subject  as  he 
was  very  Certin  Coll0.  Eyre  who  is  at  New  York  would  do  any 
thing  in  his  power  to  serve  any  one  recommended  by  Sir  William, 
perhaps  Gin1.  Amherst  Might  think  proper  to  appoint  me  to  it, 
at  the  same  time  rem[ain]  in  your  service  as  long  as  you  should 
have  Occasion  for  me  which  would  be  the  menes  of  Securing  me 
from  the  dangers  I  am  Apprehensive  of. 

I  would  not  in  any  shap  thing  of  purchasing,  or  even  excepting 
of  it  [  ]  Condition  of  being  immediatly  dismissied  your 
service. 

But  I  must  Earnstley  beg  leave  to  refer  it  to  you,  as  I  am  not 
Capable  of  Judging  for  my  self.  I  dont  doubt  from  what  I  have 
Experenceed  already  that  you  will  be  kind  Enough  to  dvise 
me.  I  should  be  very  Uneasy  were  I  apprehensive  you  should 
think  me  to  importunate,  or  that  I  had  any  desire  to  enter  into 
the  Army,  on  the  Contrary  My  present  doutfull  situation  must 
appologize  for  my  treaspassing  to  long  on  your  time  and  patiance. 
I  have  agreeable  to  your  request  provided  a  pope1  of  the 
beast  kind  of  the  spannil  in  this  Goverment.  I  have  also  wrot 
to  Qubec  to  a  friend  of  Mine  to  get  me  a  good  one.  I  belive 
he  will  suceed  as  he  is  a  good  sportsman,  has  two  or  three  of 
his,  known  to  Cap*.  Claus.  I  have  one  of  the  beast  kind  of 
a  dog  for  hunting  I  believe  in  this  Countrey.  Nothing  Corns 
amiss  to  him,  for  all  kind  of  game  large  and  smaul,  but  not  of 
the  spannil  or  pointer  but  sects  immensly  well,  he  is  at  your 

1  Puppy? 


972  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

survice  if  pleas  to  Except  of  him.     No  buety.     No  body  will 
steel  him,  Neither  will  he  go  with  any  one  but  his  Mastier. 

I  am  sir 

Most  respectfully 

Your  Most  Ob*.  Serv*. 

JOHN  LOTTRIDGE 

[  ]   to  give  my  Compliments  to  Mra. 

L  ]    use,  Miss  polly,  Cap*.  Claus, 

[  ]  Johnson  LA  Johnson 

The  Honb1..  SIR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON  Baronet 


FROM  JOHN  WELLES 

The  preceding  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  153,  by  a  letter 
of  December  1  3th  from  John  Welles,  at  Montreal,  to  Johnson,  condemn- 
ing the  ingratitude  and  recklessness  of  Ferrall  Wade  and  mentioning  the 
bankruptcy  of  Thomas  Willson.  Destroyed  by  fire. 


TO  ROBERT  MONCKTON 
D/.1 

Johnson  Hall  Dec'.  </3*  7762. 
SIR> 

I  have  been  honoured  with  your  Excellencys  much  Esteemed 
favour  of  <the  22d>  ult°  and  must  return  you  many  thanks 
for  the  great  polite<ness  with>  which  you  have  Expressed 
yourself  concerning  my  Recommendations. 

Your  Excellcy  may  be  assured  that  whenever  I  shall  take  the 
liberty  <to>  trouble  you  on  that  head,  I  shall  pay  the  strictest 
attention  to  merit  and  request  your  approbation  in  favour  only 
of  those  who  are  best  qualified  <for>  the  discharge  of  their 
duty  to  your  Excellencys  satisfaction,  &  the  advant<age>  of 
the  Province. 


In  handwriting  of  Guy  Johnson. 


Seven  Years'  War  973 

The  interests  of  the  Indians  can  be  in  no  danger  when  <they 
are>  to  be  heard  and  determined  before  your  Excell0?  and 
Gentlemen  whose  <strict>  regard  to  justice  will  always  incline 
them  to  support  the  rights  <of  a>  People  incapable  of  repre- 
senting their  own  grievances  <in  the>  redressing  of  which  the 
honour  of  the  Crown  &  the  Credit  of  the  British  Na<tion> 
appear  to  me  to  be  Concerned. 

Lieut.  Guy  Johnson  my  Dep?  returned  the  other  day  from 
On<ondaga>  whither  I  had  sent  him  to  attend  a  Meeting 
which  was  <held  there>  in  consequence  of  the  late  murder 
committed  in  the  Senecas  Cou<ntry.>  He  was  directed  to 
insist  on  the  <delivering>  up  of  the  Murtherers  that  they  might 
be  punished  according  <^to  Law.^>  But,  as  the  Upper  Nations 
did  not  attend,  the  rest  of  the  In<dians  have  declared>  that  in 
case  they,  the  Senecas  do  not  imediately  appre<hend  the 
Murderers  >  they  will  themselves  go  in  quest  of  them  until 
<they  are  found,  &  Expressd.>  the  greatest  Resentment  & 
uneasiness  at  the  <^Conduct  of  the  Indians  of^>  Kanestio,  who 
<were>  guilty  of  that  <Barbarity,  so  that  I  hope  soon  to 
hear>  something  of  them. 

I  am  hopefull  your  Excellency  is  perf<ectly  recovered  of 
your  late>  Indisposition  and  that  you  will  believe  I  am 
with  the  utmost  Sincerity  &  <Esteem>  &ca. 


<His  Excelly.  The  Honble.  RoBT.  MoNCKTON.> 

FROM  JOHN  JOHNSTON  * 
A.  L.  S. 

[Sinachais  Dec'  15th  1762] 

Agreable  to  Your  Desire  I  sent  an  [  ]  to 

Your  Letters  Concerning  the  Murdures  W[ho  they]  were  from 
Whence  they  Came  and  Where  [they]  now  are  to  the  best  of 
my  knowledge. 


smith  in  the  Seneca  country. 


974  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

The  Young  Sinache  the  B[earer]  of  your  letter  Was 
Detained  at  Onandaugo  [  ]  Meeting  and  in  four  days 

time  after  he  set  from   [  ]    Returnd.  With  a  Young 

Conajohary  Indian  Chargd  With  a  Belt  of  Wampum  to  this 
Castle. 

the  Young  Mohawk  after  Calling  their  Chiefs  together  Sent 
for  me  and  Proceeded  [to]  ask  me  the  following  Questons. 

Did  You  say  in  Your  letters  to  [Sir]  William  that  it  Was 
Very  hard,  hard  indeed,  that  the  Cheifs  and  in  General  the 
Whole  of  this  Naftion]  does  not  Regard  nor  take  no  Notice 
of  the  Murd[  ]  of  their  Bretheren  (Likewise)  that  the  two 
Murd[erers]  was  in  my  house  and  I  asked.  them  Where  they 
C[ame]  from  and  where  bound  the  said  in  Pursuit  of  More 
white,  at  which  some  belonging  to  this  Castle  Laug[hed  and] 
Made  Light  of  it. 

Replyd:  I  Was  Sensable  What  I  Wr[ote]  that  it  Was  in 
the  favour  of  this  Castle  so  far  [  ]  I  had  seen  of  them  but 
as  to  my  seeing  the  [  ]  I  had  not  but  heard  they  Were 

still  in  the   [  ]    at  which  they  Made  Answer  that  it 

Was  thro[  ]    Means  that  this  Disturbances  are  and 

More  [  ]  arise  and  Impute  it  wholy  to  me  through 

th  [  ]  of  My  letters  to  You  and  by  Misinter- 

pertat[ion  ]  little  trouble.     I  Expect  Sir  William 

I    [  ]   for  time  to  Come,  if  any  thing  of 

[  ]  be  stiring  I  See  no  Door  or 

Pasage  [  ]   Sentiments  of  My  Mind  to 

You  [  ]   then  Ever  to  [ 

] 

INDORSED:      Decbr.    15th.    1762 

Letter  from  John  Johnston 
Smith  at  ye.  Senecas 


Seven  Yean    War  975 


TO  JOHN   BRADSTREET 


Johnson  Hall  D<ec'.  17*  1762. 

SIR> 

Your  favour  of  the  25th  of  last  month  2  I  only  received  <a 
few>  days  ago. 

I  shall  at  all  times  be  glad  to  hear  of  and  redress  any  Griev- 
ances of  the  Indians,  considering  it  not  only  as  the  Duty  of 
<my>  Employment,  but  as  a  thing  necessary  to  the  good  of 
his  Majestys  <<Service>  and  the  Reputation  of  the  English  in 
general,  for  which  reason  I  <am>  to  return  you  thanks  for 
your  offer  of  communicating  to  me  such  information  as  you  may 
have  recd.  concerning  the  affair  of  the  Schorlicolfe  Indians, 
<and>  shall  be  obliged  to  you  for  the  same,  as  I  was  always 
of  op<^inion^>  that  these  Indians  were  greatly  overreached  & 
ill  treated  which  was  the  Chief  cause  of  their  abandonning  our 
interest  &  retiring  to  Canada  whereby  the  Enemy  were 
strengthened  by  that  Exasperated  Tribe,  who  in  Revenge  did 
considerable  damage,  both  <the  last>  War  &  this,  to  the 
frontiers  <of  this>  Province. 

A  due  detection  therefore  of  such  illegal  practices  <may> 
be  a  means  of  preventing  the  like  for  the  future,  Quell  the 
Jealousy  of  the  Ind8.  concerning  our  power,  and  give  them  a 
more  fav<orable>  opinion  of  our  honesty  and  inclination  to 
do  them  justice  <they>  have  hitherto  had  reason  to  Entertain. 

I  am,     Sir  &<*. 
<COLL.  BRADSTREET.  > 

INDORSED:      Johnson  Hall  Decr.  17th.  1762. 
Letter  to  Col1.  Bradstreet 


Mn  handwriting  of  Guy  Johnson. 
2  Not  found. 


976  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

TO  JOHN  TABOR  KEMPE 

D/.1 

Johnson  Hall  <Dec'.  I8ih  1762. 
SIR 

Since  my  last  his  Excell0?.  Sir  Jeff?  Amherst  has  informed  by 
<  Letter >  that  some  persons  who  were  Trading  with  the  Indians 
at  Toronto  <on  Lake>  Ontario,  by  virtue  of  a  pass  from 
General  Gage,  had  Grossly  abused  <such>  permission  by 
carrying  on  an  illicit  Trade,  &  selling  them  large  Quantities  > 
of  Rum  contrary  to  his  ExcelK8.  positive  orders,  also  sending 
Belts  of  Wampum  wth.  Mess<ages>  to  the  several  Indn. 
Nations.  He  therefore  recom<^mends]>  it  to  me  to  take  notice 
of  &  bring  them  to  proper  punishment  for  the  <same>  it  being 
highly  prejudicial  to  his  Majestys  Service. 

As  I  am  at  a  loss  what  steps  are  to  be  taken  therein,  I  should 
be  glad  <you>  would  favour  me  with  your  advice  &  opinion 
what  are  the  proper  meas<ures>  to  be  taken  with  the  Delin- 
quents, as  such  a  proceeding  not  only  hurts  <^the^>  Fair  Traders 
whom  I  never  permit  to  carry  any  Liquor,  but  has  <been>  & 
will  always  be  of  the  most  pernicious  consequences,  &  productive 
<of>  many  Murthers  Quarrells,  &  other  Breaches  of  the 
Peace. 

I  have  lately  received  an  account  that  some  Persons  within 
this  C<ounty>  have  presumed  to  call  a  Meeting  of  Indians, 
and  to  Swear  an  Interpreter  to  serve  some  private  purposes,  in 
open  defiance  of  his  Majestys  Exclu<sive>  Commission  to  me; 
If  any  other  persons  than  those  authorized  <for>  that  purpose 
by  his  Majesty  shall  have  it  in  their  power  to  call  Meetings  and 
Transact  affairs  with  Indians,  the  same  must  <Cbe>  evidently 
productive  of  the  worst  consequences,  you  will  th<erefore> 
please  to  give  me  your  advice  concern^  the  proper  steps  to  be 


xln  handwriting  of  Guy  Johnson. 


Seven  Fears'  War  977 

<  taken    for>    bringing  those   persons   to   justice   which   may 
pre<vent  others  from>  being  guilty  of  such  Misdemeanours. 

I  am  &c*. 


.  T.  KEMPE  Esqr.,  Atty.  General.> 

INDORSED:     Johnson  Hall  Decr.    18th.    1762 
Letter  to  Mr  Kempe  Attorney 
General 


TO  RICHARD  SHUCKBURGH 
Z)/.1 

<Johnson  Hall  Dec'.  18*  7762. 
DEAR  SIR> 

I  return  you  thanks  for  your  favour  of  the  6th  Inst  and  the 
<^several^>  pieces  of  Intelligence  therein  contained,  &  you  may 
be  assured  that  <your>  correspondence  cannot  fail  being 
always  agreable  to  me. 

I  could  heartily  wish  you  had  more  reason  to  be  satisfied  with 
<your>  Situation,  until  you  are,  as  I  perceive  you  are  so  much 
inclined  to  the  study  <of>  the  Scriptures  I  shall  recommend 
the  book  of  Job  to  your  perusal  in  which  You  cannot  fail  meet- 
ing with  sufficient  consolation. 

It  would  give  me  concern  that  you  should  imagine  I  should  be 
at  <any>  time  backwards  in  rendering  you  any  service  in  my 
power,  &  whenever  <your>  Case  shall  require  my  representa- 
tion to  Lord  Halifax,  or  that  my  supp<orting>  it  shall  appear 
of  consequence  I  shall  chearfully  joyn  you  therein,  as  <it> 
gives  me  uneasiness  that  the  tardiness  of  my  recommendation 
shod.  have  <been>  the  Cause  of  your  disappointment. 

Lieut.  Johnson  has  sometime  ago  wrote  to  a  Gentleman  in 
Canada  <who>  was  desirous  to  purchase,  to  Give  him  the 
offer  of  his  Commission  for  <£400:>  ster,  the  price  at  which 


1  In  handwriting  of  Guy  Johnson. 


978  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

the  last  Lieutenancy  was  sold,  and  expects  sho<>tly  to>  know 
whether  he  chuses  to  purchase  in  that  Corps  or  not,  should  he 
decline  it,  I  shall  on  receipt  <^of  his^>  Answer  write  you  farther 
upon  that  head 

Pray  present  my  Compliments  to  Mrs.,  Miss  Shuckburgh,  <& 
all  our>  Friends  and  believe  me  to  be  &ca. 

<DR.  RICHD.  SHUCKBURGH.> 


TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

The  preceding  letter  was  followed  in  the  Library  Collection  (See  John- 
son Calendar,  p.  1 54)  by  a  letter  of  December  1 8th  from  Johnson  to 
General  Amherst,  telling  him  of  Lieutenant  Johnson's  efforts  at  Onon- 
daga  to  obtain  the  surrender  of  murderers,  the  mission  of  a  Mohawk 
deputy  to  the  Senecas,  and  a  letter  from  the  Governor  of  Virginia,  con- 
taining an  answer  to  the  Six  Nations,  who  desired  passage  through  that 
province  for  a  hostile  movement  against  southern  Indians  (printed  in  Doc. 
Rel.  to  Col  Hist.  N.  Y.,  7:510-11).  Not  destroyed. 


FROM  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
L.  S. 

<Neu>  York  19ih  Decem'.  1762. 
SlR,> 

I  am  Favored  with  your  Letter  of  <the  7th  Instant,  >  Enclos- 
ing an  Accompt  of  Pay  due  to  Yourse<lf,  &  the>  Several 
Officers  in  your  Department,  for  the  A<mount>  of  which  I 
now  transmit  you  a  Warrant;  I  Must  however  Observe  to  you, 
that  as  I  Wish  to  Retrench  <all>  Unnecessary  Expenses,  I 
think  the  Charge  of  a  Store<house>,  at  Albany  may  very  well 
be  Saved,  there  being  <Stores>  Sufficient  at  that  place  belong- 
ing to  the  King,  to  <^Contain>  any  Goods  you  may  have 
Occasion  to  Lodge  the<re  for>  the  Use  of  the  Indians:  I 
Likewise  Observe  that  <there>  are  two  Interpreters  Charged 
in  this  last  Accom<pt,>  besides  DeCouagne,  whereas  there 


Seven  Years'  War  979 

was  only  One  <in>  the  Former.  Your  Accompts  would  be 
much  Clea<rer>  were  all  your  Officers  paid  up  to  the  same 
Day,  <and>  therefore  I  should  be  glad  you  would  be 
plea<sed,  in>  your  Next,  to  bring  them  all  to  the  24th. 
Ma<rch  next>  Inclusively,  the  Day  on  which  your  own  Salary 
<becomes>  Due;  and  then  Continuing  to  Draw  Half  Yearly 
mentioning  the  Days  on  which  the  Pay  Com<mences>  & 
Ends,  Viz*.  From  the  25th.  March  to  the  24<th.  Sepr.>  both 
Inclusive,  and  not  from  the  24th.  of  <the  former>  Month  to 
the  24th.  of  the  Latter,  as  has  <been>  Customary  before. 

I  Have  already  taken  Every  precaution  in  my>  power  for 
Restraining  the  Traders  <from  being  Guilty  >  of  any  Irregu- 
larities: I  Never  <have  given  any  Passes  >  to  Trade  but  where 
there  are  ^Garrisons ;  and  from  what  Governor  Gage  has  Wrote 
to  me  on  the  Subject,  I  Conclude  there  are  no  Passports  of  the 
kind  you  mention,  given  at^>  Montreal,  tho'  it  may  be  very 
^possible  that  some>  Persons  do  Venture  to  go  among  the 
ndians  in  a>  Clandestine  manner,  for  which  they  certainly 
to  be  punished,  if  Detected. 

With  regard  to  the  Flour  &  Pork,  which  Williams  &  Smith 
Say,  they  delivered  to  the  Indians  in  the  Year  1757,  I  should 
Imagine  as  they  were  then  in  the  Provincial  Service,  these  Provi- 
sions must  have  belonged  to  the  King :  If  they  were  Traders,  and 
Furnished  the  Pork,  &ca.  by  Virtue  of  any  Order,  and  can 
produce  the  Same  to  You,  it  is  but  Reasonable  they  should  be 
paid,  altho'  I  must  Confess  it  appears  very  Suspicious,  by  their 
not  making  Application  sooner. 

I  am,  with  great  Regard 

Sir, 

Your  most  Obedient 
Humble  Servant, 

JEFF:  AMHERST. 
<SiR  WILLIAM  JOHNSON,  Bar*.> 

INDORSED:     New  York  19th.  Decr.   1762 
Letter  from  Sir  Jeff?  Amherst 


980  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

FROM  JOHN   JOHNSTON 
A.  L.  S. 

<Sinaches  Dec.  22  1762. 
SIR  WILLIAM 

Sm> 

I  Recd.  Cap*  Johnson8  Letter  D<atd.  7>  Instant  Wherein 
he  Let  me  know  that  he  had  Op<pend.>  your  Letters  Con- 
jecturing it  to  be  on  the  Subject  Con<cerning>  the  Late 
Murder. 

The  Indians  in  this  Castle  after  <  Receive  >  the  Belt  Mr. 
Johnson  sent  them  by  the  Mohawk  <seem>  to  be  concern4. 
Saying  they  were  not  privey  to  it  <^and^>  as  it  Was  another 
Castle  that  did  the  Mis<chief>  they  Were  Sorry  that  they 
Alone  should  be  thought  the  Aggressors. 

The  Mohawk  that  brought  the  <Belt>  up  from  Mr.  John- 
son had  a  great  Deal  to  say  <^Inasmuch^>  that  I  had  said  a 
great  Deal  Against  this  C<astle>  that  maid  them  very  Jelous 
Concerning  <my>  writeing  to  You  no  More  but  my  best 
Respects  <Oo>  you  I  Remain  Your  hum6.  Ser1. 

JOHN  JOHNSTON 

ADDRESSED:  To 

The  Hone.  Sir  William  Johnson  Bar1. 
At  Johnson  Hall 


INDORSED:     <  Seneca  Country 
DecK  22d  1762. 
Letter  from  Mr.  Johnston  the  Smith> 


Seven  Years    War  981 

TO  JOHN  J.  SCHLOSSER 
A.  Df. 

[Johnson  Hall  Decb'.  22*.  1762 
] 

Your  favour  of  the  30th.  Ult°.  ca[me  to]  Hand  Yesterday, 
by  which  I  am  sorry  to  [  ]  You  are  disapointed  in 

your  expectation  of  dis[  ]  to  Lieu1.  Carre.     He 

has  not  purchased  Cap1.  [Johnson's]  Company,  neither  do  I 
hear  that  he  is  now  ab[out  to]  so  that  it  is  probable  You  and 
He  may  [  ]  Agree.  What  I  wrote  you  concerning  the 

Intefrest]  for  ye.  purchase  money  is  what  is  everry  day  done, 
in  such  cases  and  indeed  as  I  have  [  ]  Penny  by  the 

Land  it  will  be  too  hard  upon  me  to  be  with  [out  the]  Interest 
for  such  a  sum,  from  ye.  time  I  paid  [  ]  Money  for  it. 

the  reason  of  my  not  saying  [any]  thing  to  you  about  Interest 
when  here,  was  th  [  ]  not  doubt  of  your  being  sensible 

of  the  propriety  and]  equity  of  it.  I  declare  to  you  upon  my 
H[onor]  (for  the  Want  of  that  Money)  I  have  been  oblifged 
since]  you  were  here  to  take  a  sum  upon  Interest  to  [  ] 

my  wants.     All  this  considered,  I  flatter  myself  [  ] 

have  no  Objection  to  paying  Interest  at  least  fro[m  the]  con- 
clusion of  the  Bargain  to  ye.  day  of  payment.  You  will  not 
find  [  ]  in  this  part  of  the  Country  sett  for  the  Interest 

[  ] 

I  believe  I  could  have  had  greater  Rent  [  ]  Land, 

but  did  not  ask  the  Man  any  more  [  ]  payed  for  it 

upwards  of  twenty  years   [  ]   Term,     the 

desire  of  haveing  you  my  [                             ]  first  acquaintance 

I  had  the  pleasure  of  hav[                              ]  I  do  assure  You 
my  only  inducement  to  dispose  of  that  Land  [ 
being  still  hopefull  of  yr.  Neighbourhood,  and  nev[ 


982  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

my  Word,  I  am  determined  to  abide  by  the  bargain,  provided 
[  ]   from  the  time  we  agreed,  in  wh  case 

I  [  ]  and  I  flatter  myself  [ 

] 

INDORSED:    Dedk  22<*.  1762 

Letter  to  Cap*.  Sclosser 


FROM  WILLIAM  CORRY 
A.  L.  S. 

Albany  Decemb'.  24th  1762. 
<DEAR  SIR> 

I  am  favour'd.  with  yours,  and  the  <list  of  debts >  inclosed, 
which  I  have  taken  proper  notice  <of.>  please  to  send  me  the 
bonds  as  soon  as  oper<[tunity]>  serves;  for  they  must  be 
delivered  up,  on  payment  of  the  money.  I  am  at  present  in 
some  doubt  whither  the  sums  you  mention  due  on  the  bonds,  are 
the  conditional  sums,  or  the  Penalty  of  the  bonds. 

The  prospect  of  Peace  is  vanished.  No  news  here,  the  28. 
14.  27.  48.  Regte.  are  to  come  to  the  Continent  in  Spring.  I 
dread  another  inlistment  in  the  Spring,  If,  then  £60000  more 
Taxes  to  come  on  us,  and  Col9.  Capts.  &c  for  a  working  party. 

Please  to  accept  of  the  Compliments  of  this  Family.  Wish- 
ing you  those  of  the  Season  with  many  happy  returns,  Believe 
me  to  be 

Dear  Sir 

Your  most  faithfull  humble  Serv1. 

WILLIAM  CORRY 

INDORSED:     Albany  24th.  Decr.  1762 
Letter  from  Mr.  Corry 


Seven  Years    Wat  983 


FROM   JEFFERY  AMHERST    ETC. 

The  preceding  is  followed  in  the  Johnson  Calendar,  p.  155,  by  the 
sworn  testimony  of  Jacob  Forbes,  interpreter,  regarding  proceedings  at  the 
declaration  made  by  eight  Indians  December  9th  concerning  the  Livingston 
patent,  given  before  Johnson,  dated  December  25th  (burned)  ;  and  a 
letter  of  the  26th  from  General  Amherst,  in  New  York,  to  Johnson,  say- 
ing that  he  is  satisfied  with  Lieutenant  Johnson's  course  at  Onondaga,  dis- 
trusts the  sincerity  of  the  Six  Nations  but  thinks  they  will  be  induced  to 
give  up  the  murderers  (printed  in  Doc.  Rel.  to  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.t 
7:515-16).  Not  destroyed. 


FROM  DAVID  VAN  DER  HEYDEN 

A.  L.  S. 

Albany  Dec':  28*  1762. 
<HOND.  SlR> 

Your  favour  of  the  21st  Decr.  I  have  Recd.  <Cover*.>  a 
Commission  appointing  me  L1.  Coll.  of  the  Schonecteda 
<BattaK>  as  that  would  be  going  backwards;  I  have  as  your 
Honr.  <Desires,>  sent  it  Back,  and  doubt  not  <Mr.>  Van 
Slyck  will  do  the  <same>  as  it  would  be  a  disadv<antage  to 
us>  both.  The  fees  I  <shall>  order  to  be  paid  to  Mr 


The  Vacancies  <Major>  Switts  &  I  think  the  Pe<rsons> 
in  the  Enclosed  Return  proper  Persons  to  fill  them.  And 
<we>  think  (but  submit  to  your  Honor's  better  Judgment) 
that  <several>  of  the  Companies  are  too  large,  and  ought  to 
be  divided.  <W>  vour  Honor  is  of  the  same  Opinion  and 
will  desire  the  <blank>  Commissions  to  be  sent  up  we  will 
Recommend  such  Pers<ons>  as  shall  be  worthy  of  them. 
Capt8:  Staats  &  Vroman  have  <both>  desired  that  their  Com- 


984  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

panics  may  be  divided,  and  we  doubt  <not>  but  it  would  be 
Equally  agreeable  to  the  others  who  have  <large>  Companies. 
I  am  with  Profound  Esteem 
Hon<  Sir 

Your  most  Obedient 
humble  Servant 

DAVID  VAN  DER  HEYDEN 

INDORSED:    Albany  <Decr.  28lh.>  1762 

Letter  from  Ll  Coll  Vanderheyden 

FROM  LUKE  REILLY 

A.L.S. 
j  [Nev  York  Dec'.  29*.  1762 

I  have  the  Honour  to  acquaint  you  [that]   I  arrived  safe  in 
York  this  morning  about  three   [  ]   Contrary  to  the 

hopes  of  my  Good  friends  in  Albany  who  (I  am  since  informed) 
[laid]  waite  for  me.  My  Arrival  here  [is]  Intirely  [  ] 

to  your  Excellency  and  hope  It  may  lay  in  my  power  to  be  of 
any  Service  even  to  a  Dog  belonging  to  your  fam[ily]  which 
if  I  would  not  do,  I  should  ever  after  Esteem  myself  the  most 
ungrateful  wretch  [  ]  lived,  my  Pen  cannot 

sufficiently  descri[be]  the  sincere  wishes  of  my  heart  for  you 
but  may  God  preserve  you  &  your  whole  [  ]  &  sincerely 

wish  you,  and  them  the  Complements]  of  the  Season.     I  am 
Dr.  Sr.  with  the  Greatest  respect 
Yr.  Excellency's 

Most  obed1.  Hum[  ] 

LUKE  RE  [ILLY] 

ADDRESSED:     On  His  Majestie's  Service 

To 
The  Honb16  Sr-  William  Johnston  Bar1- 

at 
Fort  Johnston 

INDORSED:      New  York  Decbr.  29th  1762 

T     Aff-AV     fmm      \Ar       I— Turrit 


Seven  Years    Wat  985 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 

Johnson  Hall  <Decr.  30*  1762. 
SlR> 

Together  with  your  Excellencys  favor  of  the  19th  Inst.  <I 
have  received^  a  Warrant  for  my  Sallary  &  that  of  the  Officers, 
&  other  Expen<^ces  attending^  my  Department. 

As  nobody  can  be  more  desirous  than  myself  to  retrench  all 
< unnecessary >  Expences  I  shall  therefore  readily  strike  <off 
that>  charge  of  the  Store  at  Albany,  which  really  put  me  to 
some  <  inconvenience >  during  the  Course  of  the  War,  as  I 
made  use  of  my  own  house  for  that  purpose,  which  prevented 
me  from  Letting  it  to  several  good  <  tenants  >  who  frequently 
offered  me  £100  ^  Ann  rent  as  it  was  one  <of  the  best>  in 
the  Town. 

I  found  myself  under  an  indispensible  necessity  to  appoint 
<the>  additional  Interpreter,  and  do  assure  your  Excellency 
there  is  <^much>  occasion  for  another,  which  I  am  not  only 
convinced  of  from  my  <own>  Experience,  but  the  repeated 
application  of  sev1.  of  the  Comd«.  <  officers  at>  Ontario  and 
Elsewhere,  who  have  represented  the  great  difficul<tys  they> 
laboured  under  for  want  of  such  a  person,  &  the  great  use  he 
<might  be>  of  in  preventing  many  misunderstandings  &ca 
which  must  <otherwise>  unavoidably  arise  between  the 
Garrison,  Indians,  &  Traders. 

Agreable  to  your  Excellencys  desire  I  shall  bring  all  <my 
accompts>  hereafter  to  the  days  mentioned  in  your  Letter  which 
I  <am  hopefull  will>  conduce  to  render  them  clearer. 

I  have  wrote  to  the  Attorney  General  for  his  opi<nion  con- 
cerning>  the  Steps  to  be  taken  against  the  Delinquents  <in 
Trade,  and  I>  hope  that  what  your  ExcelK  has  wrote  to  Govr. 
<Gage  will  sufficiently>  prevent  his  being  imposed  upon  in  the 


1  In  handwriting  of  Guy  Johnson. 


986  Sir  William  Johnson  Papers 

<  article  of  passes,  as  from  the>  concurrent  accounts  of  different 
<people,  I  am  certain  many  have  taken  advantage  of  and  abused 
his  indulgence  to  them. 

His  Excellency  SlR  JEFF:  AMHERST> 
INDORSED:     Johnson  Hall  Decbr 


Letter  to  Sir  JefrX  Amherst 


TO  GEORGE  CROGHAN 

D/.1 
[Johnson  Hall  Decb'.  30*.  1762] 

I  am  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  fa[vors  of  5th  Octr.] 
and  10th  Novr.  with  the  former  of  which  I  recd.  Mr.  Hutch  [ins* 
journal]  as  also  the  Intelligence  concerning  the  designs  of  the 
French  [  ]  have  no  doubt  from  the  natural  restless  dis- 

position of  that  [  ]  &  accordingly  I  made  Sir  Jeffery 

Amherst  acquainted  with  my  [  ]  thereon,  in  answer  to 

which  he  informs  me  that  he  has  sent  [  ]  prohibiting 

them  from  trading  in  like  manner  for  the  future.2 

I  have  likewise  received  Mr  McKee's  instructions  &  the 
Minutes  [  ]  took  at  the  Treaty  of  Lancaster,  as  also 

a  Letter  from  his  fath[er]8  who  informs  me  that  the  Ind8.  went 
away  much  discontented  from  [  ]  and  threw  away  their 

presents,  &  that  the  Ind8.  about  the  Susquehanna  appear  in 
General  much  disatisfied,  which  I  should  be  glad  to  know 
[  ]  of. 

The  Indians  will  certainly  be  very  uneasy  at  not  meeting 
[  ]  supply  of  ammunition  &ca  at  Fort  Pitt  which  I  have 

oft[  ]  to  the  General,  and  could  wish  it  were  other- 


1  In  handwriting  of  Guy  Johnson. 

2  Amherst  to  Johnson,  November  21,   1  762. 
3McKee  to  Johnson,  November  1,  1762. 


Seven  Years'  War  987 

wise,  but  it  may  probably  [be  ]  to  his  disapproving  of  their 

carrying  on  the  War  agl.  the  Cherokees,   [  ]   are 

now  at  Peace. 

I  should  be  glad  to  have  Mr  Hutchi[ns  draft  of  the]  Country 
thro*  which  he  past  as  soon  as  convenient  [  ]  con- 

tain something  worth  notice. 

By  your  letter  of  the  1 0th  ult°  I  find  that  the  Indians  Expressed 
some  uneasiness  that  I  had  [  ]  them,  which  I  am 

surprised  at  as  they  never  ap  [  ]  which  when 

they  do  I  shall  take  such  steps  [  ] 

Lieut  Johnson  went  lately  to  attend  a  M[eeting  ] 

in  consequence  of  a  murder  committed  [  ] 

men  who  [  ]  uneasiness 

at  the  murder,  promising  [  ]  in  case 

the  Senecas  did  not  do  us  justice  therein.     [  ] 

criminals  are  said  to  be  fled,  if  so,  you  may  hear  of  them  as 
they  will  probably   [  ]   skulk  about  the  Ohio  in  which 

case  you  will  perhaps  be  able  to  apprehend  them,  the  General 
being  determined  to  have  them  at  any  rate. 

I  find  by  Mr.  McKee's  Letter  that  he  has  not  as  yet  been  made 
acquainted  with  the  paragraph  in  my  last  to  you,  wherein  I 
offered  him  £60  ster  ^  ann  as  an  assistant  on  the  Susquehanna 
River,  in  case  he  chose  to  accept  of  it,  you  will  therefore  please 
(in  case  you  have  not  done  so  already)  to  acquaint  him  there- 
with that  I  may  have  his  Answer  thereon. 

I  hope  you  have  perfectly  recovered  from  the  Indisposition 
mentd  in  yours  of  the  5th.  of  October,  if  not,  I  would  advise  you 
to  treat  it  as  a  Venereal  Disorder  as  the  only  means  to  obtain  a 
Cure  &  Enable  you  to  lay  aside  your  Kilt. 

Lieut  Johnson  desires  his  Compliments  to  you,  and  I  am  with 
those  of  the  Season 

Sir  &c 

INDORSED:     Johnson  Hall  Decr.  30th.  1762 
Letter  to  George  Croghan  Esqr. 


988  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 


TO  FRANCIS  FAUQUIER 
D/.1 

<Johnson  Hall  Dec'.  30*  1762 
SlR> 

Since  the  receipt  of  your  favour  of  the  1 6th.  October,2  <^  Lieut. 
Johnson  my>  Deputy  having  occasion  to  attend  a  Meeting  at 
Onondaga  <  among  other >  things  communicated  your  Letter 
to  the  Indians  there  assembled,  <and  gave>  them  a  belt  of 
Wampum  thereon  in  your  Name,  to  which  they  ans<^wered^> 

*  That  they  were  Strangers  to  any  particulars  relative  to  the 
Messuage  wch>  you  had  received,  and  conjectured  it  must 
have  been  sent  by  some  <^of  their ^>  Warriors  then  absent  hunt- 
ing, &  who  had  attended  the  Treaty  at  Lan<caster,>  That 
notwithstanding,    they    returned    you    many    thanks    for    your 

<friendly>  answer  and  should  take  the  same  into  considera- 

•  »» 
tion. 

I  cannot  avoid  observing  to  you  that  it  would  at  present  be 
in  <some>  measure  impolitic  to  use  many  arguments  to  dis- 
suade the  North <ern>  Indians  from  Prosecuting  the  War 
against  the  Cherokees,  to  whom  they  are  &  have  been  a  long 
time  such  implacable  Enemys  that  any  words  we  might  make 
use  <of  on>  that  head  might  tend  to  inflame  their  Jealousy, 
and  create  <  suspicions ]>  which  they  are  already  too  apt  to 
entertain  concerning  us. 

The  friendly  correspondence  of  a  Gentleman  of  your  char- 
acter <will>  at  all  times  be  very  agreable  to  me,  and  I  have 


1  In  handwriting  of  Guy  Johnson. 

2  Not  found. 


Seven  Years    War  989 

great  satisfaction  <in  the>  opportunity  which  now  offers  of 
assuring  you  that  I  am 

with  much  Sincerity 

Sir  &ca. 
<The  Honble  Ll.  Govr.  Fran1.  Fauquier  of  Virginia.> 

INDORSED:  Johnson  Hall  Decr.  30th.  1762 
Letter  to  Lieut  Govr.  Fauquier 
of  Virginia 


TO  CHARLES  WILLIAMS 

In  Doc.  Hist.  N.  y..  2:803-4,  is  a  letter  of  December  31st  from 
Johnson  to  Charles  Williams  relative  to  a  power  of  attorney  and  the  sale 
of  a  lead  mine. 

TO  JEFFERY  AMHERST 
Df. 

[1762] 

As  I  am  much  affected  with  the  heavy  Disappointment  of  my 
old  friend  Mr.  Shuckburgh  in  not  obtaining  a  warrant  for  acting 
as  Secretary  to  Indn.  Affairs  agreable  to  my  inclinations  I  woud 
take  it  as  a  particular  favour,  when  Opportunity  offers,  that  yr. 
Ex0?,  would  be  pleasd  to  Appoint  him  to  any  l  some  office  in 
his  own  Branch  of  Business  in  the  Army,  as  he  did  not  Relin- 
quish his  former  but  in  order  to  Disengage  himself  purely  on 
account  of  the  Employment  I  intended  him,  and  being  advised 
also  *  at  the  same  time  that  he  could  not  hold  both :  from  thence 
he  humbly  hopes  yr.  Excell0?.  will  not  look  upon  the  Letter 
of  his  Resignation  on  his  going  out  of  the  Service  as  a  Bar  to 
his  future  Appointment  — 

Your  Excel  I0?9,  favourable  construction  and  acceptance  of  this 


1  Several  alternate  expressions  are  proposed  in  this  draft,  which  is  in 
Shuckburgh's  hand.  In  a  letter  of  January  10,  1762,  which  was 
destroyed,  Johnson  asked  of  Amherst  Shuckburgh's  reinstatement  at 
Indian  secretary  or  army  surgeon. 


990  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

Recommendation  will  always  be  considered  as  a  great  obligation 
on  or  by 

yr.  Excellcy*.  most  Obedient 

humble  Serv*. 

W  J 

BRITISH  LOSSES  AT  HAVANA1 

List  of  officers  failed  &  dead  of  Sickness  at  ye  Havanna  in  1762 
Forty-sixth  Reg*.2 

L*.  Blair3  L<  M'.Nab" 

L'  Lessly4  D  Gregor10 

Cap'  Menzies  5  L1  Lewis  Grant 

Major  McNealfl  Parson  Johnston11 

L1  Sutherland  T  Qr  Master  McPharson  lf 

L<  Douglass8  L1  Barkley13 


1The  given  names  of  the  officers  in  this  list  are  supplied  where  wanting 
from  the  British  Army  Register  for  1  762. 

2  The  assignment  of  these  losses  to  the  46th  regiment  is  an  error,  although 
that  command  took  part  in  the  Cuban  campaign  of  1  762.     A  comparison 
of  the  list  with  the  published  registers  of  officers  of  the  British  army  indi- 
cates that  these  men  belonged  to  the  42d  foot,   Royal   Highlanders,  as 
every  name,  with  one  exception,  can  be  identified  absolutely,  or  with  a 
high  degree  of  probability,  as  that  of  an  officer  of  the  42d.     Two  of  these 
officers  died  in   Martinique,   from  which   the  42d,   with  other  regiments 
belonging  to  General  Monckton's  army,  was  transferred  to  the  force  which 
the  Earl  of  Albermarle  commanded  in  the  investment  of  Havana. 

3  Lieutenant  Simon  Blair. 

*  Lieutenant  George  Leslie. 
5  Captain  Robert  Menzies. 
"Captain  John  McNeal. 

7  Lieutenant  John  Sutherland. 

8  Ensign  James  Douglass. 

9  Lieutenant  Archibald  McNab. 

10  Alexander   Gregor   and   John   Gregor   were  lieutenants   in   the   42d 
regiment  in   1  762. 

"Lauchlan  Johnston. 

12  Colin  McPherson. 

13  Lieutenant  David  Barkley,  died  in  Martinique. 


Seven  Years    War  991 

Cap1  Cockborn1  Cap'  Fargison  lt 

Ll  Peter  Grant  D  McNab11 

Ll  Charles  Sinclair  L!  James  Grant 

Cap1  Archibald  Campbell  L1  Alex'.  Campbell 

Cap'  McDonneP  L'  IVKireeger  12 

L1  Fargison8  L'  Stewart13 

L'  Cunnison4  Ensign  Neal  Grant 

L'  Mills5  Cap'  Gallow 

Cap'  Reed*  L'  Gordon 

Cap1  McBamT  Cap'  Hugh  McKinsey 

.*  r»  L'  James  McLane 

Montgomerys  Reg-  L, 

Major  Mirrie  9 


u 

u 


1  Captain  William  Cockburn,  died  in  Martinique. 

2  Captain  James  McDonald. 

8  Lieutenant  Alexander  or  Lieutenant  George  Farquarson. 

4  Ensign  Thomas  Cunison. 

5  Lieutenant  David  Mills. 
"Captain  Alexander  Reid. 

7  Captain  Lieutenant  Alexander  McBean,  of  the  60th  regiment. 
"The  77th,  Archibald  Montgomery,  lieutenant  colonel  commandant. 

9  Major  Robert  Mirrie. 

10  Captain  Charles  Farquarson. 

11  Lieutenant  John  McNabb. 

12  In  the  official  list  of  British  officers  who  served  in  America  before 
the  Revolution  the  name  Gregor  occurs,  but  not  MacGregor.     The  sug- 
gestion arises  that  at  least  one  member  of  that  warlike  family  held  a  com- 
mission in  the  77th  regiment  under  an  adopted  name.     In  the  introduction 
to  Rob  Roy,  Sir  Walter  Scott  describes  different  acts  of  proscription  from 
1 603  to  1 693,  under  which  the  name  MacGregor  was  outlawed  and  other 
disabilities  created  and  kept  in  force.     These  laws  were  not  enforced  in 
the  latter  half  of  the  1 8th  century,  he  says ;  but  their  abolition  by  Parlia- 
ment appears  to  have  been  much  later  than  most  or  all  of  the  commissions 
granted  for  this  regiment. 

"Lieutenant  Allan  Stewart. 

"Charles  Gallot,  commissioned  lieutenant  January  27,   1756? 

"Lieutenant  Hugh  Gordon. 

16  James  Bain,  commissioned  ensign  January  7,  1758? 


APPENDIX 


TO  JACOB  GLEN 
A.  L.  S.1 

July  24*   1746 
MAJOR  GLEN 
S». 

this  is  to  acquaint  you  that  there  is.  an  Onondaga  Indian  now 
come  from  Canada,  In  four  Days,  who  travelled  Day  &  Night 
and  says  that  as  he  came  away,  there  was  an  Army  of  the  french 
&ca,  ready  to  march  towards  these  parts,  In  order  he  says  to 
Cutt  of,  &  destroy  the  people  &  Settlements  of  Burnets  feild, 
and  also,  all  the  Mohawk  River  down  to  Schenectady.  there 
is  an  Express  Come  from  thence  w*.  a  String  of  Wampum  ab*. 
this  News,  vA  I  belive  may  be  realy  true,  and  Soon  wherefore 
I  thought  proper  to  Acquaint  his  Excelly  thereof:  and  you  like- 
wise being  in  haste  I  cant  add  further  but  that  I  am  w*.  all 
regard  Sr- 

Yr.  Very  Humble  SerV. 

W*.  JOHNSON 

ADDRESS:      To 

Major  Jacob  Glen 
In  Schenectady 


FROM   GEORGE   CLINTON 

Under  date  of  May  9  1748,  George  Clinton  addressed  a  letter  to 
Johnson  relative  to  the  act  of  April  9,  1748,  providing  for  rangers  to 
protect  the  Town  of  Schenectady  (Laws  of  the  Colony  of  New  York, 
3:724).  The  whereabouts  of  this  letter  is  unknown. 


Mn  the  collection  of  Hall   R.   McCullough.  North  Bennington.  Vt 
Part  of  the  original  red  seal  still  adheres. 

Vol.  Ill  — 32     993 


994  Sir   William  Johnson  Papers 

TO  RICHARD  PETERS 

In  the  Autograph  Catalogue  of  January-March,  1922,  page  39,  sent 
out  by  Goodspeed's  Bookshop,  5  A  Park  street,  Boston,  Mass.,  is  a 
signed  autograph  letter  from  Johnson  to  Richard  Peters,  dated  New 
York,  March  17,  1775  (evidently  1755).  In  this  letter  Johnson  writes: 
"  Scarooyady  arrived  here  three  Days  ago  with  a  Couple  of  Young 
Mohawks,  &  three  Oneidas,  who  are  goeing  to  see  their  friends  liveing 
that  way." 

FROM   THOMAS   POWNALL 
A.  L.  S.1 

N  York  Sepr  24.  55 
DEAR  Sm. 

We  have  ye  pleasure  to  hear  that  you  are  much  better  of  your 
Wound.  I  hope  it  is  true.  For  that  you  shou'd  be  Alive  &  Well 
is  of  ye  Last  Consequence.  I  don't  say  to  Flatter  you,  but  that 
I  wish  you  woud  see  yourself  ye  Importance  of  your  own  Life 
&  not  hazard  it  without  need.  Excuse  this  Liberty  I  take  It 
arises  from  my  concern  for  ye  Public  &  my  more  particular  Con- 
cern for  yourself.  Pray  congratulate  Wraxal  for  me,  on  ye 
honor  that  his  gallant  behaviour  has  gott  him.  his  name  is  very 
high  amongst  us.  I  do  not  know  whether  you  can  read  my 
writing.  I  now  can  scarce  write.  I  was  so  exceeding  drunk 
Last  night  aboard  ye  Sphinx  Cap*  Gambier,  where  we  drank 
your  Health  &  Crown  Pl  under  English  Colours  with  a  Salute 
of  ye  ships  Gunns  to  You.  I  was  down  too  at  ye  Jerseys  ye 
Day  before  yesterday  to  Qualify  at  Ll  Govr  there.  &  am  now 
scarce  qualifyed  to  write  my  name  my  hand  shakes  so. 

I  forwarded  your  Letter  2  &  ye  Indian  speech 3  to  yc  Board  of 
Trade.  I  took  copies  of  both,  &  shall  send  yc  duplicates  by  a 
Vessel  that  sails  tomorrow.  I  much  approve  your  Spirit  in 
declining  ye  Trust  unless  you  have  it  upon  a  proper  Establish- 
ment. I  have  taken  ye  Liberty  to  speak  to  that  point  in  my 


1  In  the  collection  of  James  H.  Manning,  Albany,  N.  Y. 

2  Johnson  to  the  lords  of  trade,  September  3,   1755,  in  Doc.  Rel.  to 
Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  6:993-97. 

8  Speech  of  Hendrick,  in  Doc.  Rel.  to  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y..  6:998-99. 


Appendix  995 

Letters,  as  well  as  to  ye  Footing  you  have  it  upon  now  not  being 
(according  to  my  opinion)    what  ye  Ministry  meant.     These 
matters  must  &  will  be  sett  right. —  I  imagin  you  will  have  heard 
before  this  letter  reaches  you  that  Mr.  Shirley's  Expedition  is 
near  its  Close.     I  have  wrote  to  Morris  to  recommend  it  to  his 
Assembly  to  give  additional  supplies  &  assistance  to  ye  additional 
Men  that  have  reinforc'd  your  Army.     I  am  by  a  Letter  I  have 
from  young  Franklin  in  some  hopes  of  obtaining  it.     I  have 
sent  to  John  Watts  for  a  peice  of  intelligence  which   I  will 
enclose  to  you. —     I  have  Letter  From  Peters  of  Philadelphia, 
who  writes  "Conraed  Weiser  has  received  a  Message  from  y* 
Belt  an  honest  English  Indian  assuring  him  that  ye  Indians  who 
fought  with  ye  French  against  General  Braddock  quarrelld  with 
yc  Mess"  about  yc  spoil  &  in  a  great  Disgust  all  went  away  hav- 
ing first  thrown  yc  French  back  their  Hatchet  &  scalped  two 
French  men  in  sight  of  ye  Fort."-        Franklin  allso  writes  me 
"  Conrad  Weiser  informs  me  that  ye  six  nations  have  actually 
sent  a  message  to  ye  Indians  in  their  alliance  at  Auchwick  &  on 
ye  ohio  to  sharpen  their  arrows  &  prepare  for  war  for  they  are 
now  determind  to  drive  yc  French  from  ye  Ohio  &  do  all  in  their 
power  to  assist  yc  English" —    We  have  now  going  on  here  a 
Second  Subscription  to  raise  a  Company  of  Gunners  to  Assist 
you.—     This  Letter  which  I  enclose  to  you  came  enclosed  to  me 
from  Philadelphia.—      As  I  was  ye  first  Mover  &  Negotiator 
of  this  Expedition  if  it  has  success  I  shall  be  happy  to  Carry  yc 
Account  Home.    Sr  Charles  Hardy  has  engaged  to  go  to  Eng- 
land on  y*  Occasion,  &  I  desire  I  may  carry  your  Letters. 
Referr  in  them  to  me  for  any  matter  you  would  have  explained 
or  wherein  I  coud  serve  you.     You  know  how  far  I  know  of 
Indian  affairs  &  y*  state  of  Politics  concerning  them.     Give  my 
service  to  Cap1  Eyres.     I  am  Dear  Sir 

your  friend  most  sincerely 

affectionately 

T  POWNALL 

INDORSED:      Mr  T  Powalls  Letter 
dated  Sep'.  24.    1 755 


996  Sir   William  Johnson  Paper* 

FROM   BENNING  WENTWORTH 

A.  L.  S.1 

Portsmouth  May  21     1756 
SIR 

Give  me  leave  among  your  other  friends  to  Congratulate  you 
on  the  distinguishing  marks  of  the  Royal  favour  Confered  on  you 
by  His  Majesty,  for  your  good  Services  in  the  last  Summer,  & 
be  pleased  to  Accept  of  my  thanks  for  the  notice  you  took  of 
Coll0  Blankard2  and  His  regiment,  who  I  flatter  my  Self 
behaved  to  your  Acceptance 

Had  there  not  been  an  alteration  in  the  Chief  Command,  I 
persuade  my  Self  to  believe  I  could  have  prevailed  on  the  Coll0 
to  have  Engaged  this  Year,  but  on  the  present  Situation  of 
Affairs  he  is  deaf  to  all  entreatys  of  that  kind,  &  but  one  Captain, 
&  one.  Lieutenant,  come  in  the  New  Hampshire  Regiment,  that 
were  in  his  Regiment  last  year,  however  as  I  think  the  men  are 
good,  I  hope  they  may  be  as  usefull  as  those  Sent  from  the  other 
Colonys.  I  am  with  great  truth  &  Esteem 

'•:'••'.'  ..   -.         Sir 

your  most  obed1. 

&  hum!e  Servant 

B  WENTWORTH 
SR.  WILLIAM  JOHNSON 

INDORSED:      Portsmouth  May  21st.  1756 
Govr.  Wentworths  Letter 
Govenor  of  New  Hampshire 


Mn  New  York  State  Library. 
8  Colonel  Joseph  Blanchard 


Appendix  997 

INDIAN   ACCOUNTS 
ZV 

March  9-29.  1760 
March  9,   1760: 

*  To    Peter    of    Oquaga    &    8   others,    provisions "    delivered. 

Mch  29,    1 760,  "  To  Bunt,  the  Onondaga  chief,  &  3  sons  ". 

presents  of  clothing  &  ammunition. 

to  Sarah  (Montour?)   for  liquor  supplied  for  burial. 

DO.  Mh.  22,  1760:  "To  Brant's  son,  two  days  after  his  father's 

death"   128.   (indexed  Joseph  Brant,) 


1  In  the  State  Historical  Society  of  Wisconsin,  Draper  Manuscripts 
15  F  84.  The  account  of  expenses  incurred  by  Johncon  in  behalf  of 
the  crown,  from  which  this  excerpt  was  made,  calendared  under  June  24, 
1  760,  p.  1 04,  was  destroyed  by  fire. 


0 


BINDING  SECT.       J  U  N  1 0 197b 


PLEASE  DO  NOT  REMOVE 
CARDS  OR  SLIPS  FROM  THIS  POCKET 

UNIVERSITY  OF  TORONTO  LIBRARY 


E  Johnson,    (Sir)  William,  bart, 

195  Papers 

J66 

1921 

v.3