s*h',
&:>'
THE PAPERS OF
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON
Prepared for publication by
The Division of Archives and History
ALEXANDER C. FLICK Ph.D., Liit.D.
Director and Stale Historian
- J.
VOLUME VIII
i
I
ALBANY
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
19 3 3
CONTENTS
Volume VIII
PAGE
List and description of illustrations v
List and description of maps vii
Preface ix
Autographs from volume VIII xiii
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 1
[iii]
ILLUSTRATIONS
St John's Episcopal Church, Johnstown, N. Y Frontispiece
Sir William Johnson is buried in the churchyard.
PAGE
James Rivington 98
From a painting by an unknown artist, owned by New York Historical
Society, New York City.
Guy Park, home of Guy Johnson 288
Peter Silvester, Attorney of Sir William Johnson 302
From a painting in the courthouse, Catskill, N. Y. Courtesy of trustees
of Emory A. Chase Memorial Library, Catskill, N. Y.
Philip Schuyler Monument, Albany, N. Y 370
Beverly Robinson 524
From Appleton's Cyclopedia of American Biography.
The Reverend Myles Cooper 620
From a painting by Copley, owned by Columbia University, New York
City.
Signatures to Oath of Allegiance, Abjuration and Test 656
Jail at Johnstown, N. Y., center portion built in 1 772 708
Courthouse at Johnstown, N. Y., erected by Sir William Johnson
in 1772 710
Old St John's Episcopal Church, Johnstown, N. Y., erected by Sir
William Johnson in 1 772. Destroyed by fire in 1836 926
Peter Johnson 944
From a painting by an unknown artist, in the Public Library, Toronto,
Canada.
Room in Johnson Hall where Sir William Johnson died II 84
Grave of Sir WiUiam Johnson in yard of St John's Episcopal
Church, Johnstown, N. Y 11 96
[V]
MAPS
PAGE
IT
A rude map without names 118
Guy Johnson's map of Iroquois Country, 1771 264
From Documentary History of New York, 4:660.
Map of lands bought for Totten and Crossfield in 1771, showing
also names of owners on the south 936
Map of lands on north and west branches of Hudson river, being
along the south bounds of Totten and Crossfield's purchase 936
Another map of lands on north and west branches of Hudson river,
being along the south bounds of Totten and Crossfield's purchase. 936
Map of Totten and Crossfield's purchase and lands to the south,
showing the Totten and Crossfield's purchase divided into lots and
numbered 936
The patent of Tienonderoga 976
From Documentary) History of New Yorl^, 3:543.
Sketch of boundary of Pennsylvania on the north 996
[vii]
PREFACE
Volume VIII of the Sir William Johnson Papers covers the
period from March 1 771 to the death of Sir William at Johnson
Hall on July 11,1 774, at the age of 59. It also includes all
of the salvaged supplementary materials in the Johnson manu-
scripts in the New York State Library from July 12, 1774, to
March 30, 1 808.
The last three years of Sir William's life paralleled the
beginnings of the War for Independence, He witnessed the
joyous observance of the anniversary of the repeal of the Stamp
Act and the coming of Governor Tryon in 1771, the suggestion
by Franklin for a general American congress and the ferment
over the tea tax in 1 773, the election of extra-legal committees.
New York's tea party and the call of the first Continental Con-
gress in 1 774. But he does not seem to have been fully conscious
of the approaching storm. As far as his immersion in Indian
affairs, land matters and personal interests would permit, he kept
an eye on local and imperial politics. He congratulated Lieu-
tenant Governor Colden on the assumption of his fifth term of
service as head of the province, and hoped General Gage would
bring to their senses the refractory Boston people who were too
much encouraged in London. He had Hugh Gaine keep him
supplied with the acts of the Assembly as they were printed,
together with other books, but there is no evidence of any interest
in revolutionary committees and congresses. Had Johnson lived
there can be little doubt that he would have become a Loyalist
of the type of Colden.
The papers of this later phase of Johnson's life reveal his
wide interests and the multiplicity of his duties. One notes his
unusual interest in religion and education. Among his corre-
spondents were clergymen like Samuel Auchmuty, John Stuart,
William Andrews, Charles IngHs, Samuel Kirkland, Jonathan
[ix]
X Preface
Lee, William Hanna, Daniel Burton, Richard Mosley, Harry
Munro and Richard Hind. Besides helping to establish churches
in the Mohawk valley and supply them with ministers, he was
eager to send trustworthy missionaries to instruct the Indians, for
which Robert Lowth, bishop of Oxford, praised him.
Educational efforts were encouraged likewise. Schoolmasters
like Samuel Peisley, Thomas Erving, John Blackler, Robert
David and Carpenter applied to him for positions as teach-
ers. Henry Babcock wished to found a seminary among the Six
Nations, and William Andrews solicited patronage for an
academy in Schenectady.
Naturally his work as Superintendent of Indian Affairs
monopolized most of his time. He kept an eye on the French
in the Mississippi valley and the forts they were building.
Treaties with the red men were safeguarded and Indian con-
ferences held. He sought to prevent whites from encroaching on
Indian lands and aimed to limit the sale of rum. He kept Guy
Johnson, Daniel Claus, Robert Rogers and Alexander McKee
busy with Indian relations. An alliance of western Indians
against the English was thwarted. He urged the need of a
government on the Ohio and opposed the movement of the
western Indians for a superintendent of their own.
Next to Indian affairs Johnson was busied with land matters.
His time was consumed not only with his own large holdings
which he was continually selling and trading, but also with new
purchases in which he was involved as far west as the Ohio
valley concerning which a quarrel with Virginia resulted. He
seemed to be ever on the lookout for new land bargains. Many
disputed claims were submitted to him for advice and adjustment
by both whites and Indians.
Johnson initiated the movement for a division of Albany
county, interested Philip Schuyler in the project and had Tryon
county set off in 1 772 with Johnstown as the county seat. Sir
William had much to do with the origin of the county
government.
Preface xi
These letters also reveal a keen interest by Johnson in imperial
and European affairs. He kept in touch with prominent men in
England and in the colonies, and his comments on international
relations show a remarkable grasp of public affairs in Canada, in
the French and Spanish colonies, in Great Britain and on the
continent.
Johnson was successful in business as well as in land specula-
tion and invested some of his savings in England. His Indian
trade was extensive and profitable and his able business agents
were chosen with care. The general opinion prevailed that he
was a rich man, that he was exceptionally keen in commercial
matters, that he stood in favor with the powers in the province
and in London, and that his hold over the Indians was marvelous.
Johnson's death removed from the stage a recognized empire-
builder, and his demise was lamented by red men and white.
Although the bulk of the Sir William Johnson Papers con-
sists of source materials in the possession of the State of New
York, yet during the course of publication a number of letters
to and from Johnson have been located in other depositories in
Europe and America. As far as possible these letters have been
inserted in their proper chronological place and due acknowledg-
ment has been made of their owners. Those letters that were
received too late for inclusion have been saved for a supple-
mentary volume.
The exacting and laborious task of collation and annotation
of this volume has been performed by Dr Almon Wheeler
Lauber, editorial assistant in the Division of Archives and
History.
Attention is called to an error in volume VII. In the list of
illustrations on page v and below the illustration facing page 900
the name "Major F. C. Ornsby" should be "Major F. C.
Ormsby— Johnson."
Alexander C. Flick
Director, Archives and History Division
and State Historian.
Autographs From Volume VIII
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SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON PAPERS
TO MYLES COOPER AND JOHN OGILVIE
In the Johnson Calendar, page 480, is listed a letter written at Johnson
Hall, March 1, 1771, by Sir WiUiam Johnson to Myles Cooper and
Rev. John Ogilvie concerning Rev. David Griffith's refusal of the
Schenectady church, a suitable missionary for Johnstown and the success
of Mr Stewart and Mr Andrews, (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:440-
41 ;Q, 4.275.)
FROM WADE & KEIUSER
A. L. 5.1
Teronto March h^ 1771
Sir William
We had the Honour of Writing You the 29 of December Last
which we hope You have Rec^. since which we have Verry
Little to Communicate to You.
We Mentioned to You then, that the Wheather was Like
spring, it Continued so Untill the 29 Jan''y. at night when it
begun to blow and snow prodigiously, our house being Covered
with bark and that not Verry tight, without Any Ceiling, the
snow blew In and was above a foot Deep in the house and on
the goods before Morning, it Continued so all the Next day,
in which time we suffered Verry much, and had a severe job
the Next day to get the snow out & Clean our Goods from it
it Came in the same Manner a Week after & the third Week
also but not so Violent so that Last Month made Us pay
severely for the pleasantness of the former Ones. You Cant
Imagine what fatigue we Undergo In Geting fire Wood which
we are Oblidged to draw Nigh a mile In a sled, we should have
In Ferrall Wade's hand.
2 Sir William Johnson Papers
[had] Enough had it not been for the Ind". Vv^ho Lives [ ]
who with his Son Lyes in the Outward room & burns [ ]
the Whole Night, it is at present fine Winter Wheather.
We have had some Indians hear (which is four days journey)
from where Monsiur S^ John the In[dian] trades who seemed
Verry well pleased with [ ] traded with them. Lately
we have had a Visit from Phochickey the Great Chief with four
Others, who Spoke to Us by ten Strings of Wampum, the Old
Man told Us, that when he saw Us in the Spring he Imagined
we only came for a Little time, but was Verry glad he found
we Continued, that we might be Assured he would tell all his
people and Others to trade with Us, and Indeed we have no
reason to Misdoubt it for As yet they all have, he and his party
traded off When we made the Old Man a present of a two
Gall". Cag of rum, salt and a Little Tobacco, for which they
will go two or three days journey for, they went off highly
satisfied, the Indians are all Verry Civil and Supplys Us Con-
tinually with plenty of Venison which Costs Us a mere triffle.
they kill them all Round our house, but we are such bad hunters
or [ ] we have not killed One & the Indian who [ ]
Us but two. we Consume a Vast Quantity of [prov]isions
being Oblidged to feed All the Indians that [come] hear
wheather they trade or not.
We had two Casks of Kettles from M^ Campbell in the spring
which we had no [occas]ion to Examine, Except what we
wanted for Our Own Use, Untill now when there is a demand
for them. What we took for Use was not Used above a Week
before there was holes in them, you may judge from this, that
Out of six we have but One tolerable One & only One we Can
Use at Any rate, which is Verry Expensive to Us. We are
Certain they must be Old Shop keepers that he Could not get
off to Any One Else, its Impossible they could receive the
Damage In the Carrage. at any Rate they are not the kind nor
Merchantable, they Come to £26:6- v^^hich would be a Vast
sum to pay for Nothing besides the Disapointment. we have
wrote to M^ Campbell that we Intend to return them, a Word
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 3
from You will be a means to prevent Disputes, we would Send
you a List of What Furrs & Skins we have if it was Not to
troublesome this time of Year to Weigh them off & Reckon,
but I believe we will not be Disapointed We have had our share.
The Indian who is with Us having nothing [ ] We have
send him with this to Niagara as [ ] Miss no Oper-
tunity of Letting you hear from Us [ ] hearty &
well, thank God. this is the Last we [ ] have an
Opertunity to trouble You Until the [ ] Arrives.
Our Sincere Wishes Attend Sir John [ ] Rest of Your
family. Wishing you many happy Years we are. —
My Dear Sir WilHam
Your Most Oblidged & Most Obd'
Servants
Wade & Keiuser
P. S. We are Verry
Great Men. the Indians
Makes formal speeches
to Us Verry Often by Strings
of Wampum. —
The Indian who is with Us Understands this Language tolerable
Well, but he much Addicted to Liquor, but I keep him pritty
tight and in Good Order, he is Cuting & Hawling Everry day.
I make them all know there Duty If I did not there would be
no Manageing them
INDORSED:^
Toronto March
the h\ 1771 —
Mess'^^ Wade & Keiser[s Letter]
Ansrd. 12'^^ April
verry fully —
^ In Johnson's hand.
4 Sir William Johnson Papers
COUNCIL MINUTES
D.
At a Council held at Fort George the City
of New York on Monday the fourth day of
March 1771.
Present
His E
xcellency the
R':
Honble
• John Earl
of
Dunmore Cap*: Gen^:
&c^
•
M-
Watts
M-
Cruger
M-
De Lancey
M-
Wallace
M-
Morris
M-
White
M-
•T-'I
Smith
1 T
t 1— 't
T
The petition of Edward Jessup and Ebenezer Jessup in Behalf
of themselves and their Associates was presented to the Board
and read, praying His Excellency's permission to make purchase
at their own Expence in the usual Form of the Quantity of Forty
thousand Acres of a certain Tract or parcel of land situate lying
and being in the County of Albany on the West side of the
most Northerly Branch of Hudsons River, Beginning about
five Miles above the upper Patent (on the East side of the said
Branch) granted to the said Ebenezer Jessup and others: and
runs up the River from thence about twelve Miles, and back into
the Woods a considerable distance, or such Quanty as the pur-
chase will admit of, in order to enable them to obtain his
Majesty's Letters patent for the Lands comprised therein.
On reading whereof and the said petition having been referred
to a Committee and M^ White reporting their Opinion thereon
that his Excellency might grant the prayer of the said petition.
It is Ordered by his Excellency with the Advice of the Council
that the petitioners have Liberty to make such purchase in the
Manner prescribed by his Majestys proclamation of the 7'^:
October, 1 763 or that the petitioners procure a Certificate signed
by Sir William Johnson Baronet [ ] brought down
before his Excellency for [ ] said Lands are Chiefs
Post-War Period, 1763-/774 5
of or belonging to [ ] Nation Owners or proprietors
of the said Lands [ ] that they have Authority from
such Tribes or [ ] to dispose thereof
Ex'^. A true Copy Exam^. by
Gw Banyar D CI Con
FROM JOSEPH CHEW
A. L. S.
New London March 5'K 1771
Dear Sir
As soon as I got home I wrote to M^ Fitch to know whether
he had heard anything from Virginia about Thomas Byrne who
came from Ireland in the ship King of Prussia, and am Sorry
to find by his answer (which I inclose that my friend M^ Byrne
may see I have not been unmindfull of the affair) that he has
not as soon as M^ Fitches Letter Came to hand believing that
there was not much dependance to be put on M"^ Griffin I wrote
to M'' Calvert the mayor of Norfolk and two other Gentlemen
in Virginia who I flater myself will be able to Give me some
acco^ of this young man. I wrote likewise to Col° Cole to make
inquiry of a Gentleman from Virginia now in Newport and if
I Can hear any thing will advise you by the next Post
So many People Came to inquire of me about the Lands they
heard you had advertised in the New York paper, that I
believed it best to publish that matter in the New London paper,
and I believe as soon as they think they Can see the land many
people from these parts will be with you
two days ago we had a Very great fall of Snow but as it
Came with a sound North Easter it is Very much Drifted along
the seashore in case you have the Same Quantity it must make
Very good slaying.
I am preparing Every thing to set out Sometime this month
and that as Early As I Can and hope I Shall find you relieved
from that very severe pain in your thigh which took of most
6 Sir William Johnson Papers
of the pleasure I should otherways have had when I was at the
Hall. I also hope Col° Johnson has got the Better of his
disorder that he M''* Johnson Sir John Col°. Claus his Lady and
their Family, are Very well, to whome please to make my best
Compliments as well as to M"" Byrne M"" Dayly and the Gentle-
men of Johnstown M''^ Chew and miss Fann present their best
Complements and Respects to you and I am with my Earnest
prayers for your health
Dear Sir
Your most Obed' &
most H^^l^ Serv^
Jos Chew
The Honble SiR WiLLlAM JOHNSON Bar'
INFORMATION CONCERNING AN INDIAN CONSPIRACY
L.
[Fort Pitt] March 7"' 177!.
This Day Mohikin John and Joseph tv/o Stockbridge Indians
who have resided above a Year amongst the Shawnese and
Delawares gave me the following Intelligence before M^
Croghan & M"". M^^.Kee which they desired might be kept a
Secret from the Indians otherwise it might Cost them their
Lives.
Mohikin John says that during his Stay in the Indian Country
he was present at all their Councils and that he saw the Belts
of all Nations that were sent to the Shawnese; That the Six
Nations since the Treaty of Fort Stanwix told the Shawnese and
Delawares that they had not sold the Lands on the South Side
of the Ohio to the English, that the English had forced and
Stolen them & was encroaching into their Country (the Shawnese
and Delawares) and therefore desired them to make Peace with
all the Western Nations as fast as they could and fixed four
Years for doing it in, and that as soon as that was done they
would all strike the English at once & drive them out of their
Country; That the Shawnese and Delawares have been ever
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 7
since that Treaty employed Negotiating with the Western &
Southern Indians, and that early in the Fall, the following
Nations were all of one Mind & determined to strike the English,
which was agreed on at the Plains of Sciota.
The Delawares, Shawnese, Hurons, Ottowas, Putiwatimees,
Chipawas, Twightwees, Wawcoughtenoes, Piankeshaws,
Kicapoes, & Musquetons, and that when all was thus Settled,
they said they only waited for the Six Nations to come, who had
prom[ised ] at the Council, he says their Plan is for all the
Western Nations & Six Nations, Shawnese and Delawares to
strike at Fort Chartres, Detroit, Michilimackinac, and this Place ;
The Cherokees and all other Southern Nations to strike on the
Frontiers of the Carolina's & Virginia all at the same time; that
the time was not fixed when he left that Country, as they waited
for the Six Nation Deputy's who were at the Head of this
Enterprize and the promoters of it, which said Mohikin John
says he is Certain of, and further says that the Mohawks is as
much concerned, as any other Tribe of the Six Nations; On
M"". Croghan's telling Mohikin John it was very odd that the
Six Nations and Mohawks in particular shou'd have a Hand
in such Measures, He answered. We might believe him or not,
but what he said was true and we would soon find it so, for
that all the Nations had received Belts from the Spaniards and
French giving them great Encouragement to prepare and get
Ready for that they intended to make War this Spring or
Summer on the English themselves — which the Indians were
all very glad to hear, and which he said he thought would make
them strike before the time they had first agreed on, which was
four Years. M^ Croghan then asked him what the Indians
meant by coming here and speaking so fair, to which he said
the Delawares and Shawnese had agreed to speak fair to the
English, but it was from their Lips only, and not from their
Hearts ; th'o he says he is sure that the Delawares and Shawnese
would not Strike but for the Six Nations, nor does he believe
any of the other Nations would ; And that whether we believed
him or not, it would not be a great While, till We would find
his Words come true.
8 Sir JVilUam Johnson Papers
He then said it was not for nothing so many Parties of the
Six Nations went last Fall and this Winter to the Cherokee
Country that some of them had told the Shawnese that they were
going against the Cuttabas, and that the English were cross,
as the Cuttabas Lived amongst them, that they would Strike
the English likewise, & perhaps you may soon hear of some
mischief being done that Way
INDORSED :
Intelligence recieved
from Mohikin John and
Joseph, two Stockbridge
Indians. —
INTELLIGENCE OF AN INDIAN CONSPIRACY
[Fort PitU March 7, 1771]
After hearing Mohikin Johns Information, M^ Croghan sent
of to the Shawnese Village at Logs Town for a Chief of that
Nation, a particular Friend of His v/ho had always given him
the best Intelligence and had never deceived him, and after
telling him by the Interpreter that he had heard such and such
Things (as Mohikin John had inform'd him) and upbraiding
him for keeping such Measures a Secret from him who had been
always his particular Friend, the Indian seemed much Confused,
paus'd a While and then Spoke as follows
My Friend it is very true what you say, and as you have hear'd
it, I will tell you all I know, and would have told it you before,
but I was afraid you would tell it to the White People ; It is true
we have all agreed last Fall to strike the English, it has been a
long time in Agitation now Nine Years since We first thought
of it, about that Time the Six Nations saw the Moravians coming
to Susquhannah and Building Churches and learning some of
the People to sing Psalms, which they said was only to steal
their Lands, and soon after the White People came over the
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 9
Mountains here to Redstone Creek & Cheat River to settle on
our hunting Country that was the Occasion of our Striking you
Seven Years ago, but the Six Nations who began first, deceived
us and made Peace for themselves, the French likewise deceived
us & the Six Nations both, for they promised to supply us with
every thing & gave us Nothing, so that We made Peace then,
and since the Council at Fort Stanwix, the six Nations sent us
& the Delawares a Hatchet under Ground which [ ]
in our Town at Scioto; They told us to be strong and
Cour[ ] with the several Nations towards the Sun-
setting, and be all of one Mind, and with the Southern Nations,
and if in four Years time we was all agreed, that then they
would Join us and drive the English out of the Country Over
the Great Mountain, for they never had sold the Lands, and
that the English had forced them out of their Hands and Stolen
them; last Winter they sent us another Belt telling us that as
soon as we were all agreed they would send Deputy's to fix
the time to Strike, for the Southern Indians are to Strike you
as well as the Six Nations, And us to the Sun Setting; This
my Brother is all I know, and when the Council which the Six
Nation Deputy's has now called at Scioto is Over, I will come
and tell you when you are to be Struck, I love the English and
wish there was to be no War, and by telling you this I have
put my Life in your Hands, for if the Indians Knew that I have
told you they would Kill me.
CHARLES EDMONSTONE TO THOMAS GAGE
Contemporary Copy^
[Extract] of a Letter from Captain Edmonstone to General
Gage —
Dated Fort Pitt March 9'\ 1771
A party of Six Nation Indians who had been here some time,
to whom I behaved with the utmost Civility ; on the 2^. Ins*, took
^ This and the two preceding documents containing information con-
cerning an Indian conspiracy, are in the same handwriting.
10 Sir William Johnson Papers
their Leave of me, and when at a Small Distance from the Fort,
met with a Soldier of the Train, who they instantly attacked,
nearly Cut of his Nose, and entirely Split his upper Lip; on his
making off, they pursued him, and no doubt would have Killed
him, had they not been a little in Liquor, so were incapable of
overtaking him.
On the 7^: Ins*. Mohikin John, Joseph, two Stockbridge
Indians who have been amongst the Delawares and Shawnese,
for more than a Year, Came to me, and gave the Intelligence,
I herewith Inclose to your Excellency, also another from a
Shawnese Chief, who M"". Croghan Sent for to Enquire, as he
could not give Credit to all John had told.
Those Informations Correspond, and indeed a Confirmation
of all the former Intelligence forwarded to your Exc^., which
indicates, that something is in Agitation among the different
Nations, that Bode no good to His Majesty's Interest.
For my part, I can assure your Excell*^y. that I have taken all
the Care I could to please the Indians, and in particular the
Six Nations, Most of the Party's that comes, bring Pass's and
other Papers from Sir W'". Johnson; Setting forth, their being
particular Friends; and their steady Attachment to the English;
and the Chief [ ] that is made at this Post, is given to
that ungrateful and perfidious People.
The Shawnese and Delawares, as I observed in my former
Letters, appear'd Sulky and disgusted ; Yet have always behaved
Civil at this Post, and indeed to all the Inhabitants about, the
difference that happened here, the Summer 1769 and last Year;
was entirely owing to the Six Nations; And the Quantity of
Spirituous Liquors, sold them by our Traders. They purchase
nothing else but Liquors, and when Intoxicated never fail to Insult
and abuse White Men ; Either Soldiers or Country People, which
convinces me, they Study Mischief when Sober, and put it in
Execution when Drunk.
After the Differences which happened last Summer the Six
Nations, who live down the River promised to myself and M^
Croghan in the Strongest Terms, that their future Conduct would
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 11
Convince us, of their Inclination to promote Peace and Tran-
quility ; Yet those very People, with the Party's, which pass from
the Six Nation Country, have been exceedingly Troublesome:
They are always as Naked as Beggars to what other Indians
are, and Constantly applying for different Things, and if refus'd
get very Angry ; and Contest with me, the Reason why I should
refuse them any Thing; and have told me, I was Sent here only
to take Care of them
I should not have dwelt so long on this disagreable Subject,
but to give your Excellency a just Account of those People's
Conduct, along with those two Papers of Intelligence
I have frequently Spoke to M"": Croghan, on this Subject, of
the Different Pieces of Intelligence, which We have had, to
get his Opinion which he has always avoided giving; in par-
ticular Yesterday, when he told me, he had, and always would
give me, every Information that came to his Knowledge, for
the good of his Majesty's Service, but would not give his
Opinion, as he Knew by Experience, it would not be well taken ;
That it was both his Duty and Interest to prevent an Indian War,
if in his Power ; for that he had more property to Loose by one,
near this Post, than any other private Subject His Majesty had,
in this Country —
INDORSED:
Extract of a Letter from
Captain Edmonstone to
General Gage.
Dated
Fort Pitt March 9'^: 1771
12 Sir IVilliam Johnson Papers
DAVID Becker's bill
D. S.
The Honr^' Sir William Jonson
To David Becker D"^
May 1 770. To Work done for the Indians p"" his order
Viz. To Making 18 large hoes @ 8 s
To Making 7 large axes (a) 8 s
To Making 6 Axes at 5 s
To Making 4 Axes (a) 4 s
To Making a Spaid 9 s
£12. .15
4 Small Axes & 2 fish]
Spears not Charged J
Errors Excepted p^ Me
David Becker^
March 9^ 1771
Rec*^. of Sir W Johnson Bar', the above Sum in full' —
DaVED BECKER^
INDORSED:*
M^ David Becker's Ace*.
£12. .15..—
Sir Wilhams
Account
£12. 15
£7.
.4
2.
.16
1.
.10
0.
.16
0.
.9
^ In same hand as the bill ; evidently not written by Becker.
^ Receipt in Johnson's hand.
^ Becker's autograph.
* In Johnson's hand.
Postwar Period, 1763-1774 13
EDWARD COLE TO JOSEPH CHEW
A. L. S.
Newport March 1 U^. 1771
Dear Sir
Your Favor of the 27'''. Ult°. came Safe to Hand. Should
have answered it by Last Post but was out of Town. I came
Home just time enough to Engage Hunter in the affair and I
think properly, as he is to Credit a friends Acco*. of mine for
whatever Expences he may be at in procuring the young man,
who has a Large Sum of money in his Hunter's Hands, which
I thought much better then drawing on me as you are Sensible
nothing Makes the Mare go like the Visibles — I chearfully
undertook this business and find our Mutuall Friend Sir Wâ„¢.
Interests himself in this Matter besides M"". Byrne is a Bro^
Commissary of Mine — Should be Extreemly Glad you would
Let me Know when You purpose to go to the Hall, as I shall
write by You. — if M^ Hunter finds the young man he Will
Send [ ] and I shall forward him to the Hall v^th [the]
utmost Expedition.
I am with much
Esteem
Dear Sir Your
Most ob'. Hum' Serv*.
Edw": Cole
Jos. Chew, Esq^
from ROBERT LETTIS HOOPER, JR
A. L. S.
Trenton March II^K 1771
Sir,
I wrote to you the 9th. Ultimo apologizeing for my long
silence, since which I have not had the pleasure of hearing from
you —
14 Sir William Johnson Papers
I have sent you in a small Box to the care of M^ Weatherhed,
Merch'. in N. York, a collection of Scions for grafting which
were cut in good season and if you have proper Stocks doubt
not but they will succeed —
In each Bundle of Scions is a Talley stick notch'd, which
when compared with the Numbers on the inclosed List will shew
You the different kinds —
You will be pleased to make my Compliments to M^ Dailey
and M^ Davis, & to inform M^ Davis that I have engaged a
Gentleman to procure some Illenois Tobacco seed for him, but
fear it will not be in my power to forward it very soon —
I am apprehensive some Person, more curious than my self,
has robed me of the Elks Horns you was pleased to Compliment
me with, as I have had no account of them since my return —
I shall be glad to hear from You, and with great respect, I am,
Sir, Your most obed*. hum'^ Serv'.
RoB^. Lettes Hooper, Jun-^
ADDRESSED :
Trenton 4der
To
The Honorable,
Sir William Johnson, Baronet
at
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
Trenton March 1]*K 1771
M^ Hoopers Letter w'^^.
A Box of Scions. —
In Johnson's hand.
Post'War Period, J 763-1 774 15
FROM JOHN GLEN
Schoneciady, I2^K March 1771
Sir.
I have Received Your favor some Time ago, w^ould have
answerd it Sooner, but the Time I got it I was much Indispos'd,
having Such Sore Eyes that I was not able to See for upwards of
Ten days and as Soon as I got a Little better I was Oblig'd to
go down to New York on Busie of the Kayaderossaros Patent.
You mention in Your Letter That if I would mention a Day
that You would Endeavour to be home & have the Indians There
for which I Return You my Sincere thanks. Should it be
Agreable to You I would Come up a Monday now next, and
may I beg the favor of You to have the Indians there. Here
is Nothing Strange. Co^. Bradstreet* Cause against Harden-
berg was to be tryd Yesterday & by Mr Cagburn & other
avadav [ ] it is thought he v/ill Gain it. —
From Your Most Obedient
and most Hum[ ]
John [Glen]
To
Sir William Johnson Bar*
INDORSED:^
March 12'!^ 1771
Jn. Glens Esqr^ letter
Ans-^d the 15'^ In[st]
In Johnson's hand.
16 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM JAMES STEVENSON
A. L. S.
Detroit I3^K March 1771
Dear Sir/
I am honour'd with your favour of the 12*". Jan^. & am to
return you thanks for prevailing on the Gen^. to pay my Ace'.
I did not keep a copy of it, but as I had the Articles from M"^
Polloard I suppose he can furnish one which I have wrote to
him for —
The Hurons will return from hunting next Month when I
shall deliver your message, which I am persuaded will make them
happy —
As usual at this season of the year reports begin to prevail
that the Indians intend mischief, & 'tho I don't give any credit
to it, I shall be as well prepared as possible in so rotten rascally
a Fort —
I must again be troublesome to you (but it is entre nous) altho
I have been so lately, but as it will be doing me a most singular
favour, I hope you will excuse the liberty I take — the case is I
have a fine Boy amongst the Senecas & would be glad to get
him from them, altho it should be attended v^^ith some expence —
now I should be glad of your advice & assistance in this matter,
for I cannot think of leaving him amongst them —
A Batteau will leave this about the middle of April, if any
thing worth your notice happens in the mean time, it shall be
communicated —
My best respects to S^ John & the rest of your family —
Comp'^ to Cap*. M'^Cleod — I am
Dear Sir
Your most Obedient &
Obliged humble Servant
Ja^: Stevenson
S"^. William Johnson Baronet
I
Post-War Period, 1 763-1774 17
INDORSED:
Detroit 13'K March 1771
Cap'. Stevensons Letter
FROM JOHN BROWN
A. L. S.^
Niagara I3^K March 1771
Sir
On Monday last I had the honor of receiveing yours of the
I St Peb'^y with the Generals Packets for Capt" Stevenson and
myself by Peter an Indian, who brought the same in very good
order — Peter and his Comarade Cornelius were Join'd by a
Cayouga, who brought some Strings of Wampum, from
Con,na,Wa,gense to Old Soy,e,LOa, of the Ge,ne,se,o Village
desireing him to return to the Castle to assist with his advice &ca
in chooseing a Person to replace Old Cas,tesh, or A,gas,ta,ran,
dead some years ago, — Soy, e, wa, made Answer in my
presence that he would not go on any such bussiness, and returnd
the Wampum desireing him to give it back to the Person he got
it from I understand nothing of this business but thought it
my duty to inform you of all that I knew of the Matter —
I think the Indians this way appear well affected, at least I
can observe nothing to the Contrary from their present
behaviour —
I have the honor to be with the utmost respect
Sir
Your most Obedient and
Most humble Servant
John Brown
P. S. I have the honor of enclosing you a Le'' rec^ from Mess"
Wade & Keiuser
The Honb'^
Sir William Johnson
^ In Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
18 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:^
Niagara 13'^. March 1771
Cap*. Browns letter
FROM SAMUEL PEISLEY
A. L. S.
New York I4^h March 1771
Sir
Having Read an Advertisement in last Mondays paper
Desiring Some person of Abilities for Teaching Writing and
Arithemetick to apply, make bold to trouble you, that as I am
A Stranger but just Arrived from Dublin would be glad of the
employment if I Should have the honour of being feavour'd by
your patronage. And as writing is the worst of my Abilities,
hope this may Suffise, and if you think a poor Stranger Worthy
your Care, beg Sir you may Honour me with your proposals
as Arithmetick and Bookkeeping is my Chiefest Abilities and
as I can have a good Recommendation. If you Chuse S'! to
employ me in your Service A line from you with your proposals
Directed for Samuel Peisley at Mr. John Johnson's Sadler in
the broadway New York Shall be duly attended to,
I am Sir with Due
Deference your
Obedient Serv*
Sam^-. Peisley
addressed :
To
Sr. William Johnson Bar*. —
at Johnson hall Near
Johnstown
In Johnson's hand.
Posl-War Period 1763-1774 19
INDORSED:'
[ ] 1771 —
M^ Sam' Peisly's letter
Schoolmaster —
TO HUGH WALLACE
A. Df.
[March 15, 1771Y
Having upon a late Enquiry found that most part of the Land
which is to be sold by M^ Moore [for M''. Lane] is but verry
Indifferent, I am now quite so, as to the purchase of it except Lot
44 w^, as it Joins my Land, I hope you will be able to Secure
for me: Some of the Patentees of Sacondaga now offer to Sell
their Shares, (which are realy much better in quality & Situation
than M^ Lanes) [for a dollar '^ Acre] verry cheap, besides
there is one Lot of his, N°. 58 out of the bounds of the Patent,
for w'^, I cant see how He can give a Warrantee. I imagine
there will be few or no Bidders for y*. Land from the Scarcity
of Money ^'^^., So that I am of opinion that it v>^ill go for a lower
price than M^ Moore Expects. In that case I would have you
bid for the whole, that is all M^ Lanes Right & Title to, or in
that Patent, (as there is a Small peice yet unsettled & to be
divided amongst the whole w*^. I would willingly have included
with y^. Six Lots, & for w''. I will give the £500 in y^ hands,
or Something more. Should that be offered for it that is by any
other person.
INDORSED:^
Letter to M*: Wallace
to go by the next Post viz*.
March 15'h. 1771 —
w*^. Sundry Alterations
^ Date supplied from Johnson Calendar.
^ In Johnson's hand.
20 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM ROBERT DAVIS
A. L. S.
New York March the 1 5^'\ 177/
Sir,
These few lines is to your honour to inform you that as you
have Advtis'd for a schoolmaster I hope that I shall have the
Honour to Serve you in the Same as I have Teach'd these two
years in the Province of Pennsylvania and Can have a good
Recommendation so that I Can teach reading writing and
arithmetick and several other Branches but none of the Languages
three years from Ireland Aged twenty five years therefore I
hope that you will favour me with yours
I am
My lord
your most
Humble Serv'. RoBERT Davis
Direct j'^our Answer if any to M^ Hugh Gayne printer in
New york.
PETITION FROM INDIANS OF SCHOHARIE
D. S.
Schoharre March 1 5^K 1771
ITo] the Honourable Sir William Jonson Knight & Bart &
Superintendant of the Indian affairs in America &ca
The Humble Petition of us the Subscribing Indians being part
Owners of a Tract of Low Land Situate in Schoharre Humbly
Sheweth That Your Petitionrs having heard that Some part of
our fellow Indians have Sold all our Lands in Schoharre without
our Consent, or Knowledge, to the Vrowmans We therefore
Pray that our part of Said Tract may not be Made over to any
person without our Consent, as We look on our Selves to be
Postwar Period, 1763-1774
21
Propriators of Said Tract in Common with the Indians that have
sold Said Lands, the Sale of Which We do disapprove of.
Your Honour's Noticing our Petition will be greatfully
Acknowledged, by Your Honour's Dutiful and Sincere Friends
his
Elizabeth
ler
his
Joseph
4-
+
David
+
mark
Mark
Mark
her
Hansyeurry his
ler
Susannah
+
+
Sarah
X â–
mark
Mark
Mark
his
Treyta
lis
his
Jacob
+
+
Yan
+
Mark
Mark
Mark
his
Leween
lis
lis
Cornelius
+
—
David
+
Mark
Mark
Mark
his
Merita
ler
his
Brant
+
+
JOHANNIS
+
Mark
Mark
Mark
lis
Yann
his
his
Peter Smart +
+
Moses
+
Mark
Mark
Mark
her
Martinus
his
his
Meriah
+
+
William
+
Mark
Mark
Mark
his
Anthony
+
Mark
his
Thomas
+
Mark
his
'
Anthony
+
Mark
22 Sir William Johnson Papers
her
Christeen
+
Mark
his
William
+
Mark
her
Catharine
+
Mark
his
Seth
1
Mark
her
EVAH
+
Mark
INDORSED:'
Petition from the
Indians of Schohare
June22d 1771 reed,
it from the Mohawks
^ In Johnson's hand.
On the back of the manuscript is written in Johnson's hand the follow-
ing:
"abt ye Schohare [ ]
abt ye Lands to [ ]
abt ye French Men [ ]
all Duty,
abt ye Schohare Inds La [nds which]
I promised to give them [ ]
as Soon as I have leisure
June 22d 1771 — "
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 23
FROM JOHN BAPTIST VAN EPS
A. L. S.
Schenectady 16^^,
March 1 77 1
[HonouJred Sir
This to acquaint you that we had a Meeting Yesterday Con-
cerning our Pattent, for an Alottment M^ Vrooman had Layd
is out in 500 Ackers, so that I woud be Glad that your Honour
whoud Let me know Your Sentiment about it, as I had it Pro-
long'd untill wensday Next
Here is one Waldrum Blaw sent up from New York to act
for them there, but Contrary as we think, as Coll" John Glen will
Inform you Monday Next, as I Refere him to You
And if your Honour Shou'd Incline to have your 5000 Ackers
to Joine Your Line, as I have Allready Started the Question, I
Did not hare many Objections
Abraham Fonda is Verry uneasy, as his name is not in the
Pattent, who is a man to push Things forward and has pay'd
his Devedent every time, I think he is not res'd well
I am Sir Your most
Obedient & Verry
Humble Serv*
Jno B V Eps
P. S. M^ Glen will acquaint
You how M"". Duncan has
Mannegd with the forty
Dollers Due to Joseph
Sir William Johnson Bar*.
ADDRESSED:
To
The Honrb'.
Sir William Johnson Bar'.
at
Johnson Hall
24 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:'
March ]6'M771 —
M^ Van Ep's Letter
TO THOMAS MONCRIEFFE
Johnson hall March 16^K 1771.
Dear Moncrieffe
Yours of this Day Month was dehvered to me by M"" Duffield,
who appears to me to be a very Worthy Young Gentleman, and
I have during two Visits he made me shewed him all the Civilities.
I do assure you I am much obliged to the Occasion that has
produced a Letter from you after a long Silence on both Sides —
Indeed different Avocations must be our mutual Apology, for I
know your Sincerity and Shall allways retain the Strongest esteem
for you, and whilst I truly believe & thank you for your good
Wishes, I can Safely Assure you that they are reciprocal. —
With regard to my Son, As the Yankees say Why he did not
feel bold enough to encounter such Roads & bad Weather as
we have had for the greatest part of the Winter, during which
there was little or no Sledding and indeed from your representa-
tion for which the Ladies are much obliged to you, a man must
be possessed of not a little temerity to Venture his heart amongst
such a Lovely Groupe as it would be difficult to fix an Affection
where there are so many rival beauties, and dangerous to with-
stand them all. —
Your description does them Justice and I dare say no more, I
own that was I able to shake a Leg as formerly, you have
Expressed yourself so feelingly that I might be tempted, at least
to feast my Eyes with So lovely a Sight — Sir John is however
In Johnson's hand.
In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 25
much obliged to you for that part of your Letter, and will prob-
ably say more to you upon it in a little time, and I am very
sensible (Jesting apart) of the Friendly Motives which induced
you to recommend that Subject to his attention. — I fancy that
we may have a War if our Enemys are ready, perhaps not
otherwise. If it takes place they will doubtless try to favor us
with a Visit in some part of America.
Be assured D"^ Moncrieffe of my Constant regards, that I
shall at all times be glad to hear of your happiness & being with
great truth
Your Friend & Serv*.
[ ] John, Guy &c
[ ] to be kindly remembered.
TO WILLIAM NELSON
Johnson hall March 1 6ih 1771.
Sir
I am just favored with your Letter of the 5*^ Ult° and am
heartily sorry that it is not at pres* in my power to afford you any
Satisfaction on the Subject of your enquiry concerning the meet-
ing of Commissioners for regulating the Trade with the Indians
not havs as yet heard that any other Colony, besides Virg* &
N York have Come to any determined resolutions thereon, I
have reason to apprehend that the Idea of the Expence that may
attend the necessary Establishments for that purpose, and the
difficulty of agreeing upon their proportions of the Charge may
Create delays in this most necessary business — I have men-
tioned the matter by this opportunity to Lord Dunmore and
whenever it is in my power I shall gladly Communicate what you
require. I hear it is under Consideration in Pennsylvania, but
as yet know nothing of their resolutions, nor of the Intentions of
the Gov^ of Quebec —
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
26 Sir JVilliam Johnson Papers
D"" Walker who attended as a Commissioner from y"^ Province
at the Treaty of Fort Stanwix Carried with him a Copy of some
parts of the Treaty; as the whole is very Long, and contains a
variety of Matters. I shall transmit you a Copy of that part
regarding the boundy Line & Deed of Cession which I apprehend
wall Sufficiently Answer your desires —
I am
Sir, &c
The Honble
W^^. Nelson Esq^ Presid'.
of Virginia
FROM THOMAS ERVING
A. L. S.
Philadelphia 16th March 1771
I ]
Encouraged by your Advertisement in the New York
[ ] of the 1*' Ins') for a person qualified to Teach,
Reading, [Writ]ing & Arithmetic; I presume to make you a
Tendre [of my] Services. My Abilities in the Scholastic Way
can [be] certified by several who keep Academies in this place
[who] may be supposed unprejudiced in favor of a person who
means to interfere with their proffession. As to my Moral
Character I shall refer to Merchants of Eminence here, & at
[New] York, to whom I have been recomended in the warmest
Manner by their respective correspondents at home — And if
being unfortunate may argue in my favor with [S""] W"^ Johnson
(which his Character speaks it will) I have surely a claim to his
patronage & protection. Born of parents of high Estimation in
Ireland, properly Educated & Fifteen years engaged in Trade &
Manufactures, which I had studied, in Holland, Sweden &
France, I became a Shipwreck after all, lossing a Considerable
fortune at one Stroke. This induced me to make a Tryal of this
Country (having first settled with my Creditors, who are my
Postwar Period, 1763-1774 27
principal recomenders here) leaving my Wife in Dublin with her
Relations; Since my arrival I have barely subsisted on a Clerk-
ship, which being precarious bread, I would wish to have a
settled place of abode & nowhere sooner than under the wing
of S^ W"*. & that on his own Terms, for indeed my expectations
are not Sanguine, I desire little more than the necessarys of Life ;
And if you please to command me I shall attend your orders
on receit of them & go to your Town [ ]
Your most [ ]
Thomas [Erving]
If I am so happy as to deserve an Answ""
a letter directed at M^ Edw"^. Batchelors will
come to hand —
TO THOMAS WHARTON
Johnson hall March 16th 1771
Sir,
I am favored with your Letter by M^ Harper whom I thank
you for introducing to me, he seems to Like the Country and I
have conferred with him on the Subject of Lands, In which I
shall be glad to Assist him if possible in the manner most agre-
able to his Wishes. — At the same time I received your Letter
by your brother Carpenter together with one from your Father,
which from my Esteem for your family filled me with concern
as I am very Sensible how much such a Step as you apprehend
he is about to take must affect you all, as besides its imprudence
in other respects the Age of the Woman makes it in Some
measure an unreasonable or unnatural Affection, which would
not be productive of any permanent Satisfaction to himself tho
it must Cause great Affliction to his worthy father, & tender
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
28 Sir William Johnson Papers
Connections. As he appears to me to be an agreable and
Sensible young Gentleman I am still in hopes that distance of
place & other avocations and Amusements may afford him an
opportunity of withdrawing Affections that appear to be
unworthily placed, and to accomplish this I have omitted nothing
in my power, referring you for some particulars to the Letter I
herein inclose to your father.
I thank you for the particulars you gave me of the proceeding
with the Assembly In Consequence of the Gov" message, What
the Gov^ require, is. That the Colonies will determine on Regu-
lations for the Indian Trade, & make the necessary Appoint-
ments for that particular part of Ind" Affairs, that the Crown
may be eased of the Expence which has long attended it.
Your Brother seems bent on returning home much Sooner than
I expected or wished for, alledging that he Expects a large
Cargo of Goods from England. I heartily wish that he may
not return with the same inclinations, and that you may soon
have Agreable News from y'' brother Sam', being with great
regard
Sir &c
M^ Thomas Wharton
Merch'.
TO THE EARL OF DUNMORE
Johnson hall March /6th 1771
My Lord
I beg to offer my best Acknowledgments for the Polite Letter
with which you honored me in Answer to my first, and to
Acquaint your Lordship that your last of the 26th February did
not thro' some negligence or delay come to my hands till Yester-
day, so that I have not time by this opportunity to over look and
Select the sev'. regulations &c that may be necessary for your
Lordships Inspection concerning the Indian Trade. —
In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 29
On this Subject I formerly wrote to Sir Heny Moore and
Transmitted him a State of these matters, but least it may not
be found in the Secy^ Office I shall again revise the necessary
papers in obedience to your Lordships desire. In the mean time
I beg leave to acquaint you that I have Just received a Letter
from M'' Nelson Presid'. of Virginia on the Subject of the pro-
posed Congress of Commiss". from the sev'. Colonies for regu-
lating the Ind". Trade, wherein after mentioning that those of
that Colony had waited at N York for some time to no purpose
he desires to know of me when and where they are to meet, to
which it is not in my power to give him a Satisfactory Answer. —
It is also my duty to observe to your Lordship that the Affairs
of Trade, which from the weight of the Expence has been
seperated from the Indian Department and referred to the
Colonies has probably been delayed hitherto by some of them
from a knowledge of the Charge that must attend the Sev'.
Establishments of Commisaries, Interpreters, Smiths &c at the
Outposts, without whom it is to little purpose to do any thing in
the matter, and as such establishments must be attended with a
greater charge than the Colonies have been accustomed to, I am
apprehensive it will not be easy to Effect a Union of Sentiments,
or an agreement about their respective proportions of the
Expence. — It was Judged best. That each Colony concerned
in the Ind". Trade should take the Charge of it at Certain posts
most Convenient, of which Niagara & I think Detroit fell to
N York. I made formerly regulations for the barter of Com-
odoties at these posts but the times & price are Changed, so
that such Regulations can only answer as to the form. It was
likewise proposed to lay a duty upon Rum, & to prevent its going
beyond a Certain post In favor of which I could say much, but
whilst the people of Quebec Government, from their superior
[ ] Influence with the Ind^ would approve of this, it
would [ ] profits of many in this Province whose great
dependance [ ] that pernicious Liquor wch is the Cause
of many Murders & disputes besides we find that the other
Commis" [ ] even attend, and perhaps they may still
30 Sir William Johnson Papers
Neglect to do so, however [ ] transmit your Lordship
a Copy of my Regulations for the posts I mentioned, and of the
Gen^ Orders to & duty of the Commisarys & [if any] thing
farther should Occurr, that may appear necessary I shall take
the Liberty to Suggest it, with the hopes that this important busi-
ness may at last be carried in Execution. — •
The Speech from the Oneidas has been occasioned thro the
Mistake, or Ignorance of a N England Missionary there ; — I
have Signified by his Majestys orders to them and to all the
Indians, That that part of the Affairs of the Ind", Department
wch regarded Trade was referred to the Colonies who I per-
suaded myself would as soon as possible concert measures for
their regulation, and make such Appointments as were Necessary
at the posts of Trade of these as I before observed a BlackSmith
was one, but such were intended only for the Posts & as it is
impossible to provide all their Villages with such so it is not con-
venient to Gratify one in particular because it would give
umbrage to the rest. The Missionary mistaking this matter,
Instead of laying it before me, as he ought to have done, has
Conceived that It became a Provincial Concern to Supply the
Ind". Villages & therefore gave you the Trouble of that
Speech, in which I should add there are some untruths & the
Representation of their distress in coming down to have their
tools mended is an Idle tale as it is notorious that That Tribe in
particular are in great numbers to & fro here under various pre-
tences to get provisions &c, and that they think it nothing to go
more than 80 miles (wch is the real distance) on more trifling
occasions. If your Lordship inclines to say anything to them
upon the occasion I Shall Cause it to be faithfully delivered.
I cannot but regret that we are so shortly to Lose y"" Lordship
whose aimable Character Gave us every thing to hope for, but I
must be Silent when I reflect that you go to Receive a more
distinguish^ Mark of his Majesty's favor by a promotion to
the first American Government.
I am with much respect
My Lord &c
The R Honble the Earl of Dunmore
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 31
FROM DANIEL CAMPBELL
A. L. S.
Schenectady the 17'^' March 1771
Dear Sir:
Your Agreeable favour of the 1 1 '^ Instant have only received
this morning. M^ Davis I think Owes me about £50 — & as
you Justly Observe he Seems to be in a verry unsettled Situa-
tion — I shall readily join you in any way which you think best
to put him in a Way to recover himself —
I propose Seting out for New York in the first Sloop, & should
you have any commands that Way nothing would give me more
pleasure then to have it in my power to do you any Service. I
shall make but a short stay there —
M""^ Campbell desires me to make her respectfull Compliments
I am
Dear
Sir
with Great Sincerity your most Obe^ humble Sev'
Daniel Campbell
Sir William Johnson Baronet
FROM JOHN BLACKLER
A. L. S.
New York
March y^ I8^K 1771 —
Sir
I presume to address you on reading your advertisement in last
Mondays Paper which advises me to make application to you, in
order to take care of a School that is vacant in your Neighbour-
hood. As to any recommendation you may desire for my honesty
and sobriety it may be obtained, by your Corrispondant's here
applying to D"" Sam' Clossy, Professer of Anatomy at Kings
College, who was intimately acquainted with my Family and
32 Sir William Johnson Papers
Friends in England. — I flatter myself you may remember to
have heard of my Father Pheasant Blackler late Barrack-Master
of Athlone District. As I had the happiness of a liberal Educa-
tion, I make no doubt I have Sufficient knowledge to teach
Reading, Writing (after the shortest and best Method) and
Arithmetic, my Circumstances at present are but low, as I am
but just come from S^ Augustine where I have sufferd much by
Sickness having lost my Wife, and was myself confined near
Six Months to my Bed, I came there (with many more)
from London with Dennis Rolle Esq*^ Member for Barnstable
who I may safely say trapan'd me from my own native home
where I had [
to feel the severe want of Health [
in a Barren Country, if you should [
Encourage me a Line directed to me at [
Leroy's Hatter in Dock Street near the [
shall immediately be attended to —
As I am not much in debt should be glad to discharge what
little I owe before I leave Town —
I am Sir with respect
Your Most Obed*
Humb' Servant
John Blackler
Gratitude ought ever to be paid where due^
TO JOSEPH WHARTON
Johnson Hall March 1 &K 1771.
Good Sir,
Your Son together with M"^ Harper arrived here a few days
ago at which time I was favored with your letter of the 10'^. of
Evidently intended as a specimen of the writer's best penmanship.
In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 33
last Month. — From the regard I really bear to you & your
family, it gave me great Concern to hear that your Son Carpenter
who in all other respects appears to be a Sensible Wellbrecl
Young Gentleman should entertain Sentiments or Affections so
unworthy of himself, and so painful to his family, and from the
fruition of which thro' the great Disparity of Years & Circum-
stances of the Woman he can expect nothing but repentance. —
Believe me I feel Sensibly for you on this trying Occasion, and
as I am in hopes that reflection & Absence may produce a
Change in his Mind, So I would most willingly Contribute to
effect it by any Means in my power, to this end I took him out
to a Seat of mine Some Miles from hence, and at our return
proposed a Second Tour to him farther up the Country, and
on hearing that he had resolved to leave this & return home in a
day or two I urged his Stay for Sometime with me which he
excuses himself from Complying with Alledging that he daily
expects a Vessel at Philadelphia with goods Consigned to him
or to that effect. Finding this (as you seem'd to desire it, &
thro my regard to the family) I took him aside and hinted the
matter to him, on wch occasion I set forth all the Inconveniences
attending it, with my Wishes that he might Subdue a passion
wch could not fail of giving pain to his friends, he seemed fully
persuaded of my good intentions in giving him this advice but
assured me that matters had gone so far, that he could not con-
sistent with any principle recede. That the woman was but 2
years older than himself & of a good family, &c It is therefore
with concern I express my fear that his engagement & Inclina-
tions are so strong as not to be Withdrawn. In wch case I can
only Wish That his future Conduct may be more agreable, and
tend to efFace the Memory of a Circumstance wch now gives you
so much Concern.
Be assured I omitted nothing that I co^. consistently urge upon
this occasion, from the good Wishes I bear your family & the
regard with wch I am &c
Josp". Wharton
Sen^
2
34 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:
March 16'H 771 —
To M"^ Josp^. Wharton Sen^
Philadelphia.
FROM SAMUEL BROWN JR
A. L. S.
Siockbridge 18"^ of March 1771
Sir William
I Rec^. your Letter Dated y® 1*' day of Nov'' Last, on the
8''^ Day of the Same month. Imediately wrote an answer
wherein I Inform*^ you that on the 8'^ of October Last I & my
Partners Met at this Town Prepared to proceed and allot out
the Land Agreed for & Compleat the Bargain — but not having
Received any Inteligence That you had Obtained your Patent
the Major Part was much Discouraged Concluded not to Pro-
ceed Untill they Had Certain Inteligence That the Patent was
Obtained — They Returned to their Respective Homes Tho
Many of them Live a Hundred miles from this Town — That
I would Imediately Send To them & have another Meeting
[ ] ait on your Self Compleat the Bargain &c — I accord-
ingly [ ] Wrote to My Partners but Rec^. no Answer before
I [Rec]'^. your Last Letter which was on the 2^. Day of this
Ins[tant.] Since Then we have had a Meeting Tho many Did
not Attend As To Those that Did Some are Much Discouraged
by Reason That a War is generally Expected very soon — And
will not venture to move their Families Into that Country —
Three of the men that went with me to veiw & Survey the Land
Tho' a Year Since They Sold their Interest Here In order to
Settle on your Land, have now Purchased in these Parts —
upon the Whole Altho I cant Reasonably Desire you Should
wait any Longer if it be to your Damage, yet if I Can git a
Few new Partners & you Dont Part with the Land before the
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 35
Last of Next Month I am Determined to Wait on you Then &
Compleat the Bargain or make a new one
I am Dear Sir WilHam
Your Most Obhged & very H^^« Serv'
Sam Brown Jun"^
Sir William Johnson Baronett
P. S. My former Letter I D<^ — To a Person who Engaged
to D*^ — the Same to M^ V^Schaak the Next Day but am
since informed by M"". V Schaack he never rec'^ the same
FROM THOMAS GAGE
A. L. S.i
New york March I8^K- 1771.
Dear Sir,
I have a Letter of your's lying by me dated 31*' of Jan'^y and
expected long e'er now, to have been able to give you some
Satisfactory Account respecting the Difference With Spain : But
I am at this Moment as ignorant with respect to any Certainty
of Peace or War between us and the Spaniards, as yourself, at
the time you wrote your Letter. All I can Say is that we follow
the old Maxim to Maintain Peace; for we are arming Whilst
we Negotiate; and that there were Hopes of an Accomodation.
It is not surprizing the Indians should believe the War com-
menced for Many of our own People have believed the Same,
and Accounts Swell to a great Size before they reach the Indians.
A French-Man carried like Reports to the Ilinois the latter end
of October who must have left New-Orleans in August, and they
have Spread as far as Fort-Pitt.
The inclosed Letters from M^ Croghan and Captain Edmon-
stone will inform you of the Transactions to the Westward, and
give you Some Account of Thomas King. You will devine
^ In Newberry Library, Chicago, 111.
36 Sir William Johnson Papers
better than I can, what all these Mouvements may prognosticate.
The Councils May have arisen from the News of War they
have received from the Ilinois, where the French-Man reported
it as certain, and gave out that the Ministers of England France
and Spain were recalled to their respective Courts.
I am with great Regard,
Dear Sir,
Your Most obedient,
humble Servant,
Tho^ Gage
P: S:
Since v<^riting, a Ship from
South Carolina has brought me
a Letter from M"". Stuart, from which
I transmit you an Extract, that shews the
Shawnese are indefatigable in their Endeavors to form a Power-
full Confederacy,
T: G:
S«: W^': Johnson Bar*:
INDORSED:'
N York, March 18^^ 1771
Genr'. Gages letter
TO THE EARL OF DUNMORE
Dfr
Johnson hall March 22^. 1771 —
My Lord,
I had the honor to write your Lordship by last post in answer
to your Letter concerning the Regulation of the Trade with the
Indians, Agreable to which I herewith inclose you Copies of
^ In Johnson's hand.
- In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774 37
my Regulations for the Exchange of Commodities at Niagara &
Detroit, made on the Spot in 1 76 1 . I sho*^. Observe that the
Value of Goods is fallen since that period, and of Course the
Tariff of Exchange should be adapted to the present times.
I also inclose a Copy of the last Genl Rules regarding the
Trade in 1 767, as most of those issued before depended on par-
ticular events. I therefore presume that the papers I now^ Trans-
mit w^ill Suffice to give a good general Idea of the Rules that
are best to be adopted for the Regulation of Trade. The prin-
cipal objects of wch w^ere to do the Indians strict Justice to punish
Delinquents, and to restrain the Self Interested from rambling
into the Ind". Country at a Vast dist" from posts or Settlements
in the quest of extravagant profits, in wch pursuit they often
exposed themselves to Robberies & Murders & thereby involved
in publick Quarrels thro' their private Misconduct. The par-
ticulars whereof are well known to many.
I have only to add that at each post of Trade a Comissy of
good Character with an allow"^^. (proportioned to the business of
the Post) from £ 1 20 to £ 200 Ster ^ Ann. was Established
having under him a good Interpreter, & a BlackSmith who was
to work for the Ind^ alone Gratis, which sev' persons I wish
to be [ ] disingaged from any concerns in Comerce.
And that an Establishment on these principles or Similar thereto
is the only one in my Judgment that can produce the advantages
we Expect to derive from the Regulation of Trade. —
I have the Honor to be &c
The R' Honb'-
The Earl of Dunmore.
INDORSED:
March 22^. 1771 —
To the Earl of Dunmore
with Copies of the Regulations
for Trade &c
38 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO HUGH WALLACE
Johnson hall March 22^. 1771.
Dear Sir,
Having wrote you last post I have only at present to remind
you of an Application intended by Major Fonda for Lands
sometime ago, on which subject he formerly Spoke to you, he
intends by this opportunity to write you and to send down a
description of 3 Tracts for himself & his friends to be petif^. for
on which subject he is desirous of sollicitting your friendship,
and of obtaining a few lines thereon from me to Strengthen his
request. — One of these Tracts he particularly spoke to you upon
when you was last here so that youll recollect it imediately, the
others are to the Northward. — I know that I need not to say
more upon it as I believe you have been kind enough to express a
desire to oblige him in that way. —
I am Just Sending off Copies of some of my Regulations for
Trade to Lord Dunmore, as he is Shortly to leave us I am glad
to hear he is to be Succeeded by a Gentleman of a Good
Character. I am desirous to know when he is to Leave
the Government, and for the pres'. conclude with my kind
Compliments to M". Wallace Dear Sir
Yours &c
Coll. Johnson desires
I may tranmit his
Compliments. —
& I do the same for the rest
of the family.
Honble H. Wallace Esqr
INDORSED:
March 22< 1771.
To the Honble H Wallace
Esq^ —
concerns Maj^ Fondas Affair.
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774 39
FROM JOHN STEVENSON
Albany 25*K March 1771 —
Sir
I am favoured with yours of the 22*^. Ins*, and beg leave to
acquaint you that I Shall Send the Iron you write for to the Care
of M"^ V Eps by the first Opportunity as also a Screw Plate if
any to be had in Town if not I shall send for one to New York
I am much oblidged to you for your kind Intelligence about
my Brothers Welfare I am
Sir
Your Most Obed*.
& Most oblidged Humb'^.
Serv*.
John Stevenson
FROM WILLIAM M<=ADAM
A. L. S.
N York March 25'^ 1771 —
Sir
Major Gorham has sent me a Bill on you for his pay as
Deputy Agent from the 23^ of March 70 to the 23^ of March
71. I thought it necessary to Acquaint you of this Circumstance
that you might Include it in your Accounts — and give orders
for payment at your Conveniency — the Sum is Two hundred
pounds Sterling — By a letter I received lately from England,
there Seems to be no Certainty of a war M"" Lyme desires me to
Convey his respectfull Compliments and offers of Services to
you — with much respect I remain Sir
Your most Obed' and very
Humble Serv*
W M^Adam
40 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM WALTER MORRIS AND WILLIAM BEVAN
A. L. 5.1
A^eu; York March 25^^ jyjf
Sir We Seeing an Avederistiment in M"" Gains Newespaper
of Sum Lands to be Let Out By you We Cam To a Determina-
tion To Aquent you Sir that the Smalles Eencouragment from
your honour Would Bring Us and Our famleys Ounder your
protaction we Be Both Treadsmen and has Wrought in this City
Since the Conclushon of the Leat Ware We Are Both Lether
Breeches Mackers Can Dress Lether Aney Maner that Sutes
Mackes Gloves In the Bes Manor and hering Sir that ther is
None of Our tread Settled With you We Should be Glad for
Embrace the Opertunitey We Can have the Best of Recom-
mandations I Dar Say from the Severil pepol That We have
Wrought for and as We are hard Working for and as We are
hard Working Pepol and Daleye Working for Our Bread We
are In hopes to Meet With Sum Encouragment from you Sir
But My partner Desiers that if your Honour pleases for to
grant Us on 100 Ackeres of Land Be twixt us as we are But
Strangers to that Part of Busness But as Neer to your Seat as
Is Conveainent So Sir in hopes that you Will Pardon the freedom
that we have tacken We
Subscribe Our Selves your honours humble
Serves Whilst Walter Morris
& William Bevan
P. S. If maney Farmes that is Small with a house Situeaited
Upon it We Would Sowner Rent it By reson that We Would
Doe as much at Our tread as posable We Being United in the
Bonds of Frendship I Belonging to ye Orange Lodge N° 257
upon y^ regestrey of Irland Bevan Belonging to N° 1 5 of the
Regestrey of Canada
Letter in Morris' hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 41
Formerly held at Niagara Belonging to his [ ]
80'h Reg* of Foot So Sir Nothing Changes Us for
[ ] So Sir if you place to inform Us if [ ]
Sute you for to Let us Becom Settlers With you [ ]
That you will order a Line or tow Directed Viz To William
Bevan Breeches Macker Neer y^ New Citty hall N"^ York Or
Walter Morris at Char[ ] Meal's Breeches Macker
BroadWay Neer the [ ] Markit So with the greatest
respct we remin y"^^
as Before
FROM FRANCIS WADE
A. L. S.
Philad-. 25^K March 1771 —
[ ]
I am induced to trouble you at this time on account of a late
unhapy affair that hapen'd in this City which is no less than a
murder Commited by John Kain the blind harper on a boy about
fourteen years old, and as this fellow gives out that he is a servant
of yours & has made use of your name on former Occasions, I
have thought it necessy to let you know that in case he gets over
this affair you may fall upon some meathod to send him back to
Irland, where I understand he would be fond of going, which
Cannot be Accomplished without your Consent and a little
assistance I shall Endeavour if agreeable to you, to procure him
a passage, but no mast^ of a Vessel will Chuse to take him unless
he has a discharge from you as he says you have an Indenture
on him, and I am of opinion this would be the best meathod you
Could fall upon to get rid of so troublesome a fellow, for you
may Exspect him to pay you a Visit if he gets Clear of this
affair which I have some reason to think he will, and I am well
satisfied it would not be agreeable to you to have so troublesome
a fellow about you, he has made free with me on former
Occasions and I reliev'd him late in Elizabeth Town in the
42 Sir William Johnson Papers
Jerseys where I hapend to be for a few days, he has wrote me
a letf since his Confinement in which he says if agreeable to
you & that he gets over this affair he'l go to Irland provided
he Can get a passage, if you think this unhapy fellow worthy
your notice & that you see fit to have shiped off if I Can render
you any service therein you may freely Command me being with
great truth
Dear Sir
Your much oblig'd
& most Obed^ Hble Servant
Fran^ Wade
P. S. If any Late Accounts from broth^ Ferrall should take
it as a great fav"^ you would be so kind as to favour me with
them
FROM JOSEPH CHEW
A. L. S.
New London 26'^ March 1771
[ ]
Your Letter of the 22^^ of Feb'^y only Came by the last post
as Soon as I Rec'^ it I wrote to Saybrook the Town where the
Large oats are raised and Engaged all I Could and hope to be
able to make up the hundred Busshells w^^^. M"" M^Curdy (a
Gentleman M"" Adams knows) of Lyme near Saybrook ferry
has undertaken to Collect and Ship to New York — they are
Very fine and if we Can get them Clear of any Mixture I am
Sure will please you tho' the price is pretty Smart 2/ L Money
besides Carts & freight to N. York I Saw some weighed there
was 1 2'^ diference between a Busshell of Them and the Common
Oats — the moment the roads Can be travelled which were Never
so bad in this Country as at present I Shall Set out for the Hall
and will be in time to make a Little Garden — am Very Glad
to hear that you had Such good Sport at Johnstown the 14''^.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 43
of Feb''y — be pleased to^ if his namesake is in Virginia we
Shall [ ] find him he will See by the inclosed [ ]
what Pleasure Col Cole takes in Ass[isting me] in this matter
I Shall send you and my friends at the River a fine assortment
of see[ds] by a Vessell tomorrow for N York have also put
up for you and my Self some Very fine Young trees by the time
or before they Can be with you I hope to pay my Respects in
Person — M""* Chew begs her best Compliments our most
Earnest Prayers are offerd Every day for your health and
Happiness and I am most Dutifully
D-^S^
Your most Obed'. &
Most Hble Serv'
Jos Chew
The Honble S-" WiLLIAM JOHNSON Bar
FROM JOHN STEVENSON
A. L. S.
Albany 26^^: March 1771
Sir/
Inclosed is the Account of the Iron [I] ordered to be Sent to
the Care of M"^ V Eps at Schenectady, it is of the best Sort, hope
it may be to your liking.
I Cannot find a Screw Plate in Town of the Size you mention
I have sent for one to New York as soon as it comes up I shall
forward it to you I am
Sir
Your Most Obed'
& Most Obliged
Humble Serv*
John Stevenson
^ Evidently an omission in the manuscript here.
44 Sir William Johnson Papers
PETER STOUTENBURGH's BILL
D.
M' John Witherhead
Bo', of Peter Stoutenburgh
1771
March 26. . .20 barrels pork (a) 85/ £85. .0. .0
WILLIAM PEMBERTON's RECEIPT
D. 5.1
[March 27, 1771]'
Receivd in good order and Well conditiond on board my
Sloop — Twenty Barrels Pork two Hhds Rum one Barrel!
Vinaiger Three Small Boxes directed, Sixteen Bales twenty Six
Boxes marked SWI one Cask tv/o Keggs forty Six Barreils
Gunpowder marked with the Same Mark, three Casks Nails
directed, all which I promise to deliver in like good order and
Condition unto the Honorable Sir William Johnson Barronet
at Johnson Hall or to his Agent M"" John Van Eps merchant in
Schenectady as witness my Hand this 27 Day of March 1771
I do hereby likewise promise to charge the Freight of those Goods
to Sir William Johnson's Satisfaction
William Pemberton
TO CHARLES INGLIS
In the Johnson Calendar, page 482, is listed a letter written at Johnson
Hall March 27, 1771, by Sir William Johnson to Rev. Charles Inglis
on the unwillingness of English churchmen to promote the growth of their
church in the colonies, reasons for extending its work among the Indians and
the desire of German Lutherans at Stoneraby to enter its communion.
(printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y. 4:441-44; Q, 4:276-77.)
In John Wetherhead's hand.
Date supplied from Johnson Calendar.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 45
FROM HUGH GAINE
A. L. S.
New — York I
March 28, 1771 \
[Sir]
The Box I nov/ send you contains your Leases and Knox s
Campaigns in North America, which compleats every Thing you
ordered from me, not already sent you
M"" Duane altered your Lease much and examined the same
carefully, for which he charged £3:4:0, which I shall pay him
Hoping you'll receive the Box in good Order, I am Sir
Your obliged humble Servant
Hugh Gaine
to thomas gage
Johnson hall March 28'^ 177/ —
Dear Sir
I have received your favor of the 18'^. of this I^st w'''\ the
Inclosures from which I am concerned to find that the reports
amongst the Indians are Universal, and that we have Enemies
as I allways observed, who take much pains to disturb their
minds, for really the report of a War has a surprising effect upon
them, and they have been constantly prepared for that period,
as a time when they shall be restored to their former Consequence
& Independance of us,— y as it is the Interest of our Enemies to
Create a diversion in their favor, and as they are much more
attentive to these points as well as more Active than we are in
matters of negociation. It is no wonder that they should however
distant the prospect endeavor to keep up such a Spirit amongst
the Indians with whom they have any Intercourse as might become
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson; missing sections supplied from manu-
script letter dated March 29th in William L. Clements Library, Ann
Arbor, Mich.
46 Sir William Johnson Papers
advantagious to them in case of a Rupture, neither wo"^ it Sur-
prise me Should other Nations be tainted & withdrawn from us
thro' the Influence of the rest, as their expectations from us have
not been and cannot be answered, whilst our growing power
adds fuel to their resentment and Jealousy, — Under such Cir-
cumstances I am of Opinion that after due provision made against
any sudden attack. We may greatly alarm those who fall from
us v/ith the fears of a general quarrell, & with the resentment of
those Nations on whose good Conduct I have much reliance. —
as well as by pursuing sudden and Vigorous Measures at the
Commencem^ of hostilities, I mean this in case of a Rupture,
for I am inclined to hope that these things may pass over. — As
to The*. King from the Nature of his Embassy, and the practice
of Ind^ he will hold Meetings v/heresoever he finds any of them,
preparatory to the Gen'. Meeting he is to have with the whole —
he is a forward fellow fond of giv§ himself consequence, but he
is a Man of very good Address & Abilities in their Way, & I
can have no doubt of his fidelity.
I Expect to hear Shortly some Interesting particulars [con-
cerning] their Operations, [which I shall not fail to Communicate
to you] especially if they have an Imediate ill tendency, which I
shall not [fail to] Communicate
I now herewith Transmit my Acc'^ to the [25'^. Ins^,] for
which I beg to be favored with your Warrt when you ca [ ]
and agreable to y"^ desire I have at the foot of the Acct, [added]
Such Acco*^ as you were pleased to direct to be bro*. in as
[extra] Charges for wch you wo"^. Issue a Warr' —
I have only at present to add that I am with great Truth &
regard Dear Sir,
His Excell^y Gen^. Gage
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 47
ABEL HARDENBROOK's BILL
A. D. S.
M"- John Witherhead to Abel Hardenbrook D'.
for Storage of 1 5 wh° : lb powd"^ @ 4/ ^"^ p* £ 3 . . - . . -
& 30 half lb D° @ 3/ ^-^ P^ 4. . 10. .-
& I Q' lb D° @ .. 1..-
£7..12..-
Delivered out of y« Citty Maga^:
y^ 28 march 1771 the Above Contents Rec^:
ii^ Abel Hardenbrook
INDORSED:
Paid Cartage of the Powder from
the Powder Magazine 16/
Paid Cartage of 20 Bis Pork 2 Hhds Rum
16 Bales 26 Boxes of Arms 3 Casks
£1.2
Paid Storage of 16 Bales @ 6/ 4.16
d° of 26 Boxes @ 3/ 3.18
d° of 1 Cask 3
d° . of 2 Keggs 2
7.19
FROM JOHN WETHERHEAD
A. L. S.
New york the 29 March 1771
Sir
In obedience to your Agreable Command I have Shipped all
your Goods on board Captain Pemberton upon his Assuring me
He would engage to charge the Ff' of them intirely to your
Satisfaction & has accordingly Signd a Receipt for the Same
on Such Terns, which I now have the pleasure of transmitting
48 Sir IVilliam Johnson Papers
you together with the Enclosd Bill of Parcels of all the Articles
you orderd me to Send you, which I hope will prove intirely to
your Approbation as well in point of Quality as price — Teas
of all kinds are extravagantly dear owing to the Non Importation,
all we have now come from Holland & are very indifferent —
I wish every body woud resolve to do without that Article
because I am convinced the True Meaning of not importing any
from England is only a villainous Scheme to putt Money into
the Pocketts of a pack of Smuglers in this City — The Expecta-
tion also of a Speedy Warr, has had an effect upon the Nail
Merchants inasmuch that it has been with the utmost Difficulty I
have been able to procure those 3 Casks I now Send you — they
Say they will not Sell any more for less than 1 0^ lr lb — The
Pork coud not be had for less than 85/ — The Rum is very
extraordinary Good — I therefore have resolvd to Send it of
New york Manufacture rather than give So high as 4/ for
west India which in Fact is very little better than this I now Send
you — I am very Sincerely
Sir Your Obliged Hble Servant
John Wetherhead
M"^ Hooper has Sent you a Box of
Grafts which I rec^ & have Sent by
Pemberton who will deliver it to You
FROM AUGUSTINE PREVOST
A. L. S.i
Lake Otsego 29^^ March J 77 1
Dear Sir
The bearer a Mohawk deliverd me your honord Letter, inclos-
ing two Letters from my Father, for which I beg leave to return
you my most grateful thanks, permitt me to request youl pardon
the freedom of my friends in presuming to direct my Letters to
Johnson Hall, the many favours you dayly heep on me will never
^ In New York Historical Society, New York City.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1774 49
be forgotten; my Father Commands me to make an offer of his
respects, asks of me, if I think a Letter to you would be agreable
making due acknowledgement for your repeated marks of friend-
ship to his Son, (& then he knew not the last proof you have
offerd to give me of your unbounded goodness) which I have
fully informed of.
Yesterday had occasion to Send a Man down who is just now
returned & acquaints me how difficult it was to travel, the bridges
being all caried away by the freshes, by him had done myself
the honor of writting you, but have now deliverd them, to James
the mason who wants much to be employed by you, if there is
an occasion for him. By my advice this day from the lower End
of the Lake, I find they are determined to Continue in their
Spirit of Mutiny they have peremptorily refused an Order I sent
to their Overseer, which was to Send me one hand to assist my
Work, agreable to Co' Croghan's injunction to me ; — they are
determined I am told to Decamp if I attempt any thing against
any of them, which puts me at a loss how to act, the Season of
the Year aproaching when they will wanted — excuse me kind
Sir for again troubling you on this Subject Cap* Macleod has
been a Witness to the Whole he Says I have too much patience
& Sincerly pitys me, all I can Say they are not my own;
I beg for the Continuance of your honord friendship, being
with the greatest regard
Very Respected Sir
Your most Obed*
most Oblig'^ Humb Serv*
Aug : Prevost
The Hon^'^ Sir William Johnson Bar'
INDORSED:'
March 29^ 1771
Major Prevosts letter
In Johnson's hand.
50 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM JAMES RIVINGTON
A. L. 5.
[Undated]
Sir William
The Din of War begins to abate a little occasioned by a
revolution in the french Ministry, Choisal & Praslin, able Coun-
cellers and enterprizing characters, from their attachment to the
Spanish favorite Measure, of quarreling with the English, are
sent into Exile, the Dukes D'Aguillon & Broglie under the
Auspices of Prince Soubise & Madam Barre taking the Helm
of Government into their hands, hated and detested as they are
by the whole nation.^ This event cherishes our Administration
with hope that the Catholic King may be induced to a pacifica-
tion rather than singly engage in a war with us. Our Accounts
from home are no later than the 6'^ of January and the par-
ticulars brought 3 weeks ago & sent up to Johnson Hall are
within a few days of those produced by the pacquet on Thursday.
The 2 1 ^' Regiment is ordered from Augustine to Philadelphia,
there to be joined by other forces forming a Body to act against
New Orleans by way of the Ohio & Mississippi rivers, if we
break with Spain.
The Duel between Governor Johnstone & Lord George Sack-
ville Germaine was conducted with Ease Elegance and true
Gallantry, from which Lord George has greatly recovered him-
self in the opinion of his Countrymen.
Mynert will in all probability bring you some interesting
politicks from London.
My Humble Respects wait on S"" John & the Colonels.
I am. Sir William, Your most faithfull [ ]
Ja Rivington
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774 51
FROM JOHN BAPTIST VAN EPS
A. L. S.
Aister Sunday [March 3UK 1771]
HouNERED Sir
I Receved Your favore of the 29 Ins^ I went to M"" Glens
for the Map where I thought it was, but he thould me that M""
Vrooman had it, & that he ""^: sent for *: but not Jet Come,
houss Ever I Shall See Vrooman this Day on Bartholme
Vroomans the blind men* Burrying who was found dead In his
bead with out any Comp'': My Self and Sonn have been at
Every Stoor Even at the Silver Smitts but Know Iron Wire to
be had I Shall whrite to M^ John Stevenson for it, as there is
21 Bars of Iron Not Come let the Rest is here which T': Send,
that and the Cagg of Lead and Sir John^: Iron will Macke a
battoe Lood I will also Observe about the Gunns &c I Never
Send Enaything to M*" fonda without a List & always Gitts a
Receet according by
Sir I am Your Most Obediant
And Humble Servant
Jno B V Eps
FROM JAMES RIVINGTON
A. L. S.
[ ] [Undated]
The pacquet arrived on Wednesday [ ] had been
ten weeks out of her advice [ ] so fresh as those I sent
to you Some [time] ago that came via Boston.
Our private Letters from London pronounce War to be inevit-
able, the King has been, ever since Potters first Return from
Madrid with the futile amusing replies to the Demand of our
Court, in a State of unconquerable fury at the Insult offered his
Crown & Dignity by the Catholic Monarch. War would have
been instantly declared but that the whole Newfoundland
fishery were in the Spanish Ports, they wait only for Our trade
52 Sir William Johnson Papers
being Cleared out of their Harbours, on board of which are at
least 4000 English Seamen, and then the Rupture will open.
The Ministry are Sensible that the Earl of Chatham with Lord
Rockingham will remove nineteen in twenty of them, I fancy
Lord Halifax will keep his Ground & the Duke of Grafton
come in again. They are using the utmost address to keep up
the Stocks.
The Parliament has voted an augmentation of the Army 20
Men a Company & a Company of Light Infantry to each
Batallion except on the Irish Estabhshment: a new battallion of
Royal artillery is voted, it will be given to Ord Maj', James L
Col & Cap' Tovey Major [ ] The Half pay list
is to [ • ] promoting the officers to
the new [com] panics.
The Junto at Carlton House have suffered a loss in the death
of Lord Egmont, a strong adherent to the princess Dowager, and
a [ ] bitter opponent of Lord Chatham who seeks to
oer leap all opposition.
Lord Dunmore must soon give way to M"^ Tryon, an amiable
Gentleman, finely accomplished for Government, he is a Captain
in the Guards and rose to this promotion thro the princess
Dowager's Interest. It is said the Earls Commission came over
in the last pacquet but that is not acknowledge [d] at the fort.
Four thousand pounds patent fees, for grants of Land, lie ready
for his Lordships signing.
I shall not fail to send the products of the January Mail when
it is arrived, we expect it daily.
I am with humble Respects to S"" John & the Colonels,
Sir William
Y-^ most faithfull Serv'
Ja Rivington
I have wrote to Ireland for
some of Watson's almanack
& Registry which shall be Sent
as soon as I get them. I now
inclose the English register. \
Post-War Period, 1763-/774 53
FROM WILLIAM OPEY
A. L. S.
[ ] [Undated]
[ ] xcuse the Freedom I teak in wrighting to
[ ] in M"^ franks hous he that was Justis [ ]
has loast his Commission i Com ther at night, and [ ]
Mear, and I and my wife Loadge ther one [ ] and the
next morning I Coald for Liquer and [ ] for it
I Drunk a Good heelth to King Geoargis and [ Joayall
Subjects Likewis to Sir WilHam and the [ ] ak Engins
She Said the Devill might have him and [ ] Engins
to for he goot his monny by Rogerry in meaking people paying
fines Som fiftey pounds [ ] honderd pounds and
Som three hunderd pounds And that was the Way that he
Goot his monny I tould hur She Lied and she tould me i was
a Leying [ ] i was yoused verry ill in hur hous by
the [ ] and hur Son & too Daughtors and a Sundy
[ ] hur man at my Quarters and [ ]
[ ] in a Slay and yous me and my wife verry
[ ] went to the Justis and Goot a warrent and theay
all put their heds to Geether and the Justis [ ] find
me 1 £ . 1 3s . 3d I had not the mony to pay With that he
Strained my Mear took hur out of the Steable
Honerd Sir I Belong to the Most [
and honerable fatornatty of free and [
Masons I hoap that your oner will Look [
An aie of Pitty and meak the Justis [
Monny to me for I am lying Sick and [
My Self Like wis Cornal Clous [
Fouerten pounds for Engin work [
Sir I Niver was in So much Distress [
as i am in now Sir i am the Ma[
Smith at Niagar that mead the Copper [
your oner Cornall Clo^ish may Sure [
54 Sir William Johnson Papers
He plesis and this Shall Be his Recept [ ]
Doing I Shall Ever Be in Duty [ ]
till Death W-^ Opey Soileder [ ]
Belong to 44^^ Rid'"*
FROM JOHN GLEN
A. L. 5.1
Schonectady 3UK march. 1771
Sir.
I take the Liberty to enclose you an account of Dow & Winn
of the Seeing I had my Brother to buy for you last year, they
have threatned to Sue him for the money at the time I head It
was not Good, I wrote my Brother not to pay them, I would
be Glad to Know if You would Chuse That I Should pay
Them —
I am your Most Obedient
and most Humble Serv'.
John Glen
Sir William Johnson Baronet.
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnson Baronet,
at
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
March 31^' 1771 —
Co'. J". Glens Letter
concern^, a Net
1 In New York State Library, Albany, N. Y.
- In Johnson's hand.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 55
FROM JOHN WETHERHEAD
New York 1st April 1771
Sir/
I have this Moment receivd your Favour of 22<^ Ult^ In
Answer to which, I have now the pleasure to acquaint you that
Captain Pemberton Saild from hence three Days ago with all
your Things on board as well those from London as the Severall
Articles you orderd here, the Amount of which with the Charges
of Storage & Cartage is £ 200 .17.10, the particulars of which
you will have by Pemberton together with Bill Lading which is
the Method I shall Always observe for the future, for I assure
you the Loss or Detention of the Bucketts has given me no Small
Uneasiness — However I hope it will at last be found Pemberton
has undertaken to examine very particularly & to putt up an
Advertizement in Cartwrights House for it — I have only to
add that as Soon as it Shall be convenient to You I shall be
obligd to you for Amount of the Goods on board him, for all
which I have been obligd to pay Cash — Your further Orders
Shall be always punctually obeyd by
Sir Your most Obliged Hble Servant
John Wetherhead
addressed:
To
The Honorable Sir William Johnson Bar^
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
April b'. 1771
M^ Wetherhead's letter
Ans'^'l April 10'^
In Johnson's hand.
56
Sir William Johnson Papers
£2..10..—
7.
7.
85
1
12
19
1..18..—
33. .14.. 3
JOHN WETHERHEAD S BILL
A. D.
The Honorable Sir William Johnson Bart
To John Wetherhead
[April h'. 177/]
[ ] Cash paid Cartage of Goods on
board Munds
[Mar]ch 27 d°. paid Storage of the Powder as
^ Acct
d°. paid d° of the other Goods . . .
d°. paid Cartage of all the
Goods from the Stores on
board Pemberton's Sloop ....
d«. paid for 2 Hhds Rum Q'y. 26
Gallons a 2/7
d°. paid for 20 Barrells pork a
85/
d°. paid for 1 Barrell Vinegar. . .
d°. paid for 3 Casks Nails Viz*.
N 8 1 Cask 1 Od
Nails 364
N 12 1 d° 20d
Nails 390 ... .
N 24 1 d° 12d
Nails 216 ....
Cartage of d°
d°. paid for 6 lb Hyson Tea a
26/& Canister 7
d°. paid for 1 4 lb Bohea . . a 6/3 . 4
d°. paid for 1 2 lb Mustard a 3/ . . 1
d°. paid for 2 Barrells Sugar
lb
-21 a 62
4..—
910 a 81/2^ 32— 4.. 7
1
16
7.
16-
-2-
14.. 9-^
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 'i>l
d° paid for two Small Boxes for
the Tea & Mustard 4
£200. .15. .10
D° paid Carriage of a Box byl ^
the Philadelphia Stage f
£200 . 17 . 10
INDORSED:^
M^ Wetherheads Acc».
April 1771 —
£200—17—10 —
FROM THOMAS GAGE
A. L. S.2
New York April /"; 1771
Dear Sir,
I can give you no more Account of Peace or War With Spain
than when I last wrote to you. The inclosed Letter from Captain
Edmonstone, with the two Papers of Intelligence from Fort-Pitt,
is the Cause of my troubling you at present. You will know
best what Judgment to form of the Reports made by the Stock-
bridge Indians and the Shawnese Chief, and whether We May
believe or not, that the Six Nations are guilty of the Perfidy
wherewith they are accused. That they have often Set other
Nations against Us has been confirmed from Many parts, and
no doubt they have done it in the View of raising their own
Consequence with Us; and declaring themselves Friends when
we have Bickerings with other Indians. I am at a Loss to know
what Reasons M"": Croghan could have in refusing to give his
Opinion upon this Intelligence ; there seems to Me to be too much
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In Harvard College Library, Cambridge, Mass.
58 Sir William Johnson Papers
to be all true. The Shawnese are certainly exasperated to a
great Degree, and I believe are ready for any thing were they
more powerfull. They have been very active, and I may say
very ingenious and Sound Polititians if I may Judge of them
by their late Transactions. They have raised great Commotions
in the Cherokee Country. Occonastota had left Chote,^ and
gone to live at Settaeo, the most dissafected Town in the Nation;
but some of their Chiefs were labouring hard for Peace. The
Traders were Countermanding their Orders for Goods, and pre-
parmg for Flight. M'^: Steuart adds, "All this is the Efect of
the Shawnese Machinations."
All Negotiations for accompHshing a Peace between the
Greeks and Chactaws were at an End; and the War continues
between them with the usual Animosity. It is to be hoped there-
fore that those Nations being otherwise employed will not have
Leizure to attend to the Intrigues of the Shawnese Deputys.
I am with great Regard
Dear Sir,
your most obedient
humble Servant
Tho^ Gage
INDORSED:^
N York April I, 1771
Genr^ Gages Letter
^ Echota, a Cherokee town.
- In Johnson's hand.
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774 59
FROM JOHN BAPTIST VAN EPS
April 2. 1771
HoNNER°. Sir
By this appurtunity In Your Battoe by James Carrel Comes
the Kagg of Lead and 13 barss flatt & 1 7 of Square Iron the
Rest of the Iron Comes from albany this day
I am Sir Your m^' Obed'. &
Humble Servant
Jno B V Eps
TO SAMUEL AUCHMUTY
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 483 is listed a letter written April 4,
1771, at Johnson Hall by Sir William Johnson to Rev. Dr Samuel
Auchmuty, relative to Mr Stewart's and ^yIr Andrews's ministry, circum-
stances which hinder the Church of England, and the disposition of
Lutherans at Stoneraby to unite with it. (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y.
4:444_46; Q, 4:277-78.)
FROM JOHN BLACKBURN
A. L. S.
London 4^^ April 1771 —
Sir
I did myself the Honor of addressing You on the 25'^ Febr^
last — since which I have not been favour'd with any from
You — The Language of Administration & the general opinion
of the People of England, is Peace — My InteUigence makes
it very doubtfull, & I have some foundation for my Sentiments —
Cap* Roberts has not met with that Success in His application
which He at first imagind — I spoke to several Gent" in His
Favour who are at the Head of affairs — but He wants
Vouchers to authorize His demand — I should be glad to know
Your opinion of that Gent" & if You would wish that I should
60 Sir William Johnson Papers
support Him — I wish Sir William You would point out to Me
any opportunity of making my Services acceptable to You here,
as it will be no small pleasure to Satisfy the respect & Esteem
with which I am
Sir
Your much obliged
& most obed hble Serv'
John Blackburn
TO THOMAS GAGE
Johnson hall April 5'^. 1771. —
Dear Sir
The Indians whom I dispatched to Niagara by your orders,
returned Yesterday and have brought pacquets for you which I
forward by this post, —
I have been obliged to advance them something more than I
had agreed for & Charged in my Acct, in Consideration of the
Extraordinary difficulties they met with during the late general
Snow Storm, when they were obliged to hire others to accompany
them on Snow Shoes, & this greatly retarded their Journey. —
Since my last nothing material has occurred. The next
pacquet will probably bring us the final resolutions of the Govern-
ment on the Dispute with Spain, which I shall be glad to be
informed of Soon —
I am with perfect Regard, Dear Sir &c
His Excel^y
L^. Gen^- Gage
In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 61
FROM JOHN BAPTIST VAN EPS
A. L. S.
[April 5^^1771]
[ ]SlR
I Receved your favoure of the 3 Ult.
I Spoock to M"^ Vrooman About the Mapp in the Presence
of M"^: Christofell Yattes Vrooman thould me that he had not
Quitt Done it, So Says Yattes I am Going up Next Thursday
and was promised to him So that I was Easey about it but now
will Send for it
after I Chould gite Know Wire here I wrotte to M"" John
Stevenson to Send me that Quantedy of wire who writts me back
that he Could gite none there, there was some at Wessel van
Schaick^ but toe tin Know I have Wrote to van Schaick by the
post to Send me 1 lb and for what Use I also Dozyred him to
aqu'. Cap* pemberton to Stoor all as Derected as for Sending
that Iron & Cagg of Lead James Carel Came to Me and asked
if aney thing was here to be Sent up and I thould him that I
had that So he Sad that he had only 2 or 3 Barrels and that
all whould be the Same Charge, So that I thought it a pies of
Service I Shall tacke all the Care I poassable Can in trans-
porthing the Gunns Powder &ca I am with Cind Complements
to M"" Johnson & famely Your Most Obediant H: Servant
Jn° B V Eps
I Sent my Jonnie to
Vroomans for y^ Mapp
who Could not Spear it
Jet but w"^ : in a fue days
the Deamd Roog
who has 1000 ackers
more then we have
for he farly promis'^
that M-^ Yattes whould
have it as above
Sir W^^. Johnson Bar' &ca
62 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:^
[April 5th.] 1771 _
M^ Van Ep's Letter
FROM WADE & KEIUSER
A. L. 5.2
Teronto April 6, 1771 . —
[ ]
We are Honoured with your favour of the 12'*^ of Jan''^.
Last, and hope you have Rec"^. Ours of March the 1**. You
may be assured we will be Circumspect, prudent and saving, and
will be as punctual as possible in Our Remittances. — We would
most willingly send all our trade to M^ Funda, but would not
deal with him on the same terms Others does, but if he would
deal off hand as a merchant should do, then it would be An
Inducement for Us & v/e would Continue but you know Sir
those kind of people are Allways Clipping something for them-
selves and then they Charge higher for their Goods Down the
Country (& them not so good in quality as we Can buy at
Niagara), hov/ever Vv^e Intent trying him in the Spring.
Agreeable to Your Order we have punctually told what
Indians we saw since the Recp*. of Your Letter, your Intentions
without Adding a word, we have Also followed your Other
Directions punctually We have had a Visit from three Indians
[ ] back of Us ab*. 4 days journey and when [ ]
trader Besides, they brought Us 91 lb of to [ ]
Wanted Chiefly tobacco & rum, but we would [ ]
trade with them without they took half Merchandise with which
they Complied, and was Verry well Satisfied with our trading,
Assuring Us all the Indians that way intends trading hear which
we hope May be true, being a Large body, if Steel had Sent
^ In Johnson's hand.
- In Ferrall Wade's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-/774 63
Us 100 pricks of tobacco Instead of the 18 which he sent, we
would have made a Glorious hand of it, we get two Otters or
two Large Beavers for a three p'^. prick which cost 3/ and they
are Glad to jump at it, neither will we sell it Singly there is not
an Ounce to be had at Niagara, rum we are Verry scarce off as
well as tobacco, we are Oblidged to send our battoe to Niagara
for three Barrels of rum, which will Cost Us high there, but its
Impossible to do without it, for if we had it not we would Lose
all our spring trade, which is the Chief trade hear, we are In
hopes M^ Campbell will not Disapoint Us In Our Boats, we
have Now in the house 14 good packs besides bear Skins, which
we are In hopes will rise on prospect of War. —
[ ] to hear Johnston is getting to be a Gay [ ]
as it must give you a great deal of Diversion As for Us we
are poor pill Garlixs, no one to Converse with but the Indian
Nobility which is not Over Agreeable, however its good for Our
Souls. Capt". Brown favoured Us with the Newspapers by
which we find the Disputes Subsisting between Us and the
Spaniards, we hope if they thus Wantonly force Us to a War,
that we v^all drub them as well as we did the Last, we believe
the prophescy of the Down fall of the turkish Empire will come
true if the Russians goes on as they have done this while past. —
We have Nothing more to Add but Our Compliment? to Sir
John, (who we hear if Report Can be Credited has Commenced
father), to the Rest of the family & Acquaintances & are
My Dear Sir W"*.
Your Most Oblidged & Most
Obedient & Humble Servants
Wade & Keiuser
indorsed:^
Toronto April 6*^ 1771
M"", Ferral Wades letter
In Johnson's hand.
64 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM THOMAS SHIPBOY
A. L. S.
Albany 6'^ April 1771
Sir/
Being much in want of money to pay some small drafts on me,
which will be due in a short time, should take it very kind, if you
would Remit me the amount of your Acco'. ^ first opportunity ;
I assure you nothing but pure Necessity would Cause me to do
this. Therefore hopes you'l Excuse me, as my late misfortunes
has laid me under many Difficulties, if there be anything wrong
Charg'd in the Acco* shall Rectifie it — I am
Sir
your most
Obd» Humble Serv»
Tho^ Shipboy
Amt Acco* furnished £20. .2. . 10
Cash paid for Crying
about your Buckets 1 . .6
£20. .4. .4
from ferrall wade
A. L. S.
Teronto 6 April 177/
I must now say a few things to you in private and Let you
know how I am Imbarrassed with the people about me if I was
not well Acquainted with my partner, I would not know
wheather he was blessed with a tounge or not. when the Indians
come atrading not a word will he say to them without its
Extorted from him I then say why dont you Welcome the
Indians its All the same I am Oblidged to Stammer to them. In
short he does not know what we are about, or the price of a single
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 65
knife on the Whole he is One of the Most Lazy, Indolent Young
fellows I ever saw, the whole Winter he sat at the fire side with
his Elbow on his knee & his Chin on his hand picking his nose
without speaking a Word he has wore a shirt 13 or 14 weeks
without Changing & the Whole time I dont think he Ever
Washed, when he took his shirt Off the Man showed it me it
swarmed with lice, I gave him a severe Reprimand Let me be
Examining the Goods Skins [ ] the Devil a stirr will
he do Except I am [ ] him which I am Oblidged
to do Verry Often [ ] he would be worse, however he
petulant Enough if he wants Anything, I can safely say this that
if he had this Cargoe by himself he would never bring One half
back, the Indians remarks him believe me Sir I dont make this
by way of Complaint but I would be Glad he would get a
reproof by another Channel, & I not to Appear in it, I think
it would be of Benifit to him & might Rouse him from his
Lethargy. —
The Indian who is with Us is a Verry Drunken fellow when-
ever he can get Liquor he Is drunk, so that he is not to be
trusted. Indeed Except the Notion it gives the Ind"^ of Our being
people of some Consequence he has done us no Service But he
& his Son has been a Very heavy Expence to Us, I never knew
what he was to have for Coming hear Untill the Other Day,
how great was My Surprise when he told me M^ Steel Agreed
With him for 1000 Liveres I could not Imagine he was to have
above 40 Dollars the trade hear will not bear such Charges.
[ ] weight is on me I am the Slave, my trunk is
[ ] in a Coberd I keep Every thing Under Lock &
Key [ ] we have been the Most part of the Winter at
Allowance of Yi^^ bread p*" Day — rum I have Allowed them
none for sometime past, butter none at all, be Assured there
shall not be a farthing Lost of the property you have Intrusted
me with or Anyone Else, what we have traded we have done
to Good Advantage, but had I a man with me that Understood
trade & the Language I am Morrally sure we would Stop all
3
66 Sir William Johnson Papers
the Indians at this side from going to Niagara. — I beg sir this
to be private to Yourself, you may be Informed by Others,
pardon me for thus troubling you with Nonsense & believe me
Ever to be
My Dear Sir W-.
Your Most Oblidged & Most
Obedient Hum Serv*
Ferrall Wade
indorsed:'
Toronto 6**» April 1771
M-- Ferral Wades letter
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S.
New York 8 April 1771
Dear Sir
Youll see by the News Papers that the Sale of the Lands at
Sacondago is putt off till the 25 Ins*. I think there is no doubt
I shall get the Lott you want under your Limitts. be assured I
shall take Care that you are not disapointed. If the other Lotts
go reasonable I will buy them all for you — I have spoke to
Lord Dunmore about what you say of purchasing from the
Indians a Northern Boundary, but he does not care to do any-
thing at present, as its uncertain whether he remains in the
Cover [n]ment or not — tho' he will stay if possible — & in that
Case he talks of going to see you & has asked me to accompany
him, & I hope we shall see you in June at furthest — You may
depend Major Funda or any Friend of yours will allways meet
every good Office in my power. I shall write Major Funda
fully soon. By the Packett hourly expected we shall know if
Lord Dunmore continues here or not of which I shall give you
the earlyest Notice.
In Johnson's hand.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 67
I sent you up yesterday by Marseiles Two Barrells of a very
fine kind of [ ] Pottatoes for Seed. I thought to
have [ ] you more, but the Frost had touched &
spoiled them hope those will answer your purpose. We have
nothing new here but what you see in the Papers. I dont think
this patched up affair with the Spaniards will last long, it seems
a bad affair
1V1'^^ Wallace desires her Compliments & I beg you will be
assured that I am ever
D'' Sir Y^ obliged & obed' Serv'
Hugh Wallace
Sir W^^ Johnson Bar*
Johnson Hall.
FROM JOSEPH CHEW
A. L. S.
New London 9^ April 1771
[ ]
I hope to be at the Hall before this arrives which goes to the
Care of M"" Wetherhead with a Box Containing a few Little
articles and a Choice Collection of Garden Seeds for you — also
six Matted Bundles of Very fine young fruit trees for you and
my Self as I Shall be with you with the List of trees & Seeds
I only add that I am with the greatest Respect & truth
Dear Sir
Your DutefuU Obed'
Jo^ Chew
Sr W" Johnson Bar*
THOMAS gage's WARRANT
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 483, is entered, under date of the 10th
of April, 1 771, New York, the following document, which was destroyed
by fire: General Thomas Gage's warrant for payment of £4421, 19s,
Id, New York currency, to Sir William Johnson.
68 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM JOHN BAPTIST VAN EPS
A. L. S.
Sunday Marning [April 14^^ 1771]
Honoured Sir
I ReceV^ Your feavore of the 12 Ult By the post Comes the
Mapp at Last
M"" Vrooman baggs to have it agine. In Eight Days time as
M"- Yates & Glen Is then Going Down to New York I Shall
Send for Pork to albany to Marro I have hard of None let &
also for a Good Spead for here is none to be had and Sent up
as Soon as Poasable as for the Ammonition the Rood is too
bade let and the waggoners Axes Such an Extravegant price
but it": Soon be Over I went out Dorecly & found Arteh**^:
boyd for the Grass Seed who tells me that one of his Neaborss
has Some & I thould him that he Should Come in With it I am
Sir
Your Most Obediant &
Humble Servant
Jn" B V Eps
The Small box to Come
with the pork
FROM JOHN WETHERHEAD
A. L. S.
New York the 15 April J 77 1
Sir
I flatter myself I should have heard by the last Post of your
receiving all your things Safe by Pemberton, who I understood
arrivd Safe at Albany last Wednesday Sevenight —
An Advertysment you have orderd to be put in the News
Paper has product, an Application to me by one M"" Carpenter
who would be glad to engage with you upon your own Terms
in the Capacity of a Schoolmaster — from Him you will by this
Post receive a Letter to that purport — This Person is recom-
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 69
mended to me in very Strong Terms by Some Merchants in
Town — He is of a good Family & will have a very good
Estate in a little Time — but woud be glad to engage with You
in the Meantime — He pretends only to instruct Children in the
English Language & to teach writing & the Common Rules of
Arithmetick — He appears modest & pretty well bred & that is
all I know of him — Shoud Such a person Suit you please to
lett me know & I shall obey your Directions about him
In the meantime I remain with great Truth
Sir Your most obedient Servant
John Wetherhead
FROM JAMES RIVINGTON
A. L. S.
N York April 15. 1771.
[
[ ] permanence The [
[ ] Madrid by his Catholic Maj [esty
[ djissaprove of his Conduct in [
and Seems to intend [
The Augmentation of the A[rmy
are totally Stopped & the press was [
recalled. The Stocks Rise and [
the influence of the Administration [
they can carry any measure [
dare adopt.
I am
S^ William,
Y"^ most obed' Serv'
ADDRESSED: Ja RiVIN[gTON]
To
Sr W" Johnson Bart
at
Johnson Hall
^ Several lines burned off.
70 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM THOMAS GAGE
A. L. S.'
New york April /5"': 1771
Dear Sir,
I have received your Letters of the 29'*^: of March and 5'^:
Ins* : ; the first covering an Account of your Department to the
25*^: of March for which a warrant is made out; tho' I must
take the Liberty to observe, that amongst the Articles of Extra-
ordinarys, the Expences Said to be incurred by Cap'. Edmon-
stone and M^ Croghan are of that Nature, which I am not
warranted to pay as extraordinarys. The unavoidable and small
Expences contracted by the Officers Commanding in the Posts
for trifling Presents is all I can take upon Me to discharge.
They have no Powers to hold Congresses, it does not belong to
them to do it, nor can I pay their Expences should they attempt
it. Cap': Edmonstone's own Ace**: have been discharged; the
one in Question is purely M"^: Croghan's, and contracted in his
own Department ; and I am not authorized in any shape to extend
the allowance fixed for the Department.
You will have received probably Some Intelligence forwarded
to you from Fort-Pitt on the Same Subject as My last Letter.
M"^: Steuart informs Me the Disturbances in the Cherokee
Nation have proceeded in great Measure from the Many Parties
of Northern and Western Nations, that have been lately in that
Country. One of his Deputys writes from Fort Prince George,
that he was informed that the Northern Indians upon their
Arrival proposed to the great Warrior to Strike the white People
which he would not agree to ; then to go against the Creeks which
he also declined; and at length they proposed the Chikesaws
which was agreed to. Accordingly the Northern Parties with
Some Cherokees, went of in Boates to Strike the Chikesaws.
^ In Harvard College Library, Cambridge, Mass.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 71
The Papers will tell you More News than I am able to inform
you of. It seems pretty certain that a Convention is Signed with
Spain, we must wait for the Packet for Authentick Particulars.
I am with great Regards,
Dear Sir,
Your Most obedient,
humble Servant,
Tho^ Gage
Sr; w^: Johnson Bar':
INDORSED:'
New York 15*h. April 1771
Genr'. Gages letter
FROM JOSEPH CHEW
A. L. S.
New London April /7"'. 177/
Sir
When I wrote you last by Cap'. [Hajrris to the Care of M"^
Wetherhead with a Box of Garden seeds and Six Bundles of
trees I Expected to have Set out by this time, but was the Next
day taken with a pain in one side of my head my Ear Neck &
Shoulder attended with a fever that has Confined me to my room ;
great Part of the time to my bed and the torment I have suffer'd
has been Very great I Cannot tell to what it is owing unless
the Terrible cold weather we have had all this month,
I Can but just set up to inclose you a List of the Seeds and
Trees which (at Least the best part) are very fine
I Expect the oats were shipp'd yesterday for New York the
Calavance you mention is the Growth of Virginia & Carolina
as Soon as I am able shall set out for the Hall and hope to
^ In Johnson's hand.
72 Sir William Johnson Papers
find the Ground Clear of snow, if you have such Cold weather
as we have it will be very doubtfull
our friend Col° Nathan Whiting at New Haven Dyed last
Week Very much Lamented Col° Fitch has been Extreemly
Sick but is much Better
as I hope yet to see you about the time this gets to hand I will
only add M" Chews and my ardent wishes for your health and
happiness and that I am with great Duty and Respect
Dear Sir
Your most Obed' Serv' ^
Jos Chew
A Vessel! arrivd at New port last week from the West Indies
with a Quantity of Tea and other Articles which the Coll"" of
his majestys Customs being informed of attempted or did make
a seizure — in doing which he got so Beat and Bruised by a lot
of Very Lawless Gentry that his Life was despaired of when
the last Accounts Came from thence —
S« William Johnson Bar*
FROM JOHN HANSEN
A. L. S.
[ ] Albany Aprile 17^K 177/
Having been Requested by John Roff of this City Skipper To
Commence a Suit for £3:1:9 against M"^^ Sophia Denniston
widow of Daniel Denniston Deceas^ which sum Roff alledges
is Due to him from said Daniel Denniston's Estate — as it is
not my intention To Load any one with Needless Costs — when
it Can be Prevented with Notice & Safety to My Clients — I
wrote the widow and acquainted her with my Instructions &
Desired her To send me an answer as Soon as Possible which
she has accordingly Done and acquainted me that the adminis-
tration of her Late Husband's Estate has Long Since Been
Granted To your Good Self — as Such I Beg the favour of Sir
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 73
William To Let me Know how the Matter is — that I may
inform my Client of it — who would be Glad to have the Same
Settled wih Convenient Speed: Having Sustained a Series of
Losses in Trade and many other Disappointm'^ for Some Years
Past — My friends advised me To Quit Trade and apply To
his Excellency The Right Honourable the Earl of Dunmore
Our Governor — for a Licence To Practice the Law in the
Inferior Courts of the City h County of Albany, accordingly
I Sent My Recommendations To Lord Dunmore in January
Last — his Lordship ordered My Licence forthwith To be made
out, and was Sent me p"^ post on the 26'^ Day of February I
was Qualified. And have the Pleasure To acquaint you
[ ] well Supported by My friends and that [ ]
increases with me Day after Day. The Repeal [of the]
Ten Pound act Does not a Little Facilitate [ ]
I hope you'l Kindly Excuse me in Giving you [ ] ace"
of my own affairs — I Doubt not from your universall Benevo-
lence but you will be well Pleased to hear that My Private
affairs have Taken so favourable a Turn and that that will
Plead My Excuse for the Liberty I have Taken — I beg Leave
to Conclude with assureing you that I Remain on all occasions
yours & family's Most Obliged
and Verry Hum'''. Serv*.
John Hansen
To the Honourable SiR WiLLlAM JOHNSON Baronet —
FROM ABRAHAM TEN BROECK
A. L. S.
Albany H^K April 1771.
Sir/
M-^: Adams the 9^: Oct^ 1 766 Bought of me for you Goods
to the Amount of £32:6:8: — I have Transmitted you an
Account thereof sometime since; I take the liberty to Remind
74 Sir William Johnson Papers
you that I still Remain Unpaid, & that it will give me great
Pleasure to Receive the Cash I am
Sir/ Your Most Humble Serv'.
Abi^ Ten Broeck
To
The Hon'''^:
Sir William Johnson Baronet
Johnson Hall
FROM STEPHEN DE LANCEY
A. L. S.
[ ] Albany ApK 17^^ 1771
Your favour of the I I '^ Ins*. I Rec*^. inclosing a Bail peice
which I sign^ & acknowledged before Ten Eyck. it is gone to
New York. I hope it may be in time. You will not be hable
for the Debt in Case of Tice's Death.
M"^: Drake who will deliver you this is a townsman of myne
an Honest man who has a Cargo of Goods which he thinks you
may want You'll please to take a litt^ Notice of him & excuse my
freedom which will much Oblidge Y^ Sinseer friend
& Hbl: Ser*:
Step^: De Lancey
Bt: 8—5—
D Ly 30..11..
Drake 52. .16. .
INDORSED:^
Alby. 17»K April 1771
Step". De Lancey Esq"
Letter and Ace'
Ans""^. & paid —
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 75
TO THOMAS GAGE
Johnson hall April I8^K 1771 —
Dear Sir,
Since I was favored with your last I have received an Acco'
of the Accomodation with Spain, from the Nature of which
however. There is Httle prospect of a permanent peace. I have
perused the papers Inclosed in your Letter & must Confess I was
somewhat Surprised but under very little apprehension as to the
Nature of the Intelligence they contained. —
In the first place Mohicon John who is well and long known
to me, I know for one of the most discontented Men amongst all
the Indians on the Continent. The little domesticated Tribe
to which he belongs have I believe Suffered some Injustice from
the NEngland & Albany Peoples for which they are not likely
to have any reparation, in Consequence of which he has rambled
a great deal, & on many occasions expressed his discontent to
me, at the State of his Tribe which it is not in my power to
remedy, and even made use of Extraordinary Language on the
Subject v/hich intimated his being capable of undertaking any
thing and which I should not have passed over but that I knew
him to be of too little consequence to merit regard, for the fact
is that himself, his Tribe and many other Tribes so Circum-
stanced, as they [have never] been Judged of much Importance
during the former Wars cannot expect to be much noticed under
the present Economical System, and being discontented them-
selves, promote it amongst others, I might say much the same
of the Shawanese by whom many have of late been much
imposed upon, and till of late they have always been considered
in that light by those who know them. Whatever Consequence
they Give themselves they have been & Still are dependants on
the Six Nations, who have moved them Sev'. times Since I came
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson ; missing sections supplied from manu-
script letter of same date in William L. Clements Library, Ann Arbor,
Mich.
76 Sir William Johnson Papers
to America, & as Often Assigned them places for their Residence
& they are at present a handfull (according to M"^ Croghans last
return to me) Compared with the Six Nations, — Tis true that
Hke all Indians, when not in the presence of the latter they have
affected to set up Titles to Lands with a long Train of et Ceteras,
but neither the Provinces with whom they had particular Con-
nections, or any former Managers of Indian Affairs did ever
pay any regard thereto, or consider them [as having any such
Titles.] This together with the other disagreeable Circumstances
[attend^, their] dependant State has made them discontented, &
occasioned [them to associate] with all others that are disaffected,
which I must say is no [inconsiderable] number, whilst their
jealousy of each other occasions them often [to divulge] Schemes
which were first agitated by themselves; — In the 10*^ [Article]
of the Treaty of peace made with the Delawares in 1 765, they
voluntarily agreed that whenever the Boundary Line should be
settled they would "abide by w*. ever Limits shall be agreed upon
between the Crown & the Six Nations, & shall nev''. disturb his
Maj*. Subjects, on that Ace*, Nevertheless I gave them & the
Shawanese a Consequence to which they were not intitled. I
formally invited them to be present at the Treaty at Fort Stanwix,
& those of them who attended were Loaded with presents to which
they had no right. Yet have they Since, as I am told, seemed
dissatisfied with part of the Line, which tho' of no Consequence,
has been mistakenly thought of some, even by Government. But
if any faith is to be had on Ind", Treaties, It was the most
unanimous & much the greatest One that ever was held by the
English in North American & at the late Treaty at the German
flatts the 6 Nat^ have insisted on their rights & Confirmed their
Caption. As I have spoken so often on the motives of discontent
amongst the Indians I need only to observe that this discontent
Subsists and is likely to Subsist with Many of them, but that it
Originates with or is Agitated by the Six Nation Confederacy,
& particularly that the Mohavv^ks have the least Concern in it is
too absurd to require Notice. But the error arises from Ignorance
in the distinction of names & Situations, for, as there are many
Postwar Period, 1763-1774 77
Emigrants who have wandered from the Senecas & some from
each of the Six Nations, who are Scattered all over the Country
particularly amongst the Shawnese & Delawares, these people
as they are disagreeable to the orig'. Stock who really are no
longer Answerable for their Conduct, they are allways ripe for
Mischief, & frequently draw unmeritted reflections on the
Confederacy. — Indeed altho' two villages of the Senecas
behaved uncommonly well during the late War &c I have no
opinion of the Sincerity of the Generality of that Nation from
their Attachment to the french & their Vicinity to, and Connec-
tion with the Shawanese & Delawares & I am very Sensible that
there are Some amongst most of the other Nations who would
willingly abett them, but not with the Inclination of their Gen'.
Council, and I am Confident that if occasion requires I can
furnish a Convincing proof of their fidelity [, of which] the
rest are but too Sensible, otherwise we should have had a
[fresh] quarrell with them 3 years ago. —
They are very Jealous of the Six Nations whom they have
never Sincerely forgiven for the Capture of Capt Bull & his
party, & the Destruction of the Villages about the branches of
Susquehannah. I ought to take notice that Capt Edmonstone
must have been led into some Mistake Concerning my passes,
for to the very best of my recollection & enquiry I do not find
that I have given Two, within these two Years to any going that
way, except to the Depy^ who were sent to the Southward in
Consequence of the last Treaty at the German flatts. — From
the Course of m.y Correspondence you will find that I cannot be
Surprised should we have a rupture with the Indians as I have
had very good Intelligence that it has been for some time in
Agitation amongst many of them, but I am pretty Confident that
it is not at least at present either with the Countenance or Inclina-
tion of the 6 Nation Councills, however, I think it wo"^. be proper
to Call the Chiefs of that Confederacy to an acco'. about it, &
let them know the discovery that has been made which will at
least have this Effect, that those who may possibly have wished
well to the Plan, will entertain a distrust for the Shawanese &c,
78 Sir William Johnson Papers
& finding us apprized of the danger may Drop the prosecution
of it.
His Excelly Lt Gen^ Gage
INDORSED :
April ]S\ 1771 —
To Lieut Gen'. Gage
FROM SAMUEL BROWN JR
A. L. S.
Stockbridge 20^K April 1771
Dear Sir William
I this Day Rec''. yours of the 30'*^ of March Am Greatly
obliged To you for your Kind offer — But since the Principle
part of my Associates are Determined Not To Settle There
(though when I first Proposed To Make a Purchase of a Town-
ship They bound Themselves To Settle with me on the
Premises) yet they were Discouraged our not being Certain that
we Could Proceed with Safety Last Oct"^ when we had Pre-
pared To Allot out the Land & make begining on the Premises.
They Imediately after made purchases of Land Elsewhere.
Though their is a number yet fond of Settling on your Land
yet I can not Git So many as would be Able To Build up a
Society which is all That Discourages me — Were it not for
that Dificulty I would not Take £ 200 for my bargain but Since
Affairs are in Such a Situation I Dont Think of Proceeding any
Further — Their is Some of my Partner That Intend To Go
up this Spring To Dispose of Some Provisions & utensial we
Left when we was up Last whom I Suppose would be glad to
Purchase Some farms To Settle on ; whom if you Should Please
To Supply will Oblige Dear Sir
Your Most Obedient
and very Humb'. Serv'
Sam Brown Jun
Sir William Johnson Baronet
J '
Post-War Period, 1763-1774
79
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80 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM WILLIAM NEWTON
A. L. S.
New York22'^ April 177} —
Sir,
M"^ Mortier being in the Country, I take the Hberty of Inclos-
ing you the Generals Warrant in your favor dated the 1 Instant
for £2579-9-5 Sterling, with the usual Receipts, which was
left at the Office the latter End of the last Week, and am,
with great Regard,
Sir,
Your most Obedient, and
most Humble Servant
W^. Newton
Sir William Johnson Baronet
FROM JOHN BAPTIST VAN EPS
A. L. S.
Schenectady ^
23 April 177 J \
Honoured Sir
Inclosed you have M"". Brinkerhof's Letter as I had spoke to
]VI^ Blaw for your honour.
This Day I have Loaded a Battoe as you have at foot —
Your box of frute Trees was not Come yet to Albany this Day
Neither is the Grass Seed come from Currise Bush, which I
spoke for
1 hhad Rum
I am Sir Your
1 Barl Vineger
Most Obed'. &
2 Do. Potatoes
Humb'. Serv*.
2 D°. Brown Sugar
Jn°. E
1 Do. Nails
1 Tierce Rice
5 Small Boxes
V. EPS
Sir William Johnson
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 81
HENRY TEN EYCK JR TO WILLIAM HANNA
A. L. S.
[ ] April 24: 1771
M« Hanna
Sir
I have Recived your Letter buy the Bearor Ab'^ Grout
Wheare buy you write that Sir WiUiam Gonson wants to heave
a Writt Serve. I have none of my Dubeties a home or als I
should hime ope I darefore in Close you one Debetise According
to your Desire
I am
Sir Your humble Serv'
Henry Ten Eyck Jun-^
ADDRESSED:
To
William Hanna Esqr
Attorney at Lavi^
in Schenectady
INDORSED:^
Sherriff Ten Eycks
Letter to M^ Hanna
April 24th. 1771 —
FROM JOHN WETHERHEAD
A. L. S.
[ ] NewYork25 April 1771
[In] Obedience to your last Commands I now Send you on
board Captain Pruyn 2 Casks of best Burlington Gammons
N17 & 18 Containing 28 Hams the Weight according to the
Enclosd Account of them being 3 1 1 ^ (a) SYz^ is with Cask
^ In Johnson's hand.
82 Sir William Johnson Papers
Cartage & Cooperage £ll.8.3|/2 which is placed to your
Account — I should have been glad to have sent you the Tongues
at the Same time, but have not yet been able to procure them
to my Mind —
I last Week rec^ some bundles of Trees & 2 Boxes from M''
Chew^ in New London, which were put on board Pemberton,
who was to have taken the Hams but Sail*^ without calling upon
me to take the Letters or Barrells — However I hope you will
receive both the one & the other perfectly Safe —
I am in haste but with great Sincerity
Sir Your most Hb'^ Servant
John Wetherhead
indorsed:^
April 25'h 1771 _
M^ Wetherheads letter
with an ace' —
Am'gto £11.. 8.. 31/2
Ans'-d. 9'^^. May, and
Sent him a Bill for £50
FROM WILLIAM HANNA
Schenectady April 25^'' 1771
Worthy & honoured Sir,
Both Gratitude and Inclination at all Times prompt me to
Serve Your Interest; whenever it may be in my Power. There-
fore immediately on the Receipt of Your letter of the tv/enty
second Instant sent a Person to Albany for a Writ; and wrote
to the Sheriff, either to come himself or send one of his best
Deputies to serve the same or in Case he could do neither to
In Johnson's hand.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 83
deputize the Writ leaving a Blank for the Deputy's Name, that
You might have it in Your Power to appoint a Man that You
can depend upon will faithfully execute the Same, the Writ
Deputized with a Blank bail Bond You have inclosed which
hope will answer Your End.
from Worthy Sir
Your humble Serv' W^^ Hanna
To
Sir William Johnson Bar*
JOHN BAPTIST VAN EPS TO DOUWE FONDA
D. S.
Schindy 26^'^ Aprill 1771
M^ Fonda
Sir
For Sir William Johnson Comes a battoe Lood by Thomas
Oargan Dinnes Obryant & one men More
4 bales N° 1 & 8-1 1-41
1 Cask with Lead
1 Quarter D°. Powder
1 Ditto flintts
1 Small bagg Shott
2 barrels Pork
a Round peeper parshell from John Weatherhad
I am with Complements Sir Your Most Humble Servant
Jn°. B V Eps
ADDRESSED :
To
M"" Douwe Fonda
Cagnawagoe
84 Sir IVilliam Johnson Papers
FROM HENRY VAN SCHAAK
A. L. S.
[ ] Kinderhook 26 April 177 J
I ']
[ ] from my B'' Dated Saturday and Monday
[ ] as follows — Your Militia Arrangements are
Jeopardy — [ ] will take place I believe — Cob
Rensselaer" has applied to the [ ] under such favorable
Introductions that his Lordship is highly prepossessed in his
Favor. Yesterday morning having received Intimation of his
intended application I waited on my Lord and acquainted him
that I appeared on behalf of the Township of Kinderbook — In
the Course of our Conversation he told me that Col°, Rensselaer
had been cruelly used that he was a Gentleman of a most amiable
Disposition & had done his Majesty essential Services in the
Time of War as well as been civil to the Officers of the Army
&c — in Short that Col°. Rensselaers Commission was making
out to return him to his former Command I talked much with
his Lordship — he treated me with Affability and openness —
He told me that he would Suspend any farther proceeding till
he had Seen me again and desired me to call upon him & reduce
to writing what I had to Say — I then Referred him to the
Petitions &c*. delivered to the Council — He desired me to look
at them and if I had anything farther to ofl^er I should call on
him — This morning I again waited upon his Lordship and again
referred him to the Petitions Minutes of Council &c^. I then
presented him with your Map — He entered into the Merits of
the Controversy at once and smiled at Rensselaers Claim — He
again assured me of his intire Impartiality in this affair that
nothing Should be concluded upon before he Sent to me — and
informed me of what he proposed to do — I never knew a Man
more open to Information — I told him I pledged my veracity
^ Lines burned off.
^ Lieutenant Colonel John Van Rensselaer.
Postwar Period, 1763-1774 85
and Reputation to his Lordship for the truth of every thing I
said — I am under great anxiety about this matter — The
Governor Seems to think that one Reg*, divided into two
parts will be Sufficient. Hence I conclude his Lordship has been
very partially informed about the number of People that are
within the Districts of Kinderhook and Claverack — Thus far
the first letter — "Upon the whole it now Stands thus and will
terminate I believe as follows: R r will be reinstated
and the [
[
letter — My [
and at the Same time to [
measures you may think proper to [
have proposed the alterations — if any proposal [
Re r or any belonging to him they will be [
contempt they deserve — If you Should think any [
taken we shall be happy to follow Such as you may [
I shall only add as it grows late, that we shall [
of your good intentions towards us and that I am with the whole
family very Sincerely and very Respectfully
Sir
Your most Obedient
humble Servant
H V SCHAACK
I should Send an Express but that the
Post Sets off early in the morning and
will probably met your Express or
Post from Johnson Hall
Lines burned off.
86 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM DANIEL CAMPBELL
A. L. 5.1
Schenectady the 27^^ April 1771
Dear Sir
I am favoured with yours of the 24^ Ins': by Doctor Con-
stable with whom I have received the Deeds of the Lott for
which I heartily thank you. Everry Improvement I make on
this Ground I do it with much pleasure by reason of the fine
Situation which I think Exceeds any in this place
On Receiving your letter I immediatly Sent for a Constable
& also some Others to Set them on the Look Out for those
Gentlemen who came a way from you Vvithout takeing their
leave; Yesterday I had Mr Byrn taken & Brought before, all
he had to say for himself was that Mr Flood discharged him,
which I knew to the Contrary — I gave the Constable a Strict
charge to look well to him & disired him to Call on me in about
an hour for a letter to you — but shortly After notwithstanding
my charge the Constable came back & informed me he had
made his Escape. I told the Constable he Should either find
the man or be sent to Goal in his place
I have discovered the French Mans Wife who Run away —
but the Man himself keeps out of the Way — I was at the
House my Self Where She keeps & made Some inquirey as
if I wanted to hire him to Work. I asked hir what hir Husband
Name was & She told me his name was Peter Forster — I have
Spies out, & hope I shall be Able to have him taken
When I left York there was no kind of news but Such as
You See in the papers — if Lord Dunmore Continues in the
Province he proposes paying you a Visit soon — Mr Wallace
is to come up with him — I had Several letters lately from
Mess"" Wade Kriser — they have Sent me an order for two
Battoes of Articles — I am doubtfull wither they will make
1 In Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 87
money or not — the One half of what they have Sent for is
necessaries for their own Use — Amoung those things they
mention two Barr'* Jamica Spirits — when I Send to thim I Shall
Acquaint you — we have nothing here new only hurry & noise
with Battoe men & Waggoners — I have been Obhg'd to pay
Some 16/ pr load from Albany
M"^* Campbell joins me in hir most Respectfull Compliments
who am
Dear Sir with great Sincerity yours upon all Occasions —
Your verry Hble
Servant
Daniel Campbell
Sir William Johnson Baronet
INDORSED:'
Major Campbells letter
28'h. April 1771 —
FROM JOHN BAPTIST VAN EPS
A. L. S.
Sunday 28^^ April 1771
Honoured Sir
I Received Your favore of the 22 Ult as I have Mentioned
before that Colb: Glen Is gone to New York who has Some of
the accounts of the Company Concerned In Said Trackt But on
his Returne the Accounts " : be Setteled & then ameadiatly Shall
Send you a True Coppy. as for the Waggons I have Stopped
that day not to Rid Eney More [ ] day the 26 I Sent of
a battoe Lood to M"" fonda [ ] 4 bales N^ 1&8-1 1-41
one Cask of Lead or [ ]ott 1 Quarter Cask powder 1 D°
flints 1 Quarf^ bagg of Shott 2 barrels of pork & a Long Role
of peeper I Suppose a Map from M"" Weatherhad but Know
box with frutt trees to be found lesteroday in Albany, M"" John
In Johnson's hand.
88 Sir William Johnson Papers
Stevenson of albany was here lesterday who tells me that he
happoned to See Neoler and Asked him about the Leather
bucketts who now nothing of them nor had not been in albany
this 3 Years with his Sloop p"" the post I Send 8 Quarts of Grass
Seed which I Sent Johnnie for in the Contery, I gite fear
promises of the people of M"^ Currys bush and that is all but I
Expect to have some tomarro for I hoop to lood a battoe tomarro
I "am Sir Your Most Obediant
And Humble Servant
Jno B V Eps
I hoop to Come & See you Thursday
Day
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnson Barn" &c &c
Johnson Hall
The Bearer has also
an Iron w^ Chruss
which M"^ Stevenson
ordered up
INDORSED:^
April 28'h. 1771 —
M^ Van Eps Letter
DouwE Fonda's receipt
A. D. S.
CagnaWago Aprill the 29 1771
Receved of Thomas Oargen A B botte Lood of Sir Willims
Goeds" in goed Order
â– DouwE Fonda
^ In Johnson's hand.
^The goods hsted in the letter from Van Eps to Fonda April 26,
1771.
Posl-lVar Period, 1763-1774 89
FROM JOSEPH CHEW
A. L. S.
N London
Ap: 29^K 1771
Dear Sir
I never was so disapointed as writing to you from this Place
it has disconcerted all my Schemes I was 15 day Confined to
my room & have Scarcely been able to Stir out of the Yard or
farther than the Garden — and what hurts me most is that I
Cannot be at the Hall before the 20**^. of may being oblidged to
attend the assembly of this Colony at Hartford the 1 5'^ day or
perhaps Loose three hundred pound which tho' not so material
to me is so to my Creditors who will be much inraged if I neglect
the Cause — Col°. Fitch is just able to Crawl out we met yester-
day half Way he begs his best Respects to you and all the
Family I Can only present M"^* Chews & my own most dutifull
Compliments to you and to assure you that I will not Loose a
moment in paying them to you Personally The only day I was
able to stir I went to Saybrook M"" M'^Curdy was gone to York
what oats he Carryed to M"" Wallace to Whome he had my
direction I Cant tell I Refused 1 00 Buss'' he had ordered went
20 miles & got 35 or 40 which I got a Capt to take in and agreed
w*** a man for Baggs &c w^'^ I wrote to M"" Wallace to Pay &
hope by this time thay are with you —
I hope the Seeds trees &c are arrived safe and am most
Sincerely
Dear Sir
Your most Dutifull
Obed' Hble Servt
Jos Chew
90 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM PETER FITZSIMMONS
A. L. S.
New York 29'K Aprill 1771
Hon'' Sir
This being my third Letter & receiving no Answer, I thought
Incumbent on me for the past favour you Confer'd on me, to
Acquaint you of any thing to your prejudice, there is one M^
Taffe in Town who Impos'd Himself on the Gentlemen of this
City to be a Nephew of Yours & I, Knowing to the Contrary
thought it my Duty to give You the Earliest Notice, Hon'^. S'^,
I still remain here as I've Mentioned in my Last Sometimes at
work but four Days a Week Sometimes but two Other Weeks
not one Day Still depending on an Ans^ from You what I shall
do, for fear my Letter shou'd Miscarry I Likewise Gave Notice
to M"" Weatherhead of M"". Taffe to put a Stop to his proceed-
ings as he has receiv"^ many favours on your Ace', from the
Gentlemen of this City as being Your Suposd Nephew, Work
at the present is Dull but am Incourag'd by Some Masters here
who tells me it will be plenty in about a Month From Your Most
Oblidg'd Humble. Serv'.
Peter Fitzsimons
Hon^. Sir
P. S. Your Ans^ by the first Opertunity directed to Abraham
Rice at the uper end of Chapell Street wou'd Greatly Oblidge
Y""*. to Command P. F. —
FROM JOHN STEVENSON
A. L. S.
Albany 30^^: April 1771 —
Sir//
Last Saturday I Rec^: from Nev/ York the Screw Plate you
wanted and have given it to M"": Van Eps to forward to you
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 91
which hope he has clone and that it is to your Hking, the Cost
of it is 21/ which is Charged to your Account
I am
Sir
Your Most Obed'.
& most ObHdged Humble
Serv'.
John Stevenson
FROM FRANCIS WADE
A. L. S.
Philad-. 30"'. April 1771 —
Dear Sir
Your fav*". of the 10''\ Ins', with Kanes Indenture inclosed
Came to hand Just in time to prevent his going your way, as his
wife had been here & petition'd the Court which Vv'as then siting
& they granted her prayer to have liberty to go olf next day in
the stage boat for N York which I prevented & had them
order'd down to Virginia, where [they] are now gone unless
they should Cross [ ]ntry which I Can hardly think
they [will] after what I have said to them
I am unhapy to think you are so often troubled v/ith such
worthless fellows on account of your hospetalety to them the M^
Teaf I m.enti^. in one of my former lett'^^ has turnd out Just
as I Expected, aft"^ takeing great liberties with your name &
passing himself for your Nephew even before the Mayor who
Called upon me to know the truth of his assertions, as he had
been guilty of many misdemeaners, I soon done his business so
as he wont be any trouble to you, as to the part I acted with
regard to Kane, I thought it right on your Account as well as
the Call of humanely as a person wants, his sight and altho a
reprobate was much put upon before he Commited the late affair
this was not the first time he Called upon me for relief under
the name of your servant.
92 Sir William Johnson Papers
I am much oblig'd for the information [given] me of my
broth^ it gives me pleasure to hear he is likely to get his head
above water again & hopes he'l always have a greatful sence
of your assistance & kindness in passing over his past follys, I
shall be glad on all Occasions to have it in my pow[er to
ac]knowlege & return so great fav". and am [with] most
respectful Compliments to you [and the] famely and
Dear Sir
Your most Oblig'd &
Most Obed'. Humble Serv'.
Fran^ Wade
S« Will". Johnson Baron*.
P. S. our governor now one of the proprietors sails this
day for London.
FROM WILLIAM PEMBERTON
A. L. S.
Albenny May U' 1771 —
Sir/
I Rec^. your Letter of 24*^ Aprill After M^ Fitzsimmonds
Perused it I Being not at Home when the Post Came to Town
Therefore must inform you that he set of for your Place
Unknow to me and am sorry that I had not an Oppertunity to
see him before he went off for you May Depend Upon it he
should not Come up to the Hall at any Rate as I find it is
Diagreeable to you had I seen him and have likewise Warn'd
the Post Not to Assist him —
Sir
I have sent the Billiard Table to Van Eps's which hope
will Come safe to hand I have not to add but Remain —
Your
Most
Hum^l. Serv*
William Pemberton
To Sir William Johnson Bar*.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 93
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnson Bar*
att
Johnson Hall
^ the Post Q D C^
INDORSED:'
Alby h' May 1772
Pembertons letter
FROM JOHN BLACKBURN
A. L. 5.»
[ ] London 4^h May 1771
I am Honord with your much esteemd Favor of the 1** Feb^
last [ ]ning a Rem ^ Bill on Cox & C° Value Two
hundred & Six pounds Sixteen Shillings & Eleven pence which
met due Honor, & is in full Balance of Your Acco* — including
M*" Roberts' Bill — I am sorry for Your disappointment in the
Powder as also the other Articles — but hope they will arrive in
in safety & to Your Satisfaction — Should You have occasion
for a further demand of those Articles, I beg leave to Recomend
as early advice as possible in order to prevent the like
Unfortunate Circumstances. —
I am very happy & much oblig'd by the opportunity You
afford me of testifying my Regard, & You may be assur'd of
my paying M"^ Wharton the Amount of the Fees, as soon as I
hear the Grant is confirm'd — I shall wait on Lord Hilsborough,
in a few days by appointment, & shall Know from Him, how that
Matter is circumstanc'd, & if my little weight of Interest can add
^ Quern dues conducat.
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ Missing parts supplied from copy in the Johnson manuscripts in New
York State Library.
94 Sir William Johnson Papers
to the Scale & it should be thought by M"" Wharton to be want-
ing — I will readily Employ it — It is generally imagin'd that
there is a Prospect of a long uninterrupted Peace — indeed the
Mode of our disarming, tends to Confirm it — in my opinion we
shall Enjoy a State of Tranquillity no longer than till France
is capable of disturbing [us — and that period may] be measur'd
by the determination of their own [Intestine Troubles] the
Chancellor of France who rules the Councils of the [King, is
determined] to support His Pretensions — whilst the Parliament
aided by [all the Princes] of the Blood persist in vindicating
ther Privilidges — I should [not be] surpris'd to see a joint
Army of Prussians & Germans avail themselves of the present
confus'd State of affairs in France, & attack French Flanders.
The Turks & Russians will open the Campaign this month,
from which we may reasonably Expect to hear of Carn[age] for
their dispute must soon draw on to a Crisis — I have thus given
You my Sentiments which if they afford You any amusement
v/ill answer my Expectations —
I find that Lord North has resolv'd to support a Maritime
Power of 25,000 Seamen & 5,000 Marines, who as He says will
ever Secure us from a Sudden Attack from our Enemies & at
same time Awe every other Nation —
a Bill is brought into Parliament to give a Bounty on Staves
& Heading — You may be assur'd it will pass — I shall do
myself the pleasure of sending You the Act itself by Capt
Munds, who proposes to depart in a Fortnight —
[I was in great hopes] to have assisted M Grace in the India
Direction, [but the House of Comm]ons have thrown out
the Bill which empowered the India [Company to] raise &
maintain a Body of Forces — I have spoke to [some] of my
Friends in that Direction who promised to support Him.
As to Lieu' Roberts, I fear much. He has been very indis-
creet — His Memorial lays now before the Treasury, & but for
the Regard paid by their Lordships to Your Name & Character,
it would have been dismiss'd — as the Memorial wants a
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 95
Support of Vouchers — I do believe He will get some Money
on Ace' —
Be assur'd. Sir William, I shall be happy in every opportunity
of testifying my Regard & attention to Your Interest & that the
more occasions You afford me for that purpose, the more You
will oblige
Sir
Your much obliged and
very humble Servant
John Blackburn
P. S.
I beg a tender of my best
Respects to Sir John —
INDORSED:^
lVIay4'h. 1771
M^ Blackburn's letter
FROM HENRY VAN SCHAACK
A. L. S.
[ ] Klnderhook 4th May 1 77 J —
I wrote you about a week ago, acquainting you that the mili-
tary [appoijntments in this quarter were attacked — Since which
I have had two letters from my [ ] . by them it would
Seem as if the Governor would not issue the Commission as
Rensselaer" expected. — Though Re rs friends here are very
industrious to propogate a story that he is actually reinstated in
his former Command. I hope it is no more than a report,
certain however it is that Rensselaer is returned from York and
that One of his Sons has countenanced the Report. — Father
would be very happy to hear from You upon this Subject and
^ In Johnson's hand.
' Lieutenant Colonel John Van Rensselaer.
96 Sir JVilliam Johnson Papers
he commands me to Assure You that he will (if any changes
are proposed) adopt any mode of Conduct You shall think best.
I remain
Very Respectfully
Sir
Your most Obliged &
Most Obediant
humble Servant
H V SCHAACK
FROM THE EARL OF HILLSBOROUGH
In Doc. Rel. to Col Hist N. Y., 8:270, is a letter from the Earl
of Hillsborough, declaring that the hostilities of the Indian nations among
themselves are a full security against their molesting the whites and advis-
ing Johnson not to enter into any combination with particular tribes.
Dated May 4, 1771.
FROM JOHN BAPTIST VAN EPS
A. L. S.
Schlndy 6"- May 1771
Honour'^. Sir
This day I Sent a battoe Lood
To M"" Fondas Care
6 Bunches of Frute Trees
3 Small boxes
2 Ditto with flowers
2 Dray Barrels &
5 Ditto pork
which I Dozyred M"" fonda to
forward Amediatly Sir our Cind
Complemts & am Your Most Obed'
Humble Servant
Jn" B V Eps
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 97
ADDRESSED:
To
Sir William Johnson Bar'. &c &c
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
May 6'^ 1771 —
M^ Van Eps letter
W'*^. acd of Sundrys —
TESTIMONIALS CONCERNING WILLIAM HANNA
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 485, under Schenectady, May 6, 1771,
is entered a collection of copies of testimonials of S. Finley (Nottingham,
October 2, 1756), Robt Smith (Pequea, February 19, 1757), the
Jersey College at Prince-Town (Philad'a, March 10, 1759) and Peter
R't Livingston to the learning and good habits of William Hanna; testi-
monial of Jonathan Lee, pastor of Church of Christ in Salisbury (May
24, 1760) to membership and standing; of Jonathan Lee to hcensure
as a preacher; and of John McCrea, John Munro and Rob't Henry,
elders of the Presbyterian church in Albany, to an acceptable ministry
[Inclosed in letter from William Hanna, May 8, 177L] (printed in
Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:447^49; Q, 4:279-80.)
FROM JAMES RIVINGTON
A. L. S.
N York May 6 1771
I ]
Since My last Letter two pacquets have arrived with the Feb
& March Mails, the intelligence by the former had been antici-
pated by advices via Philadelphia & Boston and the latter has
brought little or nothing new.
L^ George Machartney, married to Lord Butes daughter, set
out about y^ 5 of March very privately for Madrid, the General
^ In Johnson's hand.
4
98 Sir William Johnson Papers
Opinion is that things will not be long in a pacific way. The
Ambassadors of France & Spain have had some warm Alter-
cation with our Ministry, the Stocks have fallen considerably
very lately and yet notwithstanding these Circumstances, They
have ordered Recruiting & pressing to be stopped and the army
to be reduced to its former Establishment. —
The very justly Celebrated D Lowth Bishop of Oxford in a
Sermon before the Society for propagating the Gospell in foreign
parts has expressed himself with vast Respect of Sir William
Johnsons Gracious Endeavors to second the Intentions of their
Society in America. The Sermon is printing and I will send it
up as soon as I receive it. I saw a paragraph mentioning it in
the London papers.
Our Governor Lord Dunmore is determined not to leave us
untill he finds his application to remain here, may not be com-
plied with. Col Martin is preparing to go to N° Carolina but
has been detained by an operation for a Fistula
I beg my humble [ ] Sir John, the Colonel
[ ] friend Cap* M^Leod.
I am
Sir William,
Your most obedient &
obliged Servant ,
Ja Rivington
FROM WILLIAM HANNA
Schenectady May 8^^ JJJ]
Sir,
In Consequence of the last favour I requested of you, & the
Answer You was please to give, I have made free to inclose a
Number of Certificates which certify of my Moral & Religious
Character ever since I was sixteen Years of Age: & all from
Persons of Integrity, & who are generally well known to be such.
JAMES RIVINGTON
From a painting by an unknown artist, owned by New York
Historical Society, New York City
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774 99
& also Copies of the same in Order that you might if You
thought proper transmit the Copy to those Gentlemen, or any
one of them, & You have it now in Your Power to let them know
You have seen the Originals. The Reason of so doing is because
I'm intirely unknown to Doctor Akmuty' & M^ English & but
very Slitely acquainted with Doctor Cooper." However I have
had the Honour of a Degree of A. M. from Doctor Cooper so
that he must know Something of my Character. I would beg
leave to Observe that if the Gentlemen you mentioned are obliged
to depend on general Inquiry concerning my Character its
possible my Character might Suffer by the same, for altho the
Presbyterians were loud in my Praise when I officiated as a
Clergim.an amongst them, yet I could find that immediately on
my leaving them, they were as loud in Slander to which I am
sory to say it, they are in general too much adicted. But Still
I leave the whole Affair to Your Judgment & beg you would
send the Copies inclosed, or not, as may appear most proper to
You ; Please Seal & remit the Originals to me again. That God
may long preserve your Life in a good State of Health is the
Sincere Wish & Desire of him who is
Honourable & worthy Sir
Your Sincere Friend & Welwisher
W": Hanna
To the honourable
Sir William Johnston Bar'.
INDORSED:
MayS'h. 1771 —
M'. Hannas Letter
with Inclosures —
Ans^. May 24*^ —
^ Samuel Auchmuty.
^ Myles Cooper, President of Kings College.
100 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO THE EARL OF DUNMORE
A. Df. 5.1
Johnson Hall May 9"'. 1771
[My Lord]
The occasion of my giving You this trouble at present, is
owing to information I have received that M^ Ranslear" has made
appHcation for a Regiment of Militia v^hich may from some
peculiar Circumstances produce many inconveniencies. — to
prevent which it is my Duty to say something on the Subject, for
altho I have not the least Objection to his appointment where it
does not operate to the creating disputes in the Country, I think
it indispensably necessary as Major General of the District to
use my Endeavours that Your Lordship should not be deceived
'thro Misrepresentations, on which I can truely Assure You of
my Impartiality, as I have none of those Connections or narrow
views to misguide me, which influence many others on this
head. — Upon the forming the Militia in 1 768 as it now Stands,
M^ Ranslear obtained a Co'^ Commission for a Regiment of
Militia foot, for that part of the Mannor of Ranslear which lyes
at Claverack, & with it (as I understand) Blank Commissions
for the Inferior Officers for twenty Companies, most of which
were Antedated, and some countersigned by Ph. Livingston
Jun^ as Secry during the life of M^ French his Predecessor, &
some Months before the former came into Office, which Com-
missions were distributed about March I 769, and many of them
delivered to Persons living on the contested Lands [within the
Claim of ] Kinderhook, the Proprietors of which [w^re greatly
alarmed Judging] therefrom, and from other Circumstances,
[which can be more fully] enlarged upon, that it wa^ done with
[a View to favor Claims set] up by M^ Ranslear against them
[& establishing a precedent] of their Acquiescence therewith,
which [I could not but consider as] a prostitution of the Royal
1 Missing parts supplied from copy in the Johnson manuscripts in New
York State Library.
- Lieutenant Colonel John Van Rensselaer.
Post-War Period, 1763-/774 101
Comiss" to the worst purposes, & accordingly on repeated applica-
tions from sundry verry Respectable Persons of that Township, I
made Sir H. Moore acquainted with it, who seemed concerned
at the imposition on [him] and desired me to transmit him what
they had to offer against it, which I accordingly did, as they
did also by Petition, but [his] Death which happened verry
Soon after prevented their obtaining Rehef. They thereupon
applied to the L'. Governour, who taking the Same into con-
sideration, formed Two Regiments out of the whole Claims of
Kinderhook & Claverack, but without any Words or Description
that could in any wise favour the Pretensions of either; the One
of These He gave to Col°. Vanschaak, & the other he offered,
thus altered, to M^ Ranslear, who rejected it with Scorn, and
wrote a verry extraordinary letter to the L'. Govern"^ upon the
occasion, positively declining it, unless on the former footing, &
unless he had the sole appointment of all his Officers, In conse-
quence of which Cap', Jeremiah Hogeboom, a Man of Substance
& Credit who had been 20 Years in that Station, was appointed
Co', of the Claverack Regiment, in w"^. manner it has since stood
to the entire satisfaction of all disinterested Persons. I ought
here to Observe to your Lordship that Sir H. Moore having
taken into Consideration the State of the Militia of this Province
which had been long neglected, in so much that some Regiments
were more than doubled since their formation, & that of Albany
in particular exceeded 6000 Men 'for which reason they could
not be assembled or disciplined without much Murmuring &
Manifest Inconvenience to the People, [he very Judiciously]
formed the whole into Two Brigades, [& divided those over-
grown] Regiments, by forming Several out [of each ]
[to consist] of from 500, to 1000 Men, & each to be [com-
posed of 10] companies, So that the Forming one for M""
Ranslear [of 20 Companies] was contrary to his own Plan, &
must be Attributed [to an oversight], which Sir H. Moore was
Sorry for, & purposed to Alter [it This] with many would
have been a reasonable Objection, when we consider that it had
from the words of his Boundary, [& the] distribution of the
102 Sir William Johnson Papers
Commissions a plain tendency to establish, or at least to favour
Claims long in dispute, and as yet undecided, the Impropriety
of it must appear in the Strongest light. — I have therefore taken
the liberty to lay these heads briefly before Your Lordship, That
in case M^ Ranslear has applied for a Regiment according to
that Description, You may be apprized of these Circumstances,
and that the only convenient Division betv^een the Kinderhook
& Claverack Regiment is (as now) by a Line due East from the
first falls in Kinderhook Creek to the Bounds of y^. Province,
which leaves a Sufficient Number of Men for a Regiment on
Each Side, and cannot be construed to favour any private views
or pretensions. I am convinced that I have none in this Matter,
but v.'hat arises from its propriety, which I conceive it to be my
Duty to represent, and I hope to be honoured with your Lord-
ships Commands, as it is necessary I should be acquainted with
your Determination thereon.
Your Lordship Should have been furnished long since with a
general Return of the Militia under my Command, but that some
of the Regiments have not as yet sent in their Returns, 'tho
repeatedly ordered to do so. This Remissness with many other
particulars deserves attention, & require the Aid of new Laws
for their Remedy, more especially as this Province from its
Situation & Circumstances seems to require a well regulated and
disciplined Militia. — I have the Honour to be with much
Respect
My Lord,
Your Lordships Most Obedient
& most Humble Servant
W Johnson
The Right Honourable
the Earl of Dunmore. —
INDORSED:
May 9, 1771
Letter from Sir William
Johnson
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 103
FROM JOHN BAPTIST VAN EPS
A. L. S.
Schenectady ll^K May 1771
Honoured Sir
By the post Calleger comes 2 lb of Glue and Six pair of
Wosted Stockins for the Children
Yesterday I sent a Battoe load to M^ Fondas, as you have
at Foot
Thursday last I sent my waggon to Alby for the Oats, but
M^ Peter Dox cou'd not git at the Oats, & this day I Sent my
waggon again & my waggon brought three Verry large Baggs &
I Expect the Rest, So that I shall send it off a Monday I
Remain with kind Complime[n] ts Sir
Your most
Obed* humb'
Servant
Sir William Johnson Jn^ B. .V. Eps
The Battoe load
1 Barl pork
1 Cask Shott
3 Bales N° 40-5-9-10
23 Barss Iron
1 Raspe
ADDRESSED :
To
The Honourable
Sir William Johnson Bar'
at
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:'
May ll'K 1771 —
M^ J". B. Van Eps Letter
^ In Johnson's hand.
104 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM JAMES RIVINGTON
A. L. S.
N York May 13 1771
[ ] William
Many Distractions have arisen in London, the Mayor, Crosby,
with two Aldermen, Wickes & OHvar have flown in the face of
the House of Commons ordering their Messenger to be comitted
to prison for executing the orders of the Speaker, this has
occasioned the Mayor & OHver to be summoned to attend in
their places as members of parliament which has been done twice
amidst the Acclamations of Multitudes, but their Fate has not
yet been determined which is expected will be a Comittment to
the Tower or an expulsion; Wickes would not attend as the
summons did not deem him a Member of Parhament.
Things go on but lamely with France & Spain, they have
demanded that we should disarm our fleets & other forces and
at same time have each sent a Squadron of Ships which have
joined, up to the Aid of the [ ] in the Archipelago,
which produced a Renewal of Press Warrants on y^ 19 January.
The Swedes & Danes are going to War, the Dutch are pre-
paring a Land & Naval force with great diligence so that an
Universal War seems inevitable.
I am
Sir William,
Your most faithfull Serv'
Ja Rivington
ADDRESSED :
Sir
To
William Johnson Bar*
at
Johnson Hall
INDORSED :
[
[
1
; Letter
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 105
FROM EDWARD WALL
A. L. S.
Fort Sianwix
May 16'K 1771
[ ]
[ ] ure to take this Occasion to return you my most
[ ] ere Thanks for all your Honor's Favours, and the
[ ] were pleas'd to shew me. L^ Galland upon
[ ] ors Letter assured me, that he would do everything
[ ] me or any Person you would recommend, but
there is very little in the poor old Gentlemans Power, as he is
quite debilitated and for those few Days past intirely confin'd to
his bed, which imagine is the reason of his been so much
despis'd by the Set who live here —
Three of the Chiefs of the Oneidas came here shortly after
Stephanus had returned from Johnson Hall, and gave me a
Name, Awhawhoana or the Great Road, they were very cere-
monious upon the Occasion, and promis'd they would be friendly
and assisting to me, for that they understood that had been
recommended by your Honour, and therefore expected I would
be just and kind to them, and indeed intend to be so, and
hope your Honour will please to speak favourably of me to
them. The Oneidas have sent three Messengers to Stephanus
lately importuning him to attend at a Congress, to which he
went, and at his return told me that that Consultation was
Occasioned by a Displeasure M^ Kirkland had given the Indians
by refusing to baptize and marry some of their people : I cannot
rightly learn the Cause of M^ Kirklands Refusal, but presume
the Bearer will inform your Honour more satisfactorily. The
people here who would naturally be willing to discourage any
Person in my Way, are now spirited to oppose me in everything
by M^ Phynn and Ellices Orders for Transportation of their
own Goods and Those of Commodor Grant being directed to
the Waggoners of Old Standing at Fort Stanwix, which
106 Sir William Johnson Papers
excludes me from any Share I might otherwise have in carry*,
them over, but nevertheless shall have my proportion of what
is to be made by riding — As I do not expect to return 'till Fall
am under the necessity of beging that Your Honor will Please
to pay unto M^ Steel the Remainder of my Salary, cannot tell
how much is coming to me, as have not [ ]
yet, but believe it is about £ 1 5 . . . . [ ]
Honour will please to allow me for [ ]
Year. M^ Steel will wait of your [ ]
I hope Sir you will be kind as to give [ ]
Peter and the Children and I am
Sir
with the Greatest Resp[ect]
Your Honour's
most obedient and
very Humble Serv'
Edw"^. Wall
Sir William Johnson Baronet
ADDRESSED :
The Honour [able]
Sir William [Johnson]
INDORSED:'
May \6'^ 1771 —
M^ Edward Walls letter
rec"^. 20'^. ^ an Indian
Ans--^. 22^. —
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 107
FROM JOHN BAPTIST VAN EPS
A. L. 5.
Schenectady ^
TT c 18^^- May 1771
HoNOURD Sir ^ >
This comes to Acquaint your Honour that I have sent a
Battoe Load to Cagnawagoe last Tuesday, the perticulars are
Mentioned at Foot, here is Nothing else, but a hogshed of Rum
Remaining
The bearor has Six Quarts of timoty Seed which M*^. M*^.
Master brought from Curies Bush last Wensday
I had Expected an Answer to the last Years Bill, as I pay
Intrest to M"". Golden for my Share of the pattent wich I am not
use to pay Such
I am Sir Your
Most Obd'.
Hum'''. Serv'.
Jn°.
B V EPS
The battoe load (Viz)
3 Bales Blankets & Slrowds N^ 1. 42, 44.
1 Cagg of Lead
1 D°. Flints
4 Large Baggs of Oats.
Sir William Johnson Bar'.
ADDRESSED :
To
The Honourab^
Sir William Johnson Bar*.
at
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
May I8'^ 1771 Letter from
J". B V Eps Esq^
In Johnson's hand.
108 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM DIRCK BRINCKERHOFF
A. L. 5.
New York May 21; 1771
Sir
About four weeks Ago The Sheriff of Albany was with Me
Desiring to Know the Reason why I had not Answered your
Letter to Me Relating the Affairs of Gilbert Tice, I made
Answer to him That I Never had the Honour of A Line from
you, but Imagining it Might Be directed to Dirck Brinckerhoff
Jun^ who is Also A Creditor of His, I Went to His House to
Inquire If he had Received a Letter from you, which He
Assured Me he had not, Since which On the 18'^^. Instant, he
Received a Letter from you Dated Feb'^y. 1771, which he
Communicated to Me And Observing The Contents find you
Intreat for a Stoppage of Proceedings Against Him Untill Such
Tim.e as The Division of Lands is Made In the Patent Wherein
he Is Concerned to The Amount of 1000 Acres near the
Mohawks River On the Road to Schoharrie, and That he
Intends to Convey the Same to his Creditors, This he Advised
myself and The Rest of his Creditors of When he was Last in
Town, but a Good deal of Time haveing Elapsed Since That
and not Hearing any Farther of It Made me Take the steps
I did, what To Say In Regard To Takeing the Lands for Pay-
ment I Cannot Say being at a distance And not haveing The
Means of being Properly Informed of Their Value, and So
Many Tracts being to be had all about The Country, Makes
The Turning Them Into Cash Speedily Difficult, my debt has
been of a Long Standing Ever Since the year 1 762, Since which
on M"". Tices Pleading Poverty and Assurances By Word and
Letters of Paying Me the Debt with Interest, he has prevailed
With Me and the Rest of His Creditors at Three Different
Times to Give him a Letter of Licence and Still Seeing no
Prospect of Getting my debt and Hearing he was In A Good
way of Business made Me Arrest him in Order To Oblidge
Post-lVar Period, 1763-1774 109
him to pay Me as I thought he had a Mind to Keep it off —
The Debt he Contracted with Me Commenced 1 762 October
b». for £94. .0. .334 With Interest After 12 Months which
being Calculated To This day Amounts to £ 1 44 . . 6 . . 5 And
If he will Give Me Such Security as I Approve of I Will Abate
the Sum of Twelve and a half Per Cent from the Principall
and Interest Which will Bring it To the Sum of £ 1 26 . . 5 . . 7|/2
and upon Paying The Cost will waite For the Same untill The
first day of November Next, I Thinck M^ Tice has had Much
Indulgence from myself and The Rest of his Creditors and If I
am not Misinformed might Long Ere now have Paid us The
Greatest Part If not The Whole of his Debt, I thinck he has
Not Acted with Gratitude for the Many Indulgences he has
had from us —
I am now Sir to Acquaint you That I am Concerned In a
Tract of Land which I am Informed you are Also Interested
In. In February or March Last The Patentents Came to An
Agreement at Schonactoda to Make a Division of Said Tract
and did Accordingly Ballet for The Same [ ] Lotts
Fell to my Share a Gore of Land which is Adjoyning to a Patent
of [ ] Occasioned as I am Informed by not Observing
the Variation at The Time [ ] Running The Outlines of
the Patent. Coll°. Glen has been with me and [ ] Me
you are Willing to Exchange any of your Lotts of Equall
Goodness Our Patent with Me for The Gore I have drawn.
If So Should be Glad [to have] The Honour of a Line from
you, And as N°. 44 or N°. 30 is Adjoyning, or near one of My
L[otts] Shall be Glad to Know Whether it is Agreeable to
you to Exchange one of The Same for the Gore, if so Shall
Direct the Persons who have the Management of the Generall
Release to Change The Names of the Numbers, I am your
Honours
Most Hbb. Serv*-
DiRCK Brinckerhoff
1 1 Sir William Johnson Papers
P. s.
M"" Dirck Brinckerhoff Jun^
Agrees to the Same In Regard to
M^ Tice as I do and desired me
To Mention it In My Letter —
To
The Hon'''^- Sir William Johnson Baronet
ADDRESSED :
To
The Hon^'^
Sir WilHam Johnson Bar'.
at
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
N York 21^' May 1771
M^ Brinckerhoffs letter
Ans^. June 27th and
recommended the taking the
Lands for the debt,
but declined the Gore behind
Kingsland. —
TO SAMUEL AUCHMUTY
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 486 is listed a letter- of May 24, 1 771,
to Rev. Dr Auchmuty, concerning William Hanna's desire to take orders
in the Church of England. (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:446-47.)
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 111
TO THOMAS GAGE
Johnson hall May 24^^ 1771.
Dear Sir
Since my Letter of the 18'^ April I have been favored with
yours of the 15*^ of that Month, and must confess that those
Expences incurred thro' my Orders in the Ind" Department will
fall within my accotS but I really thought that the acco*. you
mention was incurred by Order of Capt Edmonstone" from an
Opinion that the Service required it on wch Principle I have
paid Similar accot^ I have since paid the acct to M"^ Croghans
Order, and also have received another Letter from him with
farther Intelligence, which I presume has been transmitted like-
wise to you & therefore shall only observe upon it that I find
that this Scheme of the Indians seems somewhat disconcerted and
as I hear that some of the Nations are already arrived at Scioto
to attend the Northern Deputies I hope to hear something more
favorable shortly concerning their Negociations than has been
represented: — Some Indians are now here who tell me that some
parties who went to the Southward are returned with Some
Scalps given them by the Cherokees that were formerly taken
from the Chactaws &ca which according to the Indian Custom
obliged them to come back — They are full of the News of a
War between the French, Spaniards, & English, and it is easy
to discover the inclination of each of them from the manner in
which This Story is related : — probably a War may shortly
break out, for Indeed I do not think the Convention^ carries an
^ In American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass. ; in handwriting
of Guy Johnson.
^ Captain Charles Edmonstone, of the 1 8th regiment, in command at
Fort Pitt.
^ An agreement between England and Spain, attained in January 1771,
by which a war over the possession of the Falkland islands was averted.
1 1 2 Sir William Johnson Papers
Aspect of peace at least of any duration. — I have only at
present to add that I am allways with true regard Dear Sir &c
I understand that all was well at F' Chartres at the return of
an Ind". from thence.
His Excell^y.
L^. Gen^^. Gage.
TO JOHN BLACKBURN
Johnson hall May 25'K 1771 —
Sir
I have received your favor of the 25'^, Feby, & I hope you
have long since mine of the First of that Month wherein I
inclosed a Bill for the ball^^ of my Acco'. and for Lieu'.
Robert's Draft making in all £ 206 . . 1 6 . . 1 1 . I now inclose
you a List of a few articles which occur to me at present which
I hope you wall procure good in their kinds. The Spectacles in
particular are of so much use to me especially for Shooting that
I would willingly be nice in the choice of them. — So Soon as I
have occasion for giving you a more Valuable Commission you
may be assured of it. In the meantime I now Enclose
you bills to the amo*. of £ 204 . . 7 . . 9 to defray the
Expences of my proportion of the Ohio Tract as mentioned in
my last, and whatever Surplus remains to be placed to my
Credit.
I remember Lieut Roberts had an Accot of Expences which
was tendered to Gen' Gage ammounting to upwards of £ 1 00,
but the General declined paying it, & I believe he had been put
to some Charges from a Suit commenced by a Trader ag' him
as to any other demands on Government which he may have I
am not acquainted with them Sufficiently I am sorry to find by
your letter and other Acco'* received from England that there
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
Post-War Period, 1763-/774 113
is reason to apprehend he has given way to some Extravagances
and Sincerely wish they may not lead him too far. I know that
I should be glad that you could get him to pay you the £ 1 00,
on my Acco* as I have such constant demands for money, that
it is by no means Convenient for me to be out of it.
I think with you that from the present posture of Affairs there
is reason to Suppose that we shall not be long at peace. The
keeping up the Navy (which indeed is a very wise measure) is a
farther Indication of it. The late prospect of an Imediate
War has been artfully transmitted to the Indians & Circulated
amongst them with many Additions, so as to alarm our Friends
and increase the Number of the discontended, & disaffected, who
are easily inclined to think that by Joyning in the Quarrell,
the [ ] in America, and that then they
will partake of those [ ] which that Nation
lavished upon them for many a year [ ]
Before this reaches you the State of Affairs Abroad [ ]
may be in some degree changed, and I shall be glad that
[ ] any thing occurrs relative to either, you will
favor me with [ ] at any time which will allways
be very agreable to me.^
If you find that M^ Wharton &ca are not likely to Succeed
In getting the Grant for Land along the Ohio, Then I would
have you Send me Such Articles for the Amount of the Bills
as are mentioned in y^. Memorandum. At any rate you will
please to Send me y^. five first Articles mentioned therein &
that as Soon as you can.
20 p^Strouds 72.
5 p*. of penniston 25 .
2 D°. of red striped Blank* 6.
3 p^ Rose Blk*« 3.
2 Cotton Covers for Beds 2 .
10
10
From this point to the end the document is in Johnson's hand.
1 1 4 Sir William Johnson Papers
2 p^ of Good Holland for Shirting
w*'\ Cambrick &ca 11..
1 p^ of Stout blew Cloath for Mens
Wear with blew Shalloon & Hair for D°. 22 ... 4
£142. ..4
Blew Strouds & flowered Serge
for the Remainder
& yellow flannel —
1 Groce of Spa water —
M"" John Blackburn
INDORSED :
May 25»h. 1771
[ ] M"^. John Blackburn
[ ] London. —
TO ROBERT ADEMS
A. L. S.
Johnson [Hall May 25, 1771]
M«. Adems/
In my Memorandum [ ]
following Articles which I [ ]
Me, Viz*. One thousand [ of Long Island or]
Cowpen Tobacco in Leaf for the u[se of the Indians]
2 Dozen of Buckhorn Knives & For[ks of the] Sort for my
own Table & 2 Boxes of Sperma[cetti] Candles, and a Ten
Gallon Gag of the best & strong [est] white wine Vinegar You
can get, as I have none that is worth a farthing, the Barrel
w^. M^ Wetherhead Sent me some little time ago is y^. worst
I ever tasted. — pray ask him for the leather Buckets w^. he has
charged me near £12 for. Surely If I dont get them. He
ought to refund the money. — In case You could meet with a
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 115
Bargain, of Wine, as I think you were telling me you d[id]
last year, I would in that case (provided it was good) have
You buy for me a few pipes of Madeira Wine; if you can get
me 6 pipes for £200, I would have you purchase it. for the
payment of w^., I inclose You a Bill on M^ Mortier, and
Should You not meet with Wine at that price, bring me the
money in Dollars & Small Silver, w^. I want much, wishing you
Success, & Safe back I remain Y". as ever.
M"' Robert Adems W. Johnson
INDORSED:
Johnson Hall 2 H' May 1771
From Sir W"". Johnson Bar'
A RECEIPT TO ABRAHAM MORTIER
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 486, under date of the 27th of May, is
tered Johnson's receipt for
Mortier. Destroyed by fire.
entered Johnson's receipt for 11,054 ?^^ dollars received of Abraham
224
FROM SAMUEL BAKER
A. L. S.
London ZS^K May 1771.
[Sir W"] Johnson, Bar*.
Sir
The Executors of S"". W"^. Baker Receiv'd your favour of 2^.
July last with a Remittance for £435. .Sts. & the 22^. ult°.
I Receiv'd your letter of 3 1 ^'. Jan-^y. with a Bill ^ £ 500 both
which have been paid & placed to your Account, as also £80
paid to M^ Blackburn. These three Sums with the Balance
of your last Acco'. Curr*. which you acknowledge in Letter 2^.
July to be right, make the State of your present Account. The
Dividends on your £2600 Consolidated 3 ^ Cent Annuities
have not been receiv'd since my Father's Death, because, the
1 1 6 Sir William Johnson Papers
Stock Standing in your name, no one can receive them with out
a Power from you, nor could my Brothers or I with Propriety
lay out what was due to you in Purchasing additional Stock to
be transfer'd (like what you now have) into your name, because
we cannot accept the Transfer without a Power of Attorney;
I therefore now take the Liberty of inclosing a Blank one from
the Bank which, if you fill it up With my name, will enable me
to Accept & receive Divid^ for you, & I will do it with pleasure.
If you chuse to enable me to Sell, you may particularly write
it in the Body of the Letter of Attorney, observing to have Your
Witnesses properly described. — My Reason of Offering my
name only is. Every Person mention'd in a power being oblig'd
to Sign an Acceptance & Transfer, It will be less trouble for
one person & less for me than my Brothers, but if you think
the Addition of their Names will be Additional Security or
Convenience to you, you will please to insert them, as they would
be glad to do all in their Power to Serve any old Acquaintance
of their Late Father.
I am
Sir
Your most Obed' Serv'.
Sam^. Baker
addressed:
To
Sir William Johnson Bar*,
at Johnson Hall — Albany
New York
^ Cap* Munds
INDORSED:'
London 28'h May 1771
M^ Sam'. Bakers Letter
with an Inclosure
In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 117
GEORGE TURNBULL TO THOMAS GAGE
Extract
Extract of a Letter from Captain Turnbull to General Gage
Dated Missilimackinac May 29^^ 1771
There is one Bruce a Trader at the Mississippi who had been
Plundered at this Post in 1763 by the Grand Sauteu, one of
the most Mischievous Indians that ever was in this Country.
Bruce being Desperate durst not come in for fear of his Creditors,
and being recieved a Chief amongst the Foxes he has settled
there.
The Grand Sauteu fled from a very different Motive, he was
so sensible of his Guilt that he never durst Venture near an
English Garrison, and continued to Plunder and kill the English
wherever he could meet them. In short, last Fall Bruce headed
a Party of the Foxes, who went and killed him.
Some Chippewas had been to War last Year against the Sieux
and in a mistake killed Two of the Foxes this Winter, and the
Foxes have killed Two Chippewas near Milliwaki on Lake
Michigan; the Chippewas going to Revenge the Quarrel make
a Mistake and killed a Puan, if their little differences could be
made up it would be a great Advantage to the Traders.
The Ottewas from Arbre Croche has been here and shewed me
a Belt they recieved this Winter from S^ William [ ]
they might remain quiet at their [ ]
not go to War ; they likewise shewed me [ ]
they had got from the Poutetamies Expressing their fear of being
Attackt by the Shawanese and Delawares, begging that the
Ottewas would in such case recieve their Women and Children
into their Village, as they were all Relations, being intermarry'd
with one another.
I told them. Humanity excused their recieving Women and
Children who were their near Relations, but desired they might
take no further part in the Quarrel, that the Poutetamies bad
1 1 8 Sir William Johnson Papers
behaviour had very hkely brought this upon them; Which all
Indians ought to take Example of.
INDORSED :
Extract of a Letter from
Captain Turnbull to
General Gage
Dated
Missilimakinac May 29»^ 1771
FROM FERRALL WADE
A. L. S.
[Niagara] May the 29, 1771.—
Dear Sir W-^.
On my way to this post I was favoured with yours of the 1 2'^
Uit. had I been at Teronto on the Recp'. thereof, you should
have had an Exact Account of What Goods we have On hand,
as Well as peltry, furrs, & skins, a list of which I have brought
with me, a Copy of v/hich you have Inclosed, dont be the Least
Dubious, for you may be Assured Sir (Except some Extrarrarary
Accident happens) I will Lose my Life before you shall be a
shilling out of pocket by Us, and I have the Vanity to think I
have a Little turn for trade & I am sure pains & trouble I dont
spare, as to frugality we Cant be Otherwise. — the Indians
still behave friendly to Us and begs we will Continue Among
them, we have Allready Attracted a Good Number of them
from the french that is back of Us and the Indians is Verry much
pleased at our selling so Cheap they have All Assured us the
Whole body Intends Coming to our hou[se ] thing
that will run Away with the trade from [us] is rum without
plenty of that you Cant sell your Merch [ ] have that
and an Assortment & there is no fear of [ ] In this
Quarter, for there is Verry Rich Indians Near hear. — We
Acquainted you of Our Writing to M^ Campbell for Goods &
A RUDE MAP WITHOUT NAMES
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 119
of Our sending some packs to him, An Exact Account of which
I Cant send without Looking In Our book, but I imagine the
Ballance Due him may be about £ 200. — & we Owe with what
rum I shall take now at this post £84. the rest we have paid
Last fall which might be near £ 200. — which has been a great
Loss to Us, but was Unavoidable, that is all the Dealings we
have, we at Least thought M^ Campbell would have wrote us
what we might depend on. the Disapointment of our boats not
Coming will I am Certain be an Incredeble Loss to Us, & per-
haps the means of Attracting the Indians to Niagara where they
will be spoiled, few of the Indians who Deal with us Ever goes
to Niagara.
Be Assured Sir, we shall deal with no One without Consulting
you. Except for triffles we Cant Do without that we must have
from this place, for my part I am [de]termined never to do Any
One Action to forfeit your [Es]teem Again. Everry Skin we
get we shall send to you [to] Dispose of As you think proper,
and Notwithstanding the Disadvantages we have Laboured
Under, I am sure we will make better Remittances than Any
traders. In the Communication this Verry month & beginning
of next is the Chief trade of the Whole year, we have No way
of sending our furrs down without geting a boat from hear. I
intend Leaving Directions with M^ Pollard to send Us a boat
as soon as Any Comes us. the Battoe Men will be Glad of
the job. — you mention that In Case of Warr it would not be
prudent to Continue hear nor to go by the Way of Niagara.
we have no way to Get Away, our battoe is bad & we have as
much Goods as would fill 3 boats. It [is] not so Easy as You
Imagine moving from hear. — as farr as In Our powers we will
follow any Orders you please to Send Us. — the Caution you
gave Us about Giving or Receiving [ ] we shall
Observe. Indeed we never done it, all tho' [ ] Indians
has brought strings to Us, for its not Our Inte[ ] as sure
as you Receive One the[y] beg for something. [ ]
Allways told we were no Great Men & Could [ ] Speak
120 Sir William Johnson Papers
to them by wampum. Indeed we gave One [ ]
Acquainting tliem that if nothing happened to p[revent] you,
you Intended to hold a meeting this summer [at] Niagara, its
Gone farr & near, an Indian has Come [ ] Days March
to Ask Us. they are All rejoiced in Expectation of it. — On my
Return shall send you an Exact Account of Goods we have On
hands then youll be Convinced we are Making. — I am Glad
to hear My B^ Frank is Well & Wishes him prosperity on Ace",
of his family, but I keep up no Correspondence with him. My
Reasons I will give you Sir, in a private Letter on my Return.
Vv'e Indeavour all we Can to procure you Curiositys. we seen
none Except Otter & Beaver pouches, one great Curiosity we
have for you which is a White Otter, it Differs nothing from
Another but In the Colour. I dont know whether you Ever saw
One, for the most of the Indians we have shown it to says they
never did. — [ ] is the right time to get Matts we
will [ ] two made. — My Compliments to Sir
[ and the res]t of the Family, believe I Ever shall be
with Gratitude.
My Dear Sir W-".
Your Most Obhdged Humble
Servant. —
Ferrall Wade.
P.S. I Arrived hear
Yesterday In a bark
Cannoe, & sets of Again
as soon as I finish my Letters
I have wrote Funda and has
Directed him to show you what
we wrote for. We have had no provisions only what we get
from the Indians this tvv^o Months. —
963 '^ of Beaver We shall want no more Expensive
800 W' Leather Goods this year
101 Otters 450
231 Martins 150
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774
121
18 Minks
3 1 fishers
3 Wolfs
6 Ratts
120 Raccoons
440 Ratts or
Mussquash
40 Bear Skins
80
30
3
9
1-10
12
11
16
762
ADDRESSED :
To
The Honourable
Sir William Johnson Bar*.
At Johnson Hall
INDORSED:'
Ferral Wades letter
May29'»'. & 7*^^ June 1771
JOSEPH GORHAM S ACCOUNT AND ORDER
A. D. S.
[ ]ment D'
To pay as Deputy Agent in the ^
department of Indian Affairs in
1771 North America for Six Months
Commencing the 14'''. March
1771 & ending the 13^. Sep', folk
at £200 1^ Ann-"
£100..0..0
JoS GORHAM
^ In Johnson's hand.
122 Sir JVilUam Johnson Papers
Philidelphia / June 1771
Sir
Please to pay M^ William M'^.adam to order the above
mentiond Sum of one hundred pounds Army Currency, as it
may become due to me from Goverment, having Signed Two
bills of the Same tenor & Date
I am Sir
Your very humble Serv^
Jos. GORHAM
To
the Honble
Sir William Johnson Bar*-
FROM ALEXANDER BAXTER
A. L. S.i
Closter in the River 5'. Maries Lake
Superiour /*'. June 1771 —
[ ] Johnson Baronet
Sir
After begging your Pardon for the repeated trouble which I
give you. Considering myself bound to write you the following
Letter, I shall have the honour Without further preamble to
inform You. — That some Days agoe I received a Letter from
Gen'. Gage dated 25*^. Sep^ last, wherein in consequence of his
information from the Commands officer at Michilimakinac, he
blames me for having inclosed this house and yard for building
^ With Alexander Baxter's letter was inclosed a copy of a report of
a council between Henry Bostwick and others with the Chepawaa nation
June 30, I 769, at MichiHmakinac. Printed in The Papers of Sir Wil-
liam Johnson, 7:48. See Johnson Calendar, p. 486.
Post-War Period, J 763-1 774 123
Craft with Pickettes, And Complains that neither I nor any Body-
else has informed him of the progress made in this Mining Busi-
ness, If the Indians were previously Made acquainted of the
Intentions of the C° or of what Disposition they are of relating
to it. On the Rec' of the Generals Letter, I returned imme-
diately from some 20 Leagues I was up the Lake, both to have
the honour of answering it. And with the resolution of taking
down the Pickettes, that I might Show the General how ready
I am to conform to his Intentions. But reflecting that perhaps
he and the Commanding Officer at Makina Being now made
acquainted with the footing I am on with the Indians, may not
think it necessary till things Are settled from England vvhich I
dare say they Are by this time, I have put it off till I receive
the Commands Officers pleasure, and the Moment I receive such
Orders shall immediately take them down, as I have had the
honour to write to both.
As to the Gen' and the Present Coms Officer at Makina not
having been informed of the progress made in this Business and
of the disposition of the Indians &c, that must have been the
fault of the late Com? Officer in who's time every thing essential
happened relating to these. It could never enter into my head
to trouble them with acc'^ of things that I must have imagined
his Duty led him to do; Be that as it May, I have had
the honour to inform them of it, as I have now the honour
to do to You, as AUso that After the undertaking was
approved of w'^'^ [ J
[ ']
Hillsborough had acquainted him; [ ]
proper that I should come out to view the [ ]
&c. Which I did in June 1 769, when General [ ]
Gave me a pass a Copy of which I have had the honour to
transmit to the Gen' As I have now the honour to inclose One
to you. He likewise wrote a particular letter (in consequence
of powerful recommendations I had had to him) to the Com-
^ Line burned off.
124 Sir William Johnson Papers
mands Officer at Makina A Copy of which I cannot send tho
he did Me the honour to show it to me before seaUing.
Before I arrived at Makina, A Council had been held on Ac^
of the C° with the Indians concerned, A Copy of which I have
now transmitted to the Gen' As I have the honour to do likewise
to you; the Mess"^^ Bostwick & Chinn had sent you one at the
time. In consequence of this I went into the Lake, met the
Chief of this River who confirmed the treaty as did the Chiefs
of Antonagan and the Iron Rivers, and returned here to execute
Some Craft according to my Orders, As I had the honour to
inform you in my former letters last year. That Last Summer
two Miners were sent out who with Mes" Bostwick & Cadotte
v/ere received by all the Indians concerned in the most friendly
Manner, who seeing them about to return begged them even
upon their knees to come back this Year. In the Meantime I
wait orders from England, hov/, where, and in what manner to
proceed, having the Miners in the Lake making further Dis-
coveries & Essays till that time. All hitherto being but pre-
paratory. Which with proper Excuses & Submission to his
Excellencys Orders is the Substance of my Answer, and of
which I think myself obliged to have the honour of informing
you both on Ac' of the high Rank and Character you hold in
this Country and indeed in the World, as on Ac' of y^ being
one of the C° of Adventurers concerned.
I have now Sir the Honour to Inform you That since Mine to
you of the 20'^! Sep-, last. The Miners did last ffall visit the North
Coast of the Lake as far as Michipicoton And found Sundrie
Veins of rich Ore [ ] of which I sent to London by
the first occa [ ] Country from this. And Causing the
[ ] continue their researches they discovered
a vein of Grey Ore so rich and in appearance so abundant that I
thought myself entitled from the Instructions I have to send an
Ac*, of it to London p^ Express to Montreal, All opportunitys
down the Country being then over. But could not keep the
Miners upon it having had nothing prepared for so late a Season.
So soon ho [w] ever as the Season permitted this Spring I went
PosUWar Period, 1763-1774 125
with them to the place where I was when the Gen'^ letter called
me here & where I left them Making trials upon the Vein, till
my return which shall be by the first Opportunity, and till I
receive further instructions from England. This is a fine Vein,
tho She gives nothing at pres^ but stamping Ore which however
is rich, but the Miners expect She may soon [change] to Solid
Ore in which Case She will quickly pay all expences, & I hope
clear Money. She is three feet Wide, runs regular E. & W.
into the Land Under the Mountains and is level free. But what
is very amazing & may surprise any Body, I have Seen within
a Mile and Half of this Vein on either Side Six other Veins
most of as good appearance as this, which may all be wrought
to profit. And at Another place some Miles to the Southw'^
there are four within 20 Passes one of another of rather Better
Appearance and favourable Circumstances, Besides a Multitude
without Number of small transverse Branches some with pure
Coppar. All the Master Veins contain at the Surface Lead,
Yellow & Grey Coppar Ore, to which last they would All seem
to turn when a little down in the Vein Being the predominant
Ore of this Country, & is it seems the Most Valuable. These
are all within twenty Leagues of this, which was the reason I
took the Miners there to wait the result from London, And did
upon my knowledge of them so near at hand, quite the Vessel of
forty Tuns [ ]
I had put upon the Stocks to Build [ ]
I have well advanced & hopes to [ ]
son 1 have now [ ]
to inform you of every thing that Occurs [ ]
But allow me to Add, that with respect to the Indians, I and all
concerned in the C°* affairs have Made it our Study to treat
them with the greatest kindness & humanity without debauching
them with Drink, or giving them too great presents, but
endeavoured to be of real service to them & their ffamilies, of
which and the numberless Benefits they receive by the C° in
selling us fish. Game, Bark, Canoes, &c &c — They are
extremely sensible And at all times and on every Occasion
126 Sir William Johnson Papers
making Returns of thankfuUness and Gratitude in Speeches and
other ways. This is the real State of the Case and will be
wherever the C°^ Affairs lead us. But it is time for me to beg
y^ pardon for this tedious Interruption to y"" more important
Concerns And to Assure You that I have the honour to be with
the most Profound Respect
Sir
Your most Humble And
Most Obedient Servant
Alex**. Baxter
June S"-
Sir: I have had the honour to receive yours of the 5'^ Sep^
this day, and thank you for it. have noted the Contents Tho
I am sorry the C° has not the honour of having you amongst
them. I thank you for myself & them for the honour you do us
in your Good Wishes & kindness which can't but be of the
greatest utility to us. I hope with respect to the Indians there
is not the least danger, especially on the North Side, but y^ lake
is greatly changed, & the prejudice ag^ the English has subsided,
as to the Exp" I believe the transportation from this will hardly
equal the coast of fire Engines, Audites & levels, sinking pits many
hundreds of fath^ often, firing, timber &c to which the Cornish
Mines are Subject [ ] no Mines here are hable
that We have in view, [with] out counting the great Sums of
Money that are often [sp]ent in the Search of Veins in Corn-
wall, & which often are [not] found, tho indeed we have had
enough of Expence in these preparations made allready, but we
have our Veins here laid open to us Some many hundreds of
y*^* so that we have but to beginn to Work. I have again the
honour to assure you that I am With the most profound Respect,
& Gratitude for y"" Good Wishes
Sir
Your Most Humble most Obed"' And
Obliged Servant
Alex"^ Baxter
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 127
GOVERNOR GUY CARLETON's PASS TO ALEXANDER BAXTER
Contemporary Copy^
[Copy] Of Governour Carleton's Pass
By his Excellency Guy Carleton Cap" General and Governour
in Chief in and over the Province of Quebec Vice Admiral of
the Same and Brigadeer Gen' of his Majesty's Forces &c &c
&c &c —
Permit the Bearer M^ Alexander Baxter to pass unmolested
from this to any part of Lake Superiour with his Artificers,
Servants, Toolls, Provisions, Ammunition &c — He behaving as
becometh
Given under my hand and Seal at Arms this 26*^ Day of
June One Thousand seven hundred and Sixty Nine at the City
of Montreal in the Province of Quebec Aforesaid
Signed
Guy Carleton
And
By his Excellency's Command
R. B. LerNOULT Adj*. Major
of Brigade N : District.
This is a true Copy taken at Gloster in the River S*. Maries
Lake Superiour the 25*^ May 1771 by me Alex"^. Baxter
Witness
George Mair
John Thompson
^ Inclosed in Alexander Baxter's letter of June 1, I 771 to Sir William
Johnson.
128 Sir William Johnson Papers
BAPTISTE CADOTTE's CERTIFICATE
D. 5.
Je Sousigne Baptiste Cadotte devant Temoins Certifie que la
Copie du Conseil tenu avec les Sauvages cy dessus contenues
m'ayant ete lue en Anglois et traduit en francois par Alex^
Baxter a Gloster le 3™« juin 1771 est precisement comme il a
passe de part & d'[au]tre
CADOTE
Witness
George Mair
John Thompson
Translation
I, the undersigned, Baptiste Cadotte, certify before witnesses
that the copy of the conference held with the Indians, as set forth
above, having been read to me in English and translated into
French by Alexander Baxter at Gloster the third of June, 1 771 ,
agrees exactly with what took place on both sides.
Cadote
from ferrall wade
A. L. S.
Niagara June 7, 1771
Sir W«.
This is two trips I have been at this [poin]t within this ten
days in a bark Cannoe Breaking my Constitution to struggle with
the World, working at the paddle the whole day with a pasal
of Lazy Indians, & all Owing to M^ Campbells not following
Our Directions, he Might as well not have sent them, as at this
season I am sure it has been £ 1 00 Loss to Us. M^ Campbell
has sent up two One Arrived hear ab'. two hours After me
Yesterday, which was Lucky as I Came On purpose for rum &
tobacco. — the Other is not As yet Arrived. —
^ Inclosed in Alexander Baxter's letter of June 1 , 1771 to Sir William
Johnson.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 129
Since I had the Honour of Writing You Last we have Got
700 & Odd Wt. of Beaver In all we have 1 600 & Odd W».
Beaver. 800 ^^ Leather, 110 Otters, 231 Martins, 18 Minks.
126 Raccoons, 450 Ratts, 3 Wolfs. 5 Katts. 4 Foxes, 30 Bear
Skins, 29 Fishers, &ca all which Except what we Owe at Niagara
(Which is upwards of One Hundred pounds) [ ] we shall
send to Funda to be Intirely Under [his] Directions, you Cant
Imagine the fatigue we have Undergone this few Weeks past,
being sur [rounded by] above two hundred Indians, who stays
hear on p[urpose] to get Drunk with them that trades, when so
[ ] Neither Eat. Drink or Sleep, for my part I
Can[ ] say I have not Eat a meal (Except two at this
post) [ ] forthnight, I am quiet jadged Out, but I
am Determined to spare no pains to get Money. The Dutch is
all going to Teronto. if they Do We are Determined to Lead
them Another Dance, for we know a much better place & all
the Indians. When the Hurry is Over we shall write you Everry
particular, now its Impossible, so will Conclude
With my sincere Wishes for the establishment of your health
and am
My Dear Sir W-".
Your Ever Obliged & Most
Obed'. Humble Servant
Ferrall Wade
INVOICE OF PACKS FROM WADE & KREISER
[ ] of sundry furrs Sent to Sir W"". Johnson Bar*
Ten packs of Beaver N°. 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30.
33,34. W». 1004.—
N°. 17 Con's.
1 1 9 Raccoons
7 Ratts
^ In Ferrall Wade's hand.
5
130 Sir William Johnson Papers
3 Wolves
2 Skins In the Hare
18 Qg. 2 Beavers
412 Mussquash
3 Red foxes
206 Martins
18 Minks
700 ^^ of Leather shall be sent In a few days. —
sent to M^ Campbell
3 packs of Beaver N-. 19, 21, 22 W. 303 lb.
20 Con's. 1 Beaver 1 deer skin & 82
Otte[rs]
35 Con'g. 19 Otters
29 Fishers
27 Martins
3 Minks
72 Ratts
33 parchment skins
1 d°. In the Hare.
two packs sent to Niagara W'. 203'^ Beaver . total
1 p^ Green Rattun 251/2 y< a 8/6 £ 10. . 16. .9
2 p«. Strouds 20
1 d°. of purple knapt SlYzy^' ... 8/6 13.. 7. .9
1 d° of Narrow d". We have no Account of
the price at Least Cant find it
[ ]
INDORSED:^
Invoice of Packs from
Mess" Wade & Kreiser
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 131
COUNCIL MINUTE
Contemporary Copy
At a Council held at Fort George in the City of
New York on Friday the Seventh Day of June J 77 1
Present
His Excellency the Right Honorable John Earl of Dunmore
Captain General &c
M^ Watts
M^ Apthorpe
M^ Smith
M^ Cuyler
M^ Wallace
M^ White
The Petition of Joseph Totten and Stephen Crossfield in
behalf of themselves and their Associates was presented to the
Board and read setting forth, that the Petitioners have discovered
that there is a Certain Tract of Land situate lying and being in
the County of Albany on the West side of the most Northerly
Branch of the Hudsons River, Beginning at the Northeast
Corner of a Tract of Forty Six thousand Acres of Land
petitioned for by Thomas Palmer and his Associates; thence
running South sixty Degrees West to the Northwest Corner
of a Tract of Land Petitioned for by John Bergen and
his Associates ; thence running North thirty Degrees West till it
shall intersect a line coming West from Ten Miles North of
Crown Point; thence East to Hudsons River, thence down the
said River to the North Bounds of a Tract of Land Petitioned
for by Edward Jessup and Ebenezer Jessup and their Associates
of Forty thousand Acres; thence Westerly and Southerly
round the said Tract of Land until it shall come to the
North East Bounds of the said Tract of Land Petitioned for
by the said Thomas Palmer and his Associates being the
place of Beginning — That the said Tract of Land hath not
been purchased of the Indians [ ]
but that the Indian Right thereto [ ]
them. That the Petitioners [ ]
are willing and desirous at their own Expence of [ ]
132 Sir William Johnson Papers
the Indian Right and Title to the Lands before described [ ]
in his Majesty, in hopes of being able to obtain his Majesty's
Letters Patent for such parts of the said Tract of Land as shall
be found fit for Cultivation. And therefore the Petitioners in
behalf of themselves and their Associates humbly pray his
Excellency's Lycense enabling them to purchase in his Majesty's
Name of the Indian Proprietors thereof the Tract of Land
before described, in Order that the Petitioners and their
Associates may be Enabled to apply for and Obtain his
Majesty's Letters Patent for the same or such parts thereof as
upon an accurate Survey may be found fit for Cultivation.
And the said Petition having been referred to a Committee
and the prayer of the Petition reported to be Granted and the
Report approved of. This Board doth humbly advise and
Consent that his Excellency do Grant to the Petitioners and their
Associates Liberty and Lycense to purchase the Tract of Land
described in their said Petition agreeable to his Majesty's
Proclamation of the Seventh of October 1 763 ; or if the Indian
Proprietors of the Lands shall be brought to this City to perfect
and Complete the said Purchase in that Case upon the usual
Cirtificate to be Signed by Sir William Johnson, that the Indians
to be brought before his Excellency are Chiefs of or belonging
to the Tribe or Nation Owners and Proprietors of the said Lands
and that they have Authority from such Tribe or Nation to
dispose thereof
A true Copy
Examined by
G^ Banyar D CI Con
FROM BENJAMIN ROBERTS
A. L. S.
[London June 7, J77t]
I ]
[ ] honored w^ith your favor of the first of February
[ ] infinite pleasure, as I did not know how to Account
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 133
for [your sijlence & not having a Line from any of the family
Except Col° Claus, Concurring Circumstances threw me into a
fever & pleurisce [ con] fined me to my room from the first
of March, till within [a fort] night.
Indeed Sir 'twas the utmost necessity forced me to draw on
you. in one of my first Letters I mentioned about carrying out
goods to America & that I would wait your Answer, had it
come in time 'twould have saved me time Expence & trouble.
Blackburn loaded me with Compliment & Civility, but finding
no Letters for me from your family & an Order to him from
you for Goods, without any mention of my name, also hearing
from Weatherhead that he was bail for me in a Suit at New
York, his beheavier Changed & he look'd upon me as an impostor,
he all along was a friend to Rogers & to this moment I believe
assists him.
There is no prospect of any place or Employment at present
nor is Anything to be done without parliamentary Interest, my
Lord Hilsborough says he has nothing in his Gift. In hopes of
Stirring him up to do Something for me, I laid before him an
Account of many losses & Expences I had been at before I was
in the Indian Department which I had demanded of General
Amhurst, also Expences Since being in the Indian Department
not before Charged, nor would I have [de]manded if continued
for I told him I look'd upon my former [ex]pences paid had
the Employment been confirmed by Parliament, also an Account
of 482 . 6 . 1 out of which I rec< 187.16.11 at New [York]
Some Articles I transmitted back to you which you say the
General [might] like to pay
Lord [ ]
me to mention his name in it [ ]
they might refer back to him, & he would [ ]
I did so & was examined before the board, where I [ ]
ty to make Known the ill treatment I received from [ ]
to shew them how far they had been imposed upon, they [ ]
a favorable report to the Treasury, where I gave in another
[Memo] rial, they Agreed to Support a lawsuit I have here, &
134 Sir William Johnson Papers
refer [ ] Accounts to General Gage to whom they
have sent my M [emorial] & I have sent a Coppy of my Account.
I have & will Charge [ ] my Sallery whilst these suits
are against me, & the treasury think it reasonable I should be
paid, as I am detained here for supporting the Orders of
Government
You might remember you desired me to assist the Sherif of
Albany (if I could meet with one Atherton who had broke out
of Albany Goal) when Schuyler was at your House. I spoke
to Rogers about the fellow, but he would not confine him. next
Season I saw the Sherif again who required under the Kings
Proclamation I should try to have him Stopd. I shewd Spice-
maker the Sherifs Order of 1 766 also another & affidavid 1 768.
besides orders were sent to all the posts with a description of
this Atherton. Spicemaker orderd him to pay the money before
he left the Fort, & not to Sleep out of the Garrison, one night
after the Gates were locked he made his escape over the pickets,
but was brought back, & confined till Scuyler & Macbeth gave
Security for the money, then he was set loose tho he ow'd a
great Sum in the Fort.
This fellow took out a Writ for £4000 damage against me
& has set forth in his declar[a]tion a long [ ]
[ ] apply*^ to my use, being [ ]
[ ] many other most Abominable lies, if
[ ] whilst M^ Goddard was hear I should have Cast
[ ] think by dint of Swearing they will Cast me as
I have [ ] or money & the affair comes on next week.
I must entreat your intercession with the General to [pre] sent
a report upon my Memorial as may procure me payment
[ ] will be the only way I shall ever have it in my
power to pay you, or any body Else. Rogers has been trying
with every body I had the least Account with, to have me
arrested, to get me into prison as well as himself, but [I] have
as yet foiled him, tho fear he may get his Ends at last.
Had the Speech been sent to England that the Ottawas Sent
to you with the Pipe of peace, it would have been of great
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 135
Service to me when the War was talked of. I could have
procured my self an appointment, & the Medals for the Indians,
but now all is peace & Quietness, the Indians are look'd upon
of no Consequence.
I most heartily thank you for Accepting my Bill & for pro-
curing me the Land, as to the Former, I left Memorandums
of Debts due me to Weatherhead & Adams which I thought
would have paid it, but if I have Success here will Speedily
return & pay him, as I intend to live Quiet in that Country, &
have no Employment under the Crown, contenting myself with
my half pay & my farm Stocked. But If I fail —
Inclosed you have a Coppy of the Memorial Sent the General
& there is already a Coppy of the Account in your office. I
shall only add, that the friend I recommended to you, seems
to me & has indeed the reputation of a time Server, he is a tale
bearer to the ministry pumping on all Occasions for Intelligence,
he prides himself much on his friendship for Sir John & being
employ'd by you, yet he is an advocate for Rogers
I have a good deal [ ]
me at Michilimakinak. I wrote to Co' Claus [ ]
is in Employ, his pay may be Stop^ till he A[ ]
as he owes me a large Sum for Goods
A Speedy Answer from General Gage & you will procure
me I hope the greatest happiness I can Enjoy [ ]
pleasure of seeing you & family in good health. I remain w[ith]
constant wishes for your Welfare
Sir
Your most Obedient
Humble Servant
B Roberts
[ ] William Johnson
To
The Honorable
Sir William Johnson Baronet
136 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:^
Lond". 7^ June 1771
L*. Roberts letter
w*^. a Memorial [to]
y^ Lords of y^ Treas[
BENJAMIN ROBERTS PETITION
Contemporary Copy-
(Copy)
[ ] Right Honorable the Lords Commissioners of His
Majesty's Treasury
The Petition of Lieutenant Roberts late
Commissary of Indian Affairs under S^ William
Johnson Baronet
Humbly Sheweth
That your Lordships Petitioner Served during the late War
in America, was present at the Attacks of Ticonderoga, Niagara,
& the Havannah; Likewise Acted in many Extra Branches of
the Service without any additional pay or Emolument & that
by being detach'd from his Regiment, had the Misfortune at two
different times to Suffer a total loss of His baggage.
That Your Lordships Petitioner was, immediately on his
Landing from the Havannah, Chosen & Sent with a detachment
to Niagara to Act against the Indians, he had several Skirmishes
with them during their War, which recommended him to
General Gage & Sir William Johnson, who Knowing his
Influence Amongst the Nations, & that he was thoroughly
Acquainted with their Languages, Country, & Customs
Employ'd your Petitioner in 1 766 to settle Some Commotions
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ This petition of earlier date to the Lords Commissioners of His
Majesty's Treasury was inclosed with Lieutenant Roberts' letter of June
7, 1771 to Sir WilHam Johnson.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 137
Amongst the Indians, & to Act as Commissary, which obUdged
him to Change from his Regiment to half pay to remain in
America.
In May 1769 as your Lordship's petitioner was proceeding
thro the Indian Country pursuant to his Orders, he received a
Letter from Sir WiUiam Johnson [ ]
"Employment as Commisary [ ]
past, that all persons employd under [ ]
paid up to that date & discharged, the Colonies [ ]
to pay all future Expences." The principal Expences of
your Petitioners Journey being already paid, the traders turn-
ing back with their goods, frighted at the many Expresses, that
gave Account of the Indian Nations assembled to Cut off Detroit
& the other posts, forced Your Lordship's Petitioner, to yield
to the entreaties of the Merchants, to proceed on his Journey,
& undertake to disperse the Indians, not doubting but if he had
the good fortune to Succeed, he would be reimbursed his
Expences & be recompensed for so dangerous an undertaking
Your Lordship's Petitioner was forced to Stay at Michili-
mackinak to see the Indians all dispersed then with much
difficulty got down the Country having lost one man thro fattigue
& cold. General Gage & Sir WilHam Johnson Approved your
petitioner's conduct, but the Sum Allow'd for Indian Expences,
being already Apply'd, & the Colonies not voting any for that
Service, your Petitioner was not reimbursed, he was recom-
mended to the Right Honorable Lord Hilsborough who has
refer'd him to your Lordship, after having Seen a full State of
his losses & Expences which Amount to £ 1 258 .13.8 Stg
Your Lordship's Petitioner begs his Case may be Consider'd,
that he has been at great Expence & loss of time in coming to
England of which he makes no Charge. Relying of the great
encouragement your Lordship has always given those that Exert
themselves for the good of the Service, your Petitioner assures
himself of relief & your Lordship's Petitioner will as in duty
bound Ever pray
B Roberts
138 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM JOHN BAPTIST VAN EPS
A. L. S.
Schindy S"- June 1 77 1
HoNNERED Sir
I Recev^ Your feavor of 3*^ Ult I am Sorry of the Baggs
Shot Came So Litt it was Down at the water Side where the
had went out So I Counted the baggs and tock hans Rigtmeir
& John Cammell to be honest men & Let them Goe one thy
whare payd before I Recev^ the answer & thy brought Mee a
Receet of Every thing In good order from M"^ fonda as I always
Gites for Everiting I have Sent up or Els I^^: not payd them
The 5 Artickels are 1 Dray Bar'. 2 boxes 1 Basket w^: Chance
& a Small bagg Coffy which I have Sent up lesterday & one
box More and 3 Large Bales N° 6-7-43 h Cap' M^ Clood^
Barrel Rum Coll° Johnson Barl pork & Coll° Clauss his Kagg
Inclosed of the 2 hhad^ Tobacco which I have here & shall tray
to gite it packet unto one I have also 16 Chists of Gunns here
and Next Thusday I hoop to goe for ail the powder at ones
whit 8 Wag^ as there is more Looding in M'' Van Sants Stoor
I have here about 30 bear Skins of M"^ freasers which •' tacke
Down for fear of Rean I am w^ : Complement Sir Your Most
Obed' Humble Servant
Jn° B V Eps
FROM DANIEL CAMPBELL
Schenectady the 8'^ June 1 77 1
[ ]
[ pjleasure of writing you last I have got
[ ]om my Ilness. I hope I shall Soon be able
to do my Self the happiness of paying my Respects to you. I
long much to See your Lodge at Mountjoy — for by the Dis-
Posl-War Period. 1763-1774 139
cription I have off that Place it must be dehghtfull, & pleasant —
for what greater pleasure can there be then plenty of Fishing &
fowHng. I really think that this Ought to be your principal
Object. I woud devot as much of my time at that Place as
Business would permit for all that you want in this World is
Health, & without it we have verry little Relish for the things
we Call richess.
I have received a letter this day from M"^ James Andrews dated
the 30*^ May from Niagara he mentions that the Beaver Sloop
[ ] is given up for lost — She had 1 27 [ ]
belonging to Jacobous Teller Nick Steven [ ]
Packs belonging to Jacobous & Abraham [ ]
heavy Strock to those People, & [ ]
Robed & taken Prisoners in 1 764, [ ]
the Sloop that was in Company with this Vessel left hir in a
hard Gale of Wind the 1 Ulto : with all [ ] sail up —
the master one Jacobson — poor man was too fond of the grogg
which might Occasion him to Carry too much Sail in order to
keep up with the Other. & as She was verry flatt botomed its
thought she over Sat & Foundered — Cap*. Grant is gone round
the South Side in Quest of hir — God send him good luck —
We are all Rubing up our old rusty Guns & geting our Regi-
mentals ready Against the Governor Arrivel — all I Can do with
old Col° Van Slyck I Cant turn [ ] reform Except
him I beleve [ ] has got their Cloaths ready —
M"^ [ ] got any yet made nor do I beleve
[ ] as he knows there is no Law to Compel him.
there never is any thing to do in the Militia of any Duty but he
Endeavers to prevent there doing it as much as in his power —
we Shall muster verry Small as many are from Home & the
warning will be So Short that I am afraid the Governor may
Suprize us before we know any thing of his Comeing — I am
in hopes we Shall here from Albany before he Sets out — as
Yet no Appearance of his Arrivel at Albany.
140 Sir William Johnson Papers
M". Campbell joins me with her best Complements & am
Dear Sir with the.Sincerest Respect your most Humble & most
Obedient Servant
Daniel Campbell
Sir William Johnson Baronet
FROM JOHN GALLAND
L. S.
Fort Stanwix y^ 8^^ June 1 77 1
[ ]
I think it my Duty to Let you Know the Late Fate of M"".
Wall M^ Governor John Ruff Being Jalous of me in Regard
of him must needs Bannish Him of the Ground he ordered one
of his Emisarys to Breed a Courl with Quine at his owne House
& another of them he Emplyed to Nock Down Wall which
when he Saw he Got upon him & Draged Tore & Beat him most
Unmercifully he Got him by the Heir of his Head as he Lay
on his Back & Draged him from Quines Door to his own House
where he Got a Coard & Bound him fast & then Kept him in
Confindment Which when I Hard of Sent my Corporal to
Demand the Prisoner he Sent me word that I was not Capable
of taking Care of a Murderer & that I had no Bissiness with
him upon which I ordered a file of men to go and Brake open
Every Door on his House & Bring the prissioner into Me. I
Intend to Represent this Case at Head Quarter Where I hope
his Excellency General Gage will Give Me Immadient orders
to Tourn Ruff & all his Gang off this Ground I assure you Sir
his Insolance Is not to be Boren he Even Turns off the Ground
any Man he Does not Like & Brings in Whome he Likes and
Gives them the Best Land Belonging to the King Without my
Liberty I am Sir y"^ Most Obedient Humble Serv*.
John Galland
Postwar Period, 1763-1774 141
FROM JOHN JOHNSTON
[Sinake Country, June 9, J 77 1]
[ ]
[ ] Cayuga Indian, will Inform that [ ]
[hjealth, wishing this may find Your honour so also.
[ ] eight days past Your Messangers the Mohawks
[ K]anadasaga: the next day proceeded forward —
[ ] Sorry to hear by the warriours who have been to
[ Jrthward, of the misunderstanding there is Between
the English and the Indians of that Country: I am at Several
times Informed By those who have Left the Great plains about
20 days ago, that the Indians of the Ilinoies Country are in
General Disafected, Inasmuch nothing more Likely than there
destroying those which reside there of the English and Cuting
of any Communication which may tend that way. By reasons
as they Say of Sundry Insults they have received. Some
Immagines that nothing more Likely than that the french is not
dilatory in Giving there Promises to assist them in ammunition.
However they Seame to one and all in Generall of these Lurking
Warriours, to attribute it being Sole fault to us as Eight of them
who was Lately kilH by the English, four of which Belonged
to diffarent nations, 3 days past By this way a party of the
Onandagos with three Sculps Look^ to my Oppinion two of them
otherwise than Ever Came of an Indian, the most part of the
Indians are now at home, and those of Kanadasaga are now
a makeing of Conoes in Order to Come down By water, they
Seeme to be Very desirious to know what the purport of this
treaty will Be, they have a Stronge Immagination that it will
not Continue peace Very Long. Otoangaut is arrived at home
with his party &c., and all the Sinakees: to Conclude as I Look
on my Self Bound in Duty to Aqquaint Your honour of any
new material which may Come to my knowledge in makeing a
Small retaliation for the many Condesending past favours I have
142 Sir William Johnson Papers
received from You. I should be always Glad to hear from
Your honour as You should be Pleased to write to me at this
Distance remain Sir Your Most Obed'.
Humbl.
Serv*. John Johnston
[ ] be pleased to Caution the Bearars in his
[ ']
I Immagine that Your honour will have a Larger
Body than Either You Expect or desire of the Six nation
which as I am Informed provision
will turn out but Short: I have told Some of them
that the meaning was only a few of Each of there
Chifes perhaps I am mistaking in the date of the
month.
FROM THOMAS GAGE
A. L. S.2
New York June lO^K 1771,
Dr Sir,
Your Letter of the 18'^ April required no particular Answer,
but I had some extracts copied from it, which I thought proper
for Cap*: Edmonstone's^ better Information, and transmitted
them to him at Fort Pitt.
I am since favoured with your Letter of the 24'^. of May, '
which you seem to believe there had been some Mischief hatch-
ing amongst the Indians, and that their scheme was somewhat
disconcerted. I hope you will get as favourable Ace'*, from
Sioto as you expect.
The Many Partys in the Cherokee Country from the North-
ward gave alarm in Carolina, and Projects were concerting of
various kinds, but I don't hear anything resolved upon. They
^ Line cut off.
2 In New York Public Library, New York City.
^ Captain Charles Edmonstone, of the 1 8th regiment, in command at
Fort Pitt.
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774 143
had near overturned all that was settled about the Virginia
Boundary^; they have at length agreed to mark it out, but I
don't find that they abide by their first Bargain", tho' Settled
with the Usual Formalitys by the whole Nation.
M"^: Stewart is gone to Pensacola to meet the Chactaws who
are still at War with the Creeks, the latter have fallen on a New
Method to prevent our Vagabonds settling on their Lands, by
plundering them and destroying their Habitations. They have
served some Familys in W: Florida in that Manner who were
out of their Bounds on Lands the Creeks had not ceded, but
did not hurt their Persons. If all the Nations acted in the same
way and proceeded no further, it would prevent the People
going beyond their Limits & save Much trouble.
I am informed Many Partys are gone out from the Lakes;
and Lieu'. Col°. Wilkins writes, that four or five hundred had
been discovered not far from Fort Chartres; suspected to have
taken or killed a soldier who was Missing.
No Information of the likelihood of a war, from any Ace'*,
but the News-Papers,
I am with great Regards,
Dear Sir,
Your Most Obedient,
humble Servant,
Thqs. Gage
Sr. ^^m. Johnson Bar':
FROM SAMUEL AUCHMUTY
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 487, is listed a letter of June II, 1771,
from Dr Samuel Auchmuty, quoting communications from Dr Daniel
Burton and the bishop of London on the difficulty of extending missionary
^ The Virginia boundary settled at Fort Stanwix in November I 768.
^ The first bargain relates to Indian proceedings with Governor William
Bull of South Carolina and Superintendent John Stuart in 1 765 and
1766. See Doc. Rel to Col. Hist. N. Y., 7:1005, 8:33 and map
opposite 8:30.
144 Sir William Johnson Papers
work in America and discussing the case of a Lutheran minister and of a
dissenting clergyman [WilHam Hanna] who wish to take English orders,
and the demand for an American bishop. (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y.,
4:449-52; Q, 4:280-81.)
FROM WADE & KEIUSER
A. L. S.i
Teronto June 11^^. 1 77 1
I ]
Enclosed you have an Invoice of the furrs we [ ]
by the Return of this boat, which we hope will be Agreeable to
You. had Our boats been hear in the spring we should have had
ten packs more.
I was Oblidged to make two trips to Niagara within ten days
being Out of rum & provisions, had we no Occasion to buy at
Niagara Our remittance would be £300 more, we Owe two
packs at Niagara which we have Ordered to be Left there, N°.
19.21.22. W^ 3031b of Beaver N°. 20 O. 82 Otters. 1
Beaver, 1 Deer skin N°. 35 C^g.
19 Otters
29 Fishers
27 Martins
3 Minks
72 Ratts
33 parchment Skins
1 d°. In the Hare
We have Ordered to Campbell which we hope will be Agree-
able to You, we have 700^^ Leather that the boat could not
Carry which we will send You In a few days, we Also send
2 p^ of Black strouds, 1 p*. of Grunnap, 2 d°. purple d°. Inclosed
you have [the] prime Cost, if they will suit you we beg you will
In Ferrall Wade's hand.
Post-War Period, 1 763- J 774 145
take them they are not salable hear. — what we have traded was
to great Advantage. Beaver sells at Niagara for ten shillings p^
pound Campbell writes Us its Eleven. —
We also send you One [
2 Otter pouches, 2 Beaver d°., 1 Fisher [
Articles we have Got, there is few that [
and all they have Got is 104'^ Beaver & 1 0[tter
are all Distracted they have had hardly any [
this Year. — we are not the Least Uneasy for [
We know a much better place and have had an [
Go I intend Going this fall & Lave M^ Keiuser hear [
Not better Indians On the Continent than this side of [
Lake, we are so hurried at present that we Cant be as pa [
as we Could wish, but the Ind". is Going away in a few days
[ ] him shall write you Verry fully. — we remain with
great Esteem & Respect
My Dear Sir W"".
Your Most Oblidged & Most Ob*.
Humble Serv**.
Wade & Keiuser
P. S. be pleased not to Let
Fonda know we have any Intention
of Going Further he writes to his
Customers at Niagara, & we hope
you will Order it so that we will Get the Market price.
ORDER CONCERNING DEER SKINS
A. D. 5.1
Johnson Hall June 11^. 1771
As the Bearer Richard Mandavil of this place. Breeches
Maker, is in want of leather to follow his Business, If you let
1 In New York State Library. Albany, N. Y.
146 Sir William Johnson Papers
him have a Couple of Packs of Deer Skins fitt for his purpose,
I will See you paid for the Same.
I am Sir Y^ Humble Servant
W. Johnson
P. S. as He is but a new Beginner
here, I doubt not but you will be
as favourable to him as You can.
INDORSED:
Order
fav^ Rich^. Mundevill
FROM JOHN BLACKBURN
A. L. S.
London 15 June 1771
[ ]
[Since my last] of which the within is a Coppy^ I am without
any [of your favors] the present Serves chiefly to enclose
You the Act of Parliament granting a Bounty on White Oak
Staves & Heading, which may be of some Use to You or Your
Farmers — I should imagine that in Your parts, the People may
be employ'd very advantageously upon Such Schemes — I have
been at Lord Hilsboroughs door twice, but He was from Home,
one of the Clerks of the Board of Trade has promis'd to Send
me word if the Grant upon the Ohio was made out but I have
not heard from Him — If M"^ Wharton should Call upon me
or if I can learn that the Grant is made out I [will] undoubtedly
pay the Money — I suppose You would hear of M"^ Penn's
death — if there should be any Business which that Gent" had
under His Management for You & which You suppose me
capable of, I beg You will Comand my best offices — You will
see by the papers that Lord Hilsborough is intended for the
Lord Lieut' of Ireland — my Intelligence contradicts such a
Report & says that Lord Townsend will Continue there for some
^Refers to letter of May 4, 1771.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 147
time longer — the Situation of that Kingdom is very tranquill &
peacable — one may reasonably presage that a peace will soon
take place between Russia & the Turk, as the latter has already
releas'd the resident which had been kept in prison — but it is
not improbable that a War may break out in some other
Quarter —
I am upon all occasions
Sir
Your much obliged and
Very humble Servant
John Blackburn
addressed:
To
Sir W*". Johnson Bar',
at Fort Johnson
near Albany
To the Care of M'. John Weatherhead
Merch*.
^ New York
^ Britannia
Cap: Munds
QDC
INDORSED:^
London 4*'^. May & 1 5^K June
1771 —
M-" Blackburns Letter
FROM JOHN BAPTIST VAN EPS
A. L. S.
Schind^ 15^^ June 1771
[ ]
Receved Your feavore of the 1 O*'^ Ins* Inclosed is the Vouther
for the Quarter Cask of Powder &c as I have the Same for
In Johnson's hand.
148 Sir William Johnson Papers
Every Indevidiall thing I Sent up there So that I have Know
Roome to Detayne or Stopp there pay for I always pay them
Soon after there Return
I shall have the Indian Coarn & hams brought up as Soon as
poassable & Send one battoe Lood of it to Canajogare and the
Next week the Gunns & powder to fondas and Let him Know
that it is to Stay there I must gite the battoes furst Calked
Monday Next and will gite a good Carefull honest men to have
the Care of it believe me Sir I shall tack all the Care and painss
I Can I have here also 4 boxes of pipes & one bale let which
I had forgate to Mention in My Last Letter I am Sir Your
Most Obediant
and Humble servant
Jno B V EPS
ADDRESSED :
To
The Honorab'.
Sir William Johnson Bar',
at
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
June 15* 1771. John
B Van Eps letter w*^. Inclosure
FROM WADE & KEIUSER
A. L. S.2
Teronto June 18^^ fJJ/
I ] Sir William
This Goes by the Indian who Lived with Us Last Winter.
We would not be particular In this as we think he would not
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In Ferrall Wade's hand.
Postwar Period, 1763-1774 149
Scruple of having it Oppened to know the Contents We have
wrote another of the same date with this In which there is an
Account Against him
We are with great Respect
My Dear Sir W"".
Your most Ob'. & Most
Humble servants
Wade & Keiuser
P. S- if You should Receive
this Before the Other pray
Suspend your Opinion Untill
the Receipt of the Other
INDORSED:^
Toronto June ]8^^. 1771
Mess""* Wade & Krieusers
Letter —
FROM WADE & KEIUSER
A. L. 5.2
[Teronto, June 18, 1 77 1]
I ]
In our Last to you from Niagara We promised to give you a
particular Account of Everything, as farr as In Our power we
will, as to sending an Exact Account of the Goods we have on
hand its Impossible the Shop being full, this we are Sure off we
have sufficient to trade off Sixty packs of Beaver — we have 450
Blankets, 10 p* Strouds, 4 d°. purple & bleu knaps I p*.
peneston, I d°. Red knap, 25 Coats, 20 Guns, ab* 200 White &
Calico Shirts, 4 p^ flowered Serge, 1 1/^ Barrell powder, a Vast
quantity of Lead, Bullets, & Shott, 40^^ paint, 1 Barrel kettles,
^ In Johnson's hand.
2 In Ferrell Wade's hand.
150 Sir William Johnson Papers
70 p* Gartering, those is the Large Articles as to small Articles
we have a great Quantity such as Rib^^ silk hand^ Wampum
Silver Work Glass Wampum White beads flints, Steels, Looking
Glasses, knifs, Scizzars, Twine, tin Kettles, hand Bells, Jews
harps Gun screws, Brass, Wine & Rum a good Quantity Caps,
Several other Articles we dont think of. what we have traded
we have done safe & sure & we are sure we have Made more
profit on what we have traded than Any traders of Englishmen
that has been Out, all we want Now is An Assortment & a
sufficient Stock for [ ]
[ . ']
to pay at Niagara, the articles we shall want [ ]
to Much, we have Sent M^ Funda, an Invoice of what
[ ] if he treats Us well he may depend on Our
punctuallity & Custom, we have five traders hear now who is
pretty Sick of it, two of them goes of this Day the rest goes in
three or four, the poor People dont know what to do for some of
them has not traded a single skin Neither at Niagara or hear this
Spring, they have nothing but rum. the Indians hear Likes
Goods & will go where an Assortment is its not Uncommon
with Us to sell a p* of Strouds to One Indian We have another
View besides hear & Where we had an Invitation to Go, &
where I intend to Go & Leave M^ Keiuser hear, and Among
the most Civilized Indians I Ever saw we Make not the Least
Doubt but we shall make double what we did this spring, as the
Indians all know Us far & near & has Assured Us they will
not trade with a french Man if we Continue Among them, we
deal so fairly which they have never been Used too; the french
Imposes on them Most Grossly as for my part you'll see Sir
if God spares my Life I will make money, for I shall spare no
trouble, pains Or fatigue, we hope the Remittance we have
Sent You is Agreeable, you may Depend the Remainder we
will send As soon as possible — we have got a man who
Understands the Language who is Going with me: —
[ •]
^ Line burned off.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 151
[ ] never was so
deceived by Any fellow for ab' 64 weeks & thought Our selves
happy In having him, then he broke Out and proved a Verry
great Rascal to Us Instead of Assistance from him he was a
prejudice to Us, for when the Indians came he Imeadiately got
Drunk, & was more plauge to Us than the Indians that traded
with Us, he cant shout a pidgion Let alone hunt & if he knew
how he is too Lazy, all he is Good for is Cuting wood & wash-
ing the Dishes, if he & his son has cost Us a farthing Its at
Least £50 — so that we shall Look on it as a great hardship
if we are Oblidged to pay him a farthing, its Extremely hard
for Us to be Slaving for a Lazy Rascal, & he is the Greatest
Liar that Ever spoke, we beg you will not be deceived by him
he reported On Us at Niagara, that for my part I drank half
a pint of Rum Everry morning before I got Out of bed Keisuer
could not drink so much raw rum as me but he mixed his but
drank twiced as much as me mixed we brought him to An
Account about it when the Rascal was In the Utmost Confusion,
as there was one On the spot who he told it to, who was W"*.
Hare we told him we would Acquaint you With it, at which he
Was badly frightened, he further had the Imputence to Ask
Us what we would pay him Extranory if he would [ ]
[ ;]
have An Account [ ] him we will
Conclude with Our Compliments to Sir John, the Gentlemen &
Ladies wishing you health & prosperity
My Dear Sir W«^.
Your Most Oblidged & Most
Obedient Humble Serv'^-
Wade & Keiuser
P. S. the Remittance we made Campbell will pay him his first
Ace", h ahiK £ 50 we judge of the second, so that we shall owe
him on the Last two Boats we received ab* £300 which is all
we Owe Except You.
^ Line burned off.
M"" De Lancey
Mr Smith
152 Sir William Johnson Papers
COUNCIL MINUTE
Contemporary Copy
At a Council held at Fort George in the City of New York
on Wednesday the nineteen day of June 1771
Present
His Excellency the Right Hono^'^. John Earl of Dunmore
Cap' Gen' &c
M^ Watts 1 M-^ Cruger
M>- Wallace
M>^ White
The Petition of Jelles Fonda in Behalf of himself and his
Associates was presented to the Board and Read, setting forth.
That there is a certain Tract or parcel of Land situate lying and
being in the County of Albany Beginning about Eight Miles to
the Westward of Fort Stanwix on the West side of the Mouth
of Canada Creek on Wood Creek and running up along the
said Creek so as to complete six Miles upon a straight line;
thence by a Northeasterly Course to the patent granted to Lord
Holland at the Distance of seven Miles from the Mohawk
River, thence along the westerly Line of the said patent to the
patent of Oriskeny, and Westerly along the said patent to the
place of Beginning, so as to comprehend all the vacant Land
to the Wood Creek afore mentioned. Containing by Estimation
about forty thousand Acres of Land be the same more or less.
That the petitioner and his Associates are willing and desirous
at their own Expence to vest the Indian Right and Title to the
said Lands in the Crown, and therefore humbly praying that
his [Excellency will be] favourably pleased to grant to the
petitioner [and] his Associates his Excellency's Ly cense and
per[mis]sion to purchase in his Majesty's Name of the [ ]
Native Indian proprietors thereof, the Tract or pa [reel] of land
before described, in Order to be enabled a[fter] the Completion
of such purchase, to pray for and [to] obtain his Majesty's
PosUWar Period, 1763-1774 153
Letters patent for the said Lands, and to cultivate and improve
the same.
On due Consideration v^hereof, the Board doth humbly advise
and consent, that his Excellency the Governor grant to the
petitioner and his Associates Liberty and Lycense to purchase
the Tract of Land described in their said petition, agreeable to
his Majesty's Proclamation of the 1^. October 1 763 ; or if the
Indian proprietors of the said Tract of Land shall be brought
to this City to perfect the said purchase, then upon the usual
Certificate to be signed by Sir William Johnson Baronet, that
the Indians to be brought before his Excellency the Governor
are Chiefs of, or belonging to the Tribe or Nation Owners and
proprietors of the said Tract of Land, and that they have
authority from such Tribe or Nation to dispose thereof
A true Copy Exam'^ By
G^ Banyar D CI Con
FROM JOHANNES VOLKERT DOUW, JOHANNES BEECKMAN,
AENDRES TRUAEX AND JOHN VISGER
D. S.
Dated in Albany the)
20^^ June 1771 — \
To the Honorable Sir William John :
son Baronet. &c. &c, &c.
[ ] Whose Names are hereunto affixed, being Indian
Traders at Oswego In the Year 1 750 do perfectly know that
the Etwawas Indians came there with a prisoner they had taken
from the Pawny Nation and that M^ Abraham Van Antwerpen
and Company Traders bought said prisoner from their Chief and
by what we have heard paid a Valuable Consideration for him
that he was afterwards sold by them to M"" Harme Gansevoort
154 Sir William Johnson Papers
of the City of Albany, and has serv'd him for the Space of
eight or nine Years as a Slave
We are with the greatest respect
Your very Humble Servant
Johannes Douw
JoH^ Breeckman
Aendres Truaex
John Visger
indorsed :
Certificate
FROM FERRALL WADE
A. L. S.
I ] [Niagara 22 June J 771]
I Arrived hear the Night before Last Cheefly for provisions
Against Winter & Spring As I find we Can have it much
Cheaper than we Can have it up, also to settle Our Account
hear Which I have p^. off. I was taken Extremely 111 hear
Yesterday & thought I was Going to get a fit of sickness but
thank God I am thoroughly Recovered, the Ind". Who goes
with this boat has been Continually Drunk since he has been
hear, & Affronted some of the Officers who was going to Cane
him, Untill I told them what kind of Man he Was & beged
they would not as he was just going Away which prevented
them, he is a sad Rascal, the boats that Goes from hear at
present are all Loaded, which prevents me sending the packs
we have hear Down, but I shall Leave particular Order to send
them by the first Opertunity to M"" Funda.— I hope M^ Funda
will be Expeditious In sending the things we wrote for, as I
wait for Nothing but there Arrival, to set of for my Winter
Quarters to get a house built & to Come [ ]
if we Leave we will send [ ]
than we have this, all the traders [ ]
Nor do I believe Capt". Brown Likes there [ ]
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 155
as it takes some of his perquisites from him. nor do I think
from what I can Learn that he will admit them to go Again.
I am Constantly at his table & a great favourite, the Battoe
the Letters goes by Is just seting Off Otherwise should have
wrote to you the particulars of what I mentioned to you In One
of my former Letters but shall do it before I Leave this place. —
I have the Honour to be with Great Respect
My Dear Sir W"".
Your Most Obhdged & Most
Ob'. Humble Servant
Ferrall Wade
P. S. they Give hear now
1 0/6 p"^ pound for Beaver
& 2 1 / for Otters I hope
whoever you Order to sell Our
furrs as they are prime stuff
will sell them for Our Interest
ADDRESSED :
To
The Honourable
Sir W"* Johnson Bar'
at Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
June22d 1771 —
& 301^. M^ Wades letter
FROM AUGUSTINE PREVOST
A. L. S.
Albany 22^ June 1771
[ ]
I came heere last Wednesday in order to take up the three
protested Bills of Col° Croghans and at the Same time to
^ In Johnson's hand.
156 Sir William Johnson Papers
endeavour to Sell the two Small patents of half pay Lands which
I find to be a very difficult task, no one having Money, however
by the advice of Harry Cuyler & John Stevenson I propose
Staying heere Some days of this insuing Week, there being a
large Concourse of people Expected for the Court when I may
probably find a Chap having an absolute want of money to pay
Joseph Brant, & others on the Mohawk river, who are ever
teazing me on that head
You will please to pardon my not attending at Johnstown next
Munday, on this account, as my Staying heere a few days may
Save me a return to this place
I have the honor to be with the most profound respect
Sir
Your most Obed' most
Humble & Grateful Servant
Aug Prevost
The Honorable
Sir William Johnson
Baro».
INDORSED:^
[22d] June 1771 —
Major Prevosts letter
FROM JAMES RIVINGTON
A' York June 24, 1771
[ ]
[ Tr]yon has been very Success [ful]
[ ] this troublesome Regulators, Whom
[ ] Severely checked by diminishing
their Numbers. He is expected here this week or fortnight. Our
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 157
present Governor is resolved or keeping the Government, if
possible, he has employed every power that he could inlist at
home for this purpose. And I well know that M"" Tryon's heart
& Soul are set upon this Seat of Government in preference of
any other in the Western World, so that unless the pacquet,
which is hourly expected, should decide peremptorily in favor
[of] Lord Dunmore, we shall have a new and, [most] likely,
a very uncommon Scene acted in this [ci]ty. We have nothing
else new. I am
Sir William
Your most faithfuU Serv'
Ja R
The Enclosed was forgot to be packed
with M"^ Adam's things, it is the Top of
an Urn for Tea.
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S.
New York 24 June 1771
Sir William
Your last Favour inclosed me an Order for the Balance of
my Account. I have not demanded it on M"^ Mortier — The
proprietor's of Oriskene have yet left 2 full shares unpaid, but
I hope M^ J DeLancey and M^ John H Cruger will soon pay
them to M"". Wallace, who will then pay the whole to me at
which Time I shall be enabled to pay the Officers their Fees
for those two large Grants — Preston and the others In a
former Letter you desired me to advance the Fees of M"". Adam's
proportion of the Indian Purchase back of Gary's Land on the
South Side of the Mohawk River; his Fees enclusive of the
Surveyer General's amounted to £ 1 1 2 . . 1 4 . . 1 1 1/2 which Sum
I advanced and shall charge the same to your Account. I wish
when Adams comes to Town you would empower and order him
or any other Person to receive for you what remains due from
158 Sir William Johnson Papers
General Gage and the Walter Family. I mention this not to
avoid the Trouble to myself, but because I think you will
Sooner get it by that Method than by leaving it to me, as I have
spoke about it several Times without Effect — As to the Earl
of Illchester's you'l be careful that it is not included within the
purchase to be made in that Quarter by Jelles Fonda & asso-
ciates unless they pay you the Monies you have advanced. You
mention'd in a former Letter that I had left several particulars
unanswered — pray point them out that I may do it without any
longer Delay — There are Doubts it seems whether M"^
Renselaer^ got his Commission which he sollicited when here.
The Governor and Cap' Fay are both out of Town, or I should
inform you with Certainty as to that Matter — We Expect
Colonel Tryon in about 1 Days or a Fortnight, By which Time
I imagine the Packet will disclose to us the King's pleasure in
respect to M^ Tryon's Commission
I am D S-^ William
your affectionate &
dev*. Servant
G^ Banyar
ADDRESSED :
To
the Honorable Sir William Johnson
Baronet
at
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
N York 24'I> June 1771
M^ Banyar's letter
^ Lieutenant Colonel John Van Rensselaer.
2 In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 159
FROM HARRY MONRO
In the Johnson Calendar p. 488, is Hsted a letter of June 25, 1771,
from Rev. Harry Munro, Albany, forwarded by Joseph Brent, concerning
an attempt to disturb the peace of his congregation, (printed in Doc. Hist.
N. Y., 4:452-53; Q, 4:282.)
TO DIRCK BRINKERHOFF
Johnson hall June 27^^. 1771
Sir,
I am favored with your Letter of last Month in answer to
mine concerning M^ Tice, — Since which the Lands he is con-
cerned in have been divided, and the Deeds for partition are now
preparing so that he will Soon have it in his power to make a
Conveyance of his part, on which head I cannot but advise you
to accept of his proposals, because I can truly say they are of
good Value, from their Situation between two large Settlements,
and much nearer to the Market than any other of the new Pur-
chases, neither can I avoid Suggesting that from the State of his
circumstances hitherto your debt will be much better secured at
any rate, than if he should go about to dispose of it to others —
I mention this from honest motives, having not the least concern
with his Affairs, but that as I see him now Industrious, I could
wish to see him yet enabled to acquire an honest livelyhood, —
I believe he has been less carefull but am walling to hope he is
not ungratefull Indeed he has always spoken well of his
Creditors but I very much doubt whether it has been in his power
to pay any large debt as his Charges at first settling here must
have gone far into his profits & he was inclined to think that
the Land wo*^ have been agreable, from the advantages it
possesses. If therefore upon farther consideration of the matter,
you will accept it, I am really of opinion you'll find your
Advantage in it.
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
160 Sir William Johnson Papers
I am much obliged to you for your offer of the Gore of Land
but as my Tract is large, & I have caused the rear Line to be
well Marked with Monuments, I w^. not incline to take in a
piece behind it.
M'* DiRCK Brinkerhoff
INDORSED:
June 27th 1771 _
To M^ Dirck Brinkerhoff
concerning M*^. Tice.
TO THOMAS GAGE
Johnson hall June ZJ^K 1771
D« Sir,
I have had the favor of your Letter of the 1 0'^. Ins' and about
the same time receiving intelligence by Messengers from Tho*.
King that he was arrived with his party at the Scioto plains, the
usual Meeting place from whence he had sent belts & Messages
to the Sev' Nations to meet him there, — That he had since sent
other Messages to hasten them, but that as these Nations had
but newly left that place where they had held a great Council
he attributed their delay thereto; and that he purposed to send
once more throughout them to Assemble to receive the purport
of the Embassy w'^ which he was charged. — Agreable to what
I mentioned in a late Letter, I sent a Message desiring to speak
with the Chiefs of each Nation and have Just now heard that
they are on the Road and may be expected down within a few
days, when I shall take the best measures I can with them in
Consequence of the late Intelligence. —
The Measures taken by the Creeks to restrain the Settlers
within bounds, are the best that can be devised, so long as they
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 161
Extend no farther, but It's Extremely difficult to say what lengths
either they or the frontier Inhabitants will go, when provoked,
as neither pay much regard to Laws or Government
[To] His Excell-y
[Lt Gen^] Gage
indorsed :
June 27th 1771 —
To Lieut Gen'. Gage
FROM RICHARD SHUCKBURGH
A. L. S.
[ ] Schenectady 28 June 1771
[Do]ctor Muirson fâ„¢ Long Island who [ ] kindly
of You called at my house this [ ] piece of Intelligence
w*='^. I send [ ] amusement tis quite fresh fr*" N. York
[ ] nothing to add but my best wishes for y^ health
mine is restored so far as relates to the acut[e] disorder I com-
plained of lately & am with great respect
Y"" most Obedient & most humble Serv*.
RlCH° SCHUCKBURGH
P. S. this intelligence I got copyed
fâ„¢ a Manuscript he gave me
ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE AT THE ALAMASA RIVER
[The battle]' at the Alamasa River was on the 16*^. May
[Governor's] Army was 1 1 00.
[The] Regulators — about 3000.
^ In handwriting of Richard Shuckburgh, and inclosed in his letter of
June 28, 1771, to Johnson.
^ Battle between the troops of Governor Tryon of North Carolina and
the so-called Regulators, May 16, 1771.
6
162 Sir William Johnson Papers
The Governour before the Battle sent a Message to the Regu-
lators to Lay down their Arms and Deliver up their Principals
or Ringleaders which they refused.
The Governour sent a second Message by the High Sheriff
if they did not disperse in one Hour he would fire on them, In
Conformity to an Act of Assembly pass'd last Session for that
purpose which they also refused and treated both Messages with
Contempt.
During the Hour Stipulated the Regulators call'd out for
Battle and Some came within the Governour's lines and wounded
several of the Governours Army, when the Hour expired the
Goverour order'd the Coll°. of the Artillery to fire which he
instantly obey'd on which ensued a Heavy fire on both sides
for Two Hours, of the Governour's party 10 Kill'd & 60
Wounded, of the Regulators 300 Kill'd & wounded, 30
Prisoners & 60 Horses taken by the Governours party.
A few Days before the Battle a number of Gentlemen from
the back Settlements on Horseback well equipp'd offered their
Service to the Governour formed themselves into a Troop & were
of great Service.
After the Battle the Governour issued a Proclamation to
pardon all those who would surrender themselves, deliver up
their Arms and take the Oaths of Allegiance, in 1 2 Days after
the Battle 1300 Surrendered and more were daily coming in.
Colb. Waddle was intercepted by the Regulators with about
400
This Ace*, is from a Gentleman who was in the Battle & in
the Camp 12 Days after the Battle.
INDORSED :*
Ace' of the Battle at the
Alamansee River fought
the 16^ May 1771 —
^ In Johnson's hand.
Postwar Period, 1 763-1 774 163
FROM JOHANNES LAWYER
Schoharry June 28 — 1771
Honoured S**, I have Received the within Letter From m'
William Smith of the City of New York which gives me to
understand that your honour and the honourable S"^ Henry
Moore Deceased have paid their full proportions of their
Right In their Right of the Six and thirty thousand acre
patent granted to your honour S"^ Henry Moore My Self and
others tho it is true your honour and S"^ Henry Moore has paid
their full proportion of the Said 36 thousand acre patent Except
the Indian Right and what your honour and S"^ Henry Moore
has paid more then your par[t] for the Said patent You Shall
have again or [ ] much Land out of the patent to the
Value of the money and Desiring that your honour will Send
me and answer of what you intend to Do In what is mentioned
in the within Mentioned Letter and so No more at present from
me your friend and most humble Serv*
Johanes Lawyer
addressed :
To the
Honerable S^ William Johnson
Att
Johnsons Hall
INDORSED:^
June28^ 1771
M'. Joh*. Lawyer
rec^. at y«. Month
of July —
Ans^. July 4 [ ]
^ In Johnson's hand.
164 Sir William Johnson Papers
MEMORANDUM
D.
June y^ 28^ 1771
Memorandum
For Files for the Smith
Three Large Coarse Rubers
Four Flat D"
8/
Four Half Round Large D°
8/
Four Smal Flat D°
3/6
Two three Square Large D°
3/10
Two Ratt tail D°
2/3
Two Flat Smooths
6/
one Half Round D°
3/
Four warding files
1/5
£1-16-0
TO GOLDSBROW BANYAR
In Doc. Hist. N. Y., 2:984-85; Q, 2:570, is a letter to Goldsbrow
Banyar concerning an Indian who professes to be a Shawanese but appears
to be a Pani slave; suggesting that the Indian be allowed to work for
his freedom rather than be sent as a slave to the West Indies. Dated
June 28, 1771.
FROM WASSEL VAN SCHAICK
A. L. S.
Albany 29 June 1771
Sir William Johnson Bar*:
Jest now Recived your faver I have furnist your order excipt
the 3 Corse Robbers I had not nor Cole Git them Sheet Iron
I Donte No of Any In towne but I Expact it Every Day from
home In haste
Sir
Your Humble Servant
Wessel Van Schaick
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 165
INDORSED:^
Alby. June29, 1771
M"". Wessel Vanschaiks
Letter & Bill of Parcels
FROM JOHN BAPTIST VAN EPS
A. L. S.
Schindy 29iK June 177/
HoN«''. Sir/
I Receved Your favore by the post & will Send up a battoe
of Coarn to M"^ Fondas on Monday Next, June 21*'^ I Sent a
battoe Lood to M'^ fondas with 4 boxes of pipes 1 bale blanckets
N° 4 one hhad one barrel & 1 Cask not full all three Tobacco
Do 21 To 1 battoe to Do. with 8 barrels 13 half D". & 1
Quarter Cask of Powder and 4 boxes of Gunns.
D° 21 to 1 Battoe to Do. with 7 barrels 16 half D" of Powder
& 4 boxes of Gunns.
Do 24 To 1 Battoe to Do. with 10 boxes Gunns 1 hhad
Tobacco and Isaac Ross his bar^. pork.
Do 26 To 1 Battoe to Do with 6 Chists Gunns 23 gammons
1 Bell & the hammor & 24 Skippels of Indian Coarn
Do 26 To 1 Battoe Lood to Canajogaree w**. 75 Skippels of
Indian Coarn and for Joseph 1 plow Shaer & 2
Blankets
The Indian Coarn Came in a bad Condition if I had not to a
had a Large please & workt Every Day in it to Eaze it it whould
not been good for any Greater it all but happely it Came in a
good Dray time to Dray it I dont Doutch but M' Adems
aquanted Your Honer of it as he was present when Some of it
Came & what Quanty
I am Sir with Complements
Your Most Obediant H. Servant
Jno B V EPS
^ In Johnson's hand.
166 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:'
June 29^ 1771 —
M^ Van Eps Letter
ADDRESSED:
To
Sir William Johnson Bar*. &c &c
Johnson Hall
FROM FERRALL WADE
Niagara June SO^K 177/
Dear Sir W".
I have been hear this ten days Extremely ill of a favour, at
present I am pritty Well Recovered and Intend seting off In two
days this is the Last time we shall be hear for Another Year.
I have sent to M*". Funda Six packs of parchment skins W'.
632"'. — if you think proper to Let M^ Campbell have half of
them it will be a means to Establish our Credit as You desire
We may, however we Leave it Intirely to yourself not having
wrote a word to Campbell about them.
I promised you Sir, to give you my Reasons why I dont keep
up Any Correspondence with my Brother Francis, before I
went to Europe Wells & Wade Owed Frank & Me a Large
sum of Money. I being In Phi*. Frank told me he thought I
had better go. I Agreed to it & set of with a full power of
Attorney to take Goods or Anything On his Account, & after
I rec*^. the Goods was to sell them to be best Advantage. I
Arrived at Mon[ ] was there two Months before I could
bring them to [ ] Settlement. In that time I rec*^. several
pressing Letters from Frank, his great Want of Money, I sent
him a [ ] of my Own On Mess". Barckley & Jons
^ In Johnson's hand.
Postwar Period, 1 763-1 774 167
for £300. Sters. Money I had Lodged In England, after
that I got to the Amount of £ 1 500 Currency In Remnants &
Other bad goods which I sold at Publick sale & has shown him
the sales & the Goods I rec^. did not pay me what Frank Owed
me besides the £300. — he had a draft from me for £141
more, he was also to pay half my Expences which he has taken
Care to Give me no Credit for, still he persists that I Owe him
six or seven hundred pounds. I told him My sentiments Clearly
about it when In Phi*, he told me then he hoped if it was Ever
In my power that I would not take Advantage of his power.
I told him it was no Advantage but doing myself justice, if I
had £ 1 0000 I never will pay him a farthing of it without he
Can Recover it by Law, which I know he cannot having had
the Advice of a Imminent Lawyer on it.
[Any] One he thought I had any Connection with he tells
[ ] Writes what Money I Owe him, which is a great
prejudice to me. now Sir, I will Let you know his behaviour [to]
me. when I was In the Greatest Distress that Man could be,
when I came to Phi*. In a most Deplorable Condition it was
an Acquaintance Rec'^. me not my Own flesh & Blood as to
Frank he had the Baseness to tell me he Could not Ask me to
his house I was such a Vagabond Instead of Softening my
Misfortune, neither did I Eat or Drink In his house. Even
when I was Leaving Phi*, he never had the Nature to take
Leave or see me, nor to know Whether I had a penny In my
pocket, this is a B"^. with whom I have Laid out thousands of
Your Money Sir, & My Own then nothing was too good for
me. my Sister was something better, but not much, for she was
Constantly Driving daggers to My heart by reproaches for what
was past, she gave me but £5. — Coming Away a small sum.
but a Worthy friend of mine gave both Cloaths & Money,
after such behaviour I am sure I have no Right to Correspond
with them, at the same time I wish them All happiness which
168 Sir William Johnson Papers
I believe is Lost from me [ ] My Compliments to
Sir John, the Gentlemen & Ladies and believe me to be Eternally
My Dear Sir W"".
Your faithfull & Most Oblidged
& Most Humble Servant
Ferrall Wade
FROM SERENA JOHNSON BELL
A. L. S.i
Earsdon 1
2 July I77l\
May it Please your Lordship/
I make bold to Write these few lines to your Lordship & to
Satisfy you of being my Father, y"" Lordship may think it Strange
of not being acquainted Sooner, which I would have done, but
I living in a Village in the Country together with the nature of
my Birth and being dash'd at such an Undertaking were the
Obsticles that retarded my Writing. I hope your Lordship will
please to hear the Account I am able to give and what my
Mother made me Sencible of before her Death Sometime about
Fifty Years since y"". Lordship lay at Berwick I believe w'*^ the
Regm' you then belong'd to. My Mothers name was Sarah Bassit
Daughter of Richard Bassit a native of Ireland, My Mother
Sarah Bassit who then was a Young Woman dress'd your Linnen
the time you lay in Berwick, she then prov'd with Child to your
Lordship but was not discoverd till you were gone from Berwick
none of the Family had the Oppertunity of Seeing you since
I have been Married 30 Years to one Rich"^. Bell of Earsdon
I have bom him 5 Sons & 5 Daughters Viz* Isabella Jane
Serena Ann & Mable Ann is dead the rest living the Names
of my 5 Sons is Henry Richard John Joseph & WilHam my
eldest daughter is Married to one Jos'^: Lamb of Newcastle a
^ In New York State Library, Albany, N. Y.
Post-War Periol 1763-1774 169
very Honest & Credable Man — She has born him 3 Sons &
3 Daughters Viz* Joseph Rich^. & John Marg*. Martha &
Isabella as I had not the Happiness of having your Lordship to
do any thing for me if you'd please to think upon y^ Grand-
childer or any of y^ great Grandchilder as they are the fruits
from y^ Lordship's Body and by helping them to a little
advancement as y"^ Lordship may think fit, wou'd be a means
of adding a Luster to the Family they have all very good
Charectors w*'^ can be attested and hath behavd themselves very
well this far tho they are but Young My Husband bear's an
excellent Charector & is esteem'd by all that knows him So I
conclude & makes bold to Subscribe my Self y^ Dutifull
Daughter
Serena Johnson
but now Serena Bell
If your Lordship be pleased to Send me an Ans'. Please to
Direct for Richard Bell Heelmaker in Earnsdon to the care
of M""^ Mary Guardam the Sign of the Blank & Gray in Norpeth
Northumberland
ADDRESSED:
To
S'. W"". Johnson Bar*.
at New York
in
North America
INDORSED:^
Earsdon 2^. July 1771
Mr\ Serena Bells letter
^ In Johnson's hand.
170
Sir William Johnson Papers
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Post^War Period, 1 763-1 774
171
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172 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM JACOB SNELL
A. L. S.
Canajoharry July 3^. 1771
Honourable Sir,
I am Desired From William Empie Liveing In Stonraby and
Hendrick Wolleber Living on M^ Henery Vandreesses Land
To Trouble Your Honour With a Few Lynes Informing You
that they Would take up three Certain Lotts of Land out of Your
tract of Land here and are Known By the Name of Lott N°. 6,
N°. 7 and Lott N°. 8. if they Could have it upon a Certain
Term of So many Years for the Same Rent mentioned In your
advertizement That is to Say For 50 or 60 or 70 or 80 Years
According to S^ WiUiams mind, otherwise For term of three
Lifes if they Could have it on Such a Condition to take y^ first
Life Upon themself and that they Could have the Liberty to
Will the other two Lifes to their Children afterwards, if S^ Wâ„¢.
Would agree to this they Say that their are severall more on
Stonraby Which Would then Dispose off their Land and Settle
on Your Land. This two persons have Been Down a few Days
ago But having hath no Oppertunity to Speake to S"^. Wâ„¢.
They Further Beg the Favour of Your Honour For an Answer
In a Few Lynes
I am
Sir
Your Most Humble
Servant
Jacob Snell
from JOHN BLACKBURN
A. L. S.
London [July 3 1771]
Sir
I had the Honor of writing you [^ Capt Munds Copy]
whereof You have herewith — since which am without [any of
Post-War Period. 1763-1774 173
your] Favors — one of the Clerks at the Board of Trade [has
wrote me] a Letter that no such Grant has yet been given to
M'' Wharton & I fear from some hints that this Gent" is not in
the most flourishing Circumstances — M"^ Roberts Call'd upon
me a few days ago & mention'd His having receved some money
from Government on Acco* of His disbursements & Services &
was promis'd a provision in case of any Vacancy in America —
I wish he may succeed — but am fearful He don't pay that
attention to His own Interest which His own Friends wish
Him — every good office in my power shall be extended to Him
on Your Account — as I really believe Him to be a very honest
though imprudent Man.
We have little or no News Stirring but what the publick
prints will inform You of; the Bustle about Sheriff is decided
in favor of Wilkes — & some Persons imagine He will be the
means of creating fresh trouble in the City — I hope You will
not think my Letters impertinent, as they flow from a Motive
of Respect — for be assur'd that it will always afford me a
particular pleasure in testifying to You how much I am
Sir
Your obliged & obed hble Serv*
John Blackburn
addressed :
To
Sir W"". Johnson Bar*,
at Fort Johnson
near Albany
To the Care of M^ John Weatherhead
Merchant
New York
New York 28 Aug'. 1771
Receivd & forwarded by Sir
Your most Humble Servant
John Wetherhead
^ pacquet
174 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:'
London 15'^^ June [ ] July
1771 —
M^ Blackburns letters
TO CHARLES INGLIS AND SAMUEL AUCHMUTY
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 489, are listed two letters of July 4, 1 771 :
one to Rev. Mr Inglis, stating the obstacles to the Christianization of
Indians and reasons for their conversion to the English church, mentioning
a conference with 300 Indians (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:453—55;
Q, 4:282^83) ; and one to Dr Samuel Auchmuty, considering the English
churches at Conajoharee and Johns Town, the Lutheran minister and
(WilHam Hanna) in connection with English orders, and the appHcation
of the Maryland and Virginia clergy for an American bishop (printed in
Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:455-57; Q. 4:284.)
FROM DIRCK BRINKERHOFF
Albany July 4^K 1771
Sir
I had the Honour of Writing you the 25*^. May in Answer to
Yours of the 23^. February which did not come to hand untill
the 8'^. May and as have Reason to think you have Rec*^. my
Letter it being Deliverd to Major Fonda by the person who
Carried it from New York, have been some time in Expectation
of your answer. Especially as some part of the Letter Contained
Proposals about Exchanging the Gore of Land I had drawn in
Glens Patent for one of yours which Coll° Glen Informed me
you was willing to do, therefore Should be Glad if I Could be
favoured with a Line from your Honour, as I Shall Stay in
Albany untill Tuesday Next and Can by no means Come up
In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 175
to your Seat this time otherwise Should with pleasure wait On
you
1 am & Remain your Honours Most
Obedient Hbl^ Serv*.
DiRCK Brinkerhoff
The Hon«. Sir W". Johnson
Barronet
TO JOHANNES LAWYER
r 1 Johnson hall July 4^^ 1771
I have received your Letter, with the Inclosed one from M^
Smith concerning the patent near Scohare, The Style of whose
Letter a little surprised me because I never once heard of any
Attorneys being appointed for the Representatives of S^ H
Moore till I received yours, but on hearing that his Executors
were gone from N York was uneasy least it might occasion some
difficulty and delay in the Partition of the Lands which I am
very anxious to have settled, and as desirous that it may be done
soon, as the Representatives can possibly be, — I can therefore
see no just reason for M^ Smiths accusing you of neglect, or
writing as he has done, for the reasons I have given, and as the
death of S^ H Moore before the partitions of the Lands may
perhaps make an alteration In the Usual forms, and render it
necessary for us to act with proper Caution, I really think we
should first take the advice of Council respecting the Manner in
which we are to proceed, at the same time acquainting M^ Smith
that you & the other parties will as soon as possible do whatever
is Just on your parts, you being as desirous to put an end to the
business as he can be. —
M*^. JoHs Lawyer . .
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
176
Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED ;
July4'h. 1771.—
To M^ J Lawyer at
Scohare, concerning the
Patent in wch the late S^ H Moore
was concerned. —
POSTAGE ACCOUNT^
D. S.
Sir William Johnson's Account of Postage
1 770 dwt
May 1 1 4 Letters 36
20 1 Do 5
June 2 1 Do 18
25 3 Do 14
30 1 Do 5
Aug* 11 1 Do 18
17 2 Do 20
20 1 Do 6
Sept"^ 2 1 Packet 42
1 Do 10
Octo"- 6 1 Letter 6
13 2 Do 23
20 1 Do 5
Nov>^ 9 2 Do 14
23 2 Do 12
Dec^ 8 1 Do 5
23 1 Packet 28
1771
Jany 2 2 Letters 10
19 3 Do 20
Gr
16
8
16
16
8
16
16
8
8
8
Inclosed in Monier's letter of July 29, I 771 to Sir William Johnson.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774
Feby 2 2 0° 14
Mar^ 3 1 D° 4
10 2 D° 10
17 1 Do
24 1 D«
30 1 Do
April 6 3 Do
20 2 Do
27 1 Do
Bro' forward
th
Brot Forward
May 1 1 6 Letters
25 2 Do
177
456 . . 1 6 at 3^^ Sterling
is £9. .15. .9
JN° MONIER
Bro*. Down £9.. 15. .9
Deduct a Ballance
due to you last
year being overpaid 6 . . .4
Due to the Post office
JN° MONIER
NB There was 41 /5 1/2 more due
to you, but as that was the amo*.
of Colonel Claus and Johnsons
last years Postage, I Stopt it
agreeable to Colonel Johnsons
order
JM
5
8
14
16
4
16
12
11
8
5
8
383
8
dwt
Gr
383
8
57
8
16
456
16
178 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:
Sir William Johnson's
Acco* of Postage up to the
4 July 1771
£3..11..0
FROM JOHN BROWN
A. L. S.
Niagara S''' July 1771
Sir
Monsieur Maisonville will have the honor of presenting you
with this He has mentioned to me some reports that they had
lately at Detroit, with regard to the Put,to,v/at,ta,mies, and
Ke,ca,pus, having taken some white Scalps from Fort Charteres
the first one, and the Latter four. Monsieur Maisonville left the
Illinoise this Spring and no doubt is able to give you Several
particulars — He informs me that His Principal Bussiness at
New York is on acco* of Some Lands that were granted to him
and others, by Pondiac and some other Indian Cheifs in the name
of their patron in presence of Colonel Croghan, and on which
Lands he has expended Considerable Sums of money in Build-
ing &*=*. He adds that now the Houses are orderd to be
evacuated and thrown down. He means to Sollicit your Pro-
tection, as you are much better acquainted with the Gentleman's
merit & Services than I can pretend to inform you, it is unneces-
sary for me to say any more on that Subject.
Our Neighbours the Ind"* Still continue to make professions
of Friendship, I hope that they are Sincere, They sometimes
mention their Expectations of a Visit from you this Season —
At,ton,got, has been lately here, he says that he will go no more
to War, but will remain in his [ ] to assist in keeping his
people in good order.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 179
I have the honor to be with the greatest respect
Sir
Your most obedient and
Most humble Servant
John Brown
The Honb'^
Sir W^ Johnson
indorsed:^
July 8* 1771 —
Cap'. Browns letter
^ M^ Maisonville
Ans^'^ —
FROM GEORGE DEMLER
Bristol on Delaware
July 8"". 1771 —
Sir
last weeck I had the pleasure to receive your favour of 6''^. of
last month and return you heereby my hearthy thancks for the
Speedy Conveyance of the Draft on M"". Mortier, as also for
your Kind Expressions in my favour Regarding the works to be
Carried on at Philadelphia.
The Peacable accounts we received lately from England have
in Some measure put a Stop to the Said works; and the final
result wether they are to be put in Execution depends on the
Meeting of the Assembly of this Province which is to be next
September. — this intervale gives me time to recruit my Health,
with the assistance of the Bath heere, of which I have all ready
received great benefit. —
^ In Johnson's hand.
180 Sir William Johnson Papers
I remain with my best wishes for your Heahh & Prosperrity, &
with perfect respect
Sir
Your most obedient
& most humble Serv*
Geo. Demler
S«. William Johnson.
as Several of my Letters to
M'. Prevost have been very long
on the Road before they reached
him, I have taken the liberty
to enclose one heere and beg youll
pardon my freedom in so doing
INDORSED:'
Bristol on Delaware
JulyS'h. 1771 —
M^ Demlers letter
w''^. an Inclosure —
FROM JAMES RIVINGTON
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 489, is Hsted a letter from James Rivington
to Sir William Johnson, written at New York City July 8, 1771
acquainting with the arrival of Governor Tryon from North Carolina
and with a difference between France and Spain over the Jesuits.
Destroyed by fire.
^ In Johnson's hand.
Posi-War Period, 1 763-1 774 181
FROM THOMAS BARTON
A. L. S.i
Lancaster, July 8'^ 1771 —
Dear & worthy Sir,
When your most kind Letter, of the 28'^^. of Feb:, came to
Hand, I had some Reason to apprehend that I was on my
Journey to that "far Country, from whose Bourne no Traveller
returns" — An Obstruction in my Liver, which I had felt for
several Years, attack'd me so severely in the Spring, that I was
obliged to go Abroad for Relief — This prevented that Atten-
tion, which was due to your Letter; & which I shall ever be
ambitious to pay you — By a constant Use of the Puruvian Bark
I am now in a fair Way of being restored to my former State
of Health — I am thus particular that you may know the Cause
of my long Silence, & that I may have the better Claim to your
Indulgence.
I deem it no small Part of the Felicity of my Life that I have
the Honour of Sir William Johnson's good Opinion & Friend-
ship — I am sure I have much more Reason than he has to
"regret the Distance & Peculiarity of Situation", which seclude
us from "a more friendly Intercourse" — I beg Leave therefore
to assure him, with great Sincerity, that no merely selfish or
mercenary Consideration should detain me from the Pleasure of
a nearer Communication with him — But tho' I am for the
present depriv'd of this Satisfaction, yet I cannot relinquish the
Hopes that I shall one Day enjoy it, & partake. Worthy Sir,
of those "pleasing Prospects", which you have so elegantly
represented —
Your Account of M^ Stuart does him much Honour — There
can be no Doubt but he will do Credit to his Appointment —
He is a prudent, sensible, good Man, & will be zealous in the
Discharge of the important Duty he has undertaken — I have a
^ In Library of Congress, Washington, D. C.
182 Sir William Johnson Papers
Letter from D^ Burton, of the 5'^. of April, in which he observes
that the Society are very attentive to all your Recommendations;
& are resolv'd, as far as their Funds w^ill allow, to make the
Mohawk Country a principal Object of their Attention &
Bounty ; — at least till such Times as the Government shall be
pleas'd to take the Expence of civilizing & instructing the Heathen
upon themselves; which, he says, "has been frequently suggested
as a prudent Measure both in a political as well as religious
View" — And he thinks "Something considerable was intended
to have been done this Session of Parliament, & perhaps may be
done still, if the present disturb'd State of Affairs at Home will
permit" — Whenever this Matter becomes a national Concern,
as it one Day or other most certainly will, we may expect to
see a glorious & compleat Reformation in the Indian Country —
To you. Worthy Sir, this pious Work already owes a fair
Beginning — You have built Churches at your own Expence ;
& have greatly interested yourself in the Settlement of Mission-
aries &c. — May you live to experience the happy Effects of
your Zeal & Generosity — to feel the Comforts of an applauding
Conscience — and to receive the Blessings of Thousands! —
I am sorry to tell you that M^ Hall has deceived, or rather
disappointed, us — He seems desirous to relinquish the Society's
Appointment to Conojohare, tho' he strongly sollicited & wish'd
for it — Perhaps you know a proper Person for that place — If
not, one will soon be sent from hence —
M^ Andrews is capable of making an useful Missionary —
From the Reasons you have suggested, there can be no Doubt
but his Appointment to Schenectady will be attended with
Success. —
You mention your "Improvements in Cultivation" — They are
no Doubt great, & must increase every Day — But will you give
me Leave to remark that your LoW-Dutch Farmers know little
of Agriculture? — I observ'd that, instead of ploughing &
mellowing the Land, they only scrape the Surface with some
Kind of Machine fastened to a single Horse — I saw the fine
Posi-War Period. 1763-1774 183
rich Vale between Schenectady & Fort-Johnson managed in
that Manner — If the Germans here were to practise such
Tillage, our Lands rich as they are, would not yield a Tenth
of their present Products — It is no uncommon Thing for fresh
Land, in the County of Lancaster, to yield 30 Bushels of
Wheat — 40 of Indian Corn — 50 of Oats — 8 hundred
Weight of Hemp, or 5 D°. of Hops, ^ Acre — I pass'd thro'
some of your Lands which want Nothing but the same Culti-
vation to yield the same Products — You must therefore drop
Farming alamode de Hollander, & adopt that of the Conestogo
Germans, & you will soon have a flourishing & valuable
Country — The County of Lancaster (which 40 Years ago
was, by the English, calld the Back Woods, & by the Germans
the Bush, i. e. the Desert) would now, with its Improvements,
sell for half a Million of Money — This may, at first, appear
exaggerated — But let it be considered that there is very little
Land here, notwithstanding the great Expence of Land Car-
riage, which would not sell for £ 1 an Acre ; & some for much
more, tho' (what is very strange!) Land may be purchased for
half that Sum within a very few Miles of the Capital — This is
not owing to the Difference in Quality, but to the great &
deserved Reputation which the Conestogo Lands have obtained
by the excellent Culture & Management of the High Dutch —
While I am saying so much in Favour of our Agriculture here,
I must not forget to mention the Progress we have likewise made
in some of the Arts, which have been lately introduced among
us — At Manheim, a little Village about 9 Miles from Lan-
caster, one Henry William Steigle has erected a Glass-Furnace,
& has actually made as good Flint-Class^ as any in England —
He intends to carry on this Business in a very extensive Manner,
as he receives great Encouragement. In a few Days he intends
to send you some little Specimen of his Manufacture, as a Mark
of his Esteem for your Character —
In the Article of Silk the People here are also likely to
succeed — A few Famihes in and about this Town have raised
184 Sir William Johnson Papers
above 150 thousand Coccoons this Summer — The Success &
Profit of this Experiment have been so great, that in all Proba-
bility almost every Family in the County will, in a little Time,
raise more or less — The Process is extremely simple & easy —
The whole of it is contained in half a Sheet of Paper, which shall
be sent you whenever you desire it — Raw Silk is a valuable
Commodity — It does not interfere with the Mother Country ;
& may therefore be made an acceptable Remittance. — What
would you think of introducing this Manufacture among the
Inhabitants of Johnstown? — I forget whether you have the
Mulberry Tree — If not, it is easily propagated — We find that
the English & Italian Mulberry may be raised with as little
Difficulty, as the Native The former yields a most delicious
Fruit; & the latter (the Italian) is suppos'd to produce the best
Food for Silk Worms. Every Family who intends to raise
Silk should plant at least 20 Trees near their House — One
Person, with 2 Children of 12 Years old each, will be able to
manage as many Worms as may, in Six Weeks, produce 50
pound's Worth of Silk, which is infinitely more than they could
earn any other Way — I cannot help thinking but that some
of the Indian Women & Children might be brought to apply
themselves to this Business, especially when they found it so
profitable —
You have heard of a China Manufactory being establish'd
at Philadelphia — Some pretty good China has been made there,
but so large is the Capital required to carry it on, & so violent &
powerful will be the Opposition of the East India Company to
it, that, without puhlick Encouragement the Proprietors will be
obliged to drop it —
I am much obliged to you. Sir, for having thought of me
respecting a Piece of Land." — I never had a Wish to ingross
any Quantity; but to secure some clever Spot, where I might
seat myself, in Case my Zeal should ever carry me into the
Mohawk Country — The Reasons you have assign'd, for not
pushing this Matter for me, are quite satisfactory — I shall there-
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 185
fore entirely acquiesce, & think no more of the Affair — Adieu,
my dear & worthy Sir; & "may as many Years attend you
as may be honourable & happy" ! — This is the Prayer of
Your faithful & affectionate humble Serv'.
Tho Barton
P. S. Pardon the Liberty of troubling you with the enclosed —
I know not how to forward it, but thro' your Care. — I send
you, by M^ Steigel's Request, a small Sample of his Glass —
He would willingly present you with Something valuable, but is
prevented by the Expence of Carriage —
Sir William Johnson Baronet
INDORSED:^
Lancaster July ^^. 1771
The Revr^. M^ Bartons
Letter —
FROM JOSEPH CHEW
A. L. S.
New London [July 10, 1771]
Dear Sir
nothing Ever was so great [a] disapointment as writing to
you from this Place which I was in hopes of taking my Final
Leave of Several months ago but am so Extreemly unhappy
that I am not able to get all my Creditors to agree to the Termes
the most of them are willing to allow me, indeed Some of them
will not do or Say any thing this number is but small but it is
the Same thing in my Situation as if the whole were of that
opinion. I am Very well Convinced they are willing and wish
for my Removal into your Neighbourhood where as Soon as I
am a Little Settled they will make their demands upon me this
In Johnson's hand.
186 Sir William Johnson Papers
is what I am Resolved never to put in their power. I have said
and done all I Could to induce them to Come to Some Termes
have asked a Lycence [ ] the End of which [ ]
deliver up Every Farthing I have [and] then trust to their good-
ness for a discharge. [I] have Convinced them that I have been
this three years Support'd almost wholy by your Bounty and
that I have no Prospect of getting into any Business that may
Support my Family or do any thing for them but by your means,
and that tho^. you are so kind as to assist me and my Family
they have not the Least Right to Expect or Even think you
will or Can pay any money I owe, and that not\vithstanding the
Terible Situation I am in which would be altered the moment
I Leave this Place, I Cannot and will not Leave it before my
Affairs are so Settled that I may do it with Safety, as this will
be only adding more troubles to those I am already
unhappily involved in, I am Sure by the last of may
Every thing of this Sort would be Finished or I Should have
taken [ ] method Nor [ ]
[ ] able to pay their debts presented [ ]
our Assembly in may (and I was [ ]
Prep'd to do the Same) all of whom g[ot] the Relief they
asked for — I Still am in hopes my Cretiders will do what I
ask of themselves and Shall Set out for M^ Beverly Robinsons
next Tuesday and if I am so happy as to Succeed hope to see
you almost as soon as this gets to hand.
I have delayed Writing being fully perswaded Every Post
would Bring me what I desired and that I might be able to Set
out for the Hall. Living now in a Strange way here I know your
goodness and Benevolent dispo[siltion so well that I am sure my
Distress will give you pain but I hope I Shall have your appro-
bation in not Moving untill I can settle my Affairs so as to do it
without fear of [ ] with Lawsuits [ ]
[ ] things on this Subject but it is [ ]
agreable. I am afraid I have already troubled you two much.
I will see you very Soon whether I get my matters Settled or not
I Still have the greatest hopes they will be Finished to my Satis-
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 187
faction, and am with M" Chews and my best Respects and most
Earnest wishes for your heahh and Happiness
Dear Sir
Yr most Dutifull
& most Obed* Serv'
Jos Chew
The Honbi<=
Sr W^ Johnson Barr*
INDORSED:^
July[ ]1771-
M^ Chews letter
TO THOMAS BRADBURY CHANDLER"
Johnson hall July 10'^ 1771
Sir,
Your very friendly Letter of the 30th of May did not come to
my hands till yesterday, when a Gentleman delivered it to me who
accidentally found it at an house in Albany, but knew nothing
of the farther Defence^ which I suppose accompanied it neither
have I heard any thing farther of it Except that D"^ Auchmuty
has mentioned your kind Intentions. — I must own, at the same
time that I Give you my most kind thanks for sending this publi-
cation to me That I consider myself greatly disappointed in not
having it in my power to tell you how much I am gratified with
this farther Instance of your distinguished Abilities in favor of
^ In Johnson's hand.
- Rector of St John's Church, EHzabethtown, N. J.
3 In American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass. ; in handwriting
of Guy Johnson.
* "He pubHshed an appeal to the public in behalf of the church of
England in America, 1767; a defence of his appeal, 1769; a further
defence of his appeal, 1771." — WilHam Allen, The American Bio-
graphical Dictionary.
188 Sir William Johnson Papers
our Church, as I am fully persuaded from your former publi-
cations that the perusal of this would have yielded me new
Satisfaction, and proved a fresh Testimony of your Zeal &
Capacity for Vindicating its Conduct.
As I hear M"" Wetherhead left N York sometime ago tho' he
has not been as yet here I will not despair of getting your present
as possibly it may be in his hands and that he chuses to deliver
it in person
It is impossible to avoid some degree of personal altercation
in Controversies that have subsisted for anytime, I am under no
apprehension of finding you to have given in too much to what
you Justly Stile an Epidemical Evil, your former productions are
proofs that you Stand in little need of such resources. — As for
the little part which I take in these matters I think it the duty
of every good Man to contribute all in his power to promote
the Interests of a Church, that has such Strong pretensions to
protection and I only wish that my endeavors were of conse-
quence enough to Intitle more to the Compliment you pay me. —
I am fully persuaded that by perseverance we shall at last attain
the Object of our reasonable Wishes, but this Subject I shall
not at present inlarge upon, as I am in hopes of recovering the
Pamphlet, & paying the Tribute due to its Merit in another
Letter. — In the mean time allow me to assure you of the true
friendship with which I am &c
D'*. Chandler
TO HECTOR THEODORE CRAMAHE
[Johnson hall, July 1U^ 1771]
I ]
During a Congress with the [ J
at this place I have been visitted by 22 Indians Depy^ from the
Village of Caghnawaga in your Government who represent that
In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
Post-War Period, J 763-1 774 189
two Indian Families there have expressed an Intention to bring
some French Families & Settle them on the Lands reserved for
their common use, the ill consequences of which and the bad
tendency of such a precedent they have fully enlarged upon, &
particularly intreated my interposition to prevent it — Sensible
of the propriety of their objections to such Settlements but at
a loss how to prevent them effectually, I Judged it best to men-
tion it to you In whose power I apprehend it is to restrict White
Men from Ind" Lands so circumstanced.
It would be no difficult matter for me to point out to you the
many just reasons for Gratifying the request of the Indians and
for preventing Settlements, that will be the cause of much
Trouble, & disturbance, but as I am now in the midst of a
Treaty I have scarcely a Moments Time to Spare, & as Coll
Claus who goes forthwith to Canada, can lay them fully before
you I take the Liberty of referring you to his Information con-
cerning these particulars, persuaded that You will take any Step
in your power that is necessary for preserving the Quiet of that
part of your Province, and restoring Tranquillity to the Indians.
I am with much Esteem
Sir
.&c
The Honble Hect^.
Tho^ Cramahe Esq^
Comd^ in Chief
of y*. Province of Quebec^
INDORSED : »
July 161^ 1771 —
To the Hon'^'*^. Hect^ Theo^
Cramahe Esq"^ L*. Gov"",
of the Prov". of Quebec.
^ This addition in Johnson's hand in place of "Lt. Govr. of Quebee"
which is crossed out in the manuscript.
190 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM THOMAS GAGE
A. L. S.i
New York July 15^^ JJII
Dear Sir,
I thank you for your Letter of 27*^. June, and hope you will
receive such Answers from the Sioto Indians, to the Messages
delivered by Thomas King, as will insure Tranquility. I have
late Letters from the Lakes, every thing quiet at Niagara and
Detroit, at Missilimakinac there is News of Quarrells amongst
Many Nations. I send you an Extract of my Letter on those
Subjects.
The French at the Ilinois and Post Vincent complain of our
Setting the Cherokees and Chikesaws to molest them and that
the Death of Pondiac committed by a Peorie of the Ilinois, and
believed to have been excited by the English to that Action,
had drawn Many of the Ottawas and other Northern Indians
towards their Country to revenge his Death. These Circum-
stances occasions they say great Fear amongst the Inhabitants,
who pray for Redress.
They are turning the Tables upon us, by way of answering
our Complaints against their own Intrigues. I am v^th great
Regard
Dear Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant,
Thos. Gage
S«. W". Johnson Bart*.
INDORSED: July 15«^ 1771
General Gages letter
w**^. an Inclosure
^ In Harvard College Library, Cambridge, Mass.
Postwar Period, 1763-1774 191
INDIAN PROCEEDINGS
In Doc. Rel to Col Hist. N. Y., 8:282-83, is an extract from
Johnson's proceedings of July 16th with the Six Nations, in which the
latter declared their fidelity to the English, attribute any past attempt to
disturb good relations to Gaustarax, the Chenussio chief, now dead, and
make known their efforts to restore peace about the Ohio river.
FROM PETER MIDDLETON
A^ York 17^K July 1771
D\ Sir
Tho we seldom write to one another, I flatter myself that we
do not however forget one another. I take the Liberty of intro-
ducing to your Acquaintance and good Offices M^ Middleton,
who delivers this. He is a Gentleman of S. Carolina, who is led
by Curiosity to visit your Castle, and to make a Tour to the
Lakes. You will find him a very agreable & polite Companion,
& I shall consider myself as much obliged to you for any Civili-
ties you may show him. I have requested M"" Banyar to write
you also, & shall therefore referr you to him for Politicks and
an Ace", of our New Governor.
I hope you have recovered your Health and Spirits And that
you will venture to visit your old Friends in N. York some of
these Days; at least I hope you will not pass us again, as in
going to N. England. I beg my kind Compliments to S^ John,
to M' Johnson & M' Glaus.
I am D^ Sir with great Respect
your most obed'. Serv*.
INDORSED:^ Peter Middleton
July 17'h. 1771 —
D'. Middletons letter
^ his Namesake
^ In Johnson's hand.
192 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
New York I8^h July J 771
Dear Sir William
I take the Opportunity of saluting you by M*^ Middleton a
Gentleman of Carolina (recommended warmly to our Friend
Doctor Middleton) who I understand proposes paying his
Respects to you on his Way to Niagara and the Tour of Quebec ;
should any thing prevent the Prosecution of this Design he has
been so good to promise to forward my Letter which I shall not
therefore confine solely to the Request that you would shew
him those Civilities which I know he would receive from you
v^thout my Intercession, and to which his own Merit so well
intitles him. The Arrival of our new Governor M^ Tyron has
no doubt reach'd you 'eer this Time. His Fame was loudly
proclaimed by all our Advices from North Carolina and if a
Judgment can be formed from the little observation as yet in
my Power to have made. Experience will confirm the good
opinion we have received of him from Persons of Distinction in
the Government he so lately left. He is sensible affable and of
a most engaging Address Lord Dunmore soon embarks for
Albany intending to reconnoitre the Lands he has just patented
East of Crown Point about 20 Miles, or something more. Had
he staid amongst us, he promis'd soon to have setled it from his
own Country and I believe he has not yet laid aside that Design.
You cannot conceive how reluctantly he leaves this Province
which you will discover immediately from his Conversation
should he visit your Territories — He still I am told indulges the
delusive hope of being reinstated in this his favourite Government.
But the late Atchievement of Governor Tryon equally inclined
to fix himself here, will I conjecture even bear down the great
Weight of his Lordship's Interest. I feel for his Disappointment,
but since the Removal seems absolutely determined, the great
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 193
Merit of his Successor, not a little Consolatory. I am D^ Sir
William with the utmost Sincerity
Your affectionate &
obed'. humble Servant
G^ Banyar
I received your Favour of
the 25'^^. June
The Hono'^'e SiR WiLLIAM JOHNSON Baronet
INEXDRSED:^
July 18'^ 1771 —
M^ Banyars letter
^ M^ Middleton
FROM JOHN BAPTIST VAN EPS
A. L. 5.
Schlndy July 20^^ 1771
[ 1
I ] the block & Takell in the [ ]
or box is not Come here let, or [ ]
but I wrote by the post to M'' Cartwright to Send all ameadiatly
I have here in my Stoor 5 Kags paint 1 Cask of Nails 9 boxes of
Glass 1 barrel Oile & 6 paint brushes which I shall all forward
as Soon as the Rest Comes. I have here Coll°. G. Johnsons
old Read 2 handed battoe which I think ". Doe verry well for
M"" Bunt I have gate hure Calked pritty thite here is a New
one I Could buy for £6. .0. .0 but I belive that I Shall Send
the old one I am Sir Your Most
Obediant & Humble Servant
Jn° B V Eps
^ In Johnson's hand.
" Line destroyed by fire.
7
194 Sir William Johnson Papers
I have here the Great Sinnekoe Indian and Company & also
Cap' Th*. Willman with his
INDORSED:^
July 20'^ 1771 —
M'. Van Eps Letter
FROM LORD ADAM GORDON
A. L. S.
[Peterhead July 2/ 177/]
I ]
[ ] Course, and would [not] have been so
[long] unacknowledged, but for a variety of [ ]
[ ] detail of v/hich, I will not trouble you with [at]
present ; only, I must say — You do me but Justice, when you
assure Yourself, that no avocation of any Nature, can abate the
Esteem, and well founded Regard, I shall ever preserve, for
your Person, and for your Family. —
The Letter you mention to have wrote me last March, that is,
in 1 770 — never came to my hand, But I acknov>^ledge receiving
one from Sir John dated Jan^. 1 769, v/hich tho I did not answer,
I did, what (from the Contents of it) I thought, would be most
acceptable to him. —
Long before this reaches You, the Rumours of War will be
over — and what I regard, as a very sure omen, of seeming
Peace is, a notice I have had, from the war Office, that H. M.
intends [ ]ing the West India Reg*^ in the Course of
the next Spring — in which number, mine is included — [were]
there any likelyhood of War — that measure would never be
adopted — because a Body of [sea]soned troops, in such
Countries, is of the greatest consequence — as to season them
takes a time [ ]
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period. 1763-1774 195
[ ] and Experience [ ]
[ ]
[ ] them, to that uncommon degree of Esteem [you]
are justly held in — by the various nations of Indians, bordering
upon, and at the Back of, all our American Settlements, and
as a friend to the whole, I cannot help wishing. Your son Sir
John would sometimes turn his thoughts to that Quarter. — I
think it was a Pity — at the last peace — that we did not insist
on the sole right of Navigation on the Missisipi — and give to
the Spaniards all the land to the Westward of that river — this
would have cutt off all Indian Intercourse, but with ourselves —
& they would then have been under a necessity, of being sup-
plyed from us — or not at all — as it is, I suppose the French
& Spaniards, not only supply them, in Part, but poyson their
minds against us, into the Bargain — This You will know much
better, and I would like to know your Sentiments, on that
matter — for, as the French have ceded all to Spain — in Peace
even (was it held tantam[ount that] such a negotiation might be
attempted — ' and [ ] Equivalent found, to please
Spain — We now find the Passage by Iberville, merely Ideall,
& never can be rendered benenciail to Commerce —
[ ']
[ ] are to me [ ]
[ ] offering — and I am sure You will feel very great
Satisfaction, in having so greatly contributed to it — It in no
degree surprises me, that it should be so — tho it begins to alarm
the landed Interest here — that so many of their young, and
usefull hands should migrate to America. — and yet, I see no
possibility of preventing it; for any attempt to that purpose (like
persecution in Religion) would only incite greater curiosity, &
render men more obstinate to go. —
I am obliged to You for the steps you have so kindly taken on
my Account, exceedingly obliged to You, I assure You — and
Line burned off.
196 Sir William Johnson Papers
by this packett, I have wrote to our friend, honest worthy John
Watt, to Credit you — the whole outlay, for Patent, fees, &
quitt rent to Feby 1 771 — and to charge M^ Adam Drummond
with the same — You may make the transfer to me, at your
leisure, and lodge it with M^ Watt. — & I have also beggd of
M^ Watt to pay My future Quitt rent annually — & I will
settle with him — I would be glad if you gett me a Survey of
it, marking my neighbours, all round me — I hope you have
some land of your ov/n near me — & the expence of the survey,
M"". Watt will also discharge, — & any o^ occationall charge. —
[ ] without whose [ ]
will take no step — I see Gov^ Grant [has arrived] from East
Florida, I imagine upon his private affairs — My Property
there lies just as it did, when I gott it. — Marriage putt a great
stop to my Americans Plans of Improvement — and quickened
those at home — for I think, two or three seasons more will
compleat the Plan of everything, I possess in Britain — It con-
sists of about 750 Acres, and I am hopefull, to bring it, to a
neat £ 1 000 p"" annum, after which, I shall be more free, and
more able, to do something in America. — att present, on account
of the Dutchess of Atholls health, I am here, a hundred miles
from home, but return to Preston Hall, in the course of next
month, where I shall be happy, to hear as good accounts of you,
& your family, as your last brings me. — I wish Sir John would
marry; remember me to him, in the most affectionate manner,
and tell him, anything from Him, will be most acceptable to
me. — I wish I knew of anything either You or He, or the Ladies
would like from hence — It should not be long of coming. —
remember me kindly to them, & to Cap*" Claus Guy John-
ston — & any other friends near you. — I can never forgett all
their kind Attentions to me. —
[ ] happy [ ]
[ ] enjoy all good things in this [ ]
[ ] to be thankfull, for such as we have. —
The seeds, which you sent me home from the Hall, have pros-
pered extremely, particularly the Spruce — ; When a good
Post-War Period. 1763-1774 197
Season happens, I should Hke to have a few more, of the com-
monest hardy sorts about You — with the names of each, either
to Leith, or to London, if to the first place for me — to the Care
of M"^ John Gordon Land Surveyor there — if to the last — to
the Care of M"^ Harry Foot Strand — London. — The D* sends
You her best Comp'* and bids me assure You, was she strong and
well — She'd be glad to make you a Visit — Col Morris left
us here this morning — and we have the Duke & D* of Gordon,
and much other company here at present — It being the best season
for drinking the Mineral Water here, & for Bathing in the Sea,
a practice, of late years, grown extremely fashionable all over
Britain. —
I now putt an end to this long letter, by sincerely wishing
You every happy ness this Life affords — to hear that You enjoy
Health and Spirits, will be the most acceptable news. You can
at any time, convey, to My D^ S^ William
Yours most warmly
& cordially
Ad. Gordon
New Gov' Tryon, is a very
[ ] lly man — and a very old
friend, and bro*^ officer of mine.
[ ] Johnson B'- &ca &ca
ADDRESSED :
To
The Hon'*.
Sir William Johnson B". &ca &ca
At Johnson Hall by
New York
INDORSED:^
[ ] 1771
[ ] Gordons Letter
^ In Johnson's hand.
198 Sir William Johnson Papers
from ebenezer jessup
Honoured Sir ^^'^^"^ -^"'^ ^^' ^^^^
I just received a letter from M^ Isaac Low, one of the
Petitioners of the Lands roughly described on a Map I Left at
the Hall, with orders to purchase of the Indians, the Lands so
described, for the persons perticularlized on said map; with a
map of the same. On which is Certified by M^ Banyer the
Grant, Of their petition praying Leave to purchase, the 31
Octob^ 1 770 Should have sent up the Map, but as the cer-
tificates are on it, fear it should miscarry, intend to bring it Up
myself, after being favour"^, with your Letter, about The affair.
Interim, think it my Duty to Acquaint Your Honour of it, and
Desire you", please to inquire of the Indians the price they will
ask for all the Lands Above the west Branch of Hudsons River,
on that Map, As I now have orders to purchase for them Gentle-
men, Think it best to do it all together, or that way Which Shall
be prescribed by your Honour, on Whose Advice and Asistance,
Depends the success of, Hon^. Sir, Your Honours,
Most Obedient,
Most Obliged, Very Humble Serv'.
Eben^ Jessup
Sir William Johnson
addressed :
To
The Honourable
Sir William Johnson Ba^^
at
Johnsons Hall
INDORSED:'
Alby. 22d. July 1771
M"". Jessups letter
Ans'-d. 7**^. Aug'.
^ In Johnson's hand.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 199
FROM HENRY TEN EYCK JR
L. 5.
[A'thany 22K July 1771]
I ']
[ ] them the Bail Bond, in order for them [ ]
for want of Special Bail — I have often acquainted Cap' Tice
with this Matter and requested him (in order to avoid the Con-
sequence of the assignment of the Bail Bond) to file special Bail,
which has hitherto not been complyed with. As I am by my
Office Obledged to make such an Assignment or sufferd prose-
cution against myself I have postponed it untill I could give you
an oppertunity to be apprized of this Matter, well knowing how
disagreable it must be to Assign a Bail Bond, where you are
a partj'^ to Such Bond you'll be pleased to favour me with an
Ansv/er by the Bearer & remain
Hon^ Sir,
With the greatest Esteem
your very humble Servent,
Henry Ten Eyck Jun^
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnson Baronet
(a) Johnston Hall
INDORSED:^
July 22d. 1771 —
The Sheriffs Letter
^ Line destroyed by fire.
^ In Johnson's hand.
200
Sir William Johnson Papers
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202 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO THOMAS GAGE
Johnson hall July 25^'". 1771 .
Dear Sir/
I Am favored with your Letter of the 15*^. Inst, with the
inclosure, and v/ith regard to that part relating to the Powte-
watamies, I look upon it to be a Scheme of that troublesome
people, with design to Create Misunderstandings and occasion
a disturbance, Capt Turnbulls" Answer to those of Arbre
Croche," was therefore very Judicious
I do not believe that the French at the Illinois &c are under
so many apprehensions as they would have us believe, Their
Situation may at Some time Expose them to danger, but that
is unavoidable. —
By some Indians Just arrived I have an account that Thomas
King* is on his v/ay back, and may be here in [about fortnight]
less than a Month. —
M"". Maisonville who will have the honor of waiting on you at
N York has requested that I would mention his Suit to you
about the Lands at Detroit, the particulars I need not to enlarge
upon, but I am persuaded that on a plain Representation of
them, you will Shew him favor If it can be done with any
propriety, and I think it but Justice to him to say that he has
demonstrated himself an Useful Man & fast friend to the
English, and that I Consider Cadot & him as the Two Most
faithfull Men amongst the French.^ —
I have had the Indians here for Sev'. Days & have [settled
finished the business they came upon] at last bro*. things to a
^ In American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass. ; in handwriting
of Guy Johnson.
" Captain George TurnbuU of the 6th regiment, in command at
Michilimackinac.
^ North of Little Traverse bay, Mich.
* Returning from the Indian congress at Scioto Plains, June-July,
1771.
^ Alexander Maisonville and Baptiste Cadot.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 203
agreable Issue with them, but as the Congress is only Closed
within these 2 days, I must deferr giveing you the particulars
till the next Opportunity.
I am &c
His Excell^y
Lieut Gen^-. Gage.
FROM JAMES RIVINGTON
A. L. S.
[New York July 29^ 1771]
[ 1
[ ] Duke of Grafton [ j
[ ], and also that Lord Chatham [ ]
Camden will go into the Administration.
Lord Bute is returned in bad Health to Luton hoo in Bedford-
shire.
Lords Strange, Shaftsbury, Elgin & Trevor Bishop at S'
Davids are dead. Lord Bute Supports Terrick Bp of London
& the Bloomsbury Party second Egerton Bp of Lichfield to
succeed to this princely See. Should Egerton fail of the
Bishoprick His Nephew the Duke of Bridgwater v/ill have the
Dutchy of Lancaster
Rodney's fleet is sailed for Jamaica, and S"^ Peter Denis pre-
paring for the Meditorannean.
General Leighton is dead & the 32"^ Reg' vacated.
France is bankrupted the whole Score of State Debts are
wiped off all pensions and annuities Sunk, that nation is too
much distracted to disturb the Tranquility of England the
Existence of which will depend chiefly upon the period of the
formers being in a Condition to molest it.
Wilkes & Bull are pressing hard to become the [ ]
of London They are opposed by Plumb & Kirkman for
aldermen.
^ Line destroyed by fire.
204 Sir William Johnson Papers
General Romanzow was to pass the Danaub the middle of
May. The Queen has produced another [ ] child.
I am Sir William
Your most faithfull Serv'
Jam^ Rivington
addressed :
To
Sr W"" Johnson Bart
at
Johnson hall
FROM JOHN MONIER
A. L. S.
[Albany July 29 1771]
Sir
I now Inclose you your Account^ of Postage of Letters up
to the 4''^. July inclusive, the day that all accounts with the Post
Office must be finally Settled, Agreeable to the new Regula-
tion, so that you will be pleased to Transmitt me the Amount,
of said Account or the Balance being £3. . 1 1 . .0 any time
betwixt this, & 10 days. I am Respectfully
Sir
Your very hu Servant
Jn°. Monier
Sir William Johnson Baronet
ADDRESSED :
To
On His Majesty's Service
Sir William Johnson Baronet
At
Johnson Hall
1 Printed under date of July 4, 1 771 ,
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 205
INDORSED:^
July 29'^ 1771 —
M^ Moniers letter
[ ] his Acd. Ans"^^.
& paid by Gallinger
August 8'^^.
FROM JOHN BLACKBURN
A. L. sr-
London h^ August 1771
Sir
I am Honor*^ with your obhging Letter of the 25*^ May
which came to my Hands on the 1 5^"^ Ult° enclosing therein
4 Bills Value Two hundred & four pounds Seven Shillings &
Nine pence which are accepted & when at Maturity will be to
Your Credit in said Sum — Lieut Roberts has not Call'd upon
me of late, & His having quitted His old Lodgings, makes me
at a loss where to find Him — as soon as I have the pleasure
of seeing Him, Shall Urge a Compliance with Your Request
for the payment of the £ 1 00 —
About a Month ago there were some hopes of seeing an
accomodation between Russia & the Porte — & if that had taken
place, it might have accelerated a termination of all disputes &
Grudges between the other Powers of Europe — unhappily
there seems no prospect at present of a Reconciliation between
Russia & the Turk — & according to my breed of Politicks,
they will shortly draw in France & Us to Aid take a part in
their Quarrell — Lord Townsend will continue in Ireland some
time longer — Lord Hilsborough Setts off for that Kingdom the
beginning of next week upon a Visit to his Friends & the Busi-
ness of His Estate — from some Hints given me I can forsee
that all is not peacable in our Court for there seems at least
a preparation for a contrary Event — Lord North stands fix'd
^ In Johnson's hand.
* The Johnson manuscripts contains an unsigned copy of this letter.
206 Sir William Johnson Papers
as Minister, having the confidence of the King — I observe by
Your letter, that the French are endeavouring to play off their
old & usual Engines in Your part of the World — but I hope
the Indians through Your kind interposition & from a considera-
tion of the inability of France to assist them effectually, will
dispise their Emissaries
I have shipp'd on Board the Hope Cap* Miller sundry Articles
as ^' Invoice enclos'd which hope will arrive safe & in good
Season — the Spa Water is genuine & I flatter myself is so well
pack'd as to Escape any accident of Breakage — am sorry for
the Fate of the other, fearing You might suffer by the dis-
appointment I have this moment sent one of my Clerks again
to M"" Martin & M"^ Marquoise & if their little matters can be
got ready, shall put them under the care of Cap* Miller — the
Strouds & Flannells are not yet come out of the Country, so
that I must deferr sending those untill the departure of the
Britannia who will Sail in about a Fortnight from hence — how-
ever if they should arrive sooner & any other Ship sails in the
interim, they shall be dispatched by Her — It is amazing to
see the demand for all kind of Woolens to Phila^ & S° Carolina,
insomuch that our Manufacturers have not it in their power to
Execute the whole — I shall not trespass further on Your time
at present as I shall have an opportunity of paying my Comp**
to You so shortly save to Request [the] tender of my Comp'*
to Sir John & offers of Services to every part of Your Family
& Connections with assurance of my being
Sir
Your much obliged & most obedient
Humble Servant
John Blackburn
INDORSED:^
August 1^*. 1771 —
M^ Blackburns letter
w*. an Invoice —
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 207
FROM AUGUSTINE PREVOST
A. L. S.
Williamsburgh 2'^ August J 77 1
Sir
Being in hopes of having the honor of finding you at home,
disengaged of Company, I waited heere the return of the
Governor, but Sir John informs me of your intending to return
to Sacondaga, which deprives me at this time to wait on you.
I requested Sir John to inform you of my katskill Lands
remaining unsold, this was in Consequence of the Lawyer M^
W'" Smith advice to me, and the impropriety in my giving a
Warantee Deed, after the Advertizement of M^ Lott in the
pubHck papers which however M^ Smith assures me that if I
would present Lott with a trifle he would engage to gett me a
Quit Claim for my possetion there, but that if I would wait a
litle longer, he is well convinced my Lands will be worth triple
the Sum I am now offerd, as Col°. Maitland proposes [ ]
that affair Setled very Soon, & in Consequence of my being
now prevented of Selling to receive Large Damadges from Lotts
party — having this prospect, I gott M^ Low the buyer of my
Lands at Otsego to Release me from my first Contract, Depend-
ing upon your kind assurance of assisting me with my Exchange
to L'. Demler for which I will either assign you one of my future
pay for the payment of the principal & interest or Consign what
may arise from my katskill Lands & two of the best farms at
Otsego Lake ; — for the Sum arrising for the Sale of my farm
is hardly Sufficient to pay what I owed M"^' De Visme and the
purchasing of a few Stores Such as Pork Rum & Sugar and
paying litle trifling Debts, Excuse Dear Sir this disagreable
Detain and my intruding upon your goodness for the pecuniary
assistance. L'. Demler will expect to find the ballance £ 1 65
Sters. either in the hand of M^ Wallace or Some one you will
order, on the Arrival of the Commissions, which where expected
every hour in New York;
208 Sir JVilliam Johnson Papers
I propose procuring the indulgence of remaining the remainder
of this Sumer & Winter in these parts I have received Some
hopes upon that Subject; however if Major Skeene whom I Saw
in York succeeds in procuring me to be appointed to do his
duty in Canada, then indeed I Shall loose no time in repairing
to that Country, as there is Some litle thing to be made by that,
which I cannot neglect
M^ H. Wallace & Lady where gone to the Jerseys therefore
did not See them when in New York, the new Governor Seems
to gain greatly in the Affection of the poeple, he is worthy of
your acquaintance
I leave this to return home [ ] M" Prevost Requests
her most Sincere Respects and I have the honnor to be with
the utmost Regard & Gratitude
Very Honord Sir
Your most Obed &
most Humb Servant
Aug Prevost
P. S. I have received no Ace*,
from M^ Croghan, Since I was at
the Hall, but I was luky in meeting with the Barrack
Master of Pittsburgh returning express, by whom I wrote
fully to him & hope for an Answer in five Weeks at
most the exigencies of Some of his affairs requiring his
Sending me an Answer Speedily
INDORSED:^
August 2^. 1771 —
Augustine Prevosts
Letter
Ans'-'^. 7*^. August
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 209
FROM DANIEL CLAUS
A. L. 5.1
La chine 3< AugK 1771.—
Honored Sir
After a journey of 9 days and very sultry weather all the
while I arrived at this place the \^K Ins'. — Capt". Coghran'
who commands at Crownpoint has every time I past his post
showed me all the civilities imaginable particularly in forward-
ing me, this being now the second time he ordered the Sloop to
cross with me, he desires his sincere Compliments to you and
talks of going to England this Summer or Fall, he has been for
some years the eldest Capt". in the Regim'. and the younger
ones purchasing Majorities over his head is rather discouraging
I believe he intends to trye to go out on Capt^ full pay w*^^-
is often granted to old Officers. BenzelP & he cant well agree
the former being so elated w*^. his new Appointm'. & sometimes
attempts to encroach upon the Comds. Officers prerogatives w<=^.
the other justly is very tenacious off, it seems they are so lavish
at home in making new Appointments & Offices here, that they
are very much put too in finding out new Names for s*^.
Employm'^ M^ Benzells Commission makes him Inspector of
His Maj^ Forrests, Woods & unimpropriated Lands on Lake
Champlain & Canada, W^I^ I find he got by Recommendation of
the late S^ Harry Moore,* Lord Dunmore and the Swedish
Ambassador in London; Some body ought to be ready to suc-
ceed him as he wont enjoy it long, having adopted my Friend
Wethersbrooms method of draming it Morning Noon & Night,
& he is already far gone, he has £ 300 Here ^ Ann"", besides
1 In New York State Library, Albany, N. Y.
2 Probably Captain Gavin Cochrane of the 62d (60th) regiment.
^Lieutenant Adolphus Benzell, appointed Inspector General of His
Majesty's Forests etc. in 177 L
* Sir Henry Moore, famous British general ; Colonial Royal Governor
of New York, 1 764-69.
2 1 Sir IVilliam Johnson Papers
traveiis. Exp^: & Deputies as many he thinks necessary (a) 5/
Sters. p^ diem.
On my Arrival at Caghnawagey^ the chiefs &^. came to bid
me well come at the house I put up there, one John Stacey who
was taken pris"". in Cap'. Parkers' Affair & married that Httle
white Squaw that was at your house the other day & complaind
of PhiHp's Wifes ill usage to her, w<^'\ I find to be a quite differ'.
Story here. Thom Wileman^ at this Meeting of the chiefs &
in my presence showed some Belts from the 6 Nations for cover?,
the graves of the chiefs that lately died here, but did not touch
upon the A{f'â– ^ that brought him down to you & I soon after
found to be an exaggerated party Complain w'^^^. I intend to
make him sensible of the first public Meeting, at the same time
prevail upon the Minority to be quiet & give up their point, w'^'^
I think they will comply with. I have forwarded your Letter
to M^ Cramahe* & expect an answer by next Saturday &
whether he'll want me at Quebec. The Caghawagey chiefs
shov/ed me also a Letter from the Dep*. they sent last Fall to
the Miamees w*'^. your Messages; they write that they have
executed their Ambassy agreable to your Desire & that they
should leave other particulars to their Arrival w'^^. is hourly
expected. There has been no Nations as yet from the upper
Country and by y^. Acco'*. from there all is quiet. —
I intend going to Montreal to day & have M^ Perthuis^ & S*.
Johns** News who I am told await my Arrival impatiently what
^ Caghnawaga or Sault St Louis near Montreal, Canada, occupied by
Mohawk Indians from New York who had been converted to Catholicism
and persuaded by the French to go to Canada.
- Apparently Colonel Parker's disaster near Sabbath Day Point, Lake
George, on July 26, 1 757.
^ Thomas Wildman.
* Hector Theo's Cramahe, Lieutenant Governor of the Province of
Quebec; commander in chief.
"" L. Perthuis, Indian interpreter.
®-St John Russeau, Indian interpreter employed by Claus.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 211
for I cant imagine; S^ Luke le Corne^ I learn has nothing to
do in Ind". Matters since Gen'. Carleton' left this, his having
chang^. ReHgion is a Burlesk, he rec^. a letter from his Son in
Law La Nodiere^ ( :who went home with the Gov^ to be Maj^
in the intended Canadian Batt". he is novv^ an Offic^ in the
french Servce:) in w*^'^. Letter he says that he could converse as
intimately w'''. the King as he would w''^. his horse, a great
Credit to M^ Carleton for introducing such Coxcombs to the
King of England and get them Knighted as they will have it
here, there is no certain Acco'^ when or whether at all the Gov^
will be out, but the french have it among themselves, that he
is not to return and Col°. Robinson is to be Gov^ in his Room. —
Since my Arrival in Town I saw M^ Goddard* who left
Lond". the 25''^ of Apr', last, he tells me Rodgers^ is in jail
again & at last found out & despised by his former Patrons. —
Roberts" driving in his Charriot & keeping a house h Lady
in the Country, & twas thought he could not be long v/ithout
sharing Rodgers fate; At the same he frequents Lord Hills-
boroughs Levy, & talks away, in particular he heard him express
himself very oddly & ungratefully tov/ards you & Departm*.
before Gen'. Carleton, w"^- I suppose is what M^ Blackburn
hints upon ab^ his going on in Lond". I intend having a tete a
tete Conversation w*'^. Goddard to acquaint you w*'^. what I
can farther learn; in the interim I must conclude the post closing
at 6 p. m. And remain with Duty & Respect
Hon^ Sir
Your Obedient Son
Dan. Claus
^ St Luc de la Corne or La Come St Luc.
- Guy Carleton, Governor General of Canada ; Earl of Dorchester
after the American Revolution.
^ La Naudiere.
* Captain Henry Goddard.
^ Major Robert Rogers, formerly commandant at Michilimackinac; a
noted Indian fighter.
^ Lieutenant Benjamin Roberts who had trouble with Major Roberts
and was confined by his orders.
212 Sir William Johnson Papers
After sending this Letter to the Post Office the postmaster
acquainted me that thro some Mistake of Maj^ Skenes^ the
Mail could not be sent before Saturday next w'^'^. chagreend me,
& I open'd it again and added by way of Journall what I thought
worth notice.
Aug* 4 Perthuis paid me a Visit and acquainted me that
nothing material occured since my leaving this, he
seemed to be some how discontented in his present
Situation having too harsh a Master in Cap*. Max-
well,' he asked me whether De Cuagne was still
continued at Niagara.^ —
d°. M^ Hertell & his Abinaquis paid me a Visit without
touching upon their Aff"".
5'^. S*. John came also to see me & told me that he left .
everything peaceable & quiet among the Misisageys,
that they were always talking of S^ William John-'
son & the kind Reception they on every Occasion
met with from him, that they say they must renew his
Friendship & receive his salutary Advice >vhich they
propose doing next Spring & insist upon S*. Johns
going with them as they say they were most every
time at a Loss for a good Interp"".
d°. M^ S*. Luke leCorn brought a party of I 7 Chipp-
ways to me who came from Shagwamikon in Lake
Super^ , ab*. 4 year ago & kept ever since ab'
Caneghsady. : & Lake Champlain and having lost
3 Men & 2 Women last Winter by the Smallpox
they intend returning to their own Country & begd
my Assistance in a little Provision &^^: I ordered
them some Bread pipes and Tobacco and desired
^ Major Philip Skene, a great landowner who was ruined by the
Revolution.
^ Captain James Maxwell, an esteemed friend of Johnson who com-
manded at Green Bay.
^ As interpreter.
Post-War Period, 1 763-/ 774 213
them to call on me at my Lodging at la chine where
I could answer them upon their Request; they were
very thankfull & parted.
]VI^ S^ Luke then gave me his particulars how the
Grand Sauteux alias Ninakon came to be killed at
the Ilinois, that one Makateokwet a Chippway now
at Caneghsadagey went with a party ag*^ the Foxes
& took Scalps that the Foxes then sent a party ag^'.
the Chippways headed by one Bruce a white man
married in that Nation who knocked the Grand
Sauteux (or great Chippeway) in the head w'^'^
alarmed the Foxes & Sakis so much that they did not
venture to go hunting last Winter W^. M"". S'. Luke
says affected the Furtrade greatly; he seemed to be
concerned for the chief and plainly told me he gave
Makateokwet a Reprimand for causing that Disturb-
ance; I think his being out of the way avails us as
much as the Death of Pondiac or Akaasdarax^ as
many Machinations among the Ilinois Ind"^ will
thereby be quashed & the white people live undis-
turbed ; We hear that the Eng'^. & Spanish Commds.
Officers there live very sociably together visiting each
other & giving Entertainments.
M^ Collins the Surv^ Genl of this Province & M^
Benzell in behalf of New York ( :the latter however
sends his Depy. a young lad, himself not being well
enough:) are to open the Line 45 Lat^. betw". N.
York' & this prov^^. from where it strikes Lake
^ Akaasdarax or Gaustaras, a Seneca chief.
^ In 1818—19 the line was run again, and the old line of 1774 was
found to diverge from the parallel of 45° east from St Regis until at
Lake Champlain it was 4200 feet too far north. Before 1818 the United
States had begun to build a fortress ("Fort Blunder") at Rouses Point,
and this was shown to be in British territory. By the treaty of I 842 the
old line was restored, and the strip of territory lost by the United States
came again under its jurisdiction.
214 Sir William Johnson Papers
champlain, as far as Newhampshire Line to the East-
ward, and the Riv^ S*. Lawr'^^. to the Westward, to
erect on each side of the Lake Monuments of Stone
w*^, proper Inscriptions, & thro the Woods Mile or
League posts of Cedar, M"^, Collins takes 20 Canad^
and 2 Caghn^ Ind"«. to open s^. Line 20 feet wide,
he rekons it ab'. 60 or 70 Miles on each Side.
The heat here is so excessive that thermometers are in
ye 90tl\ Deg^. and Grasshoppers very destructfull to
Gardens & Grass.
Aug'. 6^^. Returnd to la chine, where I found M^ Hertells
Abinaquis to ask for Provis^ they are to leave
Aughquisasne^ this Fall and M^ Hertell likewise,
he goes wintering in the Ottawa Riv^ and they on
an Island below Aughquisasne. — This Evening I
saw 1 5 or 1 6 Canoes arrived at Caghnaw^. being the
3 Nat^" from Caneghsadagey who were expected
before my arrival on Bus^ of their own.
Aug*. 7'^, Early a Canoe was sent for me to ask my Attend-
ance at the Meeting on my coming near Shore 3
chambers were discharged & all the Chiefs &
Warriors received me at the Rivers side and con-
ducted me to the Council Room. —
The ceremonies of Condolance having been mutually
passt by both Villages before my Arrival And
they Caghnaw^ told me they included S^
William & me then. The Caneghsadageys now
came to appoint new Chiefs at the Council
fire of Caghnawy. w'^. was most all their Bus^ & then
to accommodate some Murders that were committed
^ Aughquisasne or St Regis, N. Y.
- The three nations were Canasadagas, Arundacs and Algonkins, living
at the mouth of the Ottawa river.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 215
betw". the Caghnaw^ & Canegh*. in Drunkeness dur-
ing these 2 or 3 years passt, by covering the Graves
& burying the Instruments of Death.
8'^. The Caghnav/^ gave their Answer of Approbation to
the new Chiefs and then I gave them my Answer
upon the Usual Compliments they paid me at the
opening of the Meeting and what News I had to
communicate to them (:they having none as they
said:) And then the Meeting broke up, & the young
people passt the afternoon in playing at Ball &
racing for wagers.
As I was going to cross the River several Canoes of
Aughquisasne Ind"^ arrived, the chiefs of them
delivered me a Letter from their Priest acquaints,
me that he could not have the pleas"^^. to see me,
being oblidged to keep close for fear of being
arrested for ab'. £200: York Cy. due upon the
Sawmill he erected for the use of Ind"*: to build up
their village at Aughquisasne. That the Ind"^
would acquaint me in vv^hat Manner he could extri-
cate himself out of this Trouble. They then spoke
to me and said that as the Creditor for the above
Sum insisted upon immediate payment of at least
£200. They requested me to advance s*^: Money
and that they would be answerable to repay me with
Interest in yearly payments of ab*. £40 from the
Income of the Saw Mill it havs. been built on their
Acco^ & Desire. I told them was sorry I could not
comply with their Request having no more Money
by me than what I wanted for the Journey, they
offered to get it upon my Security I told them if
I had the money by me & could spare it I would
sooner advance it than become Security as it might
put me some Inconveniency, that I could say no more
ab*. it, but would answer the Priests Letter; One of
216 Sir William Johnson Papers
the chiefs spoke with Tears in his Eyes, & I was
glad to get out of their way. —
Aug'. 9'''. All the Caneghsadageys after leaving Caghnawagey
came over to my Lodging and wanted to be heard in
private, I called them into my Room when one their
old Men stood up asked with much Concern whether
it was true that the 6 Nat^ had sold the lands ab'.
Aughquisasne and even some this Side S'. Lawrence
near their Village. I told them I should know ab'.
such a thing if it had been done, as no Lands could
be purchased without S^ Williams knowledge, and
that they might rest easy ab'. it, being persuaded their
Intelligence was groundless. They were very glad
to hear it, and they presented to me the principal of
their Newmade Chiefs named Onderight'ha an
Onondaga with a Belt of Wamp"'. I thankd them
for the Complim'. and told them I would answer
them farther upon it when I came to their Village
then ordered them some Victuals & they left my
Lodging but proceeded no farther than La Forces
or Towanniawes Interp". whose Orchard suffered
greatly, there being ab*. 150 men & Women
plundering it. —
After w*^^. the Aughquisasnes came for Prov*. &*=.
and the Answer upon the Priests Letter renewing
their yesterdays Request. I gave them the Letter &
told them what I mentioned to the Priest was all I
could say ab'. the Matter, & they went away
dejected. —
The Chippways then came for their Answer & I told
them as well I could, that I would send for S'. Jean
y^. Interp"" : gave them some Prov^ —
10'^. S'. Jean not being found in Town I put them of till
Monday when I told them they might proceed on
their Journey. Then got ready to go to Town to be
ready for the Post.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774
217
Having thus given you the Occurrences of this Week I con-
clude and remain with CompHments to the famihes most
respectfully
Your obedient Son
Dan. Claus
The Hon'^'^
Sir W" Johnson Bar*.
&^ h"" &^
INDORSED:^
August 3^. 1771 —
Co'. Clau's letter
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S.
New York 5 August 1771
Dear Sir
I have been for these three Weeks past in Pensilv^. & Jersey,
& have not had the favour of a letter from you during my
absence. I am sorry I was not here to have attended Lord Dun-
more, but he had not determined on the time of his Departure,
when I left Town so have missed the pleasure of seeing you &
attending him — I can say little about our new Governor as yet,
when I know more of him shall advise you — You'll see by the
Stile of his Answer to the Addresses presented him, that he is
verry sensible, clever & polite — that is his generall Charecter —
I received by the Bearer M"" Byrne a verry kind Letter from my
Friend & old Acquaintance Major Warren Johnson — who I
find is a Country Squire at Danas Town near [ ]
he recommends M'' Byrne to me to assist him in getting up to
In Johnson's hand.
218 Sir William Johnson Papers
you — I have given him a letter to M"" Edgar in Albany to
advise & assist him — I am with great respect
D-^ Sir
Your most obed' Servt
Hugh Wallace
I hope you got all y^ Deeds
safe & to y"". Satisfaction —
Sir Will Johnson Bart
Johnson Hall.
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnson Bar*,
at
Johnson Hall
W M>- Byrne
INDORSED:'
N York Au?^^'. 5"\ 1771
M^ Wallaces Letter
Ansd. 7^^ 1 1 'h.
TO THE EARL OF HILLSBOROUGH
In Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y., 8:280-81, also Doc. Hist. N. Y.,
2:985-87; Q, 2:570-72, is a letter of August 9th in which Johnson
presents the results attained in a conference opened at Johnson Hall with
the Six Nations on July 1 4th, and sustains his Indian policy against an
implication conveyed in Hillsborough's letter of May 4th.
In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 219
TO THOMAS GAGE
[Johnson hall 9'^ August 1771]
[Dear Sir]
I Could not till this Moment transmit you any farther Account
of my proceedings with the Indians as promised in my last. —
The Indians to the Ammount of 350 being for the most part
Chiefs of the Six Nations were all arrived on the 1 3'". ult°. the
day following I opened the Congress which Continued till the
1 9*, and great part of them Staid for sev'. days afterwards. The
Greatest part of the proceedings tho' it took much time contained
so little material That I apprehend it will be unnecessary to give
you the trouble of reading them, where they do not lead to the
main Object I had in View in calling them together. I first
took occasion to enquire after News, to Let them know that I
had obtained some Intelligence of an Extraordinary Nature and
that I apprehended they could give me the best account of it:
They appeared at a Loss to discern what I meant, on which I
Explained myself somewhat farther. Telling them that I had
the best Authority from the Southward for suspecting that Some
of their people has been busy in a dangerous business which
might have proved fatal to their whole Confederacy, but that
nothing could be long concealed from us, and that some of those
people on whom they relied were the Discovers, as they foresaw
the danger of such an Undertaking, to which I added many other
things that I judged Necessary. — They unanimously denied
every thing, and requested that I would point out farther par-
ticulars, and acquaint them who were the Authors of such a
Calumny. I told them in general terms Suffic*. to Convince them
that I had been furnished with Circumstantial particulars, where-
upon they made me the Speech of which I inclose you a Copy"
'^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson; missing sections supplied from manu-
script letter of same date in William L. Clements Library, Ann Arbor,
Mich.
2 Printed in Doc. Rel to Col Hist. N. Y., 8:282-83.
220 Sir William Johnson Papers
I Expected some [Stronger proofs of their Sincerity, and that
those who had any] Any such belts should Imediately [deliver
them up, in order to be buried, To which I received very
Satisfactory] Answer, & they Concluded the Congress by
renewing & brightening the Cov^ Chain &c.
Upon the whole I am now (as I have been) Convinced that
the Name of the Six Nations is often as formerly made use of
by the rest as a Cloak to their ovv^n Intrigues, and with a View
to Exasperate us against them so far as to force the Six Nations
to Joyn in their undertakings and totally v/ithdraw themselves
from our Interests. — Indeed I have Strong reason to think that,
the Emigrants at Ohio, and great part of the Chenussios are not
our friends. The Cause of which I have repeatedly Mentioned
formerly, & Indeed very few of the Chenussios attended at this
time But If I may be allowed to have any Judgment of these
people, or any knowledge of their politicks I can with great
Safely affirm that these Sentiments are far from being general.
That the Senecas of the other Villages, and the rest of the Six
Nations are as much our friends as we can possibly Expect, and
that I co"^. prevail on a great Majority of them to demonstrate
their Attachment, whenever an Opportunity offered.
I hope to be Enabled very soon to give an account of the
events of Thomas Kings Embassy, and requesting to be favored
with your thoughts on the foregoing I remain with the utmost
regard.
Dear Sir,
&c
His Excel^y Lieut Gen^ Gage
INDORSED:
Au-t. 9th 1771.—
To Gen'. Gage with
part of the Treaty with the Six
Nations. —
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 221
WILLIAM SMITH TO JOHANNES LAWYER
Contemporary Copy
[New York August lO'K 1771]
I ]
I have yours of the 25'^. of June & 20*^. July, and having
expressed myself in mine of the 1 7''^. June with all possible
Plainess, I do not understand what you mean by Your general
Declarations that you wish to have the Business relating to the
Lands of Sir Henry Moores family settled. What is to be
done, is to be done by you.
The late Governor was Interested in One undivided third
Part, and not a fourth of the tvv^o Tracts patented to you, and
thirty Six other Persons on the 29*^. of December 1 768. — All
that is wanting is a Deed from you, and so many of your Asso-
ciates named in the Patent as will Vest the Title to one third
01 the Whole in his Widow. — Afterwards it will be proper to
get the Lands Surveyed into Lots to be Baloted for towards a
Partition — But the first thing to be done as I said before, is to
get the Deed from those Persons who were named in the Patent
as Trustees for the late Governor — that you may have no
unnecessary trouble in getting the Lands divided by reason of
Ladye Moore's Distance the Title may be Conveyed to me,
and I shall then be able to execute the Deeds of Partition —
These Deeds must be by Lease, and Release with a Covenant
that the Grantors are Seized in ffee, and have done no Act to
encumber the respective Estates granted to them by the Patent,
and I advise you to get the Deed drawn by M^ Sylvester of
Albany reciting the Patent in a brief Manner — then let the
Grantors acknowledge it, either before Sir William Johnson, or
one of the Judges of the Common Pleas for your County — if
this is not done Soon, and the Deeds transmitted to me, I shall
be obliged to file a Bill in Equity against you, and Your Partners
to Compel the Conveyance, but I Should be Sorry to take such
a Step, and hope You will render it unnecessary, for whatever
222 Sir William Johnson Papers
further charges there are besides what Sir Henry Moore paid
for his third to M^ Banyar, I have authority to advance, and
Shall upon the Vesting of the Title in Common in me in ffee
be ready to do whatever may be Requisite for the Compleating
of the Partition until which time the Lands will be of little Value
to any of the Parlies Interested. — I have Staid proving the pre-
tended Will of your ffather by a Caveat, & shall want a full
State of y^ Objections to it, and the Proofs in a few Weeks
that I may be able to draw the Interrogatories for the Examina-
tior: of the Wittnesses — Let me hear from y". Soon —
I am Sir
Your Hble Serv*
W'^. Smith
INDORSED :
Copy of a letter from M^ Wâ„¢.
Smith to Johannes Lawyer Esq''.
FROM FERRALL WADE
A. L. S.
[Head of Lake AugK 13'K 1771]
Sir/
My Business hear was to see [ ] Billy Hare goes
On, & to get this Letter forwarded to You. M^ Hare I believe
will do Verry Well hear, but he Dont In the Least Affect Us
for the Indians In this Quarter Never dealt with Us, he Intends
Settling hear for a Constancesy Since we sent down Our packs
we have traded for About £200 pounds worth which we shall
send down when an Opertunity Offers, the red Skin trade just
begins now. I am Ailmost sure We shall make a great trade this
Year, the Indians Comes from all parts and has Assured Us
they will all Come this fall & trade with Us, they have sent two
of there people from a place Called Miskatiwa, three days
journey from hence, to give Us an Invitation on a belt of
Wampum to put up a house there this Winter where I intend to
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 223
go, (being a much better place than this) if the boats we wrote
to M^ Fonda comes In time, we Expected them by this we are
In hopes he will take care not to Disapoint Us. if he should
we may as well throw up Business as it Will be going Against
stream, I Dont In the Least Dispair of paying of Every shilling
of the partnership [ ]
[ ']
[ ] give you An Exact [ ]
[vajlue of a needle, we have in the house £826 of Goods
at the first Cost, on the Lowest Calculation you may [add]
£25 p^ C'. for the Carraige up, we have £115 of Stores
Boats, Oil Cloths, bags, seals. Axes, Nails, hammers, frying
pans. Dishes, Basons, plates Beding, hinges, Vessells of All
kinds, & Innumerable Other Articles two tetious to Mention.
I have [been] pritty Exact in my Calculation and I thmk there
may be £25 p^ C'. more Added for the Cost of Barrels, Cags,
Bail Cloths, Boxes, Mens rum & provisions, & several Other
Charges paying for the Carraige of packs Down &ca &ca on
the Whole £50 pr. C*. is not Out of the Way. We Owe
ab* £250 to M^ Campbell, the rest to you. the whole I think
Cant Exceed £ 600. — perhaps a little Over, this Sir, is a true
State of Our Affairs & I think we Done Surprisingly, Coming
hear Strangers & the Indians not knowing Us, which is not the
Case now, as they all know there is a house Established hear
I dare Venture to say there will Come four Indians for One
that has Come. Our stock of rum should never be Less than
1200 Gallons, they buy such Quantitys, we trust none, we did
a Little Last Year but I found they were not so Exact in
paying as we Expected, so stoped, they Owe Us yet ab*. 50 lbs.
We have belts for it, this I dont Reckon, we have spoken for
the Matts, am In hopes they will bring them. —
[ •]
[ ] and Every [ ]
[ ] it will be a great Loss to M'. Grant being
^ Lines destroyed by fire.
224 5iV William Johnson Papers
[ ]ing the second Vessel this summer, it will Discourage
the traders from Imploying his Vessell. — We have got Another
Neat Beaver Blanket for you. We should be Glad to hear that
you Enjoy your health. Our Compliments to Sir John &ca . . .
believe me Ever to be
My Dear Sir W-.
Your ever faithfull & Most Oblidged
and Most Obedient & Hum^. Serv*.
Ferrall [Wade]
addressed :
To
[ ] Johnson Bart. —
at Johnson Hall —
INDORSED:^
Aug'. 13^ 1771 —
M^ Farrall Wades letter
FROM THOMAS GAGE
A. L. 5.2
New York August 14^^. 1771
Dear Sir,
I received Yours of 26*^; Uh": by Maisonville, who is
undoubtedly a good Man, but I have no way to assist him in his
Pursuits of Land, but to forward a Petition to the King and
Council, who only can grant Lands at the Detroit. M"": Crogan
should have known this, and not assissted at an Indian Grant,
which he must have known was not valid without the King's
Authority. There does not appear to me any great Inclination
in Government to increase the Settlement at Detroit, nor indeed
could I give them any good Reasons for doing it, there are
many Objections against it. I have beared from the Ilinois to
^ In Johnson's hand.
2 In Harvard College Library, Cambridge, Mass.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 225
the 12*^: of May, a Soldier was killed by a Party of
Pouteatamies the End of March or beginning of April, and
When the Letters came away, they had advice from many
Quarters that a Number of Indians were near Kahokie.
Mainsonville says a Number of Kikapous, he beared were out
against the Ilinois; and was told were seen on their Return with
four Scalps. The Six Nations have been prevented Sometime
from falling on those People, who have at times killed some of
the Six Nations as well as other Indians. And if this News
proves true, I see no Reason to prevent their Chastisement any
longer. They give but a bad Lookout at the Ilinois, I fear the
Nations of that Country are a poor People, but I shall give
Orders to observe these Enemy Partys a little better, and to
attack them whenever they can Meet with them. Something
Must be done to put a Stop to these Hostihties, Some Chiefs
of the Chikesaws have been at the Fort, and the assisstance of
that Nation May be procured.
I am with great Regard
Dear Sir,
Your Most Obedient
humble Servant,
INDORSED:'
August 14^ 1771
Thqs. Gage
Genr' Gage's Letter
FROM JOHN GLEN, WILLIAM HANNA AND ABRAHAM WEMPEL
L. S.
[Schenectady Augi. 15^1^ 1771]
[ ]
[ ] having [ ]
the Quality of a small Tract of Land; lying on the North Side
of the Mohawk River on each Side of the upper Canada
^ In Johnson's hand.
8
226 Sir William Johnson Papers
Creek contiguous to the North West Corner of a Patent lately
granted to Henry Glen and ninety three others containing
between twenty and Thirty Thousand Acres or less or [more]
according as We find the Quality of the Land upon a more
particular Inspection. Which we would (with your approbation
and Assistance) purchase of the Indians and are ready and
willing to pay them at the same Rate per thousand as was paid
to them for the Purchase of the above mentioned continuous
Patent, altho' this lies at a greater Distance. Your Interest in,
and Answer to the above will much oblige
Honourable Sir,
Your most humble & obedient Serv'^
John Glen
William Hanna
Ab'm Wempel
[ I Sir I
[ ] Johnson, Bar*. J
The Answer on the back^
PETITION OF ADAM CARSON AND ALEXANDER HAMILTON
D.
August the 15'^: 1771
To the Honourable [Sir William Johnson]
Barro Night Chief [ of his]
Majestys Indian Affairs
The Humble Petiti[tioners Adam]
Carson and Alexander [Hamilton]
most Humbly Sheweth [ ]
Your Petitioners being Settled on lands near [ ]
big Island on the West Branch of Susquahana [ ]
^ A note in handwriting of Guy Johnson. The answer was destroyed
by fire.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1774 111
within the purchase Bounds made by the People of
Pennsylvnia of a Treety held by Sir William [Johnson]
Some time Since when Your Poor Petitioners had purchased
lands at a very dear rate in Order to make a livelihood for
their helpless familys but are Deprived of it by a Number of
Seneca Indians who on the Ninth of this Ins*: August in
the Night did Steel and Carry away Six head of Horses
from your Petitioners that we are not Able to Plow our
Ground to Put in seed and not being of Abillity to Purchase more
Prays that your Honour will take our Causes into your Wise
Consideration and Cause those Indians to return the Horses or
make restitution for them that we may be enabled to Purchase
others to follov/ our Labours, and your Petitioners as in Duty
Bound Shall for ever Pray for your Wellfare
FROM EBENEZER JESSUP
Albany August 16'^ JJJ]
Honoured Sir/
Several Gentlemen who is to Be concerned with me in them
Townships, have lately requested Me to Explore them better,
that we for our taking out our Patents, should be the better able
to form our Locations, Where the Land should be found fitest
for Cultivation, For though we should purchace forty miles
square of The Natives, yet it would not be prudence to Patent
more Of it then would be usefull.
To Gratify them in their request, and to git a Little more
Knoledge of Country, I have agree"^. with M^ Campbell, after
he has done your work somewhere, to Go in the woods and make
discovery of that which I have Not been acquainted with, and
if your Honour should Think the Indians would not Molest
Him, he might Run a line across from against Lake George,
west as Far as would be necesary for our Townships, so that it
did not extend farther west, then the Given course from North
228 . Sir William Johnson Papers
Hampton, this if it was not disagreable would Save us some
Expence, as the people could Almost run This Line as well as
walk it over without Runing, And by it ascertain a Course
necessary to be known in our Division, But if your Honour
should think it would Displease them, it shall not be done, I am.
Honoured Sir
Your Honours Most Obliged
and Very Humble Servant
Eben"^. Jessup
Sir William Johnson
addressed :
To
The Honourable
Sir William Johnson
Baronet at
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:'
August 15'h 1771 —
rs
Ebenezer Jessup Esq'
Letter concerning
Lands —
Ans^d. 21^^ Ins*.
FROM CHARLES INGLIS
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 491, is listed a letter of August 1 9th from
Rev. Charles Inglis, New York, congratulating on the praises uttered by
Bishop Lowth relative to services rendered the Indians, submitting a draft
of a memorial- commending Governor Tryon's character and religious
zeal, and inquiring as to the powers of the Bishop of Quebec under the
treaty (of 1763) and a map of the Iroquois country (printed in Doc.
Hist. N. Y., 4:457-59; Q, 4:285-86.)
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ See Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:1091-1117; Q, 4:661-75.
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774 229
FROM COMMISSIONERS IN NEW ENGLAND
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 491, the preceding letter is followed by an
undated paper: Minutes and vote of the commissioners of the Company
for propagating the gospel in New England and parts adjacent (New
England Company), conveying thanks to Johnson for encouragement of
Mr Kirkland (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:460; Q, 4:286.) (Copy
inclosed with letter of Governor Flutchinson of July 30th.)
TO THOMAS HUTCHINSON
[Johnson Hall August 21, 1771]
[ 1
personal Acquaintance will afford me su[ch ]
The particular Inclination whi[ch ]
Manifested, and the Countenance I have always [given to those]
who have engaged in the Conversion of the Ind[ians is] well
known, in New England can be very abund[ ] when-
soever I see the least Occasion for it, I am sat[isfied] at present
that The Contrary has been insinuated to a body of Gent",
whose Characters I esteeem [It may not be in my power to
afford all the Satisfaction which I am inclined to give to Gentle-
men Com [ ] appointed by so respectable & praiseworthy
a Society espec[ially] as these Gentlemen for their laudable
endeavors to promote Christianity amongst the Ind\ are entitled
to my best Wishes & Assistance, but I am concerned to find that
the Extract from the Journal of the Commissioners which you
have been pleased to trans[mit to] me, is founded on a Journal
Transmitted by M". Kirtland] by a Mission [ary] who has
owed his Toleration ams^ the Indians to my Countenance. The
ingratitude of his Conduct deserves my keenest resentment [no
part of which appears from the Extract I have received, neither
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
- Lines burnfed off.
230 Sir William Johnson Papers
am I at all enabled to Judge either of its Nature or Tendency,
hut that it appears therefrom that the proceeds of Gent", whose
Character & parts I Esteem, do not meet with EncouragemK
from me. There is something so Inconsistent, and I may truly
say ungrateful in any Missionarys Conduct who should give
occasion for such a Surmise as to merit my keenest resentment,
that If I acted entirely agreable to my Character, I should
decline affording any Answer thereto until I Was furnished with
the particulars which occasioned it, and] but the Respect I have
for the Gent", concerned, rather inchnes me to desire to be
favored with the [ ]
[ M
[ ]
[ â– ]
[ â– ], and that such Transactions are]
[ ] and whenever I am honored v/ith this I shall
[ ]d them all the Satisfaction [ ]
[ ] in these particulars and also take the liberty to
sugges[st] any thing that may farther [ ]
[ ] what may in my Judgment] occurr as necessary
agreable to your desire [for promoting the good purposes of the
Society.]
In the meantime I should Observe that Difference of
Religious Sentiments has never obstructed the operating of
my friendship [think it necessary for your Satisfaction &
That of the Cent", concerned to assure you that peculiar modes
of Worship &ca differing from those of the Established Church
of England have no influence upon me] [ ] favor of
so useful an institution wch I sho'^. rather incline to promote
whilst the Object of their Agents & their Conduct is consistent
with the major design & professed sentiments of the Society [is
laudable] & Calculated to preserve peace, & due obedience to
the Constitution which we ought to Support, — It is with some
Concern I am necessitated to hint that those Missionaries who
^ Lines burned off.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 231
were sent from New England have owed me very peculiar
Obligations [the recapitulation of which they must blush to
hear], & particularly that the Man mentioned in the Extract,
has besides [other] favors & Civilities, for a Considerable time
owed his Safety to my humanity & favourable inclination to his
endeavors [which have in [ ] me to protect him from
his many Enemies to this my] and now depends in a great
measure on my Countenance & protection there [he owes every-
thing, and the moment I withdraw it may prove fatal to his Life.
The particulars as I mentioned before I shall omit for the present,
& content myself with Observing that] Except in one Instance
of a man (whom M^ Wheelock First recommended to me as a
man of great Piety & Worth, & afterwards represented to me
as a Lunatic Enthusiast [has since represented as an Enthusiast] )
who in defiance of his Majestys Express Order & [ ]
[ '1
[ 1
[ 1
[to my oTvn delicacy and therefore Shall ] I have [ ]
request to be honored with a Copy of the paper before [ ]
will enable me to be more Explicitt, & afford [me ]
another Occasion for Assuring you of the Esteem In which I
have allways [held] the Character of Gov^ Hutchinson, h that
I am with
perfect regard
Sir,
[ ] Excelly Gov^ Hutchinson
Massachusetts Bay
INDORSED:
August 21^f. 1771 —
To his Excelly Tho«.
Hutchinson Esq^ Gov^ of the
Massachusetts bay —
Lines burned off.
232 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO JOHN GLEN
AugK ZZ'i. 177 L—
Sir/
I have rec^. a Letter Subscribed by Mess'^^ Hanna Wempel
& yourself expressing a desire to purchase a Tract on the North
Side of the Mohock River, & requesting my Assistance, In ans^
to which you will please to acq*, the Gentlemen Concerned that
thro' my Inclination to Obhge you & themselves, I shall Afford
them what Assistance I can provided the Tract does not Inter-
fere with a purchase I have made & p^ for for L"^. Ilchester, or
Vv'ith a Tract lately Petif^. for the Gov^ — As Soon as I have
made enquiry into these particulars, I shall acquaint you farther
as a proof of the Esteem with which I am
Sir
&c
Jn°. Glen Esqr &c
TO SAMUEL KIRTLAND
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 491, is listed a letter of August 22d to
Rev. Mr Kirtland, asking the nature of a communication to the Com-
mittee at Boston for propagating Christian faith (printed in Doc. Hist.
N. Y., 4:460-61, Q, 4:287.)
TO THOMAS GAGE
DP
[Johnson hall 22^. August 1771]
[Dear Sir]
I am favored with your Letter of the 14*^. Ins* and am glad
that you think well of Maisonville because I think him well dis-
posed, & that he has been of use, as to his pursuit I am sensible
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
Post-War Period, J 763-1 774 233
that nothing more can be done than what you mention, and I
am of your Opinion concerning the increase of Settlements at
Detroit. —
You may recollect that the Six Nations appeared very eager
to fall on the Kickapous & their Associates, but that it was not
Judged adviseable, as it might interrupt the Trade & Communi-
cation, but if the Depy*. who were sent to the Southward do
not bring something satisfactory from thence It will be very easy
to give free Scope to their resentment without appearing to be
interested in it. Lord Hillsborough has in a late Letter, hinted
as if some of the late proceed^ appeared as if we interested
ourselves too much in their private Affairs & Disputes, and that
we should rather suffer them to Subsist as our best Security to
prevent their uniting ag'. us ; — This I must Confess was allways
my own political opinion, & my practice was entirely corre-
spondent, therewith, These very Sentiments I suggested to his
Majestys Minister, when Ordered to Effect a peace with the
Cherokees, & the Hke I have observed very often since, At the
same time That It then always was the Sense of Gov', to prevent
as much as possible, their making war on each other from the
cruelty with which such Wars are conducted. With the humanity
of this sentiment, I could not but Close, but I really
Judged it [bad policy whilst I complied with it, I could not
therefore help being surprised, that my lately cooperating with
the Six Nations to attempt to bring] the offending Tribes
[to a Sense of their past ill conduct before we set them by the
Ears,] could have been deemed liable to the least censure,
[neither have I] ever Interfered or appeared in any of their
private Concerns where the Security of the Public was not
materially effected. This must make me more Cautious how I act
in any thing of importance that is liable to misconception, or
Misrepresentation. But I [can] Safely say that where they have
Meritted it so much as th[ose] Nations, I think the encouraging
those Tribes who dislike [them] to Chastize them is the best
policy & may be effected without our Appearring to Interfere, in
234 Sir William Johnson Papers
any improper manner therein. — The Chickesaws tho' now not
numerous, are of Consequence for [they] are truly a brave
people, far Exceeding the Generality of Indians In Courage,
and they may be made a good use of. As I daily Expect to
hear from the Southward I have only at present to add that I am
With great Truth & regard
D^ S^
&c
His Excell^y L^. Genl. Gage.
FROM THE EARL OF DUNMORE
A. L. S.i
Albany August 24"^ 1771.
Dear Sir
I am Happy to take the first opportunity of returning you a
thousand thanks for the many Civilities, & kindnesses you was
so good as shew me whilst at Johnson Hall, and to assure you
that nothing could behave better than John, & Abraham did
whom you was so good as to name for my guid's, they have been
perfectly sober, faithfull, & indefatigable, & I do assure you
I think myself much obliged to you, for their services. I beg
my best Respects to Sir John, Col. Johnson, & all the Rest of
your family & I ever am Dear Sir most sincerely yours
Dunmore
INDORSED:^
Alby. August 24'K 1771
L^. Dunmores letter
^ In Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
^ In Johnson's hand.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 1^'d
FROM JOHN BROWN
A. L. S.
[Niagara AugK 25^^. 1771]
[ ]
I had the honor of your Le"- of the 26'^^ July ^ Mess"
Middleton & M= Queen who have been now here above a fort-
night, and are at present waiting for a Passage to Canada. You
may be assured that any Gentlemen honor'd with your Recom-
mendations, will meet with every Civility from me that I can
Shew them, Indeed those Gentlemen's merit seems to entitle them
to the same
There was a Squaw here a few Days agoe, who formerly
had a Child to M-- Francis late of the 44'^ Reg^. she had con-
sented to send the Boy to his Father, thinking that he would be
taken care of. But She has been inform'd that the Boy is now
liveing with the Ind"^ at Caugh,nawagoe, or Sauli de S^ Louis
near Montreal. She left a String of Wampum with me begging
that I would write, so as the Boy might be returnd to her. I
promised to inform you of [ ] give the necessary
[ ] be sent to her, — The Mother is Sister
to Silverheels —
I have the honor to be with the utmost respect
Sir
Your most Obedient, and
most humble Servant
John Brown
P. S. Mons"^ Decouagne begs that his respects may be presented
to you J g
Lieu* Dysart of the R Artillery who has been here for some
time proposes to have the honor of waiting on you if his time will
Permit. You will find him a very agreable young Gentleman
J. B.
The Hon^l«
Sir William Johnson
236 Sir IVilliam Johnson Papers
INDORSED:^
Niagara 25»^^ August 1771
Cap*. Browns Letter
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S.
New York 27 August J 771
Dear Sir
I received your favour 6 Ins'. & was verry sorry I was not
here, when L^ Dunmore sett out, or I should certainly have seen
you but I was in Jersey & Pensilvania, where I caught the Fever
& Ague, which I suffer under at presant, but hope the Bark
which I am now takeing will relieve me. I cannot yet determine
whether I shall have the pleasure of seeing you this Fall, or not.
If I dont it will be want of Ability or Leisure, not want of
Inclination — Lord Dunmore not returned.
I cannot think your plate Iron too thin it must be well painted
both Sides & nailed verry thick & I am convinced it will answer
your purpose. I sent up the Jews Harps by Cap'. Marseillis,
& told M^ Phyn when he left this a few days ago to enquire for
them & have them sent up to you. When you lett us know your
desire with regard to the Land on Adigo, it shall be done
Imediately — I am sorry M"" Crumley missed the Oppertunity
of serving you, as he is very clever & verry deserving.
I have received the Money from the Pattentees of Oriskany,
& paid it to M^ Banyars, & inclosed send you his receipt.
I have received from M"^ Mortier, as you desired £ 1 65 Sts
the Curry. Exch^ % W O is £279 which shall keep till M'^
Prevosts affair is finished, & then pay it to M*^ Dimler — I think
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-/774 237
M"^ Prevost has sold his Lands Cheap, he v/rote me about them,
but asked double the price he has sold them for. Indeed I did
not want to purchase them at any rate — Our Governor has
not been long enough with us for me to form any Oppinion,
He seems a sensible polite Man, very friendly & affable. He
told me he had wrote you, & that he intends to pay you a
Vissitt — but both he & his Lady have brought the Fever &
Ague from Carolina. He is almost quite recovered but she
continues ill yet. I fancy it will be necessary he goes up to
make the Indian Purchase for the Numberless Petitions for
Lands between you & Crown point —
I have no doubt youll get a County Town at Johnstown, as
its the properest place, & Albany County must be div[id]ed, &
Mapps of the County shewing how the Division would be best,
ought to be here for the parusall of the Members. Your friend
Ja^ Delancy is not active, he is indolent & too fond of Ease to
carry any point, or make any figure — He was lately marryed,
&: is come to town with his Bride yesterday, he is verry ill
with the Fever & Ague, a disagreable Circumstance to a Young
buxom Bride.
I fancy our Assembly will meet in Octo"". lett me know your
Scheme of Division & I will push Mr Delancy, & apply to the
other Members & have no doubt we v^ll get it as you would
wish, you may depend on all my Assistance & Power
M"^*. Wallace Joyns me in sincere Wishes for Your Health &
Happyness. Many Thanks for y"". former Friendships, & for
your future designs, with the fine Fish at Mount Joy, Our
Compliments to The Familys & on the River. I have hopes S^
John will without fail be here this Winter —
I am with verry sincere regard
Dr Sir
Your obliged & obed^ Serv*
Hugh Wallace
Sir William Johnson Bav'. —
238 Sir JVilliam Johnson Papers
INDORSED:^
August 27\ 1771 —
M^ Wallaces letter
w'^. a Receipt —
FROM WADE AND KEIUSER
A. L. S.2
[Teronto Aug'. 29^K 1771]
[ ]
We have Laboured Under Great Anxiety for sometime past
to hear from You. Yesterday We had the Honour of being
favoured with Yours of the 1 3 Ult. — which Allways gives Us
Great satisfaction, but w^ould more so if we could hear you was
in perfect health, we dont in the Least doubt but you Gave
particular Charge as to the sale of Our furrs. Neither do we
find fault. Only what You will see by the Inclosed, as to being
frugal believe Us Vv^e are and is striveing to the Utmost of Our
power to do something for Our benefit, we beg You will not
think that we are Runing heedlessly Along, far from it, there
is not a single Article we v/rite for, but what we Imediately
Want, if You Sir, Was Acquainted with the trade hear. You
v/ould find it so, in the Coarse of Business allways the first Year
is Worst its true we had a few traders hear this summer but
Notwithstanding there being Old traders we got four skins for
there One (that is the best of them) Oweing to Our being well
supplied & Living among them, and as we Observed to You In
Our former Letters had it not being for those sums we were
[obliged to] pay [ we would] have sent abov^
£300 more do[ubtles3] [ ] Are Greatly Afraid it
v/ill be the Case Again for [if] we Can believe the Indians ve
^ In Johnson's hand.
- In Ferrall Wade's hand.
Postwar Period, 1763-1774 239
shall have a Great trade & What Confirms Our Opinion is that
Indians from the Remotes parts back has been hear to Look &
told Us they had h[e]ard of Us & that we sold Cheap & had
plenty of Goods. We have Remited M^ Campbell by this
Opertunity 301 "^ of Beaver, 83'^' Leather, 29 Otters, 1 1 Minks,
1 I Raccoons, 7 Martins, 38 Ratts, & 4 Bear Skins & we sold
a Good Many Deer Skins to the Battoemen. Our fall trade
dont begin Untill the Middle or Latter End of Next Month.
We also send You Sir, a Beaver Blanket which is the Only
Curiosity we have at present, the Matts we have bespoke, but
as to the Houses they Carry (which we Imagine is Leather)
those Indians dont Use but we shall Enquire & procure them
if possible. You Cant Imagine how much we have fretted at
that Ignace Receiveing £ 44 of Our Industry for Nothing, heaven
knows Except it was for Maintaining him & Son Coll°. Claus
Mentions in his Letter to M^ Keiuser that people who Under-
stands Ind". trade that we Could not possibly Get the trade we
did without him. by heaven he was more prejudice than
Service & the Indians hear knew him well & Despised him,
Another thing M^ Claus Mentions that he said the thing we
Charged him with we Gave him without Asking for, so far from
that he was particular to know the price before he [ ]
[ ']
[ ] think he Ever Earned that much,
[if] Coll° Claus would take the pains he will soon find his Real
Character, we dont Look on him as an [ ] an. My D^ Sir
only Consider of it a Little & you'll find our [ ] le way.
Cant afford such strokes & we are sure no Christian [will]
begrudge us the Little we Get hear, however we dont [bljame
them that sent him as the Intention was Good, but [I] Could
wish they had been more frugal In hireing him. [It's] now
Over & Cant be helped Altho' we must suffer We heard of
Your Calling the Six Nations together & are Certain You must
have a great Deal of trouble and Wish with all Our souls it
^ Line burned off.
240 Sir William Johnson Papers
was Less for You. be Assured Sir Your presence Among those
Western Nations would be Most Agreeable to them they are
Allways Asking us whether You Intend to Meet them, if You
do You will find them In General (particularly those back of
Us) a Worthy people I now Assure You Sir, from knowledge
that My B^ Matt has no right to blame My B"". Francis but
the Latter [ ] a just right All most to Curse him, for
he hurted him Verry much, by his Misconduct not to Give it a
Worse Name. I sincerely wish he may succeed and do well
he is Young Enough Yet. — we are with the Greatest Respect
& Esteem
My Dear
Sir W-.
Your Ever faithfuU & Most
Oblidged Hum. Servants
Wade & Keiuser —
Our Compliments to Sir
John &ca we are Extremely
Glad to hear the family are all well
INDORSED:'
Toronto 29'^ August 1771 —
Mess'^^ Wade & Kreysers
Letter w*'^. an Inclosure
WADE & KEIUSER TO JELLES FONDA
Contemporary Copy-
Toronto August 29^^ 1771
Sir
Your favour of August the S''^. we have receift, & notes the
Contents. The Goods you sent Us all came Save except the
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ Inclosed in Wade and Keiuser's letter to Johnson, August 29, 1 771.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 241
2 . three Gallon Cags of Rum, wich the Men says they never
receifed from you also the Eight Shillings Cash which you
Charged us in your Account for Onions, as to the Battoe we
will not keep nor neither will we pay the 40/ Difference as we
think a trip of our owen is equal to one of your's, you will receive
her back and give us Credit, for her tools which you have
Charged That is £ 1 .2. We are surprised at your giving our
Sail to Haires boats, & putting our Mens to Neccessity of hire
one, they tell us for 6./. Your pot we have kept in Lieu of a
Kettle West Bowen delivered to you the Coats tools, one bag &
4 bags this Sumer which please to Credit us for. In a former
Letter we mentioned theat you Charged Us ten Shillings for a
good for nothing, being old and unfitt for Use also the large
black Trunk which was only Lumber in your House having
no Lock or key or Eny thing Else to keep [ ]
will also Credit us for one Skippel of pease, which you ordered
our Men to give Hares peoples. The Men has also gave us a
Memorandum of what provisions powder and Schott they
receifd from you, exclusive of the Rum, which is Charged sepa-
rately, please to Charge us with the Provisions Instead of £2.10
p^ Man. Commissions and Expenses &c, with which you
Charge us we are at a Loss to Account for. We find our Beaver
fell Short in Weight 25'^ which surprised us much and more so
that you Should allow two or three Skins to be Culled from such
prime Beaver. I have sold many packs, but that is a thing I
never would admit off. As to the Cheapness of your Goods,
which you mention, we are of a Different opinion, but that may
be owing to your paying as you observed from other Hands.
As you justly observed the Red Strouds will not suit our Market,
for which reason we return them, the excuse for not getting
Cag's we cant help think is triffling. You understand Indian
Trade, & Knows that Rum in Barrells without Cags is Useless.
I was at M^ Hares [ ] the 28. Ul'°. wich I
[ ] by wich I found you was verry particular
in fitting him out with everry he wrote for. [I] could wish we
had found the same treatment [ ] we would allone
242 Sir William Johnson Papers
Venture to Say, you would have found us full as punctual.
The Last we have to observe to you is your Hastiness for
Remittance. You cant Imagine we can convert your Goods in
peltry or furrs imeadiatly. Neither does our fall Trade begin
hear untill the middle or Lather End of next Month, we have
wrote to M^ Campbell for a Battoe of Rum. when she arrives
we hope to make you a Remittance what goes down now is for
M^ Campbell, Our Compliments to M'^^ Fonda
Copie
FROM JOHN BLACKBURN
A. L. S.
London 3h^ August 1771
Sir
I had the Honour of writing You a Long letter "t^ the Hope
Cap' Ab"" Miller on the 1^' Curr' since vvhich have not been
favourd with any from You — the Britannia falls down to
Gravesend on Wednesday next by v/hich Vessell have shippd
the Residue of your agreeable order — & I flatter myself she
will arrive as soon as this Vessel —
We have nothing new or strange in the Political World — the
Ministry stand firm & gathers Strength daily — whilst the oppo-
sition by being divided among themselves dwindle to nothing,
the distracted State of France prevents a War with England —
the Spaniard is preparing for such an Event by equipping Her
Men of War at Home & Garrisoning Her Forts abroad — &
I must do our Leaders in Government the justice to declare that
v^^e are not idle — there seems some backwardness in their
Attention to N° America arising as I imagine from a Belief that
she is able to take Care of Herself — the Turk & Russia are
Yet implacable & if they dont terminate their differences with
this Campaign or Season — depend upon it they will involve
other Powers in the dispute — it is amazing to Read over the
Catalogue of their killd in almost every Engagement — Should
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 243
the Russians be [ ] in any one Battle their State
would be dreadfull — as their [ ] & Immissaries
would summon up their enthusiactick Revenge
I Should be happy in any opportunity [of] making my
Services acceptable to You & am with Comp'* to Sir [ ]
Sir
Your obliged & obedient Servant
John Blackburn
indorsed:^
London 31*^ August 1771
1VI^ Blackburns letter
FROM BENJAMIN ROBERTS
A. L. S.
London I September 177!
Dear Sir
As there is no ones health that I so much wish to establish,
or v.ould be so much Service to publick — as well as those who
have the happiness h honor of being your friends I inclose you
Doctor Cadogan's" treatise, it is universally read, & I have heard
some Gentlemen of the Citty declare that not one third of the
Port is drank now, that was drunk before it's publication.
There is no news at present the papers are Stuifd with daily
lies & stupid party abuse. M"". Carleton is pusshing to have all
the pattentee Employments in his Government broke, they have
represented they are out of Pocket by employing deputies, then
Carleton will have more places in his Gift for French men. he
has recommended La Naudiere & the King was going to make
'^ In Johnson's hand.
- Dr William Cadogan, 1711-1797, who published A Dissertation
on the Gout and on all Chronic Diseases, in 1771. In his opinion gout
arises from indolence, intemperance, and vexation. Dictionary of National
Biography, Vm, 187.
244 Sir William Johnson Papers
him a Baronet, but my Lord Rochford I am told opposed it. then
they made out a Commission for him as Surveyor of the Woods
in Canada for him in the Room of Frank M'^. Kay, who M^
had misrepresented & said he would resign but he arrived before
the Commission was given Away, & has Stop'd it, yet La
Naudiere is to have a Commission of the same nature as a super-
numery Survey at £300 ^ an"".
Rogers is likely to get his money paid which was rejected
before in England & America, he has many people pushing for
him to whom he Owes money, the Suit commenced against me
for Stoping a Man at Michilmackinak, one Atherton by desire
of the Sherif of Albany, is put off till next assizes, after I had
brought up Lieut Sinclair from Leeds in Yorkshire as an Evi-
dence as well as Several others. Indeed I am Shockinly used,
none seem to Stand so good a Chance here as the greatest
Scoundrells
Wilkes is universally allow'd to be the most unmoral worthless
fellow in England, he has the most forbidding aspect he had
three parts of the Common Councill of the Citty against him &
every ministerial man, yet by a Blunder in delivenng a Letter
from Secretary Robinson he got his Election. Vast numbers
who came to town to employ the interest against him seeing the
ministry interfere, they to A man turned for him, & now he is
meditating how he shall plague Government
I am Sorry I cant hear from any of the family I must entreat
3^ou to make my best respects to the Gentlemen & Ladies &
assure them of my Sincere wishes for their & familys Welfare
I am
With the greatest regard
respect & Friendship
Dear Sir
Your most obedient
humble Servant
B Roberts
To
Sir W". Johnson Baronet
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774 245
INDORSED:'
London 1^'. Septb^ 1771
L*. Roberts letter rec'^. 22^.
Octb^ —
FROM JOHN STEVENSON
A. L. S.
Albany h^. Sep': 1771
Sir/
Yesterday Evening I was fav^ with yours of the 2 1 *^ Ultimo,
I now send the Iron you ordered agreable to your Directions,
Excepting the Bar of Square Iron which is not so Large by I/4
of an Inch as your order, but as it is the Largest I Could get I
send it and if it does not Answer it may be returned any time
I am
Sir
Your Most Oblidged
& Most Humble
Serv*
John Stevenson
To the Hon'''^ SiR WiLLIAM JOHNSON Baro".
INDORSED:'
Alby. 7K 1st. 1771 _
M^ John Stevensons
Letter —
In Johnson's hand.
246 Sir William Johnson Papers
JOHN Stevenson's bill
A. D.
Albany I Sep"" 177 1
The Hon^'^: Sir William Johnson Baronett
To John Stevenson D"":
To 3..2..1 lb. Iron @ 37/ £6.. 9.. 10
To half faggott 3 Crowleys Steel
W:601b. @ IH.
2..15..—
£9.. 4. .10
FROM JOHN BUTLER
Butlers Burg 2 Sepi. 1771
Hon: Sir
Just now M"^ Peckingam [ ] " Me your Favor Whearin
you desired me to Send you my opinion, concerning Samons^
Road, I have no objections to The peoples Yousing the old
Road, and if you Will be so Kind to taik the truble To give
the Pathmaster such directions as you may think proper, you
may be assured it Will be agreeable me, as I have no desne
that People Shold be abliged to youse a bad Road When theay
can Have a good one
I am Hon*^. Sir your duty".
Hum": Ser*.
John Butler
To
Sir William Johnson Bar":
ADDRESSED : To
Sir William Johnson Bar".
Johnson Hall
1 In New York Public Library, New York City.
2 Word missing in photostat copy.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 247
FROM WILLIAM BULL'
A. L. s:-
Charlestown Sep". 6^^: 1771 .
Sir
About twelve days ago Da ya gough de re seze a chief of the
Oneyda Nation, in English, called Thomas King, arrived in this
Town in order to return by Sea, as the shortest route to you and
his own Country. He produced to me honorable testimonies under
your hand of his Attachment to the English and of his good
services in action against the common Enemy, and acquainted
me that he had been employed by you to Negotiate or to renew
and confirm peace between the six nations and various Tribes
of Indians on the Ohio, and with the Chickesaws, Creeks,
Cherokees and Catawbas, in which he had succeeded. He com-
municated to me the names and number, 33, of the various
Nations, and shewed the Belts and strings of Wampum he had
received on those occasions.
Da ya gough de re seze complained that the long journey of
thirteen months and the rough paths thro' which he travelled had
quite exhausted his Wardrobe, wherefore partly on that hint, but
chiefly from my regard and friendship for his Nation, I had
cloathed him suitably to his rank.
I had engaged a passage for him his retinue and the Catabaws
on board Cap*. Blewer to Philadelphia, v/hich Thomas King
had a great desire to see, and they were to embark the 7'*^. instant.
He was to have been accompanied by Cap". John Austin a
Catawba in order to confirm in your Presence the peace made
by Thomas King, between the Catawbas and six United Nations.
But poor Thomas King was taken ill of a violent Fever, and
notwithstanding all the care that was taken and Attendance of
some of our best Doctors, he died last night. I have Ordered
^ William Bull was Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina in 1 760,
1763 and 1769-75.
^ In New York Historical Society, New York City.
248 Sir William Johnson Papers
him a decent funeral according to the Enghsh manner, as I knew
not how to do him funeral honour according to the Custom of
his Country, for we are intirely at a loss for an Interpreter of his
Language. His Relations are to embark tomorrow morning,
and I shall send the Cloaths I had prepared for him to you, that
they may be given to his nearest relations to dry up those Tears
that will How upon this melancholy Event. I have given his
relations here some presents, who I suppose will take care of the
belts and strings of Wampum which he received in the Course
of his Negotiations, and report the occasions on which they were
given. —
I have the honour to be with great regard
Sir
Your most obedient
humble Servant
To W". Bull
The Honorable
Sir William Johnson Bar^. his
Majesty's Agent & Superintendant for
Indian Affairs in the Northern District
of America at
New York
INDORSED:' Charlestown Septb^ 6*^. 1771
L' gov^ Bulls letter
w*^. an Ace', of Th*. Kings Death
TO CHARLES INGLIS
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 492, is entered a letter of September 10,
1771, to Rev. Charles Inglis, acknowledging Bishop Lowth's commen-
dation of his service to (the conversion of Indians) and considering
Governor Tryon's disposition tow^ard the interests of the church, the rights
of the bishop of Quebec and maps of the Indian country (printed in Doc.
Hist. N. Y., 4:461-62; Q, 4:287-88.)
In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 249
FROM JOHN BLACKBURN
A. L. S.'
London lO^h Sept 177/
Sir
I had the pleasure of writing You on the 3 1 ^* Ult° since which
have not been Honor'd with any of Your Letters —
By the Britannia Cap* Miller I have Shipp'd for Your Acco*
sundry Goods as ^ Invoice enclosd. Amos to £ 1 5 1 . . 2 . . 3
which hope will arrive safe & in time before the Rivers are
froze — the great demand for all kind of Woollens was the
Cause why they were not sent sooner —
I have little News to mention to You at present — Lord Hils-
borough is not yet returnd from Ireland but expected in the
course of a Fortnight — Lieut* Roberts has not Call'd upon me
for this month past & I can get no tidings of Him — it gives me
pain to think of that Young Gentleman's Conduct — I am of
opinion that some proposition will be made in ParHam* for the
augumentation of the Contingent Money for America, & the
Advocates will now have good Ground to improve upon from the
extension of the Trade from hence — & the Unanimity that
every where prevails — the Ministry seem much pleas'd with the
amazing Entries of our Manufacturers, & in my opinion will
listen to any proposition that may be made by the E. India Com-
pany for a New Arrangement of the Tea Duty — if so that
Obsta[cle] will be Remov'd & make every one on Your Side
easy & happy, there is a plan for making a New Government
at the Missisipi accompany'd with a proper protection for the
Settlers — the Trade in Skins from that part has been amazing
& by Letters from thence there appears a seeming good dis-
position on the part of the Spaniards to aid our Traffick with
them —
In Europe we have nothing New more than the publick prints
will inform You — the poor Finances of France has oblig'd the
^ The Johnson manuscripts contain a signed copy of this letter.
250 Sir William Johnson Papers
Minister to disband a part of the Land Forces, & dismantle some
of their Ships — in England we are growing daily in Naval
Strength by increasing the Number of both Ships & Men —
Lord North stands firm as prime minister & is likely to continue
some Years in that high office — His private Virtues & Good
publick Conduct have defeat'd the Shaft of Malice against
Him — so that opposition itself is oblig'd to Sit Silent — I have
taken the Liberty by this conveyance to write You a Letter in
favor of a Tho^ Hatton who goes out from Hence in the Employ
of Mess Hagin & Son & myself on a Plan of cutting Timber
necessary for the Kings Yards — Should this plan be carried
on with Success, it will be of great & mutual Benefit to the
Colony & this Country — We are certainly in Want of proper
Timber for the use of the King's Ships & if it can be had in
America, there will arise a Source of Remittance for the Manu-
factures sent there, & a national Benefit — the Timber usually
Sent from N York has never been attended to — & consequently
the Navy people in the Yards have Receivd a very bad opinion
of its Quality — on that Ace* we have Chosen this Hatton to
explore the Country & to fix upon no Trees but what are sound
& Good & have given Him Instructions to Square the Timber
in such Lengths as to be admissible for the King's Use — hoping
from His experience to remove that prejudice which the officers
have conceivd against it —
As this Plan is intended for such Beneficial purposes I shall
hope for the Indulgence of Your good offices — & if You incline
to be a Sharer in the same, I shall be happy in Your holding a
Quarter part — We propose to Extend it to a considerable
amount, provided it answers on the first Essay — & we are not
doubtfull, having the promises of the Navy Board to give it a
fair Trial —
Permit me, Sir to assure You that I shall be happy in every
opportunity of testifying how much I am
Your obhged & obed hble Serv
John Blackburn
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774 25]
INDORSED:^
London 10'J^7K 1771
M^ Blackburns letter
Ansd. 1 1 «\ Dec^—
FROM THOMAS GAGE
A. L. S.2
NeWyorkSep^^: 10'-: 1771
Dear Sir,
I should have thanked you Sooner for your Letters of the 9''':
and 22^: Ul'"": ; in the first of which you inclosed Me an extract
from the Minutes of Proceedings with the Six Nations, in July
Last.
It is pretty plain that the Six Nations were no way concerned
in the Intrigues they were accused of, in the Report
Made by Mohican John, and the other Indian at Fort-Pitt.
I gave very little Credit to the Intelligence at the time,
and believe M"^: Croghan was of the same opinion; tho'
for some Reason, he would not declare his Sentiments. But he
was right, no doubt, in transmitting the Report to you.
I have waited some time to have the Accounts confirmed from
the Ilinois, concerning the Hostilities committed there by the
Kikapous. I have no Letters So late as that Event is reported to
have happened, tho' two or three officers are arrived from thence,
who inform me, that they had beared it at the Mingo Town on
their Way to Fort-Pitt, and that a Party of about Forty of the
ouabacke Indians, I Suppose the Kikapous to have been part,
had Intention to intercept them going up the River, but they had
escaped them by pushing on with great alacrity. These officers
left the Ilinois the 9**^: or /O*^: of June.
^ In Johnson's hand.
- In Harvard College Library, Cambridge, Mass.
252 Sir William Johnson Papers
Besides the ouabache Indians, the Pouteatamies of S*: Joseph
have also killed Some People at the Ilinois and I find from
Missilimakinac, that none of our Traders dare, even yet, go
amongst that Nation to Trade. The French Traders supply
them, and no doubt keep up their animosity against us. You
may recollect their having Murdered Several English Traders,
who ventured amongst them.
You will See from these Reports, that the ouabache Indians
Instead of becoming More Peaceable from the advice that has
been given them, and forgiving their former Murders as well
of Indians as of White People, are grown worse; and the
Navigation of the Ohio, will be more precarious daily, unless
Some Measures are taken to bring them to Reason and I am
realy of your opinion that they Merit Chastisement, and that
Nothing less will obtain us Peace from that Quarter. The
Deputys Sent to the Southward May be returned already, or will
Soon return, when you will be better able to Judge what is proper
to be done therein, and the best way of Chastizing them.
Mons"": Maisonville mentioned Something to me concerning those
Tribes, of their never having been Sent for, or properly talked
to. He may have Spoke More to you on that Subject.
It will be proper also to take the Behavior of the Pouteatamies
under Consideration, it is a Strange Situation that no English
Trader dare go into their Country; and that they are to Send
Partys every year to Make war at the Ilinois. I understand
they are a Most turbulent Tribe, and believe Many of their
Neighbours Might be prevailed upon to make them behave
better; Which I should be glad you would take under your
Consideration.
If the Pouteatamies and ouabache Indians are brought to
reason, I hear of no other Nations at present that Shew any
Inclination to commit Hostitlities.
What you mention about the Peace between the Cherokees
and Six Nations and other Matters, I very well remember, both
you and M"^: Steuart were of the Same opinion, about the
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 253
impropriety of the Measure, and acted against your own Senti-
ments. And I believe what followed Soon after that Event,
and the Powerfull Confederacys that were forming, convinced
every body that you was right in your Notions of Indian Policy.
I am with great Regard
Dear Sir,
Your Most Obedient
humble Servant,
Tho^ Gage
S«: W": Johnson Bar':
INDORSED:^
New York 7^^. 10'^ 1771
Genr^ Gages letter
Regarding Ind". Affairs & politicks
Very Important.
FROM WILLIAM YOUNGE
A. L. S.
[City Hall Albany September 12, 1771]
[ ]
As Necessitey in Close Confinemant, Oblidgees me, to Wright
These fue Lines to your Honnour, Hoping that it may fing you,
in a good State of halte, as I am in at Prasent. But in a Bead
Setuation of Life, and of Living som times Days Withought a
Mought full of Victuls, and, Hardley, a Shurt, or any Other
Close to Pute on my Back at Prasent, for I have Bin Oblidg to
Sail all the Close I head to Seport my Selfe, With a Mought
full of Vittols for to Save my Life, Tharefore, Now Nasessetey,
Oblidges me to aske a Faver, from your Honnours hands. That,
if your Honnour Whould Be Plesede to Be So Good, and
In Johnson's hand.
254 Sir William Johnson Papers
Sande me a Letle Seporte By Sume, Safe, hand, and a Line
So that I may, Git Whatsoever your Honnour Pleases, to Sende
me, and, as I have Bin in This Close Confinement, Sinse,
October, 1 769, Laste, Hov/ to, Git, Outh, I Donte Know,
Tharefore, I have taken it upon me to Aske a Nother faver from
Your hands that is, if your Honnour, Whould Be Plesed, to
Be So Good, and Sende a Letter to the Honnorable, Assembley,
in Order, to have, an Acte Paste for, aney in Solvent Dabt^
to Be, Releste out, of Confinement By Order, if thay Deliver
up all, thay have, and if I Cante Git Ought, upon, them Terms,
I Shall, Be Oblidg, to Perrish in this Dismill Plase, Tharefore,
I hope, that your Honnour Will Be Plesed, to Doe, me. Sum
Cindness, for if my Cradutors Whculd, have, Lafte me alone at
my Bissnes I Could Have, Paid, all, I am in Dabt for, the
Whole Dabt that I am In this Miserable, Plase for, is Oneley
Sixtey Eight Pound^ Whould, have, Paid, Before Now, if
Might, a Stade at, my Bissness, Tharefore, If your Honnour,
Will Assiste me, in Order to Get m.e ought of this Dismall
Plase, I Shall for Ever Be Bound, to Pray, for your Honnours
helte and Well fair, from your Humb' Serv'.,
\Vm. Younge
addressed :
To,
The, Honnorable S^ W=^. Johnson Night
And Barrenight, att,
JohnstoS Hall
INDORSED:^
[Albany] 7K 12'^. 1771
M^ Younges letter
In Johnson's hand.
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774 255
FROM JOHN BROWN
A. L. S.
Niagara 16^'^ 5ep' 1771
Sir
A young Ind" came here a few days agoe, with At,ton,gots
Sister, a Woman of great Consequence and gave me a French
medalle on my Promisseing to procure him an EngHsh one in
lieu of it, I told them that I would acquaint you with the same.
If you think proper to send one to be given the Young man it
may please them, as I have given them a note oblidgeing myself
either to return the old one, or give a new one. They live on
some of the Branches of the Ohio, and I am informd that the
Woman has very great influence over three Villages, She is
Aunt to the Young man, They said that they would return here
in about two months
I beg my respctfull Complements to Sir John, and the rest
of your ffamily and am with the utmost regard
Sir
Your most obedient, and
Most humble Servant —
John Brown
Sir William Johnson
P. S. I heard a few days agoe that asha,wa,non or two, with
some Belts, passd the Ge,ne,see, Village, goeing among the Six
Nations, But cannot learn the Nature of their Busseness
J. B.
INDORSED:^
Septb^ 16'h. 1771 —
Cap'. Browns letter
In Johnson's hand.
256 Sir IVilliam Johnson Papers
FROM MOHIKIN ABRAHAM
L. 5.
[Niagara, Sept. 16, 1771]
Mohekin Abraham
To Sir William Johnson
Brother
As I Understand the Mohekins at Stock Bridge are Wanting
to Sell a Certain Tract of Land lying above Albany from the
Mouth of Wood Creek or Auwgwasaga upwards, I take this
Oppertunity to Acquaint you that the Right of that Land belongs
to me, and I must request the favour of you to Stop the Sale of
it, untill you hear further from me, as I intend send-
ing my Son to you in order to lay in My Claim to it, as soon as
I can hear from you respecting it, w^hich I must beg you to
enquire into ; many Old people about Albany Knows the Justice
of my Claim.
It may be reported that I am Dead as it is Forty Years since I
left that Country.
I am With great Respect
Your Brother
his
Mohekin A Abraham
mark
-ri T I ki„ Pr Keeperdo —
The Hon^'«^ ^
Sir William Johnson Baronet
ADDRESSED :
To
The Hon^'^
Sir William Johnson Baronet
His Majesty's Sole Agent and Superintendant of
Indian affairs in the Northern District of North
America
att
Johnson Hall
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 257
INDORSED:^
Mohikin Abrahams
Letter from Ohio
concerning Land
reed, it 7K 16'^. 1771
FROM RICHARD PETERS"
A. L. 5.«
Philadelphia 17 Sepf 1771
My much honoured Sir
D"^ Smith and myself are most shamefully treated by M"^
Hall.* We had done every thing for him y* one in pinchd
Circumstances wanted to give him a complete Education and to
fit him for the Service of the Indians first as a Schoolmaster and
then as a Missionary. Insensible of the obligations he was under
to D"" Smith & without any desire to do the Good intended for
the Church he without any reason in the world that I know off
flew off from the Engagements made us. He pretends obedience
to a foolish Father I wish I coud impute his Conduct to so good
a motive but I believe it was Indolence and a dread of the hard-
ships of an Indian Life. These I suppose were aggravated by
some people and made Impressions on a weak Father and a weak
Child. These Bug bear Stories Shoud have been despised but
I believe from what has happened that he had not Spirit enough
for the work. So tho the Event be a very disagreable one yet
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ Protestant-Episcopal clergyman ; assistant pastor in Christ Church,
Philadelphia, Pa., for a time from which he resigned in 1737; secretary
to the land office; secretary to a succession of governors; one of the
provincial council till his death ; in the summer of I 762 was invited to
officiate in the United churches of Philadelphia, and was chosen rector
at the close of the year.
^ In Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
*See Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:438; Q, 4:274.
9
258 Sir William Johnson Papers
I conceive He would not have ansvs^ered our purpose. We are
endeavouring to make up this Loss, but find no fit person yet,
nor do I see any prospect from those w^ho are in the College —
but time & a little time too may thrown before us a proper person.
The moment such a one is seen I will write you again.
M"^ Stuart thinks & speaks of himself as made happy by your
goodness. If God spares your precious Life we may I hope
place good people amongst the Indians & People in your
neighbourhood. The Church has no Zeal, had a good religion
one half the affection for it that bad religions have in other
Denominations We shoud fill you with Ministers & School-
masters nor spare either Expence or personal trouble to do it.
but Churchmen of all others care little for the prosperity of their
Church. I am with Services to Col' Guy Johnson & M"" Clause
Dear Sir
Your most obliged
& affectionate
& humble Servant
Richard Peters
Sr W" Johnson
indorsed:^
Septb^ 17'h. 1771 —
The Revr^. M^ Peters letter
TO THOMAS GAGE
Dfr
[Johnson hall Sepiem^\ 19, 1771]
[Dear Sir]
Having lately paid a Visit to try the Effects of a Spring lately
discovered to the Northward of Schenectady, I was so long
^ In Johnson's hand ; missing sections supplied from manuscript letter of
same date in William L. Clements Library, Ann Arbor, Mich.
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson. I|
Post-lVar Period, 1763-1774 259
detained there & on the road that it has hitherto prevented me
from communicating the particulars I lately received from the
Southward. I am now to thank you for your favor of the 10*.
Ins* & to lay them before you. —
The first pacquet I received contained a Long Letter from M^
Croghan, wherein he points out the Trouble and Expence in which
his present Situation Involves him, & that he Cannot Continue in
his Office without his Expences &c are allowed him. In this
Letter he mentions his having been informed by a very knowing
Indian That the Western Nations have it in view to fall upon the
Six Nations, as the latter act Insincerely tow^^ them. — That from
a Conversation he had with another Chief It appeared that
Gaustarax the Old Seneca had sent belts to the Southward,
but that he believes that the Senecas of Ohio &c were the only
people concerned in this plot, tho these Excuse themselves by
alledging that the Shawanese allways Change the purport of
their belts, & gave one particular Instance wherein they had
done so last fall. This Letter accompanied one from M"^.
McKee who was sent by M^ Croghan to the Scioto Meeting.
M"^ M^Kee gives a Very favorable ace* of Tho* Kings Con-
duct, Says that the French give out that the bloody belts were
intended ag* them & their Neighbouring Ind*. under Color of
which, they are Erecting Forts, but that in reality it is at the
desire of the Indians by way of Security, ag* any Measures
which the Six Nations may now take, he adds that notwith-
standing the pains [that have been taken to alter Thomas Kings
good opinion of the English He has faithfully discharged the
Trust reposed in him, "and that] he had very nigh been
murdered by [the Ottawaes for the freedom of his] Speeches" —
I have Since rec'^. another pacquet of Letters Aug*. 1 1 *'^. & 1 4*^.
from Fort Pitt by Express across the Country [and also with]
M^ M*^Kee's Journal, and a Speech which the Ind*. [desired]
might be forwarded to me — From the Journal it appears that
he descended the Ohio from Fort Pitt he heard of some Murders
260 Sir William Johnson Papers
& [Several] Robberies Committed by the Ind*. particularly at
the Mouth of [Muskingum] he found a Number [of] Dela-
wares drinking who had plundered a Canoe [loaded] with Rum
&c these he rebuked severely & they promised to make restitution,
but I find in every late Acco* such bitter Comp'*. ag^ the
unlimited Quantity of Rum that is carried amongst [them] That
I cannot help repeating my former desire for its being [laid
under] Some restriction — On his arrival at the Lower
Shawanese Town he found that Tho*. King was departed for
sometime having [made] his Speeches to the Shawanese, Wian-
dots, Ottawas & Chipeweighs The other Tribes not Coming in
he left directions that they sho^. [streightway] be made
acquainted with his business & Speeches, he was accompan'd
from thence by sev'. Shawanese who M"" M^Kee is informed
may be Spies upon his conduct with the Cherokees, the boldness
he [adds,] with which he delivered his Speeches has inclined
them to doubt his Authority. They say he told them That
"Whatever Nation sho*^. [dare] to disturb the peace might
Depend on being severely chastized for their [Insolence] by the
English & Six Nat^ & that the Wawraghtonos & Kickapous
had to take care that the stroke did not first fall upon them for
that their folly had long deserved it. That he wo^. recommend
their Conduct for [the future] to be such as to merit the pity,
rather than the resentment, of so great [a People,] Adding that
the 2 last ment"^. Nations & the Straggling Ind^ of the [Six
Nations h^^.\ living in that Country must be Excluded from,
that Notice in the Chain [of] Friendship formerly shewn them
until their good behavior sho^. deserve , [otherwise,] 15 Days
after Mr. M^Kees arrival there A party of Twightwees &
Powtewatamis [came (as they said) in the Name of
Wawiaghtenos, Kickapous, & the rest of the Wabash Ind^ who
were prevented from coming to hear Thomas Kings proceedings]
by a Call they Received from the Illinois which [M^ M*=.Kee
says, the] Shawanese told him was however an Excuse, as they
were really gone to Strike the EngHsh. — From the 21*^ June
Post-War Per'iol 1763-1774 261
to the 1 **. of July was Spent in delivering Tho*. Kings Speeches,
after which the Shawanese upbraided them with their past
Conduct &c — The Twightwees made many declarations of
their own pacific Disposition but Acknowledged the Misbehavior
of those they represented to whom they promised faithfully to
deliver all they had heard, but feared they w^. not pay due regard
to it. The Powtewatamis Chief affected not to understand the
Council & to decline having anything to do with it, said his
Confederacy despised Threats, appeared to disregard w'. had
been said by the Six Nations, believed that peace w<^. not last
long & that they w'^. be prepared for them by wch according to
M"". M^Kees Information they alluded to the Forts builds by
the French. He however observes that T. Kings Speeches have
thrown the West". Ind*. into great Confusion, as they see that
these Straggling Senecas &c whom they looked upon as the
Mouth of the 6 Nations were despised & thrown off by that
Confederacy, At length it was Concluded that the Shawanese
sho'^. Send a Deputation to the 6 Nation Country to know
whether he had been charged with all the Speeches & whether
they were their real Sentiments. — Before M^ M<^Kees departure
the Shawanese addressed him in a Speech which they desired
might be sent to me, & of which together with his remarks made
during his Journey I now transmit you a Copy — It may be
difficult to lay any restriction upon Rum, or to Confine the Sale
of it to particular places, but If it can be done It ought, for I
am persuaded it is often the Cause of both Murder & Robbery,
tho' it is not so in every Instance. It at present serves as an
Excuse & I think we sho^ if possible leave them without even
that Excuse for their Conduct. —
I shall Seriously consider of the properest means for Chastizing
those Disturbers of the peace. — The Ind*. of Ouabache have
been as often called together as any in that quarter. They have
been Sev'. times Sent for by myself & have sometimes attended,
when they were allways but to well Treated, & I am sure they
Cost the Gov^ enough, whilst I had Commissi at the Ilinois &
262 Sir William Johnson Papers
the Detroit from their Situation we should have but Htlle [to do
with them, but that circumstance incHnes them to have a good
deal to do with us, and whilst they know it is in their power]
to obstruct our Communication [they will do it, as I understand
many] parties are now out for that purpose. In short betw[een
the evil inclination] of the Indians & Licentiousness of the Whites
it is a difficult matter [to Act. — ] The Traders [sell them Rum
in y^. greatest plenty,] then tempt them with goods which they
put what price they please upon, in the midst of the Ind"-
Country, amongst [a rapacious] Savage people. At the same
time The White Hunters Interrupt them in the Chase and
already Some people have Crossed the Susquehanna & Ohio
(vv^hich was the boundary Line settled in 1 768) & are now
building in the Ind". Country, of which I have full proof. —
Such a disregard to Treaties affords them a dangerous
Example. —
M^ Croghan says That the Ind*. Settled about Ohio, shew
plainly their disappointment, which he attributes in a great
measure to Tho*. Kings Speeches. — I shall Imediately let the
Six Nations know of the Message they are to Expect from the
Southward & take the best measures I can on that Occasion. —
In his Second Letter he again repeats his request of being dis-
missed from his Office, representing the great Charge it is likely
to be to him & the Impossibility of his Continuing without
enlarging his allowance. I shall be glad to have your Sentiments
& Directions hereon.
I cannot conclude without Expressing the Satisfaction I receive
from your approbation of my Opinions & to assure you that I
shall allways set the highest Value on your favorable Testimony.
His Excell'^y.
Lt. Gen^. Gage
indorsed :
Septr. I9»h. 1771
To Gen'. Gage with
inclosures from Ohio &c
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 263
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S.
[New York September 19, 1771]
Dear Sir
I received yours 9*'' Inst' & am verry happy in answering it by
your Nephew D^ Dease, who brought me a Letter from my Old
Friend Cap' Warren Johnson. I hope this Gentleman's Skill
& his Company will be usefull to you — I am sorry the Spring
at Kayaderosseras has not had any good Efl^ect.
M". Wallace & I are both verry well & much obliged by your
kind Invitation but we must debar ourselves that pleasure for this
Year. We hope Sir John will spend the Winter with us. Lord
Dunmore told me if he had staid in the Goverment S"^ John
should have spent the Winter with him, if the Sherriff & Posse
Com. of the C° of Albany could have brought him, if nothing
else would do. he spoke of him in the most friendly terms. He
was realy a verry honest good Man & I think would have made
us all very happy. Our present Governor [ ]
[ ...'.'
& Polite. M" Tyron is getting better [her being] ill since their
Arrivall has prevented our knowing so much about them as we
shall do soon — I fancy our Assembly will not meet before
November. I spoke to J a* Delancy on the C° Albany Mat-
ters lately, & he says he will push it this Session, & has no doubt
of being able to carry it to your Satisfaction. I find its proposed
to leave the fixing the County Town to the Justices & Free
holders — Pray will that answer your Purpose ?
Your Jews Harps were sent up to Albany by Skipper Henry
Marseiles the 14 June last, & we have his receipt for them.
M"^ Phyn promised me he would enquire for them, & I hope he
Lines burned off.
264 Sir William Johnson Papers
has succeeded. No News here. Our Compl'* to all Friends at
y® River.
I am Dear Sir
Y^ obliged & obed* Serv*
Hugh Wallace
Sir William Johnson Bar'
Johnson Hall
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnson Bar*,
at
Johnson Hall
^ D^ Dease
INDORSED:^
N York ]9K 7br. 1771 —
[M^] Wallaces letter
[ ] Nephew Dease
FROM CHARLES INGLIS
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 493, is listed a letter dated New York,
Sept. 21, 1771, from Rev. Charles Inglis on Johnson's zeal for convert-
ing and civilizing the Indians, the right method of enlisting Gov. Tryon's
cooperation. Gov. Franklin's proposal of a fund to be obtained from
islands in the Delaw^are river, the necessity of a fund to the success of an
intended memorial to the EngHsh government, Col. Johnson's map of the
Iroquois country, Mr Stuart's journey, and sickness prevalent in Nev^
York, (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:462-65; Q, 4:288-89.)
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 265
TO SAMUEL BAKER
A. Df.
[Johnson Hall September 21 , 1771]
Your favour of the 28*^. May did not reach me until the 1 6'^.
of this Ins', by it I find that you have not been able to receive
my Dividend, nor of course to purchase for me with the Money
w^. I remitted you, wherefore agreable to your directions
(which I wish had come sooner) I now Send you herewith a
power of Attorney executed before Two Magistrates, which I
hope will answer all purposes.
As Soon as you have purchased additional Stock for me,
you will please to send a State of the Whole. In the meantime
[I] conclude with much Esteem Sir,
Y^ Sincere well wisher
& Humble Serv'.
P. S. inclosed you have also
a Bill of Cap^ Daniel Clau's in my favour £25 —
which, with all the rest you will please
to lay out in purchasing more Stock. —
M\ SAM^ Baker —
London
INDORSED:^
Septb^ 2bK 1771 —
Letter to M^ Sam'. Baker
w*^. 2 Powers of Attorney
^ In Johnson's hand.
266 Sir William Johnson Papers
AN INDENTURE
D. 5.1
[Sept. 21, 1771]
This Indenture made the Twenty first day of September, One
Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy One Between Sir John
Johnson of Fort Johnson Knight, Daniel Claus of WilHam's-
burgh. Esquire, Guy Joh[n]son of Guy Park Esquire, Michael
Byrne of Kingsborough Esquire, Jelles Fonda of Caghnawaga
Esquire and Gilbert Tice of John's Town Gentleman, all in the
County of Albany and Province of New York of the One Part
And Robert Adems of John's Town aforesaid in the County
and| Province aforesaid Merchant of the Other Part Whereas
our now Sovereign Lord George The Third by Letters Patent
under the Great Seal of The Province of New York Bearing
Date the fifteenth day of September One Thousand Seven Hun-
dred and Seventy Did and Grant unto John Bowen and others
All that Certain Tract of Land Situate, Lying and Being in the
County of Albany on the West Side of Schohary Hill and
within the Province of New York Butted and Bounded as in
and by the said Letters Patent or the Record thereof in the
Secretary's Office of the Province of New York Referrence
being thereunto had may more fully and at Large Appear And
Whereas the said Parties to These Presents of the first and
Second Parts by Virtue of Sundry Mesne Conveyances are
become Seized of the Whole of said Tract of Land so Granted
by said in part recited Letters Patent And Whereas The said
Parties to These Presents of the first and Second Parts Have
Mutually Agreed upon an Equal Division Among them of the
said recited or in part recited Lands and That each Party shall
hold his Proportion thereof in Severalty and not in Common
Now This Indenture Witnesseth That The said Parties to These
Presents of the first Part and each of them Severally and
1 In New York State Library, Albany, N. Y.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 267
respectively for and in Consideration of the Sum of Twenty
Pounds Current money of the Province of New York to each
of them respectively in hand paid by the said Robert Adems
at or before the Ensealing and Delivery of These Presents, The
Receipt whereof They the said Parties hereto of the first Part
Do hereby Respectively Acknowledge and Thereof and There-
from Do Respectively Acquit, Release and Discharge him the
said Robert Adems by These Presents Have and each of them
severally and respectively Hath Granted, Bargained, Sold,
Aliened, Released and Confirmed and by These Presents Do
and each of them Severally and Respectively Doth Clearly and
Absolutely Grant, Bargain, Sell, Alien, Release and Confirm
unto the said Robert Adems (in his Actual Possession now
being by virtue of a Bargain and Sale to him thereof made by
the said Parties to These Presents of the first Part by Indenture,
Bearing Date the day next before the day of the date of These
Presents and by Force of the Statute made for Transferring of
them into Poessesion) and to his Heirs for Ever All and Singular
the Three following Lots or Parcels Lots or Parcels of Land
being Part or Parts of the Tract of Land Granted by the Said
in part recited Letters Patent, That is to Say, Lot Number
Twenty One Beginning at the Stone Heap, and runs from thence
South by five Degrees West One Hundred Chains along Bounds
of Johannes Lawyer and others to the East Corner of Lot
Number Twenty five; Thence North forty Degrees West Sixty
Chains and fifty Links to the South Corner of Lot Number
Seventy Two; Thence North fifty Degrees East Ninety five
Chains along the South East Bounds of said Lot Number
Twenty Two to it's East Corner; thence South fifty Degrees
East Seventy four Chains and a half along the South West
Bounds of Lot Number One to the Stone Heap being the Place
of Beginning; Containing Six Hundred and Thirty One Acres
of Land, be the same more or Less; Lot Number Six Beginning
at the North Corner of Lot Number One and runs from thence
North fifty Degrees East One Hundred & nine Chains along the
South Easterly Bounds of Lots Number Five and Nine to the
268 Sir William Johnson Papers
West Corner of Lot Number Eight; Thence South forty
Degrees East One Hundred and Five Chains and a Half along
the South West Bounds of Lots Numbers Eight and Seven to
the Old Patent of Schohary ; Thence north Eighty One Degrees
West One Hundred and Thirty one Chains and Fifty Links
along the Bounds if the Said Old Patent of Schohary to a
Corner Tree Lettered I B &c; Thence South Eleven Degrees
West Thirty Chains along the Bounds of the aforesaid old
Patent of Schohary to the East Corner of said Lot Number One ;
Thence North forty Degrees West Twenty Six Chains and fifty
Links along the North East Bounds of said Lot Number One
to the place of Beginning Containing Six Hundred and Thirty
One Acres of Land be the same more or Less; Lot Number
Eleven Beginning at the North Corner of Lot Number Nine
and runs from thence North Forty Degrees West Seventy four
Chains along the North East Bounds of Lot Number Ten to
the West Corner of said Lot Number Ten; Thence North fifty
Two Degrees East Eighty Five Chains and thirty Links along
the Easterly Bounds of Corry and others to the West Corner
of Lot Number fifteen; Thence South Forty Degrees East
Seventy four Chains along the South West Bounds of said Lot
Number fifteen to the West Corner of Lot Number Sixteen;
Thence South Fifty Degrees West Eighty Five Chains and
Thirty Links along the North West Bounds of Lot Number
Twelve to the place of Beginning; Containing Six Hundred and
Thirty One Acres of Land be the same more or Less; which
said Three Lots make in the Whole One Thousand Eight Hun-
dred and ninety Three Acres of Land be the same more or Less;
Together with all and Singular The Tenements, Hereditaments,
Emoluments, Rights, Members and Appurtenances thereunto
belonging or in any Wise Appertaining And the Reversion and
Reversions, Remainder and Remainders, Rents, Issues and
Proffits And also all the Estate, Right, Title, Interest, Use
Trust, Property, Possession, Claim and Demand whatsoever,
both in Law and Equity of them the said Parties to These
Presents of the first Part and each of them severally and
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 269
respectively of in and to the said Three Lots of Land and of
and to every Part and Parcel thereof with Their and every of
their Appurtenance To Have and To Hold all and Singular
the said Three Lots or Parcels of Land, Hereditaments and
Premises hereby Granted and Released with their and every of
their Appurtenances unto the said Robert Adems his Heirs &
Assigns to his and Their Own Proper Use Benefit and Behoof
for Ever Subject to the Quitrent, Provisoes, Reservations,
Limitations, Conditions and Restrictions in the said recited or
in Part recited Letters Patent Expressed and Contained And the
said Parties to these Presents of the first Part Severally for
Themselves and Their Heirs, Executors & Administrators
Respectively hereby covenant and Grant to and with the said
Robert Adems his Heirs and Assigns that the said Premises
hereby by them Respectively Granted are free from all Incum-
brances by them Respectively made And shall and may be for
Ever hereafter peacably Enjoyed by the said Robert Adems
his Heirs and Assigns without any Disturbance from any Person
or Persons Claiming or to Claim the same by from or under
them, The said Parties to these Presents of the first Part or any
of Them Respectively In Witness whereof the Parties to These
Presents have hereunto Interchangeably Set their Hands and
Seals the day and Year first above Written —
John Johnson G. Johnson Jelles Fonda
Dan Claus Mich^ Byrne Gilbert Tice
Be it Remembered that on the Eleventh — day of
June in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven
hundred & Seventy four personally appeared before me Sir
William Johnson Baronet one of his Majestys Council for the
Province of New York Dudley Davis and being duly Sworn on
the holy Evangelists of Almighty God deposeth And Saith that
he was Present And Saw Sir John Johnson Knight Daniel Claus
Esq^ Guy Johnson Esq"^ . Michael Byrne Esq"". Jellis Fonda
Esq^ & Gilbert Tice Parties to the within Deed Seal and Deliver
the Same as their Voluntary Act and Deed for the Uses therein
270 Sir William Johnson Papers
mentioned And that he this Deponant Subscribed his name as a
Witness thereto And also saw John Cottgrave the other Witness
thereto subscribe his Name as a Witness to the same And I
having Inspected the within Instrument And finding no Material
Razures Interlineations or Obliterations therein do Allow the
Same to be Recorded
W. Johnson
Recorded in Tryon County Records Lib. A fol: 147: 148:
149:150
P'
B Lefferty Depy Clk
INDORSED :
Sealed and Delivered in
the Presence of us — the word "five"
being first Interlined
John Cottgrave
Dudley Davis
Release of Some
Sir John Johnson Knight
and Others —
To
M' Robert Adems
Lots of Land on the
>West Side of Schohary
Hill in the County
of Albany —
September the 2h* 1771
D. Davis
FROM FERRALL WADE
A. L. S.
[Teronto Sepf 22^. 1771]
[ ]
Since we done Ourselves the Honour of Writing You by the
Battoe Funda Sent to Us, we are seperated. the Indians of
Pemiskittyon sent three times to Invite Us there upon which we
Consulted together and came to the following Resolution, as M^
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 271
Keiuser was not Capable to Carry on the Necessary Correspond-
ence required hear he Consented to go. I got an Assortment filed
out for him & Imeadiately gave him the Invoice at the Bottom
of w^hich I made Out the Charges on the Merchandize. Speci-
fing Everry Individual Article, to a Candle for his Government.^
I intreated him most Earnestly to throw off his Indolence & take
care to make sure that which he has promised me he will do.
since he Left this which was the second Ins*. I have heard from
him, and have the pleasure to Inform you that the Indians
Received him Most kindly, made him a present of ten Baer Skins
to Welcome him, and traded off With him three Large packs
the second day of his Arrival & Imeadiately Dispatched Mes-
sengers Round to there people to Acquaint them of [ ]
[ ^]
Good trade. I have had a Visit from [ ]
Great Chief with five of his people. after he rested &
Refreshed himself he told me to sit by him that he wanted to
speak to me. he then pulled Out ten strings of Wampum &
spoke as follows. It gives me and my people great pleasure that
you Intend to Continue among Us. now we know where to
[obtain] supplies to Our Liking, keep up your Spirits and be
Assured My people will Look on this house as there Own then
taking me by the hand he now took me as his Child, and All
the Indians should Look on me as such, then holding up the
Strings those is Like your Writing they dont tell Lyes, you
may depend on having a Great Many Indians this fall & Winter
treat them kindly when they Come, on your Account I have
forbid the frenchmen building a house or tradeing at my place
Our Eyes is now Open and we find they have Imposed On Us,
and stole our Beaver & Skins, a Vast deal more he said, he
then Asked me whether I knew where Monoghquit (the Chief
on the Lake hear) was. I told him about four Mile off he
^ At this point in the margin appears the following : Mr. Keiuser's
Cargo amts. to £360 —
^ Line burned off. *
272 Sir William Johnson Papers
sent Messengers for him and his people to Come to him, then
made me a present of four Beavers. the Next Morning
Monoghquit with about Twenty Young men came, then the
Council was Opened, the Old man pulled Out a Belt &
began as follows: Monoghquit I hear you nor your people
does nothing [ ]
[ ']
[ ] have to beg rum from them to get Drunk, dont
you know I want my people Over soon and the rum, thats its
Our Custom to Carry our Rum to Our Castle and drink among
Ourselves & not Among the White people, as to you, you are
all slaves. In a Little time you will not know how to hunt and
the English will dispise you, as they must now. get your people
together and build a Castle & hunt as We do, then you will
become a great people again, you Are not Insensible that it
was me who made you a Great man, and that with a View for
you to take care of the Young people & give them good Advice,
but Instead of that I am Informed You are One of the Worst
and the Most troublesome to the English, and that you Robed
Our friends Last summer, (the two Bluckers was robed of Six
Cags of rum, the Indians had some temptation, for it Lay Open
In the field the Old Man thought it was Us was robed) I now
Insist You pay them for what you took and take care for the
future & behave better or you will Disoblidge me, and Let me
see you all go to your hunting Grounds, which they have done
since, they hung down their heads & Acknowledged they done
wrong would Not do so Again, then made a Remark that the
[ ']
not help Drinking, the Old Man [ ]
that they were fools, the more traders that came [ ]
them, the Better they would be supplied, and it [ ]
the English put Confidence in them, and they should not by
there bad behaviour break the friendship that subsisted between
them &ca &ca. I was Under a Necessity on this Occasion to
1
Line burned off.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 273
break threw Your Order. I spoke on nothing but trade. I
pulled out ten strings of black Wampum, Returned them thanks
for the Friendship they had Allready shown Us, and hoped
they would be strong & still keep it, but that a great Number
of them was Verry fickle & not to be depended On for when
Other traders came hear, for a Little rum or Other triffles they
would trade with them, is it not clear to You that those people
only comes for a few days & then Leaves You. what would
you do if we done so You would have to Walk In Winter
to Niagara, be Resolute & Strong & Look on this house keep
to it as You have promised, and you shall find you will Allways
be supplied. I then told them was they fools they could Not
Distinguish the Difference, the traders that come brings as much
goods as you Can Carry on your hands the Rest Rum. the Old
Man said it was Verry true, his people some of them was
Foolish but it would not be so Again, the Indians on the
Lake had a Report Among [ ]
[ ']
[ ] I heard of it. I told them yes but it was Only a
Drunking Indian said so, & that there was Nothing in it, which
is the truth, they are greatly Afraid of the Senecas. the Old
Man made Reply & Asked them whether they were Women
to be Afraid of the Senecas. if you are Afraid Come Over to
me I have Corn Enough for you All & I with my people will
stand Our Ground, but you are Fools to Listen to such Idle
Reports. I hear them but what I gather In One Ear I Let Out
at the Other, they then Asked me about the French & Spaniards
& Whether we were Going to Warr. they know all About it.
I told them there was such a Report but that the French &
Spanairds had paid Us a Great deal of money to make up with
them they said it was just what some of there people heard at
Montreal. I then told them as to the Little spot the Spanairds
had (Meaning Augustin) which they know we Could take it
when we pleased they said they were Sensible of it.
^ Lines burned off.
274
Sir William Johnson Papers
I now send you Sir An Account of What Goods we had since
hear from Campbell £ 1 147 . . 13 . . 7
Jacob V Derheyden 287 . . 1 7 . . 1 0^
Hugh Henney 44
Jealous Funda 817. .16. . 6^/4
Paid of that
£2297.. 8.. 1
1290.. 8.. 1
Ballance Remand £1007
[ 1
Do Campbell [ ]
£60 [ ]
You Sir Nor Funda has not Let us know whether you took the
Goods we sent down, pray Let us know in the Next you honour
us with. Now I will show you the Difference of Campbells &
Fundas Charges, the Latter
on knifes
the Other Silver Works having
none from Campbell cant
tell, this I foreseen & wrote
You my thoughts before on
that head, he Also Charges
Us Expences & Carraige which
Campbell Dont. its because
he sells to Billy hare so he
thinks he can do it with Every One. if god spares Our Lives
I hope next spring to Convince them that it will be worth there
while to be punctual with Us. I hope M^ Campbell will not
Disapoint Us in the Battoe of rum we wrote for. if he Does we
are Intirely frustrated, not having a third hard Rum Enough. I
Expect M^ Keiuser will send me what packs he has soon, which
if he does with what I have got will be Considerable. I Expect
partys In Everry day. those Ind"^ dont trade single skins Like
Zhargeing us
so much more.
1/ p"^ Dozen
Wampum
2/ p"" hundred
Broaches
3d. Each
Ear bobs
6^. d°
Rist bands
1/ do
1000 Flints
16/ Over
Strounds
5/ p"" piece
Ribd^
4/ do.
Gartering
1/ do.
^ Lines burned off.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 275
the Others, they dont come Out of the Woods Untlll they have
Got a Good parcel & then Comes in partys. the Ind"*.
is so Confounded Lazy [ ]
[ '1
[ ] I will do myself the honour of sending you to
know whether its the sort you mean. I am sorry I can [not] pro-
cure Any thing worth Sir Johns Acceptance to Whom & the
Rest of the Family be pleased to remember Me, as nothing would
make more happy than to be Wonced more in their Esteem, and
believe me to be
My Dear Sir W"".
Your Ever faithful! & Most
Oblidged Humble Serv*.
Ferrall Wade
P. S. I have made great
Improvements this summer
I have Got the House quite
snug. I Assure you its not an
Indifferent One. I have
30 Cord of Wood at my door,
which we Carried in the Battoe about a mile —
I forgot to Mention before the Old Man went away I made
him a present of One [of] my Own Coats, a Cag rum, a Blanket
powder & Shot, at which he was highly pleased & told me he
would Allways Remember me when he Looked on the Coat,
he then Asked me whether I Could treat him with a Bottle of
Wine. I told him yes happening to have a few Bottles of red port,
which we send for the sake of the Bottles, we drank three
Bottles and he Remarked to his son, this is a Great Man the
traders from Niagara drinks nothing but such rum as we do.
God knows we dont taste Wine Onced in Six Months. I strove
to show big & honoured them with siting at the table at which
[ 'I
[ ] such friendship [ ] Out of the
^ Lines burned off.
276 Sir William Johnson Papers
traders power to hurt Us. they traded two Large packs with
me. what I mean by Large is such packs as we make. — I have
Got a man with me that speaks the Language pritty Well
a [ ] Lad who knew me there does Everrything ab*.
the house for £ 1 8 p"^ Annum —
INDORSED:^
Toronto 7K 22d. 1771
Ferrall Wades letter
FROM JELLES FONDA
A. L. S.
Cachnewago 24 Sept'' 1771
HoNERED Sir/
I Just now Rec'^ your feav' and am now a Sending Round for
to Procure 8 of the Best hands as I Can Tinck of; petter Nare is
gone up for me to Neiagera — I will if Posebele get John S.
Phillips who always was willing and obliging in my Imply; to
go in the Rome of him with John Ponwel and Volkert Phillips
and I will Send op to Van alstines for the Bato and have hur
Put in order here — I have no Bato to Spare so there most Be
Sent for one to Schonectady if I have orders I Can Do it — I
Send the Red and Blue wosted By the Bearer your Bouy Cost
2/6 p"" Bunch there is 4 Bunches about 1 "^ w*. in them
as to the Lands at Forth Stawix I whould Be glad to have
them to the Estward of the Rever Down to Lord Hollands Line
and op the Rever about 5 miles if there Be aney More then wat
is given to Petter. I am about fitting out two Batoes one for
ondago and one for Cayugo to Buy Jinsang & Next week 2 if
Can Set them out I Beleve I Shall go to Forth Stanwix and Take
a Vewe of them my Self when I whould Be much obliged to you
to Speke to the Indians whether or not — Before Sir wiliam
In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period. 1763-1774 111
Goes up I will Show you a Letter as I got from the Honerabele
Henry wite Conserning the Lands there and then I whould Be
glad for your advice in it how to act farther so Sir I Remane in
Haste your most
obedient Humbele
Serv'
Jelles Fonda
To Sir wi". Johnson
INDORSED:^
Major Fondas
Letter
7b--. 24»>^ 1771
TO THE EARL OF HILLSBOROUGH
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 493, is listed a letter of September 24th
to the Earl of Hillsborough, recommending Rev. Charles IngHs's memorial
touching the Christianization of Indians and commending Rev. Dr Cooper,
Presd't of N. York Colledge (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 2:987-88;
Q, 2:572.)
FROM THOMAS GAGE
A. L. 5.2
New york Sepf. 24^K 1 77 1
Dear Sir
I conclude that M^ Croghan has transmitted You M"":
M^Kee's Report from Sioto; by which You will see there was
some Foundation for the Intelligence given by Mohicon John;
and that the Plot proceeded from the Quarter the Six Nations
suspected, what they told you at their last Meeting seems to
agree with M^.Kee's Discoverys amongst the Western Indians;
but they appeared so convinced that it was a Measure approved
^ In Johnson's hand.
2 In Harvard College Library, Cambridge, Mass.
278 Sir IVilUam Johnson Papers
of by the whole Confederacy, that they had Doubts about
Thomas King's Messages, or that he was empowered to speak
to them in the stile he delivered his Messages; and to know the
Truth, proposed sending to the Senacas. The Pouteatamies and
Nations of the ouabache pretended, for I believe it only a Gas-
conade, to set the English and Six Nations at Defiance, but I
hear nothing of the Forts the French are reported to be building
for their Reception. They made the Usual Complaints of the
Quantity of Rum brought by the Traders, I wish most Sincerely
that it could be prevented; I will do my utmost When the
Commissioners from the Several Provinces meet to regulate the
Trade, which I am informed they are to do.
The Pouteatamies did Mischief at the Ilinois in the Spring
and the Kikapous killed a White Man and a Negro, and made
another White Man Prisoner, about Six Miles from Fort-
Chartres, on a Plantation of Baynton and Company, on the 1 7'^.
of July. The Prisoner, by name Fintey, has contrived to get a
Letter by means of the French Traders to the Commanding
Officer of the Detroit, who has transmitted it to me. He says
it was resolved to burn him, but that he was Saved thro' the
Intercession of the French, of whose Goodness to him he speaks
highly. He informs also, that the Indians there, are fully bent
for War against the English, that they had killed one EngHshman
and one Negro on the Same Plantation two Months before he
was taken, and some of them were then out. It is possible those
that were out intended to intercept a couple of Boats, in which
were two or three officers, with other People comeing up the
ohio. on some suspicion of the kind, the Boats pushed up very
fast, and were informed at the Mingo-Town that a Party of
Forty Kikapous went out with Design of intercepting them.
I wrote to you a few Days ago about the best Means we
could fall upon to chastize these Tribes and bring them to
Reason, and perhaps you would first choose to know the Answers
which Thomas King shall bring from the Western and Southern
Nations, before you would resolve upon the Measures you Judge
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 279
proper to take. I have given orders to have the Troops at the
IHnois instructed in scouting and wood Fighting, accompanied
by the Most Spirited Indians of the Country and always to have
the Troops in readiness; but shall proceed no farther till I hear
from you, and have fixed every thing with You and if nothing
but Chastizement will do, I think then of writing to M^: Steuart,
to see what use can be made of the Cherokees and Chikesaws.
I am with great Regard,
Dear Sir
your most obedient,
humble Servant,
Thqs. Gage
Sr; w^: Johnson Bar*:
INDORSED:^
New York 7K 24'h 1771
Genr'. Gages Letter
FROM WILLIAM ANDREWS
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 493, is listed a letter, dated September
28th, from Rev. Wm Andrews, Schenectady, soliciting patronage of a
grammar school which he has opened (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y.,
4:466-67; Q. 4:290.)
TO CHARLES INGLIS
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 494, is listed a letter of September 28th
to Rev. Charles Inglis, discussing a memorial relative to conversion of
Indians, showing why husbandmen and mechanics should be excluded
from them and mentioning Dr Cooper's merits (printed in Doc. Hist.
N. Y., 4:465-66; Q, 4:289-90.)
^ In Johnson's hand.
280 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM FERRALL WADE
Teronto Sept. 29^K 1771
Sir
Since I done Myself the Honour of Writing you Last, there
is another trader hear M^ V Vightey. its no more than What
I Expected and What will Affect Us Nothing. I am Certain
by all Accounts there will be a Great trade hear In the Winter
& Spring. Our fall trade is not Come in yet. the Ind"^ back
keep a hunting Verry Late & when they Come home they rest
themselves having three Days journey to Come hear. I had
two of them With me Yesterday & they have All of them
Assured me they would Look on the Old house. V. Vighty
has not got a skin yet. I have got In Beaver, peltry, & small
Furrs, I Compute about a hundred pounds Worth. I hear by
the Ind"^ that M^ Keiuser has a Vast trade the Most of the
Indians has Come In they say 1 3 packs I Expect his boat hear
soon & I have no rum to spare, without a supply we will be
Immencely hurted. but I am In hopes Campbell has Rec"^. Our
Letter & that the Boat is on her Way. we want four times
as much as we have & before July Next I dare say we would
not have a Cag Left. On the whole [ ]
Means to Attract more Indians hear two [ ]
to the Lake above Us M^ Keiuser will stop that Gap Not One
Comes this Way nor will not I am Certain to trade.
I am with the Greatest Respect
My Dear Sir Wâ„¢.
Your Most Obedient &
Most Humble Serv^
Farrall Wade
P. S. I would have sent the
packs & Matts by this Opertunity,
but the Men would not Carry them having
a Load Ingaged at Niagara
Post-War Period. 1763-1774 281
ADDRESSED:
To
The Honourable
Sir William Johnson Bar*
At
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
Toronto 7K 29'h. 1771
M'. Wades letter —
TO THOMAS GAGE
Johnson hall Sept'. 29'^. 1771.
Dear Sir,
As my Son, & Son in Law Col. Johnson are Setting off in
order to pass a few days at New York I thought it necessary
that they should wait upon you with this Letter to acquaint you
that I am Just preparing to go again into the Six Nation Country
where I shall Conferr with the Chiefs \^ Settle the reception
to he given to the Southern Deputys who are expected as you
will find in the Inclosures that accompanied my Last] concern^
the Embassy from the Southward mentioned in my last and
[/ shall] also take every other Step that shall appear necessary.
On my return I shall have the pleasure of Writing you more
fully, in the meantime [Col Johnson will inform you of any
particular which] I beg Leave to referr you for further par-
ticulars to Col. Johnson who will Likewise receive your Com-
mands on any Subject you think necessary. —
I am allways with True Regard
D'S'.
— &ca
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass. ; in handwriting
of Guy Johnson except the postscript which is in Sir William's hand.
282 Sir William Johnson Papers
Inclosed is the last Half years Acc^ of Sallarys & Disburse-
ments in my Department, for w^. I shall be glad to have Your
Warrant. —
His Ex^y L^^ Gen^- Gage.
FROM THOMAS HUTCHINSON
A. L. S.i
Boston 29, Sept 1771
Sir;
I should have answered the letter which you have done me the
honor to write me the next post after the receipt of it, if I had
not expected from the Commissioner an extract from Mr
Kirtland's Journal to transmit to you. I gave your letter to the
Lieut Governor who has been many years Treasurer & Secretary
to the Board but there not having been a meeting since, some of
the most active Members being absent, I have not yet been able
to obtain it, I may not any longer omit acknowleging the receipt
of your letter and thanking you for your very obliging Expres-
sions of esteem and friendship. I have not been present at any
late Meetings of the Commissioner's" and I knew no more of
the Affair which occasioned my Letter to you than what
appeared in the Vote which I included to you. I have not seen
Mr Kirtland's Journal but from the account which the Lieut
Governor gave me I am afraid the Commissioners were too
sudden in their Vote and I suspect there is nothing more in the
Journal than what Mr Kirtland received from the Indians. Had
I known this in season I should have endeavored to have pre-
vented the least notice being taken of it, for I have found so
many of them to have a lurch to lying that I must have some
^ In possession of Joseph F. Sabin, New York City.
^ Commissioners of the Company for propagating the Gospel in New
England.
Posl'War Period, 1763-1774 283
special reason for a favorable opinion of any particular Indian
before I would give credit to him.
As soon as I can obtain from the Board the Extract you
desire I will forward it to you and write you further upon the
subject. I am with very great regards and esteem.
Sir Your most humble
and obedient
Servant
Tho Hutchinson
Honi^'^ Sir William Johnson Bart.
INDORSED: Boston 29''^ 1^'. \11\
Gov^ Hutchinsons letter
FROM JAMES RIVINGTON
A. L. S.
N York Sepf. 30 1771
S^ William
A Package is in the Hands of M"^ White, concerning which
the enclosed Letter will inform you further it is from Mr John
Blackburn at London.
I have discontinued writing to you since the rising of parlia-
ment as there have not occurred incident material enough to give
you the trouble of reading my Epistles. I fancy we shall shortly
hear of new Arrangements in the Administration.
Many folks think that new matter of Contest has arisen between
the Court of Madrid and that of S' James, which will still
terminate in War, a Conclusion I never lost sight of since the
Arrival of the Sloop Favorite from Falkland Islands.
I am
Sir William
Your most faithfull Serv'.
Ja Rivington
284 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM JELLES FONDA
A. L. S.
Sunday Morning 10 a Clock at
Forth Stanwix
HoNRED Sir/
I Just Now arived here afther Being four Days in the wouds
Reconitering the Lands and found them Verry good, so I will
Be obliged to you to Speke to the Indians for the Lands aney
thing as you Do I will Be Satisfyed with in getting the Lands
I will give you a full Discreption of our Travel — and ware
the Lands is good and Bad I have Taken a great Dele of
Trubele to finde them out M^ Wall who is not Retorned yet
has our Jurnel and Soune as he Comes here I will Send it to you
By Express — the Indians as I Send this Letter By Met me with
the Barls as you wrote for to M"" Wall I am obliged to You for
the fish so I Remane with my Cinde Complem** to you and the
Rest of the Jentelman with you and am Sir your Most Obedient
humbele Serv'.
Jelles Fonda
ADDRESSED :
To the Honerable
Sir wi"" Johnson &
INDORSED:^
M^ Fondas letter
ab'. Lands —
^ In Johnson's hand.
Posi-War Periol 1 763-1 774 285
FROM THOMAS GAGE
New york October /*'; 1771
Dear Sir,
I am to thank you for your Letter of the 19'*^: Ul™°: with
M"": M'^: Kee's Report; which you will know by my last Letter,
had been in part transmitted me from Fort-Pitt. The Trick
played by the Chenussies by making use of the Name of the
Six Nations, without their Knowledge or Authority has occasioned
very great Confusion, and at the same time Serves to shew us
how ready the Western Nations are for Mischief. They may
be the more encouraged to it from the vicinity of the French at
the Ilinois; indeed it appears so from what they alledge con-
cerning the Forts building to protect them, which you know was
an old Piece of Policy amongst the Canadians; but I hope the
Spanish Governor will understand that it is our Mutual Interest
to prevent the Indians from disturbing each other, and that he
will not be drawn into such a Scheme. The French Traders
are thick upon the ouabache, and it is Natural to suspect that they
instigate the Indians against us to keep the Trade to them-
selves, and besides I am informed, that the Settlement formed
by the vagabond French at Post Vincent,^ increases so much,
as to require them to be kept under some Government, or to be
dislodged.
The Complaints of the great Quantity of Rum carried
amongst the Nations certainly deserve Attention, but how to
prevent it effectualy is the Difficulty. When Rum was entirely
forbidden they made it an Article of Grievance, and to permit
only a certain Quantity to be carried by the Traders, is no easy
Thing to manage. I still hear that Commissioners are to meet
from the Provinces concerned in the Indian Trade, if they do,
you may be certain I shall do my utmost to get this Complaint
^ In Harvard College Library, Cambridge, Mass.
^ Now Vincennes, Ind.
286 Sir William Johnson Papers
redressed; and as I go in a few Days to Philadelphia shall talk
seriously upon it to M"": Hamilton, who for the present Presides
in Pensylvania. But after all, you know too well how little
Regard is paid to Laws after they are made; and I am certain
no Laws will have Force in the Indian Country, unless the
Commanders of the Forts have Power to Seize Delinquents, and
do immediate Justice to the Indians.
M"": Crogan has no Doubt a perfect Acquaintance with
Indians, and has been usefull on many Occasions, and I am
sorry he is discontented, but it is absolutely out of my Power
to allow him his Expences, which on most occasions are pretty
considerable and indeed since he went to reside in the Neighbour-
hood of Fort-Pitt, the Expences of that Garrison have swelled
so much beyond those of other Posts, that I have been at a Loss
to discharge them. He is generous, gives all he has, and whilst
he has any thing to give, the Indians will flock about him.
I am with great Regard,
Dear Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant,
Tho^ Gage
Sr. '\yM. Johnson
INDORSED:' Octb^ 1^'. 1771 —
Genrl Gages letter
FROM JOHN JOHNSTON
A. L. S.
[Baskootayan Oct'. 3 1771]
[ ]
This will Inform that we are Safe Arrived in the Missasugus
Country and well Received by the Inhabitents &c there is
In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period. 1763-1774 287
Presiding hear two french Traders who Seame if to be Bleived
would Act up to our Sentiments in Trade whether or no (the
Indians has Giveing us there word in this part of the Country
the Chiefs of this place has Express*^, themselves in the most
Dutyfullest manner towards Your honour* Reputation Request-
ing me to Aqquant Your honour that there Intentions was to
Serve Your honour and Likewise to pay a Regard to the British
Crown) the Chief mans name is Koto he has two Leu'*, under
him they were mentioning to me that they would be Very proud
if they Could have a Lace hat and a Laced Coat apeice they
Seem*^. to be Very fond of Scarlet the french has a Great many
Droll dresses for them this place with the Inhabitents it Contains
and the other Creek CalH. BeemaSkooDiaun is about Sufficiant
for us three Traders, that is to Say the french that is now here
and us To ConClude with my and my Brothers Sincere
Respects Remain Your honours most humb'*.
Ser«*
John Johnston
To the Hon'^. SiR WiLL". JOHNSON Bar*.
P. S. Sir Please to Excuse hast by Reasons
of a Troublesome Company
ADDRESSED :
To
The Honourable Sir William Johnson Bar'.
At Johnson Hall
GENERAL GAGE S WARRANT
There is listed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 494, under date of October
5, 1771 General Gage's warrant sent from New York City to Abraham
Mortier for paying £4264, 1 Od to Sir William Johnson. Destroyed by
fire.
288 Sir William Johnson Papers
GUY JOHNSON TO AN UNKNOWN PERSON
A. L. 5.1
Guy Park, Oct 6. [1771]'
Dear Sir/
The Bearer has been with me & has Spoken on a Belt &
Strings about Some Ammunit". & some other Articles, As I don't
understand him, & as I hear Col Butler is Not at home I should
be glad you would talk with him, & Let him have a few Articles
as far as is reasonable Letting Me know what he Says on the
Subject
I am
With Esteem
Your very humble Serv'.
G. Johnson
I am Laid up with
a Swelling in the foot
You can tell him that the
Shops are mostly out of Goods
at this Time, till they get a Supply
from York, but I fancy Ammunition is his principal want.
Let me know the purport
of the belt he has Left with me,
INDORSEMENT :
Guy Park Oct
6'*^ in relation to
ammunition &c
P. R.^
Col°. Johnsons
Order
1 In New York State Library, Albany, N. Y.
2 See letter from Guy Johnson to Sir William Johnson, Nov. 28, 1 771 .
^ Possibly the signature of Peter Ryckman to whom the letter may have
been written.
o
m
O
1-1
>
o
w
o
OS
<
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 289
FROM THOMAS GAGE
New York October 8^K 1771.
General Gage's Compliments to Sir William Johnson Bart;
and begs the favor of him to forward the Inclosed Letters, for
Niagara Detroit, and Missilimakinac ; by the first good Oppor-
tunity that Offers. And as it is Necessary for the good of His
Majesty's Service, that they should reach the Posts, very early
in the Spring, if no Opportunity offers Timely enough. Sir
William Johnson will be pleased to forward them by Express.
FROM JOSEPH CHEW
New London Oct''. 9'\ 1771
Dear Sir
I am this moment Returned from New York where I have
been in order to get Something done in my affairs. Finding as
I wrote you that [so] me of my Creditors would not Come into the
[p]lan I proposed of a Letter of Lycence and that others
believing I had some friends who would not let me go to Goal
were pressing me Even to Severity — I Brought a Petition to
our [Gene]ral Assembly and got all my Creditors here except
one or two to give their Consent that it should be Granted, as
Soon as this was done I Set out for our friend M^ Robinsons
and by his M^ M^Evers, M^ Apthorps but above all M^
Bayards kindness, I have got all my Creditors Except three or
four in New York to give from under their hands that they
Consent and desire the Petition may be Granted which is that
upon Assigning whatever I have (if anything) to trustees for
my Creditors my Person may be Liberated & Freed from
^ In Harvard College Library, Cambridge, Mass,
10
290 Sir William Johnson Papers
arrests on Acco* of my Present Debts — those Very Persons
who made the greatest objection to a Letter of Lycence have
been so good as to Come into this method which is a thousand
times better for me. I am told by Very able Council that such
an Act would Barr any Action that Could be Brot against me
in New York but I Chose to be entirely Free & Safe and flater
myself I shall in a few days Procure the Consent of the three
or four who Stood out there — [ ] sure of the few who
did not agree before I w[ ] New York and as the matter
Comes on next Tuesday at New Haven I hope in a Very few
days after to be free and shall as soon as Possible Set out for
the Hall (where I have a thousand times wished my Self) in
order to pay my Respects to you and wish to Heaven it may
be in my Power to Leave this place this Fall
I am with great truth and Duty
Dr Sr
Your most Obed'
Most Hble Serv*
Jos Chew
Mrs Chew and Little Fann
desire me to give their best Respects
we all most Fervantly Pray for
your Health & Happiness —
The Hon^i*' Sir W^. Johnson Bar^
ADDRESSED :
To
The Hon^l'=
Sir William Johnson Bar*
Johnson Hall
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 291
FROM JOHANNES LAWYER
Schoharry October 12 1771
Much Honoured Sir
I have Sent you here my paper messenger to Let you know that
as we heard by Capt george man that you was Very well satis-
fyed that mr Stanburrough Should Divide the patents belonging
to us Lying on both sides of schoharry River these are to Let
you know that it was not by, nor from other peoples words that
we have made Choice of him for I have employed him to do
business for me and by his performances and what Discourse I
have had with him I suppose him to be a man Capable of the
business that he professeth and mr Timmer and myself have
made Choice of him if it be agreeable he sayeth that he is
familiarly acquainted with mr Picken so that your honour may
if Conveniet enquire his Character of mr picken or Discourse him
personally as I do intend to send him to your honour in order to
get Directions in what manner to proceed upon the Survey if
agreeable as Soon as I can have intelligence of your arrival at
Johnson hall he hath an Instrument made by mr miller of Eliza-
beth town with a minute hand in order to allow the vareation
which in my opinion is very Necessary as our patents are bounded
Chiefly by patents of an older Date than ours mr Smith by his
Letters Desireth it being done very Soon if it be agreeable there
Can be a part Done this Season unless the snow Cometh sooner
than usual So I Conclude Your most obedient
JoHAN^ Lawyer
To the right Honourable
Sir William Johnston
^ In New York State Library, Albany, N. Y.
292 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:^
ScohareOctb^ 12'^ 1771
L*. Co'. Lawyers letter
FROM TURBUTT FRANCIS
A. L. S.
Philadelphia Octo^. 14^^ JJJJ
[ ]
I had the Honor the day before Yesterday to wait on Gen'
Gage who desired me to take the Liberty of writeing to you on
the Subject of M"" Croghans Resignation. He told me he had
received a Letter from you acquainting him that M"^ Croghan
had desired to resign his Office under you, and that the Gen'
himself had received a Letter from M"^ Croghan requesting the
same favor — When I had the Honor of seeing you last I thought
I stood tolerably well in your Opinion & had some prospect if
Mr Croghan declined serveing to succeed him. I hope Sir there
has not been any transaction of mine since that time, that has
alterd your sentiments of me — My Abilities for executeing that
Office most certainly at present are by no means equall to Mr
Croghan's, but Sir give me leave to assure you if you take me
by the Hand, I will spare neither time or trouble to make my self
acquainted with the duties of the Office, so that I may execute
it with Reputation to myself, and if possible reflect Honor on
my Patron — If you think it requisite to have a Letter from Gen'
Gage on the Subject I am confident from what he said to me I
can with ease obtain it, as he assured me of his good inclination
towards me not only in the present affair but in any other that
was in his power — If there is Security to be given for the just
execution of the trust I can get unexceptionable for whatever
Sum you judge sufficient, without any sort of difficulty — If Sir
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 293
you determine in my favor, I should be glad to know you think
it [best] for me to wait on you at Johnson Hall — I hope Sir
I may [have] the Honor of a Letter from you, when you are at
leisure which will be an additional Obligation to the many I have
received & which shall always be gratefully remember [ed] &
acknoldg'd by him who has the Honor to be with the utmost
respect
Sir Your most ObHged,
And Most Humble Servant
TuRBUTT Francis
P. S. If you desire to have a Letter from Gen^ Gage in my
favor on the present Occation I will do myself the Honor o£
paying my Respects to you at Johnson Hall as soon as I possibly
can. Or if a Letter from the Governor of this province would
answer any purpose I am confident I can obtain it.
T. F.
To the Hon'.
S^ William Johnson Bar*.
INDORSED:^
October 14"^ 1771 —
M^ Turbut Franci's letter.
FROM CARPENTER WHARTON
L. S.
[Philadelphia Ocf. I4^K 1771]
I ]
[ ] take up my pen to embrace that [ ]
show'd long since have done my Self the honour of Writing to
you, had I not been frequently disappointed by the Managers
of the China Factory in the receiving a breakfast Set a China
^ In Johnson's hand.
294 Sir William Johnson Papers
of the Manufactory of this City (Which I beg leave to Present
You for the use of the Hall,) as I flatter my Self it is the very
best of the Kind they have yet exhibited.
I have applied at Several Stores for a Set of Decanters and
Glasses, The Manufactory of Lancaster County in this province,
but to my great disappointment Could not obtain them — as I
am Senceable it would afford you a Peculiar Satisfaction in
observing the progress made in the China and Glass Manu-
factories, the demand for them is So Great, that the proprietors
of the Manufactories are not able to Supply the orders from the
different Colonies
I have the Pleasure to acquaint You that my Father has lately
reced a letter from my brother Samuel Wharton, wherein he
assures him, he has very Near Compleated his business respecting
the obtaining a Charter for Lands on the Ohio, by which we
flatter our Selves it must by this time be determin'd and a
Governor appointed; M'^ Robert Hoop[e]r has been Over the
Tract Since the first of May: and by the account he gives of it.
The Climate is much like This and the Lands is Extreamly good
by which I trust the Proprietors will not be at a loss for imediate
Settlers
It wou'd afford me (Sir) peculiar Pleasure in Negociating
any Commands You woud be pleased to Honour me, or any
of Your Friends.
Please to Present my Compliments to Sir John
I remain S^ your most
Obedient Humble Servant
Carpenter Wharton,
addressed:
To
Sir William Johnston
Barronet
at
Johnston Hall
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774 295
INDORSED:^
M"". Carpenter Whartons
Letter
Novb^ 1771 —
Ans^d. D°. Month
& wrote for a Rifle —
FROM ABRAHAM MORTIER
A. L. 5.
New York 15^h Octr 1771
Sir William
I was favour'd with your letter of 28''^ past a few days ago
by Sir John Johnson, and take the first Opportunity to acknowl-
edge the receipt thereof, and to here inclose You the Generals
Warrant for £ 4264 . . . .10 Currency in Your favor together
with a Sett of Receipts, as usual for your Signature. I am very
sensible Sir of your punctuality in returning me my Vouchers
without delay for which I am Oblig'd to you.
I hope to be Able to Comply with your desire in Advancing
to Your Son Sir John (before his return homewards) the whole
amount of your Demand, as I have given the Contractors Agents
notice thereof, & that I expect to be enabled so to do.
Sir John has been so polite with Cap' Johnson to pay me a
Visit at my house on the Hill.
I remain with great Regard & Esteem
Sir Your most Obedient and
most Humble Servant
A« Mortier
Sir William Johnson Barr'
^ In Johnson's hand.
296 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:^
Octb^ 15^ 1771 —
Abr"" Mortier Esq", letter
^th ye >X^ar'. & Receipts to Sign
Ans^d. 8^^ 24*^ and
Returned y^. Recp'*. &c
FROM JOSEPH CHEW
A. L. S.
[New Haven Octr. H^K 1771]
Dear Sir
I am now here attenting the Genl Assembly on the matter of
my Petition which was Passed yesterday and a Committee
appointed to make the Report which Cannot be done untill the
week after next as I am Oblidged to Send a Notifycation to the
only Creditors that Stand out two at Boston and one or two in
N. York, the latter I am now gitting done the Formar I did
yesterday so that I hope to get this Business intirely Finished
this [sessijon as Soon as it is done I will Pay my Respects to
you and hope I may at Last be able to Leave this Colony
When I was at New York I was no where but at M"^ Apthorps
M' Bayards & M'' M<^Evers I Left it a day or two before S""
John & Col° Johnson gat there w*=^. I was Extreemly sorry for as
I should have been greatly Rejoyced to have seen them and
heard from you. I hope your health has been much better this
Summer then usual and that it may be Perfectly Restored is the
Fervent Constant & Earnest Prayer of
D-^Sr
Your most Dutifull &
Very Obedt Serv*.
Jos Chew
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-lVar Period, 1763-/774 297
When I Left N London
M""^ Chew and the Children
were Pretty well She is
as desireous of Leaving it as I am
The Hon'''^ Sir W" Johnson Bar^
ADDRESSED :
To
The Hon^'^
Sir William Johnson Bar'.
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
New Haven 8K 17^ 1771
Cap'. Chews Letter
Ans'f'^. —
FROM JOHANNES LAWYER
A. L. S.2
Schoharry October 19 1771 .
Much Honoured Sir
I have Sent you here my paper messenger to Let you know
that as we heard by Capt. george man that you was Very well
satisfyed that mr Stanburrough Should Divide the patents blong-
ing to us Lying on both sides of schoharry River these are to
Let you know that it was not by, nor from other peoples words
that we have made Choice of him for I have employed him to
do business for me and by his performances and what Discourse
I have had with him I suppose him to be a man Capable of the
business that he professeth and mr Zimmer and myself have
made Choice of him if it be agreeable he sayeth that he is
familiarly acquainted with mr Picken so that your honour may
^ In Johnson's hand.
' In collection of Edward J. Abbott, Fonda, N. Y.
298 Sir William Johnson Papers
if Conveniet enquire his Character of mr picken or Discourse him
personally as I do intend to send him to your honour in order to
get Directions in what manner to proceed upon the survey if
agreeable as soon as I can have intelligence of your arrival at
Johnson hall he hath an Instrument made by mr miller of
Elizabeth town with a minute hand in order to allow the variation
which in my opinion is very Necessary as out patents are bounded
Chiefly by patents of an older Date than ours mr smith by his
Letters Desireth it being done very soon if it be agreeable there
Can be a part Done this season unless the snow Cometh sooner
than usual So I Conclude Your most obedient
JoHAN^ Lawyer
To the right Honourable SiR WILLIAM JOHNSTON
INDORSED: Scohare Octb^ 12'^^.' 1771
L*. Col. Lawyers letter
FROM DIRCK BRINKERHOFF
A^eu; York Octo'-. 22, 1 77 1
The Honble SiR W". JOHNSON
Sir
I have Rec'^. yours in Answer to mine of the 21**. of May
wherein you say that you Cannot take the Gore of Land Drawn
by me and my Associates in the Tract of Land which lais
Adjoyning to your Royal Grant, the Reason you assignd is
that you have Erected Monuments to Ascertain the Bounds
thereof at a great Expence, but this Cannot Effect the property
thereof, as this Division or Partition Deed, will be on Record,
with the field Book to which Reference always Can be had in
Regard to the Gore of Land Adjoyning your premises, and
Whereas at the Time of Drawing for the Lands in this patent
^ In the date at the head of the letter in the manuscript 19 is placed
over 12.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 299
There was a Letter produced by M"^ Van Eps from you
Signefying that you would Exchange any Lott of Equal Value
which you should Draw with any Person to whose Lott it Should
fall to draw the Said Gore, it was Agreed by all Concerned to
proceed to Draw in Consequence of your Letter, & when it was
Drawn it fell to me and my Associates, which Occasioned my
Writing to Sir Wâ„¢. about it, but Imagine your Honour Would
not have Refused Exchanging a Lott of Equal Value with me
had you Recollected writing the Above Letter, & without
which we Should not have proceded to Drawing, this Coll".
Glen Assured me also was the Case, Now if this is not done in
Some way or Other we Cannot Come to a Division & in Course
all the Expence we have been at lost, and as we are all Mortall,
& some one or other dying Intestate, may prevent a Division
unless done by Act of Assembly, which will be attended with
a Considerable Expence [ ] already been Expended
And as I Imagine your [Honour] from the above Representa-
tion of Facts [will] be fully Convinced of the Truth of my
[ ] you will be pleased to Send Down & Lett me
Know which half Lott you will Exchange for the Said Gore
and as the Lotts N° 44 & 8 is adjoy[ning] one of mine I will
take Either of them in Exchange & will Order it to be Inserted
in the partition Deed, [ ] Cannot be Finished untill
this Affair is Settled, your Kind Answer will Greatly ObHdge
your Hb'. Serv'.
DiRCK Brinckerhoff
ADDRESSED :
To
The Hon'. Sir William Johnson Baronet
at his Seat
at
Johnson Hall
p*^ favour of
Sir John Johnson
}
300 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:^
Octb^ 22^. 1771
M^ Brinkerhoofs letter
FROM CHARLES INGLIS
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 494, is entered a letter of October 23d
from Rev. Charles Inglis, New York, acknowledging a courtesy, accepting
suggestions for the memorial to be sent to England, reciting arguments
introduced at Col. Johnson's direction and mentioning Gov. Tryon, Lord
Hillsboro', the Bishop of Oxford (Lowth), Dr Cooper, Sir John and
Col. Johnson, and Kirtland. (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:467-69;
Q, 4:291-92.)
FROM HUGH WALLACE
New York 25 Octo\ 1771
Sir
I hope this will find you safe & well returned from your Indian
Jaunt. We have had the pleasure of a short Visitt from Sir
John and Cob. Johnson. I wish it had suited Sir John to have
staid the Winter with us, but he has promised positively he will
come & spend next Winter with us — We have talked over the
Affair of the New County,^ & I have no doubt it will be done
this Session — I realy think the Mowhack Branch of Dela-
ware — Scohary Creek, the Bounds of Duanes Borough &
Schenactady, & so to the Pattent of Northhampton & up the
N°. E. Bra[n]ch of Hudsons River to the Northward will be
a good Boundary, lett me know your Oppinion of this Plan
Sir John thinks it would be much for Your Health if you
came down here. I have no doubt it would be of Advantage to
have the Oppinions of the Doctors here, & free you from the
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ Tryon county.
Post-War Period. 1763-1774 301
Hurry & Business you are always engaged in at Home — I have
a Couple of good Snugg Rooms next door to me, in my House
I use as a Store, that are as retired as you please, & shall be
fitted up to your Mind — there you can be as quiet as you
please — see only what Company you will, & when you will, &
my House will always be open for you to [ ] you
would think of this Matter, if not this then next Spring — We
are much obliged to Sir John & the Colonell for the present
Visitt, nothing but your Company could please us more. I beg
youll believe that it will always be a pleasure to us to see you
or any one of your family — for we are not ungratefull People,
& cannot forget your Kindness. —
I fancy our Assembly wont meet untill after Christmas —
there is little for them to do. You will hear all the News we
have here by Sir John — I shall buy you a Couple of Servants
if any good ones to be got here — I shall go in 1 or 12 days
to Philad^. perhaps I may purchase them there for you — I have
sent the Boundarys of the 2000 A. Land in Service's Pattent,
you were so kind as to promise me — I hope this Boundary will
be agreable to you — its the only way in which I can Joyn it
to my Land — when you are at Leisure you'll please get a
Deed drawn & perfected, & sent me — When you send the
bounds of the 1 000 Acres of Land on Adigo Creek, it shall be
perfected and sent you.
M'â– ^ Wallace desires her best respects & I hope soon to hear
of your return & Health.
I am D*" Sir sincerely
Your obliged & Obed' Servant
Hugh Wallace
wrote in much haste.
Sir William Johnson Bar*
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnson Bar',
at Johnson Hall
^ fav^ of Sir John Johnson
302 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:^
8K25'K 1771 —
M^ Wallaces letter
^ Sir John
FROM PETER SILVESTER
Albany the ZS^K October 1771
Saturday afternoon 2 o'clock,
Hon'' Sir,
I received Sir Williams letter this moment of the 24*^.
Instant — all that I am Possessed of relative to the Charge or
Complaint ag*. the Gent mentioned is a ruff Draft of an affidavit
taken before me as one of the Commissioners for taking affidavits
to be made use of in the Supreme Court. But as the complainant
was reexamined — and also resworn before the Governor —
there may be considerable alterations & amendments in the second
for ought I know & therefore probably a copy of my ruff draft
would not answer S^ Williams Purpose — I would however
send it by this oppertunity was it possible to be done in Short
a time but a day would not finish it — S^ WilHam will please
to let me know whether he Chuses it so & if it will be of any use
to him
I am Your most obedient & very
humble servant
P. Silvester
NB. Simpson or his wife has all the papers
as they were received at New York
In Johnson's hand.
PETER SILVESTER,
ATTORNEY OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON
From a painting in the courthouse, Catskill, N. Y.
Courtesy of trustees of Emory A. Chase Memorial
Library, Catskill, N. Y.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 303
ADDRESSED :
To
The Hon'"'^. Sir William Johnson
Baronet
at
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
Alby. Octb^ 26*^ 1771
M^ Silvesters letter
FROM JOHN WELLS
A. L. 5.2
Chlrrey Valley 26^^ Octbr 1771
Sir
Yours of the 21 Instant I Reed: whierin you ^me on the
Repeated Complents made Concerning the Badness of the Roads
Leading to Chirrey Valley Spring field and the Lake which
Complents are verey Just they are part of them Bad but not the
Part that Belongs to us we are glade to Let you know how this
Road his Been Laid out and Properly divided by our Commis-
sioners in to four Parts Colonel Freys^ Peopell living on his
Lands had theire Part Laid out Nixt to the mohak River and
the People Living on Bomans Creek had thiere part S^vet and
then Spring field and then our part and then we all worked
Everey one on theire own part and was verey well Conte'd with
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
^ Word omitted in the manuscript.
* Lieutenant Colonel Hendrick Frey, of Daniel Claus' regiment. See
Third Report of the State Historian of New York, p. 888. For informa-
tion regarding his Loyalist record in the Revolution see Public Papers
of George Clinton, 11:229, 285, 287, 330-31. 742-43; also Minutes
of Commissioners for Detecting and Defeating Conspiracies.
304 Sir William Johnson Papers
the Divison that was made by the Commissioners and for thes
two Last years the Inhabitance of Spring field has don nothing
on the Part which Belongs to them and know we will Leave
it to Sir William to Judge if we have aright to go and make that
Road that was Laid out for Spring field and them do nothing
we think it is verey hard if the Road that was properly Divided
Equely according to the number of hands Each of us had to
work on said Road this nothing but the truth Concerning the
Badness of that part of the Road which doth not Belong to
us not withstanding the Complents are all against us which the
Bearer Capt Scott Cane Inform Sir William how we are
Imposed on in this afaire and Rests with Complement to you
and all your good famely and am Sir your ashured frend and
very humbel Servant
John Wells
ADDRESSED: To
The Honerable Sir
Willeam Johnson Barnt at
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:' Cherry Valley 26*^. &^'. 1771
Major Welles letter
concerng. y« Road
FROM FERRALL WADE
A. L. S.
Teronto October 28"'. I77I
My Dear Sir W«.
Since I done myself the Honour of Writing You Last, M^
Keiuser has been hear having traded of all his Rum, powder.
Bullets, Shott, Guns & part of his Dry Goods, he set off Again
about ten days Ago Verry 111 I pitied him much, the Last words
he said to me were that as he saw we were Disapointed by our
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 305
Correspondents he would perish or try to get as much as would
pay off Our Debts In the Spring, he brought 1 400 '^ of prime
Leather which is Good trade in a few days had he Goods he
could have traded much more I have given him Everry Instruc-
tion I could devise for his Government. —
Now Sir, I will show you in the best Manner I am able, what
we have suffered by Mess". Campbell & Funda, Disapointing us
off the Goods we wrote for. After M^ Keiuser went the first
time, my rum began to be Low. I still Expected the Boat from
Campbell but the season seting in I wrote to Niagara for a battoe
of rum, which was Imeadiately sent me. if it Was not for that
I Could not have fited M^ Keiuser Out, and Our trade was
knocked In the head, so that After all our fatigue, trouble &
Vexations we must [have] packed up our Goods & Look on
them, without the Articles we wrote for to make an Assortment
we could not trade. I now have not a pound of powder in the
house, or bullets, am Oblidged to send the boat this Day to
Niagara for them and several Other Articles, we are [in]
Imeadiate want off. this is Attended with great trouble Risk
Expence & Loss to Us but there is no help for it. I Cant help
thinking My D^ Sir but that we are most Cruelly Used. M^
Campbell has never Deigned to write Us a Line in Answer to
the Many Letters we wrote him, which as a Merchant (if
nothing Else) he should have done, to Let us know whether
Or not he Chused to Supply Us, then we should know how to
Act but we are kept in Expectation, at the Last push we are
put to Immense Difficultys, to meet with so Many Obstacles
when we have such a prospect before Us all most breaks my
heart. I could Allmost wish there was an End of me. I am at
a Loss for there reason In Acting so. Consider Sir, we had
not a farthing Capital, for the first year I think we made Verry
Good Remittances, and I am allmost sure there will be three
times as Much trade hear this year as there was Last I plainly
see it now. I have now Got In the house 2 1 00 "^ of fine Leather
1 pack of Beaver & 1 pack of Otters & small furrs above 50
306 Sir William Johnson Papers
Others, and no way to send them down, if Campbell had sent
Us the Battoe of rum with the Other few Articles we should
[have] sent them a Loaded boat Down which I think would
[be a] Very Good Remittance. The Indians in this quarter
is just Come In from hunting our trade is Only just begun
V. Vightey is hear and has not got 1 2'^ of Leather or any Other
thing since he has been on the Ground, w*^^ is 5 Weeks, I Assure
you Sir, I have taken Great pains to Gain the friendship of the
back Indians, as to the Lake Indians we dont mind there trade its
but Indifferent, be it as it wall I will Use poor Keiusers Words.
I will Lose my Life or trade of the Goods to Advantage. I
thank God we have Enough to Convince our friends we were
not Extravagant or Idle. I Assure you sir, the people below
has no Idea of the trade of this place, there is not a trader
settled on the Lake Affects us Except V. Vightey. I dont
believe that will for it will Draw more Indians hear, & I dare
say all the trade from the french. My Compliments to Sir John,
& the Family wishing you a pleasant Winter
I am
With the Greatest Respect
My Dear Sir WilHam
Your Most Oblidged & Most
Obedient servant
Ferrall Wade
P. S. If you honour me
With a Line Lieu'- Poyntin
would take Care to forward
it to me. he and Another Officer
paid me a Visit a few days Ago.
they came to Fish & Hunt
Carried 3 or 4 Barrels of
Salmon, Venisson, Turkeys, Ducks & Geese plenty
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 307
INDORSED:^
8br. 28'h. 1771
M--. Ferrall Wades
Letter —
£0..
4. .6
0..
3..0
0..
1..6
0..
1..6
JOHN STEVENSON S BILL
D.
Albany 30th October 1771.
Sir William Johnson Baronet
Bo', of John Stevenson
2 Strong Desk Locks at 2/3
2 Locks for the front or prospect Doors . . . 1 /6
2 pair of small Butt Hinges 9"^
1 Dozen Brass Hinges
£0..10..6
M". Stevensons Respects to Sir William Johnson and acquaints
him that She Rec"^. his Letter to M"" Stevenson, who is at New
York and she now sends agreeable to his desire the Articles he
wants as above and hopes they will please
INDORSED:^
M'. Stevensons Ace*,
for Desk furniture —
8br. 1771 —
FROM WILLIAM ANDREWS
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 495, is listed a letter written at
Schenectady, November 5, 1771, from Rev. William Andrews,
Schenectady, N. Y., saying that he has changed his grammar school to
an academy, and the £40 paid him by the society and the £40 added
by the mission are insufficient; offering to preach at times in Johnson's
church, (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:470-71 ; Q, 4:292-93.)
* In Johnson's hand,
308 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO TURBUTT FRANCIS
Johnson hall Nov 6"". 1771 —
Sir
I am favored with your Letter of the 1 4*^. Ult°. on the Subject
of M^ Croghans resignation. It is true that he has Expressed
a desire to resign for some time past, but as I have as yet no
reason to think that Affairs in that Quarter are so Established
as to afford a permanent prospect of TranquilHty I have still
thought it best that he should Continue in Office from his Long
acquaintance with the Indian Affairs about the Ohio. — Upon a
Similar application formerly, founded on an Opinion that M^
Croghan had purposed to resign, you may recollect, how favor-
ably I Expressed myself of you, and I do Assure you I continue
in the same Sentiments. — The Motives for Continuing M^
Croghan still Subsist, and under such Circumstances appear in
my opinion well founded without derogating either from your
Merit or Capacity of which I think very favorably, and I make
no doubt that your endeavors to acquit yourself in that Station,
would prove greatly to my Satisfaction. So that I regret it is
not in my power at present to give you a more particular answer,
that might demonstrate the Continuance of my Esteem which
you have been long possessed of, and which would render any
recommendation in your favor unnecessary for whenever It is in
my power, I shall be glad [to] shew you how much I am
Sir
Your hearty Well wisher
& very humble Servant
TuRBUTT Francis Esq'.
INDORSED :
Nov^ 6*^ 177L—
To Turbutt Francis Esqr
In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 309
TO DIRCK BRINCKERHOFF
Johnson hall Nov'. 6"'. 1771.
Sir,
I have rec^. your Letter of the 22*^. October concerning the
Gore of Land, for which you are desirous I should Exchange a
half Lot, which you say I signified I would do to M"^. Van Epps
at the time of drawing for the Lands in that Patent. It may
have been that I wrote to that Effect, which has afterwards
escaped my Memory thro' the Variety & hurry of my business,
for I do assure [you] I do not recollect my Writing any such
thing to M''. Van Epps, tho' upon your declaration, and for the
reasons you Assign, however Inconvenient, I shall agree to your
desire, and shall Give you my half of either Lot 70, 72 or 85,
in Exchange, the first of which Adjoyns one of yours. You
will therefore please to Let me know which of them you pitch
upon and Settle the partition accordingly,
I am Sir
&c
DiRCK Brinckerhoff.
INDORSED :
Nov^ [6^ 1771]
To M'. Dirck Brinkerhoff
concerning the Exchange of a Lot
in Vromans Patent. —
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson,
310 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO HENRY WHITE
Johnson hall Nov\ 6'\ 177L
Sir,
At my return from a Tour amongst the Ind*. I was favored
with your Letter of 27'^. Sept^ & am much ObHged to you for
the care you have taken of the Articles that came for me in the
Hope, which I have received. My Son & Coll°. Johnson, who
are lately returned from New York return you thanks for all
your Civilities to them & desire their best Compliments to you
& M""*. White, and, I am with much Esteem
Sir &c
Hon'''*= Henry White Esq^
INDORSED :
Nov'. 6»h. 1771 —
To the Hon^le.
Henry White Esq^
TO HUGH WALLACE
Johnson hall NoV. 6^^ 1771 —
Dear Sir
My Son & Coll Johnson arrived here after a Short passage
a Week ago, & Delivered me your Friendly Letter, which I had
not leisure to answer till this time. — The particular marks of
friendship & Civilities which they have recounted to me to have
received from You and M'^^ Wallace, demand my most kind
Acknowledgments, which I beg you will Accept of & present to
M""*. Wallace for whom I have a very high esteem. I am also
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 311
to thank you most kindly for your Offers of Service concerning
the New County & its Capital and I highly approve of the pro-
posal you Communicated to Coll Johnson for Continuing the
boundary so as not to Affect any Claims of Albany or Ulster
Countys. — he likew^ise delivered me the Map M'hich you sent to
enable me to Make the Conveyance of the 2000 acres to you,
which I purpose to transmit you Executed by next Post If I
can possibly get it perfected within that time.
I have at present a good deal of Company about me so that
It is not in my power to be very particular on every occurring
Subject. — I must however beg the favor of you to receive a
ballance due to me by M^ Mortier which ballance I shall be
glad you will keep for me until some safe opportunity offers for
sending it up.
I wrote him also ab*. L^. Ilchesters Debt £ 226, desireing him
to let me know in w*. manner I can Secure y*. Sum, & where he
was to have his land, & desired him to apply to Banyar^
The Hoiible
Hugh Wallace Esq^
INDORSED :
Nov^ 6^ 1771
To the hofible HUGH WALLACE
Esqr.
FROM EBENEZER JESSUP
A. L. S.
Albany November 6^^. 1771
Honoured Sir/
This Day I received your favour Of the 5^^. Ult°. in which
You are pleased to inform Me that the Indians have Left the
fixing the price of Their Land to You alone. Which is very
^ This last paragraph is in Johnson's hand.
312 Sir William Johnson Papers
agreable to Me, And make no doubt, but that in settling of the
Affair between us. You will do us all Equal justice. — Since I
came from New York, being four or 5 Weeks ago, I have been
so sick that I kept my bed most part of the time. But now am
geting better, and hope in a short time, to be Able to go up to
the Hall, where I can better then now express them Gentlemens
intentions Relative to the purchase of The several tracts of Land
Contained in their Petitions, Which I hope will be settled Agre-
able to such of them. As are inclined to Settle on the same tierms
that I Agreed With M"" Funda, being the way Which was
Approved of By You, And thought to be Equitable and right
By Honoured Sir
Your Most Obliged
and very Humble Servant
EBEN^ Jessup
Sir William Johnson
indorsed:^
Alby. Novb'-6^ 1771
M'. Ebenezer Jessop[s] letter
FROM AUGUSTINE PREVOST
A. L. 5.2
Croghans Forest 6''' November 1771
Dear Sir
I have the honor of inclosing you James's indentures he has
engaged with me that if in The Spring I had any Small job, he
would come & do it, however that is, if it Should not interfear
with any Works of yours, at that time.
for want of an Almanack last thursday I Sett out for the Hall,
thinking that it was the h* Thursday of Novem^ but meeting
with Some letters on the road, obliged me to return, and now am
obliged to Stay at homme to See a number of necessary things
^ In Johnson's hand.
2 In New York Historical Society, New York City.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 313
donne before the hard waither comes in; having been obhged to
buy Some Catle, it obliges me again to aply to you for a Httle
pecuniary Assistance
be assured Sir, that I would not have the assurance of aplying
to you did I knovv^ where else to aply but at the Same time, be
assured that it Shall be the last time, & the loane but for a little
term, as I am debard the priviledge of drawing, till Such a time
as my apointment has finaly taken place, otherwise, could com-
mand as much as my necessitys require at present was that Setled,
having Some Yl V^Y coming to me
Inclosed I take the Liberty to request your perusall of my
Father in Law's^ Letter I have you will See Some little expecta-
tions to enable me to refund what I owe, the time limited is near,
when if disapointed I will Sell at any Rate the two tracts I
mentioned to you Some time ago, would wish they would Suit
you, allowing me only what ever you Shall just think reasonable,
even under what I mention"^ to you at the Hall, shall I request
the honor of an Answer on that head.
M" Prevost presents her Respects to you, the Children are
getting the better of their Cough, I beg leave to offer my Com-
pliments to my fellow travellers in particular M"" Dease hope he
has got the better of his bruises & muskito byts.
I am with the liveliest Sence of Gratitude & the most profound
Respect
Sir
Your most Obed' &
most Humble Servant
Aug: Prevost
The Honor*:
Sir William Johnson Bar'.
P.S.
please to return M^ Croghan's Letter
my wants are ab^ £40 the bearer James I can trust if you
keep his discharge
^ In 1 765 Susannah Croghan, only white child of George Croghan,
deputy superintendent of Indian affairs, married Lieutenant Augustine
Prevost.
314 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:'
Major Provosts letter
Novb^ 6'h. 1771 —
for £40 —
FROM JOHN BROWN
A. L. S.
Johnstown Nov 10^^ 1771
Sir
I proposed doeing myself the honor of waiting on you this
Day at Sacondago but meeting with your Servants on my way
within a few miles of that place, who informed me that you was
gone from thence for some days, deprived me of that pleasure
I had the honor of writeing you some time agoe about a Medal
for a young Indian who belongs to the Seneka Tribe, and lives
on some of the Branches of the Ohio. He has my obligation
either to give him an English Medal or to return him his old one.
If you are pleased to Signify to me at New York your inten-
tions on that head, you will greatly oblidge
Sir
Your most Obedient and
most Oblidged humble Servant
John Brown
P. S. M"" John Stedman of Little Niagara was in Company
with me who likeways professed having the honor of Paying
his respects to you
J. B.
The Hon^'«
Sir William Johnson
indorsed:'
Johnstown Novb^ \0^. 1771
Cap*. J». Browns letter
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 315
FROM AUGUSTINE PREVOST
A. L. S.
Croghans Forest
lO^h November 1771
Dear Sir
I have the honor of your Answer, with it the Sum of Money
I requested, for which I beg leave to return you my grateful
thanks.
I am afraid you did not understand my meaning respecting
the two tracts I offerd for Sale. I never intended you Should
advance any more money, but wanted to reimbourse what you
have So generously advanced for my Exchange, had it Suited
you; but Shall defer^ Saying anything more (agreable to your
desire) till I have the honnor of waiting upon you which If I
allowed my Inclination to guide me Should be very Soon.
I had the pleasure of being informed before [ ] of
Sir John's instalation in his new Dignities, I beg leave to offer
my Congratulation on the occasion, and for his Safe return to
you.
I am with the greatest Respect,
Sir
Your Much Obliged &
most Humble Servant
Aug. Prevost
The Hon''i«=
Sir Will" Johnson Baro*
INDORSED:^
Novb^ lO'h 1771
Major Prevosts letter
^ Written "refer" in the manuscript.
^ In Johnson's hand.
316 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S.
New York I4^K Nov. 1 77 1
Dear Sir
I received your Letter of 6 Ins'. & am verry happy to hear
you are safe returned, & that Sir John & Col". Johnson got home
in time to meet you — Every Civihty in our power to shew you
or any of your Family is our Duty, we have no claim to thanks
for what Gratitude for many favours must prompt us to perform
if not insensible — which thank God is not the Case — We were
verry happy in Sir Johns Good Company, wish he had staid
the Winter, he was here when most people were out of Town.
If he could come down when the Snow falls. Your Friends
would be glad to see him. I wish you would pay us a Visitt
yourself. I have quiet good Lodgings provided for you, & a
very kind Carefull Woman to attend you, who says she will do
it with pleasure. —
• I have no doubt we shall get the County divided & the Court
House fixed to your Wish & I am glad you approve of the Line
that I proposed, as it will obviate all Difficultys in regard to the
Line between Albany & Ulster Countys — Our Assembly I
fancy dont meet till after the Holydays — Inclosed is a Letter
Gov"^ Tryon designed to go by Sir John [ ] he will go
up and see you in Spring, to purchase Lands from the Indians —
I thank you most sincerely for the Deed you are getting drawn
for the 2000 Acres — I shall enquire about the Land for Lord
Ilchester — Pray did you ever write His Lordship on the Sub-
ject, or did he desire you to purchase for him, or who did —
M"" Mortier is extreamly ill, & cannot live long. I fancy not
many Weeks — I shall get your Account from His Clerk &
receive the Ballance — the Sept^ Mail hourly expected tho it
can bring no News worth while — M". Wallace desires her
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 317
Compliments & I assure you of the sincerest & affec'^ good
Wishes of D-- Sir
Your most obed*. h obliged Serv*.
Hugh Wallace
No Servants arrived here
yet. I go to Philad^. next
Week, perhaps I may get them there
Sir Will Johnson Bar*
Johnson Hall.
INDORSED:^
Novb^ 14'h 1771 —
Hugh Wallace Esq""^
Letter —
TO THOMAS GAGE
Johnson hall NoV. 16^K 1771 —
Dear Sir,
Being only lately returned much fatigued from the Indian
Country I could not Sooner acknowledge the rect of your favor
of last Month, which arrived here in my absence, — I have the
pleasure now to acquaint you that I have transacted some points
much to my Satisfaction during my late Journey. [The day
after I left this place] On my way up I was met by Deputies
from each of the Six Nations, being the principal Men of each
who came to acquaint me that they had been Called together^
on many important matters amongst the rest to consult what was
to be done on the resignation of the Bunt chief of Onondaga,
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass. ; in handwriting
of Guy Johnson.
^ The seven words just following this are in Johnson's handwriting.
318 Sir William Johnson Papers
whose great Age & Infirmities Induced him to decHne buisness, —
Also that Deputies were arrived in their Country by way of
Seneca from those Nations which Tho\ King had visited, to
desire in their Names a General Meeting with the Six Nations
for which purpose they would Assemble [imediately] at Scioto,
and requested that the Six Nations would lose no time in Send-
ing their Deputies, all which they thought proper to Signify to
me — On my Arrival at the Oneida Lake I held a Meeting
with these Chiefs and Sundry others who Assembled for that
purpose where I advised the Bunt (whose Influence and fidelity
I have long had reason to be well Satisfied with) to reassume
the Care of publick Affairs & thereby [restored peace] gave
great satisfaction^ to that Nation, After which I told them that in
Consequence of the News they had heard of the death of Tho*.
King," the sho*^. no longer delay the Sending to those Nations
who had received the bad belts from Agaustarax of Chenussio
and taking them away as Contrary to the desire & without the
knowledge of the Six Nations, and that I expected this would
be imediately performed In the manner resolved on at my last
Treaty with them, as you'll see in the Extract I then sent you. —
This they Assured me was their fixed Intention as a proof of
which Chiefs of each were imediately dispatched to bring away
those belts and to Express their detestation of that whole
proceeding. We next Settled about the Scioto Meeting, at which
they Seem resolved to manifest their fidelity to the English, and
to puruse such measures as will bring those People to good Order,
otherwise they declare they will Shew themselves able to preserve
their Ascendency over these people by compelling them to due
Submission, in such a manner as to leave no room for their propa-
gating farther evil reports of the Six Nations. — The News of
the death of Thomas King was some disappointm*. because None
of his party being arrived his negociations were not fully known.
"Gave great satisfaction" in Johnson's handwriting.
On September 5, 1 771 at Charleston, S. C.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 319
I have since received a Letter from iJ. Gov^ BulP [giving[
containing the particulars of that Indians death and that the
Proceed*, and belts to a great Number & Gov"^ Bulls Letter
which he received from the Southern Ind*. are in the care of his
party who were preparing to come hither by Sea. —
I am fully persuaded of the Truth of your Remarks concern-
ing the Trick played by the Chenussios, and that there is no
doubt of the Western Indians meeting with encouragement from
the French, who will doubtless endeavor to draw the Spanish
Gov. in to at Least a Connivance with their politicks. — I fear
that it will be a difficult task to remove those at Post Vincent,
but especially as they encrease fast I think it not a little dangerous
that they stay there. It not being possible In my opinion to keep
them under proper Government in such a Situation, & with Such
Inclinations
On my way up I had much Conversation with M^
Maisonville and as well from his Character as Influence I
have resolved to make a trial of his fidehty by impowering him
to act as a Resident there, with a moderate allowance to have
his Eye upon all that passes, make faithfull reports, and do
what he shall be ordered. I have many reasons for thinking
such a person necessary in such a Neighbourhood, and good
hopes that his fidelity will Answer my Expectations, I have
also settled a Limitted Allowance for my Deputies which I
wish had been done sooner as I Apprehend it is for the best. —
I am sensible that Laws & Regulations in the Indian Country
will have no Effect unless Commands Officers who are best
Calculated to see them Executed are impowered to seize Delin-
quents, and have them punished, without this the Indians will
allways have a plea & often a reasonable one for their
Irregularities.
Many of them formerly complained when Rum was totally
forbid, some of whom were Instigated thereto by the Traders
but I have some reasons to think that the Ind*. in Gen', are
^ William Bull, appointed lieutenant governor of S. C. in I 764.
320 Sir William Johnson Papers
become more Sensible of its pernicious Effects, and therefore
less inclined to consider such a Restriction as a Grievance, A
total Restriction however may be impracticable, & I am sensible
the Limitting any Quantity is so, but I could wish to see it
restricted from going beyond certain principal Posts, where If
proper powers are given it may be sold under some better Regu-
lation than it ever will be otherwise.
I am sorry that the Expenses have so much encreased at Fort
Pitt I know M^ Croghans disposition very well, but you may be
assured that I have Constantly recommended the most Strict
frugality to him, and I hope the Steps I have lately taken will
Contribute thereto.
My Son & Coll. Johnson have delivered me your kind
Enquirys & Remembrances, for which I am much obliged to
you, I have also received your Billet accompanying the Pacquet,
which is dispatched by Express, no other Opportunity having
offered so late in the Season —
I am &ca
His Excel^y.
Lieut. Gen^. Gage
TO WILLIAM ANDREWS
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 496, is listed a letter wnritten at Johnson
Hall November 18, 1771, from Sir William Johnson to Rev. William
Andrews, to commend his opening of an academy in Schenectady and
to promise to recommend to the Society for Propagating the Gospel in
Foreign Parts an increase of Andrew's salary. (printed in Doc. Hist.
N. y., 4:471-72; Q, 4:293.)
JOHN COTTGRAVE TO THOMAS FLOOD
Free School in Johns ToWn NoV. 2UK 1771 —
[ ]
My wife seems so pressing about coming up that I will be
much oblig'd to you if you will enquire of Coll. Johnson if that
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 321
he expects Capt° Chew up this Winter if not I wou'd willingly
rent his house near the Bridge for this Winter — and as I shall
bring up no other furniture save only a bed & a few other small
necessaries I can at any time move out without being put to any
great Nonpluss. Do pray Sir be so kind as to mention it to the
Coll. or if Sir William wou'd please to consent to it imagine
that the Coll. wou'd not have the least Objection — If it was
not owing to a certain affair as yet unsetled I shou'd come to a
conclusion in regard to the Farm I m'ted to you or some others
more Sutable for Trade — but as some things Stand perticularly
Circumstanced it wou'd be very rong to take it upon uncer-
tainty — Please to send me your Answer in the Morning by
Master Peter and you will much oblige & Serve your friend in
great haste
John Cottgrave
P. S. I am willing to pay as much rent for the house as Sir
William Johnson or the Coll. thinks I ought to do for the same
please to keep the Contents as a profound secret
ADDRESSED :
To
M"^ Thomas Flood
Overseer
To
The Hon^^^. Sir William Johnson Baronet
INDORSED:^
Novb^ 21«». 1771
M^ Cotgraves letter
In Johnson's hand.
II
322 Sir William Johnson Papers
JOHN COTTGRAVE TO THOMAS FLOOD
A. L. S.
Johns Town Nov. 22^. 1771 —
[ ]
I am very Sorry Business is so very urgent with you as to
retard your intention of speaking to the Hon^'^. Sir WilHam
Johnson on my Account — Pray Sir remember me whenever,
you have an Opportunity so to do — Its impossible for me to
describe the disHke I have to the continuing at a Tavern for
Board & Lod[g]ing not that I object to the price so much as
being in the way of So much vanity to instance it I cannot in a
comparative Degree without using of so much freedom as to
point at the Notions of the wandering Peacock. For
you must know Sir that when I am alone & freed from the
Duties of my Station I cannot do less then to meditate on the
various pursutes of the Families in this place — What folly
what deceipt & how amazeingly & tamely injured is the Greatest
Man or one of them in this or any other Age — When I reflect
on these things I am seemingly of a strange frame of mind as
if I rejoiced at the disappointments which I have eitherto met
with & as if Providence had appointed me a residence here —
The more copiously I think of it the more at a Certainty I find
my self w*^^. if So Mark my ways I will now Declare to you,
that [ ] I have compleated a thorough revolution —
I have only one Obstacle that can prevent me — & I hope soon
to stride over the whole — My Plan Flood is this — To bring
in the first place the Prodestant Religion to a permanent Estab-
lishment — which at this time so much Languishes that the major
part of the Inhabitants on this Patent are in fact much beneath the
Naturall Dignity of the Common Animal — The Task seems
dificult because Vice is arriv'd to perfection — But my
meterials are to purify the riseing Generation — to Prevail on Sir
William in time to Cloth the poorest Children in the manner
the Blue Coat Schollers are furnished in England — to prevail
Postwar Period, 1763-1774 323
on Sir William to give Orders for the Old England Lad that at
present lives w^ith Sir John Johnson who has had perfect instruc-
tions for Psalm Singing who has Song three Years at S'. Pauls
Cethedral in London that all the Freeschool Boys may be taught
to Sing Psalms in this Church when so Clothd & take their places
in the Gallery appointed for them only & the Girls — Which
when compleated I mean to prevail on some of my relations by
Marriage to Settle with their Families, & then to use every
endeavour to discourage & bring to due punishment the rascally
proceedings of them at [ ] ged by Generosity — I have
already lau [nched ] undertaking — I give Close attend-
ance to my School — [I have] already purged many of my
Children that they behave much to [my] Satisfaction — I have
Oppos'd the vain Conduct of one of the [l]eading kind — I have
been the Cause of another Store — I have wrote to Collins by
Buck to put my Name for 2000 Acres of the Socandago Land
that I may settle some perticular families of my own likeing
thereon — that when done I may Establish a Store in that
Quarter & to have an Influence at their Town Meetings I have
under consideration Gollingers Farm here which if I succeed in
I will lay it out in Town lotts if this place comes to be a County
Town & to Settle Sundry mecanicks thereon as fast as my Trade-
ing Business will admit of And as soon as I find myself invested
with proper power so as to Act with decency I will do all in
my Power to get Establish'd One virtuous Good Man such
as Coll. Butler to be a Justice of the Peace as one of that
Character is much wanted here — And as these Observations
are communicated to you — & as you are the only Blunt honest
Man at heart that Sir WilHam Johnson has I hope you will
endeavour to attend to my request named in the other of yester-
day — & believe me if I can serve you in any thing henceforward
I will do it with Chearfulness —
John Cottgrave
P. S. Pray keep this as an Everlasting Secret —
324
Sir William Johnson Papers
ADDRESSED :
To
M^ Tho^ Flood
INDORSED:'
[
] Letter
C. KREUSER TO FERRALL WADE
A. L. S.
Bemilliskolleyaug NoV. 23 J 771
Dear Wade
I have had the Pleasure to receive yours yesterday Night ab^
12 Clock, by the old Indian and his Wife, as also the Onions,
Cabbages, Tobacco, Apples, except the 4 Bottles of Wine, of
Wich the Indian knows nothing ab'. As to Trad hier I can
assure you, have but verry little opinion. The Indians were
waiting two Day's before my last arrival hier, and came most
everry second Day to trad, tell ab'. two Week's after when
New's came, that one French, and two English Treaders were
arrived at passkottejang ab*. one Day's journey from this, who
Spoke to the Indians with a Large Belt, and a Large Silken
Flag, which they said they planted in the midle of their Village
and told them that they did not come amongst them to make
any profit, but to have pity on them and provide them with everry
Neccesary's, at the first Cost, that their Name was Johnson and
was a Relat^. to S^ W"". Johnson who gave him the Belt &
Flag and did sent them hier to make them Charity, & to let
them have their Necessary's Cheaper then any Trader yet sold
them. All whath I have got in the House is one pack of Beaver
in Season 6 Otters most all good 50^'. of Leather 37 Martins
30 Raccons and 207 Ratts and the Consolation is that them
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 325
Fellows at Passcoteyang must soon [ ] off their Rum
and Goods at the Rate they sells, for they gives a Large Blanket
for one Buck skin, a small [ ] Doe Skin wich certainly
cannot hold out all Winter and must be treaded off before
Spring, besides he [and] his Brother had only two Boats one
as the India [ns told] me was most loaded with his Tools and
Iron he brought to Work for the Indians, and the other with
Rum and Marchandize. he gives a 3 Gallon Cask 1 Yl Beaver
5 Double handfull of powder for a Beaver a large B [ ] of
Tobacco for a Doe Skin. If I see a better prospect of Trade
then now, (for I have not seen an Indian this two Weeks) shall
send a Boat as Early as possible. As to Caks I have but 4 wich
you Know I want, when I tip the Barrel. The Catt is safe.
As to my Health [it] (thank God) is perfectly restored. I
have nothing more to Add only am surprized you did not send
me the little Pack of Butter, wich I beliefe was hide for I
was looking a half a Hour for it in the Shop, when you told
me, that you sent it allready down the Water side, you know
verry well I had none but that. Wishing you good Success, and
an agreable Winter, I am
Dear Wade
Your Sincere C. Kreuser
The frenchmen behaves better does not trink [ ]
I sent him twize to the Lake, from where he [ ]
brings Ducks and Geese —
ADDRESSED :
To
M^ Ferrall Wade
at
Teronto
INDORSED:'
Novb^ 23< 1771 —
M"". Kreisers letter
In Johnson's hand.
326 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM JOSEPH CHEW
A. L. S.
New London Novem' 27"'. 1 771
Dear Sir
When I wrote you last I Expected to have had the Very
great Pleasure of paying my Duty and best Respects to you at
Johnson Hall before this time, but the Situation of my Family
is Such that I Cannot Possible leave it — I flater my self that I
may set out in about ten or 12 days; and it may Perhaps be a
Little Longer, it shall be the moment I Can in the mean time I
am doing Every thing to Enable me to leave New London with
my Family as Early as Possible in the Sprmg, and I am sure I
think the time Very Long, being most heartily Sick of the Place,
we have nothing Particular I Constantly send you the Boston
Papers and Shall do it this night M" Chew & Little Fann desire
their best Respects I offer my Sincerest Prayers for your health
and happiness and am with the greatest Respect Dear Sir Your
most Dutifull &
Obed*. Hble Serv'
Jos Chew
Sr W^ Johnson Bar'.
addressed:
To
The Honourable
S"^ William Johnson Bar'
at
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
Novb^ 27"^ 1771 —
Cap*. Chews letter
^ In Johnson's hand.
Postwar Period, 1763-1774 327
FROM GUY JOHNSON
A. L. 5.1
Guy Park NoV. 28'K 1 77 1
In the morning
My dear Sir William
I lay at Bro^ Claus's the night before last & was prepared
to set out Yesterday morning for the Hall, but the very bad
weather Joyned to the increase of my Complaint prevented me ; —
This Morning I had resolved upon going, but late last Night
Jerry arrived with your kind Letter &c which I could not answer
till this Morning, for during the Night The Pain (v(/hich has
for some days left my broken Limb) Increased to such a degree
in my left Foot that I could not Sleep till Daylight this Morning,
and it is still so Extremely Violent that I can scarcely attend
to what I write. It does not appear much Inflamed and there-
fore resembles a Rheumatic, rather than a Podagric Complaint
unless it is an Incipient wandering Gout, as I am occasionally
affected with Strong Pain in the Head, Shoulders Knees &ca
however I am not able to Walk a step, on the left foot & am
Worse by many degrees than ever I was before with the Like —
I have received a Long answer to my case with a set of Instruc-
tions & Medicines from D^ Jones, — he begins hy directing me
to bleed 16 oz. & go on bleeding & taking some Aromatic
preparations Etc Etc. He is of opinion that I am as full of
blood, as a Butchers Slaughter house, but I have many good
reasons for declining the Operation, till I hear farther from him
and my present situation is sufficiently disagreable being at Loss
for advice & afraid I may treat my foot &ca improperly
I should not have taken up so much of your time with my
Complaints but from a persuasion that they would meet with
your Indulgence, & that my Technical Expressions might make
you laugh, although I have nothing Risible in my own
Countenance.
^ In Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
328 Sir William Johnson Papers
The Governors^ Letter is not only polite but Affectionate. He
seems desirous to enter into an Intimacy, with the air of a
Pylades, and the strongest Ideas of pastoral friendship. I really
believe him sincere. Else, being a Sensible Man, he had no par-
ticular Temptation to make use of some of the phrases he has
done — when I saw my own note I at first thought, he resented
our not seeing him the last day, — I hope he does not — I shall
have a proper Letter for him by next post & have already
finished a neat little map, which I would send him now, but that
I want not only to shew it to you, but also to Let you see and
have your approbation of my Letter to him which will accom-
pany it. —
A few nights ago, I took it in my head to Sketch out a second
Pet", for the County Which I kept by me Expecting to deliver
it in person to you; I now Inclose it herewith. Am very glad
that I Anticipated your Expectations, and hope you will Approve
of it. — I think it should be signed by the different persons as
nearly as can be recollected in the order of the Last. — I have
just run it over without correction but made a marginal Note
concerning the Time the first bill was brought in which pro-
duced the first Pet". I think you may Thro' Butler or some
body be informed when that Pet", was first set on foot, & Indeed
it wo*^. not be amiss if you wrote a Line to Wallace who I sup-
pose could get you a Copy of it, & Send it you before the
Assembly met, — Should you think it best to be plain with them
& point out Johns Town, the last part of the Pet", must be altered
& reasons assigned for it as for Instance after A in the Pet". —
"The County Court house to be therein directed to be at Johns-
town near the Mohawk R. in the said Co: as the same is most
conveniently Situated in the Midst of many increasing Settle-
ments at the Termination of sev'. public Roads where there is
at present not only a Good Church Parsonage & Glebe but also
^ William Tryon, Governor of New York from July 9, 1771 to April
7, 1774 and from June 26, 1775 until his authority was terminated by
the Revolution.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 329
above 20 houses already erected & Inhabited by Industrious
Manufactorers and a prospect of many more thro' the Patronage
of the founder, as well as a Suffic'. quantity of Land & Wood
allotted for its farther extension, which cannot be had in any
other good Situation all which render it the most Convenient as
well as the most agreable to your Pef*."^ — I own I should
rather think it best to Leave it as in the Pet". — I forget whether
I have given it the proper address at the Top : you may find some
precedents of pet"^ to the Assembly by which if wrong it can
be corrected. —
I owe M^ Wallace £ 28 . 3 . 2 . for very necessary Articles
which I have just rec'^. — he writes me that as he has money to
receive for you, if I settle it so as that he may deduct it, it will
save Trouble. I have also a few small articles. Viz* a Waggon
& some other things to pay for in this Neighborhood, & at the
same time shall have 2 years half pay due. Next Month. — I
would beg to know if it is convenient for you to take my order
on M^ Baker for one Years half pay Viz* £42 str. & let
Wallace have the above Sum of 28 . 3 . 2 & myself a little more
when you can, but sensible of the repeated Trouble I have
already given you on that Score, I cannot say more on the
Subject. —
As the Boy came late, & I was not able to write last night
or to get up early this day, I hope you'll Excuse him, as I have
delayed him. —
I hear with pleasure that you are tolerably hearty. I sincerely
wish it may be true, and I trust I have no need of Argument in
proof of it — The badness of the roads or Weather would not
prevent me from paying my respects to you. I really wish with
much eagerness for an opportunity but the last 24 hours has
made me so much worse that it is at present Impossible. I hope
the snow will furnish me with a better means of Conveying
^ The act as passed March 12, 1 772 made no provision for the Tryon
county courthouse; but Johnstown was designated as the seat by the
Governor in council. See Calendar of Council Minutes, p. 490.
330 Sir William JoJmson Papers
Myself, or at least in a few days I shall be better able to under-
take a Little ride. In the mean time allow me to give you
Pollys most Dutifull wishes and to assure you of the Cordial
affecti^ of my Dear Sir,
Your much obliged son, & faithfull humble Serv*.
G Johnson
1 forward you a Letter that came here
2 nights ago, but no opport^ offered since
& I did not think it looked of consequence —
My best regards to D^ Dease, M"". Daly &ca.
Sir Wm. Johnson Bart.
INDORSED:' November 28'^ 1 771
Co'. Johnsons letter
PETITION OF INHABITANTS OF ALBANY COUNTY
[Novr 1771]
[ ] Representatives for [ ]
of New York — In General Assembly Convened.*
The Petition of the Principal Freeholders & Inhabitants of the
Mohock River and Settlements adjacent in the County of
Albany within said Province. —
Humbly Sheweth:
That by reason of the very Great Extent of the said County,
and the manifold Inconveniences resulting therefrom to a very
Considerable body of Its Inhabitants from their remote Situation
from the CapitaP thereof a Bill was brought in the 9^^. May
^ Word unfinished.
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
* Four words in Johnson's hand.
^ At this point on the margin is a note illegible because charred by fire.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 331
1 769 [5essfon] of the House In the year ^ for dividing
the said County by Erecting a New One out of its Westermost
part. The Heads of which Bill were afterwards Published in
the Prints by Order of the House with a View to enable those
affected or Interested therein, to point out any Amendments, or
Improvements for the better division of the said County.
That agreable thereto Your Petitioners after due Considera-
tion did humbly propose by Petition to the said House an
Alteration & Improvement of a part of the said boundary, the
reasonableness & propriety of which Alteration they amply sett
forth. Praying that the same might be taken into Consideration,
and the muxh wanted Division of the said County framed
Accordingly, as will more fully appear from their Said Petition
now before the Honourable House. —
That your Petitioners have been given to understand that their
Said Petition did merit the Attention, & farther Consideration
of the House, but have not heard that they came to any
Determination in their Premisses. —
Your Petitioners therefore being daily more Sensible of the
great Inconveniencies to which their Situation Exposes them thro'
the want of a proper Division of the said County [ ]
said House for their relief, and inasmuch as [ ]
desirous to remove every possible Objection that may [in the]
Smallest degree tend to obstruct or Impede a division which they
[have] reason to Wish for, Do with that View farther humbly
pray That the Division of the proposed County shall begin
On the [ ] branch of Delaware River at the Termination
of a Line ran by M"" Metcalf in 1 769 from the Susquehanna
as a boundary with the Indians, and to run from thence up the
said Mohock branch of the Delaware to the head thereof. From
thence by a direct Course to the West Side of the Patents on
Schohare Creek, (which is a very short Distance) Thence
Northerly along the West bounds of the said County to the North
end of the Old Scohare Patent, thence Easterly along said North
^ Space in the manuscript.
332 Sir IVilliam Johnson Papers
bounds to Duanesburgh & along the [ ] of the same to
the Mohock River at the West bounds of Schenectady Town-
ship, Thence North along the said Westbounds to the North
[ ] Corner thereof, Thence Still North to the West
branch of Hudsons River, and from thence Still Northward to
the 45th Deg of Lat. or in such direction & to such place, as
the House shall in their Wisdom Judge best. Which boundary
being for a great way a Natural One, and in every place freed
from the Inconveniencies of that, before proposed, is the most
Secure & the least Exceptional that can be devised for that
purpose. —
Your Petitioners in addition do farther humbly request the
Scituation for the County Courthouse and other matters relative
should be Left to the Discretion and Choice of the Magistrates
thereof, or to the Majority of them, as persons best acquainted
with the Country, & most Capable of determining for the General
Advantage & Convenience of the Inhabitants, Submitting all
other Matters & things to the Wisdom of the House. —
[ ] persuading themselves that the [ ]
Nature of their [ ] of their request render it an object
worthy attention do humbly recommend the same to the
Serious Consideration of the honorable House, Hoping that
thro' their nice discernment they will distinguish this Application,
by Contributing their Aid to the Obtaining a Law of this
Province for erecting the said County and Establishing its
boundary In the manner already described.
And your Petit"^* will ever pray hc^
Lewis Grodt John Waters
Yeremi De Graaef Guy Johnson
Isaac De Graaef Daniel Claus
NicLAS De Graaef John Johnson
Fridrick De Graaef Joseph Powel
Arent Lenin John Powel
^ The signatures are attached to a copy of the document in the Johnson
manuscripts.
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774
333
Jacob Putnam
Lewis Davis
[ ]
William Johnson
John Butler
Adam Lauks
William Seeber
Peter Conyne
John Stuart
Peter Bowen
John Bowen
Lewis Clemen [t]
Frederick Visse
Harmen Visse
Jelles Fonda
Adam S. Vroo[man]
Arant Bradt
Douw Fonda
Johannes Veeder
Barent B. W[
[
[
[
[
[
[ ] Trettman
[ ] Merkle
[ ] Krems
[ ] Shultise
[ ] Snell
William Nelles
[ ]annes Bellinger
[ ]annes Fless
[ ]ry W-^. Nellus
[ ]dreas Reber
[Jo] hannes Wallerad
[ ]es Wohlgemuth
[ ] drick Vetterley
[ ] b Krausz
[ ] NNES VeTTERLY
[ ]ter Warmuth
[ ] Haus
[ ] John Diell
Hendrick Frey
Daniel Steel
[ ] Wall
[ ]
Charles Hans Van Eps
Jacob Hernberg Jun^
Peter Hansen
Martin Gardenyer
Abraham Van Alstyn
Andrew Wempel
Richard Hansen
Hendrick Merkel Jun'.
Peter S. Deygert
Peter Ten Broeck
H. NicKLAs Herkheimer
Werner Deygert
Josh Herkheimer
Frederick Bellenger
Frederick Hellmer
Henry Sterter
George Hilts
Henry Herter
Frederick Real
Adam Baumann
Marcus Petrie
Daniel Petrie
Jacob Casler
334
Sir William Johnson Papers
William Deygert
Michael Ettick
Thomas Porter
[ ]
Adam Haring iGerm"
Patrick Campell J Flatts
Mara Daghstater
Adam Ecker
David Marinus
JOHAN LUDWIG KlING
George Schramling
Johannes Marseles
John Jacob Pel, Minister
Ebenezer Cox
James Willson
Samuel Dunlop
John Wells
James Scott
Robert Wells
Samuel Ferguson
John McCollom
James McCollom
James Moore
Samuel Campbell
John Wickweir
William Dickson
Archibald McKillip
Samuel Clyd ]
John L [ ]
[ ]
[ I
Goosen Van Alstyne
Martin Van Alstyne
Abraham Quackenbush
Moses Ibbitt
Gilbert Tice
James Davy
Christian Sheeck
John Wilson
Jacob Bested
Jacob Everhard Cogtmot
Martin Walter
Rob"^ Lotteredge
Peter Servois Jun"*.
Everjard Van Cogtmot
Casper Counce
[ ]
[ ]
Martin Lesler Jun'
JOHAN ArISTE HoGH
William Shuma
Philip Emer
Mark Reece
Michael Staller
Adam Ramor
Philip Kelman
John McGregor
Aaron Van Seklor
Timothy Leonard Son
James Rennet
JoHANNis Counce
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 335
John Shaver
Jacob Bosh [
]
Casper Kun [
] John Van Ant[
]
Hendrick B [
] Johanis F [
]
Christian J [
]
indorsed :
Petition of the
Principal
Freeholders, and Inhabitants of the
Mohock River
, & Settlements Adjacent
thereto
To the House
of Assembly
Nov^ 1771.
JOHN STEVENSON S BILL
A. D. S.
Albany 2'^. Decern'-. 177/
The Hon^'^. Sir William Johnson Baronett
To Jn° Stevenson D^
Ct Q 11
To 23 bars flatt Iron w* 6. .0. . 7
5 D^ Square D°. 1 . .0. . 7
2 D°. flatt ax D°. 1..0. . 9
8..0..23 n @ 30/ £14. .15. .5
JS
FROM JOHN STEVENSON
A. L. 5.
Albany 2'^. DecenV. 1771 —
Sir
Inclosed you have the Account of the Iron you ordered which
336 Sir William Johnson Papers
I now send you to the care of M^ Van Eps at Schonectady. I
hope it may be to Satisfaction I am
Sir
Your Most obHdged
& Most Obed'. Humble
Serv^
John Stevenson
indorsed:^
Alby. 2d. Decb^ 1771 —
M"^. Stevensons letter
FROM JOHN BUTLER
A. L. 5.2
Butlers Bury' 2 De/^: 1771
HoN°: Sir
Just now M'' Perkin gave me your Favor whearin you desired
me to send you my opinion, concerning Samon^: Road. I have
no objections to the peoples yousing the old Road, and if you
will be so kind to tack the truble To give the Pathmaster such
directions as you may think proper, you may be assured it will
be agreeable to me, as I have no desire that People shold be
obliged to youse a bad Road when theay can Have a good one
I am Hon"^ : Sir your Duty' :
Hum'^. Ser*:
John Butler
To
Sir William Johnson Bar*:
ADDRESSED: To
Sir William Johnson Bar*:
Johnson Hall
^ In Johnson's hand.
2 In New York Public Library, New York City.
^ Butlerbury, in the town of Mohawk, Montgomery county, N. Y., the
home of the Butler family.
Posi-War Period. 1763-1774 337
FROM THE EARL OF HILLSBOROUGH
In Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y., 8:285-87, is a letter of December
4th, from the Earl of Hillsborough, expressing his conviction that the
Senecas with the exception of the Chenussios are faithful, approving the
late congress at Johnson Hall, lamenting the restrictions on Johnson's
authority in vievv^ of the failure of the colonies to regulate Indian trade
and mentioning General Gage's desire to chastise the Kickapoos and
Pottawatamies.
FROM PHYN & ELLICE
A. L. S.
Schenectady 6''' December 1771 —
Sir
We was honord with your letter by Charles Doyle, whose
Mortgage to us is for £ 1 50 and we beieive the only one against
his House & Lott; M^ Doyles debt with us to now reduced to
about £ 1 20 the like Sum in 1 762 he paid to M^ Duncan for
the Lott the Buildings &c he made since that purchase he says
has stood him £280 More, his tittle is good but we are no
judges of the value at this present time property of that kind
having decreased very much of late, in so much that we question
if necessity makes it necessary to sell by Execution if the whole
wou'd much exceed £200.
Our chief reasons for urging Doyl to pay our demand is that
we have realy immediate occasion for the Money, besides his
affairs and management are such that endulgence can never mend
his unhappy situation. —
Our A. E. just saved his distance by reaching Albany last
Tuesday with the Sloop, together with our goods from Brittain
& the remainder of our sto[res] from N. York, the butter you
was pleased to write for is here & will be sent by first opportunity.
Be pleased to Accept of Compliments from M"^* Phyn & all
338 Sir William Johnson Papers
this family Whe have the Honor to be with the most perfect
esteem
Sir
Your most Obed'. & much ObHged
Hum' Servants
Phyn & Ellice
The Honorable SiR WiLLIAM JOHNSON
Baronet
INDORSED:!
Decb^ 6^ 1771 —
M^ Phyns Letter
FROM JOHN STEVENSON
Albany 7^^. Decern^. 1771 —
Sir
I Rec"^. your kind favour of the 5'^. Ins', with the Sum of
Thirty four Pounds, Seventeen Shillings & Nine Pence Inclosed
2/8 of which I have Passed to your Credit and the Remander
to my Brothers Ace'. & Return you thanks for the Same and am
Sir
Your Most Oblidged
& most Humble Serv'
John Stevenson
indorsed:^
Decb^ 7'h. 1771 —
M^ Stevensons letter
^ In Johnson's hand.
Postwar Period, 1763-1774 339
INTELLIGENCE OF A COUNCIL AT THE ELONIES
L. S.
[Dec. 10, 1771]
By a Shaway Indian who Lives at Detroit, and
[ ] ned from the Elonies Cuntry the 1 0'^. of December,
[ ] the following Intilegance.
That about 40 days ago the Commandant at the Elonies,
call'd a Councle of all the Indian Nations thereabouts, and tould
them by several Belts of Wampam, that the Cherrokees had
Complained to the Governor of Mesisapa of the 111 usage they
had Received from the English for Several years past; and
Tould him that they had made warr on the English and desir'd
his help; then with a very large warr belt Tould them that the
Governor of Mesisapa had agreed to help the Cherrokees; and
that the Chacktaws a g[ ] Nation had promised to send
2000 men Early in [the] Spring to help the Cherrokees to drive
the English [across] the grate watter, and then desired them to
prepare themselves to Joyne the Chacktaws for which they
[would] Be well paid in goods, as he would have a grate
quan[tity] Next Spring. The Severall Nations gave him for
answer That they had been keept Several years at warr against
the English by him (maineing the Commandant) and lost thier
hunting, that now they had made paice with the English, and
was determined to go no more to warr Against them, but return
to their Antient employments Of hunting, and would take no
part with the Cherrokees That the Cherrokees was thier Enemies,
and formerly you uset to Send us to warr against them ; you Say
you will have a grate many goods in the Spring we dont know
how you will get them, you have [Tould] Us So this tow years
past, but we never See any tha[t] hav came, you always Said
the English was Old women and could not fight, but we now
know better, they have Bate you Every where, and is your
masters; So Father we Will think for our selves, and listen no
more to any Thing you Say to us; heer they returned the warr
340 Sir William Johnson Papers
belts and brook up the Councle without Saying a word more or
waiteing to heer any thing the Commandant would Say to them ;
and in a fue days the Indians all Sett of ahunting.
This Indian informed that he See the Indians I sent from
Pettsburgh to acquaint the Mamees That thier Brethren the
English was going to take the French out of thier Cuntry; and
to Settle there themselves, which he Says pleased the Indians
much — as they Said then they were Sure the English would
Send Treaders to thier Cuntry. —
How far the above Intilegance may be depended on, I cant
pretend to Say, But I am of Oppenion as the Cherrokees are
Natural Enemies of the Westren Indians; that the French wont
be able to get any nation that lives on the Ohio; or the lackes
from the Elonies upwards to Joyne the Cherrokees, not Even the
Shanneys, Whome I take to be the worst people this way at
present
Geo: Croghan
Deputy Agent
INDORSED:
[ ]
To L*. Col: Aug"^. Prevost
TO AUGUSTINE PREVOST
Johnson hall Dech'- //"> 1 77 1
[ ]
Sometime Since I was favored wdth your very polite and
friendly Letter of Sept^ last, Expressing the Sense you had of
my little Acts of Friendship for Lieut. Prevost.
The Esteem I have always had for your Character & person
would have intitled him to any Acts of Civility in my power.
In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 341
but his own Merit gave him a particular claim to my Friendship,
and I am glad of this opportunity of bearing Testimony to it,
as I know it must Afford you pleasure.
It will give me much Satisfaction to render you or him any
future Services, and as I should have been happy to have Seen
you on your Way to Canada, had Circumstances permitted.
So, I shall on any future occasion receive much pleasure from an
Interview with a Gentleman I so much Esteem
I am with great regard
Sir &ca
Lt Col. Aug. Prevost
TO JOHN BLACKBURN
Johnson hall Dec: II^K 1771
[ ]
I am favored with your Letter of the 10'^. Sepf. with the
Invoice & particulars therein mentioned. I could have wished
thc.t you had procured Instructions for the use of the Camera
Obscura, as the Novelty of its Construction occasions it not to
be well Understood.
You are very Obliging in furnishing me with so many par-
ticulars of news. — I have very little to offer in return, a Calm
Seems to have taken place on this Side of the Water, the
advantages of which I am glad to find so Sensibly felt in
England. — But from all the discoveries I have lately made there
is an increased Spirit of discontent amongst Many of the Western
Tribes and endeavors used to draw in others into their Scheme,
which it is my duty & I hope it will be in my power to prevent.
The French Vagabond Settlements greatly Increase on the
branches of Mississipi, and contribute much to promote this Spirit
amongst the Indians, neither is it practicable at present to remove
â– â– ^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
342 Sir William Johnson Papers
them, or to reduce them to Order. Some Murders were lately
Committed on the Ind^ at the back of Virginia, by people as
Lawless as themselves. Their resenlment is therefore daily
encreased, and must at last Manifest itself in Overt Acts, because
they can obtain no Satisfaction from us.
I am much obliged to you for your Offer of a Share in the
Supplying of Timber &c which however I believe I must decline
from my many other Avocations, whenever Hatton arrives here I
shall most Willingly Afford him any good Offices in my power. —
There is much good Timber in a part of this Country not far
from hence, tho' not yet Explored or known by Government,
and I think it deserves more attention & Care than it has hitherto
met with altho' there are several Surveyors of the Woods.
Apropos, there is a Lieut Benzell who has been app[ointed
Inspector of Forests]^ I think for this Province & Canada, with
a Sallary of [£300]^ & travelling Expenses &c, he is as I
am told in a bad state of health and by his Intemperance cannot
live any time. I have therefore been thinking of securing the
Success", to it for my Son. In a great measure as an Amusement
for him, and would willingly desire your Good Offices & Instruc-
tion upon it. I know these things are often & sometimes easily
procured, and should be very glad that thro' your means, it
might either be obtained, or the nature of the necessary Appli-
cation pointed out, — The Confidence in which I mention this
as it arises from the Friendly Sentiments I entertain for you is
the best proof I can give of them which leads me be to believe that
you will make such use of what I have hinted, as shall appear
best for the purpose.
M«. John Blackburne
INDORSED :
Dec. Iltf^ 1771 —
To M^ John Blackburne
Missing sections supplied from a copy made before the fire of 1911
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 343
FROM THOMAS GAGE
A. L. S.i
New York Dec^\ 1 U^ 1771
Dear Sir
It gives me much Pleasure to find by your Letter of the \(i^^'.
Ul"^°: that you are returned safe from the upper Country, and
so well satisfied with your Negotiations with the Six Nations.
Maisonviile can doubtless be of use if he is hearty in our interest,
and you have taken the best Method to make him Faithfull; I
therefore trust that you will receive usefull and certain Intelli-
gence from him of the Machinations of our Enemys.
I have Intelligence from Fort-Pitt repeating what was sent
from Detroit about scalps taken at the Ilinois and the Capture
of a white-man, by name Finley. with Information given 26'**.
Sept^ by two Wyandots from Sandusky, that eleven villages of
the ouabache, Miamies, and Lake Michigan Indians have deter-
mined to attack the Troops at the Ilinois in the spring, and that
a Party from each of those Villages was already gone to hunt
about the Falls of the ohio, in order to be ready to fall upon
any Boats going down the River.
In my letters of the 10'^: and 24'^: of September last, I wrote
upon the hostile Proceedings of most of those Tribes, and con-
cerning the best Method to chastise them and bring them to
Reason, which I fear Nothing but Chastizement will do. You
will oblige me in your opinion upon what I wrote to you on those
Heads, and whether any steps could or ought to be taken therein
till the six Nations are informed of Thomas King's Negotiations,
or of the Proceedings of the Deputys now sent to Scioto.^ It is
plain that something must be done, and if advice nor measures
will not have effect, the sooner Measures are taken to oppose
Hostilities the better.
^ In Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
^ See Johnson to Hillsborough, April 4, 1772, in Doc. Rel. to Col.
Hist. N. Y., 8:290-91.
344 Sir William Johnson Papers
I have a Letter from M^ Croghan which informs me that as
he could neither expect you or me to pay his Expences, he had
given up his Appointment, and wrote to you, to desire you would
not consider him any longer as your Deputy. He had before
desired a Court of Enquiry about some Provision, which was
granted him; tho' purely to gratify his Request, for everybody
concerned agreed in the same story, and the Enquiry has pro-
duced no more than what He and every Person concerned had
declared before it was held. As there was some Dispute about
Provisions, I send you a Return of what was issued to Indians
in about three Months, and it appears to me a sufficient Quantity
to have assisted all Partys that had occasion to pass Fort-Pitt.
M"": Croghan's living on his Farm^ so near the Fort, has been
from Appearance, an additional motive of drawing Indians to
the Fort and about it, to get what was to be had from him and
the Commanding officer.
There is advice from Oswegatchie, that a Trader, Name not
mentioned, with your Pass," had sold great Quantitys of Rum
at Quinte about 70 Leagues from Oswegatchie, which had
occasioned much Drunkeness and Quarrelling amongst the
Indians, and that two Indians were killed. The Account does
not inform what Tribe they belonged to
I have the honour to be with great truth.
Dear Sir
Your most obedient,
humble Servant,
Tho^ Gage
INDORSED:'' Dec^ 11*^. 1771
From General Gage
with Intelligence
^ A settlement on the Allegheny river, four miles above Fort Pitt, con-
taining about 1 300 acres.
- A pass later shown by Johnson to be false.
' In Johnson's hand.
Postwar Period, / 763-1774 345
TO JOHN WATTS
Johnson hall December 12^^. 1771
Dear Sir,
I am favored with yours Inclosing a Letter from our Worthy
Friend Lord Adam Gordon, which partly (as you Judged)
regards the Lands I procured for him, until the rect of this Letter
I was at a loss to know whether he accepted or declined it,
otherwise the point might have been long since settled, and the
Map he desires forwarded Which with every thing else necessary
shall be prepared & forwarded next Spring, as soon as I can get
it layed out. —
Northampton cannot be affected by any of the Surrounding
Grants but rather improved in its Value. It is narrow but finely
Situated, and good Land, its greatest fault is that lying on both
sides of a River accustomed to swell to a great height, there are
many parts of it much exposed to these Innundations. — Col.
Johnson who has my fourth or share in it requests me to tell 5'^ou
that If you have an Inclination to let your part on the terms he
does with his, that is Five years rent free, & afterwards at about
£6 ^ hund"^. Acres '^ Ann, In fee Simple, or a Lesser rent
if for Lives, he will as opportunity offers do all he can for your
advantage. —
I think a Land Office faithfully conducted would for the reasons
given prove Convenient to many, but I believe it will be very
difficult for the Undertakers to procure the Materials necessary
for rendering it of the use that might be Expected from it.
Sir John & Col. Johnson desire to be very kindly remembered
to yourself and family and be assured that I am allways
D^ Sir
&c
The Hoiible J. Watts Esq^
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
346 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED :
Dec^ 12th 1771
To the Honble John Watts Esq"".
FROM JOHN BRADSTREET
A. L. S.
Albany 1 3^K DeC: 1771
Sir
I am realy ashamed at being so troublesome to You, and
would avoid it did I not conceive I am bound in honor to do
Justice to my Lord Dunmore and the Council as well as to myself,
by laying before my Lord Hilsbrough the whole arguments &
proceedings in the Controversy between my Self and the
Proprietors of Hardenberghs Patent last winter, before his Lord-
ship and the Council, to clear up some unfair representations
which is said to have been made to My Lord Hilsbrough on
that head.
The letter You was so good to send me last Winter to shew
the Lands claim'd by me and my Associates were purchas'd or
agreed for before the signing the Treaty for Settling the
Boundry Line my Lawyer or my Self have mislaid or lost, which
is of gi'eat consequence in this Affair unless you will be pleas'd
to replace it either by way of a letter or Certificate — this is a
piece of Justice I am sure you will not refuse me. I rest there-
fore contented beging only. You will favor me [with] it as soon
as You conveniently can as all the papers are ready except that.
I return'd from New York three days since — The Royal
American Regiments go to the West Indians next Year and the
Establishing a Government in the back Country is again talk'd
of among the Ministry, but nothing fixd when my Letter came
away as my Lord Hilsbrough was in Ireland.
Post-War Period, 1763-/774 347
I have had the pleasure to hear since I came Home that you
were in perfect health; I sincerly hope it is true and that You
will not only long remain so but believe me with great esteem
Sir
Your Oblig'd & Obedient
humble Servant
Jn° Bradstreet
Sir W'^. Johnson Bar'.
INDORSED:'
Alby. 13'!^ XK 1771
Co'. Braclstreets letter
wants a Cert, of his Land Claims
AN ORDER Af^D A RECEIPT
A. D. S.
Johnson Hall Decb>: 2hK [1771]
Sir/
Please to pay unto Col°. Daniel Claus or order the Sum of
Forty Pounds New York Cur'^y. & charge it to Ace', of
Y^ Humble Servant
W Johnson
To the Honb'^. HuGH WALLACE Esq^
Nev/ York —
Received of M'^^ Martha Mortier the within mentioned
sum of Forty Pounds January 1 772
INDORSED :
Decb^ 2 b' 1771
G^. Banyar.
Sir V/"". Johnsons Order
for £40 on Hugh Wallace
Esq'", in favour of Col Claus
^ In Johnson's hand.
348 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO JOHN BRADSTREET
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 497, is Hsted a letter written Dec. 23,
1771 at Johnson Hall by Sir WiUiam Johnson to Col. Bradstreet, recalling
a statement by Indians, in the presence of Sir Henry Moore, that the
lands of the Six Nations extended to the Popachtunk branch of the Dela-
ware, and they would sell to Bradstreet the land between the Mohock and
Popachton branches. (printed in Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y.,
8:287-88.)
TO THOMAS GAGE
Johnson hall Dec-. 23^. 1771 —
Dear Sir,
I have Just received your favor of the 1 1 '^ Ins' the Subject of
which I have considered together with those of your Letters of
Sepf. concerning the hostile proceedings of some of the Ind".
tribes to the South West. I have likewise compared the same
with Sundry pieces of Intelligence I have received, & on the
whole I am of opinion that the Ouiaghtonos, and most of the
Tribes about the Ouabache as well as some on the Ohio &c,
are inclinable to Commit hostilities and that the Young War-
riors of some other Nations may Joyn them is Extremely prob-
able. The Licentious frontier Inhabitants who go over the
Mountains & many of whom are engaged in hunting having
Continually disputes or rencounters with the Indian parties which
being equally unjustifiable encrease Mutual Animosities & tend
to diffuse a Spirit of disaffection amongst the Indians. —
These Nations must be at War somewhere their Young
people more especially are ungovernable, and the least provo-
cation suffices as a pretext for acts of Violence. — Should these
appearances encrease I am of opinion that we should prepare
to reduce them by force, To Awe those of whom we are in
doubt, & to preserve & Cherish the fidelity of those in whom we
can confide, encouraging their Parties to go against the Enemy
"^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson; missing sections supplied from manu-
script letter in William L. Clements Library, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 349
accompanied by some, of our own People. — This is what
occurrs at first view, but as in a quarrel with Ind^ it is impossible
to say exactly what numbers may Engage or in what manner
they may carry on their operations, so it is necessary to provide
as far as we can in all Quarters against their first blow For,
altho I am confident it is not in their power to [render a Rupture]
with the Indians general, I am far from thinking [that] it will be
solely confined to one part of the Country, or that their [Object]
would be a Single Garrison, or outpost. The Militia of the
Frontiers should therefore be put in such a state as to be of some
Use & to Cooperate in the defence of the Frontiers, whilst an
Attack is made on those who most deserve it by some Chosen
Troops and Indians. — But I may be going too far on this head
for as I have no doubt of the IncHnation of the Six Nations (to
speak of them generally) for brings, those disorderly Tribes to
peace & submiss". There is some reason to think that the Mes-
sages now sent & what has been farther proposed by the Six
Nations will have a good effect & by shewing the fidelity of the
latter destroy the hopes which the rest might have placed on
their Assistance, At the same time the persons charged with
Tho*. Kings proceed^ not being yet returned It may perhaps be
better to allow a little more time on that accot, especially as the
delay is not likely to be dangerous at this Season. —
Last Week, some young Caghnawagas who had left hitn at
Chote returned here & bro' me a Letter from M"". Cameron at
that place a Depy of M"" Stuarts dated 2 1 ^^ Aug^ who tells me
of his having with the Assistance of the Cherokees prevailed
on a party from the Northward of Cayugas to desist from attack-
ing the Chactaws. He seems to have wished that they had
attacked the Creeks. And tells me that the Cherokees desired
him to write to me that they were ready & willing to attend to
the advise of their Brothers here, that the Ouiatonos Twightwees
&c still committed hostilities in their Nation & begged that I
would take pity on them. Adding Likewise their Sollicitations
to the Chat^ for Assistance to Subdue these Tribes, sho<^ they
350 Sir William Johnson Papers
not Listen to Amicable proposals. — I think that this is a matter
worthy attention, and that a good use may be made of it. —
M^ Croghan has wrote to me in the same manner you mention,
and as he has several times applied to the Same effect, I can no
longer desire his stay in the Department. He has given me no
particulars concerning the provisions &c; but seems to think that
very little presents were Actually given out at Fort Pitt; — I have
read the acct of prov*. issued to Ind^ there in 3 months, and am
sensible of what you observe on that head, but That post is so
Situated & is in a General rout wch greatly contributes to encrease
the Expences
I am much at a Loss to know what Trader could have so far
Imposed as to appear at Kente or elsewhere Trading under any
pass of mine, not having issued one to any person for such pur-
pose for many years past, & then these papers were to be
annually renewed. I shall make what enquiry I can that he may
be treated as he deserves; —
I sincerely wish you the Compliments of the Season
And am with true regard
His Excell^y. Lieut Gen^. Gage
INDORSED :
Dec--23d. 1771.—
To Lieut Gen'. Gage
with an Ans"^ to his Questions
on the Intelligence he transmitted.
A CHURCH OF ENGLAND RECORD
D.
At Albany. Dec: 24, 1771
[ ] of my Congregation, at present.
[ ] Monier, & family 4 .
Widow Callison 5 .
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 351
Isaac Fryer 4 .
Hannah Fryer 4 .
Thomas Barry 1 .
Benj. Hilton 4.
Jonathan Brookes 4.
John Barclay 2 .
James Dole 3 .
Peter Sylvester 3 .
Thomas Sharp 1 .
Jn°. Stevenson 3 .
Cornelius Cadmus 2 .
Rich*^. Cartwright 3 .
Stephen Delancey 6.
Sam'. Stringer 1 .
Henry Cuyler 4.
John Fryer 1 .
Charles Sullivan 4.
Daniel Hewson Sen"^ 1 .
Tho^ Hilton 1 .
Nicholas Druley 2 .
William & Peter Hilton 2 .
Rich< Hilton 1.
William Hilton Jun^ 1 .
Henry Beaseley 4 .
John Burgiss 4.
John Hewson 2 .
James Williamson 2 .
Jn°. Price 1 .
Aug : Bostwick 3 .
83
Carried over 83
Ebenezer Jessup & family
M». Holland & Son
Cap*. Pemberton
M^». Hay
M^ Lottridge at the Ferry
352 Sir William Johnson Papers
M^ Tunicliff & followers [ ]
M^ Dorin I .
Major Hogan & family 4.
M^ Hogan in the Country 2 .
Cap^ Cortlandt Schuyler 5 .
Catharine Fryer 1 .
Misses Eights [ ]
William Randal & His Son in Law & wife 3 .
Jn°. Milton I .
M\ Bloore & v/ife 2.
M^ Hoffman 5 .
Mâ– ^^ Hun 1 .
John Willis T .
Mary Scot 1 .
M^ Mullone T .
Mary Burnsides 2 .
M^^ Wilkinson 1 .
M^ Trotter & family 6.
Polly Atkinson at M^ Jessup's 1 .
Betsey Crisp at Druley's 1 .
M^ Peter Eights his wife, the Lawyer 1 .
M--. Willett Jun^ 1 .
a Young Man at M^ Mac Cews 1 .
M^ Everson's Dau"" 1 .
M^ Burke & Dau-^ 1 .
Col'. Schuyler's Daughters 3 .
156
Carried over 156
M""- Munro's Family
M'^^ Kidney & Son
Cornelia Butcher
M^ Williamson the Butcher & his wife
Barnaley Winterscale & family
Tho^ Bluer & his wife, English people
Whites young & old 171
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774
353
NB : In the above 4. Blacks are counted thro' mistake
N°. of Negro Aduhs & their Child"
50.
All the Souls now under my Care 22 1 .
Losst by Death & Removals being
the Choice of My Congregation — y 25 .
Adults
Liberty Boys & Schismaticks — 9.
Edward Willett paid 4. Sh.
Tho^ Barret 6 .
Daniel Hewson Jun"" 8 .
Abrâ„¢. Yates 5 .
Peter Brookes 4 .
Patrick Clarke 16.
James Pierce 12.
Nicholas Burrington 8 .
David Smith 8 .
£3. .11. "
[ ] in all Since my appointment
Albany 345 . —
The present number of Communicants.
Communicants lost by Death
Removals, Bankruptcies and
other unavoidable Accidents
Communicants deserted, &
will not conform to the
Church of England
NB. Three of the above number
have left the Church, because
they were not permitted to
12
In all
44
14
58
4,
62
354 Sir William Johnson Papers
wrest the Government of it
out of the Vestry's hands
The other, because he co*^.
not relish Bishops Tillotson
Sherlock's, & Atterbury's writings,
& because M^ Munro did not
preach Spiritual Sermons.
NB. Of the above number of Communicants
Thirty have been made by me, or
joined the Church, Since my appointment,
and I had all the rest to reconcile & bring
back, my predecessor having had but Three
Communicants, when he last administered. —
FROM C. KREUSER
A. L. S.
Bemiltasskottejang Dec'. 30^^ 1771 .
Dear Wade
I hope you have received my Letter of the 23^^. Ult°. by wich
I Informed you, what passes at this Post. Sorry as I was at
time, I could not help mentioning the Uneasiness I had for
being Dissappointed of our Wishes and Expectations of Trade at
this post. The few Indians coming hear now and than, assures
me, that most part of the Indians were fare bak in the Woods
yet, and would certainly trade hear in the Spring, that they were
only paying their Credit to S*. John of what little Skins they had
nov/, but in the Spring, is the principal Trade, & said not to be
uneassy, that the Indians of this post belonged to me (in their
Way of Expression) I assured them, I did not come hear only
for one Winter, but that they might depend upon if the Trade
would answer this Spring, I would Winter Severale Winters
amongst them. That I always could informe them of good &
bad News from down the Cuntry, because I received con-
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774 355
stantly, Letters from S'. W"". and my Uncle Obsiskajaskoush.
A few days ago one Indian came hear, and told me S*. John
sent a Belt amongst all the Indians about hear, with Tobacco
and more Articles, invited them to come all to his House, that
he had some Things of Consequence to communicate to them but
I am certain it is only a finess, to make fair Speeches, and distribut
presents amon[g]st them, to trade with him, I thought I had as
good a Right, as M^ S*. John, therefore [ ] imetiatly a
young Indian the Nephew of the Chief of the [ ] hear,
with 8 Strings of Wampum some Tobacco and a Le[tter]
to tell him to come hear as soon as possible, having some good
News to communicate to him wich I received by a Letter last
fall from Teronto when old Ballox came hear, but some Indians
wi[th] a fin parcle of Trade told me, that Chief would come
as soon as it was good going on Snow Shoes. I have now in
the House ab'. 250 W' of prime Beaver, ab' 230"^ of perchment
Skins, 42 Winter Otters, 52 Racconns, 422 Muskratts, 98
Martins, 9 Fishers, &c. &c. I sent the French Men in Order
to bring as much powder as you can possibly spear, for I have
but a little better then quarter I brought along with me last fall,
my Bullets are most all gone, for the Indians hear buys a great
ill of that Article, If you have any Tobacco, sent me as much
as the French Men can carry, for they will not looke at the
Tobacco I brought, and that wich you sent by old Ballox is
quite rotten. If I give them any, when they arrive hear, they
smoke a little of it and they give it to me again, telling me it was
like Grass wich lost me many Customers. You must gett the
Frenchmen to make a little Slaight, he could carry great ill more
then on his back. Sent me the 4 Bottles of Wine wich you
forgott to sent me by the old Indian and a Httle Butter wich was
left in the Shop. I forgott the last time, to ak's you to lett me
know the [ ] that came in our last Boat wich is now stored
at Niagara, and whether you have received any Letters since from
S^ W"». or from down the Cuntry. I have nothing more to
add, but wishing you a happy New Year, and hope you have
356 Sir William Johnson Papers
provided now for yourself a good bedfellow, which is a comp-
fortible thing in this cold Nights. Give my particular Compli-
ments to M^ V. and tell him I have latly seen his Comfrade]
hear.
I am
Dear Wade
Your Sincere & humble Ser'^'.
C Kreuser
To M^ Ferrall Wade Esq-"
P. S.
I have sold all my Wampum to 2 Indians
for 9 Winter Otters, and some Beavers. Silver Works
I sell verry well if you can Spear any sent them
by the french Men whom I think honest Men
enough a far as I could see yet, he has not
been trunnck but ons yet which was at Christmas,
he bought one Bottle of Rum. I intend to sent
a pretty large Cannoe, or the Battoe this Spring
if possibly I can gett Hands to suplie me with
more Goods and Neecessary's
Sent me a little sealing Wax —
ADDRESSED :
To
M^ Ferrall Wade Esq-".
Merchant
at
Teronto
INDORSED:^
Decb^30t\ 1771 —
M^ Kreiuser's letter
In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-/774 357
TO HUGH WALLACE
[Johnson Hall JanK /, 1772]
[
[ ] that I shall [
twice lately, — By [
New Petition for the County [
mentioned, and I am sure, Void of any [
I have sent it to Capt De Lancey to [
transmitted, and I hope he will stirr [
kind promise, — Upon this occasion, [
will (as you know how it lyes) explain the [
you have an opportunity with him, or with any [
Gentlemen who [are Ignorant] may not be so well acq [uainted
with the Geography of the Country, and as the People [
so sensible of the advantageous Stiuation of Johnst[own
especially Since so many New and short roads have [been
laid out from it as a Centre, Pray let it either be m [
in the Act, or left to the determination of the Magis [trates
to pitch on a place without limiting any distance from [the
Mohock River, — Indeed I find the people in general inchned
to wish the Court House &ca fixed at Johnstown, from Some
Advantages it possesses beyond any other Conven[ient] situation,
and as there is plenty of Room for Enlargement together with a
Large Stone Church Just finished, a Good G[ ] & a
Parsonage House, — I have also Just finished another road at the
desire of the People which goes into the New Settlement at
[ '-]
[ ] I am [ ] confident [ ]
[ ] herein that I shall [ ]
Honble Hugh Wallace Esq^
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
^ Lines burned off.
358 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM JOHN BLACKBURN
A. L. S.^
London 2 Jan^. 1772 —
Sir
I had the Honor of addressing You on the 10'^ Sept last W
Capt Miller, since which have not been favor'd with any of Your
Commands. —
A report prevails that Lord Hilsborough is to go to Ireland
as Lord Lieuten*. — & Lord Baringington to Succeed Him
with American department — Lord Townsend to be in the
Ordnance & Gen' Conway have some other Employ — I wont
presume to say these reports are authentick but will Venture to
Affirm that there will shortly be a Change with Vice Royship
of Ireland. —
Our Ability to go to War is our great Security against one —
at present all Seems peaceable on this Side the Atlantic & if the
King of Prussia remains Easy, it is probable that a tranquil
System may continue — but I much fear the enterprising Genius
of that Great Man — Lord North stands fix'd as Minister &
if possible gains more & more upon the Confidence of the King
as well as the People — all parties reverence His publick &
private Character —
I often wish for an opportunity of writing You upon a Subject
that might be interesting & agreeable to You — I wish You
would think me deserving of Your Confidence to place an object
for that purpose —
I was highly pleas'd with an Acco* which came from N York
that my Friend Sir John was gone then upon a Scheme of
Matrimony with Your approbation — I know few Gent* whose
â– ^ The Johnson manuscripts contain an unsigned copy of this letter
addressed to "Sir Wâ„¢. Johnson Bar*. At Fort Johnson near Albany In
the Care of Henry White Esqr March*. New York," and forwarded
"m Rose Miler."
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 359
Happiness I have more at Heart than His & on that Acd wish'd
to See the report Confirm'd — You will do me a Favor by
making my Resp*^ acceptable to Him & believing me to be with
much Esteem
Sir
Your obliged & most obedient
Humble Servant
John Blackburn
addressed :
To
S^ W"*. Johnston Bar*.
at Johnson Hall
^ pacquet
INDORSED:'
London 2 Janry. 1 772
1V1^ Blackburns letter —
TO OLIVER DE LANCEY
Johnson Hall Janr^. 2^ 1772
Dear Sir,
I have by this opportunily forwarded to Capt Ja^ Delancey,
a Second Petition from the Inhabitants of this Country, for the
Division of the County on which Subject Sir John and Col
Johnson conferred v/ith you when they were at New York. The
Advantages of the Division, as now proposed to the Landed
People here, and the necessity there is for it from the vast Extent
of the Old County, and the increasing State of the Inhabitants
are so v/ell known here that the People are unanimous in their
application. — I have thought it necessary to remind you of it
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
360 Sir William Johnson Papers
as I am Extremely desirous of your friendship on the occasion,
and I beg the favor of you to afford it all the Countenance which
the reasonableness of the request deserves. — The Line of
Division as now laid down does not in the least affect or obstruct
any Scheme for farther division of Albany County or that of
Ulster, and is in reality the only one that can be proposed as
Elligable & Satisfactory to all parties, — The Greater part of
the Inhabitants are desirous^ of having the Court House &c
erected at Johnstown near this place, as there is a Church Par-
sonage & sevl Houses already built there, and as there are now
good roads leading from it to all parts of the Country. — If this
place is not particularly Mentioned I could wish that the whole
be Left to the direction of the Majority of the Magistrates. —
I will not at present add more on this Subject but relying on
your friendly assistance towards obtaining an Act Agreable to
the Prayer of the Petition I remain with great regard
The Honble
Oliver De Lancey Esq""
INDORSED:
Jany. 1772.
To the Honble Oliv'' De Lancey
Esq''. Concern? the New County.
JOHN LAMB TO GILBERT TICE
A. L. S.
New York January 6''', 1772.
Dear Sir
Your favour of the 30*'^. October last came duly to Hand,
and I should have answered it immediately, but was prevented
^ On the margin of the manuscript is written "This paragraph may be
omitted."
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774 361
by a violent Fit of the Rheumatism which disorder I have been
grieviously afflicted with for upwards of 8 Months past; I have
not made any application to the Brinkerhoofs, as I am well
assurd it would be intirely needless. — I must now in the most
earnest manner intreat your doing something towards settling my
demand if possible, as I am under the most pressing circumstances
immaginnable which has been in a great measure occasion'd by
your disappointing me, as I was under the necessity of taking
up a Sum of Money in the Year 1 762, for which I have paid
Interest ever since. And for which Sum I am now sued, and a
Judgment will be obtain'd against me the ensuing term, which
commences the 21"'. Instant, when I expect a Jail will be my
unhappy portion, if You do not assist me; This I flatter myself
You will the More readily do, when You consider the great
disadvantage which I must consequently have suffered, by the
detention of so large a Sum, for which I have been obliged to
pay an high Interest for these 10 years past, And at the same
time, when You reflect upon the Lenity with which I have treated
You upon all occasions ; and that great part of the Money which
you owe me, is for Goods which I purchased for you without
the least prospect of advantage; This was actually the Case with
the Stockings, Soap, Candles, and the last 2 Hogsheads of Rum
which I sent You, which I bought of another Person, and
charged you no more than the prime Cost; and this I did with
no other View, than to secure Your Custom, as I expected you
would have been a very good one; and with regard to the 4
Quarter Casks of Lisbon Wine, which I had to sell upon Com-
mission for one M^ Bradford of Philadelphia, I accounted with
him for the same so early as the year 1 762 ; and did not return
it as an outstanding Debt, as I did not (at that time) in the
least doubt your ability to pay me. — So that there is upwards
of £94 — which I can safely say I have paid out of my Pocket,
without having the least profit or advantage upon the same; add
to this the Interest which I have paid, and which has almost
eaten up the whole Sum. — and at the same time I can assure
362 Sir William Johnson Papers
upon my Honour That I never had the most distant thought of
Arresting You nor should I have done it, at any rate, If I had
not accidently discoverd that you w^ere already sued by the
Brinkerhoffs — From all these circumstances, I think I may with
a better Grace rely upon your Friendly assistance at this time,
and especially when you will have the Satisfaction to reflect that
you have been the means of preserving me and my Family from
Ruin and distress. — If you cannot immediately settle it, some
method might be fallen upon (by way of security) to accomodate
the matter with the Persons who have sued me; This You may
be able to effect perhaps by means of Sir William Johnson. —
However I leave the Management of this matter intirely to
Your Discretion and remain in the interim
Your distressed Friend
& Hum'. Serv'.
John Lamb
P. S. pray let me have
an Answer as soon as possible.
To M^ GiLBEFiT TiCE
ADDRESSED:
To
M^ Gilbert Tice
To the Care of Doct^ John Constable
at
Schenectady
INDORSED:'
N York Janry. 6'K 1 772 •
M^ John Lambs letter
to Gilbert Tice
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-V/ar Period, 1763-1774 363
FROM JOHN STEVENSON
A. L. S.
Detroit JanK 8^K 1772
Dear Sir
One of the Wiandots of Sandusky has last fall kill'd a Traders
Servant — the Nation seem to be extreemly sorry on the
occasion ; I have however insisted on having the Indian delivered
up to me, but this I neither wish nor expect, because we have
no power to punish the offender, & to deliver him back to the
Nation will only make us out a ridiculous figure — They are
constantly teazing me about the Bell for their Church, & are
rather disatisfied that you did not send for the Chiefs last year,
as they expected it from what you desired me to tell them —
Some of the Traders will be sending people with Rum to
their Villages contrary to my orders, & I as frequently prevail
on the Chiefs to drive them away — at present M^ William
Edgar & Collin Andrews are at the head of the disobedient, but
I think I will be a match for them — Notwithstanding their
Ungratefull behaviour two thirds of the Traders will acknowl-
edge that I have been* the most indulgent Commd§- officer they
ever had — They are a sad set for they would cut each others
throats for a Racoon's Skin — I wish you & family the com-
pliments of the season & am with esteem
D-^ Sir
Your most Obedient
humble Servant
Ja^ Stevenson
To
S**. William Johnson Baronet
364 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:^
Detroit 8*^^. Janry. 1772
Cap*. Stevensons letter
ans-^d, April 28»K 1 772
by Major Campbell.
FROM EBENEZER JESSUP
A. L. S.
Albany Janr^ 10'^ 1772
Honoured Sir
Inclosed is the bounds of the Lands, as they are to be con-
veyed to the purchasers, by the Indians According to Agreement,
with a map also to shew the bounds as they are expressed, as
Also I send the parchment For the Deeds, if their Should not
be enough, will send more I believe there is nothing in the bounds
but What is right in Every respect —
Am Very sorry it is not in my powr to git a few barrels of
Cyder, I have been to All the people in Town that used to have
it to sell, and have seen only two Barrels, of bad Cyder, Very
sour. Which I do not think propper to Send, and there is three
barrels of that wich is very Good, left in the care of a Man
here that will not sell it At any price untill he sees the owner ^
thereof — I will Buy it (if Posible) and sent it up as nothing
Could Give me more pleasure, then really to be, what I have
The Honour of Subscribing myself. Honoured Sir
Your Most Obedient
And Very Humble Servant
Eben Jessup
Sir William Johnson Bar*.
^ In Johnson's hand.
Posi-War Period, 1 763-1 774 365
ADDRESSED :
To
The Honourable Sir William Johnson Bar'.
To the care of
Maj^ Fonda
at Caughnawaga
At
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
Alby. Janry. 10tH772
Letter from M"". E Jessup
w'^ Sundry Inclosures
Caughnawaga J any. ]5^^. 1 772
Rec*^. and forwarded by Sir
your most Obed'. Hum' Serv'.
Edw^. Wall
LORD HILLSBOROUGH TO LORD CAMPBELL
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 498, is listed a letter of January 1 Ith,
1 772, from Lord Hillsborough, Whitehall, to Lord William Campbell
(copy), approving the choice of Mr Cunningham for Indian commissary
in Nova Scotia (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 2:989; Q, 2:573.)
PHYN & ELLICE's bill
D.
Schenectady 15^. Jan J 772
The Honb'«.
Sir William Johnson Barr^
Bo*, of Phyn & Ellice
6'b Best Wayson Tea 27/ 8. .2. .-
Canaster 5/6 Lock 1/9 7 . . 3
£8. .9. .3
* In Johnson's hand.
366 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:^
Janry. 15'^ 1772
M^ Phyns Letter
& Acc«.—
FROM PHYN & ELLICE
A. L. S.
Schenectady 15^'^ January 1772
Sir
We are fav*^. with your letter of the 12'^. and are extremly
glad you open'd the Packet with Letters from Niagara As You
thereby Received your own some days the Sooner, We are very
confident that letter for us which was open has not been look'd
into, neither is it of any manner of consequence We therefore
are sorry you troubled yourself to write concerning it
With this you will be pleased to find 6"^ of Green Tea — The
Tenuriff Wine we just now have is esteem'd good at least it ought
to be so as it is the highest priced we ever had we cannot sell
it under 5/6 W^ Gall; we have sent a Bottle for tryal if it
pleases we can spare about |/2 a Pipe
Please Accept of best Complements from all this famely &
we have the Honor to be
Sir
Your most Hum' Serv**
Phyn & Ellice
Sir W'^ Johnson
In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 367
1
FROM ISAAC LOW
A. L. S.
New York January 18'^ ]T]2 —
Sir
We received a few Days ago a Letter from M^ Ebenezer
Jessup, acquainting us with the Terms on which we might have
the Lands we want to purchase on the west Branch of Hudson's
River; but we find them so different from what he had a Right
to make in our Behalf, that instead of ratifying we take this
earliest opportunity of revoking and disclaiming the same, and
we beg you will not regard us as Parties in any Respect to
M"^. Jessup's Agreement —
We have empowered M^ Thomas Palmer to act for us, and
he will be at the Hall early in the Spring to treat with you on
the Subject of the Lands in Question.
We cannot consent to unreasonable Prescriptions of a few
over greedy Individuals if we should never get the Lands,
although we would have no Objection to take them in as common
Associates. —
We hope to have nothing to ask but what will appear to be
founded in Reason and Justice; and therefore cannot but assure
ourselves of Your Countenance and Protection —
We remain with the most profound Respect
Sir
Your Most Obed'. Hb^. Servants
Isaac Low, in Behalf of himself
& his Associates. —
(Sir William Johnson Baronet)
368 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:'
Jan-'y 18'h. 1772
M^ Isack Low &ca
Letter ag^*. M^ Jessup —
rec'^. 27'1\
FROM HENRY TEN EYCK JR
A. L. S.
Albany J an'^K 18'^ 1772 —
[ ]
I have just now received yours — The process I have against
Capt Tice in an Execution against his Body which is returnable
in the Supream Court on Tuesday next Should Capt Tice there-
fore be at Large on that Day when I must return him taken &
Consequently in Custody — I am myself then immedeately
Liable to pay this Debt, tho the Capt Tice should shortly after-
wards be in actual Custody, your Honour can therefore easily
see, that I make myself Liable to his Debt should I grant a
Longer Indulgence. Yet I would do any thing in my power for
Capt Tice, could it be consistant with my Duty and office —
I am extreminly sorry that my Conduct in erresting M^ Davis
at your House, has drawn on me your Displeasure, as I would
not designedly on any Account be guilty of any known offence
against you & you may Depend, Sir, that for the future I shall
pay that respect to you as not to molest any person while in your
House unless I have your Leave for so doing, and for what I
have already done I must acknowledge my offence and hope
for your pardon, I Remain — with the great', Asteem. —
Honored Sir, your most obedient Humble
Servent,
Henry Ten Eyck Jun^
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 369
ADDRESSED :
To
The Honourable Sir William Johnson Barone'
At Johnson Hall —
INDORSED:'
Alby. Janry. 18^. 1772
The Sherriffs Letter
FROM PHILIP SCHUYLER
A. L. S.
[New York January 18, 1772]
[Sir:]
[The bill for the partition of Albany is so far advanced]
that It is already under [commitment, and] I believe will
soon pass. In [w^hich case, it will be] absolutely necessary to
have the [new county] divided Into districts, I am so totally
Igno[rant] of what a proper division would be that [I must]
[en] treat You to furnish me with the bounds of [each. A]
Clause in the bill Impowers the Justices [of the ne]w County
together with the Supervizors to [raise a] sum not exceed-
ing one thousand pounds for the pur [pose] of Erecting a Goal
& Court house, hence the necess[ity] of Sending down a list
of the persons proper to be commissioned which should be done
as Early as possible, should you have any Commands whilst
here I shall most readily Execute them.
I am
Sir
Your most obedient
Humble Servant
Ph. Schuyler
Honorable SiR WiLLIAM JoHNSON Baronett
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ Missing words supplied from Stone's Johnson, 2:349.
370 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM OLIVER DE LANCEY
L. S.
[NeiV York January 18, 1772]
I
perfect it best as I am now able to [
Both If you have Thought as I thinck I [
Sent a Petition to the Governor in Council [
forward Your Desire as when the Assembly late [
Establishing the County of Cumberland it mett [
and is Since Exicuted by an Ordonance of Cover [
I am Perswaded Your Plan Can meet with no Obstacle [
quarter I only Mention this to Obviate the Delay that [
You May assure Yourself that I shall always be ready to [
that Can be for Your Interest or that of Your Family.
Make My Compliments Acceptable to S"^ John & Cob Johnson
[ ] beleive with the Truest Regard
Dear Sir
Your Affectionate Humble [ ]
& Friend
Oliver De Lancey
To the Honb'« SiR Wm JohnsoN Bar*
at Johnson Hall
JOHN LAMB TO GILBERT TICE
A. L. S.
New York January 20'K 1772
[ ]
[ ] per M^ Ebits I have [ ] to which,
I am sorry to inform [ ] in my power to stop the
Execution [ ] the same (or rather a worse) situation
^ Lines burned off.
PHILIP SCHUYLER MONUMENT, ALBANY, N. Y.
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774 371
[ ] self being sued for upv/ards of £ 700 [ ]
must immediately pay or go to jail as an [ ] will be
serv'd as soon as the Supreme Court (which begins tomorrow)
breaks up, and [ ] is the most melancholy circumstance,
and [ ] which causes me the utmost pain & anxiety, is
[that] my Aged Father and Father in Law are unhappyly
involv'd in the consequences of this Affair, and must inevitably
Share the same fate with me — From this Circumstance which
is no ways exaggerated. You cannot think hard of the Steps
which I have taken with You, which I never should have done,
if I had not been obliged to it by the [ ] Cruel and
pressing necessity. — I have ever endeavour'd to serve You, to
the utmost of my Power, and would willingly do it now, if I
could consistent with my own preservation — I have not to add,
but that I am Still (as much as ever) your Friend
& Serv*.
John Lamb
Mr Gilbert Tice
addressed:
To
M^ Gilbert Tice
at Johnstown —
In the
County of Albany
per fav"". ^
M^ Kbits ^
INDORSED:'
N. York 20th. janry. 1 772
M^ J". Lambs letter
to Tice —
In Johnson's hand.
372 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM GUY JOHNSON
A^ York J any 20^K 1772
My dear Sir Wm
The Post not coming in (as it ought to have done) last Night,
& arriving whilst I was in the House, I am only allowed a
Moment to acquaint you that S*^ John is well, & that I have not
yet had time to thank those who have shewn many Civilities to
the Children, so that you may Judge how strict the Attendance
of the House is at present — With the help of some friend I this
day got (on his pet".) £30 for poor McGinnis who lost his
Arm, — the Votes that go to you by this opportunity, contain
only the beginning of our buisness, it now thickens upon us. —
I shall write you so Soon that I must of necessity now deferr
adding more than my Sincere Wishes for your health & happi-
ness. My earnest wishes to hear from you, as this post brot me
only a few lines from Br^ Claus, & to assure you I am with
true regard
my dear Sir
Y^ Affect'^
G Johnson
I am twice called for to dinner,
rem"", me to D^ Dease &c —
The Trial at Rhode Island makes
much Noise — also a new Money bill we
have in hand, to prevent Counterfeiting.
Nothing shall be neglected thats comitted
to me —
S"". John Offers his kind Duties & Consent has been ask'd in his
Affair on wch I congratulate you
1 In New York State Library, Albany, N. Y.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 373
ADDRESSED :
To Sir Will"". Johnson Bart
Johnson Hall
Tryon County
INDORSED:^
Wednesday 20'^ Janrx. 1 773
Co'. Guy Johnsons letter
FROM THOMAS GAGE
A. L. S.2
A^en; york Jarr^: 20^^: 1772
Sir,
I thank you for your Letter of the 23'^'^: Ul'"": and for the
opinion you have given me.
The Licentiousness of our Frontier Inhabitants no doubt often
lead us into Scrapes, and may be the Means of inducing Many
Indians to join against Us in Case of a War, but their behavior
can in no shape affect the Nations on the ouabache or the
Pouteatamies, who are the only Nations complained of and who
every year commit Hostilities against Us, and will certainly con-
tinue Murdering and plundering our People, unless Something
is done to prevent it. Talks, Advice, and even Threats have
hitherto proved ineffectual, and the only hopes of reducing them
to pacifick Measures without usmg Forceable Means, arise from
the Messages lately Sent to Sioto from the Six Nations. It may
be proper to wait the Event of those Messages, as it's probable
that the Indians will resolve Nothing till their Messengers return
with an Account of their Negotiations; which it's to be hoped
they will do in good time, as the Traders v^th their Goods, and
Detachments with Stores of all kinds, generaly leave Fort-Pitt
to go to the Ilinois the Middle or End of March.
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In Harvard College Library, Cambridge, Mass.
374 Sir William Johnson Papers
Your observation of the uncertainty how the War might
increase if began in one Quarter is no doubt a just one, and Your
Advice as good for posting the Militia. As to the first we must
in all Situations of the kind use our Endeavors for the best, and
trust a good deal in Fortune. But to Judge from past Trans-
actions of our Own Conduct, I fear that Danger would not be
Seen till it came to our Doors, and that the Precaution you
advise about the Militia would not be taken till a great deal of
Mischief was done.
The Complaints of the Cherokees against the ouabache &
Miamie Indians is a lucky Circumstance, and if found Necessary,
May be turned to advantage.
I hear Nothing more of the Meeting of the Provincial Com-
missarys for the Settling the Indian Trade, I was told they would
assemble here for certain last Month, or this. The King has
taken Indian Affairs and their Expences upon himself, and I
imagine the Provirxes not very desirous of meddling with them.
I wish you the Compliments of the Season and am with great
Regard,
Dear Sir,
your most obedient
humble Servant.
Tho^ Gage
S'^: W"': Johnson Bar^:
INDORSED:'
Janry. 20»K 1 772
Genr'. Gages letter
rec^. 9^^. Feb'-y.
In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, I763-J774 375
COMPLAINT OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON
Inferior Court of Common Pleas
Of the Term of December in the year of our Lord one
thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy two —
Tryon ss. Sir William Johnson Bart. Complains of James
Davis otherwise Called James Davis of Johnstown In the
County of Tryon and Province of New York Hatter in Custody
&c of a Plea that he Renders unto him Two Hundred and thirty
two pounds fourteen Shillings & seven pence Lawfull Money of
New York which the said James owes to the said Sir William
Johnson & unjustly detains from him for this to wit that Whereas
the said James Davis on the twenty sixth day of November in
the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & seventy
two at Johnstown in the County of Tryon and within the Juris-
diction of this Court by his Bill Obligatory Sealed with the Seal
of the said James and to the Court — Now here Shewn the date
whereof is on the same day & year Aforesaid Acknowledged
himself to be Indebted unto the said William Johnson by the
Name of the Honb^^. Sir William Johnson Bart, in the Sum of
one Hundred & Sixteen pounds seven Shillings & three pence
to be paid to the said Sir William Johnson on the first day of
December then Next ensuing after the date of the said Bill and
to the said Payment well & truly to be made the said James,
by the said bill firmly bound himself his Heirs Executors and
Administrators, and every of them in the said Sum of Two
Hundred & thirty two pounds fourteen Shillings and Seven pence
and the said Sir William Johnson in fact says that the said James
did not on the first day of December pay to the said Sir William
Johnson the said Sum of One Hundred & sixteen pounds seven
Shillings and three pence half penny which upon that day he
ought to have paid him According to the form & Effect of the
^ In collection of Hall Park McCullough, North Bennington, Vt.
376
Sir William Johnson Papers
said Bill whereby an Action hath Acrued to the said Sir William
Johnson to demand & have of the said James the said sum of two
Hundred And thirty two pounds fourteen Shillings & seven
pence Nevertheless the said James Davis altho often required
&c hath not paid the said sum of Two Hundred & thirty two
Pounds fourteen Shillings & seven pence to the said Sir William
Johnson but hitherto hath Refused & Still doth refuse to pay the
same to the Damage of the said Sir William Johnson fifty Pounds
& thereof he brings this Suit &c
pledg
Silvester for Pt^.
D. Davis for DeO
es —
&c
County of Tryon ss. Sir William Johnson Bart, puts in his
place Peter Silvester his Attorney against James Davis otherwise
Called James Davis of Johnstown in the County of Tryon &
Province of New York Hatter in a Plea of Debt &c
INDORSED:
Tryon Court of Common Pleas
The Honble. S
Johnson Bart.-
vs
James Davis
ir William
D^
Narr
^ Penal
Bill
Silvester Atty.
to be fyled
Filed 21 Jany.
1773
FROM ABRAHAM C
.. CUYLER
A. L. S.
Albany 22^. January 1772
Sir/
Your favour of the 20^. Ins^ have rec*^. ^ Cap'. Tice with
request to grant him the Corperation Councilroom, during his
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 377
Confinement, which am Sorry is not in my power to indulge as
the Corperation have sometime ago resolved not to Suffer any
Person that may be so unfortunate as to be Confined in Prison
to have the use of that room, for reason that it has been much
Abused & damaged formerly when such indulgence was granted,
we have since the resolve of the Corperation often been Apply'd
to for the room by good decent people but have been denyed.
I had indeed taken upon myself to allow Cap'. Tice the use of
the room for a Week in which time he told me was in hopes
he would be released from his Confinement, but imediately upon
my grants, him this liberty. Application was made by others
Confined for the Same Priveledge, whereupon the Corperation
resolved upon their former resolution; you may be Assured had
this matter been at my Sole Option I wou'd have Comply'd
with your request. I am with due respect.
Sir
Your Oblidged & Ob*. Humb'. Serv*.
Abri^. C. Cuyler
To the Hon'.
Sir W". Johnson Barn*. &c
ADDRESSED :
To
The Hon'. Sir WilHam Johnson Barn*. &c
At
Johnson Hall —
INDORSED:^
The Mayor of Alby^
Letter concerning
Cap'. Tice —
In Johnson's hand.
378 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM GILBERT TICE
A. L. S.
Albany the 23 Jenuary 1772
Sir/
as I am only Confind on M^ Lambes Exacution I beag & pray
of you to fall on Sum means or other to Git me hom again as
Soon as possibel that is with Saiftey to your Self â €” I Dar Say
by what M"". Lamb has rote me in this Letter I Send you he
will Com to veary Esey terms
tho I may have A moor favarabell one by Ebit — pleas to
Give my Compliments to the Gentelmen at the Hall & there
about —
I will Asteam it A partickler faver if you will pleas to Call
at my houes as often as Convenent to you — for my wiff was
verey much Cast Down when I Left hom & your Caling I Dare
Say will Chear hur up — I am with the Grates respect your
mos obedient & verey humbel Sarvent
Gilbert Tice
To Sir William Johnson
INDORSED:^
Janry. 23^. 1 772 —
Cap*. Tices Letter —
FROM FERRALL WADE
A. L. 5.
Teronto Jan^K 27'K 1772
My Dear Sir W".
Since I done my myself the Honour of Writing you Last,
I have [heard] Several times from M^ Keiuser, two of his
In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 379
Letters You have Inclosed, as soon as his Man Arrived hear I
Dispatched the Man I have with him to Carry the Necessarys
that he Wanted. I am Certain the trade at his place will
Answer M^ Keiusers Letter by my Man Dated Jan'^y. 8*^ — •
Informs the Indians has told him that the Johnsons are bad
people for they drink with the Savages and are Constantly
Drunk, they further Informed that Johnson has wrote a Letter
to him which an Ind". had on the Way, and that they were
Starving where they are, it quite Different with Us, if Any-
thing M"" Keiuser is in a more plentifull place than I. Venison
Ducks Geese, and Salmon within Eight yards of the house where
there is a fine fall of water [ ] Such plenty of Salmon
that the Man [ ] them Ashore by hand. Even the Dog
brings them Ashore, this is Certainly truth any One that Came
In Our houses now, would think we kept a Butchers Stall Lined
v/ith Meat we Get it in Season. In short we have Enough to
do with it. Since Christmas day Last I have not been without
an Indians In the House One Night, you may judge whal
provisions they must Consume, we have Sickened the french man
back of Us, he p*^. Us a Visit New Year with four Ind"^ they
ab^ 50"^ Beaver & 10 Otters, he Came to my house and Con-
tinued three days, he told Us he would go to the Mississipee for
that he Could do no more back for the Ind"^ all Comes hear
the Ind"^ told him to his face that he stole from them but ths
English did not, he is half Ind". himself. I treated him Well
& made him pay as Well. I made him give me Six Large
Beavers for a three Gall". Cag rum it was all he bought. We
will Certainly have a great trade this spring and I think we have
Made a Good fall trade I am sure as Good as Any on the Com-
munication, I Out Run the Dutchman no Odds, all though all
there Cunning he has got but 5 C' of Leather and 2 packs of
Beaver & Purrs. Inclosed You have a List of the peltry & furrs
we have Now and there is An Ind". just now Arrived with a
pack but Cant tell the Contents I would be Glad to know whether
Your Honour took the Goods we Sent down Last Summer I
have drew out an Exact List of Our debts we Owe £ 1 200
380 Sir William Johnson Papers
& odd — we have Nigh £ 1000 In Pehry & furrs M'. Keiuser
has a Good Deal of Goods, I have a Large shop full besides the
Battoe that Campbell sent up Last fall which is stored at
Niagara I am not the Least Afraid but that we will send
£ 1 800 or £ 2000 — worth if not more Down In the Spring
My Compliments of the Sason to Sir John & the Rest of your
Family and believe me to be
My Dear Sir Wâ„¢.
Your Ever Most Oblidged
Most Obedient Hum: Serv'.
Ferrall Wade
indorsed:^
Janry. 27»h. 1772 —
M^ Ferrall Wades letter
with Sundry Inclosures
Ans^^. —
FERRALL WADES LIST"
A. D.
A List of What we have at present ]an^^ 27 , 1772
500 tt of prime Leather £370
700 d°. Beaver d° 350
500 & Odd Martins 75
120 Otters 120
200 & Odd Raccoons 15
800 & Odd Ratts 20
26 Fishers 10. .0
1 Foxes 2
40 Odd Bear Skins 16
2 Beaver Blk»^ 6
a few Otter pouches^ ^qq/1
1 Beaver Eater (
'^ In Johnson's hand.
^ Inclosed in Ferrall Wade's letter to Johnson, Jan. 27, 1 772.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 381
INDORSED:'
List of w'. skins Ferral
Wade has now by Him
Janry. 1772 —
TO CHARLES INGLIS
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 499, is listed a letter of January 27th
to Rev. Charles Inglis on the means of placing Mrs Ellis on the list of
beneficiaries of a fund for ladies whose connections have served the state,
Johnson's want of influence in Ireland, Dr. Cooper's mission to England
and the growing reputation of N York College (printed in Doc. Hist.
N. Y., 4:472-73; Q, 4:283-94.)
FROM GILBERT TICE
Alboney th'. 28 Jenuary 1772 —
[ ]
I have received a Nother Letter from M^ Lamb by Ebit wich
I Send to you — by what he rites & what he Said to Ebit &
pamberton I Donte think it will be of aney Sarves to me to be
in Confindment aney Longer therefore the Suner Som meathid
is taking for me to Git horn the Suner I Shall be abel to Git in
my Deats & Discharge part of m"" Lambs Deat. for pamberton
Sais if one half is paid Soon the other half [ ] for Six
months — I [ ] aske m^ yates advice who Tells me
a Line from Si"^ william to the Shirff that the money will be paid
in Such a time will be Suflicent for the Shirff to Let be' Be
at Liberty to Com horn — as for the Brinckerhoffs they will
willingly throo up the Lands by having the money paid them in
aney Sarten time — I have Nothing moor to ad at present only
remain your most obedien most humbel Sarvent
Gilbert Tice
Sir WILLIAM Johnson
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ Intended for "me."
382 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO ISAAC LOW
Johnson Hall JanK 29^K 1772.
Sir,
I am favored with your Letter wherein you disapprove of the
proceedings of M^ Jessup in the late Agreements for the Pur-
chase of Lands here, —
M^ Jessup having been sevl times with me & having produced
to me Orders of Council & Sundry other [au]thorities to Justify
his Application, which he represented [to me] on behalf of
Sundry Gentlemen of Character, & amongst them Yourself &
some others v/hom I should be inclined to Serve. I accordingly
gave him My Interest, & not only took great pains with the
Indians to bring them to Terms which were Judged very reason-
able but actually gave up a Large part of a purchase I had
made sometime ago & that without any restitution. Neither
had I or any of my Connections the Smallest Concern with him
or any other person in it. —
Whatever Prescriptions have been made I know only of a
Tract which I told him had been engaged above a y^ ago to
some Gent by the Ind^ with which I had nothing farther to do.
I shall therefore be glad you will Inform me what were the
Terms he had power to offer on your behalf, & wherein or how
he has deviated from his Instructions as I should be sorry to find
that the Indians were trifled with, or myself Imposed on, where
I meant to do a disinterested Act founded on friendship for the
parties who v/ere said to be concerned.
I am with regard
Sir, &c
M"^. Isaac Low
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774 383
INDORSED :
Jany. 29'h 1 772 —
To M^ Isaac Low
Concerning the great Indian purchase.
TO PHILIP SCHUYLER
[Johnson Hall January 29, 1772]
I
[ ] proper Division [
[ ] and agreable to your [
A Sketch of such Divisions as will I [
most Convenient and agreable to the present [
population. — The Justices &c for the [
Must I suppose be as Usual recommended to [
the Governor, that a Commission may issue according [ly
This I presume has nothing to do with the Act, but It should
be done speedily that no time may be Lost In the carrying the
Act into Execution, a list shall therefore be sent as soon as
possible.
I dare say that yourself & such other Gentlemen as are
Advocates for the Act will take sufficient Care of the Necessary
Offices &c so that I need not to Enlarge. A Second pet",
went from hence to N York about 1 6 days Since, Pointing
out the Mohock branch of Delaware &c for its Southern
boundary. In case any farther objection might have been made
to the former I don't know from your Letter whether It was
then before the House, but if it came late It can make little
alteration, as it only differed from the former in one place, which
it was Conjectured would render it more agreable. I cannot
''â– In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
^ Lines burned ofl.
384 Sir William Johnson Papers
think of troubling you with any thing farther at present but
Assure you that I am &c
[ ] Schuyler
DRAFT OF BOUNDARIES OF DIVISIONS OF THE NEW COUNTY^
Dfr
[
[
north as far as the [
South to the South bounds of [
North & South Line crossing the [
2'^. The Second or Stone Arabia Dis[trict
the North Side of the River bounded [
the West bounds of the last ment^. District [
former & westerly by a North & South Line to Cross the
Mohawk [at] the Little falls.
3^. The Third or Conajoharee District to be bounded North
by [the] Mohock River, South by the bounds of the County,
[ ] West bounds of the first ment*^. Dis' & West
by the [ ] Line to be Continued South from the
little Falls —
4'^. The Fourth or Kingsland District to be bounded South
by the Moh''. Riv^ Easterly by a North Line from the Little
falls, & Westerly as far as the Settlements Extend
5^^. The Fifth or German flats District to be bound Northerly
by the Mohock River, Easterly by the Line to be Continued
from the little falls &, Southerly as far as the Co. Extends.
Westerly by the boundary Line Settled with the Ind*. at the
Gen' Treaty in 1 768 — & for the Collecting Taxes &c That
the Inhabitants of each District do yearly on the 1^*. Tuesday
^ Inclosed with Johnson's letter of Jan. 29 to Colonel Philip Schuyler.
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
^ Lines burned off.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 385
in April to Elect & Appoint a freeholder to be a Supervisor,
Two Assessors & one Collector in every Precinct or District in
said Co: —
INDORSED :
Draft of Boundaries of
Precincts or Districts of the
New County,
Jany 1772 —
TO RICHARD PENN
An autograph letter of January 29th, 1 772, from Johnson at Johnson
Hall, to Governor [Richard] Penn, of Pennsylvania, was sold by
Henkels, in Philadelphia, Pa., at the H. R. Hervey sale on January 29th,
1909.
TO JOHN WATTS
Johnson hall Jany 1772.
Dear Sir,
Since my last the second Petition for the division of the
County having been Signed by as many as were thought neces-
sary of the Principal freeholders &ca in this Country was
remitted to me, and I now send it as I did the last to Capt Ja*.
De Lancey, to be Laid before the House.
The Manner in which the Line of Division is proposed in this
last Petition, will remove any objection that might possibly have
arisen against it before, as it does not in the smallest degree
preclude the settling any Line of Division between Albany &
Ulster, or Indeed any Title, or Claim whatsoever. The People
are in general extremely desirous to have the County Court house
&ca at Johnstown, as I have now Compleated Roads from it
^ In American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass. ; in handwriting
of Guy Johnson.
13
386 Sir William Johnson Papers
throughout the Country which are much shorter and more Con-
venient than any others, and as so many Houses are aheady
erected with a Church Parsonage House & Glebe annexed to
it, Indeed it possesses many other advantages, and if it is Chosen
for that purpose, I shall readily contribute to its farther Improve-
ment, & to the erecting the necessary Edifices &ca. — Upon this
occasion, I must request the favor of your friendship, so that
in case the place before mentioned is not mentioned, It may be
Left to the discretion of the Majistrates or the Majority of them
to fix on the proper Situation for the Courthouse &ca, without
any Limitation of Distance &ca.
I persuade myself that you will afford this application all the
Countenance in your power, which will afford great satisfaction
to the Generality of people hereabouts, and much oblige Dear
Sir
Your sincere friend & &ca
The Honble J Watts Esq^
FROM THOMAS PENN
L. 5.1
Duplicate
Spring Garden
4 FebK 1772
Dear Sir
This trouble is given you by the neglect of Captain Roberts,
who has presuming upon your Credit, got from me Fifty Pound
Sterling, which I desire you will be so good, as to remitt, or
see me paid, in which you will greatly oblige
Dear Sir,
Your most Hble Serv'
Tho Penn
Sr W" Johnson
1 Another manuscript copy of this letter is in the possession of Mrs
Flora Warren Semour, member of the Board of Indian Commissioners,
Chicago, III.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 387
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnson Bar' —
Johnson Hall
New York —
INDORSED:^
Spring Garden Febry.
4tK 1772.—
M'. Tho^ Penns
letter
for £ 50 Strlg. to U. Roberts —
FROM HENRY TEN EYCK JR
Albany 5'^ February 1772 —
HONC*-
Sir/
Recieved yours of the 30'^. Last wherein I find by the contents
of your Letter that you would be Glad to know how much that
Suit is of M^ Lamb against M^ Tice, the Execution I have
against him of M^ Lamb amounting to Three hundred and Sixty
one pounds, and as for the time & terms that M^ Lamb would
give M^ Tice I do not know, for I never had a Line from M^
Lamb concerning the Affair, I would have wrote to M^ Lamb
concerning the affair. But M^ Tice desired me not to do it,
as he had wrote him Self, concerning the Affair to M^ Lamb &
that he Expects an Answer with M^ William Pemberton — I
cannot take it upon my self to Release M^ Tice unless that I
have a Discharge of M^ Lamb or his Attorney if I was to take
it on my Self to Discharge M^ Tice I would then immediately
make my Self Liable to M^ Lamb to pay the Money the
^ In Johnson's hand.
388 Sir William Johnson Papers
moment that he is out of Custody, he is also in at a suit of
Neicholas Low. which Suit M^ Tice tould me him Self amount-
ing to Eighty or ninty Pounds, but the Suit of M^ Low would
not keep him in Provided the Suit of M^ Lamb was Settled,
for he might get any person to Enter into Special Bail at the
Suit of M^ Low —
I Remain Hono'^
Sir your most obedient
Humble Servent
Henry Ten Eyck Jun""
ADDRESSED :
To
The Hono^ Sir William Johnson Baronet —
at Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
Alby. Febrx. 5'h. 1 772
The Sheriffs letter —
reC^. 9^\ —
FROM VOLCKERT P. DOUW, PETER LANSINGH AND JOHN
MACOMB
L. S.
Albany 5 Feb. 1772
Sir
We have taken the liberty of Appointing Johnson Hall to be
the place of Balloting for some lotts of Land under your Inspec-
tion, using part of the Hosack Patent, a Survey & partition of
which have been made last fall agreeable to Act of Assembly
wherein we are Commissioners, and hope it will not be too much
trouble for you to meet us at M"^ Tice's on the day of Balloting
In Johnson's hand.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 389
of which the Newspapers will Acquaint you. We are with due
Esteem
Sir
Your most obedient
Humble Servants
volckert p. douw
Peter Lansingh
John Macomb
The Hhbl Sir William Johnson Baronet
INDORSED :
Alby. 5th. Febry. 1 772
Volckert P. Dow, Peter
Lansing & J". MacComb
FROM GILBERT TICE
Albany th 6 February 1772
[ ]
I received booth your Letters by M^ pamberton & agrabel to
your advice rote to my Creditters in New Yorke by pamberton
& Desired them all to Let me know by him what they would
Dow — I also Desired them to Send me there accounts in fool
that I mite know what I was in Deat. — the Shirff has No ordors
from aney of them to prosead in aneything — he told me this
Day that the Brinckerhoffs he was Sure would throw up the
Lands & wate A year with Good Sacurity — poor Lamb is So
Distrest him Self that I Donte know what he will Dow, tho I
Dare Say by his riting he will be as favorabel as he possibel
Can — I have heard that Carril is Going away — he is in Deat
to me £23.. 2.. 6 on a Balence of account wich he & I
Setteled but a Short time befoor I Left hom — if you Can aney
390 Sir William Johnson Papers
way Stop that Sum it would much abhge me as it is too much
to Lus — other ways if you think proper I will arest him —
before he Goos — onless he Can Give Sacurity pleas to Give
my Compliments to the Gentlemen — I remain your most
obedient must humbel Sarvent
GiLBT TiCE
To
Sir WILLIAM Johnson
INDORSED:^
[ ] 6*. 1 772
M^ Tices letter
STATEMENT CONCERNING BONDS
A. D. 5.2
Febr^ &K 1772
This Day I setded all the Bonds which Cap'. Christopher
Yates had from M^ Arent Brat, Amounting to F ^ Hun-
dred, Seventy One Pounds, Twelve Sh[illings]^ & Six pence, as
^ Settlement made last Ye[ar]^ in May, when S'^. Brat Signed
a Mortgfage]'' to Said Yates for the above Sum, the Inte[rest]^
of which Sum from the Day it was ex[ecuted]^ is not
accounted for as yet —
W Johnson
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In possession of Horace S. Van Voast, Schenectady, N. Y.
^ Manuscript torn.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 391
DIRCK BRINCKERHOFF AND DIRCK BRINCKERHOFF JR
TO GILBERT TICE
New York Febry. 7. 1772.
M« Gilbert Tice
Sir
We have Recv^. your Letter of the 3 1 **. January & are Sorry
for your Confinement in Goal in which we have no hand, you
Say you Can pay us our whole Debt in one Year & give us good
Securety We have wrote to Major Fonda on that head &
offered to take his bonds for our Respective Debts payable in
Six Months with Interest — this we are Determined to abide
by, we Care Nothing for your Sale of the Lands to Major
Fonda, the Law will Support us in the Title to them, yet if he
will Comply with our proposalls we will Give you a full Dis-
charge therefore to prevent our farther proceedings we Expect
your Speedy Answer, otherways Shall proceed as the Law
Directs we are your
Hhb'. Serv•^
DiRCK BRINCKERHOFF
D. BRINCKERHOFF Jun^
ADDRESSED
To
M^ Gilbert Tice
In Goal In
Albany
INDORSED:^
New York Febry. 7*^^ 1 772
Mess". Brinckerhoofs
Letter to Cap*. Tice
Written by Dirck Brinkerhoff.
In Johnson's hand.
392 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM GILBERT TICE
A. L. S.
Albany th 8 February 1772
Dear Sir
I received your Letter this morning by your post — I Sent
you tow Letters yesterday by Cap*, honson one from the Shirff
the other mine — wich I hope you have Got Saif befoor this
Time — I menshened in my Letter that I had rote to my
Creditters by M^ pamberton & by him I hope to have Agreabel
answers from them all — wich I Shall Let you know
Imedietly — am afrade I Shant Se Johnstown befoor pam-
bertons return Tho it would be a hapey Site to me if I Could
Se it tomorrow — & I am verey Sensabell I Should if it was in
your power to help me there — wich I hope will be Soon — and
as I am Sure of your frindship for me & my intrist in Every
Respect I Shante Disspar —
I am your verey humbel Sarvent
Gilbert Tice
To Sir William Johnson
addressed :
To
Sir William Johnson Bar*.
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
Feb^y. 8«h 1 772 —
Cap*. Tices letter
In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 393
FROM ISAAC LOW
A. L. S.
[Feb. 8, 1772]
Sir
I have the Honor of your Favor of 29'''. Ult. desiring to know
the Terms M^ Jessup had Power to offer in my Behalf, and
wherein, or how he had deviated from his Instructions relative to
the Lands proposed to be purchased of the Indians; which I
shall answer in as explicit a Manner as I can
M^ Jessup was frequently with me, representing in the
warmest Manner that the Purchase would in all Probability
come much cheaper if made jointly, than seperately; I therefore
told him that I would for my own Part have no Objection to
pay my Proportion of the purchase money, as I supposed would
also the other Parties concerned : but I took for granted he would
have waited on them and taken their Instructions (if not their
Power of Attorny) before he undertook actually to make the
said Purchase. — So far however from having a Power of
Attorney, or even Instructions, he never spoke to either of the
other Parties (as I have since been informed) except M^
Banyer, and that only in the general Terms I have mentioned.
Yet, had he confined himself to the Purchase of the Lands
only at a certain Rate, no Fault had probably been found with
him: but he has not only attempted to curtail us in our Quantity
of Land, but to yield up to others what we conceive to be the
most valuable Part of it, and therefore we can by no Means,
consent to ratify his Agreement which he had not the least
Shadow of Right to make for us. —
M^ Fonda and M^ Glen sent down Petitions about a Year
ago to the Governor & Council for Part of the Lands we have
several months before obtaining a License from that Board for
purchasing of the Indians which I suppose may be the Tract
you allude to, as having been promised by the Ind*: but as we
394 Sir William Johnson Papers
were the first Petitioners we conceive we have a prior Right. —
Nevertheless, so far from desiring to avail ourselves of any
Preference; those Gentlemen and as many others as you chuse
are extremely welcome to be concerned with us in any reasonable
Quantity they may want, which we flater ourselves is as much
as you will conceive they ought to have
I am extremly obliged by the favourable mention you are
pleased to make of me, and shall be proud of all Occasions of
cultivating your Friendship to, Sir
Your most Obed'. Hbl^. Servant
Isaac Low
(Sir William Johnson Baronet)
INDORSED:^
FebT. S^. 1 772 —
M^ Isaac Lows letter
FROM HUGH GAINE
A. L. S.
Nen>-York Feb. 8, 1772
Sir
I now by M\ Pemberton send you all the Votes that are yet
printed. The Ordnance you wrote for is not to be had at
present, but in Case I can procure One by any Means the same
shall be sent you by Sir
Your humble Servant
Hugh Gaine
P. S. The Votes preceeding
those I now transmit
you, were sent by a
Messenger Some Time
Since
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 395
ADDRESSED :
To
Hon. Sir William Johnson, Bar*
At
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
Feb'-y. 8th. 1 772 _
M'. Hugh Gaines letter
FROM HUGH WALLACE
[New York February 8, 1772]
[ '\
Wednesday. I find those ]
its missing, for all the Men [ ]
have spoke to about it, seem p [leased to] have an Oppertunity
to serve [ ] you — You never mentioned the [ ]
you v^ould have it called. I shall [ ] to call it
Johnson County. You [ ] do well to write the
Governor for a [ ] of Officers — There must be Four
Judges, Six Assistant Justices, or Justices of Quorum & 10 or
1 2 Justices of the Peace — A Sheriff, A Clerk, A Coroner —
I have paid M"" Pemberton the One hund'^ Pounds for you
& shall send you Money by the first good Oppertunity — We
have no News here. The December Mail is hourly expected,
tho' I dont think we shall have any News by it.
[ ']
I am respectfully
D^Sir
Your most obed* Serv'
Hugh Wallace
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ Lines burned off.
396 Sir William Johnson Papers
] is so busy with
]mbly, I could not get
] d for the Adego Lands
] to send you but shall
] first good safe Hand —
Sir Wm Johnson Bar*
Johnson Hall.
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S.
New York [February 8, /772]
Dear Sir William
I yesterday received your Letter [ ]
regret much the Loss of my Good Friend M"^ [ ]
to M"^* Mortier what he has left. I am much [ ]
that it might prove advantageous to me, but [ ]
Expectations myself.
The County Bill is I understand pretty [ ]
upon as to your part of the Business — and unless the [ ]
of a Northern County on the East side at Hudsons River from
[ ] Kill Northwards creates any Difficulty will I think
not [ ] Some in, and many out of the House are for
having this [ ] County included in the Bill, and to
effect it, may still [ ] that they shall go hand in
hand — If the Bill should pass [ ] consequent Steps
are, an Ordinance for establishing a Court [of] Sessions &
Common Pleas — and of course the appointment of Judges,
Justices, Clerk and Sherif. Of these none so important as the
Clerk, as it is unusual to remove that Officer — He should be
a Man of some Property, great Share of Integrity and of some
Knowledge, especially in the Business proper to his Department
you will otherwise have great Blunders committed. — I would
therefore recommend some young Attorney as few other are
Postwar Period, 1763-1774 397
qualified for it and the Appointment will not afford a Deputy —
Lawyers among you there will be plenty of; his being of that
Profession will therefore be no ways disadvantageous in that
respect, especially if he is a good Man. I know no Body to
recommend to you.
With respect to Jessup's Purchase, I do not precisely know
the Objection they have to his Conduct. I understand it arises
from his giving up to others the Cream of the Lands he pur-
chased or was to have purchased for M^ Low and associates —
They have no objection against those other Gentlemen coming
in with them for the Quantity they want, provided [ ]
as to qualify with the others — I shall [ ] the
petition for 20000 Acres more or less — [ ] is gone to
England stated your Account that [ ]
1772 he makes in your Favour 778.. 16.. 2 1/7 — Curr^
[ ] has received £500 Currency, and your Order
of [ ] Claus on Hugh Wallace Esq: for £40
has been [ ] — I shall deliver to M^ Wallace a Copy
of your [ ] you and pay him the Balance by M".
Mortiers Order [ ] only acting Executor — In June
last in Consequence of [ ] a former letter of yours I
advanced £ 112 . . 14. . 1 1 1/2 for M-" Adems's [ ]
Patent to William Bayard and others for 50,000 Acres — As
[ ] much I should be glad of your Order on M^
Wallace for [ ] which he can pay me out of the
Balance he is to receive of [ ] Mortier Ex"" of
Abraham Mortier. I had intended this Sum to have payed the
Expence of the Purchase made in the Name of Bergen, but
[I] must get that by other Means Time enough to be paid
when the Governor comes up which I believe will be in the
Beginning of June — Pray present my Compliments to Sir John
& the other Branches of your Family and believe me to be as
ever
your affectionate &
obed*. Servant
G^ Banyar
398 Sir William Johnson Papers
ADDRESSED :
To
The Honorable Sir William
Johnson Baronet
at
Johnson Hall
Albany
INDORSED:^
N York Feby S^ 1 772
M'. Banyars letter
FROM PETER W. YATES
A. L. 5.
Albany 11
FebK 1772.
Sir/
At the particular Request of M^ Gilbert Tice, who is now in
Confinement, I trouble you with a few Lines concerning his
Releasement from Prison.
The debt he owes Brinkerhoffs, he says, Major Fonda is to be
liable for &c.
So that the only remaining Difficulty will be the Demand of
Lamb, being as the Sheriff informs me £362 for which M''.
Ritzema Lambs Attorney, by his Letter to me of the 7^. Inst,
desires good real Security. But on my communicating this to
M^ Tice he said you would give your Obligation for that Sum
payable one Year hence and therefore requested me (who am
his Attorney) to write to you on that Occasion.
I hope you'll not take this amiss in me, since it is thro' M^
Tice's Importunities, I am drove to write to you on this Subject.
I am sorry, very sorry indeed, to see a genteel good Man in
In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 399
Goal who has a Family at Home to support, and hope he may
meet with the assistance of his Friends on this occasion, and get
speedily relieved from his present unhappy Condition.
I am S^ your most
obed'. & very h. Serv*.
Peter W. Yates
addressed :
To S^ W. Johnson Bar*.
INDORSED:^
Feb^y. ll'h 1772
M"^ Peter Yates
Letter —
FROM HENRY TEN EYCK JR
A. L. S.
Albany 12^K Fah^: 1772 —
Deer Sir/
I this Moment Recieved a Letter p^ M^ Pemerton of M".
Brinckerhoffs in which I find by the Contents that you have
wrote them concerning the affairs of M"". Tice, they wrote me
and desired me to Let you know that if you will give to them
Each their Bonds for their respective Debts & Cost with Interest
payable in Six Months, upon executing the same & Delivering
to me, then to give him a full Discharge, M"^ Tice has wrote to
the same purpose and that I also should take a sapperate Bond
for the sum of £ 45 . . 2 . .8 due to the Asstate of Joris Brincker-
hoff. I Beg your Answer p'. first uppertunty so that I might
Let the Gentlemen Know —
I Remain with due Respects your
humble Serv'. Henry Ten Eyck Jun*"
P. S. I have had no oppertunity of seeing M"". Robert Yates
Since I recieved your Letter as he was out of Town —
^ In Johnson's hand.
400 Sir IVilliam Johnson Papers
ADDRESSED :
To
Major Jelles Fonda
at Couchnewagoe
INDORSED:^
[ ] 12'h. 1772 —
The Sheriffs letter to
Major Fonda —
FROM JELLES FONDA
Cachnervago 13 Feb^. 1772
HoNRED Sir/
about 2 ours afther you Left my house M^ Pementon Brought
me the Inclosed Letters warein you may See wot Answer I got
of the Brincerhofs and also of the Present Sheref I will wote
now for your farther Instructions So I Remane Sir ontill then
your Most obedient
Humbele Sev'.
Jelles Fonda
D« S«
I shall be glad you will favor me with
any Commands respecting what you may
have rec^. by the Bearer
G Johnson
ADDRESSED :
To
the Honerabele
Sir W"â„¢. Johnson Brt &:c
at
Johnsons Hall
^ In Johnson's hand.
Postwar Period, 1763-1774 401
INDORSED:^
Feby. 13tK 1772
Major Fondas letter
FROM GILBERT TICE
A. L. S.
Albany th 13 — February 1772
I ]
M^ pamberton has returnd & broght [ ] agreabell
Letters. I Send you [the] Letter the Brinckerhoffs rote me
[the]y have rote the Shirff one moor [t]urarabell that mine &
a Nother to Major Fonday to the Saim purpit Lamb & his
aturney have rote to M^ peter yates aturney in this place to act
for them wich Letters he Shod to us — the purpit of wich is —
they will wate a year for there money with Good Sacurity —
M^ Yates Now rites to Sir william the particklers — if you
Can Settel it I Shall for Ever be oblige to you & Sine all I have
over to you for Sacurity & Dow what I Can in the mean time to
help to pay it — I Did Not Expect So much faver from them —
My Confindment has Bin of Grate Sarves to Setteling my afairs
wich I am under Grate oblagations to Sir william for — as there
is Nothing to keep me but Lambs afair I hope to be hom Soon —
I have rote to my wiff to Git the Slay redey this Nite to Com
for me So that it will Com away befoor Day if Sir william Can
Dispatch it.
I hope Sir you will Excus[ ] being in Such hast to
Git h[om ] I think Everey minit a Day [ ]
This yates has behaved to m[e during] my Confindment with So
mu[ch] frindship & respect in Evary [par] tickler moor than all
the peopel in albany besids him that I beleave him to Be my
In Johnson's hand.
402 Sir IVilUam Johnson Papers
Sencear frind — the ShirfF Sais Brinckerhoffs afairs Can be
Setteled aney time after I Git horn as well as Now
I remain your most obedient
humbel Sarvent
GiLBT TiCE
To Sir william Johnson
INDORSED:^
Feby. 13'h. 1772
Cap' Tices letter
FROM SAMUEL BAKER
A. L. 5.2
London I5'K- Feb^y.- 1772.
Sir William Johnson Bar».
Sir
In December last I Receiv'd your favour 2 1 *' Sep^ & a Power
of Attorney for the Disposal of your Stock, which, I am very
Sorry to inform you, will not Serve the Intended Purpose. You
have inserted, after giving Power to Sell &c^, "When Required
by me," which obliges me to Shew your particular Order for
each Alteration required, & the People of the Bank can Attend
only to the Power given in the Letter of Attorney, & therefore
they will not Suffer me to act under it. You will find inclosed
a Blank Letter of Attorney, which you have only to fill up as
the last, leaving out the words above objected to. — This is a
very great Inconvenience, but I will not let your Money lay
Dead; at least What is in the Exec'^*. Hands, shall purchase
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ The Johnson manscripts contain an exact copy of this letter signed
by Samuel Baker, and forwarded "^ Cap*. Chambers."
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 403
Stock for you in my name & be transferred afterwards ; — The
Bill ^ £25 is placed to C"" of your Account
M^: William Baker
has Receiv'd your
Power of Attorney to him
I am
Sir
Your most Obed*. Serv*
Sam^. Baker
indorsed:^
Feb'-y. 15'h 1772 —
1V[^ Sam'. Bakers letter
w*^. an Inclosure —
FROM PETER W. YATES
Albany IS"' Feh. 1772.
I ]
I received your's of the 1 4*^. Inst, respecting M^ Tice, who
in Consequence of your Proposal, is now at large.
Inclosed is the Obligation which you will be pleased to
execute, and transmit back to me. I've made it payable to M^
Lamb himself, since (being M^ Tice's Attorney) I deemed that
most prudent.
I am very confident M'. Lamb is well ofi-: but know not
whether his Attorney (M^ Ritzema) expected Security on
Interest or not, for his Letter to me is wholly silent with Respect
to that. Hoping that M^ Tice may meet with better Success
in all his future Transactions, I am
S^ Your most obed*.
& very hum. Serv*.
Peter W. Yates
To S"*. W. Johnson
^ In Johnson's hand.
404 Sir William Johnson Papers
ADDRESSED :
To
The hon'^'^ S^ William
Johnson Bar*.
Johnson Hall.
INDORSED:^
[ ] 1772
[ ] W. Yates letter
w'^. an Inclosure useless
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON S BOND
Df.
[Feby I5^K 1772]
Know all Men by these Presents
That I William Johnson Barn' &c.
am held and firmly bound unto
John Lamb of the City of New York in the Sum of Seven
hundred and twenty four Pounds Current Money of New York
to be paid to the said John Lamb or to his certain Attorney,
Executors, Administrators, or Assigns ; To which Payment well
and truly to be made I do bind myself my Heirs, Executors,
Administrators, and every of them Firmly by these Presents,
Sealed with my Seal; Dated the fifteenth Day of February in
the Year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Seventy
two and in the Twelfth Year of the Reign of our sovereign Lord
George the third — by the Grace of God King of Great Britain
France and Ireland &c.
The condition of this Obligation is such, that if the above
bounden William Johnson his Heirs, Executors, Administrators,
or any of them, shall and do well and truly pay or cause to be
paid, unto the above named John Lamb or to his certain
In Johnson's hand.
Posi'War Period, 1763-1774 405
Attorney, Executors, Administrators, or Assigns; the Just and
full Sum of Three hundred and Sixty two Pounds Current
Money aforesaid, on or before the fifteenth Day of February
next ensuing the Date of these Presents without any Fraud, or
other Delay; then this Obligation to be void, or else, to remain
in full Force and Virtue
Sealed and delivered 1
in the presence of j
INDORSED :
?
S^ W. Johnson's
to
John Lamb.
Bond
for
£362
TO THOMAS GAGE
Johnson hall FehK 1 S^K 1772.
Dear Sir,
The Albany Post has been so very Irregular & tardy of Late,
That Letters neither come here or go down the Country as
formerly. Your favor of the 20th UIt°. did not reach this till
the 10th Inst, and altho' I keep a Man on purpose to carry
Letters to & from Albany I am at a Loss when this may arrive
at N York.
Since my Last, the Messengers arrived from the Southward
Via Philadelphia. After the Usual Ceremonies They laid down
their sev'. Belts, Pipes &c to a great number. After which they
told me a very disagreable Circumstance namely That Anna-
wacka who after the death of Tho^ King was the man of the
best Abilities in these Matters died on Shipboard, So that the
Accot given by the rest, tho' it takes up Three Sheets of paper
is far from being so Consistent as I might otherwise have
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson; missing sections supplied from manu-
script letter dated Feb. 18th. in William L. Clements Library, Ann
Arbor, Mich.
406 Sir William Johnson Papers
Expected. One is Still behind laid up with a Lameness who is
more intelligent, him I expect to see Soon, however I shall give
you the Sum of what they Report. —
They First Repeated the proceedings of Tho^ King with the
Shawanese &c at Fort Pitt on their way to the Southward, some
part of which you may recollect we formerly rec*^. however they
enlarged much on the promises Made by the Wawiaghtonos, and
on the Sorrow they Expressed for what is past, & that they
would Send Depy* to the Six Nat*. & from thence to me, to
Sollicit our friendship & a Continuance of peace. This (they
say) was delivered by the Shawanese who were Come from
Wawiaghtonon to Tho*. King, and they gave me a Calumet
Feather &c from them as also some belts & bunches from the
Delawares to that Effect. —
When they arrived at Scioto Tho^ King addressed each of
the Nations Assembled, beginning with the Shawanese whom he
upbraided for retiring down so far, & for Confederating with
people who disregarded peace, & in Short repeated to each of
them faithfully what had been given him in Charge by the Ind*.
& by myself, — The Shawanese answered That The Six Nat*.
had long Seemed to neglect them, & to disregard the Promise
they [formerly made] of letting them Have the Lands between
the Ohio &: the Lakes [, that in] their distress they went into
their Canoes & were determined to go where they sho^ Carry
them, but were stopped at Scioto by the Six Nations who shook
them by the heads, and desired them to Stay there & be in peace
with the English, but that to their great surprise, they soon after
Saw the 6 Nations In Arms Coasting along the Lakes v^th the
English, and that after peacee was Settled. The Six Nations
Continued [to] act like Enemys to them. That they the
Shawanese, sent thereupon se[veral] Belts to the 6 Nations, for
their closer union, but that Gaustarax the Seneca Chief to whom
they were delivered did not make them public so that they never
rec^. any ansv/er to them. They then produced some Emblems
[and] belts represents themselves & the Illinois Ind*. with 10
Confederate Nations between them. — They then delivered a
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 407
belt from the Chickesaws who professed an Inclination to be
directed by the Six Nations in w'. ever regarded peace. — The
6 Nation Depy*. then Accused them of insincerity, misrepre-
sentation & evil Conduct on which they enlarged a great deal,
Concluding with telling all present that they were come to bring
them to their Senses. To strengthen the Union of those who were
friends to the English Alliance, And for that purpose opened
a Road from thence to the Council Fire at Onondaga, & that
at my House, That those who chose to be happy might cast
their eyes that way, & make use of it, but that the First Nation
that sho"^. obstruct the same must meet with the resentment of the
rest; — The Sev'. Nations present then spoke on many belts
Separately, each giving many assurances of their pacific resolu-
tions, & promising faithfully to observe what was recommended
to them. —
The Cherokees desired that many Thanks might be given to
the Six Nat*, and to me, and the same was repeated at all the
Villages they passed thro' for the peace secured thro' my
Mediation, by which they began once more to enjoy them-
selves, — At Gobi the Chief of the Creeks met them with many
Compliments & Salutations, & was desirous they would Visit
his Nation, But was answered that as a Road was now opened,
for all who had a mind to apply to me, or to the 6 Nat". Con-
federacy in person, and as another Meeting at the desire of So
many would Shortly take place, it was unnecessy. — The Chief
of the Creeks thanked them & said he was certain that some of
his Nation w"^. Accompy the Cherokees to the Ond^. Council
Fire & to my house, and then after sev'. Less Material Con-
ferences the Dep*. proceeded, the Cherokees taking Leave of
them & the Catawbas escorting them to Charles Town —
This is a brief detail of the Relation of Nickaroondase's one
of the principal Survivors from whence I have good reason to
conclude that the Shawanese who grasped at the Lands on both
sides of the Ohio, repenting of the Sale of the South Side, had
sent belts to their Next Neighbours the Senecas to stir up the
408 Sir William Johnson Papers
Chat^ to disavow their act & to Joyn in dispossessing the EngHsh
thereof. That this was approved of by Gaustarax & his People,
but disapproved of by the rest of the Confederacy so that he
was necessitated to try to set up others which gave rise to the
Ace*, of the Senecas Plot & Gaustarax's belts, and the particulars
of which the foregoing is only heads, together with the Con-
versations I have had with the Young Chiefs, are a farther
corroboration thereof. — The Ind*. are Extremely Inquisitive to
know the particulars, & every day since the return of the Depy*
there have been parties here to enquire concerning the same.
It is now upwards of a Month since the 6 Nat". Depy* (who
were sent to the Southward agreable to my Letter of Nov^ 1 6th)
left Karaghiyadisha, one of the last Seneca Towns near Ohio
on their Way to the Shawanese Town, where they were to take
the belts and Hatchet, from the Wawiaghtonos &c and deliver
them their last Words, as they said, after which sho*^. they
continue obstinate, they were to Expect no favor. They had
orders to make great Expedition but as some Chiefs are coming
from the 6 Nat*, who are daily Expected here, I shall then let
you know what they say, so that measures may be taken as the
Case shall appear to require.
His Excell'^y Lieut Genk Gage.
INDORSED :
Feby 15*. 1772 —
To Lieut Gen^. Gage
with the Heads of the proceed*, of
Tho*. King & the Embassy to the
Southward. —
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 409
TO WILLIAM GAMBLE
Johnson [Hall February 16, 1772]
Sir.
A few days ago I was favored with your [ ] the
Subject of the Division of Albany County, and [ ]
of the new one, — Upon this occasion I wish it was in my
[ ] to Satisfy your Wishes, and Gratify myself by
telling you [ ] you should enjoy that Office, but
Besides that [ ] rely on report, and cannot consistently
determine with regard [to] offices, whilst the Main points are
as yet unsettled There is another Circumstance, which has
obliged me to discourage the same Application from other
Gentlemen whom I likewise esteem Namely, That it is a Thing
expected by the principal Inhabitants & deemed highly reason-
able by others that such Offices should be occupied by persons
living, or having property within these Limits, Your own Judg-
ment will shew you that this is not an unreasonable expectation
of theirs, and your friendship prevent you from desiring that I
sho'^. disappoint them. I must nevertheless regret that I have no
better Title to your Gratefull Expressions, & That I can only
assure you at present of the unalterable goodwishes with which
I am
Your real friend & Servant,
M\ W". Gamble
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
410 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO JOHN BLACKBURN
Johnson hall FehK 28^K 1772 —
Sir.
I wrote to you on the 1 1 '^. of Dec^ last, which Letter I have
not time to advert to as the bearer of this M^ AIex^ Ellice is
going imediately from hence for England, & only waits for a
line of Introduction to you. —
He is a Gentleman who is in partnership with M^ James
Phyn Mercht in Schenectady, a House that carries on very con-
siderable dealings in Supplying the Posts & Traders, is remark-
ably attentive to business, and bears a very fair Character. —
I am not acquainted with the Objects of his Voyage, but at
his desire I have thought proper to make him known to you and
you may be assured that any Civilities shewn to him will much
oblige
Sir
M"^. John Blackburne &c
INDORSED :
Feby. 28'^ 1772.—
To M^ John Blackburne
London, ^ M^ Alex^ Ellice.
FROM GUY JOHNSON
A. L. S.2
A^ York March 2^. 1772.'
At Night.
My dear Sir Wm,
The Corporation of Albany have sent down M"^ Yates & one
of their Aldermen to shew cause against the Mohock Bill; the
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
^ In Newberry Library, Chicago, III.
^ Year incorrectly stated here or in the indorsement.
Post-War Pmod. 1763-1774 411
Consideration of this matter is to be taken up by the House
tomorrow morning, and the Fate of it will be I believe that
either the Bill is rejected, or portponed to another Session^ All
the Members being against giving encouragement to any bill that
appears to be controversial, about Lands.
I have at length asked Leave of Absence of the House &
shall set out on Friday, by Water I believe, as far as Peaks
Kill, the Roads being almost impassable between this & the
Highlands, we shall hire a W. India Schooner.
The Governor has rec'^. the Kings Orders to grant no more
Lands I believe I wrote you so before, but am not sure ; At my
return I shall tell you what I attribute it to, with Many other
matters which must be deferred till 1 have the pleasure of seeing
You ; as this will I hope be in a few days, I shall only at present
assure you that I am with Cordial regard, 6c best Wishes for
you. My dear S^ Wâ„¢. Your most sincere & Affectionate
G Johnson
Kind Comp*. to all friends.
INDORSED: N York March 2^. 1773
Co'' (Sir Guy") Johnsons letter
rec^. Q^^ at 9 Night —
^ "An act for securing to the Indians of the lower Mohawk village
and their descendants, the possession of the remainder of their lands
adjacent to the same, under a certain limitation." On petition of
Guysbert G. Marselis and Robert Yates, in behalf of the corporation of
the city of Albany, the assembly postponed to the next session considera-
tion of the bill. This action was in accordance with a recommendation of
the committee of the whole, Colonel Johnson voting against postponement.
Journal of the General Assembly of the Colony of New York, from 1 766
to 1 776, inclusive.
^ An erroneous interpolation.
412 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM THOMAS SHIPBOY
.L. 5.
Albany 4^^ March 1772
Sir/
Agreeable to your desire I have Sent you Two Groce of
Corks, the Best in this Place, I am Sorry it wase not in my Power
to Precure better ones, I am Sir
Your most Humble Servant
Thos Shipboy
2 Groce Corks @ 4/ £ . .8. .
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir, William Johnson
at
Johnson Hall
INDORSED '^
M^ Tho^ Shipboys
Letter —
FROM DUNLAP ADEMS
irl • X^a Oa
Trenton March 4'^ 1772
Sir
You no doubt er[e] this have heard something of my unhappy
fortune, it has been so fatal a one to me as to deprive me of all
manner of means to support my self or Family, in consequence
of which my friends have recommended it to me (as my mis-
fortune is not my discredit) to ask relief in any honest way.
In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774
413
th[e]refore have distributed a few such as the inclos'd amongst
those whom I have reason to think are well dispos'd.
I make bold to present S^ William one knowing from his
character and acquaintance that he is capable of serving me on
the occasion.
I am Sir
Your Most Obedient Huml Serv'.
DUNLAP AdEMS
INDORSED:^
[
[
17] 72
] letter
]
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S.
New York 4 March 1772.
Dear Sir
Since I had the honor to write you by M"^ Pemberton, have
not heard from you — I have the pleasure to advise you that
your County Bill is passed after great Altercation & Struggle
A New County is also made North of Saratoga. Your County
is Named Tryon & the other Charlotte. The Governor &
Council to appoint the places for the Court houses. Yours will
certainly be fixed at Johnstown — Hope you will send down to
the Governor the Names of your County Officers, I am sure he
will appoint who you please.
I fear our Militia Law will fall through, the County Members
seem not to want it, & have prepared a verry tame law, with
low Fines, &c which will not answer any good purpose.
Your Bill to Tho* Crothers £ 66 . . 2 is paid — I write this
in a Hurry as I sett off in about an Hour for Philad*. & hope
In Johnson's hand.
414 Sir William Johnson Papers
to be back in 10 or 12 days. Your Commands in my absence
will all be duely attended to by my Brother. My best Wishes
attend you & yours. I am
D-^Sir
Y'' Obliged & obedient Serv^
Hugh Wallace
Lazy & much hurry ed Mr Banyar assures me he will have
the Adigo Deed ready against I come back to send you
Sir W^. Johnson Bar*.
ADDRESSED :
Sir
To
William Johnson Bar^
At
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
[
Mr
[
div
] 1772
. Hugh Wallaces letter
] of y^ County b(
ided &ca
with
sing
Ans^^. 30*K Ins*.—
FROM HUGH COURTNEY
L. S.
Albany 6^K March 1772.
Sir
I receivd a Letter from Capt". Gilbert Tice, wherein he lets
me know that my Wife (it seems) never intends to be reconciled
with me ; moreover, that my Cattle suffer for want of Fother.
As for my Children, I leave them to Your Hon"^*. discretion
The Farm & Stock I likewise freely & willingly resign, and my
Wife may go where she pleases, as I don't intend ever to abide
by her.
^ In Johnson's hand.
Postwar Period, 1 763-1 774 415
My humble Request is that of your wonted Goodness, you'l
be pleas'd to get me enlarged & to remit some small Sum,
whereby I may be enabled to proceed further. May God
Almighty prosper & prolong your Days, is the sincere & ardent
Wish of Sir
Your Hon", poor, confin'd
and humble Servant
Witness his
& a Doctor — Hugh + Courtney
Mark
P. S. I have sent Henry Hill
with this Letter
INDORSED:^
Hugh Courtneys letter
March 1772
FROM THOMAS TRICKITT
A. L. S.
Montreal the S"- March 1772
Sir
I am informed by M"" Collins, Who lately arrived here From
the Continent, that you have made Some Purchases of Lands
on the Lake Champlain, in the neighberhood of Ticonderoga
and leading to Crown Point, from Which Information I take
the Hberty to Acquaint You that I have 2000 acres in that
quarter which I intend disposing of — and for your better
information I send you a discription of it's Boundrays and
Sittueation, as Set forth in the Pattant.
Viz* All that Certaint Tract or Parcel of Land Sittuate
= Laying and being in our County of Albany within
:^ our Province of New York, on the East Side of
^ In Johnson's hand,
416 Sir William Johnson Papers
= the Waters running from Wood Creek into Lake
= Champlain, Begining at the South West Corner of
=: a Tract of Land Granted to L[ie]ut Geo. McDugall
= and runs thence along the South bounds of the
= said Tract East One Hundred and fifteen Chains,
= Then along the East bounds of the said Tract, north
= Twenty Seven Chains, and two rods, to a Tract of
=: Land Granted to James Winterbottom, and Nine
= Other Private Soldiers, then along the South bounds
= of the last mentioned Tract of Land, East One
= Hundred, and Eleven Chains, then West two 200
= and 1 8 Chains, to a Tract of Land Granted
= to L[i]eut Jehu Hay, then along the East Bounds
= of the last mentioned Tract of Land North 83
= Eighty three Chains, and two rods, to the [ ]
= Where this Tract began Containing Two Hundred
^ Acres of Land and theusual allowance for
= Highways —
Provided You are Inclineable to Purchase the above Lands
(my Price being 4» new York Currancy and no les for avrey
Acre) I shall be Glad to Be Honoured with Your Answer On
rece[i]pt of this, if You Like it on these Terms Everything You
Can Ask shall be Given to Secure You in Your Prope[r]ty, the
Method of Transferring &c I Humbly Submit to your better
Judgment
I have the Honour to be
Sir
Your Most Obediant
Most Humble Serv*
Thomas Trickitt Late
Quarter Master to the
44*^ Regiment
To
the Honourab**
Sir William Johnston
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 417
INDORSED:^
Montreal 8»^ March 1772
M^ Th^ Trickets letter
offerring Lands to Sale
FROM THOMAS GAGE
A. L. 5.2
New york March 9^^: 1772.
Dear Sir,
I have received the Kings Orders to give Notice to the People
Settled at Post Vincent that it is His Majesty's Pleasure they
remove from thence immediately, and retire into Some of the
Provinces, and to report to the Sec'7: of State the Answer they
shall give to the Message. It may perhaps be Necessary in the
Execution of this Order to observe Some Decorum with the
Indians of the ouabache and to give them Some Specious
Reasons for it, that tend to their Benefit and our own, by
preserving a Mutual Amity between Us, extending their Trade
by having more Traders amongst them, &c*. which has been
interrupted by the Machinations of Said Settlers and others, who
constantly raise false Reports and tell them idle Storys of the
Designs of the English against them. I therefore postpone
Sending the Orders till I have your opinion of the Measures
proper to be taken with the Indians at the time the King's
Message is delivered, which you will be so good to let me know
as soon as you can form a Judgement about it.
The Establishment at Fort-Chartres and the Illinois Country
will be Soon reduced to a very Small Matter; and it appears
to me that it would be very usefull, if the Deputy you appoint
^ In Johnson's hand.
2 In Harvard College Library, Cambridge, Mass.
14
418 Sir William Johnson Papers
for the Western District should reside amongst the Nations upon
the ouabache, and be furnished with the Proportion of Presents
which You allot for the Use of the Western Nations. He
might by these Means conciliate the Affections of those Tribes
as he would be a Check upon the Traders and see they com-
mitted no Frauds, and sold their Goods agreeable to the Tariff.
And you would always be informed of the Designs and Intrigues
of those Nations, as well as able to counteract any Schemes of
the French Traders, who are chiefly from Canada. It is easy
to stop the Canadian Traders at the Miamie, which if their
Behavior should Warrant Such a Proceeding, Must be done.
But we should have good Proofs of their Conduct. The Deputy
might if requisite and usefull have a Commission of the Peace
from Several of the Provinces. I imagine Such a Proceeding
would be very pleasing to the Indians concerned; it has been
tried and has had a very good Effect amongst the French
Chactaws, and other Nations bordering upon the Mississippi, very
much Attached to the French Interest, and now reconciled to Us.
I am With great Regard,
Dear Sir, Your Most obedient
humble Servant
Tho^ Gage
Sr; W": Johnson Bar*:
P: S:
Since writing I have received your Letter of the IS''^: Ul"°:,
for which I greatly thank You ; and am glad of the good Tidings
brought you by Thomas King's Companions ; which gives Reason
to hope the last Deputys, will return with a further Confirmation
of the Peaceable Dispositions of the Western Confederacy.
They have been industrious in forming a Powerfull League,
but unsuccessfull in their Negotiations with many Tribes. A
few Days ago I received Letters from W : Florida from Mobile,
where the Chactaws & Chikesaws were comeing to a Congress;
The Meeting with the Creeks was finished and the Chiefs of that
Nation told us of the Deputys from the Western Nations having
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 419
been amongst them, to engage them to enter into an Alliance
offensive and Defensive. The Creeks asked them if their
Beloved Man to the Northward was informed of their Pro-
ceedings; They answered it was a Matter relating only to
Themselves. Upon which the Creeks rejected their Proposals,
which were made only to the Chiefs, who were carefull not to
divulge what had passed to the Warriors. The Deputys returned
without Success.
What you have observed of the present Irregularity of the
Post is Shamefully true. I hardly know when to write, for the
Post Seldom goes on the Day appointed, or comes in the Day
it ought and its next to impossible to send Answers by Return
of the Post. By the Regulation it ought to go from hence the
Day after tomorrow viz*: on the 11'^: Inst': but it's So uncertain
that I am now writeing past twelve at Night least it should be
Sent away tomorrow Morning and its's quite uncertain when
this will get to you. I will take an opportunity to talk with M^
Colder upon the Subject I write in So much haste I wish you
may understand what I have wrote. One more D"^. Sir
Your's
Thqs. Gage
indorsed:^
March 9'h. 1772
Genr'. Gages letter
FROM ISAAC LOW
A. L. S.
New York March 17 'K 1772 —
Sir
From misinformation at the Post [Of] fice about the Departure
of the Post, two Posts have escaped me without a Reply to your
^ In Johnson's hand.
420 Sir IVilliam Johnson Papers
Favor relative to Michael M*^. Donalds Lot at Balston in the
Patent of Kayoderoseras.
The Deed is executed containing 200 Acres of Land,
and 16|/2 [Acrejs of Land under the water of the Long
Lake which was by [agjreement to be paid for by the
Parties whose Lands adjoined [the] said Lake being at 8/ ^
acre £ 86 . . 1 2 . . -
and 2/6 for half writing the Conveyan[c]e. . . — .. 2.. 6
Amounting in the whole as pr Acct inclosed . . £ 86 . . 1 4 . . 6
I shall embrace the first safe private Conveyance [for] send-
ing you the said Deed; and I suppose it may be by [so] me of
the Gentl'*. members from Albany, as the House [&] Assembly
will break up in a few Days.
I am happy in the present, as I shall be in all future oppor-
tunities of executing your Commands, being with the most
profound Respect,
Sir,
Your Most Obed'. Hbh. Servant
Isaac Low
Sir William Johnson, Baronet
INDORSED:^
March 17»K 1772
from M'. Isaac Low
FROM THOMAS SHIPBOY
L. S.
Albany /7'^ March 1772
Sir.
Your favour ^ post I this Instant Received I Carefully
Perused the Contents, altho it ware Evening would have
^ In Johnson's hand.
Postwar Period, 1 763-1 774 421
Imediently Endaver'd to get The Leather You wrote for, but
the Post told me he Could not take it being on horseback if in
Albany I Shall Precure it for you to go by the first oppertunity,
I am
Sir
Your Most Hu^. Servant
Thos Shipboy
addressed :
To
Sir William Johnson
at
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
M"^ Shipboy's letter
March 1 7'h. 1 772
FROM MONTAGUE TRIMBLE
A. L. S.
Schenectady 18 March 1772
Sir/
Agreeable to your orders have Sent you the Two Suits Cloas,
[ ] Blue is a Forest Cloath as there was no Broad Cloath
of that [Co] lour (so fine) to be had in Town, I hope the may
Answer, there [is] no such Thing as Velum for working the
holes to be had in [ ] place but have wrote to Albany to
see if there is any there [ ] them Safe to hand and am
Sir your very humble Servant
For D. Campbell
Montague Trimble
M^ Campbell is now
in Albany —
Sir William Johnson Baronet
In Johnson's hand.
422
Sir William Johnson Papers
DANIEL CAMPBELL S BILL
D.
Schenectady 18 March
Sir William Johnson Baronet
Bought of Daniel Campbell
7 y'^*. Super fine Forrest Cloath 1 3/6 4
J 772
10
3
6
4
4
2
Jain
Doz". Large Gilt Buttons 4/6 .
Doz". Small d° 2/3 .
pair knee Garters 2/6.
y'^\ Scarlet Broad Cloth (super fine). .48/.
1
y"^^ Buckrim
Thread
4 Sticks Twist
2 y'^*. Osnaburgs
6 y"^*. Super fine Scarlet Ratinett 6/6 . . .
6 y^\ Blue d° 5/
8 Skanes Silk
14.
13.
13.
10.
12.
5.
1.
3.
3.
19.
10.
6.
6
10
6
6
£21. .11.. 7
FROM JOSIAS SWART AND JOHN BECKER
L. S.
Schoharrie
March I8^h 1772
Honourable Sir
I beg leave to Suggest to your honour, that John Becker here
and I some time agoe Spoke to you annent buying Some of your
Lands on the Susquohannah river, of which you was pleased to
promise us preference on equall terms. Now we are come to
a resolution to buy 4000 Acres in the place called Athigo on
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 423
the West Side of the river, providing we can have them at the
rate of fifteen pounds A hundred Acres, we mean 2000 Acres
of the best of the lands. Such as we can make arable, & 2000
of wood land for fire wood & other purposes, & the money well
pay on getting the Deeds — We can get from M"" harper Lands
on the Same terms — & from Colonel Broad-street for 1 3 pounds
a hundred, but we chuse rather to deal with Your honour than
with either
I think Sir it will be no disadvantage to You letting us have
the lands as it will be great encouragement to others to make
purchase Once we break the Ice — & Am possitive your honour
can Sell the rest higher — for indeed the first Settlers on Any
lands Should have them on better terms than those that dont
purchase untill they See others Settled before them as they run
A risque of living alone for Sometime which woud lend very
much to their disadvantage please write us an answer as Soon
as convenient & we are Your honours
most obedient & humble Serv'*
JosiAs Swart
John Becker
INDORSED:^
[ ]
From Mess". Swart and
Becker ab*. lands
FROM ALEXANDER WHITE
New York March']
the 20^h /7J2 I
His Excellency Governor Tryon having been pleased to
appoint me Sheriff of your County, I think it my duty to inform
^ In Johnson's hand.
424 Sir William Johnson Papers
Your Honour of it, not doubting his Excellencys Appointment
will meet with your Approbation; especially as I am well
acquainted with a great Number of the Inhabitants of the said
county, having commanded at Fort Harkaman, in the Year
1 764 — As soon as the season will permit I shall do myself the
Honor of paying my personal Respects to you
I remain hon^. Sir
Your Very
Humble Serv*.
Alexander White
To the Honourable S"*. WiLLIAM JoHNSON Baronet
ADDRESSED :
To
The Honourable S^ William Johnson Baronet
In
Tryon County
INDORSED:'
March 20*. 1 772 [ ]
from M^ Alex^ White
Sheriff of Tryon County
FROM JOHN COTTGRAVE
A. L S.
Johns Town ZO^K March 1772 —
[ ]
[ ] Your Honour was so kind, as to mention your
intention to me, of sending Master Peter' to Canada; I have
thought the least I cou'd do for him was, to present to him the
Inclosed instructions. But, upon the peruseal of them, they
appear so very imperfect, that I thought they ought not to be
deliver'd, till first corrected by your Honours Notice. I had
^ In Johnson's hand.
2 Peter Johnson, eldest child if Sir William Johnson and Molly Brant.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 425
yesterday no small altercation with M^ Flood, for the taking
of a Shingle, to carry away Ashes, in the way of the Children,
which when done with, I meant to return. But upon the whole,
I do not think M^ Floods atack, proceeded from his refined
notions of Economy, but rather (as I suppose), from construc-
tions of my envying him of his place — If I was at a certainty
of this, I would then pitty him, as I can with truth say, I envy
him not in any thing. And as to whatever I have said to your
Honour upon that head, was only in Case of his going home:
and, from what I can with truth say, was from a far more
Copious view. I at that Time thought, it might be in my Power,
to be of some advantage to the Patent, not only, from making
some alterations for an Annual saving, but perhaps [ ]
Families of worth as settlers. As these [are] the [ ]
motives from which I acted, I do not think it generous of
M^ Flood, to treat me with unbecomeing Languague. I have
always treated him, as I do every Body; with all the civility in
my power to give. I therefore beg leave to Inform your Honour,
that I do not mean to put with any more of his injurious insults ;
for whenever interrupted any more by him, (while in the peace-
able discharge of my Duty) I shall always be ready to attend,
to the then purport of your Honours Commands. Your Honour
will please at M^ Peters depart [ure] to present to him on my
Account a 20/ Bill as a Testimony for the Sence of his Bravery
in the defence of the School House, & from the Secred Simpathy
I have in everything he dose. Your Honours kind Compliance
therein, will much oblige,
Honoured Sir,
Your Honours most Dutiful and very obed' Serv^
John Cottgrave
addressed :
To
The Honourable Sir William Johnson Baronet
at
Johnson Hall
426 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:^
[ ]
M^ Cottgraves letter
FROM AUGUSTINE PREVOST
Groghans Forest 20^^ March 1772
Dear Sir
Yesterday by Post I received a Letter from Col°. Croghan
wherein he assures me that the affairs of the new Collony on the
Ohio^ was finally setled and M"^ Sam* Wharton expected in
Philadelphia this Winter, that he proposed shortly after writting
his Letter bearing date 2^ Dec^ to Send an Express across the
Country ; that he thinks it absolutely necessary I should See him
before I join, but another Letter from Head Quarters renews
their injunctions on me to join with all dispatch, likewise that
there was no certainty of our Regiment being orderd to the
Islands; my Father acquaints me he will Send for me as farr
as Crown Point, provided I make dispatch as he expects to go
early in the Spring to relieve the 10'^ Regim^ at Quebeck who
are to relieve the 2"^ Batt" in the Posts, all these different
Ocurences dont embarrass me a little, I have wrote for leave to
return when my private affairs would require it I hope not to be
denied, at any rate its in the power of the Officer Coms. the
Reg*, to give me leave of Absence for Some Short time.
I take the Liberty of presenting my Compliments through you.
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In Newberry Library, Chicago, III.
^ For the articles of agreement of the Illinois Company, which were
signed by Groghan for Johnson and himself, see Collections of the Illinois
State Historical Library, 1 I :203— 4, ed. C. W. Alvord and C. E.
Carter.
Post-War Period. 1763-1774 All
to Mess'* Deas, & Dayly M" Prevost^ and the Children are
well. Miss Murray joins with her in presenting you their
Respectfull Compliments and have the honnor of being with the
utmost Respect & Gratitude Very Honord Sir
Your most Humble
& most Devoted Serv'.
Aug. Prevost
the Hon*'!* Sir William Johnson Bar*.
PS, My Father" orders me to present his most respectfull Com-
pliments & to acquaint you that he had received your very
Polite Answer as well as a Letter from Col°. Claus
INDORSED:^
March 20th 1772
Major Prevost's letter.
FROM ISAAC LOW
New York March 2UK 1772
Sir
I did myself the Honor to acquaint you by the last Post, that
Michael McDonald's Deed for Lands in Balston in the Patent
of Kayoderoseras was duely executed, and that I expected to
forward the same by one of the Gentlemen Members of the
Assembly. —
I have only to do myself the further Honor of advising that
^ Lieutenant Augustine Prevost was married to a daughter of George
Groghan,
^ Lieutenant Colonel Augustine Prevost.
^ In Johnson's hand.
428 Sir William Johnson Papers
I now forward the same by Coll: Schuyler, who promises to
send it on from Albany by some safe Conveyance.
And I remain with the greatest Respect, Sir
Your Most Obed'. &
Most Hbl^ Servant
Isaac Low
Sir William Johnson, Baronet
INDORSED:^
March 1772
M^ Isaac Lows letter
w*^. a Deed —
FROM VOLCKERT P. DOUW, PETER LANSINGH AND JOHN
MACOMB
D. S.
[Albany March 2L 1772]
To The Honourable SiR WiLLIAM JOHNSON Baronet One
Of His Majestys Council of the Colony of New York
Whereas a Certain Tract of land with the Appurtenances
scituate lying and being above Albany on both sides of [a]
Certain Creek called Hossack beginning at the bounds of
Schackook from thence extending up the said Creek to a certain
Fall called Quequick and from the said Fall upwards along the
Creek to a certain place called Nackawickquack being in breadth
on each side the said Creek two English Miles that is to say two
English Miles on the one side of the said Creek and two English
Miles on the other side of the said Creek the whole breadth
being four English Miles and is in Length from the bounds of
Schackook aforesaid to the said place called Nachawickquaack
the said Lands was granted on the second day of June in the
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 429
year of our Lord 1788 unto Maria Van Renselaer Hendrick
Van Ness Gerrit Thunessen and Jacobus Van Cortlandt and
whereas also the said Tract of Land has since been divided and
laid into Lots by John R Bleecker a Surveyor Eight of which
Several Lots Viz Lots number Sixteen Seventeen fifty eight fifty
nine thirty five thirty seven forty and thirteen fell to the share of
Maria Van Rensselaer one of the proprietors and whereas we
the Subscribers in pursuance of a certain Act of the Lieutenant
Governor the Council and General Assembly of this Colony
entitled an Act for the more effectual collecting of his Majestys
quit rents in the Colony of New York and for partition of land
in order thereto and other Acts made to the same purpose have
lately proceeded to a Survey of the above mentioned Eight Lots
and have appointed the thirtieth of March at the house of M'.
Gilbert Tyce to be the day and place of balloting for the said
Lots and Allotments made and numbered on the Map of the
said Lands & We do therefore in pursuance of the said Acts
request you to be present on the day and at the place aforesaid
to oversee the balloting to be made Given under our hands at
Albany this 21st day of March 1772
volckert p. douw
Peter Lansingh
John Macomb
indorsed:^
March 21«t 1772
Letter from Volckert
Dow Esq^ J". M^Comb
& Peter Lansing Esq".
Commis". ^ Express
In Johnson's hand.
430 Sir William Johnson Papers
AGREEMENT OF SIX PATENTEES
Contemporary Copy
New York 24^^ March 1772
The subscribers and their Associates having The six following
petitions for Licence to purchase Sundry tracts of Land Viz.
Isaac Low
30,000
Peter Remsen
30,000
Derick Lefferts
30,000
Robert Leak
30,000
Thomas Palmer
46,000
John Bergen
30,000
And M"" John Glen and M"^ Christopher Yats and Their
Associates having a clame to About 9000 Acres included within
the tracts of the back Lands petitioned for by Derick Lefferts,
Peter Remsen, and Robert Leak, and notwithstanding the
Locaters are The prier and only petitioners for the Said 9000
Acres Yet to avoid dispute, it is agreed, that the Said Mes*^*
Glen and Yats, and their Associates, shall Be jointly interested
As to the Quantity of 1 0,000 Acres In the five tracts, first Above
Mentioned.
And it is farther Agreed that Each of the petitioners for the
Said Six tracts shall abate of their Quantity in proportion to
the Contents of each tract in order to make up the said 10,000
Acres — And As it is apprehended That their will not be
sufficient Land in the whole To satisfy the Above six locations,
it is agreed [that] the Deficiency Shall be borne by Each in
p[ ] To the [amount] Expressed in the Petition, and
that [the] Parties interested in the first mentioned Petition Shall
be intitled to one third par[t of] The Lands located by John
Bergen, and lastly is Agreed that no more Land shall be insisted
on to be Purchased, or Surveyed for the parties Aforesaid, than
The Quantity contained in five petitions Amounting in The
whole to One Hundred and Sixty-Six Thousand Acres and that
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 431
the Tract to be located for John Bergen Is to be located to the
Eastward of a line North 30 Degrees west from the North west
Corner of the Patent of Sackendaga and to Extend North as
far As the North Bounds of the tract Petitioned for by Thomas
Palmer and to Extend from the said North thirty degrees west
Line so as to include The quantity intended
Isaac Low
Thom^ Palmer for
Himself and his
Associates
Thom^ Palmer for M^
Derick Lefferts
W^^. Butler for
Coppy Robert Leak Esquire
G^ Banyar for
John Bergen and
His associates
INDORSED:^
Copy of the Agreement
between y^. Six patentees
FROM DANIEL CAMPBELL
A. L. S.
Schenectady the 24^h March 1772
Dear Sir
At I was not at Home when your Agreeable letter came to
my House for Sundry Articles — which was Sent You Except
the Velum, which Article is not to be had here — the Scarlet
Cloath will be at 45/ & the retinnt at 6/ p"^ yard —
my Young man Charged them Something higher in the
Account" he Sent you — I here now inclose You Some
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ See account of March 18, 1772.
432 Sir William Johnson Papers
little patrens — which if they would Answer in lieu of
Velum I can Send them on receiving a line from You —
as poor Samuel Tyms Died lately at Detroit with whom I was
Concerned in Trade to a Considerable Value, So much that it
will require my Attendance there Some Months this Summer.
Should You have any Commands in that part of the World it
will Afford me great pleasure to Execute them for You. M"
Campbell joins me her best Respects to You and M"" Deis —
I am
Dear Sir Your most
Obedient Humble
Servant
Daniel Campbell
Sir William Johnson Baronet
INDORSED:^
M'. Campbells Letter
March 1772
FROM JOHN LYNE
Lynesberrey 26 March 1772
Sir
I am Sorry Coll Butler is Disapointed of the Clarkship not
one my account but one his am very well Content to Resine the
Judges place to him am Sorey you Should give your Self the
treble to Send so far Desire youl do as you think best in the
Disposal of all the Imployments I am Content you now I was
never fond of any post
Sir your Real frind
& most Humble Sirv*.
John Lyne
To Sir Will**. Johnson
In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 A3>3
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnson
at Johnsons Hall
INDORSED:^
M^ John Lynes letter
March 27'h. 1 772 —
FROM JOHN BLACKBURN
London 26'h March 1772
Sir
On the 21*' Ulto I was Honor'd with Your very acceptable
letter of the 1 1 '^ Decem'^ & now Sit down to reply thereto —
Upon the rec* of Your Letter I apply'd to a Friend of Mine
who is one of the Lords of the Treasury & requested the Favor
of Him to Use His Interest & Influence in favor of Sir John to
Succeed L' BenzelP in case of a Vacancy by Death or other
wise — He mention'd to me that prior to M"" Benzells succeeding
to this place, some promise was given by the Duke of Grafton
in favor of a Mr Patterson, which occasion'd some Uneasiness
between His Grace & Lord North, as the latter insisted on
Benzells having the Department — He is a Gent"* in whom I
can place no small Confidence & whose Friendship I have had
a long experience — He recommends that upon the Vacancy,
You imediately dispatch a Letter to Lord North desiring the
Place for Your Son & to Send Such Letter to Me under a
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ The Johnson manuscripts contain a signed copy of this letter for-
warded "^ Cap* Lawrence." The original was forwarded "^ ye
Rose."
^ Surveyor of the Woods. See Johnson to Blackburn, Dec. 11, 1771.
434 Sir William Johnson Papers
Cover — He has promis'd me all His Interest & You may
depend on the Addition of my little Share, added to some other
Friends of mine who will support me —
I thank You for Your proffers of Service to Hatton & am in
hopes the Scheme^ may be productive of mutual Advantage to
this Country & America — if my own private Interest is not
benefitted by the Undertaking I am confident that it will be of
great Use to others, in either case I shall secure an adequate
compensation for my Trouble —
There has been a Scheme form'd for making a Settlement
upon the Banks of the Mississipi. Should it take place I am in
hopes it would be the Means of removing the Nuisance You
point out by driving those French Vagabonds from that Situa-
tion — the Expences of Colonizing have been so heavy in some
provinces that Administration are cautious of adopting any New
Ones — & it often happens that a Minister is almost oblig'd to
give way to the Interest of a Person more than His fitness to
represent a Government —
Our Parliament have been Engag'd for this fortnight past in
debating upon the Marriage Bill, which was carried through
both Houses the night before last after a very severe Struggle —
each Party both in & out of administration were divided upon
this Subject — next Week comes on the India affairs which will
take up their Attention for some time, & after that I have hopes
something will be done for America — Lord North seems
dispos'd to favour the Colonies in every thing which dont interfere
with this Country & I could almost answer for Lord Hils-
borough's joining Him —
There is a report that a Cessation of Arms is agreed upon
between Russia & the Porte & Terms of Peace adjusted through
the Mediation of the Emperor of Germany — in my opinion the
King of Prussia will endeavor to subvert this Plan & if so we
^A timber scheme. See Blackburn to Johnson, Sept. 10, 1771 and
Johnson to Blackburn, Dec. 11, 1771.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 435
may expect a General Continental War, & where it will End
God only knows — I only mention those Circumstances as my
private opinion. Do me the favor to make my Comp'^ to Sir
John & to believe I am with much Respect
Sir
Your obliged and obedient
Humble Servant
John Blackburn
indorsed:^
London 26'h. March 1 772
M^ Blackburns letter
FROM HENRY TEN EYCK JR
Albany March26^^ 1772
HoND Sir
I have recived a Letter from Cap* Tice wherein he request me
to inform you wether the Brinckeroff had givin derictions
to withdraw their Execution from his Lands on his giving
Security for the paymant of the money due thereby — pursuant
to which request I can inform your Honour that I have recived
a Letter From them whereby they authorize me to drop the
Execution in Case Major Fonda will give his Bond payable in
Six months for the said Debt and Intrewst on my application to
him for this purpose he refused Complying with it the remaining
part of my Instructions from the Plaintiffs is such that I then
must proceed to the Sale of those Lands the Debt and Cost of
Derick Berinckeroff Junr amounts to £331,. 13.. 6 and the
one of Derick Brinckeroff amount to 1 30 . . 1 2 . . 2 Exclusive of
poundage and the Damage of the Estate of Joris Brinckeroff
against Cap* Tice is £ 45 . . 2 . . 8 all Which Sum I was dericted
In Johnson's hand.
436 Sir William Johnson Papers
to take Major Fonda Bond For before I could withdraw the
Tow Exexutions If any Settlemant could take place I should be
extremly glad To Be informed thereof soon, as the Court draws
near When I must return the Executions I am Hond Sir
Your most humble Servant
Henry Ten Eyck Jun'
ADDRESSED :
To
Honourabl
Sir William Johnson Esq"" Bernight
At
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
March 26*. 1772
Henry Ten Eyck's Esq", letter
concerning Tice
TO HUGH WALLACE
Df. S.
Johnson Hall March 30^K 1772
Dear Sir/
I hope this will find you safe returned from Philadelphia, and
that you will be able by return of this Post, to let me know
whether the Court House is to be at Johns Town or not ; I wrote
to the governor by Pemberton, letting him know that if agreable
[to him] I would by next Post Send him an impartial List of
such men as were best qualified for the Comis". of the Peace &c
for the County of Tryon Since which I am informed that the
Clerkship is promised to Stephen Delancy, now Clerk for Albany
County, this he told me himself was procured for him thro his
uncle Oliver Delancy's Interest. I told him if so, I should say
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 437
nothing about it, altho I had promised my interest to Colonel
Butler. Stephen I hear is since gone to york on that acd., and
as his Connections have afforded their aid in getting the Bill
for Tryon county passed, I would by no means oppose them,
altho between you and me, I dont think it altogether right that
he should act as Clerk of two Counties, and have no property in
this of ours —
I long much to see what kind of a Militia Act they will
Frame, or whether any, if it is not a good one we had as good
be without any but I [ ] Governor will not agree to
any, but such as [ ] a good End. when at leasure I
shall be glad to have the State [of my] Ace'., that I may not
overdraw, and also that of the late M^ Mortier w^. I wrote to
M^ Banyer for sometime ago.
least interest may be makeing underhand for the offices of the
County of Tryon, (w*'. the inhabitants of it would think very
hard of) I inclose you a list of Such as are best qualified everry
way for filling them but I would not by any means have use
made of it, unless you should See it absolutely necessary w^ I
am hopeful will [not be] the case whilst we have so Judicious
a Governor [ ] present
My most respectful Compliments await you and M""*. Wallace
and am Dear Sir
Your most obliged Friend
& affectionate Servant
WJ —
The Honourable
Hugh Wallace Esq^
INDORSED:^
March 30'K 1 772 —
Letter to M^ Wallace
w'^ a List —
In Johnson's hand.
438 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM DANIEL CLAUS
W'"'bmg 30'K March 1772 —
Honored Sir
Agreable to your desire I have sent you a Memorandum of
the few Articles of Canada Expences for March Term. I spoke
to Perup and he says cant come lower than £8. for his Battoe
having been offered at Oswego Ten pounds a little before it was
Taken away. I have had a couple of slight Attacks of the
Gout since the breaking up of the Winter, but last Fryday
Evening it laid me up with a severe pain w^^. has been abating
since & I hope will allow me to go abroad in a few days. I am
happy to learn from Doct^ Dease y* you enjoy your health so
well at this unhealthy Season & wish its Continuance most cor-
dially. My family are tolerably well And join me in Duty &
Respect
Hon^. Sir
Your Obedient Son
Dan. Claus
I suppose M^ Van Eps Ind". Acco*.
I sent you last Summer going to Canad^.
was inserted in yours last Fall. —
To the Hon'^'^
Sr W". Johnson Bar*
&c &c &c
ADDRESSED:
To
The Hon^'«. S^ W™. Johnson Bart.
&c &c &c
Johnson hall.
In Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 439
INDORSED:'
March 30th. 1772
Co'. Claus's Letter. —
FROM BENJAMIN ROBERTS
London 3 Apll 1772
Sir
I have this Day Answered a Letter to M^ John Wetherhead
wherein he upbraids much the Lawsuit of New York is not Sup-
ported by you or the General. I know you have influence enough
to have made these fellows drop that iniquitous prosecution, one
word would have done it, was it not an Act you would Support
you or the General, Should during two years, have hinted to the
Commanding Officer of Commissary after so many repeated
remonstrances, to have made it up. which could have been done,
without expence. now the Rum is perhaps leaked out, or the
kegs rotten, & I must be lost by default of their appearance, to
a transaction, I was confined for even looking at. the Want
of Exertion in the first instance was the Cause of all that happned
to the Officers under you.
Sir I always try'd to follow your great Example & am Certain
no Indian Can ever say, I deceived him or told him a lie, pollicy
tells me I had better follow'd her precepts with the whites, but
I knew you'd despise if I did. yet how can I account for the
Neglect I meet with from people in power. I thought a recom-
mendation from you was Sufficient to have gain'd any point.
Alas I only asked for Laberors Hire, & to work for a future Sub-
sistance. I am neglected, & cast into prison by the Expences
attending being detained in a Vexatious Suit, for above a Year,
& threatned to be advertised for another at New York. All
^ In Johnson's hand.
440 Sir William Johnson Papers
your friends Complain of your Silence I am told you are much
in favor with his Majesty, you write to me the Ministry dont
Chuse to be importuned, no I am afraid there are persons
Jealous that you ever gave me the recomm[endations] you first
did. Think when I see a Villian at Large [ ] pro-
vided for, most amply rewarded attempting to sell the Interior
C[ ] & I thro persecution for the faithfull obedience
of your Orders thrown in Prison. As yet I dont Complain. I
look upon your Ways like those of providence, always for the
best, all I entreat Act from yourself, in Western Phrase
Chase away bad birds, now I have gone thro the lire Ordeal.
I am Still more Worthy of your Countenance. You know not
the thousand part what I Sufferd since I saw you. I shall be
like Job was to his God. they shall not even make me Blame
you.
I have not means of living till I hear from you in Answer to
this Letter So shall bid you & family a last farewell & be assured
of the prayers & good wishes of your friend to his latest breath
tho Somehow he is not treated as ought.
D^Sir
Your unfortunate
Humble Serv'
B Roberts
S^ W"". Johnson Baronet
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnson Baronet
Johnson Hall
New York
INDORSED:^
London 3d. April 1 772
L'. Roberts Letter —
In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Pmod, 1 763-1 774 441
TO THE EARL OF HILLSBOROUGH
In Doc. rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y., 8:290-93, and Doc. Hist. N. Y.,
2:989-93; Q, 2:573-75. is a letter of April 4th to the Earl of Hills-
borough, conveying the news of the death of Thomas King, Indian chief,
at Charles Town, S. C, with an account of King's mission to the western
and the southern tribes, and describing fallacious pretensions of the
Shawanese, the behavior of a lawless French colony on the Waubache,
and the failure of trade regulation by the colonies.
FROM THOMAS GAGE
Contemporary Coptp-
New York April 7^K- J772,
Copy/
Dear Sir
Your Favor of 20* : \J\V^° : arrived in good time for my trans-
mitting the Kings Orders to the Ilinois, for the removal of the
Settlers upon the Ouabache, and a Speech for the Indians is sent
with the Order; which has been composed, from the Paragraph
of your Letter upon that Subject. I inclose you a Copy of it,
which it may be proper to have communicated to your Deputy,
as it will be delivered the Indians in your Name and Mine, by
the Interpreter or some proper Person at the Ilinois. The Com-
manding Officer has Directions to that Purpose, and that the
Speech is delivered in the Form and Ceremony usually observed
on such Occasions. You will be the best Judge whether it
should be communicated to other Nations.
A French Proclamation is made out for the Settlers in their
own Stile, but you may be right in your Conjectures of the little
Effect to be hoped from it.
I am with great Regard
Dear Sir
&ca —
Sir W": Johnson Bar^:
In William L. Clements Library, Ann Arbor, Mich.
442 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:
Copy/
To
Sir W"": Johnson Bar*:
Johnson Hall
New York 7'h: April 1772.
Sent by the Post April 15'^^: 1772.
TO THE INDIANS OF THE OUABACHE
Contemporary Copy
(Copy)
New York April 8^K 1772,
Message to the Indians of the Ouabache . .
Brethren,
The King has beared with much concern of the Extraordinary
behavior of many Indians Inhabiting these parts of the Country;
and likewise that a large Settlement of white People has been
formed upon your Lands without Laws or Government, of which
the Indian Nations in general have often made Complaints; And
the King apprehends that these Settlements could not Subsist
without visible Inconvenience to the Indians, and a Total Neglect
of that Order in use amongst Civilized Nations. —
It has therefore pleased his Majesty to Order those White
People should immediately leave the Indian Country, And come
within those Lands near the Sea Coast, which the Forefathers of
the Indians long ago granted to the English, Leaving the Country
to the Indians, to whom it belongs, and thereby freeing them from
many Imputations under which they have lain from such a Mixt
Settlement, as well as enabling them to enlarge their Trade and
hunting, and to traffick with more Advantage with Traders of all
sorts, than they can do at present which [ ]
People only, who set their own Pr[ J
every thing. —
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 443
Brethren,
You will consider this Act of the King as an Act of Grace
and Favor, in which the Adva[ntage] of the Indians is as much
consulted, as that of the English Government.
FROM NORMAND MAC LEOD
A. L. S.
CoghnaWage 1 U^ April 1772
Sir
On my arrival home last night the person who last year hired
part of the place upon which old Doctor Wallace used to live
came to me and asked me from whom he should hire his place
for this year. I told him that according to agreement, made with
her last year he should hire the place from me. This Evening
two of her horses got swamped on what I call the disputed lands,
their being no Man Servant at the time neigh the House and I
from home M"^* Mac Leod Sent my little Ser' Nancy to acquaint
her with the distress of her Cattle, but in place of thanking her
for sending her servant (having heard that I intended lakeing
possession of the place) used her and me before a parcel of
Negroes and Common people with the utmost Comtempt, with all
the opprobrious and Contemptible language that could be made
use of by her Lasivious Tongue, and also said that if I was to
Set my plough a going there she would fight to her Neck in
blood; Tho' I made an agreement with Mac Leod he can't put
it in force without orders from Sir William. Her Overseer M^
Mick said he would brake my Catties Legs if they should Come
upon his M" place after having a life Deed from Sir William.
M"^* Denniston also told the Rabble that was then present, that
the promise you made her of her Farm for so long a time was in
presence of Doctor Dace^ and some other person whose name they
Could not remember.
As to her passion and the many dirty things she said of me
in particular and other People in General, I shall say nothing
^ Dr John Dease.
444 Sir William Johnson Papers
about them untill I have the pleasure of seeing you. I shall only
beg leave to say that it is now in your option to decide w^ho
shall be the ridicule of the Country she or me.
You w^ill I hope My Dear Sir William pardon me for giving
you this trouble and expecting an answer as soon as your Con-
veniency can allow you for which the Bearer is to Wait
I am
Sir
Your most affectionate
and ever obliged Humble
Servant
NoRi'. MacLeod
P. S. M--* Mac Leod returns 1 000000 of thanks for your kind
present and hopes you'll accept of her gratefull good wishes and
Compliments, being all the return she can make at present
ADDRESSED:
To
The Hon^'**
Sir William Johnson Bar'. &ca
At Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
May nth. 1772
Cap*. M^. Leods letter
FROM RUDOLPH SHOEMAKER
A. L. S.
Burnets field 11'^ April 1772
HoN^E Sir
I have Recv'^ your Letter of ye 8*^ of this Instant and acord-
ing to your Desire have Spoke to my father in Law Concerning
what you Wrote to me and he answered as thus that he would
not be it that he was old & Culd not folow Bisness & would
but him Salf out of Truble, and 2 Days after he Desired me to
^ In Johnson's hand.
Postwar Period 1763-1774 445
write to you as this he hath Served his majestys as Justice this
fourty years, and he was allways But in the New Commisons
with out asking him, and that then he was at Liberty to take it
or not, and that if he is thought fitt now to Sarve and his name
but in the New Commission he Expects the same Liberty, and
he forther Told me he thought you Could have as Easey wrote
to him as to me as it would not have Been out of the way, in
Sending, and also that he thinks that tims are Greadly altered
and the usage un Expectedly Changed
Du Compliments to
your Honour, from Your
Hon"^*. most obed'. humble Servent
Rudolph Shoemaker
To Honorable S«. W"^. Johnson Bar'.
ADDRESSED :
To
The Hono^'«. Sir W™. Johnson Bar',
at
Johnsons Hall
INDORSED:^
April \VK 1 772
Justice Shoemakers
letter concerning Co'.
Harkemer
FROM PETER SILVESTER
A. L. S.
Albany the I3^K April 1772.—
HoN^. Sir,
I did not expect Coll°. Butler would have returned home
before today or I should have answered your Honors letter of
^ In Johnson's hand.
446 Sir William Johnson Papers
the 9**^. Ins' by him — I shall make out the necessary drafts You
require in the best manner I can from the Instructions given and
transmit them by the first safe conveyance.
I have prepared a draft of a deed to be executed by the
Sheriff on the sale by him of Tice's Lands but shall defer
engrossing it until I have your orders w^hether you incline to have
it in the real purchasers name or in your own — you advance the
money — & gave Instructions to buy those Lands and the person
that bid for them vv^as only an Instrument & acted under you —
Yet as nothing of this sort could appear it being verbal only as
well for these as many other reasons I should think it most Legal
& consistant to draw the deed in the name of the person to whom
f'li was struck off — who will convey to you — it would be proper
that you should have all the title deeds which I suppose you can
get of M^ Tice & if he will give you a Release or quit claim of
the Lands it will render Your estate In the lands more secure —
For notwithstanding the long practice in this Country of selling
Lands by execution & the vast Tracts that are sold by no other
title Yet there are some doubts with respect to the extent of the
[ ] of parliament on which the practice was founded.
I am Sir
Your most
obedient & very
humble Servant
ADDRESSED: P SiLVESTER
To
The Hon^'*. Sir WilHam Johnson Bar*.
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
Alby. 13»h. April. 1772—
M^ Silvesters letter
rec^. ye 1 7'^. without
the Deeds
Ans^'^. D°. Die
^ In Johnson's hand.
Posi'War Period, 1763-1774 447
FROM PETER SILVESTER
A. L. S.
Albany the 14'K April 1772.
HoN^ Sir,
By this oppertunity is forwarded a variety of precedents agree-
able to your directions I hope for your approbation in the draft-
ing, there is a Duplicate of a conveyance in Fee upon the Sale of
Lands — the one at full length containing all the usual covenants
as generally made use of at New York among the noted
conveyances.
The other in substance almost the same but much abreviated —
I have been told it was a composition of M^ Prat of Boston late
Chief Justice of New York — In all cases where the person to
whom the Land is sold is not in actual possession it is most prac-
tical & Legal to supply the want of possession by a lease for a
year — unless the Grantor should chuse to go on the Land &
deliver the Grantee a Twig or piece of Turf or any thing else
thats part of the Freehold — or by delivering the Key of a door
or ring of a house on the premises in the presence of two wit-
nesses which is called Livery & Seizen & must be endosed on
the deed & Subscribed to by the witnesses — this ceremony sup-
plys both the want of possession & lease — but one of the three
methods must be pursued in the usual sales & conveyancing of
Lands & the same rule may be observed with respect to mort-
gages — I suppose S^ W"". need not be Informed that a bond
and Judgment (vulgurly so called) is of no more effect than a
common bond until the entry up of the Judgment & confession
in form after that and not before execution may issue ag*. Body
or Goods & [ ] I expect soon to go for New York. If S^
William has any commands I shall gladly execute them I am Sir
Your most ob*- &
very humble Servant
P Silvester
448 Sir William Johnson Papers
NB. the mortgagors wifes name
shod be in the writing &
executed also by
her to bar her Right of Dower
ADDRESSED :
To
The Hon^'^. Sir WilHam Johnson Baronet
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
Alby14^ April 1772
M^ Silvesters letter
with Inclosures
FROM HENRY VAN SCHAACK
Kinderhook 17^^ April 1772
Sir
I have so often wrote you upon the subject of Militia appoint-
ment in this neighberhood, that I feel concerned to trouble you
with a renewal of the subject: but so very restless are those in
opposition to us that they watch every occasion to undo what has
been done. I have just now received a letter from my
Brother at York, purporting that he was lately, with his Excel-
lency the Governor, on behalf of this Township, requesting that
no alterations in the Militia arrangements might be made until
he had read some papers presented to Government on that sub-
ject: the Governor was pleased to say he thought it a proper
hint and that he would peruse them. — He told my Brother that
he had desired Cob Schuyler to make out Lists of Officers — My
Brother Answered him that the Col°. was concerned in direct
opposition to the interest of Kinderhook — His Excellency then
asked whether S*" William Johnson Was not Brigadeer General
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 449
of the District? to which he replied in the affirmative and that
the Lists of the present Officers was given in by S' Wâ„¢. .
I have taken the freedom to mention these particulars that you
may see Sir how very active a certain set of Gentlemen are
(whenever they go to New York) to procure alterations, where
appointments have been made independant of them. — Their
Spleen and ill will to the principle people of this Township is
made use of upon every ocasion. — A fresh proof of it Col°.
Schuyler has lately given by recommending two Dram Shop
Keepers for the Office of Justices for this Township; both Men
who (I dare venture to say) have not one single quaHty to
recommend them; except that of espousing the interest of Col°.
Rensselaer in opposition to that of the Place they live in; and
Men too not only extremely illiterate but of so little consequence
among their neighbours that they cannot, at our Town elections,
get as much as a constable chosen. — These inconsiderate things
I mention to convince you Sir that your recommendations in this
quarter have been in favour of the principle people of the Town-
ship, who will manifest their consequence to you or any of your
family whenever oppertunities offer.
I immagine at Claverack the Cob. will also make a stir, then
the old Story I suppose of D d Tenant &c*, will be
revised. — I Am however much mistaken if Cob. Hogeboom will
not give very publick proofs of his interest at Claverack, there is
now a warm contest between him and Col°. Rensselaer's eldest
son, about the supervisorship for the Claverack District. The
Election is to be on the first Tuesday in May next.
I wrote some time ago to Cob. Johnson and acquainted him
that the District of Kinderhook was by an Act of Assembly
(passt last Session) divided in two, by the names of Kinder-
hook & Kings District. — As the two Districts contain upwards
of Eleven hundred Men it is probable my Father's Regiment
will be New Modelled, in that case my Father and your wel-
wishers here beg that they may have the Honor of being con-
sulted in Offering the Regiments; as we personally know almost
15
450 Sir William Johnson Papers
every Man living in both Districts, and can from our knowledge
Recommend Persons of the best Characters, most interest and
influence.
The favourable Disposition You have upon former occasions
Shewn will We hope be continued; all which favours have and
will be gratefully acknowledged. —
I beg leave to inclose you a Sketch of this part of the County
by which you will see in what manner the Division of the Districts
is made.
I Remain in behalf of my Townsmen
With the Greatest respect & truest
Esteme
Sir
Your most Obedient
and most obliged humble Servant
H V SCHAACK
Sir William Johnson Baronet
INDORSED:^
Kinderhook 1 7«K April 1 772
Henry Van Schaack Esq".
Letter w'''. an Inclosure
Ans< Ap'. 24*.—
FROM JONATHAN BROOKS
A. L. S.
Albany April 2hK 1772
Sir
I Rec^ your Letter Concerning the Bricks you Wanted I Can
make them upon no other terms than these & that is for lOy p"^
thousand & find myself or 8y If you find me But to find the
Hands I Cannot Do it & if those Terms will Soot you please
^ In Johnson's hand,
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 451
to Let me Know it as Soon as possible Because there is a man
that wants to agree with me But the Hands you must find
Sir I am your Humble
Servent JONATHAN BrOOKS
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnston
at
Johnstons Hall
INDORSED:^
Alby. IhK Mil letter
from Jonathan Brooks
Brickmaker —
FROM EBENEZER JESSUP
A. L. S.
Albany April 23\ 1772
Honoured Sir/
Yesterday I returned from New York and take the first Opper-
tunity to acquaint you of my Land affairs — M"^ Low with great
Reluctance Yealded to let John Bergen have his Land; which
they Have all signed at last, and agreed it should be according
to the intention of the Petitions, and not according To the words
thereof. But would not agree that M"^. Glen and others. Should
have their Land in that Certain place, but in Common With
them.
I Then told the Gentlemen interested in The Southeren five
Petitions, that I had M^ Lows Orders Verbal, to Settle with
Mes". Glen Yats &c In the best manner I could, and he would
confirm it. And if they had the Land they Preyed for by Virtue
of My Agreement ; they are to leave them Gentlemen thier 9000
Acres of Land Which they refused to do, but say they will have
Thier part of the Mony ready at the Governors Going Up to the
In Johnson's hand.
452 Sir William Johnson Papers
Hall and get Him to settle it ! I told them that if they expected
to be benefited by so Cheap Agreement, they must Stand to
Every part of it, or I could not try to get their Indian Deed
Executed for them it put ]VI^ Palmer In such a
fret that he told my concern in Totten And Crossfields Petition,
that it was All Mountain, And so far prevailed on them to believe
it, that they Desired Me to Send M^ Campbell out to the West
and North of What I had been Over myself. And At the same
time they would pay the mony to M"^ Banyar untill his report —
I readyly Agreed to it, but it will detain me About a month
Longer. —
Whether M"^ Low & them Gentlemen Pay the Mony or
not, and Whether they prevail on Mes". Glen and Yats (by
their new scheme) or not, to become Tenants in Common with
them; I intend to pay the Full Sum Agreed for; and at Such
times, Being
Honoured Sir
Your Most Obedient
And Very Humble Servant
Eben Jessup
P. S. I Send Your Honour a coppy of their Agreement Because
I cannot go immediately Up to the Hall.
I Did all in my Power by reasoning to bring Them to agree
to Confirm the Whole of My Proceeding But no other ways
The Monies in M"" Banyars Hands is That of the Gentlemen
Concerned in the Townships.
Sir William Johnson Bar'
INDORSED:^
Alby. April 23d. 1 772
M^ Jessups letter with
Copy of an Agreement
between y*. Parties —
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 453
TO THOMAS GAGE
Johnson-hall April 23^. 1772.
Dear Sir/
I have Just received your favor of the 7^^ ins', with the inclosure
and at the same time a Letter from M"" Maisonville my Resident
at Ouiaghtonon of the 12'^ of Feby, wherein he acquaints me that
in December last Eleven Kickapous having set out to go to War
met on their way at the Mouth of the Ouabache with two English-
men whom they Seized and Carried prisoners to their wintering
place about 120 miles from Ouiaghtonon, That the rest of the
Indians are much discontented thereat, that as they have been all
Scattered abroad at their Wintering places he has not been able
to speak to them in publick Since his arrival, but that they were
to return home in March when he wo'^. deliver himself to them
fully, on the Subjects committed to him, and make a faithful!
[report] of all proceedings as soon as possible afterwards; he
adds that Finlay who had been taken last Spring at the Ilinois by
the Kickapous has been redeemed last Aug' for one hundred &
twenty pounds value of Merchandise by a Frenchman who came
from Ilinois for that purpose. I shall In the best manner I can
Communicate the Kings orders to M"". Maisonville for his better
Information, and government thereon, and I shall do the same
with the 6 Nations, to prevent any Misrepresentat"*. that
may be made thereon by the French or Indians to the
Southwestward. —
I now take the Liberty to inclose you the Accot of Expences^
in my Department to the 25*^. ult°. for which I beg the favor
of your Warrant so soon as it is convenient. —
I am with Great Truth & Regard
Dr Sr. &c
His Excelb Lieut. Gen^. Gage
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
2 In the manuscript letter in the William L. Clements Library, Ann
Arbor, Mich., the words "and Sallarys" are added at this point. The
indorsement states that the account is from Sept. 1 771 to March 1 772.
454 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED :
April 23d. 1 772 _
To Lieut Gen'. Gage
TO GREGG & CUNNINGAM
Johnson hall ApK 23^. 1772 —
I ]
I lately received your Letter inclosing me a General Accot
of the late House of Lyle & Kennedy against myself & family.
As I had many dealings with them & sundry rec'^ for money &c
I cannot tell how to settle it, until I am favored with more par-
ticular accots. — especially as I find one Capital mistake in the
Charge ag*- S^ John of a Sum long since paid ; — I have also
heard that M*"- Kennedy puts in pretensions to these, or some of
these accots. —
You may be assured that on your sending me a particular
State of these matters I shall lose no time in settling the affair as
it ought to be done
I am Gentlemen &ca
INDORSED:^
April 23d. 1 772 _
To Gregg & Cunningam
TO HENRY VAN SCHAACK
Johnson hall April 24^. 1772 —
I ]
I have just received your Letter of the 1 7'*^ which needs no
apology, as I am allways ready to hear any thing that regards
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 ASS
the Satisfaction of the People, and equally disposed to serve
them, if it is within my power. —
I have not heard any thing of the Arrangements you speak of,
or of any designs of that sort, and Indeed I am inclined to think
that from the nature of the Subject, there will be nothing more
done, without a thorough enquiry. — With regard to the improper
Choice of Magistrates, as it is a matter of much importance to be
remedied I shall give it proper attention when I see the Governor
which, as it will be soon, I believe all matters must be deferred
till then.
It is my usual practice to enquire amongst the principal
Inhabitants Concerning those Officers with whom it is impossible
that I sho*^. be acquainted, and you may be assured that if such
a thing should take place with regard to your Fathers Regiment
as you mention, I shall do the same. —
Col°. Johnson writes you a few lines by this opportunity so
that I need only add my best wishes to all Friends about you and
that I am allways theirs and Your hearty Well wisher
& very humble Serv*.
H Van Schaack Esq^
INDORSED :
April 24'^ 1 772 —
To Heny. Van Schaack Esq"". .
TO A MAGISTRATE
A. L. S.i
Johnson Hall April 24^K 1772.
Sir,
As by the late law for the dividing Tryon County into Dis-
tricts the Time draws near for the Election of Officers & as it
is recommended to the Majistrates to give publick Notice thereof.
^ In possession of Hall Park McCullough, North Bennington, Vt.
456 Sir William Johnson Papers
I have least you might not be acquainted therewith prepared a
proper Advertisement a Copy of vv^hich I now inclose you; It
wall be necessary for you to have three or four Copies made of it,
and set up in the best & most publick places for Notifying the
contents to the People, And it will be necessary for you to
acquaint them with the Nature & importance of this Election,
That their choice may fall on persons of the best Characters &
Abilities, and that they may at the Ensuing Election fix on the
most proper place where such Elections are to be held in future.
I have mentioned in each Advertisement such place for Meeting
as I thought best, but if you think otherwise You may alter it
accordingly. By this opertunity I send a Letter with an Adver-
tisement to the Magistrates within the other Districts, — which
I hope will be safely forwarded,
I am Sir,
Y"" Welwisher
& Humble Serv*
W, Johnson
EGBERT DUMOND TO JOHN BRADSTREET
A. L. S.
Kingston April 25^K 1772
[ ]
We just Received News from New York that our friend
[ ] ready to assist us in Obtaining the Militia officers
[ ] and Advising us to Be Expeditious
[ ] Coll. Broadstreet to Write to S^ W"".
Johnson for [ ] his approbation of the Within Inclosd
List and at the Same time if S^ W"". Should approve of those
Gentlemen [ ] Inclose the List to his Excellencey the Gov-
enour M^ Tryon Which favour We hope you will Obtain for
Us if possible. Our Express has orders to wait on S^ William
Johnson with your Letter and to return you his Answer. We
must wholy Confide in the Assistance we Expect to have from
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 457
you as we have no other friend In your Quarter We dare trust
to & more Especialy in Obtaining this Importent favour, Which
We trust you Shall Assist us in and to dispatch this Affair as
Soon as possible. We beg you will mention to S^ William if he
Should Approve of the List to forward it to his Excellencey By
the Bearer. We are Strangers to S^ W'". and it is Intirely out
of our power to obtain this favour from him only through your
means and Interest, Whereof we trust the Whole of it to your
prudent Care, In which you may Be sure Will Greatly Retreive
our Interest and Much Oblidge many of your friends and Most
Hum'.
Serv*-
Egbert Dumond
ADDRESSED :
To
Colonel John Bradstreet Esq^
at
Albany
p^ favour of
M^ A. Dumond
INDORSED:
Kingston Apr. 25\ 1 772
From M"^ Egbert Dumond
to Coll Bradstreet with a
List of Officers for the first
Ulster Regiment. —
FROM JOHN BRADSTREET
A. L. S.i
Albany 27^K April 1772
Sir
The enclos'd I have this moment receiv'd, which I take the
liberty to forward to You, and to Assure You, the persons men-
^ In New York Public Library, New York City.
458 Sir William Johnson Papers
tion'd in the Enclos'd List are all friends to your friend at
New York, and that the latter wish to establish them in the way
propos'd — and I hope You will grant their request in recom-
mending them to the Governor by the return of the bearer.
I have the honor to be with great regard
Sir
Your Most Obedient
humble Servant
Jn° Bradstreet
Sir W". Johnson Bar'.
FROM PHILIP VAN HORNE
A. L. S.
Somerset County
East N. Jersey ApK
28iK J 772
Sir
The bearer Adrian Hogeland informs me he intends applying
to You in order to settle on some of your lands and has requested
this as an introduction to you for that purpose he is by trade a
Carpenter born of a good Family in the City of New York hath
lived in this Neighbourhood Many years and is of good C*.
having allways behaved himself well you will be good enough
to pardon the freedom I take and impute it to a disposition to
serve my fellow Creture and believe me to be with great respect
Your Most hum'. Serv'.
Philip Van Horne
addressed :
To
The Hon^'«
S^ William Johnson
Att his Seat on the
Mohawks River
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 459
INDORSED:^
East Jersey April 28»f>. 1 772
Phill. Van Home Esq^^
Letter —
TO JOHN BRADSTREET
Johnson Hall April 29^K 1772.
Sir/
The Bearer delivered to me your favor of the 27*''. with the
inclosures concerning the Militia, on w^hich Subject I detained
him till I had examined the Books and returns. — I am not
acquainted with the Gentlemen mentioned in the List only as I
find some of them already returned amst. the returns from that
County; neither has any late State been transmitted to me from
the Commanding Officer of Vacancies or otherwise either for
the first Ulster Regt, or the Troop of Horse, without examining
which I am not authorized to recommend any List, notv\dthstand-
ing my Inclination to favor the application of Gentlemen who
come so well recommended. The only thing I can do at present
in the matter is to order a Return of that Regiment without
delay by which I shall be enabled to Judge whether it requires
a division into two parts which is probably what the Gentlemen
desire, or in what other manner it will be most fitting to Gratify
their request. — This delay cannot prejudice their Suit as I have
no reason to Suppose that any person will proceed so irregularly
as to offer^ any other recommendations without my knowledge,
or if they did, that his Excelb the Gov', would pay regard to
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
^ On the margin of the manuscript at this point are the words "a hint,"
460 Sir William Johnson Papers
them, and I shall lose no time in procuring the necessary Returns
to Justify my proceedings in behalf of these Gent.
I am with great regard,
Co . . Jn°. Bradstreet.
INDORSED:^
April 29'K 1 772 —
To Col. John Bradstreet
on Militia affairs. —
FROM RICHARD SHUCKBURGH
A. L. S.
N. York 29^h April 1772
Dear Sir
On my Arrival here I enquired for the little Brass pieces of
Cannon I Informd you of, but as M"". Guion is gone [away]
to the West Indies, his Correspondent here can give [no acc]ount
of them so beleive they are disposed of.
Major Clarke from the West Indies is here & We haverenew'd
our Acquaintance he receiv'd me very kindly and ask'd how You
was, he is coming up the River he tells me, as high as Conojohary
to look at his Land there, also to go upon the Spot in Corry's
Bush, where he has twelve thousand Acres which is I beleive
one half of the Patent it being a testimentary gift from his father,
he told me he should set out w*^. the Gov^ but twas somewhat
of a Secret for fear of being crowded with Company, he says if
there is above four he shall come alone, the Gov^ told him he
woud set out for Albany presently after the birth Day which
will be very early in June; wheras he tells me, there is to be a
Conference w*^. the Ind^, if so it can be no News to you. You'll
excuse my repeating it, as I woud not omit any intelligence of
moment. Lord Hillsborough it is said v\nll be L'^. L*. of Ireland.
In Johnson's hand,
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 461
D"". Jones is certainly gone home to have his throat cut for a Wen
contiguous to it, so shall bring back Col Guys Letter unopen'd.
the 7*^. & 23^. Reg'*, are to releive the Roy'. Americans in N.
America as Cap'. Stewart writes me the Roy'. Am*^*"*. being to
releive them, this he hears frm London, as also the Troops in
Jamaica. I hope this may find You & family well Be pleasd
to make my Compl'*. acceptable to D^ Dease. I shall not have
the pleasure of seeing you till the Middle of May till then &
always I am w'*^ unabated Respect y"^ Most obHg'd & most
humble Serv'.
R° Shuckburgh
P. S. I was to wait on the Gov^ who receiv'd me very graciously
& desir'd me to call again before I went away w'^'^. I shall do —
ADDRESSED :
To
the Hon
ble
L •
S^ Wilh.
Johnson
Baronet
att
Johnson
Hall
Tryon —
INDORSED:^
April 29'h
. 1772-
—
Doctor Shuckburghs letter
from N York
TO HENRY VAN SCHAACK
A. L. S.2
Johnson Hall Aprill 29^K 1772
Sir/
I have Just received your letter of the 1 7''^. Ins', which needs
no Apology, as I am always ready to hear anything that regards
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In Library of University of Pittsburgh.
462 Sir William Johnson Papers
the Satisfaction of the People, & equally disposed to serve them
if it is within my power.
I have not heard any thing of y^. Arrangements You speak of,
or of any Designs of that Sort, and Indeed I am incHned to think
that from the nature of the Subject there will be nothing more
done without a thorough Enquiry.
With regard to the improper Choice of Magistrates as it is
a Matter of much importance to be remedied, I shall give it
proper attention when I see the Governor, which, as it will be
soon I believe all Matters must be deferred 'till then. — It is
my usual practice & has been these 22 Years past, to enquire
amongst the principal Inhabitants concerning those Officers with
whom it is Impossible that I should be acquainted, and You
may be assured that if such a thing should take place with regard
to Your Fathers Regiment as You Mention I shall do the Same.
Co'. Johnson writes You a few lines he tells me by this oper-
tunity. So that I need only add my best Wishes to all Friends
about You, and that I am Always theirs & Your Hearty Wel-
wisher, & verry
Humble Servant
W Johnson
Henry Vanschaak Esq^
FROM JOHN MONIER
A. L. S.
Post Ofice Albany /^' May 1772
Sir
I am sorry that your Post has been detained here for the
New York Post ever since last Monday Evening who did not
arrive at this Office untill two oClock Past M of this day.
Gallinger has been Impatient enough, he now Setts off.
To put any Dependance on the York Post Rider's punctuality
in coming in at a fixed Time was all a Joke — but now he says
that he will possitively be in Next Saturday the 9'^. of May so
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 463
that I think your Post may be here at any Rate on Sunday
Evening the 10*.
I am Respectfully Sir
Your very hu Servant
Jn° Monier
I Inclose you by desire of M"" Ten Broeck
Six printed papers to be Struck up at
different places on the Mohawk River
Sir Wi^. Johnson Baronet
INDORSED:^
M^ Moniers letter
May 1«*. 1772 —
FROM PETER SILVESTER
L.
Albany May 6"'. 1772
Sir,
upon my return from New York which was Yesterday I
received your favor of the 1 7'^. April I shall follow the directions
therein given of taking the deed from the Sheriff in the Name of
M"" Yates and then draw the proper Conveyance from him to
you — there was nothing remarkably new at York of an Agree-
able or intertaining Nature worth Communicating to you. There
was on last Sunday early in the Morning a Considerable de-
vastation by Fire which took rise from a distillery the property
of one Hildreth near the Shipyards which distroyed several
houses — I heard whilst there that Commissions of the pleas and
the peace were made out for Tryon and Charlotte County's that
many of your Family and Friends were Appointed Judges in
the Former and that Major Skeene Col° Schuyler and M"". Duer
were Appointed in the latter —
In answer to your last Favor of the first Instant this morning
received respecting the Unfortunate Tice I have to Observe that
^ In Johnson's hand.
464 Sir William Johnson Papers
Taylor mentioned to me something about a Suit that he had or
Intended to Commence ag^ Tice which from his Account of the
matter and what I beleive to be Fact has no Connection with the
former Suit and demand he had ag' him the present suit is as I
understand it founded upon a Recommendation Tice gave to
Taylor in favor of one Knagg's I thing it was from whence he
fraimed a Claim of several hundred pounds ag* Tice but in
Consideration of the hardship upon him he abated [ ]
half of the Demand or thereabouts and took Tivces Note for
[ ] agreed upon between them this M"" Tice must
remember [but he] probably did not recollect when he gave
you a Detail of the other Transactions — the Aforegoing is all
I can at present meterially say on the Subject which hastily
prepaired for an Oppertunity that now Offers to be forwarded.
I am Sir your
most Obediant & very
humble Servant
ADDRESSED :
To
The Hon'''^ Sir William Johnson Bar'
Johnsons Hall
INDORSED:^
[Albany] May 6'K 1772 —
M^ Silvesters Letter
FROM HUGH GAINE
New York ]
May 7. 1772 J
Sir
Agreeable to my last of the 29th of April, I now inclose your
Account.
^ In Johnson's hand.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 465
This goes to Albany under the Care of Abraham Yates, Esq
with 7 Sets of the Laws and 4 Conductor Generahs, which I
hope you'll receive; also the Laws of the last Session for Col.
Guy, and Sir John Johnson And Sir
Your obliged humble Servant
Hugh Gaine
addressed :
To
Hon. Sir William Johnson, Bart
At
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
May 7»h 1 772
M^ H. Gaines Letter
A RECEIPT
A. D. S.2
Johnson Hall May 7'/-. 1772 —
Then Rec*^. M^ Josias Swart by Co'. Butler the Amount of a
Servant Man being Sixteen pounds, of which Sum I acquit M^
Swart, notwithstanding his note in my hands which now cannot
be found.
W Johnson
TO MR. LAWRENCE
Johnson Hall May 8^K 1772.—
Sir,
A few days since M"" Joseph Teed came here & delivered
the bond Executed by you and your Associates for the perform-
ance of the Agreem^ about the Land, he afterwards went out
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In possession of A. P. Walton, Schenectady, N. Y.
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
466 Sir William Johnson Papers
and Viewed some parts of it, with which he does not appear to
be well Satisfied, saying that there is but very little to be had
good in a body together, for which reason he has demanded the
bond again, which I have not thought proper to Comply with,
because as he came alone and that it is possible he may be preju-
diced, or an Insufficient Judge of the Quality of the Land, I
thought it more reasonable & Satisfactory that the same sho^.
be viewed by two or three discerning Men well Authorized for
that purpose, under this Apprehension I now inclose you a bond
Executed on my part at the same time assuring you that it is far
from my Intent", to take any undue advantage of y^ Agreem*.
for should it really on a more Strict examination prove unfit for
your use, I shall readily deliver up your bond & Consider the
Agreement as of no Effect — I expect to hear from you on this
Subject & remain. Sir,
Your very humble Serv*.
M^*. Lawrence.
INDORSED :
May 8'^ 1772.—
To M*^ Lawrence of Dutchess
Co: about Lands. —
FROM HENDRICK HEGER, JOHANNES KNISKERN,
JACOB SCHEFER JR, AND JACOB SIEJER [?]
L. S.
Schohary May S"- 1772
Sir
We the Supcribers are Desired by a party of the Schohary
Indians as they Say we Liveing nearly to the Land here under
mentioned and are to be the Best Judges Thereof To Let Sir
William know what The Land is worth which the two old Indian
weomen have Baught of Nicholas Becker at Schohary for the
Sum of three hundred pounds, which Sum of three hundred
Post-War Period, 1763-1774
467
pounds we think is Realy too much — we Can not Valued higher
then one hundred and Eighty pounds as the Said Nicholas
Becker has offered to one of us to Sell the Said Land for that
money and we would not give That price as we gues there is but
about Ten acres of Low Land which may be planted with
Indian Corn if all Cleared and the Rest thereof is but hills and
Bad Land we Remain
Sir your most obedient
humble Serv**
his
HENDRICK
HEGER
mark
Johannes Knis Kern
Jacob Schefer Junier
Jacob Siejer [?]
To
the honourable
Sir WILLIAM Johnson
Barnet
ADDRESSED :
To
The honourable
Sir William Johnson
Barnet
Att
Johnson hall
INDORSED:^
May 8'^ 1 772 _
from Sevr'. Inhabitants
of Schohare relative to y^.
Lands of Nich*. Becker
^ In Johnson's hand.
468 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO RUDOLPH SHOEMAKER
[Johnson Hall May 8 J 772]
I 1
to expect [ ]
about what I proposed for him [ ]
of Answering himself, — He^ has fre[quently expressed a]
desire to be out of the Commission of the [ ]
was reasonable enough, as his advanced Age [ ]
a very sufficient Excuse: on this account [ ' ]
kind and friendly to give him notice before he [ ]
because it was not intended to put in people who [ ]
This act of friendship in me he has returned with ingra[titude]
[ ] probably he might have misunderstood it, in which
[ ] he is scarcely excuseable from the latter part
of your [ ] which I don't rightly understand unless
he means by [ ] that times are greatly altered, That
his family have got [ ] Several posts thro' my friend-
ship and good offices without [ ] Times would not
have been so altered — If he was allways [ ] the
new Commis". he may unless his memory has failed recollect
by [what] means that was done. This much I know that he
would [ ] been in it for some years past espe-
cially since the heavy Comp[laints] made ag^ him at N York
but thro' my interposition with Sir H Moore in his behalf; but
as I am used to receive many Instances of Ingratitude I think
it needless to say anything farther on a Subject so little worthy
my attention as the present. — I am sensible that in this affair
you only acted upon his direction and am allways Sir
Y"" friend & Wellwisher
Rudolph Shomaker Esq^ —
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
^ Lines burned off.
^Colonel Harkemar (Herchheimer),
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 469
FROM JAMES STEVENSON
A. L. 5.1
Detroit May 8'K 1772
Dear Sir
I receiv'd your obliging favour by express in the winter, &
am now to return you a thousand thanks for the pains you are
willing to take to get my Boy from the Indians, this is an affair
I have very much at heart & flatter myself with your interest to
affect it — You have been misinform'd as to the death of his
mother : she being still alive — I am also to thank you for pro-
curing me the payment of my Indian Acc^ —
A few days ago I assembled the Chiefs of the Hurons &
delivered your message, they were all satisfied except Babie,^
who by the by is a sensible fellow but a great rascal — I scolded
him a little for his want of faith — upon the whole they have
requested me to return you their thanks for your intention of
sending them a Bell, which I assured them they will receive —
They promise to profit by your admonitions & that for the future
they will not listen to the singing of bad birds with which they
find this country abounds especially in the spring (tho entre
nous) they are greatly suspected to cherish several of those Birds
amongst themselves. They concluded by thanking the Master
of Hfe for having reistablish'd your health & hope to have the
pleasure of shaking you by the hand soon —
I would rather remain amongst the Savages all my life time
than go to the West Indies to broil, and I am so accustom'd to
the sight of Indians that if ever I settle it must be some where
near your place that I may at least have a sight of a Mohawk
now and then —
The 30''^. of April we launch'd two fine new Vessells & the
1 In Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
^ A Huron chief whose Indian name was Odinghquanooron. He
appears to have possessed considerable influence in his tribe.
470 Sir William Johnson Papers
Merch**. have three so that our Navy on the Lakes cuts a for-
midable appearance. The Savages about here pretend to be
much frighten'd at the Six nations, who they imagine have an
intention to take up the Hatchet — they sometimes tell me I
certainly must know, as I have a child amongst them & being
of course their own flesh & blood — it would now be an easy
matter to stir up some mischief amongst them — I am
D-^Sir
with great regard
Your most Obedient & most
Obligd humb': Servant
Ja^. Stevenson
To
S**. William Johnson Baronet
INDORSED:^ Cap*. Stevensons Letter
May 8*^. 1 772
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774
471
HUGH AND ALEXANDER WALLACE'S ACCOUNT^
D.S.
[May 9. 1772]
[
[ ] land [ ] due
for [ ] and drawing Deed of
same
To d° paid for 33 bus Oa [ ]
Bags Freight &C^
To d° paid G. Banyar the Contra
Sum of
To d° paid for 1 12'^ Sheet Iron &
a large Lock
To d° paid for Sundry Hatters
Trimings sent you ^ your order
^ Cap^ Pemberton
To d° paid your Bill favor Col°.
Johnson
To d° paid Moses Ibbitt ^ your
order
To d° paid your Bill to Thomas
Crothers
To d° paid Cap*. Pemberton ^ your
order
To d° paid your d° to Phyn &
Ellice
To d° paid your d° to Thomas Gal-
breath
To d° d° to Daniel Claus . .
To do d° to Thomas
Crothers
To d° paid your Bill on us 19
March to R. Montgomery
To do do 1 April
to ditto
To d° paid Isaac Low ^ your
order
To amo^ Sundries sent you by Cap*.
Pemberton
]
[]
]
[ ]
7
[]
12
[ ]
425
L
6
^ -•
r
32
[]
r 1
28
3
[ ]
20
r 1
[ ]
66
L J
r 1
100
r 1
[ ]
18
L J
r
181
152
II
[ i
83
4
r 1
61
8
[ ]
72
[]
r 1
86
14
r •,
264
r -1
[ ]
^ Probably inclosed in Hugh and Alexander Wallace's letter to Johnson
March 4, 1873 with a later account ending March 4, 1773. Earliest
date of account is Jan. 17, 1771. 5ee Johnson Calendar, p. 503.
472
Sir William Johnson Papers
[ ]
[ ]
[ 1
[ ]
[ ]
[ ] 5
[ 1
[ ]9
To Postage of Letters on Your
account
£3392
[ the Contra
By 3 Lots of Land
By Cash from the Proprietors of
Oriskeny Pattent
By Capt. R. PhilHps Bill on us
Your favor
By Cash from Ab. Mortier 24 Dec^
^ your order
By d° d** this day ....
By ballance due Hugh & Alex^
Wallace this day
[Maly9
INDORSED:'
[ ]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
£ [ ] [] [ 1
[ ]
Errors Excepted New York 9^^ May 1 772
Hugh & Alex'^ Wallace
[
]
[ ] Wallaces Ace'
& March 4'h. 1773
INVOICE OF EARTHEN WARE
D.
[May 9^K 1772]
Following is the Contents of a Crate of Earthen Ware sent Sir
William Johnson Bar' Viz*.
[ ] patt. Oval Dishes 21 Inches
d° 18 d°.
ditto 17
In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774
473
ditto
....16
ditto
....15
ditto
....13
ditto
....12
ditto
....11
ditto
....10
r 1 flatt 1 ^
r i r, ^ Plates
[ J ooups
[ ] Small d«.
[ ] Terrine & Dish
[ ] [ ]-d».
[ ] gest Boats & Stands
[ ] t Baskets & Stds
[ ] ted Salts
[ ] Pickle Leaves & 4 less
[ ]all Boats & Stands
[ ] Quart mugs & 2 Pints
[ ] te & Box in Crate
WILLIAM STAATS RECEIPT
D. S.
[May 9"". 1772]
Receiv'd New York 9 May 1772 from Hugh & [Alex.]
Wallace One pipe of Wine, One hogsh'^. Jamaica Rum, One
hogsh^. York Rum, Ten Barrells Pork, four barr^ Beef, One
Tierce Loaf Sugar, One barrell refined Sugar, Two Barrells
Muscovada Sugar, One Canister Tea, Four Boxes Spermacite
Candles One Cask Barley and 1 Crate of Queens Ware —
which I promise to deliver to the order of Sir William Johnson
Bar^ at Albany I receiving Customary Freight for the Same —
n ^r , William Staats
JJuplicate
INDORSED:^
Cap*. Staats Receipt
for Stores of mine
May 9*^ 1 772
^ In Johnson's hand.
474 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM JELLES FONDA
A. L. S.
CachneWago May 9 1772
Honored Sir/
I am much obliged to you for the Perusial of M^ Jesseps
Letter and a Copey of the agreement Betwen them which I now
Retorn here Inclosed — I Can not finde that there is aney thing
therein that will is ment for to Effect me in my Agreement with
M*" Jesseps — But Should there Be I hope you will Stand my
frinde as I Put my hole Trust in you to asist me — and I will
always here afther Look on it as Comming from you — thrue
Perswasion of M"^ Jesseps I gave op all the Lands I was to have
had to the westward if wat Gleen & yattis mene to have on Both
Sides of the Rever : to give the Jentelman in New York a f runt-
edge on the Rever and then maid an agreement with M"^ Jesseps
for to Take mine Down to the North Rever I am Shure the
Indians mene to geve me Lands: I Beleve no man in the County
gives more to Indians Except your onner then I Do and have
Done a thime Past: and have a great Dele of Trubele with them
more then these [ ]
in new york have [ ] and I also have
Ventured my Life in the ware with them for the good of the
Contry why Should I saal Low and others have more Right then
I — and in all that thime they ware at Home maing money
I hope you will not take it amiss my Speking to Sir wi'":
so now I have Reson By wot I heard from new york the other
Day
Pray wot is to Be Done with a Bell as Some of your Servant
Brought here the other Day
I am going to Albany a Munday Next If I am well if Sir wi"":
has Aney Commands Down I will Gladly Do them. So I
Remane your Most obedient humbele
Serv'
Jelles Fonda
To Sir william Johnson &c
Post-War Period, J 763-1 774
475
INDORSED:^
Major Fonda's letter
May9^ 1772 Ans^<
Imediately —
HUGH AND ALEXANDER WALLACE S INVOICE
D. S.
Invoice of Sundries sent ^ Cap*. Pemberton for Account of
Sir William Johnson Bar' Vizt
A^ York 9 May 1772
1 Pipe of best London Wine
1 hogsh^. Jamaica Rum cont?. 1 10 Gall^ (a) A^/2^
1 ditto. .York ditto. . . . 129d° 2/5
lObarrells of Pork 100/
4 d° Beef 62/6
1 Crate of Queens Ware, Compleat
15 loaves double refin'd Sugar w* 1 13"^ (a) 1/8. . .9.8.4-
barrell for d° . 2 . -
2 barr^ Muscovado Sugar N° 1.3.0.14.23
2.2.2.22.23
5.3. 8.46
1.18 tare
1 Canister Bohea Tea 26"^
5.1.18 Neat @ 58/
2 barrells for d°
. ..@ 4y3d 5.10.6
Canister f or d° . . . . . 1 4 . -
75
22
18
15
11
50
12
10
9
• •
9
10
15
13
4
6
4
"^ In Johnson's hand.
476
Sir JVilliam Johnson Papers
4 Boxes Spermacite Candles
N« 32..4214..9
5. .43. ...10
22.. 431/2.. 101/2
9.. 43.... 1014
171%.. 39^
39% tare 1321b @ 2/8. . . . 17. . 12
4 B
oxes.
2/6
0..10..-
a Padlock for the Tea Canister ,
1 Cask Barley w'. 200 @30/,
lb
1 Cask Loaf Sugar w*. 5.1.8
2.25 tare lb
4.2.11 is515 @ 12/. .25.. 15..-
Tierce 0.. 3. .6
Carting the whole
18
3
25
264
2
1
18
13
Errors Excepted N York 9 May 1 772
Hugh & Alexr Wallace
indorsed:'
Hugh Wallaces Acc^
May 9^ Mil —
£ 264.. 7.. 5 for
Stores
^ In Johnson's hand.
PosUWar Period, 1763-1774 All
TO SAMUEL BAKER
A. Df. S.
Johnson Hall May I O^K 1772
Sir/
Your favour of the 15*^. Febr'^y last with a Blank power
of Attorney came safe to Hand, [&] I now return the latter prop-
erly filled agreable to your directions, and hope it will answer. —
You will be pleased (as soon as you conveniently Can) to
Send me a State of the Whole, [and your] opinion concerning
Stocks. —
I am Sir with perfect Esteem,
Your real Welwisher
& Humble Servant
WJ —
SamK Baker Esq'
INDORSED:^
MaylOM772
To Sam^ Baker Esq'.
w*. power of attorney —
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S.
[New York, May 10, 1772]
[ ]
[ ] that I have been absent Five
[ ] greatly hurryed ever since my
[ ] hope it will be some degree of Apology for [my]
not writeing so often as I ought, or as my own inclination leads
me. Indeed I would have wrote you ere this, but wanted to get
the County Town of Tryon County fixed — which was only
done this day — its fixed at Johnstown — The List of the
In Johnson's hand.
478 Sir William Johnson Papers
Officers you sent me came too late for to get the Sherriff & Clark
you mentioned fixed, as the Governor gave both away, vv^hile I
w^as away at Philad^. He seems to wish he had not been in such
a Hurry, as he would gladly have obliged you — Blagge was
with him in North CaroHna who recommended White I cannot
tell, You know the Governor makes Sherriffs & Clarks of himself
without advice of Councill, except in the City New York & C".
of Albany. All the Judges & Justices you recommended are fixt
& as M^ Adams could not be Sherriff I have put him down for
Coroner, which hope youll approve off. I have no doubt you v^ll
get both Sheriff & Clark fixed next year to your Mind. I wish
you had wrote early to Gov^ Tryon. I believe he expected it —
he talks of going your way in June but its not yet fixed, if he does
I shall I fancy accompany him — I shall write you [ ]
[ ] now go on well [ ]
intend to fix the County [ ]
my producing your Letter [ ]
with great good will — I think you [ ]
him a Letter on the Subject — The Ordinance [ ]
the County, will be got ready imediately & sent you.
I have purchased all the Artickles ordered & sent by the
bearer Cap* Staats. I fancy the Wine is for your own use I
have [ ] a Pipe fine old London Wine — if you want
for [ ] use, let me send you Pipe for £55 — The
Earthen Ware is a Common Sett — If its too small a Sett for
you I will send you the fellow of it, & then you will have a com-
pleat large Sett — The Pork & Beef verry dear as is all Country
Produce, but is to be got cheaper — I sent a Cask of Barley as
I got it for a little more than I could get a Hhd Weight. Inclosed
is Invoice of the whole Am* £ 264 . . 7 . . 5 & hope all will get
safe & please you —
Inclosed is your Ace* with the late M"" Mortier Ballance due
you £238. .16. .2 which I suppose to be right — M"" Barrow
Pay Master at Quebec is appointed to succeed M^ Mortier here.
He is a verry clever & good Man — Inclosed is your Ace* with
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 479
us Ballance due us £156. .8. .7 which [I] fancy youll find
right — When we can serve you pray command us freely —
M". Wallace is well & desires her Comp^^ she talks of a jaunt
to see you as soon as we can spare time — Nothing new but
what you see in the Publick Papers — Great Britain [ ]
[ ] here [ ]
the best we could get — [ ] best wishes &
Compl'* attend you & yours [ ] in hearing you are got
very hearty & that you have not been so stout these two [years]
past as you are at present — I am most [ ] &
sincerely
DSir
Your most obed^ Serv*
Hugh Wallace
Flour 3 1 V6d
Wheat 8/ ^ bushell
Since closing your Ace* we have paid your Bill on us to John
Mynderse £40
Sir Will Johnson Bar*
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
[ ]
M^ Wallaces letter & Ace*.
Ans'*^. 21*t. Ins*. —
FROM THOMAS GAGE
A^eu; York May 12'K- 1772 —
Dear Sir,
I have received your Letter of the 23^^ : April with the Account
inclosed, which I have given into the office that a warrant may be
made out.
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In Harvard College Library, Cambridge, Mass.
480 Sir William Johnson Papers
If Maisonville acts with Fidelity and Sincerity, which I think
it's now his Interest to do, and what from the Character given of
him there is reason to expect, he may do good Service upon the
ouabache, and acting in Conjunction with the Person you intend
sending down the ohio, I think they may between them keep the
western Indians in good Temper. I have long Suspected, and
do now firmly believe, that all the Reports we have had of
French Intrigues and Machinations with the Indian Nations,
have taken their Rise from unwarrantable Means pursued by the
French Traders, to keep the Trade in their own hands, without
the Participation of the English. You will recollect the Threats
of several Nations near the Lakes, if British Traders ventured
in their Villages, and that some of them were actualy Murthered.
But it's near two years since I have beared any Complaint of the
kind, and am now informed that English and French trade
Promiscuously about the Lakes. This shews that the Prejudices
against us have, in spite of the French People, worn off by
Degrees, and I imagine by time and Management, all Partys
will be brought to the same Temper to the Westward. If British
Traders are introduced amicably upon the ouabache they would
proceed of themselves, for No People are fonder than Indians of
Plenty and variety of Trade. And I imagine your Deputy and
Maisonville might easily get the Consent of the Nations to this,
and bring them in a short time to a Temper different from what
they have been in. I don't imagine it would produce much
Benefit as few of our Traders would go so far down the ohio;
but we might thereby prevent many Disadvantages, by preserving
Peace in the Country, saving the Lives of some bold adventurers,
and prevent the Clamours of the Traders, who don't fail to com-
plain that they can't trade in the King's Territorys, and that no
means are taken to protect them. I have heard Nothing lately
of that Mischievous Tribe of Pouteatamies at S* : Joseph, perhaps
they may be still troublesome.
When you propose sending your Deputy down the ohio, please
to inform me of his Name; that I may apply to Governor Penn
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 481
and Lord Dunmore for Commissions of the Peace. I mentioned
this to you some time ago, and as you very much approved of it,
I intended to put it in Execution.
I am with great Regard,
Dear Sir,
Your most obedient
humble Servant,
Thqs. Gage
Sr: W": Johnson Bar':
INDORSED :
N York May 12th 1772.
From Lieut. Gen'. Gage.
FROM GABRIEL MATURIN
New York May 13^K 1772
Sir,
The General having granted you a Warrant for your half
yearly Disbursements, I have the Honor to transmit you the
same for Endorsement by this Occasion, as likew^ise the usual
Receipts for the amount thereof; I am not myself in Cash to pay
the Warrant, but I shall give to whomsoever you shall be pleased
to appoint to recieve it, an order upon the Contractor's Agents
here, M". Watts & M'^.Evers for the Sum of £2745-1-914;
and have already, as I did not know your mode of transacting
this Business, given notice to M^ M^.Evers of such a warrant
being payable to you.
I have the Honor to be. Sir,
Your most obd :
humble Serv':
G. Maturin
Sir Wi^. Johnson B'. —
16
482 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:^
May 13th. 1772 —
Gabriel Maturin Esq".
letter w^^. a Warrant &
Receipt to be Signed —
Ans'-d. 21=^ Ins*.
GENERAL GAGE's WARRANT
The Johnson Calendar, p. 503, lists the following documents both of
which were destroyed by fire: General Gage's warrant given at New
York City, May 13, 1772 to Gabriel Maturin for payment of £4705,
I 7s, 3%d, New York currency, to Sir William Johnson, with account
annexed, and under the same date Sir William Johnson's receipt to
Gabriel Maturin for the money specified in the preceding warrant.
DECLARATION OF DAVID RAMSAY
Contemporary Copy
Niagara
May 15, 1772
[
pacify them, about 12 oClock same day [
Deers head and insisted for Rum, I refused th [
give him no Rum as he was already very deep in my [
angry, In the Evening he and six more came with their [
I heard their hoop, I went into the woods, they found [
them into the house, they seated themselves according to [
warrior, only Ninekanine being the one fix'd upon [
sat nearest me, They were Silent some time Wandagan [
warrior got up and demanded a Keg of Rum, (Said I) [
only have a Keg but I'll give you Rum to drink, so order'd my
[ ] to give them a kettle of Rum and to fill a Keg, they
afterwards [ ] Guns these I refus'd as I kept them for
my own defence and protection but would give them any thing
else, I had bought three pairs [ ] one pair of them they
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ Lines burned off.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 483
had borrow'd and burnt, the wanted to borrow [ ] others,
fearing I might escape.
Next day the 27'^^. they kill'd two Dogs boild [them] in a
large Kettle, I was obliged to give them two kegs more of Rum
[ ] went out soon after and stood behind a tree, heard them
say among themselves, they would kill me and then go to River
Trange and [ ] Nigigs house. Men, Women, and Chi
dren eat part of the Dog and [ ^
[ ] tho they were savage looking [
[ ] believe I was not afraid to Die, but [
[ ] my life as dear as I could, which kept them from [
[ ] afraid of themselves as I thought, Ninekanine [
[ ] hoop'd always when they pass'd calling out the goods [
[ ] kill you.
Between the 6*^. and 9^"^. of March four of the men went
as I understood to the River Trange, and two with Some
[ ] men went along the Lake, the left Wandagan to guard me
[ ] was to break my Boat, and they were to meet him at a
fix'd place and return and kill my Brother and me, Wandagan
was for killing us both but the woman insisted to have my Brother
to cut wood for boiling her Sugar, Wandagan answered you Shall
have him to cut wood, but I'll kill him before I go to Detroit, Near
about the full moon in March they were drunk, the two children
were afraid of being kill'd beg'd I would take them in which I
did and assured them I would defend them, I told them I would
give no more liquor and went to bed, after that they came
demanding more rum thinking to kill me and take all I had, not
Satisfy'd with Several Refusals, they came with a bundle of
lighted Straw to burn the house as I thought, and a hatchet to
break the Door and kill me if I refus'd the liquor, I was in bed,
they in the house breaking the Door of the place where I lay,
I was obliged to rise up [ ]
I ']
â– "^ ] my Shoulder with a Billet of [ ]
• {th the end of my Spear, by some glimmering [ ]
^^ Lines burned off.
484 Sir William Johnson Papers
knife Shining, I struck at that place, and [ ]
kill'd Wandagan and two Squaws,
For the Safety of my Brother and the two Children [
for them behind the top of a Hill, and stay'd at [
Eighteen days after this happened. Then I sett off [
and the two Children, meeting with many difficultys [
April we saw a Canoo, on the Fort Erie side of long [
thought it was war as they had declar'd it at Cho [
on my defence, calling is it peace or war, the answere[d
said I, have you, powder and Shott said they, I have [
ed, gave them some Rum, we'll come and trade with you [
Said they, on the Tuesday following the 1 4*^. four Indians [
and three Children came into the Hutt, took the victuals from
[the] fire eat them up and demanded liquor, it was given them
[ ] their design was bad ; tho they also said it was peace,
they [ ] me what Children these were I said they were
English, [ ] speak both English and French, Some little
time after they [ ] the Girl who was about twelve
years old, She told them She [ ] an Indian,
I immediately got up and told the Story myself then
[ •]
[ ] ing down the hatchet, Struck me on the [ ]
[ ] I was afterwards ty'd and plac'd by the fire, [ ]
[ ] some liquor, while my Brother was filling it, they whooped
[ ] calling out they had bound a Trader ; so soon as my Brother
[ ] liquor they bound him, and fir'd two Balls in the fire
[ ] tighter, with my two middle fingers up to my neck,
[ ] to my sides as Strait as they could ; repeatedly they un
[ ] My Brother to bring rum telling him they would have his
[ ] tomorrow. They forced me to drink with them or be
Stabbed [ ] a knife to my Breast, after drinking a
great quantity, tho [ ] I lost my Senses, I saw a Squaw
give one of them a knife to [ ] me, calling out I would
be burnt in that fire there, he immediately try'd, a Struggle^; ^
follow'd and he was wounded, another came to his assistanc v^
^ Lines burned off.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 485
I call'd to my Brother for help he Shov'd the Indian off cutt
my leather bindings, Sett me at liberty and as he told me after-
wards, and I have some reason to believe it, there were four
Indians and a Child kill'd. Next day we endeavour'd to make
the best of our way, but it was early, the Lake full of ice, we
were cast away more than once, many of my goods lost, when we
came point Abinoe, I sett off for [
[
Soon after my arrival at the [
on the north side of Lake Erie about the [
December 1771 and before I had linish'd the [
my House, Wandagan and his Comerades [
knowing me unarm'd carried me down to the Boat, and [
have rum, threatning to kill, and with a Tomohawk [
hoops of the Cask, You are always angry said they, and [
to provoke me.
About the 20''^. December Unacans [
Indian traded with me. But afterwards Unacans [
Hatchet and four Indians with their knives along with [
He insisted to have more, I can give you no more said I [
saying if you think much of the Rum I will kill you and [
Being so threat [e]ned I said I dont value the Rum, I will give
what you ask, at that time they were not drunk.
About the middle of January Two Indians with [an
Express from Detroit came to my house one of them named [
had a belt about his neck it was black and two white men in [
believed it to be a War Belt, tho Wandagan told me, and endeav-
oured to make me believe it to be a peace Belt ; Wandagan went
to Niagara [
[ ] allow'd them to enter and [
About the middle of February the Express and [
[ ] told me so soon as the Snow was Six inches thick there [
[ ] th the Six Nations, Saying his Chiefs Teschetabras [
[ ] to the English and he would have no traders in the woods,
[ ] Indian came call'd Ninekanine he profess'd friend-
^ Lines burned off.
486 Sir William Johnson Papers
ship. These familys are bad (Says he) they are resolved to
[ ] a few after this they brib'd him with Behs & other
things to induce him to kill me, and sure enough he pledged these
every belts with me, Saying you must not part with them
I will have them [ ] the Spring some days after Wan-
dagan and Smagun came in my Room with their knives, (we will
kill you said they) I had my knife in my hand, I am not afraid
to Die, if you attack me, I wont loose my life for nothing, Wan-
dagan answered, I have kill'd three Englishmen however at that
time they desisted; but I was oblidged from time to time to give
them Liquor and goods for nothing for the preservation of my
life and to quiet them till the winter was over, That night
Ninekanine came and demanded his Pokemagan (a war instru-
ment) he had left it with me I was afraid to give it and
desired to be friends with him gave him liquor and promised
the Pokemagan [ ] The others came to see the ceremony
and Seem'd disappointed at [ ]
[ ']
David Ramsay
A Copy
Geo: Etherington
indorsed :
[ ]
Declaration
of David Ramsay
May 1 772 —
FROM FRANCIS WADE
A. L. S.
Philad-. /6'\ May 1772 —
[ ]
I hope you'l Excuse the liberty I now take of troubleing you
to intrest yourself in mine & famelys behalf when I relate
the Cause, at the time broth^ Ferrell left America he owed
^ Lines burned off.
Posi-lVar Period, 1763-1774 487
me near £ 700 this Curry which he put out of his power to pay
me by being so long in Europe & Continually spends without any
incomeing, & was so necessiated at his return as to be obHgd
to call upon me by letter for assistance which I Chearfully
granted as well as to see him notwithstands all his past folly, this
I Claim no merit from as thinking it my duty as a brother, nor
should I have mention'd it, had it not been necess^ on the present
Occasion and know^. it was to his best of frinds.
I have been inform'd that Ferrall is in away to make money
Consequently its natural for me as well for my own sake as
famelys to do my endeavours to procure what is Justly due to
me, and Could think of no other meathod so to do, but by
solicits your intrest in my behalf, well knows your Influence over
him will by far Exceed any other steps I Could possable take,
and I shall leave the matter entirely to yours & Colo'. Claues*.
decision by Accepting of what I shall make apear to be Justly
oweing to me in any Manner you shall direct
I Can assure you Sir had not my losses been so great of late
years & particularly by my brothers whom I always endeavour'd
to Establish in life at the risque of my fortune, as well as the large
famely I am likely to be blessed with, I should [ ]
on this head, and I hope will be sufficient [ ]
plead my Excuse to you for the trouble [ ]
about to give you.
I have to request when you write to my brother Ferrall or see
him that you'l [ ] him on the present Occasion in my behalf
so as to have the matter put on such a footing that in case he
has so much beforehand as to be able to discharge a debt so Justly
due, that he may do it, in such a manner as not to Immediately
distress him, in his present business and in case of death & that he
has anything beforehand in the world that I should be Enabled to
Come at it, in part of my debt, I dont mean this as a proposal for
him to Comply with, as I shall leave the matter entirely to you
in what manner will be most easiest to him & agreeable to you
to settle it, & shall accept of any part or in any Commodity it
may be most suitable to him to remit
488 Sir William Johnson Papers
I must once more beg your Excuse for this trouble as well as
to beg a line at your leasure which with other fav" shall always
be Acknowleg'd by
Deare Sir
Your much oblig'd
& most Obed*. &
Most Humble Serv'.
Fran^ Wade
To
The Honble S"*. W^. JoHNSON Barn^
ADDRESSED :
To
The Honble Sir Wâ„¢. Johnson Barn',
at
Johnson Hall
^ Edw^. Roach
INDORSED:^
May 16^ 1772
M*". Francis Wades letter
FROM JOHN COTTGRAVE
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 504, is listed a letter written at Johns-
town, May 18, 1772, to Sir William Johnson by John Cottgrave, to
show the need of finishing the Johnstown church, clothing poor children
who attend it and providing a new free school building (printed in Doc.
Hist. N. Y., 4:473-75; Q, 4:294^95).
FROM NICHOLAS BECKER
L. S.
Schohary May 18^^ 1772 —
Sir
Received yours of the 16 Instant wherein you Mention That
if I Come Down one hundred pounds of the Three That you will
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 489
Do the Trouble to Satisfy all the Rest that have any Claim and
in So Doing I will Take up with Two hundred pounds as Sir
william has Mentioned in your Letter But I hope Sir william
will be So good To tell all the Indians To make no more
Demands on me after This and the Cost for Drawing the Deed
you will also Stop So that I may have the Two hundred pounds
Clear So no more as Expecting your answer if you please
I Remain
Sir your most obedient
humble Serv*.
his
Nicholas NB Becker
mark
To the honourable
Sir William Johnson Barnet'
ADDRESSED :
To
The Honourable
Sir William Johnson Barnet
att
Johnsons Hall
INDORSED:^
May 18^ 1772
M^ N^ Beckers letter
concerning Lands at Schohare
FROM JOHN BAPTIST VAN EPS
A. L. S.
Schindy 19^h May 1772
HoNNORED Sir
The Bearer and I went to albany about his Gunn & pack
a Saturday & I had it Crayed by the Crayer & [ ] Give two
^ In Johnson's hand.
490 Sir William Johnson Papers
Dollers Reward and the Major also did what he Could, I went
with the men to the wedue Lansing where I Suposs that the
Goodes was Lost & Tacking away from him in that Neaberhood
for the Indian Shued me Some Moes hear that he Says he found
in hure Yard, but She Donyed it & Swore many bitter Oads &
thould me that the Indian went out of hure house with his gun
& pack about 9 Oclock on thusday Evening and the pies of a
Skin he now has with him as he Satt on Harajantie Lansings
Stoop was flonged on the Street by the Reverand Bays whence
in his presence So Mr Bay Give me full Sadisfaction where it
was gate by his Servant boy & him Self Shued the Indian & me
where it was gate by to former Kings Magesine So it Gate Leat
in the after no'en thincks I if doe Stay tomarro I Can doe nothing
and Came home So a Sunday I wrote all this to Abram Yattes
olderman and Dozyred him to Send for both the wedue & hure
Son Isaac so if thy Can Clear them Self I know not Jet but I
Expect an Answer by Your Honers Boay Jarmia who I Kept
here Last Knitt as he was a Stranger to the Rood & my waggon
Going Down amty Early this Marning so that thy went togeather
The Major of albany thould me that he was to goe to New
England on monday & that I Should apply to Enay of the Older-
mens there My wife Joyns me with Complement to all the famely
And Am Sir Your Most Obediant
& Humble Servant
Jno B V Eps
Sir Your pipe wine & 2 hhads of Rume
are Come up here Jesterday & the Rest'^ :
this day which I'^ : Send to M"^ fondas on
the Returen of the battoe waggoners
& battoemen is 2 Skars artickels
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnson Baronet
Johnson Hall
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 491
INDORSED:^
[ ]
[ ] Van Eps concerns.
[ ] Indians Pack —
TO THOMAS GAGE
Johnson hall M ay 20^K 1772.
Dear Sir,
I am favored with your Letter of the 12*. inst and [am]
very much of your opinion with regard to its contents ; [Time will]
Certainly contribute much in overcoming the prejudices [con-
ceived by Some of\ the Indians, especially if fair dealings are
practised by [our Traders,] and if possible the French restricted
from propagating those Inventions with which the Indians have
been so often abused.
The Person acting under me on the Ohio, at present is M"".
Alex^ M'^Kee, who next to M^ Croghan is not only best
acquainted with, but has most influence over these Ind^ — When
the latter represented That the State of his Affairs &c rendered
it absolutely necessary for him to resign, I thought it best to
indulge him on condition that as soon as these matters were Settled
he might return to his duty if occasion required, which he indeed
expressed his readyness to do, I therefore could not make choice
of any other Pro Tempore Depy. than M^ M'^Kee who was on
the Spot, has for many Years acted under M^ Croghan in the
department, and is well qualified to discharge the duty to w*^^.
I think his having the Commiss"" of the Peace would much con-
tribute, he shall have all proper Instructions respecting the in-
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson. Missing words are supplied from the
A. L. S,, dated May 21, 1772, in th(j William L. Clements Library,
Ann Arbor, Mich.
492 Sir William Johnson Papers
tended Operations of the Indians, but I believe him already down
the Ohio at Scioto, not having heard from him for sometime.
His Excell^y L*. Gen^ Gage
TO HUGH WALLACE
A. Df.
Johnson Hall May 2hK 1772
Dear Sir/
Your kind favour of the 1 0*^. Cur^ is come to hand. I must
ow^n I w^as verry anxious to hear hovv^ the Affair of the County,
& place for the Courts was going on, not having had a line from
any of my friends relative thereto whilst in agitation. Yours has
now made me easy by the agreable news it contained, and hope
to have y^ Ordinance up Soon, which I must beg You will hurry,
& w^. will add much to the other Obligations I am under to You
&ca. I am highly Sensible of the Governors politeness, & friendly
Condissention in appointing the Gentlemen whom I recom-
mended, as likewise for approving of Johnstown as the place for
holding the Kings Courts, and I flatter myself that when he has
an opertunity of Seeing these parts. He will be Satisfied with his
determination in its favour, and nothing Shall be wanting on my
part for expediting those Matters necessary for the Establish-
ments in the new County, nay I am now carrying on a handsome
building intended for a Court House, towards which I shall
contribute £500. I wish my friends in the House had exerted
themselves, as other Gentlemen did in favour of Charlotte
Cumberlana & Gloucester Countys, it would have enabled us to
cope with them & probably Set them example in many things,
but more of this hereafter.
I have a Warrant on the Pay Master to the amount of
I
£4705 ..17. .3% New York Cur'^y, for w^. Sum I now inclose
You a Draft on Cap*. Gabriel Maturin, h shall be glad to receive
^ thousand pounds from You, as Soon as You can get it, the
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 493
remainder I will draw for as occasion may require. — pray Send
me 10 Barrells more of good Pork, and a Hogshead of Molasses
& that as Soon as You can. — please also to receive the Ball,
due to me by the Estate of the late M^ Abraham Mortier, so
that that Ace' may be closed. — I shall be happy to See You
here w*. y^ Governor & glad You will give me notice a little
before his coming. My Complim'* to
INDORSED:^
May21^». 1772 —
To M^ Wallace, but
a good deal altered —
ROBERT PICKEN's BILL
A. D. S.2
May 25^h 1772
The Honourable
Sir William Johnson Bar* D'.
To Robert Picken
To Surveying 10,000 Acres of Land
For The Right Honourable Lord Adam Gordon
viz — To Provisions £ 3..15..0
To Men's Wages £ 4.. 13.. 10
To my Wages £ 6..— ..—
£14. .8 ..10
Errors excepted
Ro: Picken
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In New York Historical Society, New York City.
494 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM DIRCK LEFFERTS
L. S.
New York 27 May 1772
Sir
I am with others concerned in a purchase of Lands to be made
from the Mohawk Indians, having obtained Lycence for that
purpose, and also have together with them appointed M^ Thomas
Palmer to treat with and make the said purchase when ever His
Excellency the Governor shall attend at the Hall. I suppose
my concern in said purchase will be about Twenty thousand
Acres, and whatever that shall amount to at any sum not exceed-
ing Four pounds Six ShilHngs p^ Thousand, I have impowered
M"" Palmer to draw on me for the amount; If therefore you will
be pleased to accept his Bill on me for such sum, I will pay it on
sight, and most gratefully acknowledge the favour.
I am very respectfully
Sir
Your much Obliged &
most Humble Servant.
DiRCK Lefferts
Sir William Johnson Bar*.
INDORSED:^
May 27th. 1 772 _
M^ Lefferts Letter —
^ M^ Palmer —
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S.
New York 27ih May J 772
Dear Sir
I rec^ yours 21"' Ins'. & shall call on M^ Maturin & receive
your Money & also from M". Mortier — & shall send you
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 495
£ 1 000 as you desire, & also the Pork, Rum &c &c
The ordinance for Tryon C°. is made out & will be sent up
directly. No News here — The Packett hourly expected. —
I shall write you before the Governor leaves this, which vsdll
be about h*. July. & I hope to be able to attend him — If you
want anything done in the MiHtia in your County, you should
write to the Governor
I am in haste
D Sir
Your most obed'. Serv*.
Hugh Wallace
Sir Will Johnson Bar'
Johnson Hall.
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir WilHam Johnson Bart
at
Johnson Hall
Albany
INDORSED:'
M^ Wallaces Letter
May 27'^ 1772 —
TO THOMAS GAGE
Johnson hall May 27^l\ 1772
Dear Sir,
Yesterday Fifteen Missisagas arrived here and delivered to me
Major Etherington's Letter with Ramsays Declaration concern-
ing His having killed 8 Indians of that Nation, a Copy of which
^ In Johnson's hand.
- In handwriting of Guy Johnson. The missing words are supplied
from the A. L. S. in the William L. Clements Library, Ann Arbor,
Mich.
496 Sir IVilliam Johnson Papers
has been transmitted to you. The Indians have Since made me
a Speech Setting forth the occasion of their coming, The great
concern it has given all their Nation, and the Speakers own par-
ticular loss of a favorite Grand Child, That they have not
attempted to retaliate, & that they are willing to abide by my
determination thereon, desiring a Letter in return concerning the
same to the Comds Officer at Niagara: Unluckily a Deputation
arrived here at the same time from Onondaga with an Acco* that
Some Seneca Men & One Woman being on their return from the
Cherokees were attacked in y^ back parts of Virginia, 4 of whom
were killed Viz' 3 Men & one Woman; they complain greatly
that such an accident Should happen at a time when by their
endeavors in all quarters to establish peace, they were rendering
us Service ; And indeed Ramsays acco'. if to be relied on is much
in favor of the 6 Nations, who would never have become so
obnoxious to the rest, unless they were esteemed our friends. —
The Affair of the Senecas happened late last fall, but as the only
person that Escaped retired to the Cherokees, the 6 Nations had
no acco' of it till lately, little can at present be said or done
in that Matter, but the killing of the Missisagas requires some
imediate determination, for how ever satisfied they may appear,
now, much depends on their arrival at home on the Answer they
shall receive. — Ramsay is a fellow who was taken from the
Indians by Cap' Brown, & sent away to Canada to prevent his
doing Mischief, but afterwards came to Schenectady where he
lived as a Labourer for sometime, — His remaining in the
[Neighbourhood] of a place where according to his Story his
Life [was for Several Months threatned, and] many other
Circumstances argue much against him[, and whilst they]
Convince me farther of the impropriety of indulging [Traders to
go &] reside where they please, incline me to think that he is
[more culpable] than he would willingly appear; but how to deal
with him is the Question. The Indians may not desire him to be
punished, to avail themselves thereof whenever they Murder any
of our people, and were Circumstances even Stronger against him
I suppose a Jury would acquit him thro' prejudice. — I shall point
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 497
out to the Missisagas the irregularity of their behavior, as his
best Justification, and shall Cover the Graves & give them hand-
some presents, but the Murder of a Woman and Child, and the
Scalping them afterwards is inexcusable, and the Circumstance
of his being able to do all this, is an evident proof that he was
not in the danger he represents, & that the Ind*. were too much
in Liquor, to execute any bad purpose, — By other Letters &ca I
hear that he glories in the fact & that he threatens to do more
Mischief when at liberty. As I shall keep some of the Indians a
few days I beg to have your Answer as soon as Convenient, that
I may be enabled to write by them the Letter they desire.
His Excelly Gen^ Gage
INDORSED:
May 271^ 1772 —
To General Gage
on the Murder of 8 Missisagas by
Ramsay. —
FROM WADE & KEIUSER
[Niagara May 28<K 1772]
[ ]
From M^ Campbell I Rec'^. your Letter of the 28 Ult, I cant
find words to Express my Gratitude to you for your Good Wishes
for my prosperity, you shall Allways find I will pay the Utmost
Defference to Your Advice as to my future Dealings, I Assure
You Sir, we have done Everry thing that was possible to be done,
if it had not been for this Unhappy Affair of Ramseys we should
have Made a Great year, as yet we have Done Verry well, which
you will see by the payments we have made, I am Glad to hear
you have the pleasure of a Visit from M"". Deas. The Accounts
We hear of the Town Surprises [ ]
^ In Ferrall Wade's hand.
498 Sir William Johnson Papers
[ ']
Often put you In mind of [ ]
to hear Poor Tice is out of goal [ ]
a Worthy Good Man. We hear the New [ ]
is Johnston, it must be a Great Advantage to [ ]
Estates, I wish them Goods we sent to Major Funda
would suit you — they are as Cheap as they come, but we are
Afraid they will Damage Lying on hand and M^ Funda has
Never wrote us a Line about them, if you should want such I hope
you will give Us the preference. We have p^. M^ Campbell
£ 1035 — out of which we have sent Major Funda a Bill of
£ 100 — have p^. £366. — at this place has yet on hands one
pack of Beaver which we intend for Funda. M^ Campbell
told Us he never Charged you. Our first Account, we have
[ ']
[ ] the means of Losing
[ ] trade which is the Only trade
[ ] on, however if the Indians comes
[ ] to trade we will Stand a better chance than any hear.
We dont know whether you mean £331 . .8. .3]/^ as the Ace".
Answered to Campbell or not, we are so hurried & Confused that
we cant Look Over the Accounts to Ballance, we are Going to
take An Account of our Goods to see how we are thank God
we have plenty, if it had not been for that Damn Villian, we
should I am sure have p*^ Everry sixpence the partnership Owed
& have an Surplus besides & goods Enough to trade this Season.
We now send you Sir a Beaver Eater, which is fine for Muffs, &
3 Matts all we could procure nor have we any Other Curiousity
at present.
[
[ ] are as [
having there pledges. [
Go Down, as to our future proceedings [
Determined on Nothing, Untill we [
I will now Sir, Acquaint you of Our Conduct towards the
^ Lines burned off.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 499
Indians when they heard the particulars of that Unhappy Affair,
there was about Eighty Men, with women & Children, they came
to Us Continually & said how heard it was & how sore there hearts
was on Losing so Many people, then we gave them a Little rum
& provisions, we had Intelligence from our friends that they
would go to Lake Erie & watch our peoples boats going to Detroit
& take revenge, they further told Us that they would not Bloody
this Lake the Other they would, on receiving this Intelligence we
Adviced together & Concluded to Call them All together that
we had something to say to them, they all Came, when we talk
a great Deal to them, & beged of them to keep their hearts Easy
Untill they heard from You. that we were sure you would
Satisfy them, we then took the Liberty In your Name to Give
them Fifty pounds of Goods between Us, which I hope you
will think was right & will Consider Us, after all was done, they
told Us we allways treated them well, for which they Liked Us,
and Desired Us to get boats & Go Away as soon as possible
as they could not Answer for there young men, we Returned
them thanks as it was a prooff of there Friendship & told them
we would get boats & go Immeadeately set of & brought our
boats that came up Empty them with the boats we had at Teronto
Brought Us safe of with our Goods. I assure you sir some of the
Ind"^ shed tears when we parted & said they would go in mourn'g
they Saluted Us & Away we went & are thank God hear safe,
puting our Goods In Order hurries Us much. In Our Next we
will send the Account to you of what we Gave them, which we
make no Doubt you will pay. We are sure there will be Mis-
chief Done soon, however the people all goes In the Vessells. the
Indians being with your will be no reenstraint on them I am
afraid, your presence would be the Only value. M^ Keiuser
joins me with his Sincere Regards for Sir John & the Familys.
and we are & Ever shall I hope
My Dear Sir W-"
Your Ever Faithfull & Most
Oblidged Hum : Serv'«.
Wade & Keiuser.
500 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:^
Niagra May 28*. 1 772
Mess". Wade & Keiusers letter
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S.
New York 28 May, J 772.
Dear Sir
By Skipper Hermanus Ten Eyck I have sent the severall
things you order as ^ Acco' at foot. Amo* £77.0.3 — hope
all will get safe & please you. Cap* Maturin promises me your
Money in a few days, & I shall call on M". Mortier for your
Ballance. by the first safe Hand shall send you Silver & good
Bills as you desire. Nothing new here. Be pleased to accept of
a Barrell of good Munster Potatoes sent by Ten Eyck for you
to plant. I hope to eat some of their Sons or Grandsons. M""*.
Wallace desires her Compl'* to you & all the family, & I am
D-^Sir
Your obliged & obed' Serv'.
Hugh Wallace
10 Barrells Pork at £5 £50. .-. .-
1 Hhd Mollasses 127 Galh @ 1^9^ 1 1 . .2. .3
1 D°Rum 118 D° (S) 2/5 14.. 5..-
a Baskett of Glass 1 . . 7 . . —
Crating all to the Sloop 0..6..—
£77
Sir Will Johnson Bar'
Johnson Hall.
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 501
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnson Bar^
at
Johnson Hall
^ Cap'. Herm*. Ten Eyck.
INDORSED:^
N York 28«h. May 1 772
M^ Wallaces letter
GEORGE TURNBULL TO THOMAS GAGE
Extract
Extract of a Letter from Captain Turnbull to General Gage,
Dated Miselimakinac 28'^. May 1772
By a Letter from Lake Superior I am informed that one M^
Houtelaas, Partner of Soloman & Chapman, was killed last
Autum, by a Chippewa Indian, Between the Grand Portage and
Fond du Lac by all Accounts. He was a Man much given to
Liquor.
A few days ago I took up a Belt of S'. Luc La Cornis, from
one Oskimawa a Chippewa Chief of Le Clecke, East End of
Lake Huron, which I Now Send you, He told M^ Ainse, the
Interpreter in Confidence two Different times of his having been
at Montreal last Year, and Repeated to him what S'. Luc said.
Viz. my Children all is Peace. Now keep yourselves Quiet for
two Years more and then we [ ] get up, for it will be war,
or Words to that Effect. —
But when the Indian was brought before me in Presence of
Lieu'. Chrislie, Ensign Strickland, and Graham, and mess'^^
Todd and Lyons He was so Frightened that he only Repeated
part of the Speech, and did not Mention war. I ask't him who
was present at that Council with S*. Luc. He said there was
one S'. John^ the man who Interprets for the English. I then
^ In Johnson's hand.
*St Jean Russeau.
502 Sir William Johnson Papers
Ask't him if he Looks upon S^ Luc as his French Father, He
said he did, —
I told him that S^ Luc was now an EngHshman and had the
same Father as we Although I did not BeHeve he was Intituled
to give Belts of wampum for which Reason I desired He might
Leave it with me
INDORSED:
Michilemackinac
28'h. May 1 772 —
Extract of a Letter from Cap'
Turnbull to General Gage
with Intelligence —
TO JOHN BLACKBURN
Johnson hall May ZS^K 1772
[Completed Sept. 22]
Sir,
I am much obliged to you for your Letters of 2^. Janr^, and
26'*^ March last; the news Contained therein was both new &
Entertaining : — I am also to thank you for the attention you
have given to the Affair relating to my son Sir John and for
Your advice thereon, v/hich if there is any prospect of Success
I shall follow on hearing of the death of the present possessor
of that Office. — The esteem you shew for S"^ John & the Interest
you take in his Welfare deserve both our Acknowledgments
and I persuade myself that he is very Sensible of your regard.
He spent but a few Weeks last fall in N York, and has not
Come to any determination in favor of any particular Matri-
monial Scheme. Whenever he enters into that State it will
afford me much pleasure, as I am thoroughly Sensible that he
In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 503
ought to do so; tho' I wo*^ lay no force on a Young Mans
inclinations. —
By Sev^. Letters, I am given to understand that the Governm*.
Sollicitted for on the Ohio, in which M^ Wharton is concerned
is at last Settled, & the Charter made out. If so, I hope shortly
to hear that you have settled for my Share in it which I formerly
mentioned to you. —
I find by a late Letter from M^ Penn that Lieu*. Roberts has
taken up £50 Ster from that Gent", on my Credit, but without
authority. This Sum together with the £ 1 00 Str wch you
advanced him, it is not Convenient for me to Lye out of, espec-
ially as I am at present engaged in Improvements &ca wch require
all the Cash I can spare ; — I know however no other way he can
reimburse me but by the Pat', for his halfpay Lands wch I have
taken out and paid the fees for & for Survey of &c [ ]
Indifferent but as it is I wo"^. rather take [ ]
the Cash, I therefore inclose you a power of Attorney [ ]
Negotiate that or any other Affair I may have occa[ ]
your Agency in, and hope you will Settle with him as soon and in
the best manner you can. —
SepV. 22.^ The foregoing has been Written as you will See
for a Considerable Time past. This was chiefly occas[ioned] by
the Hurry which Succeeded for a few days after writing
I was obliged to hold a Conference, & during all the
Months of July & August was engaged in Affairs relating
to the Sale of Lands, the GoV^ & Sev' of his Council, with many
others Staying here a Considerable time for that purpose. Since
which We have been all busied in the Establishment of County
Courts &ca as this part of the County is formed into a seperate
County. In short I have not had an hours leisure to attend to
private matters tho' many of them very pressing. I now inclose
you a parcel of Small bills Amts. to £ 1 5 1 . . 1 4 . . 6 Sterle.
From this point the manuscript is in Johnson's hand.
504 Sir William Johnson Papers
y/^. You will Please to pass to my Credit; and believe me with
much Esteem
Sir Y-.
M'*. John Blackburn
INDORSED :
May 28th 1 772.—
To M^ John Blackburn
with a power of Attorney &ca.
I did not Send it till July.'
FROM JOHN DE PEYSTER
Albany the 3/ May 1772 —
S«
Your favour of the 29 Instant have Rec"^ With the money for
the ballance of your Acct for which I Send you here Inclosed a
Receipt —
As for the administration of the Estate of Dan'. Danielson
As it Is Granted to the Wid^. she must Act or Inpower Any
other to Act for her hand. —
I am
S^ your most Humb Serv'.
ADDRESSED: Jn° De PeYSTER
To
S^ Wâ„¢. Johnson Bar*.
Att
Johnson hall
INDORSED:^
May 31*'. 1772 —
M^ Depeysters letter
^ This sentence is in Johnson's hand.
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774
505
ACCOUNT WITH ESTATE OF ABRAHAM MORTIER
D.
D^ Sir William Johnson Baronet
r 1 To Cash paid Lieut Prevost on
your Account as ^ his Receipt
of this Date
May 1 7 To Ditto paid your draft of 26
April in favor of John Wether-
head
27ili To Ditto paid your Ditto of 9
May in favor of Ditto
29th To Ditto paid your Ditto of 20
Do. in favor of Robert Adems
To Ditto paid your Ditto pf 21
Do. in favor of Ditto for
To Ditto paid your Ditto of Do
Date in favor of Ditto for
June 1 To Ditto paid your Ditto of 20
Ditto in favor of William Mc
Adam
1 7 To Ditto paid your Ditto of 1 3
Ditto in favor of John B V Eps
19 To Ditto paid your Ditto of 7
Ditto in favor of Col Guy Johnson
To Ditto paid your Ditto of 3
Ditto in favor of Thomas Mc
Fenar
July 16 To Ditto paid your Ditto of 7
Ditto in favor of Peter Fitzimons
27 To Ditto paid your Ditto of 29
April in favor of Li Augt Prevost
To Ditto paid your Ditto of 6
June in favor of Lieut Geo
Demler
August 8ih To Ditto paid your Ditto of 25
May in favor of Rob Adems
To Ditto paid your Ditto of 19
July in favor of Col Claus
To Ditto paid your Ditto of 26
Ditto in favor of Michl Price
To Ditto paid your Ditto of 28
Ditto in favor of Ditto
NewY
LI
10
200
50
100
767
166
342
200
377
125
28
500
60
200
100
174
137
17
15
14
10
6i
3
IStirlin
g]
51
4
7
10
117
29
58
447
97
199
116
I 1
[ 1
11
291
35
116
58
101
80
[]
3
6
17
4
19
13
II
II
13
13
13
6
12
1
506
Sir William Johnson Papers
1 9tK To Ditto paid your Ditto of 1 6
July in favor of the Reverend
Mr John Stuart
To Ditto paid your Ditto of 7
August in favor of Hugh Wallace
Esqr. for £ 1 65 Sterling at 80
^ Cent
Sepr 1 9th To Ditto paid your Ditto of 1 7
May last in favor of Gold.
Banyar
To Ditto paid your Ditto of 26
Augt. in favor of John Brov^^ne
October 1 I th To Ditto paid your Ditto of 2 1
Sept. in favor of Mr Robert Let-
tice Hooper Junr
22 To Ditto paid Sir John Johnson
on your Account as "^ his receipt
dated the 1 8 Instant
26th To Ditto paid Doctor Shuckburgh
on your Account as ^ his Receipt
of this date
To Ditto paid your draft of 1 8
July last in favor Danl Claus Esqr
To Ditto paid your Do of 8 Augt
last in favr of Charles McEvers
Deer 24 To Ditto paid Mr Wallace on
your Account dated [ ]
To Ditto paid your Draft of 20
Sepr last to Geo Croghan Esqr
To Ditto paid Mr. McAdam on
Acct for Major Gorhams Sallary
January 6 1 772 Balance due to
Sir William Johnson
1 772 To Cash paid Hugh & Alexr
Wallace
Jany 1 5 To your Order on Mr Wallace
dated 21st Deer 1771 in favour
of Colo Daniel Claus & by him
indorsed: paid Goldsbrow Banyar
May 7: 1772 Balance due Sir
William Johnson
45
297
404
21
260
1446
950
102
56
500
106
â– 778
2
10
10
14
11
16
2i
26
173
235
12
151
843
554
59
33
291
62
100
462
5066
500
40
238
778
14
11
13
12
6
10
1
13
3
12
16
16
16
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774
507
Contra
[
] By General
Gages Warrant
dated the 1 day
of April last in
your favor for
£2579
9
5^
[
] By Ditto Ditto
of this Date in
your favor for
] By Balance as
2487
7
If
5066
16
7i
[
on the other side
778
16
2\
778
16
2i
INDORSED :
Sir William Johnson's
Account with Estate of Abraham
Mortier/
May 1 772 —
FROM EBENEZER JESSUP
A. L. S.
Albany June /^' 1772
Honoured Sir/
The Bearer M^ Campbell is going on his Discovery, and pur-
poses to Chain all the Land he Goes Over, Various Ways, before
he reports The Quality, And if his Report should Not be So fav-
ourable as I Expect it will. Yet I am Still determined to Survey
it All; and Patent that which is good. As there Cannot be the
least doubt but There is Good land Enough for the Money
Agreed — for the Payment of Which I Would Sell My Estate
before it Should fail of being done —
508 Sir iVilliam Johnson Papers
I Desired M"" Tuttle to Make Your Boat Ready at Sacken-
daga as mine Will not be Ready this Week Yet. I ask Your
Pardon for not Acquainting You of It by him; it was occationed
by Great haste.
In hopes, and with an Expectation, of Being Countenanced in
what I have to Do As far as is Right — Beg leave to Subscribe
Myself, Honoured Sir,
Your Most Obliged, and
Very Humble Servant
Eben*^ Jessup
Sir William Johnson
indorsed:^
Alby. June h' Mil —
M^ Jessups Letter
FROM WADE & KEIUSER
A. L. S.
Niagara June 3'^. 1772
[ ]
Since we had the Honour of Writing you Last about 40
Indians from Teronto came hear & this day held a Conference
with the Major, the purport of which was, that they Desired no
traders should be permitted to Go Among them, the Senecas
spoke on the Same head, at the same time they Declared they
would Look Over what was past they are not to be Credited,
for by all their Actions they seem 111 Disposed & its believed hear
they wait for nothing but the Senecas Declaring in there favour
& by what we Can Learn they have Oblidged themselves by
Exchange of Belts, Declaring to Each Other that when One
was hurted they would feel it Equally so. the Major is Verry
Indifferent, for he would not give them time to Speak what they
Intended, made them a present of 20 three pound Loaves 6 p*.
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 509
pork 1 0'^ powder '5(P Bullets & a Little Tobacco, which was
Little [ ] or 70, what is remarkable they came [without]
One Woman or Child & with there Arms which they requested
should be repaired. —
We have now on hand a fine Assortment of Indian Goods to
the Am* of between £ 1 600 & £ 1 800 pounds, & does not know
What to do with them, & are now Lyeing at Great Expence.
if you should want Any of them We hope you will be pleased to
Give Us the preference, we send You by this Opertunity, a Silver
Grey fox, the Battoe is just Seting off, must Conclude with
Great Respect
My Dear Sir Wâ„¢.
Your Most Humble &
Most Obedient Servants
Wade & Keiuser
P. S. for God sake
Assist Us if possible
INDORSED:^
Niagra June 3>^. Mil
Ferrall Wades letter
Ans'^^ —
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. 5.
New York 4iK June 1772
Dear Sir William
The Bearer Catharine Simpson the Wife of John Simpson of
Burnets Field some time ago exhibited a Complaint to the Gov-
ernor and Council against John Joost Herchheimer, Coenrad
Franck, Peter Ten Broeck and Hendrick Frey Esq'^*. for Mai
administration in their offices as Justices of the Peace, and an
In Johnson's hand.
510 Sir William Johnson Papers
Order was made on the Justices to appear & answer the Com-
plaint. They never did appear. M'^^ Simpson did, but did not
produce her Witnesses — The Governor at the Desire of the
Board recommended it to her to make it up as it appear'd she
was not able to prevail on all her Witnesses to come to this Place ;
By what she says she has not tryed to accomodate the Matter nor
does she incline to it; and as on her coming now to this City a
third Time She says she cannot get her Witnesses to come down.
I am directed to signify the Request of his Excellency, that you
would be pleased to hear what M". Simpson has to say, and
to inquire into the Matter so as to be able to lay the whole Matter
before him in such a manner as he may be able on his Arrival at
your House to judge of what shall be proper to be done towards
the Redress of the Woman should she appear to be aggrieved
I am
Dear S^ W"^
Your obliged & Most obed* Servant
G^ Banyar
Sir William Johnson
addressed :
On His Majesty's Service
To
The Hon'''^ Sir William Johnson
Baronet
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
June 4*. 1 772 —
Letter from M^ Banyar
by order of the Governor
& Council. —
Concerns Simpsons Complaint ag*.
Justice Herkimer, &ca
rec^. 26*l^.
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 511
FROM WADE & KEIUSER
A. L. S.
Niagara June 6"". 1772
My Dear S«. W".
M^ Rickman^ is just this Moment Arrived hear, from where
he Wintered on Lake Erie, he says the Senecas have killed five
Virginia traders & plundered them, they are Very Inveterate
Against the English, he with Difficulty saved the two Men he
had with him. they told him they want to fight Against the
Virginians, but not Against this Government. We have some
thoughts of going to Detroit but shall Wait Untill we hear from
your Honour.
We have the Honour to be
Dear Sir W-".
Your Most Oblidged & Most
Obedient Servants
Wade & Keiuser
P. S. It is thought
hear that Nothing
but your presence will
Settle the Disturbances
hear, all the Nations are
of One Opinion.
INDORSED:^
June 6«h. 1 772 —
Ferrall Wades letter
Ans^<^. —
^ Peter Ryckman.
^ In Johnson's hand.
312 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO GEORGE ETHERINGTON
Johnson hall June 7'^ 1772 —
[Dear] Sir
I have just received the Letter herew^ith inclosed from his
Excell<=y the General, together with one for my Self, on the Affair
of the Murder committed by Ramsay on Lake Erie of vv^'=^ you
lately gave me an Acco*.
I have long been sensible of the impropriety of Suffering Such
Idle fellows who have neither character or property, to trade with
the Indians, but much more so, to be permitted to go as well out
of the protection as the Eye of Government; the late Affair is
a Capital Instance amongst many more to prove this; and the
consequences notwithstanding all we can do to the Contrary may
be bad, — Imediately on the arrival of the Deputys from the
Chipeweighs about it I received them in a very friendly manner
and held a Congress with them wherein according to their Custom
I took the Hatchet out of their Heads, Gathered the bones of
the deceased buried them & Levelled the Graves that they might
no more appear to distress them. [I likewise promised to send
a proper speech to their Chiefs] and after hearing all they had
to say & finding they Expressed themselves to be satisfied that it
was the private Act of a Villain, and contented with what I had
said to them, I gave them a Valuable present with provisions, &
a battoe to carry them back; Nevertheless I am but too sensible
of the Impression such an Affair must Leave on the Minds of
such a people as Indians are, and as I am of the Generals opinion
that Ramsays Situation was by no means such as he has
described, for had it been so he could never have done so much
Mischief, and as I am assured by persons lately returned from
thence that he Glories in the Fact, and threatens more mischief
when at Liberty, I think he deserves Capital punishment — In
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 513
the Meantime least it might [ ]
different from the Assurances given me by the Depy* [ ]
it proper agreable to the Generals desire to give you [ ]
direction that you call in all Traders w^ho are in the Limits or
at a distance from the Posts (on w*^^'. Subjects the Depy* spoke to
me) and that you do not permit any to go beyond the limits of the
Garrisons until you receive farther orders on that head. — That
you Summon some of the Chiefs of that Nation, and any others
who are of Consequence that may be at Niagara, and Signify to
them, the Generals and my uneasiness and displeasure on hearing
what has happened, and the concern it gives to all the English
together with the Steps that are ordered to be taken for bringing
Ramsey to punishment notwithstanding the great provocation
which he received from them ; and that as a farther proof of our
good will towards them; the Traders will not be permitted to
Straggle about at their own discretion at a distance from the
Posts unless it shall appear more Convenient than it has hitherto
done. — That therefore it is Expected they will shew their Pacific
disposition, and friendship for the Justice we mean to do them
by preventing any of their people from attempting to take any
revenge for what is past, or from retaliating it on any of his
Majesties Subjects, who are not only innocent but highly con-
cerned at the accident, as any endeavors for revenge after what
has been said would shew them in a bad Light, and be a means
of preventing the Trade between Us, and of incurring our
resentment.
Your own Judgment will Suggest whatever farther may be
necessary, from any Circumstances that may have occurred since,
but I am hopefull that these Steps, and the endeavors to bring
him to Justice, may prevent the ill consequences we have other-
wise reason to Apprehend.
I am with Esteem Sir
&ca.
Major Etherington, or Officer Comd? at Niagara. —
17
514 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED :
June7'h. 1772.
To Major Etherington
or Officer Comd^ at Detroit
with Inclosures concerns Ramsay
SPEECH TO THE CHIPPEWAS
Sir William's Speech to the Chiefs of the Chipeweighs at
Niagara. —
Brothers,/
[or Children]
It was with great Concern that I heard from Amenibijou and
the rest of your People, that so many of your Nation have been
lately killed by one of ours. — The General who Commands all
the Kings Army and all the English are much enraged at it; —
and as a proof thereof have ordered that the Man who com-
mitted this Act shall be sent to one of our Towns and tryed
according to our Laws. — This Man was once sent away from
Niagara that he might do no harm, how he came again amongst
you, or what encouragement you gave him we dont know; but it
appears clearly that he received great provocation from your
people, that they attempted to rob, and even to murder him, in
which case he would have been Justified had he murdered as
many white people. —
Brothers/
I have according to the Custom of our forefathers. Taken the
hatchet out of Y^ heads, gathered the bones of your people,
buried them & levelled the graves, and have opened the road, and
removed everything bad from y"^ sight. This, your Deputies,
(whom I sent away with handsome presents) can tell you, I
likewise repeat the same to yourselves, and I tell you farther that
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 515
we will not let the Traders ramble any more from the Garrisons
to deceive you; unless it Shall appear more expedient heer-
after : — It was for your Conveniency They were so much
indulged. —
Brothers/
I have expressed my Concern, and told you [my]
Sentiments as a Friend, in a few Words, Let me however [urge]
you to consider seriously what I have said, to repeat it to Your
people; and to rely firmly on our Friendship, a[ ] the
Justice we mean to shew you, upon this, and all other occasions;
Let me recommend it Strongly to you not to suffer any of your
people to take revenge, or to retaliate upon ours; for should you
act so imprudently you will defeat our good intentions of afford-
ing you satisfaction, and incurr our highest displeasure, whilst
on the Contrary If you repose a proper Confidence in our Justice,
you shall allways experience it, and I trust that you will believe
the Words of a Man who never deceived the Indians, but has
allways proved the Advocate Friend and Protector of those that
deserved any favor. —
a Belt of 13 Rows^—
INDORSED:
Speech for the Chipeweighs
Sent to Maj''. Etherington
June 8^. 1 772 —
FROM WILLIAM COCKBURN
A. L. S.
Kingston
9 June 1772
Sr
Last fall I desired M"" Swords, That he and those Concerned
in the Lands at Sagertyes would appoint another agent to
Manage there Business, as it interfeered so much with my own
^ These words are in a different handwriting.
516 Sir IVilliam Johnson Papers
affairs I could not give the Necessary Attendance it required.
This Spring I have done the needfull to bring on the Tryal
in the fall, and have Employd M"^ Blanchard to Transact some
Business Relative thereto.
If they propose the tryal shall go on, M"^ Kempe must have
orders befor the Last Tuesday in July to make the proper motion
in Court
I am now going into the woods, propose not Returning 'till
late in the fall, unless I hear the Tryal goes on.
I Beg therefor those Concerned will appoint Another Agent
soon. That the Business may be properly Attended to, & prevent
any Blame hereafter on
S'
your most obed' Serv*
Will Cockburn
A Copy to each Concerned
S** William Johnson Bar*
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnson Bar'
at
Johnson hall
INDORSED:^
Kingston June 9'K 1 772
M^ W Cockburns letter
concerning a Law Suit, &
desireing another Agent may
be appointed in his Stead —
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 517
FROM HUGH WALLACE
New York 9 June 1772
Dear Sir
Since my last with the sundry things sent up have none of your
favours, but am happy to hear by M^ Adams that you & all
the family are well.
I take the Oppertunity by M"" Blagge^ who is appointed Clerk
of Tryon County to send you as you desired £ 1 000 which hope
will come safe to you — Y^ bill to M"" Adams & what further
you may have occasion to draw shall be all paid.
No Packett yet arrived My Brigg arrived yesterday from
Dublin No Letters for you — nor any News material, all the
disputes with Hearts of Steel' &c seem to subside — The Packett
hourly expected. —
Our Governor has not yet fixed a time for his departure. I
fancy he waits for the Packetts arrivall — I have last Week had
a Fitt of the Fever & Ague, some of the remains of last year.
It held me five or six days, but the Bark has drove it away & I
hope will keep it off — M"" Blagg who delivers this I am not
personally [acquainted] with, but have a good Character of him,
[ ] is one of the Aldermen & a very honest
[ ] I hope he will please you, but I fancy
he will not find the Clerkship worth his Attendance.
M""^ Wallace desires her Compl*^ & I am always
D^ Sir
Your most obed* Serv'
Hugh Wallace
Sir William Johnson Bar*
Johnson Hall
I send by Mr Blagg
an Irish Almanack
^ John Blagge.
^ Possibly refers to the Sons of Liberty.
518 Sir William Johnson Papers
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnson Bar*
at
Johnson Hall
^ fav^. M-- Blagge,
with an Almanack.
INDORSED:^
[ ] 1772 —
[ ] Wallaces letter
Ans>^d. 26'^^. June
FROM THOMAS GAGE
A. L. 5.2
New York June 10^^: 1772.
D«: Sir,
Your Letter of the 1 8*^ : April required no particular Answer,
but I had Some Extracts copied from it, which I thought proper
for Cap*: Edmonstone's better Information, and transmitted them
to him at Fort-Pitt.
I am Since favoured with your Letter of 24'^: of May, in
which you seem to believe there had been some Mischief hatching
amongst the Indians; and that their Scheme was Somewhat dis-
concerted. I hope you will get as favourable Acc'^: from Scioto
as you expect.
The Many Partys in the Cherokee Country from the North-
ward gave alarm in Carolina, and Projects were concerting of
various kinds, but I don't hear anything resolved upon. They
had near overturned all that was Settled about the Virginia
Boundary; they have at length agreed to mark it out, but I don't
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In New York Public Library, New York City.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 519
find that they abide by their first Bargain, tho' Settled with the
usual Formalitys by the whole Nation.
M"": Stewart^ is gone to Pensacola to meet the Chactaws who
are Still at war with the Creeks, the latter have fallen on a bad
Method to prevent our Vagabonds settling on their Lands, by
plundering them and destroying their Habitations. They have
Served Some Familys in W: Florida in that Manner, who were
out of their Bounds on Lands the Creeks had not ceded ; but did
not hurt their Persons. If all the Nations acted in the Same way
and proceeded no further, it would prevent the People going
beyond their Limits & save much trouble.
I am informed many Partys are gone out from the Lakes ; and
Lieu^ Cob. Wilkins writes, that four or five hundred had been
discovered not far from Fort Chartres; suspected to have taken
or killed a Soldier who was sniping.
No Information of the likeHhood of a war, from any Acc'=:
but the News-Papers.
I am with great Regard,
Dear Sir,
Your Most obedient,
humble Servant,
Tho^ Gage
from wade & keiuser
A. L. S.
Niagara June 1 5^K 1772
[ ]
Since we had the Honour of Writing you Last, there has Come
hear between Twenty & Thirty of the back Indians, they have
not as yet spoke to the Major, so dont know what they Intend
Saying, we have heard since that the Reason of the Senecas
Cuting off the five boats In the Ohio River, was that a Deserter
had killed two of there people we are Also Informed that a party
of the Missisaques has Gone to Lake Erie, fully Determined to
^ John Stuart, southern superintendent of Indians.
520 Sir JVilUam Johnson Papers
Cut off any English they Can Meet with, they Look On them
that is Gone to Your house As Nothing, by there Actions a
Rupture will be Inevitable without Speedy Measures are taken,
we Are sure Nothing will do without your Meeting them, which
would Stop Mischief this Year at Least & probably a Warr. we
Expect to hear from Your honour soon as we will not
Determine on Any [ ]
Your Advice if You should [ ]
Goods at this post we Can Supply [ ]
with a Good parcel the price we will [ ]
to Yourself & we Dare say you will [purchase] as Cheap as you
Can bring them up. we have Also a Large Quantity of rum,
pease, bread &c the first Detachment of the tenth Reg*. Arrived
hear a few Days Ago, and are Gone to Relieve Detroit & Mis-
selimackina. there is no Other News hear. Our Respects to Sir
John, & the Familys who we are Rejoiced to hear are well.
We are & allways will be
My Dear Sir W"".
Your Ever faithfull & most
Oblidged Hum Serv*^
Wade & Keiuser
addressed :
To -
The Honorable
Sir W"". Johnson Bar*.
Att
Johnson Hall
^ favour of
John Mc.Comb Esq^
INDORSED:^
Niagara June 1 5*^. 1 772
Messrs Wade & Kriesers
letter
^ In Johnson's hand.
Postwar Period, 1763-1774 521
FROM JOHN BAPTIST VAN EPS
A. L. S.
Shinectady 20'^ June 1772
Honoured Sir
I Received both Your feavors of 1 7'*^ & 18 Ult M^ Elles
Tells me that the porter is Ready whenEver I send for it
And M*^ Lansing the Beaker will beake the Milk Biscake and
the Rusk Next Thusday a Monday he will gite least from
albany So that I Shall then Send it up I have a fue artickels
here let of Cap* Chue
I am Sir Your Most Obediant
And Humble Servant
Jno B V Eps
I never heard Enay More of Colol Johnsons Memoriall to his
Excelency pray for god Seack Sir be so Cind and to putt him
in mind if Your Honer pleases for I Realy belive that thy will
mack a poess" for it
I am as above
J B V Eps
ADDRESSED :
To
The Honourable
Sir William Johnson Barn* &c
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:'
June 20'K 1 772
J". B V Eps Esq"^*. letter
In Johnson's hand.
Perhaps intended for "push" in the sense of "attempt."
522 Sir William Johnson Papers
GUY JOHNSON TO AN UNKNOWN PERSON
A. L. S.i
Guy Park June 22^ 1772.
Dear Sir,
I did not receive your Letter of the 1 1 ^ Inst, 'till Two days
since, the Contents of which Surprised me as I do assure you,
I sent the Orders for the Kinderhook & Claverack Regiments
together ; and before I sent to Coghsakie. — possibly it may be
owing to the posts going (of late) on the West side of the River,
but whether that or something worse has occasioned the dis-
appointment. The fact is, as I have told you. — You will there-
fore please to acqt the Col°^ of the Kinderhook & Claverack
Regimt^ therewith, and that they are Ordered to make a full
Return of their Regiments specifying the Vacancies &ca since
last Return and returning the N°. of Rank & file between 16 &
50. — This return to be made by the 8th July to me, by ord^ of
the Maj"^ Gen'. As I take the opporty of Col: Butler to forward
this to you his hurry will not allow me to send the form, you
mention, — but it will be Suffict. to ret", the Names of the Comis^
Officers, — & the Numbers only of Serj'* Drums & R. & file in
sev' Columns, with a Column for Vacancies &c, — I am allways
with true esteem
D"^ S^ Y>^ friend & servt
G Johnson
INDORSED: Guy Park 22^ June 1772
Col° Guy Johnson Adj Gen'
Orders
TO WILLIAM ANDREWS
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 505, is listed a letter written at Johnson
Hall, June 25, 1 772 by Sir William Johnson to Rev. William Andrews,
informing that a suitable person for the Johnstown mission has been secured
(printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:475-76; Q, 4:295-96)
In State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Draper Manuscripts.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 523
TO BEVERLY ROBINSON
Johnson hall June 25^^. 1772.
[ ] Sir
M^ Chew who is Safe arrived here with his family, dehvered
to me your favor of the l*^ Inst, which was very acceptably
received, as you may be assured that distance of time or place
has in no degree lessened my esteem for you. —
The Subject on which you wrote is a very laudable one, con-
sidering the Weak state of the Church of England, in this
Country, and the encouragement it deserves from its Members,
and this will Sufficiently excuse the Mode of your undertaking;
but as you Justly observe that the World seems now to be Lottery
mad, I may farther add that this part of the Province is farther
gone in that way than I believe any other, some have been
formed for similar purposes with yours, and others for a Variety
of Exigencies, on all of which I have been so warmly sollicitted,
and so much Concerned as Joyned to my own expensive under-
takings here has proved very inconvenient to me; I cannot how-
ever deny myself the pleasure of Contributing my endeavors to
promote so necessary a design, which comes so well recom-
mended, and shall therefore take some of the Tickets myself,
and try to dispose of the rest in the Neighbourhood tho' I believe
most People here begin to grow tired of Lotteries.
Poor Chew's family have been inoculated last Week and are
in a fair Way. he expresses many acknowledgm'^ to you & is
a Man of an honest friendly disposition so that I wish it was
more in my power to serve him being persuaded of his gratefull
Sentiments for all favors. —
I shall be happy at any time to render you any service by
which I may demonstrate the regard with which I am
D'. S^ &c
Beverly Robinson Esq^
In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
524 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:^
June 25'h 1 772
To Beverly Robinson Esq"^.
at the Highlands.
TO THE EARL OF HILLSBOROUGH
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 506, are listed two letters written at John-
son Hall by Sir William Johnson to the Earl of Hillsborough. The first
dated June 29, 1 770 mentions the second Indian congress at Scioto and
recites the crimes of Ramsay against the Indians and the means pursued
to avert their vengeance (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 2:994-96; Q,
2:576-77 and Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y., 8:300-1). The second
dated July I, 1772 considers the futility of conferences with Indians,
the folly of accepting cessions from the Six Nations not sanctioned by
other tribes and the wisdom of his plan for regulating trade (printed in
Doc. Hist. N. Y. 2:99^97; Q, 2:577-78 and Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist.
N. Y. 8:302)
FROM DANIEL CLAUS
A. L. S.
Lachine 3'^ July 1772
[Dear] & honored Sir
After being 15 days by the way I got here the 27**^. Ult°.
At my passing Caghnawagey I called the principals together
acquainting them with my Arrival & saluting them on your part,
they thankd me & were rejoiced to see me, enquiring after your
health. I found all was quiet among them and told them of
Ramseys Affair, w'^''. they heard of before, but imperfectly,
making 10 Indians killed; then left them and told them I was
going to Montreal to Morrow, and after my Return would
appoint a day for meeting them in public. I waited on L'. Cob.
Templer of 26'^. Regiment who commands the District of
Montreal & Depend^ who met me with all the politeness
imaginable introducing me to his Lady (formerly Lady
In Johnson's hand.
From Appleton's Cyclopedia of American Biography
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 525
Sinclair) and next day returnd my visit & proposed going to
Caghnawagey when I held the Meeting with some of the officers
of 26*. w*^^. was last Wednesday when he, Major Clarke your
former Acquaintance, & several of the Officers & others
attended. I happend to have a Discourse with Cap' Carden
Royl. Amn^ who acts here as Depy. Q^ M^ Gen', of the
Carleton side+ and very intimate with L'. Gov^ Cramahe,
by whom I could find that that party are jealous & ignorant
enough as to think the Canada Indians ought not to be under
your Direction, intimating that they lived so near the
Inhabitants, as to want a Person continually upon the Spot
to transact their Affairs. I replied that as to their com-
mercial & other private Bus^ I allowed they required some
Interpreter on the Spot to hear them [ ]
the Governmt left that Branch of Ind". Bus^ to the Respe[ctive]
[ ] laying upon them the Expence of Ind". Interp""*- & Smiths
But as to the public or political Branch of Ind*. Affairs [I am con]
vinced the Indians would not trouble this Governmt with
[ ] too well they could do nothing in it, they having
been these [ ] incorporated with the Confederacy under
your Care, and [ ] whose conjunction & Advice, &
applying to you or Deputy they [ ] presume to proceed
in any Bus*, if the kind, & w'^'^ was the Intention of your sending
once a year your Depy. to visit their respective [ ]
and in a public Meeting to enquire into those Matters and settle
those which in this present Time of peace was thought full suf-
ficient [ ] And in case of any thing extra"y Directions
were left to dispatch an Express to you immediately; Besides
the scanty Allowance from home for transacting Ind". Aff".
would not permit your Depy. to remain longer than he usually
did. — I find that I cant avoid going to Quebec this time to visit
the Hurons not having been there since Gen' Carleton left it,
when I shall take an Opporty of talking over these Matters
with Gov"* Cramahe who is a discrete reasonable Man, showing
him the Incompatibility of this Governmt* meddling in those
526 Sir William Johnson Papers
Matters, & if I receive the Extract of your Instruct*, before I
go shall show it him, if not shall send him a Copy after I return.
There has been lately a french Trader killed named Outlas
by a Chippway at Nipikon in Lake Superior thro his own Folly
in getting drunk with the Indian, and holding down his head
& daring him to kill him, which the Ind". readily complied with.
The Indians in the upper Countries, are pretty crusty & insolent
and I believe the Traders here will soon mistrust sending their
Goods to their [ ]ing grounds.
The Caghnawagey Indian that came to you last Winter from
the Western Nations, and whom you charged with Messages to
the Florida Ind"*. showed a String of Wampâ„¢. by which
he said you agree to the Aughquisasnes Request in Sending them
500 Dollars to pay the [ ] of their Sawmill, and that
I was to bring the Money with me, accordingly I was attacked
on my Arrival, but could give them no satisfactory Answer,
And their Priest I suppose will be prosecuted anew, his Creditor
having only been silenced by this Report. The Chiefs of
Caghnawagey dont approve of such a Loan. —
I suppose you have before this been informd of Peters^
Removal from M"" Landries. Col°. Prevost whom I saw at
Tiyondar°. giving me the Reason & which he said he mentioned
to you in a Letter.
On my Arrival at Montreal I met Doct^ Huntley to whom I
had a Letter from Doct^ Dease, and on his seeing I had
a Letter from you to M"" Landries he said he had settled every-
thing with him as to Peters Board &•=*. and hoped he would
never be put there again, and therefore thought it improper to
deliver him the Letter. I told him I believed there was an
Inclosure & on examining & finding the Inclosures were seald
he advised the opening of the Cover, when I delivered him
Peters Letter to forward him; And Landries I have by me and
shall keep it to deliver it you on my Return to save postage.
^ Peter Johnson, oldest child of Sir William Johnson and Molly Brant.
Post-lVar Period, 1763-1774 527
M^ Huntley said Landries was a very unfit place for Peter on
several Accounts, and everyone thinks he is much better where
he is w*^^. being 33 Miles from Montreal I shall take a Tour
there on my Way to Quebec and see & hear how things go on
there. M^ Lanodiere told me he saw Peter last [ ]
he was well, & impatient to see me. Doctor Dease [ ]
please to remember me kindly mentioned to D^ Huntley
[ ] him some Matter for Innoculation by me, but he
must have for [warded] it me with his letter, as I never
received it, or Patrick [ ] the Letters must have lost
or broke it.
On my Return from Quebec shall write again, & if Matters
are as they are at present among the Indians, I shall soon have
finished my Bus^ here. The Caghnawagey Messengers are not
returned yet from the Miami Country havs. been near a 12
Month gone. I must beg the favour of your desiring Thom
Adams to make all the hay he possibly can at the place as I
shall make but little this year at the River.
I hope this may find you in health & Prosperity and remain
with Respect & duty & Compliments to all the family
Dear & honored Sir
Your Obedient Son
Daniel Claus
#He therefore (?) had £ 1000 Sterl. added to his Salary &
a Regiment given him [ ] antly of his coming out.
To the Honorable
S«- W^. Johnson, B'. &c. &c. &c.
INDORSED:^
July 3d. 1 772 —
Co'. Claus letter —
^ In Johnson's hand.
528 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO CADWALLADER GOLDEN
Df. S.'
Johnson hall July 3^ 1772
Dear Sir,
I received with infinite pleasure your letter of last Month by
M"^ Antil, and be assured you have doubly obliged me, by
introducing to my knowledge so Worthy a Connection of yours,
and giving me an opportunity of hearing that you were well; —
Occupied as I generally am, I can have httle that may either
amuse, or Inform you, but I assure you. My dear Sir that I
interest myself much in your health & happiness, and am never
better pleased than when I hear you enjoy both; My Son Sir
John & Col: Johnson waited on you last October at your
agreable retirement; but being in Company with others Circum-
stanced in point of time, they had not leisure to Cultivate that
Friendship which I trust will allways Subsist betv/een our
Families.
Governor Tryon has wrote me that he will be here very
Shortly, I am happy to find that you enjoy so much of his
friendship, and that he pays you that attention, to which you
have so good a title ; he has the reputation of being a Gentleman
of Merit & Abilities, and I promise myself much satisfaction in
an Interview with him when I shall deal very candidly with him
on all Subjects.
Except the Murder of 8 Misisagas by an Idle fellow who was
formerly banished for his Intrigues from Niagara," I know nothing
worthy Mentioning to you. — The Affair has been touched on
in the PubHc Prints but stated intirely in his favor: and as the
Consequences are as yet uncertain, I cannot enlarge upon it,
I shall therefore Conclude with assuring you, that I rejoyce at
hearing your health has been of late improved; and that when-
^ In Newberry Library, Chicago, 111. ; in handwriting of Guy Johnson.
2 David Ramsay. See Doc. Hist. N. Y., 2:994-96; Q.
2:5:576-77; and Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y., 8:300-1.
Post-lVar Period, 1763-1774 529
ever you can with Convenience to yourself oblige me v^^ith a line
I shall receive it with pleasure as I heartily wish you every
desirable Gift and shall always approve myself Dear Sir,
Your sincere Friend
& Affect*^ humble Serv*.
W. J.
Honble L^ Gov« CoLDEN
INDORSED :
July 3d 1 772
To the Honble L* GoV Golden,
^ M^ Antile.
FROM JOHN VAN RENSSELAER
A. L. S.
Albany July 5"'. 1772
[ ]
The Earl of Dunmore having Honored me with the inclosed
Commission, I was surprised to find that M^ Hogeboom still
Continued to give orders to the Militia at Claverack, until Col°.
Schuyler Suggested to me that it was necessary you as Brigadier
General of the District should be apprised of my appointment,
as I really did not know this, you will please to Excuse my not
having given you a more Early Information of it, — upon seeing
the Commission I doubt not but you will give the proper orders
to M^ Hogeboom and the officers of the Regiment, be pleased
to return the Commission by M^ Schuyler unless you should
have Longer occasion for it
I am Sir Your Most Obed'.
Humb. Serv'.
John Van Rensselaer
The Honorable SiR W" JoHNSON Brigadier Generall &^.
530 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:^
Co'. Ranslears letter
with his Commission
July 5'^ 1772 —
AN ORDER
A. D. 5.2
Johnson Hall July 6'^ 1772
please to let them Messissagaes who are now going Home have
Twenty gallons of Common Rum, & 3 looking glasses, which
You will please to charge to Ace*, of
Y^ Humble Servant
W. Johnson
A POWER OF ATTORNEY
D. S.'
July 7, 1772
Know All Men by these Presents that I Sir William Johnson
of Johnson Hall in the County of Tryon in the Province of New
York in America Bar' Have Made Ordained Constituted and
appointed, and by these Presents Do make Ordain, Constitute,
and appoint John Blackburn in the City of London in the
Kingdom of great Britain Merchant my true and lawful Attorney
for me and in my Name, and for my use to Ask, Demand, Sue
for. Recover & Receive of and from all Persons & Persons
whatsoever All Sum and Sums of Money, Debts, Dues, Claims,
and Demands whatsoever now due. Owing, or Accruing to me,
and to give good, and sufficient Discharges for the same. And to
Adjust Settle, or Compound all Debts, or Demands due to me,
and to Accept such Security, or Satisfaction for the same as he
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In New York Historical Society, New York City.
^ In British Museum. Additional Manuscripts, 24323, fo. 5, London,
England.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 531
shall think fit, And I do hereby give and grant to my said
Attorney my full and whole Power in and concerning the
Premisses, and will Ratify & Confirm whatsoever he Shall law-
fully Act, or do therein. In Witness whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand and Seal this 7'*^ day of July 1 772. —
Sealed & Deliv^. 1 ^v/ t
. . r^ cY W Johnson
m the Jrresence or J
John Stevenson
Phill. Van Rensselaer
Mem°. That on the 8'^: July 1 772, Personally Appeared
before me Abr"â„¢. C Cuyler Esq^ Mayor of the City of
Albany, in the Province of New York, in America, John
Stevenson & Philip Van Rensselaer, the two Subscribeing
witnesses, and made Oath that they saw the above named
Sir William Johnson Barn*, sign & Seal the above power
of Attorney as his Voluntary Act, and Deed for the use
therein mentioned, in Testimony whereof I the said Mayor
have hereunto set my Name & caused the Public Seal of
said City to be here unto. Affixed, dated as above.
Abr". C. Cuyler Mayor
indorsed : Power of Attorney to
M^ John Blackburne
Sir William Johnson Bart —
FROM AUGUSTINE PREVOST
New York 7'^ July 1772
Dear Sir
Yesterday I was honord with your favour inclosing M"^
Croghans which I take the first oportunity to return. I beg leave
to return you mine, & M" Prevost's most Gratefull thanks for
^ In Newberry Library, Chicago, 111.
532 Sir JVilliam Johnson Papers
your Condessention, and with infinite pleasure acknowledge
myself happy to be rememberd by you tho at Such a Distance.
I cannot help'd being Surprised at not receiving any Letters
from him, perhaps Some may have been left at the Forest. I
think however, that the people would not have been So voyd of
Sence as not to have them to the Hall, but what astonishes me
more is to find no mention is made of the new Colony an affair
I had reason to believe finally Setled, you know my Authority
therefore Shall not presume to Say anything further on that
Subject Except that a few days will clear up that matter to me;
Only Yesterday I procured a Sort of Leave of Absence in
Consequence of which I Sett off for Pittsburgh early tomorrow;
I am orderd to make the greatest dispatch imaginable, my
father Suposes our Stay to be precarious, indeed the wellfare
of the Regiment^ requires our Speedy removall, as Desertion
heere is Surprising None Stays with us but the European, the
American Recruits (which Composes the better half of this
Battalion) go off by partys almost every Night, the natural
Consequence for bringing them from Canada, the General is
sensible of this, and fears being found fault with, his intentions
where to have Sent us on a Secrett Expedition but the Orders
he received from homme prevented it; the two American
Battallion being expressly exepted by the Secretary of Warrs
Orders to him.
I had the Honnor of Dinning with our Governor who pro-
posed Setting off for Johnson Hall in a Day or two, if I can
without any Inconssistency be rememberd, I flatter myself you
will not forget your promise, for if I can possibly accomplish
what I have in view, nothing shall prevent my becoming an
Inhabitant of your County.
I forwarded by M"" Adems a Letter from Mr Fetter' which
my Father brought from Canada I request my most Sincere
Respects to Sir John & the Famillys. Flease to accept the
^ The 60th, or Royal American, recruited largely in Pennsylvania.
^ Peter Johnson, oldest child of Sir William Johnson and Molly Brant.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 533
Same from M". Prevost & to be assured that I shall ever retain
the warmest Sence of gratitude & Respect for you and them
being
Dear Sir
Your most Obed most Obliged
& most Humble Servant
Aug. Prevost
the Honorable SiR WiLLIAM JOHNSON Baro^
I beg to be rememberd to Mess"'* Days, Dayly & Barns
INDORSED:^
N York July 7'" 1 772
Major Prevosts Letter.
FROM ABRAHAM C. CUYLER
A. L. S.
Albany 6'^ July 1772
Sir
I am favour'd w^ith your's of the 6'^. Ins*, with the power of
Atty. inclosed, and According to your request have had the same
proved & Certify'd in the usual way, and return it herewith
inclosed.
sometime ago, Col°. Swits Apply'd to me for a return of the
Granad^ Company under my Command, when I signify'd to
him that I had given the care of the Compy. to my oldest Lieu*.
M''. Jacob Cuyler, whom I wou'd direct to give him a return
(myself having much of time engaged on the Attention of my
Public Office) , and desired him in the mean time to recommend
my oldest Lieu*, for the Compy., since which have Consulted
with the Officers of the Compy. and we have thought proper to
recommend the following Alteration
In Johnson's hand.
534 Sir William Johnson Papers
M'. Jacob Cuyler Cap*., Henry Van Veghten, Peter Ganse-
voort, & Dan'. Van Antwerp Lieu*^, the other Lieut^ formerly
of the Compy. beg leave to resign, and desired me to Communi-
cate the same to you, and as I am inform'd you intend an
Alteration in the Militia to make out a Set of new Commissions
I beg leave to recommend the above Alteration to your Appro-
bation, and at the same time if you thought proper to prefer me
to the Majority of this Battalion, (which I am inform'd is
Vacant) you'll confer on me great honor, and as I conceive give
no offense to my other officer, as I can with safety say that I am
the oldest Acting Cap', in the Battalion. —
I beg leave to Acquaint you that I have a Double Deck
Vessel in building intended for the Trade from this place to
London, will be launched the begs. of September, and intend
to Patronize her with your Name, if with your Approbation,
she will sail the first week in Oct^ & be consign'd to M^ J.
Blackburn in London, any Commands you or your Connections
may please to favour her with to or from London, will always
be punctually perform'd. pardon my freedom of this long
epestal & beleive me to be with great esteem
Sir
Your Ob*. Humble Servant
Abr". C. Cuyler
To
The Hon'. Sir W". Johnson Bam*. &c.
INDORSED:'
Abr"*. C. Cuyler Esq".
Letter July 8•^ 1 772
Ans^''. ^ M^ Silvester.
In Johnson's hand.
Post'War Period, 1763-1774 535
TO JOHN VAN RENSSELAER
Johnson hall July 9"-. 1772,
Sir,
M^ Schuyler delivered me your favor of the 5'^. Ins* w'i\h
the Commission inclosed, which w^as the very first information I
had of your late Appointment. — I remember that towards the
end of the Administration of the late Sir Heny Moore, complaint
was made That the Tenor of your former Commission was made
to favor one Side in the dispute about property there, which
might have a dangerous tendency, and that there were many
irregular and partial Acts done in the forming of that Regiment
which had inclined S"^ Heny to acknowledge that he had been
Misinformed when the Appointments were made, & Indeed if
the Case was as represented, tho' it be far from my inclination
to give any Gentleman pain, I could not help condemning the
measure. Sometime after Col. Hogeboom was appointed to the
Command of the Regiment as the L' Gov"^ informed me, on your
rejecting a new Commis" because some alterations were made
amongst the Officers, Since which I have received 2 Returns
from him. But I should certainly have been informed of your
late Appointment, as Lord Dunmore must be sensible that If
It is neither communicated by the Governor, or the Col°. my
Appointment as Major Gen', of the District cannot be of the use
for which it was intended, as I certainly ought to know every
Change in the District I have the honor to Comand which you
must be sensible was no promotion to me, & was only accepted
with a View of being as serviceable as I could to the Public. —
I sho*^. therefore have wished, both for your Justification & mine,
that a fair enquiry had been made into the Nature of the Alle-
gations against your Regiment, at present I have ordered the
Adj^ Gen', to write you for a Return of it to enable me to give
the necessary ord*. to Col: Hogeboom and I trust you wall
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
536 Sir William Johnson Papers
always find in my Conduct, the same degree of Candour with
which I have now expressed myself, and w*^. which all Gent",
should act towards Each other. I return you the Commiss".
agreable to your desire by the Hands of M^ Schuyler, & am Sir
Your most Obed*- Humble Serv*
P. S. I find in the descript". of your Limits the Words
"[ ] Claverack." I fancy it is some Mistake.
Colo"-. John Van Rensselaer
indorsed:^
July 9th. 1 772 _
To Col°. J". Ranslear.
FROM JOHN WATTS
A. L. S.
Nerv York lO^f^. July 1772
D«. S«.
I Receiv'd the Conveyance for Lord Adam Gordon by the
Post, with your favor of 1 2*^ Ult, but tother day —
I thought you was to have drawn your self for the Value, but
if you preferr my doing it. Say to whom the Bill shall be payable
& to whom sent or deliver'd, & it shall be immediatly done, I
shall add 20/ to your Ace", for the Postage, as I have no reckon-
ing with Lord Adam, the Value you can give to any One of our
friends, among the Many that Visit your hospitable Abode —
Excha: is at present 72|/2 ^ CK and seems pretty steady, tho no
dependance can be plac'd on such a fluctuating Medium of
Business — This I send by his Excellency,' whom I think you
will like, he is generous, friendly and candid, and goes through
Business with Alacrity & cleaverness —
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ Governor Tryon.
Post-lVar Period, 1763-1774 537
There is a Cursed Commotion in Town, about selling a
Number of Patents for a Song to pay the Quit Rents, & if this
Fact is represented truely. In my Opinion there seems to be
an unfeeling Spirit some where considering the length it has been
carry'd, tho the warning it must be admitted was long &
solemn — Let us pay for Northampton or that will go too, if
not allready gone, for such proceedings are Summary with a
witness, when they come to the Crisis — One two three & away
flys an Estate for ever & ever — My regards to S^ John & the
Colonel — I am with great truth
D^ S^
Y^ Most Obf. Hum. Serv».
Jno Watts
S'^. Will Johnson Barr" —
INDORSED :
10^ July 1772 —
From the Honble
John Watts Esq^
FROM FRANCIS PANTON
A. L. S.
New York 10 July 1772
Sir
Your character both in Private and Publick life, encorages me
to hope you will pardon the liberty I have assum'd of intruding
on your patience for a few moments, till I inform you, that
during the time M"": Darlington was your Agent, he bespoke
two wigs of me, for you which I made, and am Sorrey to inform
you he never paid me for, and has left me destitute of every
resourse, but that of relying on your generousity, which I am
encorage'd to, by some gentlemen who are honor'd with your
aquaintance to hope you will not permit me to be a Sufferer
538 Sir William Johnson Papers
I took the freedom of mentioning this to S"^: John Johnston
upon his arrival from England, from whom I received some
encoragement, but I suppose more important affairs has prevented
his adverting to it Since
as my character is not knov^n to you, I must beg leave with
great Submission, to refer you to his Excelb Governor Tryon
whom I have the honor to be employd by, or to Col": Fanning
whom I have beg'd to deliver you this. I am likewise well
known to General and M": Gage, and all the Staff Officers
for whom I have work'd maney Years
as to M"" Darlington he is in goal, his house sold and a wife
and two daughters left Destitute, so that I canot expect aney
thing from him. Please to signify your pleasure by Cob:
Fanning, or to your Agent
I am Sir with Submission
Your Most Obliged
Humble Servant
Fra^ Panton
To the Hon'^'^: S«: WiLL: JoHNSTON
[ ] 20 To a bag wig and ribbon — 2 . . 1 . .
March 24 To Ditto with Ditto 2 . . 1 . .
£5.. 0..0
INDORSED :
Francis Pantons Ace*.
^ Co'. Fanning —
Ans^^.
FROM JOHN MONIER
A. L. S.
Albany 11 ^K July 1772.
Sir
I am favord with your Letter of Yesterday, inclosing me
£27. .2. .0. for which I now send you a Receipt
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774 539
I can not conceive how it is that your Papers are so often
missing, I dont think it neglect of the Printers but a remissness
some how or other in the Clerks and Riders at New York, to
whom I shall write about it this Post, and desire them to Remedy
the Evil.
Things are to go on a better footing in future with the Riders
that Ply between this and New York and v/i!l be Satisfactory
to the Publick I hope. I have seen a letter from M^ Foxcroft
wherein he agrees to allow the Rider an addition of £ 1 00
per Annum, that he must go Weekly Winter and Summer and
for the benefit of the Publick up one Side the River and down
the other, only with this difference that if at certain Seasons the
Road on one side should be better than the other, he then will
have his Choice — and in case of default or neglect, a Deduction
will be made off his pay of Half a Joe for every Neglect; this
I think is the Plan, and in course will make them be on their
Guard.
I have in my Cellar two Q"" Casks and a Barrel of Liquor
for you, which will be safe untill its convenient for you to send
for them. I am with great Respect
Sir
Your very hu Servant
Jn°. Monier
Sir William Johnson Baronet
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnson Bar'.
At
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
July nth. 1772 —
M^ Moniers Letter
& a Recp'. for £27
^ In Johnson's hand.
540 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM PHYN & ELLICE
A. L. S.
Schenectady //">. July 1772
Sir
We have rec*^ your esteemed fav^ of y^ 9'^. Ins'. & herewith
send the 2^^. Green Tea "^ Acco*. at bottom w^. hope will please.
Are sorry so much of the Porter was lost, there will be some
breackeage in most bottled liquor, but more then 10 or 12 Bottles
in a Teirce is too much, we will therefor w^. pleasure be at the
loss of |/2 the breackage & you will please to let us know how
much that is —
Inclosed is £ 1 00 NYC : for w^. we want a Bill on N York
when convenient
We have the Honer to be w*^. due respect
Sir
Your Most Hum' Serv'
Phyn & Ellice
2"^ Best Payson tea 26/ 2. . 12. .-
1 two pound Canaster — .. 2. .6
1 half pound d° d<^ - . . 1 . .
£2. .15. .6
INDORSED:^
Mess'â– ^ Phyn & Ellices
Letter with Cash
July 11'h. 1772 —
In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 541
FROM CHARLES INGLIS
A. L. S.i
Kings College, July II, 1772
Dear & Worthy Sir,
Altho I wrote to you lately, I cannot let this Opportunity slip
without letting You hear from me.
This goes by my Friend, Col. Fanning," who accompanies
GovernorTryon to your Parts, & whose Secretary Col. Fanning
is. I doubt not but You will be much pleased with the Governor,
who is a most worthy, agreeable Gentleman, & merits the highest
Esteem from every Person.
A Report was spread here some Time since, that the Indians,
provoked by the Murders committed by a Trader, had attacked
Your House & burned it. I was extremely uneasy, untill I heard
that the Report was groundless. And indeed the Influence &
Authority which You have over the Indians, as well as Affection
& Veneration they bear to You, made it very improbable.
We have had little Intelligence from D"". Cooper since I wrote
to You last. We are yet in the Dark as to his Success in the
several Matters he was charged with. He was in Hopes of
having the Quit Rents remitted for two Townships lately granted
out of the New Hampshire Lands, one to this College, & the
other to the Corporation of Trinity Church in this City.^ This
would be a considerable Acquisition to both, & there is a Proba-
bility that it may be obtained.
We have had a large Addition to our Students this Term.
We never had so many Freshmen entered at one Time since the
^ In Library of Congress, Washington, D. C.
^ Edmund Fanning, son-in-law of Governor Tryon, whose private secre-
tary he was; in the War of the Revolution, Colonel of the King's Ameri-
can regiment, which saw service in New York, Connecticut and the
Carolinas.
^ See Ecclesiastical Records of the State of New York, p. 3941,
3942, 4091. 4092. 4183. 4185. or Doc. Rel to Col. Hist. N. Y..
7:645. 646. 933, 940; 8:296-98.
542 Sir William Johnson Papers
College was erected. It will rise & flourish, I trust, notwith-
standing the Opposition & Calumnies of its Enemies, But I
really want to be delivered from my present Trouble, which I
hope will be soon, as D^ Cooper is expected next Month.
By this Conveyance I send a Couple of Shirts to my Godson.
I shall be obliged to You, if you will order them to be delivered
to his Father. Be pleased also to remember me kindly to the
Father. I hope the Child is well, & wish he may prove a good
Man. Could it be effected, it would give me great pleasure if
the Father would consent to have this Child educated for the
Ministry. But this must be a matter of future Consideration.
My best Compliments wait on Sir John, Col. Johnson, & Col.
Clause. I am with the sincerest Esteem,
Worthy Sir,
Your very affectionate Friend,
& humble Serv'.
Charles Inglis
To Sir W'^. Johnson, Bar*.
INDORSED: July 11 th 1772
From the Rev<^. M^ Inglis.
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S.
New York 14 July 1772
Dear Sir
I received yours 26 Ult°. & am glad to hear you got the Money
safe by M'' Blagge, h that you like the Young Man. I wish he
had something better than the Clerkship, & that Col° Butler had
that, as it would be more proper — I am quite clear of the Fever
& Ague, & hope shall not experience another return of it, tho' I
am obliged to be a good deal to the Southward, where they are
never without it, but in Winter.
Post-War Period, J 763-1 774 543
Our Governor sett out last Sunday, unexpectedly, he had
resolved to wait the arrivall of the Packett, but changed his
Mind. I did not know of his going, I had some Money ready
to send you, & the Deed for the 1000 Acres on Adigo Creek,
both shall be sent by first safe hand.
I could not possibly go & pay you a visitt at this time, I am
obliged to be in Philad*. for which place I sett out in a few hours.
If I can get back in time, that I think I may see The Governor
at Johnson Hall perhaps I may make a flying March & have the
pleasure of seeing you. If I cannot do it Just now, its probable
I may before the Winter — I am sure youll like the Gov"" &
Lady — they will be some time going up — as they propose
paying some Visitts on the River — The Gov^ will lett you
know when he gets to Albany, & I suppose Sir John & Col^
Johnson will meett him there, & carry him to the Hall, for you are
so busy I dont suppose you can meet him.
I have heard nothing of the few Persons you say are dissatisfied
at y* Court House being at Johnstown, they cannot meet any
Encouragement here. I think that affair fixed, & wont be altered.
You can shew the Governor the propriety of it — Inclosed is a
rec^ for the Metheglin & Lisbon Wine, Cost £23.2.- ^ acco'.
at foot hereof or Inclosed herem — hope they will please you —
My Compl'® to M'^ Chew. I sent yesterday by Sandford
to Albany directed to you a Cask of Cod Sounds & Tongues
that came from Boston to my Care for him —
There is the Hue & Cry here about the Pattents sold at
Albany for Quitt rent. I think such Rascally proceedings in
buying Gentlemen's property in such a Manner, I think such
Sales cannot Stand. You will no doubt hear enough of it —
Col" Delaney is gone up about it — If Men will do all that
the Law will support them in h have no principle of Honer or
Conscience, it[s] well there is a Law against picking Pocketts
or we should not be able to walk the Streets with a Dollar about
us. I know there is a Law called in our Country Sh'dlalagh &
544 Sir William Johnson Papers
If any Man was to wrest my property from me in such a Manner,
I would apply that Law to him — Depend on it, the Colony
will be in Arms if this Affair is sufferd to take place. Who is
sure of His Property — What Mortgage on Lands is good if
they can be sold in this Way for the King — No Body will lend
money on Lands but will see the Quitt rent always paid off as it
becomes due. Enough of this Subject.
The May Packett not arrived yet. its supposed the Danish
affairs detain here. My Compl'^ to all Friends with you — I
am verry Sincerely
D--Sir
Your obliged & obed' Serv*
Hugh Wallace
Sir William Johnson Bar'.
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
July 14»h. 1772 —
M^ Wallaces
Letter —
FROM WILLIAM HANNA
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 507, is listed a letter of July 20th from
Rev. William Hanna, London, relating to his meeting with Colonel Sharpe
in Maryland, letters to Lord Fairfax, Colonel George Fairfax and Col.
Washington in Virginia, ordination in London, efforts of Samuel Wharton
among the nobility to get him a parish in Virginia, visit to the Privy Coun-
cil, Mr Wharton's influence, and the monument to Sir Peter Warren in
Westminster Abbey (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:476-79; Q,
4:296-98).
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-/774 545
DISPUTE BETWEEN GEORGE KLOCK AND ASSOCIATES
Contemporary Copy
[Albany] July 21, 1772.
State of a Case
George Klock William Nellis and sundry others Associates
purchased from the native Indians & Proprietors a Tract of Land
near Conajohare for which they obtained Letters Patent in
Dec^ 1754.
The said George Klock being used to dealings with the
Indians was made choise of by the rest to make the Indian pur-
chase for which he was paid by the Partners but being a very
artfull designing Man and his Associates Innocent Ignorant
People he easily persuaded them to Release his shares in the
Patent to him and also to permit his son tho a Person of little
or no capacity to be employed as a Surveyor for laying out the
Patent and dividing the same without which he refused to
Release to the rest — The Patent being at length divided the
rest of the Partners applied to said George Klock that he would
Release their Shares as they had done his which he positively
refused to comply with unless they would employ his said son
to draw the Deeds of Release and pay him £3 Y Curry for
each Deed whereupon the parties having met and taking into
Consideration that the said Geo. Klock was a crafty Man and
might Occasion them much trouble and loss of time and con-
cious of their Ignorance in matters of Law they at length came
to an Agreement in Writing that they would employ his Son
for the purposes and at the rate before mentioned provided that
the Deeds when drawn and laid before some person learned in
the Law should be approved of by him and deemed good and
sufficient and this they did from a strong presumption of the
Incapacity of said Klocks Son who willingly entered into the
said Agreement. A Deed was accordingly drawn up & trans-
mited to John T. Kemp Esq^ his Majestys Attorney General
for his perusal and Opinion who after pointing out some of the
18
546 Sir William Johnson Papers
many Capital Errors therein concluding in these Words but it will
be too tedious to enumerate all the Defects and therefore I shall
omitt any more of them and Content myself with declaring my
Opinion that the Deeds shewn me are entirely defective and bad
for the purposes they were intended for, which Opinion was
immediately Communicated to all the parties Nevertheless the
said Geo: Klock partly by Artifices partly by Threats and
Menaces imposed so far on some of the parties as to prevail on
them to except of these defective Deeds but those of Superior
understanding refused to do so and have now prevailed on the
rest to enter into a Bond of £ 500 penalty to each other to con-
tribute their Proportions of the expense that may attend the
compelling the said Geo : Klock to give them a good and sufficient
Deeds of Release for their respective Shares which to their great
loss and detriment they have been kept out of for so many years
thro the obstinacy of the said Geo: Klock. It is further neces-
sary to observe thro length of time several of the Fifteen Original
Patentees are dead whose Rights it is presumed are now in
Minors Executors fit*^. it is therefore demanded —
Quere 1^*. What is to be done respecting the Shares of those
who are deceased and who it is [ ] have a Right to
proceed in this business
Q. 2^. What steps are to be taken by the Surviving Patentees
for obtaining Good and sufficient Releases in the Law for their
shares and weather they should proceed joyntly with their Heirs
aforesaid or otherwise
Q 3^. As the parties are well contented with the Survey and
Division of the Lots as they now stand they are therefore
unwilling to go to the Charge of dividing the same according to
the act of Assembly more particularly as it would Occasion a
general Confusion and alteration of these Lots have they not then
sufficient Grounds to proceed against the said George Klock to
compell him to execute good and sufficient Deeds without pro-
ceeding according to the said Act. And it is hoped that the
fullest advice and direction will be given them as well in the
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 547
Premyses as in any other Matter for their Relief which the
Ignorance of the Laws may have caused them to omit.
It does not appear from the Case whether the patent granted
an Estate in Joint tenancy or Tenancy in Common — nor is it
very clearly expressed whether by the Release to Clock he was
thereby vested in the whole or only his separate and divided share
the latter I take to be the Case — however In answer to the first
Quere observe that such of the Original Patentees who dyed
without making Wills and their Shares undisposed of in their life
time each of their Heirs at Lav/ if of lawful! age may proceed
by bill in Equity to compell the Execution of deeds conformable
to agreement those under age may get Guardians appointed for
the purpose — In Cases where any of the Patentees have dis-
posed of their rights by will the persons to whom such shares are
divised must join in bringing the Bill if of lawfull age such of
them as are interested under Wills and not of lawfull age may
pursue the same method as above proposed
2^. In answer to the second Quere — the Surviving Patentees
must also resort to Equity for Relief as the Circumstances of the
matters are and they can join in a bill with the Heirs devises
and representatives of such of the Patentees who are dead which
will be less expensive or they may sever in their Suits
3"^. In answer to the third Quere — doubtless on the applica-
tion of any one or more of the Patentees or partys concerned a
Division may be made under the Partition act of Assembly but
no Wonder the partys should be averse to [ ] sure
from the expense consequent thereof and from the general Con-
fusion it must [ ] as the allottments would probably
throw an Intire new face on affairs and the Industry of one Man
might fall into the hands of another less so and the old possessors
be obliged to remove from their Farms and Improvements by
the Change in a new division — still under all these hardships
expenses and difficulties, the one method or the other must be
followed Viz either a Chancery Suit or a division under the Act
unless what I understood from S^ William is actually the Case
that M^ Fry made a survey by order of the parties and for-
548 Sir IVilUam Johnson Papers
tunate for the injured parties if it is so tho it differs and seemingly
contradict this Case as it is penned or stated for it is said that
Klock's son was the Surveyor tho indeed they both might be for
different if not for the same purposes —
If the Map of division made by Colb. Fry was made by him
at the request of all the parties for the purposes of a division
then pursuing the direction of the Act in that particular each of
the parties and their legal Representatives will hold their Estates
in severalty according to such division as effectually as if good
releases had actually been drawn and executed — The Para-
graph I allude to is in the words following of the division Act
in 2 Book page 242
By it therefore Enacted by the Authority aforesaid that every
former division of Lands by Survey Ballot or otherwise of which
there is a Map Note or Memorandum in writing specifying to
whom the several divided parts belong under the Hands of the
proprietors assenting to the same or under the Hand of their
Agent or Surveyor shall for ever hereafter be deemed a partition
thereof between such proprietors so consenting as Effectually to
all intents and purposes as if the same had been made by deed
or otherwise according to the due course of Law, provided always
that such Map Note or Memorandum and Consent be duly
proved before one of the Judges of the Supreme Court in the
manner Deeds are now used to be proved in this Colony and a
true Copy of such Map be filed and such Note or Memorandum
recorded in the Secretarys Office or in the Clerks Office of that
County where the greatest part of such Land lay at any time
during the Continuance of this Act
On a reperusal of the Act I find it expired on the first of
January one thousand seven hundred and Seventy and this Case
not within the meaning of the proviso in the said Act still I would
advise the same steps requisite to be taken in Order to warrent
the recording of the Map as if the Act was in its full force
[per] haps the Legislature in such a Case [ ] Interpose
by reviving the Act to the [par]ticular
P. Silvester
Post^War Period, 1763-1774 549
On further research I find that on the 31*'
December 1 768 the said Acts was revived
and continued until the first of January
1780^
Copy.
State of a Case of
George Klock William
Nellis and sundry others
INDORSED r
M^ Silvesters Opinion
July I 772 relative
to Klocks Patent —
FROM WILLIAM ANDREWS
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 507, is listed a letter from Schenectady
dated July 23, I 772, from Rev. William Andrews declaring resignation
at failure to obtain the Johnstown mission and considering hardships of his
present position (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:480; Q, 4:298).
FROM HENRY VAN SCHAACK
A. L. S.
Kinderhook 27th July J 772
[ ]
I returned last night from a Journey, immediately upon my
coming home I received information that Col° Rensselaer & his
Son in law Col° Schuyler had actually laid Lists of Militia
Officers for this Quarter before his Excellency the Governor at
Albany — The Person who has betrayd them was looked upon
as a favourer of their designs, by this means our intelligence is so
direct that we have no doubt but what we have heard is true.
The Rensselaer Family were so sanguine that they assured our
Informant that the Col** had the Command of his Regiment for
^ Note written in a different hand.
" In Johnson's hand.
550 Sir William Johnson Papers
that part of the Manor of Rensselaer which hes at Claverack
restored to him, that they had it now in their power to do greater
matters for their friends than ever — The Strictest secrecy how-
ever was enjoined. My Father has wrote the Governor which
he has desired me to leave open for your perusal begging the
favour of you Sir either to have it delivered or suppressed as you
shall think best. The Several Papers inclosed to his Excellency
fully shew the nature of our objection to Cob Rensselaers former
appointments. As it is not improbable (if they can't succeed in
getting things established as they had them in S"" Harrys time)
but they will endeavor to get the Kinderhook Regiment divided
in two and thereby get the Command of the Eastern District —
My Father begs and entreats the favour of You to prevent a
measure that will be productive of much discontent and animosity.
As You have upon a number of occasions befriended us We hope
and wish You will once more interpose to prevent mischief and
dispute among a people who live in great harmony. At any rate
We hope his Excellency will do nothing in so great a hurry as
that beared, I am in haste to hurry M^ Van Vliet off that he
may be in time at the Hall
I remain
Respectfully
Your most Obliged and Obedient
humble Servant
H V SCHAACK
ADDRESSED :
To
The Honorable
Sir Wilham Johnson Baronet
at
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
[ ]
[M^ Van] Schaiks letter
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 551
FROM THOMAS GAGE
A. L. S.^
New-york July 28'K- 1772.
Dear Sir,
I inclose an Extract of a Letter to me from Captain Turnbull"
Commanding at Missilimakinac, and shall by first opportunity-
transmit you the Belt therein mentioned. M"": Claus may possibly
get something out of his Interpreter S': John,^ whom the Indian
reports was present when S' : Luc* delivered the Belt, We have
before Met with Things of this Nature, Sufficient to raise our
Suspicions, but never able to bring any thing to Light. I was
in hopes to have beared no more of French Intrigues, which
have Subsided these two years past
I have beared Nothing from the Ilinois Since the Middle of
April ; the Kikapous about forty in Number met Major Hamilton
on his Way from Fort-Pitt, but either they were not ill disposed,
or his Party too Strong to be attacked. They went begging to
him for Rum and Ammunition, but attempted nothing against him.
The Pouteatamies killed a soldier near to Fort Chartres early
in Spring, and it was Said that hostile Partys of Kikapous and
other Indians of the Ouabache were lurking in the Woods, to
find an opportunity to do Mischief I hear from Missilimakinac
that a Trader named Houtelaas Partner of Solomon & Chapman,
by Character a drunken Fellow, was killed by a Chippewa
between the great Carrying Place in Lake Superior and the
farther End of the Lake in the Autumn, and Cap'. Stephenson
informs from the Detroit, that the Hurons will not deliver up
the Indian who killed the Trader last Fall at Sandusky, saying
they will wait to see what we do with Ramssey'^ who killed the
^ In Library of University of Pittsburgh.
^ Captain George Turnbull — letter of May 28, 1 772.
^ St Jean Russeau.
* St Luc La Corne.
^ David Ramsey.
552 Sir JVilUam Johnson Papers
Messessagoes ; and that it is our own Fault that Rum is carried
amongst theme.
I have received No other News concerning Indians from any
of the Posts, but hope the Six Nation Deputys are returned by
this time from Sioto and brought you Such Tidings as you wish
and desire ; that the Ohio may be navigated by our Traders
without Fear or Apprehension of Danger. Governor Penn
objects giving a Commission of the Peace to M"^: M'^rKee for
the District of Sioto, being out of his Jurisdiction; and Says he
has already given him one for the County of Bedford. I have
not had any answer yet from Lord Dunmore on the same Subject,
All was Peace and Harmony with the Southern Indians when
I last beared, and I don't find that the Spaniards at New- Orleans
gain any Influence over them, or that they take a great deal of
Pains to gain their Affections ; they appear desirous only to pre-
serve Peace universaly, and as I hear of no Commotions from
any of our Posts I hope all is as well in the Northern District.
I am With great Regards
Dear Sir
Your Most obedient
humble Servan'.
Thqs. Gage
Sr. \^m. Johnson Bar»:
FROM CHARLES INGLIS
A. L. 5.1
Kings College, July 29, 1772
Worthy Sir,
The Bearer of this, M^ De Wint, is a young Gentleman who
received his Education in this College, & always sustained an
unblemished Character. He has lately entered into the Druggist
Business, keeps an Apothecary's Shop, & deals largely in that
Branch. He goes to Your Parts to settle a Correspondence, &
1 In Library of Congress, Washington, D. C.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 553
solicit Business; & as You might possibly have Occasion to
employ him in his Way, he requested a Letter of Introduction.
Some Time ago I wrote to You by M^ Blagge Your Sheriff,
& sent a Copy of the Indian Memorial, corrected, & as it went
to England ; also a Pamphlet relative to Bishops lately published.
Since that I wrote to You again by Col. Fanning, & sent a
Couple of Shirts for my Indian Godson, both which Packets, I
hope, went safe.
Yesterday I received a Letter from D"". Cooper, dated at
London, the 5'^. of last Month. The Doctor has succeeded in
his Application to have the Quit Rents of a Township lately
granted to the College, remitted for ever. He also had Expecta-
tions that this College would be constituted a University, & one
or more Professorships established by the Crown. ^ This how-
ever, tho in a fair Train, cannot be effected before his Return
to America, which I expect in a little Time.
D^ Cooper has frequently urged to Lord Hillsborough the
Expediency of doing something for the Indians agreeably to the
plan contained in the Memorial; but could not inform me what
Success it was likely to meet with. If Your Interposition &
Recommendation of this Measure, & at a Juncture so favourable
in every Respect for the Execution of it, will not prevail on
Government to do what is so necessary in every View ; I have no
Expectation that any Thing will ever done' for the poor Indians.
This Reflection often distresses me. But I will not despond
yet; & I earnestly pray Heaven to inspire those, who have it in
their Power, with an Inclination to forward a Scheme which
would be productive of so many Benefits to the Community,
such unspeakable Blessings to those benighted Heathens, & would
so much advance the Redeemer's Kingdom & Honour.
Should Governor Tryon be at Johnson Hall when you receive
this, be pleased to present my most respectful Compliments to
His Excellency & to his Lady ; & also inform them that I called
^ See Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y., 8:297-98.
' Omission in the original.
554 Sir William Johnson Papers
this Morning at His Excellency's House at the Hill, to see
Miss Tryon who was perfectly well, in good Spirits, & desired
her Duty might be presented to her Papa & Mama.
A Report has prevailed here that John Odeserundy^ had
wounded an Indian & a white Man with a Knife; the latter of
whom it was thought could not live. I trust this Report is false.
It would grieve me much that John should be concerned in such
an affair; tho it is said he was greatly provoked by the White
Man.
My best Compliments wait on Sir John, Col. Johnson & Col.
Clause ; & be assured You have the sincere Esteem & best Wishes
of,
Worthy Sir,
Your most affectionate & humble Serv'
Charles Inglis
To Sir W^ Johnson, Bar'.
INDORSED: July 29*K 1772
M^ Inglis' Letter
^M^ De Wint
FROM LEVI PAWLING"
A. L. S.3
Marbktown July y^ SO^K 1772
Most Honourable S« . .
There is a report which prevails of late in the regiment I have
the honor to Command, as Major, which makes many of the
good People, belonging to the Regiment (and also many others)
very Uneasy: Which is that they have heard, your Honour has
been Petitioned, to make Intercession with his Excellency our
^ A Mohawk chief. He was active in the war of the Revolution, and
gave to an Indian settlement on the Bay of Quinte, Can., its name.
2 Levi Pawling was Colonel of the Third Regiment of Ulster County
militia in the Revolution.
^ In Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
Post'War Period, 1763-1774 555
Governour, to get John Dumont Coll: of the first regiment, in
Ulster county, Andrew De Witt, Second, and Cornelius Wyn-
koop. Major, who will if so. Supersede Coll: Hardenbergh,
Coll Hasbrouck, and Myself I have not the least Reason to
think your Honor, will do any thing of the Kind, but least
your Honor, may be imposed on, through the Means of False-
hood, I shall use the Freedom to Say, if those Gentlemen should
be Commissioned, in the manner as is proposed, it will be a means
of Subverting our Regiment, as all the Gentlemen, now in Com-
mission will be Superseded, And I am almost Sure will lay
down their Commissions : Your Honour may take it for Granted,
that they are Men full of Pride, and Ambition, and in general
much Disliked. I was with the Governor last Fall, for Com-
missions to fill up some Vacancies in the Regiment. His Excel-
lency told me he was ready to Grant them, but as there was at
that Time no Militia Law, Chose Rather to Refer the same,
till he could get a Militia Law pass'd as that is now done,^ We
(the field Officers) do intend as Soon as possible to get all the
Vacancies fill'd, and also to get Several new Companies made,
as our Regiment is much increased since the last War. Your
Honour will pardon my Freedom and admit me to desire your
Answer and to Subscribe myself your most
Humb'. Serv'.
Levi Pawling
ADDRESSED : To
The Honourable
S"": William Johnson Bar*: &c
att Johnson Hall in Tryon County
These with care
INDORSED:' Marbletown July 30'K 1772
Major Pawlings Letter
1 Passed March 24. 1 772.
^ In Johnson's hand.
556 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDIAN TRANSACTIONS
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 507, are listed the following transactions
with New York Indians at Johnson Hall from July 28th to August 1st:
Governor William Tryon's speech to the Conajoharees (printed in Doc.
ReL to Col. Hist. N. Y., 8:307-8) ; the same to the Mohocks (printed
in Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y., 8:308—9) ; and proceedings as follows
with the Conajoharees, Mohawks and Oneidas (for July 28-30 printed
in Doc. ReL to Col. Hist. N. Y., 8:304-10 in somewhat different order) ;
speeches of Conajoharees asking Governor for redress against George
Klock and Mr Colden; replies of Indians to speeches of Governor; speeches
of and to the Oneidas; land purchases from the Oneidas; agreement with
the Oneidas to extend colony boundary to the St Lawrence river.
AN ACCOUNT
D.
Cash &ca to the Mohocks July 3hK 1772
29 Bills at £10 r^ £290
6 D° at 5 D° 30
1 Do 3,
£323..—
4 Half Joh^ 65^ Each 13. .—
Palmer 2 Dollars — ..16
His Excellcy £336. .16
The Gov^
250 Dollars (for Bergen) 100. .—
140 Dollars from Glen 56. .—
A Note from M^ Fonda for 1 86 . . 6
£679.. 2
A note of hand from S"^ W Johnson payable in
3 Months 1320.. 18
£2000..
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774 557
FROM OLIVER DE LANCEY
A. L. S.
Albany y^ 3^ Aug^ 1772
Dear Sir
Inclosed I Send You one Hundred and Thirty Pounds, for
My fifth of the Indian Purchase Made by Jelles Fonda Esq*^ of
Lands near Fort Stanwix in which I am Interested one fifth You'
be Pleased to Apply this Towards the Payment of the Note
You were So ObHging to Give of £650 for the Whole and be
so Kind as to Send me a Receipt for this Sum I am Just Ready
to Sett of to New York when I shall [ ] be happy to be
of Service to You or Yours I am
[ ]
D-^Sr
Your Most Obedient Serv*
Oliver De Lancey
To S« W"^ Johnson Bar'
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:'
Alby. 3d. August 1 772
Oliver De Lancey Esq'
Letter with Cash
Ans^d^
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S.
[New York Aug'. 4'K 1772]
[ ]
I wrote you before I sett off [ ]
[ ] I returned yesterday, & about two hours [ ]
Mr. White arrived from Albany & deliver'd [ ] your
^ In Johnson's hand.
558 Sir JVilliam Johnson Papers
Letter of 30 July — I am very happy [to] find Our Good
Governer was well with you & liked the Country — I was
detained a Week at least more than I expected, or I would have
sett out & endeavoured to meet the Governer with you — I have
sent by Skipper Ten Eyck as you desired Twenty Barrells of
Pork, they ask £ 5 . . 1 . . — for this Country Pork, which is
so high, that I bought Irish Pork which I think is preferable,
(without partiality) at £4. . 15 ^ barrell — at foot is the Cost
of y^ whole
I have likewise sent a Bundle & a Case or Baskett that came
here for you, & a Box for Col°. Claus, for whom I send a Letter
inclosed. I suppose he is now in Canada or I would write to
him — I have found no safe hand to send you some Cash yet,
shall send you some first oppertunity, & you may draw as you
have occasion — No News here. I am much hurry'd being Just
come home & the Packett sails on Thursday. I am sorry for the
Villanous Massacre of Indians that Vv^e see [ ]
[ ] great deal of Trouble — Many [thanks to]
you for the Care you take of my part of [ ]
at Fort Stanwix — M'■^ Wallace desires her Compl*\ I am
respectfully
D-^Sir
Y^ obliged & obed'. Serv'.
Hugh Wallace
20 Barrells Pork at 95/ £95 . .-
Carting to the Sloop 5
£95.. 5
M"^ White desires his Compl'*-
Pray make mine to all with you
Sir Will Johnson Bar'.
Johnson Hall
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 559
FROM SAMUEL BAKER
[ ]m Johnson
London 5^K AugK 1772.
Sir
The Intention of this is to acquaint you with my Resolution
to Quit the American Business. It requires more Attention than
my Future Views will permit me to Give & therefore I wish to
Extricate myself entirely as Soon as possible. It may be a Con-
venience to you to have a Correspondent connected with
America; if So I Shall be Ready to Serve you 'till you fix on
One to your Mind, not with a View of Business but of Accomo-
dating an Old Acquaintance of my late Father's. I have
Received your Letter of 1 0'*^. May, will Present your Power of
Attorney to the Bank, & the Dividends I may Receive by it,
shall be Stated in your Account which I will Send to you by a
Ship going to New York in about 1 Days.
I am for the Present with Great Regard
Sir
Your most Obed'. Serv'.
Sam^. Baker
addressed :
To
Sir William Johnson Bar',
at Johnson Hall — Albany
New York
INDORSED
.1
London August 5'^. 1 772 —
M'. Saml Bakers letter
In Johnson's hand.
560 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM WADE & KREUSER
A. L. 5.1
OssTvigachey AugK 5'''; 1772
My Dear S«. W".
We most Impatiently waiting at Niagara for the Honour of
a Line from you In Answer to the Many Letters we done Our-
selves the Honour of Writing to You, but receiveing no Answer
and finding it would not Answer staying at Niagara which we
would be Oblidged to have done, as we Could not go to Out
posts, we Accepted of an Invitation which the back Indians gave
Us to Come among them and are thus farr on Our Way In Com-
pany with M"" Hare, who Goes Along with Us. we are Under
no Apprehension but we will meet with great Success please God
we Live to get there, it being the Richest place for furr on the
Communication, and the quietest Ind"^ if we had not took this
step we found we must sink money, Goods being as Cheap at
Niagara, Detroit, Missilimackina as Down the Country, you
may Depend on it that we will Act prudent & spare no pains to
make Something and you shall allways find we will be punctual
with Everry One with whom we have Connextion particularly
you, as farr as we possibly Can, when we get down the River
we go up the Grand River & have 28 Carrying places to go
Over. Our sincere Wishes to S^ John & the Family & we hope
you will believe us to be with the Greatest Gratitude
My Dear sir W"â„¢.
Your Most Oblidged & most Ob'.
Hum servants
Wade & Kreuser
P. S. we will do Ourselves
the Honour of Writing you
from Montreal were we must
go to buy Canoes
In Newberry Library, Chicago, 111.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 561
& Stores, we have a fine Cargo
which we Leave at the Mouth
of the Grand River, we hope to meet
with Capt". Clause.
ADDRESSED: To
The Honourable
Sir William Johnson Bart
att
Johnson Hall
INDORSED: Swegatchy 5*^^. Aug**. 1772
Ferrall Wades letter
TO THOMAS GAGE
Johnson hall Aug'. 6'l\ 1772
Dear Sir,
I am favored with your Letter of the 28'^ ult°. with the
Inclosure, the contents of which may not be without good founda-
tion, I own I have always been inclined from his Character &
many other circumstances to entertain Suspicions of Mons^ St
Luc," and you may recollect that in 1 762 a little before the late
Indian War, Major Gladwin then Comds at Fort W*". Augustus
transmitted to S"" Jeff. Amherst the particulars of Intelligence
obtained in much the same manner from an Indian in whom he
had great Confidence, wherein M^ S' Luc was mentioned to
have been at the bottom of a plot then hatching, as also sev'.
other persons whose names with their whole proceedings were
therein Mentioned, but it was never inquired into, & the War
broke out soon after. I shall direct M"" Claus to endeavor to
Sound S' Jean,^ in such a manner as not to alarm him too much.
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
2 St Luc La Corne,
^ St Jean Russeau.
562 Sir William Johnson Papers
but when all is done, these Schemes are generally conducted with
so much artifice & secrecy, and the parties so united in Sentiments
thereon, that it is hardly possible to bring it to a Conviction.
The State of Affairs in Europe influences much on these
Occasions, for It is pretty generally conjectured I believe that
War is not far off, and none are more ready to give Credit to
that opinion than the Ind^ & French in Canada; to many of
whom It would be highly agreable, & therefore the latter will
leave nothing undone to prepare the Indians against such an
Event. Cap' Stephenson is come down from Detroit, what the
Hurons said to him concerning the Murder at Sandusky shews
their doubts of our Justice concerning the affair of [Ramsay,]"
and I could wish that some method was fallen upon to [put it
out] of their power to Complain of the Sale of Rum which
is both [the] Cause of & in their opinion an Apology for
Murder. —
The Six Nation Depy* are I hear on their way back & I am
Likewise informed that Sev'. Nations declined coming to the
Congress at Scioto, on this subject I shall be enabled to write
you more fully in a little time. —
The Governor is now here & has perfected the purchase of
sev'. Large Tracts of Land on the North Side of the Mohock
River the property of the Mohocks & Oneidas, who with many
White people &ca have been here for these 1 days past
His Excell^y L^ Gen^- Gage
INDORSED :
August 6^^ 1 772 —
To Lieut Gen'. Gage,
concern? the Intelligence received
from Michilimackinac.
^Missing words supplied from original letter dated Aug. 7, 1772 in
the William L. Clements Library, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 563
TO THE EARL OF DUNMORE
Johnson hall Aug'. 8'K 1772
My Lord/
I received with great pleasure your Lordships Letter of the 8*^
of June by Alston the Catawba Indian as it gave me an Oppor-
tunity of hearing that you were well, & of paying my respects
to you, which will always yield me much Satisfaction.
Gov^ Tryon who has passed some days here & before whom
Several Land purchases have been perfected, intends to take the
Indian under his care to New York from whence I hope he
will arrive Safe in his own Country, he seems to be a quiet dis-
creet fellow, and I have given him some little presents.
Sir John, Col. Johnson &ca desire to present you their most
respectfull Complements, and be assured that it will ever afford
me Much pleasure to hear of your Lordships health & happiness
as I am allways with Perfect Esteem,
My Lord,
Your Lordships
most Obed' & very humble Serv*
The R' honble
the Earl of Dunmore.
INDORSED :
Aug^ 8^^^ 1 772.
To his Excelly the R' honble
the Earl of Dunmore
Gov"" General of Virginia.
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
564 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO JOHN WATTS
Johnson hall AugK 8^K 1772.
D«SV
I was favored with your Letter of the 10th Ult° by his
Excell'^y the Gov"", with whose agreable Society for Some days
past I have been much pleased as he is a most friendly & Candid
disposition.
If you can give me a bill payable to M^ John Blackburn
Merch^ in London for the Ammount, it will be most Agreable,
Col : Fanning will deliver you the 20* you Mention as the Am',
of postage
The Commotion has been full as great here as with you, on
accot of the Sale of Patents, some of which with 40 Farms on
them have Gone off for less than the price of One. — The
Warning 'tis true was long given & repeated but the sale was
huddled up with Surprizing Quickness & Secrecy, for there were
scarcely no bidders. — I am however in hopes that some means
may be fallen on for the relief of the Sufferers, but that should
not make us lose sight of the necessary Care for those Patents
who are to be next taken in hand and therefore I think you had
best Settle with those at N York &ca who may have Concerns
in Northampton that the Whole may be paid off, which shall
be done whenever you inform me that the rest are ready with
their Shares. —
Sir John & Col: Johnson desire to be very kindly remembered
and I am allways
Dear Sir
&ca
The Hon^'^ J Watts Esq^
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson,
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 565
INDORSED :
Aug'8'h 1772.—
To the Honble Jn°. Watts
Esq^
FROM JOHN BLACKBURN
A. L. S.
London <S"' August 1772
Sir
I had the Honor of writing You on the 26 Mar : since which
have Recevd Your very poHte & introductory Letter of 28 feby
in favor of Mr Alex"^ Ellice — I concurr with You in Sentiments
of this Gent". & am happy in His acquaintance — He is now
on a Tour to Scotland & proposes returning very early in the
Spring — be assur'd I will Shew Him every Civility in my
power on Your Account —
a few Weeks ago M"" Sam' Wharton apply'd to Me for Two
Hundred pounds on Your Ace', observing that this Sum was
necessary to be paid to Him for Your Share in the Grant of
Lands upon the Ohio River — I told Him that this or any other
Sum of Money was at His disposal as soon as the Grant was
pass'd, but I must first inform myself in what State the Grant
was in before I could pay Him — & propos'd waiting upon
Him in 4 days — He went away, but before the End of 4 Days
I recevd a Note from Him acquainting Me that He had no
occasion for this Money, as He had raisd it from some other of
Your Friends — I acknowledge to You that this Note surprisd
me not a little, but upon Enquiry found that the Grant was not
in that State of Readiness as to require an imediate payment —
for tho it had been consented to by Council Yet the Report was
not recorded — & it now remains in the same Situation — I need
not inform You of Lord Hillsborough's opposition to this Plan
& if it be carried through of His Lordships resignation in conse-
566 Sir William Johnson Papers
quence of it — in my opinion the Grant will pass — & that Lord
Hillsborough as well as many others of the Lords of Trade will
resign —
I dont know any Gent" better qualify'd to reason upon this
Subject than Yourself & of its consequent Effects — as such shall
not deliver my Sentiments — many Gent" object to it as
impolitical & anticomercial & big with danger to this Country
as well as to America —
I thought it necessary to relate the Circumstance of M""
Whartons conversation with me upon this Matter lest it might
be misrepresented for be assured that I am ready to advance 10
times that sum at any time when Your occasions May require
it of me —
I am with much Respect
Sir
Your much obliged and
Very humble Servant
John Blackburn
addressed :
To
Sir W"*. Johnson Bar',
at Fort Johnson
near Albany
To the Care of Henry White Esq'.
Merch».
New York
^ Rose
Miller
QDC
INDORSED:^
London S^K August 1 772
M^ Blackburns letter — I
^ In Johnson's hand.
it'
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 567
FROM ROBERT ROGERS
L. 5.
Spring Gardens at Charing Cross
Monday 10'^ August 1772 —
Sir
Having on my Way to Michilimakinak, in the Year 1 766
been favored with Your Appointment to manage the Indian
Affairs at that post; I request the Favor of You to certify that
Appointment, as also the Allowance which the Commissary who
succeeded me had ^ Year in order that I may be paid by
Government for that Service — I am
Sir
Your most obedient, and
most humble Servant
Robert Rogers
To Sir William Johnson Bar*.
INDORSED:^
London 10»K Aug»». 1772
Roger's letter
DEPOSITION OF JOHN DE PEYSTER^
Contemporary Copy
[Augmt II, 1772]
I
[Mo]hawke Indians [
called Ticonderoga did by and with [
and approbation of their whole Nat [ion
used by them in all or most cases) apply [
Corporation of the said City to take [
^ In Johnson's hand,
^ John De Peyster mayor of Albany 1 729 and 1 732.
^ Lines burned off.
568 Sir William Johnson Papers
them for one Thousand Acres of Low or Meadow [Land]
lying at Ticonderoga aforesaid that thi[ ]
with some others of the Corporation a Co[ ]
appointed for that purpose in consiquen[ce ]
appHcation of the Indians went to Ticonderoga and had a Deed
made and Executed by the Indians in due form to the intire
satisfaction of the Majority of the Mohawke Nation for the said
One Thousand Acres of Land by which Deed the said Land
was granted to the said Corporation in trust Nevertheless for
the said Mohawke Indians so long as they should continue a
Nation and be their settled and from and immediately after that
the Remainder to the only proper Use and behoof of the said
Corporation their Successors and Assigns for Ever, that this
deponent after the Execution of the Deed aforesaid at the
request and desire of the Corporation aforesaid kept the said
Deed in his Possession untill on the twelfth day of September
[ ']
[ ]ponents attend [ ]
[ s]aid Indian Dee[d ]
Ticonderoga aforesaid as he wanted to have a [ ]
of it. That his deponent in Consequence [ w]hich Message
waited upon his Excellency with the said Deed and delivered
the same to him (not doubting in the least but that his said
Excellency [wojuld return it again to this Deponent as soon as
he had perused it for the Indians.) That after his said Excellency
had perused the said Deed himself he gave it to Lawrence
Clawsen then sworn Interpretor and ordered him to interpret the
said Deed to the Indians then about six or seven in Number
present. That after the Interpretation of the said Deed his said
Excellency asked the Indians what they would have him do
with the said Deed to which they replied his Excellency might
do with it what he pleased, he might keep it in his own possession
if he thought proper, which his Excellency declining told them
they might do with it as they saw fit Whereupon the said
Indians desired his said Excellency to return the said Deed to
Lines burned off.
Post'War Period, 1763-1774 569
this Deponent to remain in this Deponents Custody and Care
and at the same time desired to have a Copy of the Deed
to preserve among themselves which this Deponent then
[ ']
that he should [ J
it should be destroyed [ J
ment (or v^ords to that Effect) [ J
replied that as he this Deponent [ J
Corporation he hoped his Excellency [ ]
so honorable as to return it again to them [ ]
That Notwithstanding this Deponent made [use] of many more
pressing Arguments with [his] Excellency to return the said
Deed to him this [Depo]nent could not by any means prevail
upon [his] said Excellency to return the same but instead his
said Excellency gave the said Deed to one of the Indians named
Arie making Signs and giving Directions at the same time to
the said Indian to destroy the said Deed which the said Indian
did by tearing the same to peices and throwing them in the (ire
in presence of his said Excellency several of his Majestys Council
Dirk Ten Broek then Recorder of the said City of Albany
and this Deponent Upon which this Deponent left his said
Excellency much displeased and dissatisfyed and further this
Deponent saith not.
Jn° De Peyster
Sworn the 18^^ day of Marchl
Anno Dom. 1 769 — J
Jacob C. Ten Eyck, Justice
And this Deponent being farther
[ â– ]
[ ] & Children expresses [ ]
[ ']
[ ] Deponent saith not.
Jn^ De Peyster
[Sworn the ] day of
[ ] before me
[Jacob C] Ten Eyck Justice
^ Lines burned off.
570 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED :
Deposition of John De
Peyster Esq*^.
Copy —
FROM EBENEZER JESSUP
A. L. S.
Albany August 12^^ 1772
Honoured Sir/
I have found the Certain place where Ticonderoga is, but not
Crown Point Yet, it Cannot Possible differ above a Mile from
Crown Point as it is laid down here, on this Little Map inclosed,
which I had made for Coll: Johnson, When here, but he left
this Place Before I had an opportunity to See him, being
Confin'd My family All Sick.
M^ Campbell is going out to Run the out Lines of the Pur-
chace, and from the favours I have already Received of Your
Honour, I have reason to beleive That You will Order as few
Indians Along with Him, as will Answer the Purpose which
will much Oblige
Honoured Sir
Your Most Obliged and
Very Humble Servant
Eben«. Jessup
Sir William Johnson.
indorsed:^
M^ Jessups Letter
^ M^ Campbell
In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 571
FROM ABRAHAM HASBROUCK
A. L. S.i
Kingston August y 12^^ 1772
Here Is a Report Prevails That John Dumon, Andries T:
Dewit, and Cornelius Winkoop Jun, Have applyed to you and
Coll Broadstreet, to make Interest for them With his Excellency
The Governor To obtain Commissions for them (To Wit) John
Dumon for Coll Andries T : Dewit for Lt : Coll : and Cornelius
Winkoop Jun for Major, of the first Regiment In Ulster
County
I Being from home Some Time at my Country Seat at Guil-
ford, and When I Returned home again Last Saturday, Severall
of the Subaltern officers of our Regiment Came to me, and
acquainted me of That Report, and Informed me that there
Was Great uneasiness amongst The officers, and also amongst
They Private men
In Case These Men Should be put In Commission, It Would
Cause a Great Confusion in the Regiment, I Dont Think There
Could be three other Persons Thought of In the Whole Regi-
ment, Would be so Disagreeable as Those Gentlemen Named
above. Who have applyed to you as Is Said to Reported
I should Take It as a favour If you Would be so Kind To
make me answer on this Letter, If they have applyed to you
or Not, that the Truth may be Known of That Report, that I
may be able to Satisfy my officers under my Command, and
You'll oblige Your Sincere friend and most Humble Servant
to Command —
Abraham Hasbrouck
To
S"^ William Johnson Barronet
at Johnson's Hall
in the County of Tryon
^ In New York Historical Society, New York City.
572 Sir William Johnson Papers
ADDRESSED :
To
S"" William Johnson Barronet
at Johnsons Hall —
In The County of Tryon
With Care & Speed —
INDORSED:^
August 12^K 1772 —
Co'. Hasbroucks letter
Ans'''^.
TO THOMAS GAGE
[Johnson hall Aug^. J 3^K 1772]
[ ]
Since my last I have had much Conversation vs^ith [Cap*.]
Stevenson on the affairs to the Westward from which he took
occasion to point out his Inclination to prove himself of use in
the Indian Department, or to improve the Friendship which the
Indians to the Westward entertain for him or in short to embark
in any thing else for which he was most fitting observing that he
did not think himself longer Qualified for the discharge of
Military duty, on this acco* he earnestly Sollicitted me to repre-
sent to you that his deafness rather increases & that he is much
afflicted with the Stone for which reasons only he is desirous
of retiring on half pay, but apprehending that it may be at
present difficult to meet with a Gentleman who would give him
the regulated difference, he would chuse to resign his Company
to any Officer you think proper, If it be agreable to you to give
him some place equal to half pay & the Officer who succeeds
the regulated difi^erence and in hopes that such place can be
Secured to him as his present Commission, he seems desirous of
getting the Care of some post, as Fort Stanwix Ontario &ca at
'^ In Johnson's hand.
- In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 573
any of which he is wilHng to reside & declares that it is not
occasioned by any apprehension of being sent to the West Indies
that he makes this request, but in consequence of resolutions long
entered into founded on the Circumstances I first mentioned —
I really dont know how far I may consistently recommend his
request, but as I have always understood that he was a Gent" of
good Character, I apprehend you will indulge me in Saying that
[I believe if he was put into Some of the Posts he might likewise
be of Use with the Indians, from the turn he has appeared to
Shew for such Affairs which has produced]' A Con-
fidence & Esteem on their parts that cannot [be acquired but]
by those who study their manners & endeavor to please [them]
{that he might have been of Service at Detroit had he]
there longer expecially since the late affair that happened [at]
Lake Erie as a proof of which the Indians in that quarter appear
to have Esteem for Him] & they gave him a belt of Wampum
at parting as remembrance in token of their regard. [/ will
take the Liberty farther to add that]' I should by no means have
presumed to give you this trouble did I not apprehend that he
is deserving of recommendation on the Score I have mentioned,
[and therefore it will give me pleasure to hear that his request
is not deemed unreasonable being rvilling to Serve him so far
as I may Consistently] but as the propriety of his proposal can
only be decided by yourself; If the former is wrong, I hope you
will attribute it to my inclination to Serve him, at his particular
desire, without which I should not have taken this Liberty.
His Excelly. Lieut Gen^. Gage
INDORSED:
Aug». 13'h 1772
To Genl Gage ^
Cap* J as Stevenson
^ Missing words supplied from the original letter in William L. Clements
Library, Ann Arbor, Mich.
^ Words italicized and inclosed in brackets are crossed out in the
manuscript draft.
574 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM HUGH AND ALEXANDER WALLACE
A. L. S.
New York 14^ August 1772
Sir/
We received Your favour of 7'^ Ins* directed to our H. W.
who is at present in the Country — the bill on M'. Isaac Low
for £ 1 1 3 is paid & the one on M^ Leif arts he will pay in a few
days your Acco' will have Cred^ for bouth — we have agreeable
to your desire purchased Six Quarter Casks of Choice Lisbon
Wine which we Send you by Skiper Jacob Lansing we Deb', you
for the Cost & Carting £54:3:0 — we have also Sent you by
Jacob Lansing a bundle Containing one thousand Pounds York
Currency which Lansing is to deliver to M'' John Monner with-
out any Charge to you — we are with much respect
Sir
Your most obed*. Serv'*.
Hugh & Alex«. Wallace
addressed :
To
Sir William Johnson Bart
at
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
August 14'h 1772 —
Hugh & Alex^ Wallace
FROM SAMUEL BAKER
A. L. S.
London 14^^. August 1772
Sir
I Confirm the Above^ to be Copy of my Last, Since which
I have made Use of your Power of Attorney, & have Rec'^.
^ In Johnson's hand.
2 The letter of August 5, 1771.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 575
three year's Dividends on your £2600 ConsoH. 3 p C* Ann*
which you will see Stated in your Acco'. Current forwarded
with this; also the Balance of your Acco^ with S"^ W"*. Baker
£1100:8:3 Stlg which his Executors have paid to [me] & I
have disposed of by Purchasing Fourteen hundred Pounds more
Stock in ConsoH. 3 p Cent Annuities as the Account will Shew —
There is Still in my hands £ 107:12:5 Stb Balance due to you
which I thought you might have occasion for by Bill of Exchange
or other Convenience. — You have now £4000 Stock in your
name, & My opinion is that you Cannot have your money more
Securely Vested; There is very little difference in the Funds;
Government is the Security of them All, and they therefore Rise
& fall Together. If we may Judge from few years past & the
Present General Report, We have no Chance of any Great
Alteration. —
I am
Sir
Your most Obed* Serv'
Sam'-. Baker
£4000 Stock^ — from 5»h. July
1772 to D". 1773
2600 of which from 5'^. July 1772
toD-: 1773 £78..-..-
1400 of D°. from August 14'^
1772 to D«. D° 42..-..-
4000 £120..-..-
Ball: in M^ Bakers Hands of mine— £ 107. . 12. .5
w'^. I have also ordered with y^. Dividends as they
become due, to purchase Stock in y^. 3 p C C^. Funds —
ADDRESSED:
To
Sir William Johnson Bar*
At Johnson Hall
Albany
^ The statement from this point is in Johnson's hand.
576 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:'
London 5*^. August 1 772
M^ Sam'. & W"". Bakers letter
Ans'^d. 23d. Janry. 1 773
FROM SAMUEL BAKER
A. L. S.'
London I4'K AugK 1772.
S^ William Johnson Bar*.
Sir
According to your Desire to M^ S: Baker of having a State
of all your Concerns With us and him. We now forward your
Account Current with S^ Wâ„¢. Baker. We make the Balance
of it £ 1100. .8. .3 & have this day paid to M-^ S. Baker
We
are
Sir
Your most Obed*. Serv'*.
For.— Wilh. Richd. & S. Baker
Sam^. Baker
addressed :
To
Sir William Johnson Bar',
at Johnson Hall
Albany
INDORSED:'
London 14'^^. August 1772
M^ Bakers letter —
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ The New York State Library has a signed copy of this letter sent
^ Capt Banyan," and indorsed by Johnson, August 14, 1772.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774
577
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Post-War Period, 1763-1774 579
FROM THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH^
[Whitehall August 14. 1772]
[ ]
The King having [ ] me to be One of His
Majesty's [ ] and to commit to my Care the [ ]
Business as relates to His Majesty's [ ] earliest
Opportunity of acquainting you.
It will give me great Satisfaction [to] fulfil His Majesty's
gracious Intentions in [ ] Appointment, and as it is
His Majesty's [ ] that your Dispatches should, for the
future, be [ ] to me, I shall not fail to lay them
immediately [ ] the King, and to transmit to you such
Orders [as] His Majesty shall think fit to give thereupon.
I am.
Sir,
Your most obedient
humble Servant
Dartmouth
Sir William Johnson Bar*.
FROM EBENEZER JESSUP
A. L. S.
Albany August 15^^ 1772
Honoured Sir/
I Recived Your favour of yesterdays Date acquainting me
that M"" Campbell Had Applied For the Indians to Attend the
Survey, and Also Desired to Be Permited to Run the Mistaken
^ In August 1772 Lord Dartmouth succeeded Lord Hillsborough as
Secretary of State for the Colonies and President of the Board of Trade
and Foreign Plantations in Lord North's administration. He retained
these posts until November 1 775, when he was appointed Lord Privy
Seal.
580 Sir IVilliam Johnson Papers
Line to the Southwest of the Real Corner of Schuylers Patent
&c —
It Always was my intention to Adhear invariably to the Agree-
ment Made with the Indians, in Respect Of the Place of
beginning at the North West Corner of North Hampton, and
that that Place should Be fixed by Your direction alone
The Map I sent by M"^ Campbell was chiefly to Shew How
far north, ten Miles North of Crown Point Would be, and at
the Same time to Shew What a Large Quantity would be Con-
tained in the Purchace though I should Have been Very Glad
if it had been began Right at first
I told M*^ Campbell Always, he must begin at the North West
Corner of North Hampton, by your Direction, and Where
You'll please to fix his Place of beginning [ ] North
West Corner of North Hampton Will be Most Agreeable to
me — the Expence of Surveying new lines Will be Considerable,
I belive the Indians was shewn On the Map about half or three
Quarters of A mile west of the River, for the S^. N. W. corner
of N. Hampton, and I believe they would not be Deceived by
About that Distance from the River for their Place of beginning
And if Your Honour was to take two or Three thousand
Acres of Land Along next Above North Hampton as we was
talking then I Doubt not but It would be As Agreeable to M"^
Banyar as to have it Himself — And the Indians Not in the
Least Deceived in the Quantity Neither — and then it Would
Save me a Deal of Expences — but as I Said before The Place
Which You'll Please to Give to M' Campbell For beginning is
Most Agreeable to Honoured Sir,
Your Most Obliged and Very Humble Servant
Ebenr Jessup
Sir William Johnson.
Should be Obliged to You Sir to Let me Know the Place
You'll Please to Direct him to begin, as I have Given Him
Orders to Act Accordingly, and also if You incline to take them
two or three Thousand Acres As above that I may Accquaint
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 581
M' Banyar &c What Your Honour Does in it; And What is to
be Done by Your Humble Serv*
E. J.
INDORSED:^
August \5^. Mil
M^ Jessups Letter —
concern?, y^. Survey —
Agreed to run Palmers
Line on y*. Eastermost
of y^, 2 lines w'^. were run
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S.
New York 20^h AugK 1772
Dear Sir
The Bearer M^ Edward Nicholas of Bristol, is verry warmly
recomended to severell Gentlemen here, he purposes (as it's now
the fashionable Tour) to view the Falls of Niagara, & would
not chuse to pass Johnson Hall, without paying his respects to
you. I beg leave to introduce him to your Acquaintance &
Friendship, His Meritt & good Sence will recomend him more
than anything I can say, & will be the best Apology for my
troubling you, I am always respectfully
D'' Sir Your most Obed^ Serv*.
Hugh Wallace
Sir W" Johnson Bar*
A PETITION TO GOVERNOR TRYON
A petition to Governor William Tryon, signed by Johnson and more
than fifty others, dated August 21, 1772, was sold at Henkel's auction
rooms in Philadelphia, Pa., on April 27th, 1900. Present owner is
unknown.
^ In Johnson's hand.
582 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM JOHN MONIER
A. L. S.^
Albany 22^. August 1772.
Sir
I have now in my Cellar Six Quarter Casks of Lisbon Wine
for you, sent to my care by Hugh & Alexander Wallace, also
One paper Bundle Containing One thousand pounds which I
am desired to keep in my hands untill I have your Orders
respecting the same.
I am Respectfully
Sir
Your very hu Servant
Jno. Moniere
Sir William Johnson Baronet
from HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S.
New York 26^h ^^^gt /JJZ
Dear Sir
I hope you have reed the Cash £2000 & the Wine sent you
the 14'h Inst.
I have your favours 7^ & 12'^ Ins*. & am happy at the Acco*
the Governor gives me of your good health. He sounds your
praise loudly, & says he is much indebted for your Civility —
I have bespoke the Gudge Plates for your Mill, they will be
done in a day or two, & Shall be forwarded imediately — & so
shall the Glass, Paint &c — & the rum — I am in doubt whether
I shall have the pleasure of seeing you this Fall or not. I will
if I can — Nothing new here — My Compl'^ to all y^ Family
& believe me I am most sincerely
Dr Sir
Y^ obliged & obed' Serv*
Hugh Wallace
Sir Will Johnson Bar*
In New York Historical Society, New York City.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 583
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnson Bar*.
Johnson Hall
Tryon County
INDORSED:^
August 26»K 1 772
M^ Wallaces letter
TO CHARLES INGLIS
D/.2
Johnson hall Augt 27^K 1772
Good Sir,
I am now (tho' late) to acknowledge your 3 favors the last
of which was of the 29th ult°. by M^ De Wint, an Agreable
Young Gentleman who made me a short visit, — Col Fanning
who is a Worthy Good Man delivered me the last but one of
yours & I have given the Shirts to your Godson, whose family
seem impressed with the Strongest Sentiments of Regard for
your Attention which the Father has requested me to express
to you, and I imagine it may not be difficult hereafter to procure
his accordation that the son may be Educated for the purposes
you Mention. —
I am very Glad to hear that our Friend D^ Cooper has
effected so much for the Colledge &ca and that the Students
increase under your Superintendency, which I look on as a
Matter of much Consequence to the Church, I should be very
happy to hear that the Doctors Success was equal in the other
Matters, relative to the Indians, Or that there was a greater hope
of the Establishm*. of an Episcopate, tho' I fear this must be
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In Library of Congress, Washington, D. C. ; in Guy Johnson's hand-
writing.
584 Sir William Johnson Papers
reserved for better times, if we are like to have such ; — The
Copy of the MemoriaP you were so kind as to send me is very
agreable & I thank you also for the address to the Episcopalians
of Virginia, which is a Spirited piece & I wish it success, but I
fancy those to whom it is addressed are lukewarm Church Men,
& too fond of Independency to Relish Superiors. —
The Agreable society of the Gov^ & his Lady pleased me
Much, the former staid with me about a fortnight, & is a Worthy
Gentleman of much Candor & Affability; we Visited the
Mohocks together and attended Divine service there, with which
he seemed much pleased ; — The Murder of the Missisagas by
the Trader would have proved of imediate 111 Consequence, but
for my Interposition, It is not however yet forgotten, but it was
not likely to have produced the Attack on my house which I
hear was propagated; I am nevertheless much Obliged to you
for The Concern it gave you whilst the Report prevailed.
I have been obliged to lock my door against some Indians
who wait to Speak with me, till I Write these few Lines, so that
I can only add at present that I am with true Esteem & Hearty
Wishes for your Happiness,
D-^ S^
Col: Claus is in Canada,
S"" John & Col. Johnson desire
to be most kindly remembered.
P. S. The Rev^. M^ Mosely an Eng^^^. Gent", who
was formerly a Chaplain in the fleet & since at a
Mission at Pomfret, has been recommended to me
& agreed with to Supply Johnstown, you will oblige
me by Communicating this to D"" Auchmuty, with
my Compliments, to prevent sending any other up.
The Rev^. Mr Inglis
INDORSED: Aug* 27*^ 1772
To the Rev^. M^ Inglis
^ See Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:1091^1117; Q, 4:661-75.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 585
FROM SHAW & LONG
Sjj^ New York 2"' Sep*- 1772
According to your desire to our Ja*. Long when at the Hall,
we send you 8 Q^ Casks of Lisbon Wine per Cap". Peter
Vanbergen, which we have been very perticular in the Choice of,
& make not the least doubt they will give Satisfaction, y^ Com-
pliments to M^ John Long were delivered, which makes him
very happy, that you are pleased to remember him, & in return
he request [s] us to present you with his best respects, having
not to add but that at all times we shall be happy in receiving
the Honour of y^ Commands when you may depend, they shall
be observed with the greatest Punctuality & Dispatch being very
Respectfully g-^.
Your most Obed*. & Hum'^.
Serv^.
Shaw. &. Long
The Hon'« Sir W"^. Johnson Bart
Johnsons Hall
ADDRESSED :
To
The Hon^^ Sir William Johnson
Bart
at
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:' 7K 2< 1772
Shaw & Longs Letter
w*"^ an Ace".
Ans-^d. and Paid by Bill
on M^ Barrow —
Albany Sept^. 9, 1772.
Rec"^. & forwarded by Sir
Your very hb'^ Ser'.
David Edgan
^ In Johnson's hand.
586 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO THOMAS GAGE
Johnson Hall Sepf. 2< 1772
[Completed Sept 16th]
[Dear Sir]
Two days since Messengers arrived here from Onondaga to
Acquaint me that the Deputies of the Six Nations are returned,
and to Report that after having in vain waited a Considerable
time for the Wawiaghtonos, Kickapous &ca to meet at the place
appointed and at length hearing that these Nations would not
see them on account of the Conduct of the Six Nations &
Cherokees towards them last Spring they (the Deputies) were
constrained to leave their Belts & Embassy in the hands of the
Shawanese, who on their parts assured them that every thing
thereby directed should be faithfully related to those Nations
and that they should have due intelhgence thereof: — I have
also received a Letter from M^ M*^ Kee the Agent who is Just
returned to Fort Pitt and reports that the Six Nations &
Cherokees having killed 6 of these South". Ind"\ last Spring
was the reason they would not attend; That the Chief of the
Shawanese with a few more were going as they gave out to one
of the Nations at the Misisipi to find out by whom a large black
belt they had received was sent, but It is conjectured that his
errand is to New Orleans for some bad purpose: what Creates
more Suspicion is that as Soon as the Six Nation Deputies left
Scioto on their return home, a Friendly Hunt was proposed by
the rest to be held this Autumn at the falls of Ohio, which being
agreed to. Runners were dispatched to the Cherokees & Wabash
Indians to Invite them and that [ Several Parties were already
set out upon the]' hunt. I find Likewise from one of the
[Deputies who has been] with me, that there appeared a Good
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
^ Missing words supplied from the original letter in William L. Clements
Library, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Post-War Period, J 763-1 774 587
deal of [Disingenuity in the] Conduct of the Indians at Scioto,
and that they [cut out Httle] Embassys for the 6 Nation
Deputies during whose absence they held private Consultations,
which the Deputies since discovered.
Sept. 16^^. — I had wrote thus far when a Severe return of my
[Disorder] attacked me with much Violence, and Since partly
thro a desire to receive farther particulars as well as from the
Hurry occasioned by the Arrival of a good deal of Company, I
postponed my Letter.
I am since assured by the Indians that 1 3 belts in consequence
of those delivered to the Shawnaese have been given to the
Hurons of Detroit &ca who have spoke to the Ottawas,
Powtewatamies & Chipeweighs thereon, expressing their purport
to see that the Peace should be general, with threats against
those who sho^. attempt to disturb the public Tranquillity; and
for the final determination of all these matters, desiring that
Deputys from these Nations sho"^. go to the Meeting to the
Southward by the Time the Corn began to ripen, and by Advices
I have Just rec^. from M^ Maisonville I find that they have sent
from Ouiatonon to Riviere a L'anguille, Coeur de Cerf, Ver-
million, Riv«. aux Iroquois, Porte Vincent, S' Joseph &ca, to
Consult all these People & Call them together thereon, so that
we must Wait the result of that Meeting for more particular
Information. But My opinion (which is partly founded on
what the [Six Nation Deputies] suggest) is that the Majority
of these Nations Mean only a General peace amongst themselves
& a strict Union which cannot bode any [good] to us: I have
Just been favored with your Letter of the [7^^. Ins', and can
say little on the Affair of M^ S'. Luc but that I dont think any
Argument drawn from] his fidelity to his former Sovereign will
[amount to a proof] of his Attachment to a Government which
even [ObHgations] may not render so agreeable as that under
which he was bred. [I wish] I could find out the real purport of
the Belt, which would determine the Matter — And if the Belt
itself was sent to me I might possibly be able to trace it out —
588 Sir William Johnson Papers
I am Sensible of the Expence & Difficulty attending the keeping
up a Post at the Ilinois, at the same time I wish that Some of
our Enemies may Not be more at Liberty on the removal of the
Troops, but this is a private Thought which I must beg your
indulgence of. — I shall take care to put these Matters on the
best footing I can by representing it to the Indians in such a
Light as may appear favorable to us —
I am much obliged by your reception of what I mentioned
concerning Cap*. Stephenson, whose Case as Stated to me
appeared sufficient to Justify the Liberty I took. As nothing
offers in your power in the way he wished, I am at a loss what
farther to say about it, because there is nothing in my way to
offer him that would Amount to an Equivalent for his Com-
mission — Your Consideration of Cap* M*= Leods circumstances
is very humane; & I shall let him know it; he is a Worthy Man,
who stands in Need of Assistance, & would doubtless meet with
yours if in your power at present.
His Excell^y
Lieut Gen*- Gage
indorsed :
Septr. 2d. 1 772 —
To his Excelly Lieut General Gage.
FROM JOHN BLACKBURN
[ ]
London 2^ Sept 1772
Foregoing is a Copy of my last^ since which am without any
of your agreeable Letters — Lord Hillsborough has resign'd &
Lord Dartmouth succeeds Him — this affair of the Grant" makes
some noise & will be the occasion of no small Bustle in ParHa-
ment. I can easily forsee that Opposition will take it up with a
^ Blackburn's letter to Johnson, August 8, 1 772.
^ The Walpole Grant.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 589
very high Hand & endeavour to paint the Proprietors, consisting
of Many Noble Lords & all the Secretaries in office, in Colours
of no agreeable Hue — the Grant in my opinion will pass & I
hope prove of mutual Benefit to America & this Country —
The appearance of War was great in Your Post, owing to
the Hostile preparations — I conjecture there was some design
against St Croix which expedition would certainly have taken
place if Denmark had not acceeded to our Measures. I often
wish for the Honor of corresponding with You upon the Subject
of Business & hope You will shortly favor me with that oppor-
tunity — I beg my best Respects to Sir John & am
Sir
Your much obliged & very
Humble Servant
John Blackburn
indorsed:^
London [ ] 1 772
M^ Blackburns letter
FROM LORD DARTMOUTH
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 509, is entered a letter of September 2d
from Dartmouth, at Whitehall,^ declaring his Majesty's purpose that a
settlement shall be made on the lands purchased of the Six Nations in
1 768 (printed in Doc. Rel to Col Hist. N. 7., 8:31 1 ).
FROM CORNELIS VAN SCHAACK
Kinderhook 2^ September 1772
Sir
I have long since flattered myself with hopes that I should not
have had any occasion to have given you fresh trouble upon the
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ Hillsborough was succeeded on August 4th by Dartmouth, "a man
superior both in talent and in temper," Lord Mahon writes.
' In New York Historical Society, New York City.
590 Sir William Johnson Papers
Subject of our Militia AfFairs. — But it Seems that the opponants
to the interest of this Township are so fertile in their invention
that as soon as one difficulty is removed an other is started — I
realy thought that the merits of the Several Petitions presented
to Government had been So well considered and digested that
Slight Suggestions (of those who had so manifestedly abused
favours of Government) would have had no weight. — There
has I am told, while the Governor was at Albany, a Petition
been presented to him from several of our People expressing
their Disapprobation of the present division Lines of the Dis-
tricts — As you Sir have been pleased to adopt measures with a
view to give Satisfaction to the Majority of the People; I now
repeat that Your recommendations in favour of the present
establishment have had that effect and have so still, Col'. Vos-
burgh and four or five others of this Township, Men who have
the Welfare of the Place at heart will pay their Respects to you
Sir and I trust will intirely Satisfy You of the Propriety of what
has been recommended to your patronage. When that is done
I flatter myself with the continuance of your Obliging
Countenance and protection of measures in this quarter that have
a Tendency to give Security and Satisfaction to the People in
General.
I am with very Great Respect
Sir
Your Most Obedient
and Most Obliged Servant
CoRNELis Van Schaack
INDORSED :^
Kinderhook 2< 7^^. 1 772
Co'. Vanschaacks letter
^ Sundry Persons —
In Johnson's hand.
. Post-War Period, 1763-1774 591
HUGH Wallace's account
D. S.
[ ] Sir W"* Johnson by Cor'* Van Sanford to
[the Care] of Jn° Monier Esq-^ [Albany] Viz^
[ ] heads of N York Rum Conts. 235
Gall* @ 2/6 £29. . 7. . 6
[ ] of Glass II by 9 (a) 76/.... 15.. 4.. -
[ ] 12by 10 @ 95/.... 2.. 7.. 6
[ ] 9by7 @ 66/ 3.. 6.. -
4 Kegs White Lead Ground in Oyle weigh'd )
2<=.0.24'b a 74/8 ^6 \
20 Gall* Oyle a 6/6 & Cask 6. . 14. . 6
2 Gudgeons, weigh'd 1 ^ . . 2 . .14'^. .a 28/ ... 2 . . 5 . . 6
1 Cask Nails w^ 342'b a 8d. . . 11 . . 8. . -
Carting to the Sloop 0.. 8.. —
^. .2.. 121b Whiting & Cask ; 1.. 2.. 6
8
£80.. 8. .10
Errors Excepted New York 3 Sep^ 1 772 —
Hugh Wallace
indorsed:^
7K 3d. 1 772 —
Hugh Wallace Esq". Ace*.
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S.
New York 4^K Sepr. 1772
Sir
Inclosed is the Acco*. of the severall things you ordered Amo*
to £80.. 8.. 10
In Johnson's hand.
592 Sir William Johnson Papers
You desire a Cask of Flooring Nails but dont write what
Size, & there are different Sizes — so please lett me know the
Size you want, that they may be sent — I send by the Bearer
M' Ramadge The Deed for the 1 000 Acres of Land at Adigo.
it ought to have been sent long ago, hope youU excuse its being
delayed, I realy had forgot it
Nothing new here of any Sort
I am D Sir
Y^ Obliged & Obed' Serv*.
Hugh Wallace
Sir Will Johnson Bar*
Johnson Hall.
FROM THOMAS GAGE
A. L. S.i
New york SepK 7^K 1772
Dear Sir,
Since your Favor of the 7'^: \JV^°: I have received a Letter
from Mons': de s*: Luc inclosing one to him from Cap': Turn-
bull on the Subject of the Belt. He is high on these Matters,
and nettled that Cap': Turnbull should give Ear to Storys of
the kind Says he was faithfull to his former Sovereign and owes
the same Fidelity to his present sovereign; from whom, and the
British Nation he has received Obligations and the best usages.
There was certainly a Belt as the Indian declares, given by him.
It is to be asked what was the Meaning of said Belt? and on
what account was it given?
Cap': Stephenson delivered me your Letter of the 12'^:
relative to his Affairs, to which I wish I could give him an
Answer equal to his wishes. He is a very good Man and I
believe would do very well at any of the Posts; but it's out of
my Power to give him, and much less to promise him the Con-
In Harvard College Library, Cambridge, Mass.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 593
tinuance of any Employment that he requires to enable him to
live after selling his Commission. The Care of Fort Stanwix
is at an End, and that of Fort Ontario will probably last but a
short time longer. I have had a Letter from Cap*: M^:Leod
on the subject of assissting him which I should willingly have
done, and had it been in my Power, should have done it prior
to Cap*: Stephenson's Application, and indeed I fear he stands
most in need of Assisstance. I have neglected answering his
Letter in the hopes some small Matter might offer to his
advantage, but in truth I see now little likelihood of it.
Fort Chartres is razed,^ and a Detachment pf Fifty men left
at Kaskaskies" where an unlucky Quarrell happened with our
Friends the Chickesaws. They were riotous in a Traders store
seizing and demolishing what they could lay their hands upon,
and a Party from the guard turned them out, and staid to Guard
the store. The Indians, all Chikesaws, assembled to the Number
of Fifteen, and fired into the Windows for some time and at
length killed a Servant, when the Soldiers returned the Fire,
killed two and wounded three.
I am to acquaint you that Fort Pitt is now ordered to be
abandoned, and the Troops Artillery and stores brought down
to Philadelphia. It may be proper to inform the Indians of such
an Event, on which account, I mention it to you. I have directed
the Commanding officer to make an offer to M"": Croghan of
living in some of the Buildings, which may be of use to him.
I hope the Messengers sent to Sioto have brought such
Tidings as will be agreeable to you and the Confederacy.
The Indians about Detroit and Niagara shew a good deal of
Resentment at the Murders committed by Ramsay. Major
Etherington informs me he is a Prisoner at Montreal, but proper
Evidences may be wanted to condemn him. I am trying all I
can to get Evidence, for if what is related concerning his Cruelty
^ Destroyed by orders from General Gage, because the ravages of the
Mississippi river threatened its security.
^ Where Fort Gage was situated.
594 Sir IVilliam Johnson Papers
is true no wretch ever more deserved the Gallows. I am with
great Regard.
Dear Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant,
Tho^ Gage
S": Wm: Johnson Bar*:
INDORSED : 7^^ 7^. 1 772 —
Genr'. Gages letter
Johnson's order to messrs Wallace
A. Df.
[Johnson Hall Sepir //"' 1772]
sent to M« Wallace [
2 pipes of Maderia Wine
2 D°. of best Teneriff [
1 D°. of best Lisbon
1 D°. of red Port
2 Hogs'^^ of Jaimaca Rum
2 D**. Common Rum
8» Tea 4 ^
6*^. Shusong Tea
6tt best green D°. 30* 1^
5 O. Loaf Sugar
3 barrels Muscavado Sugar
4 Boxes Candles
20 Bushels of Sah
1 4^. pepper & Alspice
1*^- Cinnamon, 1^. Nutmegs, Cloves & Mace.
Raisins of the Sun
]
[
]
[
]
[
]
4
£236.
• [
1
50.
30.
5.
.12
6.
9.
25.
15.
.13
18.
3.
2.
.10
10.
5.
£415.
.15.
Post-lVar Period, 1763-1774 595
28". Coffe;— & 50» Chacolite 14. . 5. .—
2 Barrels Vinegar
10 Barrels best Scyder
6 Barrels of Lispenards Beer 3 at 30* & 3 at 40* ^ —
INDORSED:^
List of Stores Sent for
7br 11th. 1772 —
FROM JAMES SMITH
A. L. S.
[Rhinebeck at the Hook Sepf 14^^ JJJZ]
[ ]
I Have [ ] Martin Huffman [ ]
There is No Commanding [ ] North Batalion of
S^. Cou[nty except Peteros] Tenbrook Who Now holds the
[office of] Leftenont Coll°. it Seams Des[irable] The inhaba-
tons of Said County [ ] Should have the Command
in Ch[ ] Coll Your Honor Will Te[ak this] in to
Considoration and apynt S[ome] Man that would Be more
agreabal For that Important office as he seams to be Disagreabal
Sir/ I Expect your Voyce with his Exelancey — Will
Carrey the poynt — There is a Young Gentelman Son of the
Deceased Coll Martin Huffman: Which is Liked by Everry
one all most in said County Which is thout to be a Verry Pitt
man Viz M"^ Antoney Huffman Esq^
Sir/ Excuse My Boldness to write to Your Honor upon this
ocasion — But it Seams that Sum peopple is Striving to Git the
Commison for Ten brook — which is Disagreabal to the North
part of the County in General — Sir Excuse heast
Your assured Prind
James Smith
To the write Honorabal SiR
William Jonson Baronete
^ In Johnson's hand.
596 Sir William Johnson Papers
ADDRESSED:
To
Sir William Jonson
Baronot
INDORSED:^
Dutchess County 7^'. 1 4'^^. 1 772
M^ James Smiths letter
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S.
[New York Septr. I&h JJJZ]
I ]
I
from you for some [
had deliverd you the Deeds [
Lands, & that you got the L[
by Lansing — Some days ago [
this on a Visitt to you, some Gent [
from S°. Carolina — One of them M"" David Deas is particu-
larly recomended to me & is a very w^orthy honest Man. I
intended to have wrote you by him, but he vs^ent off in a hurry.
I am sure he vv^ill Meet your usuall Hospitality & Civility, so
my Letter w^ill be no Loss to him —
Being at Our Governor's two days ago, a Letter was
brought him by M"" Wickham the Lawyer, who said he did
not know the Contents, but was desired to deliver it —
I got sight of it, & found it from one Westbrook, that lives
at Minisink — proposing to bring down the Delaware
Indians to wait on the Governor, who he says went to see him
I [ ] which [ ]
[ ]him to write to M^ [ ]
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ Lines burned off.
Post-lVar Period, 1763-1774 597
[ ] that he would see no Indian [ ]
[ ] from them, by thro you — & that [ ]
[ ] must apply to you, as he could not [ ]
or hear them — this I thought was the best way to answer such
a Letter. I hope it will be agreable to you. I thought proper
to mention this Matter to you, youll make the proper use of it,
without mentioning my Name — I send this day a Box of Fish
to Albany for you it came from Boston, from M"" Winthorp of
Cape Ann, a Son of Mr Jn°. S. Winthorp of New London.
No News here of any Sort, the Packett, & Severall London
Ships are hourly expected — M'^^ Wallace Joyns me in best
respects to you & Family
I am with great regard
DrSir
Y'^ obliged & obed* Servt
Hugh Wallace
Sir Will Johnson Bar*.
Johnson Hall
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnson Bar*.
Johnson Hall
Albany
FROM THE MARINE SOCIETY
A. L. S.
New York SepK 22^. 1772
[ ]
[ ^]
distressed naturally [ ]
humane, the Marine Society of [ ]
ed for that Important purpose cannot [ ]
Lines burned ofF.
598 Sir William Johnson Papers
forget such a Character as Sir WilHam Johnson [ ]
soHciting the Patronage of a Gentleman, who has long [been an]
ornament to this Country, and more than once, under the [ ]
of Providence, its Defender. It is from Persons thus [ ]
and distinguished that benevolent Institutions, in all Times [ ]
have received effectual Support; and such Persons are they who
most frequently enjoy the sublime Pleasure, which is reflected
from that bestowed on another. To increase their own Con-
sideration, and to have an Opportunity of expressing their
respectful Sentiments of you. Sir, the Marine Society, at their
last Meeting unanimously elected you a Member of their Corpo-
ration, and they have now to Request you will be pleased to
Approve of their having done themselves this Honour, by
accepting the Testimonial of your Election, and a Copy of their
Charter.
By Order of the Committee
Anthony Griffiths Secr^.
ADDRESSED :
To
The Hon'''^: Sir WilHam Johnson Bart
INDORSED:'
N. York 7^^. 22'K 1 772
Letter from a Committee
of the Marine Society —
Ans'-d.
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S.
[New York Septr. 23< 1772]
I ]
[ ']
have the sundry Articles [ ]
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ Lines burned off.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 599
Sent up, & you may depend [
all of the best kind & bought [
I am pleased to hear such [
of the regularity of your Courts, [
Verplank are returned, they express [
gratitude for your Civility to them —
I hope the Nails sent up will answer, they are exactly such
as you now describe. We have severall London ships arrived,
& Letters to 27*^^ July — little News —
Our Governer has been ill some days its ended in a fitt of the
Gout, which hope will sett all right. There are no Servants
arrived here yet, but some expected. I have wrote to Philad*.
& shall get you a Gardner if possible. Exchange on London
72|/2 pCt. I think it may be 75 before the End of Octo^ after
that its likely to be less.
We have had verry wett stormey Weather for some days past.
Its now a little better. I am glad to find Sir John [ ]
I ']
Y'. most obed Serv*
Hugh Wallace
Sir W^^ Johnson Bar*.
AN ACCOUNT OF PAY
D. 5.2
Account of the Pay of Sir William Johnson Bar', and the
Officers under him, in the Indian Department, for the Northern
District of North America for half a Year from 25'^ : March to
24*^: Sepf: 1772
To my own Salary to the 25'^: Sepf:
1772 £857: 2: 10?
^ Lines burned off.
2 In British Museum. Additional Manuscripts 21670. fo. 36,
London, England.
600 Sir William Johnson Papers
To my Four Deputy's to said Time 685 : 14: —
To M"". Maisonville at Oubache 50: — : —
To a Surgeon for said time & Clerk £ 50 :
each 100: — : —
To store keeper £20 & store House Rent. 45: — : —
To 3 Interpreters for the different Lan-
guages 1 39 : 5 : 7
To 2 Smiths & Assistants &c* : 171: 8: 6
£2048:
10:
iif
(Sig
jned)
w
Johnson
INDORSED: General Charge
of Sir William Johnsons
Department for half a year —
FROM LORD DARTMOUTH
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 510, is listed a letter of September 27th
from Dartmouth at Whitehall, declaring the necessity of Ramsay's con-
viction for the murder of Indians and of a judge's charge suited to that
end (printed in Doc. Ret. to Col Hist. N. F., 8:31 1-12).
FROM HUGH WALLACE
[New York Sepf. 29^K 1772]
[ ]
[ ] apply [ ]
any usefull body of [ ]
Corporation for relief of Seamen [ ]
^ Lines burned off.
Post-War Period. 1763-1774 601
to forward you the Inclosed [ J
Box with your Freedom of s^ Corpo [ration ]
This is a begging Business youll soon see — I know you have
enough of that kind of Business on hand, but realy this deserves
Encouragement — it has mett a great deal from all Ranks of
People here —
Nothing New — Our Governor has been [ver] y ill, with a
bilous Fever, is better & [ ] turned to a Gout — he will
be obliged to take great Care of his Constitution, for its very
delicate — its said he was in great danger — He is now so well,
as to give notice to the Council to meet him tomorrow.
Your Sundry Stores are getting ready, I send this by Mr
Van Eps, who vsdll deliver it safely — M". Wallace's Com-
plim** attend you always —
I am
D'Sir
Y"". most obed Serv'
Hugh Wallace
Sir Will Johnson Bar*.
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir Wiliam Johnson Bar',
at
Johnson Hall
^ M^ Van Eps, with a small Box
INDORSED:^
New York 7br. 29'K 1 772 —
M^ Wallaces letter
TO DANIEL BURTON
In the Johnson Calendar, page 510, is listed a letter written October 2,
1772, at Johnson Hall to Rev. Dr Daniel Burton, secretary to the
In Johnson's hand.
602 Sir William Johnson Papers
Society for propagating the Gospel, informing that Johnson has accepted
Rev. Richard Mosely for the Johnstown mission and mentioning the
incumbents and condition of the Enghsh churches at Schenectady, Albany,
the Mohawks and the Conajoharees. (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y.,
4:481-82; Q, 4:299)
FROM HUGH AND ALEXANDER WALLACE
A. L. S.
[New York October 2"^. 1772]
[ ]
[ 1
[ ] to trouble y[ou ] that arrived
yesterday bring [ing ]
Inclosed is the Acco' of [ ] agreable to your
Order Amo^ £ [ ] There is no Red port to be
got here [at] this time, if any comes shall secure some for you —
The Syder is not yet made, nor fitt to be bought for [at least] a
Month — & M"" Leispinard Says [he] will have the Beer ready
to go along vv^ith the Syder, at present he says he has none brewed
that he would recommend to you. We hope all the things will
please you, we have taken all possible care in the Choice of them,
& bought them on the lowest terms. We are respectfully
D'Sir
Y'. most obed Serv**
Hugh & Alex Wallace
[Sir Will] Johnson Bar'
^ Lines burned off.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774
603
HUGH AND ALEXANDER WALLACE'S ACCOUNT OF SUNDRIES
A. D. S.
] Vinegar
] loaf Sugar 70 Loaves wi 8 . . . . [
1..0..17[ ]
7..0.. 3is7[ ]
[ ] Contg. 2 1 Bushells Salt @ 2/6
Casks Packing &Ca @ 5/ 1 . . 1
Cask Raisins of the Sun
Boxes Sf>ermaCite Candles
401/2— 1014
41 —101/2
401/2—1 1
39 — 914
161 —41
4 1 tare
120tt @ 2/8 £16—..—
4B
oxes
@ 2/6 0..10
[ ] Barrs. Muscovada
Sugar wt 8s . 1 . 2 7n Gross
2.25tt tare
7.3.2 nt.
3 Barrells for do. . . .
@ 58s/. .£22.10.6
.. 2/.. 0. 6.-
1 Bagg Coffee wt. 28lt @ 1 s/4d & Bag 9d.
6 tt Green Tea 24/ Canisters 6/ .
6 tt Souchong do 14/.. do . . 6/ .
28 tt Bohea Tea 4/3.. .bag. .1/
50 tt Chocolate 1/5. .Box. .1/6
7 tt Pepper 2/6
1 tt Nutmegs 1 5s/ 1 tt Cinnamon 26/
1/2 n Cloves 9/ Vz tt Mace 14/6—7 tt Alspice 7/. .
Barrell for the above
Paid Carting the whole
16
22
1
7
4
6
3
2
1
1
371
10
16
18
10
10
12
17
1
10
2
3
10
4
6
11
Lines burned off.
604
Sir IVilliam Johnson Papers
Errors Excepted N York 2d Ocr. 1 772
[ ] Mark'd
Hugh & Alexr Wallace
ADDRESSED :
To
The Hon'''*
Sir William Johnson Bar*.
at
INDORSED ;
^ Skipper
Wendell ( Johnson Hall
Rec^. in good Order —
Van Eps —
One Hogshead Loa[
Four Pii>es Wine
Four Hogsheads Rum
Two Barrels Vinegar
Six Barrels Salt
One Cask Raisons
Four Boxes Sperm [
Three Barrels B [
One Box Chocolate
And One [
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774
605
8
17
20
30
Aug*
3
12
14
ACCOUNT OF HUGH AND ALEXANDER WALLACE
D.
] Blaag
] Inst, f avo'r Robt. Adams
] on us 5 do. Dan Claus
] do. on us 9 do. Tho*. Crothers. . . .
] do. on us 16 do. Henry Ten Eycke .
To] your do. on us 12 do. Dan. Claus
To amot. of Sundries sent you ^ Skiper Swits by
yr order
To your Bill on us 18 June favor Hugh Gaine . . .
To your do. on us 11 do ... . Dan. Claus
To your do. on us 1 May . . . Dan. Campbell ....
To your do. on us 12 June . . Sir Jno. Johnson . . .
To your do. on us 8 Ins*. . . . Wm Mc Adam ....
£100 @ 4s/8d
To your do, on us 1 do. . . . Rob*. Adams
To your do. on us — 25 June . D. Steel
To your do. on us 8 Ins* .... Ditto
To your do. on us 1 3 do ... . Phyn & Ellice
To your do. on us 6 do Ph. Van Rensler. . ,
To amot. of 20 barrs. Pork sent you ^ Skiper
Herm*. Ten Eycke, by your order
To your Bill on us 3d. July favr. Carpr. Wharton
for £14 Philada. Curry. . .@ 6 ? pO
To your do. on us 4 Inst. favr. Jas. Bennett
To amot. of 6 Qr Casks Lisbon Wine sent by
Jacb. Lansing
To Cash sent you this day by Jacob Lansing ....
amount Carried over £
Lines burned off.
1000
180
20
50
485
50
23
40
50
289
100
171
42
100
70
100
270
95
14
300
54
1000
4791
2
8
12
8
16
19
5
18
8
[ ]
606
Sir William Johnson Papers
By ditto do
Amount carried over £
5143
13
6
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774
[
[ ] favr. Dan Claus
[ ] 28 Augt Jno, Van Eps. , , .
Sundries sent you this day ^ Skiper Heny.
Wendell by your order & accot. sent
607
50
47
371
5583
10
15
^ Lines burned off.
608
Sir William Johnson Papers
Er
rors
Excepted New York 7th. Octr. 1772
Hugh & Alex Wallace
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 609
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S.
[New York Ocf 7'^ 1772]
[ ]
I hope you [ ]
this gets to hand, [ ]
You — All your Order is [ ]
the Beer & Cyder, & they shall [ ]
soon as they can be got ready —
Inclosed is the present State of Your Acco' ballance due us
£ 440 . . 2 . . [ ] which fancy youll find right & hope it will
prove agreable to you —
I have yours 30 Sep^ by the post & shall observe your Orders
therein. I hope to get you a Gardner, there is no Irish Servants
yet arrived at Philad^. but some soon expected — The Vessell
arrived there with Germans, are verry sickley & not allowed to
come up to Town yet — I shall look out for a Shoemaker
Servant & get one if any such to be had — Our Governor is
got quite well again — I suppose you will hear no more of
Westbrooke, & y^. Delaware Indians — The Governor has
wrote Westbrooke, that the Indians are to apply to you
only, as no other person has [ ]
[ â– ]
[ ] some time again [ ]
[ ] be so troublesome to you, in [ ]
[ ] & recomanding People going up [ ]
[ ] Country, but all must go & see you [ ]
they press so for an Introduction that its hardly possible to refuse
them —
I shall put the Governor in mind of the Fairs & Marketts at
Johnstown
^ Lines burned off.
610 Sir William Johnson Papers
The Colours for the Albany Snow shall be sent first Sloop
after they are made
All well & no News here I am
D-^Sir
Y^ obliged & obed Serv*.
Hugh Wallace
Stormy, rainey Weather
Sir W"^ Johnson Bar*
ADDRESSED:
To
Sir William Johnson, Baronet
at Johnson Hall
Albany
INDORSED:^
[ ]
[ ] letter with
My Acc».
[ ] £440.. 2.. 4
FROM JOHN BAPTIST VAN EPS
Schenectady
7'K Ocioh'. n72\'
[ ]
[ •]
one Thomas Argin [ ]
Goods &ca to M^ Thomas Argin [ ]
some pork, pepper & Indigo, last year [ ]
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ Listed under Nov, 7 in Johnson Calendar.
^ Lines burned off.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 61 1
now Run away. So that I must Shure [ ]
that he is Guilty, The informers was [ ]
Battoe, with him one Dinnes Obryant & [ ]
Andie, who both had Lodged half a Year or m[ore] with
Argin, and when he begone to push them for his own, they
begone to Tell of him, now a full Year after the fact, they are
both here So that I Expect your Honour's Advice about how
to Act, Argin's Goods, Wife & Daughter, is [ ] in the
House, where I have yesterdy taking an Inventory of all
they have, he also the Same Year carryed up Goods for M^
Adems, and M^ Stell. Dinnes Obriant says that Argin Stole
half a Dozn of Kreem coller'd Tea cups & Sausers of M"".
Stell —
I hope M"". Fonda has sent in the last goods which I have
sent to him the 26'^^. of Octob^ Viz. 1 Iron bound Hogshead,
2 barls Salt, 2 D°. of Sugar, 2 Boxes & a New bagg with 1
Skippel of Tabel Salt wanting 3 Quarts which I had sent before
The bearror will Deliver you the last Years & this Years
Receits —
[ •]
[ ] Down to Albany [ ]
has no black wampon [ ] Neither; So M^ Cart-
whrite wrote to Esq"". Wallace by him to gitt four pound [for]
him in New York, and am Honourd
Sir Your most Obed'.
and Verry Humb'. Serv*.
J NO. B. Van Eps
ADDRESSED :
To
The Honourab'.
Sir William Johnson Bar',
at
Johnson hall
^ Lines burned off.
612 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:^
] 1772
] Eps letter ab'.
] who stole some
] of Mine &ca last
] nor run away.
FROM HENRY GLEN
A. L. S.
Schonectadij [Octbr 10^^ 1772]
[ 1
I was Yesterday Informd by { ]
Attorney at Law that he was order'd by Mess"^* [Douw &
Winne] to Sue me for A Fissing nett I Bought from them
[ ] Year Ago ; the nett Proved Verry Bad — I have
Your letter [ ] me of the 7*K July 1771 Whare
in You mention if they v/ood not [ ] Reasonable to
Imploy a Lawyer I have told them from time to time if they
would Debate there Price I wood pay them As the Nett had
Prove"^ Rotten & Coud not Bare drav/ing through the Water
they Ought to take less then the Price of £ 1 5 And Even
Show'^ them Your letter, still they insist on their own Price. I
told M^ Yates he might Sue me Emiatly as I was Determent
to [standi Trial I then told him the Matter I had Bought the
Nett & that I Look on them both to be Verry Bad men to
impose on me & You as I told them I was no Judge of netts
& You Being not Present M^ Yates told me he wood be oblidge
in A Verry few days to Sue me, if I did not pay the Cash I
told him it wood be no favor taken by me if he waite*^ one day
longer then he was at first Inten"^. But as I am A Person that
does not like to have Dispute with no men But if I think how
dangers^ it is to have the least Conection with Your Religious
Sort of People Wood Pick a mens Pocket if they Possible
In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 613
Coud I shall Ace*, just as You will Please*^ to Direct & shall
be Glad to hear from You by Your Next Post or sonner if
Posiple —
I Remain Your Sincer Well Wischer & ob"^ Serv*
Henry Glen
To Sir W". Johnson Bar'
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnson Bar',
at
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
[ ] 1772
[ ]ns letter
[A]ns>^< y^ lO'h. Ins'.
TO JOHN HILL
[New York Octr. 12^K 1772]
Sir/
I have received your Letter concerning [ ]
of the Inhabitants of the North of Ireland, and the [ ]
to be derived from affording them encouragement [ ]
both to themselves & the Landholders, all which you have
very rationally described. —
It is with concern that I have heard of the difficulties under
which they labour at present, which I think merit Consideration,
tho' I know not how far a Settlement on my Lands might con-
tribute to their Service or ansv/er their Desires, for as the whole
of my posessions in these parts, are both with respect to
situation and quality very valuable, they are [of late] applied
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
614 Sir William Johnson Papers
for so fast, and of late Settling in Leases for 2 or 3 lives, That
I have no longer occasion to be at any trouble or Expence for
their Settlement; These Terms might not be deemed agreable
to them from the Ideas People are apt to form in Europe of
this Country, Tho' you may perceive it vv^ould be very injurious
to my interest to offer any others under the Circumstances I have
described. But If these are agreable I shall most Willingly
accommodate as many of my Countrymen as I can; or serve
yourself in any thing that may be reasonable upon the
occasion. —
I am, Sir, Your most humble Serv'.
John Hill Esq'.
INDORSED:
Oct'. 12'h. 1772 —
To John Hill Esq^
Hanover Prec*. Ulster County,
concerning the Settlem' of People from
the North of Ireland.
Ans'd.
TO THOMAS PENN
Johnson hall October I2^K 1772.—
Dear Sir,
I beg you will not attribute your Letter of February last
remaining till now^ unanswered to any willfull Neglect, as it was
intirely occasioned by the very uncommon hurry of business wch
Succeeded the rect of it ; the Gov^ with a Number of Gentlemen
hav8 passed some time here with a large body of Indians [con-
cerning the Sale of Lands] from whom Lands were purchased,
this was [succeeded] followed by the Establishment of Courts
^ In American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass. ; in handwriting
of Guy Johnson.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 615
of Justice in this New County, & the latter by a very severe
Indisposition from which I am but newly recovered. —
I shall imediately order the £50. ster rec^. from you by
Lieut Roberts to be paid you by/
and at the same time must return you thanks for your kindness in
Assisting him with it on a Supposition that he had a right to
make use of my Credit for Money which however is not the
Case a Circumstance I ought to acquaint you with to prevent
his future applications, as I have already done as much as I
could for the Gentleman, whom I took the Liberty of intro-
ducing as he much wished it on account of some Affairs of his
own which he wanted to apply for in England
Be assured. Sir, it will always yield me pleasure to be of any
Service to you or your family in any thing in my power & to
testify that I am with great Esteem
Dear Sir,
Your most Obliged
& most humble Servt.
At your Leisure it would oblige me to know
whether the Letters Patent which I owe so
much to your Sollicitation & friendship,
were Recorded in England, or not. —
The Hofible Tho^. Penn Esqr.
TO THOMAS GAGE
[Johnson Hall Octh^. 14'K 1772]
[Dear Sir/]^
[I have now with Kayashota A Seneca of] Ohio who is
come from thence by [way of Philadelphia, He is a great]
^ Blank space in the draft.
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
^ This and other bracketed sections have been supplied from the original
letter in William L. Clements Library, Ann Arbor, Mich.
616 Sir William Johnson Papers
Chief of much Capacity and vast Influence [amongst all the
Nations,] part of his Journey is placed to the account of a
[Visit, but I find] that he proposes to meet the Chiefs of the
Six Nations who sent me Word that they are coming [on
business] down in conseq [uence of] the late Gen^ meets at Onon-
daga to Communicate all their Intelligence & Con [f err on the]
Affairs of the South", and Western Ind^ on which occasion I
hope to make a proper use of Kay [yashota.] Just now I
received a Letter from M^ Wetherhead & Subpoena for the
Trial on the 26^*^ Ins* of the Suit comenced by Rob*. Henry
of Albany for the Seizure of Rum at Michilimackinac when L*.
Roberts was Commissy. — On this Subject I formerly wrote you
representing the hardship it was upon Roberts, who acted therein
agreable to his duty the Rum having been carried out of the
Fort in the Night contrary to the Regulations which at that time
confined the Trade to the Posts, as the Passes themselves Con-
fined the Traders to the Regulations. — These Regulations were
at that time pleaded for in the Strongest terms by the Majority
of the Traders, the fatal consequences of the Sale of Rum
beyond the Posts being generally, & ams* others M"" Cadot &
one of the Henrys at that time wrote to me on the Subject; But,
the occasion of my troubling you at present thereon, is, that
M"" Wetherhead who innocently at M^ Robert's request became
his bail, represents in the Strongest terms the danger he is exposed
to from the Construction & Effect of the Common Law that he
will be brought in for the Whole, a Circumstance that will prob-
ably be the Case, If as he says that "M^ W"^. Smith will dispute
my Existence as an Officer of the Crown & all Officers appointed,
or Orders Given by you or myself as meer Nullities" &c. I
must confess that I shan't be surprised at [any Endeavors to
lessen the Authority of the Crown, or its' Officers 'tho in a
Matter for the generall benifit of the Public, & far without the
limits of any Province, where no other Authority could
operate, so that I know not what to do in the Matter. — Major
Roiers 'tho Suposed to have connived at the Sending out]
Post-lVar Period, 1763-1774 617
the Rum ordered the Seizure, & [disputed with] Roberts
about the Appropriation of it as will appear [from] the
Papers I now send M^ Wetherhead, and Indeed the
Comissary could do nothing of that kind without the aid of the
Comds Officers, by Virtue of the orders they had, and my
Orders v/ere general to the Comissary to endeavor to prevent
the Contraband Trade, or any other abuses Committed therein,
all which depended on the Assistance of the ^Comds Officer.
M^ Roberts is already much in my debt, without which it w^.
be very unreasonable that I should be at any Expence on an
affair then universally admitted & practiced, but M"^ Wether-
heads Case is really a peculiar hardship & therefore I am per-
suaded that Justice to the intentions of Government, & humanity
for an innocent Sufferer will dispose you to give him such
Countenance as your Superior Station, & authority is alone
capable of affording, & I trust that the peculiar Circumstances
of the Case will plead my Apology for requesting it.
It is necessary I should acquaint you that since the promul-
gation of your Advertisement in 1 769 directing that all persons
who were employed in transports of Troops, Provisions or
Waggoners Batteaumen &ca should in future be paid by their
Employers, I have regularly conformed thereto, but I find that
antecedent thereto in 1768 the Certificates, which (as then
usual) I gave to Persons so employed were not paid by the Qr
M"^ General, and the People being denyed payment are of late
daily urging me thereon, I must therefore beg the favor of
your directions in that matter, or of your Orders thereon, as it
is both a hardship to the People, and creates me some Concern
& Trouble —
As I shall have the pleasure of writing you soon on the
Subject of the Indian Congress I have only to add at present
that I am with sincere regard
D^ S-^ &c
His Excel^y Gen^ Gage.
618 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED :
Ocu. 14'h. 1772.—
To His Excel^y. Gen'. Gage
Chiefly concerns, the Suit comenced
ag'. Lieut. Roberts. — &^ the
Q^ M^ Gen' refusing to pay
sundry Ace'*, of Batteauing &ca
DAVID JONES' CREDENTIALS
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 511, is entered under date of October
15th, New York, this paper: credentials of David Jones, who wishes
to be a missionary west of the Ohio (copy) ; signed "Abel Morgan
Moderator" and "James Manning Clerk," for the Philadelphia associa-
tion, representing 40 churches in Pennsylvania, Maryland, East and West
New Jerseys and New York (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:482-84;
Q. 4:300)
FROM HENRY WILLIAMS
L.
[New York Octbr- 2h^ 1772]
I ]
[
[ ] late proceedings of the [
John Griffiths of Kings [
I presume to acquaint yo"" hon', That David [Jones
out of a hearty desire to spread the gospel, and use his [
in converting to Christianity the various Tribes of Indians [
on the Western side of the River Ohio. He left his family
[ 1 Spring, and w^ithout any assistance or contribution
from [ ] undertook the journey unto, and remained
amongst those tribes [ ] or four months — By Col'
Croghan's advice, he took with him a [ ] Interpretor,
to whom he paid Five Pounds ^ month out of his own purss:
^ In Johnson's hand from this point.
^ Lines burned off.
Postwar Period, 1763-1774 619
AH the gratification he hath yet enjoyed for so expensive,
[ ]some, and hazardus, an undertaking, was, his being
kindly received, civilly treated, constantly and devoutely
attended in general at Public Worship. From this pleasing
begining, and hopes of further success, he promised them to
return to them this fall, and employ the ensuing Winter amongst
them to endeavor to promote their the best interest, the good of
their Souls.
From the kind & polite reception he met with at Fort Pitt
from CoP Croghan & Capt" M'^ Gee he continued and officiated
there two Sundays, he then stood in great need of some Rations,
which the Comodants humanity & regard prompted him to
supply, but he could not consistant with his express orders to
remidy this in future.
Last week when M"^ David Jones was here I introduced him
at Gen' Gages & Fort George in this City, before he set out
for his parish. And yesterday I waited on the General to opeu
a way for occasional supply of Rations for M"" Jones. His
excel^^y (to whom as well as to Gov"^ Tryon, I have the hon'
to be personally known) Assured me that he would with great
pleasure have given such instructions, but that the Fort Pitt was
evacuated and abandoned by the Troops, but that he expected
you will instruct Your Agent there, consequently you are the
only resorse to apply unto.
[ 1
[ ] trader [ ]
[ ] David Jones, stands [ ]
[ ] Then Your distinguished merit for [ ]
[ ] of Great Brittain, and your unwearied endeavors [ ]
[ ] good will to the native Indians, Will ! Doth ! prompt
[ ] every Christian to believe, you not only desire the
[ ] of the Indians, but that you will patronise and readily
[ ] and supply poor Missionaries in such persuits. Con-
fident [of] M"^ Jones's sincerity, and integrity to merrit your
^ Line burned off.
620 Sir William Johnson Papers
favor & [ ] permitt me first, to crave your Name &
Seal to recommend [ ] Secondly, that you will releive
him from a burden his circum [stances] cannot well provide for,
viz the payment of his Interpreter f[or the] few months he
wants him. Thirdly, the necessary directions [to] your Agents,
to supply him with the necessary Rations he may stand in need
of, between this, and May next. More [I] dare not crave
herein, but leave your hon"" to Sucgest others for him. Yet in
my own name I have to request the favor [of] any Instructions
or Comands you shall honor said David Jones with or any
Pacquet designed for him. Your Hon"" will order forwarded to
Fort Pitt to the care of your Agent where [M"^] Jones will
expect some intelligence. He will think himself honored to
receive your Commands to attend at Johnson Hall in his return,
and to give you a personal account of his success in the way of
his Function.
He is a man of letters, good Sence, & discretion, but not
[ ] Politision, however, as the Indians, receive his Dis-
courses with reverence, he by degrees may gain their esteem,
and an assenden[cy] over them, which he will redily imploy,
with every laudable [ ] That Your Hon"" shall prescribe
to him, towards, cultiva[ting ]ening, or improving.
The Amity & Friendship necessary betsveen the Brittish Subjects
& Those tribes.
[ •]
ADDRESSED :
To
The Rt Honble Sir W-" Johnson Kn* & bar'
Present
GENERAL GAGE's WARRANT
There is listed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 511, General Gage's war-
rant. New York City, October 26, 1 772, to Thomas Barrow for pay-
ment of £4803, 1 3s, 2d to Sir William Johnson. Destroyed by fire.
^ Lines burned off.
THE KEVEREIsD AiVEES
From a painting by
Copley, owned by
New York City
COOPER
Columbia
University,
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 621
FROM CHARLES INGLIS
A. L. S.
[New York October 27, 1772]
[ ]
I now sit down to acknowledge the Favour [ ]
returned an Answer to the several Letters I had [ ]
not been delayed so long; if I had not daily expected D'^.
Cooper [ ] hoped to receive some satisfactory Intelli-
gence concerning [ ] which I believe You have much at
Heart.
Cooper is at last arrived, to my great Joy, & has [ ]
the heavy Charge of the College which I had during his [ ]
I could give You such an Account of the Memorial^ as I believe
[ ] pleasing to You, It was presented to Lord Hillsborough ;
[ ] the plan, acknowledged the Propriety & Expediency
of do [ ] towards Civilising & Converting the Indians —
but, as we [ ]ected the Difficulty of procuring
Money to carry the Measure [ EJxecution. D^ Cooper
repeatedly urged the Subject of the Memor[ial ] his
Lordship; & he, L^. Hillsborough, always gave such Attention
[to] it, that D^ Cooper imagined he would exert himself in
the Affair, [ ] continued in the Ministry. But I sup-
pose You have by this Time heard of his Resignation, & that
Lord Dartmouth succeeds him in the American Department.
This I fear will prove an unfavourable Circumstance to the
Design, & gives me much Uneasiness.
You [ ]
f . . ^1
[ ] Memorial. This however [ ] , who
(between us) I fear had [ ] that minute Atten-
tion to the Affairs of the [ ] him to give up the Secre-
tary's Office, & will be [ ] with whom I am not
acquainted.
^ Memorial of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.
^ Lines burned off.
622 Sir William Johnson Papers
[ ] make Mention of the Memorial in their Abstracts
[ ] — one of which I herewith send You. In the
Sermon [ ] Expediency of attempting something more
than has [ ] Converting the Indians, urged & largely
dwelt on — [ ] Circumstances & Arguments taken
from the Memorial. [ ] pretty plain that the Society
intend to move in the Mat[ter ] firms me more in this
Opinion is, that in a Letter [ recei]ved from the very
worthy & learned Bishop of Oxford, D"". [Lowth he] signifies
his Approbation of the Memorial in the strongest Terms, &
[expres]ses the highest Sense of the Necessity of the Scheme's
taking Place [ ]ing also that Government may attend to
it in the Manner its importance requires.
You are the best Judge, whether any Thing further can, or
ought [to] be done in this Business on this Side of the
Atlantic — or of the Propriety of saying any Thing about it
to L^. Dartmouth, who is a religious man, & bears an excellent
Character in other Respects — of Course [ ] may be
supposed favourably disposed to promote such a Measure
[ /]
[ ] & I do so in these particulars [ ] Nothing
has been yet determined in Eng[ ] our Bishops; tho all,
from the highest to the [ ] sending us Bishops. There
are many Circum [stances ] that important Measures, &
I am not out of Hopes [ ]leives in America. Things
are taking a very favo[ ]us in Virginia also. Some of the
Protesters are asham[ed of their cond]uct, & have signed a
Petition for Bishops; & it is expected that on second & better
Thoughts, will rescind their Vote of Thanks to the [ ]
against petitioning for Bishops, & declare themselves for the
[ ] ure,
I should be glad to know whether John Odescrundy will
[cons]nt to let his Son come & be educated here for the
Ministry. I am [una]ble of myself to bear the whole of
^ Lines burned off.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 623
the Expence. But I am persuaded [ ] Society
will contribute towards it, & I have Friends who will do the
same. In short if he will let him come, I will engage to have
him Educated provided the Society will patronize the affair.
You are the best Judge of the Manner how to propose this
[ ] John, & what Time would be the fittest to send
the Boy here, in Case his Father should consent.
It gives me great pleasure to hear that M^ Mosely is [ ]
Your Church. I saw him at Fairfield last Summer, & from that
short [ ]
[ 1
[ ] Clergyman. [ ] been indisposed
since his [ ] , & is now gone to Philadelphia.
[GJentlemen who were lately at Your House [ ]
your old Complaint. Before now I hope You [ ]
affords no News at present. Every Thing is [ ] Militia,
which is constantly exercising, & makes [ ] ble Appear-
ance. From the parade & Military [ pr]evailing
among us, a Person would be apt to imagine [ e]xpected
an Attack from some Enemy. The Cause of L'^. [Hills-
boroujgh's Resignation was his Disapprobation of the Grant^
for [ ] a New Government on the Ohio. He was
greatly averse to this [ ] it was carried against him.
I hear we are to be favoured with Sir John's Company this
[win]ter. Please to present my best Compliments to him, to
Colonels Johnson & Clause, & to M^ Mosely.
Sincerely wishing You Health & Happiness, I am with perfect
Esteem,
Worthy Sir,
Your very affectionate & humble Serv'
Charles Inglis
To Sir W^. Johnson
'^ Lines burned off.
^ The Walpole Grant.
624 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM CHARLES INGLIS
[New York October 27. 1772]
[ M
[ ] above, [ ] as the Bearor [ ],
beg Leave to enlarge a little more.
I am really anxious that something should [ ]
poor Indians. Every Motive of Humanity & Religion [ ] .
These Motives have taken full possession of my th [oughts]
[ ] earthly Wish nearer it than that some Effort were
made [ ] Direction to bring those benighted Heathens
to the Ligh[t ]anity.
I always was, & still am, of Opinion that if this is ever to be
[ ] it must be by your Interposition. Providence points
You out, [ ] many Respects, for this Purpose. I have
not a Doubt but the [ ] will concur & exert themselves
on the Occasion.
Altho I am sorry for L''. Hillsborough's Resignation yet it
may turn out for the Benefit of this Scheme. L*^. Dartmouth is
one of the most religious Men in England, His Piety &
Character are universally known & acknowledged. You may
judge of them in some Measure from this Circumstance, which
may be depended upon as true — That he frequently visits his
poor Tenants & Neighbours in the Country, when sick, prays
with them himself as a Clergyman, & gives them Money. A
Man of this Turn must [ ]
[ ']
[ ] adviseable to [ ]
If you approve of this, & -wiW mention [it to his Lords] hip I
will have a fair Copy transcribed for [ ] if You
think it adviseable, I will write to his Lord [ship] & urge it on
religious Principles, which I am [ ] have Weight
^ Lines burned off.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 625
with him — full as much, if not more, [ ] Political,
which yet are very strong & conclusive.
As to my Godson, I should be extremely glad if he could be
[ ]ed for the Ministry. It might be of infinite Service.
If his Father [ ] consent to send him here, I shall charge
myself with the Superintendency of his Education, & other Mat-
ters whilst here; & I will pay as much Attention to him as if he
were my own Son. Nothing would induce me to undertake
this Charge, but a Sense of the [ ]ility it may prove to
be of hereafter in a Scheme which I have [ ] at Heart,
& frequently employs my Thoughts. I should be glad of your
Opinion what age would be the fittest to send him down, in
Case his Father consents to it. I should imagine that the sooner
the better, before he has imbibed too much of the Spirit, &
contracts too strong a Relish for the Manners, of the Indians.
Would it be proper for me to write to John Odescrundy on this
Subject?
Yours most affectionately
C. Inglis.
To the Hon^'^ SiR W. JOHNSON.
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S.
[New York Odb'- 28"' 1772]
[ ]
[ ']
your Letter to the [ ] greatly obliged to you —
[ ] Directions in regard to Kayastoto [ ]
Indian Chief you mention — The Colours for the Albany Snow
were sent up last Week — so hope they are safe & in time.
I shall order some Potatoes for you from Ireland against
Spring. If I have any for myself you shall have some,
I am glad to find Sir John is to be with us soon. Our
Governor is gone on a Tour of Pleasure to Philad^. will be home
^ Lines burned off.
626 Sir William Johnson Papers
in 12 or 14 days. We have severall counterfeit Dollars here,
& I see no remedy but being carefull who we take them from,
they are easily discoverd, & if the Persons who attempt
passing them are taken up, & put into Prison, that will be
punishment sufficient to deterr them, tho Indian Evidence wont
hang them, unless the Indian is a Christian.
I send this by M"" John Cunningham of Hallifax, who goes
to you about some Indian [ ]
[ 1
[ ]klin&M'- [ ] of [ ]
Letters for you — [ ]
Your Beer & Syder shall be [ ] ready & sent up
as soon as we can get it — & I have sent to Philad^. for the
Servants — A Gardner & Shoemaker for you & hope to have
both here soon
M". Wallace & I are sincerely Y"^ humble Serv*^
D-^ Sir
believe me
Y^ obliged & obed Serv'
Hugh Wallace
Sir William Johnson Bar'
Johnson Hall
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir Will Johnson Bar*.
at Johnson Hall
near Albany
INDORSED:^
Octb^ 28'h. 1 772 —
M^ Wallaces letter
^ M^ Cunning [h] am
Ans"-^. —
^ Lines burned off.
^ In Johnson's hand.
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774 627
FROM RICHARD CARTWRIGHT
Albany 31 Oct'. 1772
I 1
According to your Orders [
as Cabbin Passengers on board Herma [
I Shall pay at his return, they left y[
I follow'd the Sloop four miles & Delivered it [
The Chief was unEasie that no glass wampum [
had. I wrote a line to M"" Wallace desiring him to get four
pounds weight, and Could not Satisfie him any other way hope
you'l approve of my doing so I have taken the Liberty to inclose
my Acco'. and have put a receipt on it if Convenient I should
be glad of An order for it, as Cash is much wanted at this
Season No Oysters yet Shall Send you Some of the first Pray
Excuse haste
I am with Sincere Respect
Hon^. Sir
Your most Obed' hum' Serv'.
Rich. Cartwright
The Hon S"^ W^ Johnson
ADDRESSED :
To
The Hon'. Sir William Johnson Bar^
Johnson hall
INDORSED:'
Octr. 3^^ 1772 —
M^ Cartwrights letter
&ca —
In Johnson's hand.
628 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM THOMAS BARROW
A. L. S.
[New York Novr 3< 1772]
Sir
According to what I am told has been the custom of my
predecessors, I send you enclos'd a Warrant on me from General
Gage in Your favour, with three Receipts of the same tenor &
date for your signing & indorsing. I have the honor to be
Sir
Your most Obedient
& most humble Servant
Tho. Barrow
To
Sir William Johnson Bar*.
INDORSED:^
N York 3d. Novb^ 1 772
Th*. Barrow Esq", letter
w*. a Warrant & Receipts
to be Signed for y^. last
Half Years Expences —
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. 5.
[New York Novr. 3^. 1772]
Sir
The Bearer Donald Eraser is discharged agreable to your
Desire, & I paid Twenty Guineas £37 for a Man to go in his
Room Inclosed is His Discharge
I am Sir
Your most obed Serv*.
Hugh Wallace
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 629
Sir William Johnson Bar*.
Johnson Hall —
INDORSED:'
Novb--. 3d. 1 772 -
Hugh Wallace Esq'^^
Letter w'^. Inclosures.
FROM EDWARD WALL
A. L. S.
[Bumetsfield Nov''. 3< 1772]
[ ]
I intended to [ ]
beg your Countenance [ ] my [ ]
also to Know if M"^ John Thompson, of [ ]
I coud have your Honour's approbation [ ]
two men with some dry goods to trade amongst the Indians this
Fall & Winter, which hope You'll not deny us, as there
are two New England Men, encouraged by M^ Kirkland, who
are trying to Monopolize the Trade both here & above ; I learned
from M^ Cunningham that you had wrote him respecting build-
ing a House on Your Rights near this place, therefore will be
glad to serve you with what Nails will be wanted & that at
1/ ^ lb which I believe is the price in y^ Neighbourhood, &
farther hope you will let me Serve You with any Orders which
you'll have Occasion to draw on this part of the Country & you
may depend on my Assiduity in Completing them & on the best
Terms. I shoud have waited on y^ Honor in person but find
I cannot without great prejudice to my Business here — I have
the pleasure to inform your Honour that this place thus far
answers my Expectations & that I am with the greatest Respect
Y^ Honours
Most Obed'. & very Humble Serv*.
EdW: Wall
^ In Johnson's hand.
630 Sir William Johnson Papers
ADDRESSED :
To
The Honourable
Sir William Johnson Baronet
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
[Nov^ 3]d. 1772 —
[M^] Wall's letter
TO THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 511, are listed two letters to the Earl of
Dartmouth: one of the 3d of November in which Johnson engages to
transmit all information concerning his department and the welfare of the
colonies (printed in Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y., 8:313-14); and
one of the 4th, mentioning the Scioto congress, killing of Indians by
Ramsay, Johnson's attempts through the Six Nations to control western
nations and obtain bad belts circulated among them, his representations to
the Six Nations on the Fort Stanwix cession, and the need of a govern-
ment on the Ohio to restrain the lawlessness of settlers (printed in Doc.
Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y., 8:313-14).
FROM HUGH AND ALEXANDER WALLACE
A. L.
[November 3, 1772]
f ]
I wrote you [ ]
by Eraser the discharge [ ]
I paid 20 Guineas equall [ ]
paid the Marine Society £50 as you [ ]
for which they are extreamly thankful.
We have put on board Cap*. Marsails in M^ Adams's Care
for your use
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 631
3 Barr'. Strong Beer at 40/ £6. . — . .—
3 Barr>. Ale (a) 30/ 4..10..—
6 Barrells at 4/6 1 . . 7. . —
10 Barrells Newark Syder at 14/ 7: — . . —
Carting ale to the Sloop 0: 3: —
£19.. — ..—
hope all will get us safe & please you
No Acco* of the Ohio Indian Chief as yet — when he comes
he shall be sent forward as you desire.
M'' Banyar tells me the Pattent for Lieu* Roberts's Lands,
was sent you some time ago by M"^ Adams, and that you have
already paid the Fees of it
Our Governor is not yet returned but is verry well at Philad*.
I fancy he will be here in 8 or 10 days.
The General Assembly I fancy is not to meet untill after the
Holy Days.^
[New York Nov\ 6'\ 1772]
[ 1
[ ] day he went, and this day [ ]
[ ] agreeable to your desire we have paid his
Interpreter diet & Lodging here & their Passage to Philad*.
amounting to £3,4.11, also for 4 pounds of Black Glass
Wampum £ . 1 6s . Od in the whole £ 4 . Os . 1 1 d this money,
the wampum M^ Carthwright of albany wrote us to purchase
for him & to Charge you with the Cost I am with much respect
Sir
Your most obed*. Serv*.
Alexander Wallace
^ The letter to this point is in the hand of Hugh Wallace. The remain-
ing section is in that of Alexander Wallace.
^ Lines burned off.
632 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED:^
Novb. 3d. 1 772 —
Hugh Wallace Esq", letter
w«K an Ace', of £19. .
& 4.. — ..11
£23.. — ..11
FROM RICHARD CARTWRIGHT
A. L. S.
Albany 7 NoV. 1772
[ ]
[
duly to [
I have paid the Post the fifteen [
Am Extreamly Obliged to You for [
This Week we have had two Oyster boats [
The Oysters are bad Sort, none but blue point ones or Should
have Sent and these Boats tell me one Benson is in the River
and has a large Quantity for you & family but he is not Arived.
I bespoke waggons to take them up the moment he Comes &
Expected him long Since I am extreamly Sorry I did not Send
Some of these here but they are Really very bad and I
momently expect good ones and am very truly
Hon^. Sir
Your most Obed* hum'
Servant
R. Cartwright
The Hon'^. S^ W^ Johnson
addressed :
To
The Hon'^. Sir William Johnson Barr'
Johnson Hall
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ Lines burned off.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 633
INDORSED:^
[ ] 7^ 1772
[ Cart] rights letter
[ Jledging y^. Receipt
[ ] of his Ace*. —
FROM JOHN BLACKBURN
A. L. S.2
[London, Nov. 7, 1772]
Sir
I did myself the Honour of addressing [ ]
last since which I am without any of Your [ ]
trouble You with any remarks or information [about ]
as You must receive more authentick acco'* [from M"" Wharton.]
I am very sorry to find my Name included [among those who
opposed] the Grant, it was never my Intent to [stand forth in
that Publick] Character — unfortunately I was ask'd my
opinion upon [the] Subject by the two Boards & I could not
withold it but as an Honest Man said that I considered such a
Settlement contrary to the Policy of this Kingdom & no way
instrumental to the Advantage of America — considering we
had no many intermediate hands unsettled — If I Err'd it was
for want of better information — I don't know if some
malevolent person may not inform You of my taking an Active
part in this affair but it was not the Case — as I never officiously
went upon the Business — nor [ ] at all untill I was twice
Summoned — I account it no Fault in any Gentleman's differing
in opinion with me but I should blame any one who is Call'd
upon to give His opinion upon a National Point, Either to deny
or Evade it —
Lord Dartmouth seems a very candid & discerning Nobleman
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ Words in bracketed sections are supplied from a copy of the letter
inclosed in Blackburn's letter to Johnson, Dec. 2, 1772.
634 Sir William Johnson Papers
& I flatter myself will acquit Himself to the Mutual Satisfaction
of this Country & America — I was told the other day that the
Tea duty would be repeald — I hope it will be so settled as
to remove every Cause of Uneasiness as to the Principle — this
will be the means of reconcihng all Bickerings & Complaints &
tend to reconcile the affections & Interests of both Countrys
[it] is a Maxim I have laid down, that we are one people &
he who attempts to separate our Interests is an Enemy to both
f Countrys I ]
[ ]
[ ] Your District, but flatter myself
[ ] all will be made easy & happy —
[ ]of this Quarter of the World, must
[ ] dread — there is no Power in Europe
[ ] preparing for War — Yet if my presage
[ ] as Minister — this Country will
[not engage in any War,] but stand forth as a Mediator for
[all — our Navy is in the most ready condition for a War our
Army well Accruted — & our Finances in good Condition ;
thus prepared, we bid defiance to other powers & thereby secure
a Peace — I wish any Information I may communicate is but
pleasing to You, as it will ever afford me a particular pleasure
in testifying to You how much I am
Sir William Johnsons
Much obliged & most Obedient
Humble Servant
John Blackburn
from thomas gage
A. L. S.i
New York Nov: 8^: 1772,
Dear Sir,
I have delayed Answering your Letter of the 1 4'^ : of October
till the Tryal in which M"": Weatherhead was concerned on
In Harvard College Library, Cambridge, Mass.
Posi-War Period 1763-1774 635
Account of M"^: Roberts was decided; in which M': Roberts
has been cast, for want, as M"^ Weatherhead tells me, of your
Appearance, or some Person from you who could Swear to the
Instructions you gave M*^: Roberts. But I do not find upon
Enquiry that the Court took instructions, or the Propriety or
Legality of them, much into Consideration, tho' the Judges spoke
very properly and Sensibly upon the Necessity of Order and
Regulations in those distant Posts, where there was no Civil
Indicature; and that they should have the Force of Laws. It
was proved under M"": Robert's hand, that he gave Orders for
seizing the Rum, that it was taken out of the Store it was first
lodged in and put into his Store, and that he delivered to the
amount of Eighty Gallons of it to the Indians, and Nobody
knows what became of the rest. No Instruction Appeared
whereby M"": Roberts was authorized to act as he did. I paid
him as much as in Conscience I could before he left this, and on
his Arrival in London he petitioned the Treasury who Sent his
Account to me; and with it I received a Letter from him to
certify, what I would not certify for any Man on Earth. It's
said he Set up his Equipage; and that he is now in the King's
Bench. I realy do not know what to do in the affair. The
Crown cannot be answerable for every officer who exceeds his
Powers and is guilty of illegal Action, but if you can certify
by Memorial that M*^: Roberts acted in this Business in Con-
sequence of, and agreeably to your orders and instructions, some-
thing may possibly be done in it. As it Appears that the Indians
received great part of the Rum it's possible they received the
rest and therefore to be paid for if M"": Roberts has not already
charged it in his Accounts, but the Crown cannot be charged
twice for the Same Articles.
You mention Certificates in 1767 and 8 which the Quarter
Master General has not discharged. I do not know on what
Accounts they were given, but the Quarter Master General had
not any Business in those years with any Transportations which
did not belong to the Troops ; either the carrying Provisions and
636
Sir William Johnson Papers
Stores to the Forts, or the Marching of Regiments and
Detachments. If they are on the Business of your Depart-
ment he had nothing to do with them Colonel Bradstreets
Accounts in those years have been discharged long ago.
A Warrant has been granted for the Account you transmitted
from 24*^: March to 24*^: September I am with great Regard,
Dear Sir,
Your Most obedient,
humble Servant,
Tho^ Gage
Sr. '\^m. Johnson, Bar'.
INDORSED :
New York Nov^ 8'K 1 772
From Lieut. Gen^ Gage
concerning L'. Robertss Suit.
FROM HARRY MUNRO
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 512, is listed a letter of November 12th
from Rev. Harry Munro, Albany, on improvements made in an Albany
church, the growth of St Peters, fund for clergymen's w^idov/s and Dr
Burton's resignation as secretary of the Society for Propagating the
Gospel (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:484-85; Q, 4:301).
Ques".
Answ^
Ques".
Answ^
Ques".
Answ"".
TESTIMONY OF ALEXANDER DUNBAR
D.
[Johnstown Nov. /2"'. 1772]
When did you fix the [ ]
I believe Fryday or Sat[urday]
What did you first do
I took the Dementions of the Platform of the
Back [ ]
What were those Dementions
Length 8 foot 2 inches Long Breadth ab*. 14
^ Lines burned off.
Posi-lVar Period, 1763-1774
637
Ques".
Answ"^.
Ques".
Answ"".
Ques".
Answ^
Ques".
Answ"".
Ques".
Answ"".
Ques".
5 What was the Dementions on the Right hand
8 foot 7 inches long, 6 foot 4 inches Broad
6 The Dementions on the Left
8 foot Long 3 foot 2 Wide
7 What sort of Timbers did you use in the Celler
and where did you get them.
They were two pieces of Bass Wood and one
piece of Hemlock which I Suppose was
intended for M'^ Davis Stables
8 Do you Suppose that you used any of the
Pieces of Timber about the Celler Platform
that belonged to the Church
I Did not
9 Did you see any Pieces of Slabbs or Boards
lay in the outside of the Celler
I think I saw Several
10 What Sort of Boards did you use about the
Platform
They were Chiefly Slabbs & Split Boards very
bad some I Cut to 8 foot 2 inches and many to
shorter lengths
1 1 Do you Know where the Boards Came from
I do not
1 2 What do you think those Boards were worth
I know of nothing they were v/orth Except
Some Such use as they were put to or for a
Baker to heat an Oven with
[ ] I Ever did
Johnstown November 12'^ 1772 The [ ]fore named
Alexander Dunbar was Sworn he [ ] truth of the
Answers he has Given to the foregoing Fourteen Questions
Before me
Jos Chew Justice
A
nsw"^
Ques".
Answ^
Ques".
Answ'.
[
A
nsw^
^ Lines burned off.
638 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO THOMAS GAGE
[Johnson Hall Nov. I8^K 1772]
TotheH[ ]
[I have been favored with your letter of the 7'*^ Uh°., and 8'^.
of this Ins*., and am now to acquaint You with the result of the
Congress lately held here. — ^]
The first thing Intro [duced by the Six Nations was a particular]
Account of the proceedings of their Deputies [at Sioto]
They Say that as the Ouabache Ind^ &ca did not [attend 'tho]
waited for a Considerable time, & as their Negligence [was]
attributed to their having lost some People in a Skirmish [with]
a party of 6 Nations & Cherokees last Spring. The [Deputies]
laid their Belts &c before those who attended charging them
Severely with their past Conduct & directing them to Communi-
cate the Whole to the Absent Tribes which they faithfully
promised to perform. The Deputies also demanded those mis-
chievous belts so often Spoken of & particularly those said to
have been Sent from Agaustarax the Seneca Chief, on which all
the neighbouring Nations collected & delivered up sev'. to the
Deputies, but those from Agaustarax were not in the number
having been Stopped in their progress by the Cherokees, however
the Depy*. received Assurances that they should be Collected &
that all the Chiefs present as well as those of the Absent Tribes
would bring them to a Gen' Congress at Onondaga, where they
w*^. ratify all Transactions in the presence of the 6 Nations.
The Deputies then delivered to me the Bad belts they had
Collected one of which is as large as any I have ever seen, &
at the first View convinced me of its being French. It appears
to have been Sent by Mons"" S'. Ange, to stir them up, & was
accompanied by a large [black one, or Hatchet Belt with four
more which came from Missisipi. — The time for these Indians
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
^ Lines burned off.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 639
attendance at Onondaga according to promise being then expired,
I spoke pritty warmly to the Confederacy, advised them not to
be imposed upon, but to see that these Nations imediately
attended or that the remaining Belts were delivered into my
Hands without farther delay, as an Instance of the veracity and
fidelity of the Six Nations, all which they have promised to pay
due regard to. — They then complained] much of the abuses in the
Indian [Trade & the total] want of any regulations; That
the Traders [now made] it a gen', practice to follow every
Hunting party [w'^. Cargoes] of Liquor which could not fail
bringing on the [most fatal] Consequences as they assured me
it was universally complained of by all the Nations, to this
I made them the best [answer] in my power considering the
little prospect there is of any such regulations.
Just before the departure of the Indians, I rec^ Letters from
Lord Dartmouth, one of which contained the King's Order in
Council, with his Majestys Commands that [I should] signify
his Intentions to the 6 Nations on the Ohio or [Government,]
which I took that opportunity of doing in the best manner I
could & received a very Satisfactory Answer. Your own
observations on that Subject in your Letter of the 7"^ Ult° are so
Judicious, & in general so agreable to Mine, that I cannot help
Expressing my Satisfaction at our accordation of Sentiments on
that and many other Subjects. The truth is the 6 Nations never
acknowledged themselves our Subjects according to the natural
Sense of the Word; the Treaty s often [quoted] on these
occasions according to the intentions of the Indians [only] put
themselves & Certain parts of their possessions under our pro-
tection, to prevent our people from settling thereon without
[their] consent; so that however the contrary has appeared [in
Manifesto's our Right depends on purchase. The Question then
is, whether they have a right to Sell those Lands, on which You
have expressed y^. General Ideas of the Indians very Justly,
however with regard to the lands on Ohio, this much must be
said that long before any public declaration of our Claims of
Territory from Their Subjection, these Lands were considered
640 Sir William Johnson Papers
as the property of the Six Nations, who had conquered all, and
actually extirpated Several of the Tribes there, placing the
Shawanese Delawares fic"^*. on bare Toleration in their Stead,
as sort of Frontier Dependants, the worst] circumstance is
that their People have [of late become more] powerfull by
alliances & the 6 Nations less, so that their [Authority begins to
be] disputed at a distance, however it may be Expedient [rather
to] Support their Authority than encourage the Title of [People,
who] of late form such dangerous Alliances, & again as the
People [from] the back parts of Pennsylvania & Virginia have
for some years past been continually going over the Mountains
& are now as Considerable as they are lawless the Indians
themselves must in a little time be Sensible that it is better the
Settlers sinse they are there sho'^. be under some than under no
Government as at present they can neither be restrained from
settling or brought to punishment tho' guilty of many irregulari-
ties towards the Indians as well as others. No less than 500 of
them having lately come to Bedford with design to carry an
Election, but if the Powers of the new Government are impotent,
The Case will not be mended. You have doubtless received
Major Bassetts ace*, of the Murder of Pond the Trader & his
Serv*. I am well Assured by a Merch*. at Albany^ that he was
a Wild quarrelsome Man, & it appears that the Ind^ advised
him to leave them [when they began to drink] (which the
Ottawas often do when they begin to drink) Upon the whole I
believe that Ramsays affair Joined to their own unwillingness
will prevent them from delivering up the Murderers, or the
goods which it is not probable were burned, however should
these persons be delivered up Major Basset is desirous I sh^. acq'-
him what step he sho^ take with the Indians, on which Subject
I shall be glad of your Opinion for really all Circumstances
considered it is a nice affair —
I guessed that from the gen', sentiments of Juries, the Case
w'^. go against M^ Roberts, & had anyone from me attended
^ The manuscript letter reads: "by those who knew him."
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 641
it w*^. most probably have been the same, and the powers of
Government farther weakened in the Eyes of the Public. M^
Wetherhead thinks that some Satisfaction might be obtained in
Chancery, if there was a good prospect of this, I think it Should
be pursued, because Success therein would be of some use to
Government. — My Orders to M^ Roberts were general to pre-
vent to the utmost of his power, the carrying out Liquors beyond
the Post; which, with your kind Assistance & direction as to the
manner of applying to Government I would readily represent:
the main part of Roberts' conduct therein being agreable to
Instruction, & to Sound policy at that Post. —
I had much conversation with Kayashota & advised him & the
6 Nations, to withdraw their People from Ohio where they
engaged in Interests foreign to, & often brought [reflections] on
the Confederacy, of all which he & they appeared very sensible
The Certificates I mentioned were to people [employed] in
carrying up Presents, provisions &c for the Gen'. Treaty at Fort
Stanwix, some of them were paid by the Q^ Master Gen'. &
he then promised M"^ Butler to Settle the whole, which he since
declined doing. [I have paid everry thing of that kind myself
Since you Issued a Proclamation for that Purpose in February,
1 769.—] '
My Son Sir John going to pass some time in New York will
have the pleasure of delivering you this, he is accompanied by
my 2 Granddaughters who are to be sent to the Boarding School.
[His Excellency] L^ Gen^ GaGE.
INDORSED :
Nov. 18*. 1772
To Gen'. Gage
on the Congress with the
6 Nations &c
^ This and other burned sections of the draft have been supplied from
the manuscript letter in William L. Clements Library, Ann Arbor,
Mich.
21
642 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
D. S.
New York 19^Kl
November 1772^^
Sir
Be pleased to pay to M^ Ebenezer Jessup or Order the Sum
of One hundred and four pounds New York Currency and place
the same to the Account of
Sir
To Your most
Sir William Johnson] obed'. humble
Baronet at Johnson > Servant
Hall — J Gw Banyar
FROM HUGH AND ALEXANDER WALLACE
[New York Nov. 20>K 1772]
[ ]
We have your [ ]
for £ 800 which is [ ]
& shall call on Cap* Maturin [ ]
Acco* with him — We sent a Cask of Nails as you desired by
Cap*. Sandford we expected that would answer as we then
wrote you — We now send a Cask of Deck or Flooring Nails
Cost £ 7 — these are the only Flooring Nails to be got here
at present —
Att foot hereof is Acco* of the Sundry Artickles for Cap*
Tyse Cost £ 1 03 . . 1 9^ . 1 0^ to your Debit also — Vidonia
Wine is generally very poor & often turns sour, so have sent
Teneriffe Wine, which is much better, & such as our Taverns
in the Country sell for Made, here, a.
Your Letters for London go by the Ship Dutchess of Gordon
Cap* Wynn.
The German Gardner I hoped to get at Philad*. would not
answer, he is there yet sick — I shall have a lookout for ?t
Posi-lVar Period, 1763-1774 643
Gardner for you & send him up, & a Shomaker also, if to be
got — Nothing new here — Our Gov. [ ]
[ ;i
[ ] bilious Complaint
[ ] Kiashota the Shawaneese [ ]
[ ] while here & his Passage to Philad^. as you desired
64V IH & for 4 lb Glass Wampum |5 M^ Cartrights Letter
from Albany given him 16y in all £4. . — ..11 to your Debit
We are
Sir
Your most Obed' Serv'*.
Hugh & Alex Wallace
Cost of Sundries Sent you by Skiper Herm*.
Ten Eyck for Cap*. Tyse —
1 Pipe of Madeira Wine £50. . 0. .
1 ditto — Tenneriffe 23 . . . .
1 Hogshead Rum Conts. 1 10 Gall* @ 4*75^. 24. . 5. . 10
1 Cask Loaf Sugar w'. 1 14'^ @ 13^ & Cask
2/6 6.. 6..—
Carting the whole to the Sloop 0.. 8.. —
£103. .19. .10
The above sent to the Care of
Jn° Monier Esq^ of Albany
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnson Bar*
at
Johnson hall
I have advised M"^ Van Eps
of the goods supposed to be
mentioned for you in this Letter
^ Lines burned off.
644 Sir William Johnson Papers
and who promises to send for
them when the Roads are better
Jno Monier
indorsed:^
Novbr 20''^. Novb^ 1 772
M^ Wallaces letter
£103. .19. .10
FROM EBENEZER JESSUP
A. D. S.
New York Novem' 2/*'. 1772
Sir Please to pay to Maj"^ Jelles Fonda the above
Sum of One Hundred & four Pounds, and it will
Oblige Sir your Most Obliged Humble Serv'
Eben Jessup
To the Honourable SiR WiLLIAM JOHNSON ^
At Johnson Hall ^
FROM ALEXANDER McKEE
[Pittsbu]rg the I
[26 Nov]r. I772\
I ']
[ ] ison, it was the [ ]
the Indian Country, in or[der ]
principal Villages as far as Scioto of it, and [ ]
return'd from that Service. —
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ Lines burned off.
i
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 645
I first informed them, That every means [
taken to convince them how sincerely we desire [
That Friendship between them and us that formerly [
subsisted, and that this Fort which had been built [
Quarrell between us and the French was to be dest[royed
which singular Mark of our Sincerity towards them [
not fail of exciting their utmost Endeavours to pre [serve
the Peace and Tranquility of this Country, which also in a
great measure depended now on their own Good Conduct, as
well as Good Government of their Foolish Young Men, Who,
I was sorry to observe to them, had been for several Years past
very unruly to His Majesty's Subjects, and that now it behooved
them in a most particular manner to give us every Testimony
of their future Good Intentions. —
I found them exceedingly well pleased with the DemoHtion
of the Fort, and they said, provided it was generally done
through this Country, and all the Sharp edg'd [ ]
[ ^]
[ ] them from do[ ] the same
was intended [ ] has given them great pleasure
to hear wh[ ] told them. And that as soon as their
Hunts were over they woud visit their Brethren at Pittsburg
[and] testify to them their Satisfaction upon this head & return
their unfeigned Thanks. —
A Few days before I left Scioto, Two of the Shawanese
who went to the Messissipi last Summer after the Congress with
a large Belt which was produced at that Meeting with several
others fixed to it and which they all denied knowing the Purport
of, Return'd with the following Acco": That on their Arrival
at the Ilinois they mett a Party of the Okawpas (as they call
them.) The Nation for whom those Belts were intended; That
upon acquainting them with their Business and shewing this Belt
which had Figures representing ten nations upon it, who were
ready to joyn the aforesaid Okawpas in a League of Friendship;
^ Lines burned off.
646 Sir William Johnson Papers
It was agreed upon then. That These Shawanese shou'd proceed
to the Oussossees and other Nations inhabiting the Missurie who
it seems were at Variance with this Nation, in order to bring
about a Pacification between [
[
belts being cut to pieces an[d
return, and untill they came [
They told them, They would treat upon [
with them — Most of the Indians of the [
Scioto were gone out a Hunting before this [
arrived except a few Chiefs, who I found receiv[ed the
Account with great Dissatisfaction, as well [
other Indians I have conversed with since upon [
General they shew a Degree of more Chagrin than cou[ld be
expected woud proceed from the declared Inten[
those Belts, At present they breath Nothing but [
against the Oussossees — The Spring will however sh[ew the
Issue of their Determination upon this Head — «
The Scalps taken from the Piankishaws last Spring by the
Six Nations & Cherokees have been reveng'd upon some of the
Delawares hunting below the Falls of the Ohio, A Number of
that Nation is gone with Intentions of settling there next
Summer —
I have the greatest reason to expect a large Body of Indians
will assemble here early in the Spring, and as this place will be
so ill provided for their Reception on acco". of Provisions
&c*. which they wall naturally expect, I have to request
[ ']
I ] of the Barracks; [ ] posed
of a private Sale to the [ ] and another
Gentlemen to the Great [ ] faction of the Merchants and
Inhabitants; Many [ ] the late Indian War had their
Houses pull'd down to [ ] the Fortifications &c*.
Who thought themselves better lintitjled to any Advantage
^ Lines burned off.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 647
arising therefrom than those [ ] angers — However
They have prayed a Redress from General Gage upon it — I
have the Honor to be with the Greatest Respect
Your Honor's
Most Obedient
Humble Servant
Alexander McKee
The Honorable SiR WiLLIAM JoHNSON Barronet
INDORSED:^
Pittsburgh 26 Nov'. 1 772
Alexd'. M^ Kee Esq".
Letter —
FROM THOMAS WHARTON
[Philadelphia December I, 1772]
[ ]
I sometime since took [ ] communicating to thee,
the Information [ ] relative to Bro^ Samuels
Negociations, & [ ] I forwarded by Post, a Letter
to three, which [ ] by Him, & which I hope duly
came to Hand.
Notwithstanding [ ] not the Honor of a personal
Acquaintance with [ ] Yet being Abundantly con-
vinced of thy Impor[ ] the English Nation, & how
Superior thy Abilities [ ]ments Are, to that of Any
Other Man, friend [ ] the Power so long & so
Justly Exercised by the [ ] Indians, committed by
Our Sovereign to thy [ ]ship. Yet as I find some of
those Natives 1 ] Occasion to represent their disatis-
faction [ ] Another Channell. I have now taken the
liberty [ ] Inform that, some few days since Arrived
^ In Johnson's hand.
648 Sir William Johnson Papers
in this City from the Westward Jos. Nippee & brought with
Him a Belt, which He said was for the Quakers this Caused
a few Persons of that Society to be Called together, when He
in substance told them, that He [ ] the Shawanese,
Delawares & Wyandots [ ] Miles to the Westward
of the Ohio, with [ ] them, & that, He was Commissiond
by [ ] to let the Quakers know, they had been
[ cojnsiderable time pass'd, greatly Imposed on
[ ] Nations, that, they were now determined [no lon]ger
to be Subject to the Six Nations, & for that [reasjon, they had
sent Messengers with Belts, to [ ] the Indians who live
400 Miles Westward of them [ ]ich with them in Oppo-
sition to the Six Nations, [The]y also declare, that, they are
dissatisfied with [the co]nduct of Sir WilHam, And that, they
will have [a repjresentative of the Great King George to
[resijde Nearer to them & to Obtain this End, they [desjire
the Quakers will procure for them a Vessell in which Ten of
their Chiefs may Embark for London in the Spring. Upon
those Quakers (who met) taking this Matter into their Con-
sideration, they determined, that. As in its Consequences it May
Essentially Affect Government, they would not Meddle with
it, but have laid the whole [ ] What part He may
have power or [ ] In this Affair I know not, but I
cannot [ ] that, some Mischief is in hand amongst
[ ] Wise Interposition May hinder, & th[ ]
Blood & Expence
I cannot conceive, h [ ] Pitt been Demolish'd We
sh*^. have heard [ ] Complaint.
I told My Father of [ ] of Communicating this
Matter to thee [ ] Me to Acquaint thee. He had
the highest respect [ ] for publick Character, & the
fullest Sence of the [ ] thou has been pleasd to lay
Us under, & that [ ] wishes for thee every degree of
Happiness —
Post'JVar Period, 1763-1774 649
To which please to [ ] Add, they Are the Senti-
ments & Desire of
Thy ObHged Friend
Tho Wharton
To Sir William Johnson
INDORSED:^
[ ] 1772
[ ] Wharton's letter
Wednesday X^^ 1 6*^^. Acquainted
[Abjraham, Hend''. & Aron
[ ] Mohawk Chiefs with the
[Con] tents.
FROM JOHN BLACKBURN
A. L. S.
London 2 Decern 1772
Sir
Your very acceptable Letters of the 30 June & 22 Sept came
to my hands a few days ago enclosing me therein 4 Bills Value
one hundred & fifty one pounds 14/6 which have met due
Honour save M"" Guy Johnsons Bill on M'' Sam' Baker for
£81 . .14. .6 which is now under Notation — as M"" Baker
refuses to accept the same — He tells me that M"^ Johnson has
overdrawn Him about £3 & as He declines acting for Him in
future He will pay no more than the real Balance — when the
Bill becomes due I will receive from M"^ Baker what He makes
due to M"^ Johnson & Credit Your Acco* therewith — permitt me
as M"" Baker refuses to do any more Business for M"^ Guy
Johnson to offer my Services & I am happy in having that oppor-
tunity of testifying my Regard — I waited on Lieut'. Roberts in
prison & there had an opportunity of treating with Him upon
the Subject of His Lands — He seem'd quite out of [Humour
& all the answer I could get from him was that he had sent his
Power of Attorney to Col'. Claus & he might settle with you —
^ In Johnson's hand.
650 Sir William Johnson Papers
He talks of Some Promises you made Him in Pay & Such like
which made me almost out of Humour with] Him — He says
that M^ [Penn offered him the money without]^ His asking
for it — He has been [very Imprudent & I am much] afraid that
is the Cause of His Style of Language —
I call'd at M"^ Whartons door on [Monday] last but He
was not at Home with a View to learn when it would be
necessary to pay Your proportion of the purchase Money —
I shall pay Your Quota whenever I am Call'd upon & my
reason for not doing it before I mentiond to You in a former
Letter — it is now beyond a doubt that the Grant" will pass —
as to the Mode of Government I do suppose that is not yet
absolutely Settled —
Lord Dartmouth is now Seated in His office [& seems] to
execute it with Satisfaction to every one — His Character
Stands very fair in the World & I dare say He will acquit Him-
self with Honor to the Crown & Satisfaction to every one in
His department —
We have no News in Town save that the Parliament intend
to continue the free importation of wheat from America — I
wish they would make it for 7 Years — pray do me the favor
to make my Comp'* to Sir John as I have not time to Write
Him by this pacquet —
I have the Honor to be
Sir
Your obliged & most obedient
Humble Servant
John Blackburn
^ This and other bracketed sections which were destroyed by fire, have
been filled in from a partial copy of this letter in the Johnson Papers —
listed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 513.
^ The Walpole Grant on the Ohio river. On Aug. 14, 1772 his
Majesty in Council approved and ordered to be executed the report of the
committee of the Privy Council in favor of the grant of land to Thomas
Walpole and his associates, and directed that a new government be
established thereon.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 651
ADDRESSED
To
S«. W*^. Johnson Bar*,
at Fort Johnson
near Albany
to the Care of Henry White Esq^
^ pacquet New York
INDORSED :^
London 2d. Decb^ 1 773^
M^ Blackburns letter
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. 5.
, , [New York Dec^ 3^^ ]TJ2\
[
Sir John, who is [
Lett me assure you [
is nothing in the Power of this [
do, that may give Sir John pleasure, or [
your Grand Daughters that shall not be done. All your
Directions & Memorandums shall be attended to with pleasure,
as Sir John writes you by this Conveyance, I shall not trouble
you further, than to complain of him for not takeing a Bed
with us, but I must do him Justice to say, he promises to spend
most of his leisure Hours with us, & he must & shall keep it.
Y^ young Lady's seem very happy & I hope their Mothers
will believe they shall not want for Care & affection from us.
The Writts are gone up for the Members for Tryon County.
I hope you will send us good Men, & who will do as your
Friends will wish — I expect Col°. Butler will be one, & youll
fix some good Man from the upper part of the County if pos-
^ In Johnson's hand.
2 Should read "1772."
' Lines burned off.
652 Sir William Johnson Papers
sible. it will please that part of the County & the German's.
You know the Members must be Residents in the County's
[ ']
I ] M' Barrow^ [ ]
[ ] Warrant ready [ ]
[ ] order who to pay it [ ]
or how you will have it sent up this M"" Barrow told us to day,
when he paid the Order you gave Sir John
Inclosed is a Letter for Mr Hill of Philad*. a very particular
Friend of mine pray peruse it & the little Mapp, & give me some
answer to send him. I have no thoughts that you v^dll sell the
peice you got for a Friend, but I fancy he wants some that we
may spare him & if you got a little Map, well laid down
describing the bounds of your 1000 Acres & the adjoining
Lands, we would know how farr we could serve him. pray
return me the Letter & an answer as soon as your time will
permitt.
M'■^ Wallace desires her Compl•^ We have paid her £40
on your Account which she will lay out for the Young Ladys
as you desire I am D^ Sir
Y'. obliged & obed* Serv*.
Hugh Wallace
Sir Wm Johnson Bar*
ADDRESSED :
To
Sir William Johnson Bar',
at Johnson Hall
indorsed:^ '^'y^" ^°""*y
Decbr. 3d. 1 772
M"-. Wallaces letter
ans^< 15*. Cur*. 1772
^ Lines burned off.
^ Thomas Barrow.
^ In Johnson's hand.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 653
OATH OF ALLEGIANCE, ABJURATION AND TEST
D. 5.1
I. A. B. do sincerely promise and swear that I will be
faithful and bear true Allegiance to his Majesty, King George
the Third so help me God. I. A. B. do swear that I do from
my Heart abhor, detest, and abjure as impious and Heretical
that damnable Doctrine and Position, that Princes excommuni-
cated or deprived by the Power or any other authority of the
See of Rome, may be deposed & murthered by their Subjects
or any other whatsoever, and I do declare that no foreign
Prince, Person, Prelate, State or potentate hath or ought to
have any Jurisdiction, Power, Superiority, Preeminence or
Authority, Ecclesiastical or Spiritual within this Realm so help
me God. I. A. B. do truly and Sincerely Acknowledge, profess.
Testify and Declare in my Conscience before God and the
World that our Sovereign Lord King George is Lawful &
rightful King of this Realm and all other his Majestys Domin-
ions & Countries thereunto belonging, and I do solemnly and
sincerely declare that I do believe in my conscience that not
any of the Decendants of the person who pretended to be Prince
of Wales during the life Time of the late King James the
Second and since his decease pretended to be and took upon
himself the State & Title of King James the Third of England
or of Scotland by the name of James the Eight or the Stile
and title of King of Great Britain hath any Right or Title
whatsoever to the Crown of this Realm or any other the
Dominions thereunto belonging and I do renounce, refuse &
abjure any Allegiance or Obediance to any of them and I do
swear that I will bear faith and true allegiance to his Majesty
King George and him will defend to the utmost of my Power
against all Traiterous Conspiracies and Attempts whatsoever
which shall be made against his Person Crown or Dignity &
1 Original preserved in Canajoharie, N. Y. Photostat furnished by
H. V. Bush, Canajoharie, N. Y.
654 Sir IVilliam Johnson Papers
Title do my utmost endeavour to disclose and make Known to
his Majesty and his Successors all Treasons & Traiterous Con-
spiracies which I shall Know to be against him or any of them
and I do faithfully promise to the utmost of my power to
Support maintain and defend the Succession of the Crown
against the Decendants of the said James & against all other
Persons whatsoever with succession by an Act entiteled (an Act
for the further limitation of the Crown and better securing the
Rights & Liberties of the subjects) is and stand limited to the
Princess Sophia Electoress and Dutchess, Dowager of Hanover
and the Heirs of her Body being Protestants and all these
things I do plainly & Sincerely Acknowledge & Swear accord-
ing to the express words by me Spoken & according to the plain
common Sense & understanding of the same Words without any
Equivocation Evasion or secret Reservation whatsoever and I
do make this Recognition, Acknowledgement, Abjuration,
Remuneration & Promise, heartily, wittingly and Truly upon
the true faith of a Christian so help me God. I. A. B. do
solemnly & Sincerely in the presence of God profess, testify &
Declare that I do believe that in the Sacrament of the Lords
supper there is not any Transubstantiation of the Elements of
Bread & Wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ or
after the Consecration thereof by any Persons whatsoever, &
that the invocation or Adoration of the Virgin Mary or any
other Saint & the Sacrifices of the Mass as they are now used
in The Church of Rome, are supersticious and Idolatrous & I
do solemnly in the Presence of God Profess Testify & Declare
that I do make this Declaration and every part thereof in the
plain & ordinary sense of the Words rid unto me as they are
commonly understood by English Protestants without any
Evasion, Equivocation or mental Reservation whatsoever &
without any dispensation already granted me for this purpose
by the Pope or any other Authority or Person whatsoever or
without thinking that I can be acquitted before God or Man
or absolved of this Declaration or any part thereof altho the
Post-War Period, 1763-1774
655
Pope or any other Person or Persons or Power whatsoever
shoud dispence with or annul the same or declare that it was
Null & Void from the beginning. —
Werner Deygert
Harmanes Van Slyck
John Dielbe
Henri B Merckel Ju-^
Arent Brouwer
Peter Ehl
John Eisenlond
Adam Laucks
John podey
Samel petri
Peder Bellienger
WiLL'^ Deygert
George Henrich Ball
Adam Young
Fredereck Bellenger
WiLLEM CONINGHEM
his
Adam S Staring'
Mark
NicH^. Herchemer
Jacob Res Jur
JoHAN C* Petrie
his
John J D DeMuth
Mark
JoHANN Bellinger
John Brown
Barent B Wempel
VOLKET VeDER
Samuel Pettingell
John Dackstetter
Nelles Vroman
Frederick Fisher
Henry Hees
Abraham D Quackenbush
Cornelius Smith
Hendrick Vrooman Jun
Peter Cooper Jun^
Peter Groot
Cornelius alstine
his
John X Kline
Mark
Nath^l Hillyer
his
Barent X Dredener
mark
Edw^ Wall
Dietrich Petri
PeTTER WEBER
JOHAN DeIEM'
J. ROORBACH
[ ]
Guy Johnson
John Butler
Hendrick Frey
Jelles Fonda
Joseph Cheas
John Frey
John Johnson
Peter Martin
Peter Conyne
Spelling doubtful.
656 Sir William Johnson Papers
RoBT Adams Adam Zeele
Peter Ten Broeck John Fonda
Frederick Young Will" Byme
Hendrick Hansen Dan^ Claus
Barent Hansen John Salltsman
Gilbert Tice December 8 1772
Arent Bradt John Hansen
his Chris". P. Yates
John + Bowen
mark
FROM HUGH AND ALEXANDER WALLACE
[New York Dec. P'*. 1772]
I ]
We wrote you [ ]
going to Albany which has [ ]
ere this — & that all the Stores we Sent up are safe with
you — We sent a Cask of Nails along with M^ Tyse's
Liquors & hope it will get safe, & that you received the other
Cask Nails sent 3*^ Sepf last, these are all the Nails sent or
order'd.
We have yours 3^ Ins*. & shall get the Cash for your Bill of
£2000 & send it by first good Man, as you desire.
We are sorry you have so much reason to complain of the
Rum being bad. be assured two Better Hhds of Rum never
left New York. We purchased the 2 Hhds Jamaica Rum
from M'' Hylton here at 5'/ & as to the two Hhds of N. York
Rum, it was very good bought of M'^ Wylley & it was also
in Ironbound Casks, so we hope it may be one of them you have
tryed & taken for West India Rum, its hard to find out who
plays tricks with your liquors — the Skippers or the Storekeepers
at Albany & Schenactady or the Waggoners, they will no
doubt all [ ]
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 657
[ ] verry well, they are [ ]
[ ] School next Week [ ]
[ ] with difficulty we could get her to take them, her school
in so full, being the best here, indeed we fancy if M' Ogilvie
had not interfered she would not have taken them, M^ & M".
Ogilvie are certainly very civil & polite to them, & so is Cob.
& M". Maunsall. If you have any letters for Ireland send
them soon, our Vessell sails Just after Christmas for Dublin
We are D^ Sir
Y"^ most obed Serv'*
Hugh & Alex^ Wallace
Sir Will Johnson Bar*
ADDRESSED:
To
Sir William Johnson Bar*,
at Johnson Hall
Tryon County
INDORSED:^
Decb^ 9*^ 1 772 —
Hugh Wallace Esq".
Letter.
Ans'-d 15«\ Cur*.
FROM WILLIAM TEMPLE
A. L. 5.
[Boston Deer. fQ^K 1772]
Sir
I have taken the Liberty [to] Inclose under your Address,
a Letter to M"^ Chew, which I am desirous should get safe to
him, he pointed out this Path to me, to Convey to him with
^ In Johnson's hand.
658 Sir iVilliam Johnson Papers
Security any Letters I might write or send him, a freedom which
I hope you will Excuse
In Sir Your most Obed'.
& most Hum^'^. Serv^
Will: Temple
Sir William Johnson
addressed :
To
The Honorable
Sir William Johnson Barr'
Att Johnson Hall
near
Albany
By the Post —
INDORSED:^
Boston 10»h. Decb^ 1772
from W". Temple Esq^
FROM BRYAN LEFFERTY
[Hillsborou]gh lO^K
December 1772
[ ] return from Johns [Town ]
returning there to Settle [ ] Possible, the [beginning of]
February Next but at farthest on the breaking up of the Ice
till then
I am S--
Your Most Obedient
Hble Servant
Bryan Lefferty
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ Line burned off.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 659
ADDRESSED
To
Sy William Johnson Baronet
Johnson Hall
INDORSED:^
Letter from M^ Bryan
Lefferty Att^.
Decb^ lO'h. 1772 —
FROM HUGH AND ALEXANDER WALLACE
A. L. S.
[New York Dec^ 12'^ 1772]
Dear Sir
We wrote you by [ ]
have received the Money for y^ [Bond] on M'^ Barrow," & send
by the bearer Skipper Marseilis One Thousand Pounds, sealed
& directed for you.
We hope you will receive it safe.
Nothing new here. Sir John & the young Ladys are verry
well.
We shall send £ 1 000 more by next good Hand & are
D-^Sir
Y^ Most obed Serv'*
Hugh & Alex Wallace
Sir William Johnson Bar'
Johnson Hall Tryon County
INDORSED:^
Decb^ 12»K 1772 —
M^ Wallaces letter
w'*^. Money ^ Marselis
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ Thomas Barrow.
660 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM THOMAS GAGE
New York Deer: 1 5'K' 1772.
Dear Sir,
Your Favor of the 18'^: November was delivered me by Sir
John Johnson, and I am glad to find by it that your late Congress
with the Six Nations terminated so much to your Satisfaction.
With regard to the Murther of Pond the Trader you will
perceive by my last Letter that I was of the same opinion with
you, that the Nations would not deliver up the Murtherers : And
if they should, it seems a delicate affair to act properly in; more
especially as there are little Hopes of punishing Ramsay as he
deserves, for the Many Indians he killed of all Sexes and Ages.
Upon the whole it appears best to make as much Merit as we
can of our Clemency, and forgive with a good Grace, in which
you know best the Instructions that are most proper to be given
Major Bassett"^ for his Conduct. Part if not the whole of the
Peltry may possibly be recovered.
The Attorney General has no great opinion of M"": Wether-
head's Proposal to appeal to Chancery on the verdict against
Lieu': Roberts. Neither Court nor Jury as far as I have learned
went upon his Instructions, or considered whether they were
given by proper Authority or not, but it was proved that Lieu'.
Roberts had the Rum in his Possession and gave a large
Quantity of it to the Indians, which Circumstance alone con-
demned him. If he acted according to his Instructions, the best
way is to ascertain the same by Memorial with the Cost that has
arisen from his doing his Duty.
With regard to the Certificates, Colonel Bradstreet made a
Charge of several for the Services you mention, viz'. Transport-
ing Provisions and stores to the Congress at Fort Stanwix. It
remains if the People you apply for are not paid, for Colonel
Bradstreet to certify upon the Certificates, that he has not paid
^ In Harvard College Library, Cambridge, Mass.
^ Major Henry Basset, commanding the garrison at Detroit.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 661
them, and that he has received no Money for that Purpose. Out-
standing Accounts are now more difficult to get paid than
formerly, and require more Form; all Accounts warrants &c*.
being transmitted to the Treasury every three months. When
Colonel Bradstreet has certified in the Manner mentioned, the
Certificates may be sent to me.
I have received News from the Ilinois to 11*^: Sepf^:, The
Person sent to the Ouabache to order the Settlers to quit Post
Vincent, returned with Representations of their Titles to the
Lands and a Desire to send two Deputys here to prove their
Claims. The Indians threatened to kill the Messenger, and
they were obliged to hide him till the Savages were pacified, a
French Man was employed on this Service and one of his Com-
pany was killed and scalped on his Return, tho' unknown by
what Nation. Two Chiefs of the Shawnese were at the Ilinois
in July who told the Commanding-Officer they were sent by you
with Belts to all the Nations to the Southward, and that they
were to hold a Congress there in Autumn. They had had a
meeting with different Tribes of the Ilinois Indians, a Party of
the Arkansas, and a large Party of the great Osages. It was
the first visit those last have paid to the English Since we have
been in Possession of the Ilinois. Some of the Kikapoas came
also on Invitation from the Commander from the opposite shore,
who being Spoke to by him as well as the Shawnese and some
of the Mingoes who were also present, they went off well satis-
fied and made fair Promises. You will guess the Intent of all
these Meetings and Secret Transactions, better than I can do,
of which the Commanding officer makes no mention, but appears
to have believed that the Shawnese were acting by your
Directions.
I am with great Regard,
Dear Sir,
Your most obedient.
Humble Servant,
Thqs. Gage
S^: William Johnson Bar*: —
662 Sir William Johnson Papers
INDORSED;' Decb. 15*K 1772 —
Genr^. Gages letter
Desiring Certificates may
be got from Bradstreet & Sent
to Him, of their having rec*^.
no pay. —
A RETURN OF PROVISIONS
D. S.
Return of Provisions Turned over to [Alexander McKee by]
Order of Robert Leake Esq"" Commissary [General]
the 18^ Dec^ 1772 —
[
]
Flour
Fit for Use & in Good Order
930
12 [
Unfit for Men to Eat
Total
]
930
12 [
]
An^- Mackay
INDORSED :
Return
of Provisions turned
Over to Alex^ M^ Kee Esq^
18'h. Dec^ 1772 —
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 663
TO JELLES FONDA
L. S.i
Johnson Hall Decern'-. 18^K J 772
Sir
As it is essential to the Interest of this Country that the
Representatives be early provided vs^ith all Informations con-
cerning it's true State, and Circumstances at this time, I think
it necessary that you send to me with all possible Dispatch, but
at any rate before the 28*^. of this Instant a true Copy of the
Tax List, Signed & Certified by your self for your District, and
also a List of the Number of days each person is to work on
the Roads &c
I am Sir
Your Wellwisher
& Humble Serv*
W. Johnson
P. S.^ I was told Just now
that Isaac Paris is to Set
up in opposition to the Two
Candidates, we pitched upon
at y^. time of the Court. —
If you know anything of it, let hear from You —
Jelles Fonda Esq'
from JOHN JOHNSON
A. L. S.
[Sutton, Mass, Decb'' 22"^ 1772]
[ ]
Were I Not confident that I may rely upon Your Good-
nature and Generosity to excuse my presumption, I Should Not
have dared, Considering the vast Inequality between your
1 In New York State Library, Albany, N. Y.
^ Entire postscript is in Johnson's hand.
664 Sir William Johnson Papers
Honours Lordship, & my person, to have raisd my thoughts so
high, as to address you with these inconsiderate Lines; Which
may justly merit Rebuke from your judicious Censure, But
knowing your favourable Construction on the good Meaning of
your informer,
I your Humble Petitioner, as a Relative Disier Preferment
as Vaconce Shall admit acaordinding to my abillity. My
Honrourd Father was born in Ireland in the County Terown,
and from thence came to New England. He Deceased in
Rutland, in the Year 1 753 left a w*^. with a Number of Small
Children, God Saw meet to Take from me my Honrourd
Mother the Next year following, & their now Sirvives but Two
be sides my Self one Brother & one Sister both younger. I
have Meet with many Miss Fortun and am at Present Redus*^.
to low Circumstances. I have been Brought up in the Tread
of Merchant-Dise I am in that Busness at present, and shall
be, till Next Spring, & then I know not where to go for further
imploy. I was Born in Rutland in the County of Worcester
of Messachusetts Bay, in New England, under the Pastoral
care of the Rev"^ M"" Joseph Buckminster, of S*^. Town I am
Now in Sutton in S^. County a Tending a Stoer for M^ Elijah
Putnam & Shall be till Next March
My Humble Duty [ ]
Knight, Baronet, to your
Famely
and in expectation of an Answ"^ [ ]
above Request, as Opportunity may Permit. —
I Rest S^ Your Most Humble Petitioner
John Johnson
I was Born in Year 1 748, am Now Twenty four years of age —
INDORSED:^
Sutton In New England
Decb^22d. 1772 —
from John Johnston
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 665
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S.
. , [New York Decb'- 23^^ 1772]
I rec^ yours of [ J
find Cob Guy Johnson [ ]
y^ representatives I dont know Col° [ ]
but am told he is a Lawyer, that is never any recomendation
In my Oppinion, but I suppose he will be guided by Cob
Johnson & there is no doubt they will do verry well.
We sent you £ 1 000 last week by Cap* Marseillis & by
Col°. Ranselar we shall send a like Sum this Week or early the
next — I think your Goal might have been under the Court house
for to save Expence for some time, as is done in all the Countys,
tho' no doubt its best to be otherwise — there will be I fancy
no difficulty in getting an Act for y^ Expence — I observe what
you say about M'' Hills Request for Lands, it agrees with what
I wrote him before.
Your Loss & Disapointment in the Rum vexes me. Depend
on it, there never was better Rum sent from New York but it
passes thro' so many hands its hard to find out the Cheat. I
believe it will be best in future to send a trusty Hand
[ â– ]
[ ] & advise you by the [ ]
Sir John is very well, & no doubt writes you by this post. The
Young Lady's are very well & fixed with M" Blanch Bayoux,
the best School in America they will turn out fine Women —
M". Wallace desires her Compl'*. & I assure you none washes
your Health & Happyness, A merry Christmas & many happy
Year more & sincerely then
DrSir
Y^ obed & obliged Serv*.
T.r 1 r AV7 .1 Hugh Wallace
IN ever was such ime Weather
Sir W" Johnson Bar*
^ Line burned off.
666 Sir William Johnson Papers
ADDRESSED:
To
Sir William Johnson Bar*,
at Johnson Hall
Tryon County
INDORSED :
[ ]
Mr. [ ]
ALEXANDER ROSS TO ALEXANDER McKEE
Contemporary Copy
Pittsburg
Deer. 23^. 1772
[ ]
As I understand that you [
of Provisions in the Spring for a [
you expect there at that time; I must beg you [
that there is now in the Contractor's Stores [
sands pounds of Flour with a proportion [
Beef &c*. which was purchased before any of the co[ntractors
knew anything of His Excellency General Gage's Intentions
[ ] Evacuating this Post, and therefore, will become
the Prop[erty] of the Crown; — So that if You was to apply
to His Exce[llency] I doubt not, but he would give Directions
for you to [ ] it for the use of the Indians —
I am Respectfully
Sir
Your most Obed'. Serv'.
Alexander Ross
Alexander M^.Kee Esq'.
Post-lVar Period, 1763-1774 667
INDORSED :
Copy —
M^ Ross's Letter
to
Alexander M'^Kee —
FROM MAISONVILLE
L. S.
Detroit 23^ Decembre 1772:
[ ] vous [ 1 jay [
Douitanons du 12^ Septembre [
Sauvages de ce poste font fort [
faits aucunes reponses aux colliers [
poste Vincennes et porteur de la Lettre que jay [
apprend qu'une Berge partant des Illinois [
avoit Cinq anglois et une femme montant La [riviere avait
ete rencontre plus haut que La riviere des c[
partie quy s'est nomme de Chikachas et [
terre, Les cinq hommes ont debarque et ont [
La femme quy etoit reste Seule dans la Voiture a [
force pour mettre La Berge a flot et s'est laisser a[
Courrant; et a arrive a que[l] que lieus plus Bas, ou il y [
chasseurs frangois ; quy en ont Eu Soin et I'ont rem [
Illinois: La meme personne dit que les peorias Sauvag[es
Illinois etant insulte et poursuivie par les Saks et [
Renards avoient ete obliges de se refugier dans le fort [
chartre: Je vous donne ces nouvelles telles qu'elles m'ont [ete
Conte et non pour Certaines: Mon frere arrive icy II y a qu[el
que Jours m'a dit que les miamis avoient mendes a tous les
Souvages de douabache, de se rendre a leur Village par ce qu i
Vouloient leurs parler de la part des Chadoinons; Les
douiatanons Seuls y sont Venu au Commencement du mois
dernier, a quy les Miamis ont dit, mes Freres, voicy une parole
^ Lines burned off.
668 Sir William Johnson Papers
que les Chadoinons Vous envoyent de la part des Chikachas et
des Cherakis, pour Vous demander a fair la paix, et que toutes
les nations puissent chasser tranquilement ; Les douiatanons
ont dit qu'ils n'etoient point Seuls les maitres et qu'ils repondr
oient avec toutes les nations de douabache; Mon frere m
assure s'etre trouve dans ce Conseil ou il s'est dit Beaucoup
de choses ne resultant qu' a faire la paix: Je ne Saurois Vous
Cacher Monsieur qu'il y a quelque terns que Je Serois partie pour
douabache, Sy ce n'eut ete une difficulte que Jay Eu avec une
[ ']
[ Jampbell etoit un [ ]
[ ] comme Jay tou jours pense et [ ]
[ ] mal agis vis a vis de moy dans cette [ ]
[ ] persuade Je n'ay point ete le voir en sortant
[ ]je ne doute point qu'il ne Vous Ecrive contre moy;
L'ayant [ ] personnes hautement et qu'il Ecriroit aussy a
Son [superieur GJeneral Gage; Je ne crains cependant point qu'il
puisse [ ] J'aye Jamais manque au Service et a la fidelite
[a Sa Majes] te ou a ceux quy la represente; n'y au devoir d'un
[ ] homme. Ma Conduite est Connue de tout le monde.
Mons' [ ] 11 et plusieurs mes" de Skanectaday me rendront
Justice [ ]es parts de ceux d'icy: Je me flatte que Sy il
fait quelques [ ] au General que Vous Voudres bien luy
faire Connoitre mon [ ] ; et meme Vous Conoissant
remplie de Bonte J'espere que Vous [Voujdres bien La
premiere fois que Vous Ecriray a Son Excellence luy [par]ler
de moy et le detourner, des mauvaises impressions que Ton
[po]urroit luy avoir donne de ma personne: Soyes persuade
[que] personne N'est plus sincerement attache au Service de Sa
Majeste et a vous que Celuy quy a I'honneur d'etre tres
respectueusement
Monsieur
Votre tres humble et
tres obeissant Serviteur
Maisonville
^ Lines burned off.
Pod-War Period, 1763-1774 669
ADDRESSED :
A L'honorable
Chevalier Guillaume Johnson Baronet
Surintendant des affaires Sauvages
pour Le District du nord
a
Johnson-Hall
INDORSED:^
Detroit 23< Decb'. 1 773^
Mons^ Maisonvilles letter
Translation
[
[ ] you [ ] I have [
Douitanons of September 12th [
the Indians of that post are very [
have made no reply to the belts [
Vincennes post and the bearer of the letter that I have [
states that a barge from the Illinois [
carried five Englishmen and a vv^oman going up the river [
had been met beyond the river of the [
part which is named for the Chicagos and [
aground. The five men landed and left [
The woman who was left alone in the barge to [
strength enough to float the barge, abandoned herself to [the
Current ; and arrived some leagues farther down where there were
French hunters who took care of her and carried her back to the
Illinois. The same person says that the Peoria Indians [ ]
Illinois having been insulted and pursued by the Saks and
[ ] Foxes, had been obliged to take refuge in Fort
^ In Johnson's hand.
2 Should read 1 772.
670 Sir William Johnson Papers
Chartres. I give you the news as it was told to me and not as
certainty. My brother who arrived here some days ago told
me that the Miamis had requested all the Wabash Indians to
come to their village because they wished to speak to them in
the name of the Chadoinons. The Douiatanons alone came at
the beginning of last month to whom the Miamis said : Brothers,
here is a message that the Chadoinons send to you in the name
of the Chickasaws and the Cherokees asking you to make peace
in order that all the nations may hunt peacefully. The
Douiatanons said that they alone could not decide, and that they
would reply with all the other Wabash nations. My brother
assures me that he was present at the council where many things
were said for the sole object of making peace. I can assure you.
Sir, that I would have left some time ago for the Wabash if
it had not been for some difficulty which I have had with one
[ 1
[ ] Campbell was one [ ]
[ ] as I have always believed and [ ]
[ ] has acted badly toward me in this [ ]
[ ] persuaded. I did not go to see him when leaving.
[ ] I doubt not but he will write you against me,
[having said] so loudly to several persons and that he would
also write to his [superior] General Gage. I do not fear how-
ever that he will be able [ ] I have never failed in
service and fidelity to his Majesty or those who represent him,
nor in the duty of an [honest] man. My conduct is known to
all the world. Mr [ ] and several gentlemen of
Schenectady will do me justice as well as most of those here.
I flatter myself that if he makes some [ ] to the general,
you will be good enough to inform him of my [merits ].
And knowing that you are full of kindness, I hope that the
first time you write to His Excellency you will be good enough to
[Speak] to him about me, and to correct the bad impression
concerning me which he may have given him. Be assured that
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 671
no one is more sincerely attached to the service of His Majesty
and to you than he who has the honor to be very respectfully
Sir
Your very humble and
very obedient servant
Maisonville
addressed :
To the honorable •
Sir William Johnson Baronet
Superintendent of Indian Affairs
for the Northern District
at Johnson-Hall
FROM GEORGE CROGHAN
A. L. S.
[Pittsburg December 24, 1772]
I 1
How within [ ] and Near one half of [ ]
from y«. pensylvaine [ ] the pour peple a Very
Larg [ ] they must pay again to [ ]
& Neaver have a farthing [ ] Pensylvaine — w^.
you will [ ]
By the best Accounts I Can [ ] the Limits of the
New Grant will [ ] thirty od Millians of ac". & the
[ ] will open att £ 1 Sterling %^ [ ]
and a half penny ^ a' Quitrent [ ] will Make a
handsome Devisi[ ] the 72 I have Given you those I
[ ]mations for y"". Satisfaction as I k[now] you
are one of them tho you Ne[ver] was So Kind as to give Me
a hint of itt
the Gineral was So polite as to order me the best house in
the fort or any thing I wanted butt y*'. Commanding puld it
Down with Some others and Sold y^. Matarials Stockades
blockhouses Gardians orchards fields & Every thing, before
^ lines burned off,
672 Sir William Johnson Papers
[ ']
[ ] itt to him w^. I had [ ] menshon those
things, as the [ ] Menshon itt to you & afr[aicl]
[ ] offer to me think I was [ ]
[ ] aShure you was Not y^. Case [ ] have
Wrote him on y^. ocation Nor [ ]tice Memorial Butt
that the [ ] perted that he had Don all this [ ]
the Generals orders & its Spread all over [the co]untry & as
itt Looks So unlike a [mili] tary order to Distroy y**. houses &
Sell [ ] Kings fort & blockhouses & Stockades
[ th] ought itt butt Just He Should have a [ ]
State of the places
[I desijre to present My Complements to all y^ Famely &
Gentlemen with you & hope you will blive me with Great Respect
y"^. Honors obeident
Humble Servant
PC TL T r T- 11 Geo: Groghan
. o. 1 beg Lave to 1 ruble
you with the Inclos"^. Leter
to Deliver M^ Phyn its to
Requst he wold Send me
y«. Ace", of what M'. Prevost
left unpaid in Scanectady —
as I will pay the whole
Next first of June —
To the Hon^'«. SiR William Johnson Barr*.
HENRY BASSET TO THOMAS GAGE
Contemporary Copy^
gjj^ 24'K- Decern'^: [1772] 1 1 OClock at Night —
Since I wrote my Letter to your Excellency & closed the
Packet for the Savages to sett out for Niagara early in the
Morning, I have scarcely time to tell you that M"^: Vensleck^
^ In William L. Clements Library, Ann Arbor, Mich.
^ Cornelius A. Van Slyck.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 673
a Considerable Trader of this Place, is just Arrived from S*:
Josephs, the Pottywatomy Indians attempted murdering him &
three servants about Ten Days since. He had one kill'd &
another wounded So 111 that he left him in the House, & of
Course is put to Death, the third was a frenchman who made
his Escape to the Fort. One Indian is killed and two he thinks
dangerously wounded, (M"": Vensleck) has received a slight
wound in his face & with the utmost difficulty has got here, he
tells me that it was the fault of some french Traders that are
settled there, I'm informed there's a certain (Louison Chaville)
a very bad man, that's marry'd to a Squagh & encourages these
Murders, I'm told this is the third within three Years, the
Effects that M"": Vensleck & M-": Macomb has left there
amounts to above £ 1 500 New York Currency, this is realy
very hard on Young Men of good Character, whatever Method
your Excellency may think best to root out these Villians; I
shall put in Execution with the greatest Chearfulness.
I ever am with Respect —
Sir
(Signed) &c*:
Hen. Basset
indorsed :
Copy of a Letter from
Major Basset Commanding
Officer at the Detroit to
General Gage —
Dated 24'*^: Decem': 1772 —
HENRY BASSET TO THOMAS GAGE
Extract^
[Detroit Deer 24^^ 1772]
I have lately received a Letter by Express from Sague[nay]
from a Monsieur Bealieu telling me that the peltry of the late
^Inclosed in Gage to Johnson, March 31, 1773.
22
674 Sir William Johnson Papers
unfortunate M'': Pan^ was not burn'd only two Packs of Elk
Skins, that the rest is in Possession of the Savages, and if he
was not confined to his Bed, he imagines he would be able to
procure the most of it, and desires I'll send over A proper
Person, I have sent over a Man of tolerable good Character
that Speaks Indian with Belts & Strings of Wampum. I hope
he'll succeed, for the Benefit of the Creditors.
I have not heard any thing of the Murderers since I wrote
your Excellency.
INDORSED :
Extract of a Letter from
Major Henry Basset to General
Gage
Dated Detroit 24*^^: Decem"": 1772
TO THOMAS WHARTON
A. L. 5.2
Johnson Hall Dech\ 24'K 1772
Good Sir/
A few days ago I was favored with your letter of the 1^'.
Ins', as I had before received your letter with that of your
Brother Samuel giving me the agreeable Account of the Success
of his Negotiation, on which I most heartily congratulate You,
as I am a sincere Wellwisher to your Family. — I am much
oblidged to You for this last Instance of your friendship in com-
municating to Me the particulars regarding the Shawanese
Delawares & Joseph Pippee^ whom I know very well. — There
has been a Resolution of the House of Lords against the Send-
ing over Indians, and it is likewise contrary to his Majestys
Intentions without my Authority, I therefore presume tho' as
yet I have heard nothing from Gov^ Penn about it, that it will
hardly be permitted.
^ Phineas Pond, trader.
2 In New York Historical Society, New York City.
^ A Delaware Indian.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 675
The Schemes of the Delawares Shawanese &c have been for
some time to form such Alhances as might enable them to renew
their Depredations, and as they can get few of the Six Nations
into their Scheme, they pretend many excuses & represent
Matters as if they were aggrieved by the latter, the better to
enable them to shake off an Influence not so convenient for their
purposes, and I should not be surprised if some Malicious Per-
sons were in some measure interested therein, however I am
perfectly regardless of any such endeavors farther than as they
may in their consequence be productive of Evil to the Country. —
I shall be glad that You will Inform me of anything farther
that may have transpired concerning them, since the Matter
was laid before the Gov""., and in the interim remember me most
kindly to your worthy Father, assure him of my great Esteem
for him altho unacquainted, and that as I have always been
disposed to serve his Family, so shall I always continue in the
same disposition, and that I heartily wish him and Yourself all
true happiness, with everry rational enjoyment. As I am with
true regard,
Your Sincere Friend
& Verry Humble Servant
W, Johnson
FROM WILLIAM GAMBLE
A, L. S
Albany the 25^K December 1772
Sir
I take the liberty of presenting the Compliments of the Season;
wishing you a happy New Year, and that your valuable life may
extend to a long succession of them.
This day the last Sloop sailed from the Dock, the river
entirely free of Ice which has not been the case at Christmas
since I have known Albany
676 Sir IVilliam Johnson Papers
Five of the Money-makers are found guilty and more likely
to be so
I am
Sir
Your much obliged
and most humble servant
William Gamble
The fine Sow you were pleased to give me, and I set so much
Store by, died in farrowing; and you were good enough to tell
me I might have another young Sow with pig — Should your
post come down in a Slay and will bring one I will gladly
satisfy him —
INDORSED:^
Decb. 25th. 1 772 —
M^ Gambles letter —
Ans^<— Bjtl^ —
MONEY RECEIVED FROM JELLES FONDA
A. D.2
[
11 D° @ [ ] Each [
6 D° @ 65/6 Each [
3 0° @ 65 Each
Do
D°
2 Do 64/9
1 Do
1 Do
1 Do
1 Do
1 Full Joe
1 Doubleoon
']
I
]
9.
.15.
3.
. 5.
9
3.
. 5.
6.
. 9.
6
3.
. 4.
3
3.
. 4.
3.
. 2.
2.
.17.
8
6.
. 8.
5.
.13.
4
^ In Johnson's hand.
^ Dates of the items have been burned off.
^ Line burned off.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 677
1 D° 4.. 16
8 Guineas 1 4 . . 1 8
1 Moydore 2.. 8
14 Bills at £10^ 140..—
8 do. at £5 ^ 40..—
1 Do 3..—
Half Joe at 64« ^ 128. .—
£461. .17
858 Dollars at 8« ^ 343 . . 4
£805.. 4.. 3
Received of Major
Fonda Decb^ 25'^. 1 772
for M^ Jessops purchase^
TO THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 514, is listed a letter of December 26th
to the Earl of Dartmouth, explaining a scheme of the Indians to southward
to draw the Six Nations into an alliance against the English (printed in
Doc. Rel. to Col Hist. N. Y., 8:340-41).
TO HENRY GLEN
Johnson Hall Decly 28'K 1772.
Sir/
Your favor of the 27'^ inst is received and find thereby that
Mess". Winne & Douw have acted a verry ungenteel & Dis-
honest part thro the whole affair of that rotten fishing net, of
which they ought to be ashamed if they had any reflection or
feeling. — all I am concerned at, is that you should have so
much trouble about it, but as you have made an agreement with
them, I shall abide by it, and send you the money by the first
good opertunity. as for the Nett you may order it to be left
^ Receipted by Johnson.
^ In possession of Charles E. Gardiner, Johnstown, N. Y.
678 Sir William Johnson Papers
at their Doors, or give it to any poor body you please, if worth
their Acceptance. The Election of our Representatives was
Unanimous, and will I hope always be such, as making Partys
or Divisions amongst the Inhabitants, can never be for their
Interest. — I return you many thanks for your good Wishes, and
return the same with great sincerity, as I am really your sincere
friend and Humble Servant
W. Johnson
Henry Glen Esq^ —
I take y^. first opertunity by M^ Andrews^ now here, of Sending
you the £ 1 2 to pay for the Net, w^. is so much thrown away —
ADDRESSED :
To
Henry Glen Esq'.
Schenectady
by favor of
the Revr*^. |-
M^ Andrews]
FROM ALEXANDER McKEE
A. L. S.
[Pittsburg December 31, 1772]
I ]
Keyashuta returnd to the [
whom I was honor'd with Your favour [
have wrote Your Honor since my last Arr[ival
Country a full account of every thing that [
them relative to the Business I went upon, as [
else which came to my Knowlege during that Jo[urney]
M^ Croghan has communicated to me the G[
Intentions of Forming a New Colony upon the Ohio ; [
with me in the Necessity of taking the earliest Oppertunity
notifying it in His Majestys Name to the several Nations this
Rev. William Andrews of Schenectady.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 679
way for which purpose I shall shortly sett ou[t to exe-]
cute it agreeable to Your Honor's Directions.
The Day after Keyashuta's Arrival he employ'd [Messen-]
gers to go to the several Towns to acquaint them of [ ] and
enjoyn'd them in the most earnest manner to be str[ict]
in preserving Peace and Tranquility untill he had an opp[er-]
tunity of delivering to them the Speeches he is charged with from
Your Honor and the Six Nation Chiefs : It is to be hoped from
the Tenor of His Behaviour since he came, that the civil Treat-
ment he mett with from the White people in General will have an
Effect upon [
[ ] for no Indian this way [
[ ] Belts when well disposed, or on [
[ ] when so inclin'd —
The Indians this way since their last Meeting [
seems to have been principally taken up about [
Belts sent to the Missisippi last Summer. The [
my last Letter contains an Acco". and the Six Belts [
Honor's Possession was part of those shewed to me
[ C]ongress at Scioto: And altho The Shawanese
Delawares & [ Jon Indians promised to attend the
Meeting at Onondago, [ ] say they never had any
Intentions of going to any more Coun[ ] in the Six
Nation Country, having before experienced the [Cojntempt
and Neglect shewn them, and that it coud answer no good pur-
pose of them, as they were always obliged to sit behind Backs
at all such Councils —
Keyashuta has informed me. That an Onondago Chief who
was at the Congress at Scioto, declared at the late Meeting with
Your Honor. That on His return home, he had been told of
a Bad Belt amongst the Shawanese, and altho Keyashuta denies
knowing anything of it, I have lately been informed of a Story
to the same Effect, by the Brother of the person in whose Hands
[it] is supposed to be, [ ] party thereof —
^ Lines burned off.
680 Sir William Johnson Papers
The Deputy Commissary of Provis[ ] deliver
the Kings Stores left behind to me wh[ ] is nothing
but the Sweepings of the Kings Stores [ ] you will
see by the Inclosed Return — There is a [ pro] vision
in the Contractor's Store, which Their Agent here [ ]
the Crown as your Honor will see by His Letter to me
here[ ] There is no doubt but I shall be much
distress'd for provisions [ ] Spring when all the
Nations collect here, which they are de [ ] to do —
If your honor wou'd incline to prevail on the General [ ]
those deliverd me for that purpose it wou'd answer —
From the present Temper of the Indians since the Tr [ ]
been removed, I think there is not any Doubt but they will
receive [ ] of a Civil Government with great Satis-
faction as it appears now [ ] were suspicious of us &
allways thought our keeping Troops here [ ] That
they should be imployed one Day or other Against them; But
[ ] they seem quite easy in their Minds & all their
Jealousies on that acco". removed —
As there has been frequent Applications to me on Acco". of
[ ']
[ Abrah]am Jones's & Sons pay 1 ]
[ ] Detroit — I therefore wou'd request You [ ]
inform me by the next Oppertunity to [ ] as paid —
[ ] with Greatest Respect
Your Honor's Most Obedient
Humble Servant
Alexander M^ Kee
The Honorable SiR WiLLlAM JOHNSON Baronet
INDORSED:^
Decb^ 3hK Mil —
Alex^ M'^.Kees letter
w^. Sundry Inclosures
^ Lines burned off.
^ In Johnson's hand.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 681
BOUNDS OF TRACTS OF LAND
D.
[Dec. 31, 1772]
I ] Hampton Thence N: 30^ West [ ]
[ ] N. 60d East 270 Thence S :
30"^ East about 1135 Ch To the Eastermost End of said
North Hampton, Thence Northerly Round the same, to
the place of Beginning. 27,000 Acres or thereabouts.
The Purchace Money paid by Goldsbrow Banyar Esq"^ The
bounds of Lands to be conveyed to Isaac Low, Derick Lefferts,
the Heirs of Peter Remsen, Robert Leak, Thomas Palmer, and
All their Associates.
Begining at the N : East corner of the Tract of Land
Bounded to John Bergen and his Associates And Runs N : 60"^
East About 850 Chain Untill a Line Shall intersect it coming
From the West Branch of Hudsons River North 30<^ West
beginning to run from a Certain place, on said west Branch
four miles From Hudsons River Due West thence South 30^^
E: to the Said place, on the said west Branch of Hudsons
River, thence Up the Same westerly Round the Easterly,
Northly & Westerly Bounds of a Certain tract of Land of Nine
Thousand Acres Reserved for John Glen and Others, and Up
the Said Stream, Round the Patented Lands, to the S: East
Corner of the Said Tract of John Bergen, thence N: 30"^ W:
About 1135 Ch to the Place of beginning. Containing About
Ninety Thousand Acres of Land, The purchace mony Paid
by Isaac Low, Derick Lefferts, the Heirs of Peter Remsen,
Robert Leak, Thom^ Palmer & thier Associates. Runing up
[ ] Tract of [ ] And Agreeds
[ ] And thier Associates, thence Along [ ]
Bounds thereof, and As far as the North [ ] Of the
Tract Petitioned for by Thomas Palmer and His Associates,
and being the Corner Also of [ ] Bounds Agreed for
Isaac Low, Derick Lefferts, the Heirs of Peter Remsen, Robert
Leak, the Said Thomas Palmer And Their Associates, thence
682 Sir William Johnson Papers
South 30 D^ East to the Said West Branch of Hudsons River,
four Miles Due West from the Said north Branch of the Said
Hudsons River, thence Down the Same to their Confluence
being the place of beginning More or Less, the purchace Mony
To be paid by Jelles Fonda & His Associates.
The bounds of a Certain Tract of Land Petitioned for by
Edward Jessup and Ebenezer Jessup and Their Associates of
Forty Thousand Acres — Begining on the West Side of
Hudsons River, five Miles Above A Patent Lately Granted to
Ebenezer Jessup and Others, on the East Side of Hudsons
River Containing Seven Thousand five Hundred Acres of Land,
Thence extending Up the Said River Northerly And back in
the Woods Westerly so far as to include the Quantity of forty
Thousand Acres of Land The Purchace Mony to be Paid
by Edward Jessup and Ebenezer Jessup
[ ] by John Bergen and his Associates (and to be Laid
Out for them) thence Runs N:30'^ West Untill a Line Coming
west from Ten Miles North of Crount Point shall interesect it
Thence East to Hudsons River, thence Down the Same to the
North Bounds of a tract petitioned For by Edward Jessup and
Ebenezer Jessup and their Associates of Forty thousand Acres,
thence Round The Northerly and Westerly Bounds thereof, to
the North East Corner of a tract Petitioned for by Thomas
Palmer and his Associates, thence South 60"^ West To the North
West Corner of the Said Tract of John Bergen being the Place
of Beginning —
The purchace Money to be paid by Joseph Totten & Stephen
Crosfield & Associates.
INDORSED:
The Bounds of several
Tracts of Land
for Indian Deeds
1772
^ Line burned off.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 683
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON VS JAMES DAVIS
D. 5.1
Inferior Court of Common Pleas
Of the Term of December in the year of our Lord one
thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy two —
Tryon ss. Sir William Johnson Bart. Complains of James Davis
otherw^ise Called James Davis of Johnstown In the
County of Tryon and Province of New York Hatter
in Custody &c of a Plea that he Renders unto him
Two Hundred and thirty two pounds fourteen Shil-
lings, seven pence Lawfull Money of New York
which the said James owes to the said Sir William
Johnson & unjustly detains from him for this to wit
that Whereas the said James Davis on the twenty
sixth day of November in the year of our Lord one
thousand seven hundred & seventy two at Johnstown
in the County of Tryon and within the Jurisdiction of
this Court by his Bill Obligatory Sealed with the Seal
of the said James and to the Court — Now here
Shewn the date whereof is on the same day & year
Aforesaid Acknowledged himself to be Indebted
unto the said William Johnson by the Name of the
Honb'^. Sir William Johnson Bart, in the Sum of One
hundred & Sixteen pounds seven Shillings & three
pence to be paid to the said Sir William Johnson on
the first day of December then Next ensuing after the
date of the said Bill and to the said Payment well &
truly to be made the said James, by the said bill
firmly bound himself his Heirs Executors and
Administrators and every of them in the said Sum of
Two Hundred & thirty two pounds fourteen Shillings
and Seven pence, and the said Sir William Johnson
1 In collection of Willis T. Hanson jr, Schenectady, N, Y.
684 Sir William Johnson Papers
in fact says that the said James did not on the first
day of December pay to the said Sir WilHam Johnson
the said Sum of One Hundred & Sixteen pounds seven
ShilHngs and three pence halfpenny which upon that
day he ought to have paid him According to the form
& Effect of the said Bill whereby an Action hath
Acrued to the said Sir William Johnson to demand
& have of the said James the said sum of Two Hun-
dred And thirty two pounds fourteen Shillings & seven
pence. Nevertheless the said James Davis altho often
required &c hath not paid the said sum of Two Hun-
dred & thirty two Pounds fourteen Shillins & seven
pence to the said Sir William Johnson but hitherto
hath Refused & Still doth refuse to pay the same to the
Damage of the said Sir William Johnson fifty Pounds
& thereof he brings this Suit &c
pledg
Silvester for PI*.
D. Davis for Def.
es
County of Tryon ss. Sir William Johnson Bart, puts in his place
Peter Silvester his Attorney against James Davis
otherwise Called James Davis of Johnstown in the
County of Tryon & Province of New York Hatter in
a Plea of Debt &c
INDORSED :
Tryon Court of Common Pleas
The Honbl<^ Sir Williaml D^
Johnson Bart. — Narr
vs fPenal
James Davis Bill
Silvester Atty.
to be fyled
Filed 21 Jany. 1773.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 685
CASE OF MOHAWKS AND CANAJOHARIES
D. S.
I 1772]
[ ]
appropriate to its Use one thousand Acres of [ ]
Many Years after the Corporation employed [ ]
who Obtained a Deed from some of them, which [ ]
of these Lands, when the Indians Shou'd cease to be as
[ ] paid no Consideration, but the Indians always
[ ] no more was understood, meant, or intended by
them [ ] under the Protection of a body of People
whom they appreh [ended were] willing to defend this inter-
esting part of their Property from the [ ] of any of
the Neighbours, or the indiscretion of any of their own [ ]
That the Indians did afterwards Convey some part of
[ ] to some persons whom they have always permitted
to hold the same, but that the Corporation intimidated these
People, and obliged some to enter into Articles to pay them
Rent.
That Aria, a Mohawk Chief who had executed the [Deed
to] the Corporation was repeatedly blamed by all the rest of
the Indians, & threatened so soon as they heard that it had a
different Construction, and [ ] operate to the giving
a Reversion to the Corporation which induced him to [ ]
matter before Gov^ Cosby at Albany who disapproved of the
same, [ ] calling for the Deed, gave it to Aria, who
threw it into the (ire.
That some of the former Mayors, and several of the Corpo-
ration declared that they did not intend to avail themselves of
that Deed, th[at] they did not afterwards demand Rent from,
or eject those Persons settled th[ere] in consequence of which,
the Indians wou'd have rested thorougly content and Satisfyed,
had they not lately been told by Several of their Neighbours
[that] the Corporation wou'd compell those living upon these
Lands to pay them R[ent] and would take Measures to get it
686 Sir William Johnson Papers
all into their Possession, this brought [to] the recollection of
the Mohawks the treatment of the Scorticoke Indians, [whose]
lowlands were claimed by the Corporation under a similar Title,
and who were [ ]
[ 1
[ ] of the Corporation and Inhabitants of Albany
[ ] with the most reasonable Purchases, and with
whom they [ ], much in favor of that City, they are
still willing to hope [ ] coud produce Such a Title,
as might appear in their favor at Co[ ] for the
Consideration before mentioned, an Advantage woud not [ ]
[ ]ance of their Ancestors in a matter of so little value to
the Corporation [but] So Interesting to them. That therefore
they expect both in reason, and [ ] small Remains of
their Property, (the lands they Occupy round their villages
[ ). ]ned to them, and to their latest Posterity,
with liberty in case hereafter they [ ] Country, or
become reduced as a People to dispose of Same, giving a
Preference to the Corporation of Albany, and they trust that
this their reasonable Request will meet with the favor, and
Countenance of Government.
Case of the Mohawks of Conajohare respecting the Lands
around their Village
The Conajohares consider themselves as within the Same Pre-
dicament as the Mohawks with regard to the large Sales they
formerly made for very Slender Considerations and to the mere
trifle of Property remaining in their hands.
They acknowledge that they sold above forty Years ago a
Tract of land to Mess""*. Livingston, and Van Home, but they
positively deney that they ever Sold any of the upper part that
was claimed under the Patent, those Persons afterwards
obtained, besides the Absurdity of the Supposition that they
shou'd sell the very Planting Grounds, and Village they lived
^ Several lines burned off.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 687
on, at a time when they were much more numerous then they
are at present. There are very Strong proofs to the contrary
appearing on Sundry Examinations, as well as at a Trial at
Bar in 1 763 that the survey [ ]
[ ']
That the present Claimants and [ ]
believe of the Premisses, did afterwards agree to [ ]
part, which was perfected by all present except a certain [ ]
Some Man, who has often created much uneasiness in [ ]
Still continues to refuse to execute the Same, and has [ ]
Part thereof, alledging as a reason, "that he had been well
[ "] which the Indians can give no Credit. That
although [ ] are willing to Judge honorably of the
Intention of the present Proprietors [ ] Yet they
cannot help being greatly alarmed at the Conduct of Klock
[ ] that a Discontent arising therefrom, may operate
on the rest of [ ] same Effect as is Set forth in the
Case of the Mohawks. [ ] their fidelity, and Attach-
ment to the English intitles them to strict Just [ice ]
Protection of Government, & that for the Considerations before
mentioned their [ ] Slender Remains of their Property,
is reasonable, and their Desire moderate.
They therefore request that Klock may be compelled to
[ ] the Release and that M"". Burnet Brown who was
then absent may [ ] the same according to his Promise,
or that such other Measures may be [taken] for their Relief,
as may secure these Lands to them their Heirs, or Assigns for
ever.
Pro Sir William Johnson
G Johnson D Agent
for Ind". Affairs
INDORSED
) •
•
[
] Mohawk Indians
[
]
ing the lands around their
Village
1772
^ Several lines burned off.
688 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO THOMAS GAGE
[Johnson Hall Jan. I 1773]
[Dear Sir]'
I have [had the favor of your letter of the 15*. Ult°., and]
have accordingly [wrote to Major Bassett, giving him]
such Instructions [for his conduct towards the Indians]
on the Subject of the late Murder as I thought best & most
Correspondent with your own sentiments. Indeed it is so nice a
point that little more can be said to them, than that his
Majesty is so Sensible of their follies, and so full of Clemency
that he may be prevailed on to forgive them in this Instance on
Condition that it is the last, and that they restore the goods or
an equivalent, &ca.
I imagined that the Indians about the Ouabache would interest
themselves strongly in favor of the French Settlers, what Title
the latter can claim by I am at a loss to conjecture. An Indian
Title in that Country could not be admitted without establishing
a very dangerous precedent, and as to one from the French
Gov', tho' they latterly grew liberal of their Grants, I have never
yet heard that they made any in that Country: —
As to the proceedings of the two Shawanese at the Ilinois in
my name, I am at a loss what to think of it, for tho' it is possible
they might have been sent in consequence of the late Scioto
Meeting, they had no Authority from me, I am rather inclined to
think that there is some dark Scheme in it, as I have lately dis-
covered that the Shaw^^ & Delawares are endeavoring to form
an Association ag'. the 6 Nations [& English], as the former if
we Except [the Mingoes of Ohio and a few Senecaes will not
come into their Measures, they trust that the Six Nations will be
intimidated at the news of the Confederacy against them, and
''â– In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
- Words within brackets have been supplied from the original letter in
the William L. Clements Library, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 689
thereby induced to Joyn them, which is the more wanted by
the rest, as the Situation of the Six Nations ] renders
them the most [fitting to attack our Communications] & northern
Settlements. [They complain bitterly] to the other Nations of
the Capture [of Captain Bull &] 40 Delawares by the party I
sent out in 1 764 & request to be made Independant of that
Confederacy, I have Even been lately Assured that a Deputation
was Secretly going to Philadelphia with a View to proceed to
England to effect this, From which If attended to by Governm*.
they hope to set the 6 Nat^ so much ag' us, that they will Joyn
the rest thro' a Spirit of revenge.
Col, Johnson going down as a Representative for this County,
I beg to referr you to him for any thing farther on these or other
occurring Subjects.
His Excelly Gen^. Gage.
INDORSED:^
To His Excelly Gen', Gage
Janry. 1*'. 1773 —
by Col°. Johnson
TO JOHN WATTS
[Johnson Hall Jan^ /^' 1773]
By Coll: Johnson [ ]
for Lord Adam Gordon which [ ]
I wish that that may prove Sufficient, as I dont see [ ]
either of the Evidences can go down, or what can farther be
done here at present to authenticate it A Bill on England sent
to me here will answer my purposes Sufficiently
Coll: Johnson who goes to take his Seat in the House will
give you the news of the Quarter, so that I have only at present
^ In Johnson's hand,
^ In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
690 Sir William Johnson Papers
to add the Compliments of the Season to you & yours & to assure
you that I am always with true regard,
Dear Sir,
Your Sincere friend
& very humble Serv*.
Honble John Watts Esq^
INDORSED:
Jany. b' 1773
To the Honble J Watts
Esq"" with Lord Ad"*. Gordons
Deed ^ Coll. G. Johnson.
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S.
[Nerv York January 12, 1773]
I ]
[ ']
members at the Governor's [ ] they mett a hearty
Wellcome & kind reception [at] the House, tho' Pains was
taken to kick up [ ] Dust against any New Members.
I think I [can] assure you they will get any Bills passed that
they [may] propose for the Good of the Country. Sir Wâ„¢
Johnson's influence (says a certain Lawyer) can carry anything
he pleases now both w'^ Gov^ Councill & Assembly — he
returns two Members by his Nod, & can direct the Ellection of
the Albany & Schenectady Members as he pleases — I wish his
Interest was twice as great (says a Friend) for we are sure its
his Inclination & greatly his interest to use it all for the good of
the Province.
Sir John is very well, & so are the Young Ladys. I have
enquired about Dan' Sullivan's Will & find there is not a penny
Left to Dennis Sullivan, what is left by way of Legacy is to
John Sullivan, but it wont be £20 as the Lease of the House,
I
^ Lines burned off.
Post-War Period, 1 763-1 774 691
which was on the Church Lands was left by the Will to M'
Lispinard —
I am glad to find you got the £ 1 000 sent by Marseiles — I
expected to have sent the rest ere now by Col° John Rensaler,
but he still is here — he is surrendering a great part of his disputed
Claverack Estate to the Crown, & getting a Confirmation for
[ ']
[ ] County, but is likely [ ]
[ ] Insolvent Act. If I find his Clav[ ]
[ ] will suit you I will send him up to you —
We have no News here. 
