Documents Relative to the Colonial History of the State of New York; Procured in Holland, England and France [6]

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DOCUMENTS RELATIVE TO THE

COLONIAL HISTORY STATE OF BEW-YOEK: PROCURED

IN'

HOLLAND, ENGLAND AND FRANCE JOHN ROMETK BRODHEAD,

ESQ.,

AGENT, OF THE STATE," PAbsED

MAT

2, 1*5»-

EDITED BV

E. B.

O'CALLAGHAN,

VOL.

M. D.

VI.

ALBANY: WEED, PARSONS AND

COJEPANY, PKINTERS.

1855.




shall take

ready with our Answer but

it

We cannot tell Acquaint your Honour when

into Consideration

We

shall

of the Sachims of the six Nations to the Governours Proposition the

June 1737

Brother Corlaer

You made lately a Proposition to us in the Name of the King your Master and our Father You said likewise Brother Corlaer that you was Glad to meet us here in the City of Albany You have also said Brother Corlaer that you Opned your Arms to Embrace us with Sincere Love.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

104

likewise told us Brother Corlaer that the reason you

You have was

that

We

had Escaped the deadly Snares that were

again with hearty friendship

—

Embraced

And

laid for us

us with open

Arms

you received us

that

was to renew the Antient Covenant Chain that our Ancestors made together, to renew that Silver Chain wherewith our aforesaid forefathers had linked their hands together and to make its Lusture still more bright likewise told us that your Chief Business here

You have

and Clear

—

Brother Corlaer

That Covenant which our {forefathers have made you have told us nobody can breake which always say on our part that it shall not be in the power of any evill tongue to make a

We

breach betwixt us

Brother Corlaer

We

have remembered every thing that has been Transacted between our {forefathers hitherto

One Generation

tells it to

another

—

Brother Corlaer

We are very glad with the Promises that you have made to the six Nations which you promise to keep Inviolable on your part, and we are come on the same End and promise in the name of the Six Nations to keep the same Inviolable on our part and to make it Clearer ;

and stronger than

it

ever has been before

Enemies would rejoyce Disagreeable

it

will

to

hear that

be to them

in

we

;

We know

fell

Brother Corlaer that our Neighbouring

out together but the better

Confirmation of

all

we have

said

:

Give

we

agree the more

this belt

Wampum

Brother Corlaer.

You likewise told us that you heard that there lyes a belt Wampum amongst the Sinnekees Send by the Governor of Canada to invite us to go to war with him against the Foxes it is true Brother there is a belt come from Canada but it is our own which was returned us We heard that the Governour of Canada had conceived a prejudice against us We sent that belt in place of a Letter in order to be Informed of the truth of it the Governour of Canada hath not Accepted of that belt but returned to us and let us know there was no truth in what we had heard but afterwards he let us know tiiat he Intended to go on an Expedition against the Foxes & their Allies but no harm was Intended us & if we were willing to go we sho'd be welcome but he sent us no belt & it is a Maxim amongst us if ever any body speaks to us they must give a Belt which the Governour of Caneda has not done so we take no notice of it. :

Brother Corlaer

You have

likewise desired us to give no Credit to any thing the ffrench should

they are a Deceitfull People and no Creditt to be given to what they say but that

adhere firmly

to the

tell

we

us

;

for

should

Covenant Chain with you.

Brother Corlaer

You have Paths but

Trade

likewise told us to keep open

all

there.

all

the paths that Lead to

those of the far Indians and to give them

all

Oswego

not only our

own

Incouragement to come and

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXV.

105

Brother Corlaer

You have

likewise said that the

more skins are brought

to

Oswego

the

More Goods

will

be

sent there for the Indians. Brotlier Corlaer

You have likewise told us that we should sitt still & molest no body but take Care of our Wives & Children: the House at Oswego is like a trap which when you Intend to Catch a prey you lay a bait in it and so when the Creature comes to Eat the bait he is Catched and to this Trap We Compare the House at Oswego we now repeated the heads of what your Honour has said and shall give our opinion thereon

—

Brother Corlaer

We

think there

is

some poison

at

Oswego where

the Trap

is

Set

;

for

many have dyed with

the Bait.

Brother Corlaer

We

shall here

and there give an Answer

only to keep open subjects

all

the paths to

which we promise

to

every Article

Oswego But

to all

you have Recommended

the settlements of

all

to us not

other his Mat'"

to do.

Brother Corlaer

You have wo'd

;

but

we

therefore

more Beever and Skins come to Oswego the Cheaper the Goods we must pay now 3 bever Skins for a Wonians Petticoat that We may have the Goods Cheaper then the price now is, and then all Come and Trade with you. Gave a belt of Wampum

told us that the

We Can't desire

the far Nations will

perceive that for

The Governour

told

them here

That whoever takes three bevers for one petticoat Imposes on them and desired them to mark those Traders and not Deal with them for honest Treaders will give them two Petticoats for three

heavy Beavers

Brother Corlaer

You have likewise said that you have heard that some of our Indians have been at summer And sold the Land to M' Penn which the Schawenoes live on and that they are going to live among the French Indians at Tuchsaghrondie because We sold their Lands from under their Bodys. it is true We have sold a small piece of Land to M"" Penn but not that where Schawenoes live on it is a piece of Land that lies at a great Distance from where those Indians live and there is a great ridge of Mountains betwixt the Land We sold & that whereon they live. Philadelphia Last

:

Brother

We they

think

now

it is

live

Vol. VI.

—

Governor Pens own Fault that those Indians go

14

to leave the

Lands whereon

;

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

lOG Brother

We think there is an old misunderstanding between the Schawenoes and Governor Penn and they have Conceived some disgust against Governor Penn and the Design of the Schawenoes, to leave their Lands has been in Agitation some years Brother Corlaer

We

say

we

think

Custome amongst is

agreed for

Governor Penns

it is

the Christians that

And we

fault

and we

when they buy

shall give

our reasons for

it

:

it is

a

land of the Indians to take in more than

M'' Penn has Encroached on their Lands and therefore tliey go French wherefore we desire you would use your Intrest as a Mediator them to prevent their going to the ffrench upon this gave a Belt

believe

for Protection to the

&

between M' Penn Brother Corlaer

In Antient times

happned

when our forefathers first met at this place we will tell you what then was a house in this place, when we lodged under the Leaves of the

before there

;

We

Trees the Christians and

Entered into a Covenant of friendship, and the Indians loved the

them the goods Cheap, this Government was likened unto a Great Ship which was moared behind a great Yper Tree' but because the Tree was perishable the Anchor was lifted up and laid behind the Great hill at Onondage and the Si.x Nations are Christians on Account the sold

Care of that Anchor

to take

:

that

it

be not

Removed by any Enemy

Brother Corlaer

We break

Shall not Repeat a

here but

off

We

Simplicity wlien they

of what happend between our Forefathers we Shall few Words that onr Forefathers Did act Uprightly & in begun to trade they had goods much Cheaper than we have now

Long Story

shall say in first

you Said we had no Memories but

it is

Written

in

Gave a Boundle Bever.

our Foreheads

Brother Corlaer

We in

we had to say & Conclude with A Request that your honour will Carry us back to Schanectady we thank your honour for your kindness Ordering our hatchetts Locks & kettles to be mended but we have a few Guns to be mended

&

the Gunsmith has refused to

now

have

order us

Said what

Waggons

to

will give orders for the

mend them because he had no orders same which was accordingly Done

The Gov' The Reason

further Said Viz'

for it

:

hope your honour

—

they gett a Less price for their Bever

is

that the Traders Gett Less of

they did formerly our Traders give more for your Bever

&,'=^

it

then

than the French do which

Themselves know Brethren

am

we

met here in Friendship & hope we shall part with Love & Affection you Waggons & Provisions to Carry you home I am very Sorry there has been any Misunderstanding betwixt Governour Pen & the Shaweno Indians. I

very Glad

as Friends

I

are

Shall order

'

Tpenboom, a

species of elm. Hollrop's

Dutch Dictionary.

— Ed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS Do my Endeavour

:

XXV.

107

good Understanding betwixt them but as no man Can Answer for the Success of what he undertakes I Recommend to you to keep the Shawenoes among your Selves as you have Done the Tuskierores to prevent their Going to the French I Shall

to gett a

—

The Speaker

of the Six Nations

George Clarke

Esq''^

&

named Cachjagerocden waited on

liis

Honour

said

Brother Corlaer

You

told us that

you have heard that the Schaweno Indians intended

Habitation on the susquehanna River to Tushsaghrendie and Settle

& Recommend

to

among

Remove from

their

the French Indians

Sachims of the Six Nations that they Should prevent their Removal! to tell you that they will do all in their power to Prevent their Removall and give them other Land among us in Case it be Sold to Governour Penn I

am Come

to the

in their

name

Albany July

1" 1737

Albany Declared that he Came Heither with a Resolution to Oblige the Six Nations to Revoke the promise of Leave which they had given to the French Interpreter to build att Tierondequat, that having obtained such promise from them he would then Endeavour to Prevail with them to sell to him for his INLnjesties use so much Land at Tierondequat as would be Necessary to Erect a Fort on and so much Land adjoining to it as might Serve to raise Provisions of all kinds sufficient to Victuall that Garrison & Oswego This Declaration giving umbrage to some of the Commissioners of Indian Affairs wiio apprehending or pretending to suspect that the Governour had a Design to purchase those Lands for his own use whereby he might ingross great part of the ffur trade grew uneasy and Talked of Speaking to the Indians not to sell him any Lands There this Discourse Comeing to the Governours Ears and giving him Cause to fear that his good Intentions would be defeated by those whose Duty it was to assist him Resolved at any rate to Attain his Ends and Judging that Nothing would Remove the Jealousie that some of the Commissioners had Conceived so soon or so Easily as to give them That land which they pretended the Governour Intended to purchase for himself, the Governour therefore took Occasion to tell them what he had beard. He declared that he had no Intention to take one Inch of the Land for his own use and to show them that he was in Earnest he told them that if they would be at the Expense of making the Purchase he would Grant it to them and then Directed them to meet together to Consider of it and let him know their resolutions; after one or two meetings a Committee of the Commissioners waited on the Govern' and Acquainted feim that they had Considered of what he had say'd to them and that they were sent by the rest to thank him & to Desire that he would make the Purchase and then Grant to them four or five thousand Acres the Governour undertook it Ordered the Interpreter several times to bring the sachims to him that he might treat with them about it

The Governour on

his arrivall att

nor were these Directions given privately but openly

in the

hearing of the Council and the

Commissioners of Indian Affairs and yet the Interpreter Carryed them to the House of Nikolas Bleeker one of the Commissioners and as Bleeker says, told him it was the (iovernors Orders that he should treat with them about the Purchase of the Laud but wlien the Governor

Examined

the Interpreter in the

presence of Bleeker and

M""

Livingston and others the

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

108

him any such Orders, or directed him to Carry the Sachims to M"' Bleekers, or that M"' Livingston the secretary for Indian affairs had given him any such Orders: the Governor much displeased both with Bieeker and the Interpreter, Expressed his Resentment very warmly reproved Bieeker for taking upon himself to treat with the Indians on that head and Checked the Interpreter for having Disobeyed

Interpreter Deney'd that the Governor had given

his

Orders:

The sachims upon Bleekers proposals to buy all their lands on from Niagara to Oswego Answered him with a good Deal of heat

the south side of the

Lake

would not sell it That wherever the Christians Settled their hunting was destroyed for the Bever & Deer &c. fled from the places where they were Disturbed: and when Bieeker again pressed them to it

they Answered that

if

they should be willing to

let

that they

us settle there yet the proprietors of the

Country and that for their part they would not Sell other Mens Lands thus through folly or design the Governors Intentions are for the present the Interpreter owned to the Governor that he believed some people had put him defeated

Land

Tierondequat were

at

in

the sinnekees

:

on sending the sachims to Bleekers but that being fudled he could not remember who the persons were that put him upon it A True Copy taken from the Minutes Compared and Examined P'

Ph LmNGSTON Sec'"''

Proposition

made

Commander

in

by the Honourable George Clarke Esq' Lieut. Gov' & Chief of the province of New York &'* to the Schachkook

Indians in Albany the

Present

—

for the Indian Affairs.

first

July 1737

The Honourable George Clarke Esq' &" Abraham Van Home l ^ . _, .,. T h Esq" of Council Phihp Livmgston j The Commissioners of Indian Affairs The Mayor Recorder & Alderman

„,

.

.

Children I

sent for

you

my Children to give you Fresh Assurance of the Protection of the Great King my Master, our Comon Father & sovereign & to Acknowledge in this Publick

of Great Brittain

the Just sence I have of your Dutifull behaviour and Fidelity to him and your Effection your Brethren the Rest of his Subjects in those parts and in his Name I Renew with you the ancient Covenant Chain that it be Stronger & Brighter then ever In Consequence of which

manner to

I

Expect you

will

behave your Selves

in a Peaceable

manner

to all

your Brethren

Subjects Especially your good Neighbours at seachkook that you stay that your old habitation to other

Remote Places but

to

&

not

his Majesties

Remove from

keep your abode under the Branches

Leaves of the Great Tree of Peace Planted for you & to persuade all Those who may be Removed to Return to that Shade I Shall take Care you Shall have Land Sufficient to plant on & that the Tree may Flourish & grow & if you do follow this advice you will again grow

&

a Strong and Flourishing People but

Means

to

weaken you.

gave a Belt;

when you

scatter

&

are Seperated that will be a Certain

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXV.

109

I make you a present in tlie name of onr Great Fatlier of sucli Tilings as are Necessary you which Sliall be Delivered you after you Shall have Given your Answer.

They Answered

We

for

Fatlier

you here & thankful for your advice you have given which we Follow as far as in our power we are not ready to give our answer out of hand hut Consider of what you have Recommended to us & give you an Answer to Morrow are glad to see

Answer made by

the

Schaahkook Indians

Esq^ Lieu' Gov' &= the

Present

—

2'»

to the

shall shall

Honourable George Clarke

July 1737

The Hon'''^ George Clarke Esq" &' Abraham V Home ) ^^ „ ^ ,, V Esq" Councellers Philip Livingston

j

The Commissioners

of Indian Affairs

Father

We are glad and Rejoyced to see you here and bid you heartily welcome we give you our hand and renew the old Covenant Chain with our Father and Grandfather and here is a Token werewith we strenghen that Chain & we are very glad to see you in behalf of our Father to Take the Trouble to Visitt your Children and that we live in Peace and Friendship and that the Tree of Peace may Flourish that its Branches may Spread & we Live under the Shade (gave a few bever) and that the Fire which has been kindled at Schaahkook has been almost Extingiiist but now it begins to Burn again that Smoak will not Dissappear again & we now again Brighten the Chain & wrap this Bever about it that it may keep clear not only for us but for Many Generations and are glad that our Father was pleased to see so many of his Children here and that we Increased 1 give this Belt in token that we are Glad you did recommend unto us to Encrease & Multiply and Draw as many of our People to Return and Live

at

Schaachkook which we

Do

promise to

Do

as

much

as in our povi'er.

Answer I

Name my

give you in his Majestie's

Things

as are usefull for

A

true

you

&

I

Master and your Indulgent Father a Present of Such

expect you will behave your Selves as Dutifull Children

Copy Examind

&

Compaird

P""

Ph

:

Livingston Sec" to the Indian Affairs

Lieutenant-Governor Clarice [New-York

My I

to the

Lords of Trade.

Papers, Gg., No. 10.]

Lords

obeyed your Lordships commands of the 18 of February by acquainting the members of Province who are appointed with others, Commissioners for

his Majestys Council for this

— NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

110

between Massathusets and New Hampshire, with what your Lordships Commissioners arrived I received from the Agent of New Hampshire a copy of it with letters' and copys of the Commission for the other Gentlemen which were delivered to all of them except one Harrison who has been in England these two years, and soon after came two Gentlemen from the Massathusets on the same errand, but no signification from either Province that they would reward their trouble or have their expences, so that none went from this Town, but two Gentlemen being likewise sent from Boston to Albany they prevailed with M' Livingston to go, as for myself your Lordships know it was impracticable selling the lines

directed me,

Soon

after the

for rae to leave the province

your Lordships letter of the 22 of June acquainting me Lord DeLaware Governor of this Province and Jersey; I beg leave to assure your Lordships that I will do my utmost to preserve the tranquility of this Province hopeing in all things to acquit myself to your Lordships approbation and thereby to recommend myself to your protection, the Assembly are sitting but have yet done nothing but hearing and determining controverted Elections, that is now over and I hope the house will I

have the honor likewise

to receive

that his Majesty has appointed

proceed to busines, of which

my

I will

do myself the honor to acquaint your Lordships;

I

am

with the most profound respect and honor

My

Lords

Your Lordships most humble and most obedient Servant Geo: Clarke

New York October 14. 1737. End"" ReC" Nov: 22,

Read Nov:

30. 1737.

Lieutenant -Gove?'no7' Clarice

to tlie

[New- York Papers, (S. P.

My I

BuTce of Newcastle.

O.,) IX.,

10. ]

Lord.

beg leave

after

to

inform your Grace, that yesterday the Assembly broke up for this session, for the payment of the deficiencys of the last revenue, and laid a

having made provision

foundation for a future one, by striking paper money, (which was

much wanted),

to

be

let

out

and by giving some smaller dutys than formerly, on the importation of merchandize, but the application of those Funds for the future support of Govern', they have reserv'd to the on

interest,

next sitting

This morning I received an express from Albany, acquainting me that M'' Will™ Dick Capt" of Capt" M"" Nicholl one of the Independant companys posted there, dyed the tenth inst: Lieut" of the company commanded by the late Governor, having in the most earnest manner

—

desired

my leave

to goe

home on

this occasion, I

have given

'See note; V., SYS.

— Ed.

it

him, hoping

it

may

receive

Your

LONDON DOCUMENTS Grace's approbation

XXVI.

:

Ill

he has served long in the army, greatest part of the last

;

war

in Flanders,

and many years here, where he has behav'd himself very well, and presumes to hope from his long services for Vour Graces protection, to which I humbly beg leave to recommend him, and to subscribe myself with the most profound regard and honour

My

Lord

Your Graces: Most obedient and most

New York Dec' the

(signed).

l?"" 1737.

Lieutenant-Governor GlarTce

to the

[New-Tork Papers, Gg. No.

dutiful servant

G

W S Clarke

Lords of Trade.

14.]

New York Feb

My

^

:

17. 173 J

Lords

On the 17 of December I did myself the honour to acquaint your Lordships that the Assembly were adjourned for this season, having first made good the Deficiencys of the last Revenue, which were very considerable, and given some fonds for a future Support, the application whereof they have reserved to their next sitting, nor in all likelyliood will they then give it for a longer time, than from year to year; that being the General disposition of the people as well without doors as within, hoping thereby to restrain a Governor from running into any excesses for my own part if I had nothing to consult but my own ease and interest, 'twould give me no ;

I think a moderate use of power is the best, and I am sure is most nature; but as former Revenues have been given for a longer time, I think myself obliged in duty to his Majesty, to endeavour at least to get it establish'd on the same foot ; how I shall succeed I can't tell, the Grievances complained of in a late unhappy

great concern, since

agreeable to

my

Government have sowered the people, and things

have had the good fortune

I

will

make my

state of Repose, little lookt for in so short a time;

easily imagin, that

it

task exceeding difficult, tho as to other

to succeed pretty well,

will require a longer to

wear out

having reduced the Province

and yet your Lords?' the

memory

I

presume

to

a

will

of unkindnesses so lately

and so warmly done by each party to the other, but a steady course of moderation in the Administration of Government, if tliere be no prospect of speedy Alteration in it, will I hope in part the course of a few years, perfectly restore them to a Mutual Benevolence for my own ;

advantages to obtain a settlement of the Revenue of, It may for a term of years, and shall soon have one, which if your Lordships approve answer to the end: It is this, above twenty years ago the Excise on Strong Liquors, which sinking before that time had all along been appropriated to the Revenue, was given towards the I

think

a large

I

may

sum

very justifiably

paper

money

of paper

expire in 1739,

When

money unsunk,

I

as

I

make

use of

all

then struck to pay the debts of the Government; this fond will informed, there will be nigh twenty thousand pounds of that

am

presume therefore when ever the Assembly 8k.

—

Ei>.

talk of continuing that fond,

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

112

Revenue for a term would fain have your Lordships opinion and Commands thereon, before it be brought on the Carpet, which probably may be next Summer; nor must I too much rely on that expedient, but make use of it in conjunction vpith other things, to win them to the like measures that former Assemblys have

or giving another to sink that paper money,

of years, as a condition of

my

assenting to such

I

may

bill

;

then insist on

But yet

a

my Lords

I

taken least by insisting too highly and positively on it, I kindle a new fire in the province for bills will be in a multitude of hands, who will without doubts be very clamarous ;

those paper

on that occasion.

One

thing that the Country have for several years complained

impatience,

is,

the long continuance of their Assemblys; and to

of,

it

and born with much

they in a great measure

impute the party heats animossities and divisions, that have subsisted here, with the decay of ship building Navigation and Trade to that (they say) it is owing, that many people have left this Province, to go to Carolina Pensilvania and the several Charter Govern'' in New England ;

;

Whereby

lands in the Country, and houses in town, are

much

fallen in their vallue

and

in their

Rents; they look upon frequent Assemblys, as the best and surest protection of their liberties and properties, tis to the laws subsisting in the other Colonys, which I have mentioned, for frequent Elections, that they ascribe the happyness of those people, the increase of their Trade

few years past even beyond

belief;

whether

be the

and the peopleing their Countrys

in a

sole or the prevailing cause;

certain that the people of this Province passionately wish to

it is

this

be put by a law, in the like situation with their Neighbours, whom I have mentioned hoping to retrieve their declining trade Navigation and Ship Building, and to see the

from thence

My Lords, I think it were to be wished more immediate Government, were to be upon a foot as advantageous for the encouragement of its inhabitants and of Strangers to come and dwell in them, as the charter and proprietary Provinces, it is pity that this Province above all others, as it is a frontier, should not be well peopled If it was the french would not take those large Province soon replenished with white people, and truly

that the Provinces under his Majesty's

have done, and are dayly taking; they have already possest themselves of the and built strong Stone fort there, which cutts off all communication between us and the Northern Indians, from whence we formerly had much bever. They have possest themselves of Niagra, whereby they may in a great measure intercept the trade of the Western Indians in their way to Oswego; they heve attempted, and had well nigh obtained, leave of strides they

Crown

point,

the Six Nations to build a trading house at Tierondequat in the Sinnekes Country, which for the present I

have happily prevented, and

am now

Six Nations some land to build a fort on at that place,

taking some measures to get from the If I fail in that

attempt, and the french

Oswego, and all our fur Trade, for Tierondequat will entirely cut oft' our Western fur Trade, and what the consequences thereof will be to the trade of England, Your Lordships know full well; Nor is the loss of our Trade all that we are to apprehend, for with it we shall loose the Six Nations: It is with much difficulty and a great Annual Expence to this Province in time of peace, without any assistance from our Neighbours, that we have and succeed

now

Adue

still

to

retain the fidelity of the Six Nations;

only Barrier to

New

who

with us in time of a french war, are the

Jersey Pensilvania Maryland Virginia and Carolina;

And

yet even then

they give us no aid, but leave us to defend ourselves as well as we can: A people thus circumstanced, ever ready to defend themselves in time of War, and to cover the other British Colonys, thus situated to carry on the fur trade, which centers in England, to the great

advantage of that Kingdom;

I

presume

to think,

deserve Your

Lordships countenance in

LONDON DOCimKNT.S:

XXVT.

113

my own part My Lords I dare not interpose my opinion, whether depends so absolutely as they think it does, on their having frequent Elections;

things reasonable; for

all

their felicity

is sufficient for me to tell your Lordships, that they themselves are fully possest with that opinion; and in that confidence they did the last Session pass an Act for triennial Assemblys, the Event whereof they are so impatient, that at their request I now send it to your Lordships

It

by way of Boston before the other Acts can possibly be ingrost; hoping that by your Lordships favourable representation

have

it

before the

purpose.

They

Assembly

Sitts,

may

it

which

I

obtain his Majesty's Approbation,

be obliged to put

shall

that

can

may

I

for that,

empowering themselves to appoint But the Council, who were not averse to

did likewise the last Session pass an Act,

an Agent independent of a Governour or the Council exclude

And

off as long as I

the Governor,

would

not

be

;

excluded themselves; they

therefore

made

those

Assembly would by no means agree to them. So that the Bill dropt. However the Assembly having their Triennial Bill very warmly at heart, sent their Speaker to me, desiring me to be their Agent, to negotiate his Majestys Approbation of their Bill, and especially of that Bill I said what j^ could in excuse, founded upon their Bill for appointing an Agent, and upon other prudential considerations, But that would not do, he assured me that alterations; but the

;

the house reposed an entire Confidence in me, which shew'd plainly that that

bill,

they had no eye to me, and they hoped

myself obliged

to give into their desire,

his Majesty's approbation. It

may have

hoping

I

would not deny

in

the

framing

their request, I found

your Lordships countenance and that from

for

a very good effect on the minds of the people

do myself the honor to send to your Lordships a copy of their Resolve, If it were not for reason mentioned Vi',' that the people are impatient of living in a Province, where Assemblys subsist without limitation of time, and for the inferences they deduce from it, It I

the

were impossible, one would think, that this Province should be so thinly peopled for our soilis as good or better, than that of our Neighbouring Colonys, they are to be purchased or patented on easier terms, tiie quit-rent is considerably less than in Pensylvania (the present growing Colony) our land taxes none, but such as are for the necessary charges of the respective Countys, which are annually assessed and levyed by themselves, and are very inconsiderable. No Province is more happy in its situation for trade and Navigation, this town is not above 21 miles from the sea, having a bold and safe Channel to

an excellent harbour before the

Town:

it,

for Vessels

Our Inland Navigation

is

even of a large

size,

and

inferior to none, for besides

is Navigable thro the heart of the Province Albany, from Albany to Schenectady is but 15 or 16 miles by land, and there you enter into the Mohocks river, which is Navigable for Canoes and Battows to the head of it, being about 120 or 130 miles from thence there is a short land carryage of a

that to

New

Jersey and Connecticut, Hudson's river

150 miles from

New

few miles to the and Rivers even

Wood

York

to the

the Northward and

to

Creek, which leads thro the Oneides Lake to Oswego, and the Lakes Branches of Messasippi, it is from the Indians that inhabit near, and to

Westward

of those Lakes, that

goods of the ALmufacture of England; with populous, might extend

its

all

we have

our Beaver in exchange chiefly for

these advantages this Province,

trade to a far greater length, but

it

if it

were

cannot be expected, that they

in remote parts, while the lands nearer at hand are not inhabited for rupture with france, they must expect to quit them, and retire for protection, or Mesasippi, to be cut of by the Enemy; who having already several forts between Canada and have established a communication between those places which encompasses all the English

will

make Settlements

upon the

first

Colonys on that Vol. VI.

side, will

make them masters 15

of

all

the Indians and Indian Trade, and enable

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

114

annoy our Colonys upon every occasion And yet my Lords the Assembly think that come to that pass, but that they are still within a possibility of a remedy, from the increase of people among us; which they assert can no way so well be brought about, as by putting the inhabitants of this Province, upon a footing as near as possible with their Neighbours, in the frequent Election of their Kepresentatives, This they say will above all things promote that great end, those who are allready removed from the Province will return to it again, others will [be] encouraged to come hither from abroad, ship building will again revive and in consequence Trade and Navigation will again flourish. Iron work (of which Oar we have great

them

to

tilings are not

plenty) and the raising of

hemp

(for

the produce whereof, the Province abounds in

and Meadows the properest land

for it) will

by publick encouragement

word

;

In a

my

Lords they impute every

and promisse themselves every Blessing from

grown

hope

for

your Lordships favourable representation of

your Lordships pardon for

for

My

evil to

approbation of in

the want of this Act, it

it

this long address.

to his Majesty for his I

am

;

Be

that as

it

will

proportion to the length of time,

beyond what they thought reasonable

that an Assembly has been continued,

and

his Majesty's

ceriain that the discontents of the people have

it is

Swamps

be set on foot, either by private undertakings, or

I

therefore

humbly

Uoyal approbation,

with the highest honor and regard

Lords

Your Lordships most humble and most obedient Servant Geo. Clarke

Lieutenant-Governor Clarice [

New-York Papers

(

to the 8.

Duke of

P. 0.,) IX.. 14.

Newcastle.

]

New-York

My I

April 3"* 1738.

Lord.

have the honor

Nov' His

to receive

with Your Grace's

letter to

my

Lord de Lawere of the which

30"" of

relating to the form of prayer for the Royall family

Maj'*'' instruction

I have obeyed and with the papers relating to Burrows Master of the sloop happy, one Verplank a Merch* of this place who freighted the sloop some time ago came to me and acquainted me that he was informed by private letters that Burrows had not behaved as he ought atSallee;

Burrows being here

M' Verplank, that

would send a Messenger to bring him before Burrows was brought but Verplank did not come, not being willing as I was informed to shew himself in a matter whereof he had not I examined Burrows however in Council, a copy of whose examination I do myself the proof, The Council were of opinion, that as no proof appeared against honor to send to Your Grace Burrowes he ought to be discharged however judging there was some foul play, I directed the Judge of the Admirality to have him taken up, and to oblige him to give security to answer,

me

in

I

told

I

Council and desired M' Verplank to attend,

:

;

he did

so,

and

I

have

now

directed the advocate General to

thought Burrows will not come hither again

Bermudian, and properly belongs

in haste,

to that Island, tho'

file

a libel against him.

regardles of his sureties, he

he often freights here.

It is is

a

LONDON DOCUMENTS: I

beg leave humbly

been great, yet

I

to

myself", for tho' the difficulties

to

Your Grace's goodness and Generosity only after the heat

and fatigues of the day,

more uncommon then

greater and

115

thank your Grace for Your Goorlness and protection to my son, and I strugle with and my sufferings have dare not pretend to any merit that may hope for Your Graces notice, 'tis from

same

to implore the

XXVI.

not been for the hopes

1

that

may

I

[

presume

enjoy some

hope

of

my station

believe any one in

I

boldly conceiv'd of your

to

fruits

my

for

your protection, that

labours which have been

ever encountered, and had

Graces countenance

I

it

must have sunk,

under them. had the melancholy news of her

Maj''^' death in the public prints, long before I had the and had not only put my own family in mourning but signifyed my intention of so doing beforehand thai the Town might be the like, I wish I could say, my example was universally followed, I am sure there never was an occasion which adrainistred more real cause of grief to a people who admire virtue, love our constitution, are 1

honor to receive your Grace's

letter

zealously attached to the protestant succession, heartily profess the religion of our country,

and abhor the thoughts of despotick power: but yet greatness of this cruel stroke that tho' they this

Town,

were

contempt of

it

Town

—

I

for

doing

it

on the

would not presume

Mercli' of this

myself unpardonable

if I

was

to

late

every good subject's, and

Town,

to trouble

of|my mind;

—

tho'

made themselves now they made themselves the

your Grace with

this, if

For

it.

my

my own

any thing can attone

in that confidence

part

My

heart and thoughts are

I

for

my

Lord, full

I

mean

I

M*"

should think

never was so

I

of

inpertinence,

humbly ask leave

whom

one of them

but that circumstance provokes me, and

under

silent

if

Kings death

be of the Council was not in the small number,

shocked as on this melancholy occasion, distraction

Lord there are some insensible of the it (to say no worse of them)

and rank themselves with the foremost of the principal people of

have formerly recommended

John Moore a

is

My

that indiference for

yet did not put themselves in mourning, pretending that they had

the joke of the

I

able,

all

who had

of fate,

it

it

to subscribe

as

I

believe

must be the myself with

the greatest submission

My Lord Your Graces Most humble most obedient and most dutiful servant (signed). G S. Clarke.

W

Lieutenant-Governor Clarhe [

New-York

to the

Pnpere, Gg., No. U.

Lords of Trade. ]

New

York June

2.

1739.

My Lords I

the

do myself the honor first

opportunity

with them

and

to

I

I

to

send to your LordP* the Acts of Assembly past

have had

to

do

it

since they were ingross'd

also send the minutes of Council,

make such remarks on them

as

I

presume

I

beg leave to

hope

to

may

last Session, this

being

which took up much time;

mention the

titles

of the Acts,

give your Lordships satisfaction

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

IH^ N"

1.

All

Act emitting

of Credit for the

bills

payment of the debts and

for the better support

of the Governour of this Province and other purposes therein mention'd. The preamble will in a great measure let your Lordships into the reason and necessity

money and of my assisting to the bill there was no other possible way of discharging that load of debts which the insufficiency of the former Revenue had involved the Province in, trade and Navigation had for some years declined, and the Merchants of most of making this

C

@

then to employ it in eight p' wealth had chose rather to put out their money to interest Trade, and ship building Silver and Gold was sent to England, as fast as it came into the Country, to make returns to the Merchants who send goods hither to their factors, or to

purchase goods tiierefore those of this place who Trade on their own account, and leaving little paper money of our own that of the Neighbouring Provinces was become the chief raediam of

Trade here

;

nor was there any other remedy

for

it,

except that of keeping the Silver and Gold

which is constantly exported to England, and that would be injurious to the English Trade and Merchants High interest is in every Country is a great discouragement to Trade, and it has been so here, the Usurers your Lordships may be sure were not pleased with an Act which in its consequences might reduce the General interest of money, they foresaw twould have that effect and it has so far already prevail'd, that I am told some of them offer from whence I promise myself the pleasure to see Trade and Ship their money att Six p"" in the Province,

;

C

Building

revive

and

flourish.

The Province grow

populous,

and the

Settlement

and

Liiprovement of Lands carry'd greater lengths than could otherwise be expected the benefit whereof England will largely partake, in the consumption of its Manufacturer the more populous the Plantations are, the more of those Manufactures will be imported to them your ;

;

Lordships will perceive that in the striking this money, there

Trade

in easing

it

.£8059 14 which

is

of so to

much

is

as the Interest of .£40,000 will

be sunk by

it; for

charge of supporting the Governour;

Of

some regard likewise had to amount to over and above

imports on Trade has hitherto have the whole Merchants have long complained, and often

this the

by laying some tax on lands, but the Country Members are too great a however they are willing that Trade should be eas'd, provided they bear us part of the burthen, As in the present case they do not, but on the contrary reep all the benefit of having money on a low interest, this Province has been more cautious of making paper money, than our Neighbours not having struck any but upon extraordinary occasions and when there was no other possible way to provide for those exigencies; And its credit has always been better than theirs, and so it will be so long as they keep within the bounds of so much as their Trade necessarily requires, and it is generally acknowledged that their is not

try'd to get

it

eas'd

Majority against

now

paper

it;

money

of their

own enough

for that

purpose

it

is

Province abounds in Iron Oar, and in lands proper for raising of

Works

universally agreed that this

Hemp

and yet both lye useless;

money to bring them to perfection, or at least more than private persons wiio own those mines can command; and the lands fit for raising of Hemp being Swamps, Bogs and wet Meadows, cannot be cleared and drained but at a great expence Iron

require considerable sums of

;

the Assembly had these things under their consideration the last Session, intending

if

they

and to clear and drain the bogs and meadows, but the approach of winter would not give them time to do any thing in it; these works would employ a great number of people, and the produce make remittances to England, to the advantage and inlargement of its trade and Manufactures, and in time the Plantations might make the Trade to Sweden and Russia for those commodities could to enable the proprietors to build furnaces and forges for pig and barr Iron

less

necessary

;

LONDON DOCUMENTS: N"

An Act

2.

XXVI.

and explain the duty of the loan

to facilitate

only directions to those persons

in letting

117 This Act containing

Ofiicers.

out the .£40,000 need no Remarks.

An Act for granting to his Majesty several duties towards supporting his Government Colony for One year &^ There are no other goods charged with duties by this Act, than such as in the former Revenue Bills have been subjected to a duty and the duties given by this Act upon some commodities are less tlian they were formerly, which is done solely in ease to the Merchants, who have long complained of the hardships they have been under from JN" 3.

in this

;

the imports on trade,

when

Trade of Neighbouring provinces has been exempted from

the

duties; the deficiency which there will be from the difference between the present and past duties;. they suppose will be made up, by the interest of the paper mentiou'd in my

observations on the

N°

An

4.

first

Act.

Act to defray the necessary

&

contingent charges of the Garrison of

Oswego

repairing the same and for the better regulating of the fur Trade.

This Act except wliat refers to the repairs of the house or fort is pretty much the same with former Acts, that have been passed to defray y^ charges of that Garrison but the house having fallen to decay for want of timely repairs, I have prevail'd with the Assembly to give money for its repair

N°

An Act

5.

Many

to prevent the further importation of copper

necessity either for change or market, gave

value of

money

in Bills of

but .£65

is

of

it

it,

and

if

a Merchant imports (as

some

p'

it

will

English Manufactures will be imported for in

a currency at an hundred

this

Colony.

this Province, at first p""

C advance

on the

C or ^165 this

money for ^100 Sterl^, this put commodity they could import, which full of it that it becomes a griveance, large payments at this time a stop be not put to it will become too great a burthen, and the

exchange

the Province so

filled

being tenderd in

more

it

money into known in

first

has in England, an English half penny passing here for a penny, whereas the difference

it

the Merchant upon sending to England for

has

money was

years have not pass'd since copper

as the best

do

it

we have

especially

if

others decline) the less of the

no merchants here

who

leave their

money

England N"

An

6.

Act

for

lowering the interest of money

C

to six but the Council Assembly reduced money from eight p' which the Assembly agreed to: excessive Usury being a great discouragement to the trade, and to the settlement or peopleing the Country, it was thought high time to reduce it by a law, and tho the paper money mentiond in the Act N" 1, to be let

This Act as

alter'd

it

to

it

pass'd the

seven

p'

out at interest at 5 p' people might exact 8

An

N° 7

Act

C

C would

in efl'ect

reduce the interest of

all

money without

this law,

p"" c'.

for establishing

and regulating Courts

to

determine causes of forty shillings

and under It

has been a standing instruction to

Governours

to

get

such

an Act passt

it

being a

necessary one.

N° 8

An Act

to restrain

Tavern Keepers and Innholders from

selling strong liquors to

servants and apprentices and from giving large credit to others

The

vice against

which

this

Act

is

pointed, has prevailed of late years to too great a degree

and servants and apprentices finding ready credit from such houses, are led from their duty to their masters, and from their own true interest, into an habit of idleness, that may in time prove ruinous to the whole Province if not prevented

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

11^ No 9 An Act

for tlie further

Strong Liquors. N" 10 An Act past annually

N° 11

for the

continuing an Act entituled an Act to

to

let

farm the excise of

continuing an Act for settling and regulating the militia such act being up your Lordsliips time in saying anything upon them

will not take

I

An Act

an Act to amend the practice of the law. observation than this, that the lawyers having found means to evade

to revive

This Act needs no

otlier

certain that the intention of the law wliich this Act revives, this explains and renders more

part of the former Act

&' N" 12 An Act to revive an Act entituled an Act to provide able pilots &" N" 13 An Act to revive an Act entituled an Act for the better preservation of Oysters observations no need useful formerly pass'd and found These Acts being to revive Acts N° 14 An Act for naturalizing Johannes Lorents Corstens iN" 15 All Act for naturalizing Gustaple Martin Rheneil and others

The

readiness the Assemblys have from time to time

foreign protestants has encouraged

contribute to the peopleing of

them

to

come

to

and

shewn

settle in

to pass

Acts

for naturalizing

this Province,

and

will

much

it

N" 16 An Act to divide Duches County in precincts Sc' N° 17. An Act to enable the Justices of tiie peace in that part of Orange County being to the Northward of the High lands to build a Court house and Goal for the said County at

Goshen N°

An Act

IS.

N° 19.

for

West

the County of

An Act

defraying the

common and

necessary charge of the mannor of Cortland in

Chester.

for

the

better clearing

and further laying into publick high Roads

in

Duchess County. N° 20. An Act to enable the Justices of the peace in Ulster County to defray the charges of building a Court house and Goal for the said County and to enable them to furnish the same. The five last mentioned Acts, being of a more private nature respecting only particular County's and places will not take up your Lordships time in makeing any other remark upon I

them then N° 21.

that they appear to be necessary for the purposes intended.

An Act

for the further

encouragement of a publick school

in the City of

New York

and Greeck and the Mathematicks N° 22. An Act restrain Hawkers and Pedlars within this Colony from selling without licence. Being confident that publick schools for the education of youth will always find countenance from your Lordships I will lay the two last Bills before you without any further remarks in

for the teachin latin

their favour; last of

I

wish the Assembly had made the reward greater than

these Bills, that

money was

it

apply'd before, to the like use but

is

like to be,

fell

from the

short of the

sum

intended, nor could the school master get any redress tho he petition'd for it or got some of his friends to move the house in his behalf; it is not likely it will bring in more now however the

master having at present no other way of living is obliged to submit. N" 23 An Act for confirming an agreement and exchange of lands in the township of &= Oysterbay formerly made between Samson Hawks and John Pratt deceas'd This being a private Act the previous steps were taken as directed by his Majesty's Royal instruction

and there

is in it

a particular saving to his ^L^jesty His heirs and Successors and a

general saving to others, as well as a clause restraining his Majestys approbation

it

from taking

effect

till it

has received

LONDON DOCUMENTS: N" 24.

An Act

to prevent

N" 26.

An Act

furtlier to

damages by swine

XXVI.

119

County of Orang and some part of Ulster County Sc" N° 25. An Act to enable the Corporation of the City of New York to raise tlie sum of two hundred and fifty pounds for the use therein mentioned and

to repeal part of the

in the

encourage the destroying of wolves in the County of West Chester

Act therein mention'd

K" 27. An Act for the preservation of Oysters at and near Richmond County in this Colony N" 28. An Act for the better extinguishing fires that may happen within the City of

New

York.

These Acts being likewise of an inferior nature, reasonable and necessary for the purposes intended. I submit them to your Lordships, without giving you any further trouble about them. I do myself the honor likewise to send to your Lordships the Naval Officers accounts to tiie 25 of March last; When tlie Assembly meets which will be in August I will then press them in the strongest manner 1 can to settle the revenue for a term of years, they will want to have an Act continued (which expires next year by its own limitation ) whereon the credit of about ^20,000 paper money subsists; if they will give a revenue, I will pass such an Act but I will I have already mention'd it to let them know that they must go hand in hand or not at all, the Speaker and some others, who seem to take the thing right. Coll: Cosby recommended to your Lordships M' Paul Richards' and M"' John Moore, as fit persons to be of his Majesty's Council for this province in case of vacancys and I thought them so too; but I presume to say that from some observations I have made, I think it highly necessary that such of the Kings Officers as hold the most considerable posts should be prefer'd to seats at that Board, and I have found the want of them more than once in matters that concern the Government; whenever vacancys therefore happen I beg leave to recommend to your Lordships, Richard Bradly Esq the Atrorney General with M' Paul Richards and as to ;

:

myself

if

your Lordships please

my room

to be Councillor in 1

to

am

I

recommend my son who

is

now

secretary for the province

will to resign to him.

do myself the honor likewise to send to your Lordsiiips answers to most of the queries I I hope will be satisfactory to your Lordships the rest I will send so

received last year which

soon as

I

can get them which

protection and

am

I

hope

to

do soon

I

humbly recommend myself

to

your Lordships

with the most profound respect and honor

My

Lords

Your Lordships most humble and most Obedient Servant

Geo "

was in

Paul Ricuarhs, eon of

December, 1756.

two

Paiilus Richards, a meicliant of New-Yorif,

elected to lepresent his native city in the

sisters.

Clinton,

Having no

His will

is in

Geneml

was Maj'or of that

children, he divided his property

between

the office of the Surrogate, New-York, Liber., XX., 151.

and was an intimate acquaintance of Chief

Clarke.

city from 1735 to 1739,

Aesemlily, of which body he continued to be a his wifi-,

:

member

and

in

1743

urjtil liis dciitli,

his three brothers and the cliihlren of his

He

Justice Delancy. Sinilli's New-York,

opposed the administration of Gov. II.,

142.

— Ed.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

120

Answers of Enquiries of

the

[New-York Papers, Gg. No. M"^

3.

The

Lords of Trade. 17.]

Clarke's Answers to Queries of Board of Trade.

2 June 1733.

Government is such as liis Majesty by his Commission to his whereby the Governour with the Council and Assembly are empowered to

constitution of the

Governour

directs,

pass laws not repugnant to the laws of England. 13. In the

town

New York

of

carriages are good for

little,

is

an old fort of very

we have

ball

little

defence cannon

we

have, but the

but no powder, nor will the board of Ordinance send

any on pretence that a larg quantity was sent in 1711 for the Canada expedition which is 27 it as for many years been troden under foot in the magazine the barrells

year agoe, much of having been rotten.

There is a battery which commands the mouth of the harbour whereon may be mounted 50 cannon this is new having been built but three years but it wants finishing At Albany there is a new stone fort built the same year with the Battery at New York. And at Schenectady a new fort built at the same time and both are sufficient for those places In the Mohocks Country there is an old stockado'd fort of little use now tho country there was about being pretty well settled and nigh Schanectady I have been trying to prevail with the Seneca's to let us build a fort at Tierondequat in their country which will more effectually secure the the fur Trade, and

I

hope

and better preserve

fidelity of the six nations

at last prevail

IS.

We

19.

The

ordinary and extraordinary expences of the Government are about .£4000 a year.

20.

We

have a Militia

have no revenue establish'd at present in

every county for the regulating whereof there

is

annually past an

Act of Assembly

The people are generally expert in the use of fire arms. All the Officers are commissioned by the Governour. The Mayors and Records of the Cities of New York and Albany hold their places by Commissions under the seal of the province so do the Sherriffs Corroners and Clerks of the peace.

The Chief

Justice

is

usually appointed at

home and by

the

Kings warrant

to the

Governour

he gives him a Commission under the seal of the province the second and third Judges have no warrant the Governour appointing them himself under the seal of the province the Attorney General the Surveyor General of the lands and the Secretary or Agent

for

Indian

affairs are

by the Kings warrant &." The Secretary and receiver General have their Commission under the great Seal of England.

appointed as the chief Justice

is

LONDON DOCUMENTS [

M' Colden's Answers

New-York

to the

XXVI.

:

Tapers, Gs-, No. IS.

]

Queries of the Lords of Trade.

Province of

To

May

121

New York

'

February

the honourable George Clarke Esq: Lieut' Governour of the Province of it

173S

14.

&=

New York

please your honour,

In obedience to your honours order in Council of the 5"" of last month, referring to

me

the

following Queries from the Lords of Trade and Plantations Viz' " N" 1. What is the Scituation of the province under your Government, the nature of the

"country

soil

and Climate, the Latitude and Longitude of the most considerable places

in

it,

or

" the Neigiibouring french or Spanisli settlements, have those Latitudes and Longitudes been " settled by good observations or only by

" Longitudes computed N°

2.

What

whom

by I

common

computations, and from whence are the

?

are the reputed Boundaries and are any parts thereof disputed,

shall that

answer may be made

my own knowledge

parts

and

tliereunto,

mention such particulars as occur

to

me, from

or the credible information of others, on the subject matter of their

Lordships Queries; and class them in the same order observed

The

what

?

New York

in the

Queries.

Eastward of the Province of New Jersey and Pensylvania and of the Indian Countries lying to the Northward and Westward of Pensylvania to the Southward of Canada, and the Indian Countries claimed by the french; and to the Westward of tiie Colonies of Massathusets Bay and Connecticut Province of

Scituation of the

is

to

the

The nature

of the country is more uneven, hilly, stony and rocky, than that of the Provinces Southward of it. In some parts it is Mountainous. At about 40 miles from the city of New York Northward a chain of Mountains of about ten miles in breadth, commonly called the Highlands Cross Hudsons river runing many miles from the North East Southwestward. About 90 miles Northward from New York another body of Mountains rise on the West side of Hudsons river at about ten miles from the river and are commonly called the Hatts Hill mountains or Blow Hills, from these Mountains the most Northerly arid main branches of Delaware river, some branches of Susquehana river, and several of Hudsons river take

to the

their rise.

The Southern

part of the country that

within 20 miles of Albany,

is

Wallnutts, Chestnuts and almost several parts.

I

have seen

is

from the sea on both sides of Hudsons river to

generally cover'd with all

in several parts of the

from whence Venice Turpentine

is

The Mohawks country The

river

is

several sorts intermixed with

is

soil in

country large quantities of the Larix Trees

made about Albany, and

the Eastern branch of Hudsons river the land

Hudsons

Oaks of

timber according to the difference of the

sorts of

as

I

am informed

a great

wny up

generally cover'd with pines of several sorts.

or that part of this province lying on both sides

Western branch of

th.e

generally cover'd with beech maple and elm.

settlements extend in length from the ocean Northward along Hudsons river and the

Eastern branch of

it,

to

about 40 miles

to the

the western branch, to about four score miles

and improved part of Vol. VI.

New York

northward of Albany, and westward along

West Northwest from Albany

extends about 200 miles in length

16

:

so that the settled

but there are few

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS

122

Westward

settlements anywhere to the Northward or

branches of Hudsons In the

the sea

;

12 miles

the levell of the land seems to be at the greatest heighth above

Mohawks Country

for in that part of the

West from

of Albany at any distance from the

river.

country at about

Mohawks

the

river

fifty

miles

some branches

West North West from Albany and

of the largest rivers in North

America

and which run contrary courses, take their rise within two or three miles of each other Viz' 1" a branch of Hudsons river, which falls into the sea near New York after having run above 250 miles; 2. The Oneido river running Northward falls into the Oneido Lake which empties itself into the Cadarachui Lake at Oswego: from this Lake the great river S' Lawrence takes its rise, which passing by Montreal and Quebeck empties itself into the Ocean opposite to NewfoundLind. 3'''' A branch of Susquehana river, which running Southerly passes through Pensylvania and Maryland, and empties

The Province

of

New York

beyond any other Colony

itself into

North America,

in

Cheasaspeak bay

in Virginia.

has for the conveniency of commerce, advantages by for

Hudsons

its

scitualion

river running through the

whole

extent of this province, affords the inhabitants an easy transportation of all their commodities to and from the City of New York, from the Eastern branch there is only land carriage of sixteen miles to the

Wood

Creek, or to Lake S* Sacrement, both of which

fall

into

Lake

Champlain, from whence goods are transported by Water to Quebeck. but the advantages are from the western branch of Hudsons river at fifty miles from Albany the land carriage from the Mohawks river to a Lake from whence the Northern branch of Susquahana takes its rise goods may be carried from this Lake, in battoes or flat does not exceed fourteen miles bottom'd vessells through Pensylvania to Maryland and Virginia the current of the River running every where easy, without any cataract in all that large space. In going down this river two large branches of the same river are met, which come from the westward and issue :

from the long ridge of mountains, which stretch along behind Pensylvania Maryland Virginia and Carolina commonly, called the Apalachy Mountains. By either of these branches goods may be carried to the Mountains, and I am told that the passage through the Mountains to the branches of the Mississipi which issue from the west side of these Mountains, is neither long difficult, by which means an Inland Navigation may be made to the bay of Mexico from

nor

the head of the

Mohawks

river there is likewise a short land carriage, of four miles only to a

creek of the Oneida Lake, which empties

Cadarackui Lake, being truly an Inland

Cadarackui Lake

itself into

sea, of greater

at

Oswego, and the

breadth than can be seen by the eye

communicates with Lake Erie the Lake of the Hurons, Lake Michigan and the upper Lake all of them Inland seas, by means of these Lakes and the rivers which fall into them, commerce may be carried from New York through a vast tract of Land more easily than from any other Maritime town in North America, these advantages I am sensible cannot be sufficiently understood without a Map of North America, the best which I have seen, is M' De L'isles map of Louisinia publish'd in french in the year 1718, for this reason

names of There Sulphur

places, that

I

may

are great quantities of Iron in the

Mohawks

I

frequently use the french

be better understood.

Oar

in several parts of the Province, large quantities of

country, salt springs in the

Onondaga country

been found in several parts of the Province but no where as yet

lead oar has likewise

sufficient to

pay the expence

of working

The

Soil is less

uniform as the surface

and consequently there

is

is

more unequal than

in the

more Southern Provinces

a great variety of Soil in several parts of the Province

It

;

is

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXVI.

:

123

as wheat Rye Barley, Oats Maiz or Indian Corne and Buckwheat, the wheat of this Province is generally heavier than that of the Provinces more so the Southward and yields a larger quantity and better kind of flower. The soil is likewise more fit for pasturage running naturally as soon as its cleard of the woods into clover and other good grass and is almost every where intermixed with good meadow grounds. These in several parts are of a deep rich black mold, and have when sufficiently drained produced hemp to great advantage, what I say of hemp is grounded on what has been done in New Jersey, and though the experiment has not been sufficiently tryed in this Province: I can see no reason to doubt of the like success. Oil many of the branches of Hudsons river and near Albany on Hudsons river itself, there is a kind of soil made by the rivers and extends about half a mile in breadth along the rivers. This being maide the soil which the rivers let fall, is exceeding rich, yields large crops of the best wheat and the repeated overflowings of the rivers keep it always in strength. The soil of the IMoliawks country is in general much richer and stronger than that of the more Soutiiern parts of the Province and exceeds any soil that I ever saw in any part of America. I am told the same kind of soil extends through out the Countries of the Onedoes, Onondagas, Cayugas and Senekas. This soil I am perswaded will produce any thing that can

generally proper for most sort of grain

;

be produced in a climate where the winters are very cold.

The climate of the province of New York confinning it to the present Christian settlements extends from the 40"" degree and thirty minutes of Latitude to the 43'' degrees 30 minutes. It is

much

latitude

colder in winter than those parts of Europe which lye under the same parallels of

The

alterations in the

part of the world

:

Thermometer

are very considerable as great perhaps as in any

but the changes in the barometer are not so great the mercury seldom

descending so low as in Britain the changes of heat and cold passes through the thermometer.

which

is

I

have observed the cold so great, that the

fixed to his portable

graduations marked

Barometer descended

to the

spirit in

space of

S.V

on the Thermometer at the same time tho

all

the degrees of

Patricks

Thermometer

gradations below spirit

in

my

all

the

florentine

Thermometer was included intirely without the ball but so great a degree of cold happens The peach and Quince Trees were in many places kill'd by it but the apple and pear trees are never hurt by the cold. Hudsons river so far as it is fresh is froze every year, so as to bear horses and carriages. The excesses in heat and cold seldom continue a week together or more than two or three days the greatest cold is in January and heat in July and August. Since the country has been settled and cleared the seasons are become more moderate The spring comes late, it is seldom sensible before April. This it is probable is occasion'd by great quantities of snow to the Northward while everywhere are cover'd from the sun by thick forrests and by melting slowly produce cold Northerly winds. The spring being late of seldom

consequence

is

short, the succeeding

warm weather

produces a quick growth so that the face

of the country in a short time becomes surprizingly changed, In the

dews

fall

almost every night, the wheat harvest

is

in the

summer exceeding heavy

beginning of July.

The fall of the leaf is the most pleasant season in this country, from the beginning of September to december we have moderate weather with a serene sky the horison being seldom cover'd with clouds in that time. m d City of New York is in 40 42 Latitude Longitude 74 37

NEW-YOKK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

124

d

Sandyhook

Bay

a

into

Cape in the ocean at the entrance into the which Hudson's river empties itself. .... Laf*

Albany the second

city in

New York

74 37

Lai'''

42 4S 74 24

Long"" a Fort on

40 25

Long-i'

and most considerable

place for the fur Trade

Oswego

m

Cadarackuy Lake from whence the fur is carried on with the Western

Trade of Albany Indians

Pensylvania

Boston

Quebeck

the Capital of

Canada

Montreal the second town in Canada and nearest

43

76 50

Lat*""

39 5S

Long.

75 40

3-5

Lat.

42 25

Long.

71 28

Lat.

46 45

Long.

69 4S

New

York

Crown

Lat.

Long.

Lat

45 52

Long.

74 10

Lat.

44 10 74 00

Point the place where the french have built a fort

near the South end of Lake Champlain

Long.

The longitude of all these places is computed westward from the meridian of London. The Latitude and Longitude of New York is from my own observations which I am satisfied are near enough to the truth for common use tho not made with such instruments care and accuracy as

necessary where the greatest exactness

is

immersions and emersions of Jupiters tables of that satellite;

made

at

first Satellite

The Latitude and Longitude

Cambridge College

in

New England

is

requisite the Longitude

is

from the

and the calculations made from D^ Pounds of

Boston are from the observations

and those of Quebeck from the observations of the

french there, those of other places are computed from their distance and scituation with respect to

some one or more

The Province

of these that are determined by observations

New

York is bounded to the southward by the Altantick Ocean, and runs from Sandy hook including Long Island and Staten Island, up Hudson's river till the 41*' degree of North Latitude be compleated wiiich is about 20 miles above the City of New Yoik, East New Jersey lying for that space on the west side of Hudson's river; from the 41" degree of Latitude on

of

Hudsons

river

it

runs Northwesterly to 41 49 minutes of Latitude on the most

Northerly branch of Delaware river which

branch of that river called the

fish Hill,

falls

thence

near Cashiehtunk, an Indian settlement on a it

runs up that branch of Delaware river

till

degree of Latitude be compleated or to the beginning of the 43'' degree. Pensylvania stretching along the west side of Delaware river, so far northward as to this parellel of latitude the

42''

from the beginning of the 43 degree

New

York runs Westerly on a Parallel of latitude along West as to comprehend the country of the five nations (the french having by the Treaty of Utricht quitted all claim to these five Nations) there it runs along Lake Erie, and the Streights between Lake Erie and Cadarackuy Lake the bounds of Pensylvania to

Lake

Erie, or so far

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXVI.

:

]

25

along Cndarackuy Lake to the East end thereof, from thence it continues to extend Easterly along the bounds of Canada to the Colony of Massatliusets bay thence Southerly along the boundaries of the Massathusets bay and of the Colony of Connecticut to the Sound find

between Long Island and the Main, and then Easterly along that Sound to the Atlantick ocean. The j^boundaries between New York Province and the Provinces of New Jersey and Pensylvania are so well described in the Grants to the proprietors of New Jersey and Pensylvania that by determining the proper parallels of Latitude on Hudson and Delaware boundarys between iheni may at any time be fixed with sufficient certainty. But

rivers the

as this has not hitherto been actually done, disputes

Proprietors of the lands near the line which

is

now

supposed

in several parts subsist

to run

between

between the and New

New York

Jersey from Hudsons river to Delaware river and

it is probable the like disputes will happen between the inhabitants of the Provinces of New York and Pensylvania, when the lands near the line dividing them shall be setled. The boundarys between New York and Connecticut are intirely setled by agreement between the two Colonies and by lines run at about 21 niiies from Hudsons river and running nearly

parallel to the general course of that river. I

Its

know

of no regulations for determining the boundaries

probable each will endeavour

made

to

extend themselves as

a wide step by building a fort at

being a pass of great importance

By

Crown

point,

between

far as

New York

and Canada

they can, the french have lately

which alarms the English Colonies by

this pass only there is access to

Canada from

its

the English

Colonys, and from this the french will be able in war time to send out parties to harrass and

plunder the Colonies of Massathusets bay deserves the more notice by reason,

New

York

that

it

is

it

New York

is

from the nearest settlements

pretentions of the french, by the

Maps

and Connecticut the building of

this fort

not at half the distance from the settlements in in

Canada,

If

lately published in france

we

are to

Judge of the

by publick authority they

not only claim this part of the country and the countries of the five nations depending on New York, but likewise a considerable part of what is actually setled by the inhabitants of New

York.

The English Maps

are such servile Copies of the french

that they

boundaries between the i^nglish and French with the same disadvantage

to the

mark out the English that

the French do.

The boundaries between Massathusets bay and New York Massathusets bay charter that Colony is

whether

it

shall

does the difference

is

extend as far West as to is

is

every where disputed by the

west as Connecticut. The question Connecticut, or extend as far West as Connecticut

to extend as far

so considerable that

it

takes in near a great a quantity of laud as the

whole of what is not disputed It is probable, they may at last make their claim good by the numerous settlements they have already and are daily making upon it. Your honors knowledge of this country will easily discover any errors I may have committed, and will supply the defects. I have endeavour'd that what I have wrote may be of use to you in some matters wherein you are less conversant, and may assist your memory in others lu hopes that it may and in obedience to your commands it is submitted by Sir

,

Your most obedient and most humble Servant

Cadwallader Colden

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

126 Answer

to four

Queries referr'd by his Honor the Lieu' Governour and Council

of the Province of 14.

The six nations of Indians men of which number J

fighting

The French have

New York

to tlie

Commissioners of Indian

aflairs.

including the river and Shaachkook Indians are about 1500 part incline to french interest being partly

among

their interpreter continually

the Sinnekes

who have

overawd by

over them and they often send messengers with presents to the Six nations 15 The Indians living near about Montreal and Quebeck are about 1000 fighting besides a vast Fortifications

number

amongst

of other foreign Nations

whom

fear,

a great influence

the french

men

have sixteen

and Settlements.

The French Europeans settled on the river S' Lawrence in Canada consisting of the three Govern" of Quebec Montreal and the three rivers are about ten thousand fighting men including thirty two companys of regular forces. 16.

Spaniards none. 17.

The

Metropolis of

New

France

very strong wall and has a strong side of river S'

Lawrence.

of the river which

About

Quebeck a well fortifyed town being inclosed in a on a Rock being the sea Port on the North leagues S" West thereof is Montreal on the same side

is

fort scituated

sixty

regularly fortifyed and surrounded with a strong stone wall having battaries

is

within and a large trench round the North, East and West sides thereof and to the South is the river. About seven leagues South from Montreal is a village called Chambley scituated on a river running out of Corlaers Lake which itself into

is

by the French called Champlain, and emptys

the river S' Lawrence at Soreil there

river at the

is

a good strong stone fort at the side of the

upper end of a basson.

The French have also a very strong fort to the West of Crown Point at the side and South East end of Corlaers Lake before mentioned called by the french La Pointe au la Chevlenres, about Seventy miles to the Northward of our farthest settlements, built in the year 1736 for a retreat

when

the french at any time should

our Province or

New

England,

come

to disturb or

this fort is scituated

arch'd with stone three storys high, the wall thereof

the entrance into the

To

the Southard

is

Lake

annoy our

is

about seven

feet thick, it

Southward and has They likewise by that means extend

before mentioned from the

a large plain.

frontiers, either in

on a rock having a very strong cittadel

commands

four regular Bastions their limitts,

having

encroach'd upon land belonging to his Majesty

They have emptys

Cadaruchque at the North East end of the Lake Ontario which Lawrance, made there not only in order to entice the six nations of

also a strong fort at

itself in the river S'

Indians to their interest and to have an at

awe over them but

any time they should attack or annoy the

six nations

also for a retreat to the french

and likewise

to

when

prevent the said Six

Nations trom going to Canada in time of war.

They have also a strong fortification at Niagara which is at the South west end of Canada Lake below the Falls of that name about three Leagues, where there is a carrying place, it borders near the six nations which in a great measure comands the Indian Trade from the Westward and overawes the Sinnekes They have several settlements and nations of Indians on the

chiiif

intercept the furr trade and to keep an

Albany 4 Feb^y 173^

forts as

above observed of

less note

among

the upper

passages as the Indians come from their hunting in order to

awe and comand over them.

LONDON DOCUMENTS the

of

Collector

the

from

Answer

required

the

and

Amkiuca.

Plantations,

iisr

and York

Trade

New

of

Lords

the

from

Queries

referred

The

:

XXVI.

127

—

—

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

128

Lieutenant-Governor Clarice [

New-Tork Papers.

to the

(9. P. 0.) No.

Duhe of 9, p.

Newcastle.

IG.]

New York

My

June

2"-'

1738.

Lord.

beg leave to do myself the honor

I

to acquaint

Your Grace

that,

considerable land and naval force vpas arrived at Augustine from

descent on Georgia,

sent for those Masters of vessells

I

who were

being informed that a

Cuba

in order to

lately arrived

make

a

from Augustine

and Carolina, and examined them on oath concerning that affair, copys of whose examinations do myself the honor to lay before Your Grace. The Council were of opinion that there was sufficient cause to embargo Kip and Griffiths sloops, the first was loaden with provision for

I

Augustine and Griffith careemng in order to take in a loading for the same place, both owned by on William Walton of this Town, who, as I am informed has supplied that place with He protested against the Custom-house officers for refusing provisions many years by contract

—

to clear ships, a

copy of which protest

besides the restraint laid on those

forbidding

all

ammunition.

His

The

two

Maj'>'' subjects

I

I

have

this

province to supply Augustine with provision or

Walton

to give security before his sloops be cleared at the

in

obligation on M"'

likewise do myself the honor to enclose.

sloops issued a Procl"" with the advice of the Council,

Customhouse that tiiey should not go to Augustine might have not answered the end, but as I was to act with the advice of the Council, the order was made pursuant to it, yet there being no sum mentioned wherein he was to be bound, I had it in my power to direct wiiat the penalty should be. Capt" Walton thought it hard, that his vessells entering and clearing for Carolina (as they always do for some English port) should be embargo'd, and other vessells

same place should be suffered to depart; but I can not think it either hard Walton being the only person in this place whom the Spaniards permit to trade at Augustine, where he has a Factor who has resided there many years. In this situation the business continued till the lO"" of May, when Capl" Tucker and one Coll. Hicks an Assembly man in Carolina who came hither with Tucker for his health being examined on oath tiie Council were thereupon of opinion that the Spanish expedition against Georgia was countermanded, in consequence whereof, an order of the Board was sent to the Collector to clear Griffith and Kip, and a Proclam" was at the same time ordered to issue to

that enter for the or unjust,

recall the I

Proclam" above mentioned.

have with

all

humility and the warmest gratitude to returne

"Your Grace for your goodness to

my

son,

who

1

hope

the continuance of Your Grace's protection, to which I

am

will I

by

all his

my

most humble thanks

humbly recommend myself

with the greatest submission

My

Lord

Your Graces most humble most obedient and most

To His Grace

the

Duke

of Newcastle.

to

actions endeavour to obtaia

(signed).

dutiful serv'

G. Clarke.

LONDON DOCUMENTS Lords of Trade

to [

To

Geo. Clarke

Esq'' Lieu'

Gov' of

XXVI.

:

129

lyieutenant -Governor Clarice.

New-York

New

Entries,

M.

p. 63.

]

York.

Sir,

Since our Inst to 17""

October

You

June 22^

of

we have

17-37.

14'" Nov""' 2S"> Vvh'^ IS'"

received yours of April

1737 and one of the second of June

9""

last,

^^ay

9""

June

together with

which we have also recei\ed the public Papers transmitted us by you. As to what regards the several Acts, so soon as we have forni'd our judgment on them j'ou shall hear further from us, but in the mean time we must acquaint you that notwithstanding your pressing Instances

in

favour of the Triennial Bill back'd by your son's arguments,

has frequently attended us on that subject, for his approbation, nevertlieless

we must

we

can by no means recommend

desire

you

to use

difficulty

we hope you

to his

to obtain will

meet

but what you will be able to get over.

In compliance with

him

who

to his .Majesty

your utmost endeavours

a settled Revenue agreable to your Instructions, in which undertaking

no

it

Your Desire

Majesty, of which

We

of having

Your son of the Council, we have Recommended

doubt not but he has already given you notice.

M'"

Paul

Richard has been likewise recommended.

We are glad to hear by yours of June l?'" 1737 of your intention of meeting the Six Nations from which interview we promise to ourselves no small advantage. In answer to that part of your letter dated Feb'"'' IS"' 173J which regards the French, we must acquaint you that we are very much concerned to find they make such great advances and gain ground so considarably on us but we hope you will be able to prevent them from doing us any essential prejudice in regard to the Indian trade, especially if you obtain the Liberty of building the Fort you mention at Tierondequat. We commend the great readiness you shew'd to assist Carolina in case of necessity, and the care you took in preventing any Provisions being sent to S' Augustine and doubt not but upon every occasion you will use the same diligence in order thoroughly to defeat any sinister Designs of the Spaniards.

We must acquaint last,

never came

We the

S*"

We

you

that yours of Dec"" 17"',

which you mention

in

yours of the

shall expect the

remaining answers

of June last by the

first

to our queries,

which you promise

expect likewise that once in Six Months you regularly send us a

you particularly remark from

Licence of Leave, so

far as

in

your

letter

of

Members

of

conveniency. list

of the

Council taking Notice at the same time of those that are dead or absent, and last that

IS'" of Feb''''

to hand.

you are

whom

able,

and

for

how

in

regard to the

long a time they have obtained a

and so we bid you heartily farewell, and are

Your very loving

friends

and humble Serv"

MONSON Brudenell R. Plumer.

Whitehall

August

9'"

Vol. VI.

Ja.

1738 17

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

130

Report against

the 2Viennial [

To

May

the Kixg's

New-Tork

Act of Neio-Yorlc.

Entrief, M., p. II.]

most Excellent Majestt.

Your Majesty had under our consideration an act passed in your Majesty's Province of New York December 1737 intituled " An Act for the frequent Elections of Representatives to serve Gen' Assembly and for the frequent calling and meeting of the General Assembly so Elected. it

please

We have in in

We

have likewise had the Opinion of M'' Fane one of Your Majesty's Council at Law, and him that it is an Infringement of Your Majesty's Prerogative by taking

are of opinion with

away

the undoubted Right which the

Crown

has always exercised of calling and continuing

the Assembly of this Colony at such times and as long as

it

was thought necessary

publick service, and as no reason has appeared to us to require such an Innovation, lay the same before Your Majesty for I

for the

we humbly

Your Royal Disapprobation, Which is most humbly submitted R. Plumer M. Bladen Mo.nson

Whitehall

August

10"'

1738

Ja.

Lieutenant-Governor GlarTce [

New- York

Lords of Trade.

to the

Papers, Gg., No. 20.

Brudenell

]

New York Sepf

My

16.

1738

Lords

The

enclosed Accounts of the

compleat

My

my

answers

to

Numbers

of people and

numbers of

Militia in this province

your Lordships queries

son having signify'd to

me your

Lordships

commands concerning

the

Bermudas

petition

against the tunnage Act past here in the year 1734, 1 have lay'd that matter before the Council

and the Assembly as it was an Act passed before I had the honor to have the Administration of the Government, so soon as they furnish me with their reasons in support of that Act, I will do myself the honor to lay them before your Lordships. I do myself the honor to inclose to your Lordships my Speech to the Assembly, what they will do this year I cant tell, but next year they must give his Majesty such a Revenue, as former Assemblys have given, or suffer a large sum of their paper money to fall to the ground ;

for want of a fond to support it; this is a staff which I have now in my hands, and ought by no other means to part with, than that of their giving such a Revenue as I have askt; and unless a Governor has now and then some advantage over these people, he will find it difficult to bring them to reason and their duty

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXVI. Tlie letter from the Commissioners of Indian affairs (of whicli

received a few da3's ago and have sent tiiem to enable

Wood Creek

me

it

131 tlie

inclosed

is

a copy)

I

to the speaker to be laid before the house, desiring

to defeat the designs of the french

;

for if

they possess themselves of the

not far from which tiiey built the strong Fort mentioned in the letter at the

Crown Point about And in case of the

fifteen

years ago, they will become Masters of that part of the Country;

rupture, obliged

all

our planters to quit

possess themselves of Tierondequat they will intercept

all

tlieir

habitations; and

if

they

our Western furr trade that centers

from in Oswego, and will by degrees become intire Masters of the whole six Nations hence your Lordships will perceive that these two posts are of the utmost importance to this, and every other of his Majestys Colony's in North America; and I presume to think that these attempts of the french to settle on this side of the Lakes and on any Lands belonging to the six Nations are no ways warranted by the treaty subsisting between the two Crowns, and I

now

fear

;

if

some

method be not taken to obtain orders from the Court of France forbidding Canada to pursue his intentions, the little that this Province will or can do

effectual

the Governour of

may

be ineffectual tho'

my

utmost endeavours

shall not

be wanting

I

am

with the highest honor and regard

My

Lords

Your Lordships most humble and most

The Right

Hon'''' the

Commissioners of Indian Affairs [

New- York

ob' Servant

Geo: Clarke

Lords of Trade

to

Lieutenant-Governor Clarhe.

Papers, Gg., No. 21.

]

Albany 30 Aug

May

it

please your

:

1738

Honor

Sir

Since our last of the 25 instant Captain Cornelius Cuyler returned from Canada, who settle severall familyes on the

informed us that he has heard that the french have a design to

about 10 miles from our settlements next spring; that the Governour of Canada among which was Ilber, to view the land last fall and this

Wood Creek

has sent several farmers there

summer

Anne; and that he has heard a report that the land is granted to the and others, which we believe to be true; which settlements we conceive to be of very bad consequence to this province in general and to this city and county in particular; wherefore we earnestly entreat your honor to find out some proper expedient to prevent this encroachment of the french of Canada for we are perswaded if they be sufl!ered to proceed in this their intention they will soon erect a fort at the Wood Creek: We hope that more notice will be taken of what we now mention, than of what we informed about the erecting the french fort at Crown Point, which is made as strong as any in Europe. Some of the principal Sachims of the Sinneckes are gone to Quebeck, we fear to make over as far as fort

said liber

Tierondequat

to

Governour Beauharnois, who no doubt

will take the first opportunity next

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

132

spring to erect a strong building there, then

hopes that the french

may

we

are inclosM on

be prevented in their designs.

We

all

sides,

but

we

are yet in

heartily wish that the liniitts

between our Crown and that of france were settled which might prevent their continual encroachments on us. We are with respect Your honors most humble Servants Ph: Livingston

Myndekt Schuvler RUTGER BlEECKER Abr"" Cutler John D'Pevster' Nicholas Bleecker Dirick Ten Brodily ' JoHU DE Petsteb Was grandson of Abrfiliam. Supra, IV., 111. He was born at New-York on the 14lh of January, ]69f, and moved to Albany, where he married Anne Sclmjler, by whom he had two dauglileis; Anna, the wife of Yolkert P. Bouw and Rachel, the wife of Tobias Ten Eyck. Depeyxter, Gfr,.. 111. He was Recorder of the city of Albany from 1726 In 1734 he became one of the Commissioners of Indian Affairs; to 1728, and Mayor from 1729 to 1731, and again in 1732. was snbsequentiv a contractor with the Government to supply Oswego and other outposts with stores, and in 1755 one of the Commissioners for paying the forces in the expedition in which General Johnson defeated Dieskau. His name appears as a

patentee of lands in Schoharie

;

also, in

Herkimer county and near Schaghticoke.

—

Ei>.

^

LONDON DOCUMENTS

I—

:

XXVI.

133

,

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

134

[Kew-Tork

List of the

New York

.

.

Kings County. Do Queens

.

Kiohmond Do Ulster

Duchess

Orange Total

Do Do Do Do

Papers, Gg., No. 28.]

within the Provinceof

30

.

Albany West Chester.

Suflfolk

Number of Militia

,

,

.

,

.

New Yorii

taken

Anno

1737.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: Lieutenant-Governor Clarke [New-Tork

XXVI.

135

Lords of Trade.

to the

Papers, Gg., No. 24.]

New York

My I

Lords do myself

tlie

honor

acquaint your Lordships that on the 20 of

to

your Lordships

I

acquainted them at

support of

as

But

I

do not

I

to

I

beg leave to

hope your Lordships

I

me

I

have been

upon a revenue

for a

money

that effect, for both the

I

may

I

not

could do no less

with reasons to be lay'd before your Lordsiiips in

they gave themselves one thought about

find that

should attempt to give any after told, that

your Lordships

their reasons, I cannot suppose that they intended

insist

refer, that

will think

it

will not e.xpect that

to them, they suppose as

when

presume

to the province, to furnish

it,

your Lordships

you have

I

dissolved

I

reasons for so doing

with the petition of the Bermudians against the tunnage Act past was passed before my time, and as it was a matter of general

first

them

in 1734. desiring

concernment

which

will see in the inclosed papers to

give you a double trouble; and

month

tliis

my

the Assembly after they had very fruitlesly set about seven weeks

Oct' 22. 1738

term of years

struck on that

without a fond to subsist on to sink

and yet

;

if

I

by

to strengthen

it

bill

I

presume

Act lye as

will let the

the

and

it,

have recommended

be rejected

my it

it

it is till

hands,

will

have

as well as that on the excise Bill will be

bill

and next year they must return to their senses or must I think, be expected that 1 should part with the advantages I have by this means over them on any other condition than that of their giving a revenue for a term of years I humbly hope for your LordP' countenance herein and beg leave involve their country in misery

it,

for it

;

:

to subscribe

myself with the highest honor

My

Lords

Your Lorpships most humble and most

The R'

The Lords

Hon''"

Lieutenant- Governor Clarice [

New-York

:

Clarke

Lords of Trade.

to the

Papers, Gg., No. 25.

]

New York Nov

My

ob' Serv'

Geo

of Trade.

:

the 21. 1738

Lords

Your Lordships

letter of the 19 of

August which

occasion of acknowledging the obligations that of

my

recommending

hoping that his behaviour

I

am

I

have the honor

under

to

you and

to receive gives

in

me

a very particular

a fresh

manner

son to his Majesty to be one of the Council for this province will

be such as

may recommend him

to the continuance of

your

Lordships protection 1

was

sensible

when

great probability of

its

I

wrote to your Lordships about the

passing at

home and what

I

trienial Bill that there

was no

wrote was purely on the pressing instances

of the Assembly

Although us

my

some land

interview with the Six nations had not the effect

to build a fort

I

hoped

for in their giving

on at Tierondequat yet in other things 1 succeeded pretty well

for

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

136 I

got them not to permit the French to erect a trading house there nor sufTer them to take any among them and to give what encouragement they can to tlie remote Nations of

other footing

Indians to bring their beaver to Oswego.

am

I

my

equally sensible and thankful for the honor that your Lordships to

conduct in the

me in approving of may be assured I

of Carolina and S' Augnstin and your Lordships

affair

upon every occasion exert myself for his Majesty's Service. I do myself the honor to send your Lordships the minutes of Council and the votes of tlie Assembly during their last sitting I was obliged to disolve them for their insolent attempts and his Majesty's authority I intend to call another Assembly to sitt in the Spring who I hope will come together with better dispositions and a truer sense of their Countries wants and interest but however they are disposed, T will keep the Excice Act in my power for if they are not easily to be will

herewith

managed by tliat advantage which I have over them without it they would be ungovernable. The tonnage Act of the year 1734 against which the Bermudians petition'd your Lordships being past before I had the Governm' it was thought proper that I should pass that matter before tiie Council and Assembly as I did at the first meeting that they might furnish me with reasons in support of

it,

notice they have taken of

but your Lordships will perceive by the enclosed votes it

I

think

I

have done

my

how

little

duty what ever they have done and

I

presume your Lordships will not expect after this that I should take upon me to answer for the country whom it most concerns and to whom it most properly belongs to speak in its defence and who possibly may not well like what I might say in its behalf I humbly recommend myself to your Lordships protection and am with the highest honor and regard My Lords Your Lordships most humble and most obedient Servant

The R'

Geo: Clarke

Hon"'' the Lords of Trade.

Veto of

tJie

Triennial Act of

[New-Tork

At

the Court of S' James's the 30

Present — The Kings

JSfeiv

-Yorh

Papers, Gg., No. 2S.]

November 1738

most Excellent Majesty

[Archbishop of Canterbury,

in

Council

Earl of Albercorne

Lord Chancellor,

Earl of Silkirk

Lord President,

Lord Harvey Lord Harrington M' Speaker Sir Paul Methuen Horatio Walpole Esq:]

Duke

of Montague,

Earl of Pembroke, Earl of

Grantham

Earl of Cholmondley

Whereas by Commission under the great Seale of Great Britain the Governour Council and Assembly of his Majesty's Province of New York are Authorized and Empower'd to make

LONDON DOCUMENTS Constitute and Ordain

Government

Laws

may

be

137

Statutes and Ordinances for the Publicly pence Welfare and

of the said Province

Conveniently

XXVI.

:

Which

iavps Statutes

Laws and

Agreable to the

and Ordinances are

Statutes of

tliis

Good

to be as near as

Kingdom and

to

be

And Wiiereas in pursuance December 1737 Eiitituled

transmitted for His Majesty's Royal Approbation or Dissaliowance of the said powers

An Act was

past in

said Province in

tiie

"An Act for the frequent Election of Representatives to serve in General Assembly " and for the frequent calling and meeting of the General Assembly so Elected Which Act Plantations

together with a representation from the Lords Commissioners for Trade and

proposing the repeal thereof having been referred to the Consideration of a

Committee of the Lords of

his Majestys most Honourable Privy Council for Plantation Lords of the Committee did this day report to his Majesty as their opinion that the said Act ought to be Repealed. His Majesty taking the same into his Royal Affairs the said

consideration

was pleased with

the Advice of his Privy Council to declare his Dissaliowance of

the said Act and pursuant to his Majestys Royal pleasure thereon Exprest the said Act

is

hereby Repealed Declared Void and of none ett'ect. Whereof the Governour or Commander in Chief of his Hajesty's Province of New York for the time being and all others whom it

may

concern are to take Notice and Govern themselves accordingly [J.

Lords of Trade [

To George

to

Vernon']

Lieutenant-Governor CJarhe.

New-York

Entries, M., p. 79.

]

Clarke Esq""

Sir.

Having

lately received a letter from the Lieu'

Governor of Virginia^ giving us an account

of the endeavours that he has used to settle a good understanding between the Indians under

the Government of

New

York, commonly called the

five

Nations,

&

the

Cherokee

&

Catabavv

Indians lying on the back of Carolina and Georgia and complaining that after by your assistance the time and place of Treaty iiad been appointed, and a Cessation agreed to between them, the

Five Nations had broke

by a treacherous attack on the Catabaw Indians

off the negotiation

&

did afterwards murther eleven English Inhabitants dwelling on the back of the mountains,

adding

at the

same time that he had sent

not been able to obtain any,

We

We

thought

to it

demand

satisfaction for the said

cannot help observing upon this occasion that

these five Nations

who

are protected by the British

it seems very extraordinary to Government should employ their

destroy other Nations of Indians under the same protection which of our '

'

murther but had

our Duty to write you on this Subject.

is

us, that

force to

effectually doing the

common Enemy.

The names within brackets, in the above Document, are ad Jed from the Journals of the New-York Assembly, Sir William Gooch was Governor of Virginia from 1727 to 1749. Ed.

—

Vol.

VL

18

I.,

1 fi3.

work

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

138

We

must

Authority

and

tlierefore

first

in the

recommend

to obtain

it

to

you

in tlie strongest

satisfaction for the

terms to employ

all

your credit and

murthers committed upon his Majesty's Subjects

next place to facilitate a lasting friendship not only between the five Nations and

recommend to the said five Nations to live in good Intelligence and Correspondence with all the rest of the Indian Clans in America dependant upon the British Government. And as we apprehend nothing can more effectually contribute to this end, than the restraining the several Indians within their proper bounds, agreable to former Treaties, We send you inclosed a Copy of that made between Col" Spotswood' and the five Nations in the year 17:^2 to which we apprehend they have paid but very little regard upon this occasion. We take this opportunity to acquaint you that we have received yours of the 16"" September last, and immediately communicated to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle an Extract of it together with a Copy of the letter to you from the Commiss"'^ of Indian Affairs that the same might be laid before His Majesty. But we must desire you would in Your next give us a more particular description of the the Cherokee and Catabavv Indians but also to

Crown Point and

situation of the

of Tierondequat in regard to

New

York there being no

Maps of either of these places. We wish you Success in Your undertaking and hope the Assembly will concur with you in Settling a proper Revenue for the support of the Government agreeable to Your Instructions, notice taken upon our

and so we

bid

you heartily farewell and

are,

Your very loving Friends and humble Serv" M. Bladen Ar. Croft R. Plumer.

Whitehall Dec''^ 6"" 173S.

'

Sir

Alexander Spotswood, Kt, became Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia in IT 10. In for him tlie honor of Knightliood.

an exploration across the Blue ridge, which obtained estat>lishment of a chain of posts for

Western

it is said,

in Virginia, to

whom

to tlie intrigues of his intimate

obno.xious. Burk,

the Colonies.

He

still

Horrid Papers,

1714, he successfully accomplished

On

his return he

proposed the

protection of the frontier so as to cut olf the communication of the French witlx the

tribes; he attended a Conference witli the Indians at

Esq., owing,

him

tlie

France

Albany in 1722, and

in

1723 was superseded by

Hugh

Dr3-sdale,

at the British Court, joined to the importunities of several leading familes

knowledge of the country and

of

its

true commercial and political interests

had rendered

continued to reside in Virginia and was afterwards appointed Deputy Postmaster-General of

70.

In 1739, he was appointed to

command

the Colonial troops in

Carthagena, but his career was cut short by his death, on the 7th June, 1740. talent and a scholar of high attainments

;

urbane and conciliating

in his

manners, innocent in private

Colony without losing sight of the

his administration, a friend to the liberties of the

tlie

expedition against

Colonel Spotswood was an officer of rare life,

unimpeached

interests of the parent country

;

in

a skilful

he appears a star of no ordinary magnitude amidst the darkness by which he was surrounded. His towards the Indians was humane and wise many of them were educated and instructed in trades by his orders, and on the whole he has descended to us with scarcely sufficient alloy to constitute a human character. Burk.

ftLd enterprising soldier, jiolicy

;

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXVI. Lords of Trade [

To Geo.

Clarke

to

139

'Lieutenant-Governor Clarl-e.

New-York

Enlries,

M.

p. 82.

]

Esq--

Sir. 6"" December (a Duplicate whereof is herewith we have received two from you, one dated October 22'' 173S the other the 21" of November following.

Since our last letter to you dated the

inclosed)

In the for

first

you acquaint us with your having dissolved the Assembly, and

your reasons of so doing, you

refer us to the papers enclosed therein;

at the

We

same time,

have considered

them very maturely, and thereupon have thought proper to give you by the first opportunity tliis early testimony of our approbation of Your conduct in this Affair, You certainly liave acted as became you botii in communicating Your Instructions to them and in adiiering to it yourself. We hope when the next Assembly meets you will find a better disposition in them to concur with you in such measures as are necessary for the support of the Government, and we would recommend to you to cultivate a good understanding with them but should you have the same Difficulties to struggle with,

to

come

we

still

into a Bill for sinking the

promise ourselves that no consideration will induce you

Paper Money unless a proper provision be made

for the

support of the Government.

As

to the

Answer you made

to part of the

Message sent you by the Assembly that you could we must observe that the Right of

not give Your consent to the Appropriation of the Money, issuing of

Mony when

given by the Assembly belongs to you as His Majesty's Governor, as

does also the appointing the Officers necessary for that purpose but the Appropriation of in the Assembly agreeable to the Constitution of England. In

Your other Letter which takes

notice of

advantages you hope to receive from

it,

it

is

Your Interview with the Six Nations, and of the

tho not so great as you

another opportunity of commending Your conduct, and

we doubt

had expected, gives us

not but you will continue

same Vigilance as you have hitherto done in preventing the French from gaining any footing among the Indians, as nothing can be done of that nature which will not affect our commerce in the most sensible manner. So we bid )'ou heartily farewell and are. Your to use the

very loving Friends

&

humble Serv"

MONSON M. Bladen

Ashe

Whitehall

Edw"*

Feb''' 6'" 17:3|

R. Plumer.

;

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

140

Lieuteriant-Goveinior Clarice to the Lords of Trade. [

New-York Paper, Gg. Xo.

29. ]

New York My I I

April IS. 1739

Lords had the honor

will

last night to receive

your Lordships

letter of the 6 of

do myself the honor more particularly to answer hy the

there being one just upon the departure and impatient to

seven that compose the house of Representatives

who have

adjourn to a small village about two or three miles

wherefore having past a short

and one

to restrain

bill to

entirely gone, quiet,

what

and people

Tuesday

I

shall then bring

live well witii

Town, and

not had

I

nine of the twenty

they desired

it,

;

beg leave only at

my

in

I

was obliged on

Rum &%

their request to give

them

August, lioping by that time the small pox will be

them

to

cannot yet

I

tell for

one another, yet your Lordsiiips

the province

will see

who have

paper what their prevailing thoughts are by which those

came out

leave to

but that would not quiet their fears

off",

revive the Act past in 1737 for laying duties on

hogs from running at large

leave to adjourn to the fourth

Holland

sail for

present to acquaint your Lordships that the small pox being in

Decemher last, which London but

ship bound to

first

is

yet very

by an inclosed printed

contrary notions are swayed

was read answer printed before the election but in two or three days I published the inclosed answer. Judging it highly necessary that some notice should be taken of it to prevent its ill effiacts, if it might be I likewise do myself the honor to send to your Lordships my speech and the Assemblys address. against their will; that paper

publickly to the candidates.

I

am

I

the day before the election for this town, and

had no time to answer

and

it

to get

my

with the highest honour and respect

My

Lords

Your Lordships most humble and

most obedient Servant

Geo: Clarke

Lieutenant-Governor Clarice [

New-Tork Papers,

(

to the

S. P.

O.

)

No.

Diike of Newcastle. 9. p. 86. ]

New

My I

Y'ork April IS"" 1739.

Lord.

beg leave

to

Town and one third part of Greenwich, a small village about

inform Y^our Grace, that the Small Pox being in

the Assembly not having had

it, I

gave them leave to

sit at

was Tuesday in August, having first past a bill to revive an act past in 1737 for laying duties on wine ettc. and another of a more private nature: what they will then do I cannot yet tell: Your Grace maybe pleased to observe by an inclosed paper that, much pains is taken to keep them from going

two or three miles out of town, but there too obliged, on their request, to give them leave

their fears of that distemper continuing, I to adjourn to the fourth

LONDON DOCUMENTS: right,

XXVI.

and in truth those notions are too predominant

published the day before the election

in the

before the election, however judging

Town, and

I

the

in

let it

that paper

province:

could not possibly get

necessary not to

it

141 was

my answer printed

go unobserv'd,

I

got the inclosed

two or three days. Hoping to expel the poison which the other paper, had infused into the minds of the people If I have failed either in matter or manner, or both, I humbly hope your Grace will impute it to my want of ability, for I wrote it in the integrity of my heart: I do myself the honor to send your Grace my speech and the Assembly's address. I am now almost two years in arrear of my salary and perquisites, and am daily running in debt to support a numerous family, but let my necessities be what they will, I beg leave to assure answer printed

in

;

your Grace that nothing nothing unattempted at length

shall divert

to bring the

have an happy

effect.

me from my

Assembly

people are very quiet, and easy in

am

I

His

Maj''',

and that

all

will leave

I

will not

may

do (as

complaints at home.

I

The

things except that of giving a revenue for a term of

between

us.

I

liumbly recommend myself to Your

with the most profound respect and honor

— most humble, most obedient and most dutiful servant His Grace the Duke of Newcastle —

Graces

Lieutenant-Governor Clarice [New-York

to the

— My

(signed).

Lord

— Your

G Clarke

Lords of Trade.

Papers, Gg., No. 31.]

New York

My

I

hope patience and moderation

to occasion disturbances here, or

years, that being the point in dispute

Graces protection and

to

and

beseech Your Grace to be assured that

I

have not hitherto done) any thing

duty

to theirs,

April 24. 1739.

Lords

The

ship

by which

I

did myself the honor to write to your Lordships the IS of this

being detained by the owners longer than they intended receive your Lordships letter of the 6 of February for which

I I

month

have since that day the honor give you

my

to

most humble thanks,

my conduct fortifyed against the difficulties have a hard strugle about the Revenue and strugle I will. The Assembly by the word appropriation mean more then your Lordships conceive they do they mean by it to assume to themselves the power in the Revenue bill to ascertain every

finding myself by your Lordships approbation of I

have yet

to encounter, for I shall

and to apply and issue the money, they give to those very Officers and uses and no other thereby making the Governour and every officer in this Government dependant on them alone, and wresting from the Governour the right of issuing the money (which they give for Officers salary,

support of Government) as hath hitherto been done with advice of the Council, pursuant to the

Kings instructions they have

far

above twenty years upon their giving a Revenue

ascertained every Officers Salary in their votes and the Governours have very seldom in issuing

now they would go a step further and in effect assume to themselves presume your Lordships will think I ought not to give into let them appropriate the money the give for support of Government to that use only and the money they give for other services to those uses only, this I never did oppose and it has been the the

money varyed

all

power and

this

it,

I

but

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

142

constant practice of Assemblys and

suppose

I

do assure your Lordships that will not being what

it

I

fail

is

what your Lordships mean by appropriation I good understanding with the Assembly

to cultivate a

have much at heart.

write to the Commissioners of the Indian affairs to inquire into the murders said to

I will

home and London ship and Tierondequat I humbly

be committed in Virginia by some of the Six Nations, to exhort them

them

to dispose

wherein

to a solid peace,

I

will spare no pains

to stay at

(and by the

first

I will describe to your Lordships the situation of the Crown point beg the continuance of your Lordships protection and am with the highest honor and regard My Lords Your Lordships most humble and most obedient Servant

Geo. Clarke P. S.

have received his Majesty's dis-approbation of the trienuel

I

Lieutenant-Governor Clarke [New-York

Duke of

to the

Papers. (S. P. O.) No.

9, p.

Bill.

Newcastle.

42]

New

My I

York May

24'" 1739.

Lord.

do myself the honor herewith

send your Grace a copy of

to

my

letter to the

Lords

of Trade. I

formerly wrote to their Lordships about Tierondequat and the Fort built by the French at

Crown

the

point, an extract of

Grace but could not

which

letter

find those places in their

they acquaint

Maps,

I

now

me

they have laid before Your

point them out in a small

map which

copy of the papers mentioned in my letter to the board of trade relating to the boundaries of this province and that of the Massachusetts: I humbly hope Your Grace will be pleased to give us your protection therein, I

send to them:

that they I

may

I

likewise presume to send

for trying of

to

inform Your Grace that the Commission formerly granted by his late

Pyrates

is

nowhere

Gov'' Cosby's private secretary to

make

a

be kept within their proper bounds and within the rules of justice to the Indians.

beg leave likewise

Maj"

Your Grace

use of

it

and hope

I

and the

to

be found upon

shall not,

all

admiralty:

officers of

but least

it

the enquiry I

I

have made both of

have hitherto had no occasion

so happen, that

I

may have

occasion to

commission were to be found, I am not sure that I could hold a court it being a commission from King George I humbly implore Your Grace to keep me in Your protection and that you will the first. hold such a Court.

permit

me

I

presume

to subscribe

My

to give

myself as

I

Your Grace

am with

this information tho' if the

the most profound submission

Lord

Your Graces most humble, most

dutiful

and

most obedient servant His Grace the

Duke

of Newcastle.

(signed).

G

Clarke.

LONDON DOCUMENTS Lieutenant-Governor Clarice [

:

to the

New-Tork Papers, Gg., No.

XXVI.

143

Lords of Trade.

82. ]

New York May

My I

24. 1739

Lords do myself the honor to send

De

to

your Lordships a small

Map

of the country taken

I

suppose

shew your Lordships where the fort built by the french at the Crown point at the entrance of the Lake R' Sacrament and where Tierondequat on Cadaracqui or Ontario Lake are situated from whence you may find those from

M'"

Lisles, tho

places in your

own

Tierondequat is at

most but

it

be not correct

will serve to

JNLnps

in the inclosed

fifty

it

Map was

Miles from the

latter,

Oswego whereas it I have now Crown point is also drawn

placed nearer to Niagara than to

and the Brook which goes by that name

down in Red ink at that distance from Oswego, the Fort Red ink the French pretend to claim all the lands so farr

laid

at the

as the Spring heads of any rivers empty themselves into any of the Lakes that disembogue into the river of S' Lawrence if these pretentions had any foundation the greatest part of the Six Nations would be theirs, they would come close to Virginia and other Colonies and confine the English Dominions to the limitts of our present settlements, but I presume to think those their pretensions vain and that if water is to be the boundary between them and us that the Lakes and the rivers into which those Lakes disembogue themselves are the most natural and proper

in

:

or waters that

in favour of the french then in reason and equity they can expect Sinnekas claim a large country on the opposite shore of the Lake Cadracqui which

boundary and much or more for the

they conquered long agoe from the Nations of Indians their inhabiting

it

Belcher the Governor of the Masathusets with a resolve of their Assembly concerning the ascertaining the boundaries between the two Provinces with my answer thereto all which I inclose that being as much as the Council thought I could say at I lately

received a letter from

M''

present and I expected M"' Belcher would wait till I had laid it before the Assembly and that they had provided for the expence on our part and hoped to have heard from him in answer to my letter, but I have as yet received none, on the contrary without staying for the sitting of

our Assembly several people of their Colony have gone within 16 miles of Hudsons river near Albany with a Surveyor to lay out some lands (for one or more Townships) as I am informed some of which were granted by the Governor of this Province in the year 16SS and

some of them purchased of the Indians by lycence from Gov' Montgomery and now too granted, the owners of those lands hearing what the New England people were doing went on the spot and forbad them The Indians who had sold the lands to our people drove the Surveyor and those who were with him away being exasperated at the New England men who without any purchase pretended to survey those lands If the New England people have formerly taken such steps I am not surprized that they have drawn upon themselves bloody and Indian Warrs, our method is very different from that we never grant lands until they have been bought of the Indians and until deeds are executed by them and those deeds laid before the Gov'' and Council that I conceive I wish with all my heart that our boundaries were settled, but in order to do I

must not only be

his

Majesty

assisted with

for that

Lordships will think

money by

purpose and it

the Assembly but

untill the

I

must have an instruction from I presume to hope your

boundaries are settled

proper to obtain bis Maj'*' order forbidding any future surveys or

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

144

made by

settlements to be for

if

they go on to settle

the

New England

will be

it

more

people on their frontiers towards this Province

difficult

on a treaty

to

throw them back

to their

proper

bounds, and the more they encroach the more quite rents will the King lose in this Province and in truth my Lords 1 doubt whether the New England people really desire to have their

manner without it, for this is not the same request as the Gov" of this Province and then without waiting have made out lands and settled them I mean some lands which had many years limitts ascertained since they serve themselves in this first

time they have

made

the

know too that the Assemblys of this Province money for such purposes as the lands are the Kings and not they may safely go on without fearing to be disturbed by our

before been granted here, besides they well are averse to the giving of theirs,

and therefore think

and their

fixing the boundaries

however they ought

beware of provoking the Indians by new warr with them which in its

to

taking their lands either by fraud or force lest they begett a

consequences 1

may

effect us.

do myself the honor to send your Lordships the Minutes of Council with the only Acts of

Assembly past

One The

in April last

to prevent

swine running at large an usefull Act

for the coun'ies to

which

it is

confined

money into the humbly recommend myself to

other for laying some small duties on wine &" which will put some

Treasury ag' the Assembly think fitt to pay our long arrears 1 your Lordships protection and am with highest respect and honor My Lords Your Lordships most humble and

most obedient Servant

Geo: Clark P. S.

The Naval

officer

has just brought us his accounts which

I

do myself the honor

to

send to your Lordships

The

R' Hon''" the Lords of Trade

Lieutenant-Governor Clarice [

New-Tork Papers.

( 8.

to P. O.

Duke of

tlie

)

No.

Newcastle.

9, p. 47. ]

New York June

My Lord. A few days

ago

copy whereof

I

IS'" 1739.

I received a letter from the Commissioners for Indian affairs at Albany, a do myself the honor to send to Your Grace; wherein you may be pleased to observe, if the intelligence be true, that the French are going to settle on the wood creek, which lyes between a B'ort they lately built at the Crown point, and Albany; whereupon I wrote to

the Commissioners (a copy of which letter

Grace) but as

I

I

do not conceive that any thing

from making those settlements,

if

likewise do myself the honor to send to 1

Your

can represent to the French will divert them

they really intend to

make them

I

thought

it

my

duty to

— LONDON DOCUMENTS

the

Crown

145

The lands whereon the French propose to settle were purchased proprietors (who have all along been subject to and under the protection of

inform Your Grace of

from the Indian

XXVI.

:

it.

of England) by one Godfrey Dellius and granted to him by patent under the seal

of this province in the year 1C96. which grant was afterwards resumed by act of Assembly

whereby they became vested Scotch Highland familys

in the

who came

Crown

;

on part of these lands

I

proposed to settle some

hither last year, and they would have be>'n

now

actually

Assembly would have assisted them, for they are poor and want help: have promised to give them lands gratis, some of them about three weeks ago

settled there, if the

however as I went to view offer (if

that part of the Country, and if they like the lands

1

hope they

the report of the French designs do not discourage them:)

my

will accept of

depending upon the

voluntary assistance of the people of Albany whose more immediate interest

it is

to

encourage

their settlement in that part of the Country.

About three weeks ago I sent to the Lords of Trade a map wherein the French Fort at the point was laid down, It was the only one 1 had nor can I get another, if that arrives safe as 1 hope it will and Your Grace will be pleased to order it to be laid before you, you will have a clearer view of its situation then I can otherwise give. I humbly recommend myself, to Your Graces protection, and am with the most profound honor and submission My Lord Your Graces.

Crown

most humble, most obedient and most dutiful servant

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle

G

(signed).

Lieutenant-Governor Clarice [

New-York Papon,

Lords of Trade.

to the Gg., No. 85.

]

New York

My I

—

Clakke

June

15.

1739

Lords do myself the honor herewith to send to your Lordships a copy of a letter

I

received from

Commissioners for Indian affairs with my answer, the lands that the french talk of settleing were purchased from the Indians and granted by patent under the Seal of this Province in the year 1G96 to one Godfrey Dellius which was afterwards resumed by Act of Assembly whereby presume to hope upon a representation of the matter they became vested in the Crown, And at the Court of France that orders will be given to the Governourof Canada not to make any sent settlements on this side of the Lake, tliese lands your LordsP' will perceive by the Map you, lye between the French Fort at the Crown point & Albany where I intend to settle some Scotch Highland familys who came hither last year having promised to give them lands gratis some of them went about 3 weeks ago to view the lands but are not yet returned, but I doubt the

I

I

when

they are informed of the designs of the french they will be discouraged

of the Province

Scotch to

in

General and more particularly of the people

settle there

Vol. VI.

by giving them some assistance 19

of

Albany

to

It is

the interest

encourage those

for they are very poor, yet

1

find

no

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

146 disposition in the

contribution I

is

Assembly

to

do

it,

what

the people of

Albany

will do

by

a voluntary

yet uncertain

do myself the honor to write to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle mentioning to him the I humbly I sent your Lordships whereby he will see the situation of the wood Creek

Map

;

your consideration and to give me directions how to act herein the only information the Commissioners for Indian affairs have at present is from an Indian and such intelligence is not always to be depended on, however hope your Lordships

as their is it

my I

some

will be pleased to take the matter into

probability that the French will

now

or soon

make

such an attempt,

I

thought

duty to lay this before your Lordships

recommend myself to your Lordships

My

protection and

am

with the highest honor and regard

Lords

Your Lordships most humble and most obedient Servant

Geo: Clarke

The R'

Hon'"'^ the

Lords

Com"

for

Trade and Plantations.

Commissioners of Indian Affairs

to

Lieutenant-Governor

Clarice.

Copy Albany 7 June 1739

May

it

please your

Honor

We cant omitt acquainting your honor that we are informed by an Indian who came hither from Canada that the intend' accompanied with 30 batoes with four Frenchmen in each were going to Crown point and from thence designed to go to setle sundry familys french on land along the

Wood Creek

being the same where your honor intended to place the Scotch

we thought it our duty to send an express to go up as far as the fork were Fort Anne was where we are told that Leber and some other French are now. if this report be true which we are of opinion will prove so, we should be glad to know your honors pleasure Highlanders,

what must be done, in case the french attempt to settle those lands and incroach so far on his Majesties Empire in taking possession of his frontiers in those parts. As soon as our Messenger return's shall acquaint your Honor with his report, mean while we are with esteem Your Honors most humble Servants Ph: Livingston Edw''

Clarke

Edw** Holland

From

the

Com"

of Indian affairs at Albany.

Djrck Ten Broeck

LONDON DOCUMENTS Lieutenant-Governor Clarice [New-Tork

No.

)

147

Duke of

to the

Papers. (8. P. O.

XXVI.

:

9, p.

Newcastle.

60.]

New York Aug

My

SO"- 1739.

:

Lord.

On

the IG"" inst:

inclosing His

INIaj'^'

I

bad the honor

to receive

warrant authorizing

the publication whereof in a

me

to

your Graces

letter of the 19"" of

June

last

grant commissions of reprizal on the Spaniards;

proclamation which

news-papers of the month of June, which came to

issued

I

the next day and the

Town two

days

of this place, with apprehensions of an open rupture witii spain, but

seeing the French take part with them against us, however that

after,

more

may

London

alarmed the people

especially with fears of

be,

I

think

it

my

duty to

Your Grace our present wants, which I beg leave to do by sending Your Grace a copy of my letter to the Lords of Trade and of the account of our stores, presuming their LordP' will make such a representation to Your Grace, as they think may be necessary to lay before

supply the Garrisons and to keep the six Indian nations steady in our interest. trespass further on

than what

I

Your Grace's

have said in

my

letter to

The Lords

province, and myself to Your Graces protection

—

I

will not

I

more to lay before Your Grace, Trade I humbly recommend the with the most profound submission

time, since I have nothing of

am

—

and honor

My

Lord

Your Graces most humble, most dutiful and most obedient servant (signed). G Clarke.

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle.

Lieutenant-Governor Clarice [

Lords of Trade.

to iJie

New-Tork Papers, Gg., No.

^6.

]

New York Aug:

My

30.

1739

Lords

to Grant letters of marqz and reprizal aganst the Spaniards, and papers of the month of June have possessed the people of this Province with apprehensions of a sudden war with Spain, with whom they fear France will take part against

The

orders

the English

I

have received

new

which event as we are a frontier Province bordering upon Canada they expect the first made upon us and are the more uneasy, knowing in how ill a posture of defence are at present for want of ammunition and all other warlike stores; whether their

us, in

attack will be

we

apprehensions of a war are well or

ill

grounded

I

know

before your Lordships the enclosed account of the stores

your Lordships thereof as I

may

will see our

Sc'^

not but

I

think

in the fort of

it

New

my

duty

to lay

York, whereby

wants hoping you will be pleased to make such representation all sorts of stores answerable to our present necessities.

procure a quantity of

beg your Lordships

to consider that the forts of

Albany, Schenectady, the

Mohawks

country,

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

148 and Oswego are

to be supplied out of the Stores to be sent hither for tho they

have small

Artillery yet they have no ammunition.

Soon

me

for

Bond

after

my

Lord Delaware was named

for the

Province he wrote

to this

to

in

:

comparatively so as they are better than the

musquets mentioned

good are

to be

rest,

in the store

In case of a rupture with France,

it

The

customary.

and

if

but in truth are

fit

for little service the

and over and above what are actually in use.

will very highly concern us to

Nations, which can be best and only done, by

list,

Government

1735 I sent him a Copy of that signed by Capt" Nov 1737 the carriage wheels which in that account are called good are only

an account of our stores and in Feb

making them

make

sure of the Six

large presents as has

been

several sorts of goods necessary for that purpose are contained in the inclosed

your Lordships

supplyed with them.

Baker Merchants

in

I

in the present posture of affairs

think

it

necessary

I

should be

beg your Lordships will be pleased to direct Mess" Sam' and \V111"

London

to

buy them, and send them

me, they being perfectly well

to

acquainted with goods of that kind, as they ship large quantities of them yearly to Albany. If .£500 which I am informed has been usually given to a Governor for Indian presents,

sum will be absolutely necessary in case war with France. Your Lordships well know how useful! the Six Nations have been to us It was by their influence on the French Indians that our planters, and those of all the other Provinces lived in Security all the last french war, untill the Canada expedition veas set on foot and I am in hopes by presents if I am full handed to procure by their means the like

in

time of peace was no more than sufficient a larger

of a

;

repose for the future for certainly

it

if

they are neuter the French will not venture to molest us, and all the Provinces our Settlement being abundantly more

be of great advantage to

numerous than those of About a Month ago,

the french and altogether unguarded. I

reced intelligence that a party french and Indians were marched

from Canada, with a design

to attack the

Cherickees and other Indians lying on the back of it was given out, that they were to

Carolina and Geogia under his Majesty's protection that

be joined by other french and Indians from Missasippi of wiiich I sent imediate notice to the the Governors of Virginia, and Carolina, and to General Oglethorpe, hoping they may as I beleive they will, have time enough to give those Indians intelligence that they

may

either be

some of our young Mohawks, joined the party from Canada, contrary to their promises not being to be retained by the advice or perswasion of their Sachaims As there is no peace yet concluded between the six Nations and the Southern Indians, but if M' Gooch, to whom I have wrote on that subject, prepared for their enemies or retreat, as they find

it

necessary

;

I hope, and doubt not of bringing the six Gooch, that the Deputies from the Southern Indians Albany next summer, which is as soon as those Deputies can well be

disposes the Southern Indians to terms of amity,

Nations to

meet there

it,

and

I

have proposed to

the Six Nations at I

am

M''

with the highest respect and honor

My

Lords &'

George. Clakke

LONDON DOCUMENTS Lords of Trade [

to

XXVI.

:

149

Lieutenant-Governor

New-Tork

Entries, M., p. 83.

Clarice.

]

To Geo. Clarke Esq' Sir,

Since our letter to you of Feb'^ April, the 24">

We

May and

doubt not but you

6""

173|

we

have Received yours of the

IS""

and Si* of

of June 1739.

IS''

will

by Your prudent conduct preserve

tiie

Peace and Tranquility of

the Province notwithstanding the printed Libel which you sent us or any other writing of that

kind which the discontented

may

publish in order to inflame the people, and

Assembly

at your next meeting with the

find

them

in

we hope you

will

such a temper as to be able to obtain

from them a settled Revenue, so absolutely necessary for the support of Your Government, taking particular care to get it done in such a manner as not to admit of any the least

encroachment upon the prerogative of the Crown. We hope you have writ to the Commiss" for Indian Affairs about the Murders committed in Virginia and that you will bring the six Indian Nations to settle a lasting peace with that

Colony and with

all

the Indians under the protection of His Majesty and in Friendship with

his People.

We

have under our consideration what you mention in Your last of May 24"' 1739 it is our Opinion that the people of the

concerning the Boundaries of Your province, and as Massachusetts Bay have been too hasty in this aflair, it

adjusted in an amicable

mean time

way by Commiss"

to take care to prevent

We

have wrote

agreable to

any inconveniencies that might

to the

own

his

Governor

to

have

proposals and in the

arise to either of the Colonies

by any Disputes about it. We have laid Your letter of June

15"" before His Grace Tbe Duke of Newcastle with the and hope you will soon have directions from him how to act upon bid you heartily farewell and are, Your very loving friends

papers transmitted with that occasion.

So we

it

and humble Serv"

M. Blatjen Ja: Brudenell

Whitehall Sep*" y'

7"'

1739.

R- Plumer.

>

Lieutenant-Governor Clarice [

New-Tork Papers.

to the

(S. P. 0.

)

No.

Duke of

Newcastle.

9, p. 64. ]

New York

My

Nov'

30'" 1739.

Lord.

I do myself the honor to send to Your Grace a copy of my letter to the Lords of Trade, and of the papers therein referred to: I beg leave to assure Your Grace I did all that was

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

150

to bring the Assembly to give a revenue upon a general appropriation, but the precedent that Gov' Morris gave in Jersey was too strong for me, and I was obliged to give way to necessity, for the people were upon the point of growing clamorous both for that and for the continuance of the paper money; however I have got the Assembly to put the

possible

province into a posture of defence, and have laid I think a sure foundation for a general in case of a rupture with France is absolutely necessary as this is a frontier

harmony, which

province that covers from Canada the Western Colonies; I humbly hope for Your Graces my conduct, and having in my letter to the Lords of Trade, laid all things

approbation of

more

me

fully before

them,

the honor to permit

I

will trespass

me

no further on your Graces time, than to beg you will -do most profound submission

to subscribe myself with the

My

Lord.

Your Graces. most humble most obedient and most dutiful servant His Grace the Duke of Newcastle.

(signed)

Lieutenant-Governor Clarhe [

New-Tork Papers,

Lords of Trade.

to the

Gg., No. 40.

]

New York

My

G Clarke

Nov:

30.

1739

Lords

the 17 of this month I adjourned the Assembly to the second Tuesday in April next myself that upon the strength of your Lordships letter of the 6 of February last I should be able to bring them to give a revenue for a Competent number of years upon a general approbation, and without a particular application of it. to that end I bent all my endeavours and used all my possible means to bring them to it, but all in vain they remained inflexible and

A.

On

I flatter

seemed resolved to run all risques rather than give into it they knew the Country were unanimous in the same sentiments and from thence they were assured of their elections on a new choice in this confidence they went on, and I prorogued them for a few days hoping they mio-ht some how or other change their minds, but this had no effect, they perswaded themselves from the strong appearances of an open rupture with Spain and France, that instead of disolving them I would lay hold of their present sitting to put the province in a posture of Defence this consideration wrought upon me, and made me cast off" all thoughts of a dissolution fearing likewise that

new

elections might revive old animosities,

and beget

new

ones at a time

when

would be absolutely necessary; besides they were fortified in their resolutions of applying the Revenue from a recent example in the adjoining Province, M' Morris the Governor of New Jersey having last winter (after I had dissolved the Assembly of this Province for attempting it) given his assent to the Revenue Bill whereby the money was particularly applyed, however I would do nothing rashly and therefore advised with the Council upon it who were unanimously of opinion that considering the present circumstances

the greatest unanimity

of

aff"airs it

was by no means proper

for

me

at this time to dissolve the

Assembly, but rather

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXVI,

:

151

'em apply the money they give for support of Government to nnd to give the paper money a further continuance as your Lordships may perceive by the inclosed copy of their opinion which they gave me in writing, being thus reduced to the necessity of giving way to the Assembly, I got them to make provisions for fortifying the Province, to

comply with tliem

in

letting

wit, to finish the battery in

tiiis

town

to build

new

a

fort in tlie

another at Sarachtoga, our most advanced settlements towards the built at at

Crown

and which the French have

!\Ljhavvks country,

fort

pound to be applyed in the purchase of a piece of Ground Senekas Country, that we may thereby get footing there, and keep the

point and an liuudred

Tierondequat

in the

French from possessing themselves of it, a thing which I have long aimed at, but could never til now get the Assembly to give any money for it, All these tilings are highly necessary at all times, as this

France

is

is

a frontier Province but

mentioned in the

New

more

Lordships favourable construction of what resolutions

beg your Loidships

I

especially at this time

we

Papers as a thing

are to expect,

have done

I

if I

I

when a rupture with humbly hope for your

have departed from

my

former

to consider that the necessity of the times, the defenceless

condition of the Province and the bad example ment"* have compell'd

me

to

it.

two Vessells to send your Lordships an Ace' of the stores as they were in the year 1737 whereby it will appear that we were then destitute of almost every thing, but great Guns and I fear that upon trial they will be found to be unfit for service being very old and much honeycombed, at present there is not one carriage or set of wheels that can be called good, nor has there been an ounce of Powder in the fort, since I have had the Gov' but what I have bought with my own money to fire on publick days this Province has never bought any powder, but has always been furnished with it from home, we have a great many Muskets, but almost all unserviceable which lye ready to be sent home upon the first order hoping they may be exchanged for new ones, but I will not give your Lordships any further trouble about particulars since our wants will fully appear by the Ace' mentioned and I humbly hope your LordsP' will be pleased to make such a representation thereof, as from thence we may be fully supplyed Capt" Farmer who carries this and Capt: Bryfint who is B.

I

did myself the honor by

soon to follaw him, have received our guns carriages and stores and can give your Lordships an ace' of the wretched condition they are in from whence your Lordships will I hope represent likewise the necessity of our being supplyed very speedily. C.

When

I

sent

Your Lordships an

ace' of the stores

of presents for the six Nations of Indians, to to receive

D. to

I

which

I

I

likewise represented the necessity

beg leave

to refer

hoping by the

first

ship

them.

have likewise got this Session an Act

for the better regulating the Militia

arm and furnish themselves with ammunition and

I

am

who

are

all

giving directions to have them more

duly exercised than they have been. E. I have lately received from the Commissioners of Indian affairs the Governor of Canadas answer to the Mohawks whom I sent to the Crown point to forbid the French settling any Lands on this side of the Lake which your Lordships will see in the inclosed paper N° 2. if the French Kings claim be allowed, he will take in great part of the Six Nations and of other

Nations of Indians, depending on the Colonies, for his claim itself to the

is

Crown

of England and lying on the back of

not confined to the Spring head of the

Spring heads of

all

Wood

all

our

Creek, but extends

the Rivers that lead into any of the Lakes that disembogue

themselves into the Iliver S'Lawrence

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

152

I humbly recommend myself and honor

to

Your Lordships protection and am with the

My

greatest respect

Lords

Your Lordships most obedient Serv' Geo: Clarke.

Commissioners of Indian Affairs [

New-Tork

Lieutenant-Governor

to

Tapers, Gg., No.

43.

Clarice.

]

3 Nov: 1739.

May

it

please

Your Honor

Sir

an answer to the message we sent by four Mohawks Indians Crown Point the ll"" July last about the French settling on the South side of the Lake between the Crown Point and the carrying Place, which is as follows and was given them by the Governor of Canada That the King of France claims all the land South, North and East lying on all the Rivers

"We have

to the

&

at last received

command?

Office at

the

Creeks that empty themselves towards Canada even

to the carrying place,

of S' Sacrament and that he will not suffer the English to

make any

and the Lake

settlements upon any of

if they should attempt to do it He (the Governor of Canada) would upon which he gave a belt of Wampum as a token in presence of his Indians and ours, but notwithstanding he would give all his Right to the forementioned land from the Crown Point to the carrying Place, to our Mohawks and his own Indians as a deed of Gift to make use of it for a hunting place for them and their Posterity and at the same time assured

those lands but that

hinder

them

it,

that no

French should

settle there.

Lieutenant-Governor Clarice [New-Tork

Lords of Trade.

to the

Papers, Qg. No. 44.]

New York

My I

now do myself

Dec

:

1739

the honor to answer that paragraph of your Lordships letter of the 9

of August 173S which

commands me

to

send you a

those that are dead or absent, and in regard to the

Van Home, M' Kennedy, M'

Livingston,

list

last,

of the

my

members

of the Council and of

remarks from

whom

and

for

how

The Councellors are these, M' Golden M' De Lancey, M' Cortlandt, M' Lane, M'

long time they have obtained a licence of leave M''

7

Lords

LONDON DOCUMENTS: Horsmanden, and

M"'

Geo: Clarke Jun

do not mention M'

I

:

XXVI.

153 Van Dam,' and M' Alexander

your Lordships iiaveing about four 5'earR ago represented them as unfit to be continued, nor for M' Coiden lives about GO Miles from this town, that reason do [ summon them to Council, and M' Livingston at Albany 150 miles from hence so that they cannot regularly attend unless

Assembly and then they attend pretty punctually Nr Kennedy M'' M"^ Lane, and >r Horsmanden live in Town, and attend duly M' Clarke is in England, and allho M'' Van Home lives in Town, I caimot get him to attend either when the Assembly sitts or at other times, so tlrat if either of the five members whom 1 have mentioned to attend duly should be ill, or called out of town on business there is not a sufTicient number to make a Council to do the ordinary business, tho upon extraordinary the sitting of the

at

De Lancey

occasions

(which

M''

Cortlandt

may act with

I

three,

constantly done)

is

M''

Van Homes pretence

that he

is,

tho

is ill

well

its

for

not attending when he

known that is summoned

is

summoned

he goes frequently abroad

upon other occasions, and even at some times when he to Council I have hitherto him forbore to mention this to your Lordships but I dare not any longer delay to obey your Lordships commands if your Lordships Judge it necessary that he should be in tenderness to

removed

'

Rip

beg leave

I

General

Van Dam

;

1653, and Clacs Ripse van

van

Dam was

in his

member

for

we

Dam

Jacob van

find

your Lordships

to

he lives

Richard Bradley the Attorney

M""

Town, and

in

will give a punctual

Dam

to

New

Valentiiu^s

formed a partnership with James

Some

of the vessels in

Weaver who

Collector

in

and

Mr. Rip

II.

and made a voyage in 1686 to Jamaica, in cummand of the sloop C"thi rinc. Pass name appears among those of the Merchants of New-York. Deed Bonk, VIII., 260. His early educatiou naturally engaged

Manual.

Mills, established

the

to

him

in

same

during the

ofBi'e

ship building,

and having

a la mching yard on the North river in the rear of Trinitj- church yard

which he was interested having been seized and condemned during Lieutenant Governor Nanfan'a

administration, on a charge of violating the Trade and Navigation act', Mr. Anti-Leislerian party;

8; XXII., 185;

life,

In the year 1690 his

successive years.

7,

its

New Amsterdam

of the Anti-Leislerian Convention at Albanj- in 1689. N(w-\'vrk Dncnmnilary Hislori/,

In 1693 he was elected one of the Assistant Aldermen of that city, and was reelected

two

attendance,

Netherland previous to

one of the principal burghers and inhabitants of

a burgher and trader of Fort Orange in 1661, Albany RrcoTdn, IX.,

bred to the sea in early

Book, IV., 30.

Room

belonged to a respectable Dutch family which had immigrated

enrrender to the English

eubsequentlj- a

recommend

to

be appointed

to

became a hot opponent of Nanfan, and signed the seized,

Van Dam

and Chief Justice Attwood who condemned, the

Lord Cornbur}-, of whose Council Mr. Van

threw^ himself into the arms of the

[letitions to the

ships.

King against him, and against

This contest was terminated

bj-

the

Dam

was sworn a member on the 3d of May, 1702, by orders from England. Xew -York Council Minutes, IX., 17. He continued an active member of the Board during subsequent administraand, on death of Gov. Montgomerie in being the senior councilor, assumed the government of the Province, tions, the 1731, He was superseded as such in August, 1732, by the arrival of Gov. Cosby. As his difficulties as President of the Council. with that gentleman are fully detailed in these volumes, it is unnecessary to enter into any particular account of them here. arrival of

On

Cosby's complaint, the Lords of Trade recommended, in August 1735, that he be dismissed the Council; he was suspended

the 24lh November following (Xew-Yurk Council Minutes, XVII.), though it does not appear that the recommendation of the Lords of Trade had ever been approved or confirmed. Mrs. Cosby is accused of having been an instrument in bringing about Mr. Van Dam's suspension the scheme, it is said, was to suspend Mr. Clarke and some others, as wrll as Van Dam, in order to prepare the way for Mr. Delincey to be at the head of the government; but Mr. Cosby

by Governor Cosby on

;

died

For twenty years, much of Mr.

He was

province.

was proprietor

;

themselves age, Mr.

Montgomery

whom he

it.

Morris'

attention had been directed to the settling of the wild lands of the

interested in the Nine Partners' Patent in Duchess county

of divers tracts in Ulster and Collections, L, 395),

3d proprietor of the

Livingston,

life

others believed that Clarke and Mrs. Cosby were at the bottom of

Van Dam's

counties.

In early

;

life

in the Greiit

Kayaderosseras Patent, and

he married Sara

Van der

Spicule (2 AVie-

and three daughters, Elizabeth, the wife of Jacob Mary, the wife of Nicholas Parcel, and Catalyntie, the wife of Walter Thong, whose daughter Mary married Robert

York Historical Kiersted

Many

could be accomplisliod.

befori? it

Papers. 67.

in

Manor

had two sons,

of Livingston.

Ivip

By

and Isanc

this

;

intermarriage

many

of

American history afterwards, are connected with the President of New-York.

Van Dam

the lOlh of December, 1749.

men who

distinguished

New-York on the 10th of June, 1749. His eldest son. Hip, died during the father's who was also a merchant, survived his father onl\' a few months, having died on Rip Van Dara was the last native of New-York, of Dutch e.xtraction, that presided at it«

Councils during the English rule.

VL

those

After living to a very ailvanced

died in the city of

time, leaving a large family.

Vol.

by

Isaac,

It

was nearly a century before another occupied the chair

20

of state.

— Ed.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

154

which will be some ease and satisfaction to the other Gentlemen, who live likewise in Town, humbly recommend myself to your Lordships protection and am with the highest respect and honor My Lords Your Lordships most humble and most obedient Servant

I

•

.

Geo: Clarke P. S.

The Acts

of Assembly are ingrossing, and

I will

do myself the Honor

to

send them

to your Lordships as soon as they are ready.

The

R' Hon"' the Lords of Trade

Lieutenant-Governor Clarhe [New-York Papers,

to the

Lords of Trade.

Gg., No. 46.]

New York

My

Dec' 15. 1739

Lords,

The

Customs having given me the enclosed paper, and having him upon the tryal of the cause by a Jury, whereby he will be under a necessity of appealing to the King and Council tho the evidence he tells me is very strong in his favour, I do upon his request give your Lordships the trouble of receiving this and at the same time venture to say that if some method be not fallen upon whereby illicit Trade may be better prevented, I doubt it will be to little purpose to bring any cause of that kind to tryall by a Jury and the officers of the Customs will from thence be discouraged from exerting themselves in the discharge of their duty; however the event of this suit will resolve my doubts. Collector of his Majestys

acquainted

The all

if

me

that he apprehends a verdict will go against

Collector informs

me

you think

it

necessary,

I

Commissioners of the Customs copies of

that he has sent to the

the papers referr'd to in the inclosed from

am

whome

I

presume your Lordships may have tiiem

with the greatest respect and honor

Your Lordships most humble and most obedient Servant

Geo: Clarke

The

R' Hon"" the Lords Commissioners for Trade

Archibald Kennedy Esq

:

qui tam

&

Plantations

k,"

against

The Sloop Mary

&

Fowles Reclaiment

The

In the Court of Admiralty

Margaret Thomas /

New York

The Case

end of August 1739, some caskes of foreign Gunpowder and Molasses being found on board a Pilott boat the same with the Pilott boat were seized and information latter

f

LONDON DOCUMENTS:

XXVI.

155

same Gunpowder and Molasses were imported in tlie Sloop Mary and Margaret from S' Eustatia, and unladen from her between Sandy Hook and the Narrows and put on board the said Pilot boat the said Sloop Mary and Margaret was also seized (she being then come into the Harbour of New York) and a lybell filed against her in the Court Admiralty for importing into the Colony of New York the said Gunpowder (being of the production and manufacture of Europe) from S' Eustatia the same not having been bona fide being given that

tlie

(

Lib«ii 5.

Car:

2d

'

^"P"

'^^en lu Great Britain &= and for unloading the said goods before Report or Entry &' As by the Lihell N" 1. To this Libell Thomas Fowles appeared and

claimed

plea

tlie

Sloop Mary and Margaret as

Owner

thereof,

and put In a plea

Instruction of the Court of Admiralty containing in substance that

New York

is

divided into twelve counties, and that there

is

to the

the whole Colony of

no part of the said Colony but

is

contained in the said Counties or one of them and that the Court of Admiralty has no Jurisdiction of any matter done within any of the said Counties but ought to be determined

by of

tiie Common Law And that the New York, As by the said plea

averring that the

was seized on shore within the City and County which plea being overruled a plea in Barr was filed

in\d Sloop

N"

Gunpowder &" was

3.

not imported in the said Sloop nor unladen from the said

New York and put into the said Pilott Boat as by the Advocate General Joined issue, and witnesses were examined who fully proved the matters charged in the Libell as by the depositions from N" S to N° 17 The Witnesses being examined and publication pas-t Fryday the 26 of Ocf was appear, appointed for the hearing of the Cause. But before the day of hearing the said Thomas Sloop at any place within the Colony of said plea N" 4.

To

this plea the

Fowles (finding the facts charged in the Libell fully proved) applyed to the Supream Court for a prohibition suggesting the statutes of the IS"" and 15"" of King Richard the second, and the 2"' of Henry the 4"' the aforesaid Libell and plea to the Jurisdiction of the Court of Admiralty, and that the said Court of Admiralty refused to admit the said plea as by the said suggestions contained in the prohibition N" 19 appears, upon the argument of this matter it was insisted upon and shown by the Advocate General and the Council for the informant that the whole

New York was not contained within the 12 counties, for that the greatest part of Hudsons River and particularly the place where the Gunpowder, is said to be unladen from the said Sloop is not within either of the Counties tho within the province and shewed the Act Province of

of Assembly for dividing the province into Counties &' N° 20. Whereby it appears that the two next adjoining counties to the place where the said Gunpowder &"=: was unladen are

bounded by the Water And that tho the said Sloop was seized on Shore within a County yet But it was for matters done out of any County and within the Admiralty Jurisdiction. notwithstanding these and many other Arguments used and Authorities shewn the Judges granted the prohibition N° 19. 15"" Car: 2'' Cap 7. can be If the prohibition in this Cause was well issued no breach of the tryed in the Admiralty (but must be tryed at Common Law by a Jury who perhaps are equally concerned in carrying on an illicit trade, and its hardly to be expected that they will

find

each other guilty)

for if the

importation into the province makes the breach of the Act,

and no part of the province but is within one of the Counties And whatever is done within the County cannot be tryed in the Admiralty, but must be tryed by the common Law, consequently no breach of that Act can be tryed any way but by a Jury.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

156

Lorth of Trade

to the

I

To

My

the R' Hon'''* the Lords of the

Lords of

New-Tork

the

Eotries. M., p. 30.

Committee

Privy

Council.

]

of His Majesty's

most

Hon''''

Privy Council.

Lords,

Pursuant

Your Lordships order of the

to

Q""

of Novi" last, " that

we

should examine the

list

" of goods tran|mitted by George Clarke Esq' Lieu' Governor of New York, to His Grace The " Duke of Newcastle, in his letter dated 30 Aug" last, which Clarke apprehends are proper " to be brought here and in New York, to be made presents of to the Six Indian Nations, and

W

" Report to Your LordP' what we think proper to be done therein, and also that we should lay " before Your Lordships an account of all such Goods as have been brought here and sent to " that Province for the said Six Nations of Indians, as well in time of peace as war, together

"with the Expence thereof, and whether any or what allowances have at any time been made "to the respective Governors of that Province for the purchase of Goods there, on the like " account and what accounts we have received of the Presents which have been actually made " by the respective Gov" to the Six Nations of Indians;" We take leave to acquaint Your Lordships

That we have searched the Books and Papers in our office relating to this Matter and find upon a letter from the Earl of Bellomont Governor of New York to the Lords Commiss" they for Trade and Plantations dated SS"" Feb'^ 1699 desiring presents for the said Indians represented their opinion to His Majesty King William the S'-* on the SI"" of April 1700 in favour of the Lord Bellomont's request, and we find accordingly an Invoice of Goods shipt for that service on board His Majesty's Ship called the Advice, which with twelve pounds allowed to purchase in New York Rum and Tobacco for the said Indians amounted to three hundred pounds Sterling, which Goods were paid for by His Majesty's order out of the Exchequer; We that

also find that the

ordnance

office

did at the

same time

furnish 400 Fusils

30 Barrels of Powder 10,000 Flints, and

IJ NewTorko

Ton

foi.

204D.foi.i5

at

of Lead

estimated

at

52.

Albany

Five hundred Pounds,

in all

Eight Hundred Pounds value, as appears

marked A. B & C, the Goods then sent being much the same as those now proposed. It also appears by the Extract of Col° Hunter's conference with the said Indians jjy ^i^g j^^.g

species of Bundle Aa.

ITS

in

Extracts, and the Invoice hereunto annexed,

1710 taken from a Journal transmitted with other publick papers from that office at that time, and hereunto likewise annexed, marked D, that her late

Province to this

Majesty Queen Anne did then send another present of the like Nature for the said Six Nations. Bundle Aa 1T2 A third prcscut of the same kind was made to the said Indians, and delivered

by Col" Hunter Gov' of New York in 1714, as by the Extract of his Proceedings with them in September 1714 hereunto also annexed and marked E. more fully appears. Bundle Bb. 1S4. A fourth Present of much the same species and value as that sent in 1700 appears to have been sent by his late Majesty to the said Indians in the year 1719, by the In this Invoice only ten pounds were remitted to Invoice hereunto also annexed marked F. the Gov"' for the purchase of Rum, Tobacco Sec" for that use at New York.

LONDON DOCUMENTS It further

XXVI.

:

157

appears that Governor Burnett having applied to the Commiss"

year 1720 that

usual presents might be

tlie

Extract thereof to

we

to the Indians

Craggs Secretary of State desiring him

M''

Majesty with their humble opinion that said Presents and

made

iiis

for

to lay the

sum

of

^907

in the

same before

Majesty shou'd be graciously pleased

are Informed that in the year 1722 the

Trade

Board inclosed an

Tliis

;

12' 10"*

to

his

grant the

was ordered

for that purpose.

New York

In looking over the Journals transmitted to this office from

Gov" of that Province with Gov" to the said Indians at the

we

of the

the Indians there,

the

expeiice of the Province, but

of the usual meetings

find several Presents it

were made by

does not appear what the

value of those Presents was.

Upon

the whole

we

shall

observe to Your Lordships that these Six Nations or Hords of

Indians are the most powerfull and warlike of the ancient Natives of that part of North America. Tiiat they have always been faithfuU allies to the British Settlements in those parts.

That they are almost as near to the French Settlements as to the English. That the French (in time of war especially) always took great pains to reduce them from the British Interest and in the late war had once got a considerable number of families of them to Montreal.

The Method used

to

keep them steady

presents to them which tho

it

to the British Interest has

be some Expence

Interest in opposition to the French but

is

Crown

to the

also a great

always been by making

not only secures them in our

Inducement

to

enure them to the war.

and use of our Manufixctures rather than the French Manufactures, which has had a visible good effect, by letting us into a trade with many Nations of Indians far from our settlements

we

had not been encouraged by those warlike Tribes lying in the way either to protect or interrupt them in their passage to our settlements, which Trade is grown very extensive in those Parts and greatly beneficial to the To which we may add that these Six Nations are looked upon to be a British Manufactures.

which

in all probability

could never have had,

if

it

great support of the British Empire in those Parts, for which Reasons

our opinion that agreeable to what

it is

will

we humbly

offer it as

be for His Majesty's service that presents should be sent to them

proposed by M' Clarke and

to

former Precedents.

Y'our Lordships

We

are.

My

Lords,

most obedient and most humble Serv" MoNSON.

Edw. Ashe Brudenell.

Whitehall

Ja.

Dec*"' 20"" 1739.

R- Plumeu.

Lieitknant-Gvvernor Clarke [

Ncw-Vork Papers.

to

Dule of

the

(S. P. O.) No.

9,

p

69.

Newcastle.

]

New

My I

York

Jau''''

2S"'

17^-

Lord.

do myself the honor to send your Grace a copy of my letter to the Lords of Trade, and your Grace that the Attorney General has at last obtained Judgment in court of

to inform

:

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

158'

Admiralty against Burrows (who defrauded the Moors) a copy whereof I enclose; when Burrows was, on the private information of a merch' of this place sent for and examined by me, before I received your Graces Commands, the then Judge of the Admiralty obliged him to enter into recognizance with sufficient sureties in the sum of six hundred pounds to answer the damages, that being double the

the sureties have paid, and out of

of the value of the goods as Burrows swore, that

sum

it

sum

the Judge paid the charges of prosecution, the remainder

me your commands to direct the Judge to may be there ready to be paid to the sufferers, or to give me such other orders, as Your Grace may think, proper: The Judgem' against Burrows is for twelve hundred and fifty pounds sterling, the money paid by the sureties but six hundred pounds this money, the remainder of the twelve hundred and fifty pounds, I am told may be levyed on him he has

remit

in his

it

hands; and

to England, that

wherever he be found

in

I

pray your Grace to give

it

the King's dominions, hither

it is

not probable he will

—

I humbly recommend myself he should he will be apprehended and am with the most profound submission and honor

My

to

come

again,

if

Your Graces protection

Lord.

Your Graces most humble, most obedient and most dutiful servant (signed). G Clarke.

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle.

Lieutenant-Governor Clarhe [

New- York Papers,

to the Gg., No. 46.

Lords of Trade. ]

New York

My

Jan

28.

:

17H

Lords

Month

had the honor to receive your Lordships letter of the 7 of Sept: England I hope your Lordships will have received mine of the 30 of November which I sent by Captain Farmer and a duplicate by Capt: Bryant two of our constant Trading vessells to London, wherein your Lords^' will see what the necessity of the times and M'' Morris's precedent in New Jersey obliged me to do, I went every length but that

On

the 10 of this

T

last; before this will reach

for, and began to make interest for a new Election Assembly expecting it did by a resolve declare that they would do all that lay in their power to give the paper money a currency, and did not doubt but that future Assembly's would the same, hereupon the Merchants combined to take it whereby it would be current do what I could the people were generally disposed to grow very clamorous they resolved to go all

of a dissolution, and even that they look'd the

lengths, and to run

all

Jersey and determined

risques to obtain a particular application of the revenue as to

give

it

only from year to year: had

thereby have kindled a greater flame considered as well as the

in

I

the province than that which

present Situation of affairs in Europe

necessary to unite the minds of the people especially as this

Canada, and

1

found nothing would effectually do

it

but

it is

dissolved them upon

my

is

1

found

from whence

now

it I it

I

in

in

should this I

judged

it

a frontier province against

giving

way

to the

Assemblys

LONDON DOCUMENTS: demands, which tho effect, for I

have done very unwillingly yet

I

knew the harmony than now

declare that

nor a more universal

I

even the press election

I

light, the

silent for

is

Acts

I

will likewise

subsists

but

it,

I

am

it

have Assented if it

will look

I

never was and

I

it is

at present

suppose never will he

seditious or political paper since the lust

upon what

1 have done in the most favorable be in your Lordships power and receive their fate from His Majesty's disallowance 1 presume the New Jersey Act

to will

be for

be disallowed that no cause of discontent

particular

I

had that

it lias

confident there never were fewer than now,

we have not had one

humbly hope your Lordships

your representation and

own

in

159

assure your Lordships province in greater tranquillity than

never

without some discontented people

XXVI.

may

again arise from thence

did above a year ago sell a small tho favorite estate to enable

me

As

to

my

to support

Government when it was without a Support resolving if need should he to more rather than give way to the Assembly, and this I would have done could the madness

the dignity of the sell

how my purposes have been defeated. have disposed the Six Nations to enter on a treaty of peace with all the Southern Indians under his Majesty's protection I write to Governour Gooch last Spring acquainting him with it and desiring that deputies may be sent from those Indians next June or July to Albany tiie of the people been cured, but your Lorpships see I

usual place of treating

if

they meet

I

hope

I

shall

be able to bring about a lasting peace,

impatiently wait for a letter from M' Gooch on that head that against the

Time

of the Treaty,

who

expecting

it

will

I

I

may keep

our Indians

at

I

home

fear highly resent a disappointment

which will make my future Negotiation less practicable I have writ to the Governour of the Massathusets Bay about appointing Commissioners to settle Preliminarys for before we proceed to the actual running of the lines, if any are to be run, their pretensions ought to he examined, I have named Albany for the place of meeting us being near equal distance from Boston and New York, and have proposed tlie middle of next June to be the time, this I did not only as the Commissioners whom I shall appoint will act on the behalf of His Majesty, theirs for the proprietors of the Soil of that Colony but likewise because there is no provision yet made by the Assembly of this province for the expence now at the time of meeting which I have proposed two of them I shall appoint being Judges of the Supream Court must be at Albany on their Circuit, and are willing to act in this affair without any reward, as yet to

I

have not heard from

M''

Belcher tho

it is

above

five

weeks

since

I

writ

him I

have not yet had the honor of

letter of the

15"" of

June,

I

his

Grace the Duke of Newcastles commands upon my protection and am with the Greatest

humbly ask your Lordships

respect and honor

My

Lords

R' Hon''" the Lords of Trade.

Your Lordships most humble and most obedient Servant Geo: Clarke.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

IQQ

Lieiitenant- Governor Clarhe to (he [New-York

Gg

Papers,

Lords of Trade.

No. 47.]

New York

My

June

13.

1740

Lords

A. This being the first ship bound for London since the Acts of Assembly past last Session have already have been ingrossed I do myself the honor to send them to your Lordships: informed your Lordships of the reasons that obliged me to give into the application of the revenue, and to the continuance of the paper money much against my will, hoping that wiien I

your Lordships consider them, and reflect upon the then juncture of affairs, the unfortified condition of the province, and of the pernicious precedent that M"" Morris made in Jersey a short time before you will be pleased to make some favourable allowances for what I have done, especially as the is

in

your power

Had

bill I

N° 3

for

continuing the excise and the currency of the paper

not passed those bills

I

money

should undoubtedly have thrown the province

by passing them tho it was the most irksome thing I ever have got the province fortified 1 have secured the Senecas Country from falling into the hands of the french, and 1 boldly affirm I have reduced the province to a state of greater quiet than it has known in forty years before; thus every one here is highly pleased, only I cainiot

into as great convulsions as ever but did,

I

but think myself unfortunate that so when I had a prospect of succeeding.

many

things conspired to defeat

my

purposes at a time

The Act to regulate the Militia needs no observation nor The Act for conipleating & building fortifications, nor The Act towards the further Supporting the Government The Act to raise in the Township of Schenectady a Sum not exceeding thirty two pounds &c is necessary to pay a debt contracted in making their old Church a fortification, they having built a new Church. The Act for regulating the Streets & Highways &"= in Schonectady That That That That That

for the to

encouragement of Whaling

prevent the destruction of sheep by dogs

for regulating fences for the several Citys

&

Counties

and laying out Highways in the County of Suffolk. for clearing, regulating and further laying out publick highways in Kings County, Queens, Richmond and Orange Countys, That to prevent burning the old grass on Hempstead plains and that to prevent penning and folding

for the better clearing, regulating

of

sheep on Hempstead plains being

to

revive

or

continue former Acts need

no observation The Act for raising

in the South part of Orange county a Sum not exceeding one hundred and compleating the Court house and Goal in Orange Town is very Necessary this county having a Ridge of Mountains running through the middle of it made it very inconvenient for those who live on one side of the hills to travel constantly on the other side, the Courts being formerly held only in one place but now there is a Court House on each

pounds

side,

for finishing

and the Courts are held alternately at them to let to farme the Excise on strong liquors

The Act

particular persons on terms accepted of by the

is

made

for

one year only and

Assembly who beleive

it

will bring in

let

to

more

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXVI. money

way, than

this

County

to let

it

161

formerly did under the management of persons employed by Auction, or to the respective retailers for what they could. it

in

the

The reason for passing the Act to enable the inhabitants of Brook haven to choose two Constables arises from the increase of people and the extension of their Settlements. The County of Suffolk being infected with wild catts, and those creatures increasin'* declaration of war against Spain, which I caused to be proclaimed the next day in the Fort and in the Town, and then in all the Counties and Towns and Garrisons in the province, and I beg leave to assure Your Grace that I will use my utmost diligence and care in preventing any ammunition or stores of any kind from being carried to I

do myself the honor by

the

vessell tliat lias

been bound

had the Honor

to receive

tliis first

12"" of April last

Grace that on the

I

Ennemy.

At the same time I had the honor to receive your Graces letter of the 5"' of Jan'^, wherein you are pleased to acquaint me that His Maj'>' has ordered a large body of Troops under My Lord Cathcart to go from England to a proper place in the west Indies there to be joined by such troops as may be raised in His Mnj'>'^ colonies and Islands in America to make an attempt upon some of the most considerable settlements of the Spaniards in the West Indies. I immediately called a Councill and communicated to them Your Graces letter; By the advice of the Council I have issued a proclamation signifying His Majesties pleasure and inviting

his loyal subjects to

all

commanding

go voluntiers in this expedition.

Officers of the militia to

draw out

their

proclamation to be read to the men, and directing them

men under arms

out his

I

likewise wrote to the

Regiments under arms, and cause the to order

each respective Capt°

to

draw

the next day, and then again to read the proclamation to them, and to

use their utmost endeavours to

incourage

as

many

as

the

could

to

list,

all

which was

forthwith done.

The

first were very sanguine, and continued so for some time, but then hearing Spotswood lay dangerously ill at Annapolis in Maryland, which put a stop to his Journey hither, and Coll Blakeney staying longer than at first it was thought it would, they began to cool, and to imagine that the designe would be laid aside, I endeavoured to disposess

people at

that Coll:

:

them

of those apprehensions, and

I

they will again grow warm, for Coll of this month,

I

have great hopes that so soon as Coll: Blakeney arrives :

Spotswoods sickness putting an end

hope Coll. Blakeney will be here before

it

to his

life

on the

7""

be possible for Coll; Gooch to reach

humbly beg leave to assure your Grace that I have endeavoured to animate it, by all the ways I could think of, and I have good hopes of success I encouraged several persons to raise companys assuring them they would have the Command of them, and this I did upon your Graces telling me that Coll. Blakeney would bring blank Commissions, this put many more upon making application to me for the like liberty, I this place;

and

I

the people to engage in

Encouraged

all

have a good I

and they have been very active in

it,

and

I

have good expectations that

have not brought any provision nor hired any transports, because

number

of

men

I

shall raise in this province, but I

embargoed pork, beef and pease, nor do contrary, think so that they

it

will

effect.

it

reasonable; Bread

we

I

very uncertain what

hear that the Merchants complain of

can always get, and Butter

were not within the imbargo.

it is

have lately with the advice of the Council

is

it,

but on the

plenty in the summer,

—

LONDON DOCUMENTS T

humbly beg leave

to assure

endeavours

I'.nwearied

Your Grace

promote

to

of

my

XXVI.

:

163

zeal for His Maj'-'' service,

and

this expedition,

to

aud of

suhscrihe myself with

my

most

the

profound respect and honor

My

Lord

Your Graces most humble, most obedient and most dutiful servant.

Duke

His Grace the

Stcretary Clarice [New-York

My Lord. My father

G.Clarke.

(signed).

of Nevrcastle.

Papers.

Lord

to (

S. P. O.)

No.

since his being appointed His Maj'-'^ Lieut

:

Delaioarr.' 9, p. 63.]

Gov"' of

New

York, has in

all

his letters

Walpole Auditor Gen' and his other friends here, represented that an unruly spirit of independency, and disaffection had at last got to such a hight in that province, that he found the weight and Autiiority of a Lieut' Gov"', though managed in the best manner, would not be able to subdue it: but that if His Majesty should be pleased to invest him with the Commission to M"'

of Gov"' in chief, he had the greatest reason to be assured that as he had naturally the affections

when tiiey should know what they had to trust to, to carry on much more success at this important and critical juncture M"" Walpole seemed lately, so convinced of the truth of these representations, that he was pleased to say, he could wish. Your Lord'' would, to facilitate His Maj'>* affairs, move His Grace the Duke of of the people, he should be able

His

—

Maj'y^ affairs with

Newcastle in

my

Encouraged by

fathers favour.

this

and by Your LordP'*

late favours, I

most

your Lordship, that your Lord? would in consideration of what is above set forth be pleased to move His Grace the Duke of Newcastle on my Fathers behalf, This will greatly facilitate his Maj'^' affairs, tiiat he may succeed your LordP in that Govern'.

humbly presume

and as

it

to intreat

some advantage to Your Commissions ettc.

will be

in passing

'Joax West, 7th Lord Dclawarr, K.

B.,

my I

shall

was born 4th

I.,

charge

to great

upon such appointment immediately pay Your

April, 1693,

standard bearer to the band of gentlemen pensioners, and accession of Geo.

and Your Lord? has been put

father,

and on

his return

fnun

I1I3

travels in 1712,

extraordinary of her Majesty's privy council.

cl-^rk

he resigned the post of standard bearer, and was made guidon to the

first

troop of

life

was made

Soon

after the

On 26th

guards.

was appointed lord of the bed chamber, and chosen Knight of the Bath in 1731, trensurer of the household and member of the privy council. He was sent, in 1736, to Prince of Wales, and attended her Princess and Frederick, Augusta SaxeGolha, to conclude a treaty of marriage between was appointed'CJovernor of New-York in 1737, but resigned the same in September following, on being made into England May,

1723, he succeeded to the

title,

on the death of his father; and

in 1725,

;

;

Colonel of the

first

troop of

life

guards;

was appointed

General in 1713, in which year he accompanied

his

forester of the bailiwick of tVithan, Hauts, in

Majesty

in

his

campaign

in

1742;

Brigadier

Germany, and was present at the

battle of

rank of Major General; and on the 10th October, 1757, received the commission of Lieutenant General and Governor of Tilbury Fort In June, 1752. he was appointed Governor of the island of Guernsey; in 1761, created Viscount Cantalupe and Earl of Delawarr, and died 16th of March, 1766. Collhis' Peerage, V., The last mentioned work, for 1747, p. 617, says he was, also. Governor of Virginia. Ilia Lordship married, OeiU. Mag. 40. Dettingen.

first,

On

April

5,

1745, he

was promoted

to the

Charlotte MacCarlliy, daughter of the Earl of Clancarty,

Anne, Dowager Lady Aborgaveny, who died

in 1748.

Ed.

who

dying, in 1735, his Lordship married, in 1744, secondly,

::

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

164

LorJp one thousand Guineas thereby, which offer

—

is

to

indemnify Your Lordi" from any

all

that the Govern' there under

My

Lord.

expence occasioned

loss, or

me

present circumstances allows

its

to

am

I

Your Lordships

London June

20"' 1740.

To

Hon^K

the Right

most obedient and most humble servant (signed.) George Clarke Jun'

John Lord Delawar.

Lieutenant-Governor Clarice [

New-York Papers.

(

to the

S. P. 0.)

No.

Duke of

Newcastle.

9, p. 67. ]

New York

My

July

S"-

1740.

Lord

On

the

of

si.Kth

May

I

received from Coll Spotswood a letter of which the inclosed

copy, the contents whereof

I

made known

is

a

that his intentions might take effect, supposing that

pay of the voluntiers, and to advance the sums he would answer the end Coll Blakoney thinks it proper that I should lay it before your Grace; Coll Gooch is now here who tells me that after he had taken another method, and declared it by proclamation, viz': that of giving a bounty instead of advance money, Spotswood insisted on iiis proposal to advance money, and that the pay of the men Col! should be a pistole a calendar month, which is more than the pay of the King's other Troops: he had

sufficient authority to ascertain the

mentions, hoping

it

;

:

:

Tiie

men who

on

inlisted in this province

my

proclam'" issued on His Maj'"'^

first

orders expect

pay from the respective days of their inlisting, and Coll: Biakeney, the Council and I are of opinion that they ought to have it, and that it will obstruct the levies if it be not given them, and Coll: Gooch is likewise of opinion they ought to have it; as to a bounty I have to

be

in

recommended it to the Assembly as what His Maj'y expects from them on

I

have likewise on

this occasion, a short

his Majesties

commands

time will resolve

told

me what

them

they will

several colonies having given a Bounty, T believe they and the demand of provisions and Transports is so reasonable that I hope they will raise money somehow or other for tiiat expence, as the pay which Coll Biakeney informs me the men are to have will fall short of what Coll Spotswood proposed, I

do, and

I

hope they

will

do both

;

will not refuse to do the like,

:

wish

my

witii all

heart,

it

may

not have a bad effect, for tho' the expectation of growing rich

of lands and houses

and chieftiy inspired the people

engage

by the Booty, and by

gifts

in the expedition, yet

having made to believe they should have the pay he ascertained, and the

advance money,

I

subject

me

they should

to

many

made

a

wrong

difficulties, if

it

;

If Coll

:

step,

have the pistole a month, and the advance money but

Biakeney and Coll: Gooch

will

to

Spotswood had no authority to ascertain which may prove prejudicial to the service, and he had no authority to ascertain the pay I humbly think

fear they will expect

the pay of the men, he

first

consider, I for

my

part

this I

made no doubt

suppose Co

11

of Coll: Spotswoods

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXVI.

:

165

having such authority, and heing zealous for the service presently made his intentions known, hoping thereby to encourage the people readily to inlist

—

I

have endevoured

to

procure for Coll: Blakeney the best information

and things as he thought proper

I

could, of such places

and have got one Hinman a master of a vessell to quit the Merch''^ service, on my promise to serve him all I can, he has given me his word to go with Coll Blakeney, with which the Coll is pleased, as he has given him the best to enquire about,

:

:

information of any one, and

agreed by

with

whom we

have talked, that Hinman knows more of the Havana, Castle Moro, and the other fortifications and Garrisons than any one that we can hear of, but of this I presume. Coll: Blakeney will give Your Grace a more particular account I humbly recommend myself to Your Graces protection and am with the most profound submission My Lord Your Graces most humble, most obedient and most dutiful servant (signed) G Clarke.

—

it is

—

all

—

—

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle.

174-J-.

Lord.

do myself the honor

inform your Grace that in obedience to their Excellencies the Lords

to

Justices instruction to

me

of the

of Parliament of the

G""

of

of August last,

fifth

Queen Anne,

commanding me

to take care that the act

for ascertaining the rates of foreign coins in the

plantations, be for the future observed and put in execution and likewise

publish the instruction,

method

as the best

I

I

did on the second of

December

my

could think of to discharge

commanding me

duty, but

1

to

proclamation,

last issue the inclosed

fear nothing but

another

payments now and for many years past being made in paper money and silver sent to England to purchase goods; besides it is understood that by that act no man is obliged to take silver in payment: If it should be thought proper to put the money in all the Planta'^""' upon one uniform foot, I presume to think act of Parliament will do the business effectually

that

if it

were

at

England, nor do is

once made sterling I

see that

it

the opinion of those with

it

would be

whom

I

reduce the Ballance of their accounts

;

would be most

for tiie

at all injurious to the

have talked, be to

and

it,

it

it

may

advantage of the Merchants in

Merchants

in

America,

put upon what foot

it

and

will they

this

must

as easily be reduced to sterling as to

any other standard.

At the same time that I received that Instruction I likewise received their Excell"''' commands, concerning one Lush, Commander of a privateer I made what enquiry I could and from thence am apt to believe he has in a great measure been guilty of what M' Wimbleton charges him with, tho' he endeavours to shift it off on M"' Wimbleton himself; I directed the Attorney General likewise to enquire into it, who was upon inquiry perswaded of the truth of some of the facts, and believed he should get evidence to prove them, whereupon he caused ;

Lush

to

be arrested on an Admiralty warrant, and then

filed

a

libel

in the

Court against him,

two thousands pounds bail, but he tells me that the Judge admitted on giving only forty pounds security, a very inconsiderable sum to answer for the

insisting on his giving

him

to bail

irregularities I

complained

of,

and

I

fear an

ill

iiave since the receit of their Excellen'

precedent for others

commands had

to tread in his steps.

the honor to receive Your Grace's

of the IS"' of April 1740. with the Act of Parliament, pa.ssed last session, for the more eflectual securing and encouraging the Trade of His Maj'>' British subjects to America, and for the

—

—

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

180

encouragement of Seamen to enter into his Majv" service, with his Majiy'' procl'° relating thereto, which I have caused to be published in all the Cities, Towns and Counties of the Province, hoping the encouragement given by the Act will be a great inducement to His Majesties subjects to fit out privateers, which I will promote to the utmost of my power. I do myself the honor likewise to inform Your Grace, that I have very lately received His Majiy'^ order in Council on the 27 of Dec' 1739 for Stores, and humbly presume to hope that will extend your goodness to the Province, that they may be soon sent hither. beg leave to acquaint Your Grace, that on the lO"" of the last month, I received from Admiral Vernon a letter, whereof the enclosed is a copy; I thought no time vpas to be lost in doing what I could to distress the Enemy, wherefore I summoned the Council immediately and made the enclosed order, which has not been only obeyed, but thought necessary by the

Your Grace I

Merchants.

I

am

on the continent

told that M"' I

;

force of that order (and

scruple to do

perceived

it

Vernon likewise wrote

how

considered I

to the

same

effect to the other

Govern"

the Merchants, if they were so disposed, might elude the

doubt there are some here and

in

other provinces

who would not And 1 soon

they might with safety and without a forfeiture of their Bond).

it if

might be done by sending their Vessells to Barbadoes or some of the Leeward them there, getting a certificate from the Collector, and then loading them

Islands, unloading

again with the same provisions and sending them from thence to Curacoa, Statia or S' Thomas,

and

this

method

I

feared they

would take upon a presumption that Admiral Vernon might not

write to the Governors of those Islands, both, because they are seldom supply'd with more provisions than the inhabitants

from Jamaica, wherefore,

Admiral Vernon's

letter,

apprehensions that the to

mention

;

want

own

for their

use and because vessells seldom go thitiier

wrote to the Governors of those Islands, sending them a copy of acquainting them with the order, I had made thereon, and with my I

Enemy might

be supplyed

nor did any thoughts rest there,

I

in the

manner

I

have done myself the honor we have little more

considered further, that

wheat in the Province than the last years crop, that the great number of Soldiers and sailors which were daily e.xpected to arrive in Jamaica from England, and the land forces raised in these provinces, would require a vast deal of bread and flour, and that tho' wheat be not wanted in England, yet the high price it bears there, would make the victuallers look to these provinces for their supply, and that it would be too late to provide for that when the wheat is ship't off; I therefore thought it highly necessary to forbid the transportation of wheat out of the Province, especially apprehending that the merchants would soon ship off great quantites to Lisbon and other parts of Europe, (it being understood that wheat was not included in the order of the lO"* of January) and accordingly on the fourth of this month,

wheat not then

actually shipt on board any Vessell, and

now

I

an

I laid

find ray

Embargo on

apprehensions were

not without foundation, great quantities being intended to be transported and several Vessells

being arrived from Lisbon and others, looked

gone further than I ought, if zeal for His Mnj'^' service,

for to

be loaden with wheat

beseech Your Grace to impute

I

have,

I

humbly beg the continuance

I

of

it

—

I

hope

to the

Your Graces

I

have not

warmth

of

my

protection, and

leave to subscribe myself

My

Lord

Your Graces

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle.

most humble most obedient and most dutiful servant Geo Clarke. (signed)

—

:

LONDON DOCUMENTS: Admiral Vernon

to

XXVI.

181

Lieutenant-Governor Clarice.

[Ncw-Tork Papers.

( S.

P. 0.) No.

9, p. SO.]

Port Royal, Jamaica

IS""

NoV

1740.

Sir! All opportunity offering I

by one

of our Contractors IVr Tickeli's vesselis bound to your port,

could not slip the opportunity of informing Your

only of the large squadron of twelve Spanish

two

as large squadrons of

men

Excell'^'',

of

of the arrival in these seas, not

war from SO

French Ships from Brest and Toulon.

to I

reinforcement being under orders for coming to join me, so that, in fate of this

war

befalling us,

might be

will

rely on

drawing

is

to a crisis

fatal to

I

can't omit

no one permitted

at

human

probability, the

our possessions in these seas, and as

I

think these squadrons

colonies, where,

to you, as

Your Govern' without giving sufficient any French or Dutch setlem" or any other but His Maj''' they can raise will probably be wanted for the Subsistance of His

tiiis critical

all

—

them, or from Statia and Curascoa most material for His Miij'" service, to have

to a rupture with

recommending

iuncture, to clear out from

his provisions at

Bond, not to land Maj'" troops

all

and decision in these seas; And as any misfortune

being suppiyed with provisions from your parts, either immediately from the

French Ports before we may come afterwards,

60 guns, but likewise of

have also advice of a large

service sufficiently bespeaks your regard in this particular,

As the public

doubt of your exerting your utmost zeal 1

in

it

for

I

can in no

sort,

His Maj'^' service

am Sir

Your most obedient humble servant

To The

Hono''''=

George Clarke Esq

E.

Lieutenant-Governor Clarice [New-Tork

to the Diilce

Papers. (S. P. 0.) No.

9,

of Newcastle.

p. 83.]

New York March

My

Vernon

13"'

174?.

Lord.

The

inclosed being sent from Canada, and supposed to be dispatciies from the

GoV

of that

Your Grace, not knowing in what situation affairs may be when it arrives in England If I have done amiss 1 humbly ask Your Graces pardon. Yesterday a sloop arrived here from Jamaica in twenty eight days, the master whereof informs me, that about a fortnigiit before he left the Island Admiral Vernon sailed with the Fleet and Transports for Carthagene as it was thought, they being met (by some ships from Ireland) turning up on the south side of Hispaniola; that a considerable number of His

place for France,

I

presume

to"

send

it

to

;

Maj'>''

troops were

left at

Jamaica

in

the hospitals, the master says seven or eight hundred,

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

182 some

private letters say

health

;

two thousand

were

that Gen' Wentwortli' and the Officers

;

War fell

That four French men of

in, in

the evening, with four of

S"'

good

in

Chaloners Ogles

down to Jamaica, that the)^ engaged most part morning the French made some excuse for what they had done and made for port Louis where the rest of their fleet then lay that Adm' Vernon sent two Frgots to see where they were a little before he left Jamaica, but they were all gone from Port Louis and could not be found by those Frigots, wherefore it was conjectured they were gone to Carthagene. I thought it my duty to give your Grace this Intelligence that I had from I beg leave humbly the Master of the sloop, which is in General supposed by private letters to recommend myself to Your Graces protection, and to subscribe myself squadron

off of

Hispaniola as they were going

of the night, but that in the

;

—

My

Lord

Your Grace's most humble, most obedient and most His Grace the Duke of Newcastle

dutiful servant

Lieutenant-Governor Clarlie [New-Tork

the

to

Papers, (S. P. O.) No.

Clarke

Dulce of Newcastle. 9, p.

M.)

New York

My

G.

(signed).

April 22. 1741.

Lord.

As a rupture with France seems leave to lay before Your Grace

my

to us, at this distance, to

footing they have got on the back of

all

measure since the peace of Utrecht)

for tho'

by discovery

of discovery) yet

till

after the

humbly beg

I

dispossess the French of the

the English Colonies on the continent (in a great

they pretend a right to the River Missasippi

we have

about the year 16S0. (to which

in or

be unavoidable,

how we may

present thoughts

a prior pretence by the like rigiit

peace of Utrecht they made hardly any settlements on that

River, nor had any communication from thence with Canada, but

now

they have a line efforts

tho at considerable distances, between that river and Quebeck, by means whereof

if

the

men

and Merchandize which they send to one, should be intercepted at sea, yet if those sent to the other arrives safe the whole may be supplied by means of the Lakes and Rivers, and the Indians with whom they have a vast trade, will not for want of goods be driven to the necessity of coming over to us, and while the French hold those possessions, they will have sucli an influence over the Indians that lye to the northward and westward of the Lakes that they will eitlier

except '

by

threats or rewards

this, are

make them instruments

to

TnoMis Wentwoeth became Colonel of the 24th regiment of foot, on 17-tl. He arrived at Plymouth from the West

Major-General, August 11,

member

for

annoy

ail

without any Forts or garrisons on their frontiers

Whitchurch, immediately

after.

He was

United States, IIL, 441,) calls

him

June, 1737

Indies,

;

Brigadier-General, July

on the 7th January,

sent to Holland in 1744, to solicit 6,000

repelling the French inrasion, then threatened, and in June, 1745,

sent in a public capacity to the Court of Turin,

-27th

the English Colonies, wliich,

—

where he died

in

17-13,

men from

was appointed Lieutenant-General. November, 1747. Gent Mag.

" the inexperienced, irresolute Wentworth," but

2,

1739

;

and was elected

the Dutch, to aid in

He was

Bancroft

(

afterwards

History of the

on what authority does not appear.

— Ed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS The French have now on

the

each, they had three, but one

Lake Ontario

XXVI.

:

or Cadaraqiii

lately stranded

and broke

183

two Brigantines of about

tons

fifty

them to transport their Merchandize, and men and provisions and ammunitions to their Forts, two ofwliich they have on that lake viz one called Froutenac at the Nortli-East and where it empties itself into tiie River of S' Lawrence, the other at Niagara on the South-West end, they are square stone Forts, and each of them garrisoned by a company of regular forces, consisting of about thirty or thirty five men, which may presently be reinforced by the Indians, both these Forts are built on the Lands belonging to our six nations or Iroquois. What I would humbly propose is: that two vessells of superior bigness and force to those of the French be is

to pieces;

these vessells serve

:

built on that lake, wJ^ere there are

good harbours and

sufficient

depth of water which being well

manned and provided with gunns and ammunition we may easily take or destroy those of the French and being masters by water, we may transport the troops that may bejnecessary to take their

two

Forts, and hinder the

will our conquests be

known

as

Enemy it

will

from building any more on those shores and no sooner

immediately by the Indians

now

in the interest or

under

power of the French, but they will shake of they yoke and submit themselves to His Mnj'" protection, whereby we shall of course be posest of all the Indian trade from Canada to Messasippi, which is now in the hands of the French, and cut off the communication between those places, so long as those vessells are employed on the Lake, which they ought constantly to be, at least till we have taken Canada, or the scheme will be ineffectual, for if they should be laid by, as useless and suffered to rot before Canada be taken, the French will soon again build others, retake the Forts, open tjieir communication with Missasippi, recover their trade, distress our Colonies, confine them to very narrow limitts, and consequently in the end make them of little use to England, and this they will be able to do by the assistance of those numerous nations of Indians that lye to the northward and westward of the Lakes, for when the French are again masters of those waters and Forts, the intercourse between those the influence of the

nations and us will be broken and they must be absolutely at the disposal of our

Enemy. I may be

presume, one regiment of foot will be sufHcient for the purposes mentioned, which raised in this and the next provinces.

To much

the

Northward

of the

stronger both in

subdue them

;

Lake

men and

viz: in

Canada and

at

the harbour of Louisbourg at Breton

the Island of Breton the French are

much

Fortifications, so that a

is

greater force will be required to

strongly fortifyed

and the entrance

and them all the advantages, they can wish for, it secures their own navigation to Quebec, and gives them but too great opportunities to annoy and interrupt our Fishery; in the Winter they have few men In upon the Island except their garrisons, but are secured by the cold, the snow and Ice summer they are strengthened by the great numbers of men employed in their fishery the

defended by a Battery of the harbour

is

fifty

guns there

is

depth of water

capable of containing a very large

fleet

;

sufficient for the bigest ships,

its

situation

gives

— ;

only time therefore to attempt with most advantage the taking of the place will be at the breaking up of the winter, and before their ships come from France, and this may be done ; for block up the if His Majesty's ships to be appointed for that service winter at Boston, they may

harbour of Louisbourg before any ships from France can arrive there, and His Majty's troops land when the least opposition can be given them, and for this expedition I am perswaded that four or five thousand men may be raised in New England, if the Officers, as they were for

may

the expedition against the Spaniards, be appointed in these provinces, but then I presume it will be necessary they be disciplined before they embark, so that if the orders and commissions

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

184 be sent over the exercise, they

may

summer

before,

and a

number

sufficient

before the ensuing spring be

tit

of subalterns to teach

for service,

but

I

them

their

presume some veterans

from Enghind will be absolutely necessary to join the Americans, under the command of an If we take Cape Breton and iiave constantly liiere and at Flacentia in experienced General. those months wherein those seas are navigable, a sufficient number of ships of war to guard our Fishery, they may intercept the French Ships bound to or from Canada, and thereby reduce that Country to great necessity, and their communication with Messasippi being cut off by the means proposed that country will become an easier conquest. The Regiment proposed

on the lake with an Engineer and a proper train of Artillery will be able to take their Fort which they lately built at the crown point, about one hundred and sixty miles from Albany, which will open our way from thence by water to Chamblie, Quebeck, and their other forts viz: Montreale and Trois Rivers, whenever that expedition be set on foot

to be raised for the service

At present what this province has to do is to preserve Oswego, which lies at the North end of Cadaraqui Lake, from falling into the hands of the French, I have recommended it to the Assembly, as Your Grace may be pleased to see in my speech.

humbly ask Your Graces pardon

I

for trespassing so

think of very great consequence, and

I

I

hope

my zeal

much on your Graces time

for

the subject

His Maj'" honor and service,

will in

is

some

measure attone for my presumption, and if upon this general view of it, it should appear to deserve Your Graces thoughts, I shall think myself very happy in having laid it before Your Grace. I do myself the honor to send your Grace my speech to the Assembly, and a copy of my letter to the Lords of trade, whereby your Grace will see that the house, Chappel and all the buildings in the Fort are consumed by fire, it falls exceeding heavy on me in my private I humbly recommend myself to Your Graces protection losses, which 1 am very unable to bear. and beg leave

to subscribe

My

myself with the most profound submission

Lord

Your Graces most humble, most obedient and most

Lieutenant-Governor Clarhe [

dutiful servant

(signed)

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle.

New- York Papers,

to the

Gg., No. 54.

Clakre

Lords of Trade.

]

New York

My

G.

22 of April 1741.

Lords

A.

I

do myself the honor

to

send

to

your Lordships; the minutes of Council and the Acts

past last Session Viz'

An Act

for

and towards supporting the Governm'

&'^

This Act being conformable

former temporary Acts needs no observation. An Act to apply the monies granted for the Support of Government

&"^ is

much

to

the same as

the Act past the year before for the like purposes

An Act

to support the Garrisons at

a former Act past for that service.

Oswego &"

this

Act

is in effect

no other than

to

continue

LONDON DOCUMENTS An

Act

for letting to farm

An Act this

is let to

&"'

Orange County

This excise being one

farm yearly.

encourage the destroying of Wolves and Panthers

to

in

185

the excise on. strong liquors retailed

fund for sinking the paper money,

Wolves

XXVI.

:

These Counties being much

Dutches County, and by those creatures made

in

infested

Act necessary

An

Act to repeal that part of an Act intituled an Act

the Slaves therein mentioned &"

The

to lay a

duties on beef,

duty on the goods and a tax on

Pork and Syder, having

fallen

very

short of the Assemblies expectations, and having been an injury to the trade of this place,

was necessary to repeal that part sinking whereof that fund was given, might preserve

driving our Neighbours to other markets, that the paper

money

for the

sunk within the time limited it is

duty on goods sold by Auction

a

;

it

thought will amount to more than the duty on Beef

An

is

by

of the Act, and its

credit

and be

given by this Act, which

&""

of Orange County lying to the Northward of the Mountains, to raise a Sum not exceeding one hundred pounds, for finishing and compleating the Court House and Goal in Goshen. An Act to enable the Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen of the City of Albany, and Justices of

Act

to

enable the Justices of the Peace living

the Peace of the said City and County, to build a

in that part

new Court House and Goal

for the said

City

and County

The

reasons for passing these Acts are in the preamble

An Act

to

continue an Act entituled an Act to regulate the Militia, with an addition thereto,

The Act which

Act continues your Lordships have, the addition

this

is

thought very necessary

in time of war.

An Act

for

the better relief of the poor

Supervizors have raised

made some

An Act

scruple, to

to prevent

money

An Act

in

is

remove those Scruples

to cancell

much

it is

known

In other Counties the

Dutchess County.

purposes mentioned in the Act, but in this they have for the future this

abuses in repacking of Beef and Pork.

appears in the preamble and

Northern Colonies,

for the

in the

Act

The

is

past

reason for passing this Act

Sugar Colonies that the Pork of

this

and the

better than that of Virginia, Carolina, and Maryland.

the Bills of Credit of this Colony.

The reason

for passing this Act,

appears in the preamble

Besides these

I

do myself the honor

to

send your Lordships, the Act past

last

Summer

and transporting the five companies I raised for the expedition against the Spaniards, which I had the good fortune to effect, contrary to the expectation of many, and even of the Assembly, and if the numbers of the people of this province be compared with

for victualling

those of our Neighbours, this

is

the

first

it

will

appear that

we have gone much beyond them in these levies, may be made of what may be done

essay from whence some Judgement

hereafter, tho that will in a great measure be governed by the encouragement that these find, the Captains have been at great expence in getting men, being greatly encouraged thereto by

the hopes of being put on the

and

if

they are disappointed,

I

same establishment with fear

it

the

new

raised

Regiments in England body of men, for

will be very difficult hereafter to raise a

knowledge and opinion they have of the Captains who are to command them, them to inlist. B. The Assembly is now sitting, to whom I had many things to recommend, as your Lordships may be pleased to see in my speech, wherein I have mention'd the unhappy fire, which on tlie 18 of the last month burnt the fort, most of the records are saved, aud I hope it is

chiefly the

that induce

Vol. VI.

24

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

186 very few fire,

took

lost for I

all

the possible care of them, and had

all

removed before the

but before an engine could be brought, the house was past saving, for

with Cedar Shingles, and with that fury, that no considerable, but

I

all

office

took

being covered

the floors and wainscots old, they took in an instant and burned

human power

know

it

could extinguish

it.

The expence

of rebuilding will be

the present circumstances of the Province to be

much

better than

A

Gentleman of one of the best Estates told me, he supposed that his proportion upon an equal tax would not come to forty shillings. But my private loss is very great and more than I am able to bear without bending under it. Since that fire we have had many in the town sometimes four in a day and some of them apparently kindled by design, which begat a general consternation I have done all I could to discover the villaines both by issuing a proclamation with a reward and otherwise but hitherto ever, and so very good, that that expence will

not be

felt

effect, many Negroes are imprisoned on suspicion, but as yet no proof appears against now keep a night guard of the Militia who constantly patroll, the people obeying very

without

them

I

chearfuliy, and

I

have recommended

to the

Assembly

to pass a Bill to oblige

them

to

it

under

proper penalties. C. Your Lordships know perfectly well the consequence of retaining the Six Nations in their dependence on his Maj'^' and are sensible of the arts the french use to entice them from us, and

now we hold them by nothing but by presents, I humbly think that if there be a rupture with France, it will be absolutely necessary to take from them their two forts on Cadaraqui Lake Vizt Frontenac at the North East End, and Niagara at the Southwest End and to destroy that

now on

that Lake which are imployed in carrying their and men, ammunition and provisions to those forts; if we do that we cut off the communication between Canada and Mesasippi, and gain the trade and friendship of those numerous Nations of Indians, that lie to the Northward and Westward

the two Brigantines that they have

merchandize from one end

of the Lakes, and

if

when

Breton, that will open a at

Newfoundland, which

we do

to the other,

this

way will

be done, as

I

to the entire

otherwise

I

see no great difficulty in

it,

we

take the Island

conquest of Canada, and preserve our fishery

fear from

Louisbourg be much annoyed,

if

not

Lake and thereby stop all intercourse between Canada and Mesasipi, the French will in time, by means of the Indians, drive all the planters in the English Colonies from their settlements, and make them of little use to England, or put it to a vast charge to protect them I have in my Zeal for his Majesties Service, presumed quite lost

:

If

not drive the french from that

Grace the Duke of Newcastle on this Subject. D. With the Publick Acts goes a private one in favour of M' Malcom, which carries with it the reason for passing it. The Acts are much dirted and tumbled in removing them in the time of the fire, which I hope your Lordships will excuse E. I have obeyed the orders of their Excellency's the Lords Justices, by prohibiting the exportation of Provisions to any other place than his Majesty's Dominions, I am with the greatest Respect and Honor My Lords Your Lordships most humble and most obedient Servant The R' Hon''''^ the Lords of Trade. Geo: Clarke

to write to his

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXVI. Duke of Newcastle [

New-Tork

the

to

187

Lords of Trade.

Papers, Gg., No. S3.

]

Wliitehall April 80. 1741.

My

Lords to appoint the Hon: George Clinton Esq: to he Governor room of the Lord Delav^arr, am to signify to your Lordships

His Majesty having been pleased of NevF York in America, in the

His Majesty's pleasure, that you prepare draughts of a Commission, and Instructions in order to be laid before His Majesty for liis approbation I

for liim,

am

My

Lords

Your Lordships most obedient liumhle Servant

Lords Commissioners

for

Holles Newcastle

Trade.

Lieutenant-Governor Clarice New-Tork

[

Papers.

(

Duke of

to the

8. P. O. )

No.

Newcastle.

9, p. 94. ]

New York May

15">

1741.

My Lord. On

month

the seventh of this

had the honor

I

to receive

your Grace's

December

relating to the forces already raised to serve under the

and others

to

or for

be raised

any other

Lord Cathcars should send to me As to the first I must beg leave

if

service.

the commissary sent home, for an account of the

men

for

to

command

letter of the 4"» of

of Lord Cathcart,

any number of men, for recruits refer to the muster rolls, which

many

already sent, having lost

of

my

unhappy fire that laid the Fort in Ashes; but tliis I confidently assure your Grace that the fire companies I raised were compleat, having in them full ^\\& hundred effective men, Serjeants, corporals and Drums included, and if I am not mistaken there went four or five men more than the five hundred, papers, and

who were As

to

among them

those of the

me

for

be assured, I will use my utmost I beseech your Grace to whenever General VVentworth who succeeds Lord Cathcart', writes

new Levies

them

;

but

I

forsee

the frequent attempts to the

'

fire

my

the

fire, in

zeal

Town,

mind of the people thoughout

their houses set on

will not

have the

since the Fort

the province,

who

effect

to

been appointed

King George to the

II.,

command

Mary Margaret Schaw, and

I

could otherwise hope

was burnt, having wonderfully

first

groom

aiid

(

which we

second, the

widow

theCurthngcna expedition, he died at St, Christopher, 1710. of Joseph Sabine. Oebrett.

— Ed.

now

nftcrwnrJn gentleman of the

Colonel of a regiment of horse in Ireland, and governor of Dunennnon,

of the forces on

for, for

distracted

are in continual apprehensions of having

consequence of an horrid conspiracy of the negroes

Charles. 8th Lord Cathcart. son of Lord Allan, and Hon. Miss Dalrymple, was

bed-chamber

in the

not in the Rolls.

Recruits or

application to raise them, to

number of those Troops,

in

H.^S.

Having

lie mnrried,

first,

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

188

begin to have some hopes of discovering, and even that the fort itself was wilfully set on fire by them notwithstanding that the circumstance of time and place led me to think it was accidently done by a plumber) with the apprehension of a French warr as this

is

a frontier

most of the people who have anything at stake to stay at home for their own safety and defence, and to diswade others, who are not under those circumstances, from leaving the Country but in other provinces which are not so unhappily circumstanced, I make no doubt but men may be raised for the service, especially as the first Levies have met with such glorious success at Cathagene under the Command of province, will I believe induce

all

or

;

Gen' Weutworth. His Majv^ gracious approbation of

me

companies, emboldens

five

compared with those

in other provinces,

troops has been raised here, from

many As

my

diligence and zeal for His Maj'>' service in raising the

to say, that

if

whence

the

will

it

I

will

it

number

of white people in this province be

presume appear that the largest portion of be evident that many more might then and

yet be raised in the other Provinces. Ills

Maj'>' pleasure

is

Your Graces

not signified in

are to be victualled and transported,

I

will first try the

letter

how

the Recruits or

Assembly, and

if

new Levies

they will not do

it,

must then act therein upon His Maj's" secret instructions to me of the S""" of April find transports and provisions for them, and draw upon the Commissioners of the Navy for the payment thereof, which I will do if I have the good fortune to raise any men, wherein I will leave no mean unessayed. 1 humbly beg leave to implore your Graces protection presume 1740. and

I

and

I

to subscribe

My

Lord

myself with the most profound submission — — Your Graces — most humble most obedient and most

dutiful servant

G. Clarke

(signed)

His Grace the

Duke

of Newcastle

Lords of Trade [

To His Grace The Duke

My

to the

New-York

Duke of

Enlries, M., p. 109.

Newcastle.

]

of Newcastle.

Lord.

Having

in obedience to

the 30"" of April

Governor of

His Majesty's

Commands

signified to us

by Your Grace's

letter of

prepared the Draught of a Commission for George Clinton Esq"' to be

last,

New York

in

America.

We

take leave to inclose the said Draught to Your Grace

with Our Representation thereupon, which you will please to lay before their E.\cellencies the

Lords Justices.

We

are,

My

Lord,

Your Grace's most obedient and most humble Servants MoN'SON

M. Bladen

Keene

Whitehall

B.

May 2P' 1741

Tho: Pelham.

LONDON DOCUMENTS:

XXVI.

189

Representation to the Lords Justices

To

May

their Excellencies

it

please

The Lords

Your Excellencies.

In obedience to his Majesty's

Duke

Justices.

Commands,

Signified to us

of Newcastle dated the 30"" of April last,

We have

hy a

letter

from His Grace

The

prepared the Draught of a Commission

Governor of New York in America wliich being in the usual humbly lay the same before Your Excellencies and siiall prepare the necessary Instructions for him with all possible dispatch. Which is most humbly Submitted for

George Clinton we herewith

Esq"" to be

form,

MONSON M. Bladen

Keene Tho Pelham.

B.

Whitehall

May 2P'

1741.

:

Commission of George Clinton, Esq.,

George the Second by Defender of the Faith &c*

the Grace of

To

God

to he

Governor' of Neto

of Great Britain, France

-

Yorh.

and Ireland King

our Trusty and Welbeloved the Honourable George Clinton

Es q Greeting. Whereas we did by our Letters Patents under our Great Seal of Great

Britain bearing

Our Reign John Lord Delaware Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over our Province of New York, and the Territories depending thereon in America for and during our will and pleasure as by the said recited letters patents, relation being thereunto had may more fully and att large appear. Now know You that we have revoked and determined and by these presents do revoke and determine the said recited Letters Patents and every Clause,

date at Westminster the [fifteenth] day of [August] in the [Eleventh] year of constitute and appoint

Article and thing therein contained.'

And

further

know you

that

we

reposing especial Trust and Confidence in the prudence,

courage and loyalty of you the said George Clinton of our especial Grace, certain knowledge and meer motion have thought fit to constitute and appoint and by these presents do constitute

and appoint you the said George Clinton to be Our Captain General and Governor in chief in and over'our Province of New York and the Territories depending thereon in America. And we do hereby require and command you to do and execute all things in due manner that shall belong unto Your said command and the Trust we h'ave reposed in you, according to the several powers and Directions granted or appointed you by this present Commission, and the Instructions and Authorities herewith given you or by such further powers Instructions 'and Authorities as shall at any time hereafter be granted or appointed you, under our signet or sign Manual or by our order in our Privy Council and according to such reasonable Laws and Statutes as

now are

iu force or hereafter shall '

therein mentioned.

be made and agreed upon by you with the advice

Book of Commissions,

IV., lOfi.

— Ed,

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS,

190

and consent of our Council, and the Assembly of our said Province under Your Government manner and form as is hereafter expressed. And Our Will and pleasure is that you the said George Clinton after the publication of these our letters Patents do in the first place take the Oaths mentioned to be taken by an Act passed in the 1*' year of our late Royal Father's Reign Entituled "An Act for the further security of •' His Majesty's Person and Government and the Succession of the Crown in the Heirs of the •' late Princess Sophia, being Protestants, and for extinguishing the Hopes of the pretended " Prince of Wales and his open and Secret Abettors." As also that you make and subscribe the Declaration mentioned in an Act of Parliament made in the 25"" year of the Reign of King Charles the Second entituled "An Act for preventing Dangers which may happen from Popish Recusants" and likewise that you take the usual oath for the due execution of the office and Trust of our Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over our said Province of New York and Territories depending thereon for the due and impartial administration of justice, and further that you take the oath required to be taken by Governors of Plantatiofts to do their utmost that the several Laws relating to Trade and the Plantations be observed which said Oaths and Declaration our Council in our said Province or any three of the Members thereof have hereby full power and Authority and are requested' to tender and Administer unto you and in Your absence to our Lieutenant Governor if there be any upon the Place [all which in such

being duly performed to our Lieutenant

entituled

You

Governor

"An Act

shall administer to if

each of the Members of our said Council as also

there be any upon the Place,] the oaths mentioned in the said Act

for the further Security of

His Majesty's person and Government and the

" Succession of the Crown in the heirs of the late Princess Sophia, being Protestants, and for " extinguishing the hopes of the pretended Prince of Wales, and his open and secret abettors," as also to cause them to

make and

subscribe the fore-mentioned Declaration, and to administer

due Execution of their places and Trusts. And we do hereby give and grant unto you full power and Authority to suspend any of the Members of our said Council from sitting, voteing and assisting therein, if you shall find joint cause for so doing and if there shall be any Lieutenant Governor him likewise to suspend from to

them the oath

for the

the execution of his

command and

to appoint another in his stead untill

Our pleasure be known.

any time happen that by the death, departure out of our said Province, or Suspension of any of our said Councillors or otherwise there shall be a vacancy in our said Council (any three whereof we do hereby appoint to be a Quorum) Our Will and Pleasure is that You signify the same unto us by the first opportunity that we may under our signet and

And

if it shall at

Manual constitute and appoint others in their stead. But that our affairs may not suffer want of a due number of Councillors if ever it shall happen that there be less than seven of them residing in our said Province, We do hereby Give and Grant unto you, the said George Clinton, full power and authority to chuse as many persons out of the principal Freeholders, Inhabitants thereof, as will make up the full Number of our said Councill to be seven and no more which Persons so chosen and appointed by you shall be to all Intents and purposes Councillors in Our said Province, untill either they shall be confirmed by us, or that by the Nomination of others by us, under our sign Manual and Signet, our said Council shall sign

at that Distance for

have seven or more persons in it. And we do hereby give and grant unto you

full

Power and Authority with the advice and summon and call

consent of our said Council, from time to time as need shall Require to '

required.

Book of Commisiions, IV.

06.

— Ed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXVI.

:

191

general assemblies of the said Freeholders and Planters within Your Government according to the usage of our Province of New York.

And our Will and pleasure is that the persons thereupon duly Elected by the Major Part of the Freeholders of the respective Counties and Places, and so returned, shall before their sitting take the Oaths mentioned in the said Act entituled " An act for the further security of His " Majesty's Person and Government and the succession of the

"Princess iSophia, being Protestants, and " of

Wales and

open and Secret Abettors,"

his

Declaration, which Oaths and Declaration

New York

Seal of

to

Crown

in the Heirs of the late hopes of the pretended Prince and subscribe the forementioned

for extinguishing the

as also to

You

make

Commissionate Fit Persons under Our tender and administer unto them, and untill the same shall be so taken

and subscribed no person

shall

be capable of sitting though Elected

shall

that the persons so elected and qualified shall be called and

;

And we do hereby

declare

deemed the General Assembly of

that our Province and the Territories depending thereon.

And you the said George Clinton with the consent of our said Council and Assembly or the Major part of them respectively shall have full power and Authority to make, constitute and ordain Laws Statutes and Ordinances for the publick peace, welfare and good government of our said Province and of the people and Inhabitants thereof and such others as shall resort thereto,

and

the benefit of us, our heirs and successors

for

and Ordinances are not Statutes of this

to be

;

which said Laws, Statutes

repugnant but as near as may be agreable unto the Laws and

Our Kingdom of Great

Britain,

Provided

that

all

such

Laws, Statutes

and ordinances of what nature or duration soever be within three Months or sooner after the making thereof, transmitted unto us under Our Seal of New York for our approbation or Disallowance of the same.

And by

in case

us, shall at

any or

all

As

also Duplicates thereof

by the next conveyance.

of the said Laws, Statutes and Ordinances (being not before confirmed

any time be disallowed and not approved and so

signified

by

us,

our heirs and

Successors under our or their Sign Manual or Signet, or by order of our or their Privy Council

unto you the said George Clinton or to the Commander in Cliief of our said Province for the time being then such and so many of the said laws, statutes and ordinances as shall be so disallowed and not approved shall from thenceforth cease, determine and become utterly void

anything to the contrary thereof notwithstanding. end that nothing may be passed or done by our said Council or Assembly to the Prejudice of us, our heirs, and successors. We will and ordain that you the said George Clinton shall have and enjoy a negative V^oice in the making and passing of all Laws, Statutes and

and of none

And

Eflfect,

to the

ordinances as Aforesaid.

And you shall and may likewise from time to time as you shall judge it necessary, adjourn Prorogue and Dissolve all General Assemblys as Aforesaid. And our further Will and pleasure is that you shall and may use and keep the Public Seal of our Province of

New York

said Province under

for

Sealing

all

things whatsoever that pass the Great Seal of our

Your Government.

And we do further give and grant unto you the said George Clinton, full power and authority from time to time and at any lime hereafter by Yourself, or by any other to be authorized by you in that behalf, to administer and Give the aforementioned oaths to all and every such person and persons as you shall think

fit

who

Province or shall be resident or abiding there.

shall at

any time or times pass

into our said

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

192 And we do

further

by these Presents Give and Grant unto you

full

power and authority with

the advice and consent of our said Council to erect, constitute and establish such and so

many

Courts of Judicature and public Justice within our said Province under Your Government as you and they shall think, fit and necessary for the hearing and determining of all causes as well criminal as all

civil

according to law and equity, and for awarding of execution thereupon, with

reasonable and necessary Powers and Authorities, Fees and Privileges belonging thereto, as

and commissionate fit persons in the several parts of Your Government to administer the oaths mentioned in the aforesaid Act, Entituled " An Act for the further Security also to appoint

"of His Majesty's Person and Government, and

the Succession of the

Crown

in the heirs of

" the late Princess Sophia, being Protestants and for extinguishing the hopes of the pretended " Prince of Wales and his open and Secret Abettors." As also to tender and administer the aforesaid Declarations unto such persons belonging to the said Courts as shall be obliged to

take the same.

empower you to constitute and appoint Judges, and (in Oyer and Terminer, Justices of the peace and other necessary Officers and Ministers in our said Province for the better Administration of Justice and putting the laws in execution and to administer or cause to be administered unto them such oath or oaths as are usually given for the due Execution and performance of Offices and Places and for the clearing of truth in judicial cases. And we do hereby give and grant unto you full power and authority where you shall see cause or shall judge any Offender or Offenders in Criminal Matters, or for any Fines or Forfeitures due unto us, fit objects of our Mercy to pardon all such offenders, and to remit all such offences, Fines and Forfeitures, Treason and Wilfull Murder only excepted, in which Cases you shall likewise have power upon Extraordinary Occasions to Grant Reprieves to the

And we do hereby

authorize and

cases requisite) Commissioners of

Offenders untill and to the Intent

And we do by

Our Royall

pleasure

may

be

impoweryou

known

therein.

any person or persons to any churches, chappels, or other Ecclesiastical Benefices within Our said Province and Territories aforesaid as often as any of them shall happen to be void. And we do hereby give and Grant unto you the said George Clinton by Your self or by Your Captains or Commanders by you to be authorized full power and authority to levy, arm, muster, command and employ all Persons whatsoever residing within our said Province of New York and other the Territories under Your Government and as occasion shall serve to march from one place to another, or to embark them for the resisting and withstanding of all enemies, pirates and Rebels both at sea and land and to transport such forces to any of our plantations in America (if Necessity shall require) for the Defence of the same against the Invasion or attempts of any of our enemies and such enemies, pirates and Rebels if there shall be occasion to pursue or prosecute in or out of the limits of our said Province and Plantations or any of them, and, if it shall so please God, them to vanquish, appreiiend and take, and being taken either according to Law to put to death or keep and preserve alive at Your Discretion and to execute Martial Law in time of invasion or other times when by law it may be executed and to do and execute all and every other thing and things which to our Captain General and Governor in Chief doth or ought of right to belong. And we do hereby give and grant unto you full power and authority by and with the advice and consent of our said Council to erect, raise and build in our said Province of New York, and Territories depending thereon such and so many Forts and Platforms, Castles, these Presents Authorize and

to collate

LONDON DOCUMENTS Cities,

Boroughs, Towns, and Fortifications as

necessary, and the same or any of sorts of

all

Arms

them

and necessary

fit

to fortify

XXVI.

:

193

)'ou by the advice aforesaid shall judge and furnish with Ordnance, Ammunition and

for the security

and Defence of our

said Province,

the advice aforesaid the same again or any of them to demolish or dismantle as

and by

may be

most convenient. And forasmuch as divers Mutinies and Disorders may happen by persons shipped and employed at sea during the time of War and to the End that such as shall be shipped and employed at sea during the time of War may be better Governed and Ordered, We do hereby give and grant unto you the said George Clinton full Power and Authority to constitute and appoint Captains, Lieutenants, Masters of Ships and other Commanders and Officers, and and other Commanders and Officers,

to grant unto such Captains, Lieutn'% Masters of Sliips,

Commissions 13""

to execute the

law Martial according

to

the Directions of an Act passed in the

year of the Reign of King Charles the Second Entituled

Articles

and Orders

for the

"An

Act

for the Establishing

Regulation and better Government of His Majesties Navies, Ships

War, and Forces by Sea," during the time of War, and to use such Proceedings, Authorities Punishments, Corrections and executions upon any Offender or Offenders who shall be Mutinous, Seditious, Disorderly or any way unruly either at sea or during the time of their abode or of

residence in any of the Ports, Harbours, or Bays of our said Province and Territories, as the

cause shall be found to require, according to the Martial the time of

War

Law

and the said Directions during

as aforesaid.

Provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed to the enableing you or any by to hold Plea or have any Jurisdiction of any offence cause. Matter or thing

Your Authority

committed or done upon the High Sea, or within any of the Havens, Rivers or Creeks of our said Province or Territories under Your Government by any Captain, Commander, Lieutenant, Master, Officer, Seaman, Soldier, or other Person whatsoever, who shall be in actual service and Pay in or on board any of our Ships of War or other Vessels acting by immediate

Commission or from

or

Warrant from our Commissioners

our High

Admiral of Great Britain

for

for

Executing the Office of our High Admiral being under the Seal of our

the time

Admiralty; But that such Captain, Commander, Lieu' Master, Officer, Seaman Souldier or left to be proceeded against and tryed as their offences shall require either by Commission under Our Great Seal of Great Britain as the Statute of the SS"" of Henry the S"" Directs or by Commission from our said Commissioners for

other person so offending shall be

Executing the Office of Our High Admiral or from Our High Admiral of Great Britain for the to the aforementioned Act for the establishing Articles and Orders for the Regulateing and better Government of His Majesty's Navies, Ships of War and Forces by

time being according

Sea and not otherwise. Provided Nevertheless that

all

Disorders and Misdemeanours committed on Shore by any Officer, Seaman, Souldier or otiier person whatsoever

Captain Commander, Lieutenant, Master,

to any of our Ships of War or other vessels acting by immediate Commission or Warrant from our said Commissioners for executing the Office of Our High Admiral or from Our High Admiral of Great Britain for the time being under the Seal of our Admiralty may be tryed and punished according to the laws of the Place where any such Disorders, Offences and Misdemeanours shall be committed on shore notwithstanding such offender be in our actual service and born in Our Pay on Board any such our ships of war or otiier Vessels acting by

belonging

immediate Commission or Warrant from our said Comuiissioaers 26 Vol. VL

for executing tiie Office of

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

194

aforesaid our High Admiral or from Our High Admiral of Great Britain for the time being as for such offences committed so as he shall not receive any protection for the avoiding of Justice on shore from any pretence of His being employed in our service at sea. further Will and pleasure is that all publick Mony raised or which shall be raised

And our

depending to be hereafter made within our said I'rovince and other the Territories thereon be issued out by Warrant from you by and with the Advice and consent of our Council and disposed of by you for the support of the Government and not otherwise. And we do hereby likewise give and grant unto you full power and Authority by and with

by any Act

the advice and consent of our said Council to settle and agree with the Inhabitants of our Province and Territories aforesaid for such Lands, Tenements and Heredita" as now are or hereafter shall be in our power to dispose of and them to grant to any person or persons upon

such Terms and under such moderate Quit Rents, Services and Acknowledgements to be thereupon reserved unto us, as you by and with the advice Aforesaid shall think fit which said Grants are to pass and be sealed by our seal of New York and being entered upon Record by ;

such Officer or Officers as you shall appoint shall be good and effectual in

Law

against us,

Our

Heirs and Successors.

And we do hereby give you the said George Clinton full power and Authority to order and appoint Fairs, Marts and Markets, as also such and so many ports, harbours, bays, havens and other places for the convenience and Security of Shipping and for the better loading and unloading of Goods and Merchandizes as by you with the Advice and consent of our said Council shall be thought

And we do hereby

fit

and necessary.

require and

command

all officers

and Ministers, Civil and Military and

other Inhabitants of our said Province and Territories depending thereon, to be obedient

all

aiding and assisting unto you the said George Clinton in the Execution of this our

Commission

and of the powers and Authoritys herein contained and in Case of Your Death or absence out of our said Province and Territories depending thereon to be obedient, aiding and assisting unto such person as shall be appointed by us to be our Lieutenant Governor or Commander in Chief of our said Province to whom we do therefore by these presents give and grant all and singular the Powers and Authorities herein granted to be by him executed and enjoyed during untill Your Arrival within our said Province and Territories. upon Your Death or absence out of our said Province and Territories depending thereon there be no person upon the place commissionated or appointed by us to be Our Lieutenant Governor or Commander in Chief of our said Province Our Will and pleasure is that the eldest Councillor whose name is first placed in Our said Instructions to you and who shall be at the time of Your Death or absence residing within Our said Province of New York shall take upon him the Administration of the Government and Execute our said Commission and Instructions and the several powers and Authorities therein contained in the same manner and to

our pleasure or

And

all

if

intents and purposes as other our

Governor or Commander

in

Chief of our said Province all cases untill our

should^ or ought to do in case of Your absence untill Your return or in

known therein. And we do hereby declare ordain and appoint that you the said George Clinton shall and may hold, execute and enjoy the Office and Place of our Captain General and Governor in further pleasure be

Chief in and over our province of 'shall.

New York

and the Territories depending thereon, together

Book of Commissions,

IV., 106.

— Ed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS with

all

XXVI.

:

195

and singular the powers and Authorities herehy granted unto you

and during our

for

Will and pleasure.

And whereas

Our Province

there are divers Colonies adjoining to

defence and security whereof

is

it

requisite that

due care be taken

in

of

New York

time of war,

for the

We

have

necessary for our service and for the better protection and security of our subjects inhabiting those parts to constitute and appoint and We do by these Presents constitute therefore thought

it

and appoint Vou the said George Clinton to be our Captain General and Commander in Chief all the Forces by Sea and Land within our Colony of Connecticut and of

of the Militia and of

our Forts and Places of strength within the same.

all

And

for the better ordering, Governing and Ruling our said Militia and all our Forces, Forts, and Places of Strength within our said Colony of Connecticut, We do hereby Give and Grant unto You the said George Clinton and in Your absence to our Commander in Chief of our Province of New York all and every the like powers as in these presents are before granted and recited for the ruling. Governing and Ordering our Militia and all our Forces, Forts and

Our Province

Places of Strength within

of

New York

be exercised by

to

Clinton and in Your absence from our Territory and Dominion of in Chief of our Province of

New

York

witiiin our said

New

You

the said George

York, by our

Colony of Connecticut

Commander

and during have caused these Our Letters to be made Patents. Witness, [John Archbishop of Canterbury and other Guardians and Justices of the Kingdom our pleasure.

In Witness

At Westminster

the third

Whereof

for

We

day of July

in the fifteenth

Year of Our Reign By Writ of Privy Seal BiSSE.

The words withiu brackets

]

preceding Commissioa are added from the Record in Book of Commissions, Ed. in the Office of the Secretary of State, Albany, N. Y., IV. 105.

Note.

in the

—

Lieutenant-Governor Clarhe [

New-Tork

to the

Papers, (8. P. 0.

)

Ko.

Duke of 9, p.

95

JVeiocastle.

]

New York June

My

the 20'"

174L

Lord.

recommended to the Assembly to make what recruits or new Levies I may raise, lest if I should wait till their next meeting and during their recess Gen' Wentworth should write to me for them his Maj'" service might suffer by delay, whereupon they resolved that they will at their next meeting take into their consideration, what may be proper to be done thereon, if Gen' Wentworth should in the mean while apply for such recruits. By this resolve they hope to save their credit and"their money too their credit by a seeming disposition to do something, their money by having the business done if men can be raised befoie they meet, for if Gen' Wentworth wants recruits tiiey suppose he will soon write for them that must draw for the expence as the Governor of they must be sent with all dispatch and that Pensilvania did for all the troops he raised, this they did not know, till they saw it in the I

do myself the honor to acquaint your Grace, that

I

provision while they were sitting for transporting and victualling,

;

I

— NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

196

Philaderphia newspaper of the

month, wherein

14"' of the last

it

is

said that the Governors

drawn -on the Commissioners of the navy for victualling and transporting the companies he raised were duely honor'd, or I believe (if the Assembly had known it last year) I should have found it much more difficult than I did to have brought them to provide for that expence, of this opinion are some of the house whom I have talked with, as also that they will, when it comes to the push refuse to give any thing for victualling or transporting Recruits or new Levies however, I beg leave to assure Your Grace that I will do all I can. The fatal fire that consumed all the buildings in the Fort, which from the circumstances of the time and place of the plumbers working I thought was accidental, now appears evidently to be done by design in consequence of an horrid conspiracy to burn it and the whole Town, bills

—

your Grace may be pleased

as

discoveries are written

The

Plott

down

was contrived

negroes were by him

to see in the inclosed paper,

wherein the confessions and

own words just as they were spoken. by one Huson a white man to enrich himself by in their

plunder, the

him and of gaining their liberty; they were mostly sworn by him to secrecy and many of them died without disclosing it, and even denying it, for some time after the fort was burned I had no other thoughts of it, than that it was accident, but when three or four and once I think five houses were set on fire in a day and some of them apparently by design, 1 soon changed my thoughts and set myself heartily to

work

brought into

it,

in hopes of shareing with

to find out the villany; these frequent fires threv? the people into the

consternation and confusion a guard of the militia to

;

to

mount

appease their fears and to secure them from danger, at the

Town

hall

I

utmost caused

every night and to go the rounds duely, the

Kings Troops doing duty regular as usual; this had a good effect by bringing the people again to think of their private business which for sometime was intermitted, 1 went constantly to fire to give directions and to animate the people, and by my care and their activity, only one house, and that a warehouse of little value, was burnt, had the suspicion obtained, when those fires begun that the negroes were at the bottom of it, the whole town might have been

every

laid in ashes, for

men

their families, than after the Fort, but

in that case would have been more intent upon guarding themselves and upon extinguishing the fires; The town was to have been burnt the night

was thus

fortunately saved

;

In the

evening the

fire

that

was

in the ruins of

the Fort seeming to be extinguished, the people went to their homes, but about nine o'clock

North-West wind springing up kindled it again in several places, and the so that I apprehended they might set fire to some of the adjacent houses, and by that means endanger the whole Town, wherefore I thought it necessary to alarm the people who coming to the ruins of the Fort again and seeing the danger, thought it the safest way to watch that night and a company of the militia being by my orders in arms and going

at night a strong

sparks begun to

fly

the rounds prevented the mischief designed.

The for

me

have sustained by the

fire is greater than at first it appeared to be, and to heavy without being supported by Your Graces protection which I most humbly beg ask, and to subscribe myself with the most profound submission My Lord Your

loss I

to bear

leave to

— most humble, most obedient and His Grace the Duke of Newcastle —

Graces

most

dutiful seivant

— (signed).

—

G. Clarke

LONDON DOCUMENTS Lieutenant-Governor Clarlie [

New-Tork

XXVI.

:

Lords of Trade.

to the

Papers, Gg., No. 63.

197

]

New York

My

June the

20. 1741.

Lords

Before the Assembly rose

I

had the honor to receive a

Commands

me

letter

from

his

Grace the Duke of

what recruits or new levies the General of the forces on the Expedition should write for, I recommended it to the Assembly to make provision before they rose for victualling and transporting them, lest If I raise them Newcastle signifying

his Majesty's

to

to raise

during their recess the service should be delayed, they on the contrary resolved to take consideration at their ne.xt meeting expecting that in the

send them, drawing as

Navy

M''

Thomas

mean while

the Gov"' of Pensilvania did on the

it

into

them and Commissioners of the

I shall

raise

News Paper whole expence and that his bills are paid they believe that I might have done the same and saved them ^2500 and are, I fear determined to be at no more expence tho they wont say so, however I will do all I can both to raise men and to bring to pay the charge of victualling and transporting them; I expect for the troops he raised last year, the truth is that seeing in the Philadelphia

of the 14 of last

month

that M"'

Thomas had drawn

likewise to meet with great difficulties in raising

for the

men

at the time, for the confusion

which the

conspiracy some white people and the Negroes entred into burn this town and to destroy the inhabitants has begat a general opinion that no

man ought

go out

to leave his habitation to

of the Province and the apprehension of a French warr as this his a frontier Province will

make every

one,

who

has any thing at stake industrious to discourage

themselves for this expedition apprehensions, however writes for them, for as

I I

lest

I

inlisting

utmost application

to raise recruits

when

my

the General

did last year raise a greater proportion of Troops than any of our

Neighbouring Colonies, as will people in the Colonies,

my

will use

men from

a rupture with France should soon happen, these are

shall

I

by examining the now.

believe evidently appear

be very sorry

to fall short

lists

of white

Harvest drawing nigh the Country members were impatient to go home so that obliged to adjourn the Assembly

till

the middle of September, after they had passed

was

I

two

Bills,

One to build the Secretaries Office, Barracks in the Fort, a Battery in this Town and to fortify Oswego; The other to obliged the people of this Town to a military night Guard. (The fatal fire that consumed the buildings in the fort and great part of my substance, for

my

loss

is

not less than two thousand

apprehended, but was kindled by design

pounds, did not happen in

by accident

as

I

at

the execution of a horrid Conspiracy to burn

it

first

and

the whole town and to Massacre the people, as appears evidently not only by the Confession of

where the i^lumber was to work we do not yet know every day produces new discoveries an I apprehend that in the town, if the truth were known, there are not many innocent Negromen, and it is thought that some Negroes of the Country are accomplices and were to act their part there, and to this belief I am led by the villany the Negro

who

set fire to

it

in

some part of the same

but also by the testimony of several witnesses,

gutter

how many

Conspirators there

committed in New Jersey sometime after the fort was burnt, for at a Village called New wark In seven Barnes were burnt in one night, for which two Negroes were tried and executed this Town there have been already executed for this Conspiracy seventeen viz' Three Whites ;

(Huson the contriver and main spring of the whole

design, his wife and another white

woman

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

198

who lived in Huson's iiouse, and had a bastard by one of the Negro Conspirators) and fourteen Negroes Huson is liung in chains, for tlie rest that or may be executed, I desired tiie Judges to single out only a few of the most notorious for execution, and that I would pardon the rest, on condition that the pardon be void if they be found in the Province after a certain day, whereby their masters will transport them out

Lordships the minutes taken

at the tryal of

ot

hand,

I

do myself the honor

Quack who burned

send your

to

the fort, and of another Negro,

who was tryed with him, and their confession at the stake, with some other examinations, whereby your Lordships will see tlieir designs, it was ridiculous to suppose that they could keep possession of the Town, if they had destroyed the White people, yet the mischief they would have done in pursuit of their intention would never the less have been great.

My loss

sits

very heavy upon me. His

great, but yet I

Duke

know

how

not

hope

to

INIajesties

bounty and goodness,

I

am

of Newcastle, upon your Lordships favourable recommendation which

Whether

or

how

far the

sensible are vastly

for relief, unless thro the protection of his

hand of popery has been

in

Grace the

beg leave to ask.) conspiracy I cannot yet

this hellish

I

by what two of the Negroes have confest. Viz' that soon after they were spoke to, and had consented to be parties to it, they had some checks of conscience which they said, would not suffer them to burn houses and kill the White people whereupon those who drew them into the conspiracy told them, there was no sin or wickedness discover, but there

is

room

to suspect

it,

;

it, and that if they would go to Huson's house, they should find a man who would satisfy them but they say they would not nor did go; Margaret Keny was supposed to be a papist, and it is suspected that Huson and his wife were brought over to it: there was in Town some time ago a man who is said to be a Romish Priest, who used to be at Huson's, but has disappeared ever since the discovery of the conspiracy and is not now to be found, upon this

in

do myself the honor

occasion

I

letter to

me.

I

and

do myself the honor I

to

to send

your Lordships the naval

have the pleasure to say that

last three

send your Lordships a paragraph of General Oglethorps

if

your Lordships

years with those of three years before

the trade and navigation of the Province

is

I

will

officers

accounts for the last year,

be pleased to compare

had the Government, you

greatly increased.

I

am

tliose of the

will see that

with the highest respect

and honor

My

Lords "Your Lordships

most humble and most obedient Servant Geo: Clarke

R' Hon"^ the Lords of Trade.

Paragraph of General Oglethorp's

letter to M'"

Clarke Lieut' Gov' of

Frederica in Georgia 16

New

May

York.

1741

Sir

A Party of our Indians returned S"" instant, from war against the Spaniards, they had an engagement with a party of Spanish horse just by Augustine, and brought one of them prisoners to me, he gives sailed from

Augustine

Northward

for the

me

to tlie

an account of three Spanish Sloops and a

Northward of Cape Fear,

to cruise

Snow

Privateers,

who

are

from thence to the Eastward and

provision vessells bound from the Northward to the

West

Indies; hoping

LONDON DOCUMENTS thereby to supply themselves with

me

he gave to

Some

flour,

many

he mentioned

:

XXVI.

199

of which they are in want; besides this account which

particulars in his examination before our Magistrates;

had of a villanous design of a very extraordinary nature, and if true very Emmissary to burn all the magazines and considerable the English North America, and thereby to prevent the subsisting of the great

intelligence

I

important, Viz' that the Spaniards had

Towns

in

fleet in the West Indies; and for this purpose many priests were employ'd who pretended to be Physicians, Dancing masters and other such kinds of occupations, and under that pretence to gett admittance and confidence in families as I could not give much Credit to

expedition and

was too horrid for any Prince them but he would not o\\n he knew any thing of them.

these advices, since the thing

Lords of Trade

to

Lieutenant-Governor

[New- York

To George

to order

;

1

asked him concerning

Clarice.

Entries, M., p. 136.]

Clarke Esq'

S'

Since our last to you of the

June,

4""

of August 1740 we have received Your Letters of the 13"" of November 1740 and of the 2^"' of April and 20"' of June 1741

S"'

of August and lO"" of

together with the Papers transmitted therewith.

We

have also received a compleat collection of the Acts of Assembly passed in Your tiie year 1740 transmitted with Your letter of the 4"" of

Province from the year 1691 to

August

We

last.

made with the Six Nations (mentioned Your letter of the lO"" of November last) and hope as you have induced them to enter into the Covenant Chain with the rest of the Indians under His ALijesty's Protection it will be a means of establishing a lasting peace amongst them. We did in ours of the S"" of August last acquaint You that we had recommended to his Majesty the sending Presents to the Indians agreable to Your proposal, and we presume Your Agent has informed You what has been done in that affair. We are extremely sorry to hear of the Fire that you sent us an Account of in yours of the 22"* of April but are pleased to find by the same that the Expence of Repairs tho very congratulate you upon the agreement you have

in

considerable will not be a load too great for the Province to bear.

We

find

by Your next

letter of the 20"" of

June that you have discovered the Contrivers and

Authors of the Villainy and have brought some of them to punishment and are in pursuit of We hope that an effectual stop has been put to this pernicious conspiracy. the Rest. As for your own particular Loss we are very much concerned for it and have in compliance with Your Desire recommended to His Grace The Duke of Newcastle that part of Your Letter wh'ch relates to it to be laid before His Majesty.

We

have only further

send us over a

list

to

acquaint you that

of such of the

Members

we

desire that once in Six

of the Council in

Months You would

Your Government

as are either

dead

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

200

or absent, and that with regard to the last you specify from

whom

and

for

how

long a time

they have their licence and that you take care to make an annual Return to the General Queries formerly sent, that we may be apprized from time to time of any alterations that may happen

So we bid You heartily farewell, and are

Circumstances of Your Government.

in the

Your very loving

friends

and humble Servants B.

Keene

M. Bladen Aug'

20"' 1741.

E" Plumer.

•

Lords of Trade

to the

[New-Tork

To His Grace The Duke

My

Brudenell

Ja.

Whitehall

Diike of Newcastle.

Enlries, M., p. 189.]

of Newcastle.

Lord,

Having prepared a Draught of General Instructions as likewise of those which relate to the Articles of Trade and Navigation for the Hon'''"' George Clinton Esq'' whom His Majesty has been pleased to appoint his Governor of New York, We take leave to inclose the said Draughts to Your Grace together with Our Representation thereupon and to desire Your Grace will be pleased to lay the same before their Excellencies

The Lords

We

Justices.

are.

My

Lord,

Your Grace's most obedient & most humble Servants M. Bladen R. B.

Whitehall

Aug' y"

To May

it

Ja. Brudenell.

1741

their Excellencies

The Lords

Justices.

please Your Excellencies

E.preseniotinn

up™

20"'

Plumer Keene

to

the drafis of the Instructions for Gov: Clinton.

In obedieucc to His Majesty's

commands

by His Grace The Duke

signifyed to us

of Ncwcastle ons of His Majesties Principal Secretaries of State in his letter of the SO"" of April last

We

i

i

t>.

have prepared the inclosed Draughts of General

Instructions and of those which relate to the Articles of Trade

&

Navigation for the Hon"*'

George Clinton Esq'' whom His Majesty has been pleased to appoint Governor of the Province of New York in which we have made no alterations, additions or omissions from such General Instructions as His Majesty has already approved for His other Governors in America except in the following articles.

We have inserted in the 1" Article the names only of ten Councillors instead of twelve not being at present well informed of the characters of any Persons inhabiting that Province proper

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXVI.

:

201

two Councillors: But so soon as we shall receive a List from His Majesty's Governor of such persons as are qualified to serve in that Station We shall

to supply the Vacancies of the

recommend them to His Majesty to supply the said Vacancys. The 20"" Instruction empowering the Governor to receive an additional Salary

we have

of His INLijesty's particular Directions for that purpose and

inserted in

is in it

pursuance

the following

words " as also for providing a house for you His Majesty's Governor or for the Governor "for the time being" instead of the words formerly used Viz' "as also for keeping up and repairing the house alloted for you Our Governor or for the Governor for the time being " the Governors house having been destroyed by the late ffire in New York. ]n tiie 31" Instruction relating to the Appointments of the Lieutenant Governor during the Absence of the Governor distinct

The

We

have omitted the words

New

Jersey which

now

is

a

Government.

VS"" Instruction contains the substance of 75.

Governor and

to the late

is

&

76

77"" Articles in the Instructions

given

agreable to what His Majesty has approved of to his other

We

Words " To wear the Union Jack in a Canton at the upper "corner next the Staff." pursuant to the Opinion of His Majesty's Commissioners for executing the Office of High Admiral of Great Britain and agreable to our Representation to their Excellencies the Lords Justices dated the 7"' of August 1740 instead of the Words formerly used in the Instructions given by His Majesty to His Governors in America. Governor save only that

at the

end of

" same Ensign as Merchant Sliips

The 77th dated the

&

it

liave inserted the following

a red Jack with the

Instruction relating to the

powder Duty

is

inserted pursuant to an order of Council

of April last directing us to prepare the same.

9""

All which

most humbly submitted.

is

M. Bladen R. B.

W'hitehall

August

Ja.

1741

SO""

Lieutenant -Govcr7ior Clarice [Now-Tork

to the

Papers, Gg., No. 66.]

August

iiie '^i.

1741.

Lords,

A. In

my

letter of the

Plot to destroy this

what has but

Brudenell

Lords of Trade.

New York

My

Plumer Keene

it is

since appeared

now

was upon

20 of June

Town ;

I

did myself the honor to inform your Lordships of the then said or could say falls short of I

and people, but whatever

We

then thought

it

apparent that the hand of Popery

full

was projected only by Huson and the Negroes is in it, for a Romish Priest having been tryed

and clear evidence convicted of having a deep share

in

it

we have

besides

wish Papists, one of whom is a dancing master, some of them Soldiers in the two companies posted in this town, and the father and three brothers of that Huson who was hanged, Where by whom or in what several other white

Vol.

VL

men

in

prison and most of

26

them

(it is

thought)

I

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

202

was first projected is yet undiscovered that which at present seems most Huson an indigent fellow of a vile character casting in his thoughts how to mend his circumstances inticed some Negroes to rob their masters and to bring the stolen to him on promise of reward when they were sold but seeing that by this pilfering trade riches shape

this plot

probable

is

that

fit instruments for any villany he upon the schemes of burning the fort and town and murdering the people as the speediest way to enrich himself and them, and to gain the freedom, for that was the Negroes main inducement, how long this Plot has been on foot is uncertain one of the Negroes who laid hold on my proclamation owned he was sworn by Huson last Christmas was three years, others two years ago others more lately but when or by what means the Priest and Huson became acquainted is but conjecture most likely it was by the means of Margaret Kerry who lived in Husons house and was executed with him for she being a profest Papist might disclose it to the Priest, be that as it will after he was acquainted with them the design seemed to proceed with more vigour The conspirators had hopes given them that the Spaniards would come hither and join with them early in the Spring but if they failed of coming then the business was to be done by the Conspirators without them many of them were christen'd by the Priest absolved from all their past sins and whatever they should do in the Plott many of them sworn by him (others by Huson to burn and destroy and to be secret, wherein tliey were but too punctual how weak soever the scheme may appear it was plausible and strong enough to engage and hold the Negroes and that was all that the Priest and Huson wanted for had the fort taken fire in the night as it was intended the town was then to have been fired in several places at once, in which confusion much rich Plunder might have been got and concealed and if they had it in view too, to serve the enemy they could not have done it more effectually for this town being laid in Ashes his Majesties forces in the West Indies might have suffered much for want of provisions and periiaps been unable to proceed upon any expedition or peice of service, from whence they might promise themselves great rewards, I doubt the business is

did not flow into him fast enough and finding the Negroes

then

fell

some more white men named, great industry has been used through out the town to discredit the witnesses and prejudice the people against them and I am told it has had in a great measure its intended pretty nigh at an end for since the Priest has been apprehended and

effect I

am

sorry for

for I

it

the principal conspirators

lie

do not think

we

are yet got near the bottom of

it,

when

I

doubt

concealed.

your Lordships that by the means of some people whom I I obtained a deed for the lands at Tierrondequat from the Sachimes and I have sent orders to those people to go round the lands in Company with some of the Sachims and to mark the trees, that it may be known at all B.

I

have the honor

to inform

sent last year to reside in the Senecas country (as usual)

how much

times hereafter

they have given up to us.

C. General Oglethorp by his letter of the 12 of the last

month acquaints me that the Creeks last year at Albany by me with the

and Cherokees being by him informed of the treaty made Six Nations are

much

pleased with

has been pleased to appoint to

be here the

later

end of

therein as he thinks proper

and

it

and propose

Commodore

this or the I

am

to

beginning of the next month

1

it

must be

who hopes

left to

him

to do

very glad that he will find the Province in great tranquility

in a flourishing condition able to support the

manner and

send deputies thither but as his Majesty

Clinton to be Governor of this Province

hope he will bring them

to

do

it,

Government

wherein nothing

in

an honorable and ample

shall

be wanting on

my

part

LONDON DOCUMENTS D.

My

great losses in the

expedition &=

XXVI.

203

at tlie fort, after a very expensive year in

promoting the again beg leave to intreat your Lordships to to the Protection of his Grace the Duke of Newcastle hoping that thereby his

sit

recommend me

:

fire

very heavy upon me; and

noble and generous nature

may

sinking under the weight of

my

I

me by some means or other from bound to his Grace for his protection hitherto which I shall acknowledge as long as I live with the highest thankfulness and to your liordships I beg leave to return my most humble thanks for all your favours and goodness to me, beseeching you to assist me in this my time of need, to which I am reduced by this be wrought upon to keep

misfortunes,

I

am

infinitely

execrable Piott.

E. I do myself the honor to send your Lordships the two Acts past the last sitting of the Assembly Viz' An Act for the morequal keeping military Watches in the City of New York and for other the purposes therein mentioned.

The

reason for passing this Act appears in the preamble.

An Act this

for the better fortifying of this

Act your Lordships may be pleased

Colony and other the purposes therein mentioned. In I have got the Assembly to put this Town

to see that

in a better posture of defence, to build the Secretaries office

vporkes

I

and a Barrack

all

of

them necessary

likewise prevailed with them to fortify Oswego, and to give an hundred pounds to

be applyed in buying provisions for the relief of the Indians length and severity of the last winter, and

remembered by them

at all times

I

am perswaded

who were that this

in great want, from the Act of Humanity will be

with gratitude

have the honor to receive your Lordships letter of the 17* of April with the two Acts of Parliament. F.

I

G. I beg leave before I conclude to acquaint your Lordships that of the conspirators there have been executed Three Whites and twenty nine Negroes, pardoned one white Woman, viz' Husons daughter and pardoned and transported eighty Negroes besides eight Negroes not indicted but being accused and strongly suspected to be guilty their masters consented to transport them.

Ury whose

tryal I sent

your Lordships

is

sentenced to be hanged.

repreived him for a few days upon his Petition for a short time to prepare himself but that being expired he is by rule of Court made since to be executed next Saturday. I humbly I

recommend myself to your Lordships

My

protection and

am

with the highest respect and honor

Lords

Your Lordships most humble and most obedient Servant Geo: Clarke. P. S. I

do myself the honor

to

send your Lordships an account of the Persons

naturalized by Act of Parliament

The R'

Hon'''= the

Lords of Trade.

who have been

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

204

Deed

to

His Majesty of [

From Eecord

the

Land around

To allPeople To Whom these presents Shall or m-Esq" James De Lancey Daniel Horsmanden )

The Com"

75.

and

of the Council

of Indian Affliirs

Speech made by the Hon: George Clarke Esq: Lieutenant Governoiir and Commander in Chief of the Province of Nevp York to the six Nations of Indians Viz' Sennekes Mohawks Cayouges Onondages Oneydes and Tuskaroroes

at

Albany the 15 June 1742.

Brethren

At our last interview I proposed an Union of you and all the Nations of Indians under his Majesties Protection so far as the River Mississippi you considered of my Proposal approved Chain, telling me at the of it and united all those Nations of Indians with you in the Covenant same time that I might depend upon your sincerity for that you never broake your word given in so

Solemn a manner

I

did and do depend upon

it

being perswaded that you are too just to

this Union I made depart from your Engagements on any consideration Nations So soon as I found an opportunity they accepted of it with hearts ;

it

to

be best

human means

to

preserve

them from the unjust

known full

to all

of joy

Hostilities of the

those

knowing

French and

you from being wasted and consumed in their Quarrells as a testimony of their acceding to that treaty of Union they have sent you to be delivered by me. These tokens desiring that the Covenant Chain into which you have taken them may be preserved inviolable and that Mutual love and friendship may continue between you and them so long as the Sun and Moon endure

Gave It is

most certainly your

interest thus to be

the

Tokens

United and made one body and

it is

equally your

be jealous of those people who may attempt to divide you they have [your] Destruction in view And tho they have used force against some and Cajoled others to assist them yet both those measures have been directed to the same end You know but too well

interest

to

:

what an implacable hatred the French have long had to Some of tiiose Nations of Indians now linked with you in the Covenant Chain nor are you Ignorant that many of your people have Let the part you acted often assisted them in their unjust and Cruel attempts to destroy them be buried

in oblivion

but

let that of

the

common Enemy

be ever

Remembered

that your Posterity

they are that have so eagerly sought the destruction of an innocent people and learn from thence that their security is only to be expected from a constant and firm adherence to this Union for ever let no time or circumstance disjoin you but live as people of one family

may know who

descended from one common parent be watchful of each others Interest and give early intelligence of the enemies motions and use all possible endeavours to defeat their enterprises thus and only thus will you deserve your liberty and your Country and become formidable to a desit^ning and rapacious

enemy who you may be

sure will use every Art to disunite

then their utmost force to extirpate you

Gave

a Belt of

Wampum

you and

LONDON DOCUMENTS

We now meet is

:

XXVI.

217

renew the Cevenant Chain which by the Union of all the Southern Nations made much stronger Let it be our common care to preserve it inviolable from rust remembering that one drop of innocent blood unjustly spilt will carrode not timely and carefully wiped off will eat it through and disolve this Union whereon to

greatly enlarged and

and free it and if

Common

only your

Safety and happiness depends

Gave a Belt It is

with much concern

forgetting

I

hear that most of the six Nations have of late years lived dispersed

Ancient Custom of dwelling together

their

in

opportunity of exhorting you to return to your Primitive

Castles

way

I

cannot

let

slip

this

of liveing together as your

Ancestors did the Sennekes have promised to remove from Their present habitation and to

Cayouges and the Cayouges have promised to build a Castle and body and I expect their speedy and eflectuall performance of those promises as it will greatly add to their strength and enlarge their reputation whereas a scattered people will soon become contemptible in the eyes of the world and the common interest and safety of the Commuuity will give place to private Views build their Castles nearer to settle in a

Gave

We

have

along considered

all

Oswego

a Belt

chiefly as

it is

commodious

for

your trade where at

your own doors without the expence and fatigue of travelling, you are supplied at easier rates than in any other place with all such goods as you have occasion for nor have we added

you to protect it in case of need it being highly your you should imagine that we are too careless of the preservation of an house of that importance to you I have ordered a wall to be built round it that if an enemy should at any time attempt to take it you may the better defend it as I expect you will, for if once you suffer them to become masters of it. They will sett what price they please both upon your goods and theirs and will by that means reduce you to the lowest condition of poverty and strip you of your liberty at which they have long aimed and wherein you have already unwillingly assisted them not only by engaging in their expeditions but likewise by permitting their emissaries to reside too often and too long in your Country this is and has been but too apparent to the most discerning among you and it is high time for all to think seriously of it and to put an end to that which will otherwise put an end to all that you hold any thing

to the strength of it trusting to

interest so to do

dear, Pluck to reside

however

least

up a resolution therefor no longer

to suffer

your pretended friends but secret enemies

among you Gave a Belt

The great King your father is now engaged in a war against the Spaniards provoked thereto by many Acts of injustice committed on his subjects not doubting but that the Lord of Hosts will own the Equity of his cause and enable him to punish his enemies and to obtain Reparation for the injuries

done

to his subjects

Gave a

Vol.

VL

28

String of

Wampum.

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

218

[

Present

— The

New-Tork

Tapers, Gg., No.

75.

]

Hon"^ George Clarke Esq: Lieutenant Governor

Chief

& Commander

in

&-=

Philip Livingston "J

James De Lancey Daniel Horsmanden

The Com" Answer made by

>-Esq' of the Council J

of Indian affairs. the six Nations of Indians to the

Commander

Lieut' Governour and

Hon"^ George Clarke Esq'

Chief of the Province of NevF York at

in

Albany the 16 June 1742. Brother.

We

have

to transact

now

mett you

all affiiirs

in this place

which

is

the place in which our fore fathers were

We

of peace and friendship

wont

the six Nations have maturely considered of

two years ago you made a peace with us in behalf of came home you acquainted those Indians with what had passed betveeen us and when those Indians heard it that tiiey were rejoyced thereat and accepted of the peace you had made with us in their behalf and sent us these tokens in confirmation of the said Treaty and also to strengthen the Covenant Chain between us and them in confirmation of which treaty on our side we Give

what you have

said:

You

told us that

the Southern Indians and that as soon as you

A

String of

Wampum

There has lately been an Indian from the Southward of the Cherikee Nation In the Sennekes Country to speak with us in a friendly manner As all those will do who desire to live in peace and friendship with us That Indian who we now Call our Brother has cleared the way between us and them that there that

we

way

for the future

from going and coming

he told us that he would return in the Spring and that then

should treat more largely upon the

made him

no hinderance

shall be

to transact publick affairs

affairs

between us we

call

him our Brother and have

a Sachim of the Six Nations

Brother

We

we may

all the Nations you have named to us You spoke to us about the Silver Covenant Chain made between our forefathers that it is now much enlarged by this Union with the Southern Indians and that you on your part will always keep it free from rust and have now recovered it and made We always remember the it as bright as the Sun for which we heartily thank our Brother Covenant Chain entered into by our forefathers and will never forget it It is wrote down in

with

desire of you that

whom we

our heads

we

are

now

see the faces of a few of

in alliance

think that nothing shall be wanting on our side but will always keep

and do now renew the same and make

it

it

from rust

inviolable

Gave

a Belt of

Wampum.

You told us you thought it necessary to remind us how our forefathers used to live in Castles and that the Sennekes had promised to remove their Castle nearer Cayouge at which we are very glad and the Sennekes do now promise that they will certainly do it and the Cayouges also

promise

to

perform their engagements.

In confirmation of which the Six Nations give

This Belt of

Wampum

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXVI.

:

219

Brother

You it

house

also spoke to us about the

but that you had

men had been suffered the

now thought

fit

Oswego and

at

to build a wall

told us that

round

with the French to war against Nations

French

to reside to long

among

it

you

now

you had not yet strengthend some of our alliance with us and that we

also told us that

in

us

Brother

We

promise you that we will not suffer our warriours to go with the French for the future

against any in alliance with us nor will

we

suffer the

French

to reside

among

us but

we

will

do as you have desired us

Gave a Belt

You

also told us that the

know and hope

the

Great King our Father

God who

is

Gave

A

true copy

is

above will enable him

engaged to

in a

war with Spain which we

conquer his Enemies

Wampum.

a String of

Examined and compared P"^

Ph

:

Livingston Sec

:

to the Indian Affairs.

N. B.

The

Indian Nations particularly

named by

the Governour to the Six Nations are these

The

Cattawbas, Cherokees Creeks Chickesaws and Chacktaws.

Lords of Trade

to

Liexitenant-Governor Clarhe.

[New-York

To George Clarke

Entries,

M.,p. 249.]

Esq""

Sir. 3"^ of Aug' last we Iiave received one from you of the 24"' of which you acquaint us with the success of the Interview you had with the 6 Nations of Indians in June last in confirming the Union you made some time since betwixt them and the Indians to the Westward. We take this first Opportunity of congratulating you upon this Event by which you have as

Since our letter to you of the

the same

Month

in

Your power promoted the security of the America against the Encroachments of the French. far as lyes in

Britisli

Dominions on the Continent of

The Colonies of Virginia & Georgia are to be commended for the zeal they have shown in forwarding this good work by the s«ms they so readily contributed upon this occasion & we We for our heartily wish the other Govern""" to the Westward would follow their Example, Parts are so sensible of the service hereby done to the British Interest by these Colonies that

we

shall

recommend

to the others to

promote the

common

cause

in

the

same manner.

cannot help mentioning our surp»ize at the Negligence shewn by the People of New York in suffering such mismanagement of the Mony raised for building a Wall round the trading

We

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

220

house at Oswego the preservation whereof

is

of the utmost consequence to the Colony.

We

hope therefore you will use your best Endeavours to remedy this evil before it is too late. We have received the two Acts referred to in Your letter & shall in due time consider them both But that for collecting of the Quit Rents & partitioning of lands being of very ;

great consequence,

We

must examine the Papers

formerly been had upon

tiiat

Subject before

So we bid you heartily Farewell

we

in

our

office to

see

what Proceedings have

can come to any Determination concerning

it.

&c''

B.

Keene

Ed. Ashe Whitehall Nov-'

3'^

Ja.

Brudenell

M. Bladen.

174S

Lieuteymnt-Governor Clarice [New-York Bundle,

to the

Lords of Trade.

Gg., p. 80.]

New York Nov

My

29.

1742

Lords,

I have the honour to receive your Lordships letter of the 3'' of last August, and find myself under very great obligations to your Lordships for your favourable sentiments of the Account I did myself the honour to give you of my Government, and the Frontiers, the only part whereof

for

which

Warr

is

tho the

I

am under any

apprehensions from a sudden attack of the

Oswego (and a place of vast Importance to money given for the fortifying of it has been

Enemy

in case of a

the British Trade and Interest laid out

on

it,

yet

I

am

French

it is),

for

informed the work

very injudiciously projected, and ill executed for here is no Engineer, unless we call the Assembly men Engineers, and then we have too many for both purposes; for they both designed the works and appointed the persons that did them nor, now they are done, could I get them to provide for the victualling of an additional Garrison however if the Assembly sits again before Ar Clinton comes I will make another attempt both for that and powder. I did myself the honour to give your Lordships my most humble thanks for your recommending the consideration of my Losses by the fire to His Grace the Duke of New Castle to be laid before His Majesty, and I still hope that my long services and great sufferings may find a moment's notice when his Grace has leisure for it.

is

;

;

;

;

The

present

I

fear

is

not the time to settle Tierondequat, the people's apprehensions of a

French war deterring them from the thoughts of it. I am perswaded that the union I have made of all the Nations of Indians under his Majesties protection if it be duely attended by all the Governours, and the six Nations be kept steady in our interest, (which can only be by presents, especially as the French have for some time endeavoured to entice them from us by that means) is the only thing that can be done at present to secure our settlements, but

may

I

presume

to think that the trade

and

interest of the

be infinitely more advanced by our making ourselves masters of the Lake of Cadaraqui, or Oswego, wherein the French have now two sloops whereby they carry on a

Nation

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXVI.

:

prodigious furr trade with the nations of Indians living on

themselves into Messasippi

1

;

depends upon

bold to say that

me

I

think the fate of the

Empire on

Britisii

this

Continent

it.

The Treasurer has to

through which they have and can only have a communication with

this,

am

221

the other lakes that disembogue

all

not since

I

have had the Government given any account of the Revenue

or the Council, he gives to the

Assembly accounts of

his receipts

and issues which are

want some positive them from him, however I will send to him acquainting him with your Lordsiiips commands to me to send them to you I am pretty certain I have regularly sent your Lordships the minutes of Council, and beg you will be pleased to give Directions to look for them among the Acts of Assembly, and other papers that constantly went with them; as to the Journals of the Assembly I am not so positive, and the neglect whenever it has happened has been owing to the Printer, but I have ordered them to be collected that I may now send them to your Lordships as likewise the Naval Officers Accounts, which for the future he shall give me more duely, this paragraph of your Lordships letter gives me much concern, and wherein I am faulty I humbly ask pardon, I am very glad to find by the postscript to your Lordships letter that you have received the Acts of Assembly and Minutes of Council that I sent the 2T^ of last May. The Acts of Assembly past this session are these which I do myself the honour to send mentioned

in their journals;

me

order on him to enable

he

is

a creature of theirs, and

I

fear

shall

I

to get

:

your Lordships 1

this

An

Act

to continue

Colony by granting

An

His Majesty the duties therein mentioned &c.

an Act entitled an Act to regulate the Militia of this Colony as the other Acts therein mentioned by which the same hath been continued these Acts referring to others past before need no observation. 3 An Act to let to farm the Excise on strong Liquors retailed in this Colony for one year &c. An Act of this nature is annually past. This is a very necessary 4 An Act for the more effectual fortifying the City of Albany: 2

Act further

an Act entitled an Act for and towards supporting the Government of to

to continue as well

:

—

Act especially 5.

An Act

at this time.

for

paying out of the moneys appropriated

the salaries services

&

of this nature have been for at least 6.

till

for the support of this

contingencies therein mentioned until the

some

time, past yearly, and

I

first

doubt

Government,

of September

will continue to

]

743.

Acts

be so done,

our neighbours do otherwise.

An Act

for supporting the Garrison at

Oswego and

to

regulate the furr trade in the

County of Albany. This Act needs no observation. 7. An Act for the better clearing regulating and further laying out publick High Roads the City and County of Albany. This is a very necessary Act, the reason why the city Albany is mentioned in it is because the limits of the city are large, extending several miles.

in

of

8. An Act to encourage the destroying of Wolves and Panthers in the Counties of Ulster Dutches and Orange: the Inhabitants of these counties finding the former Acts insufficient, this Act is past hoping it will prove more effectual. 9. An Act to revive an Act intituled an Act to prevent the penning and folding of Sheep and Neat Cattle feeding on Hempstead Plains; The Act which this revives having by experience been found beneficial, is by this continued for a longer time.

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

222 I likewise

do myself

tlie

honor

the last that receipt

I

With

they are missing,

And

all,

Time

to transcribe so as to

and they are so marked

hope they

acknowledge the

letter

End

of last

the Naval Officer's Accompts.

the Minutes of Council cannot be found by the Clercks,

them

the Minutes of Councill from

and which your Lordships in the Postcript of your

sent,

again, there has not been

I

send your Lordships the Journals of the Assembly, for the

to the thirtyeth of last month, as well as the Naturalization Roll to the

of,

October Term, If

to

me

time your Lordships acquaint

in the

I

will order

send them now.

them I

am

to

be writt over

very sure

books at the respective Times they were

sent,

I

sent

and

I

will be found.

humbly recommend myself

to

your Lordship's Protection and

am

with the highest respect

and honor,

My

Lords

Your Lordships most humble and most obedient servant

Geo

Lieutenant-Governor ClarJce [New-Tork

to the

Papers. (S. P. 0.) No.

Duke of

Newcastle.

9. p. 153.]

New York December

My

Clarke.

:

30"^ 1742.

Lord.

On

the

first

intelligence of the Spaniards having invaded Georgia, Capt" Ellis

His Maj'y' ship Gosport applyed

me

to

to assist

him

in

manning the

Commander

of

ship that he might go to

the assistance of that province, her complement being greatly decreased by desertion while she

was repairing and I

cleaning.

put on board a detachm' of

I

gave him

fifty

all

men from

the assistance

I could,

but that proving ineffectual,

the two companies in Garrison here.

Upon

his

was obliged to put in before he reached Georgia, having sprung his mast, he found orders from Capt" Warren Commander of His Maj'*'= ship Launceston to follow him to the West-Indies immediately, but not having men enough to proceed, he desired me to let him have the detachment for that Cruise, urging the necessity of his going, and the As I have nothing so prejudice it miglit be to the King's service if he should not go. much at heart as His Maj'^' service, and knowing the winter to be a sufficient guard against the approach of an enemy, and he being to return early in the spring, I granted his request, but he informing me that the number of the detachment was lessened by sickness, the sick being Capt° sent on shore, I ordered Capt° Riggs to sent other men from those comp' in their room return from Virginia where he

;

Marshall Capt"* of one of those companys, declared positively and publicly as Capt" Lieut* NicoUs informed me, that none of his men should go, unless a Commission Officer of one of

in

Command them ; this declaration I presume to think borders very mutiny and if I had been in Town, I should have put him in arrest, but being then the Country, where I have spent some part of this year for my health, he at length thought

fit

to put his

those companies went to closely on

men on

board, in wiiich circumstance

represent the Matter to your Grace.

I

I

forbore to confine him, choosing rather to

could not well spare an Officer, there being on the spot

—

—

:

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXVI.

:

223

only two Lieut" that do duty as such, one of them Capt" Rigg's and Capt° Riggs being then going to England onHisMaj'" pleasure signified to mebyS"' William Yonge.and the other the Adjutant,

but there being a Lieut' of Marines on Board the Gosport

command

the detachment, for

Corps, an

officer, tho'

humbly suppose

I

that

if

I

thought he might very properly

may command them

of none of those corps

made from

a detachment be

several

wrote to the adjutant to send me a list of the men put on board from each of those companys, and to acquaint me with what he knew of Capt" Marshall's declaring that none of his men should go on board, whose answer thereto, I do myself the honour to inclose, whereby Your Grace may ;

after this

I

to see he again at first refused to obey my order, and then complyed, wherein the temper of the Gentleman will pretty plainly appear. I could give other instances of his behaviour as bad as these, and I fear he talks so much of his being a CapL° of an independant

be pleased

company, that he has talked himself into a belief of his being altogether independant. Besides that I thought it highly for His Maj"^' service to put the detachments on board for this Cruise, especially as there are very few marines on board, it is not unprecedented, it was done in the last French warr, and has been done more than once If I have transgressed 1 humbly hope by your Grace's protection to obtain His Maj'^' pardon, but 1 presume my transgression cannot

—

excuse Capl° Marshall unless he has a right to make what terms and conditions he pleases the I do myself the honor to write to S'' Will"' Yonge on this subject.

measure of his obedience, I have laboured with all six nations, but to

my

skill

make an union

and application not only

them and

of

all

protection as a matter of the highest importance to

wherein

I

have succeeded

only prevailing means

them

yearly, to intice

Colonies,

whose

is

but

;

is,

all

His Maj'" dominions on

I

contribute a

will

Westward would

yearly, the only effectual

way

sum

shake the I

fidelity

first

of the six nations,

fear to apt to join with the

independant companyes are

it; the

to

give

sufficient

for

yearly presents. if all

This

the other

give as much, they might be treated with and presented

to retain their fidelity.

important place Oswego on the

Maj'-^'

this continent,

fear they will at length prevail unless the other

province gives about a thousand pound every two years for that service, and

Colonies to the

fidelity of the

some art and some expence to preserve them with presents, which the French never fail

them from us; and it

and retain the

will require

it

that of feeding

interest

to fix

the nations of Indians under his

I

very much apprehend the

who

much

seeing us unable to defend our possessions, will be

— His Majesties regular troops

Enemy

fate of that

rupture with France, the loss whereof will very

in this

province being four

whole but about three hundred and sixty private men; two companyes are in this town, and two at the frontiers, where there are several garrisons viz one at Schenectady of twenty men, one in the Mohawks country of twenty men, that at Oswego of twenty men (but of these last twenty there are ten from this garrison) the rest of those two companyes being posted at Albany from whence on the first rupture another fort in the

about 40 miles from Albany must be garrisoned, so that place that

men at Albany, there will be may be attacked, the invalids

Our Forts

for

number

of

want of an Engineer

fortifications are regularly

are

and strongly

the invalids are taken from the

are numerous, none being taken into Chelsea hospital. ill

design'd and

built,

number to ours. I thought beseeching Your Grace to keep me in your superior in

when

but few to march from thence to the assistance of any

it

and as

my

I

ill

am

built

;

on the contrary the French

informed the regular forces

much

duty to lay this before your Grace, humbly

— am with most profound submission — My Lord — Your Grace's — most humble, most obedient and most protection,

I

the

dutiful servant.

(signed)

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle

G

Clarke.

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

224

Lords of Trade

To

My

the Right

to the

New- York

[

Lords of

the

Treasury.

Entries M., p. 251.]

Hon"' the Lords Comraiss" of His Majesty's Treasury.

Lords,

We

have had under our consideration the Mem' of Geo

:

Clinton Esq'' His Majesty's Gov'' of

New

York referred to us the IS"" Ins' by your Lordships setting forth " that the Method used as most effectual to keep the Six Nations of Indians bordering upon New York steady to the British Interest has always been by making presents to them & that it has been usual for the Crown on the appointing a Governor of New York to make presents to these Six Nations Whereupon consisting of Goods brought for that purpose amounting in value to ^8 or 900." We take leave to acquaint Your Lordships. That in the Year 1739 the Right Hon''''= The Lords of the Committee of his Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council having referred to our consideration and Application from Geo. Clarke Esq"' Lieu' Gov'' of New York to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle relating to presents to

be

made

to the six Indian Nations

We

did report to their Lordships a state of this Matter

together with our opinion what might be proper to be done thereupon for His Majesty's Service, a copy of which report

We offices

we

take leave to annex hereunto for Your Lordships Information.

We

do not

find that

are,

My

Was

any thing

us to be the more adviseable that

We

Your Lordships

take leave further to acquaint

M''

that

upon Enquiry made

proper

at the

then done in this matter on which account

it

seems

to

Clinton's Request should be complyed with at present.

Lords,

Your Lordships most obedient and most humble Servants

MONSON M. Bladen R.

Whitehall April 28"' 174-3

Lieutenant-Governor Clarice i

to the

New-York Bundle, Gg., p. 83.

Lords of Trade.

]

New York

My I

last

Plumer

B. Kee.ne.

June the

ig'"

1743

Lords, SO"" of April the honour which came by the way of Boston.

had on the

The wall honour by the

to receive

inclosing the trading house at

to write to

Officer

your Lordsiiips about

commanding

there, that he

Act of Assembly but to no purpose

;

your Lordships

Oswego was it,

letter of the

3''

when

did

too far built

the Director of the

work was

I

of

November

my

self the

told early enough,

was going wrong and against the Directions of the

he pretended that there was not lime stone to be gotten,

LONDON DOCUMENTS and without giving himself much trouble

to search

XXVII.

:

went on

his

225

own way.

Money comes

too

grudgingly from the Assembly and at unseasonable times to have a good effect, they never think of fortifying till they apprehend the danger to be nigh, if they would before hand consider wiiat

may

be necessary

in

time of need, and lodge a sum of

money

in the

Treasury

sufficient

they might hope, upon a proper address, that his Majesty would send an Engineer to project and direct the works, but I suppose they think either that, that would be

for those purposes,

whom they now employ would lose the opportunity of getting money, thus, either a mistaken parsimony or private views, have too great an influence on their Counsels, and those Members who judge better of the Importance of the Six Nations, are out numbered by the Country Members, who are altogether ignorant of it. attended with more Expence, or that their Eriends

I have endeavoured all I could to get people to settle at Tierondequat, but in vain. The apprehension of a rupture with France deters them, and makes it absolutely necessary to secure

that important place before the rupture happens, and

preserve will

but

be glad [if

to see a garrison there,

and ready

the French possess themselves of

prevent them, will

till

something more

our Provinces from becoming a prey to the French.

all

submit

it,

those Nations (except the

all

to the

to assist in

as they

opposing

all

moment

Enemy, we do not

attempts of the

may, and doubtless

Mohocks who

French, an event of too great

effectual be done to At present the Five Nations

are the fewest in

will, if

number) must, and

not to be guarded against;

I

propose

detachment of eighty men from the four Independant Companies in this province with a Captain and two Lieutenants be posted at Tierondequat, that a proper Fort be built there, and some small Field Pieces with Ammunition &c^ sent thither both for their own defence and for that of the harbour this will not only fix the Dependance of those Nations on therefore that a

us, but

may

be a means to preserve

Oswego from

falling into the

Enemys hands, and this is The French, I own, may

the place proposed in the inclosed paper for building our Vessells,

notwithstanding by the Mastery which they have on the Lake, annoy the Southern Provinces, but they will not be able to entice the Youth of the Five Nations Expeditions, as they in their

now

to join

them

in

any of

their

do, against the inclination of the Sachims, for this will be a Bridle

Mouths. The Fort must be built and Artillery and Ammunition sent thither and the

Garrison be victualled at the King's Expence (for

it is

in vain to think

Province) until such time as provisions can be raised

in

it

will be

done by the

the Senecas Country, which, as

under the protection of the Garrison may, and I verily believe will two or three years at most, the Land being exceeding good, f^xcept only the article of Beef which will take a year or two more, in the mean time cattle may with as much ease be drove thither as they are now to Oswego. I humbly beseech your Lordships to consider it, and if it receives your Lordships approbation that you will be pleased to recommend it to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, If a more extensive scheme should at any time be resolved on, this that I now propose will greatly

Farmers

will instantly settle

be done

in

facilitate it

whereof

I

;

I

his Grace the Duke of New Castle (a Copy my thoughts on our present situation with respect to the French who how we may dispossess them of their Mastery on the Lake, cut off their

do myself the honour to lay before

here inclose)

surrounds us,

communication between Canada and Messasippi, and preserve this and the Southern Provinces, and the Indian Nations depending on them from the Intrigues and Annoyance of our natural artful Enemy. Whether prompted by

and

its

said the

most

Vol. VI.

the French or

how

otherwise incited, some young Fellows, and those

profligate of the Five Nations

29

marched

last

winter into the borders of Virginia,

;

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

226

and committed some acts of hostility, for the particulars and a more clear Information whereof, I do my self the honour to send your Lordships copies of the letters and papers relating to it. I am endeavouring to make up this breach, which the French will not fail to widen all they can, it not being improbable that they projected it, hoping thereby to dissolve the union I made of

all

means

the Indian Nations, as they do by no

The

like

following Acts being past the last Session

1

it.

do myself the honour to send them to

your Lordships. 1"

An Act

to enable the

Mayor, Recorder

&

Aldermen

of the City of Albany, and the Justices

sum

of the peace of the said city and county to raise a further finish

Act

of four hundred pounds to

&

for

compleat the Court House and Goal for the said City and County This is a necessary without it the work begun would remain unfinished and no criminals or debtors could ;

be secured. S""

An Act to apply the Sum of Four Hundred pounds for providing and furnishing the New York with fire wood and candles from the IS"" of June next to the 13"" of June

garrison in

one thousand seven hundred and forty four, last Fall,

and with no other view that

of getting a

little

money by

I

this

was unprovided

for in the

support

bill

passed

can imagine than to give the Assembly an opportunity

their sitting in the Spring for there

was no other necessity

for

their sitting then

S^

An

Act

for

explaining and rendring more effectual an Act of the Governor Council

General Assembly the City of for this I

intitled

New York

Act appears

to

make good

in the

&

an Act to oblige the Inhabitants of each particular ward within their respective

Quotas of

all

publick Taxes.

The

reason

preamble.

likewise do myself the honour to send your Lordships a printed copy of those Acts, and

And the Minutes of Council from the 17* of May 1739, which your Lordships acqu.iinted me you could not find As also the Treasurer's Accounts to the first of September 1740, being all I can get from him. General Oglethorpe having wrote to me of the Si"" of April, for some guns and shot, I have with the advice of the Council lent him fourteen twelve pounders, shot I had none to spare. the Votes of Assembly of last Session, to the 10"" of April 1742, being those

1

am

with the highest respect and honor,

My

Lords

Your Lordships most humble and most obedient Servant

The Right

Hono'""^

The Lords

of

Geo Clarke

Trade

LietUenant-Governor Clarice

to the

[New-Tork Bundle, Gg.,

DuTce of Newcastle.

p. 84.]

State of the British Provinces with respect to the French

who

surround them

Tho' it has been my duty to consult in a more particular manner the welfare of the Province ; which I have had the Honour to govern some years, yet I never took myself to be thereby discharged from carrying my thoughts to things of a more extensive nature, especially to such

LONDON DOCUMENTS:

XXVII.

227

whereon the peace and happiness of the Plantations, and the Trade of England, if not the very being of his Majesties Dominion on this Continent depend, I have often reflected on the progress that our natural Enemies the French have made in their settlements on the back Chiefly

of us,

since

peace of Utrecht, the

the

interruption of ours by the

power which

extend their settlements as

(ar

vast

increase of their Indian Trade, the

communication between Canada and Messasippi, (by means of the Lake Cadaraqui or Ontario) gives them over all the Indian Nations, living on that, and ail the other Lakes, which disembogue into Cadaraqui, and from thence into the Riverof St. Lawrence, and by what means that communication may be cut off, and those Indian Nations brought to an absolute dependance on His Majesties Provinces, who will tiiereby be possesst of a very great additional Trade, and (which is principally to be considered) be for ever secured from the annoyance of the French, and may without danger or interruption,

The French had River

back as they please.

lately three,

Tons, on the Lake Cadaraqui

their

and have now two sailing vessells, each of about 50 or 60 the North East end whereof, near the entrance into the

On

;

Lawrence, they have a small stone Fort called Frontenac, with a Garrison of about men, and on the Southwest end, near the fall of Niagra, another with the

St.

thirty or thirty five

like garrison, a trjiding

more trading houses.

house under the cover of

it,

and are

now

building there one or two

In those Vessells they carry the Soldiers Artillery,

Ammunition and and buy from the Indians; It is through this Lake they pass from Canada to Messasippi, and from thence back again to Canada: By means only of their Mastery on that Lake, it is that they have acquired, Provision to the Forts, and transport to and fro the goods they

and

still

hold their

the Indians

who

power over

all

the Indian Nations, from

Canada

are next adjoining to our Provinces, and have

sell

to

to Messasippi, except only

along been dependant on them, (of which the Five Nations or Cantons are the most considerable) and in all those they have of late gotten too great an influence, especially among the five Nations whose youth, being of a martial spirit, they intice (contrary to the Publick Engagements of those Nations) all

them in their Expeditions against the Indian Nations, subject to His Majesty, and depending on the Governments of Virginia, the two Carolina's and Georgia, who have it in their power (by their situation, if their strength were equal, as it would be, were they united to join

march of the French from Niagra to Messasippi; this the French and fearing that they may sometime or other confederate against them for that purpose, they seldom fail once a year, to attack one of those Nations while they are disjoined, and resolved)

know

to interrupt the

well,

full

thereby to extirpate, or bring them over to their Interest, and they have gone but too great a it, none of those Nations daring now to give them any Interruption and thinking

length towards

when they are not annoyed by the French. We have a trading House and men in it at Oswego, almost opposite to Fort Frontenac, which in our present inevitably fall into the hands of the French, on the first opening of a War, and

themselves happy a Garrison of situation will

with

it

the Five Nations, the only Barrier against the French to

Georgia, the

:iO

for

Body

tho they

now

intice

some of their youth

of those Nations oppose

it

all

to join

they can, and live

professing to observe inviolably their original Allyance, (or

which has subsisted ever since we

first

settled this

all

them in

the Provinces from this to

in their hostile

marches, yet

a good intelligence with us

Covenant Chain

Country, yet

if

as they phrase

Oswego be taken

it)

(as

it while the P'rench are Masters of the Lake) the Five Nations will, and must of course, submit to our Enemy, who will oblige them to assist in all their Expeditions; In which Event every one of our Provinces may be so attacked, that the Planters will be

nothing can hinder

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

228

obliged for the security of their Persons to quit

wherever they

are, or

tlieir

settlements, retire

under the cover of Forts, of which

we have

into the

Towns,

very few on the whole

Continent, or, what is worse, leave the Country to seek a living elsewhere, the consequences whereof to England are but too obvious, and this the Enemy will more easily do, as they have a line of Forts from Canada to Messasippi. As a remedy for these Evils, which are almost as great as can befall the Nation, I propose that a Regiment of eight hundred men be sent from England (or if half the number of private

men

be sent, the other half

Ammunition, and posted

I

for building of Vessells, there

Harbour be

fortifyed

believe

may

in the Sineca's

be raised here) with an Engineer, Artillery, and

Country on the Lake Cadaraqui,

at a proper

Harbour

being more than one of sufficient Depth of Water, That the

and barracks erected

for the

men, Tliat there be then built two or three whereof a few sailors, and a sufficient

Vessells of superior Force to those of the French, on board

number

of soldiers being put with the proper officers,

we may

take, sink or otherwise destroy

the French Vessells, and then easily take their Forts on the Lake, and for ever hinder them

from building more on those shores, or any vessells on the Lake nor (if they should build any in the River of St. Lawrence) can they carry them against that rapid stream into the Lake. The Consequences whereof will be of the greatest moment. All our Colonies from this to Georgia will be secure from the incursions of the French in the time of War, The Indians depending on the Governments of Virginia, Carolina and Georgia, who are now almost every year attacked by the French, and their Indians will live unmolested: All the Indian Nations living on or near the Lakes,

and

all

those over

whom

the French at present have a very great

power, will no sooner hear of our Conquests, than they will submit

with

The Five Nations

to,

and trade altogether

no longer be divided by French Intrigues, but will be absolutely at our Devotion, and the Trade and Influence of our Enemy will be confined to the Cold Country of Canada, which will scarce be worth keeping, and to the Banks of the River us.

will

Messasippi, Nay, no sooner will the Five Nations see us Masters on the Lake, than they will assist us to take the two Forts of Frontenac, and Niagara, for they are now complaisant to the

French only through Fear, knowing them to be a treacherous and enterprising people. It was I presnme to think, a very great Oversight, to suffer the French to build those two Forts and I am perswaded if it had been strongly and rightly represented by the Governors of this and the other Provinces a stop would have been put to

Five Nations

(

it. Those Forts being built on the Lands of the whose native and conquered countries encompass the Lake on the shore whereon

they are built) to

who by

the IS"" Article of the Treaty of Utrecht are explicitely

be subject to the dominion of Great Britain,

I

am

sensible that

acknowledged

by the same Article

it is

That both the English and French shall have a free Intercourse for Trade with all the Indians and the Indians with them, let them enjoy it (when we are Masters of the Lake) in the like manner that ours is now carried on, viz* By Canoes and small rowing Boats, but I am prety sure that when the French yoke is taken off their necks, the Indians will no longer trade with them, for the English Manufactures are much better, and they prefer them to French stipulated

goods,but supposing that they should than they

now

or the Indians,

still

trade with them,

do, and besides they cannot then

now

march

and of old depending on them.

Canada supply Messasippi,

in

it

will be in a

any numbers

An Event

smaller proportion

to disturb

our Provinces,

of the highest importance, nor can

or Messasippi, Canada, with forces or merchandize in time of need:

Before the French begun to build the Fort at Niagara, which cajoled

much

some few of the young fellows

is

about twenty years ago, they

of the Five Nations, to give

them permission

to build a

LONDON DOCUMENTS trading

House

there, but so soon

Nations, they resented to build,

and offered

it,

as

it

:

XXVII.

229

reached the ears of the Sachims or Rulers of those

acquainted the Governor of this Province, that the French had begun

to join

any force he should send

to

demolish the works, and to drive the

was unhappily neglected incouraged by their success there, they did, about twelve years ago, erect another fort, and much stronger (on the Lands likewise of the Five Nations) at a place called the Crown Point, about 160 miles from Albany, between that and Canada. In that part of the Country where the Senecas chiefly dwell, and where I propose our vessells should be built, and the Regiment quartered, the Climate is temperate, and the Lands exceeding fertile, so tiiat in three years time from their going thither, provisions of all kinds (sufficient for the Regiment and Vessells) may be raised. Except only Beef, which will require a year or two more, in the mean time Cattle may be drove thither from the County of Albany, with as much ease as they now are to the Garrison at Oswego, and no sooner will the Regiment march towards it, than Farmers will go thither under their cover to settle The Five in that Country, being sure both of protection, and of a market for what they raise. Nations being acknowledged by the Treaty of Utrecht to be subject to the Dominion of Great Britain, and the Lake lying in their Country, it being surrounded by their Lands, I humbly submit it, whether we have not a Right, even before a Rupture to assume the Dominion French from thence, but

thereof,

and

especially

to

when they

see the

When we

;

destroy the Forts the French have built in the country of those Cantons,

we have

if

this

their concurrence, of

which and of their assistance

too, I

make no

doubt,

Regiment among them.

have thus vindicated our right and established our dominion on the Lake, the

Regiment may then be employed

in the reduction of the Fort at the Crown point, wherein, if we may I believe have assistance from the Provinces of Massachusets Bay, and New Hampshire, who have settlements not far from thence, and who claim the lands adjoining

there be need,

and one of them even that whereon the fort is built. something else (of which I own I can think of nothing so effectual) be not soon done to put a stop to the French Encroachments farewell to the English Colonies and to that most valuable Trade of the Nation. to

it,

If this or

If ever

it

be thought adviseable

to

attempt again to take Canada, the dispossessing the French

Lake and of the Fort at the Crown point, will greatly facilitate the Enterprize, but before we begin that work, I presume to think we ought to take Cape Breton, a Place well fortifyed, and from whence the French can annoy our Fishery at Newfoundland, and guard their own navigation to and from Canada, That place is such a Thorn in the sides of the New England people, that its very probable a large body of men may be raised there to assist in any such design. And if proper Officers are sent from England in the Summer to exercise them, they may by the ensuing spring be well disciplined, as all their Youth are expert in the use of fire arms, from the unrestrained liberty of Fowling, which obtains in all the Provinces, and I conceive the Spring is the most proper season to attack the place, before the Men of Warr and Fishing Vessells come from France, for in the Winter they have few men of their Mastery on the

except the Garrisons, and Boston being a proper Port for our Fleet to harbour in the Winter, we may block up the Harbour of Breton before the ships from France can come upon the coast.

New York

1743

(Endorsed) ReC* with

M"'

Clarke's LetU of the lO"" June 1743.

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

230

Governor Gooch

to

Lieutenant-Governor

[\ew-Tork Bundle.

N"

1.

Dear

Sir

You

how

Clarice.

Gg., p,S5. No. 1.]

will find

by the inclosed Copy of a

letter I received the last

barbarously our Inhabitants in a Settlement beyond

week, from our Frontiers,

Mountains have been insulted and

tiie

As the Murder committed in this cruel skirmish when, in the same disposition with the Government of Maryland, We intended to send Commissioners to treat with the six Nations in order to settle and to satisfie in an amicable maimer, their demands, we are the most alarmed, especially, as you will see in the letter, there were white men among them, supposed to be French, who must be incited by other motives, than an equivalent for land. In such desperate circumstances, our attackt by a Party of the Northern Indians.

happened

at the time,

People being daily exposed to the like cruel usage, our Councils, not

to

it

appear a laudable Impatience in

will

wait for your annual meeting of the Sachims, and accordingly

agreed to desire the favour of your Interposition and good

offices to

Nation that party belongs, that dared to treat His Majesties subjects oulragious a manner. delight in nothing so

Not that we expect any other

much

satisfaction

as shedding of blood, than the giving of

it

has been

discover for us, to what in

so

insolent

and

from Savages bred up

to

them speedy Information

of our Resentment. I

am

also desired to

Government it is they of money, they expect

beg the favour of you

enquire of the Chiefs what part of this

to

and where the lands lay they pretend to claim, with the sum exchange, and to procure their explicit answer. For we are very

dispute, in

willing upon reasonable terms to purchase our safety and free ourselves for the future from the

men void of humanity. What expence you are at for Messengers &c^ on this occasion will be thankfully repaid, and the sooner you send me an answer to these premisses, the greater obligation it will be to all the desperate attempts of

Gentlemen of the Council, but

to

no one more than

Dear

Sir

Your most obed' humble Jan

3''

&

very

serv'

Will. Gooch

174#

Colonel Patton to

Governor Gooch.

Augusta County IS Dec. 1742. Hon'' Sir

A parcel of Indians appeared in a hostile manner among us killing and carrying off horses &c* Capt. John Buchanan and Capt. John McDowell came up with them this day and sent a man with a signal of peace to them, which man they killed on the spot and fired on our men which was returned with bravery,

in

about forty

five

Minutes the Indians

fled leaving eight or

men dead on the spot, and eleven of our men are dead amongst which is Captain McDowell, we have sundry wounded. Last night I had account of the Indians behaviour, and imediatly traveled towards them with a party of men and came up within two or three hours

ten of their

LONDON DOCUMENTS after the battle

was

over.

I

have summoned

all

the

:

men

XXVII. in

231

our County together in order to

prevent them from doing any further damage, and (but by God's assistance) to repell them force

by

force,

We

hear of

many

Indians on our P'rontiers.

and Assistance both as to ammunition and men. the enemy,

I

have not

now

The

I

beg your Honours Directions

particulars of the battle and motions of

time to write you, I

am Y''

Honours m' obed'

serv'

James Patton P. S.

There are some white men supposed to be French amongst the Indians. Our people are full of spirits and hope tiieir behaviour will show it for the future, not being any way daunted by what has happened. To the Hono"''' Will"' Gooch Esq-- fcc

uneasy, but

lAeutenant- Governor Clarice [

to

the

New-York Bundles,

Commissioners of Indian Affairs. Gg., p. 85. No. 2.]

N»2. Flushing April the

S"-

1743.

Gentlemen, I received a letter from the Governor of Virginia of the 3''of January, with one him from Coll" Patton of the IS"* of December, on the unhappy skirmish between the Indians and some of the people of Virginia, copies whereof I send you, whereby you will perceive that the Indians were the aggressors, and that the Government of Virginia resent it warmly; By the Governor's letter I find there is something of a demand from the Indians (I suppose part of the si.\ nations) for lands, which the Goverments of Virginia and Maryland intended to send Commissioners to treat with them about, in order to satisfy them. If that be the Indians pretence, they ought to have waited for an Answer from those Governments, if they made any demand, as I find they did on the Government of Maryland by their treaty with the Governour of Pensilvania last year, but the Government of Virginia is not mentioned by them in that Treaty, and yet the hostility committed by them is on the people of Virginia, how they will excuse it I cannot see, however I desire you will give the Interpreter Orders to go forthwith to them giving him instructions to expostulate with them on this their unwarrantable conduct, to know who those white men are who were with that party of Indians, and to know, from them, what part of Virginia it is they dispute, and where the Land lies that they pretend to, and what sum of money or goods they expect in Exchange, and to give me a full and plain and direct answer, which I will acquaint the Governour of Virginia with. You will direct the Interpreter to let them know that I am amazed at their barbarous and treacherous proceeding. That if they had any such demands on those Governments, or any grievance to complain of, they ought to have acquainted me with it, and I would have negotiated the matter, and have endeavoured to have made it up in an amicable manner. That I expect they will keep their people at home, and if they send me their demands for the Lands, that they wait

This minute

to

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

232

patiently for an answer, which considering the distance of their country to this place and from

hence I

to Virginia will take

am

up a considerable time

to adjust the matter.

informed they took from Oswego the two Indians you sent to reside there, in order to

bring you Intelligence of any extraordinary occurrences, this surprized

You be so

at,

will

will give

me an

account

is

a piece of conduct

I

am

of.

in your Instructions to the Interpreter, that their answer may you of how much consequence it is that these things should be mutual satisfaction, you will readily conceive it.

be

too, I

adjusted to

and expect they full

and particular

need not

tell

I

am Gentlemen &c*

Geo Clarke

Commiss"'" for Indian Affairs.

Commissioners of Indian Affairs [

N"

New-Tork Bundle,

to

Lieutenant- Governoi' Clarice.

Gg., p. 85. No.

3. ]

3.

Albany

May

it

Honour to your Honour of

20«''

March 174§

please your

Since our last

the 21^* of February,

We

have not been honoured with

any of your Favours, and have now only to inform your Honour that we have thought proper as you will perceive, by the inclosed minutes, to send the Interpreter to Onondage being informed by the Mohawks that a General Meeting of the Six Nations was to be held at Onondage, at the desire of some people from Philadelphia, We inclose your Honour the Orders to the Interpreter & the ansvper he brings us back, to which we beg leave to refer, it seems the Indians are in General very uneasy about the affair at the back of Virginia, The people from the Senecas Country write us that one of their principal Sachims is sent to

we gave

Ottowawe to desire those Indians not go a hunting, but to stay at home Castles, Your Honour will perceive best by the Run of this whole affair, Six Nations are at present.

We

to take care of their in

what humour the

have nothing in particular to add at present but remain

Your most humble servants Myndert Schuyler Z%o. De Peyster JoHANNis Lansing Jun' Stevanus Groesbeeck Nicholas Bleecker Cornelius Cuyler

Rutger Bleecker Ten Eyck Dirck Ten Brock Ryer Gerritse

Hend''

Ed. Collins

LONDON DOCUMENTS At

XXVII.

:

a Meeting of the Commissioners of Indian Affairs at

Present

—

A Mohawk

Albany 7 March 174J

Winne

Capt. Rutherford

Peter

Cornelius Cuyler

Rutger Bleeker

Myndert Schuyler

Nicholas Bleeker

Ten Eyck

John De Peyster

Hend''

Indian came with seven hands of

233

wampum

to acquaint

Board that the

tliis

two other men from Philadelphia were come to Onondage to speak with the That the Mohawks therefore desire our Interpreter may be sent up with them to

Interpreter and six Nations.

hear what shall pass at that meeting.

This

Board resolved that the Interpreter go

Onondage, and that he

to

observe

the

following Orders. M""

Jacobus Bleeker

You

where we hear that some people from Philadelphia are arrived and when you come there you are to inform yourself what those people shall propose to the Sachims of the Six Nations and what answer will be given them. You are to tell the Sachims of the Six Nations at Onondage, that we are sorry that such a sorrowfull Accident has happened at the back of Virginia, between some English & a party of are to go to Onondage,

to treat with the Six Nations,

their people, that

but by

common

we have

not yet got a certain account of that matter,

report, that as soon as

we

shall

know

& know

the certainty thereof

we

nothing of will

it

acquaint

them therewith, and that We hope it will not be the occasion of a breach in the Treaties between them, & any of his Majesties English Subjects, But that upon the whole, we desire that they will not be uneasy about it, nor take any resolution without the Advice and Consent [of] us their Brethren, Whereupon you are to give them this belt of Wampum.

At a Meeting

of the

Present

Commissioners of Indian Affairs

—

to

Hend''

John Lansingh Rutger Bleeker John De Peyster

his Instructions

Onondage brings

174'|

Ten Eyck

Nicholas Bleeker

Interpreter being returned from

That according

Albany 20 March

Cornelius Cuyler,

Myndert Schuyler Dirk Ten Brock

The

at

the following Account.

he went up to Onondage, but that the people from

Philadelphia had not been there, but had sent a message to Onondage to speak with the Six Nations, upon which account this meeting had been called, which was broak up before he

came came he called all the Sachims together, & according to his orders enquired from them what had been proposed to them by the Government of Pensilvania, & what answer they had made thereto, To which they Answer'd. That the Pensilvania people had desired that the Traders of their Province might go & come & trade as usual unmolested of the six Nations! And That tiie six Nations should come to Philadelphia to receive payment of some land, which the Proprietor has from them for whicii they are not yet paid. there, that as soon as

Vol. VI.

30

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

234 That they breach

whence

And

it

desire that

their

in

with the Virginia people should not be any occasion of any

tlie affair

Covenant Chain,

for that

proceeded, but that as soon as

that they had given

they had no hand in

knew

it,

them the following answer.

And

kindly wherever they meet them,

And

it,

that they will not in

And

would go.

know from

That they will treat their people any wise molest them. And that

they could not this year go to Philadelphia by reason of the misfortune that the next year they

did not

they would inform the six Nations.

to the

Southward, but

that they will not be the occasion of a breach in the

Covenant Chain but that they will do their part to preserve the same entire. That then he the Interpreter communicated to the Sachims the Remainder of what he was ordered. To which they answered. That they thanked their Brethren for what had been said, & do not doubt but their Brethren would use their endeavour to make up the breach, between them and the Virginia people, which they had concluded in their General Meeting to do, if the Virginia people are so inclined, that it

shall not

till

farther

be wanting of their

news from

And

side.

We

Virginia,

that they will not

make themselves uneasy about

it,

expect our Brethren will inform us what the Governour

know

And

Covenant Chain, they them to break it. Nor will they suffer any of their people to go a fighting nor even to go from home, on any account, but to stay at home to take care of their Castles and Families. The Interpreter informs this Board that as the Indians tell the story of the Fight to the Southward, the English fired first upon them & that four Indians were killed, & that the other twenty six are all returned home, their party having consisted of 30, that eight English were killed. And two much wounded, they computed the English to have been of Virginia intends to do, as soon as they shall

promise

to

keep

about forty in

it

inviolable,

&

it.

as to the

that no Intriegues of the Devil himself shall induce

all.

Commissioners of Indian Affairs [

New-York Bundle,

to

Lieutenant-Governor

Gg., p. 86. No.

Clarice.

4. ]

N°4. Albany

May

it

We

IS"" Aprill

1743.

please your Honour.

received your Honour's letter of the

5""

Instant with copies of Coll. Gooch's

Patton's letters, concerning the Skirmish and Murder at the Back of Virginia.

&

Coll.

The demand

your Honor mentions of some of the Nations to some lands in Virginia, is we conceive only imaginary, having never heard any such-thing from them, And had any such thing been, they would doubtless have mentioned it since this affair happened, but nothing of that sort has ever been in the least hinted at by them. And should we now send the Interpreter to know from

them what lands they claim in Virginia, according to Coll. Gooch's desire. We humbly conceive it would be furnishing them with a pretence & excuse they have never yet thought of. What Coll. Gooch mentions of white men that are supposed to have been with the Indians, we take that to be a mistake which has no doubt proceeded from some mongrel Indians that were in the party.

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXVII.

235

We

wrote j'our Honour the 20"' March and sent inclosed our Minutes containing the answer the Interpreter brought from Onondage. wliich we suppose your Honour had not received when your last to us was wrote, Your Honour will thereby perceive that the six Nations are inclined to reconcile the matter with the people of Virginia,

Interpreter to the Indians

till

we

shall

We

have therefore deferred sending the receive your Honour's farther orders, thinking that he

would not get any other answer from them than we have already had, We conceive it would That Coll. Gooch desire your Honour to reconcile the matter, the best and cheapest way. and then your Honour, if you shall think proper, can order us to make it up in such a manner as your Honour shall think fit, Which will likewise be the less troublesome to your Honour. If this receives your Honors approbation, we humbly conceive it would be the most proper that we, as soon as we receive notice thereof, should send the Interpreter to the six Nations, to desire that one or two of their Sachims come down here about the time your Honour can have an answer from Coll. Gooch concerning this matter. Which we hope will be as soon as possible for if a French warr should in the mean time break out it would be more difficult to adjust this or any other difference We doubt not but Coll. Gooch will repay us the charges we must necessarily be at herein. We have several Accounts that the six Nations have sent to the farr Indians in covenant with them, to desire them to be at home and ready to assist them The French also are continually using all arts and means to foment and in case of need.

widen differences of this sort, so that, should this matter not be made up in an amicable manner. But Hostilities renewed or continued, the consequences might be very terrible, however, we submit all with the greatest respect to your Honour. We have sent the Interpreter to the

Mohawks,

to

send from thence an Indian to the Six Nations to desire the Sachims to them the repeated promises they have made to keep home their

stay at home, and to renew to

men, and

fighting

the

to

inform tliem that the Interpreter will be at Onondage in about 20 days, in

mean time we hope

observed,

We

to

May

Hono'''''

have your Honours further Orders which

have nothing more it

at present,

please your

punctually be

Honour Your very humble servants Ph. Livingston

John Rutherford Myndert Schuyler Abraham Cuyler NiCOLAES BlEEKER Johannis Lansing Jun""

George Clarke Esq'

Lieutenant-Governor Clarice

to the

[Now- York Bumllc,

No.

shall

But that we are

Commissioners of Indiaii Affairs. Gg., p. 86. No. 5.]

5.

New

York, April the

27"' 1743.

Gentlemen, Yesterday six

I

received your letter of the IS"' Instant, and altho you are of opinion that the

Nations lay no claim to any lands in Virginia, and that the mentioning such a thing to them

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

236

furnish them with a pretence, yet if you had sent the luerpreter and instructed him to have demanded the cause of the march and hostilities committed by their young men, he would have collected from their answer whether they make any such claim or no, if they do not, he might then have expostulated with them on their killing the cattle and horses and afterwards

may

killing the

man whom

Capf

Capt" Buchannon and

INPDowell sent to the Indians with a signal

of peace and afterwards firing on the party and killing that the Indians

were the Aggressors.

which includes

all

pretend their

his

many

of them, from

this is a notorious

Majesties Subjects of whatsoever

whence

it is

evident

breach of the Covenant Chain

Province they are, That

if

they

make warr or to molest any Indians to the Southward that that is Union made in 1740 and confirmed by the six Nations last year for which

men went

an infraction of the

That

to

they ought to punish those Indians, that the Governments to the Southward, and their Indians depended on the faith of that union, resolving on their part to observe it inviolably and are

much

surprized that the six Nations should attempt in that treacherous

That, however,

Government of Virginia

that action the

manner

to dissolve

it,

the six Nations disclaim their knowledge and express their abhorrence of

if

I

hope

will

come

to such a

temper as may heal the

Nations will for the future restrain their youth from such unwarrantable actions and excursions, upon this foot I would (and should have hopes of success) breach,

especially

my

interpose till

this

if

good

be done

I

the

six

offices to

know

appease the just resentment of the Government of Virginia, and

not what to write to Governour Gooch,

You

will perceive that Coll.

lands in that country, but this

Gooch does but is

is

it

that you send the Interpreter so instructed to the six Nations that

I

therefore

still

may know what

necessary so say.

just hint at the Indians pretending to claim

some

certain that the Indians did last year at Philadelphia complain

Westward of that Province did settle on some of their lands without making any purchase of them, Governour Thomas understood they meant the people of Maryland by his telling them he would write to the Governour of that Province about it,

that some people to the

till that matter be cleared up the seeds of discontent will remain, and if I knew where these lands lie J could then write to the Governors about them, you may perceive that the Government of Virginia is disposed if the Indians have any just claims to those lands to adjust that matter, but as for the Hostility they seem determined to do themselves justice, however I would Mn make up all matters between them, to which end it is absolutely necessary that the Interpreter be sent that I may know more fully the Indians pretences, their

wherefore certainly

sentiments of this insult and their future intentions, such treacherous hostilities are not to be suffered, and if this business be not made up, and the Indians do not for the future desist from the like, the consequences will be very bad,

And you

will instruct the Interpreter to represent

manner as may make them sensible that that hostility committed by them at a time when all the Governments and the Indian nations depending on them looked upon themselves and the six Nations as inviolably united in the Covenant Chain,

things to the six nations in such a

was an Act myself

of the highest treachery

to believe that the

not, they ought openly

&

&

breach of

explicitly to disclaim

prevent the like for the future, which in to

of

come Upon tlie

faith, I

could not, nor can

Sachims were consenting or privy

my

it,

to

I

hardly yet bring

to that Excursion, if

punish the offenders and by

all

they were

means

to

opinion can only be done by forbidding the French

into their country.

the whole you will perceive that the

injury,

attonement

for

and it

if

Government

of Virginia has a sharp resentment

the Indians do not (as undoubtedly they

in a suitable

manner,

it

may

I fear

were the Aggressors) make ill consequences, wherein

produce very

LONDON DOCUMENTS this

and

soon as If

tlie

all

Endeavours

237

may be involved, Wherefore T would have you use your utmost and that speedily, the Governour of Virginia desiring an answer as

Provinces

to effect

may

XXVII.

:

it,

be.

the Interpreter finds they claim any lands in Virginia and Maryland he

they are, where they

is

to

know what

and what they demand for them as in Governor Gooch's letter, he should likewise inform himself whether there were any white men in that party & who lie

they are. If the

some of

Indians upon conference with the Interpreter upon the matters mentioned, will depute

Sachims

their

to treat

with you about them at Albany

Commissioners

for Indian Affairs.

[New-Tork Bundle. Gg.,p. ,f

No.

shall like

it

very well.

Gentlemen &c.

Lieutenant-Governor Clarhe

;

I

am

I

Governor Gooch.

to 87.

No.

6.

]

6.

New

f

York,

_

Dear

Sir,

On

the

May

the 2^ 1743.

5"" of the last month I had the honour to receive your letter of the S"" of January, would have acknowledged sooner, had I foreseen that it will take more time to get an Answer from the Sachims of the six Nations than I then apprehended; I have ordered the Interpreter to go to them with Instructions what to do in this unhappy business, and so soon

which

I

you with the Negotiation, hoping that matters maybe so managed in the Covenant Chain as its called, for it may be very fatal if an open rupture should ensue, and they be thereby driven to the necessity of throwinothemselves into the arms and power of our natural Enemy the French, who only want the advantage of such an event to open an uninterrupted way to annoy all the Colonies and render as he returns

I

will acquaint

as to heal the breach that

is

made

the Settlements therein very precarious,

if not to drive the Planters from thence into the towns or under the cover of forts, for its very evident that the six Nations are the present and only restraint they have. This Consideration I am perswaded will induce you

shelter of

rather to listen to overtures of Reconciliation than to the sanguine impulses of revenge, just soever your resentment be, you

make

may

be assured

I

will

do

all

the Sachims sensible of this treacherous hostility intreating

for the Result,

and

to

be assured that

I

am

that lies in

you

wait a

how

power

little

to

longer

very sincerely

Dear

The Honourable Governor Gooch

to

my

Sir &c.

Geo. Clarke

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

238

Minute of

the

Proceedings of the Commissioners of Indian Affairs. [

At a Meeting of

tlie

New-York Bundle,

Gg., p. S7. No. 7.]

Commissioners of Indian

Affairs

the

2"*

of

May

1743 at the City

of Albany.

Present

—

Myndert Schyler

Reyer Gerritse

Rutger Bleeker

Abraham Cuyler

John De Peyster

John Rutherford John Lansingh.

Cornelis Cuyler Dircii Tliis

Ten

Brooli.

Board sent the Interpreter to Onondage with the following Message

to the

Sachims of

the six Nations of Indians

Brethren

According to the promise the Commiss" of Indian Affairs made

to the Sachims of the Albany in February last, in the name of the six Nations, with a Belt of Wampum, to speak with them concerning the unhappy affairs between some of His Majesties English Subjects and a party of your people at the back of Virginia, I am now sent to inform you that your Brother our Governour has received a letter from the Governor of Virginia with another from a Colonel who was but a few miles from the place where that affair happened and who doubtless was well informed thereof. He says that a party of Indians of ihe Six Nations appeared upon their frontiers in a hostile manner and killed and carried away horses &c" upon which tlie Inhabitants of tiiat neiglibourhood went with their arms for their own security to know from those Indians what migiit be the meaning or reason of their thus treating the English, with whom you had so lately entered into a more strict alliance than ever by the Treaty made at Albany with our Governour in 1740, And accordingly when they came up

Mohawks who came

with them, on the

to

18"" of

December they

sent a

man

with a signal of peace to them,

who

they

upon the spott and then fired upon the other English without any manner of provocation, whereupon the people of Virginia, out of a principle of self preservation were obliged to return the fire. Now we have performed our promise in giving you a true and exact account of killed

this affair.

Gave a Belt of

Wampum

Brethren of Indian affairs have further ordered me to tell you That they think ashamed and confused when you hear that among those people who so lately and so solemnly took into the Covenant Chain all His Majesties subjects to the Southward, and unite yourselves with them so as to become one flesh and blood, there should yet be such false, treacherous base wretches as those are who have committed this horrid barbarous murder, And that they are confident this affair will be resented by you the Sachims, Who we doubt not but were ignorant of this matter. But that now you must certainly believe that all what those Indians have said about the English attacking them first is notoriously false, for that they killed the man who was sent to speak with them with a token of peace in his hand, And people who

The Commissioners

you

can't but be

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXVII.

:

239

will be guilty of such cruel actions, can not certainly be believed a

word they sny, for as cruel would make them blush to own it. Tiie Goveriiour of Virginia has desired our Governor that he would demand of you the reasons of this Transaction and that he would let him know as soon as possible what your answer is, for that he is amazed at such treatment and does not know what to think of it, That he can't think of any reason that has been given you to use his people in such a manner especially since all the Governments to the Southward had so lately entered into a a more strict alliance with you than ever, by the Treaty of Union in 1740, Which they all have and always would have observed inviolable. If you had any reason to be disgusted at the people of Virginia, you should have acquainted as they are, there

is

yet so

much shame

left

as

us therewith that we might in a peaceable manner have obtained satisfaction for you, and if you have any thing as yet to say against them, We desire you will let us know what it is. It is your indispensable duty to express your abhorrence of this affair, and to keep your men for the future at home, which we also expect you will do. You know very well that your

people broke the Covenant Chain in going to fight to the Southward whether they intended against English or Indians, So that you ought to desire our Governour to intercede for

make up

to

this

breach with the Governor of Virginia, which

we doubt

not but he will

it

you and do upon

the intercession of our Governor. M''

Bleecker

you can hear from the Sachims that they claim any lands to the Southward, you are to lie and what they demand for them in satisfaction. And also enquire whether any white people were among the party. If

enquire where they

The -

Interpreter being returned from

Sachims there as he was ordered.

Onondage Reports

And

that they

to this Board that he had said answered him as follows.

to the

Brethren

We

now according to our Desire of you heard what has your Ears of the sorrowfull accident between some of our Brethren of Virginia and some of our people, You tell us that you are informed that our people were the aggressors. That come

the Sachims of the Six Nations have

to

men came in a hostile manner and killed their Cattle and that our Men killed the man sent by our brethren with a Token of Peace in his hand, and that then the Virginia people were our

obliged to defend themselves.

If these things are so,

then

we

are certainly greatly to blame.

But on the contrary our men say That they have been very hardly used by our Brethren of Virginia, who took some days time to get themselves ready to destroy us, which the event proves they would have done had it been in their power, and that only for killing a few cattle, which we do not deny to have done for our subsistance, And that all we did kill one Hog, one Calf and one Horse and we took away one Cask Syder, this is all the damage of which the Virginia people so much complain to have been done before the Engagement.

When we soon as

we

passed thro' Pensylvania

house to the fired

upon

we were

entered into Virginia Government

treated very kindly by the Inhabitants, but as

we

observed a different behaviour from the

And when we had passed them we were overtaken by this that most certainly we can't be the Occasion of this mischief.

last,

us, so

The Governour

of \"irginia

never given us any reason

for

demands from us the reason of using such usage,

We

say that

we have

party

his people thus

ill,

who

first

first

he having

no reason to be disgusted at

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

240 him or his people would have made all

the mischief

We

or for using

known

it

we have

to

them

ill,

and

if

we had any

pretensions upon

our Brother the Governor of

New

York,

We

him any way, we now told you

have

how we have been used for killing a few cattle. men ought not to have gone there, and do

done, and

the Sachims do acknowledge that our

declare

and authority that none should go a fighting and that those that went did go without our knowledge or consent which is all that we can say or do. We are inclined to make up this breach in the Covenant Chain and are willing to come to Albany for that purpose whenever we shall have notice of the time that shall be most But we would be very glad that the Governor of Virginia was himself present, convenient. that

we have

used

all

when we should have more

our

skill

opportunity face to face to talk more fully of this matter

Gave a

The

Belt.

who

is

half Indian

&

half Christian

was with them who had blue eyes which

the occasion of the mistake.

Commissioner's of Indian Affairs [

No.

New-York Bundle,

to

Lieute7iant-Governor Clarice.

Gg., p. 88. No.

S. ]

8.

Albany

May

to reconcile

Indians told the Interpreter that there were not any white people in the party, but that

a young fellow

was

&

effectually.

it

We

please your

30,

May

1743.

Honor

your Honoures

month and have according to your Onondage with instructions conformable to your Honor's directions, which are here inclosed, and also the Answer which the Sachims of the Six Nations made thereto, your Honor will perceive thereby that the six Nations do not make any pretence on any lands in the Government of Virginia, But on the contrary declare that they had not any reason to abuse the people there, or to be any ways displeased with them. And that after using their utmost endeavours, it was not in their power to stop their people from going to fight to the Southward. But yet it seems by their Answer that they think the Virginia people used their men very ill in following them in a hostile manner only for killing a few cattle and in firing upon them thrice, as they say, before they returned it, they say farther that the OflScer which is left alive knows what they say to be truth, and that he could not deny it in their presence. But upon the whole the Sachims are inclined to make up the breach and to come to Albany for that purpose at any time that shall be fixed upon. But desire earnestly that the Governor of Virginia may be present. have

rec'd.

letter of the 27"* of last

Honor's orders sent the Interpreter up

It is certainly of

some way

to

the greatest consequence to

all

the Northern colonies that this affair should

which way to bring it about Gooch should either come himself or send a deputy here (which your Honour knows is the only place where our Indians will treat of publick affairs) in order to a reconciliation and at the same time we imagine that if a few of

we do

or other be reconciled, and that in a very short time,

not know.

But think

it

would be best

that Collo.

LONDON DOCUMENTS those Southern Indians were brought along agninst that

it

would induce our Indians

your Honour

to

have a

in their behalf in 1740,

XXVII.

:

whom

241

our Indians have so long warred,

to the treaty of peace made with be not settled in a short time we are very

stricter regard

If this affair

apprehensive some barbarous and faithless Indians living scattering from

go and murder upon the frontiers of Virginia, which

is

tiieir castles will

again

not in our power to prevent,

we

have already had certain information that a party of seven such rascals living near Schaweno have lately been upon tiie march, but were stopped by a Castle of Cayouges, who lived that way, we have sent a message by two Indians who were here upon their own Business, to desire the Sachims about

Shaweno

way, which we believe they

What we have

to stop

we submit

said

any party of Indians who may be so wicked

as to

go that

will very readily do.

to

your Honors wiser judgment and can say no more but affair may be brought to speedy Issue by some

express our earnest desire that this unhappy

means or

ther,

which

if it

be not done will prove the greatest

We

are your

evil to this land that it

ever

felt.

Honors most humble and most obed' servants

Myndert Schuyler John De Peyster JoHANNis Lansing jun' Nicholas Bleeker Hon'''^

RuTGER Bleeker Stephanus Groesbeeck.

George Clarke Esq'

Lieutenant-Governor Clarhe [

No.

New-York Bundle, Gg.,

to p. 88.

Governor Gooch. No.

9. ]

9.

New York June

the 16. 1743.

Sir I

have

length, for

at

Nations, vphich

much you

will

I

will not

I

now

it

has taken up a good deal of time, gotten an answer from the Six I will forbear to make many reflections on it, only this

send to you

venture to say. That as be hasty

to

the Colonies in a warr, which in

procure to our natural

The Sachims you

it

is

a matter of very great importance,

may lead to widen its consequences may plunge them

take any steps that

enemy

see (and

the French, I

am

youth from these Excursions, but part to preserve the union

I

what they

well assured of it

made and

is

a breach that

am persuaded may involve all I

into inexlricahle miseries,

and

are incessantly labouring to accomplish.

it)

endeavour

all

they can to restrain their

next to impossible, the Nations are resolved on their

will be sorry to see

it

violated by a sharp resentment of

it by hunger) government they have no coercive power: reason and persuasion being their only authority. Your people and they differ widely in an essential point, viz' Who fired first, be that as it will, I hope some amicable end will be made of the business, & next to your treating with them in person, 1 realy think your sending some prudent person

the injuries committed by a few of their licentious youth (and they forced to

over

whom

Vol. VI.

by the nature of

their

31

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

242

with one or two of each Indian Nation depending on Virginia, Carolina & Geogia to Albany, there to treat with the Six Nations, will have a very happy effect not only in healing this We are not I presume to insist on punctilio's breach, but for preventing the like for the future.

we are to consider them as they are or may be usefull or prejudicial to us, and you look upon them in that light, they will appear to be the best barrier, against Canada, to all the Provinces, Wherefore I think we ought to preserve their friendship by all the means we can. If we lose them and the French gain them what will become of all the Povinces is but too obvious to every one, especially to your penetraction, Wherefore I forbear to say [any] more

with such people if

and

will conclude

with assuring you that

am

I

Dear

Sir &c.

Governor Gooch

Governor Oglei/wrpe [

to

Now -York

Lieutenant-Governor

Clarice.

Bundle, Gg., p. 89.]

Frederica in Georgia Aprill the 22* 1743 Sir I

'

am

to return

attack ours, to

you thanks

whom

_ _

for

your Advices relating

your notice got timely up.

to the

French and Indians intending

The Creeks

(for the design

to

was against

them) are extremely thankful for the Intelligence, & have taken all measures for their defence, and, I believe, their march being discovered, will for some time stop their attempting any

The Creeks have defeated one of their small parties which were Choctaws, and some Howakeeas, They have also taken one pryber who has been some time attempting to set up a town of fugitives, they intercepted him going to the Spaniards and French, and took a great Our Enemies are labouring part of his papers upon him, and brought him and them to me. to stir up the Indians against us, maintaining correspondences, and Employing Emissaries on You have shewed great vigilance and all hands, amongst the Ruffians, run away slaves &c* activity in preventing their plotts, I wish others had followed your Example, but with grief I All looks very black round us, and Our King fear the want of that diligence in some people. and Country's Cause requires every Man's Heart and Hand. The Spaniards had enlarged their Quarters to St. John's River, It was reported that they intended to attack us, I went down to meet them, God was pleased to prosper us so farr that the usual terror took them and they retired within the Walls of Augustine. I followed them up to that place and our Indians who were advanced before us, killed about 40 of the Enemy under the Cannon of the Town. One of the Spanish Soldiers just now taken confirms the advices, that they are making a great Armament at the Havannah, and as it is reported designed against this place. We have received no Cannon yet from England, and are in great want both of guns and shot. As the storm will first fall upon this Province and Carolina, it is the Interest of all America to assist as far as they can. 1 can not take Guns from Charles Town, since they may probably want them much about the same time with us. If you could spare any iron shot, or any eighteen pound Cannon, if you would be so kind as to send such number as you could spare, it would in my opinion be greatly for His Majesty's service and perhaps be the saving of this Colony and the Troops here. I have ordered M' Houstun to wait upon you thing.

—

LONDON DOCUMENTS with

and

you send us the Shot and Guns

:

XXVII.

243

have ordered him to defray all the charges for getting them hither. All here are resolved to defend the province to the utmost, and the Creek. Indians are highly Zealous, notwithstanding the Artifice of the French. We shall have this,

if

I

a formidable body of them as also assistance from the Chickesaws, Contaubas & some of the Cherokees, though the FVench have lately got an interest in several of them by their artifices. I fear I am too tedious, but by the next opportunity shall write other particulars. Permit

me

to

recommend myself

to the

continuance of your friendship and believe

me

to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient humble Servant

The

Hono"'' George Clarke Esq'

James Oglethorpe

Affidavit of

Province of

1

New York

j

ss

John Grigg

This day personaly appeared before

me George

Clarke Esq' His Majesties

Commander in Chief of the Province of New York John Griggs of New York Marriner, And made oath on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God,

Lieutenant Governor and the City of

and deposed as followeth, that

is

to say

—

That he the Deponent on or about the twenty ninth Day of January 174J together with four other persons belonging to Captain Charles Davison of the S' Andrew Privateer, being on shore at Florida Keys, were taken by the Florida Indians, and some time in the next month (February) were carried to the Havannah, where this deponent remained a prisoner till the Sixth of March last, when he was thence relieved by a Flag of Truce sent from Providence, together with upwards of seventy other prisoners, who with him sailed from the Havannah on That during the Deponents stay at the Havannah the or about the sixth day of March. Spaniards were then building two Seventy Gun Ships, one of which was near finished when the Deponent came away, And that there were then at that post eleven sail of Spanish men of War and Sixty or Seventy Guns or thereabouts, Sir Mark Forrester, an Irishman by birth, being Commodore under the Spanish Admiral, that most of the ships were very old and leaky and unfit to go to sea, and all of them unrigged, and very weakly manned. That the Deponent had the liberty of walking about the Town for about four or five months before he came away from the Havannah, and was often in the ship yards and helped to work there, and on board their vessells, and had opportunity of seeing all the vessells there, that there were no Galleys building at the Havannah while he was there, and that the Spaniards then had but one belonging to the fort which was out on a cruise, and that there were no forty gun ships there, of war of less than sixty guns, except the Snow called the King's Snow. Deponent further deposeth and say'd that during the time the Deponent was at the Havanah seven sail of Spanish Privateers sailed from thence to cruise on the English, That is to say a Snow of Eighteen Carriage and Eighteen Swivel Guns bound for Guinea, Two French Sloops which came from Martinico, there, for Commissions, both Bermuda built and large sloops, the one carrying twelve carriage guns and one hundred men, the other fourteen carriage guns and one hundred and ten men besides swivils. The aforesaid Snow called the Kings Snow

nor any

And

men

the

(the same which some time since took Captain Phoenix of this place) carrying sixteen carriage guns and one hundred and twenty men, and a Scooner having Topsails and cross Jack Yards

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

244

and carrying twelve carriage guns and one hundred men, And that these two last sailed in together. Two Sloops, the one a large New Sloop, Havannah built, having a white woman's head for her head, and top sail guards aloft, carrying twelve six pounders and one

aloft

Company

The other Capf Whitney carrying fourteen carriage guns besides swivels and one hundred and twenty men, commanded by one Paunche or some such name, and is the same who was some time since taken by Captain Norton, and carried into Rhode Island, whence he got to the Havannah, And who is a person sayd to be well acquainted with these coasts. And that these two last sailed about a month before the Deponent. And the Deponent further deposed and sayd that he was informed at the Havannah that the The two French sloops being six last named vessels were intended to cruise on these coasts. hundred men, tho more were intended

a

Bermuda

to be

taken on board but could not be got.

built sloop lately belonging to

Augustine and thence of the Bar of South Carolina, and that the said Deponent was informed thereof by one Michael Beesby, a Bristol man, of small stature and Brown complexion & pock fretten. And by one Spencer late of Connecticut, a tall spare man, a Taylor by trade, who were both on board the King's Snow, the first as a Voluntier and the

first to

go to

St.

in particular

last

by compulsion.

And the said Deponent further deposed & say'd, That a ship lately called the James and Joseph, London built, with a sloop lately commanded by Captain Perdue of Philadelphia, were fitting out at the Havannah for a cruise. And that the former was to carry eighteen carriage guns between Decks and one hundred and forty men And the said Deponent verily believes and was credibly informed that the above account of the number of the guns and men each vessel ;

carryed

as

aforesaid,

is

&

a just

true

account, and that while

Havannah the Spaniards by way of Bravado gave out Colony, and would even come on shore here.

that they

he was a prisoner at the

would lay of

this port or

this Deponent further deposed and sayed. That no man of war sailed for Europe from Havannah while he was there. And that during that time he never heard any talk of their having any Design to attack Georgia, But that they were much afraid that the English would attack St. Augustine, And that he the Deponent had heard they were to send three or four And that the Spaniards owned to him luindred men for the defence of that place, if wanted. that they had lost five hundred men at Georgia, which place they sayed they should have taken* but that the Governor of St. Augustine was a coward, and did not know how to give orders.

And

the

And

the said

Deponent further deposed and sayed that he

English prisoners at the Havannah.

A

great part of

left

whom

about two hundred and forty

sayed and declared that

if

they

would take on, in the Spanish service, And that the Spaniards declared that if the Spanish prisioners were sent to Providence, they would exchange Englishmen for them, and desired that notice might be given thereof. And lastly that the King's Snow & Scooner sailed about six or seven months before the Deponent left that place, and had sent in a brigantine belonging to Boston commanded by one McTagget, but that they had not been heard of since. And that the common Cruising Grounds

were not quickly

relieved, they

of the Spaniards

is

in the

West

Indies in the Winter,

&

the northern parts in the summer.''

John Grigg Sworn

this

24

May

1743.

Geo. Clarke

—

—

LONDON DOCUMENTS Lieutenant-Governoi' Clarice [New-York

XXVII.

:

245

Diike of Newcastle.

to the

Papers, (8. P. O.) No.

9, p. 161. ]

New York June

My

do myself

I

honor

tlie

respect to the French

to lay before

who

1743.

your Grace the present State of His Maj'" provinces with

surround them, wherein

I

preserve them from becoming a pray to our natural

my

19">

Lord.

letter to the

have presumed

Enemy

—

In the

to hint at a

method

mean time

propose in

I

to

I do myself the honor to send to your Grace, Tierondequat on the lake Cadaraqui, be garrisoned by a

Lords of Trade, the copy whereof

that an important place called

detachment of twenty men a comp^ from the four independant companyes posted in this The province, desiring their Lord?' if they approve of it to recommend it to your Grace. French have

for

some years been attempting

from the Five nations to build there

to get leave

a Trading house or a Hutt, or any thing (that might give them a pretence to keep us from thence), but

I

have had the good fortune

that place for the

Crown, where there

is

to defeat

them

in that design,

and

to obtain a gift of

an excellent harbour for building the vessells, proposed

in the inclosed paper

General Oglethorpe expecting another attack from the Spaniards and being destitute of Artillery

12

p"^'

whom

and

shot,

wrote

to

me

for

some,

I

have with the advice of the Councill lent him 14.

with carriages, but the carriages being old and no wheels the General sent would take only the guns

so that

That

I

I

;

shot

we have

to tiiem, the

Commissary

not enough for our

own

guns,

could spare none.

may

not trespass longer on your Graces patience

I

beg leave to

referr to the inclosed

papers and letter to the Lords of Trade and most humbly to crave Your Graces protection,

being with the most profound submission

My Lord

i

Your Graces most humble, most obedient and most dutiful servant His Grace the Duke of Newcastle.

(signed).

Lords of Trade

to

Lieutenant-Governor

[New- York

To George Clarke

G.Clarke

ClarTce.

Entries, M., p. 257.]

Esq'

Sir. 3'' of November 1742 a Duplicate whereof has likewise been have read one from You of the 29"" November 1742 together with the papers therein

Since our letter to you of the sent

We

referred to.

Governor Clinton who

is

upon the point of setting out

for his

Governm*

will

brmg

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

246

with him his Majesty's presents to the Indians

:

We

contributed thereto as far as was in our

power, by representing in favour of them. We are sorry to hear the Trading House at Oswego is in so bad a condition as to its But we hope the New Gov' with whom we have had some Fortifications and Garrison ;

Discourse upon this Subject will do his best towards inducing the Assembly to provide for its security and prevent its falling into the hands of the French in case of a Rupture betwixt us and them.

We done,

doubt not but you will take the same good care of the Government as you have hitherto 'till

We

the arrival of

M"'

have transmitted

Clinton.

to his

Grace the Duke of Newcastle for his Majesty's Information an Oswego and the Furr Trade carried on by the French

Extract of Your letter as far as relates to

by the lake of Cadaraqui.

So we bid You

heartily farewell,

and are

Your very loving friends & humble Servants

MONSON M. Bladen Whitehall

R-

Plumer

July 27'" 1743

B.

Keene.

P. S.

&

the

We

29'*'

have not reced the Minutes of Council

in

New York

of Sept'"' 1740, and the Naval Officers Accounts from

We

1740 are wanting.

desire therefore

you

will send us both

between

y^ 14"" of April 1739

Lady Day 1739

by the

first

to

Lady Day

opportunity.

MoNSON.

Points in support of Governor ClintorUs Application for certain Allowances. [New-York

Papers. (S. P. O.) No.

9, p. 178.]

Short heads to show the reasonableness of Governor Clinton's application for an

allowance by

Upon

1"

way

way

of equipage

the apointment of Governors the

of equipage

money

money.

Crown have

1743. frequently

made an allowance

by-

'em towards defraying the very considerable expence, their own Govern" must necessarily occasion and this

in order to assist

them out

the equipping and fitting

for

without any other reason;

Whereas

in

Governor Clinton's case there are many strong reason's, to be offered

in support of this application, 2ii of

March 1740.

As

also the

Minutes of Council from the 27"'

of April 1743, to the 21" of June following, from which time to Governor Clinton's arrival there was no Council held, some of the Council being in Connecticut executing the Commission for hearing

and determining the controversy between that Colony and the Mohegan Indians,

there were not a

number

Session of Assembly,

viz'

in

town

from the

thence to the 27"' of September,

to

And

I

My

The Right

Hono"'"^ the

of April

last,

of the Council the last

with the adjournments from

the roll of persons naturalized from Decem"' 1742 to

beg leave to recommend myself the highest Respect and Honour,

Decem" 1743.

The proceedings

do business.

19"" to the SO""

to

your Lordships protection, and

am

with

Lords

Lords of Trade

Your Lordships most humble and most obedient servant Geo Clarke.

—

LONDON DOCUMENTS Governor Clinton [

My I

to the

New-York Papers.

( S.

XXVII.

:

253

Dulie of Newcastle.

P. 0.) No.

9, p. 194. ]

Lord. take the liberty to acquaint your Grace that Lieut' Govern"' Clark has told

going from hence

Grace

in the spring

with his family, and has strongly pressed

Hyde Clark who

in behalf of his son

is

a Lieut' in

my company

me

me he

proposes

to trouble

Your

here that you would

be pleased to give consent to his being removed from hence into General Oglethorps Regim' to which the Lieut' Govern"' has wrott to the General, whereby he hopes with the interest of

he

his Friends

may

rise in the service,

be highly obliged to your Grace

shall

1

concurrance and interest therein, for this reason, that

my

a vacancy, and as all

if

Lieut' Clark

is

for

removed there

your

will

be

predecessors upon the occasion has claimed the nomination of a

emolument of this Govern', so I hope it will be considered by Your Grace to Young that I should be indulged with the like privilidge, since so great a part of my income is curtailed by an appointment of a Governor of the Jersey, and several large perquisites take off, which before was always an appendhx to this Govern' and without Your Grace will stand my friend for me to name the vacancy's here, I shall loose these little douceurs, which even the Lieut' Gov"' has found the advantage off. I have too great a sence of the many Civilities received from Your Grace to desist from successor, as an

speak to

Will°

S""

expressing

it

Your Grace

and

am

that in

always, ready to repeat

all

places and stations

My

I

my

thanks for your favours

to

me and

to assure

continue with the highest respect

Lord

Your Grace's most obliged and most obedient humble servant

New York

ae"" Jan-^

G. Clinton.

(signed).

174f

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle.

Lords of Trade [

To George

to

New-Tork

Governw

Entries,

M.

Clinton.

p. 213. ]

Clinton Esq"'

Sir.

We

have received Your

letters of the

2*^

October

IS""

November and

9""

of

December 1743

together with the several papers therein contained. In the first of these You acquaint us that you are safely arrived at New York and have taken upon you the Administration, of the Governm' after having gone thro the several Forma requisite for that purpose.

We

take this

first

opportunity of congratulating you upon both these occasions, not doubting

but Your conduct will be such as will fully answer the confidence his Majesty has been

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS,

254

&

graciously pleased to repose in You,

the just Expectations of those over

whom

he has

appointed you Governor.

We

have perused Your Letter to the Comm" of Indian affairs (a copy of which you send us IS^ of Nov'"') & think you have done well in recommending so earnestly to

in yours of the

them

provide for the defence

to

Friendship of the

to cultivate the

We

have recommended

letter as persons every

to

way

&

security of the Frontiers

five

&

particularly of

Oswego

&

Nations so necessary for His Majesty's Interest.

His Majesty three of the four gentlemen mentioned

same Warren,

in the

qualified to supply the Vacancies in the Council viz' Peter

& John Moor Esq'* but have thought it more advisable to suspend our Recommendation of the fourth, 'till we see whether the Lieu' Gov'' continues in his resolution of not acting. So we bid you heartily farewell, and are, Your very loving friends & humble Servants MONSON M. Bladen

Joseph Murry

R.

Whitehall

Janry

27""

Ja.

B. Keene.

174S

Governor Clinton •

My I

Lords of Trade.

to the

[ New-Tork Bundle,

Gg., p. 99.

]

Lords,

May last, acknowledging your have inclosed, and therein gave you my be one of the Council in the room of M'' Clarke

did myself the honour to write to your Lordships the Id""

me

favour to

of 27"' January a duplicate of

reasons for recommending

which I

Plumer Brudenell

I

have inclosed

Council

M''

Rensalaer to

hope are weighty enough

&

to

to

which

I

have him appointed.

my

speech to the Assembly upon their meeting, with the Grand Jurys, and you may observe, I have not failed of deliberations, the immediate necessity there was to provide amply

your Lordships

their Address, as also the

recommending

their

to

for the safety of this Province, at so critical a conjuncture.

Your Lordships may Majesty,

I

by the inclosed messages I have sent to them, that upon war being in all appearance declared by France against His

also observe

the intimations I have receiv'd of

thought they had not

to repair our Fortifications,

fully

answer'd

my

expectations in raising sufficient supplys

and pointed out to them

in

my

first

message, such things as

I

thought were highly necessary upon the occasion, which your Lordships will see they have only considered

in

part,

upon which

I

immediately dispatched a double Garrison of His

Majesty's Troops to Oswego, and afterwards sent them another message to which they return'd

me

no answer as appears by the inclosed Extract of their Minutes. have taken every other precaution in my power to guard against any surprize by sending circular orders to the respective Colonels of Militia, and to the Captains of His Majesty's I

Companys posted

in this Province to inspect the

Arms and Accoutrements

of their men,

and

LONDON DOCUMENTS see that they are in good order and

may

be they do exercise the

men

not only to repel the French Forces,

if this

by order of

their Excellency's the

Proclamations

tliat

as often as conveniently

strict discipline,

them, pursuant to

Lords Justices,

Exportation of

to forbid the

255

whereby they may be able Province shou'd be attack'd by them, but to be also

arms keeping

in a condition, if necessary, to attack

XXVII.

immediate service, and

for

fit

in

:

Gun

M''

Stone's letter to

which end

me

of

3''

Sep"' last,

have issued the inclosed powder, or the supplying the French with any for

I

kind of provisions, warlike stores, or merchandizes. I

have also sent Circular

letters to the

neighbouring Governours desiring they wou'd give

the necessary orders to the people under their Government, especially those bordering on this first notice of the approach of an enemy, same time assuring them I shall make the like disposition in their behalf. I have inclosed to your Lordships the Minutes of Council since my arrival to 27 March last, together with the Acts of the Assembly ingrossed, which I am to desire you will please to lay before His Majesty in Council, for His Royal assent. I shall sett out to morrow for Albany, to meet the P'ive Nations of Indians, in order to renew their engagements of Peace with me, on behalf of His Majesty, and upon my arrival shall detach another party of His Majesty's Troops to the Fort at Saratoga for the defence

Province, to be ready to march to our assistance on the at the

of that place.

This

is

all I

have

at present to trouble

your Lordships with, and

have done every thing within the compass of

my

Province, consistent with the honour and dignity of to

my

satisfaction, if

my

Hon'"^ the Lords of Trade

&

to the

[New-York Papers.

I

I

this

and nothing can contribute more

am

Plantations.

Governor Clinton

My

trust,

will believe I

and security of

Your Lordships most obedient & most humble servant G. Clinton

June 1744

The R'

hope you

Lords

New York S""

my

conduct does answer that end,

My

I

abilities for the welfare

(

S. P.

Diike of Newcastle. C)

No.

9, p. 195.]

Lord.

have the honour

Sepf

last

to acknowledge to your Grace the receipt of M' Stones letter of the S'"* by order of their Excellencys the Lords Justices, signifying their directions to put

this Province into an

immediate posture of defence, and

not only to repel the French forces,

if

to

be in such a condition, as to be able

they should attack the said province, but likewise to be

in a condition if necessary to attack them.

In compliance therewith

I

have notify'd their Excellencys orders

to the

Assembly upon

their

meeting, and have recommended to their deliberations the necessity there was to provide

amply and immediately

for the safety of this province at so critical a conjuncture, as

Your

—

—

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

256 Grace

may

please to observe by

my

speech to them, which

have inclosed as also the Council

I

and their address together with the grand Jurys. Your Grace may please also to observe by the inclosed messages I have sent to them, that upon the intimations I have received of war being in all appearance declared by France against His Majesty,

thought they had not

I

fully

answered

my

expectations in raising sufficient

supplys to repair our fortifications and pointed out to them in

my

first

message such things as

thought were highly necessary upon the occasion, which Your Grace will considered in part, upon which

I

see,

I

they have only

immediately detach'd a double garrison to Oswego, and me no answer, as appears by the

afterwards sent them another message to which they returned inclosed extract of their minutes I

—

have taken every other precaution

in

power, to guard against any surprise by sending circular

orders to the respective Coll' of Militia and to the Capt°' of His Maj''* comp^' posted in this

province to inspect the arms and accoutrements of their men, and to see that they are in good order and the

men

fit

immediate service and that as often as conveniently

for

in arms,

or to attack their

keeping

enemy

strict discipline,

;

I

and the better

to enable

may

them

have issued the inclosed Proclamations

be, they do exercise

to withstand

an attack

to forbid the exportation of

Gun-powder, or the supplying the French with any kind of provisions, warlike stores or Merchandizes. I

have also sent circular

necessary orders

to

letters to the

neighbouring Governors, desiring they would give the

the people under their Govern' especially those bordering on this province,

ready to march to our assistance on the first notice of the approach of an Enemy, at the same time assuring them, I shall make the like disposition in their behalf. I shall set out to morrow for Albany to meet the five nations of Indians in order to renew their engagements of peace with me on behalf of His Majesty, and upon my arrival I shall to be

detach another party of His Majestys troops to Saratoga for the defence of that place.

This is all I have at present to trouble Your Grace with, and I hope you will believe I have done every thing within the compass of my abilities for the welfare and security of this province consistent with the honour and dignity of my trust, and nothing can contribute more to my

—

my conduct does answer that end I am with the highest respect (Signed) G. Clinton Your Grace's most obedient and most humble servant New York 5"" June 1744. satisfaction if

— My Lord —

—

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle

ettc ettc ettc.

Judge Hor-smanden

to the

[New-Tork Bundle,

Lords of Trade.

Gg., p. 106.]

New York

My

4"'

October 1744

Lord

In obedience to His Majesty's Royal Commission for reviewing and determining the cause which has been long subsisting between theGovernour& Company of the Colony of Connecticut,

&

the Tribe of

Moheagan

Indians,

it

was

my

lot to

be one of the Commiss" that attended the

LONDON DOCUMENTS: execution of

the last year;

it

could almost have wislit,

I

me upon

foretaste had been given

XXVII.

the last

it

257

had not

fallen to

my

share, as a

&

Commission of the great Trouble

Difficultys

which would be the necessary attendants upon the occasion; And after Seven Weeks hard labour at the place adjourned to from the opening of the Commission, We have in my opinion at length effected

Tbe

service only,

this

I

make

bringing the Partys to

materials are furnished for more competent Judges, to deliberate

&

a defence, whereby

determine upon.

must acknowledge, my Lords, I had not such quick penetration as to form any more than upon the merits, merely from the pleadings, & arguments of the Council at

a general opinion

&

the Bar; the proceedings being long and tedious, consisting of a great variety of facts transactions, disguised (as

much

I

wheat from the

of time to seperate the

of obscurity, in which

As

tiiought

it

my

it

conscience in the matter, therefore

(who were

Judgment was founded,

& incumbered

points in the case, upon which

to deliver

my

my

sentiments, however mean, upon the merits,

&

same time declaring

Colony Agents, they opposed

&

consider the case,

a dissent to

my

leisure,

down

it's

it

&

&

satisfy

when

it,

as to

which some fundamental ;

And having

to the year

1692 inclusive,

I offered it in

Court at

being entered in the Minutes of proceedings, according to

a Majority of the Commissioners themselves overruled

I

it left

me

me; which

at large, not only to

had then delivered, but also of going inlirely

must own my concern to see such cogent reasons, opinion from the three Commissioners who gave the Judgment. And,

my

I

my own

happening to contain some things displeasing to the

reduce to a narrower compass, what

differing intirely in

maze

the multiplicity of the matter would admit of)

conduct, however extraordinary, turn'd out as an indulgence, as

through the case.

&

conceiv'd the merits must necessarily hinge

I

Commiss"; but

the Liberty reserved,

could not but

extricate the merits from that

reserved the opportunity of so doing, at the time the

I

opinion on the Facts

the last sitting of the

it

;

with

the majority) delivered their opinion in Court, upon

at the

accordingly prepared myself, (as

revise

artifice,

has been so industriously involv'd,

duty to deliver

three Commissioners,

&

chaff,

should have had sufficient time, maturely to weigh

the

with great

will perceive)

superfluous matter, so as to swell up a volume to a considerable bulk

work

be a

your Lordships

Lords,

I

for

As to M'' Morris & my joining in signing the Judgment with the three Commiss" upon whose opinion the Jndgm' went, nothing more was, or ( as I conceive) can be judg'd to have been meant by us than to signify 'twas the Judgment of the Court, That is, of a Majority of the Commissioners, which is always esteemed the Judgment of the Court, Our Dissents to some principal points contained in their opinion, having been previously declared in Court, & entered in the Minutes accordingly though perhaps had that matter been more maturely considered, at a time of less hurry, we should not have sign'd it. However, my Lords, I ;

in case much ado sho'' be made about which it does plainly appear by the minutes of proceedings we meant so litle by. For the Judgments in either Bench are tested by the Chief Judge, as the Judgments of the Court though the cases be ruled against their opinions.

thought 'twas proper this matter should be explain'd, that,

As

to the

Deed

40, on

which great

stress has

been

laid, (in

foundation) the Agents for the Governm' after hearing

would send

down

it

home,

to this place,

Commiss" with Vol.

VL

& &

lay

it

my

my

before your Lordships to speak for

under that shew have got

myself, which

I

have too

it

itself,

&

it,

declared they

have since brought

certifyed as an Exhibit

sufficient reason to

33

opinion upon the slenderest

remarks about

it

by two other

esteem no more than a Feint as

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

258 I

express'd myself to one of the Agents at the time of

before your Lordships,

enough

its

own Language upon

have superceded the necessity of

to

my

the view of

my

certifying it;

it I

For

I

would

it

were

should have esteem'd significant

observations to justify

my

opinion of

it,

&

I

should gladly have spared your Lordsiiips the trouble of them.

As to the two Indian marks for Uncas & Poxon, to the Copy of what is called the Original Deed 40 in your Lordships Book of the proceedings pa. 234, & to that of Secretary Kimberly's certifyed Copy page 243, they were made by myself, from the best Copy I could make from the

Originals, after several Essays, they are similar to them, but not near so

Originals,

I

chose

to

make them

had not followed the Uncas's, to

myself, because

good as the

found the Clarkes in copying the proceedings

them, nor the other Indian marks, especially as to For some are done at random without

rule prescribed, as to

make them

I

as similar as they could.

any imitation. I

of

have told

my

M"'

Smith one of the Council

for the Gov''

&

Company,

And

excuse for delay at home.

have told the same person

I

may have copys may be left without

that he

opinion, for his Clyents, paying for the Clarkship of them, that they I

should acquaint your

Lordships of the Offer I've made them, and likewise of the Declarations of their intentions of sending

home

the original

Deed

40,

And

if

they do not lay

it

before your Lordships, then

my

suspicions of their sincerity in that particular will prove to be well founded.

When

M"'

Lane, M' Cortlandt

&

myself had finished the Examination of three copys of the

we

them by way of Boston bound thence for London, & one of the Agents for the Gov' and Company had one delivered him, & M'' Samuel Mason another a few days afterwards But this is the first opportunity I have had of conveying my sentiments upon the case, since I had finished my opinion upon the whole. My Intention in my first Draught, was to set the matter in the clearest view it should appear and to that purpose, to abstract the most material parts of several of the Instruments to me in making notes of reference to the pages of the Book of proceedings where copys of the Instruments are to be found, which naturally drew me out to so great a length, as upon

Book

begining of March

of the Proceedings, the

last,

sent one of

a few days afterwards to be transmitted to your Lordships by the

first

Vessell

;

;

for your Lordships perusal And lor that purpose I narrow a compass as possible considering the multiplicity of matter to be observed upon; And after all this did not answer my design, but upon further consideration, I tho' proper to trouble your Lordships with both, as some new observations occurred to me on drawing out the 2'^ and it may be both may be of some use to the Council

reflection I

thought wo'' be too tedious

resolv'd to set about reducing

it

;

to as

concerned in the cause.

My

Task has been very ungrateful as well as laborious, but if my endeavours can have contributed any thing towards setting the case in its genuine and proper

Lords, the

be thought

to

Light, so as Justice

may be done am

in

it, I

shall

esteem

my Trouble therein

sufficiently recompensed.

I

My

Lords

Your Lordships most obedient

To The

R'

Hon"'''^

The Lords Commiss"

for

Trade &c.

&

most hble Serv' Dan. Hobsmanden.

—

LONDON DOCUMENTS Governor CUiiion [New-Tork

My

to

tlie

XXVII.

:

259

DuJce of JVeivca-Hle.

Papers. (S. P. O.) No.

9, p.

202.]

Lord have the honour of your Graces letter of the 31" March, with his

I

war against

Maj'>'«

Declaration of

the Frencli King, as also his declaration for the encouragement of His ships of

war

and privateers, togetlier with a copy of the French Kings declaration, which overtook me at Soapus in my way to Albany, where I proclaimed His Maj'>'' declarations at the liead of a

Regiment

militia

I

in the respective I

beg leave

Indians, and

to

my

was then reviewing, and upon

Town

proclamation, as also in the Fort and

Towns and Countys

arrival at Albany, I

I

parts to guard against the false insinuations

and steady

Enemys, and

of their

in

shall refer

which I have inclosed. There met me upon

how

my

In

necessary

it

speech

was on

I

their

and designs of that Crown, and strongly incouraged

our cause, with assurances to

Your Grace more

this occasion

lilie

have had an interview with the Five nations of

have renew'd a treaty of peace and alliance with them.

to be faithful

the

of this province.

acquaint your Grace that

remonstrated to them the base conduct of the French Court, and

them

made

Hall of this City, and caused the same to be done

pr.otect

them against

tiie

particularly thereto, as also to their

assaults

answer

Commiss"^ from the Govern'^ of the Massachusets Bay and my permission, in behalf of their Governments, to

Conecticut to treat with those Indians, by

which with

Rhode

The Gentlemen from Massachusets Bay had

consented.

I

me

in conjunction

with the Province of

New

also a

Commission

to treat

Hampshire, and colonies of Connecticut and

Island upon measures for sending a proper

number

Canada

of forces into

to distress

the French in their Settlements, and to act jointly in concert with them for His Maj'^* service, in all respects against the

would recommend

it

to contribute every thing

inclosed for

Soon I

Your Grace's

after

my return

have inclosed).

common Enemy. To this I could give no other answer, but that I Assembly, when they niett, and for my own part, I should be ready in my power for that end, which commissions and proposals I have

to the

perusal.

from Albany,

called together the

I

Your Grace may please

Assembly, and

to observe, that

I

particular manner, to provide for the safety of this province, and

would make provision

for

my

appointing Commiss"'*

to treat

in

my speech

(which

have recommended to them

among

in

a

other things that they

with the neighbouring Govern'^ for

the necessary purposes before mentioned. I

have also inclosed several messages

sitting, it

is

whereby Your Grace

with the utmost

will see,

difficulty to

the publick, notwithstanding their

I

sent to them, and their addresses to me, during their

how backward

they are in their deliberations, and that

bring them to any tolerable resolution for the service of safety

and fortunes are concerned, being under strong

apprehensions daily that our Frontiers will be attacked by the French,

by

in their designs against us

ships of

war

at

Cape Bretagne, and

be reasonably thought, they

The Council on

who

are equally busy

sea, iiaving accounts lately of the arrival of four of their large if

they should not attempt any thing this winter, it may we have no Men of war to guard our coasts.

will in the spring, as

this occasion

has not been wanting to shew their zeal for His Maj'^' service, in every step to induce the Assembly to tlie like conduct,

and have readily concurred with me

who

from the nature of their proceedings, seem averse to Govern' and have endeavoured to

incroach upon His Maj'>' prerogative by the nomination of officers inserted in their

mony

—

—

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

2G0

have not power to alter, and were prevailed upon to give up that point.

Bills for support of Govern", wiiich the Council

deal of difficulty before they

it

was with

a

good

Whatever may flow from the Assembly's want of attention to the business of consequence must be justly imputed to them, being satisfied, that I have taken every method to incourage this province in their Loyalty to His Majesty, and not only to provide for the safety of His Dominions in these parts, but also to distress and anoy the French in their settlements, Trade and commerce pursuant to your Grace's directions The Officers of the Customs belonging to this port, have made application to the Judge of the Admiralty for his assistance in the recovering of duty's, claimed upon prizes that have or should be brouglit in here by His Maj'J'* ships of war or privateers, to which he answer'd, that he conceived none were due, and upon a hearing by Council, Judgment was given in favour of at this conjuncture,

—

the subject.

Commodore Warren was

the

who brought

first

in

a French prize, since the

commencement demanded in

of the war, he refused to pay any duty for the same, and says the like was not

West Indies where he has The Merchants of this City

the

many

sent

prizes.

has been extreamly active in

out privateers, at a very

fitting

great expence, and have brought in several prizes consisting chiefly of sugars, which from the

nature of the duty claimed, would anticipate most of their gains. to

move Your Grace,

that you'll be

—

I

must therefore beg leave

pleased to interpose (in behalf of this city) with the

Commiss''^ of the Customs to drop their pretentions to said dutys which will greatly incourage

His

Maj'J^"

subjects,

annoy the Enemy

to

—

I

am

with the highest esteem

My

Lord

— Your

Grace's most obedient and most humble servant

New York 9"'

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle

ettc ettc ettc

Governor Clinton

I

Lords of Trade.

to the

[New-Tork Bnndle,

My

Gg., p. 108.]

Lords have had the honour of His Grace the

Majesty's Declaration

encouragement of His

of

War

Duke

against the

!\Iajesty's ships of

King's Declaration, which overtook

me

War at

of Newcastles letter of 31 March, with His French King, as also His Declaration for the & Privateers, together with a Copy of the French

Soapus

in

my way

head of a Militia Regiment

Albany, where I proclaimed was then reviewing and upon

to

His Majesty's Declarations at

tiie

my

the like Proclamation, as also in the Fort

arrival at

Cit)', I

G. Clinton.

(signed)

October 1744.

Albany,

1

made

and caused the same

am now

to

to be

done

in the respective

acquaint your Lordships, that

I

I

& Town

Towns & Countys

have had an Interview with the

of Indians, and have renewed a Treaty of Peace and Alliance with

remonstrated to them the base conduct of the French Court, and their parts to guard against the false insinuations

them; and

how

Hall of this

of this Province.

in

five

my

necessary

and designs of that Crown

;

it

Nations

speech

I

was on

and strongly

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXVII.

:

261

and steady in our cause, with assurances to protect them Enemys, and shall refer your Lordsps more particularly thereto, as also to their answer which 1 have inclosed. There mett me, upon this occasion, Commissioners from the Governments of the Massachusets Bay & Connecticut to treat with those Indians, by my permission, in behalf of their Governments, to which I consented. The Gentlemen from Massachusets Bay had also a commission to treat witii me in conjunction with the Province of New Hampshire & Colonys of Connecticut & Rhode Island, upon measures of sending a proper number of Forces into Canada, to distress the French in their settlements; and to act jointly in concert with them encouraged them to be

faitlifull

against the assaults of their

His Majesty's service

for

other answer; but that

own

part

I

I

in all respects against the

wou'd recommend

it

Common Enemy.

to the

To

this

cou'd give no

I

Assembly, when they mett; and

my

shou'd be ready to contribute every thing in

power

end

for that

;

for

my

which

I have inclosed for your Lordships perusal. Soon after my return from Albany, 1 called together the Assembly, and in my Speech (which 1 have inclosed) your Lordships may observe that I have recommended to them, in a particular manner to provide for the safety of this Province, and among other things, that they wou'd make provision for my appointing Commissioners to treat with the neighbouring Governments

Commissions and Proposals

for the necessary I

purposes before mentioned.

have also inclosed the Votes

will see

how backward

to bring

them

&

safety

to

any

they are

&

Proceedings during their

tolerable resolution for the service of the Public, notwitlistandfhg their

by the French, who are equally busy

shou'd not attempt any thing this winter,

it

may

who from

conduct,

in

War

at

Cape

Britain

;

be reasonably thought, they will in the Spring,

we have no Men of War to guard our coasts. The Council on this occasion has not been wanting and have readily concurred with nie

by sea; having and if they

in their designs ag' us

accounts lately of the arrival of four of their large ships of

service,

with the utmost difficulty

it is

fortunes are concerned, being daily under strong apprehensions, that our Frontiers

will be attacked

as

whereby your Lordships

sitting,

and that

in their deliberations,

to

shew

their zeal for

His Majesty's

every step to induce the Assembly to the like

the nature of their proceedings,

seem averse

to

Government, and have

endeavour'd to encroach upon his Majesty's Prerogative by the nomination of Officers inserted their mony bill for support of Government, which the Council have not power to alter; and

in it

was with a good deal of difficulty before they were prevailed upon to give up that point. Whatever may flow from the Assembly's want of attention to the business of Consequence must be justly imputed to them, being satisfied that I have taken every encourage this Province, in their loyalty to His Majesty and not only to provide for the safety of His Dominions in these parts; but also to distress the French in their settlements, trade and commerce, pursuant to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle's Directions. at this conjuncture,

method

I

am

to

;

also to acquaint

your Lordships that since

I

had the honour of writing to you, there and as I believe (for the M"' Lane

has happened a vacancy in the Council by the death of reasons

I

have given of

room,

I

must desire

those is

I

M''

tiiat

have recommended

a matter

new

to

Rensalaer, and that

me, M"'

Clarke's refusing to be a

Member)

;

M''

M' Stephen Bayard (a Gentleman of to your Lordships) may be why my Recommendation

Rensalaer

is

like probity

appointed in his

and fortune with

appointed in the room of AP Lane. shou'd be postponed in

Clarke shou'd be considered by you, as

if I

It

favour of M'

had not represented

his

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

2G2 conduct is

in a just light.

no addition

The

1

am

to his character

Officers of the

conscious

liave siiewed

I

him

all tiie

not to continue in Council upon

Customs, belonging

to this Port

respect due to him, ami

my coming

it

hither.

have made application

to the

Judge of

the Admiralty for his assistance in the recovering of Dutys claimed upon prizes, that have or

War or Privateers, to which he answered, that he conceived none were due, and upon a hearing by Council, Judgement was given in favour sho'd be bro* in here by His Majesty's ships of

of the Subject.

Commodore Warren was

the

first

who brought

in

in

The Merchants

commencement was not demanded

a French Prize since the

War, he refused to pay any Dutys for tlie same, and says the the West Indies, where he has sent many prizes.

of the

like

of this City has been extreamiy alert in fitting out Privateers, at a very great

expence, and have brought in several prizes, consisting chiefly of sugars, which, from the nature

Duty claimed, wou'd anticipate most of their gains. must therefore beg leave to move your Lordships to interpose

of the I

(in behalf of this City) with

the Commissioners of the Customs to drop their pretensions to said Dutys, which will greatly

encourage His Majesty's subjects

to

My New York 9"'

October 1744

annoy the Enemy. I am with great respect Lords Your Lordships most Obedient and most humble servant G. Clinton

P. S.

Not having time now

them by another

The

to send

your Lordships the Acts

&

R' Hon""^ the Lords of Trade

&

I shall

inclose

Plantations

and

Conference leticeen Governor Clinton [

[

Minutes of Council

ship that sails in a fortnight.

New- York Bundle,

Gg., p. 109, 110.

the Indians.

]

made to the Six Nations of Indians. Viz' the Mohawks, Oneydes, Onondagas Tuskaroroes Cayeuges and Sennekes By His Excellency the Hon^'" George Clinton, Capt" General and Governour in chief of the Province of New York at the City Hall in Albany the IS"" June 1744.

Propositions

Present

—

Phillip Livingston

James De Lancey T^ J Daniel TT Horsmanden Joseph Murray .

I

\

{

„

)

ii.snrs 01 his

1

p,

'

,,

•

•

^

.,

Maiesties Council. •'

/

Tile Commissioners of Indian Afl!airs &ca.]

Brethren,

me the greatest pleasure as I am persuaded we meet with equal renew, strengthen and brighten the Covenant Chain, that has so long

This Interview gives sincerity, in order to

tyed you and the subjects of His Majesty the Great King of Great Britain, your Father and

my

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXVII.

263

Master in mutual Tyes of Friendship and benevolence, which I hope will be inviolably preserved and continu'd as long as the Sun and Moon enduretii. I have express orders from the Great King Your Father to do my utmost endeavour that it

&

shou'd be kept bright part,

will on our parts for

strong even unto the world's end

;

and

I

now

do

assure you on

my

His Majesty's subjects upon this Continent of North America, that we ever keep it sacred and free from rust, and I expect the same from you.

and in behalf of

all

[A

Belt.]

The Great King of Great Britain my Master and your Father, in pursuance of his engagements by Treatys having the last year sent an Army into Germany in maintenance of his Allies, for the preservation of the libertys of Europe, His Majesty's Forces were treacherously and

courage

&

River, in which into their

contrary to the faith of Treatys

vigour of our Great

own

many

of the

King

&

attack'd

Army, were

his

Enemy were

by the French, who by the

beaten, and obliged to retire cross a

drown'd, and those

who

escaped destruction iled

country.

That afterwards the French joined

that of His Majesty's

their Fleet with

Enemys, the

Spaniards, in order to attack part of his [Maties] Fleet, and our ships beat them in conjunction ; but not content with this, to shew his malice. The French King declared war against our King,

and

his

instant.

Majesty has declared war ag' the French, which was published at Albany the IS"" I wou'd have sent a Messenger to your several Castles to acquaint you of this, had

you not been on your journey so near to this place. I do earnestly recommend to you to be on your guard against the French, who you know by and that you stay at home, to watch wofull experience to be a false & treacherous People their motions, there, to receive my directions concerning the war, and to transmit such ;

Intelligence as

you

shall gett

concerning the Enemy, from time to time, to the Commissioners

of Indian affairs. I

promise in the name of the Great King our Father to defend you ag' any assaults or attacks to the utmost of my power, and there are Commissioners now here from two

from the French,

of the neighbouring Governm'*, the Province of the Massachusets Bay, and the Colony of

who are come to renew and strengthen the Covenant Chain, on their parts, and me assurances that they will unite with me, and you in promoting their and our As you are a wise safety and defence, and the annoyance of the Common Enemy

Connecticut,

have given mutual

:

People you must be convinced the French have always been aiming at nothing less than to enslave you, and the King of Great Britain has nothing more at heart than to make all his

happy & flourishing people, (as you have great reason to be sensible I expect you will to the utmost of you from the first, and to promote the latter your power assist His Majesty's subjects in the vigorous prosecution of this just war ag' the French King, and his subjects and all such as do or shall adhere to him, and join with us in the same, both offencively & defencively whenever you shall be called upon to it, as well becomes the faithful! and dutifull children of our great King: To this I expect you will give me a plain and satisfactory answer. subjects and children, a of) to free

;

[A While we

Belt.]

have a place of defence at Oswego, which you cannot but be sensible

long experience,

is

a great benefit

your country, and sold

to

you

at

&

your

advantage to you, by having

own

doors at moderate

&

all

of,

from

necessarys brought to

reasonable rates

;

Whereas the

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

264 French considering

tlieir

own

private interest only, enliance

tlie

price of their commodities,

them dear, which you have likewise long experienced; and they wou'd be still dearer if you shou'd loose the benefit of that place. I acquaint you that I have sent six pieces of Canon up to the defence of Oswego, and a reinforcement of soldiers, with a supply of arms, powder & ball, and I expect as the Place is of such importance to you, as well, as to His Majesty's Subjects, in your protection, & preservation that you will readily and willingly at all and

sell

times with the utmost cheerfullness and vigour, defend the same from

all

efforts

&

attacks

which may be made by the French, for by the neglect of that Place of security, you may enslave yourselves, and put on shakles, which neither you nor your posterity may be ever able to shake off"; whereas you are now a free & happy people enjoying the inestimable benefit of liberty under the protection of the best of Kings & Fathers, who has the welfare of his subjects & children most warmly at heart; His Majesty is a strenuous asserter of the material rights and freedom of Mankind in General and in maintenance of the Common Cause and the defence of the Liberfys of Europe, hazarded his invaluable life in the attack, and defeat of the French Army the last summer. ;

[A The Sennecas & Cayougas promised

Belt.]

at their last [general]

meeting

at this place to

remove

and reside together as formerly your Ancestors did; which (if you have not already done) I hope you will comply with as soon as possible, for it is the more necessary at their Castles,

this time of

War:

your reputation

;

Settling together in a body will greatly add to your strength, and heighten by rendring you more formidable, whereas a scattered and divided people

abate of their strength, and the easier become a prey to their Enemys.

[A

Belt.]

You likewise promised at the last Interview not to suffer the French to reside amongst you and I hope & am fully persuaded, you will strictly observe these, and all other your engagements, by Treatys, so frequently and solemnly renewed, ratify'd & confirm'd as we are

now

in actual

war with the French and may give them such

your lands which

you

them

to settle

on any part of

a footing in your Country, as in time

may endanger

that

will not suffer

the whole.

draw you off from the obedience & fidelity Defender the Great King of Great Britain, is your destruction you tender your own preservation and security, I trust that if any of them shou'd

You well know you owe

to

their aims, in their attempts to

your Father,

wherefore as

come amongst you officer at

&

for the future,

;

You

will

immediately banish them, or deliver them

to

my

Oswego.

[A

Belt.]

Answer made by

the Sachims of the Six Nations, viz' The Mohawks, Oneydes, Onondages, Tuskawres, Cayouges & Sennekes to His Excellency the Hon"^ George Clinton Gov'' & Commander in Chief of the Province of New York ficC at the City of Albany 20"' day of June 1744.

[Present

— His

Excell'^y the Hon''"''

Philip Livingston

Daniel Horsmanden

Joseph Murray

The Commissoners

Geo Clinton

]

vEsqrs of

his Maties

Council

)

of Indian affairs

Mayor

&

Alderm" &c.]

LONDON DOCUMENTS: Brother Corlaer

You spoake

We

&

XXVII.

265

Queder and we promised

to us lately,

have well understood what you have

you an answer which we now come to do. it all as you spoake it to us,

to give

said,

but cannot repeat

we will however answer every Article. You told us that you was very glad to see us here to renew and strengthen the Ancient Covenant Chain made between our Forefathers, and that you had express orders from our but

&

Father your Master the Great King to renew

done on your

accordingl}'^

We

part.

we

and brigiiten the same Covenant Chain, which will preserve

with any of

it

&

so strong,

his wiles

and

so bright, that

arts to

strengthen

the Six Nations do

it

will

now

keep

also

the same, which you have on our parts renew stengthen

so, as

shall not be in the

long as tiie Sun endures we power of the Devil himself,

break or dirty the same.

Gave a Belt of Wampum. Brother

You

Great King our Father had sent an

told us that the

treacherously attacked by the French, But that our Great

Army into Germany, which was King defeated the French Army,

some, some were drowned

in a River, and the remainder fled, and that afterwards the with those of the Spaniards to attack the ships of the Great King our Father, but were again defeated, and that the French were then not yet contented but kill'd

French joined

their ships

proclaimed war against our Father the Great King which our King did then also against them, and that it has also been declared in this place a few days ago.

We the six Nations answer

to

expect orders from our Brother, and

answer our brother desired us,

We cannot

have well understood what you have said concerning the war.

every particular, but do promise that

in

General that

we

will

we will be upon we will do in all

keep

all

our people at home, and there

our Guard to watch the Enemy, and things relating to this

War,

as

we

you have

whereupon we give this Belt

Brethren'

We that

just now told you, That we wou'd do as you desired us; We do yet well remember we went with you to assist you against the French in the Expedition against Canada.

We

look upon ourselves to be a warlike people and never entered into a war with any

Nation, but in the the

Enemy

attack

End we have

gott the better of them, but yet

some of His Majesty's

subjects,

we

and then we

are inclined to Peace,

'till

will join together to defend

ourselves against them.

gave a Belt. Brother

Concerning the House it

against the

Enemy.

supplys us with goods,

Trade, the

first

at

Oswego, you

You

We

you expected we wou'd assist in defending you thought that house very beneficial to us, as it

told us that

also told us that

have thought proper at this time

to trade there, but

now goods

say something concerning the

are sold so dear at that place, that

advantageous to us upon the Account of trade. We wou'd goods may be again at the same rate as the first two years. '

Vol. VI.

to

year or two after that house was built goods were cheap

Sie.

now

Brotber. A^etcYork Couwil Minulef, XIX., 259.

34

;

and

it

we cannot

was say

a pleasure

we

think

it

desire of your Brother that

— Ed.

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

266

Otiicer who is now at Oswego, we desire of our Brother that he may stay hke him better than any other. are thankfull that you have sent Cannon to Oswego to defend that place ag' the Enemy.

The Commanding there,

We

We

Brother has always been customary to recommend to us to keep up a Correspondence with the

It

far Nations, wliich

friendship with

Enemy

we

has at this time not been done, however

those

Nations,

who

are

will do

united with us, and then

we

all

we

can to keep

can overcome any

whatever.

Gave a Belt Brother

You remind remove

us of the promise the Cayouges and the Sennekes

their Castles

&

how

body, and you told us

to settle in a

made two

necessary this

years ago, to

is,

especially at

which we are convinced. We do now acquaint you that we are busy to do as was promis'd, and the Oneydes also promise to gather together their people and to settle in a Body.

War,

this time of

of

Gave

half a Belt.

Brother

You also desired that we shou'd not suffer any French came into our Country, we shou'd either banish them or

We have just now told you that we are inclin'd to Enemy, and shou'd we now take hold of any French Wherefore we leave Country as you shall think proper

Aggressors

;

it

to

you

His Excys Reply

&

Peace, that

to the foregoing

will expect the attacks of the

come among

to do with the

Gave

amongst us, and that if any them to the Officer at Oswego,

to reside

deliver

us,

We

shou'd be the

French that may come into our

half a Belt.

Answer

Brethren

As Goods I

to the

shall

Trade of Oswego, you may be assured, I will do the utmost in be sold you, at the cheapest & most reasonable rates at all times.

well approve of your keeping up a good Understanding

Nations, and

am

pleased at the manner of your mentioning

it,

&

my power

Correspondence with the

that

far

they being linkt with you, will

become an accession of considerable strength, which will make you still more formidable. As you intend to speak, or correspond with those far Nations, I shall order you a Belt of

Wampum & them 20'" Note.

to deliver in

my

name,

in

order to renew,

&

confirm the alliance between us,

June 1744.

— Tho words

nnd passages

Council Minutes, XIX., 253-261.

-within brackets in the preceding

— Ed.

document are added from the Record

in Kevii-York

LONDON DOCUMENTS Proposals of

the [

XXVII.

:

267

Commissioners of Massachusetts.

New-York Bundle,

Gg., p. 118.

]

Albany

To His Excellency

&

the Hon. George Clinton Gov"' of

New

York,

To

the

20'"

Hon''''=

June 1744

Roger Wallcott

Nath' Stanley Esq" Commissioners for the Colony of Connecticut conven'd here to confer

with the several Tribes of Indians, and

in

Concert with us the Commissioners of the & agree on proper measures for the mutual

Province of the Massachusets Bay, to consult

defence of His Majesty's subjects of the Provinces

War

against the French, and such as are or

annoying the

Common Enemy

in

may

&

Colony we represent,

in the present

be their Abettors and Adherents, and for

such manner as

may

be thought most proper.

Whereas the Conference with the said Indian Tribes which has hitherto taken up our time, now in a manner over. We the said Commissioners for the Province of tlie Massachusets Bay, in the name of our Government do further propose to your Excy and Honours that it be is

now agreed First. That in case an Invasion shou'd be made by sea or land on either of the said Governments, by the French or Indians in present War, the other two shall hold themselves obliged to send succour to their relief, in such number & manner as may be reasonable &

necessary, and as

we

shall

now

agree on.

That a proportion of Men send them respectively) be agreed 2'">

Z'^y

To

agree on a suitable

(

to be

armed, subsisted and paid by the Governments that

on, to scout and Scour the

number

& proportion

Woods

in case of

an Indian War.

& mand

of good cruising vessells well arm'd

by the Governments respectively to guard our Sea Coasts. 4thiy fo agree upon the most proper methods for our mutual information

&

notice of

any

approaching danger by Sea or Land. 5ihiy

-Jq consult

in case they 5thiy

fo

about

&

agree to the most effectual measures of annoying the Indian

make War upon

stipulate that

no Peace be made with the said Indians or any Tribe of them, waring

with these or either of these Governments without the privity ^thiy

fo

Enemy

us.

&

consent of the whole.

consider the necessity or expediency of carrying the French

settlements, and to agree on the proportion of

Men

each Governm'

War

shall find

into their in case of

own such

an attempt. gthiy

-j'q

agree on what Incouragement shall be given the Indian or English Soldiers,

we may

send out against the Enemy. gthiy

of

'Yq consider

Canada

whether

it

may

not be proper in some suitable

to forbear their former practice of sending Scouts of

manner

to desire the Gov''

French or Indians

in small

knock our Women & children in the head, and propose that he carry a manner more suitable to the usage of civilized nations, and to let him know

partys, on our frontiers to

on the war

in

same methods with his people. John Stoddard Jacob Wendell Tho' Berry ^Commissioners. John Choate Tho' Hutchinson

that unless he conforms hereto, he will necessitate us to take the

—

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

268

Governor Clinton

New- York Papers.

[

My

to the

Dule of

(S. P. O.

)

No.

Newcastle.

9, p. 217. ]

Lord.

W Clark the Lieut' Governour

sent

him from England

the one

;

lately

showed me two printed scheimes which he

said

were

is:

Proposals for establishing by act of Parliament dutys upon stamp papers and parchment in all

the British and

The

other

American Colonys.

— Some remarks on the most

rational and effectual

means that can be used

in the

present conjunction for the future security and preservation of the Trade of Great Britain by protecting and advancing her settlements on the North continent of America.

presume those scheemes are handed about in order to be passed into a Law by the I make no doubt but that Your Grace has seen them. The People in North America I must beg leave to make a short observation upon them. are quite strangers to any duty, but such as they raise themselves, and was such a scheim to take place without their knowledge it might prove a dangerous consequence to His

As

I

Legislature,

Majesty's in'erest

The

other

is

—

calculated

to

appoint a

General

Officer

to

preside

over the respective

Governments upon the Continent, who is to have entirely the disposition of the Troops that might be raised by those dutys, which consequently must anticipate any power given to Capt° Gen" or Command"' in chief by virtue of his Commission under the broad seal and by that every Governour expects to command in chief; but by words of this scheem he can be no more than a Sypher in his Gov"' if the command of the Troops is given up to another, and with submission to Your Grace no Capl" General can ever dispense with such a superiority. As I am apt to think M'' Clark is concerned in these scheems in order to obtain the appointment of the Commissioner for Stamps in America as well as the inferior Officers under him (which no Govern'' will willingly come into) and as he is now out of power, he may be (if he obtains his own ends) regardless what factions such scheims may occasion; but as it. is incumbant on me to preserve the peace and tranquility as well as the faithfuU allegiance of His Maj'^ subjects within my Govern', I must beg leave to move your Grace that those Scheims be first referred to the respective Governours and their Councill to be duly considered and reported before they take place. I

can justly say that no Governour before

who

stubborn set of people

me

has taken more pains then myself to work up a

are of the Assembly, to a spirit of loyalty and a hearty zeale for

His Maj'>" service abstracted from any interested views of my own, and had I not taken singular pains to move them to send a reinforcement of the Militia to Oswego which I had before doubled Garrison with His Maj'^* Troops; that important fortress must have been before now

—

These reinforcements gave a fresh spirit to the Indians, and French upon the Gover"^ of Canada sending to them he designed taking that place this fall, they boldly told him they would take up the Hatchett in defence of it upon which he has drop't any

in the possession of the

thoughts of attacking

it

this winter.

—

LONDON DOCUMENTS I shall

in a

more

observations of the

XXVII.

:

269

manner acquaint Your Grace by the next opportunity with some nature of the Country for Your Grace's considerations and am with the fuller

greatest respect

—

My Lord Your Graces most humble New York 13'^ December 1744.

and most obedient servant

(signed).

G. Clinton

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle.

Governor Clinton [

Now- York

the Diike

to

Papers.

(

S. P. O.

)

No.

9,

of Newcaslle. p. 21S.]

13.

My

Decemb-- 1744.

Lord.

The

20"" of last

month

I

of His Maj'" declaration of

had the honour of your Graces favour of 31" March with duplicates war against the French King, and also one of 26"> April desiring

all partes under my jurisdiction to the Agents for the Captors of Spanish prizes taken between the 10"' July 1739 and 19* October following to transmit

that publick notice be given in

their accounts I

and ballance

to the

Commissioner appointed

for the distribution thereof,

which

have accordingly done.

had also by the same packit His

I

enjoyn

men

of

all

Capl°' of ships to

War

against the

upon pretence of

whom

King

their

I

Maj'J''

may

orders signifyed by your Grace impowering

of Spain and the French

King not

having on board Spanish or French

contrary to the intention of the Marein Treaty, which orders

Captains to obey, that

all

I

may

have Commissions from

am with

me

to

grant letters of marque or Commissions for private

me

I

to

make

effects,

prize of

Dutch Ships

though contraband,

shall strictly observe

hereafter

—

and enjoyn

the greatest regard

My

Lord.

Your Graces most obedient and most humble servant His Grace Duke of Newcastle.

Count Zlnzendorff [

To

My

the Right

G

(signed).

to the

Clinton.

Lords of Trade.

Plantations General Papers, Vol. XIII., N. 76.

]

Honourable The Lords Commissioners of Trade and Plantations.

Lords,

Some years since (by an almost evident instigation of the people who thro' their ignoble disposition easily take occasion

Calvinist Clergy

&

a

mean

thereto) there has in the

sort of

American

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

270

Colonies arisen an evil Custom of disturbing and burdening honest Men of all Sorts, who have hoping to enjoy an unrestrained Freedom of Religion &

settled themselves in those Colonies

in civil matters such an honourable liberty as I

do not think

it

are personally

w'*"

to lay before

known

to

me, since

Your Excellencies

many thousand

prevent so

way

honor of the Crown.

prejudicial to the

my

present Intention

is

not to accuse

the Lords at the head of the British

intrinsick State of Matters, as

the

no

is

needfull to mention here the great multitude of Instances of injurious treatment

World

anybody but only West Indies

in the

Your Lordships are able with one stroke of the pen

future Inconveniences, that an honest and benevolent

Man on

to

that

account willingly forgets the smart of a multitude of Injuries already endured. I petition for two Declarations or Orders;

The one

to

keep honest people as well strangers

The Second

that in the aforesaid Colonies no

America from being were only de gayete de Coeur.

as inhabitants of,

in,

&

chicaned with and plagued without the least reason

as

it

body but

least of all the Indians shall

be

hindered from joyning with any Protestant Church whatsoever w"^*" in his ideas is the most solid, according to the measures taken for encouraging Foreigners to settle in the British Colonies in America.

Your Lordships have with Arguments: But so

good

so

a Disposition as

petitioned

sh**

much wisdom

if for

that

I

think

it

not proper previously to trouble you

other people's sake (whose understanding

your Lordships') you

be confirmed by some Proofs,

I

sh"*

&

inclination

desire that tiiose points about

wait Your Lordships' order

&

am.

My

not in

is

w'""

I

have

Lords,

Your Lordships' most humble

&

Maienborr

obedient Servant

Zinzendorff.

31 Dec. 44

Governor Clinton

to the

[New-Tork Bundle,

My

Lords

Since

one of 2

1

letter

have had the honour to reside in this Government, I have been favoured only with from your Lordships of the 27"" of January last, acknowledging the Receipt of mine

Ocf 18

Nov--

Since which,

I

&

9 Dec' 1743.

have wrote to your Lordships the

that letter, and express'd to

Lords of Trade.

Gg., p. 137.]

my

14"'

May

last,

acknowledging the receipt of I had named

thanks for your recommending three of the Council,

your Lordsps and therewith inclosed the Minute of Council of M' Clarkes refusing to be a thereof, in order to remove your suspension of recommending M'' Renselaer to

Member

succeed him. I

also wrote to

as also

my

your Lordships 5 June following,

Speech

to the

Assembly of 17

&

therein inclosed a duplicate of

April, together with the Council

&

my

last,

their Addresses,

and sundry Messages I sent to them, to make an ample & immediate provision for the safety of the Province & a speedy Reparation of their Fortifications, upon the Intimations I receiv'd By the same opportunity were sent the Votes of their of War being declared by France. Proceedings, the Minutes of Council

(

wherein M' Clarke resigned

his place of Councillor in

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXVII.

271

Form, Also the Ingross'd Acts of Assembly for His Majesty's Royal Assent, and I acquainted your Lordships with my setting out for Albany the day after, to have an Interview with the Five Nations of Indians.

To these two last letters I have received no answer, nor has it been signify'd to me by your Lordships, that your Recommendation of the Councillors has been approved, nor any intimation from the Board that the measures taken with His Majesty's service. I

likewise wrote to

Assembly of Indians, and

IS""

July

in

my Government are

your Lordships the Q"" October last and therein I acquainted you with

last,

what was transacted upon that occasion, and letter, with what referrs thereto.

1

agreeable,

&

& thought consistent

my Speech to the meeting the Five Nations of herewith send your Lordships a inclosed

my

Duplicate of that

wou'd give me great satisfaction to know if my letters came safe to your hands, as offer, and as the ships which convey'd them are returned, without any answers thereto, it gives me room to fear they are miscarried, or that I have not fully answer'd your It

opportunitys

in my Proceedings, which I assure you are my intentions. was not a little surprized to find Cap' Rutherford (upon his arrival here) appointed one of the Council, which has anticipated my recommendation to you of a very worthy Gentleman of

Lordships expectations I

this Province.

M' Rutherford

but a stranger in this Country, and his appointment has greatly

is

sort, who expect to be promoted to that wish His Majesty's interest may not suffer upon this

alarm'd the People, particularly those of the better Preferment, as Vacancies happen, and occasion, being apprehensive

preserv'd in good

harmony

it

I

will create a confusion

& free

from faction

;

and

it is

in

my Government, which

I

hitherto

no easy matter to alay a tumultuous

when once they begin, of which there has been strong instances in this Province. As Captain Rutherford resided at Albany, where M' Renselaer lives, whom I recommended to succeed M"' Clarke, it will cause a very great sedition among the People there, if he is not People,

immediately appointed a Councillor, M' Clarke still refusing to be concerned for the reasons given you, and I hope he will be no longer indulged in that respect, and that M' Renselaer will be forthwith appointed, and his Warrant dated equal with those he

he won't accept of

it.

This Gentleman

County of Albany, and a very

is

was recommended, otherwise

of the most considerable fortune

loyal subject,

and able

at all times to

&

influence in the

promote His Majesty's

Service.

From what I have said, I imagine your Lordships will think it requisite to suspend the nomination of any of the Council hereafter, until they are notifyed by me, being satisfy'd, that as I am upon the spott, I can best judge of their Inclinations and Power, and shall name none but such as are of the best Fortunes and Estates in the Country, zealous for His Majesty's ;

service,

and the welfare of the Province.

My

I

am

with very great respect

Lords

Your Lordships most obedient and most humble Servant

New York 2" Jan'T']744

The

R' Hon^" the Lords

G. Clinton.

Com"

of

Trade

&

Plantations.

—

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

272

Governor Clinton [New-Tork

My

to the

Duke of

Papers. (S. P. 0-) No.

9, p.

Newcastle.

219

]

Lord.

Since

my

arrival into this Govern' I

October, IS Nov"' 9 the nature of

my

&

have had the honour

26. Dec' 1743. the 5""

proceedings to

all

which

I

June and

9"'

Ocf

to write to

last,

Your Grace the

2°*

acquainting your Grace with

have not been honoured with any answer, which

impute to your Graces engagements in matters of higher importance. In my letter of the IS"" Nov' I informed Your Grace that the Lords Commissioners of Trade

I

had deferred the recommending to His Majesty, the filling up some vacancies in the Council, until I arrived here, and then I took the liberty to name to Your Grace four Gentlemen to be members thereof viz' Peter Warren, Joseph Murray, John Moor, and Jeremiah Renselaer, the first three whereof their Lordships have told me, they had recommended to His Maj'^ but suspended their "recommendation in favour of M' Renselaer to succeed Lieu' GoV Clarke, who refused to be sworn in upon my arrival, notwithstanding I frequently importuned him thereto, and still persists in the same opinion, upon account of His infirmities, which were given as a reason in the minutes of Counciil transmitted to their Lordi" io order to remove their suspension of recommending M' Renselaer in his room, and I must b«g Your Graces approbation in favour of this

Gentleman, he being highly worthy of the

Office.

June I inclosed my speech to the Assembly of 17. April preceeding. together with the Council and their addresses and sundry messages 1 sent to them to make an ample and immediate provision for the safety and defence of the province, and a speedy reparation of their Fortifications, pursuant to their Excell'^^' the Lords Justices directions, signified to me by M' Stone the 15. Aug; 1743. and then I acquainted Your Grace with my setting out the day In

my

after for

In

my

inclosed

my

letter of 5

Albany, to meet the Five nations of Indians. October I acknowledged the receipt of His Maj'" declaration of War and speech to the Assembly of IS"" July 1744. and therein acquainted Your Grace with

letter of 9""

my

meeting the Five nations of Indians, and what was transacted upon that occasion, and letter, with what refers thereto.

I

herewith send Your Grace a duplicate of that It

would give me a

particular

satisfaction

to

know

Graces hands, signifying Your Graces approbation of

my

if

my

letters

came

safe

to

Your

conduct, which shall always be

my

study to merit. the arrival of Capt" Rutherford, I have the honour to be informed by your Grace with appointment of a Councillor, which has anticipated ray recommendation of a very worthy Gentleman of this Province. M' Rutherford is but a stranger in the Country, and his

Upon

his

appointment has greatly alarmed the people, particularly those of the better sort, who expect to be advanced to that preferment, as vacancies happen, and I wish His Maj''" interest may not suffer upon this occasion, being apprehensive, it will create a confusion in my Govern' which 1

have hitherto preserved in good harmony and free from faction. As Capt" Rutherford resides at Albany where M' Renselaer lives,

whom

I

have recommended

M' Clarke, it will cause a very great sedition among the people there, if he is not immediately appointed a Councillor in M' Clarke's room, and I hope Your Grace will please to move his Maj''' to appoint M' Ranselaer forthwith, and iiis warrant made of an equal date with those he was at first recommended, otherwise he won't accept. I am the more earnest to succeed

LONDON POCUMENTS:

XXVII.

273

Gentleman of the Councill, as he is of the most considerahle fortune and influence in the County of Albany, a loyal subject, and at all times able to promote His Maj'>' service. With submission to Your Grace I believe it will be requisite to suspend the nomination of any of the Council iiereafter, until they are nolifyed by me, being satisfied that as I am upon the spot, I can best judge of their inclinations and power, and Your Grace may be assured, I shall name none, but such as are of the best fortunes and estates in the Country, zealous for His Maj'''' interest and the welfare of the Province. I have frequently represented to the Board of Admiralty that our coasts are quite unguarded and exposed to the insults of the Enemy, having no ship of War to protect us, and unless Their

to

have

tliis

LordP^ will please to send out such ships to this port, as

necessary for the safety of our Trade,

we may

expect

I

have represented

many

fatal

New

be absolutely

I think it my duty to acquaint Your Grace therewith, and hope you will please to My Lord same before the Admiralty. I am with the highest respect Your Grace's most humble, and most obedient servant. (signed). G. Clinton. York, a""* January 174^.

thereof, and

lay the

to

consequences from a neglect

—

—

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle.

Mr. Walpole

to

tlie

Lords Commissioners of [

To

My I

New- York Bundle, Gg.,

p. li:.

the Treasury.

]

the Right Honourable the Lord Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury.

Lords

beg leave

to lay before

my Deputy

from M' Moore

your Lordships an Extract of a as Auditor of His Majesty's

letter dated the 8""

Revenues

in

New

October 1744

York, to

M''

Pennant

my

Deputy here; with the Copy of a Memorial of M' Archibald Kennedy the Receiver of His Majesty's Quitt Rents in that Province, and of observations made by my said Deputy botli relating to an Act passed there (of which the Inclosed is a printed Exemplair) entituled an Act Payment nf His Miijcslifs Quitt Rents and for partition of Lands in order thereto. May 1742 and as it was found to be injurious to His ]\Lijesty's Rights with Respect to the Quitt Rents, and defective with respect to the partition of Lands, a new bill was this year sent up by the Assembly of New York to the Council there, entituled An Act for

for Rrgulating the

this

Act passed

in

amending an Act for Regulating Order

thereto.

But the

the Paijments of the

Officers of the

of the Act for the Partition of Lands.

Quitt Rents

and for

y" Partition

of Lands in

Crown finding that the said bill related only to that part The Receiver presented the aforesaid inclosed Memorial

my Deputy made

the abovementioned observations upon it, from whence Crown, both with regard to the Collection of His Majesty's Quitt Rents, as well as for the Recovery of them, appears at one view so flagrant, and notorious, that it is unnecessary forme to add any thing to what the Oflicers have stated in so full a light, or to shew, that if the said act, should continue to subsist His Majesty must be deprived of His

to the Council,

and

the great Injustice done to the

Vol.

VL

35

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

274

Quitt Rents which as justly belong to him, as the Lands do to the Proprietors from whence

they arise,

who

indeed have no

Quitt Rents to

the Colonys, because

if

I

the

if

Lands granted

so considerable as to

is

means can be found out

(which

I

am

afraid

settlement of that

to defeat the

great Detriment of the Publick

the

are (as they ought to be) cultivated, the fruit and

make the payment of the Reserved Rent, a trifle, payment of it. Great tract of Lands maybe taken up is the case now of some Colonys) and being kept uncultivated, obstruct the Colony, to the particular advantage of the owner of those Lands, but to

benefit to the grantee

but

property, but on condition of paying the Rents

to that

title

need not acquaint your Lordships that the reservation of small the Crown, upon the Grant of Lands, is an institution of great advantage to

reserved in their Grants.

by checking the Encrease of Strength and Riches

in

that Province.

What might give

occasion to the passing this Act,

proceeding, that an Assembly should take upon

I

can't

itself,

tell,

but

it

seems a very extraordinary

without any application from the

Crown

Payment of His Majesty's Quitt Rents, when the Course of Law for that purpose is open and known, and under colour of such a Regulation, deprive the King of the Antient and legal method for ascertaining and recovering his rights, upon which the property of that very Assembly is founded, I thought it my Duty to lay this matter before to pass a Bill for regulating the

your Lordships, and am with respect

My

Lords

Your Lordships

Cock

pit

Most obedient and Most humble Servant J Walpole Auditor

Whitehall

Jan'y 24. 1744

Governor Clinton

to the

[New-Tork Papers.

Duke of

Newcastle.

(S. P. O.) No. 9. p. 222.]

(duplicate).

My

Lord.

The Govern*

of the Massachusets

Louisbourg was considerable

in

a very

weak

Bay having

received information, that the Garrison of

condition, and that pursuant to a petition preferred by a

number of inhabitants of

that Province, to the General Court there, representing

the importance of the reduction of that place, to the obedience of His Maj''': to

It

was reported

be the opinion of the Committee of both houses, as incumbent upon that Govern' to attempt

the reduction thereof.

Upon

this

head Govern"' Shirley wrote to

that this Province should furnish

and

interest, to join

them

Whereupon, conceiving

its

this enterprise

they not meeting according to time full

the 29"" January last and urged very pressingly,

we were

equally concerned in duty

in so laudable a design.

and the interest of the northern Colonys, iaclosed speech, in

me

respective quota, as

I

was I

calculated in

all

called together the

respects for His Majesty's service

Assembly of

this

Province; but

prorogued them for a week, and then made to them the

confidence, they would immediately provide for that service, in such

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXVII.

:

275

manner, as became every subject, who had His Maj'" interest at heart. They have been deliberating above twelve days thereon, and as yet, come to no final resolution with respect to

which

their quota,

by

this conquest,

I

am

the

more surpised

reduction of Canada, from which quarter,

who have

French,

lately

making them

Indians, in

by

alert

we

all

probability might facilitate the

are under daily fears of being attack'd by the

their Emissarys, caused a very great

commotion amongst our

we designed to cut them off; with this notion they were so Mohawks and Seneckes (the principal nations), were formed into a

to destroy our settlements;

been very

as this province will have a greater advantage,

believe

greatly alarm'd, that the

body

at,

than any upon the continent, which in

and diligent

and had not the Commissioners of Indian

to quell

this report

and remove their

affairs at

Albany,

fears, in all likelyhood,

we

should have lost our Indians.

The French have considerably

increased their settlements on our backs, and almost inhanced

the Indian trade to themselves, by means of the lake Cadaraqui, whereon they have two or three vessells of 50 or 60.

Tons with

men, with which they carry on

manned with 12

6 or 8 swivle guns to each, and

They have

their Trade.

also built Forts,

or 15.

and trading houses

ranging along the lake (contrary to the Faith of Treatys). whereby they hold their power over

all

among

the Indian nations, except those dependant on our provinces, and even

those

they have, and do daily gain too great an influence.

To remedy those evils for the present I have recommended the building of a Fort, in the Senneckes Country, to be well manned with the militia of the Province, and maintained at the publick charge, in order to keep the French from coming among them (His Maj'" four companys being scarce sufficient to garrison the Forts already built) But as I am affraid the Assembly will not come into this expence nor enter into joint measures with our neighbours in support of the common cause, on account of the great charge they are at in guarding the Frontiers, and making large annual presents to the Indians, in time of peace as well as war, to preserve them in their fidelity, which no other Govern' upon the continent in any shape contributes

to, tho'

they

all

no other lasting expedient

receive advantages from

for preserving of

it:

It is

thought advisable and

I

know

of

our frontiers than forming the four companys into

a Regim' of 1000 men, to be forthwith raised and sent from England, with an Engeneer, Artillery

and Amunition, and posted

the Sinnekes Country on the

in

proper harbour for building of Vessells with barracks to be erected supply'd with provisions for a time only:

That there be then

Lake Cadaraqui,

for the

built

two

men, who are

at to

a be

or three vessells of

superior strength to those of the French, on board whereof a few sailors, and a sufficient

number of Souldiers being

put, with

proper

officers, it is

imagined we

may

easily take or

destroy the French vessells, and then attack their Forts on the Lake, and for ever disable them

from annoying Indians over

us.

whom

By

submitt and trade with

once

we

this

means our Five nations

will

live

unmolested, and even those

the French have a very great power, upon hearing of our conquest, will us,

and our

own

Indians assist in demolishing the French Forts.

are masters of the Lake, they will no longer trade with the

When

Enemy, which must

greatly incourage our woolen manufactory.

The

climate in these parts,

is

from going hither, provisions of

temperate and the lands all

kinds

may

fertile,

and

in

two or three years time

be raised, and no sooner are the Troops setled

than Farmers will go under their cover, to dwell in that Country and cultivate If

something

among our

is

it

—

not soon done to put a stop to the French encroachments and intrigues

Indians, this province must certainly

become a prey

to the

Enemy,

tho' nothing

.-

—

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

276

me

has or shall be wanting in against

all

to protect

it,

and courage

or to animate the people to vigour

events.

November last were making a great them and their Indians (to the number of nine hundred) were to march to the eastward (as it was imagined) to attack some English settlement, of which I immediately acquainted the respective Govern" that way, and by a letter which I received this day from the Commanding Officer at Oswego, I am informed that have further

I

number

of

to

snow

add that the French

at

Canada

in

shoes, and that soon after a party of

he had intelligence by one of our out scouts, just then returned from Cadaraqui, that 1500 French and 100 Indians went from Canada in December last in order to surprise some English The outscouts further say that only in settlement near the mouth of the River S' Lawrence. the spring much Warlike stores were to be brought to Cadaraqui, which may be intended against

Oswego

;

and that the openess of the weather had hindred their paying that place a

visit this winter.

have also received a

I

Regiment at Georgia copy of which I have find the present

I

troops

;

The

in

letter of 12 Febr"^

answer

from the Commanding Officer of General Oglethorps

to the information I

gave him of

this intended expedition, a

inclosed, together with the Councils address to

numbers and Force

fortifications

in

Canada

kind, that have been there from hence or Albany.

speech.

and regular nobody knowing any thing of that The number of Militia upon the river S'

can have no good account

I

my

consist of Militia, Indians of,

Lawrence, some reckon ten, others thirteen thousand able to bear arms. The regular troops, are thirty two companys of 30 men each, but not half full, so that they do not reckon the number of effective men can exceed 500. but the great number of Officers in them are of Their Indians

great service towards disciplining their militia.

Cacknawages about 230. Abenaquis at S' Francoi

Conessetagoes 60, 90.

Obinacks

at

Attenkins 30.

Becancourt 50.

fit

to carry arms, are, the

Missiquecks 40.

Neperinks 30.

Hurons

at Lorette 40. in all

about

570, besides allies at great distances, but those here mentioned are upon or near the River. I have often represented to the Board of Admiralty that our coasts are greatly exposed

want

for

attack us

of the usual

station

ships,

by sea we have no ship of

but hitherto without

effiect,

and should the

force to repel them, our Privateers (tho

Enemy

many) being

all

out a cruising. I

thought

service,

it

my

duty to acquaint Your Grace with what has occurred to

and the safety of

his province,

and what

I

have mentioned

me

for that

for

end

His is

Maj'>'

intirely

submitted to Your Grace. I

am

with the greatest regard

My

Lord

Your Graces most humble and most obedient servant

New York

27 March 1745

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle.

(signed).

G. Clinton.

LONDON DOCUMENTS Lords of Trade I

To George

Clinton Esq'' Gov'' of

June and

Ocf 1744 and

9"'

New-York

New

Since our letter to you of the S?"" of

to

277

Governor Clinton.

Entries, M., p. 275.]

York.

174^

Jan''^'

of the

XXVII.

:

2''

we have

received Yours of the 14"" of

May

S""

of Jan'^ 1744-5 together with the several Papers

transmitted therewith.

more than one letter from us since Your Government. In answer to this We must inform you that this Board make an Immediate Return to all Letters from Governors, where the subject

In the last of these you complain of not having received

you have resided never

fails to

in

appears to require Dispatch.

With

respect to the supplying of Vacancies in Council the Governors of His Majesty's Colonys

are directed from time to time to send over to this Board

&

office

Lists of persons qualified for that

the Board have always a proper Regard to such Recommendations, but they do not

apprehend themselves to be confined by the Governor's Recommendations shall

if

any other person

appear to them properly qualified to discharge this Trust.

We

are surprized to hear that the Appointment of M"" Rutherford has (as

Your expression

is)

greatly alarmed the people, but unless there be any objections to his character or Conduct, of

which you have not given us the

least account

dutifully acquiesce in His Majesty's

We

see no

Reason why the people should not

Appointment.

We have in complyance with Your request recommended M'' Renselaer to succeed M'" Clark and should have done it sooner had we not, out of a proper regard to the long services of the Gentleman being willing to see whether he might not be induced to depart from the Resolution he had perhaps too hastily taken, of quitting his seat in Council. But as to what you mention concerning

M''

Renselaer's

expectations

Gentlemen some time since appointed,

that

We

his warrants

should

bear equal date of the

must acquaint you we know no precedent

for

any

such Proceeding.

We

approve the Care you have taken in recommending to the Assembly

security of the province and wish they had seconded

seem

Your Good Intentions

to

provide for the

better than they

have done by Your

letters of the 5"" of June and of the 9"" of October 1744. mentioned letter you inform us that you have renewed the peace with the Indians and persuaded them to act against the French We congratulate you upon this event

to

In this last

;

and should have been glad to have known what sense they shewed of on occasion of the Presents he was pleased to send them.

We

have transmitted that part of Your

Custom House

Officers

letter which upon Prize Goods (mention'd

goodness

Dutys demanded by the same Letter) to the Comm"'' of

relates to the in the

his ISIajesty's

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

278

So we

the Customs that they might send proper Directions to their Officers upon that head. bid you heartily farewell, and are

Your very loving Friends and humble Servants

Whitehall

MONSON M. Bladen R. Plumer

Aprill S"- 1745

J.

P. S. July 17""

and have

Since the signing

tiiis

Your Desire recommended

at

letter

IVP

we have

Bayard

Pitt.

just reced Yours of the 13"'

May

last

to be of the Council.

MoxsoN. p. S. Whereas doubts have arisen in some of his Majesty's Plantations in America whether

any of

his Majesty's natural

born subjects taken on board any of the Enemy's Ships committing

hostilities against his Majesty's Subjects

and thereby guilty of high treason may be

Pirates by the Courts of Admiralty in the several plantations, entituled

" the

"An Act

third

to

we send you

amend an Act made in the seventh year of the an Act for the more eifectual Suppression

entituled

reign of of

tried as

enclos'd an Act

King William

Piracy" for Your

conduct therein.

MONSON.

Governor Clinton

to tJie

[New- York Bundle,

My

Lords of Trade.

Gg., p. 144

]

Lords

Since 1 had the honour of writing to your Lordships, I have been obliged for many reasons and (by advice of His Majesty's Council) to dissolve the General Assembly of this Province as I propose very soon to send a narrative of their whole Proceedings, in justification of my conduct upon this occasion, 1 shall only trouble your Lordships now with the Speech I made to them at the Dissolution, which I should rather chose to have avoided at this Critical Conjuncture, had there been the least hopes left of their promoting His Majesty's service or the safety of the Province, I have the honour to Govern. Lieu' Governour Clarke setts out on Fryday next for Boston in his way for England, pursuant to my leave, therefore I hope my recommendation in favour of M' Stephen Bayard to succeed him in Council, will take place as M"^ Renselaer is dead, of which I acquaint your ;

Lordships the

13"'

May

last.

I

am

My

with very great Respect

Lords

Your Lordships most

New York 10"'

The

June

obedient humble serv'

G. Clinton.

174-5

R' Hon'''* the Lords of Trade

&

Plantations.

LONDON DOCUMENTS Lords of Trade [

to

New-Tork

XXVII.

:

279

Governor Clinton.

Entries,

M.

p.

295]

June

To George

Clinton Esq'' Gov'" of

Since our letter to you dated the

We

have received a

letter

New S""

of April last (a Duplicate whereof

from Mon'' de Gersdortf

New

28"" 1745,

York.

in

is

herewith enclosed

)

behalf of himself and the Moravian

in September last, York" by which as he says these Bretheren there will be very much oppressed, We have likewise had some discourse with him and two of tlieir Ministers that have attended us on that subject, and having at their request promised to write to you for further Information in the said affair, We do accordingly desire you would inform us in Your next what the behaviour of these Moravians has been in province and whether any ill practices on their part gave occasion to there being inserted by

Brethren in the Province of

entituled "

An Act

York, complaining of an Act passed there

for securing his Majesty's

Government of

New

y

name

in the said Act.

We

must here observe to you that we have rec'd the above Act with 24 others transmitted by the Secretary of the Province without any letter from him or any observations upon the said Acts from you W"" by y' Instructions you are directed to send us with them. So we to us

bid you heartily farewell

&

are

Your very loving Friends and humble Servants

MoNSON M. Bladen R. Plume R J.

Pitt

B. Leveson

Gower

Ja. Brudenell. P. S.

Whereas doubts have arisen in some of his Majesty's Plantations in America whether any of His Majesty's Natural born subjects taken on board any of the Enemy's Ships committing hostilities against His Majesty's Subjects and thereby guilty of high treason may be try'd as Pirates by the Courts of Admirality in the several plantations. entituled "

An

Act

to

amend an Act made

in the

We

send you enclosed

An Act

seventh year of the lleign of King William

the third entituled an Act for the more effectual suppression of Piracy" for Your conduct therein.

MoNSON.

Governor Clinton

to

the

[New- York Bundle,

My I

Lords of Trade,

Og., p. 146.]

Lords have the honour of your Lordships Favour of the 28"' August

last,

with a Copy of His

Majesty's Proclamation to the Governonr of .Tamaica, promising encouragement to sue!) persons

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

280

being Protestants, as shall be willing

Lordships Directions,

to settle in the

Island of Ratan, and pursuant to your

have caused the said encouragements

I

to

be published in the respective

Towns & Countys of this Province. The Government of the Massachusets Bay having received information, that the Garrison of Louisburg was in a very weak condition, and that pursuant to a Petition preferred by a number

considerable

Inhabitants

of the

of that

the

Province to

General

Court there,

Representing the Importance of the Reduction of that Place to the Obedience of His Majesty,

was reported to be the opinion of the Committee of both Houses, as incumbent upon that Government to attempt the reduction thereof. Upon this Head, Governour Shirley wrote to me the Sg"" January last, and urged very pressingly, that this Province should furnish its respective Quota towards carrying on this expedition, as we were equally concerned in Duty and Interest to join them in so laudable

It

a design.

Wiiereupon conceiving this Enterprize was calculated in all respects for His Majesty's service, and the Interest of the Northern Colonys, I called together the Assembly of this Province, But they not meeting according to time, I prorogued them for a week, and then made the inclosed Speech, in full confidence they would immediately provide for that service, in such manner, as became every subject, who had His Majesty's Interest at heart. They have been now above twelve days deliberating thereon, and as yet come this

to

no

final

Resolution with respect to their

more surprized at, as this Province may have a greater advantage by Conquest, than any upon the Continent and as it would in all probability facilitate the

Quota, which

am

I

the

we are under daily fears of being attacked by the (by their Emissarys) caused a very great commotion amongst our Indians, in making them believe we designed to cut them off, with this notion they were so greatly alarmed, that the Mohawks & Seneckes (the Principal Nations) were formed into a Reduction of Canada, from which Quarter

French,

Body

who have

our Settlements, and had not the Commissioners of Indian Affairs at Albany,

to destroy

been very

alert

lately

&

diligent to quell this Report,

and remove their Fears, in

all

likelyhood,

we

should have lost our Indians.

The French have

considerably increased their settlements on our backs, and almost Inhanced

means of the Lake Cadaraqui, whereon they have two or three Vessells Tons with six or eight swivle guns to each, and manned with 12 or 15 men, by

the Indian Trade, by

of 50 or 60

which they carry on

their Trade.

They have

also built Forts

and Trading Houses ranging

along the Lake in the Seneckes Country (contrary to the Faith of Treatys) whereby they hold their power over all the Indian Nations, except those dependant on our Provinces, and

even among these they have, and do daily gain too great an Influence. To prevent these encroachments, it is absolutely necessary to establish a Harbour well fortifyed on this

Troops

in the

with a

skillfull

Lake, and build a few Vessells of superior strength to theirs, and settle regular to be raised & maintained from home, in barracks to be built for them,

Country,

Engineer

&

Gunners, nothing being more wanted, for repairing and modelling,

as well as defending our fortifications, or erecting such others, as

the Province will never

come

may

be thought needfull

:

For

into such an expence, at so great a distance from their settlements,

tho danger stares them in the face.

Under these circumstauces, I am persuaded it will plainly appear to your Lordships, how it is upon the Assembly to make immediate Provision for the services I have

highly incumbent

recommended

;

but should

tliey fail

therein, I have great reason to fear this Province will

LONDON DOCUMENTS a Prey to the

become our

weak

shall be I

of

wanting

have farther

Snow

march which

Enemy,

in

to

me

to

Shoes, and that soon

after,

at

Canada,

in

to

it

vigour

&

November

a Party of P'rench

to the Eastward, in order, (as I

safety accordingly, in the

its

animate the People here

add that the French

281

home does take into their consideration mean time notiiing has or

unless the Legislature at

condition, and provide for

XXVII.

:

&

was imagined)

courage ag'

day from the Commanding

number

Indians to the

to attack

immediately acquainted the respective Governments that

all

were making

last

events. a great

number

of 900 were to

some English Settlement, of way and by a letter which ;

Oswego dated

7"" inst, he informs me, by one of our Scouts just then returned from Cadaraqui, that 1500 French & 100 Indians went from Canada in December last in order to surprize some English settlements near the Mouth of the River St. Lawrence, the Scout says further that early in the Spring much warlike stores are to be brought to Quadraqui, which he says may be intended against Oswego, and that the openess of the weather have hindred them from paying that place a visit this winter. I find the present number & force in Canada consist of Militia, Indians and regular Troops, The Fortifications I can have no good account of, no body knowing any thing of that kind, that have been there from hence or Albany. The numbers of Militia upon the River St. Lawrence some reckon ten, others thirteen thousand able to bear Arms. The Regular Troops are thirty two Companies of thirty men each, but not half full, so that they do not reckon the number of

I receiv'd this

Officer at

the

that

effective

men

can exceed 500, but the great number of Officers

towards disciplining their

Militia.

Their Indians

to carry

fit

in

Arms

them, are of great service

are the

Cacknawages about

230, ConessetagoesGO, Altenkins 30, Nepesinks 40, Missequeks 30 Abenaquis at St. Francoi 90,

Olinacks at Becuncourt 50, Hurons at Lorette 40, In

all

about 570, besides Allies at great

distances; but those here mentioned are upon or near the River. I

have just receiv'd a

letter of the 12"^

February from the Commanding Officer of General I gave him of the intended Motions

Oglethorp's Reg' at Georgia, in answer to the Information of the French a

my

Copy

of which I have inclosed, together with the Councils

Address

to

Speech I

am

with very great regards

My

Lords

Your LordsP' most humble

New York

and obedient servant

25 July 1745

The

G. Clinton

R' Hou"'^ the Lords

Com"

of Trade

Governor Clinton [

&

Plantations.

to the

Lords of Trade.

New-York Bundle, Gg.,

p. 147. ]

My Lords I

my last letter of 19"' Jan"^ & IS"' March, since have been obliged (by advice of His Majesty's Council) to dissolve the Assembly,

take the Liberty to inclose Duplicates of

which

I

Vol. VI.

30

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

282

whom

from

was

at this

found

it

I

have borne many provocations, with great calmness, considering how critical it to be without one, during the intermediate space for calling another. But I

time

was

absolutely needful! to try

His Majesty, to whose service they

ways

all

to bring

them

to a just

sense of their

Duty

to

show'd the greatest disregard, by not putting the Province into a proper posture of defence, and securing the Frontiers by Sea &Land ag' tiie Enemy, notwithstanding I laid before them His Majesty's repeated orders on that iiead.

The New Assembly seems

in general

be of a better Disposition to do Business, and immediately

to

voted ^5000 towards the Expedition

ag'

Cape Breton,

Yet they have neglected a very material Point at their

to

which the former only voted ^3000.

late

meeting, in not making Provision

my

having an annual interview with the Six Nations of Indians during the War, in order to make them Presents to keep them in their fidelity; and the consequence of that neglect is

for

such, that

most of the Indians

are gone to Canada, notwithstanding

my efforts

all

them,

to stop

now become so divided in their opinion with respect to their attachment to the British Interest, that I am apprehensive an Indian War will soon be commenced at the instigation of the French, and am sorry to tell your Lordships, that I have certain Intelligence of the 17"» and are

instant from the

Commissioners of Indian

Albany, as well as from the Governour of

affairs at

Connecticut, that the French Indians have began to scalp our white people upon the Borders

New

of

England, and have murthered two men

their Eyes, taking out their Hearts,

News

to hear these

&

the

a most barbarous manner, by plucking out

in

Crowns

Savages have committed the

observe by the Speeches the

Danger

We

I

so earnestly

It

I

my

for

recommended

and

I

expect by the next

to

having an Interview with the

may

them, as your Lordships

have inclosed, (with the proceedings of the Assembly) well knowing

I

must be exposed

they desert us, and indeed

to, if

retaining them, since they are disappointed of meeting

which

;

cruelty in this Province, which might

have been prevented had the Assembly made provision Indians this summer, and which

Heads

off their

like

me

I

have but poor hopes of

according to their expectations,

could not do without Presents.

me

has been repeated to

again by the Council

Lordships, that you would be pleased to

where nothing

reside in this Province,

&

General Assembly

move His Majesty is

to order an

more wanting, than a

to

apply

Engineer

skillfull

man,

to

to

your

be sent

to repair

&

&

put

our Fortifications in a proper state of defence, especially in the Frontiers, as well as to build

such others regular, that little

may

be thought necessary, for great sums have been exhausted to

purpose on those services, for want of a person thqroughly versed in that Art, I

am

with very great respect

My

Lords

Your Lordships most humble and obedient Servant

New York 25 July 1745

The

R' Hon'''» the Lords of Trade

G. Clinton.

&

Plantations.

LONDON DOCUMENTS Governor Clinton [New-Tork

My I

Duke of

Papers. (S. P. 0.) No.

9,

283

Newcastle.

p. 227.]

Lord. take the liberty to inclose duplicates of

since wiiicli

whom

from

was

it

I I

my

19"'

last letters of tiie

been obliged (by advice of His Maj'>' Council)

iiave

June and

IS""

to dissolve the

March

Assembly,

had borne many provocations with great calmness, considering how

time

at tliis

found

His

to the

XXVII.

:

critical it

be without one, during the intermediate space for calling another; but I

to

was absolutely needfuil to try all ways to bring them to a just sence of their duty to whose service, they, in general showed the greatest disregard, by not putting the

Maj'y, to

province into a proper posture of defence, and securing the frontiers by sea and land against

Enemy, notwithstanding I laid before them His Maj'-^' repeated orders on that liead. The new Assembly seem to be of a better disposition to do business, and immediately

the

voted

^5000. towards the e.xpedition against Cape Breton, to wiiich the former only voted ^3000; yet tiiey have neglected a very material point at their last meeting, in not making provision for my having an annual interview

them

witii tlie Si.\ nations of Indians,

keep them

presents, to

in their fidelity,

during the war,

and the consequence

in

order to

of that neglect,

is

make

such, that

most of the Indians are gone to Canada notwithstanding all my efforts to stop them, and are now become so divided in their opinion with respect to their attachments to tiie British interest, that I am apprehensive an Indian war will soon be commenced, at the instigation of the French, and am sorry to tell Your Grace, that I have certain intelligence of the 17"" inst: from the Commissioners of Indian affairs at Albany, as well as from the Governour of Connecticut, that the French Indians have began to scalp our white people on the boarders of

and have murthered two

men

and which

recommended

New

England,

most barbarous manner, by plucking out their eyes, taking out their hearts and the crowns off their heads, and I expect by the next news to hear those savages have committed the like cruelty in this province, which might have been prevented, had the Assembly made provision for my having an interview with the Indians this summer; I

so earnestly

in a

have inclosed, well knowing the danger I

to

may

them, as Your Grace

we must

be exposed

to, if

observe by the speeciies

I

they desert us, and indeed

have but poor hopes of retaining them, since they are disappointed of meeting

me

according

which I could not do without presents. Since I had the honour of writing to Your Grace, I have received His Maj''' orders and instrustions, signified by Your Grace, touching the marine Treaty with the Dutch as also with to the expectations,

;

respect to the service

the greatest regard in It

Commodore Warren

my

has been repeated to

me

all

which

have, and shall constantly pay

I

again by the Council and General Assembly, to apply to Your

where nothing

fortifications, in a

upon, to

power.

Grace, that you would be pleased to in this province,

is

is

move His

Maj'^ to order an

more wanting, than a

Engeneer

skillfull

man

to

be sent and reside

to repair,

and put our

proper state of defence, especially on the Frontiers, as well as build such

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

284

may be

others regular, that

purpose on those services, I

thought necessary,

want of

for

am

Lord.

Your Grace's most humble and most obedient servant

July

SS""

to little

vpith the greatest respect

My New York

sums have been exhausted

for great

a person thorouglily versed in that art.

1745.

G. Clinton.

(signed).

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle.

Governor Clinton [New-York

My

Papers,

Upon

the

information

first

to

me by

8, p.

254.]

received of the late intended expedition against

I

Govern'' Shirley)

that service and urged, the concurrance of

and prevailing arguments

utmost consequence

to tiie

in

my

tiiis

was obliged

hopes

presently

I

Cape Bretone

a cheerful spiritt to promote

it

be an enterprize

to

Northern Colonys, and in particular to this: trifle in

and many other reasons

for that

shewed

province to the General Assembly with

power, conceiving

not obtain any assistance in men, and but a I

P. O.) No.

(S.

Lord.

(which was hinted zeal

Dulce of Newcastle.

the

to

all

(if carried)

When

I

found

I

the

of the

could

money from

the Assembly in aid thereof,

my

speech to dissolve them, in

set forth in

should avail thereby, with another set of men, more ready to promote His Maj'^

1

During that interval, I sent ten pieces of Ordinance of 18 pounders with carriages ettc which they could not have undertaken the affair, and I have the pleasure to tell Your Grace, those very cannon greatly contributed to the reduction of Louisbourg for which I received the thanks of the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay in a publick service.

to Boston without

manner

(tho'

Shirley's

I

could hardly get

acknowledgements

an intimate part

Upon

M"'

my own

to

in his speech to

pay

for the transportation of

them,

for this instance

of

my

them)

as well as M''

care in taking such

in tliat enterprize.

representation

Shirley's

provisions and not having subscription and raised

immediately embarked

it

in

afterwards that the Troops were greatly in want of

my power

any at the publick charge, I set on foot a which I largely contributed myself:) and that value for Louisbourg, for which I also

to procure

.£2000. for that end (to all

sorts of provisions to

had a vote of thanks from the Govern' of the Massachusetts. Afterwards

when

ISr

Shirley applied to

reduced, which

transported

it

thither

I

me

for a

supply of gunpowder for the service of the garrison

accordingly purchased at

and since have bought upon

my own my own

charge to the value of .£900, and

worth of cloathing to Troops retained there till relieved from home, and now by M' buying up all sorts of bedding in which they are in the greatest want of, credit £:2,000

paliate the discontents of the

Shirley's desire I at

my own

am

charge again, without any manner of advantage to myself, but rather otherwise by

non payment of

my

bills

drawn upon the

treasurer here,

which

I

cannot receive.

—

LONDON DOCUMENTS: I

XXVII.

must own, these are but poor instances of my affections it is upon me, as well as upon his subjects

how incumbent

285 His Majesty when

to

I

consider

promote

this province to

in

his

many favours conferred upon them, but all that I could possibly obtain from another Assembly when convened was ^5000. this currency towards the expence of the service for the

—

Boston expedition, without any other aid whatever, notwithstanding I have laid before them his Maj'^'^ instructions from time to time signifying, that I should give all necessary assistance to M"'

Warren,

in the service

he was upon, and the maintenance of the

common

cause.

This backwardness of the people's loyalty proceeds chiefly from the restraint they lay a Governour under, by giving him a salary; and although I can not subsist without one, I have never paid that regard therto, as can not be thought,

it

to neglect

can with that

I

my

duty to His Maj"' should

spirit oblige

them

to

promote

I

go without

his service, as if

but

it;

independent

become too sensible. They are jealous of the power of the Crown, and constantly encroaching upon its prerogative by nominating Officers and appointing Commissioners in their publick concerns, without my knowledge and tacking such clauses, as cannot be passed by His Majesty's Council, to their support Bill, as a means of my consenting thereto, or having no salary, which are such absurdities that I can never accede to; and of that favour, of which they are

unless the Legislature at a

home does take cognizance of their conduct, and enjoin them to or make a Governour independent, it can never be otherwise,

more submissive behaviour,

since neither dissolutions, nor fair means, can produce such effects, as are

IMnjestys interest I

—

have the ambition

to say,

who

the people than myself, its

safety intirely abstracted from

most

thereof, yet for the

reasonable I

demand

I

all

here,

which

I

was

in

hopes

I

I

I

have done

my

my

all

members

are sensible

not to comply with any

proceedings since

your Grace, but

to

for

His

Maj'>'''

should have

approbation therein, signifyed by Your Grace, that

spirits, as

hear has been approved

to

assured Gov^ Shirley has represented not only and unwearied vigilance, upon all occasions reduction of Louisbourg;

narrow

good.

have the pleasure

I

has gained more upon the affections of

gains to myself, and altho' their

part, they are of such

for the publick

it

I

had the honour

and as

;

to the Ministry

service and

been

I

my readiness

particularly for the

honoured with His Royall

being an unspeakeable satisfaction to know,

duty, tho not with the success

likely to revolt

from their engagements

to

to

have been

could have wished.

I

have lately been to make a voyage to Albany to meet the Six nations of Indians,

were

His

for

ask for nothing but for the wellfare of the Country and

have constantly transmitted to your Grace

command

me

no Governour before confess

wanted

His

Maj''':

who

At the publick conference there

attended Commissioners from the Massachusetts Bay, Connecticut and Pensilvania with intent to

renew and confirm with me

their respective

Treatys with the Six nations, and during

stay there the Commissioners of the Massachusetts

nations to

war against

the French

demanded

of

me

Indians in their Govern' whereby the Frontiers of this

province would have been exposed to the insults of the P^rench and probably destroyed, as

we have no

my

the Assistance of those

all

our settlers

whereupon consulted with such of His Maj'y' Council then with me, who were of opinion it was more advisable to retain the Indians in their own Castles till I had acquainted the Assembly therewith, and have since represented to them the necessity of raising siipplyes (or the preservation of the frontiers, and beg leave to refer Your Grace to my transactions at large with the Indians at this conference which I have sent to Your Grace by this opportunity. regular Forts built to repell them,

1

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

28G

am now

I

endeavouring to

frontiers; but as the

Assembly

is

Crown

on foot a scheme for the reduction of a garrison at

set

point posessed by the French in the ludian Country, which so extremely

backward

is

a very great annoyance to our

promoting any publick good,

in

T

am

they will not contribute to the charge of carrying it on, and indeed while so many dutch prevail in this province, I can have but little hopes of succeeding in any enterprise, tho' ever aflraid

so well concerted, unless they are obliged to do their

power

— Crown

point

is

strong Fort the French has called Monreal which

have sent

six pieces of

duty more chearfully by a superior

a fort about 160 miles from Albany, about 160 miles from another

Cannon

is

half

way

to

Quebeck from Crown

point, I

of IS pounders, with carriages and every thing else necessary

Albany excepting powder, which I have desired the Assembly to supply me with as if those guns and Powder was only for the security of Albany if it should be attacked, and despairing of success, I sent to the speaker this morning, and told him I was very much surprised, the house paid no greater regard to His Maj'>' instructions, I had laid before them, as not to give an answer in any shape that I had great reason to believe as I had often represented to them the French and Indians had some design on our frontiers, and if we did not something on our part to prevent it by attacking them first, that I had reason to believe Albany would be to

;

surprised this winter, and last they agreed to

;

I

1

desired a quantity of

don't

know how

only one thing more to add, which

and was

in

powder should be immediately

to intrude

sent up,

which

at

any longer on your Graces patience, but have Dutch at Albany as most of the province is,

is, they are all hopes as Dutchmen to have continued a neutrality with the French Indians, as they

war and even supplyed the French Indians with ammunition for their skins, who went Albany to murther in a most cruel and barbarous manner the People of New The Commissioners from Massachusets Bay in our England who was at war with them debates actually taxed Councillor Livingston with it, but he was too deeply concerned to acknowledge the remembrence, but only said it was a long time ago, and I had now great reason to believe, both, he and his son was now concerned in taking the lands away from the inclose this to Lord Lincoln Indians, which they complained off. I It is a vile family desiring he would take an opportunity of delivering this my private letter when Your Grace

did last

directly from

—

—

shall be at leasure,

of respect

— My

New York

IS.

and hope for forgiveness taking up so much time

—

I

am

with the greatest

Lord

Your Graces most obedient and most humble servant (signed). G. Clinton

—

Nov'

1745.

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle.

Governor Clinton [

My I

New-Tork

to the

Lords of Trade.

Papers, Bundle Gg., No. 153.

]

Lords,

had the honour of writing to Your Lordw the 25. July last, with a duplicate of one of the March inclosed by the Antelope from hence, which I hear is arrived, and to which I

27. of

— LONDON DOCUMENTS refer,

and ou the

26"' of

XXVII.

:

287

September following (1745) I transmitted the minutes of Council to some Man-of War from Cape Breton, which 1 hope will

the 10"' July, by the opportunity of also arrive safe.

Since which,

—

have been honoured with Your Lordi'i" of the 25"' April last, after mv return from Albany, where I was obliged to make a voyage to attend an interview with the Six I

Nations of Indians (tho' late

the season) in order to establish

in

British Interest, from which, they

were

them more warmly

likely to revolt, through the influence

and

in

the

artifice of

the French.

At

the publick conference there attended Comiss'"^ from the Massachusetts Bay, Connecticut

and Pennsylvania, with intent

to

renew and confirm with me

respective Treatys with the Six Nations, and during

Massachusets Bay demanded of

me

my

(in behalf of his Majesty) their

stay there, the

the assistance of those Nations to

Commiss" from

War

the

against the French

Indians in their Govern', whereby the Frontiers of this Province would have been

left

naked

Enemy, and all the out settlers stript of succour as we have not a regular strength to repel an Enemy, nor a sufficient number of Garrisons to protect the Inhabitants should they be attacked. Whereupon I advised with such of His Maj'-^'* Council then with me who were of opinion, that it was of very dangerous consequence to suffer and exposed

to the insults of the

the Indians to depart this Province,

till

I

Demand, however willing I might be to shall refer Your Lord?''^ to my transactions

had informed the Assembly with the nature of the assist his Majesties

passed between the Commissioners from the Massachusets

which

I

Since

have inclosed, and hope my return from Albany

Subjects in

New

England, and

and what

at large with the Indians at this conference,

Bay and me upon

the occasion,

your Lordships approbation therein. have again recommended to the Assembly (now

for I

sitting) the

necessity of their raising supplys for building of Forts to cover the Frontiers of this Province,

and more particularly now, as the Indians by this Treaty have engaged themselves to make War upon the French Indians in two months after, unless they can obtain satisfaction in that time for a Breach of a Treaty of Neutrality entred into between them, and now become void,

by

their committing hostilities upon HisMaj'>'' subjects in have not paid the least attention. I

am

New

England, to which the Assembly

extreamly concerned to see the dispatch of publick business so greatly neglected by the this Province, notwithstanding my frequent importunityes and recommendations

Assembly of

on that head, and I am persuaded while they are at the charge of maintaining a Governour, it never will be otherwise, tho' I have it to say none ever gained more esteem than myself, thro' a candid behaviour to them. They are selfish, and jealous of the power of the Crown, and of such levelling principles, that they are constantly attacking

its prerogative, so that nothing but Gov''* independence can bring them to a just sence of their duty to His M.ajesty and his

service.

and

I

I

have taken unwearied pains with them to that end, tho hitherto to

find that neither dissolutions or fair

tend to a publick good or their

own

assist their neighbours, allthough I

and Instructions, transmitted

to

also the frequent applications

little

means can produce from them such

preservation.

have constantly

They

neither act for themselves or

will

laid before

me from time to time made to me by Gov'

purpose,

Effects as will

them His

Maj'^'^

Commencement

Royal orders

War, as Warren for assistance of expedition ag" Cape Breton, and for the

since the

of the

Shirley and M""

men, provisions and money in maintenance of the late protection of Louisbourg since reduced to the obedience of His Majesty. To have shewn no greater regard, than voting 6000 pounds to that service (which

all

which, they

is

not likely to

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

288 be paid) without any

few but hirelings

otlier assistance,

iiave a seat in the

and even

was more, than

tiiat

Assembly who

expence to the Province, without contributing any

at a great

I

well could expect, as

protract time for the sake of their wages, tiling material for its welfare,

credit or safety. It is

now become

clear to

me, that unless the Legislature at home does take cognizance of their Maj'^'' Royal

disobedience and indolence, and enjoin ihem to a more ready complyance to His orders and Instructions,

I

have but poor hopes of succeeding

in

any

affair,

tho' ever so well

concerted for His Majesty's service and the security of the Province. I

am

obliged to Your Lordw' for the Regard you have paid to

my

recommendations of the

recommended him, I hope M"' Bayard will be appointed to succeed according to my application to Your LordPP the 13 May last. I have been endeavouring to set on foot a scheme and to engage the Province therein for the Councillors, and as

ftp

reduction of a Fort at

Renselaer

Crown

is

dead since

point, possessd

I

by the French

in

the Indian Country, which

is

a very great annoyance to our Frontiers, and had in pursuance thereof sent up to Albany six pieces of

Cannon

Match and what I have received an Account the IQ"" inst by

of IS pounders with carriages, and a proportion of powder, Ball,

other Implements.

It

is

they are gone, for to

well

represented to the Assembly would be our Fate)

I

my

great concern (and

:

express from Albany, that a party of French and their Indians had cut

oft'

a settlement in this

fifty miles from Albany, and that about twenty houses with a Fort (which the publick would not repair) were burned to ashes, thirty persons killed and

province called Saragtoge, about

scalped,

Upon

and about sixty taken prisoners. receipt of this

news

I

sent the Assembly another Message

who

sum towards building

regard thereto except their voting an inconsiderable

have paid but

little

a small Fort in the

Frontiers to be garrisoned with some Militia, and have pleaded an adjournment for a fortnight

upon account of the small Pox prevailing in this City, and that they may return home to settle their affairs, and such of them as are Colonelis of Militia to make proper regulations in their Regiments for the defence of the respective Countys, as we hear the Enemy is still in the Country; to which I was advised by my Council to consent. In the mean time I have done every thing in my power for His Majesty's service, and have detached two of His Maj'^'* company's of Fuzileers to Albany, and given orders to march detachments of the Militia as a further security to that City; I have also given orders to the Six Nations of Indians to take up the hatchet against the Enemy immediately, and as they have expressed themselves thankful

for

His

Maj'^''^

presents,

I

hope they will Act

for his interest,

but unless the Assembly will come into ways and means to join our neighbours to attack the Enemy in their settlements, I cannot answer for the safety of this Province under its present circumstances.

Assembly

for

I

have discharged

my

duty, and refer Your LordPf" to the proceedings of the

what they have done, which

I

have inclosed.

My New York 30 Nov' 1745.

I

am

with very great respect

Lords,

Your LordP'" most obedient humble servant. G. Clinton.

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXVII.

:

Conference between Commissioners of the Colonies

289

and

the Indians.

153 [

New- York

Q

Papers, Bundle Gg., No.

.

1

154

Minutes of the Council at Albany, at a public interview and conference with the Six Nations

At

ettc.

Albany the

his Excellency's residence at

Present

— His

5""

day of October 1745.

ExcelK*' the Honor'"'^ George Clinton in

Chief

in

depending of the

and over the Province of in

Esq" Captain General and

New York

Gov""

territories thereon

America, Vice Admiral of the same and vice Admiral

Red squadron of His Majesty's

Phillip Livingston

\

Daniel Horsmanden

/

^^^^^ °^

Joseph Murray

John Rutherford

^'>«

Fleet.

Council.

j

Yesterday being the day appointed by His

with the Six Nations of Indians at

and

Excell"^y for

this Place, viz'

a publick Interview and conference

The Maquas, Oneydes, Onondages,

Sinnekes,

Cayouges and Tuscarores, many Indians of these Nations (excepting the Sinnekes) arrived in Town late in the evening. His Excell'^" was acquainted by Jacobus Bleeker the publick Interpreter, with the arrival of four hundred sixty four of the said Indians, and that the Sachims of the said Tribes desired to know what time his Excell"^ would please to appoint for their waiting upon him, to welcome him to Albany, His Excell"^^ appointed this evening at six o'clock, and several Sachims of the respective Tribes coming accordingly to the number of between forty and this

fifty

:

They acquainted

his Excell''*'

with the reason of the Sennekes absence

Nation had been visited with an epidemical sickness, which had swept

away

;

that

great numbers

of them, and that the rest were by means of that Calamity prevented travelling. After the usual salutes, His Excell'^y presented them with some black Strouds (according to the

ceremony used

in

such cases) to condole the deaths of several of the Sachims of the Six

[ round ] with a glass of Rum to and Gentlemen present, prosperity to the Province ettc. His Excellen''^ told them that he would speak to them in publick in a few days, that he expected Commiss" from some of the neighbouring Govern" who were not yet arrived and who were likewise to treat with them at this time in the interim, his Excell'^J' would take care to

Nations, since the last interview, then they were served

drink his

Maj'^'*

health and his

Excell'^J'''

;

provide for their refreshment and comfortable subsistance

At

a Council held at his

Present

Excell"='^'

— and then the Indians withdrew.

residence in the City of Albany the sixth day of

— His Excellency the Hon"" George Clinton JM'

Ocf

1745.

Esq""^

Livingston, M''Horsmanden, M' Murray and Capt" Rutherford.

The Coramiss" from the respective Govern" of the Massachusets Bay, Connecticut and Pennsylvania having attended his ExcelK and produced to him their credentials from their Vol. VI. 37

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

290

respective Govern" viz' John Stoddard, Jacob Wendell [Samuel] Wells, and [Thomas] Hutchinson Esq" for the Province of the Massachusets Bay; Roger Woolcot Esq"^"" Deputy Gov'' of the Colony of Connecticut and Coll: Stanly Commiss" for the said Colony; and Thomas

Lavvrance, John

Kinsey and

Norris Esq" for the

Isaac

Credentials were severally laid before the Council.

two Gentlemen of

His

the Council to confer with the said

should be thought proper for his

Province of Pennsilvania; which

thought

Excell"^^

expedient to appoint

it

Commissioners touching such matters as speech to the Six Nations of Indians at

Excell''^ to offer in his

manner in which the same should be conducted and was pleased nominate M' Horsmanden and M' Murray a Committee for that purpose.

the publick interview, and the to

Ordered: that

it

be an instruction to the said Council* to inquire privately into the causes

of the uneasiness amongst the

have

to

make

his Excell'^''

&

Maquas

Winter, and touching

this last

all

complaints they

may

report the same.

Read some heads drawn up by the Commiss" of Indian affliirs pursuant what to be proposed to the Indians at the Conference.

to

His

Excell"^^'

directions touching

At a Conference, between

the

Committee of the Council and the Commiss" from the

neighbouring Govern'^ had at Albany the seventh day of October 1745.

Present

—

Daniel Horsmanden

]

Joseph Murray

J

John Stoddard

\

Jacob Wendell

I

Esq" Commissioners from the

/

Province of the Massachusets Bay.

[Samuel] Wells

[Thomas] Hutchinson Roger Woolcot Stanly

Esq" members of the Council of New York

)

| Esq" Commiss" from the Colony j of Connecticut.

Thomas Lawrence )

The heads

John Kinsey

l-

Isaac Norris

j

of matter proposed to be offered in his Excell'^^* speech to the Six Nations at the

publick conference prepared by the It

was moved by

Excellency

to

Esq" Commiss" from Pennsilvania

Commiss"

New York

the Council of

speak to the Indians

Govern" now convened

in

Albany Read. were not most adviseable

of Indian affairs at

whether

it

General, on behalf of the several

Commiss"

for

His

for the other

method would tend happy agreement and union of these several Govern", and their resolutions for their carrying on the war in conjunction, and unitedly to support and prosecute the interest and common cause of all which might have a very good effect with them, they -.well knowing the strength & abilities of the several Colonies, whose united force they must to

show

esteem,

here, as well as for this province, for that this

the Indians the

is

sufficient to strike a

in their inclinations

the English and French, they to join

Terror into the

Enemy

;

and

if

the Indians should be wavering

with regard to what part they should take in the war at this time between

may

from the apprehension of such an Union, be determined

with us as the strongest side. 'Committee.

With these sentiments New -York

the

Commiss"

Council Minutes, XXI., 46.

— Ed.

for the

Massachusets

:

LONDON DOCUMENTS

&

Connecticut intirely concurred

majority of the

N,

and

in

general

XXVII.

:

291

Commiss"

the

for

Pennsiivania;

but a

they were

aware that considering the present circumstance of affairs with respect to the war, something would probably be said by his Excell"^ to the Indians upon that occasion whicii would not altogether be aggreable to their Religious sentiments (two of these Commiss" were Quakers) They therefore should cluise to speak separately and tho' they should do so they would be careful to pursue the main intention of this interview, by avoiding to say any thing wh"^'' might clash or interfere with what his

""' •.'

'

intimated, that

latter

as

should say to them, but the rather to enforce and give aid to

by observing

to

them

the union of these several Colonys and their strength as subjects of the same prince

who

Excell'^^

would resent any injury done

to

any one of them

as

done

to the

it

whole.

Moreover, that what

they should say concerning the General Interest they would previously lay before his

And

further, that they

had at

this

Excell'^''.

time some matters at private concern relative only

province of Pennsiivania which they had to discuss with the Six Nations which

to the

made

it

necessary for those Commissioners to speak with them separately.

As

heads for his Excell'^y'* speech prepared by the Commissioners of Indian which proposed, after informing the Six Nations of the infraction of the Treaty of neutrality concluded between them and the French Indians with regard to the present war, by hostilitys lately committed by the last mentioned Indians, by murdering several of his Majestys subjects on the Borders of New England That the hatchet should be offered to the Six Nations to strike against the French and their Indians, upon his Excelh'* commands signifyed to them for that purpose, in case that the Six Nations could not obtain satisfaction from those French Indians concerned in the said hostilitys and reasonable assurances of their observing inviolably the neutrality for the future. It was thereupon observed by the Massachusets Commiss" that the Six Nations had in effect accepted of the Hatchet by the last treaty upon condition to strike with it against the French and their Indians in case of any infraction made by them of the neutrality, and since hostilitys had been committed by them. The Six Nations were bound by that treaty to join immediately in the war with us against the French and their Indians. And therefore if the Six Nations were inclined rather in the first to that part of the

affairs

\

'

;

place to interpose their endeavours to obtain satisfaction for their breach

those Indians offending

in this

&

assurances from

instance of their preserving inviolably a strickt neutrality for the

was matter which (as the case stood) would come more properly from the Six it was agreed 'twould be more proper that his Excell"^^ should propose to the Six Nations to take up the Hatchet absolutely and let the condition be offered to the Indians' in their answer. And agreable thereto his Excell*^^' speech was framed. This day, Andries van Patten of the Township of Schenectady, being charged by the Indians with having told them that the people of this Province had a design to destroy them the last Winter (which was as pretended the occasion of a great deal of uneasiness amongst them) was brought before his Excell'^'' and examined upon oath, M"" Horsmanden M' Murray and Coll Stoddard being present. The Man absolutely denyed that he ever reported any such thing, and from the favourable circumstances of the Man's behaviour under his examination, and the future, this

Nations themselves; which reasoning being allowed to be just

—

good character he bore. His Excell'''' and every one present believed him innocent of the against him and he was discharged. '

bi/

the

iDjiiiiiB.

A'tio

-luri Coimcil Minuter,

XXL,

48.

— Eu.

cliarge

—

—

:

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

292

Albany the S day of October 1745. This morning the principal Sachims of the Tribes to inform his Excell'^y that

now met

at this place sent the Interpreter

they would wait upon him in the evening in order to lay their

grievances before him and desired that nobody might be present with his

Excell'^''

but Coll

Stoddard and themselves.

His Excell'^y returned for answer, that he should then readily hear what they had to offer and would do them justice, but that he had brought two of the Gentlemen of the Council with him from New York, who he desired should be present at this private conference.

P.

M. At a private Conference with the Indians.

Present

— His Excellency. M'' Horsmanden M' Murray

Coll: Stoddard,

and thirty three of the Sachims of the Indians, pursuant Arent Stevens

As

his Excel^y

had taken

all

&

Message

to their

in the

morning.

Coenradt Weiser, Indian Interpreters.

the proper steps he could think of whilst at

New

York, at so

great a distance from the Indians, in order to discover the true grounds of their uneasiness, and it

being rumored that they were

Affairs

they

left

still

dissatisfyed, notwithstanding the

Mohawk's Castle Indians entirely composed and

had been up the

at the

to inquire into this

Commiss"

of Indian

matter and had reported that

all that was passed might be made about the Report spread amongst them

that they desired

hurried in oblivion and no further enquiry to be

the last winter, that the people of this province had a design to destroy them, for that they

were convinced

it

arose without any just Grounds and they gave no credit to

ExcelK^ having been informed several times afterwards that the Indians were

it

still

;

and his

uneasy at

some of the River Indians in May last having delivered his Excel^^ a string from the Six Nations with a message requesting to be informed whether there were any such design as before mentioned, to which his Excell''^ sent them an answer by the

that Report, and

of

Wampum

River Indians; nevertheless

Excel^^ not resting herewith, but hearing that Coenradt Weiser

his

was going up amongst the Six Nations about that time to negotiate some affairs in behalf of that Govern', his ExcelK'' was pleased to write to Gov'' Thomas to give instruction to said Weiser to inquire privately amongst those Indians, and endeavour to find out the reasons of their late commotions and Weiser returning from the Indian Countrys by way of New York in July last, reported to his Excellency the effect of his enquiry and

the Pensilvania Interpreter

;

brought a Message from the as followeth

Brother the Gov' of

We

are

Mohawks with

a string of

Wampum

addressed to his

Excell*^'

:

now

New

York.

reconciled with our Brethren in Albany and

it

was agreed

that no further

enquiry should be made or any resentment shewn for and to the person that sent us warning, but our Brethren in Albany still continue to make enquiry and threaten the person if they could find him out.

we

therefore desire you will order the

Commiss" our Brethren

to

make

LONDON DOCUMENTS you

this string of

XXVII.

:

no further enquiry, for that person that gave us warning

;

293

to signify our request

we

lay before

Wampum. Aaron Asaragehty Speaker.

Notwithstanding

Weiser reported

tliis

message delivered

to

Weiser by the

Mohawk Sachims

in full Council,

Aaron and another of the said people (meaning the Mohawk Sachims) informed him that the matter with Albany people was not made up but only by words of mouth, their Brethren never spoke from their heart to them, further to his Excell'^^ tliat a few days after

and therefore they (the Indians) could do no otherwise but speake with their mouth only in the last Council, the Friends of Albany people carried the day but the old cause that we have

been cheated out of our Lands

still

remains unsettled.

As no certainty could be drawn from these jarring accounts His Excel^^ was determined to make the best use of this opportunity, and therefore told the Indians that he was now resolved to make strict inquiry into the causes of their late uneasiness, as it was his resolution to do them justice; and notwithstanding they had sent him a string of Wampum by M' Weiser with a request that all that was past might be hurried in oblivion, yet as their late commotions and uneasiness had made so great a noise in the world, and reflections had been cast upon many persons of some figure in the province as if they had been the authors or instruments of it. His ExcelK therefore thought it incumbent on him as well in justice to their persons' as the

now before him, and in that which Weiser had brought from them,

Indians themselves to insist upon their laying their grievances expectation he returned them the string of

and gave them a

Wampum

Belt.

Cannassatego an Onondage Sachim repeated relation to the string of

Wampum

to the Indians

and the reasons of

what

his returning

his Excell'^^

it,

and asked

had said with his

Brethren

whether they understood it so. The[y] answered they did. Then Heudrick a Mohawk Sachim after a considerable pause said. That Jean Ceur (a French Indian who generally resides amongst the Sinnekes one of our Six Nations and does us mucii Mischief amongst them ) told them last fall tliat the English had sent to the Gov' of Canada to join with them to destroy the Six Nations that they (the Indians) had told Wemp the Smith of this to inform the Commiss''^ of Indian affairs of it, and they the Indians had no answer from tlie Commiss" and the said Hendrick run on for above an iiour in an harangue which the Interpreter could make little or notiiing of, and at which the rest of the Indians seemed to His Excell'^^ and the Gentlemen present to bfe ashamed, of which opinion were both the Interpreters who were better acquainted with the behaviour and the manners of the Indians and as neither head nor tail could be made of Hendrick's oration, after a long pause and consultation of which every one present was tired. Cannasatego said, 'twas a matter required sober consideration and they must take further ;

time

to

consider of

it.

'

those persons.

New-York Council Minutes, XXI.,

60.

— Ed.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

294

At His Excellency's residence

Present

—

in

Albany

Oof 1745

9""

in tiie

Evening.

His Excellency M"' Horsmanden M' Murray.

Coll

Stoddard.

:

Arent Stevens and Coenradt Weiser, Indian Interpreters. And forty

Mohawk Sachim begun

Hendrick the

Wampum

night, the string of

they came

now

with reminding the Indians of what passed the

That they were now resolved to open them and came to give an answer to what

now

that they intended

Indian Sachims. last

returned by his Excellency and the Belt given, and what errand

Then he proceeded and

upon.

five

to declare

said

:

their Hearts so that no his Excell'^^ said to

filth

should remain within

them concerning

their grievances,

the whole.

Tho' they had resolved never to discover the Man from whom the alarm first came, yet since was resolved to have it, Andries van Patten was the Man. That hearing such news and putting that together about their lands that they were resolved

their Brother

to take

away

their

six lots of land

That

Lands

and

now

that there

Collins surveyed their

M"'

were persons that had Deeds

in their

pockets for

five

or

he has not a dust of ground to set his foot on.

Lands

in the dark.

Stoddard was not suffered by the Commiss" of Indian Affairs to come into their Country last spring but they must come to Albany to him. They were become the property of Albany people, they were their dogs.

Complained, Coll

:

Perhaps our Brother the Governour imagined we were thoughtless. two Towns of Indians were I know ( says he) and understand well now, what passed of old ;

cut off near

We

the

New

Mohawks

Indians, they get

us

York.

all

we

are apprehensive

and we

their lands

shall

be served at last as our Brethren the River

soon become as poor as they.

shall

You in the Broad way (addressing himself to Coll: Stoddard) have got our lands and From all these away from Westfield were my Father lived formerly, one instance.

—

looking about what has been done at these things together

And

same

;

England, Maryland

things

puting

ettc.

all

not be brought into the same condition as others have is

forthcoming,

we

see that

we

shall

be brought

pass. in

their hearts, they

our hearts

have done

Brother, continued he,

some

may

and truly we foresee that

This has remained

open

New

York,

concluded the news was true.

they speak this that they

been before them to the

I

New

driven

friends to

And we now

warn

when

it,

this

for

some years and now the Governour would have them

and hope

it

will

alarm arose

have a good

we were

glad

effect.

and rejoiced

to find

we had

us.

say as

we

told Coll:

Stoddard before, that van Patten was the man,

who

they

desired not to be hurt.

They

heard, five white persons had been

named

[as] authors of the Report,

Interpreter, Cuyler, Livingston Jun', Nicholas Bleeker, these

the Indians never

named them

or heard any thing of

The

Minister,

were accused by White people,

them among themselves.

— LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXVII.

:

295

Johannes an Indian that lodged at van Patten's near Sclioneclitady last winter, being present Hendrick said iiad his information that the Indians were to be destroyed from van Patten) being interrogated sayd that van Patten spoke in Dutch, and lie understood Dutch living amongst them, tho he can not speak it, but nevertheless his Negro wench, interpreted it into (wlio

Indian language.

The question was asked wiiat van Patten did tell him. The Man did not answer, seemed to be stupid, but others Clubbed

their heads together and seemed to prompt him, and then he went on with a Blind sort of Story that van Patten told him that the people of Albany had a design to destroy the Mohawks ettc. Aaron another Mohawk Sachim said (which it seems he had never pretended to before) that he was by once, when he heard van Patten tell Johannes so. That van Patten sent for him (Johannes) from the Mohawks Country, van Patten told him he must stay there, he must not that van Patten asked Johannes if the people go a hunting, and kept him several days (meaning the Mohawk Indians) were at home whether one or two or three days off. That van Patten said there was terrible news, death prepared for them, and when they came home they were to be cut off by their Brethren the Dutch; that he had been at Schenechtady and ;

—

there heard several people say

it.

Johannes said he went three several times from van Patten to the Mohawks went to Aaron and he went down with Johannis to van Patten and heard the same of him from his own mouth ( Arent understood Dutch) and sometimes the negro wench put in a few words in Indian

The question was put whether

the Gov"' should send for van Patten and Negro

Wench,

at

which Hendrick seemed much alarmed and in a great fluster, and the Indians in general desired that matter should not be pressed any further. From which conduct of these Indians upon this occasion, and considering that* van Patten had declared upon oath of

his innocence

with respect to the charge against him and the

favourable circumstances appearing in his behaviour upon his examination with truth and innocence, his Excell''^ and

spread

among

device of their

Gentlemen present with him concluded

the Indians at which they pretended to be so

own

much alarmed and uneasy was

a

last.

made only a general complaint about these Colonies taking and driving them back when they sell their lands and are paid for them. But let

they were told they had

their lands

them name

who have

particular instances tho' herein^ they have been

deeds

his Excell'y

M'

the air of

contrivance in order to induce this as well as the neighbouring Govern" to

give them presents this year as they did the

Then

all

that the Report

in their

pockets as they

would do them

right.

now

talk of

They answered

and

imposed upon name the six persons any injustice has been done them ;

if

:

(meaning the Councillor) which he has not paid for. Abraham another Mohawk said there was a great piece of Woodland, near a carrying place laid out at the head of Susquehanna Lake which was not bought of them. His Excell'^-'' again told them if they would at any time before he left this place mention all the particular persons by name who had imposed upon them about their lands and the places where, and if it did in any thing appear that they had been injured his Excell'^^ would see they had justice done to them. Collins measured land for Phillip Livingston

—

Then

the Indians withdrew. '

wliat.

Kew-York Council

Minutes,

XXL,

52.

'

particular instances wherein, Ac. Ibid.

— Ed.

—

:

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

296

And

his

Excellency heard nothing further from them concerning their complaints about

their Lands.

his Excel^^ the Honb''= George Clinton Esq"''^ Capt" General Chief of the province of New Yorlc ettc. to Five of the Six united nations of Indians viz*: The Maquas, Oneydes, Onondages, Cayouges and Tuscarores. At Albany the 10"" day of October 1745.

Propositions

and

Phesent

made by

Gov"' in

— His Excellency. Phillip Livingston

\

Daniel Ilorsmanden

(

,^

,

Esq"

r .i

ot

the

n Oouncu -i

T T.r ^ Joseph Murray John Rutherford / The Commiss" from the Govern'* of the Massachusets Bay and Connecticut, /

,

1

The Commissioners for Lidian affairs. The Mayor and Corporation of Albany, and several Gentlemen his Excell""^" and the several Commiss" upon this occasion. His Excel^'' addressed himself

attending

to the Indians as followeth

Brethren.

Here are present upon the occasion of this interview Commiss" from the Govern'^ of the Massachusets Bay and Connecticut convened with me on the same righteous intention of renewing, brightning and strengthning the Covenant chain, which has tied you and His Britanick Majesty's several Colonies on this continent in the firmest engagements to each other, for supporting and maintaining our

common

cause.

Wee

are glad to see so

many

of our Brethren,

and we bid you welcome here, at the same time that we heartily condole the absence of our Brethren the Sinnekes and their calamity's which have occasioned it, may the Almighty comfort them under their griveous afflictions and soon wipe off all tears from their eyes. We do with you our Brethren and with you as their representatives, ratifye confirm and establish all former

engagements entered that

we

by us, and our Brethren of the Six United nations, and assure you, A belt. them inviolable, and we doubt not of the same from you

into

shall ever hold

—

Brethren.

The rumour which

tiie last

winter gave an alarm to our Brethren the Maquas, and was from now appears to have been without foundation and I can

thence spread to the other Nations,

;

not help observing on this occasion, that you ought not for the future to suffer any such idle tales to be raised and propagated among you, as they not only tend to separate you[r] and our affections each from the other, but also to

grouud

for

make

us jealous of our

A

it.

own

people without sufficient

string of

Wampum.

Brethren. It must be further observed to you, that we hear several of the Chiefs and others of our Brethren of the Six Nations have contrary to our inclinations, and against our express advice, had an interview with the Gov'' of Canada this summer at Montreal; and that your pretence

for holding this

correspondence with our declared

preservation of the house at Oswego.

To

tell

Enemys was

for the public

good, and the

the Gov' of Canada, that they must not

make

tONDON DOCUMENTS any attack or attempt upon that the Gov'" of

XXVII.

Canada should never

You

upon you

prevail

knew

We

and that

it

in

any thing

hurtful to your Brethren the

did not like your going thither; that yet upon your return

we

Brethren what

will tell our

we

with the Gov"" of Canada, and

it

declared that your intent was good, and [that]

from thence, your Brother the Gov"" of JVew York should know

and the Gov'^ of Canada.

297

place, for that our Brethren are resolved to defend

should remain a place of peace and Trade. English, who, you said, you

:

all

between you

that passed

hear was done, whilst they were

expect the whole truth from them according to their promise,

We hear that whilst our Brethren were with the Canada, The FVench Indians took up the Hatchet against the English, which we believe to be true for reasons you shall hear by and by, and thereby the Treaty of neutrality and whether what we hear

is

true or not.

Gov"' of

concluded between you and them

is

become

Six United Nations there present, were so

Hatchet upon condition

We

vain.

far

hear likewise that our Brethren of the

prevailed upon by our Enemies the French, as

home

to their Castles to deliberate upon which we cannot believe to be true till we have it from our Brethrens own mouth. We expect a full and plain answer from our Brethren concerning these matters that the way may be cleared for wiping of all stains from the Covenant Chain, and that we may preserve it bright, firm and inviolable as long as the to accept of the

and then

to return the

GoV

of

Canada

to carry it

their answer,

A

sun shall shine.

Belt.

Brethren.

We

must now acquaint you of something relating

War,

to the

the success of His Maj'''' arms

against the P'rench in this part of the world, and the rise and occasion of our attacks upon the in this Quarter. When you were here last summer you were told that war was declared between the Crowns of Great Brittain and France; the events that have since happened are to numerous to relate particularly. His Majesty's Subjects in this Country, lay still the last summer, without attempting any thing against the French settlements, but the French first

Enemy

attacked and destroyed a small place belonging to us called Canso about 26 leagues from Cape

Breton.

Afterwards they

They then agreed

to

laid

Siege to Annapolis Royal, but therein they proved unsuccessful.

make another Tryal

for that place the

next spring and in the mean time

they sent to France hopeing to obtain some of the King's Ships to facilitate the reduction of

They haveing proceeded

it.

thus far

Shirley Gov"" of Massachusets

M""

Bay thought

it

high

time to do something to curb the insolence of that haughty people and did therefore raise a

Army, which was joined by a number of Men from the Govern" of Connecticut and

small

Hampshire, and sent them early last Spring against Louisbourg. They were likewise joined by a number of his MajV* ships of war, and after about seven weeks siege that important

New

and strong fortifyed place was, forces.

Whereupon the

goodness of divine providence delivered up to our Cape Breton, together with

thro' the

rest of the inhabitants of the Island of

those that were settled in parts adjacent, surrendered themselves prisoners to the English.

And

many French Ships were taken and divers of them of great and the design of the French against Annapolis Royal was frustrated. We have in part of the Country lain still both the last summer and this, hoping that our neighbours during the Siege, and since

value this in

;

Canada would

either be quiet or carry on the

And to induce them thereto, Summer, by which he was

a message

was

assured, that

War

in a

manly and Christian like manner. Canada the last

sent from this place to the Gov"' of if

he should revive their former

vile

practices of

treating his Maj'^' subjects inhumanly, the several Governours together with the Six Nations

Vol. VI.

3S

—

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

298

would join and make reprisals on them. And at the same time you publickly declared, that any of his Maj''''' subjects in any of his Govern" should be killed by any Indians you would immediately join in the war against them and the French. You likewise sent your Delegates last summer to the Eastern Indians to warn them not to engage in the War against the English, if

threatning them in case they should do

have been committed. their subjection to the

Kings

subjects, and

Notwithstanding these things, divers

so.

had been since treated by them with great kindness; but

of the French they have lately killed one Englishman, and also great Cattle, burnt

a

Saw

hostilities

Some montiis ago the Eastern Indians who had formerly acknowledged Crown of Ureat Brittain, entered into solemn engagements with the

Mill

& many

dwelling

houses and

attacked

at the instigation

number

of Horses and

an English

Garrison.

Notwithstanding such outrageous insults the Gov' of Massachusets Bay was so tender to them that he resented it no further then to send a Message to them demanding the delivery of the

Murderers as they would avoid the consequences of their neglect. This proposal was rejected by them, and since that time they have killed two or three others, whereupon the GoV of the

we

Massachusets declared war against them; and

are informed the English have lately killed

two of them and taken another prisoner. About three months since some of the Canada Indians killed two Englishmen near Connecticut River, the body of one of them was treated in a most barbarous manner, by which they left a hatchet of war, thereby daring us to take it up, and return it. There has likewise been several other partys that have attempted to distroy His Maj'J'* sui)jects of New England, but have been hitherto prevented. These facts plainly shew, that the French are still acted by the same spirit, that they were formerly governed by, and they seem never pleased but when they are at War, either with the English or some of the Tribes of Indians, and if they had it in their power, they would doubtless distroy all about tliem. It is likewise evident, that the most solemn and sacred engagements are broken thro' by those Indians that have committed the late Murders. That Bells of Wampum will not bind them to the performance of their promises. That we are slighted and you condemned,* as though they thought you not worthy to be regarded. The Six Nations were formerly esteemed powerful and your neighbouring Tribes stood in fear of you; but now the French and their Indians by the little regard they have to your threatnings, or to the covenants they have made with you, do declare that they think you do not intend to perform what you have threatened, or that they do not fear your displeasure, both which do reflect equal dishonour upon you. It is high time for us and you to exert ourselves and vindicate our honour, and although

it is

well known, that

have chosen rather

we

delight not in the distruction of our fellow Creatures, but

to suffer ourselves to

be abused, yet

longer to bear their insult and evil treatment.

nor examples, nor any methods

them

to forbear their

name

of

to

God we

endeavour

done, and

we have been

Barbarous treatment of

God

can not think ourselves obliged any

able to use, have been sufficient to prevail upon us,

but they will force our resentments.

are resolved not only to defend ourselves, but by

to put

it

we doubt

In the

proper ways and methods

all

out of their power to misuse and evil entreat us, as they have heretofore

not of your ready and chearful concurrence with us (agreable to your

solemn promise made in this place French and such Indians, as are or to

we

Therefore since neither our peaceable disposition

last

shall

Summer)

as well as to all their fellow Creatures,

A '

in joining

with us against our Enemies the

be instigated by them, for

who

we esteem them Enemies

dwell round about them.

large Belt with the figure of a Hatchet

contemned. Neto-York Council Minutes,

XXL,

65.

— Ed.

hung

to

it.

—

LONDON DOCUMENTS

^

XXVII.

:

299

Brethren,

The

publick affairs of my Govern' have prevented

should not have been able to meet you this

I

my meeting you

fall,

and

it

sooner. I was apprehensive was determined upon a sudden so

that there could not be timely notice sent to the rest of His Maj'^^ Govern'^ or I doubt not they would likewise have sent Commissioners to be present at this interview. We are all subjects to the same prince, united in the same bonds of duty and allegiance to the Great King

our

Common

We

are

all

from rust preserve

it

and

F'ather,

affection to

each other, and

in this

union consists

us formidable to our Enemies, and

;

his Viles' or arts to break or dirty

You

it.

are also united with

whom we recommend

league with our great King, with

in

and

in friendship

them fearful of our resentments. united with you in the same covenant chain, which as long as we preserve it free and you on your parts have declared that you will must remain impregnable so strong and brigiit that it shall not be in the power of the Devil himself with all

makes

that strength, that

to

the Far Nations of Indians

all

you

preserve strict friendship

to

and hold frequent correspondence that you yourselves (who many of you live scattered and dispersed) should dwell in bodys closer together as you have heretofore promised to do. And ;

we

Men

advise you to keep your young

at

home and within

ready and effectual assistance from us in

Answer

Commiss"

At Albany

Esq''''

may depend upon

A

times of danger.

of the six Nations (except the Sinnekes

George Clinton the

all

excepting such as

call,

sent from time to time a hunting, or, against our Enemies, and you

who

speake

of the Colonies of the Massachusetts

now we

and

Belt.

New York

ettc.

and

Bay and Connecticut.

the 12"' day of October 1745.

&

Connecticut.

days ago our Brother Corlaer and our Brethren of the Massachusets Bay to us

be

are absent) to His Excell'"''

Gov'' in Chief of the province of

Brother Corlaer and Brethren of the Massachusets Bay, Pennsylvania

Two

may

the most

come

are

to give our

answer.

You must [not]

& Connecticut

expect, that

we can

answer exactly to the several heads you mentioned to us but only to the principal Articles. You have renewed the old Covenant Chain and we do now renew the same on our parts; it is impossible that it can ever Rust for we daily wipe off" the dirt and keep it clean which we will

A

ever continue to do.

Wampum.

Belt of

Brethren.

You thought told us that

fit

to

we ought

had no grounds

for

mention

to us that there

had been an uproar among us

last

Winter, and

not to entertain any such notions of you our Brethren, especially as

any such

belief.

was immediately hurried and

It is

forgot,

true Brethren such a

Rumor was among

us,

we

but

it

and we did not expect that our Bretliren would have

mentioned any thing concerning that affliir to us at this Interview, and we desire you to think no more of it; we are also mindful of the Covenants between us and our Brethren and here ia a certificate (a) to prove that we are in covenant with our Brethren of Boston.

A '

Wiles.

New York -

Council Minutex, XXI., 57.

String of

Wampum.

— Ed.

(o) (A Certificate dated Ist August 1744. delivered by Hendrick with the string of Wampum upon this Article under the hand of Govr. Shirley and the seal of the Province of the Massachusets Bay, signifying that Hejidrick Sachim of the Maquas and Kayenwarygoa Saohim of the Onnoudages delegates from the Eight Nations accompanied by the

—

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

300

Brother Corlaer and Brethren of the Massachusets Bay and Connecticut. You speak to us concerning our going to Canada this summer, and told us that the Commissioners of Indian Affairs, had last Winter enjoined us not to go there, but some of us

went as to what you tell us that we had taken a Belt from the Gov'' of Canada whereby he desired us to take up the Hatchet against you our Brethren and that we promised him to All that passed there the Mohawks and Tuscarores have consider of it at home, it is not so. given the Commissioners of Indian Affairs an account of at their return and we are convinced ;

that that account

A

is true.

Wampum.

Belt of

Brethren.

You have thought

fit

to relate to us several particulars,

concerning the war between you and

the French, and what reasons you had for taking up the Hatchet against the French and their

We thank you for given' us a particular account of the provocations and inducements Indians. you had for declaring war against them, you also mentioned to us that we are one Body and one Flesh, and that if one of us is touched or hurt then the other is so likewise, and you have informed us that you are molested and attacked by the Enemy and had therefore taken up the Hatched against them and desired as we are one Flesh with you, that we would also take up the hatchet against the French and those Indians under their influence ; in conjunction with you we the Six Nations accept of the Hatchet and will keep it in our bosom. We are in alliance with a great Number of Far Indians and if we should so suddenly lift up the Hatchet without acquainting our

allies

with

they would perhaps take offence at

it,

We

it.

will therefore

we make use of the Hatchet against the French or their Indians, send four of our people (who are now ready to go) to Canada to demand satisfaction for the wrongs they have done our Brethren and if they refuse to make satisfaction, then we shall be ready to use the Hatchet

before

against them, whenever our Brother the Gov"' of

New York

orders us to do

A His

Excell'^J'

Indians would

The His the

it.

Belt of

Wampum

asked them, what time they thought necessary to try whether the French

make

satisfaction.

Indians answered, two months. Excell'^y

mean

asked them that

time, whether they

if in

case the

would then upon

Enemy

should commit any further hostilities in

his Excell'^^'*

commands immediately make

use of

the Hatchet.

They answered yes. Here the Indians requested his Excell'^y that as they had giveing the war shout upon delivering the hatchet to them that these* Brethren would now signify their approbation of this Whereupon His Excell"^^ and most of the company joined in article in their usual method. :

shouts with three huzzas.

— [excepting the

Massachusets Commissioners]

Commissioners appointed by that Governt to treat with the eight Nations arrived at Boston 25th June 1744. had at several

made with that Government and particularly the last Albany and had proceeded on a voyage and had an interview with the Kastern Indians and faithfully acquitted themselves in enjoy[n]ing them to maintain peace with the English and warning them of the consequences of their violating

conferences wilh Govr. Council and Assembly confirmed the Treaties

Summer

at

the same). 'giving.

New -York

Council Minutes,

XXL,

57.

'their. Ibid, 68.

— Ed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXVII.

301

Brethren.

You

desired us that

Body, especially as is

we

it is

we

very reasonable and

who are scattered and settle in a we may have occasion for them; your request

should gatlier together our people

very uncertain

how

soon

will use our endeavours to that end.

A

Belt of

Wampum.

Brethren.

We make

have to

now

you

this Belt of

all,

finished our

which

Wampum

answer and have nothing further

that you our Brethren should be

is

serve to bind you alltogether.

importance to communicate to us

where

this is the place

all

And it

to

say but only one request to

united in your Councils, and let if

any of you have any thing of

should be done.

A Here a note of approbation was given by the Interpreter by New York Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

Belt of

his

Wampum.

Excell'^^ directions for

Brethren.

Trade was the

first

occasion of our entring into alliance together, and from time to time

goods have been sold dearer to

us,

and we have several times desired that the

price of

should be lower and more moderate, but could never get a satisfactory answer, and

Commiss"

take this opportunity to desire our Brother Corlaer himself and the

goods

now we

of the several

how we do now we have taken up the Hatchet, we have no powder, ball nor cloalhes, people that go to war ought to be [well] provided with aniunition, this is the last time that we shall A Belt. speak upon this head, if we do not succeed now. Provinces to take

it

into their consideration that goods

may be

sold cheaper to us, for

shall

His

Excell'^y

answered them, that he would do

plenty of them, and as

it is

now

them upon the scarcity or

his utmost, that goods should be sold

as cheap as they could be afforded, but tliat the price of goods depends

war, goods are scarce and consequently dear and that they shall

be furnished with powder and aniunition upon occasion.

His

Excell'^s''"

further Speech to the Indians.

Brethren. I

have some presents which

shall

be ready to deliver you at this place an hour hence. I doubt not but you will be so just

Since there are none of our Brethren the Sinnekes here to

them

and reserve their share

in the distribution as to set apart

for

them and take care

it

be

delivered to them. It

gives

me much

pleasure to see so

many

of our Brethren at this Meeting and

I

care hitherto for your Refreshment and hospitable entertainment, I hope you have

nothing, and

towards you,

I

doubt not but the Commissioners of the other Govern'" will

till your return home. hence to Schenectady.

I

shall provide all necessaries for

now

have taken

wanted

for

do their parts

your journey from

have been detained here several days longer than I should have been, had not I Commissioners from several other Govern" attended at this interview which of course will

make the presents fall so much shorter. I recommend to you that you take care

there

is

no mischief done

in

your way home.

—

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

302 I

—

recommend

injuries

done

committed

to

it

to

your' Bretliren the Maquas to enquire into certain complaints of some

Farmers

living at Canajolierie

and

to see that Justice

be done and no mischief

for the future.

Memorandum. That the Commissioners for the Massachusets Bay, upon the Indians delivering the fourth in their answer to the Article of His Excell'^J'"' speech, proposing to them their engageing in the wars, rose up and publickly declared their dissatisfaction at the Indians answer, and insinuated, as if some endeavours had been privately used by some people of this Province to prevail on the Indians to give that answer for that ( as they said ) they knew the Indians were well inclined to have entered into the war immediately, and cast some reflections upon the people of Albany, as if this answer was given by their perswasion, who, the Commiss"

Article

knew were not inclinable that the Indians should enter war at all. And as to their obtaining satisfaction of the French Indians for the hostility by them committed, what satisfaction could they expect from them, perhaps a bundle of deer skins, or some such trifling consideration, so that at this rate they were likely to carry on the war by themselves, which they believed was contrary to His Maj'^'" intentions, and their

of the Massachusets, said, they well into the

to represent this matter home. answer thereto observed that the conduct of the Massachusets Commissioners was what he was much surprised at in the face of the Indians, at a season, when he thought it behoved us, (and 'twas the intention of this meeting as he understood) to shew that these

Govern' would take care

His

Excell''^ in

were determined to join their forces, and utmost strength in the and maintenance of the common cause; and if a neutrality could be strictly observed by the Indians, he understood hitherto that this was what would answer the wishes of every Colony, and that of this opinion was M"' Shirly, after the hostility's committed upon which occasion he wrote to his Exceli"^ requesting upon the borders of his Govern' him to send his orders to the Commissioners and instruct them to send a message to the Six Nations forthwith, and to acquaint them of the infraction of the neutrality by the French Colonies were

all

prosecution of the

united, and

War

—

Indians, and that

it

should be demanded of the Six Nations, to dispatch Deputys to Canada might inviolably be observed

in order to obtain a satisfaction, that so the treaty of neutrality for the future

Commiss"

many

;

and that

his Excell''''

had immediately pursuant thereto, sent

of Indian Affairs at Albany, though

it

happened

of the heads of the Six Nations were then gone to

at that

his orders to the

time to be notorious, that

Canada upon an interview with the

French Govern', and several of them were engaged (according to promise) to return thence by way of Albany to give the Commiss" an Ace' of their negotiations with the French part of their errand, being (as the Indians assured the Officer at Oswego) to tell the Gov' of Canada, he must make no attempts upon that place, for that the Six Nations were resolved to defend and the Commissioners at Albany at the time of such his Excel^>' orders as aforesaid, were in daily expectation of the return of the Indians from Canada by way of Albany, and as the it,

Commiss" wrote

to his Excell"' in

answer, they thought, that considering the importance of it would be the best opportunity of delivering it to same time be better able to judge of their present

the Message to be delivered to the Indians,

them personally, and they should

at the

disposition after their interview with the French Gov'; but before 'twas possible for the Six

Nations to have sent to Canada and have obtained the 'our.

New -York

fruits of

Council Minutes, XXI., 68.

such an endeavour, the Govern' Ed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS of the Massachusets had declared to his Exceil''^ considering

At a Council held PitESENT

War

M''

The Commissioners

303

against the French Indians, which

was matter of

surprise

Gov' Shirley's request as aforesaid.

at his Excellency's residence in

— His

XXVII.

:

Excell'^y the

Livingston,

Albany the

li""

October 1745.

Hon"^ George Clinton. Horsmanden, M"" Murray, Capl" Rutherford.

M''

Bay communicated to his Excel^y late last night by express, that an Attack had been made upon one of the block houses upon the Frontiers of New England by an Army of French and Indians as appeared by a letter from Zacharia Field directed to Capt° Wells and inclosed to John Stoddard Esq'^ at Albany (one of the Commissioners) by Ephraim Williams, which letters were read some

of the Massachusets

intelligence they then had received

and are as folioweth

:

Read a letter from Zachariah Field to Captain Wells dated Nortlifield 12. October 1745 informing him that the French had attacked a settlement on the Borders at New England.

A

from Ephraim Williams

letter

Jun"' to the Hon*"'"

John Stoddard Esq" of the same

date mentioning the above letter.

Whereupon

Com miss"

Bay and Pennsylvania Govern" (the home) were sent for to confer with his Excell*^^

the Commissioners from the Massachusets

from Connecticut being returned

and Council [this] morning upon the subject matter of the above letters. The Commiss" from the Massachusets Bay attending accordingly proposed

V

to

His

Excell'"''

and Council, that as the French at Canada and their Indians have now attacked the King's Forts, and in regard the Six Nations of Indians by their answer to the fourth article in his Excell'^'' speech now made to them have agreed to take up the Hatchet against the French at Canada and their Indians, upon condition they should have two months time allow[ed] them to use their endevours for obtaining satisfaction touching the infraction of the Treaty of neutrality

which had (at that time) been made by French Indians by committing hostilitys upon the Frontiers of New England, or if in the mean time any further hostilitys should be offered against His Mnj'>" Settlements, that then they would immediately after upon his Excell"^* orders strike with the hatchet against the

French

&

their Indians, and as further hostilitys had

been committed as appeared by the aforesaid Excell"'^ that

immediately

letters,

now

the said Commissioners requested his

he would please agreable to this treaty to give his orders to the Six Nations to fall

upon the Enemy, and the Massachusets Government would provide them own expence, provided this Province would

with Amunition and other warlike stores at their

not furnish them therewith and they would take the Indians along with them.

Commiss" withdrew

And

then the said

And

his Excell'^^ advising

to wait his Excell"^* answer.

with the Council thereupon they were of opinion: That, as there' was a matter of the highest concern to all the Colonies it could not be determined upon so

Commiss" desired, for there were but four Members of the was proper it should be discussed by a full Board at his Excell'^^'' return besides, it was necessary this matter should be laid before the Assembly that

suddenly, as the Massachusets

Council present and to

New

York

;

it

'

this.

Kew-York Council Minutes, XXL,

60.

— Ed.

—

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

304 they

may make

provision for such an event

;

that proper Fortifications

may

be immediately

erected upon our Northern Frontiers to which at present the Six Nations are our only barrier,

and should our Indians be withdrawn, to incursions

and

would be naked and

are' out settlements

utterly exposed

Enemy; and his Excellency would not consistently with the matters were now circumstanced) engage the Indians in the war,

insults of the

security of this Province (as at this critical time,

proper measures can be taken

till

put this province in a better condition

to

of Safety.—

That

this

Province was at

times at an anual expence to secure these Nations in the British

all

interest as well in peace as war, well

knowing

that

if

they are our friends they are our

securest Barrier.

That the other Provinces never took notice of them but in time of war, excepting upon some extraordinary emergency respecting the particular instance of their respective Colonys. Moreover, it did not appear by the express whether this was a formidable Army or of what number it consisted, for it was probable it was no more than a small flying party who would soon retire after doing some little Mischief. Considering the time this fresh hostility was committed it did not come within the words or meaning of this Treaty, for 'twas before the Indians had given in their answer to his Excell"^''"

speech.

'Twas observed that the Six Nations had now said in answer to His Excell'^''''. proposition to them concerning their engaging in the war that they were in alliance with a great number of Far Nations of Indians, and if they should so suddenly lift up the Hatchet without acquainting their allies with

it

they would perhaps take offence at

the Six Nations were at this time in the if

it,

that 'twas probable

many

Indians of

Enemies Country and might remain there some time

they have not notice of such an event, and 'twas most reasonable there should be time

allowed for calling them home, and thereby preventing their falling a sacrifice to the Enemy.

But though

it

the Govern' of

must be allowed the Six Nations are more immediately under the influence of

New York

as being constantly in their pay at a very great expence as well in

peace as war, yet the Council conceived 'twas most just

on every Colony

to assist

&

reasonable and a duty incumbent

each other not only in case of attack

made by

the

Enemy upon any common

of us, but likewise to join in any well concerted scheme for the annoyance of the

Enemy,

as the

same

also

is

most agreable

to the

Royal orders concerning the present War,

nevertheless they could not advise his Excell'^^ to take such measures at this instant as the setting on the Indians to it

war immediately

adviseable as the Assembly were

now

as things are thus circumstanced, but rather

of the whole Legislature upon a matter of so great

Which was agreed

to

thought

soon to be sitting that there should be the concurrence

moment.

by the Board, then the Commissioners were called in and acquainted

with the above opinion and resolution.

His

Excell'"''

however

told the

Commissioners though he could not immediately give orders would give them assistance by immediately at the expence of this Province.

to the Indians to engage in the war, nevertheless he

detaching a party of the Militia

The Commissioners took an

hour's time to consider of this proposal and said at their return

that they could not accept of the Militia for they believed 'twas only a small party that by that

time was gone •war,

off; so that

nothing but

his Excellency's orders to the

Indians to join in the

and to go with the Massachusets Commissioners immediately and thereby be withdrawn '

our. JS'ew-Tork Conncil MintUes,

XXI., 61.

Ed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

from our Frontiers would content them, for they seemed that

Note.

— The worda within brackets

in the

— Ed.

to depart

with some sort of threatnings

preceding Document are aJded from

Governor Clinton [New-Tork

My

305

Govern' would represent this matter iiome.

tiieir

XXI.

XXVII.

to

the

Duke of

Papers. (8. P. 0.) IS., 257.

tlie

Eecord

in X'ew

-

Vurk Council Minnies,

Newcastle.

]

Lord.

Since

make

a

had the honour

I

voyage to Albany,

thro' the influence

the

and

Your Grace of

25"'

July

attend an interview with the

to

them more warmly

to establish

At

to write to

in the British interest,

artifice of the

last,

Si.\

I

have been obliged

to

nations of Indians, in order

from which they were likely to

revolt,

French.

publick conference, there attended Commissioners from the Massachusets Bay,

Connecticut and Pen«ilvania, with intent Majesty, their respective treatys with

to

the

renew and confirm with me, Six nations,

and during

in

my

behalf of His

stay there,

The

Commissioners from the Massachusets demanded of me the Assistance of those nations to war against the French Indians in their Govern', wiiereby tiie frontiers of this province would have been

left

naked, and exposed to the insults of the Enemy, and

succour; as

we have no

regular strengtii to repel an

Enemy, nor

all

our out settlers stript of

a sufficient

number

of garrisons

to protect the inhabitants, should they be attacked.

Whereupon

I advised with His Majesty's Council then with me, who were of opinion, that was of very dangerous consequence to suffer the Indians to depart this province, till I had informed the Legislature with the nature of this demand, however willing I might be to assist His Maj'^^ subjects in New England, and shall refer Your Grace to my transactions at large with the Indians at this conference,, and what passed between the Commissioners from the Massachusets Bay and me, upon the occasion, which I Iiave inclosed, and hope for Your

it

Grace's approbation therein.

Since

my

return from Albany

I

have again recommended

Assembly, the necessity of

to the

and particularly more so now, as the Indians, by this treaty, have engaged themselves to make war upon the French Indians in two months after, unless they can obtain satisfaction in that time, from them,

raising supplys for building of P'orts, to cover

for a

tiie

frontiers of this province,

breach of a treaty of neutrality entered into between them, and

committing

hostilities

upon His

Maj'>' subjects in

New

now become

void,

by their

England.

I am e.xtremeiy concerned to see the dispatch of publick business so greatly neglected by the Assembly of this province, notwithstanding my frequent importunities and recommendations on that head; and I am perswaded while they are at the charge of maintaining a Govern"", it

will

never be otherwise, tho'

I

have

it

to say,

myself, by a candid behaviour to them.

Crown, and of such

none ever gained more esteem among them, than are selfish and jealous of the power of the

They

levelling principles, that they are constantly attacking

that nothing but a Governour's independence, can ever bring

Vol. VI.

.^O

them

it's

prerogative, so

to a just sence of their

duty

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

306 to

His Majesty, and

purpose; and

taken unwared pains to that end

I iiave

his service.

find that neither dissolutions, nor fair

1

own

tend to a publick good, or their

effects, as will

I

Royal orders, and instructions, transmitted

me

commencement of and M' Warren,

the

War,

to

preservation

have constantly

themselves, nor assist their neighbours, altho'

tho', hitherto to little

means can produce from

They

;

tiiem, such

will neither act for

laid before

them His

Maj"''

from time to time by Your Grace since the

as also the frequent applications

made

to

me by Governour

Shirley

of men, provisions, and moiiy, in mai[n]tenance of the late

for assistance

expedition against Cape Breton, and for the protection of Louisbourg since reduced to the obedience of His Maj'-'; to all which they have paid no greater regard than voting ,£5000 this

currency to that service, without any other assistance, and even that was more than I could well expect, as few, but hireling, have a seat in the Assembly, who protract time for the sake of their wages, at a great expence to the Province, without contributing any thing material to welfare, credit or safety.

its

clear to me, that unless the Legislature at Home does take cognizance of and indolence, and enjoin them to a more submissive behaviour to His Maj'J'' Royal orders and instructions, I have poor hopes of succeeding in any affair, tho' ever so well concerted for His Maj'^' service and the security of the Province. I take the liberty to inclose Your Grace some Messages I sent to the Assembly, since my It is

now become

their disobedience

speech to them of the 25. June their enabling

me

danger, although to

last, to

which they have not given the

it

meet the Indians once a year, when the Province was much I

least attention, except

go to Albany, when the conceived the frontiers in the most imminent has been the constant practice heretofore in time of War for the Governour

to

have been endevouring

reduction of a Fort at

less able to

be at the charge.

on foot a scheme, and to engage the Province therein, for the point, posessed by the French in the Indian Country, which is a

to set

Crown

very great annoyance to our frontiers, and had in pursuance thereof sent up six pieces of

Cannon

of IS pounders with carriages and a proportion of powder, ball,

implements.

It

is

well they are gone, for to

my

represented to the Assembly would be our fate)

I

great concern (and

what

match and other I have so often

received an account the 19"" inst: by express

from Albany, that a party of French and their Indians had cut off a settlement in this province called Saraghtoge about fifty miles from Albany, and that twenty houses with a Fort (which the publick

would not repair) were burnt

to ashes,

about thirty persons killed and scalped and

about sixty taken prisoners.

Upon

receipt of this

news

I

sent the

Assembly another Message, who have paid but

regard thereto, except their voting an inconsiderable

sum towards

little

building a small Fort in the

some Militia and have pleaded an adjournment for a fortnight, upon account of the small pox prevailing in this City, and that they may return home to settle their affairs, and such of them as are Colonels of Militia, to make proper regulations in their Regiments, for the defence of the respective Countys, as we hear the Enemy is still in the

frontiers to be garrisoned with

;

was advised by my Council to consent. I have done every thing in my power for His Maj'>'* service and have detached two of His Maj'>' companys of Fusiliers to Albany, and given orders to march

Country, to which In the

I

mean time

detachments of the militia as a further security to that City. I have also given orders to the Six nations, of Indians, to take up the hatchet against the Enemy, but unless the Assembly will I

come

into

ways and means

to join

our neighbours to attack the

can not answer for the safely of this province under

its

Enemy

in their settlements,

present circumstances.

I

have

LONDON DOCUMENTS: discharged

my

Your Grace

duty, and do refer

XXVII.

307 Assembly

to tlie proceedings of the

for

what

they have done. I

am

witii the greatest of

My New York

SO""

regard

Lord

Your Graces most obedient and most humble servant

Nov'

1745.

G. Clinton.

(signed).

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle.

Governor Clinton [

My

New-Tork

Loi'ds of Trade.

to the

Papers, Bundle Gg., No. 154.

]

Lords.

This waites upon Your Lord^P' with a duplicate of

wherein

my

last of the 30""

acquainted Your LordPP' that the Assembly had adjourned to

I

November inclosed, They came

l?"" Dec'.

to a resolve of a very extraordinary nature the SQ"" Nov"" viz'

" Resolved. For

honour of His Majesty and the welfare and security of this house will at all times cheerfully concur to every reasonable " measure for our own defence, for the assistance of our IS'eighbours, and to any well " concerted plan, consistent with the circumstances of the Colony for the distressing " and attacking the Enemy and that this is, and ever has been the firm purpose and the

" Colony, that

this

;

»'

unanimous resolution of

this

House."

This they did with a view to remove the complaints and odium their them,

their neglect in raising

for

Frontiers

;

and

I

was advised

adjourned, in expectation

to

1

make use

of these complaints in

sent the Chief of the Province from Council to this Resolve,

people threw upon

my

message before they

they would have been moved thereby, and acted with a

becoming a time of common danger, and with such might have ended in the confusion of the Enemy. by

own

supplys for the safety of the Province, particularly the

spirit

zeal for the welfare of the Province, as

know from

the Assembly

and whether they would make good such services, as

I

what they meant

might, in the interim,

be advised (for the safety of the Country) to send the Militia upon to which they answered, such powers were not meant by their resolve nor would they promise to requite any such ;

were previously acquainted therewith. to their adjournment, and I was in hopes with Resolutions to raise supplys effectually to enable me (in conjunction with the Neighbouring Govern'') to discourage any further descents of the Enemy into these Provinces, to which end, I sent them a Message informing them, that I had great reason to apprehend, the designs of the Enemy against this services, unless they

They met according

Province were very formidable.

I

also acquainted

them with overtures made to me by the for the annoyance of the Enemy in

Massachusets Govern' recommended by their Assembly,

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

308 their

own Country

;

Council) sufficient

and as in

my

strictness, J think

recommendations (by advice of His Maj'^^' waved all ceremony, and laid before

for their guide, yet I iiave constantly

them every paper and letter touching the designs and conduct of the Enemy'as an inducement more ready adhering to such measures as would tend to the general good of this and the neighbouring Govern'*; and notwithstanding the unhappy people in the Frontiers have mostly left their settlements and effects, and fled to the City of Albany for refuge, the Assembly has not come to any resolution for their protection or any thing else since they met, except their voting 150 pounds for building a Fort in the frontiers burnt down by the Enemy. I must own, these sort of representations are vexatious to me, and I doubt not, disagreable to Your Lordpp*; but the duty and affection 1 owe to His Mnj'y obliges me to acquaint you with every neglect of the Assembly, relating to the security of this Province since the commencement of the War, and more particularly now, as" it Has been attacked by the Enemy; and such like to their

disasters

may

reasonably issue every day, as

N. York. IS

Jan'-''

we

are [in] no condition of defence.

I

am

ettc

G. Clinton.

174|.

I have transmitted to Your Lord^P' the Act of the Province printed with the Seal which 1 conceive will answer the end of engrossement, as frequent casualtys have attended their coming to your hands since war was declared by France. Should this method be thought agreable to Your Lord^P', You will please to signify e Your approbat" thereof.

P. S.

affixed,

Lords of Trade [

To

the Hon"' George Clinton Gov' of

'^^'^

Sir.

Governor Clinton.

to

New-York

Entries, M., 29T.

New

]

York.

^

We have received Yours of the 19"" of Janry June, two of the SS"- of July, 30"' of Nov'^ and IS"' of Janry 174f.

Since our letter to you of the 28"" of June 1745 1744-, 10"" of

In your letter of the 10"' of June 1745 You acquaint us with your having dissolved the Assembly on account of their unwarrantable proceedings, and in that of the 25"" of July that you had hopes that the new one would answer Your expectations seeming as you say tliere to

We

be of a better Disposition towards business.

them in Your alter Your opinion

are therefore sorry to find by Complaints

November following

against

letter of the SO"" of

to

in that particular, as it

is

that

a disappointment to

you have since had reason you and may be attended

with bad consequences to His Majesty's Affairs. It is

certainly high time to

the Indians have begun to

make

commit

effectual provision for the Security of the Province

when

upon the Frontiers. You have done your duty in using Your best endeavours in induce the Assembly thereto, tho they have not as yet seconded these good intentions of Yours in the manner they ought, yet as it appears by Your letter of the 30"" of Nov' that they have voted a small sum towards building a Fort upon the Frontiers We hope they may be yet further prevailed upon to concur with you hostilities

;

LONDON DOCUMENTS: W^

things

those

in

you

shall

judge necessary

XXVII.

for the

309

publick Service and the Safety of

the Government.

At

same time we

the

common

the

in

themselves

Cape Breton.

have laid before His Grace The

letters of the 25"" of

in exerting

but shew'd a proper Regard to His Majesty's service by furnishing

assistance towards the Expedition to

We

were not backward

are pleased to find that they

cause,

Duke

of Newcastle Extracts of so

much

of one of

Your

July as relates to the Encroachments of the French and the necessity of

You over an Engineer to repair the Fortifications of Your Province and as much of the other of the same date as relates to Vessels built by the French upon the Lake Cadaracqui & the methods you propose for putting a stop to their encroachments. In the Postscript to Yours of the IS"" of Janry last you acquaint us that you have the Governments sending

transmitted the Printed Acts of the Assembly of Your Province with the seal affixed thereto,

answer the End of Engrossment, and desire our opinion thereon, as We doubt not but they have been the future you certify by your own hand that they have been passed by you,

which you conceive

will

they are authenticated under the Seal of the Province,

examined

we and

&

if

for

are of Opinion

it

will

answer the end of

Y''

Instructions,

So we bid you

heartily farewell

are,

Your very loving friends and humble Servants

MONSON R. PliUMER

Pitt

Whitehall

J.

May

B. Leveson

IS"-

We

P. S.

1746

must desire that you

will for the future constantly send us together

&

passed in Your Government, Your Observations thereon

you are directed

to

Your reasons

for

Gower.

with the Acts

passing

them

as

do by Your Instructions.

MoNSON.

Governor Clinton

Diike of Newcastle.

to the

[ New- York.

(

S. P. O.

X., 81.

)

]

New York

My I

must always acknowledge with a great many thanks the many favours

your Grace and particular the short of

what

it

which has been health since

Tiierefore

me

I

fatal to

one of

we have been

am became

&

in

my

my

obtaining for

in regard to the

me

June 1746.

I

am

this

government,

I

have received from

tiio' it

has fallen far

support of a Governor, and to the climate,

family, nor have

the Province.

I

or any of the rest enjoyed

obh'ged to send

my

any

sliare

son out for change of

of

air,

feaver for above this ten months, which has wore him to nothing.

a petitioner in behalf of

his Majesty's leave to

empaired

last in

was represented

he having had an ague get

lO"-

Lord.

come

to

hearing and eye sight.

England

my

for the

self

and family,

recovery of

my

to

beg of your Grace to

health, having very

much

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

310

As I offered my service to command the squadron to be appointed to go against Louisbourg, and took it for granted this present expedition would follow, and from some hint I had from home, I did not think I should have failed but tho' 1 did not obtain it, I hope when I have leave to return to England that the Lords of the admiralty will appoint me some command to ;

come home with from hence, as I take it for granted ships will be going home in the fall as they appointed Commidore Knowles a command to bring him out to his government. This I must beg your Graces assistance in, as it may be a chance of making some little profit going ;

home, which

1

have had no opportunity of doing here

;

but intirely submitt every thing to

Your Grace I

am

with the greatest respect

My

Lord

Your Graces most obedient humble servant His Grace Duke of Newcastle.

Governor Clinton

to the

[New-York. (8.

My I

G. Clintox.

(signed)

DuTce of Newcastle.

P. 0.) X., 36.]

Lord have the honour of your Grace's

acquainting

letter of the 9"" of April last,

me

with His

Majesty's royal orders touching an expedition for the immediate reduction of Canada. I am perfectly glad to hear that such measures are taken, and I do assure your Grace that

my

nothing shall be wanting on

& most

speedy steps

for raising

part to promote the success of

men

for that service,

the Province as the importance of this enterprize

Grace that to

my

hearts,

I

wish

demands; but

it.

I

am

taking the necessary

I

may meet with

I

cannot help acquainting your

such aid from

and Assembly have declared their joy & loyalty in their addresses I have already discovered they did not speak with their provide materials which will be absolutely wanting to transport

altho' the Council

speech upon the occasion, yet

and are evading

to

such troops as can be raised within

this

Province, into the enemy's country, because they are

not expressly ordered so to do, by Your Grace's I

and

must observe

to

Your Grace that

I

letter.

meet with great

shall

difficultys in

providing arms and

clothing, there being a very great scarcity of both articles here, occasioned by the loss of three

of our trade ships to England and what part of them can be had, will However, I shall do for the best for His Majesty's interest and service. ;

Your Grace has been pleased

acquaint

to

me

that a

number

of blank

come extremely Commissions

sent by the next conveyance, with which I may hope for His Majesty's instructions to pay the Officers & men that enter upon this service.

Pursuant to your Grace's orders Indians and 20"' of

all

I

have directed a message

others in alliance with

next month.

I

them

have likewise wrote

to send all the fighting Indians from their

(w'^''

to

dear.

will be

how

I

am

be sent to the Six Nations of

me at Albany the Governments of the Jerseys and Pensylvania

are very numerous) to meet

to the

governments,

to

Albany, on

this

occasion; and

I

—

LONDON DOCUMENTS them such presents

shall inake

as

behalf of the

in

:

Crown and

think will be usefull, to engage them to take part in

I

well as

I,

XXVII.

tills

311

use such means,

expedition

;

however

costly,

since M"' Sliirley, as

appreiiead the success of the whole attempt will greatly depend upon their joining I hope to accomplish an event thro' them w""'' may greatly facilitate the

Wherefore

us.

undertaking, for the expence whereof

which

I

hope

shall be

I

under a necessity

to

draw upon the Treasury,

will be duly paid. I

am

with the greatest respect

My Lord Your Graces most obedient humble Servant

New York IS"-

June 1746

(signed)

P. S. I've inclosed

my

speech to the Council

&

G.Clinton

Assembly, w"" their addresses

to

me

on the

occasion of this Expedition

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle &" &"

Sc"

Governor Clinton [

My I

New- York

to the

Lords of Trade.

Papers, Bundle Gg.,No. 15S.

]

Lords,

have the honour of your LordPP's favour of

complaints of Mon''de Gersdoft",

2S"' January 174f, acquainting me with the behalf of himself and his Moravian Brethren in this Province,

in

touching an Act passed in Sepf 1744 for securing his

Maj'^'' Govern' of New York. have inclosed a report of a Committee of Council upon that subject matter of your letter, to which 1 beg leave to refer, and hope it will prove satisfactory. I am perfectly sorry, that the Secretary omitted w^riting to Your Lord^P', with the Acts you

Pursuant

mention

to

to

Your Lord??'

have received

;

desire

at that

I

time

I

was

in a

hurry to go for Albany, and depended upon I conceive any of those Acts of such

his care of transmitting the Acts properly, neither did

moment Your I

to

as to

comment upon, however

I

shall take care, that they are

more regularly sent

to

LordPP* for the future.

am

extremly obliged to Your LordPP'for the part you have taken in AK Bayards appointment I have received his mandamus for that purpose, and he was sworn and

be of the Council

;

qualified the 9"' instant

have very

and took

his seat accordingly.

commands, touching an expedition for the immediate have called together the Assembly, and shall by the next opportunity more particularly acquaint Your LordPP', with what proceedings occur upon the occasion, and what has passed, since my advices to you of the 30"' Nov'' and 18 Jan"''' last, I

lately received his Maj'^''

reduction of Canada, whereupon

I

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

312 being

now

very busy, in endeavouring to execute bis

province in this extraordinary enterprize.

New York P. S.

I

21.

am

witii

My

Lords,

June 1746.

me on

to inclose

my

speech to the Council and Assembly with their

the occasion of the Expedition.

Govei'nor Clinton

to the

[New-York. (9.

My

Majesty's orders on the part of the

very great respect

Your LordPP' most obedient humble servant G. Clinton

have but just time

addresses to

I

Duke of

P. 0.) IX., 4T.

Newcastle.

]

(Duplicate)

Lord.

The

upon me by several received the honour of His Majesty's commands by your Grace's

variety and multiplicity of business which have been thrown

unexpected incidents since letter of 9"" April

last,

I

had so much employ'd

my

time that

time into such method and distinctness as materials for that purpose to

M"'

(being well acquainted with

Guerin,

my

my

thereby (together with a

Administration since that

proper to lay before Your Grace; but

is

who

am

I

present indisposition of body) disabled to digest an account of

with the assistance of

affiiirs) will

be enabled to do

it,

I

have sent

my Secretary M"" Catherwood and

to lay before

your Grace

and of the Forces which

at a proper season an account of the present state of this Province

Albany and are now in the frontiers of this Province and I must beg of Your from M'' Guerin such accounts as he shall find necessary to lay before you from the memorials which I send him. As a faction was formed in this Province to distress me in the execution of my duty for His Majesty's service by which the expence to tiie Crown in the expedition ag' Canada has been much increas'd beyond what would have happened had not the Assembly been diverted by this faction from the hearty inclinations they at first discovered in taking upon themselves as large a share of the expence attending this expedition as the circumstances of the Province can bear; and as many other inconveniences have arisen and may daily arise from the influence of For which that faction, I find it necessary to give a check to the power and growth of it. purpose among other tilings I must request that His Majesty will please to remove Daniel Horsmanden from His Majesty's Council of this Province, and that James Alexander be restored to his place and rank, which he formerly held in His Majesty's Council of this Province, which was that next to Cadwallader Golden. The reasons for my desiring M"' Horsmanden to be removed are, his being the chief contriver and actor in that faction, and being likewise of no estate in the Country and much in debt, whereby he may be too much exposed to

rendevouzed

Grace

at

;

to receive

temptations,

when

the secrets of the Council are (at this time) of great importance.

The

reasons formerly for removing M' Alexander from the Council are a long time ceased, so far that His Majesty

where

I

am

some years

since has restored

him

to his seat in

well assured he has been of considerable use

to

the Council of New Jersey, His Majesty's service, and

LONDON DOCUMENTS particularly in

what was done

plentifull estate in this

in

New Jersey

Province and resides

XXVII.

:

towards the expedition

in

it,

and

I

313 Canada.

ng'

know no man

He

enjoys a

in it of greater abilities

or longer experience in publick aflairs, capable of serving His Majesty and of giving a check to that

dangerous

faction.

If

your Grace shall think

two gentlemen,

characters of tliese

M''

Guerin

vpill

it

necessary to be further informed of the

be enabled to do

it

from the memorials

I

send him.

must likewise inform Your Grace on this occasion that had it not been for the assistance I M"' Golden at this time I had in a great measure been disabled by that fiiction, in performing the necessary services His Majesty has required of me in the expedition ag' Canada and in the good government of tiiis Province, and therefore I think it will contribute to His Majesty's service if he shall be pleased to appoint Cadwallader Golden Lieutenant Governor of this Province. He is now the first in the Council, and the Administration (as His there is no Lieutenant Governour here) devolves on iiim in case of my death or absence. obtaining this commission will be of use to me, some reward to him for his past Services, and I

received from

may I

prevent inconvenient sollicitations on (hat iiead.

have been under a necessity of drawing

bills

to a considerable

value for the regaining

the aflections of the Indians, and the necessary services in the expedition ag' Canada, otherwise

the whole of

must have

it,

so far as

failed.

I

was

to

be carried on by the forces which rendevouzed at Albany

transmit the Accounts thereof, and

who

I

hope, by Your Graces goodness, the

mony on the credit of them and for encouragem' of others who from the credit which the government will hereby establish, may

bills will

be paid,

in justice to

be induced to advance

The government assuming

to

the persons

money on any

of this Province

have paid

future occasion of the like nature. is

laid

under the greatest difhcultyes by the Assembly's

themselves the sole power of judging of the merit of

of their rewarding

them

that several officers

who

for their services

;

all

the King's servants and

which the Assembly has carried

while they faithfully supported the prerogative

&

to so great a heigth

the King's authority,

either cou'd obtain no salary or reward, or had their usual salary curtailed, and

now by

turning into a popular faction, destructive of the true constitution of this goverment, not only obtain their

full

salarys but likewise extraordinary gratuitys, and this a Gov"' must

comply with

must go without any kind of support. The bad effects of this popular influence have most remarkably appeared at this time and may in time prove dangerous to His Majesty's Authority, not only in this Province, but in all the other Colonys, as the example in this government, immediately under the Crown and where a

annually, or he and

all

the officers

however

faithfull,

Governour in Chief resides, must have the strongest influence, in this case, on the others. I must therefore humbly propose to Your Grace that the Quit Rents of this Province be reserved for the salarys of such officers who by the duty of their Office often become obnoxious to an Assembly, & for rewarding them for particular services; otherwise it will be impossible for any Governour, in the present state of this Province to obtain that influence which is requisite in

On

good government.

I think it incumbent on me to inform your Grace that if a Salary be Commission of Lieutenant Governour, it may on several accounts be useful, even in the time, that a Governour in Chief resides here, as thereby the dignity of the Office can be better kept up, and he by his residing at Albany and taking care of the Indian Att'airs be of considerable service; in which case M" Golden may be of more use than another, as it is

this occasion

annexed

to the

Vol. VI.

40

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

314

that he has particularly apply'd his thoughts to the Indian Affairs; but this salary can

known

only be obtain'd out of the Quit Rents.

When

in

my

consequence of

treaty with the Six Nations of Indians,

Canada and

partys to harrass the French in

make

to

had sent out several

I

reprizals for the harbaritys

committed on our

one of these partyes, which brought up eight prisoners and four scalps from within a few leagues of Montreal, thinking this a proper occasion to have their complaint beard, came two hundred miles from their own habitations to present a petition to me, against Philip Livingston frontiers,

[Secretary] for Indian Affairs and Henry Barclay their late Minister

This

in this place.

At the same time

relief in this place.

find

now Rector

of the

Church

promised to lay before His Majesty, knowing too well they cou'd not

I

I

received a Memorial from William Johnson,

have appointed Colonel of the Warriours of the Six Nations, informing me of a meeting that was to be this winter, of several Indian Nations at Onondaga, some of which were lately I did not think it proper to lay this Memorial before the Assembly in alliance with the French.

whom

I

sending persons to

in order to obtain their assistance in

assist

Interest at that meeting, but have chosen rather to send Col.

and take care of the British

Johnson

at the

charge of the

Crown, who has on many occasions distinguished himself by his zeal and ability in serving his because I suspected the Assembly would insist on sending persons l\Lijesty among the Indians ;

from Albany

whom

in

I

me

which oblige

particulars

only add that

I

think

M' Guerin will be able to inform your Grace of the and which are too long to insert here. I shall

cou'd not confide.

to this conduct,

necessary for retaining the affections of the Indians that Philip

it

Livingston be removed from the

office

of Secretary for Indian Affairs, as he has principally

been the occasion of the disaffection that for some years past has appear'd among the Indians. Address from the Governour Council and Assembly of this Province, I transmit an congratulating His Majesty on the victory obtain'd by His Royal Highness the Duke over the rebels,

and

in

thanks for undertaking an expedition ag' Canada.

Notwithstanding the many obstructions regard to the Expedition, all

assembled

I

the frontiers,

in

I

have been able

&

met with

Commands in who are

His Majesty's

to fulfill

to raise sixteen

Companys

for that service,

having join'd the four independent Companys thereto,

divided them into two Battalions, with two Lieutenant Colonels and two Majors under

I

my

and as M'' Gooch declined serving on the Expedition, upon my leaving Albany, I gave the command of this Regiment and all the troops from the Southern provinces to Lieutenant Colonel Roberts, formerly an Exon in the Horse Guards,' and now of the first

command

Battalion,

;

who

has behaved extremely well and preserves a good

recommend him

command, and

I

beg leave

to

the Indian Warriours; his Services having been very imminent for the

who commands good of the common

cause ag' the French, and has run great hazards of loosing his

by the Governour of

Canada

to

offering a

your Grace

reward

for his Majesty's favour, as also

for his scalp.

I

am

Colonel Johnson

life

with the highest respect.

My Lord

Your Graces most humble

New York 9""

and most obedient servant

December 1746

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle He had been of Halifax.

(signed) Si,"

Si.'

G. Clinton.

&'

a Cornet of Horse at the accession of George the

First,

and was connected, by

his first marriage, to the

His second wife was the daughter of the Honble. Francis Harrison of the Council of New-York. Smith.

Earl

— En.

LONDON DOCfJMENTS: Molmwh Warriors

Petition of

[New-York.

To

(

S. P.

O.

)

XXVII.

315

Governor Clinton.

to

X., 1S7.

]

Honourable His Excellency George Clinton Esq'' Captain General and Governonr in Chief of the Province of New York, and Territories thereon depending in America, Vice Admirall of the same, and Vice Admirall of His Majesty's Fleet of the Red Squadron.

the

The

Petition of

some Moliawk Warriors

&

of the Moiiawks

Humbly Sheweth

:

in behalf of themselves

& their Brethren

Conojohary Castle

—

That whereas some years past

the Rev''

M' Henry Barely did

of the gospell and did dayly preach good things to us the singular service did

make him

officiate

Mohawks

among ;

we

us as a

Teacher

in relation for his

a present of a spot of land very conveniently situated near the

garrison, with intent nevertheless that the said piece of land should be and remain to the said M""

Barcklay during his being our Teacher, that ceasing,

that should

come

room,

in his

Barcklay has not only

&

tlie

s"*

so on from one to the other.

bond to go to

But

to

next Minister

tiie

our sorrow

we

find that

money, but still claim'd the s"* land as his particular property, directly contrary to the meaning & intent of us the Donors. Wherefore in this point we do ernestly first beg remedy in the premises by some ways or means to have that M""

left

us, for the love of

land settled for a Minister for the time being, the building thereon erected by

be appraised

&

payd

&

another Teacher to be procured to us with

whatsoever be admitted from

us.

Then

shall

to

we

buy one

all

foot of our Flatts, either at the

see that you are intended to keep us clear

We

M''

Barcklay to

&

that no person

Mohawks

or Conojohary

speed,

&

be convinced that our

be wanting on our parts, as we have now lately done we have for our sovereign King George & all his subjects. In behalf of the Conojohary Castle we have this to desire that the patent which M' Livingston has obtained for the Onowedage Flatts & some other lands lower down the River, comprised in the said Patent may be broke, it haveing never been bought from them or payd for, notwithstanding some Indian hands may be produced. This and such like dealings, with the bringing rum to our Castle, has made us dwindle away as the snow does in a warm sun shining day. Your high wisdom undoubtedly will find remedy to release a poor distressed people, who will use all means to return' their sinking condition by getting more Indians to live and plant among us. Your Excellency's care in this will effectually convince us that your

Brother highly loveth to

us.

shew our regard love

Excellency loves justice

&

&

&

same time cause us as well as the Conojohary embrace every oppertunity to shew our zeal and the English Nation and your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray. equity,

Castle to be easy in our minds

fervour for

shall not

friendship

&

at the

ready

to

Tegarondage. LUVKAS. Set.

Odyoughwanoron. MoSES. Shonagarese.

Teganeghsorea.

Teghhanagekeghkough Sadegariwade 'Que! retrieve.— Ed.

TaYORHEUSERE.

— NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

316

Governor Clinton [

My

Lords of Trade.

to the

New-York Papers, Bundle

Gf., No. 1C3.

]

Lords,

my

Since

last

of 12. June 174G. wherein

I

acquainted Your LordPP%

I

tliat

received his

commands touching an expedition for tiie reduction of Canada, wherein it was recommended to me to engage the Six Nations of Indians to take part in this enterprise, and Maj'y'

in

pursuance thereto,

I sett

out for Albany the 17. July

Nations for that purpose, a printed copy whereof

my

explain the success of

I

where

last,

I

held a Treaty with said

have inclosed to your Lord^P' as

endeavours on that occasion

will best

it

notwithstanding, the Assembly refused

;

contributing any encouragem' to the Indians to join with us, and which will more fully appear in the course of their proceedings,

which

have inclosed, and shall refer Your Lord^P'

I

conduct of both. Council and Assembly with regard It

my

has been

and as

I

earnest desire, to prevent

all

my

submit

endeavours

my

speech,

duty, I

1

tiie

to lay in

my way

my

Your Lordpp*

1.

I

must

Assembly's representation thereon, and the several messages, which

me and them

Faction and of

my

to

your LordPP' consideration

conduct at this time, and

I

;

that

you may judge of the

have ordered

of body, I've not been able to digest into such form and order as

—

mean time

my

but as

;

have proved ineffectual with them,

I

to be laid before

expect

may

your

be of use

your judgem' which by reason of a multiplicity of Business and a present indisposition

in forming

In the

this time,

the difficulty's

speech at the opening of the Session

faction

LordPP' the present state of this Province and other particulars which

given

all

endeavour to put the Assembly on their guard against

used in

in opposition to that

have passed between spirit of that

my

by some expressions

designs,

to the

forwarding this expedition.

misunderstandings and divisions at

had reason to suppose that a Faction had a design

possible in the execution of sucli

all

to their

have transmitted

I

assent and are as follows,

An Act

to

to

viz'

is

requisite to appear before

Your LordPP' the following Acts

to

—

prevent the exportation of provisions. Gunpowder, Arms,

all

which

1

have

kinds of ammunition,

warlike stores and white-pine inch boards. It was necessary to pass this Act upon account of the expedition that the Province might not be put to any extraordinary charge on that occasion.

2.

An Act

It

was

provisions 3.

An

for the

more

requisite to if

applyed

Act

effectual preventing the exportation of provisions

the

and warlike Stores

pass this Act that his Majesty's Fleet might not suffer for

want of

for.

for raising a supply of

40000 pounds by a Tax on Estates

carrying on an expedition against the French in Canada

sum and

Crown and

for sinking

and cancelling the said

Bills

;

for

real

and personal, for

emitting Bills of Credit for the like

in short

periods and for other purposes

therein mentioned.

As

the passing of this Act

any Assent

to

it,

is

contrary to His Maj'>' instructions,

the like Bills have been passed by

thereon

who

advised

my

passing

it

my

predecessors,

for the

a Bill of the like nature, a copy of which 4.

An Act

I

but as this extraordinary occasion required a large

for the

I

not inclinable to give to

be raised, and that

took the opinion of His Maj'^' Council

reasons set forth in the minutes of Council in passing

have inclosed.

encouraging volunteers to

expedition against Canada.

I

was sum

inlist

into

His

Majes"^'' service

upon the

LONDON DOCUMENTS:

XXVII.

317

This was absolutely necessary to promote the service. 5.

An Act

to detach

300 Men from the City and County of Albany

to serve

on the intended

expedition.

The

passing this Act

6.

was occasioned by

the people of the City and

An Act

servants,

and

for impressing all

of

Albany refusing

Ship Carpenters House Carpenters, Joiners, Sawyers and their

other Artificers, and Labourers, for the Building of Battoes and also for

Waggons and all other Canada with the utmost dispatch.

impressing Horses, against

County

on the Expedition.

to serve

things necessary for the carrying on the Expedition

Council that if I issued my impress Warrants for the would not be obeyed, and for that reason I recommended the passing of it, that the service might not suffer through the obstinacy of the People. 7. An Act to revive and continue the several Actions, pleadings. Processes and proceedings, which were commenced and depending in the late Inferior Court of Common pleas for I

was informed by one of His

purposes set forth

in

Maj'>''

this Act, they

Westchester County. This Court not meeting according several Actions depending therein

to the

usual time of holding

were discontinued;

it

it,

continue the Actions and proceedings of that Court. I

have inclosed the Minutes of Council

My

great respect

to

the

22.

by means whereof the to pass this Act to

was necessary October

last

— And

am

with very

Lords,

Your LordP'" most humble and obedient Servant. O"" Dec--

G. Clinton.

1746.

Conference between Governor Clinton [New- York

Propositions

the L.dians.

— 204.]

made by His Excellency The Honourable George Clinton Esq'

Captain General and Governour

York

and

Council Minutes, Albany, XXI., 104

&C''

To

in

Chief

in

and over the Province of

the Six Nations of Indians Viz'

New

The Mohawks, Oniedes.

Tuskarorers Coujougas, Sinekas, Onondagas, and the delegates from the At Albany the 19"' August 1746

Missisages, being a far Nation.

Present

— His Excellency Cadvvallader Colden

")

Philip Livingston

V

John Itutherford

)

Esq" of the Councel

The Commissioners from the Government of the Massachusets Bay The Commisioners for Indian affairs The Mayor and Corporation of Albany And Several Gentlemen attending his Excellency and the Commissioners upon

this

Occasion

His Excellency being much Indisposed desired the Honourable Cadwallader Colden to And at the same time to the Indians in his Excellency's name as foUoweth

Address himself

Acquainted them with

his Indisposition.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

318 Brethren I

am

glad to see so

many

of our ancient friends here and

I

Gave I

have called you

to this place for.

two great Ends

in

you welcome Wanipon.

heartily bid

three Strings of

which the province of the Massachusets

Bay have sent two Commissioners to concur witli me who are here present The first is to renew the Covenant Ciiain with you and I now by this Belt in your Father the King of Great Britain's name in behalf of all his Mnjesty's Subjects in North America renew and confirm the Covenant Chain and

all

former Treatys and

Engagements entered

into

with you.

This Chain has from the beginning remained so strong or Slipt since

was first made and we on our Sun and Moon shall endure.

it

as long as the

&

firm that

it

parts shall endeavour that

has never once broke it

remain so unshaken

Gave a Chain

Belt.

Brethren

Country had the Summer before Iain But that the French had by surprize attacked and destroyed a small place near Cape Breton belonging to us. That they afterwards laid Siege to Annapolis Royal and were beat off. Last

still

fall I

told

you that his Majesty's subjects

in

this

without attempting any thing against the French Settlements.

you that the Governour of the Massachusets Bay in conjunction with in Revenge to these injuries sent an Army against Louisbourgh in the Island of Cape Breton, that this Army was Joined by a Number of his Majesty's Ships of warr under the Command of your Friend Admiral warren. I told you that the Town of Louisbourgh which is the strongest the French have in America was reduced by this Force & that the French there had surrendered themselves and their Country to I

likewise

told

Connecticut and

new hampshire had

the English. I

in

likewise told you

Canada would

how we

in this part

of the Country had lain

either be quiet or carry on the

war

in

still

hopeing that the French

a manly manner and after the Manner

them thereto a Message had been sent from this place to the Governour of Canada to tell him that if he should revive The inhumane custom of murdering private People by Sculking Indians that the several Governours of his Majesty's Colonys of Christians and to Induce

You our Brethren of the Six Nations would Join and make Reprisals on them manner at which time you Publicly declared that if any of his Majesty's Subjects in any of his Governments should be Killed by any Indians you would immediately join in the war against them and the French. And last fall when I delivered the Hatchet into your Hands you told me and Confirmed it with a Belt That you would send some of your people (who were then Ready) to Canada to demand Satisfaction and that if Satisfaction were refused you would use the Hatchet against them whenever 1 should order it, And you further promised that if the Enemy should commit any further Hostilities you wou'd then (upon my Command) immediately make use of together with

in the like

the Hatchet. I

need not

tell

contrary you are

you bow all

far the

French have been from giving any Satisfaction, on the Barbarous Murders that have been

well informed of the Cruel and

committed since that time by the French and Indians of this place and on the Frontiers of New England

at

Saraghtoga and

in the

Neighbourhoods

And as you have not hitherto fullfilled your promise I suspect that they did not come from your Hearts: 1 therefore by this Belt demand an immediate performance of your promises to

LONDON DOCUMENTS sliew that they

mine and ever

come from the bottom

:

of your hearts, as

XXVII. all

319

the promises

I

make come from

shall

Belt

Brethren

now come

I

to the second

and Principal design of our present meeting In which

A

expect to find you hearty and united in your Councils and Opinions

I

hope and

Belt

The King your Father having been informed Frontiers of

of the unmanly Murders committed on the England and of this province is resolved to subdue the Country of Canada put an end to all the Mischievous designs of the P'rench in these parts and for

New

and thereby to this purpose,

he has ordered his Governours of Virginia, INIaryland, Pensylviana, and

Jersey, to Join their Forces to the Forces of this Province to Attack

Canada by Land

New They

all now upon their March, and you will soon see them meet here At the same time the Forces of the Massachusets Bay Connecticut Rhode Island and New hampshire are to go in Ships to Cape Breton and there join with His Majesty's Ships of

are

War and a great Army of experienced Soldiers from Great Britain Many ships of war are already arrived there and some Thousands ships and Thousands of Soldiers are following and

I

expect every

of Soldiers,

Hour

many more

to hear of their Arrival

which the attack upon Canada will be made on all sides both by Sea & Land You may perceive that the King has ordered a strength sufficient of it self to subdue Canada but at the same time the King Your Father expects and orders You his Children to join with after

your whole Force

in this

of Establisiiing their

Enterprize and thereby gives the Six Nations a glorious opportunity

Fame and renown

over

all

the Indian Nations in America, in the

Conquest of your Inveterate Enemies the French who however they may Dissemble and profess Friendship can never forget the Slaughter which your Fathers made of them and for that purpose caress those nations who have always been your most Inhumane Enemies and

who

desire nothing so

much

as to see the

name

of the Six Nations

for ever

become decayed and Gave a Belt

forgot

Brethren

The French on all Occasions shew that they Act against your Brethren the English like Men that know they dare not look them in the face in day light and therefore like thieves steal upon people who do not expect them in the night and Consequently are not prepared for tiiem Your Brethren in Revenge have acted like Men of Courage they do not attack poor Farmers at

—

Labour but boldly attempted the Reduction of Louisburg the strongest Town the French had in America in the Fortifying of which they had spent above Twenty Years: it was Surrounded with Strong walls, and Forts in which they had planted their largest Cannon their

in every place all

where they thought the English could come near them and notwitiistanding of

these precautions and advantages they were forced to submit to the English Valour

You must have heard from your Fathers and I doubt not several of your Old men still Remember, what the French did at Onandaga how they Surprized your Countrymen at Cadarackue How they invaded the Senekas and what mischief they did to the Mohawks How many of your Countrymen have Suffered by the Fire at Montreal, before they entered upon their cruel and Mischievous designs; They sent Priests amongst you to delude you and lull

you a Sleep while they were preparing

attempting to do the same

now

to

knock you

in

the Head, and

I

hear they are

Gave a Belt

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

320

mind what revenge your Fathers tools for these Injuries when they a great part of Canada to Fire and Sword, can you think No, they, have the Ax privately in their hands against you and that tiie French forget this, use these deceitful! Arts, by which only they have been able to gain Advantage over you that by Trusting to them they may at some time or other at one blow remove from the face of the Earth the remembrance of a People that have so often put them to shame and Flight. If your Fathers could now raise out of their Graves how would their hearts leap with Joy I

put

need not put you all

in

the Island of Montreal and

to see this

day when

so glorious an Opportunity

put into their hands to revenge

is

more exposed

Injuries their Country has received from the French, and to be never

Treachery and deceit:

I

make no doubt you

are the true sons of such

all

the

to their

Renowned and brave

Ancestors Animated with the same Spirit, for your Countrys Glory, and in Revenge of the Injuries your Fathers received incapable of being deluded by the flattering Speeches of them,

who always have been and always must

be in their Hearts, your Enemies, and

who

desire

nothing more than the Destruction of your Nation.

you Brethren by this Belt, to Join with us, and to share with us, in the Conquest of our and your Deceitfull Enemies, and that you not only Join all the Force of the six nations with us. but likev?ise invite All the Nations depending on you to take a share in this Glorious Enterprize and I will furnish your fighting Men with Arms, I

therefore invite

Honour

of the

Ammunition Clothing Provisions and every thing necessary shall take care of their

for the

War

and

in their

absence

Gave a War Belt

wives and Children

Brethren

You have seen how daring and

Insulting on you as well as us the French Indians have been, Murdering several of our people since you have come to this place and therefore for the many Reasons now laid before you 1 make no doubt but your Answer will Clearly manifest your duty to the King your Father and your Love to your Brethren and by this Belt I do in Cruelly

Assure you that our intent

Proposition

is

to live

Gave a Belt of Friendship

and die together.

made by His Excellency

to the

River Indians, at Albany the 21" of

August 1746

Present

— His Excellency The Hono"* George Clinton The The The The

Gentlemen of the Council Commissioners from the Government of the Massachusets Bay Commissioners

for Indian Affairs

Mayor and Corporation

His Excellency addressed himself

of

Albany

to the Indians as followeth

Children, I am glad to meet you at this Time as are likewise the Comissioners from the Massachusets Bay who are come hither to concur with me upon the present Occasion And I take this Opportunity, to renew the Ancient Covenant Chain with You, in Behalf of this and all his Majesty's Governours in America which you know has always been kept bright ;

and Clean without any the

least Stain or rust,

and which by

this Belt

I

strengthen

Belt

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXVII.

321

Children.

My meeting you here, besides renewing the Covenant chain, is, with Intention, tliat you should Join your Force with ours by takeing up the Hatchet against our and your Common Enemies the French and their Indians who have in a very unmanly manner by Scuiking partys in Cold Blood, many of your Brethren, in this and the province of the Mnssaciiusetts This behaviour lays us under a necessity of making Reprisals on them, in the like

Murdered Bay.

manner

in which I make no doubt of your Assistance, and we are resolved to take a thoroutrh revenge of our and your perpetual Enemies by reduceing the Country of Canada, that it may

never hereafter be in the Power of these perfidious deceitfull and Cruel People any injury for the Future

to

do yuu, or

us,

For which purpose all the neighbouring Colonies (together with many Ships of War and Soldiers from Great Britain) are resolved to unite their force and to Attack Canada, in all parts, both by Sea and Land, and I make no doubt you will on this Occasion shew your selves dutyfull Children in Joining heartily with us and the Six Nations in this glorious Enterprize by which you will not only gain Honour and Renown but also Safety and prosperity, to your

selves Your Wives and Children for ever afterwards and for which Ends I will furnish Your Fighting Men with Arms Ammunition, Clothing Provisions and every thing necessary for

the

War

Belt

Answer

of the Six Nations to His Excellency the Governour & to the Commissioners of the Massachusets Bay at Albany the 23'' August. 1746

Present

— His Excellency The The The The The

Hono'''* George Clinton Gentlemen of the Council Commissioners from the Governm* of the Massachusets Bay Commissioners for Indian Affairs Mayor and Corporation of Albany & others

Brother Corlaer and Brethren of the Massachusetts Bay

We for the

the Six Nations are

now assembled together as one Man and we take in the Messisages is now to be Spoken by one Mouth, are the joint and Sincere

Seventh Nation and what

thoughts of every heart.

We are pleased that you follow the Steps of our Forefathers in Wiping off the Sorrowfull Tears from our Eyes by which the Stoppage of our throats is Opened and the bloody bed washed Clean Gave three Strings of Wampum Brethren

The

we met

together we only Saluted each other by shaking of Hands and Covenant of Silver which we mutually have held fast to this day shou'd it now Slip from either of our Hands it would prove distructive to both sides since our Enemies have drawn the Sword. Gave a Belt first

afterwards

time

made

a

Brother Corlaer Last Year You gave us the Hatchett to be made use of against your Enemies the French which we Accepted & promised to make use of if they should commit any further Hostilities upon the English which they have now done by destroying Saraglitoga and sheding a great Vol. VI.

41

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

322

use of the Hatchet, but as you now call upon us we Bottom of our hearts that we will from this day make use of it against Tlie French and their Children (meaning their Indians) N B The question was Asked them by His Excellency whether by the words their Children they meant all the Indians in Alliance with the French to which they Answered Yes deal of Blood, hitherto

we have made no

are re;idy and do declare from the

At the end of the foregoing paragraph they threw down a War Belt of Wampum on the it being the Indian Custom to deliver War Belts or make Declaration of War in that manner this they did with remarkable Indignation intending thereby to express their Resentment Ground,

against

The French and

and their Zeal

their Allies

for the

Gave

English

a Belt

Brother Corlaer

According to your Exhortation in your Speech Act as having one Heart

to us

we

are firmly united together and from

this time to

same manner Joined and United with us likewise the Southern we now hope that you and the other Governours on the Gave a Belt Continent will be in the same manner joined and united together They Repeated over his Excellency's Speech in relation to the Conquest of Cape Breton

The Messassagas

are in the

Nations bordering upon us. and

and hoped that our Fleet and Army may be also Victorious in the present Expedition against Gave a Belt Canada adding that the French were a mischievous people As to your Suspicions of our Admitting French Priests among us they are become Groundless since lull

we have now

declared

War

against

us asleep, on the Contrary shou'd any

them

now

:

the admitting of priests would only tend to

dare to come

we know no

use for him or

them

but to Roast them

The thoughts their Priests,

Blood

of the Treatment

formerly received from the French thro' the means of

we

and which you have now seasonably brought

to our

Remembrance makes our

to Boil.

Brother Corlaer

This and

we

Men

is

you have put the Hatchet into our hands, which we hereby accept you may see that we have but a handful of Fighting present however some of them from each Nation, shall be left behind us to follow

the second time

are ready to go upon service

here at

:

your Orders

When we

arrive at our Respective Castles

Warriors and those of the Nations This

we

we

shall send

down

a greater

it

up

Number

of our

with us assoon as possible

assure you of from the truth and Sincerity of our hearts, and

preserve this large Belt (holding

War

in alliance

at the

we

receive and shall

same time) which you have now given us

as a

Hatchet

Brethren

same time giving one) of Union with which we are to go hand in Enemies and by it we declare our Intention to Conquer or to Dye together in the Common Cause There is a Nation called the Messissagas whose delegates are here present, they Consist of Five Castles containing Eight Hundred Men who are all determined and do agree to Join ua in this Common Cause against our Enemies The French and their Indians; and we hope you and the Commissioners from Boston will use them in such a manner that they will go home contented & satisfyed Gave a Belt of Friendship This

hand

is

the Belt (at the

to the gates of our

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXVII.

323

Answer

of the River Indians to His Excellency The Goveruour and to the Commissioners of the Massachusets Bay at Alhany the 2G August 1746

Present

— His Excellency The Honourable The The The The

George Clinton Gentlemen of the Council Comissioners from the Government of the Massachusets Bay Commissioners for Indian Affairs Mayor and Corporation of Albany

Father.

Wee

are glad to see you and

we

are

come

to

renew the Covenant Chain and make it fast and we give you this Belt. Gave a Belt

bright as ever, and free from rust, and as a token^thereof

Father

You have told us what mischief the French have done and what Murders they have Committed upon the Christians therefore we declare from our hearts and not from our Lips that as you have ordered us to shed the Enemies Blood in return. for what they have done we are Resolved to do it and we will live and Dye with You in the Common Cause When you Christians are at War You make Peace with one another but it is not so with us therefore we depend upon you to take care of us in Confidence of which we now take up the Hatchet and will

make

use of

it

against the French and their Indians

Gave Belt with

Propositions

who Present

made by His Excellency

a Hatchet

the Governour to the Susquehannah Indians

are Tributary to the Six Nations.

At Albany the

8""

Sept' 174G

— His Excellency The Hon" George Clinton The Gentlemen of the Council The Commissioners from the Government The Commissioners for Indian Affairs The Mayor & Corporation of Albany

His Excellency Addressed himself

to the

Bay

of the Massachusets

Indians as followeth

Brethren I

bid

you

all

heartily

wellcome and thank You

for

your Coming to

this place at

my

desire

80 soon

When

I

spoke to the Six Nations here and what

I

said to

them

of their Tribe that were absent as well as to those present and

1

intended to be to

all

those

understood their Answer

to

manner in behalf of the absent as well as of those present so likewise the presents made to them from the King Your P'ather was designed for the Absent as well as for

be I

I

in like

those present

Brethren 1 told the Six Nations that the King your Father having heard of the Mischiefs and barbarous Murders committed by the French and their Indians iiad resolved to send a great Army and

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

324

many

Canada by Sea while

large Ships to Attack

Colonys of

New York New

at the

same time

his Subjects in the Several

Jersey Pensylvania Maryland and Virginia were to Attack them

by Land That Several Thousand Soldiers and Several large Ships were already arrived at Cape I every hour expect to hear of the Arrival of the rest after which the Attack will

Breton and

be made on Canada on all sides by Sea and Land I told our Brethren that tho' the Force which the King your Father has ordered against Canada be sufficient to reduce that Country Yet he Expects the Six Nations and all the Nations with them will on this Occasion shew their Fidelity to the King their Father by their Forces with us in the War which the King Your Father is now engaged in against the French who have always been in their hearts Your Enemies as well as ours Notwithstanding any pretensions of Friendship which they may deceitfully make in order to

in Alliance

Joining

all

you asleep

lull

Our Brethren have Assured me French That they are resolved

me

that they give

that they will Join us with their

to live

and

these Assurances from the

several of their fighting

Men

Dye with Bottom

us in

tlie

whole Force against the

prosecution of this war and

of their Hearts in

Consequence of which

then present were Immediately to go out against the

they further promised, that they would send a

much

greater

Enemy

x\nd

number from each Castle and from

the Nations in Alliance with them to enter with us upon this Enterprize

Brethren of

As You are what was

all

of the Six Nations your Readiness in

said to

me

the

at

coming

at

my

desire confirms the truth

General Meeting and Corroborates the Sincerity of the

Six Nations I

now

French

expect that you are resolved to enter immediately on Action with in such

manner

as

I

shall

direct

and

I

will furnish

Us

against the

your Warriors with Clothing

Ammunition provisions and every thing necessary for the Warr You may depend on it that every one shall be further handsomly rewarded, According

to

the Service he shall perform on this Occasion and the present Instanceof your Affection to your

Brethren

shall

never be forgot

Answer

of the Susquehannah Indians to His Excellency the Governour and to

the Commissioners at Albany the

Present

9""

September 1746

— His Excellency The Hon"' George Clinton The Gentlemen of the Council The Commissioners for Indian Affairs The Mayor & Corporation of Albany &c*

Brother Corlaer

We live

at

Oghquago

the

News

that

news

is

sent from your Excellency through the Six Nations

is

Governour of Canada sends to the said Nations, we have not been taken Notice of nor Acquainted that your Excellency was to Treat with the Six Nations till the Interview was near over had we have been timely invited we wou'd have readily come without any hesitation to have heard what our Brother had to propose and if we

not brought truly to us, nor the

that the

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXVII.

325

had any longer time we wou'd have come with a larger Number of Warriours many of them were on hunting we have sent the Belt Wampum to them to come and Join us here to Engage in the War as your Excellency shall direct against Our Comon Enemies Brother Corlaer.

You acquainted

Men

out their young

what you

us Yesterday

to

make no

told the Six Nations

we

and with their Answer:

are

by them and do not send revenge the Murders which have been Committed by the Enemy

grieved that the Six Nations

use of the Hatchet but keep

it

Brother Corlaer.

We

are Surprized that the Hatchet has not been used against the Frencli Sooner,

now we

hid but

shall

make

use of

it

against

them

to

Revenge the

it

Injuries done to

has been

you and

your People our Bretliren

We

have received different

Masters of them but

'tis

News from

the Six Nations at times

not so for they are a deceitful! People

make

it is

foir

as

if

the French be

promises and Speeches

but not with a Design to perform them they Flatter themselves to be Masters of us they

shall

be mistaken for

we

will

hold the Hatchet in our

all

Hands and make use

but

of

it>

against them.

The Destemper which Rages in this

in this place

War. against the French and

to go to

War.

You

has not prevented us to come hither to assist you

their Indians

we

are not

are Master to hang over the Kettle of

come

to

be Idle nor

to Fish but

War

There are Several Roades that lead to Canada to Annoy them, we want to see the Hatchet it up on which His Excellency threw down a Hanger which the Speaker took up and Danced the War dance in the usual manner and desired their Brother Corlear to take care of them according to his promise. His Excellency Answered that he returned them thanks for taking up the Hatchet against our Common Enemies the French and their Indians that he will hang on the Kettle of War, and provide them with everything that is Necessary for the War, and Expect that they will go to take

;

out as he shall direct, which they Promised to doe.

September His Excellency in Council sent

them what number

of Fighters

for the

Oghquago Indians and desired

IS"-

1746

the Interpreter to ask

they had in Readiness to go against the

Enemy,

as he

should direct tell them. That he had a present from the King them likewise had every thing in Readiness to equip their Fighters, but that he could not well offer them any present from the King til he first knew how they were

His Excellency also desired the Interpreter to

their Father to give

inclined to Act immediately in the

War

That he proposed to send them on the outscout for the present, under the Command of an Officer and some white people til such time as the Army set forward

The

said Indians Answered in the following manner by their Speaker Viz' That the Six Nations have been lately in this place and are gone home again. That the Number of Fighters now here are but few being Obliged to leave

People behind upon Account of the Sickness at Albany.

part of their

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

326 That

it is

time fixed

a difficult part on tliem to

when

the

Army

is

Act with so small a Number that there

is

no certain

to INIarcli

That the Six Nations had a long War with the Flatheads, which by his Excellency's Mediation End to But as His Excellency has ordered them to take up the Hatchet, which they have Accepted, they are determined to make use of it against the French, and they have put an

their Indians, while the

That

Number

:

World

as they are but a small

lasts.

Number, they

desire to return

of their people, and then they will come in a

Body

home

in

Order

to Collect a greater

Enemy. home before they go

against the

That they desire the presents for their Wives and Children to carry out. That Enounde Longhile says. That he will go among their Castles, and do every thing in his power to promote the present Service, and will come to any appointed time and place His Excellency will please to name, it being but a small Distance from their homes His Excellency desired the Interpreter to his Questions (Viz)

how many

to tell

them, that they had not given a direct Answer

of their Fighters will go out, which they desired a

little

longer time to consider before they answered.

13""

September 1746

His Excellency, in the presence of his Council, presented the foregoing Indians with a present from the King their Father, with which he Acquainted them Yesterday, and desired the Interpreter to tell them, that as he had kept his word with them, he hoped they would perform their promise to him, by sending out a number of their Fighters against the Enemy, in

Conjunction with some white people he had

The Speaker

in readiness for that Service

answered and said, that they are thankfull for the present the King their Father now makes them, and that he had used his utmost Endeavours to obtain the Number of Fighters his Excellency Expected, and was Sorry to tell him for the Reason given Y'esterday, that he could not procure so many. But the Sachems of the different Tribes then present, had agreed to leave twelve of their best fighting Men, to Scoure the Woods in behalf of the whole,

along with such people as his Excellency should send with them, and as they were Strangers Woods, he hoped they would be taken care of and not suffered to be cutt off by the

to these

Enemy, and

that his Brethren

would return home, and

in less than ten

Days send

a greater

them, and as they had taken up the Hatchet they would never lay it down till they had Subdued the French and would always be ready to Appear & Join our Forces at any time or place his Excellency should Appoint with their whole Strength

Number

to relieve

N B Notwithstanding they promised only who went out with a party of while People

Messrs. Alexander

and

twelve Fighters to Slay behind they

Alorris to the

Duke of

left

Sixteen

Newcastle.

[New-York. (S. P. O.) X., 105.]

(Duplicate) it please Your Grace. John Hamilton Esq"" President of His Majesty's Council! and Commander in Chief of the Province of New Jersey upon whom that Government devolved by the death of the late

May

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXVII.

:

327

Governor Morris, being sensible that the bad state of his health rendered him incapable to represent to Your Grace the state and condition of the Province, requested us tiie subscribers

who

are of his Majesty's Councill to do

complyance

it.

which request we beg leave

acquaint your Grace

tliat on receipt of His Majesty's pleasure relating to an expedition against the French settlements at Canada, he immediately communicated the same

In

Your Grace's

witii

to

letter of the 9"" of April last signifying

and Assembly who with great chearfullness made provision for raising 500 men them to Albany & for supplying them with provisions, and at

to the Councill

for that service for transporting

the same time lent the government 10000 pounds, to enable the President to furnish those

&

troops with arms

Upon

cloathing.

this the President issued a

warrants to several gentlemen

proclamation signifying His Majesty's intention and gave

to raise

companys

in the Province

and such was the diligence of

the persons employed on that occasion and the zeal of the people to serve His Majesty on this

expedition that In less than two months the whole

five Companys were complete and ready for which the J*resident advised M"" Gooch, and in the beginning of September those troops arrived at Albany with their Cloaths, arms, provisions, & other necessarys where they still continue, and have since been supply'd with provisions to last them till the rlext Spring. For a more particular account of what has been done in New Jersey on this occasion, we beg leave to refer Your Grace to the minutes of the Councill and Assembly w"^ are herewith.

service, of

We

we

wish

Province of

could give your Grace as agreable an account of the internall peace of the

New

Jersey, which during the long illness of the late Governor Morris

disturbed by two several riots or rather insurrections at

some account before your Grace.

he laid

consequences of those attempts

to

throw

He was

Newark

in the said

was much

Province, of which

apprehensive of the dangerous

fully

off his Majesty's authority

and their dependance on the

Throne and therefore recommended it in very strong terms to two different Assemblys, but in vain. Whether their intention in refusing to join in measures effectually to put a stop to such an evil was in order to distress the late Governour (with whom they had a dispute) or whether they were influenced by other motives, is what we dare not take upon us to determine, British

but certain

it

is

they took no measures effectually to prevent

&

discourage the like for the

future either in the late Governor's time, or since his death, tho that matter has been twice

strongly that

it is

of the

recommended to them by his Hon"" the President. And we cannot but be of opinion owing Chiefly to their not joyning in the measures proposed for restoring the Peace

Province

measures

for that

&

preventing like riots for the future nor proposing any other

purpose, that the

combinations against

committed; It

in

&

many

we have made

riots,

effectual

publick breaches of the peace,

contempts upon His Majesty's authority, have been entred into

consequence of which the course of

would greatly exceed the bounds of a

wherefore

other great

common

justice

is

&

at a stand.

letter to enter into the particulars of those riots,

a state of the facts concerning them, referring to the vouchers from

which we have collected those facts, with a few remarks thereon which state is herewith & with coppies of most of those vouchers from which those facts are collected. Upon the whole we beg leave to observe to your Grace that such open and avow'd attempts ;

to

throw

off

His Majesty's authority will be attended with the most unhappy consequences to

the Plantations, as the infection

number,

it

may

is

daily spreading, and as the delinquents do daily increase in

soon become general and disturb the quiet of

and effectual methods are not taken

to

many

prevent the like for the future.

of the colonies,

if

timely

-

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

328 The

officers of the

which we conceive

New

government of

enable them to execute their to

offices

Jersey have been without any support or salaries to

ever since September 1744. and so they continue to be,

be chiefly occasioned by the Council

an Act for making current 40000 pounds tlie

Assembly

&

in bills of credit,

&

late

which

Governour's refusals

act

tend greatly to the destruction of the properties of the people of

whom

and abuses of paper money Parliament.

We

they are or

may

23.

in the Plantations

&

of

all

His

were under the consideration of the British it

Your Grace Your Grace's most obedient & most humble serv"

please

1746

[

It

by would

are

Governor Clinton

My

Jersey

it

be indebted, and because at that time the frauds

May

New York December

New

to pass

several times past

by the Council or Govern'' because they conceived

as often refused

Majesty's subjects to

was

New-York

to the

Alexander

(signed)

Ja.

(signed)

Rob'

H

:

Morris.

Lords of Trade.

Papers, Bundle Gg., No. 162.

]

Lords

may

made by the Council December 1746.

be necessary to take notice of a publication

paper call'd the

New York

Post

Boy

of the

Before this publication was made,

M''

S"-

in a

common news

Colden the Senior Councillor told me, that he was Room to see every member present, which he

surprised upon his coming into the Council

thinks would not have happened at that time as few attended before, had there not been a private application to them separately; he further told me that M'' Chief Justice produced the printed paper called a Treaty ettc. and moved that the printer should be sent for in order to know, who had given him the copy M'' Chief Justice further Insisted, whether M'' Colden has ordered it to be printed. The whole of this proceeding being a surprise on M"' Colden, and on his seeing most of the Council prepared (three of them Lawyers) expressing themselves in ;

formed speeches, he hesitated a little in answering to that question, but in less than half a minute owned, that he had directed the printer to publish it by my approbation then M'' Ilorsmanden moved that the paragraph read by the Chief Justice should be censured as an invidious, malicious and false representation of facts; upon which M'" Colden observed that ;

,

declining might be with a lawful excuse, as well as without

dispute the matter of fact;

to

which

M''

it,

and thought they would not

Horsmanden answered:

it

is

a sophistical

way

of

and was going on warmly when M"' Colden desired him to have regard to the decency of proceedings in Council, and the regard that was due to him, while he had the honour to be in the chair, and further told them, that if they took any thing amiss in this publication it arTuino',

would be more proper to take notice of it when they acted as privy Council, than in this place, where the Council only Acted as a part of the Legislature upon which M' Chief Justice dropping M"' Horsnianden's motion, moved to have that paragraph censured, as an invidious ;

—

.

LONDON DOCUMENTS representation the envy

tiiat

which

Golden they charged on him to

;

me

so far

;

I

am

329

paragraph could be cleared from

said, lie believed this

M''

they insisted on having

tlien

;

accordingly carried

XXVII.

:

informed by

Golden.

M''

I

tiie

question put, and

shall only observe, that

it

was

seems

it

manner of application to me, plainly shows, moving up a popular faction; otherwise if any of the Council had been guilty of a misdemeanour of this kind, where I must know the truth, it would liave been proper in them to have applied to me for redress, which in this case, they have in no manner done. Application to the people from the house of Representatives has some colour of excuse, but when the Gouncil endeavours to set up a popular power, and neglect any application in the proper way, hut make themselves both, partys and Judges, it seems to to

the publication of this resolve without any

the spirit by whicii they intend to Act viz' by

good Govern'.

This with several other instances

to be given

of the late proceedings of the Council and Assembly of this province, evidently

show how

have a tendency distructive of necessary

it

is

all

to curb this spirit, otherwise

I

plainly appear from several instances that there

down, and they may think, will

have dread

people, they no

ways succeed

The General view in

England that In answer to

that

M''

i_f

oppose them

to

know is

not to what length

this

is

all

their

endeavours

asked,

judgement

is

from the power of a Faction, that

is

if

number if

of them,

it

is

to

make

it

appear

shown in his King and Country be made no such thing appear, the whole must arise

the real service of the

directed.

If

otherwise influenced, than by the publick service

the Council and Assembly be considered, and the low condition of

Relations,

others

all

move the

there any thing or can any thing be

is

not then necessary to suppress such views, as tend to publick prejudice.

greatest

will

a person disagreable to both, the Council and Assembly.

conduct, that deserves their displeasure the rule, by which our

to

it

Golden

in that point but otherwise.

may be

it

M"'

considering his Station,

this,

but notwithstanding of

of the late proceedings of the Gouncil and assembly

Golden

may go;

an endeavour in a faction to run

they can succeed in

;

it

may

be in the power of one

man

life

If the

small

;

is it

number

of

and ignorance of the,

of superior fortune nnd

numerous

he once gets the greatest numbers of such as depend on him into the Council and

all the Offices of the Govern' to influence the whole in such manner, as he But then the sence of the people in general may be very diflerentfrom what is expressed by their Representatives, and it is certain, great numbers think differently from them already, and perhaps when a proper opportunity offers, the people will show that they generally

Assembly, and into shall think fit;

dislike the late proceedings of the I

am

Assembly.

with very great respect

My No

Lords

Your

date.

Rec"* in Feb''' 4.

England

most humble and

obedient servant

G. Clinton.

174f

Vol. VI.

Lord'''"

42

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

330

Minute of

the

New

[New-Tork Council

-

Yorh Legislative Council.

Minutes, Albany, XXII., 66

— 63.]

Thursday the fourth day of December 174G Tlie Council

met According

Present

— The

to

Cadwaliader Golden

Archibald Kennedy

/

Joseph Murray

James De Lancey

|

De Lancey took He had Something to

Justice

pamphlet that had

:

M

:

Speaker

Daniel Horsmanden

^^1"

John Moore Stephen Bayard

j

The Speaker assumed M' Chief

Esq""

\

Livingston

Philip Courtlandt

Compleated,

P

Adjournment

Hono''''=

Piiilip

:

That

Notice,

\ /

^^^" (

j

the Chair

as the Business of this Session

was now

Council, which arose from the perusal of a Entituled " A Treaty between his Excellency

offer to the

lately fallen into his

Hands

the Governour and the six united Indian Nations, and other Indian Nations depending on the

Province of

New York,

pamphlet he had

in his

" His "

held at x^lbany, in the

Hand) Wherein was

Excellency the

Commands,

to

Months

of

August and September 1746" (Which

a Paragraph, page 3, in the

Governor of

New

York, having

engage the Indian Nations depending on

Words

received

following. Viz* his

Majesty's

Government, to join in make them the usual Presents on his

" the Expedition then intended ag"' Canada, and to " that Occasion and being sensible of the great Use these Nations may be to the " Success of this Enterprize, and likewise of the Difficulties that probably might ;

" attend his Endeavours at this Time, was desirous to have had the Assistance of as " many of the Members of His Majesty's Council as the Circumstances of Affairs

" would admit; but they all declined to give their Attendance except M'' Golden & " M'' Livingston: His Excellency was therefore obliged to act with the smallest " Number of Members, which by his Majesty's Commission can form a Council, Yiz'

"Three;

the above

two Gentlemen, and Capt" Rutherford, who was then

at his

" post in Albany."

Which paragraph, he

conceived, did contain a Misrepresentation of Facts, and an invidious

Members of his Majesty's Council as did not attend his Excellency Albany; He therefore moved that the Printer might be ordered to attend, and be examined, that the Council might be informed who gave him the Copy with Directions to print it; Which Motion being seconded by M' Murray; M'' Golden confessed that he had delivered the Reflection upon such of the to

Copy

to the printer;

and being thereupon asked, whether he gave him Directions

to print it?

he replyed, he had delivered him the Copy: Which Confession not being satisfactory, he was again aked, Whether or no he directed him to print if? And it was said, That in Case he did not give a direct

Answer

to that Point, the

Council would insist that the Printer should attend,

also,

no doubt would inform them of the Truth of the Matter: Whereupon M' Golden confessed that he did direct him to print it; and afterwards, owned that he was the Author, but

said,

he had no Intention

who

to reflect

upon any of the Gentlemen

of the Council.

LONDON DOCUMENTS After some Animadversions

&

made on

XXVIII.

:

the said paragrapli by

M"'

33I

Chief Justice,

M''

Horsmanden

M" Murray, M'' Chief Justice further moved, That a Censure might be passed upon the said and that the Council would come to the follow'g Resolution thereupon and on the

paragraph

:

;

Question being put, Resolved, That

it

was accordingly

That the

the Opinion of the Council,

is

it

aforesaid paragraph

a Mis-representation of P'acts and an invidious Reflection, upon the

who remained

Council,

Treaty

And

at

at the

City of

New

members

contains

of his Majesty's

York, during his Excellency's Absence at the late

Albany.

as the said

pamphlet

is

dispersed in print;

Ordered that the said Motion and Proceedings and this Resolution, be forthwith printed* Then the Council adjourned till to Morrow Morning 11 oClock.

Mr. Colden [New-Tork

May 1

P.O.) X.,

17-4.]

please your Excellency.

to

thank your Excellency

your Excellency by some

dated the

lO""

of

last

for of

doing

me

the justice to send

members

the

me

a copy of a Representation

of His Majesty's Council for this Province,

month, which by reason of the severity of the season which had rendered

the river impassable and the distance of till

(3.

Saw'J 29"> 174f it

heartily

made

Governor Clinton.

to

the fifteenth of this

month

at night.

my house from New York, did not come to my I am sorry that any thing personally relative

hands to

me

much trouble to you, but as all the matters which are the subject better known to your P^xcellency than to any other person, even many

should be the occasion of so of that representation are of

them

make

better

known

to

the Representation,

you than I

it

is

possible they can be to the gentlemen themselves

shall chearfully

submit

back to your remembrance some circumstances of

to

your judgement

facts

mentioned

after that

in that

I

who

have brought

representation,

which

these Gentlemen think proper to pass over, especially as to that paragragh in the printed narrative

of your Excellency's treaty with the Indians at Albany, which they censure. It is true as these gentlemen say that your Excellency in Council desired to know what number of the gentlemen of the Council would attend you to Albany, and who would. But these gentlemen omit two material circumstances. One is, that 1 was not present at that time in Council, being then gon out of town to visit my daughter in the country the other is, that they named me as a proper person to attend your Excellency on that occasion. If I should repeat the reasons which I was told they gave for naming of me for this service, it would become one of the observable Utile Instances of vanity calculated inindiially with a view to raise a character, with which these gentlemen charge me therefore I shall leave it to them to tell what the reasons were for naming me rather than another. But I must observe that it could not be true that I refused to go, when I was not present, and could not know that I was named. It :

;

is

true that afterwards in conversation

particular hardship on

me

to

among

ourselves

(

not in Council

)

be singled out (for as to M' Livingston his

I

did object to

office as

it

as a

Secretary for

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

332 Indinn Affairs

made

casual words which

it

of them said at the same time,

The

truth of the matter

day

pass'd that

you

to

Council

in

me

Albany, told

for the truth of this

However (

except

M"'

Sir

I

is

it

;

I

ungenerous

it

am

I

was not present

I

that the others (except

must appeal

to

M''

own

in Council

to repeat

any

repeat what some

it

when your Excellency

my own knowledge

when you

me

desired

say what to attend

Livingstone) had declined that service, and

Representation that

absent as well as

was

that

I

my

all

and that

self)

I

desired to be excused

likewise desired to be

refused to go, and they desired to be excused from

prevailed on to go (for J did go) and they insisted on their

This

excuse, for they did not go.

I

your Excellency.

confessed in their

afterwards

them

in

sure should

cannot of

I

but your Excellency afterwards

excused, or rather as they express I

think

attend you to Albany,

who was

Cortlandt

goitig; but that

I

could not escape blame.

this; that as

is

know who would

desired to

and

bis duty to attend)

used in conversation at that time.

I

is

the state of the Question confess'd on

leave to your Excellency to determine which of us

all

sides

and

must

I

going.

decliri'd

Your Excellency knows that the printed Narrative

of your

Excellency's

Treaty was

published several weeks before the time that the Council were pleas'd to censure this paragragh

mentioned

Representation.

in their

From

the time that

my

Council met

was done

to

till

that day,

1

was

beleave none of them doubted of

it,

till

appear by the minutes of Council

will

made

sufficient

want of a

number.

M""

of Dec''

into Council while the is

not present)

I

iVr

Horsmanden and

&

was

adjournments were frequently

Chief Justice took the printed narrative out of

pocket and spoke to the purpose as set forth tiie S""

when coming

that day:

capacity (at which time your Excellency

the gentlemen of the Council met; for before that time several of them

all

seldom attended as for

them by

in their Legislative

surprised to see

of

I

being privy to that publication, yet none of them at any time took notice of any injury

that they thought >•

was published,

it

frequently in conversation with these gentlemen, and tho'

iM''

in the

censure printed

iMurrey

made

in the

set speeches.

his

New

York Post Boy As these were all

was not ready to make such proper But I observed thought it would be more proper to enquire into this matter in a Privy Council where your Excellency must be present, than now when we are met by ourselves. To which the Chief Justice answered something as to the power of the House of Lords with respect to Privy Councillors at the same time Members of their House; which as I did not understand how he applied it to the present case, 1 cannot repeat. But my reason for saying this inquiry was more proper for the Privy Council was, that in the present case we were all parties, but in the Privy Council your Excellency could judge between us. Your Excellency from your knowledge could judge of the truth or falsity of it, as you are indifferent between us. I likewise told them that if they thought that there was any thing in that paragraph that by mistake or unguarded expression threw any unjust reflection on the Council, I would join freely with them in doing justice to every one, if the proper steps vpere taken for that purjjose, but I did neither confess nor acknowledge in the manner set forth in that publication, and that minute was drawn up and publish'd without think it not fair to repeat in so solemn a manner as that of a I bein searching for

it,

and

I

know

no other reason for the delay in depositing the minutes of the

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

334

Your Excellency had heen absent Assembly was to meet in a few days after your Before return, and you had all the matters to prepare which were to be laid before them. your Excellency could do this, you was taken dangerously ill, and by these means you could not look over the numerous papers you had brought with you from Albany in quest of that Council at Albany

in

the

Secretary's Office, but this.

about three months from your family

paper which was misplaced.

But

the

;

as

I

informed your Excellency that the gentlemen of the

why

Council intertained some jealousy of the reasons

the Papers were not lodged in the

was prevaii'd on before you was well recovered, to search was found, so far as I know, all the papers were deposited in

Secretary's Office, your Excellency

and as soon as

for that paper,

it

the Secretary's Office. I

that

come now I

difered

to a

very memorable transaction of a Committee of Council in which

much

in

own

I

opinion from the other gentlemen of the Council, which occasioned

some debate between them

& me

;

but

I

think

me by

an unusual hardship put upon

it

the

Representation of these gentlemen, to be put to answer for extempore words, used in the heat

when the words were not taken down in writing and excepted to at the time; but two months time afterwards they are excepted to, when it may be impossible for me to recollect the occasion of my speaking them, and I must charge this method of proceeding both of debate, at

as unusual and unfair. •

And

tho' I be at present

under a very great disadvantage, by

my

being

country by myself without any assistance to recollect tilings past so long sence,

in the

now

answer the studied and premeditated charge of two Judges and a noted Attorney assisted with the memories of others, who perhaps do not understand for what purpose their memories are made use of, I trust to the force of truth and to your Excellency's candour in judgeing. For this purpose I must give your Excellency an account of several facts which these gentlemen have thought fit to omit. I even perswade myself that when your Excellency observes at what pains these gentlemen are to recollect every casual word that I have at any time spoke, and the artificial turns given to my words that you will think they are above three months, and

at

some

to

loss to find real causes of

the whole of their charge, gives

But

complaint against

me

to return to matters of fact.

your Excellency

is

me

;

and

this observation, so obvious thro'

a good deal of confidence in

The Committee

not present! do not understand

)

making

my

defence.

of Council (for a Council of State

when

taking into consideration your Excellency's

Referrence to them for advice (more properly than Message) since your indisposition rendered you incapable of being present, it was objected that they could not give an opinion without previously knowing what orders your Excellency had given to Coll. Roberts the Commanding Officer of the

we had

new

a right to

levied forces in this Province.

demand

To

this

I

answered that

I

did not

a particular account of your Excellency's orders to the

every military interprise that your Excellency should think proper to undertake, nature of things

army should be

it is

first

know

that

army and of

&

from the

impossible and would be highly inconvenient that every interprise of the

debated

in

Council of State, by

men who have no

pretentions to military

knowledge and at 100 or 200 miles distance from the army at least these were my sentiments I said that at tiiat time, and these gentlemen gave no reasons to make me alter my opinion. whatever the orders were, tho' never so necessary, it was plain, from his Excellency's references & Col. Roberts' letter, they could not be executed while the Commissioners witheld the But as they insisted that the orders to Col. Roberts must be previously known, provisions. and that they could not give an opinion without knowing those orders, I had nothing more to say than to desire them to put this down as a reason why they could not give an opinion. ;

LONDON DOCUMENTS: I

XXVIII.

335

do not remember any thing as to the minutes of Council that their not being communicated into debate, but as it is usual for men who design to perplex to bring in matters foreign

came

to the debate,

it is

not improbable that something of that kind might then be talked

do not remember

And

of, tho' at

had been insisted on that the gentlemen of the Council who attended your Excellency at Albany, were only a Committee of Council, probably for in this case your Excellency could have no advice of Council till the I have denyed it present

I

it.

as

it

;

opinion of this Committee be approved of in Council.

members of Council may

the

Upon

this

supposition a majority of

refuse at any time to attend your Excellency and set up an

who

independent authority, and say, that your Excellency and the Members no right to proceed on any business, but what

and

1

must continue

constitution, and

But however

they give

till

this be,

while

this opinion,

in

me

attend you have

referred to your Excellency by the majority,

think the other opinion directly contrary to our

reason to alter

appears by their

it

I

is

own

it,

which

*

as yet they have not attempted.

Representation that what they thought your

have communicated to them

and was properly under debate, was* remember very well that the question mentioned in the Representation respecting these orders was asked me, and that they were asked me by M' Murray, and the questions were put by him personally to me, and his words were not directed to the Chairman, and in that case I was in the right to say I would not answer his Excellency ought to

your Excellency's orders

to Coll. Roberts.

I

questions even tho' his questions had been

answered

which

;

in this case I

pertinent,

am humbly

and otherwise ought to have been were not. For, as by the

of opinion they

in case of accidents the command of these forces might may have very cogent reasons to communicate to me matters army, which you may not think proper to communicate to others. But even

constitution of

this

Government,

devolve on me, your Excellency relating to the

supposing the case otherwise and that your Excellency thought proper

to

thing to me, which you did not think proper to communicate to the others,

duty to keep the secret, and it

if

of your Excellency; which

they think they have a right

was

that

all

J

to

know

it,

it

communicate any was certainly my

they ought to

demand

insisted on.

Committee of the Council had gone through all the heads of their report, except who happened to sit next me, entered into conversation with me while the Clerk was taking down the heads agreed upon, for a report, about the Winter Camp, an expression in your Excellency's speech to the Assembly. On this I said he could form no judgement of it, till he was inform'd of the nature of that Camp, and the purposes for which it was design'd and after a few words the conversation ceased, but it was probable the others heard what passed between the Cheif Justice and me. After this the Clerk read over the heads which he had taken down, and it was ordered that M' Horsmanden, the Chairman of the Committee, should draw up the report in form from these heads, and send his report to all the Members present, and if they severally approved of it, to sign it, and deliver After the

the third Paragraph, M' Cheif Justice,

;

it

to

your Excellency.

relating to

any thing

next day for

my

Now

in the

in the said third

perusal,

I

heads read over by the Clerk, there was not one word paragraph, and

when

the Clerk brought the report to

me

which he answered, "/ told M' Horsmanden that I believed I bid him carry it back to M'' Horsmanden, and tell him that I object to that part as no part of what was agreed to by the Committee, and I expected that M"' Horsmanden as Chairman of the Committee would have desired the Committee to meet again to put this question out of dispute: but he without calling the Committee sign'd the

Committee

you would

^

objected to that third paragraph as no part of the heads agreed to by

for their report: to

object to tluit

part:" and then

-

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

336 the Report, and delivered this report forth,

was read

and appealed

in

to the

produce in evidence what

Your Excellency may remember

your Excellency.

to

it

Council,

I

Clerk

objected to this paragraph for the reasons

who

for the truth

I

I

that

when

have already set

supposed had the heads agreed

to,

then to

But the gentlemen then present thought proper to rise up one after another and positively to assert that this paragraph was agreed to in the Committee, and said that the Clerk was not to be heard in contradiction to them. But notwithstanding of this, I positively affirm the fact to be as I have related it; and I shall add one reason for confirming it. That as in your Excellency's written referrence & in Col. Roberts' his letter and in any paper referred to that Committee, there was not one word of a Winter Camp, or of the disposition intended to be made of the forces, that paragraph could not in any propriety .

be

made

I

asserted.

The

part of the Report.

and justice requires truth

to

dispute here related only to the truth of a matter of fact,

be sacred in

all

Majesties justice and the safety of every

man

is

this

in

considered,

it

very

Province that people do not put their

confidence only in power and number, without any regard to truth, and this

matter

maybe

when the publick much concerns His

publick enquiries, and therefore

character of the persons concern'd in this debate

strictly inquired into; for

I

earnestly desire that

doubt not before impartial judges the force

I

power or numbers. answer to that part of the Report which reflected on your Excellencys not communicating to them the transactions at Albany took notice that the gentlemen of the Council at New York had taken upon themselves the administration both civil and military, that though you had been so long return'd to this place, they had made no report to you of of truth in this case will be greater than that of

Your Excellency

in

and that two days

their proceedings,

after they

knew you was

returned the Officers of the

to you ; on which you made some observations and directed that what you then said should be entered on the minutes. On which some of the gentlemen acknowledged their error and prayed that your Excellency would not order any entry to be made. On which I moved that the Council would likewise take back their report, which had given occasion to those remarks on their

Militia liad been served with their orders,

and which had never been communicated

conduct made by your Excellency, which being agreed desirous you

was

to have a

to, your E.xcellency then good understanding with them and that you would

told

them how

at all

times be

pleased with their giving their advice freely, either jointly as a Council or separately as they

should think best.

harmony; but it

Upon which

was

I

me

necessary for

But

to repeat.

I

hopes

in

differently things turned out

hands, nor did

I

at

to

make

my

if

self as to

neither do

;

known

I

to

your Excellency

for to

make

deny that I made any before the Committee, neither can 1 imagine had, sence no publick papers were in my I

laid

such a promise,

any time concern

proper to lay before the Council

things would have been restored to a

do not remember, and

promis that any papers of any kind should be

what could induce me

all

too well

is

I

positively

what papers your Excellency should think time know what papers your Excellency

at this

has put into the Secretary's Office.

As

to your Excellency's Speech,

me

Mesages and Prorogation of the Gen' Assembly,

I

shall only

you had advised with the Cheif Justice and the Speaker of the Assembly both as to the Speech itself and as to the manner of sending it by reason of your indisposition, & I must leave it to your Excellency to say what advice they gave you. I I do not remember that any have been for a longer time in the Council than any in it

say that your Excellency told

that

;

Governour advised with the Council as This

is

a part of the

to

his

Prerogative lodged with

speech

&

messages, or as to prorogations.

the Governour solely, and

I

beleive these

— LONDON DOCUMENTS gentlemen can give no instances in

337

the contrary, except very lately,

to

apprehend, were on foot prtejudicial to

commission to the Governours

XXVIII.

:

the

Cheif of

constitution

as

when by

established

designs, as I

Majesties

his

this Province.

As to the reason why your Excellency did not communicate to the Council the minutes of the Commissioners for Indian Affairs, giving an account of Hendrick the Indian's transactions in

Canada,

beleive I

can say

I

much

But

do not.

am

I

know

I

as little of that matter as

than some of them; because they

less

no

at

loss to discover the

affair

under your consideration

sums

for

reason

any of them can pretend

know them

why your

engaging the friendship of the Indians and

for

and I which

Excellency could not take that

Your Excellency had drawn

at that time.

to,

to be of importance,

^

bills for

very large

defraying the expenses of the Expedition

intended against Canada, which the Assembly of this Province had refused to undertake.

was then making up your accounts and writing you few days; and

to sail in a

ashamed

to say

obvious and well

this is so

they were at a loss to discover

how

desirous they are to throw blame on me.

May

it

please your Excellency

me

it,

You when the ships for England were known that these gentlemen may be

letters,

and

same time

at the

it

too evidently

shows

:

give any answer to the general allegations

made by these happened have been occasioned by my^ill advice and that there was a perfect harmony between your Excellency, the Council, and the Assembly till that time which they imagine that I intermedled in the publick affairs. I must submit to your Excellency's own knowledge as to this, and I make no doubt your Excellency will at least give me this testimony, that I was very sensible of the difficulties that would arise in consequence of the measures which your Excellency enclined to follow, and that I took upon me to give no advice but what was of your Excellency's repeated It

impossible for

is

gentlemen without the

best

whether

tell

which have domestick

I

lately

arisen before

least proof, that all the differences

manner

desire, in such

I

as

I

which

could not refuse consistently with

my

had any hand or was so much as privy to the

happened

came

affairs in

to

to

in this

:

duty.

Your Excellency can

real cause of

all

the differences

Province: whether very remarkable differences had not

town, while

the country

lately

I

was, as these gentlemen say, attending

whether before that time a stop was not put

my

ordinary

to the zeal

which

the Assembly had expressed for contributing liberally towards the expences of the expedition.

Your Excellency can best tell (sence these gentlemen own that I was then only minding my private affairs) who, and what measures, were the principal occasions of this and of several other difficulties Your Excellency was unexpectedly thrown into in the public administration of affiiirs, when you was engaged in matters of the greatest importance, and that these things had happened, before your Excellency required my attendance in Council, and when it is not presumed

I

had any share

Excellency from the affairs,

and

my

in

them.

difficulties that

have only given

1

were

having had some success

laid

in this

be thrown on your Excellency's reputation, cause of

all

And on

in

assistance

in order to

to

extricate

your

perplex the publick

and preventing the slur which was designed

am

convinced you are well

I

satisfied

is

tlie

to

real

me if I remind you of what you have met with are owing to the this place, by which you gave up those

hope that your Excellency will pardon

lately very sensible, that all the difficulties

advice your Excellency received at your

powers

my

your way

the resentment which has fallen upon me.

this occasion

you seemed

I

in

first

coming

to

government, by which former CJovernors preserved the authority and dignity of their

Vol. VI.

ii

*

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

338

men

and thereby gave some designing

office,

making your Excellency and all Your E.xceliency is now sensible how

the hopes of

future Governors nieer dependants on a faction.

dangerous these concessions have proved to his Majesties autliority in the hands of his may liereafter prove to the dependency of this Province on the Crown; and it

Governor, and truly

is

strugal for

tiie

power

to

sensible.

Your Excellency

defence that

impression of these gentlemen, that served for that purpose had I shall

it

been

all

the uneasiness which has

Province are truly

this the generality of the people of this

some things which

perceive from

will

my own

occasion to write in

cause of

in a faction, that is tlie real

your Excellency, and of

happened

have been so

I

far

I

have been obliged on this

from giving your Excellency an

ill

have concealed things from you that might greatly have

I

my

design.

not attempt to give any return to the wit with which that performance

is

embellished,

because the wit only serves to show the true disposition of the mind and the rancour with which the author writes; neither do I envy him the peculiarity by which he always

makes himself known

distinguishes and

on words that

On

it is

the whole

I

in putting the

worst and most unnatural construction

possible they can bear.

think

may be

I

allowed

to say, that

it

is

an invidious misrepresentation of

and however the author may have endeavoured to cover forth in the last paragraph save one, in the following words. facts,

Coldcii has told

iV''

We

Administration. consider whether

it

the

world

shall not

may

not

of his being the next person

in jirint

make any

be his

his envy,

rrjlcclions

interest

to

on

at last

it

to

your Excellency

this circumstance, hut leave

imbroil your Excellency's affairs

may be his getting may find thai which was

breaks openly

in

the

your Excellency

and

distract

to

your

of government into his own hands

administration, the consccjuence of which

the reins

and

intended to be a reflection on others " one of

here perhaps your Excellency

those artful

What

and designing men who have private

M""

account thereof

is

come abroad, has ordered me (being

in his name, which

Indians

when

said to be introduced as follows:

His Excellency our Governour having safely

views."

Colden, as they say, has told the world in print,

of your Excellency's treaty with the

I shall do

in the

;

been taken

ill

last at

—

and as

the next person to

I

suppose must refer to page

Albany, which

in

the

yet not so well recovered as that he

him in

same words which he designed

to

9""

printed

the Administration J to speak to

can you

have spoke had he not been prevented

by sickness.

Tho'

I

cannot clear myself from

luxuriously in an American favorable construction on

them

in a publick

soil,

my

share of vanity, a

weed

wliich

is

observed to grow

yet any one with a moderate share of candour would put a

M" Colden's telling the Indians on the occasion of his speaking to was the next person to the Governor in the Administration

treaty, that he

as it shewed his Excellencys respect to the Indians, and likewise gave the greater credit to what was said. It seem'd reasonable to tell the Indians why your Excellency had made choice of M' Colden rather than another, and I must leave it to this author of wit and penetration to give a better reason for the choice, because I cannot give any other, and I beleive it was the Why this came to be printed I can give no other reason, but things were to be true reason. told truly as they were, and if it be considered that every man in this Province knew that I

am

the

first

in

the

Council or the next in

publication as afterwards, in the

I

could not have

my

the Administration

vanity

paragraph appears too openly invidious, when

not been able to give one instance of

my

stirring

much in

encreas't

as

certainly before this

by

it.

But what

follovra

the whole Representation they liava

up disscentions and differences among the

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXVIII.

339

branches of the Legislature to lay so heavy a charge without one proof extraordinary in view of their

Excellency

how any

tiiat

I

publick

character

and then

liliewise

to insinuate to

thing like this could be defended

among gentlemen

your

know not common conversation, much

design to supplant you, without the least colour to support in

solemn a Representation, wherein they value themselves their censure of me.

less so in so

For as

something very

is

for their

it,

I

moderation

in

given in this Representation they only relate to differences between

to all the instances

^^

way concern your Excellency and the other brandies of much reason, from this Representation, to ciiarge some me in any expectation I may have of the Administration

these gentlemen and myself, and no

Have

the Legislature.

I

not then

of them with a design to supplant

devolving into I

my

hands

24 years service

after

have one comfort under

all

His Majesties Council here.

in

these heavy charges, that as your Excellency

knows

knows

well

all

any other what advice I have presumed at any time to give you, your Excellency can be a true and indisputable wittness between these gentlemen and me. And as I have reason to apprehend that tho'this Representation was made the publick transactions, and

better than

to take effect (if possible) in some other place, where the known, and where they hope their number will be reckoned as a number of witnesses in evidence of the truth, I must appeal to your Excellency in my own vindication, and I doubt not you will do the justice of telling the truth. That this is the view of these gentlemen in their Representation, I think it is evident from the time they have chosen to make it. I was above two months at New York during which time I was, as they say, sowing dissentions between your Excellency and the other branches of the Legislature,

your Excellency,

to

it

is

designed

truth of facts cannot be so well

I

w^as misleading

your Excellency with design

Prorogation of the Assembly, yet

in all

to

supplant you,

that time they did not

I

stay'd ten days after the

warn your Excellency against

these, as they pretend, mischeivous designs, but chose to give in their repiesentation after

I

was gon into the Country at above sixty miles from New York, and when all communication was cut otf between my house and the town. But notwithstanding of all this the confidence I have in the penetration of his Majesties Ministers

if

they can have time only to read over the publick transactions since the

C""

of June,

the time sence which they say your Excellency received advice from me; what your Excellency

your Excellencys speech & messages; the of Council, and the resolves of Assembly am perswaded no doubt can remain with them from whence all A scene will open to tliem not only of oppressing the innocent

has done for His Majesties service since that time; representations of Assembly, and of these in

answer

to

your Messages

I

;

these publick differences arise.

members

by meer power and number but likewise of blasting the reputation of

his Majesties servants in

And

the highest stations in this Province in the faithfull performance of their duty.

Majesties ministers will think

it

incumbent on them

of a faction as have a natural tendency and the private safety of every person

be not at

this

this occasion

I

think

it

my

duty

Law

is

at

his

destroy the publick safety and security of the I'rovince,

in

it,

and

1

will take the liberty to say that if

any

them any opposition. to take notice to your Excellency of

who

is in

manner on your Excellency's administration,

course of the

hope

to

papers publish'd by the publick printer a

I

an effectual check to such designs

time don, to give the power of the faction a check, few

will afler this run the hazard of given

On

to give

in

if

something

this I'rovince

several scandalous

the pay of this government, reflecting in such

that strangers

present shut up, and the Province

may is

be apt to imagine that the

subject to military law and

«

)

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

340 execution

minds of

than which nothing can be more

;

tlie

people from their duty.

Printer depending on

the

I

and nothing more

false,

beleive

it

government, thus daring

Administration, but the confidence he

ha.s in

effectual to alienate the

will be difficult to assign any reason for this

the

publish

to

power

in

open defiance of the Please to see the

of a faction.

New

York Weekly Post Boys, published since I left the Town, of tiie lo"" and 29"' of December, for proof of what I now say. Being informed that tlie last vesel which is to go in this season, for England, is ready to sail about this time, 1 am oblig'd to luirry my self in making this answer tiiat if possible it may reach your Excellency's hands before that vessel sails. And therefore I must beg of your Excellency to excuse any inaccuracy, or other defect, which may appear in it, and which perhaps I might have avoided had more time been allowed me. With confidence therefore in your Excellency's candour and justice, this my defence is humbly submitted to your Excellency's judgement by

Your Excellency's Most obedient (Indorsed)

"29

174y " Doctor Coldens Answer

&

most humble Servant

Cadwallader Colden.

(signed)

Jan''

to the

" Council's Representation ag" him."

Governor Clinton [

to the

New-York

(

Diike of Newcastle.

8. P. O. ) X., 101. ]

New York May I

it

please

number

1'*-

May

1747.

(Duplicate

Your Grace.

understood from your Grace's letter of the

as great a

1

of forces within

my

g""

April 1746. that I

government, as

I

was

to

endeavour

to

levy

could, for an expedition which His

Majesty intended against Canada, that the like orders were given to the Governours of the neighbouring colonies, and that all the charges of levying those forces, arming cloathing & &'^ were to be defrayed by the respective Assemblys of the Governm" where they were levied, or by General S' Clair who was to command in Chief on the said expedition, or by some other person to be appointed by His Majesty for that purpose. And iho' the rendezvous of that part of the forces w"^*" was to go by land was directed to be at Albany within my government, yet I had no other nor more particular directions in this affair, then such as all the neighbouring Governours had, the command of that part of the forces being given to M' but Brigadier Gooch having declined to take the Gooch, Lieutenant Governour of Virginia

paying them

;

command & them

the other Governours having declared that they had nothing further to do with

after they

my government they having marched to the place of rendezvous, I was Command of them by virtue of His Majesty's Commission to me Captain General of the Province of New York and the territories thereon were

under the necessity

in

to take the

me, appointing depending in America thought my self obliged

&

of the Colony of Connecticut

in duty to

His Majesty

;

&

to take care of

from the necessity of

them

&

affiiirs

I

by some means or other

LONDON DOCUMENTS to defray all

necessary expences for

tlie

Assembly not only

at

first

tlieir

as the other

XXVIII.

:

support

Governours

&

to

charges attending the levying these forces, for provisions attend this service,

&

&

at

two

several times since they

341

good government,

I

applied to the

their respective Assemblies, for the

&

other incidental charges that must

came more immediately under my

care

were given over, & again this Spring; but they absolutely refused to contribute towards any other expence besides that of provisions & of transporting the provisions to Albany. I informed Your Grace by several opportunilys last winter, what sums I had been obliged to advance for that service &

command,

viz' last fall

as soon as

all

hopes of General

S' Clair's arrival

without which the intended expedition must necessarily have

fail'd

&

by what means

I

had

procured the money.

As

I

have to this day received no orders or instructions other than those already mentioned,

&

did expect that orders would be sent early this Spring in relation to these troops,

it

my

duty to decline acting

in

every thing that could be delayed,

&

till

I

thought

such time as such orders

Albany were cloathed & had provisions I His Majestys pleasure should be known thereon & of which 1 have daily expectations. But about the 26"" of April last several companies of the new levies refused to do duty, & afterwards many of them left the places where they were posted for the security of the Frontiers, & marched in bodies to Albany, & the mutiny became general throughout the New Levies of all the Colonies, that are now in this Province on the Frontiers towards Canada. I immediately, by express, acquainted the Governours of Massachuset's Bay, & Connecticut with what had happened & desired them to send detachments or instructions should arrive,

as the troops at

thought the paying of them might be differed

till

of the forces in their respective governments to support the garrison at Saraghtoga, where a

& warlike stores are lodged & which is most exposed to the enemy. At the same time I desired them to march what force they could to their own Frontiers towards Albany to support me on all events & to prevent the ill effects that may happen from any intelligence the enemy may receive of these disorders among the forces on the frontiers, which are at no great distance from the French garrison at Crown Point. At the same time I beg leave to inform your Grace that I have good reason to believe that this mutinous disposition among the forces was raised and afterwards fomented by falce reports & insinuations made industriously among them by disaffected persons, particularly that while they received no pay they were not properly soldiers nor subject to martial law, & that I had received no orders from His Majesty to pay them. This spread the more because persons in authority here & of great train of artillery

influence took no care to suppress or otherwise oppose the spreading of such reports, tho' from

the knowledge they had of your Graces letter that these reports of

my

having orders

is

&

of the state of affairs they must be assured

absolutely false.

Having often consulted and advised with His Majesty's Council of this Province on this emergency, they were of opinion & advised me to pay forty shillings current money of this province to

now

each private

man

of the

New

Levies including those of the other Colonies it

&

w"'''

two montlis pay to the Olficers, & to promise to pay to the private men twenty shillings a month till such time as I shall receive His Majesty's orders with respect to the pay of these forces, they were of opinion that there is an absolute necessity for this at present, & that there is no method for obtaining the money but by my bills of Exchange on the pay master of the army. I have accordingly drawn Bills of Exchange for five thousand five hundred pounds sterling, at Ninety days sight. are in this Province as well as those levied in

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

342 Since

Assembly had

tlie

at several times formerly

&

in their session this

refused to contribute towards any expence besides that of provision

complying with

this

advice of Council, for

if

the

new

I

Spring absolutely

was under

levies should continue to

a necessity of

mutiny

this

&

the other Colonies must be in danger not only from the enemy, but exposed to the ravages As I have now engaged my own fortune for the other disorders of mutinous soldiers.

&

His Majesties service without a possibility of private profit must entreat Your Grace to lay the case in such manner before His Majesty, that my family may not suffer, as consequently I must be at considerable charges for the receiving & paying & carriage of this money to the far distant places at which the Companies I must likewise beg of your Grace that are or shall be posted, & other contingent charges some method be taken for the paying of them. That the pay of the officers & men be bona

payment of these thereby to

my

bills entirely for

self, I

—

fide

made,

&

Colden

Jun''

confide,

&

I

all frauds as much as in my power prevented, 1 have appointed Cadwallader Commissary of the Musters, in whose ability and integrity I have reason to shall order all the methods to be taken which the circumstances of affairs & of the

country will permit for providing proper vouchers according to the directions of the Act of Parlement. I must therefore desire your Grace to procure his Majesty's orders for the paying The money is already of this Oflicer, since I must advance for him as for the other Officers. sent to Albany, but as I have no account of

my I

it's

know

arrival, I

not what success

may

attend

endeavours towards satisfying the soldiers & bringing them back to their duty. have sent such papers to M"' Guerin as I think may be of use for your Graces further

information, together with

message

I

my

speech at the opening of the last sessions of Assembly here

afterwards sent to them

&

&

a

which Your Grace will be presume your Grace on perusal of

their resolves thereon; by

better enabled to judge of the state of this Province,

&

I

be more convinced of the necessity of recommending to His Majesty those alterations in the Council and appointment of a Lieutenant Governour which I proposed in my letter last winter, being in my opinion necessary for His Majesty's service & supporting me in my

them

will

administration of the government. (the elder) continues to assist

me

On

this occasion I

opposition, notwithstanding that his assistance afiiiirs,

other,

must inform your Grace that M' Colden

chearfully against a most unreasonable as well as ungreatfuU is

with considerable prejudice to his private

& therefore I must heartily recommend him to & I must beg your Grace's pardon in saying that

his Majesty's favour in if

those

who

some shape

or

distinguish themselves in

support of His Majesty's authority be not likewise distinguished by His Majesty's favour, it will perhaps become impracticable for those in the administration, to support it in any of the colonies against the power of a faction that

Royal Prerogative. I hope your Grace

will excuse all faults

may

be formed to the prejudice of the

on account of so much business

in,

there being three different opportunitys ofiers at this time for England

by

all,

my drawing those bills, for fear of accidents. am, with the greatest regard My Lord Your Graces most obedient humble Servant G. Clinton. (signed)

to give notice of I

& great hurry I am & obliged to write

LONDON DOCUMENTS Governor Clinton

to the

[New-Tork Papera. Bundle

My

XXVIII.

:

343

Lords of Trade. Gg., No. I6S

]

Lords,

The General Meeting Province,

&

that has lately happened amongst the

of the Neighbouring provinces

New

Levies raised

in

this

now

about Albany, occasioned by the want of pay, and the sudden departure of this Vessell, won't permit me to acquaint Your Lord^s of any but by the Mairmaid Man-of-War Capt" Gayton who steps lately tai' service, and the interest of his People, as if no such injuries had been done to me, which will evidently appear to your LordPP' from the copys of the Messages I sent to the Assembly, and Their their resolves and answers thereon, which have been already transmitted to you. passed them

all

over, and

way

behaviour could not have been justifyed in the charged

in

false, as I

had been

Representation

the

hope from the papers transmitted

contradiction.

It will

has been done, though

it

to

Your LordPP'

likewise appear, that the opposition

nothing but a most malicious

spirit of

the Facts

all

whereas they are absolutely

[essentially true] it

will

appear to be so beyond

have met with, could proceed from

I

wicked Men, who have had nothing

less in

view, than

the overturning of the Constitution of his Maj'^'* Governt'' in the Plantations, by wresting his Maj"'''

authority out of the hands of his Officers and placing the Administration in a popular

Faction, and of satisfying at the In order to

make themselves

manner not only refused

same time their malicious resentments. the more popular, the Assembly has in

Expedition intended ag" Canada, but have thrown the load of refused contributing any thing towards

me

Enemy, but

are

likewise on the Crown, tho' their

own

with

against the

justly say, the expence of the

manner adequate

to that

a most unreasonable

to contribute according to their ability in the e.xpence attending the

Colony

my

it

upon the Crown, and have

retaining the Indians longer in their late engagements

now endeavouring

to

throw that extraordinary expence

preservation be immediately concerned in

in

North America, in proportion to their

which the people of England cheerfully submit

it,

and

I

can

abilities is in

to in

no

defence of the

Liberty's of Europe.

Great numbers of People of this Province are become sensible of these things, and the popularity of the Faction has in a good measure declined, and

themselves will induce them to do, what

may

be requisite

the saving of money, and the ease of the people

of success; however, nothing in I

can,

and nothing

shall prevail

necessity of putting the

from becoming a prey

Crown

to the

As M' Horsmanden one in

shall

upon me

to,

to

is

hope the necessity of securing defence of the Colony ; yet

so very prevailing, that I cannot be assured

be wanting to ease the

Crown

add

have been under the

to the

expence

I

of every charge

but the immediate preservation of this valuable Colony

Enemy by

the obstinate

humours of a prevalent Faction.

of the Council has been the principal Actor in the opposition, and

forming the Faction against

service, I

my power

I

for the

all

the Measures, which

have suspended him from his

Maj''''

I

have thought necessary

lor his Maj'^'

Council and removed him from the Offices of

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXVIII.

:

379

Trust, which he enjoyed in this province, for the reasons which are herewith transmitted to

your LordPP% and which

hope Your LordPP', and I beg leave

I

will tliink deserve serious attention

and will

recommend James Alexander to be restored to the place he formerly had iu the Council of this ProV" and in many respects the most capable of serving His Maj'^ of any person that I know, and I persuade myself, Your LordPP' will concur with my desire to move his Maj''' for his appointment accordingly, and that you will please also to move for a confirmation of M'' Horsmanden's suspension being perfectly satisfyed he fully merits his Maj'^' resentment for the reasons transmitted to Your Lordw and receive his Mnj'^

'

approbation

;

to

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle.

to

Popular faction and power are become so very prevalent not only

in this, but in all the

Northern Colonys, that unless some extraordinary assistance be given suppress

it,

I

am humbly

Authority; and

I

believe

of opinion

will

not be in the

power

of

to

Gov"

his Maj'^'s

Gov"

to

to support his Maj'^'

appear to your LordPP' from the papers herewith and formerly

will

it

it

is become necessary. For this purpose nothing seems more needful than a certain and fixed support for the Officers of the Govern', for, from the want of this, the power of Factions iu the Colonys has been perpetuall increasing, and if once a

transmitted, that the aid of Parliament

support be fixed for the Officers in the ordinary administration,

any necessary supply on extraordinary occasions, as

to obtain

ordinary support; and

I

of

that

2|6''

I

not then be so difficult

will is

now

yearly to obtain the

conceive nothing seems so proper for this purpose as a Quit Rent upon

the lands equally rated, as

any

it

it

it

would be the most equitable and

have heard mentioned; and

per hundred acres, which

is

I

am

least

informed that the lands

the condition on which

all

burthensome method of

now

settled (at the rate

lands are granted and what

is

would in this Province immediately produce a fund of above 4000 pounds a year which is more than ever was granted by an Assembly for the support of Govern', and this Fund must yearly increase by the continued improvement of new lands. I have transmitted to Your Lordw>= the minutes of Council from 3"* of Nov"' 1746 to SS"" Aug: 1747. likewise the Acts that have had my assent since the last sent home, and as I have not had time amidst so much hurry to comment upon them, I hope Your Lordw will excuse it, as none are of any other moment than in the ordinary way, except Chap: 19. for raising 2250 pounds by way of Lottery for the advancement of learning, which is absolutely necessary and willingly paid by the Patentees)

much wanted

in the

Prov" and the Acts for granting supplys of provisions to the New Levies which I was under a necessity for the sake of service to pass, tho'

raised in this Province,

clogged with disrespect. I

have recommended Coll

chosen by themselves

to

:

Johnson's services

among

the Indians to the Ministry, he being

be their Colonel, and had the Exped'" gone on,

I

could have answered

means; they are still hearty for that end, and Colonel Johnson is indefatigable in keeping up that spirit, and as this Gentleman is Sir Peter Warren's Nephew, I cannot avoid doing him the Justice in recommending his services also to Your Lordships. I am now endeavouring to bring the Assembly of this Province to join with the Massachusets and Connecticut Govern" upon some enterprise against the French in Canada and to secure the (Commiss" for these Provinces with this, being now conferring here for that Provinces. purpose ) and if this Prov" do not fail in their quotas, I am in hopes to give the Enemy a fatal blow in their own Country by the Assistance of the Indians; their Chief Sachims or Rulers for the reduction of

for

Canada by

each Nation having declared

their

to

me

but yesterday in publick before

all

these

Commiss"

that

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

380

they wanted nothing more than the reduction of the French Country as they

had taken up the Hatchet, and used

desire.

I

am

with very great respect

it

Canada

or to that effect,

my

— My Lords. Your

New

in

against the French and their Indians by

Lord'''"

most humble and most obedient servant. G. Clinton.

York, 27. Sept' 1747.

Governor CUnton^s Heasons for suspending Mr. Horsmanden. [

Reasons

for

the Province of 1"

Sew- York

Papers, Gg., No. 190.

]

suspending Daniel Horsmanden Esq" from His Majesty's Council of

New

York.

He (M' Horsmanden) has no visible Estate in this Province or any where else that is He left England deeply involved in debt, has since contracted considerable debts in

known.

this Province, wh""*"

2^

A

remain unpaid, and

is

thereby

in difficult

circumstances of

life.

Faction has for some time past been formed in this Province in order to distress the Gov'

in the Administration of publick affairs with hopes thereby to gain the Administration both civil

and Military into their actor.

— For

this

own

hands, in which M'

Horsmanden has been

a principal contriver and

purpose

3'''' The Faction by their influence opposed or endeavoured to curtail all the supplys granted by the Assembly and necessary for the publick service They have influenced the Assembly to put the money raised by them into the hands of persons dependent upon them, without allowing the Gov' any power in the distribution of it; which the urgency of the publick service obliged the Gov' to yield to, that a load of expence, which otherwise must have fallen on the Crown, might be prevented. 4"" They have attempted to make all the Officers of the Govern*, both Civil and Military, by by not only the their influence in the Council and Assembly, immediately dependent on them Assemblys assuming the nominations to Officers, but likewise by their taking to themselves alone without any consultation with the Gov', to fix and determine the Salarys of the Officers, and of the rewards due for any particular or extraordinary services, and more particularly in giving to M' Horsmanden sums of money for extraordinary services, without that either he or the Assembly acquainted the Gov' with any of the particulars of those services, or previously desiring his consent to such Reward. To all which the Govern' was under a necessity of ;

;

submitting, or of suffering the Govern' to be without any supplys at this critical and dangerous

conjuncture of

aff'airs

notwithstanding that the Assembly thereby did as

much

power, deprive his Maj'^ of his prerogative of Judging of the merits of his

and that the endeavouring 6.

The

Officers of this

Govern' are thereby

to please a ruling Faction, than to

Faction not only in

common

laid

as in their

own

servants,

under the hard temptation of rather

do their duty to the King.

conversation and

company have endeavoured

and slander the Governour's character and reputation by

false

to vilify

and scandalous reports

;

but

LONDON DOCUMENTS likewise in the most solemn

manner by

:

XXVIII.

381

resolves, Representations

and Addresses of

botli,

Council and Assembly separately printed and published by their authority, containing numerous

and scandalous Reports, and aspersions on the Gov' and his Administration,

false malicious

highly injurious and disrespectful to his character, with design to withdraw that respect and

regard which

due

is

His Majesty's Governour from the People of

to

this province, thereby to

defeat and obstruct the measures he had undertaken for His Maj'''' service, in consequence

whereof, the Faction hoped to render the Gov' obnoxious to His Maj'^ and his Ministers, and

even to withdraw the Esteem of his private friends. In order to

make

their malicious designs

more

effectual,

they in the publications made by

authority of the Council and Assembly threw out general malicious invectives and aspersions

on those

in the Administration,

who endeavoured

to vindicate the

Gov" honour and

character,

without assigning any particular, to which any answer can be given in vindication of such persons and with design to intimidate others in doing the like

;

and though the endeavours of

the Faction have proved ineffectual, these aspersions could be for no other purpose than in

hopes

to

expose the

Gov"

friends to the fury of a deluded and incensed

Mob,

in

whose calamity

they probably had hoped likewise to involve him and which too evidently appears in the address from the Council printed by their order in the

last

following words of imprication in

Address which are an insult on Religion as well as on the character of the King's Representative as they are sometimes pleased to call him : viz' " And we pray the God of " heaven to touch your Excell"' heart with compassion to the distressed inhabitants of the that

"City of Albany"

ettc.

Reasons, why the Gov' has not communicated to the Council the reasons of his suspending M' Horsmanden from the Council, and for his not giving him a copy of them as he desired at the time he was suspended.

Though M' Horsmanden has been charged on him, yet

it

will

the principal contriver and Actor in the misdemeanors

appear from the proofs of the allegations against him that several

him in the same criminal practices. As M' Horsmanden has depended on the Gov'"' flivour for his bread, by continuing him in Offices of profit, the insults made by him are so much the more intolerable, and the Gov'"' forbearing to shew his resentment, gives the greatest encouragement to others to continue their practices, but some of the others being Men of large Family interest, and having great influence among the People by their numerous Relations or otherwise the Gov' is desirious to reclaim them, if possible, by gentle methods least otherwise the Publick and necessary service

others of the Council, have been led into and joined with

should It

suffer.

was

for these reasons that the

Gov' while there were continued expectations,

that the

Expedit" intended against Canada, would proceed, and the Fleet was every day expected, he with patience forbore all resentment, neither could he call a new Assembly, while the urgency of affairs might be such, as to require the immediate sitting of an Assembly, for the granting of

necessary supplys, and it is

now

that the Forces Levied on the expedition are to he disbanded,

become necessary that the Assembly immediately go upon Business

the province.

The

People and on which they placed their principal hopes, that they are blamed, and there

for

the security of

Faction in the opposition are so far disappointed in their endeavours on the

is

great reason to hope, that the Gov'' patience

now may

every where openly at last have a

good

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

382 but

effect;

should prove otherwise, he must go on against some others; not doubting of

if it

his receiving his Maj'?"' approbation of

that in

it

it,

His

can not be in the power of any Gov"' of

Maj'^"'

this

Ministers, but

Prov"

it

may

be easily perceived,

effectually to crush Factious proceedings

which by long continuance have gained such root and strength, without some more

vigorous assistance from His Maj'^' Ministers, than has been hitherto given

;

especially as these

Republican and levelling principles are incouraged by the

Factions from

neighbouringH]!olonies, but

more

like,

in all the

particularly in this.

(signed).

27, Sept' 1747.

Governor Shirley [

New-Tork

to

G. Clinton.

Governor Clinton.

Papers, Bundle Gg., No. 202.

]

Boston. 24 July 1747. Sir,

have received from Albany, as well, from what utmost danger of a total defection of all the Si.x Nations from us to the French interest, unless we do speedily and vigorously join with them in prosecuting an E.vpedition against the French for dislodging them from Crown point, as

As

is

it

appears to me, by the latest advices

contained in the

New York

I

prints, that there is the

much nearer to the English settlements, I have issued a summoning every Member of the General Court of this Province to attend the

well as from the Fort they have built

Proclamat"

for

August next, and as the least loss of should engage in it, I must intreat Your Excell"^ to have the Assembly of your province sitting at or before that time, and lay before them the danger there is of all His Maj'^' Northern Colonies, especially your Province and ours, being soon depopulated and swallowed up by the Enemy, unless we now join with consultation, that will be had on that affair

upon the

12"' of

time, will greatly hazard the success of this Enterprise,

the

Si.x

Nations without delay in pursuing in

Excell'=>'

will give

me

War

if

we

Enemy, and I must pray Your Your Govern' shall take in this affair, & Message speedily to the Six Nations, that

against the

early advices of the measures.

that in the mean time Your Excell^^ would send a Your Govern* and ours, will do all in our power for

the prosecution of this design, and for the

engaging the other English Govern'" with us therein; and to send

your circular

Jersey, Connecticut,

them.

—

I

am

letters, as

Rhode

soon as

Island and

with the greatest regard

may

New

I

be, to this

would further desire your

E-xcell-^y

Govern' and the Govern" of New-

Hampshire, earnestly recommending E.vcell''^' most obedient

this affair to

— — Your Sir

and most humble servant. W. Shirley. P. S. I should be obliged to

Govern' of

New

Jersey.

Your

Excell'''^ if

you would send the inclosed by express

to the

:

LONDON DOCITMENTS Conference betiveen Governor Clinton

XXVIIL

:

383

and some MoTiawhs

[New-Tork Papers, Bundle

at Albany.

Gg., No. 208.]

At a meeting of the Mohawks with

his Excel^^ 16.

July 1747.

Brother.

We come

down

good friend Coll

as a guard to our

Johnson, and finding you here, were for there has been a time and not

:

very glad of the opportunity of seeing and speaking to you,

we were affraid of seeing or speaking to our Brethren, and that occasioned by some vile people, as we are now sensible, but their, fears are all vanished and drove away by the strong assurances you have given us last summer, and ever since of your good meaning towards us. Brother You told us last fall you were at war with a cruel Enemy, the French, who daily murder'd your people round about upon which we heartily renewed the old Covenant, or agreement between you and us, in so much, that whatever good or evil happens to the other, you gave us then the Axe to use against Your Enemies and told us, you expected soon to destroy Canada with your Army, we took up the axe and promised to use it against your Enemies in conjunction with you. Brother We have since been sent out by Coll. Johnson to Canada, to annoy the Enemy and take prisoners to give us news of all their motions, while your Army might be getting ready all this we have done to show our heartiness to join and assist you, with the long since that the doings of

—

;

—

;

loss

of several of our Chief and principal Warriours,

— wherefore Brother — We expect you

who

died lately for their Brother's

Cause

deaths of

all

will

our Brethren, which

not

we

make peace on any

terms, until

we

fully

revenge the

are ready, and have been this long time, to do,

had we

but your assistance.

But Brother

— We

Brother

— We are

you army

are affraid

see you do anything with your

are not in earnest for no other reason, than that as

we

expected,

&

wished

we

don't

for.

at present obliged to acquaint you, that our Brethren, the

Conajoharees are

much exposed to the Enemy, wherefore desire earnestly, that you would immediately fortify them, and when that is done, they nor we cannot possible do without a number of Brisk Men to jump out and join us in pursuing and destroying the Enemy, whenever they invade you or us, for which reason, if you allow us but Men, to be ready at a call we will engage to perform. Brother

— That

distant Nations

we are may be

will be the only best

(who

means

to satisfye all our Friends

when we

daily flock to us and offer their service

capable of defending ourselves and annoying

ready to march which

is

what we most

Enemy

in

earnestly wish

call

and

Allies, the far

upon them); that

some measure,

until the

army

for.

Governour's Answer.

—

am pleased with your Gratitude to Coll Johnson in conducting him to Albany, and thank God who has preserved our lives till this day, and given us an opportunity of speaking face to face. Tis true, I did not expect to meet you here, but am glad of the occasion to commend your fidelity and good service, since you joined us against our Enemies, your fears Brethren

are

ail

I

over and you

:

may

be for ever assured of

proceed briskly as you have begun, and you

my

good intentions towards you, do you but on all the encouragement and

may depend

— NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

384 protection in

my

power.

am now come

I

return

to put our people in as

Enemy, and

receive or march out against the

as

I

expect you will be hearty to go out with us

I

at a loss of

some of your

them, before

satisfaction for

are exposed,

I

principal

particular study

am

I

can, either to

when

called upon.

I

am much

to Coll:

Johnson

concerned shall

have

Our Brethren the Conajoharees, you say

the Hatchet.

to fortify their castle as

soon as possible;

I

which may convince you and all our earnest, and you may be assured, your safety shall be my

number of Men

Friends and Allies, that

I

Men, and hope, by our mutual assistance we

we bury

have given orders

shall order a sufficient

good order as

purpose never to deny you assistance, in

in

for their defence,

— Brethren, my resolution

is

steadfast,

and

am now

bringing

my

ready to join yours, and act as one body, and expect you will use your endeavours

people to be to the

same

among your people of whatever Nation, that we may live and die together. I most earnestly recommend to you not to listen to any Reports, or any thing said to you, beside what effect

you hear from Coll: Johnson, who, you may depend shall repeat to you all the intelligence I can give him, in return I expect you will make report to him of every thing you hear, as well what relates to your own affairs, as concerning the Enemy and their Motions, that he may inform me. Thus it is to live and act like Brothers, and convince the world, we are inseparable. Johnson, we are very answer thereto must tell you, that for these twelve months past and better, we have minded nor listened to nobody else, neither do we intend it and Brother, you may depend upon it, that whatever news we have among us, shall be immediately brought to him in order that he may acquaint you of it, and in return we expect, you will do Brother. As to your desiring us to listen to our good Friend Coll

much

same

the

as

you

:

it,

and

in

you have done

this

year past, and then the world shall be convinced, that

obliged to

for

we

are

one body and inseparable.

The above was at

a private conference with about thirty of the Chief Warriours

when

last

Albany.

G. Clinton.

Governor Shirley [

New-Tork

Governor Clinton.

to

Papers, Bundle Gg., No. 204.

(First letter)

]

Boston

15.

Aug: 1747.

Sir,

Yesterday about noon the

Duke

Canada

of Newcastle.

is laid

Newcastles

I

received Your Excell*^^' express in which I

have only time to inform Your

and

letter to

me, an extract of which

I

are

the expedition against

I will

Duke

of

send you as soon as possible, that the

Knowles and myself, and manner of doing it; that M"' Knowles to do every thing necessary for the settlement of Nova Scotia forthwith for the of that and Louisbourg, and to make use of what part of the American Levies we

are ordered to consult with the several

protection

had a large packet from

aside at present, the reasons of which are contained at large in the

consideration of disbanding the Forces raised for

we

I

Excell'^^ that

Gov"

it is

referred to M"'

as to the

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXVIII.

:

385

judge requisite for that service, and I am commanded to compleat not only my own Regiment, but Gener' Phillips's out of them, so tiiatYour Excell*^'' perceives tlie Expedition against Crown Point must be carried on by Soldiers in the pay of the Colonies,

Levies that shall not be retained discharged, as soon as

M''

for,

whatever part of the

Nova Scotia, are ordered to be have determined, wliat number is necessary for the

the service and defence of

for

Knowles and

I

above mentioned service, and the manner of doing it is settled between us and the respective Governours. This indeed I imagined and foretold would be the case, and was the reason I pressed so

much

for the Expedition's

proceeding last year, not doubting but his

Maj'^'*

Ministry

would be of opinion, that the reduction of Fort Frederick, ought to be undertaken by the Colonies, without any assistance from home. However, I impart this to your Excell"^^ now, in confidence, that it may remain in your own breast, 'till you hear of it in form by a joint letter from me and M' Knowles. I am very sorry that Coll: Johnson should take umbrage at Lydius's, being concerned with him in what has been done by this Govern' towards cementing the Indians of the Six Nations in our interest; I would not have him imagine that myself or any part of the Govern' put Lydius's service in competition with his own, or that these Indians have been engaged in acts of hostility against the French by any perso n's in fluence but his own under Your Excell"^' directions, and his Uncle Sir Peter Warren to whom my letters upon that head to the Duke of Newcastle have, I believe, been shown, can inform him that I have done his merit all the justice in my power But Lydius has been a person long known to Coll Stoddard and this Government, and has occasionally had the management of small sums among the Indians for them, and for my own part I thought he stood extreamly well with Coll: Johnson.

—

:

Sir

—

I

am

with great respect

Your

Excell-^y'' ettc.

W.

Governor SJiirley i

New- York

to

Shirley.

Governor Clinton.

Papers. Bundle Gg., No. 204.

]

Boston 31. Aug: 1747.

(second letter) Sir, 1

Coll: Johnson's letters (which contain matters of the greatest

shall lay the extracts of

importance

hope

in the

Commiss" what Your

to the

Colonies at this Juncture) before the Council and Assembly to morrow, and

mean

time, that

at the Congress.

it

may

be of service for Your

Nothing

shall

ExcelKJ' has so happily and even

Excell''^ to

be wanting on

my

communicate them

to the

part to assist in compleating

beyond our reasonable expectations, made a most

through the influence and good management of Coll: Johnson who has a most extraordinary interest with the Indians, and whicii he surprisingly cultivates and continually improves. I am Sir with the greatest esteem

considerable progress

in,

— —

Your

Vol. VI.

49

Excell""^'

most obedient humble servant. W"" Shirley

—

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

386

Colonel John-son to Governor Clinton, 1

New-York Papers, Bundle

Og., No. 205 ]

17. July 1747.

(Copy) Sir, I

now

have

got done with the

have done with them.

1

home

the otlier part are gone

what

I

now proposed

to

Oghguago

acquaint two other Castles,

to

them, which was

me

to

who

are in Alliance with

faithfully

imagined

I

we had

full

large

strings of

satisfaction of the French,

Wampum,

desiring,

I

Enemy, them of

all tiie

rest

they will be back here

at first,

go a fighting, but they came only to see what readiness

thing by throwing three

before

Your ExcelK^ what

upon the Enemy without delay, as

again in less than a Month with a strong party.

an intent the

to fall

They promised me

of their Brethren have already done.

with

Indians, and shall acquaint

prevailed with half of them to go immediately against the

they came only with

we were in, and to use we would not give up

and that they were, and would be ready

at the

who are come down to acquaint me of He had the death of one of their Chiefs,~who died going home from my house by the way. a large Belt of Wampum of me, desiring all the Young Warriours, who were inclined to go to war against the French, to come to me, and those who were not, to keep home, and take care

first

call.

]

have a parcel of Oneyda Sachims

ettc,

of their Castles, and not to go against the Flathejids,

where

I

found they were inclined to go.

dying ere he got home, hindred that being done, so these Sachims brought me said Belt again, whereupon I was obliged to deliver said Message to those here now, insisting strongly

He

them who were inclined to go against the Flatheads, which they promised I was first obliged to condole the death of that Sachem, ere they there was also some of every Nation could be spoken with, which 1 have done to satisfaction here, so that I called a general meeting, and told them over, ( in the presence of Hendrick & the Mohawks) all that Your Excell'*' had said to these two Castles, and gave them the Belts to I assure Your Excell'^ I have done a great deal carry along, and send among all the Nations. of service since I came home, having cleared up several points to them which has made all very easy, but chiefly ab' our not destroying Crown Point, thereby to open a passage for them to Canada, which if done they say positively they would not leave a soul in Canada, but they would drive into Quebec and Montreal with very little of our assistance. I sent them home exceedingly well pleased, which is more than I expected could be done as affairs stand at present.

on their stopping

me

they will do

all

efliectually.

;

1

assure

Your

that they

Excell''''

all

promise very well, and say they fear the failure will be on our

side, for they are of opinion there will I

hope that

will not

be the case,

come more Warriours than we can supply or fit out; but By all accounts, the then the Country was ruined

—

if it is,

French to the Westward of Oswego, are in a miserable condition, being hemmed in on every side by the Chenondadeys and Ottawawees, who cut off" all communication between them and Canada, and have sent word that they are ready at a call of the Five Nations, to come and join them.

They

also say they intend to destroy Niagara provided

we supply them with some

which being an affair of great consequence, I hope it may be considered of; the best way would be to send these things from Philadelphia, being the nearest way and safest, for I fear there will be no getting any thing up this River to Oswego any more (since

arms, amunition

ettc.

they have begun Scalping on this River)

and now have two partys more ready

I

have sent out one party of 21.

to set out this

day

all

Men

three days ago.

of the Five Nations

;

I

expect the

LONDON DOCUMENTS head Warriours of the Six Nations here in also to go immediately against the Enemy. loss of tile four interest,

:

XXVIII.

days, and a Seneca with his party,

five

My

the rest, so that

all

Nations hearty in our interest,

we

if

Man

getting that head

Senecas (who were with Hendrick) brings

and of consequence

387

who

are

our interest and the

the Senecas heartily to our

all

we may now

to

we have

boldly say

be not backward ourselves.

I

will

engage

all

the Six

to bring

1000

weeks time, provided, I have clothes, arms and amunition 1 wish Your Excell""^ would order some vermilion to be sent for them or forfeit 1000 pounds. up, also 2 pieces of Blue Camblet and red Shaloon and Lace for the same, 12. silver medals for the Breast, 12 Castor Hats, all which at present are requisite. I am, Your Excell"' most obedient humble servant. Indian Warriours into the

field in six

W. Johnson.

Colonel Johnson to Governor Clinton. [

New-Tork Papers, Bundle

Gg., No. 205.]

4 Aug. 1747. Sir. It is

with

much

difficulty I

outhouses continually is

not a day

I

full

can get time to lay pen to paper, having

of Indians of

can assure your

Excell'^J'

more of

the Nations, and

all

but

I

am

obliged to

sit

my

can say

side,

my

endeavours are not

constant invitations,

and

now

I

find

meeting to sent for; will

hours in their satisfaction

is,

on their

The best and most trusty of the wrought strongly upon the foreign Nations, and by my and Belts of Wampum (after their manner) have secured their friendship them ready at a call of the Six Nations, with whom I prevailed at the last which is done accordingly. As I must expect Numbers upon this Call, it

my

solicitation

be requisite that Your

reception

Your

my

failure or delay

no

my

having daily assurances of their inviolable attachments.

Six Nations have by

also,

in vain, as I find there will be

all

than ever; there

five or six

Council to hear what they have to say, and answer them in every point, but I

house and

late so

&

fitting out, for

Excell'^y

may

Excell'=>'

they

all

be sensible that

supply for the members that

may

provide in time whatever

expect to be supplyed by

what

I

me

may

be necessary for their

as being their Rendez-vous.

have already had will come

far short of a

be expected, and as things are carryed so

encouragement for these Indians it may move resentment which may affect the whole continent.

in

them

far,

proper

without due

at their disappointment,

Ottrawana the great Cayuga Indian and others of the Five Nations since they were at Albany with your Excell'''', informed me at a private meeting at my house, but in the most formal manner by Belts of Wampum, that the foreign Nations, viz: the Chonondedeys ettc were resolved to destroy Niagara as being an impediment in their way to Oswego, where they are sensible they have been always well treated, and much imposed on at Niagara, having been stopt there this spring by their artifice, and obliged to pay twenty Beavers for a Stroud

They have applyed to the Six Nations privately for liberty to destroy Niagara, which they are likely to obtain, having the consent of some of the Chiefs of each Nation, though I Blanket.

— NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

388

Number of the Kings troops against it in conjunction with would make it more practicable, besides it seems to me, there would be a necessity of keeping large garrisons both, there and at Oswego, for the French

am

rather of opinion, that a proper

the Indians

who

are so hearty,

would not quietly brook the loss of it, being of the greatest consequence, next to the reduction of the whole Country. I shall send and speak to the Six Nations in as private a manner as I can, to know their disposition relating to our making such an attempt, and shall acquaint your Excel^^ as soon as I

am informed. T am resolved

M' Visgher one of my Lieutenants immediately to Oswego with a cargo ettc. for the use of the foreign Indians and the Six Nations, who chuse to go against the Enemy from thence. I have sent Your Excell'^^ the Indians speech and my answer to it, likewise their reply to that, which may convince all people, tliat what has been inserted in the News papers of their desire & making a peace with the French is a villanous Libell, for I am certain the Indians had no such thought neither did they, nor do to send

of goods. Arms, ammunition

they design any such thing; their resentment against the French ettc being higher than ever.

Last week 1 sent out three partys of Indians of the six Nations; two of them I have sent to Canada, and one of them consisting of 12 Men to Crown Point, they are all firmly resolved to I am ettc. attack and destroy whatever they meet of the Enemy either French or Indians W" Johnson.

—

Johnson

Colonel

[ New-Tork

to

—

Governor Clinton.

Papers, Bundle Gg-, No. 205. ]

14 Aug: 1747. Sir,

This

is

to let

you know, that since

my

last I

have sent Lieut' Visgher

to

Oswego, with a

cargo of goods, Arms, and amunition for the use of the Foreign Nations ettc; as your

Excell"^''

by the order to him enclosed, which I hope will be of great service. I had an account on Tuesday by an Indian from Oswego express, that there was a great number of Senecas and several Flatheads by the way to my house with several Belts of Wampum, one of which he says is as large as the War Belt Your ExcelK^ gave the six Nations last summer; such a Belt must import a great deal of news. I expect them here in two days, and am making every thing ready for their reception, as soon as they have done telling all their news, I shall immediately let Your Excell'^^ know the purport of it. I hope Your Excell'^^ in Council will consider what a loss I sustain by supplying Oswego at this dangerous time, being obliged to give double the money now to the Men as usually paid (since that murder was committed at Burnets Field^) which is the Road to Oswego. I could not get a Man to go with the provisions for any money, therefore have been obliged to get some Indians lately at an extraordinary price to carry some Battoes there, but now can get no more of either kind to go there without a good guard, it being really to dangerous, wherefore I hope Your Excell'^ in Council will will see

consider of

it.

'

Now

Herkimer, Herkimer connly, N. Y.

— Ed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS:

XXVIII.

389

Abraham Dow acquainted Your Excell"^ of tlie necessity of sending As I have in my last up a supply of goods, shall now let you know what is proper, least you should be at a loss therein; so enclose a memorandum of what is most requisite for the service, the quantitys I leave to Your Excell''^ I am quite out of Linnen, not having one piece left, there being more call for shirts than any other thing. I am, Sir Your ExcelKJ" ettc. p''

—

W.

.Johnson.

Colonel Johnson to Governor Clinton. [

New-York Papers, Bundle

Gg., No. 205.

]

19 Aug: 1747. Sir.

am

I

just honoured with

my

Your

and Marshall of

Coll' Roberts

my

Albany, where

Excell''^'' at

I

am now come down

design, and desire their assistance; the affair

from Crown Point

to acquaint

one of

is this:

Sunday, where they could see very few French and but about 40 Indians, round the Fort having built of loggs six little houses for that parties of Indians returned

use,

which

that has been done there yet.

is all

Sacrament, where they lay two days

and

six

last

There was seven of the Party went to Lake Enemy, whom they compute between five

in sight of the

hundred men encamped upon an Island, from whence they daily send large parties

who seldom fail of doing us mischief, and if not now prevented, will, I fear ere long abundance of our people, burn and destroy all the grain, houses ettc, which will entirely ruin the people, to prevent which, I am determined (with the general approbation of all the Indians) to march against them with about 300 Indians, and as Jiiany Christians most of whom among

us,

kill

are Volunteers; Excell'^''

if I

can but have the opportunity of meeting them, dont doubt giving Your

a good account of them, for the people are

eager for action.

we

In case

Indians, being chieftly their desire, of

Men

in

it

Nations a better opinion of

us,

now They bring me

thing.

Belts of

ettc

Wampum

at

my

to

come

let

to the six Nations, desiring their

Your

this

number

giving the Six

is

foot.

There are a great many Senecas,

I

in

a

month

shall let

your

I

who have

Excell'^^

know

prevented

the whole

till

my

and that

now

affair,

return.

we go on with any

thing

it

fine

sent six large

liberty to destroy Niagara,

or so; the Six Nations have

my coming down

reckon a

I

it

sent for

as soon as

hope your

the Indians be neglected or slighted upon any account, as they are

ready to serve us should Sir.

on

very agreable news from the Foreign Nations,

to their assistance.

not

to find such a

house, 20 of which are to go with me, which

they have done speaking, which Excell"'' will

will nevertheless satisfye the

than they have hitherto had, and will undoubtedly engage them

should be done very shortly, meaning

them

it

Enemy much, which may derive from

to join us against Niagara, should such a thing be set

Oltawawees

high spirits and the Indians quite

will also terrify the

Another advantage

quest of them.

all in

should meet with no success,

would vastly encourage them.

now am

I

Excell"^*'

most obedient humble servant VV. Johnson.

so

—

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

390

Johnson

Colonel

to

Governor Clinton.

[Now- York Papers, Bundle

Gg., No. 205.]

28 August 1747. Sir

This

is

to acquaint

Your

Excell''^'

that

I

am

just setting off this instant for

with 400 Christians mostly Volunteers and about as

many

Lake Sacrament

Indians here present, besides vast

numbers by the Road, who were met yesterday, by one of my people; he says, for about 12 miles the Road was full of them, they one and all come with the greatest speed upon a call given to some of tiie SI.k Nations, that there was a number of the Enemy approaching near us; they have also as they tell me called all the Foreign Indians even Conastogy & Susquehanas, wiiom they expect every day; upon which I left some people at home to fit them out with what necessarys they want, and send them after me if we can but meet this army as they call it which is very likely, I hope to give your Excell''^ a good account of them. The Indians being all in great earnest as is plain by their traveling night and day to get hither; what will be done with them all after my return, which will be in about 12 days at furthest, 1 can't tell, having nothing left of any consequence for them, what would be worse, to let such a parcel of fine stout Fellows go back again without employing them further, wherefore I hope Your Excell'^y Council and Assembly will consider of it seriously before I return, otherwise, I must assure Your Excell" there will be no living for me, or any one else in this part of the world, wiiich perhaps the Gentlemen in that part of the Country may be easy at, as it seems ;

to all people

here they are, by their backwardness, which, doubt not will be the entire ruin

of the Country.

am

I

with great haste

—

Sir, Your Excell"^^' most obedient humble servant

W. JoHNSOX

Speech of the Indians [

Ncw-Tork

to

Papers, Bundle

Governor Clinton. Gg

,

No.

20T. ]

Memorniulum of the Cayugas, Ottrovvanees head of the Onondages and Flat nose's speech to his

As they told his Excell"'*' 1". They are sensible

Excell'^-''

on the

17.

day of July 1747

at

Albany.

Excell'=J' our Gov^ and also the Gov"' of Boston, have tryed at Cocknewagas from the French interest into our alliance, under the Five Nations, from whence they are originally proceeded, the reason therefore of some of them going to Canada, is to make a third tryal themselves, if they can by any means bring them over to the British Interest, and say if they can by no means perswade them to return, they shall make no more tryals, but shall reckon them (as they do the French) inveterate Enemies of the British iNation. 2ndiy 'pi^jjt at a Battle with the Flatheads, they lost four of their best fighters, and had news that the Flatheads were coming upon them, in three parties, of which they are fearful, one of the parties having done what thev came out for, but have no news of the other two.

two

that His

several times to bring the

— LONDON DOCUMENTS That one of

3'y

XXVIII.

:

way down from

their Indians in his

391 met with three otlier they lay there, there came a

the Quitways^

where they lodged all together as Battow with nine Frenchmen and landed near them after they had landed, a Nation called Younondadys, called a Council of all that were present, and told them they knew that the five Nations had taken up the Axe against the French from our Gov', but that they had not taken the Axe, but desired to use their own weapons, which was granted by the rest of the Nations different Nations at Kichaga,

;

Then they immediately

then present.

killed eight

and took the Commander prisoner,

whom

they have resolved to return in the place of a great Trader from Pliiladelphia, which was

two years ago by the French or his directions, and the scalps they resolved to send his Excell'^^ our Gov'' had hung over the War kettle, but that the Indian appointed to bring them down, had lost his wife, which is the reason, they are not yet come, but they are resolved to send them to where the War kettle hung over, in order to see if they would not give the Broth a good relish to the pleasing of his Exceil'''" palate. The Ottowauways and killed

where

other Nations thanked them, and said they intended in a short time to

make

tryal, if

they

could not boil the same Broth.

some Cocknewaga Indians were arrived at Yaugree^ with a large packet of letters, John Ceur at the Seneca's Country, and part of them were opened at Yaugree, there being Indians present who saw when they went to read the letters, they locked the door on them, which made the Indians suspicious; so one of them an Indian that understood 4_thi}-

'fhat

part of which were for

French, stood and listened at the door, and found, that they had or was about concluding to destroy the Five Nations, particularly tiie Cayougas. 5thiy

That three Nations of the Foreign Indians have agreed to destroy the P'ort at Yaugree, Witches about the said Fort always keep the Path foul and dirty, and

for they say a sort of

for that reaso|B-they

N. B.

have resolved

The Three Nations

have eight big Castles

to

make

are the

— the biggest of

it

clean.

Missesagues, Wawehattecooks and all

Ocknehnruse,

who

the Nations, these people are 1500 or 2000.

Petition of Inhahitants of Coxhaukee, County of Albany. [

New-Tork

Papers, Bundle Gg., No. 211.

]

14.

July 1747,

Sir,

As by all your actions since the Commencement of the present War, we are well satisfyed and convinced, that you have not only the Interest but the good and quiet of the people of our Country entirely at heart. We therefore beg leave to address you that you will be so good and speak in our behalf to his ExcelK'' our Gov' and Commander in chief (for whom we have the greatest regard) That his E-xcelKJ" would be graciously pleased to appoint us Officers Freeholders residing in our

number be '

Sic. Prol)al)ly

Par>» '

own Ward.

pleased to

Niagara,

take the liberty to set

Sub

data, iO July, 1747.

Ed.

down

the names of a few, out of which

the one to be second Lieut' and the other Ensign

Qualoghoes, or Ilurons, settled at this time at Sandusky.

Docu>iie7ilii, post.

Sie.

We

recommend two,

;

See Jouinal, Kovember, 1746 to October, 1717, in

—

.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

392

please, any of them will be agreable to us, and we are ready for ever obey His Excell''^' Commands on all occasions, under whose Govern' we enjoy all the happiness we can expect in this troublesome and Barbarous War, and that we shall ever acknowledge this singular Favour, which if his Excel^^ will please to grant will make our whole company satisfied and contented.

recommend which you to

do our duty, and

to

Abraham van Franckein Caspar Coyleu, JoAciM Cayleb Claus Severse Lindert Comyne Jan Brenck Jun' Peir Hoghteling Isaac Cayler Jan Brenck Peter Conyne John P. Bronck. Jan Casper Halenbeck W™ Halenbeeck

Abraham V^osburgh Johannes Arnyock Richard Martin Claus Spoor, Johannes van Len

Archibald Hopkins Hendrick Hooghtelingh Hendrick van Slyck Gerret van Slyck Tunis Hooghtelingh Hendrick van den Berck, Nanning Halenbeek

Jan Halenbeck Johannes Provast

Jacob Jo' Halenbeek Jenas Bronk. Mathias Vanderberck,

Jurie van

Philip

Hughbertus van Veghten Claus Pare Isaac Pare Ephraim Hoes Claus van Sloen

Jacob Provast Isaac Provast

Johannes Spoor

Papere, Bundle Qg., No. 214.]

account of the number of Inhabitants of the Province of

New York

June 1746. by order of His Excellency Governour Clinton.

i)-|

City & Cmiitj of N. Y Kings County Albany County Queen's County Dutchess County SufFulk County Ricliraond County Orange CountyWestchester County Ulster County .

.

.

.

Len

Province of New-YorTc, 1746.

[New-York

An

Comyne

Phillip Brank Jun'

the

Samuel Provast

Robert Laterige John T. Bronck William van Slyck Pier van Slyck Jan van den Berck Robert van den Berck Jacob Halenbeek Hendrich Halenbeek Arent van Schaak Jun'

Jacob C. Halenbeeck

Census of

Abraham Provast

117 2097 149 2013 2S97 464 350 435 71 366 not possible to be numbered on ace't of the 1946

419.

140

Enemy

taken

4.

LONDON DOCUMENTS


•,,

,

< for

ti o *i the Province ofr the •

t,

Massachusetts Bay.

William Johnson Independent Companys and severall Gentlemen from and Massachusetts Bay.

Officers of the

New York Children, I

this

am

glad to see you here, and do give you thanks for the fidelity you have always shewn to Government, and I do assure you You shall never want my Protection as long as you behave

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

446 Your

selves with

Father's Affection,

Duty and Obedience

to

He

make you

me

has directed

to

His Majesty; and as a token of the King Your

which

a Present

you, and as a token in Renewing the Covenant Chain

I

Gave

Answer

I

have ordered to be given

give you this Belt of a string of

of the River Indians to His Excellency the

Hon'"'''

Wampum Wampum.

George Clinton.

Father,

We the

wipe

off [y]our

commencement

Tears

of this

for the

Loss you had of Your people who have been murder'd since

War.

Gave

a String of

Wampum.

Father,

We us,

are very

by ordering

much

rejoyc'd for the Regard

a Present

which you assure

Our Father

shall

the

King

of Great Brittain has for

be given us.

Gave a String

of

Wampum.

Father,

Our

any white people came among them they saw a Vessel it, but at last they ventured on board and found them to be White men, who treated them Civilly and Exchanged mutually presents to each other, with promises that they would return the next Year which accordingly happen'd, when they came again the White people and they Enter'd into a Covenant together that they should live on these Lands, which they did, and they also promis'd totake us under their arms and protect us, which they have done to this Day. Gave a Belt. forefathers told us that before

in the River, for

Some

time they were afraid to go to

;

Father,

When

you came

Country You were but a small people and we very numerous, now we are few in number you become Multitudes like a large Tree whose Roots and Branches are very Extensive, under whose Branches we take our Shelter, as we have heretofore done Gave a Belt.

we

first

to this

then assisted and Protected you, and

Father.

now almost

It is

together.

We

three Years since the war first began. You have had a very numerous armey were Ready to join You, in hopes that Canada would have been in possession

of the English before now,

We

our Guns to go against our comon

have been always and have

Enemy whenever we

shall

still

our hands on the cocks of

be comanded.

Gave

a Small

Bundle Skins.

Father.

We

thank you for Your kind Expressions towards

we

had

we

when

us,

and are sorry we were not here

Enemy

murther'd a number of our Brethren at Schinectady, which if would have readyly and chearfully Joynd in the persuit of them, even to the

the other day,

the

Gates of Crown Point.

A

true

Copy examin'd

Gave a small Bundle

&

Skins.

compared p' P.

Livingston, Secretary

for

the Indian Affairs.

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXVIII.

:

Conference between Governor Shirley [

Propositions

New-Tork Papers, Hh., No. U.

and

447

the Indiana.

]

made by His Excellency Governour

Governour

&

Shirley, Captain General

in Chief of the Province of the

Massachusetts Bay,

&

Vice-

same, to the Six Nations of Indians, viz' the Mohawks, Oneydays, Tuskaroras Onondagas, Cayougas, & Senekes, as also to their Allies, viz' Oghquuges, Toalaghreghroonees & Scanehaderadeyghronees at

Adniiral of the

Fort Frederick in Albany the

Present

— His Excellency The

Hon'"'*'

George Clinton

His Excellency William Shirley

The

Hon'''« Cadvv'"

day of July 1748.

SS"*

Golden

Phillip Livingston

/

Archibald Kenedy

(

James Delancy

Andrew Oliver Ihomas Hutchinson

„,-.-,.

Esq"'

\

Esq"of His Majesties Council of Nevr York ,, ,,,, the Massachusetts I

Tho. Hutchinson

r> Province •

,i

lor the

e or

liay

I

John Ohoate

r

r.

.,

,

^,

,

New

Province of

W" Johnson

Andrew ^

Esq" of His Majesties Council

(

James Delancey Col"

Esq""

\

J

Several Gentlemen from Boston

& New

York.

& New

Several Officers of the Independent Companies

Levies.

Brother Yehowanne,

We

thank Your Excellency

for

We

& that you wash off our tears from our minds that we may speak freely & cheerfully

condoling our losses

eyes, wipe up the Blood of the Slain,'

&

do the same

clear our

manner on our parts to you. Gave a string of Wampum We thank Y^our Excellency for the regard you have had for us to come so speedy to this Conference, left Your Vessell to come by land thro many Perils and Dangers We are very glad to see You here, with the Commissioners from the Massachusetts Bay, who accompany you here. Gave a string of Wampum. We also return Your Excellency thanks for acquainting the King Our Father that some of us have made us[e] of the Hatchet ag' his Enemy the French & of our Readiness in joining You this Warr; We are very glad that His Majesty is pleased^ with our behaviour, & that it was his orders, You should join (as you tell us) w"" Gov"" Clinton in doing what was necessary for together at this place

;

in like

;

own Defence^ &

Protection

you are now come

&

in

giving us Assurances of his care

to this Interview that

you may

in

&

tenderness for us

&

that

Conjunction with Gov'' Clinton give us

Gave

such assurances.

a

Belf

of

Wampum

Brother Y^ehowanne Y'ou acquainted us that before Y'ou

you

at this Interview,

who we

left

Boston three gentlemen were appointed

We

to

accompany

you have brought them along to assist you, it might be necessary in case any weighty affairs were to he transacted We do for our parts renew and confirm the ancient Covenant Chain w"'' has see here present.

are very thankfuU

;

'owr slain.

New -York

Colonial

MSS^'LWW.

'

aws

»!mc7« pleased.

Ibid.

'

our defence. Ibid.

*

a String. Ibid.

— Ed.

;;

LONDON DOCUMENTS: linked us and our forefathers together;

&

part us

Country

Desire you to do

it in iiiie

shall at all times be

We &

451

hand in hand untill death thank you that the path from Boston to our

heartily join therein

We

manner;

kept open

XXVIII.

clear, that

we may have

free intercourse together,

&

and we do in like manner promise on our parts that the Road from our Castles to Boston shall be open that we may acquaint each other w"" what may happen, and assist on any occasion that may require. Gave a Belt. often hear from each other,

Brother Yehowanne.

We

are pleased at

what you

us concerning your complaining to the Governour of

tell

to the Government of Rhode Island, him free, & return you thanks that you are mindfull to redeem our people, who are in Goal at Canada, by Your sending a number of French prisoners here, to release them, if tiie number Gov'' Clinton has sent be not sufficient & that you would write jointly w"" our Governor to the Governor of Canada in a most pressing manner for 'em, that if any other of our people be taken Prisoners for the future, they might be us'd & redeem'd as Your own people, W^ is very pleasing & acceptable to us. Gave a Belt.

Canada, of the selling of an Indian Captive there belonging

& demanding

of them^ to set

Brother Yehowanne

Committed by the Enemy on the Inhabitants at Schinectady just before much, & we are much oblig'd to you for your kind Approbation of our Readiness to pursue the enemy we have done our Endeavours but they were gone a different way home from what we^ generally us'd to do, so that we coul'd not overtake them We promise to be always ready on the like occasion. Gave a Belt.

The

Your

Cruell Murther

arrival atfects us very

;

Brother Yehowanne. It's

true

we have

the

War

always ready to make use of determin'd

&

resolv'd as

French, nor go

you

for the

to

we

w"^

we promise

we may

in

part of our Nations to live

one of our Brethren of the

deceitfull

&

to

do upon

;

his

;

you desire us

Commands; we

to be

are fully

our answer to Gov' Clinton not to hearken to the

not be deluded

shall persist in

French are

to say, that the

it

you have heard

Canada, that

second time

hatchet from Gov'' Clinton in our hands

We

artfull

&

deceiv'd by them

w^*"

we do

assure

do acknowledge to be true, as you are pleas'd to delude us, for they have always drawn off

among 'em in Canada who it's likely lately murther'd Kingego Mohawks & we faithfully promise and engage that none of our ;

people shall on any Pretence or Invitation of the according to your request.

We

shall not suffer

French go for the future to Canada Jan Coeur nor any French to come & reside

you have heard we just now promis'd to our Governour; And we all the Six pawn our Honour that we shall fulfill our Engagements made to our [Brother] Corlaer & Vou & our Young Men shall stay at home, & not go out to fight any more ag' the Flat heads while they be friends to our Brethren the English. Gave a Belt

among

us, as

Nations

;

Brother Yehowanne,

We are very thankfull for Your good advice not to hearken to the French to be deluded by them from our Duty and Allegiance to His Majesty, for we are sensible if we do we shall l)e undone,

&

then they will be able to destroy us and divide our lands; wherefore

determin'd to keep firmly to Our Engagements

'

hiiu.

New-Vorfc Colonial Manuscripts,

made

LXXVI.

to

we

are fully

our Brethren the English,

'

tbey. lOiJ.

— Ed.

&

not

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

452

Delusions; we faithfully promise not to regard nor take any notice of them, endeavour on our parts to keep this Engagement; & as you have more skill & knowledge we desire & hope you will give Your assistance & advice to keep all our people Gave a Belt. unanimous & of one Mind.

hearken

& we

to their

shall

Brother Corlaer Waraghjago

We

have

now done

Copy

Yehowanne we had to

W.

(Signed)

GoV Clinton

His Excellency

His

&

with what

told

ALajesty's health, desired their

their Presents to

say.

Shirley.

them that they should receive'

Young Men

to

dance

five Barrells of

Evening,

this

&

Beer

to drink

that tiiey sho'd receive

morrow.

Governor Shirley [

to the New-Tork

Marquis de Papers, Hh., No. 13.

la

Galissoniere.

]

Alhany July

•

29"- O. S.

1748

me

Return

Sir,

am

I

to

acknowledge the Honour of Your Letter

w"^""

Serg'

Hawke

deliver'd

at his

from Canada.

Governour Clinton's

& my

sending the present Flagg of truce to you

is

occasion'd by the

Complaints of the Indians of the Six Nations (who have been under his Majesty's protection ever since the first settlement of the English in North America, & consider'd as Vassalls of the of Great Britain) y' some of their Captives in Canada are kept in Irons whereupon not knowing what number of French Prisoners Gov"' Clinton might have collected in the Government of New York, to send in Exchange for 'em I brought w"" me fourteen Prisoners belonging to Old France, from my own Governm' to send for the Redemption of those Indians, & we now send 'em to Montreal by the way of Oswego. M' Clinton informs me. Sir, he has so fully wrote to you upon the Right w"" the Indians of

Crown

the Six Nations

who

are expressly acknowledg'd in the Treaty of Utrecht to be under His

in their Captivity, that I would not you upon that point, but I begg leave to referr you to his letter, & perswade myself. Sir, from the humanity & politeness, w"^'' visibly appear in the letter with which you honoured me, that if those Indians were confin'd'in Irons as has been Represented to us you have upon receiving that letter ordered 'em to be released from 'em & that I need add

Majesty's Protection, iiave to be treated as his Subjects farther trouble

nothing here upon that head.

As to insisting upon the Indians of the Six Nations coming in person to Canada to treat with most Christian Majesty's Governour there for the Redemption of their Brethren, who are

Ills

made Captives; Sir,

'

you

have

as has

been represented

will be of opinion that as those

this afternoon.

New-Yurk

to INP

Clinton

& me

Indians are the

Colonial Manuscripts,

LXXVI., from

within brackets, in the above Indian Conferences, are added.

— Ed.

has been done,

King our Masters

I

can't but think, Vassalls, engag'd

the cojiy in which volume the words and letters

LONDON DOCUMENTS in his warr,

it

belongs to

Iiini

to

treat for their release

Nations for one Prince to require the Subjects Territories to treat for

an innovation

is

Vassalls; and

I

tlie

Redemption of

y'

it

453 Custom of come into his

contrary to the

is

Vassalls of another Prince to

their Brethren taken Prisoners in his

Warr,

own

&

that such

Subjects and

hope, Sir, (for settling this point) that you will be pleased to manifest Your v/^^

me by

purpose from

now sent in Exchange for Governour Clinton has not already sent a sufficient

accepting the fourteen Prisoners

the Indian Prisoners of the Six Nations for that

&

&

an Infraction of the Right that every Prince has over

concurrence in Opinion

Number

XXVIII.

:

New

if

York.

M' Clinton what you observ'd upon the French prisoners belonging to Canada not being sent there in Consequence of my proposal to the IMarquis De Beauharnois, in behalf of his Majesty's other Governors in the Neighbourhood of New England, and he assures me he has sent all he could hear of in his Government, except some that were sent to the French Colonies in the West Indies before he had received my letter. As to those w'^ fall into the hands of our Indians he has us'd his Endeavours to procure 'em, & actually sent four to Canada by his Flag of Truce; & will send the others as soon as he has it in his power to obtain 'em, w"^"" he apprehends the Report of the usage of the Indian Prisoners in Canada has very much contributed to hinder him from having. A Report founded upon Advices from England prevails here that Preliminaries for a General Pacification are sign'd at Aix la Chapelle by the Kings our Masters and the States General, and that in consequence thereof a Cessation of Arms has been published at London & Paris, & at the Head Quarters of both Armies in Flanders This tho' not confirmed by Instructions from his Majesty, w'^'' M' Clinton and I are in daily Expectation of receiving, seems so well grounded that in order to put an End to the Bloodshed & Ravages of Warr, as I

have mention'd

to

:

soon as possible, which we think

withhold our English

&

it

a

Duty incumbent upon

us to do;

we have

determin'd to

Indian parties from committing Hostilities against the French, untill

Your answer; and we flatter ourselves. Sir, that you same sentiments with Regard to the French & Indians under Your Government. 1 have inquired into the reality of the base Attempt reported to you to have been formed by some English of the Government of New York, to induce the Indians in the French interest treacherously to murder the Garrison at Crown point, but don't find any just grounds for the the return of our Flag of Truce, with will be of the

Report,

&

can't but

hope from the unprecedentedness of so wild a Scheme among the English,

that the Representation I

have wrote

made

to the several

of such an one to you,

is

either an absolute mistake or Falshood.

Neighbouring English Governours, desiring them to

signifie their

made by me on their behalf, & agreed between Yourself & me on the Province under my Government & Canada, for a mutual Discharge of Prisoners on & to send me their Quotas of Expence incurr'd by You on account of Your Flag of

consent to the Proposals part of the

both sides,

Truce sent by sea to Boston, with English Prisoners belonging Governments, Sc some to Etigland but have only receiv'd answers ;

ratify those Proposalls

'em as

I

&

to

the several American

in

general, that they will

pay their Quotas of the charge already arisen, but no farther yet from

have no doubt but

I

shall soon,

&

be able to adjust the ballance with you.

—

In this

you will be pleased to make a just Allowance for the Difference between several English Governours who have Assemblies to consult in all money Matters and other Material points of Government, & Yourself who have the sole determination & Execution of these

case, Sir,

matters, so far as relates to the Country under

proceedings of the former;

However

I

may

Your Command,

say in the

w*^''

mean time

necessarily retards the

that

I

beleive the charges

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

454

my own Government on account of tlie Flngg of Truce I sent you by sea to Quebeck, with prisoners belonging to Canada, exceed what is due from it for its Quota of tiie whole Expence rising on the part of the English. It gives me a sensible pleasure to find that the civilities w''*' I shew'd the Sieur Rambault

incurr'd by

were agreeable to you. I must ask Your Excuse

for

anything

w'^'' I

may have

omitted to answer of Your letter W*"

me, but thro my Hurry in leaving Boston to come to this place, casually left behind me; and hope you will permitt me to assure you that I am with perfect consideration, Sir, &= I

have not

P. S.

1

at present before

have no Canadeans Prisoners

in

my Government now, &

I

hope

if

you have any

belonging to the Province of the Massachusetts Bay at Canada, that you will send 'em by the

Messengers

w"^*"

Copy.

shall deliver this to you.

W.

(Signed)

Shirley.

To The Marquis De La &'

at

Gallissoniere,

Governour General of

Governor Clinton [New York

My I

all

New

France,

&

the Louisiana

Quebec.

to

the

Lords of Trade.

Papers, Hh., No. IS.]

Lords

some time

running the

since received a

line of partition

was informed

Copy

of an Act passed

by the Legislature of

and Division between that Province and

that the Jersey Proprietors intended to

Apply

for

this,

and

New

at the

Jersey for

same time

His Majesty's Royal approbation

of the same.

There have been many disorders committed on the Borders of these Provinces occasioned by the Lines remaining unsettled. Of some of those Disorders I had information given me by the late Governour of New Jersey by whom I was requested to join in the Settlement of the Line pursuant to Acts then and still in force in both Provinces for that purpose which I should have readily done but upon Enquiry into the matter I found that the sum of three thousand pounds formerly raised in this Province by Act of the Fourth of King George the first, had been long ago drawn out of the Treasury and paid to Commissioners and Surveyors employed in that Service, who began but never compleated the Work, and are since Dead and no other Money

was ever appropriated

in this

Province for

tiiat

service that

I

can learn.

Lands along the Line for many miles within this Province were granted away to Private Persons upon triffling Quit Rents to the owners of the lands. I referred the matter and recommended an Amicable Agreement between them and the Jersey Proprietors who held a Meeting for that purpose but notiiing was agreed upon. I

also found that all the

As are

it

does not appear to

any way concerned

me

that the Interest of the

Crown

or of this Province in General

in the Matter, but only the Pattentees of the

Lands along that

line, I

LONDON DOCUMENTS shall decline giving

Your Lordships any trouble

in

:

XXVIII.

455

the Affair, leaving

it

to the

particular

persons concerned to take such steps as they shall think proper.

Thus much this Affair,

I

and

thought

am

necessary to say in Order to Explain the Reasons of

it

with great Esteem,

My

my Conduct

in

Lords,

Your Lordships most humble

&

Fort George, in the City of

New

obedient Servant

York the T^ October 1748.

To the Right Hon"'' The Lords Commiss"

for

G. Clinton.

Trade

&

Plantations.

Governor Clinton

to the

[New-Tork.

Duke of Bedford.

(S. P. O.) X., 623.]

My

Lord Duke. had the honour to write to your Grace very lately by Governour Shirley's son. The other matters with which I was under a necessity of giving your Grace the trouble, prevented me from informing you that the intercourse between this Province and Canada (since the cessation of amies) being opened, I have been informed by the persons I sent to Canada for the exchange of prisoners that the French in Canada were in no condition to have made anv They wanted both resistance, had the expedition against them proceeded as was intended. 1

ammunition and arms

to

make any

appearance of His Majesty's

me from

to

the Governour of

assured by our prisoners

defence, and therefore had resolved to capitulate upon the

forces.

who

The same

Canada

for the

has been confirmed by the French Officers sent like purposes I sent to

Indians had laid waste a greater part of the

him.

I

am

likewise

informed

that

all

am

very well

sent to

farmers to abandon their settlements than had been done by the French Indians I

I

Canada that our Frontiers of Canada and obliged more of their

returned as well as the messingers

the numerous nations to the

Westward

in this

Province.

of the English

Colonies, are exceedingly dissatisfied with the French, that they have killed several of the

French traders, and had blocked up the small

forts the

French had among them

& killed

several

of their soldiers.

This was owing to the English selling goods more than one half cheaper then the French and by the French endeavouring to hinder the Indians from trading with the English. had certain intelligence of this above eighteen months ago, and I was desirous to have sent

did, I

a sufficient force to have destroyed the French fort at Oniagara, being assured of the assistance of the Indian Nation to the

English

traders.

I

Westward

appointed

of that P'ort, which obstructed the intercourse with the Major Rutherford, (one of the Captains of an Independent

on that service. But the faction resolved to oppose all my measures, whereby they thought I would gain any reputation, forced me to lay aside this Tiie French in Canada are in the utmost distress for want of goods to trade with the design. should have made the best use of in my power for promoting Indians at this time, which the English trade and interest amongst those numerous nations, if the Assembly would have

Company)

to

command

especially such

I

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

456

given any assistance, but tliey are so far from

speedy

many

the faction are

this, that

by incouraging a direct trade to Canada, whereby many

interest

then can be so soon got by the trade with

profitts

now

strengthning their

can gett more

in this place

tliese distant

These,

Nations.

witii

shew the necessity there is of strengthening the hands of His Majesty's officers, and freeing them from the undue influence which the Assembly has assumed over them and of which, I more particularly informed your Grace in my former letters. Assoon as the present Sessions of Assembly shall be over, I shall lay their proceeding before other instances

your Grace, and which I believe your Grace will think deserve your attention. I am with all duty and respect, My Lord Duke, Your Graces most humble and most obedient Servant Fort George at New York ^ G. Clinton. ao"- October 174S

To His Grace

the

Duke

of Bedford.

Governor Clinton [

My I

New-York

Lords of Trade.

to the

Papers, Hh., No.

17. ]

Lords,

have

in

my

this Province

former

letters inform'd

have from time

to

time

Your Lordships what Incroachments the Assemblys of

made on His

Reward

of their services,

appear from former

acts,

Majesty's Prerogative

&

Authority in this

them for their Saleries & & by their taking in eflect the Nomination to all Officers, as will which I formerly mentioned, and by two Acts the printed copies of

Province in drawing an absolute dependence of

which 1 send Your Lordships, and &c and an Act for the payment of That Your Lordships may the taken to draw unto themselves Your Lordships.

one Entitled

all

the Officers upon

"An

Act

the salaries, services

to

make Provision

& contingencies

for several services

therein mentioned

&c"

comprehend the INIethods which the Assembly have the executive powers of Government I must observe to

better

That the Assembly refuse to admit of any amendment to any money bill, in any part of so that the Bill must pass as it comes from the Assembly, or all the Supplies granted for the support of Government, & the most urgent services must be lost. 2ndiy appears that they take the Payment of the Forces, passing of Muster Rolls into their j^suy

the Bill

;

j(.

own hands by naming the Commissaries 3rdiy They by granting the Saleries to

for those

any person be appointed

the time being, intimate that

if

upon

Appointment.

their approbation of the

4thiy

They

issue the greatest part of the

They have appointed an Agent

for

is

any

name & not

to

to the Officer for

Office his Salery

must depend

His Majesty without Warrant, all Monies raised by Act of

directed that

my

Warrant

the Colony

a Committee of Assembly (exclusive of the Council

Warrant from the Speaker of the Assembly.

to

Money granted

though by His Majesty's Commission to me it Assembly, shall be issued from the Treasury by gihiy

purposes in the Act.

the Officers personaly by

&

who

& is

of the

not olherwise. to

take his Directions from a

Governour and

to be paid

by

LONDON DOCUMENTS S'Wy In order to lay

Saleries

&

me under

a necessity of passing

manner

Services in the

XXVIII.

:

the

tlie

457

Assembly had formed

This

Colony defenceless,

me under

laid

last

who

I

it the payment must either pass the Bill,

open to the Enemies incursions.

my

great difficulties, in refusing

Advice of His Majesties Council this occasion

&

Officers

they tackt to

it,

of the Forces posted on the Frontier for the Defence thereof, so that or leave the

payment of the

Bill for

for this Province, as to

Assent,

&

therefore I took the

what may be proper

advised me, from the present urgency of

give

affairs, to

for me to do on my assent to the Bill.

But as by the prospect of a General pacification I am in hopes to be freed from the difficulties Assembly has from time to time (since the rupture with France) laid me under in their I must now referr it to Your Lordships making Provision for the Defence of the Country consideration whether it be not high time to put a stop to these usurpations of the Assembly the

:

on His Majesty's Authority in this Province, and for that purpose may it not be proper that His Majesty signify his Disallowance of the Act at least for the payment of Saleries, though it have already in most parts taken

its

There seems the more reason

effect.

appointment of an Agent (exclusive of the Governour clause, or at least

Assembly,

And

I

&

must

may

maybe

because the

future Acts of

all

on the same Method of supporting the Government.

Method may be necessary

Incroachments of the Assemblies of his Majesty's other Officers.

I

Fort George, at

New

put a stop to these perpetually growing

to

on the executive Powers intrusted with

this Province,

am

My

Hon'^'^

me

with the greatest regard,

Lords,

Your Lordships most humble and most obedient Servant

York.

20 October 1748.

To The Right

for this

construed a perpetual

General beg of Your Lordships to take under Your serious consideration what

Instruction or other

and

Council)

give ground for their insisting on the like clause in

for their likewise insisting

in

&

G. Clinton.

The Lords Commissioners

of Trade and Plantations.

Oovernor Shirley [

Duke of Bedford.

to the

New-York,

(

8. P. 0.

)

X., 630. ]

(Copy) Boston N. England Ocf 24. 1748.

My I

last,

Lord Duke.

am

honour'd with your Grace's letters of the

and have caus'd due obedience

signily'd to

acquainting

me me

in

'em

;

to

7"'

of

May,

28"' of

be paid within this Province

as also with another letter from your

to

Grace of the which were

that His Majesty does not consent that the soldiers

late intended expedition

against

Canada should

June and

9"'

of August

His Majesty's commands 10"> of

May,

rais'd for the

retain their arms, and directing

me

to use

the proper methods for recovering 'em from them, and to have 'em return'd into his Majesty's

Vol. VI.

.'is

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

458

stores as soon as possible.

the soldiers were paid

answer

Tn

to wliicli I

who

of 'em out of their pay, except as to those service

and as

;

beg leave

oblig'd 'em either to return their

I

to inform

arms

made

or

your Grace that before a deduction for the cost

'em by inevitable misfortune in actual such part of the arms as is return'd, I have furnish'd the soldiers whom by His Majesty's orders, sent from hence for the protection of Nova Scotia

to

liad lost

Knowles and I, and part of Gorham's Independent Company of Rangers ftp

there, out of

spare arms in His Majesty's garrison at Annapolis Royal, as

and the remainder are lodg'd

I

His Majesty's Castle William

in

'em (there not being

was informed,

for that

purpose)

which

for his orders;

I

hope

will be approv'd of. I

have also to acquaint your Grace that

I shall

accounts of the late expedition against Canada as concern'd

in

it,

I

soon be able to transmit such part of the can collect from the several Governments

liquidated and adjusted, to your Grace, pursuant to His

Majesty's

orders

Knowles and me, in a letter from his Grace the Duke of Newcastle dated the SO"" of May 1747. whereby we are directed to collect tiiose accounts and to transmit 'em liquidated signify'd to M"'

and adjusted, with the proper vouchers

migiu be made

am

because

I

Agents,

ofFer'd

for

in order to be laid before tlie

And

payment of 'em.

informed that the governments of Rhode Island and Connecticut have, by their the

bills at

expence charg'd by them

the Treasury or Paymaster General's Office for the

to the

Crown on

before your Grace receives the account as

payment

Parliament that provision

trouble your Grace with the mention of this, here,

I

account of that expedition, which it is

liquidated and adjusted here,

if

amount of

the

they are paid

may

occasion the

which you may possibly be of opinion ought not to have been allow'd those two governments, and very probably it may be the same case in respect of other governments: Wherefore I think it my duty to apprize your Grace of it, to prevent any premature payment. I am, with the most dutiful regard. My Lord Duke, of a considerable sum,

—

Your Grace's most humble and most obedient Servant His Grace the Duke of Bedford

Governor Clinton [ New-York

to the

I

Shirley.

Lords of Trade.

Papers, Hh., No. 18.]

Fort George at

My

W.

(signed)

New York

30"" Oct' I74S.

Lords have Duplicates of Your Lordships pleasure of the

whereof have not come

my

hands)

S""

and

29"''

of June (the original

hope Your Lordships will excuse

me if in anything I have not so punctually answered Your Expectations, in the directions you have formerly as well as now given me. At this Instant I have the Assembly Affairs upon my hands, But I hope after this in time of peace to convince Your Lordships with what dilligence I persue Your orders by my punctual Obedience to them. I

am much

confirmations

to

I

obliged to Your Lordships I

for the regard

you have had

to the letters

and

formerly sent you, particularly relating to the unhappy differences that have

LONDON DOCUMENTS by the

arisen in this Province but

Lordships have received from

me

list I

XXVIII.

:

459

you now send me of the papers, and letters which Your one material paper has not come to Your hands, and

find

which would have served as a key to the otliers. 1 cannot imagine how this has happen'd State of this Province, the I sent Copies of it by several conveyances, It was The Present loss of which I shall now endeavour to make up. I hope, My Lords, when you shall attentively consider the difficultyes I had to strugle with especially from a violent faction formed with a view to distress me, and to wrest the since

administration out of

my hands

by the calumnies which

who

person

assisted

me

I

me

out of

it,

or otherwise to tlirow

his

all

into confusion

propagate on me, and on every

with what patience

hope Your Lordships

I

and when you consider what have on many occasions bore the

Majesty has committed to me,

have made, and

insolence of this faction

&

supporting His Majestyes Prerogative in the exercise of the Powers

in

and Authorities which condescension

or to turn

that Faction endeavour'd to raise

will

I

be perswaded that

I

have used

all

the

my

power to reconcile these differences, and tiiat the Obstinacy of the Faction cannot otherwise be overcome but by His Majestyes exerting His Authority. I have neglected no Opportunity of taking the most proper persons to assist me with their advice in order to form the most prudent measures for my conduct in carrying on the publick service. And for this reason when M' Shirley came this last summer into this Province on a particular service directed by His Majesty; I took that opportunity of informing him of the moderate measures

in

present State of this Province, and he had frequent opportunityes likewise of conversing with several of the

deliberation

which

will

I

principal

now

appear from

likewise advised

December

persons in this place without

me

to

my

Speech

recall

last retired into

M"'

little

to

be excused from since

will

it

to give

me

his assistance in

appear'd what malice he had

regard that had been had to his past services which he had gone

through with great prejudice to his private

Your Lordships

mature

Assembly,

Assembly, a Copy of which I now send, M' Shirley to my Assistance, who had from the beginning of

Colden to attend the Council, and

which he was desirous

incurr'd and that the

to the

Colden

to take with the present

the Coujitry, and not intermedled in publick Affaires, and AP Shirley

joyned with me to perswade private,

M"'

After

distinction of party.

me

persue the measures which he advised

perceive

from

Affiiires.

the Assemblyes

Address as they

call

it

with what

obstinacy they continue in their former resolution, and the malice which the faction bears to

M' Colden, of

M''

I

perswade myself that

this malice of the

faction

will

convince Your Lordships

Colden's good character, since they have not been able to point out one single Act of his

mis-behaviour, notwithstanding that the virulency with which they treat him, and which they

have shewn on several occasions, and gladly would they lay hold of the least slip in his conduct in life, whether publick or private, were it in their power; But My Lords some Minutes of Council which particularly relate to M'' Colden, and M'' Chief Justice and which I send to Your Lordships will enable you to judge of the characters of both of them, and lead you to the fountain from whence all the opposition I have mett with arises, in order to distress the Administration.

Assembly in answer to their paper, call'd an Address, will endeavour to conduct myself. I must inform Your Lordships, tho I declined receiving that address for the reason given in my message to the Assembly, that I would carefully transmit a copy of it to His Majestye's Ministers, they have published it in their I

hope the Message

I

sent to the

shew with what moderation

I

minutes from whence a natural conclusion follows that they do not dutyfully wait

for

His

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

460

Majestye's determination in differences between His Majestye's Governourand them but would sett

up the people as the dernier

resort:

think, in a dependent state unexcusable,

of the 26"" they not only claim that if they have a it

aside.

mind

shall take

I

A

dangerous scheme

They

Governments, but, as

in ail

are not satisfied witli this but by

tiieir

I

llesolves

the powers and privileges of Parliament but in effect say

all

to spit in their

Governour's face he shall not have the liberty

no further notice of these resolves

in this place,

to turn

but leave them to

Your

Lordships reflections.

Upon

the whole

methods

of proper

Example

I

perswade myself that Your Lordships will think

to preserve

and Influence,

to,

all

His Majesties Authority,

necessary to consider

it

the others by freeing the Governour, and

all

from an undue dependence upon Assemblyes and by encourageing those Duty, especially when exposed

My

Regard,

the malice of a virulent faction.

to

which

in this Province,

I

will give

an

the King's Officers

who persist in their am with very great

Lords,

Your Lordships most obedient and most humble Servant. G. Clinton

To The Right Honourable The Lords Commissioners

Uie Present

Trade

of

&

Plantations.

State of the Province of [

New-York Papers, Hh., No.

New

-

Yorlc.

20.]

December

1746.

IS""

First.

Since

M''

Clarkes Administration two several Acts are annually passed, one by which several

taxes and dutys are granted to the

Monies thence arising

to

King

support of the Government of this Province, the

for

be lodged in the Treasury of this Province,

By

otherwise than by Act of the Governor, Council and Assembly: is

annually issued, granting to the several Officers by

Office, certain Salaries,

Chief

to the

&

Rewards

&

not to issue them

the second Act the

name with an Additional

for their contingent Services,

&

this

title

Money of their

from the Governour in

lowest Officer in Government: neither can the Governour otherwise reward any

Contingent Service. Before

Years

at

M"'

Clarke's Administration the support of

the

arrival

of

a

New

Governour,

&

Government was usually granted continued

afterwards

during

for five

the

same

Administration usualy by a grant of three years at a time, and there was no particular application, other than of a general

Estimate

The

laid before the

sum

for the

annual support of government, according to an

Assembly, before passing the Act.

in the first years of the

wise

Money in former Governour's when Lord Cornbury was Governour,

pretences for this Alteration were misapplication of publick

times and for this they must go back as far as the time

men whether

Reign of Queen

there were not just

Ann

&

;

as to

all

others

it is

a dispute with honest

proper applications of the Money,

&

all

of

and

them

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXVIII.

461

inconsiderable, except a perquisite claim by M"' Walpole, Auditor of His Majesty's Provinces in

America and wliich

By

first

of late gave rise to the complaints on this head.

method of annexing the Salaries to the person by name, If a Governour die or leave the Government tiie person on whom the Administration falls is deprived of all Salary & support 'till such time as the same be settled by a new act, & if the Presidents lately established this

whom

be followed, the person on

the Administration devolves must bargain

Crown)

prejudice to the Prerogative of the to

any other

by Act; King,

if

may

he

&

Officer, the

before he can receive one farthing

Salary of the Office ceases

such time as a

till

New

(& perhaps The same

;

Salary

is

in

as

established

any person be appointed however he be qualified, & faithfuU to the he should happen to be disagreable to a ruling faction in the House of Representatives, therefore

if

By

same means the Governour is Deprived of the Exercise of the may fail of his Duty to the King if he should happen to be a favourite of the ruling faction for in that case his successor must starve to use the words that have frequently been made use of on such like occasion. starve

:

the

Authority of removing an Officer that ;

From such

&

the apparent Influence of the

Assembly in these Cases, the Nomination to all Offices, and they have become even so insolent that they have in the Bill for payment of the Salaries, &c removed one Officer's name & put in another without consulting me, & the Speaker in presence of the Council & Assembly, had the Assurance to tell me that they had thought fit to remove such an Officer, & put another in his place, and thereupon added. Please to order the Secretary to make out a Commission accordingly. like

Instances

Ruling faction has obtained

By

&

these

Means

all

in effect the

the Officers of the

Government

are

become dependent on the Assembly,

the King's prerogative of judging of the merit of his Servants

as he

may

think most proper

is

&

of appointing such persons

wrested out of the hands of his Governour of

the King himself (as far as in their power) deprived of

it.

Tiie

this

Assembly

Province, and

carries matters in

call these Bills for payment of Salaries & other Contingencies, which they will not allow the Council to make any amendments & a Governour must either take it as it comes from them, or he & all the Officers of the Government must remain without Support. The effect of this Influence of the Assembly & the Officers of Government are on all occasions very remarkable & every man in this place is sensible of it.

this case to

Money

such a length that they

Bills, to

One remarkable

Instance happened at this time

The King's

Printer for this Province was by Albany with the Indians, as I beleived the publication might be of use on several accounts, he had gone so far as the last sheet, & had set part of that sheet, when the Assembly made the Representation to me The printing of

my

order printing an account of the Treaty

I

:

had

at

:

this being unexpectedly stopt the reason

was required the very next day after the Representation was made. His Answer was that the Assembly had ordered their Representation to be immediately published & he could do no other business 'till that was done, my name was used to perswade him since it could not delay that publication above one day, he answered he received

his

it

money from

the Assembly, he was their Printer, and must serve them, & he he would not publish my answer to that Representation in Eight days after was made, though in the mean time he published the abusive Resolve of the S"* of November.

accordingly did,

But

&

not

they have likewise assumed to themselves the directions of all the Appointment of Gunners, & have given the custody of all the publick Gunpowder in the Province to an Officer named by themselves, so that I can not command a single pound, while the Speaker has (by his Warrant only) delivered out Gunpowder to a this is

Fortifications

&

all,

the

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

462

my knowledge, or the consent of the Council so that they have as them lyes deprived the King of his Military Power, and disabled the Governour of this Province, from making such Defence as he may think requisite, and even in some measure put it in the power of a Faction to deliver up the Country to an Enemy. In the fortifications they have every where employed Men intirely ignorant of the art, who have no more pretence to knowledge than the meanest Plowman, and have squandered away large sums of money with no other view than can appear, but in being usefull to Relations, or The works have been to such Persons as they thought could serve them in future Elections. so manifestly absurd that they have been in most places altered, & rebuilt at their own desires. In making repairs to the Fort, which not only Defends this town, but likewise the principal Battery at the entrance of the Harbour, they refuse repairing the side next the town, and even left the Guns dismounted on that side; There can be no reason assigned for this, but a malicious insinuation that the town may be in Danger from a Governour whose Residence is Yet as the Town is open the Fort may be more easily attacked from the Town in the Fort than any other way and as soon as an ennemy getts possession of the Fort, all the Batterys particular person without

much

;

as in

;

;

must

fall

To shew

further

how much

particularly the

power of the

who remained

in

New

themselves (except

Governour by

&

commands them. was a Design to take

into their hands, because the Fort

stiling

M"'

there

York, several of

Kenedy who

whom

refused

themselves the Council,

my knowledge

the

powers of Government & gentlemen of the Council

Militia out of the Governour's hands, the

&

&

me to Albany, took upon them) a power independent of the

refused to attend to join

issuing out orders in that

stile in

my

some

absence,

which was publikly known that I was returned to this place, and this was done without communicating them in any manner to me. vide paper N" in which I charged them in open Council with this, & some denyed the truth of the Fact; so that at that time two Councills of State, one present with me and acting with my knowledge, & another without my knowledge & perhaps contradicting that where I was present, could as they would have it exist lawfully at the same time. Beside all this many things were done in order to disable me from executing any Plan that was concerted for the Annoyance of the Enemy by endeavours to impress on the minds of the People an ill Opinion of the Measures concerted with Governour Shirley & Admiral Warren, for the purpose and an Endeavour to deprive the Forces of the use of their provisions, for a proof of which see the Representation of the Assembly, their Votes of the S"" of November and the accouqt of what passed with respect to the Provisions, when the Forches marched without

;

that not only in Civil Affairs, but in the Military,

orders were actually delivered to the several Officers

two days

after

of

it

from Albany. In order more perfectly to conceive

what power

observed that the Assembly of this Province, as

all

a small faction

may

obtain,

it

must be

the others in North America, consists of

ordinary Farmers & Shop keepers of no education or knowledge in publick Affairs, or the World, & in this Province the greatest numbers are Foreigners, or of Foreign Extract, many of which do not understand the English Language and are generaly led by some cunning Attourney or Reader of pamphlets. In order to establish a greater power of this faction at this time a Bill passed the Council & this Session, constituting tenn of them perpetual Auditors of the publick accounts of

Assembly

this Province,

particular direction of the Act for

their

dreadfull to almost every

without Limitation forward, and without any method of proceeding, by which they might become

Man

of

LONDON DOCUMENTS it is

XXVIII.

463

who had received or paid in any publick Money, and to the known must extend to almost every family in the province.

this Province,

vphich

:

Heirs of such,

well

The Reasons of Disposing

the

Forces at the Carrying Place.

Having in August & September last concerted measures with M"' Shirley & M"" Warren whereby a great part of the forces levied in the Massachusetts Bay were to join with the Forces which rendezvous'd at Albany and with the Forces at Connecticut, in order to reduce the French Fort at Crown Point, the March of the New England troops was unexpectedly stopt by the appearance of a French Squadron on the coast of Nova Scotia but I had no account of this till after I left Albany, It was agreed that M' Waldo should command the united forces, and for that purpose was to come to Albany with all speed when I waited a fortnight or three weeks for his arrival without any account of what had stopt him 'till I thought the season of the year was too far advanced to begin such an Enterprize; then I ordered the forces that were at Albany to be posted in such manner as I thought would best facilitate the Enterprize, if it should be afterwards undertaken, and at the same time secure the Frontiers, during the Winter. For this purpose I ordered a Wooden Fort of Palasados & Block Houses

men at the carrying place about tenn Companies, where a Garrison has been kept all this summer. The particular Reasons for this place were, that it is a Pass, at which, in case of any attempt on Canada by Land, a Fort must be built to secure the Communication between the Army & the Northern Colonies, By this likewise Incursions from Canada would be prevented,

in place of Bastions to

be

built,

capable of containing 500

or twelve Miles from the Independent

they must come near this Fort, they could hardly escape being discovered either in their going or returning, and the distance from this Place to the Place from whence every thing may be carryed by Water to Canada is only twelve Miles, so that by carrying the Artillery, for as

Ammunition

&

prepared for

other things of greatest burthen at such times and in such manner as may which in this Country is commonly in the Winter Season every thing could be a sudden Eruption into Canada, on the proper season But by the reason of the

obstructions

I

be

easiest,

It

&

;

mett with

I

was obliged

to

drop this design.

can hardly be imagined that the People of this Province do not wish well to the Expedition I am perswaded they generaly earnestly desire it, and many think it cannot

against Canada,

be purchased at too dear a price, and are willing to contribute to the utmost of their

abilities,

Yet there are Instances of Men, who are no Fools, doing most unacountable things to satisfy their passions, besides this Country is as little proof against bribery as others, and when Men have lost all sense of Virtue, as Indian Traders certainly have, and have only money and proffitt in

Albany,

it

view, they become an easy purchase, as the French Indians were dayly in sight of is impossible to prevent a Correspondence with them by the help of our other

Indians, and since a Correspondence

Traders of Albany became so easy, matter, which would turn so

much

it

between the French and is

their

Old Acquaintance the

hardly to be thought that the French would neglect a

to their

advantage.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

464

Governor Clinton

New-York,

My

Duke of Bedford.

to the ( S.

P. O.

)

X., 631.

]

Lord Duke.

my

by Governor Shirley's Son, I gave your Grace the state of the publick I had resolved to follov? during the Sessions of Assembly at this time. As Governour Shirley vs^hile he was in this Province last summer did fully inform himself of both persons and things relating to this government, I gladly laid hold of that opportunity to consult him minutely, while we were together, on the measures which might be proper for me to persue in the Administration of government, and I assure your Grace that I have his approbation and advice as to the methods I now take. This I have thought proper to mention to your Grace, because I thought him in many respects the most proper person I could advise with, and to take off the effects of an insinuation published by the Assembly that I am influenced by one person only Your Grace will perceive from the speech I made to the Assembly, the Address (as they call it) intended to be made to me, and printed in their votes, and in the publick newspaper, and from my Message to them thereon, and the resolves they entered into in consequence of that Message, copies of all which I transmit to your Grace in the printed votes of the Assembly and I humbly submit to your Grace with what moderation I proceed, on the other hand in what manner a violent faction in the Assembly continues to insult the character of His Majesty's Governour of this Province and to insist on the userpations they have made on the Royal Prerogative and the executive powers of government, and in place of applying to His Majesty for redress if any grievances they may pretend to be under, apply to the people, with a view to sow discontent, to raise tumults and to throw the country into confusion, while they know In

affairs

former

letter

of this Province, and the measures

they have reduced the strength of the Administration to the lowest ebb, and therefore think

it

in no condition to oppose them.

But

my

Lord the violence of the

faction begins to defeat their measures,

some

in the

House

Were

oppose them, and the generality of the people without doors blame their proceedings. it

not for

the head of the faction

who

which many are under from the violent and insolent temper of (Chief Justice De Lancey) and of a few other men of the like temper

fear, or rather terror,

espouse his interest, the Administration would soon,

now

in the time of peace recover

it's

former strength.

Chief Justice D'Lancey's conduct makes all men affraid of the power he has by his office, and of his resentment, and to which every man in this Province may in some way or other be This terror is heightened by his appointment to be Lieutenant Governour for if subjected. ;

the Administration should

Governour

&

come

into his hands,

no

relief

Chief Justice are united in the same person

;

can be had

when

the powers of

or if he should appoint another to

execute the OfHce of Chief Justice during the time has the administration of government, he

may

appoint one of those tools that

now

serve his ambition and resentment; and no

man

Horsmanden would be the man, who has been guilty of perjury, which M"" Catherwood my Secretary (who has the honour to deliver this to your Grace) can prove, and the person who has drawn up the addresses, representations remonstrance and Messages of the Assembly, and is a fit tool for the worst purposes. But if people were once freed from that doubts that

M"'

fear they are under from the Chief Justices' power,

it

would soon appear that he has no love

LONDON DOCUMENTS:

XXVIII.

465

Some of the principal members thinl

May

1749.

(signed.)

Clinton.

Grace the Duke of Bedford.

Oovernor Clinton [

My

G

to the

Now-Tork Papers,

Ith.,

Lords of Trade. No.

29. ]

Lords,

Your Lordships will receive with this copys of several letters & papeis which I have passed between the Governour of Canada & me relating to the Exchange of Prisoners. The Governour of Canada under various pretences detains a great

number

of His Majesty's Subjects of this

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

486

Province Prisoners in Canada. greater

number than

all the French at Liberty (who were a much Canada) except about Eighteen or twenty who were taken

have set

I

the English in

by the Mohawk Indians & remain in their hands. They have five of their people prisoners in Canada. The Gov'' of Canada insists to have these French who are in the hands of the Mohawks delivered up in the first place & at the same time refuses to deliver up those Indians he has prisoners; and likewise to set at Liberty a great many of the English who are detained among the French Indians, unless we buy them like slaves from their Indian

like Slaves

At the same time the Gov"" of Canada has his Emissaries among the Indians of the who by the force of presents and otherwise are endeavouring to debauch them in their Fidelity lo the Crown of Great Britain by perswading them to go to Canada & there to humble themselves for having joined with the English in the war & to enter into new treaties The Gov' of Canada at the same time of friendship & submission to the French King. threatens to make War on the Mississaques & on other Nations scituate on Lake Hurons who Masters.

five

Nations

had joined us

in the

War

against the French in Canada, had blocked up several of the French

Forts scituated on those Lakes for the Security of their

&

in a

Commerce among

renconter with the French had killed above sixty of their Men.

entirely obstructed the French

commerce

in the

time of the War,

&

these distant nations

These Nations had Communication

their

with the Mississippi & now not only trade with His Majesty's Subjects of this Province, but endeavour to carry the trade of all the neighbouring Indian Nations to Oswego & to withdraw them from the French. As it would be at present of the worst consequence to the British Interest in Trade if the

French should succeed in their Designs, & afterwards as to the safety of the Northern Colonies War, I am doing everything in my power to defeat their Designs, But as his Majesty's Government in this Province is without one farthing at present for the support of it, or for the defraying any Expence in the Administration iiowever necessary, I am put under

in case of a

the necessity of Defraying this Expence of preserving the Indians in their Fidelity out of

own I

private pocket,

have

now

&

sent

without knowing

the

Indian

in

what manner

I

shall

Interpreter with a considerable quantity of provisions

Oswego

my

be reimbursed.

&

Encourage them in their Confidence of their being supported against the intrigues of the French in their Trading with his Majesty's Subjects, & as this is evidently a necessary service I am confident His Majesty will not allow me to suffer by my zeal for his service in advancing the mony for the Expence of it, since it

Amunition

to

meet the Misissaque Indians

at

to

could not otherwise be performed. will perceive by my last letter to the Governour of Canada that I expected Enabled by the treaty of peace to demand all the prisoners to be set at liberty in pursuance of it; But tho I have received his Majesty's Proclamation of Peace I have no orders

Your Lordships

to be

relating to the liberty of the Prisoners on either side, neither have

peace, so that

I

am

disabled from pursueing those measures

I

I

any copy of the treaty of

had resolved

to take for procuring

the Liberty of the Indians as well as of the other British subjects Prisoners in Canada. It is

of the greatest consequence.

My

Lords, that

I

be enabled to preserve the Confidence

the Indians have in the protection of the King of Great Britain, for assistance

we had from our

Indians

it

would have been very

had not been

for the

have preserved

a great

if it

difticult to

& other parts from desolation by the Incursions of the French Indians, whereas by the Assistance we have had from them notwithstanding the Agravations made in the common News Papers of what the people on the Frontiers have suffered from the Incursions

part of this Province

LONDON DOCUMENTS of the J-rench a greater part of

Deserted,

&

XXIX.

:

487

laid waste by our Indians & their settlements have obtained since the cessation of Arms more of

Canada has been

according to the Informations

I

the French killed by the Indians in alliance with us than English by the French

greatest advantage

we

obtained in the

War was

in the

almost

total

;

But the

destruction of the French

Commerce with the numerous Indian Nations to the Westward & which, had I not been obstructed by the Intrigues of the Faction in this Province, would have been so effectually destroyed by the Measures

have recovered

These things Importance of their Fidelity

had taken that the French could not

I

&

that no time be lost for this purpose least the French in

any advantage over between the Governor of Canada

&

(if ever),

can only curserly mention at this time that Your Lordships may see the beng Enabled by proper Instructions & otherwise to preserve the Indians in

I

my

Artifices gain

the Peace

many Years

in

it.

This

us.

& me

their

at this time, that he lays hold of the conclusion of

the setting of prisoners at liberty in consequence of

withdraw the dependance of the Five Nations

Crown, tho by the

Canada should by

the true and only foundation of the Difference

is

it

a proper occasion to

as^

as well as other Indian Nations on the British

treaty of Utrecht these five nations (as they were then

commonly

called

by

the English) are declared subjects of Great Britain.

The

affairs of

the Indians

Northern Colonies that

immediately

is

Importance

of so great

deserves the serious

it

after the conclusion of a peace,

indefatigable at this time to gain an

&

more so

the

prosperity of the

that the French in

View

now

Canada appear

:

shall be so far strength'ned that a Faction shall not think

out of picque or other sinister

oppose and obstruct every Measure

to

Majesties Service however necessary or useful they

As soon

&

safety

Advantage of us by our remissness occasioned by the I every hour hope to receive Instructions

unsettled state of the publick Affairs of this Province

by which the Administration

to the

attention of His Majesties Ministers

may

I

it

safe

take for His

be for the publick Good.

as the present unsettled Affairs of this Province will permit

me

I

propose to lay a

Memorial before Your Lordships of the State of the Indian Affairs & of what I think may be most proper to be done to make the Indian Nations the most useful to the Kingdom of Great Britain

&

its

Colonies;

but

J

must

mean lime beg Your Lordships

in the

Majesty the necessity of strengtlming

my

hands

&

supporting

me

in the

to represent to

His

may Crown of

measures which

for preserving the Fidelity of the Indians, & their Dependance on the Great Britain, & this without Delay. Y'our Lordships will perceive from the Inclosed Extract of a paper which the Gov' of Canada had sent among the Indians, what Artifices he is using now at the commencement of the peace

be necessary

to infuse

among them,

of the English, I

&

to

withdraw

their affections

with the greatest respect.

My

from

June 1749.

To, The Right

us.

Lords,

Your Lordships most obedient and most humble Servant.

New York S-*

am

G. Clinton. Hon'''=

The Lords Commiss"

for

Trade

&

Plantations.

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

488

Marquis

de la Galissoniere to Governor Olinton. [

New-Tork Papers, Hh., No.

80.

]

(TKANSLATED FEOM THE FEENCH.] Quebec,

25«'

August 1748.

Sir,

Your Excellency's

letter of the 24"' of

surprised at the bitter complaints

it

May

being dispatched

in

time of war,

I

ought not be

contained on the subject of the incursions of Canadians

New England; but as you have doubtless ere this found out by the return of peace that nothing occurred during this last war except events and misfortunes inseperable therefrom, I hope you will be so good as to dispense with my answering that point more at length, the rather that, as you do not cite any particular act nor accuse any individual by name, it would be difficult for me to undertake the justification of all the Canadians and all the Indians. I doubt not but M"' Shirley has communicated to you some complaints which I made to him on ray side, last autumn and spring, and which I am about to and Indians into the territory of

repeat to you.

Notwithstanding the unceasing attention paid by the Marquis de Beauharnois, my predecessor, and myself, to recovering from the hands of the Indians the greatest number possible of English people, and to procure them a prompt return into their country, having sent back forty one by sea, belonging to the Province of New-York alone, your government has distinguished itself from that of Massachusetts and the others, by retaining to this day our prisoners, and leaving them in the hands of the Indians, who, it is said, still have eighteen exclusive of the five you have just restored. This conduct, which I am persuaded Your Excellency has not approved, would have obliged me, had the war continued, to retain here all the prisoners belonging to the Province of New York, until that government had adopted more favorable sentiments towards the prisoners on both sides. But peace being reestablished, I shall modify this resolution as much as possible, without failing in what I owe to the security of the French Canadians, who are still detained throughout the extent of your Government, exclusive of the forty-one you have already received,

and who have been replaced by only whereof is hereunto annexed. I

five.

I

have given

M"'

Thomas William

those, the

do not include the twenty-four prisoners of old France in the account, because

begun,

last

year and

this, to

other Colonies, a great

send back

number

of

whom

all I

1

list

had already

England and the daily send off the remainder of them

the English belonging to Old

had here, and

I

by every opportunity. 1

have

to

submit

to

you some personal complaints, wherein

I refer

myself entirely

to

your

The Peace ought to put an end to National animosities, but it is a mark of friendship to make known to each other those who by their conductor discourse, may afford cause during The first is against an officer who was in command at Sarastow, the war for grave reprisals.

justice.

month of October and November, 174G, in presence of whom some English or Dutchmen, and not Indians, burnt in the hand with touchwood, a Canadian named L'Esperance who had been taken by some Mohawks at Isle la Mothe. This man is here, and will bear all his life the marks of that barbarity. The 2'' against M' Chew, who had informed you that he was not well in the

treated during his imprisonment at Quebec.

On

this point I request to interrogate those

who

LONDON DOCUMENTS were there S-"

complaint

more vague,

is

to

for I

I

come

of Detroit and

your demand

some

my

489

predecessors and me.

cannot name any person, but

money

possible that the English have promised

Commandant

XXIX

so well of the good treatment they experienced here, that

had thanks returned therefor

M'' Shirley

The

who spoke

at the time,

:

to

some Indians

if

I

am

as certain as

they would assassinate the

others.

whereunto I beg you to permit me to answer. That the Indians are not subjects of Great Britain. That we have not, nor had any war with the Six Nations of Iroquois, who have continued to

for Indian prisoners,

First. 2'^

to live in terms of friendship with us for forty-five years, with the exception of the small party

of

Mohawks whom

the other Cantons disavow.

That the Nations can come

2'^

way

prisoners, but this in no

That

4"'

as they promised, to negotiate for the restoration of those

concerns the English.

Article 15 of the Treaty of Utrecht, to

which you refer me, does not name the would be null in their regard, since they never acquiesced therein; we have always regarded them as Allies in common of the English and French, and they do not look on themselves in any other light. I beg of you, then. Sir, to detain no longer, as the war appears to authorize you, the Iroquois deputation which is to come here. I beg you, still more urgently, and in the immediate interest of your people, to forbid, more vigorously than ever, the underhand doings of your traders to assassinate Frenchmen in some isolated posts. Such plots cannot be long concealed they Iroquois, and though

did so,

it

it

;

were but too common during the last peace, and would oblige us to have recourse to reprisals, as cruel as they are easy, and which are extremely repugnant to me. Wherefore, I warn 3'ou, beforehand, in order that it can be said that we are laboring to cement the peace even before it is entirely concluded and the conditions are communicated to us. It is with this view that T send, in company with M'' your deputy. Lieutenant Desligneris, of the King's troops, to negotiate with you the exchange of the Canadians who are prisoners at New-York. On restoring them to me I shall liberate all the English and Dutch of New-York, in my hands. I know not if it will cost you much, but I have made the first advances, and what sum you expend will not equal our disbursements, as the number of your prisoners, of all ,

classes,

exceeded four or

As

few

for the

who

back some one with

much

M"'

as possibly lies in

five times that of ours.

will

still

remain

Desligneris, and

my

in the

hands of our Indians, you have only

you may

to

send

rely that I will facilitate their redemption as

power.

I liave

the honor to be, with respect. Sir,

Your Excellency's most humble and most obedient servant

La

A

true copy,

Vol. VI.

examined and compared with the original paper. Peter De Joncourt, Interpreter of the French language. 02

Galissoniere.

NEW-YOEK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

490

Lieutenant Desligneris [New-Tork

Governor Clinton.

to

Papers, Hh., No. 81.]

[TRANSLATED FEOM THE FRENCH.] To

his Excellency,

Monsieur de Clinton, Captain-General and Governor of the Province of

New -York. Sir,

take the liberty of most humbly representing to Your Excellency that the advanced season

I

makes me

my

greatly apprehend difficulties on

my

as to accelerate

Excellency that

My

voyage

return to Canada, and pray you to be so good

country has no other object than the release

to this

who remain in the hands of the Mohawks, and I assure Your you deliver them to me all the prisoners belonging to the Government of

of the Canadian

New-York,

departure.

prisoners

if

Quebec,

as well as the Indian prisoners at

will

be restored

and sent back

to liberty

as soon as the season will permit. Sir,

Your Excellency has done

me

the honor to

sent back one only of the Indian prisoners,

it

tell

me

that

had the Marquis de

would have greatly

la Galissoniere

facilitated the

recovery of

our Canadians from out the hands of the Moiiawks, but that he not only did not do

even does not say when he

To

the

year

last

point

first

I

will

answer, that the Marquis de

who had promised

la

to return to negotiate the

To

was not bound

the second,

I

exchange of their people and

is

it

make mention

subjects of the

of

King

them

to

your Excellency,

of Great Britain.

some Frenchmen from

who

In

among

bring

fact,

shall

have our Canadians

;

and

if

he does

because he does not regard those Indians as

were they such, would not those have been to Montreal, treacherously killed

and carried

Motte; and would not those have been condemned to death

The King does

not tolerate such

his subjects.

has been asked of me,

It

de

we

it is

are killing each other daily in drunken debauchery?

disorders

now

Isle la

to

to that effect.

the Marquis de la Galissoniere's intention to release the

punished who, after having come with a message off

made no movement

them any more.

to trust

answer, that

Indian as well as the English prisoners as soon as not

but

Galissoniere sent several of them back

us back our Canadians, and that since that time they have

Therefore, he

so,

send them.

Sir,

on the part of Your Excellency,

if

some of our prisoners were

surrendered, with a promise to send back the others in course of time, whether the Marquis

la

Galissoniere would release

that he would, but

that a portion of

some

am

them to

those

we

if it

have

in

Canada?

I

answer,

be impossible to have them

I

all

do not believe at present,

and

are given up to me, the Marquis de la Galissoniere will also release

of yours, because

government, and

all

persuaded that

avoid

I

know all

that

he

is

well

disposed to

sorts of subjects of diflerence.

I

live in

friendship with

have reason

this

to think. Sir, that

Your Excellency entertains the same sentiments. Wherefore, I flatter myself you will make every effort to withdraw our Canadian prisoners out the hands of the Indians and restore them to me; especially when you will be informed of the care with which the English prisoners in Mess" Williams and Vanderheden can render the hands of our Indians have been redeemed. faithful testimony thereof, since they themselves have been witnesses of the pains which the Commandant of Montreal took to that effect when they were in that city. I hope Your Excellency will be so good as to return the compliment, and reflect that it is much more the

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXIX.

:

491

government of New-York than that of Canada, that the exchange of prisoners we have a much greater number of yours than you have of ours

interest of the

should take place, inasmuch as in this country.

my

Meanwhile,

opinion

is,

that

it

is

highly advantageous to the two Colonies

exchange should be promptly made, and that

by sending immediately prisoners from the influence

among

me

A

the surest

still

means of restoring

that this

tranquility;

be sufficient time to bring thither our

doubt not but Colonel Janson,

who

has considerable

would succeed if he had orders to recover them. I most humbly be pleased to pay attention to what I have the honor to represent, and

as soon as possible.

IQ""

true cop3',

I

is

that nation,

I

New-York,

Albany there would

to

Mohawks; and

pray Your Excellency to to dismiss

it

shall be truly obliged thereby.

I

am, with the most profound respect, Sir, Your most liumble

and most obedient servant, Desligneris.

October, 174S.

examined and compared with the

Peter De

original paper.

JoxNcourt,

Interpreter of the French language.

Governor Clinton [

to the

Governor of Canada.

New-York Papere, Hh., No.

33. ]

(Copy.) Fort George in

New

York. lO"- Oct' 1748

Sir.

In answer to Your letter of the So"" August of the time in which

As soon

as

I

my

I

am

well pleased that

former was wrote, and that wherein Yours

received orders to

make

Hostilities cease, all the

you observe the

difference

is.

French Prisoners

in this

Province, taken before the Cessation of arms, being then between three or four hundred, were

immediately set at liberty, and sent to the French Colonies at the expeuce of this Government. I have likewise restored seven French Ships taken by the Privateers belonging to this place, since the cessation of arms, four of which are already sailed from hence, on their return home, and the others are at liberty to go as soon as the Commanders of them shall think proper, so that at this time the French Prisoners in this place enjoy

only

who

are in the hands of the Indians excepted.

all

And

the Advantages of a peace, those as to

them

it

is

owing

to

conduct, with respect to the inhabitants of this Province, and the Indians (likewise the of Great Britains subjects)

do not

now

The

care

who have

Your King

the misfortune of being Prisoners in Canada, that they

return with the Officer you sent to receive them.

must have of the King's Subjects under my Government made it necessary for them to remain in the State they were 'till the return of the persons I had sent to You with the French Prisoners, that I might form my resolutions according to your conduct. I have sent at several times above one thousand French Prisoners from this place, who while here were entertained in lodgings and carried home at our Expence, You will perceive that we

me

to suffijr

I

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

492

short of what has been done any where in the King of France's Dominions, good treatment of the Prisoners, or the numbers that have been restored: This Governm' has reason therefore more than any other to have their prisoners in Canada well treated and as speedily as possible sent home. Now, Sir, 1 am sorry to be under the necessity of complaining that after You knew of the

manner

are in no

either in the

You

Cessation of Hostilities

only those

who

refused to set the

King of Great

are in the hands of the Indians but those

Britain's Subjects at liberty, not

who

Your own

are absolutely in

which there can be no excuse, and make my releasing the few French Prisoners who are in the hands of the Indians a condition of their Liberty. 1 know not what greater demand could be made in time of actual War, and which must be attended with this hardship to the King my Master's Subjects, that if the French were now to be delivered the English must (by the Season of the Year) remain the whole winter in Canada,

power,

for

French are returned, or be under the necessity of Travelling in the Severities of that Whereas had you sent all the English Prisoners back with my Messengers and Your

after the

Season.

Officer both English also

and Frencli migiit have returned home with equal conveniency.

complain that you

Van

still

I

must

keep the English Prisoners in close confinement, especially Anthony

Schaick, and John Abeel,

who have been

so long detained,

and who

I

am

credibly

informed have been treated with a severity not commonly practised amongst Civilized Nations.

Your conduct has given me a right (which I think otherwise I should not have had) to many of the French Prisoners in this place as I shall think proper, till such time as His Majesty's Subjects shall be all released: Nevertheless that the Subjects of both Crowns may as much as is in my power enjoy the benefit of peace without unnecessary delay I shall detain as

immediately give orders

to

have the French Prisoners

out of their hands.

to be taken

It

who

are

hands of the Indians

in the

still

appears by Your letter you are sensible enough what

where the Prisoners have been given up to particular you shall restore all the English Prisoners, I undertake to them that are desirous to return to Canada.

difKculties attend the doing of this,

families and adopted.

have

this

But

done and

to avoid

However

to restore

all

if

Mistakes on this head

I

include the Indian Prisoners of the five Nations in the

Number of those to be restored, as they are undoubtedly the King and when take[n] were under persons who had my commission As to the

and

to

what you

Crown

hint that the five Nations are independant

their subjection has

Utrecht.

The Copy

from thence

I

You

of Great Britain,

been likewise acknowledged by the Crown of France

suppose Your mistake arises.

in

and never submitted themselves it in a solemn manner,

are misinformed for they have done

of the Article of that Treaty sent with Your letter

explained this so fully that

Your predecessor

of Great Britain's Subjects

I

answer

think

it

to the

M''

in the

Treaty of

not compleat, and

is

Burnet formerly Governour of

this place has

send a Copy of what he formerly wrote to

sufficient to

same objection which you make, and with which Your

predecessor remained satisfied.

But supposing the Indians were only Auxiliaries as well as of His Majesty's subjects 1

am

who

I

have aright

surprised at the reason you are pleased to give

are not to be placed to

apprized of the great so great a

number

tiie

all

demand

why twenty

the release of them,

four of the prisoners

account of the exchange of Prisoners.

number of French Prisoners that

to

are prisoners of war.

You

are

I

I

sent

believe not

that have been brought into this Province,

the French Colonies together could not ballance Acco"* with me,

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXIX. were

I

to insist on

Canada were

sent to I

493

having only Inhabitants of this Colony exchanged for French

Commanding

which

I

and those

I

willing to be exchanged there.

have enquired concerning the

of the

:

ill

usage you

tell

me

Saraghtoga and cannot

one L' Esperance

in the presence

rec**

any person was, ever brought to Saraghtoga from the Island La Mott, or that any other Canadian has received such ill treatment but I find that a Frenchman was taken at Saraghtoga who was wounded in the hand before taken but afterwards received no kind of ill usage. What I complained of to AP Cliew is that there was not that regard paid to his Commission Officer at

find that

and French Gentlemen brought in prisoners to this were confined to any close prison, but entertained in convenient Lodging. Indeed none of the French brought into tliis place were detained in prison, but used wilh more indulgence than is usual any where else. M"" Chew acknowledges the Civilities he received from particular Gentlemen but I think Your predecessor might have treated him and others with less severity of continued imprisonment at Quebec. As to the Complaint you make of some of the Traders giving money to the Indians to have always had

to the Officers

place, because they never

the

assassinate

commanding

Detroit

Officer at

&

some others there can be no

truth in

because none of the Traders belonging to this place, ever go near that part of the Country. The English are known to abhor assassinating, and fewer Instances are found of it

this,

among

us,

than in any other Nation.

have that crime

I

in

such abhorrence, that

have provocation to make reprisals of the same kind tho ever so easily done, punish the Injury by open Hostilities as our nation has always done.

have as strong assurances as you can have of

if I

should

would chuse

I

to

you complain of, that a very large who had the command of the Warriors of the five Nations and as I hope You know this to be false You will be the more easily convinced that Your complaint is only grounded upon some false Report. You are no doubt sufficiently apprised of the influence the English have over numerous nations to the Westward, and that the French Interest Decays among them since then we have reason to think that we shall soon have a general pacification, let us mutually endeavour to cement and confirm the peace by mutual good Offices, rather than by any contrary conduct I

sum had been promised

this, that

to the Indians, to assassinate

my

Officer

:

with regard I shall

to the Indians especially.

look on Your behaviour towards the Indian prisoners you have in Your hands as the

Your inclinations. I must insist that they be immediately set at liberty, be impossible that the Canadians can receive among the Indians all the good of peace, which by Your complying with my demands in this particular they may

surest indication of

otherwise effects

hope

it

will

for.

As you know how Contrary

it

is

to the

Customs and Laws of Nations

for

one Prince to

come into his Territories to treat, 1 hope time of War, you will now desist from inviting

request the Subjects and Vassals of another Prince to that whatever resolutions you had taken in the

any of the Five Nations to come to Canada to treat with you, on anything relating to peace or War, or exchange of Prisoners but that you will rather (as you say by way of advance) do every thing that you can for restoring Friendship between the Nations, and in doing this I shall chearfully concur witii you.

From this

the great indulgence that numerous French Prisoners during the

Province and the general Release

of Hostilities,

now

I

I

made

of

them since

have the strongest reason to hope that

their liberty in

Your Government,

all

at least that as

I

War

have received in

received Orders for a Cessation

the Subjects of Great Britain have

soon as you shall be apprised of

my

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

494 conduct you will

fully

convince

me of Your hearty

Inclinations to restore a perfect understanding

between the Subjects of the two Crowns. I would have sliewn the regard I have to the character of Your person by sending some person of distinction to you from this Province, but the Season of the Year was so far advanced before Your Officer arrived, and the difRcultys and hardships which must attend a Journey to

Canada

in the winter

to bear; I

am

Season are such as no Gentleman

therefore under a necessity to direct the

in this place

Commanding

has been accustomed

Officer at

Albany

to

send

such persons from thence as he shall think most proper for this purpose, and to return as soon as possible with

all

the prisoners both English aud Indians, which are in Your hands.

he will send such as will be agreable to you. Before I conclude I must do justice to M'' Deslignerie

who by

esteem, and the esteem of the Gentlemen of this place.

It will

his

I

hope

behaviour has gained

give

me

my

a pleasure to hear of

any favours you shall bestow on him on that account. I beg that You will be assured that I have the greatest esteem of Your person and Character and as we make no doubt of a gen' pacification being by this time concluded I hope to have many opportunitys of convincing you with what great regard

I

am.

Sir,

Your, &c

A

true

Copy Examin'' with

laid before

the draft thereof

His Majesties Council

in

New York.

Gw. Banyar. D.

Governor Clinton

to the

[New-Tork

CI. Col.

Marquis de

la

Galissoniere.

Papers, Hh., No. 83.]

(Copy.) Fort George in lO""

New

"iork.

October 1748.

Sir. I have in my letter which I delivered to M. Lignerie answered every part of Your letter which I received from his hands. This goes by Capt. Stoddard in order to settle an Entire Exchange of Prisoners on both sides. The usage which His Majesty's Subjects Prisoners in Canada have received where many of them have been detained in close prison during many months, and the whole Winter, under great Sufferings, so vastly different from what the Subjects of France have received in this Province where none of them were detained in prison, but supported according to their Quality at large and sent to the French Colonies at the expence of this province, or to other and Your detaining the English Prisoners which were places as they themselves desired absolutely in Your own power, after the Cessation from hostilities had taken place, when I had ;

set all the

French Prisoners

in this

Colony

me

at liberty, excepting only those

who

are in the

keep the prisoners which are in the hands of the Indians till such time as I have secured the liberty of the English and Indian Prisoners now in Canada in such method as shall be agreed upon by Captain Stoddard who carries this

hands of Indians makes

letter to

you.

it

necessary for

to

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXIX.

:

495

cannot doubt that you have an inclination to restore Amity between the Subjects of both Crowns that Calamities of War may as soon as possible cease every where between them, and I

therefore

I

expect that you will immediately set

the Indians, that they

all

the English Prisoners at large and especially

return as soon as the season of the year will permit them.

understand that you have complied with this demand,

I shall

that

may

the French Prisoners in the hands of the Indians

all

I

who

And

as

shall give the necessary orders

Canada

are willing to return to

be in readiness to be restored, according to the Agreement which shall be made by the person I

now

send.

To Monsieur Galissoniere

Instructions for Captain

Prisoners between

Stoddard

me

in order to settle an inter exchange and Monsieur Galissoniere, Gov'' of Canada.

of

Governor of Canada has detained the English Prisoners & several of them he knew that the cessation from Hostilities had taken place, and after I had set all the French, who were prisoners in my government, at liberty except a few in the hands of the Indians, you must demand of him to set all the English Prisoners (including

That

since the

in close prison after

the Indians immediately at liberty, without distinction, with leave to return

home

as soon

as they can. If this

cannot be done that whereas Anthony

Van Schaick and John Abeel and

the Indians Months, and used with greater severity

taken with them have been kept in prison above than

is

usual

among

civilized Nations,

were, have been set at liberty,

and that since many

and they are

still

who

confined

considering the severe usage they have received you are to

have been taken since they

in

make

close imprisonment. it

That

a condition previous to

into any Agreem' for the delivery of the French Prisoners now in the hands of Mohawks, That Anthony Van Schaick and John Abeel and the Indians taken Prisoners with them be set at liberty, and sent to Albany as soon as the Season of the year will permit them

your entering the

to travel. If this

be refused you must protest against the inhuman usage the prisoners have received

and against the Gov' of Canada refusing

to give them liberty to return home, as a breach of by the Crowns of Great Britain and France, and permit you return home to give me an acco' of Your

the cessation from hostilities agreed to

immediately as soon as the Season

will

proceedings and demands and usual passports for the purpose.

two Men and the Indians taken with them be set at liberty to return one of go with you is to return as soon as possible with them, and you may enter into an Agreement with the Gov'' of Canada to have all the French Prisoners now in the hands of the Indians, who are desirous to return to Canada restored at Albany, provided all English Prisoners be restored at the same time and place. If you cannot obtain this Exchange to be made at Albany you may agree to have it made at Crown Point. But

if

these

those persons

You

are to

and transmit as often as

proper

for

who

make to

you can,

me

inquiry into the state and numbers of the English prisoners now in Canada, account thereof as soon as you can. And you are from time to time, and

me an

to

to transmit to

know on

me an

this occasion.

account of

all

Proceedings in Canada which

may be

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

496

Marquis de

Galissoniere

la

to

[New-York Papers, Hh., No.

Governor Clinton. 84.]

[TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH.] Quebec, 29 December, 1748. Sir,

letters you wrote me on the 11"' October last, O. S. one by M. Benjamin Stoddert. It is unfortunate for those, both English and French, whose captivity still continues, that the Council of New -York has not assented to the propositions 1 had made for their prompt deliverance, and did not perceive that it is impossible for me to restore the English so long as The frankness and confidence I have the French will remain in the hands of the Indians. exhibited in sending you back thirty-one prisoners by M. Desligneris, merited, it seems to me, I had the same reasons to detain them as the a like attention on the part of your government. In fine, throughout the whole others, as I could not have other securities nor better hostages. of this proceeding, I discover neither the mildness which you have evinced to the French prisoners even during the war, nor the anxiety so natural to Englishmen to withdraw their countrymen from their disagreeable situation here. Your Council did not even entertain the proposition M. Desligneris submitted to you, to deliver a portion of the French to him, in exchange for whom I would have surrendered some English, so much did the desire of gratifying the Mohawks prevail in that body over what was due to its own countrymen. I see by your letter and the Council's answer, which has been communicated to M. Desligneris, that the difficulty proceeds from the opinion you entertain that the Mohawks are But even that opinion condemns you, for no subjects of Great subjects of Great Britain. I

have answered the two

Desligneris, the other

by

;

M""

Britain have a right or ought to desire to detain the French prisoners,

when

offered the ransom,

or the equivalent in English prisoners.

For the

my

King

part, as I

have already advised you,

of Great Britain,

and

their

educated Englishman can gainsay

I

do not look upon the Mohawks as subjects of

independence

is

so well established, that assuredly no

it.

you the copy of Article XV., of the Treaty of Utrecht, as I had found it in a copy Hague chez Adrien Moetjens, in 1734, in which this Treaty is in Latin only. Your letter has caused me to make further researches, and I have found a copy of the same Treaty, printed at Utrecht chez Guill. Van der Walter, in 1713, in which there is an additional word that seems favorable to your pretensions, as you will perceive by the copy hereunto I sent

printed at the

But I pray you observe. That as there is question only of Five Nations, and there being several others such as the Lovps and the Moraigans, whom the Crown of England wishes to regard as Subjects, I am annexed. First.

not obliged to count the 2^.

to

That

I

am

your pretensions than S"*.

That neither can

Utrecht until 4"'

I

Mohawks among

the Five Nations reserved.

not obliged to attach more confidence to the copy which appears favorable

know

to

to the other. I

be obliged to regulate myself entirely according to the Treaty of

what extent

it

will

have been adhered

to in the

New

Treaty.

That neither the Treaty of Utrecht nor any other similar one can make the Iroquois

subjects of Great Britain.

They

claim to be free, as they have declared an infinite

number of

LONDON DOCUMENTS them

times, and as their conduct, and yours towards fifty

As

of you, and often in opposition

The

without your having ever attempted to force them to obey you.

of Utrecht could not, then, legitimately subject them to you. in the

497

proves, inasmuch as for one hundred and

made war independent

years they have concluded peace and

to you,

XXIX.

:

Law

neither

we

prisoners;

Plenipotentiaries

English are too well read

of Nations not to appreciate this truth.

for the rest, neither

existed);

The

this

is

you nor

I

decision in

have sufficient power to decide the difficulty (if one any way necessary for the liberty of our respective

can agree to that independent of

The

other reciprocal pretensions.

ail

of liiese poor captives cannot either favor or oppose our respective rights; therefore,

which stops me, and were the Canadians

that

your

in

own

send you back the English; but the

your justice and humanity

to

many

pretexts to detain the Canadians.

reasons and too

many

hands,

great regret, do otherwise than adhere to

what

first

I

I

the more right to detain them, inasmuch as

Mohawks would

Therefore, Sir,

stated to you, and

I

who

with the Indians will

remember

my

repeat, as soon as

I

have redeemed them

find too

cannot, to

;

have so

I

from the hands

all

as, until you have done as much on your part for Mohawks, the English, whom I have, ought to be considered still and it is to be apprehended that, if the war break out again, my successors small amount of gratitude I meet with from your Council, and will not be in

of the Indians and at a

the French

I

not

confide sufficiently in

the Canadians will-be sent to Fort St. Frederic, the English shall be set at liberty

much

liberty

it is

heavy expense; and

are with the ;

the

as great a hurry as

I

have been

at the solicitation of Mr. Shirley,

redeem the English from slavery.

to

who

has assured

my

And

I

have thus acted

predecessor and myself that he should

do as much

in his government, and that he doubted not but the others would conform thereto. As regards the Mohawks, I confess I am astonished that you push your complaisance towards them to the extent of obliging a goodly number of your citizens, among whom, it is reported, tiiere are some above the common rank, to suffer more than six months imprisonment, to gratify

a handful of those Indians; and that you should render the liberty of Englishmen dependent

They

on the caprice of Mohawks.

But

I

you

are,

say, subjects of

Great Britain or auxiliary troops.

have no proof of their being either the one or the other.

They have given no

evidence,

between you wish them to be considered, I must not yield to them so far as to surrender their prisoners to them before I have mine; and I ought not even do so, before I have the assurance, on their part, that they will respect the peace. up

to this time, of their

having acceded

the English and the I^rench

Nevertheless, that

I

I

am

me

had died

it

it

was

in prison

;

Mohawks

without exception,

I

exists

all

that, provided all the

would

which

restore

them

my

people and of yours,

French

their people;

in their

hands be

and permit

me

to

not for the insinuations of those of Orange, the Canadians would

be here and you would have your that

hostilities,

so impatient to see an end put to the sufferings of

you, that were

Mohawks

suspension of

and though they be

have already sent word to the

brought back to tell

;

to the

men long

ago.

People have gone the length of telling the

useless for tliem to surrender our prisoners,

inasmuch as their brethren

previously to that, those Indians had been given to understand (as

you) that you would oblige

if

from

them without their surrendering ours; as if you had been capable of supposing that any body in the world would be such a dupe as to afford a like advantage to a nation, and more especiallv an Indian nation, so insignificant as that of the Mohawks. These fine hopes? have, however, been held out to them at a time when we had here more tiian fifteen English belonging to New-York and Vol. VI. 63 their prisoners to be given

up

to

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

498

Massachusetts for one Canadian thereof.

I

do not include

But

number.

among

tliose

the

Mohawks.

whom

taken at sea, of

this is not the question, at present,

The annexed list will afford yon a proof 1 know tliat you have had a much larger

between

us.

We

are speaking only of those

been ransomed from the Indians; scarcely one of whom but has cost a hundred ecus. They would have complained with a very bad grace, of having been in prison, having been as well lodged as they could be in the barracks, which are at present occupied by a portion of

who have

the garrison

;

they might have

of escaping hence to

more freedom, were it not for the facility that exists is not the same at New-York, for persons to

had

New England; which

return here.

Secondly. People were at work at the fortifications, and there might have been

you the plan of the works. were very frequently setting out, of which it was not

among

these

prisoners, persons capable of carrying

War

3^.

parties

fitting that

they should

have any knowledge.

They would be exposed to be insulted by the Indians. They themselves, it was, who very urgently entreated to be withdrawn from the Indian villages, and who preferred the prison. The reason you give for not having sent back the Canadians this fall, namely that the 4'-''.

5"".

English here would not have a favorable time to return, will afford them scarcely any consolation

your having prolonged their imprisonment six months. For if, on the reception of my which you had on the 4"' of October, you had sent back the Frenchmen, the English would have been, long since, at home. If, however, it be the parsimoniousness of your council

for

letter,

that prevented the ransoming of the Canadians,

it is very ill-judged; you expend considerable and the longer the Indians retain their prisoners, the more attached will them, and tiie dearer will they sell them to you.

in useless journies,

they become to

You that

allow

is,

to

me

to perceive

an exception of wiiich the

send back the prisoners on the supposition

Mohawks might

possibly take advantage,

they wish

it. This may apply to am ashamed of always

tiiat

persons of a mature age, but cannot be applicable to the children. referring to myself, but

I

have this spring and

time of war delivered to Mr. Hawks, one vi

in

his relatives, to the great regret of the Indians to

of the child, who,

it

is

true, cost a

high price.

I

whom

he belonged, and against the will

acted in the

I

same manner towards some

others.

As

do not admit the sovereignty of the crown of England over the Iroquois, I have no to return to what you write me on that head. They have come here regularly every year for forty-five years, and though I might wish to dissuade them from it (which I have no desire to do) I would, I think, find a difficulty in effecting it. They must calculate on being always welcome so long as they will observe the treaties which exist between tiiem and us, I

answer

and which they have annually renewed.

Those

whom we

here

call

Western Tribes being

not well understand what you observe to

me

at a great distance

from our frontiers,

respecting them, and, besides, the

I

Crown

do of

England has never had either right or pretensions to intermeddle in what was occurring between those nations and us. The best way to prevent disorders and to maintain, among those people and the other Indians, the peace which is as useful to you as to us, is to prevent the English, and especially the Dutch, going to trade to the places whereof we are, from all time

in possession,

and

to oblige those traders to

withdraw,

who

on the occasion of the war.

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXIX.

:

499

might have transgressei the ancient boundaries. Tliis is what I would do, on my side, in regard to the French, if I knew of any so acting, and 1 request you to be so good as to do the

same on your

side.

some English people who may yet answer that the difficulty of recovering fifteen or eigiiteen Canadian prisoners, which I had no right to anticipate, has suddenly arrested me, and that, iiaving withdrawn 2S0 persons out of slavery, I consider I have done enough until you ransom fifteen or eighteen. Nevertheless, after my prisoners will have been restored to me, procure for the families of whatever English will still be remaining in our Indian I shall I cannot forbear adding, that 1 am out villages, every facility in my power to recover them. I was not satisfied with delivering to Mr. of pocket in their regard, as in all the other cases. Thomas Williams, and to your second deputy all the prisoners 1 had, with the exception of those whom I could not help detaining as hostages for my people; I left them at liberty to negotiate, themselves, with the Indians, ar^d I have so aided them that they have ransomed I

notice an objection offered by Mr- Stoddert in regard to

remain

in our Indian villages, to

several comrades (comperes).

Orange and

New York

I

which

I

beg of you [to contrast]

who

towards Mr. Desligneris,

this

conduct with that observed at

has not been permitted to speak to a

Mohawk.

single

Notwithstanding the exceeding great length of

my

letter, it

yet remains for

me

to

answer

what regards some Dutchmen who have been taken disguised like Indians, although I have already done so on a former occasion. As this masquerade is unworthy of Englishmen and of all civilized nations, and can have no other object than to commit with impunity all sorts of cruelties

those

and treacheries,

Dutchmen

French

;

as

I

nevertheless

I

my

cannot do otherwise than approve of

Mohawks.

Neither he nor

I

predecessor, having treated

have tolerated such disguises among the

have had more compassion for these Dutchmen than they deserved, and

they have been treated, for nearly a year, like the other Englishmen. of them for

whom

his brother

has become a hostage.

I

In this case, as in

even send back one

all

the others,

we have

been more indulgent than your government, when I do not perceive that the life of one of our Indians has been spared, although it is sufficiently evident that some were taken alive. M' Stoddert submitted to me another objection in regard to some English people who have been carried

he

off,

says,

since

the

suspension

of hostilities

;

to

this

I

answer, that the

suspension was not then known, either here or at Orange, inasmuch as the prisoners said

nothing about

to the

it

them, and, moreover,

and

I

French

bail for the liberty of the

You

my

see by

letter,

officer

who was

in

command

of the detachment which took

look upon neither these nor the others as prisoners, but as hostages

Canadians.

although

I

do not explain myself thereupon, that your deputies and

Benjamin Stoddert, have acquitted themselves very well of their commission. I am highly pleased with his politeness, and I request you to be so good as to shew by your favors, that you respect my recommendation. I shall have the like attention for Mr. especially Mr.

Desligneris, as

am

I

delighted that he has

demeaned himself

send him back with Mr. Stoddert to try and abate the

would

be, as

directly with

terminated.

I

in a

difficulties.

manner agreeable I

to you.

I

doubt not the best means

have already suggested, to allow Mr. Desligneris the privilege of negotiating Mohawks. It is greatly to be desired that this matter should be speedily

tiie

The

season has been so unfavorable that your delegates have remained at Quebec

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

500

an entire month, arrested by the bad weather, though

I

had given them their answer the day

after tlieir arrival. I

am, with respect,

Sir,

Your most humble and most obedient

La

A

true copy,

servant.

Galissoniere.

examined and compared with the original. Peter De Joncourt, Interpreter of the French language.

Mr. Banyar [

to

Lieutenant Des Ligneris.

New-York

Papers, Hh., No. 38.]

(Copy) Secretary's OflSce

New

York,

29* March 1749. Sir.

His Excellency has received Your

letter of the 19"" Instant in answer to that which I wrote you on the l?"" of the same Month, and hath been pleased to direct me to acquaint you, that altho he might in reason expect that upon the Treaty of Peace being notified to the Governour

to

of

Canada

all

the English Prisoners in

remove them from

liis

hands must be released.

Yet

in

compassion to the

unhappy situation as soon as possible, his Excellency is unwilling to omit or neglect any means in his power that may be conducive to a mutual Exchange of Prisoners, and therefore hath ordered me to make the following Proposals. 1" That His Excellency will release twelve French Prisoners in the hands of our Indians, if the Governour of Canada will on his part set liberty the five Indians of the Six Nations now in Goal at Quebec, and all the English Prisoners both Christians and Indians that are now in prisoners, and to

their present

his power. 2°'"^ S*"^

That the

said Prisoners be exchanged at or near

In respect to the other French Prisoners

His Excellency promised These,

to

Redemption

I

am

to signify as

Your answer

St.

Sacrament.

in Captivity

among

the Indians,

manner as the Governour of Canada has among the French Indians.

in like

do in regard to the English in captivity

Sir,

will expect

will facilitate their

Lake

who remain

His Excellency's ultimate Resolutions and that His Excellency

to this in writing,

when you have had

a resonable time to consider

of the matters proposed. I

am

Sir,

Your most Obed' humble Servant G. Banyar, Deputy Clerck of the Council.

A

true Copy, Exam'' p'

Gw. Banyar, D.

CI.

Con.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXIX. Lieutenant Des Ligneris [

New- York

to

501

Governor Clinton.

Papers, Hh., No. 89.

]

[TRANSLATED FEOM THE FEKNCH.] Sir, It

lo

was only

me

this

moment

that

I

could obtain the translation of the letter which was written

yesterday by order of your E.xceilency.

The Marquis de

la

Galisonniere did not set at liberty

he was informed of the suspension of

number of Frenchmen, and no

hostilities,

all

the English prisoners at the time

we had

then, among the Mohawks, a them from rhe slavery in which he has nothing more at heart tiian to see

because

steps had been taken to liberate

they had for eighteen months been.

Nevertheless, as

unhappy lot of the prisoners on the one part and on the other, I can assure your Excellency, in his name, that if you surrender to me all the French prisoners, he will immediately liberate all the English and Indians, in his hands. If you deliver to me only twelve French, he will give up the same number of English but there is no probability that he will release any Indian prisoners, so long as there will be any of our French among the Mohawks, who would trouble themselves but little, if once they recovered their people. an end put

to the

;

my opinion, Sir, the exchange of prisoners could be made more easily at Fort St. Frederick, which place more accommodation and conveniences could be found than at Lake St. Sacrament, where those who would arrive first would be obliged, perhaps, to wait a long time for the others, and where it is difficult to convey a stock of provisions, in consequence of the Rapids and Portages which intervene between Albany and that place. Your Excellency promises to facilitate the ransoming of whatever Frenchmen remain among In

at

the Mohawks. You will permit to answer thereunto, that the General of Canada, having ransomed about two hundred and eighty English from our Indians, has reason to hope that this government will not oppose any difficulties to doing the like for the small number of our French who yet remain among the Indians. For the rest, Sir, if your Excellency would approve of my negotiating with the Mohawks, perhaps I might induce them to surrender all the French, so as to recover their five men,

with

all

the English in his hands.

And

Excellency, matters would experience less

whom

the Marquis de la Galissoniere would release had the honor of treating vivd voce with your difficulty and terminate more promptly. if I

am, with the most profound

I

respect.

Sir,

Your most humble and most Obedient servant,

New-York,

A

lO"- April,

1749.

Desligneris.

true copy, examined and compared with the original Pr.

Peter de Joncourt,

Interpreter of the French language.

;

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

502

Lieutenant

Des Ligneris [New-York

Governor Clinton.

to

Papers, Hh., No. 40.

]

[TEANSLATED FROM THE FKENCII.] Sir,

take the liberty to write to your Excellency for the purpose which is this: As Mr. De Johnson withdrew only twelve or thirteen Frenchmen from the hands of the Mohawks, and you were not willing to receive alike number of English in exchange, if your excellency will consent to deliver these Frenchmen to me, the Marquis de la Galissociere will release all the English in his hands, whatever be their number and measures will be afterwards adopted to recover whatever prisoners will remain on the one side and the other. This will always be so many unfortunate people extricated

Finding no interpreter

of submitting a

new

to day, I

proposition,

;

from the painful situation

in

which they have been

long a time, and an approach to

for so

the liberation of the others. I been permitted to negotiate with the Mohawks, I am convinced that I should succeed what I would propose to them, which could not fail to be advantageous to both sides, and would not form any precedent. Your deputies experienced different treatment in Canada they spoke, whenever they pleased, to our Indians, out of whose hands they received some Englishmen, who would still be in slavery, had not the privilege been granted to those deputies which is denied to me here.

Had

in

cannot omit assuring your Excellency that

I

I

am

persuaded that the General of Canada, this affair, will quietly await the

an end to

after all the useless trouble he has taken to put

bringing back of his prisoners, before he will dispossess himself of those he has in his hands.

which

If the proposal,

your Excellency

to

J

have the honor

be pleased to

let

me

to

submit

you to-day, cannot be accepted, I pray I may return to Canada as

to

depart for Albany, so that

soon as possible. I

am, with the most profound respect,

Sir,

Your most humble and most obedient servant New-York, 14th

A

true copy,

Des

April, 1749.

Ligneris.

examined and compared with the original Pr. Peter de Joncourt, Interpreter of the French language.

Governor Clinton

to the

Marquis de

[New-Tork Papers, Hh., No.

41.

la Galissoniere.

]

(Copy.)

Fort George in

New

York, April

S"*

1749

S'

In answer to Yours of the 29'^ of

we

are

now

December

last

by

M"'

Des Ligneries

well assured that a definitive Treaty of peace

is

I

must observe that as

concluded between the Crowns

I

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXIX.

:

503

of Great Britain and France, the differences between you and me are on quite another footing from what they were before this For we are lii\ewise assured that by this Treaty ail Prisoners :

on both sides are to be set at liberty without ransom or any consideration of numbers, and therefore any treating on this Subject between us all

Prisoners on both sides

my

is finally

is

entirely at an end, since a general Release of

agreed to by our Masters, But as the Season of the year

may prevent Your shew my sincere Inclinations of Freeing the French as well as the English Subjects, from the unhappy situation into which their misfortunes in War had reduced many of them, and therefore I proposed to Your Deputy that though 1 had already set at liberty all the French Prisoners who were in my power, and not in the hands of the Indians, and who were in much greater number than all the English Prisoners that had been brought into Canada since the commencement of the war I would has prevented

receiving orders in pursuance of the treaty of peace, and

receiving Yours for

some considerable

time,

was desirous

I

to

;

who

further deliver up twelve of the French

condition that you at the same time deliver up

all

the Prisoners

Frontiers of our Governments, and that as to those

would

Redemption

facilitate their

the

in

who

made nigh Lake

Indians as well as Christians, and that the exchange be

I

Mohawk

are in the hands of the

who

still

same manner

as

remain

are in

St.

in the

you promise

Indians on

Your power,

Sacrament, near the

hands of our Indians, to

do

for the

English

Your Deputy M"" Des Ligneriees refused and says he is assured you will never agree to, but that I must in the first place deliver up all the French, and then you will facilitate our Redeeming our Prisoners by our paying a ransom for them, to the French Indians. This is giving the law (and a very unequal Subjects Captives in the hands of the French

one) which

I

am

But

this

confident cannot be received by any English Governour.

All the British Subjects

the Governour of

Indians.

who

are

now

prisoners in

Canada and commanded by

and therefore those

Britisli

Canada were taken by

his Officers

parties sent out

by

whether they were French or Indians,

Subjects are prisoners to the

King of France

:

they are then

included in the Treaty by wiiich the King of F>ance promises and stipulates to set at liberty

number

Prisoners without distinction as to

all

doubt the King of Great Britain has

in like

or otherwise, and without ransom, and as no

manner promised with respect

to

the French

Prisoners any where in his opinions.'

Now,

Sir, I

must repeat

who

prisoners

are in

to

you that

my Government

I

am

not only willing but very desirous to set

at Liberty,

the

all

whether they be French or Indians, and

nothing can hinder me, but the contrary disposition which you shew with regard to the King of Great Britain's Subjects, and the Indians

me

from

it, 'till

I

who were

in his Service.

This necessarily restrains like to the King of

have proper and Sufficient Assurances that you will do the

Great Britain's Subjects. It is become absolutely necessary for me to take this precaution after you tell me that you keep such a number of his Majesty's Subjects as Hostages for the delivery of the French Prisoners in my Government, and insist that the French be set at liberty, before the British Subjects have their liberty At the same time you refuse to set all his Majesty's Subjects at :

liberty, as

I

offer to the

French, but

tell

me

that the English

must go and purchase the

liberty

of numbers of their fellow Subjects from the Savages in Your Government and that you will

only assist them

in

making the best market they can. This supposes that you have given up the War, between the Crowns of Britain and France to be slaves to

British Subjects taken in the

Your Savages, and the supposing of

this is '

Sic.

an indignity to the British Nation,

dumiuiuDB.

— Ed.

in

which

I

am

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

504

Your Master will not justify you. The reason you give for this conduct is the great Expence you have been at in redeeming many of the Inhatjitants of this Province from the Indians: This might liave some weight if we were treating for an Exchange of Prisoners confident

during the continuance of a War, but can have none after the conclusion of a Peace, and after

it is

stipulated that

all

prisoners on both sides shall be set at liberty without

Ransom

or

other condition.

whom

these unfortunate people are prisoners had been an Independent

made War

of themselves, indepently of you, this Offer of assistance for the

If the Indians with

people, and had

redemption of the prisoners might be received as a good OfKce; but as they did not make War of themselves, but only in the Service and pay of the King of France, and under the command of his officers, whatever prisoners they take (by the law of Nations) must be looked on as a Prisoner of War, in the power of the King of France, and consequently are included in the

Treaty of Peace. Another reason which You give for detaining the British' Subjects is that I have not sent a number of Canadians to Canada, equal to the number of Prisoners of the Inhabitants of this Province that you have sent: This argument might have some force if Canada and New York were independent states, but as the one is subject to the King of France, and the other to the King of Great Britain, when the Number of Prisoners released on each side comes to be considered, whether they be of f^ew York or Canada is of no more consequence than whether they be of Bristol or Bourdeaux. You must be sensible Sir that I have released and sent to the French Islands and to Canada above three times the number of French that you ever had in Your power of the English, and at a

much

greater expence than you could be

it,

out of the hands of the Indians

is,

\our refusing

:

But

to set at liberty those

I

at, in

have

who were

taking the English Prisoners as you term

still

something further

to

complain

of,

which

taken since the cessation of arms took place,

under the pretence that it was not then known. If I could have imagined that you would have made use of such Pretence I could have detained seven French Ships with their Crews and Cargoes who were taken before the Cessation of Arms was known by the Captors, and brought in here Your Conduct would have justified me in detaining them as Hostages for the Liberty of the British Subjects in Canada and they would. have been a sufficient Security. You may see with what mildness and candour I have hitherto acted, and I hope that you will not give precedents that may hereafter prove prejudicial to the Subjects of France. In

Your

letter to nie

unluckily kindle again)

You

Your Successors (if the War should acknowledgment you find in the Council of

are pleased to insinuate that

may remember

the

little

New York for Your taking the English so speedily out of Slavery. The Council and people of New York have given such proofs of their humanity by the Treatment which great numbers of French Prisoners have received in this Government beyond what the English have met with any of the French Dominions that none who know and have any sense of gratitude can remain insensible of it. and if the Canadeans should not at any time hereafter be restrained by in

a sense of gratitude, and Humanity, yet

I doubt not the great disproportion between the British Northern Colonies and Canada will restrain them.

in force

and strength

I am truly sorry, S% that the peace between the two Nations should commence in this manner between you and me, by my being put under a necessity of making such heavy complaints: But I persvvade myself that whatever inducements you had for your conduct before you was assured of the peac ebeing finaly concluded you will uovv heartily join with me

LONDON DOCUMENTS in

removing everytiiing that may prevent

the sul)jects of both

Crowns

or exception,

you

that

and

I

in

my

punctual compHance with

tlie

XXIX.

:

restoring amity

&

505 a good understanding

between

our respective Governments whicli cannot be done witiiout a

desire of setting

confidently expect from

tlie

all

the Prisoners at liberty without distinction

Professions you

make

of

Candour and humanity

not delay in freeing the Prisoners in Your Grovernment from the unhappy

will

Situation they are

now

in.

should even have been pleased to have prevented you in every

I

my Government, that you can desire or expect of me, you had not restrained me by Your putting Conditions and Limitations to the liberty of the British Subjects which I think injurious to the honour of the British Na'ion, and contradictory I hope soon to hear from you, to the pacification so lately made between the two Crowns. that you have entered into the same sentiments with me, that I may lay hold of every opportunity of showing with what regard, I am, good

office to

the Subjects of France in

if

G. C.

A

true

Copy, Exam^

&

compar'* with the Draft thereof laid before the Council in P"-

Gw. Banyar, D.

New CI.

York.

Con.

Colonel Jolinson to Governor Clinton. [

May I

it

please

Papers, Hh., No. 44.

]

Your Excellency

am honoured

before but

New-Tork

was

with Yours of the 31" of March and

so

much hurryed

5""

of April which

in getting necessaries for the

I

should have answered

French Gentlemens journey &c

& dear here that it was with the greatest The day before they left Albany (which was 20"' Inst.) I had an Express sent for me by the Sachems of the five Nations, who were then two days at my house waiting my return. Whereupon I was obliged to go home and meet them. that

I

realy had not time «& every thing

imaginable

difficulty

I

could accomplish

is

so scarce

it.

who was killed last them were agents for the French Governour, who assures the five nations that if they will only bring him four of the French Prisoners, which the Indians took out of his Government that then he will deliver up all the Indians who are in Goal to them immediately; this was spoke in a full meeting at my house by an old Onondage Sachim who went last fall to Canada with some more of the five Nations, Their Chief business as they said was to condole the death of Gingego

year, as

&

is

is

now

customary, but

I

found afterwards that some

of

It appears to me plainly that the French are about an Exchange with the Indians, that by that

returned charged with this Embassy.

only endeavouring

all in

their

power

to bring

means he may increase his interest among them and have an opportunity of corrupting them further when he gets them there, as he always does. I shall use all my endeavours to overset his design, as I am sensible his succeding in it would produce worse consequences than any body should think it would be very good if Your Excellency could fall upon any I is aware of. Method to prevent their designs, or schemes, by getting the Indians out of their hands otherwise it will be diflicult to keep the five Nations from taking some of their Prisoners to Canada and

make

a trial themselves, as they see

Vol. VI.

we can 64

not succeed after giving us up so

many

prisoners

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCEIPTS.

506 for that end. untill

think that after the peace

I

is

proclaimed they will retain

they get every prisoner here out of the hands of our Indians.

so in Albany, which,

if so,

would be a very wrong and

cruel thing.

tlie

Indians in goal

M' Desligneries told nie must acquaint Your I

Excellency that the Inclosed Extract of Your and Governour Shirley's Letter (in the malicious

manner the French represented caused a great deal of uneasiness

it

some of the

to

among

five

who were

Nations

there last

fall)

has

the Indians, telling them that you and Governour

Shirley by Your letters look'd upon them as Slaves, or Dogs, to the English & several other confounded wicked thinge they had infused into the Indians' heads, among the rest begged of

Ihem

to be watchful!

to destroy

them

and on their guard that the English were determined the

all.

assure Your Excellency

I

I

had hard work to beat these

first (

&

oppertunity

several other

& make them easy. by the French, & more expected daily, so that they are now endeavouring all they can at any rate to gain the Friendship of the five Nations, in which I hope we may be enabled to disappoint them one way or other. Your Excellency desires to know what method could be taken to lessen the cursed villainous things told them by the French

There are several cannoes of goods sent already

)

out of their heads,

to the five nations,

charge of keeping the French Prisoners, but as the Indians are

know

their Sentiments at present.

I

think the best

of their

a hunting

all

is for

me

to

now &

keep them

I

can not

untill

they

Your Excellency know further. I can maintainance ere they go away from me, otherwise it would be making

return, then shall speak to tiiem on that head,

make no charge

&

way

let

two Accounts. can not help reminding Your Excellency of the necessity there

I

to

Oswego

offered us their assistance this war, otherwise they will

in

all

of sending Arent Stephens

is

as soon as possible, to talk with those Nations of foreign Indians,

probability turn to the French

imagine

who would embrace

Stephens should go, the sooner the better, otherwise he

we

who

so often

despise their kind offer and

such an Offer at any rate.

will not

meet them

there,

If

which would

be a great Disapointment and loss. In this case it would be requisite to send some Provisions and Ammunition to give them, such as pork, biscake, powder, lead, shot, flints, pipes and tobacco, which could not cost very much, and would be very acceptable to them, and the means of

drawing great numbers order

I

shall find all

to our interest.

If

Your Excellency agrees

to

it

&

only gives

me

an

those Articles except pork, which can not be got here, ten barrels of

& if it could be sent up by the first Sloop then I would send them Oswego. I assure Your Excellency it would do more good at this Conjuncture than any one thing that was ever done yet that way. I am with the greatest respect and esteem imaginable, S"" Mount Johnson Your Excellency's most Obliged humble Serv' April 28"" 1749 W" Johnson. which would be all immediately

sufficient,

to

Governor Clinton [New-Tork

to

Colonel tlohnson.

Papers, Hli.,No. 45.]

Sir. I

have Yours of the

Artifices

28'''

April

&

I

am

which the Gov' of Canada uses

well pleased with

Your

dilligence in discovering the

to instill Jealousies into the heads of our Indians

&

LONDON DOCUMENTS with Your getting such authentic proof of the Indians to deliver to you.

it

:

XXIX.

507

by the original paper which you have perswaded all the Methods which Your prudence & Your

You must use

knowledge of the Indian temper will suggest to you for removing those Jealousies & for establishing that Confidence which they ought to have in their Bretheren who have at all times remained their firm friends, & that they ought not to trust the French who were, they knew once, their declared enemys & who only cajole them with fair words in order to deceive

&

them,

King of

thereby

to create mistrusts of their true friends

You must

their ruin.

likewise let them

know

my

that

to gain

calling

an Advantage over them to them Subjects of the Great

of Great Britain cannot in any sense be construed to their Prejudice since

New York

Brethren

&

to

all

the

Gov"

&

they have always acknowledged themselves to be the English and Children of the great King, & that the word Subject is of the same are the King's Subjects,

That the French deceive them by putting any other construction on that That the French use their Artifice to persuade the Six Nations to Deny that they are the King of Great Britain's Children, thereby to deprive them of the Benefits they are to receive by the peace which is now made, and that it is only on this pretence that the Governour sense

meaning.

word.

Canada detains their Men in prison, because he says the Six Nations do not own themselves King of Great Britain's Children, that if they openly & boldly told the Gov'' of Canada that they are the King of Great Britain's Children, he durst not after the peace is made thus detain their people in prison because it would be a breach of the peace. You are likewise to take such prudent Methods that it be not in the power of the Indians to get the French Prisoners out of Your hands without my Consent. I trust to the Experience I have had of Your prudence that you will on all events act in such manner as will be most for His Maj' Service. I send up ten Barrells of Pork to you as you desired, to be sent with Aron Stephens to Oswego, to be given by him to the Mississagues with such other Goods which You have mentioned for confirming them & the other Nations to the Westward in their Fidelity to the Crown of Great Britain, & I trust you to give them such Instructions as you shall think proper on this occasion. But in case they be not come to Oswego soon after Aron Stephens shall get thither, he must not stay long there, because I expect I may have use for him after of

to be the

the arival of the next ship from England.

In case these Indian Nations do not arive while

Aron is there you are to direct him to leave the present with some person remaining at Oswego, in whose prudence you can have the greatest confidence together with the Instructions which you shall send for their conduct in this affair. I am. Sir, Your very h'"'' Serv' New York George Clinton. ig*

May

1749.

Governor Clinton's Report on

the

Province of New-Yorh.

[New-York Papore, Uh., No.

Answer

to the Several

Queries from the Board of Trade by the Hon'''' George

Clinton Esq' Governour of Qre

jit

The Province

Degrees of Latitude.

of

New York

The

principal

4S.]

New

York.

my Government is situate between the 40"" and 44'" Town, New York, in it is nearly 40 Degrees, 40 minutes

under

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

508

&

of Latitude

Tlie latitude and longitude have been observed

44 Deg' west from London.

by some Gentlemen

but probably not with the greatest accuracy as they were

this place,

in

not furnished with the best Instruments for that purpose.

Province

to the

Northward,

&

their out settlements

The French

on the Lakes

in Canada join on this Westward. the Southward there being

to the

more unequal in its Soil than the Provinces to Mountainous rocky Lands, but in other places, especialy on the Banks of the Rivers amost fruitful Soil either for grain or pasture. 2""* The province of New York is bounded by Hudson's River on the West from the mouth of the said River to the latitude of 41 Degrees on that River, and then by a line running from thence to the latitude of 40 Degrees & 40 Minutes on Delaware River, Hudson's River and the aforesaid line being the boundaries between this Province & New Jersey from 41 Degrees 40 Minutes of latitude on Delaware to the beginning of the 43 Degrees, or to 42 Degrees compleat. On the same River is the boundary between it & Pensylvania & from 42 Degrees compleat a parallel This Country

is

in sev' parts large Tracts of

of Latitude divides

it

from Pensylvania as

as Pensylvania extends, or to the claims of the

far

French of Louisiana. To the Westward from hence & to the Northvpard no Boundaries setled between us and the French, & most probably will be determined by occupancy or Force. To the Eastward it is bounded by the New England Governm" of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay and Connecticut to the sound between the Main and Long Island, and to the Southward The Dividing line from Hudson's it is bounded by the Atlantick Ocean including Long Island. River to Delaware is Disputed by the Proprietors of the Lands on each side of it. The occasion of the Dispute, so far as his Maj' interest

between

this

is

Province

&

I

understand

it,

from private Interest in which

arises only

concerned any farther than that Justice be done

little

Pensylvania

is

not ascertained upon the land,

&

this

:

the

Boundary

ought to be done

& Encroachments on his Majesty's Lands. The Boundary between this Hampshire & Massachusetts Bay is disputed, & it is thought those Provinces have made very large Encroachments on the King's lands in this Province, & the King thereby

to prevent disputes

& New

Province

deprived of a very large share of his Quit Rents.

The Province

of

New York was

at first held

by grant

to the

the Eastward by Connecticut River, but the Massachusetts

Duke

of York, and bounded to

Bay having

a charter previous to the

Duke's Grant, which Extended without limitation to the South Seas, the much greatest part of the Province of New York came under their claim & they still continue to claim and make settlements

many

Province of

New

miles to the Eastward of Connecticut River vrithin the Bounds of the

York,

&

the

Duke

was vacated and Declared Void by it is

thought the

Duke

Massachusetts Bay as the Settlements

still

a

The Charter

of York's Grant.

Decree

in

Chancery

of York's Grant takes place to

in

its full

keeps up their claim by virtue of their

made by

the

would

yield a considerable Quit

into.

The Boundary between

Massachusetts

Rent

this

Bay

to

at the usual Rates.

of the Massachusetts

Charles the Second's time

Bay

& thereby

Extent, however the Colony of

new

charter from

King William,

the Eastward of Connecticut River

This matter deserves

to

be inquired

Province and Connecticut are settled by agreement between

King William's approbation. Government is founded on His Maj' Commission & Instructions But the Assembly have made such Encroachments on his Maj^* Prerogative by to his Gov'. their having the power of the purse that they in effect assume the whole executive powers the two Colonies with 3''''.

The

into their as well

Constitution of this

own hands & particularly claim

by

fixing Sallaries

the sole right of Judging of and rewarding all Services, on the Officers annualy, as by rewarding particular contingent

LONDON DOCUMENTS But

Services.

as to this

I

beg leave

transmitted to their Lordships 4th 5th gth 7th

^

&

to

refer to the

XXIX.

:

509

Papers and Memorials which

I

have

the principal Secretary of State on this Subject.

3th

Answered by the Excerpt from the Custom House. But besides the province has by far the most considerable Trade for furs of any of His Maj' Colonies with many Indian Nations scituated within Land, & is the most advantagiously foreign trade by Sea

tliis

scituated for this trade of

consequence

any place

to the British

Trade,

in I

North America,

am

&

as

I

think this matter to be of great

collecting materials to be laid before their Lordships

on this head. In the mean time I must refer their Lordships to the Memorials sent while M' Burnet was Gov"" of this place, at which time the Indian

for their Information

Papers trade 9"".

&

was more particularly enquired into. No mines have been worked to any advantage besides Iron oar

quantitys but only one furnace set up in this Province. Males

White under 16 years

of which there are great

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

510

12000 Men in Canada able to bear Arms, a Force no way to be compared to the Force of the Northern Colonies, but notwithstanding of this they have by their form of Government a surprising superiority over the British Colonies, especialy in the time of War, while the sev Colonies act as seperate

&

Independent States pursuing seperate

&

private

Views

of Interest

But more especialy by the weakness of the Administration in the sev' Governments which gives Encouragement to Factious and Designing Men to pursue Ambitious Views or private Interests to the Prejudice of the publick Service. It is from this chiefly that so little has been done this last war, whereas if the power of the British Colonys often in opposition to each other

;

men & mony had been properly employed it had been Sufficient to have ruined the French Colony of Canada without any other assistance from Great Britain but that of Artillery, Arras & Amunition & a squadron of ships to prevent Relief from France. & is appropriated by Acts of Assembly for support IS"" At a common Computation .£2400 of Government & other Contingent Charges. ig"" The usual ordinary allowance for the support of Government is this year by Act

in

:

of

Assembly £35QS.

&

of late with both

15. 9

Currency, but as there has been

Kingdoms

it

is

impossible

to

War

make any

with Spain and France,

correct

calculations

of the

Extraordinary Expences. 20"'

Mine,

tlie

Collector's

&

Secretary's Commissions are from home, but

Civil and Military are appointed

by me, by

his Maj''

Authority

to

me

other Officers,

all

given for that purpose.

Except the Treasurer of the Province who is nominated & appointed by the Assembly, entirely under their Inspection, which has a great Influence over the Affairs of Government. G. Clinton. New York. 23 May 1749.

New York An

in

&

America.

Excerpt as followeth.

The Referred Queries from the Lords of Trade and Plantations And the required Answer from the Books of Reports and Entries in the Custom House at it's port by Direction of the GoV of this His Majesty's Province. ;

What

number

Tonage

&

the

number

of seafaring Men, with the respective Increase or Diminution within ten Years past?

What

Q''^

is

the Trade of the Province, the

of Shiping, their

Quantity and Sorts of British Manufactures do the Inhabitants annualy take from hence

What

trade has the Province with any Foreign Plantations or any part of

Great Britain

?

How

is

same Effectual

What Commodities do the people send to or ? What Methods are there used to prevent illegal trade &

that trade carryed on

receive from Foreign Plantations? are the

?

Europe besides

?

Ans' The Inward Trading in General is from Great Britain, European Goods, & those India with silk Manufactures chiefly. From Ireland Linnen & Canvas Manufacturies certified duly.

From

Straw Plating, Lime growth thereof. Hides, Deer Skins, Conch Shells, Mohogonie, Plank, Ebonie, From Europe and Africa, besides from English Foreign Settlements in America,

British Colonies, enumerated Commodities, Piemento, Sulphur,

juice. Coffee

&

Negros.

From the African Coast within the proper limits Directed, Negros now less than formerly. From Madeir & Canarie Islands the growth thereof, From the Northern and Southern parts Salt.

i

of this Continent, Fish, Oil, Bluber,

Whale

Fins, Turpentine Oil, Seal Skins, Hops, Cyder,

LONDON DOCUMENTS: Lamp

Flax, Bricks, Cole,

Rum

Black, certain wrought Iron

From

Carriages and Chairs.

Logwood &

other Dying wood,

Outward

London and

to

is

— Tin

511

&

Brasiery, Joinery, various

Plantations not under his Maj' Dominions, Molasses, Sugar

New Dutys

no great quantitys, since the Act imposing the

in

XXIX.

Indico,

&

thereon, Lign. Vitpe, Drugs,

Cocoa Nutts, Cotton Wool, Snuff

fee*

And

the

Outposts, the latter more seldom. Naval Stores, Copper ore, Furs

it's

and other the enumerated Species with the legal Import of divers Mercantile Wares, Plantation Iron, Oil, Spermaceti,

Planks, Reeds

To

&

Whale

Drugs.

To

Fins,

Lime

juice, Shruff, Myrtle

Ireland Flax Seed,

Rum,

Candles, Mahogany,

Sugar, being Prise

effects,

& Walnut

and Staves.

Deer & Elk Skins, Ox Horns, Sarsaperila, And Foreign Produce & Lumber, Moreover Argent Vivum,

Sev' Parts in Europe, Grain, Hides,

Logwood, Cocoa Nutts

(fcc"

Indico, Coffee,

Anato, Elephant's Teeth, Beewax, Leather, Sarsafrax, Casia-fistula, Wines and other Goods as Prise Effects hitherto brought and in the Vice-Admiralty Courts here and elsewhere adjudicated certifying. To Madeira & the Azorts, Grain and other Provisions, Bee Wax and To English Districts North and South of this Continent & West Indies, Provisions, Chocolate, Lumber European and India Goods with those Enumerated in the Plantation Trade Acts, and such other Imported here for conveyance home regularly To neutral Ports as Coracoa, Suronhaim, & Saint Thomas Provisions, Lumber, Horses, Sheep & other live Stock with

upon proper Staves.

;

their Provender.

which are particularised as to the Quantitys and Qualitys in the Quarterly the due transmitting whereof to their honours the Commissioners of the

All

Lists of Vessells

Customs from the

:

Officers hereat;

thereby

within the Queries signifyed time what

may appear

the Increase or Diminution'respectively differenceth

;

Therefore upon comparing which

it'l

be

somewhat more than the other. As to the shipping which at present belong here, the Number whereof is 157, the tons per registry 640G & Navigated with 122S men of Sea Employ, and for the preventive method of which happening illicite here, such prescribed in the principal Laws and aptly made use of, whereby to effect the same as contrary thereto so that upon any Breach carefully inquired after by the Deputed Officers, process is thus considerate, that the

first is

;

issued against the like in the Vice Admiralty, or sometimes in the Courts of Record holden hereat, for recovery of the Subjected penalty on the

Q" What

is

committed fraud

&

abuse.

the natural produce of the Country, Staple commodities and Manufacture, and

what value thereof in sterling Mony may you actually Export? Ans' The production and Manufacture is that the people in the country here for many years & yet have their home spun, so termed, of Flax and Wool to supply themselves somewhat with necessaries of cloathing &c. That for thirty four years or tiiereabouts, have been raised Linseed & mil'd into Oil, Hats made of beaver Furs, their Exportation prohibited by the Act from Michaelmas 1730, also the working of Lamp black. That, for nineteen Years, Sugar baking & its refining in order to consumption here and transportation for the other Districts on the Continent & the West Indias upon regular Certificate; And Erecting six houses latterly that

rum and other

Lead raised

& ;

Spirits

may

therein Distillable.

That

in the said

Province are Mines of

Iron Ores; the Manufacturing of which hath been of late proposed; likewise

And

that besides there are Grain of all kinds

quantity out of

soil

&

naturaly productive: Yet such with the like hither brought from the

Western and Eastern Parts of

this

Continent being vendible abroad cannot be distinguished

as to ascertain the Prices of annual Export, neither could be practicable

Exportings

;

Hemp

other Provisions with Tobacco, a small

because their current value according to the Markets

if

from the seperated

in their respective

Species vary.

G. Clinton.

New York

23''

May

1749.

;

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

512

Colonel John-son to Governor Clinton. [New York

May

please

it

Your

XXVIII., Hh.,

(B. T.)

49.]

Excell''.

Yours of the ID"" of May I am now honoured with and what I have done and recommended concerning Indian Excell^.

shall

I

send Arent Stephens up

among

am

very glad to find thereby, that

seems agreeable

Affairs,

Nations an account of the Peace, which requires a good deal of Ceremony in their

he

is to

to

Your

the Indians immediately to give the Five

way; then

condole (in Your Excell^^ name) the death of two old Sachims, one an Onondaga the

This ceremony

other an Oneida, and appoint two others of the best, in their room.

attended with a great deal of form

;

it

was always neglected

gave the French an opportunity of doing every thing

for their

interest.

Wherefore

it,

&

in

appointing such in

shall put a stop to

I

is

also

Commiss" time, which their room as would do

the late

that now.

After the two

aforementioned Articles are settled, the Interpreter shall proceed immediately to Oswego, with

how to manage with the foreign Indians and dispose of the Present, and when he returns, shall give Your Excell^ an account of the whole. I must tell your Excell^ I am at a very great loss how to manage concerning the French yet in my hands. These are proper instructions

they knowing it is peace I have been obliged to purchase out of y"' hands of the Indians now, plague me every hour to go home, & are vastly uneasy, so that I have hard work to keep them, and on the other hand should they be given up or sent home, e'er we get the Indians, it will occasion a great jealousy; so that I should be glad to know what I must do with them.

what

I

;

have got a

came

in a

how your which

I

body

so that now I have thirteen prisoners in all at my Mohawks and Conojoharie Indians returned from hunting, they all my house, to know what news there was in their absence, also to know

last

girl

As soon

house.

week from Moses,

as the to

Excell^

managed

that affair with the French party about the exchange of prisoners left them no reason to blame your Excell'" you may judge Sir) vastly uneasy at their brethren

acquainted them of in such manner as

conduct therein.

However they

are (as

being so long confined there, after delivering up so

many

of their

prisoners

for

their

news I had which was proper to be communicated to them, they began and told me theirs, which was in short, that they had met with several of the Coghnawagees in the woods as they hunted, who at first were affraid to approach the Mohawks at length a Coghnawagee Sachim ventured to one of their houses and told the Mohawk that it was now peace, and hoped that they the Mohawks would forgive what was past, and live for With that they gave a Belt of Wampum, adding that in a short time the future in friendship. they might expect the Chiefs of Coghnawagee at their Castles, to make up the breach between After

releasement.

I

told all the

;

them and was[h] away the blood of they told the

Mohawks they had

all

the slain, in a more ample manner.

In the next place

a message from the Sachim Nichas &'

the purport of which was, that for these two years past they did not

who

are in goal,

much regard

their

&

were in hopes of being released as soon as they were but now seeing that most of the English were sent back again, and not finding any hopes of their brother the Governour or me, getting them confinem' seeing their brethren the

English shared the like fate with them, ;

now at last send a message with a large Belt of Wampum to all the Sachims, entreating them to pitty them and send only three French prisoners with half a

out captivity, they

dozen of the

Mohawks

to

Canada, and that

will

immediately procure them their liberty, as the

LONDON DOCUMENTS: Gov'' of

These two

Canada has assured them.

The Mohawks answered them

thus, but

it

XXIX. were

articles

all

never was customary

513 that

was of much moment.

to treat

about any

of

affair

importance in the woods, moreover that they had a brother at home, without whose advice

This message or story was so plausable and

and opinion they could do nothing of that kind. moving, that your Excell^ find a

way

may

well judge

Canada with

to prevent the Indians going to

Nevertheless

their people.

I

required a great deal of trouble and thought to

it

put a stop to

their prisoners, for the redemption of

for a while,

it

but

they (the Indians) are not sent

if

doubt, to keep them from taking

back along with the English Captives,

it

a tryal, being a thing so very natural

and should that be the case,

have a poor opinion of leave I

them

us, to

say no worse of

in the lurch at last;

know what

to

;

be impossible,

will

which

I

it,

heartily

it would make the Indians we bring them to join us in the war, & wish may not be the case now. The sooner

that

do with the French prisoners the better,

no keeping of them well, without confining them, which

Your

I

for

they are so uneasy that there

presume cannot be done now. most obed' Serv'

W"" Johnson.

the 26"' 1749.

A

true

is

And am

Excell^'

Mount Johnson

May

I

Copy G. Clinton.

Oovernor Clinton [New -York

to the

Papers.

(

S.

DuTce of Bedford. P. 0.

)

IX., 84.

]

(Duplicate)

Fort George 28"' June 1749. Lord Duke. Your Grace may see by the inclosed copy of the affirmation of Thomas Cummins and Affidavit of John Woollaston, with what height of Insolence, the faction in opposition to me, carry on their malicious resentments. M"" Oliver De Lancey (Chief Justice De Lancey's brother) I am well assured has in many companies expressed himself in terms as abusive, and injurious to my character, and with a view to excite tumults, and sedition in this Governm' as he did at the time mentioned in the enclosed evidence. But the power by the Office, and

My

violent overbearing temper of chief Justice deterrs

all

De

Lancey, and others of the same family so

people of this province, that no proper information could be obtained,

flagitiousness of this action produced the evidence

which

I

now

enclose.

inform Your Grace, that upon a further examination of the witnesses

De Lancey

it

1

till

far

the

must likewise

will appear, that Oliver

retained the perfect use of his senses and strength of body;

but that

D""

Colhun

speak intelligibly or walk without staggering, and that the position of the wound given him evidently shews that it must have been done by a stab after D' Colhun was down, Oliver De Lancey immediately fled David Johnson the principal evidence likewise ab.sconds, and the other persons present in the Tavern (except

was

so

much overcome with

liquor, that he could

not

;

Cummins and Woolaston are gone Colhoun may recover of his wound, Vol. VI.

out of the province. 1

As there are now hopes De Lancey prosecuted

resolved to have Oliver

65

that

D'

for the

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

514

words spoken by him in the Tavern, but I find every Lawyer in the place, unwilling and afraid to appear for the King against the Chief Justices brother. I must beg leave further to inform Your Grace tiiat M' Bradley His Maj'^" Attorney General for this province has been for many years confined to his house, by sickness and old age, and is besides a man of so little knowledge and understanding, that he is by no means capable of discharging the dutys of that Station, but employs some of the lower practicers of the

Law

to

carry on the ordinary business of the Office.

The want

of a proper person in that station has been extreamly prejudicial to His Majestys

Royal authority

service here, has in great measure brought the

and encouraged

into contempt,

a faction headed by the Chief Justice to treat me, and almost every Officer of the Govern' with the greatest slights, and not only so but service requires the Assistance of a

frequently happen.

I

am

laid

under great

Lawyer, which

These things have and

in the

difficulties

expect will greatly distress

I

whenever His

Maj'J*

Administration of Govern' must

me

in the execution

of the trust His Maj'^ has placed in me.

have prevailed on M^ William Smith not only to be concerned for the King against Oliver

I

De

Lancey,

Maj''' shall

in the case

think

fit

above mentioned, but

to appoint

him

to accept of the

to that Office.

He

is

extensive knowledge in the law, has been long at the Bar in is

Attourney General's

a very eminent speaker, has maintained an untainted character and

trust.

do therefore humbly recommend him

I

this province, in the

may

Your Grace

to

room of M' Bradley and

to

As

M''

Bradley

is

now way

affairs here,

old and has a

is

highly worthy of that

be appointed Attourney Gen" of

I

think his appointment will be

and be a great means of rendering

Administration easy to myself and useful to the people committed to charity in any other

His

that the Salary usually allowed to that Officer,

be continued to him, and do assure Your Grace, that

extreamly servicable to the King's

Office, if

gentleman of great abilities and this, and the neighbouring province, a

numerous family,

than this by which His

I

my

must recommend him

Maj'^'* service suffers

my

future

care. to

—

exceedingly.

His Maj''' I

am with

the greatest respect

My

Lord Duke Your Graces most obedient and most humble servant

His Grace the Duke of Bedford.

Governor Clinton [

G. Clinton.

(signed).

New- York

to ilie

Papers,

Dxike of Bedford.

( S. P. O., )

XI,

66. ]

Fort George,

in the

New York

7.

City of

July 1749.

My

Lord Duke. Your Grace will see from the minutes of Council, and the evidence contained in them, against Oliver De Lancey (Chief Justice's brother) to what height of malice and insolence the Tools of the Faction are arrived, and

which

I

perswade myself will move Your Graces indignation.

LONDON DOCUMENTS No man can imagine

:

XXIX.

515

that any one durst go such lengths, that did not think himself protected

by the Chief Justice and by a Brother. And whatever pretence of abhorrence the chief Justice may make, I am well informed that he has been present when his brother has talk'd in such like

manner, and

is

conscious, that by his

and insolent reflections on

Your Grace

me

and

my

common

conversation,

perceive wliat difficulties

will easily

lie

has encouraged such base

administration. I

must have laboured under, from an

insolent Faction while they thought themselves under the protection of a Ciiief Justice this last outrage,

with others of the like nature,

disappointed faction.

And

therefore

I

I

;

but

believe are the last efforts and struggles of a

hope that His

.Miij'>*

orders and instructions, relating to

the past behaviour of Assemblies in this province, and for the future conduct of the Governours in the Matters,

which have been

in dispute will be sufficient to quell the present disorders if

they come at this time.

But to preserve the peace of this Colony, and to prevent the like Cabals for the future, I am humbly of opinion, that it will be proper to send over fit persons from England to be Judges one

in this province, especialy

Chief Justice,

to be

for

Your Grace by considering the past

disorders in this Govern', will find they have proceeded from persons ambitious to have that Office,

and by the several

relations,

and dependencies and parties, which arise on any party Judges commonly take sides, and the Administration

struggle, where, in so small a Country, the

common justice becomes precarious. There are few cases which come before Judges (natives of this Province) wherein they are not some way interested, and there is even danger of the People's loosing all sence of Justice as well as of good Govern'. In the present case of the prosecution of Oliver De Lancey, the chief Justice is his Brother, and the other Judge a weak man, and strongly attached by of

friendship to the

De

Lancey's family.

my letter of the SD"* of May (a duplicate of which 1 sent p"" ship Samuel and Judith S"" June and now inclose a triplicate), of the dispute which happened and still continues between the Governour of Canada and me in relation to the release of prisoners on both sides and of the designs, which I think that Gov'' has in prejudice to the British interest and Commerce among the Indians, to which [ beg leave to refer Your Grace, I at the same time sent Your Grace copies of the letters which passed between that GoV and me. Since that time 1 have got all the French prisoners, who were in the hands of our Indians, delivered up to M'' Johnson (the Officer whom I employ to manage the Indian affiiirs) and I have restrained the Five nations from sending deputies to Canada. This no one Gov' of New York (before this time) was ever able to obtain The Five nations have always before this, at the conclusion of a war, made peace in Canada, seperately from us, and have exchanged prisoners there, and at the same time entered into new engagements with the French in the I

informed Your Grace by

;

;

doing of this

I

have been

at considerable

expence

in presents,

without which, nothing can be

done with the Indians; The whole of this expence is out of my private pocket, as I can not at present command one farthing of the publick money in this province. am likewise informed, that several parties of Indians, have been fitted out from Canada, to fall upon the English frontiers, and have actually killed some people in New England, and have made those who began to resettle their farms on the frontiers of this province again, to I

desert them. Officer at

The French

Officer at

Crown

point, pretends in a letter to the

Albany, that these parties of Indians went out without his knowledge

think otherwise, than that they were sent out by the Governour of Canada.

;

Commanding yet I

am

I

can not likewise

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

516

five weeks since several bodies of men, about 1000 in the whole, marched Canada to tiie Westward. 1 am perswaded this is done with a design to

informed that about

from Montreal

in

who join'd us in the war, and who trust to our protection, and to obstruct the British Commerce, every where among the Indians and as I can not command any of the publick money, it is impossible for me to do, what otherwise would be my This as well as many other things show duty, in opposition to these measures of the French. reduce or destroy the Indian nations,

;

how necessary it

is for

Her Maj'^

to interpose his

Authority

to

put an end speedily to the factious

proceedings in this Govern'

must likewise humbly submit

I

made

application

this occasion

to the

—

I

to

Your Grace, whether

French Court,

am

for proper

it

orders to

may

not be necessary to have

the Governour of

Canada on

with the greatest of respect

My

Lord Duke Your Grace's most obedient and most humble servant (signed). G. Clinton

P. S. I have just time to inclose to your Grace the Councils address and minutes of the Gen'

Assembly

this

day

To His Grace

the

Duke

of Bedford.

Governor Clinton

to the

Lords of Trade.

[Now-York Papers, Hh., No.

50.

]

Fort George. 7* July 1749.

My

Lords.

Your Lordships against Oliver

from the Minutes of Council and the Evidence contain'd in them

will see

De Lancey (Chief

indignation

No man

:

may make

I

am

&

insolence the

persuade myself will move Your Lordships

&

by a brother, and whatever pretence of abhorrence the

well informed that he has been present

talked in such like manner, and

is

conscious that by his

such base and insolent reflections on

Your Lordships

I

can imagine that any one durst go such lengths, that did not think

himself protected by a Chief Justice chief Justice

what height of malice

Justice's brother) to

Tools of the Faction are arrived, and which

me and my

will easily perceive

what

common

when

his

Brother has

conversation he has encouraged

Administration.

difficulties I

must have laboured under from an But

insolent faction while they thought themselves under the protection of a Chief Justice. this last outrage

with others of the like nature

disappointed Faction to the past

come

And

therefore

behaviour of Assemblies

in the Matters

they

;

which have been

at this time.

in

I

I

beleive are the last Efforts and struggles of a

hope that His Majesty's Orders and Instructions relating

in this

Province and

for the future

conduct of Government

dispute will be sufficient to quell the present Disorders

if

LONDON DOCUMENTS But

to preserve the

peace of

liumbly of opinion that

it

this

Colony and

:

XXIX.

to prevent tlie like

will be proper to send over

fit

517 Cabals

for the future I

am

persons from England to be Judges

Province especialy one to be Ciiief Justice, for Your Lordships by considering the past

in this

Disorders of this Government will find they have proceeded from persons ambitious to have

which arise on any party wherein so small a Country the Judges commonly take sides and the Administration of common justice becomes precarious. There are few cases which come before Judges (Natives of this Province) wherein they are not some way interested and there is even danger of the People's loosing all sense of justice as that Office, and by the several relations and Dependencies and parties struggle,

Government

well as of good

In the present Case of the Prosecution of Oliver

:

the Chief Justice's Brother, and the other Judge a to the

De Lancey

weak man,

De Lancey,

strongly attached by friendship

family.

my Letter of the 29"" of May (a Duplicate of which I sent per June and now inclose a Triplicate) of the Dispute which happened and still continues between the Governour of Canada and me, in relation to the Release of Prisoners on both sides, & of the Designs which I think that Governour has in prejudice to the Brittish Interest & Commerce among the Indians, to which I beg leave to refer Your Lordships. I at the same time sent Your Lordships copies of the Letters which passed betwen that informed Your Lordships by

I

Ship Samuel and Judith

8""

Governour and me. Since that time delivered up to

M''

have got

I

Johnson

have restrained these

five

all

the French Prisoners

the Officer

(

whom

I

who were

employ

to

This no one Governour of us,

hands of our Indians

the Indian Affairs) and

I

Nations from sending Deputies to Canada.

New York

(before this time) was ever able to obtain: the five

Nations have always before this at the Conclusion of a war,

from

in the

manage

and have exchanged prisoners there, and

made peace

at the

in

Canada, seperatly

same time entered

into

new

Engagements with the French, In the doing of this I have been at a considerable expence in presents, without which nothing can be done with the Indians. The whole of this expence is out of

my

private pocket, as

I

can not at present

command one Farthing

of the publick

Money

in this Province.

am

likewise informed that several parties of Indians have been fitted out from Canada, to upon the English Frontiers and have actualy killed some people in New England, and have made those who began to resettle their Farms on the Frontiers of this Province again The French Officer at Crown Point pretends in a letter to the Commanding to desert them. Officer at Albany that these parties of Indians went out without his knowledge, yet I cannot I

fall

think otherwise than that they were sent out by the Governour of Canada.

1

am

likewise

weeks since several bodies of Men, about 1000 in the whole, marched from Montreal in Canada to the Westward. I am persuaded this is done with a design to reduce or destroy the Indian Nations who joined us in the War, and who trust to our protection, and to obstruct the Brittish Commerce every where among the Indians. And as I can not command any of the publick money it is impossible for me to do what otherwise would be my duty in opposition to these measures of the French. This as well as many other things shew informed that about

five

how

for

necessary

it is

His Majesty to interpose his authority to put an end speedily

Factious proceedings in this Government.

to the

'

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

518 I

must likewise humbly submit

have application made

Your Lordsliips whetlier

to

it

may

not be necessary to

the Frencii Court for proper orders to the Governour of

to

Canada on

this occasion. I

am

with very great Respect,

My

Lords,

Your Lordships most obedient and most humble Servant G. Clinton. P. S.

I

have just time

to enclose to

Your Lordships

y"

Minutes of the Assembly

to this

day

and Council's address. G. C.

Captain Marshall

to

Governor Clinton.

[New-rork Papers, Hh., No.

51.]

Albany

23='

June 1749.

Hon''

commands

T

shall give as particular accounts as T possibly

fortifications ettc of the different places

the metropolis, shall

first

begin with

I

was

in, in

Canada, and as Quebec

it.

This town stands upon near as much ground as the City of New York, but does not contain above half the number of houses at most. It is situated on the west side of the River S' Lawrence, where a small river to the Westward called by the French la petit Riviere (and emptying itself into the River S' Lawrence) forms a point on which the Town is built, and is almost in form a triangle it is divided into two parts, one called the upper and the other the lower town, the last lies on the River side and has two batteries of eight pieces of Cannon each, ;

consequence in case of an attack. In this part of the Town the streets are regular, and the houses well built; and are chiefly of Stone; from that part of the lower town, next the River S' Lawrence, there is but one way to ascend to the upper, which is cut shelving along the hill or rather Rock, and is about one hundred and twenty feet in height, and overlooks all the lower town; it is certainly one of the strongest natural fortifications in America; being

tho' of little

almost perpendicular (and as

On

the top of this Hill

i

said before an entire rock).

stands that part called the upper town from

beautiful and extensive prospect, of the rivers and

Country about

whence there is a Here are

a several leagues.

several good buildings of stone (to wit) the Siminary and convents of Fryers of the order of

two Nunneries, part of one of which buildings wounded, seven churches beautifully ornamented and very

S' Francis,

is

the King's hospital for sick and

and that called the Cathedral Church of this City, but the most magnificent of any, and which deserved to be first mentioned is the College of Jesuits. On the back or South part of the Town they are building a strong Stone wall of a considerable height and thickness; which extends from the River S' Lawrence to the Petit Riviere, they having no occasion to carry it any further as nature has fortified that part of the Town next to the two rivers, much stronger

is

much

rich,

larger than the English

then can be done by art as before observed.

On this Hill or upper Town are four batteries, which is the Grand Battery, situated on that part which forms the point between the two rivers, and looks directly down the River S' Lawrence, it has forty three pieces of Cannon, the

first

of

LONDON DOCUMENTS four, six,

hill is

&

and nine pounders

work

peripet or Breast

XXIX.

:

581

two mortar pieces of fourteen inches diameter each, do

to cover the guns, nor

I

think there

of such a prodigious height and any access to

it

any occasion

is

so difficult.

To

for

it

has no

them, as

tlie

the westward of this

battery at about one hundred yards distance, is another small one, of four pieces of Cannon, two of nine and two of eighteen pounders. About sixty yards further west is another of the same sort. The use of these small Batteries seem to me, designed to command the other side of the petite Riviere, in case any forces should land below tlie Town and take that rout to get It is plain they can not command any part of the Rivers, where ships or to tlie back part. vessels of any burthen can pass, neither can they do much damage to forces that should land and march that way, the opposite side of petit Riviere being a fine low Country, where the Troops might pass far enough out of reach of those Cannon. The last of the four Batteries, is to the Southward of the Grand Battery about two hundred and fifty or three hundred yards, has twenty six pieces of Cannon of four and six pounders, and a Cover or Breast work of

Stone about four passing by the

several other pieces of

was

to be sent

design of this Battery seems to be to prevent ships

to land forces above, to

These are

across the River S' Lawrence.

were

The

feet in height.

Town,

Cannon, besides

about three leagues

come down on all

the back part, as

in different part of the

down

only

it

commands I saw

the batteries they have in Quebec.

Town, but understood they

me

the River, to a place where they told

the Channel

pass at a time, and that there

so narrow and difficult, that but one ship could

travelling carriages ettc always in readiness to transport

them

were

to that place in case of a Fleet's

coming up the River.

West from Quebeck about three Leagues the Lidian Nation of Hurons have a Castle, called by the French Lorette contains about Forty houses. The Country from Quebec to this Castle and round about, is very populous, the land hilly and broken, yet in many places produces plenty of good wheat and peas. In my Journey from Quebec to Montreal which I made on the west side the River S' Lawrence, I found the land near the water side fertile and good, full of Inhabitants, but this is only to be understood of the land lying within half a league of the River, for, from thence backwards, there are no inhabitants, neither indeed can there be, the land being so exceedingly barren, that

it is

impossible to improve

it.

Thirty miles South of Quebec on this side the River,

any

fortifications, called

Westward and there

of this is

is

is

a small inconsiderable town without

Trois Riviers, where resides a Deputy Gov"'

Tliree leagues to the

a very fine iron mine, where they have a large furnace and five Forges,

a report current that they cast

Cannon

ettc

at

that

place

;

I

saw

the molds of

and one (Cannon) which they had attempted to cast but was spoilt in the casting. This mine is the sole property of the King, and I was told that four hundred of his men were daily employed here. several

The

distance from

Quebec

parishes and Churches, that Tiie

Town

of Montreal

to Montreal

is

River S' Lawrence, ten Leagues

The Town

is

sixty leagues,

in

six,

is

this there

is

and one quarter

a small hill

and nine pounders, called the

and Country Round, besides

and betwixt them are

fifty

eight

length but not of any considerable breadth.

three quarters of a mile in length

stone wall quite round, near the center of Cannon, four,

is

twenty nine, on each side the River S' Lawrence. situated on an Island of the same name, on the west side the

is,

and on

it

flattery R,oyal,

no other Battery here.

in breadtli,

has a strong

a battery of twenty six pieces

and commands the River

There are indeed some small

— NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

582

pieces of Cannon, on the ramparts but

Town

of Montreal

is

I

cannot ascertain there number.

beautiful, tiie streets are regular

and

The

situation of the

houses neatly built of Stone and

tiie

Deputy Governour. A fine Cliampain country round Four Leagues South of the Town of Montreal, on the East side the River S' Lawrence, is an Indian Castle, called by us Cochnawagah, by the French Osault S' Louis, they compute five hundred figiiting men, and that it contains in the whole a thousand souls it is Plcketted in, has a Church, two Jesuits and an Officer posted wood.

'Tis the place of residence of a

about a good

soil

and well inhabited.

;

Six leagues South of this Castle

here, as they have in every Indian Castle.

by the French Lac de deux Montague, by us Conasadagah,

in this are

another Called

is

about the same number

of souls as in the other, but the Inhabitants here are of two different nations, that isOrondocks and Cocknawagahs. These are all the Indian Castles I was at in Canada. On the East side the river S' Lawrence, two leagues distant from the Town of Montreal, is a small village call

Laprarie (not

from whence there

fortified)

is

a

Road

to Saint

John's about

five

leagues and

bears from Montreal South East. S' John's is a Fort situated on the River Chamblain which leads to the Lake of the same name, it is picketted in, has two block houses, but no Cannon, being designed chiefly as a magazine for the provisions and other stores, to supply the Garrison at Crown point, the carriage

from hence thither

is

by a small brigg.

Thirty two leagues South of

S' Johns, on the Lake Chamblain is the Fort Saint Frederic by us Crown point) where a Bay and small River to the Eastward forms a point on which the Fort stands. This Fort is built of Stone the walls of a considerable height and thickness, and has twenty pieces of Cannon and Swivels, mounted on the Ramparts and Bastions, the largest of which is six pounders, and but few of them. I observed the wall cracked from top to bottom in several places. At the entrance to the Fort is a dry ditch,

(called

eighteen or twenty foot square and a draw Bridge. this

draw Bridge

water

to the

Lake which

to the Fort, as the well

I

apprehend

they have in

corner of the Fort stands the Citadel

;

it is

it

first

story,

affords

There

is

a subteraneous passage under

be made use of in time of need to bring

them but very

little.

In the north west

a stone building eight square, four story high each

turn'd with arches, mounts twenty pieces of

of which are in the

is to

Cannon

and are useless

till

&

swivels, the largest six pounders, four

the walls of the fort are beat down.

The

walls of the Citadel are about ten foot thick, the roof high and very tant, covered with shingles.

At

the entrance of the Citadel

the entrance of the Fort.

To

is

a draw Bridge and ditch of the same dimensions of that to

the South South East and South west of the Fort the ground

is

and is very advantageous of erecting a battery in case of a siege, as 'tis not above three hundred yards distance from the Fort. Behind it the land is low, and some thousands of men rising

may

lie

and

lies

without receiving any damage from the Cannon of the Fort, as the ridge circular so far as to flank

wooden houses in the Fort which The land near the Fort in general

two of the Bastions.

They have

is

a fine covert

a Chappel and several other

are put to no other use then the storing their provisions ettc. is level

and good, also on each side of the Lake which they

are settling, and since the peace there are already fourteen farms on

given by the King for that purpose, and

I

was inform'd

that

it,

and great encouragement

by the next

fall,

several

more

were coming there to settle. This Fort is of very great importance to the French; for in time of war the parties sent to our fronties, are supplyed with necessaries from hence, at the same time it serves as a place of retreat, it lying north of Albany but about 40. Leagues. families

— LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXIX.

:

583

Having been honoured by Your Excellency, with a Commission to the Governour General of Canada, I was on that account rendered the less capable of making more observations, tlien if I

had perhaps been among them

my King

for the service of

knowledge

I

in a character not so

and Country, that

I

—

my

zeal

no opportunity of acquiring all the and even of their future expectations, as

could of their situation, strength ettc

our neighbours and Rivals.

However such was

publick.

let slip

beg leave only

to add, wiiat possibly Your Excellency may amount of their regular troops consists of 20. independant companies. As an addition to those there were daily expected to arrive from Old France, four compleat companies of fifty men each. I should have informed you I was at Quebec, when two hundred Recruits arrived from France, and six hundred more were daily

have heard before, and that

I

shall

is

the whole

:

expected, to compleat the above companies to Fifty

A

men

each.

Quebeck I saw an Engineer and one hundred and sixty men embark from thence, for some place, as 1 was told in Acadia to erect a Fort there, the common report, and I believe it to be true, was, that there was as many more to follow them to the same place, and for the same purpose as would augment the number of the whole to four hundred. By what general conversation had with the French, in every part of Canada where I was, it seems very certain they are more chagrined at our settling at Chebucta, then if we had even kept posession of Cape Breton, as the situation, conveniency of harbour ettc, is of more few days before

I left

1

importance

to

them than Louisbourgh, and

have heard them often declare they will never

1

think themselves secured against the English in case of a future

no

less I

war unless they

are masters of

than Chebucta and Newfoundland.

wish

it

had been possible

for

However

Inhabitants in Canada.

I

me

to

did

all

have made any computation of the number of 1

could to

come

to that

knowledge which was by

enquiry, and by that understood, they were about forty thousand. I

am

with the greatest respect, defference

and gratitude

Your E.xcellency's Most obedient, most dutiful and most humble servant

New

York, July the 30"' 1750.

To His

(signed)

B.

Stoddert

Excellency.

Attorney -General Bradley [

New- York

to

Papers, (S. P. 0.

)

Captain lioddam. XI., 202.

]

(Copy). Sir receiv'd Your's of the 21" inst: but confess litle expected any letter on that subject after answer to your first but as you now demand an answer in writing, that you may acquaint the Lords Commissioners of His Maj'" navy of my conduct in this affair. I shall state the I

my

facts as

;

they are

come

to

my knowledge

in order to give a

more

distinct

answer

to

what you

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

584

demand. James Parks your Gunner's mate by order of your Lieut' fired a swivle gun from your ship at a small pleasure boat crossing tiie Bay, which killed a young girl in the boat; the corpse was brought ashore in this City and the Coroner supposing the fact to have been done within the body of the City and County of New York according as the bounds of the City is described in the Charter granted to this City by his Maj'^'' letters patent which are confirmed

by act of Assembly, summoned a Jury which sate on the body, and by that inquest the found to be murder committed within the body of the City and County of

James Parks

guilty thereof; and

I

am

told

to say

Whether these

this Province.

any further than that James Parks

is

fact is

York, and

James- Parks by your order was sent ashore from

the ship, examined by the Coroner, and being accused of murder as above,

Gaol by the Chief Justice of

New

was commited

facts are true I can't

to

pretend

found guilty of murder by the Coroners inquest as

me and which if you give me must represent to the Lords of the Admiralty accordingly. You desire by your first letter to know whether I have demanded James Parks of the Chief Justice, and if I have Whether an Attorney General of this province is obliged to answer not, why I have not. those questions I'm certain is no matter of doubt, but waving that I answer, I have not demanded him, and the reasons why 1 have not is: because I know no power or right I have to demand him and might Justly expect a severe censure from the Chief Justice for my above, but have stated them as they have been reported to

occasion,

I

impertinence and arrogance in matters of

Whether

the clause in his Excell"^^'

Law

should

I

do

Commission you

it.

refer to in

your

oust the supream Court of this province of Jurisdiction, in this case of

letter is sufficient to

M' Parks's

is

not

my

and God forbid but that he should have all the priviledges the Law allows him, especially in a matter of blood which I doubt not he will have, if he has anything to plead that can be of advantage to him in any way whatsoever. province to determine

1

hope

Sir, this

;

being the Case you will not make

it

necessary for

me

to justify

my

conduct

to their Lordships in this affair

And am your very humble servant R. Bradley.

July 23"^ 1750.

To

Capt"

Roddam Command''

a true copy

of H. Majesty's ship

(signed)

Captain,

Greyhound

R. Roddam.

Roddam

to

[New-Tork Papers

Governor Clinton.

(S. P. O.) Xt., 211.]

itt please Your Excellency As James Park Gunner's mate

May

of His Maj'^ ship Greyhound under my command was committed to the common gaol of this City by Chief Justice De Lancey contrary to a Clause in your Commission, I think my duty to inform Your Excell'^ that he still remains there notwithstanding I have applyed to the chief Justice by letf several times for his discharge I likewise applyed to M' Bradley his Maj'J" Attorney Generall of this province, who's duty I

—

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXIX.

585

thought was to support His Maj'>' prerogative in all cases but by his answers to me copys of which I here inclose you'll Judge whether M"" Bradley, acts as he should in this case, Your Excell'^'' having long served in his Maj'^''* Navy in general, I leave this to Your Excellencys consideration 1 am with all due defferance and respect Your Excellency's most humble and most obedient humble servant July the SG"- 1750. (signed). R. Roddam.

—

To Governor

—

Clinton.

Governor Clinton [New- York

to

Captain Roddam.

Papers, (S. P. O.

)

XI., 212.

]

(Copy). July 27"' 1750.

Fort George.

Sir

Your letter of yesterday's date I received in which you make application to me in the affair James Park your Gunner's mate I have this day sent a copy of it to the Attorney General, and at the same time told him, that as the case concerned 11. Maj'> service, I thought it his duty to assist and advise you what steps were proper to be taken, which he has promised to comply with but notwithstanding of this, if he should not be able by his age and infirmities or otherwise to do this effectually and properly, it is my opinion, that you should apply to some other able Lawyer for his Assistance, as the affair strikes deeply at the discipline of the Navy, and I make no doubt of the Lords of the Admiralty's readiness in reimbursing any necessary expence that may occur on this occasion, and I would advise you to acquaint that board of all your proceedings upon tlie case. I am of

;

*

;

Sir

To

Capt°

Roddam

Com'*'' of

Captain

— Your humble

servant.

G. Clinton.

H. M's ship Greyhound.

Roddam

to

Chief Justice Delancey.

[ New-York Pspers,

(

8. P.

0.

)

XI., 218.

]

Sir.

As James Park my Gunner's mate committed to Gaol by your Warrant, on ace' of the melancholy accident that happened sometime since by a shott from His Majesty's ship Greyhound under my command, John How being at that time commanding Officer on board

W

the said ship as

my

M' Maistoison Capf order that he

Vol. VJ.

may

Lieut'

whom

I

immediately put under an arrest and have

of His Maj'^' ship Hector (which

is

now upon

now

sailing for

sent on

E""

England) in

take his tryall according to the statutes and directions of his Maj''" navy by

74

— — NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

586

—

For which reason I desire you will order the which all H. M's ships are to be Governed James Park to be delivered to me or my order, that as he is charged in Your warr' with murder committed on the water he may accordingly be sent home to take his tryall likewise, Your speedy pursuant to the articles of war provided for the observance of His Maj'^' Navy said

—

answer

will oblige

— Sir

Your very humble

servant.

Rob'

June

19. 1750.

To Chief Justice

a true

copy

Roddam

R Roddam

(signed).

Delancey.

Mr. Aldworth [

Lords of Trade.

to the

New-York

Papers, Hh., No. 98.

]

Whitehall

IS""

Aug' 1750

My

Lords Having

laid before the

Lords Justices your Lordships

the 12"" instant, together with

letter to the

Duke

enclosures, relating to the Affairs of His

its

of Bedford dated

Matys Province of

New

York I am commanded by their Excies to acquaint your Lordships, that it is their opinion you should prepare and lay before the Lords of His Majestys most honorable Privy Council, as soon as may be an exact account of the present state of that Province and its dependencies of the evils with which they are threatened and the Remedies your Lordships propose for those evils, to the end that the Lords of Council may consider of the same and lay their

humble opinion and advice thereupon before I

the

King

My

Lords

for

His Majestys information.

am Your Lordships most obedient Serv* ( sgd ) Ri Nev Aldworth :

:

Lords of Trade

Lords of Trade [New-Tork

To

the Hon'''= George Clinton

Esq" Gov'

to

Governor Clinton.

Entries, B.

of

N.

New

p. 81.]

York.

Sir,

Since our letter to you of the 29''' of June 1748. we have received your's of the following dates, viz' 22'"' of August, 7"= of October, 10"' of October, 20"' of October, 30"' of October 15'* of Nov' 24"' of Feb'J and 14'" of March 1748.

2'"»

of

May,

3"*

and

6"'

of June,

7'"

and

gS"- of

LONDON DOCUMENTS: July, 3"^

587

of August, 27"- of Sept^ 17"^ of October SG"- of Novemb-- and 19"- of

7""

of April

last,

Such of these

any thing material

letters as contain

State as soon as received

Council

As we

to

March 174S and

together with the several papers herein referred to or mentioned.

Province under your Govern' and to Indian Affairs,

in

XXIX.

;

and we have had

his

relating to the

we

unhappy

situation of the

laid before his Majesty's Secretary of

Majestys

Commands

signified to us

by order

prepare a State of the Province.

are truly sensible of the growing mischiefs arising from the confussion in which the

amongst the several branches of the Legislature have involved your all the papers, and heard what may be represented us as well by your Agent as the Agent for the province, and all others who are concerned these unfortunate disputes, loose no time in preparing such a representation as shall appear

differences subsisting

Govern', to in

we

when we have examined

shall,

to us most consistent with justice and

the

Honour

We

most conducive

to the true welfare of the province

and

of His Maj'?" Govern'.

have at the request of

M""

Catherwood, your Agent, recommended

M"'

Holland to His

Majesty to be of the Council in your Province, and have likewise proposed that

M''

Alexander

should be restored to his seat and Rank.

Oour Secretary wrote

you some time

you could procure, which might be of use in determining the Limits betwixt the Province of New York and the Territories of His Most Christian Majesty, or in ascertaining the boundaries of the Country belonging to the Six Nations of Indians, or in shewing the encroachments of the French upon His Maj'" Dominions, we desire therefore that you will use all diligence but no answer has been hitherto received to

since, for all such evidence as

either from the Records of the Province or from private Information,

;

and dispatch

in searching the

Records

and that you will send us authentick

for this purpose,

And we recommend

it to you likewise to talk Your Province, who are best acquainted with those matters, and transmit to us all papers and other proofs and in general all information which they can furnish, in as authentick a manner as possible. So we bid you heartily farewell and are your very

copies of

papers relative

all

with those persons

those points.

to

in

loving friends

and humble servants

Dunk Halifax J Grenville DUPPLIN

Whitehall Sept' 1"

]

750.

J.

Governor CUtiton [

My

New-T6rk Papers,

Ilh.,

Lords of Trade. No.

108. ]

Lords

Your Lordships extracts of letters

will perceive from

which

I

now

what

I

had formerly the honor

send that the French are indefatigable

to write in their

and from the endeavors, to

have done every thing in my power prevent these misclieifs by informering the neighbouring Governors of the French artifices

withdraw to

to the

Pitt

all

the Indian Nations from the British Interest

and by pressing the assembly of

this

I

Province to give the necessary supplies for this purpose

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

588 as will appear from

but

if I

my

speech to them

may judge from

;

a copy of which

I

do myself the Honor of inclosing.

the usual penurious temper of Assemblies, and the Presidents they

have formerly given, as to their conduct in Indian affairs. I can not expect any thing will he done by them but can not pretend to say any thing further until the Sessions is over My Lords I have the honor to be with very grat Respect ** Your Lps obed' Servant

effectually

Fort George

N York

Geo: Clinton

12 Sep. 1750

Governor Glen [

to

Governor Clinton.

New-York Papers, Hh., No.

104.]

South Carolina 7 July 1750

j

Dear Sir There is a Nation of Indians called the Catawbas who have been always firmly attached to this Government, and tho' they are a very brave People yet there seems to be great danger of their being totally destroyed, as many Nations of Indians far superior to them in number have for some time past carried on a War against them Those Nations pass under the general ;

name

of Nottawagees, and they are sometimes called Senecas, but

certain that besides

is

it

some of the Indians on the Ohio, as well as the Susquehanna, and Virginia Indians united in this War. There is the greatest reason to think that these Indians are set upon the Catawbas by the French, who weaken the British Interest, by making our friends destroy one another, but besides the loss of such faithful allies, as the Catawbas who have always proved an excellent Barrier to this Province, the Invasions of these Northward Indians is attended with other bad effects, for under pretence of going to War against them, they spread themselves over the wiiole Province, and whenever they can find

the five Nations, there are the Delewares, and

any Indian,

as there are

nor expecting

War

attack and rob our

many who

live quietly

among

us in our Plantations, not being at

They begin

from any other Indians, they knock them on head.

White people,

wiiere there practices

may end

if

as well as Negroes, and

longer permitted

1

it

may be

therefore hope that

dissuade any of the Indians in Friendship with your Government and

War

also to

determine

difficult

to

you

endeavour

all

will

to

such as you have any

Catawbas who are equally the I must desire that besides persuasive arguments, you will be pleased to let them know that if they continue to come into our Settlements and if they can not be prevailed upon to desist from making War upon the Catawbas & Creeks and our Settlement Indians (an inoffensive harmless people) we shall be under a necessity of revenging their quarrel, and will publish a reward for

influence over from coming to

War

against the Creeks and

Friends of the English, and the children of the same great King with your Indians, but

every Nottowagee or Northern Indian, that

amity with

this

Government I am.

may be killed in any of the who may meet with them

or by any person,

Nations of Indians in

our Settlements

Sir,

Your Excellencys most obedient

A

true

Copy G. Clinton

&

mo humble sg"*

Servant

James Glen

in

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXIX.

:

589

Colonel Johnson to Governor Clinton. [

New-York

Papers, Hh., No. 105.

]

Extract of a letter from Coll. Johnson

May it please your E.xcellency I am to acquaint you that three

days ago Nichus the Sachim who was so long Prisoner in Canada, came with Hendrick, Abraham and the rest of them to tell me all the News they had

heard

Canada and

in

as far as

Indians

material,

is

is

of Indians

my

He

(who

would communicate

for that

it

Ohio River

in

the Indians,

all

immediately

to

wiiicli

If

your E.\celleuuy

Governor Hamilton who

may

will

the

order to bring that body if

they possibly can

me way is

will allow

spoke to on that head, the only

I

I

man among

among

purpose a large quantity of valuable goods to distribute

other Nations he goes through.

all

your Exceilcy

to

it

are stedfast in the British Interest) over to the French,

opinion, and that of

account of

I

says that Jean Ceur, a French, Interpreter, a noted

sent with an other officer along with him, to

by any means, having

them and

ernestly begged

to give

you

send an

to

have time to overset their schemes

he will but send proper persons there to talk with said Indians and

tell them they only go would be most requisite al the same time to send them a present This account may be depended on, for the Interpreter Arent Stevens, who came lately from Oswego

if

as spies there

confirms

it

&c

—

it

five

Indians are the Cheif and trustiest Allies,

we

or

tiie five

be proper means and Dispatch used to stop an

sending them any message

it

scruple of telling several people

French should by their valuable Presents &c Nations must certainly submit also as them very

If the

overset our Interest with said Indians the

may

who made no

having spoke with Jean Ceur there;

of the purpose of his journey thither.

would be too

late, as

Nations have, wherefore

affiiir

I

of so great imporlance.

he was so far a head, ere

we

hope

As

could

tiiere

for

my

know

it,

The next thing of consequence which he when [he was there] that the Governor had

they can be there before him yet from Philadelphia told

me, was that he heard from several Indians

given orders to the Priest,'

who

is

now

settled

below Cadaracqui

to use all

means

induce the five Nations to settle there, for which end tiiey have a large Magazine of clothing fitting for Indians as also arms,

Ammunition Provision &c which they

possible to all

kind of

distribute

very liberally I

now

can not omit acquaints your Excellency how insolent Nichus & Hendrick &c behaved at my house they entered it in a great Passion, would not even shake hands with me or

I asked them what they meant by such behaviour, they answered tiiey had Reason: saying your Excell"^^ myself &c: were all French and had endeavored all in our power to bring the French Governor into our Plot which was to fall upon all the Indians on both sides and destroy them, that they were all assured of it, it being told to Nichus by all

the Interpreter, sufficient

Canada, and further says that the Governor of Canada, in a full meeting of Indians produced Wampum he had from Your Excellency desiring him to join you in said Scheme, but declared he would by no means agree to any such thing having too great a regard in

a very large Belt of

for all Indians

whatsoever

this

was corroborated by an other account he had

in

Canada of what

passed between your Excellency and Deligneries, being told him by one of the French Indians

'

Rev. FBANgoLS Picqubtt, founder of a scttlemont at the mouth of the Oswegatchie,

of this Missionary will be found in Documentary History of

Nea

York,

I.

— Ed.

now

OgJensbiii-gh, N. V.

An

account

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

590 who

attended Deligneries, in this manner

York the kill

— That

after Deligneries

time, that Hendrick. and a party of

last

them, but on

my

Mohawks came

and to

his party set off for

Albany

in

acquainting your Excellency of their design you put a stop to

order to it

for that

After Deligneries was there above 50 days to no purpose as your Excellency would

time;

allow him no access.

A

York gentleman asked him

if

he did not take notice of a great

concourse of People every day resorting to the Fort, he answered he did, and supposed they

were about

settling that affair of the

Exchange of Prisoners, no says

scheming how to destroy all the Indians, upon and settled, upon which you wrote a is

received ordered Beaubassin to interprette

in conjunction

letter to Deligneries

it

about

to his Indians then there,

Deligneries desired him to read

an easy low voice.

the Yorker the

with your Gov' and

it

Governor is

agreed

which when he which he did with

it,

aloud, for such a vile thing should not

it

be kept private, after that he tells the Indians he would take upon him to answer your Excellency, which was that he was well assured of the Governor of Canada's love and regard for all of his Children that he would never come into any such thing, but would protect them

from any attempts of that kind might be made against them This together with the other story of the large Belt of Wampum before mentioned made all the Indians imagine it to be actually Fact, adding they plainly saw there was a Coolness on your side, as you had not spoke to

them

many

long a time which convinced them you had no love for them

in so

other things they said, not worth mentioning now, which

I

— This and

a great

assure your Excellency gave

three days hard work to get the better of, but at last convinced them it was french Policy (which they are remarkable for) to stir up the Indians against us and make a division among the five Nations, which could they accomplish they would set one half to kill the other so that the French took a great at last there would not be one of them left, which is what they aim at deal of pains also to hurt my Interest among the Indians by telling the Indian Prisoners &c

me

that

it

was owing

to

me, that they were detained so long

the Indians to go tliere on the Governors

only one of them would go there in

immediately

if

submission

had no great

I

in

Canada, by reason of

my

hindering

and assurance of releasing them all the name of the rest and make proper

invitation

difficulty to settle this point

with the Indians after making them

Governor of Canadas design in it which I told them was to bring them to make submission, and then lay them under such obligations as would make Slaves or Tools of theni for ever after to him, they answered they were sensible of it, and heartily glad I did not suffer them to go, Give me leave to acquaint your Excellency of one thing which would be of Service, and much commended by every one who has the least spark of Goodness, that is your Excellencys recommends the poor people to the Assembly who were so long Captives in Canada and taken in our Service, I mean Van Scoike, Christopher M'Grah, William Goff. sensible of the

and the four Indians whose loyalty & Stedfastness (notwithstanding all the Temptations thrown in their way) could not be shaken. An other thing very requisite to be done is the sending Smiths among the five Nations as soon as possible for they every day desire it, forbidding them at the same time or any others to bring any Spirituous Liquors among any of the five Nations, for

it

is

actually the ruin of

them

the penalty should be very great else

;

News

from Lieutenant Lindesay, that an Onondaga Indian told him (as a secret) that the French were endeavouring all they could to get liberty to build a Fort at Onondaga where they promise the Indians they shall always succeed the If they should be supplied with powder. Lead, Clothing &c in plenty they will not regard

consequence

may

it

I

yesterday received a piece of

be easily judged

—

—

I

thought

it

my

duty to acquaint your Excellency

LONDON DOCUMENTS immediately of an and

try to stop

it

affair of so

as

much

XXIX.

:

591

great importance, and shall endeavor to get further information

as possibly I can,

&

beg leave to subscribe myself your Excellencys

most sincere and most humble Serv'

Aug

IS'"

1750

A

(sgd) true

W"

Johnson

Copy

Geo Clinton

Lieutenant Butler to Colonel Johnson. [

New-Tork Papers,

Hh., No. 117.

]

Oswego Sepf

3*

1750

Sir

The

2S"' or 29""

Aug

desired to vpait on the

last

came a Caghnawagah Indian to Oswego soon after he landed, accordingly I went with him to Capt" Lindesay. He said was but some [time] before he left it heard the following News Viz'

officer,

come from his castle, That the Governor of the three Rivers had been with a Nation of Indians living there or thereabouts & told them he was lately come from over the Seas, but before he left the old countrys had heard how much the New England People wronged them in their Lands, that he likewise understood they had lost several of their young men in the late War for which they had not yet taken revenge & said very much in order to spirit up the Indians against the English giving them at the same time all such things as Indians use in time of War, upon which about twenty young fellows rose up and declared they would immediately go a fighting & so set out for the Eastward of Boston, the News of which soon reached some other Nations, who sent ten young men after them in order to fetch them back, they were overtaken in the woods but could not be prevailed on. Upon which they went to the Governor in Cheif & complained of the Governor of the three Rivers, saying the Indians were now all at Peace with the English & would gladly remain so The Governor told them he had nothing to do with what that Gentleman did in sending out the Indians. The Indians were very much displeased at the Governors answer & said that Nation might look to themselves for they would not assist them against the English lately

I

To

true

Sir

Your mo obedient humble Servant (sg z ^

^ !5

(=^

wi^


> 1 yu

c4 ^;i

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

612

Governor Clinton [Now-Toik

To His Grace

Duke

the

The Memorial

Diike of Bedford.

Papers, (S. P. O.

Bedford His

of

to the

)

XI., 141.]

Maj'J" principal Sec'^' of State.

of the Honorable George Clinton Gov'' of

New York

Sheweth.

That some time Gov'' of

New

before,

and ever since James Delancey was appointed His Majesty's Lieut' in the said province, in opposition to His Maj'"

York, he has headed a faction

make many and

great incroachments

npouthe

state of health, doth intend to leave the

Province

Govern', and encouraged the Assembly there to rights

and prerogatives of the Crown.

That Your Memorialist being His

as soon as he shall receive

in a

very

ill

Maj'^' lycence for that purpose, but conceives it of

dangerous

consequence to His Maj*^» service, and to the good govern' of the province, that the Administration should fall into M"' Delancey's hands.

powers of Govern' devolve upon M' Delancey, he will certainly show his faithful subjects there, who have endevoured to support the authority of the Crown, and by whose assistance, Your memorialist has been enabled to surmount the difficulties M'' Delancey has thrown in his way.

That should

the

resentment against the King's

That His Maj'" Attorney and

Sollicitor

Gen"

prevent the powers of Govern' from falling into Maj'y to appoint another Lieut'

GovS

as your

are of opinion that the proper M"'

Grace

Delancey's hands, will

is

to

method

to

apply to His

observe by their joint opinions

hereunto annexed. Yotir Memorialist therefore

move His

Maj'^' to

humbly

praj^s, that

Your Grace would be pleased to M'' Delancey or to revoke

appoint a Lieut' Gov'' in the room of

his commission.

Ojnnion of

the Attorney

and

Solicitor Generals,

Case.

by Commission under the great seal, appointed the Hon*"'" George Clynton Esq' Gov' of New York in America. There had not, usually, heretofore, been any Lieut' Gov" appointed for that Province but some clauses in the Commission to Gov' Clynton run in the following words. "And we do hereby give and grant unto you, full power and autiiority to suspend any of the " members of our said Council, from sitting, voting and assisting therein, if you shall find just "cause for so doing. And if there shall be any Lieut' Gov' him, likewise to suspend from the "execution of liis command, and to appoint another, in his stead, until our pleasure be known." " And We do hereby require and command ail Officers and Ministers, Civil and Military, and In 1741. His Maj'^

;

province and territorys depending thereon, to be obedient, s** " aiding and assisting, unto you, the s"* George Clynton, in the execution of this our "all other inhabitants of our

" Commission, and of the powers and authoritys herein contained; and in case of your death, " or absence, out of our said province, and Territorys depending thereon there be no person

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX.

613

" upon the place commissionated or appointed by us, to be our Lieut' Gov' or Comd"' in chief

" of our said province, our will and pleasure is, that the eldest Councillor, whose name is first " placed in our s^ instructions to you, and who shall be, at the time of your death, or absence, "residing within our s** province of New York, shall take, upon him, the Administration of the " Government, and execute our said Commission and instructions, and the several powers and " Authoritys contained therein, in the same manner to all intents and purposes, as other our •'

Governour, or Comd'' in

chief, of

•'absence until your return,

Some

our

province, should or ought to do, in case of your

s"*

or, in all cases, until

our further pleasure be

known

therein

—

Clynton had taken upon him the Govern' of that province, His Majesty by warrant here, under His sign manual, appointed James Delancey, to be Lieut' Gov' of the years after

M"'

province.

s"*

That

sign

Duke

the

manual was not delivered

of Newcastle, to

GoV

out, to

Clynton

M' Delancey,

in a letter

Clynton dated 27. Oct' 1747. in the following words " His Maj'^ thinking

" Chief Justice of

New

" commission which the

said warrant has

King has been pleased

now

by

Gov'

conjuncture, to appoint

M' Delancey,

to sign, for that

purpose

;

which,

New

it

is

York.

the I

layn in Gov' Clynton's hands, for about three years past, and has

for that M' Delancey expecting from time to time, and that the Govern' would devolve upon himself, has opposition to His Maj'-*'* Govern' in the province and encouraged the

never been delivered over to M' Delancey that Gov' Clynton

to

York, to be Lieut' Gov' of that province, therewith send you the

" King's pleasure that you should deliver to M' Delancey, before you leave " heartily wish you a good voyage to England."

The

sent,

viz'

for his service in the present

it

was

or to his friends, but

from the Duke of Newcastle

would come

;

off,

headed a faction there, in Assembly there to make many and great encroachments on the rights and prerogatives

Crown. Gov' Clynton has from time

ol

the

to time,

very

fully

acquainted

the King's Ministers of

M'

Delancey's behaviour.

Gov' Clynton

is

now

applying for his Maj'J' leave of absence to come home, which his agents

are in hopes of obtaining and of dispatching to him, by a ship which will depart the end of

week. Gov' Clynton conceives

this

it to be of dangerous consequence to His Maj'-'' service, and to the good Govern' of that province, that the Administration of the Govern' there should fall into M' Delanceys hands. And therefore, and for that reason only, is resolved to do every legal act, that he may, to

prevent the Govern' falling into M' Delancey's hands.

His reasons

for

such resolution are known, and long have been known, to the King's is not the least doubt of their being well approved

Ministers, and they are such, as there of,

here.

The doubt seal, to

is,

what degree of power

Gov' Clynton,

in this respect;

is

given,

and how

make Gov' Clynton's appointment of a The words of his Commission are before

as to

by the King's Commission under the great to

execute that power,

in a legal

manner, so

Lieu' Gov' effectual.

and your opinion is desired Whether, Gov' from M' Delancey, and bring it away, out Whethek, by virtue of of the province, as he may see fit, for the real good of His Mnj">" service the power given to Gov' Clynton, by the King's Com""" under the great seal in the words before

Gov' Clynton can

stated,

retain the warrant of Lieut'

:

—

—

]

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

614 stated, Gov''

Clynton can, originally, appoint a Lieut' Gov"'

act, in case

to

without taking any notice that A^Delancey had ever been appointed L' Gov' deliver over the

Kings warr'

M' Delancey, and summon him

to

to

come

and then suspend him, &, subsequent to such suspension appoint a L' M' Delancey, who had been so appointed by the King's warraut.

Upon take

the circumstances of this

all

we

are of opinion, that the proper

&

Or,

— must he

take the oaths

Gov"' in the stead of

method

for the

Gov'

to

apply to His Maj'^ that he would be pleased to appoint another deputy Gov' or

to

is

of his absence,

—

impower the Gov'

to appoint another.

D Ryder W. Murray

28 Febr'^ 175f

Report Tl^the Privy Council vpon [New-York

To

the Right

Hon''''

Entries, B.

the Lords of the

the State

IV.,

of Neio-Yorh.

p. 41.

Committee of His Majesty's most Hon"' Privy

Council.

My

Lords,

As

it is

We received Your Lordpp' order to prepare and lay before you a Government of New York, We can not but think it necessary in

a long time since

State of His Majesty's

your LordP^S that

justification of ourselves to assure

in us, but from the nature of the undertaking;

it

this

delay has not arisen from any neglect

has been necessary to consult a vast variety

make long extracts from many opposite Representations, before the materials and evidence could be brought within any method or compass for even a general of voluminous papers, and to

view; the whole evidence was afterwards

when

to

be considered and stated, and

all

this at a

time

the current and ordinary business of the Office has called for immediate dispatch, and a

great variety of other extraordinary matters of importance have ocurred, and been referred to us, to take off our attention from this State. For these reasons we hope, that what has really occasioned this delay, in executing the orders of Your LordPPS will in your judgement sufficiently explain and excuse it. It will

be our endeavour in this State to give Your Lord??', as concisely as

the present situation of the Province of in our Office, and

remedies

upon that only

;

for the several disorders

New

we

can, a view of

York, formed entirely upon that written evidence

together with our opinion what will be the most probable

and mischiefs, which we

shall

be obliged to set forth in the

following State.

There is nothing so essencially necessary to the preservation of His Maj'-'"" Govern' in the American provinces, as the careful and strickt maintenance of the just prerogative, which is the ouly means by which those Colonies can be kept dependant on the mother Country, or the Governors themselves representing the Crown, maintain any power over any agreement with them.

No Gov'

their Assemblies, or

ever departed from the prerogative in one instance, but he raised in the Assembly a

confidence to attack animosities,

which

it

in another,

in the

which as constantly brings on contests, which again create

end obstruct

all

Parts of Govern'

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX. Thus, and in will be

temper,

this

how

has began, and

Clinton and his Assembly stand at present, and therefore

M''

most regular and clear

615

to begin

our State, with informing your Lord^P'

far the prerogative of the

what degrees and what instances? M"" Clinton arrived at New York

—

Crown

how this

it

dispute

has been infringed in course of

by

it,

in Sepf 1743., and his Assembly met on the S"'of Nov"' and having taken such proper measures for the security of the Province as M"" Clinton was Several Acts were passed by this Assembly, directed to recommend to them, they adjourned.

after

during their session, but as shall take notice only of

"An

many

such as

of them relate to the private

it

may be

Oeconomy

of the Province,

we

necessary to observe upon.

continuance of an Act entitled: an Act for, and towards supporting Colony by granting to His Maj"' the duties therein mentioned" "An Act for payment of the Salaries, services and contingencies therein mentioned out of "the funds appropriated for the support of Govern'" M'' Clinton in his letter to us, dated the 5"" of June 1744. desires those Acts may be laid

Act

for the further

"the Govern' of

this

—

before His Maj'^ for his approbation, tho' the support of Govern'

is limited to one year, and on the offices, are granted to the Officers by name, by which the disposal of publick money, and the appointm' of Officers is usurped by the Assembly, and a power of making their salaries at any time as inconsiderable or large as they please. In

salaries,

which ought

the last of these Acts

to be settled

^1000

is

given to M^ Clinton as a reward for his solicitation in behalf

of the Province, and the expence and loss of time occassioned by

correspondence with us, has been very

have arisen

full in

it

may

As M' Clinton

in his latter

not be improper to state what appears to have been, in times

previous to these Acts, the usage and method in granting all

;

Govern' from these Acts, tho' at that time he so much recommended the

to his

confirmation of them,

By

it

lamenting the inconveniencies and mischiefs which

money

for the support of Govern'.

the Acts past for the support of Govern' to the year 1737. the disposal of publick

is left in

money

the hands of the Gov'' and Council, conformable to the direction of His Maj'^''

Commission and

Instructions

;

during the Administration of Gov'' Hunter, Burnet, Montgomerie

and Cosby, containing about 28. years, a general provision was made for the support of Govern' for the term of five years, at the entrance of every Gov"' upon his Administration, with one general appropriation of the money to the publick service, and without any farther special application of

it

any particular salaries or services, the Treasurer and Members of the all publick money being directed to be drawn out of the Treasury by

to

Assembly only excepted;

But in 1737, the Maj''''' Council. Assembly limited the support of Govern' to one year, and by directing in the Acts what sums particular services, and what salaries particular Officers by name, should have, they took upon themselves the disposal of the money, and the nomination of the Officers. M'' Clark (who was at this time Gov'') represented at home, in strong terms, against this proceeding of the Assembly, with the reasons of his compliance at that time. The Assembly upon M'' Clinton's accession to the Govern', were unwilling to lose this priviledge, and accordingly, they passed their Act to for the support of Govern', and that for the appropriation of it in the manner above stated warrants from the Gov'' with the advice and consent of His

;

this

Act

M''

Clinton

made no

objection to the Assembly, and

recommended

it

at

home

for

His

tho the greater part of those difficulties which have since embarassed his Administration, and of those encroachments which have since been made upon the prerogative Mnj'^' confirmation

of the

;

Crown, may perhaps be thought by your LordPP' to have tiieir foundation in this first M' Clinton in a letter, dated the 22" June 1747, imputes his having

unfortunate measure.

— NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

616

yielded to these usurpations of the Assemhly, and his imprudent acquiescence, under these

changes

in

the legal constitution of the Govern' to the advice of

of the Province,

whom,

The Assembly met for

some, tho' not

all

as he says,

he too

M' De Lancey Chief Justice

far trusted at his first entrance

on the Govern'.

made further provision GoV, they adjourned to the

again on the 17"" of April 1744. and after having

recommended

of the services,

Tifesday in July following, M^ Clinton having

to

first

them by the

given his assent to an Act for repairing

By this Act, Commiss" are appointed for the services mentioned in the money granted for such service is directed to be paid without warr' from

the Fortifications ettc. Act, to

whom

the

the Gov'' and Council.

On the 21" of Sepf Gov'' [Clinton] gave his assent to the following Acts viz' An Act for regulating the Militia." " An Act for raising £3200 for putting the province in a posture of defence" :

"

—

"An

Act for raising ^300. " of Albany "

for

finishing

and compleating the

fortifications in

the City

" An act, further to continue an Act for, and towards supporting the Govern' by granting to " His Maj'^ the duties therein mentioned " " An act for paying out of the funds appropriated for the support of Govern', the salaries and " services therein mentioned." In the last of these Acts,

and Missionary

to

making provision

be sent amongst them, and

for presents to the Indians, in that for raising

observed, as in the Acts of the preceeding year, and the

.£3200

money

and

ettc.

for

an Interpreter

the

same

rule

is

directed to be paid without

warr' from the Gov', and as often as a necessity has since occurred for

making

provision for the

publick service, and acts of supply have been passed for that purpose, this same method of

Commiss" and disposing of publick money by their own authority has been kept up by the Assembly, and such encroachments gradually made by that means upon the Legal

appointing

prerogative of the

Crown,

many of the most essencial powers in the Gov' have been who by degrees, have vested themselves with the disposal of

that

transferred to the Assembly,

publick money, of nominating Officers and fixing their salaries, of superceeding the Gov""'

warrant

money, with the custody of the Naval Stores of the Colony, power of regulating the Militia. They likewise assumed to themselves, independent of the Gov', the passing of the Muster Rolls of all the Troops, except the four Independent Companys, raised for the service of the Province, appointed paymasters, and have also impowered the Commiss" for Indian affairs to raise and employ out scouts as they shall see a necessity. in the issuing of publick

the direction of the Fortifications, and the

M' Clinton in his letters to us, excuses his acquiescence in these encroachments of the Assembly by alleging the danger which the Province would have incurred, if he had refused his Assent to Bills for the support of Govern' in time of War when the frontiers were exposed to a powerful

Enemy,

the Indians not heartily in friendship with us, and

Province without Force, would have been to have

left

it,

when

to

have

a prey to the French.

left

the

And he

observes in a letter written to us, upon the approach of peace, that the time was then coming, in which he should be able to recover the executive power of the Govern', and put a stop to the usurpations of the Assembly; and accordingly the Assembly having, on the 11"" Nov' 174S.

passed a Bill for defraying the contingent charges of Govern', in which the former usurpations were not only repeated but enlarged M' Clinton refused his Assent to it, from which time the ;

Gov' has continued

for

two years, without any support, every executive part of Govern' has

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX. during that time stood Officers of the

several good

still,

Govern' have been

left

cS:

(317

necessary laws liave been suffered to expire,

without their

salaries, all usual

methods

all

the

for securing

friendship of the Indians have been entirely neglected, and in one word, every necessary and

salutary measure of Govern' for the peace and welfare of the Province, have been thus long,

uniformly sacrificed to Faction and personal Quarrel.

The Assembly have been not only countenanced but supported proceedings by some Members of his

Maj'^'»

been carried on between the Gov' and that party, situation of the province,

in

their unwarrantable

Council, and as several very violent disputes have all

of which have greatly affected the General

and must be taken into the consideration, both, of what

is

the State

and what is necessary for its reestablishment. We will here insert a Remonstrance of the Assembly, and a contrary Representation of the Gov' fully stating whatever is to be alleged in of

it

support of their particular conduct.

"

To

his

Excellency the honourable George Clinton, Captain General and Governor in Chief,

of the Province of New-York, and Territories thereon

depending in America, ViceAdmiral of the same, and Vice-Admiral of the Red Squadron of his Majesty's Fleet. "

"

May "

it

We

The humble Remonstrance

of the General

Assembly of the said Colony.

please your Excellency, his Majesty's

most dutiful and loyal Subjects, the General Assembly of the Colony of

Opportunity of laying our Sentiments before your Excellency, concerning the present deplorable State of the publick Afl^airs of this Colony. " Your Excellency having been pleased, on Tuesday the 22d of September last, to prorogue the

New-York, take

this

General Assembly to the 29th of the same Month

and from thence, by Letter to our Speaker, whereby it was put out of our Power, to lay before you the Representation we had prepared in answer to your last Messages; and which, in Point of Justice, we humbly conceive, we ought not to have been deprived of the Opportunity to direct an

Adjournment

;

to the 5th Instant,

of answering, to clear up some Matters therein, which seem purposely insinuated to reflect upon our Conduct. We shall now take the Liberty not only of answering them, but laying before your Excellency, such Particulars, as, in our Opinion, requires your Excellency's most serious Reflection at this Time. " With unfeigned Grief, and Sorrow of Heart, we bewail the surprizing Alteration in the

Temper and Sentiment of the several Branches of the Legislature; so widely differing from Harmony and good Agreement, eminently subsisting between them some Time ago. " We shall go no farther back than that Memorable Day the 6th of June, 1740, on which your

that

Excellency communicated,

by your Speech

to

the

Council

Pleasure of setting forward an Expedition against Canada.

between the several Branches Excellency's Speeches,

the

at

that

and Assembly,

The

his

Majesty's

perfect good Understanding

Time, may evidently appear on perusal of your Assembly, and your Excellency's

Addresses of Council, and

Answers to both. It would be too tedious to recount the several Resolutions the House came to the same Day, with the greatest Chearfulness and Unanimity, and the subsequent Steps taken in Prosecution of that intended and important Enterprize which were so many manifest Proofs of our warmest Zeal for his Majesty's Service, and the Safety and Interest of ;

Vol. VI.

78

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

618

and therefore the House content themselves with refering

the Country;

to their

printed

Proceedings on that Occasion. to say, there was a promising Aspect, when every Party were of the same Mind, and disposed to act as one Person and hitherto we observe, the Business your Excellency was advised to recommend to us, was delivered in Terms clear, express, and intelligible, so that we were not at a Loss to draw

" At this

concerned

Time

in

then,

we presume

the Administration,

;

our Conclusions. " What Steps have been since taken, what Artifices industriously

made

use

of, to

distract

and

may appear by your

divide us,

you have thought

lit

Excellency's Speeches and Messages to the House, ever since to place your sole Confidence in that Person who stiles himself, " the next

to his Direction and Influence. you have fallen into such ill Hands, that the Fate of this Colony should in this Time of eminent Danger, depend solely upon the Advice and Caprice of a Man so obnoxious who by the whole Course of his Conduct, seems to have only his own Interest in view, without any Regard to the Safety or Welfare of

and have been pleased

in Administration," '•

We

esteem

it

to

submit yourself

a great Misfortune to the Country, that

;

the Colony. " Your Excellency in your Messages of the 2Sth of August, and 10th of September

last,

was

pleased to ask Supplies of the House, for several Particulars, which they did not think

reasonable

provide for under

to

Excellency had September

last,

their

Answer

the

to the

particular

former,

it

Circumstances attending them; and your

by the Resolves of the House on the 2d of

which contained Reasons whereon they were severally founded

;

which hitherto

remain unanswered. " But on the 9th of September, the

House having Occasion to take into Consideration, the State came to the following Resolution, which was laid before it appears to the House by several Informations, that Colonel

of the Garrison and Fort at Sarnghto^a,

your Excellency, ^

Peter Schuyler,

'

reduced

'last

to wit.

'

That

Commander

as

of the New-Jersey

Forces,

to a Necessity of deserting that Fort, for

Supply of Provisions was

'yet informed

of,

sent,

want

posted at Saraghtoga, will soon be of Provisions

;

Time

the

for

which the

being nigh expired, and no Dispositions, as the House

making towards sending any

further Supply to the said

is

Fort, for the

Subsistence of the Garrison there, his Excellency be humbly addressed, that he will be pleased

'

'immediately '

to give Directions for the Relief of that Garrison, lest the Fort,

and other warlike Stores there,

fall

into the

Hands

of the

Enemy

;

that

if

heavy Cannon,

there be a failure in

'the Supplies of Provisions, for the Use of the New-Jersey Forces, by Reason whereof they can '

no longer be continued there, that his Excellency

will

in such Case, be pleased to give

Number of the new levied Forces, raised in this Colony on the 'Expedition against Canada, who are plentifully supplied with Provisions by this Colony, may be immediately sent to, and posted in that Fort, for its Security but if the Power of disposing •the said new levied Forces, be no longer in his Excellency, that he will then be pleased to •give Directions, that at least One Hundred effective Men, out of the four Independent

'Directions, that a sufficient

'

;

'

Companies of Fusileers posted

'

Saraghtoga, and that his Excellency be assured that this

'

supplying so

many

of

at

Albany,

them with Provisions,

be timely sent

to garrison the

House

will

said

Fort at

make an Allowance

for

as his Excellency shall be pleased to post in that

'Fort;' to which your Excellency returned no Answer.

"And

afterwards on the Uth, that this Fort might be preserved in

all

Events,

lest

your

Excellency should withdraw that Garrison, a second Time, the House came to the following

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX.

619

was also laid before your Excellency, to wit. That liis Excellency be again humbly addressed, that he will be pleased immediately to provide for the Safety of his 'Majesty's Fort, Cannon, and Stores of War, at Saroghtoga ; that if the Ncio-Jirscij Forces liesolution, whicli

'

'

'now

posted there, cannot be continued to garrison that Fort, by Reason of a Failure in their

'Supplies of Provisions, that his Excellency will be pleased to give Directions, that a sufficient

Men, either out of the new levied Forces

'

Number

'

Expedition against Canada, or out of the four Independent Companies

of effective

raised in this Colony, on the

'

assured, that this

'

but also provide

this did

of Fusileers posted at

and that his Excellency be supplying them with Provisions,

'Albany, be timely sent to garrison the said Fort at Saraghtoga

;

House will not only make an Allowance for Expence of transporting such Provisions

for the

to the said Fort

;'

neither to

your Excellency return any Answer.

" And that the Garrison and Trading House preserved

at

Oswego, might likewise be supplied and

Events, from falling into the Hands of the

in all

Enemy; and

lest

your Excellency

should withdraw that Garrison, the House, on the IGth of September last, came to the following " That it is the Opinion of this Resolution, which was likewise laid before your Excellency.

"House, that Col. Jo/j^^mw., the Contractor

supplying the Garrison of Osurgo, with Provisions,

for

" having undertaken to supply that Garrison, at a certain fixed Rate, he ought to be bound by,

"and perform

his

Contract; but

" been a Sufferer, the

" what shall appear reasonable others,

by Reason of

;"

his express

appear, that by any unforeseen Accident, he has

if it shall

House ought

to

take

it

into their serious Consideration, and do therein

notwithstanding Col. Johnson, had obtained the Contract from

Undertaking (as mentioned

in

your Excellency's Message of

To supply that Garrison in Time of War, without any other Expence Province, than in Time of Peace." Excellency is pleased to say, " that we well know in what Temper and Disposition

the 2d of December last) "

"to the

''"Your " the six united Nations of

Ind'uais,

were before your Treaties with them

"Your Excellency must excuse us, if we little or nothing at all of, " the Temper and them

last

last

Year."

declare instead of " well knowing," that

we knew

Disposition of the Indians, before your Treaty with

Year," your Excellency having kept the Indian Affairs a most profound Secret, the

what Reason you have thought fit to divert them from the Conduct of the Commissioners appointed, and still

greatest Part of your Administration; and for

from their antient Channel, it

to wit,

seems remaining in Commissioners, according

Government

(as

we had

your Excellency can best

tell

we

;

to

the

antient

approved

Policy of the

our late Representation) conceive your Excellency was very ill advised, in the taking

Occasion to observe

to

your Excellency,

in

those Affairs out of their Hands; for Albiuvj was the established Place of Treaty with those

upon it to be so in their Treaties; the Persons Commission, were the principal Inhabitants of that County, well known to the Indians, and had great Authority and Influence over them, which we doubt not would have continued, had it not througli the Artifices of designing Men, who have private Views, been undermined by employing private Persons, to negotiate Affairs with the Indians, without the Knowledge of the former, which rendered the Commissioners Schemes abortive; the Commissioners were Indians, they have often declared and insisted

in that

80 sensible, of the pernicious after they discovered this evil

Tendency of

new

this

Consequences that must thence ensue, they,

requesting to be excused intermedling further

had thought any, or

all

new

invented System of Politicks, that socin

Practice, sensible of the Affront offered to

in

as

we

them by

it,

and

the.

are informed, wrote to your Excellency,

those Affairs; and surely,

if

your Excellency

the Commissioners improper Persons to be employed, as

it

was

in

your

NEW-YOEK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

620 Breast, so

by

it

seemed

to

have been incumbent on your Excellency, to have superceeded them

new Commission, and

a

sliould

have judged more

appointing such other Persons, as your Excellency and the Council, for that

fit

Purpose; and your Excellency's Failure in

we

and taking such contrary Measures with the Indians, has, as

this Particular,

conceive, and have observed

Means of distracting and perplexing Affairs with the Indians. Your Excellency then proceeds, " the Commissioners for Indhin Affairs, gave repeated Advice "of their Unwillingness to enter into the War against the French; many of them had actually the Success •'gone over to assist the French, and the Fidelity of all of them became suspected "of my Treaty with them, was so unexpected, that it is well known with what Reluctance "any Account of it was received, and that all Manner of Doubts were encouraged and

heretofore, been the sole ^^

;

"propagated, "

We

till

unwilling to enter into the the Blood of their

own

War

;

was

proposed that the Indians

;

and therefore those

in the British

they cannot

War between

is

they please,

extirpated

a Neutrality been strictly observed by the Indians,

enter into the

and

this

left to fight

War and ;

our

own

who know any Thing

still

of Indian iiere,

and

and

us and the French;

and

for this

War, it is not with them, as with but must proceed, till the one or

'tis

our real Opinion, that had such

would have been much better

for us,

Quarrel with the French, than to have treated with them to

after a great Profusion of Treasure, " at the

Colony, to have them

War

;

it

upon a precarious Footing; and

repeated Gratification of unreasonable Expectations. " For though your Excellency has been pleased to in the

in to slied

and French Interest, should observe and maintain

make Peace when

other Nation submits to be conquered, or

have been

drawn

had long before your Excellency's Arrival

a strict Neutrality, and not intermeddle in the

to

Nations were very

for fear of being

further Reason, as our Indians have declared, that in Case of Christians ;

in this City."

Relations the French Indians, part of which (the Coehnnwaghns) are a

Branch derived from the Mohawk Nation

tiie

appeared

true, that the six

amongst other Reasons,

Affairs, are apprized that the six Nations,

since,

Enemy

the Effects of their Incursions on the

believe the Advice the Commissioners gave

tell us,

Expence of the Crown,"

to

be retained only by the

" that they had engaged heartily

against the French and their Indians," yet, as touching

any Engagement with the

we know any Thing of) has yet been received. " We must take the Freedom to say, we know almost as little of the Success of your Excellency's Treaty with the Indians, which you are pleased to say, "was so unexpected," as we do of that Reluctance, with which your Excellency tells us, the Account of it was received,

latter,

no Advice (at

or of " the

least as

Doubts which were encouraged and propagated," concerning it and though your Excellency says, these are " also well known," we are obliged to confess our ignorance about ;

them; and, as the Truth is, declare we know nothing of those Matters, excepting thus much, that we remember last Fall, there were a few Indians, making a Parade in this City, who had taken three French Scalps and some French, but no Indians Prisoners, who for their Encouragement, received the Bounty by Law allowed, and were handsomly treated by the Council and Gentlemen of this City, and afterwards by the Assembly. Your Excellency says further, that "after tliis, the Numbers of those gained heartily to the " British Interest, were with great Assiduity, every where represented to be very small, while, " at the same Time, the Numbers of the Disaffected were as industriously magnified, till the "great Numbers of Indians, who iiave joined Col. Johnson, with the greatest Alacrity, in iiis " Enterprize at this Time, against a Body of the Enemy, discovered by his Parties in Lake " Sacrament, from whence the Enemy send out great Parties, to murder cruelly the Inhabitants ^'

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX. "of

Province;"

Iiere,

the Premisses, and

make

this

answer

to

wiien your Excellency the Scene compleat,

slinll

we

621

be advised to draw a Conclusion from

shall

endeavour to give a more compleat

it.

But your Excellency says

further, "

and

it

has evidently discovered the Falsity of

" Reports, and gives us an Opportunity to reflect, for

those

all

what Purposes those Reports have been

so

" industriously propagated, to the Prejudice of the Bri/ish Interest." " Believe us, Sir,

whom

we

mere Figments of the Person

are sincerely of Opinion, that these are

your Excellency seems to place your sole Confidence

Existence, than in the wicked Imagination and Invention of his

we

Reports that never had

;

own

Brain

;

foisted

imagine, with private Views, to magnify those Treaties your Excellency

is

upon

in

otiier

us, as

said to have

accomplished with the Indians, (considering also those great Difficulties you have been pleased

complain

to

of,

being thrown

Way)

may seemingly bear some Proportion, tiie Head of Indian Presents mere Amusements, and without any just F'oundation (and we

in

your

that they

with those extraordinary Draughts made on the Crown, upon

we

for

are persuaded they are

;

;

cannot, but at the same Time, remark the Cruelty of such unjust and invidious Reflections, so

purposely cast upon the Commissioners of Indian Affairs, as

SuHerings in common,

if their

with the distressed People of the City and County of Albany, in their present deplorable to melt a Heart, that was not devoid of Humanity, Compassion and fellow Feeling of their Miseries.) " That your Excellency has put the Crown to a very great Expence, as you are pleased to say,

Circumstances, were not alone suflicient into a

we do

in recovering the Affections of the Indians,

been applied,

we know

believe, from the very large

how

properly the

when we

Money

say,

we

has also

Draughts we have been credibly informed, you have made on that

Account (and many of them made lately

believe; though

not; but your Excellency must excuse us,

this

Summer) and

as

we

hear, no Reports of Presents

made.

That your Excellency must now have a very considerable Sum in Bank, on that Score, though you are pleased to ask Supplies of the House on that Article and considering " the ;

"People of Great-Britain (as your Excellency says) are now at a greater Expence of Treasure "in defending the Liberties of Europe, than ever they were, at any time, since they were a "Nation;" we cannot but think, every one entrusted with disposing of the Crowns Money, should be religiously careful "

The Expression

in its distribution.

of your Excellency's concern for the Welfare of the People of this Colony,

may, perhaps, amuse People

at a Distance,

and such as are unacquainted with the Management

of our publick Aflairs; but People that are not content with Profession, and outward Shews,

and are apt

to pry

narrowly into Actions, which are looked upon as best Expositors of the

Intention; and (however your Excellency

we

may

be advised to the contrary, under the present

we have with great Earnestness and Sincerity endeavoured to promote his Majesty's Service, and protect and preserve our Country, and have at a very great Expence, provided for the Annoyance of the Enemy and we are persuaded, the Measures we have pursued, will, in the Opinion of every considerate Influence)

bear the Testimony of a good Conscience, that

;

and impartial Man, acquit us of all the innocent Blood that may be shed, every step of Misconduct under the present Influence. "

Had

the Person

who

in

Consequence of

ingrosses your Excellency's Confidence, the Welfare and Safety of the

People so much at Heart, as your Excellency Opportunities for both, to have given

many

is

pleased to say you have, there have been

convincing Proofs of

it.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

622 "

Had your Excellency

in the

not pursued the Advice for with-drawing the Garrison at Saragh/oga, Year 1745, but continued and reinforced the same, it would have looked as if you had

at Heart, the Protection of that Settlement,

and would not have hazarded, 'the Shedding that

innocent Blood,' and the carrying the poor People there into Captivity, which was

the

Consequence of rashly with-drawing that Garrison. " If your Excellency had been advised, to have employed a proper Number of the new Levies, who were quartered near the City of Albany, and were unimployed (especially those of them raised within that City and County) for the Protection of it; by assisting them in getting in their Harvests (which for Want of their Aid, was left to perish in the Fields) and in Ease of the Inhabitants, tired and wearied out with continual Watchiugs, by the quick Return of Duty to every individual

"

without Distinction of Age, every 3d or 4th Night.

Had your Excellency not pursued

Levies from the Places posted Garrison, and

at,

the Advice to with-draw the small Remainder of the new between the City of Albany and Saraghtoga, the frontier

encamped them on the opposite Side

of the River

below that City,

in a Place

not only more convenient for Desertion, but impracticable for them, to give timely Assistance to

it,

in

Case of a sudden Attack

;

these would have been esteemed as so

many Demonstrations

of your Excellency's Concern for the Maintenance and Preservation of the Garrison and Fort of

Saraghtoga, and the People under

Concern

for the Protection,

its

Protection, formerly, and at this

Time

of your Care and

Ease and Accommodation of the City of Albany, and

and the keeping the small Remainder of the

new

Majesty and the Country, and the sending out the

its

Inhabitants

;

Levies, together for the Service of his 1-50

Rangers, for which the House

made

Provision, and desired your Excellency would be pleased to give the necessary Orders for that

Purpose, with

all

possible Dispatch,

which

it

seems

is

yet undone, would have been the most

probable Means of preventing the Spilling of innocent Blood, to be laid at any Ones Door. " Had the Persons concerned under your Excellency's Authority, in taking the Musters of the

new

Levies, been just and fair in their proceedings thereon; there would, according to Report,

have been a considerable Saving

to the

Crown,

in the Article of their

the great Expence the People of Great-Britain are

now

at, in

Pay, which, considering

defending the Liberties oi Europe,

worthy a most strict Enquiry. must also be free to declare to your Excellency, that we are very sensible with what Contempt, you have treated the People of this Colony in general, and the Members of this House in particular; from a very early Time of your Administration, in Terms so opprobrious, as are not fit to be published and your Excellency's Speeches and Messages to the House of late, have been so full fraught, with unjust and injurious Reproaches, inviduous Reflections and Calumnies, that must have tired the Patience of the House, at any other Time than this, when we choose rather to suffer unjustly, if, perchance, we could by so doing, promote his Majesty's Service and the Interest, Welfare and Security of our Country. is

a Matter

We

;

"

What

Pains have been taken, through the Advice your Excellency has pursued, in your

Months past, to distract and what opprobrious Insinuations and Reproaches have been thrown out, purposely to render our Loyalty to our most gracious Sovereign, and our Affection for our Country suspected? As if such injurious and crafty Imputations to the House, were the most likely Means to raise a Reputation to others, and cover the Failures of the Administration, under the present Conduct and Influence, by an Endeavour of throwing the Blame of all Misteps upon us. several Speeches and Messages to the House, for these twelve

divide us

;

LONDON DOCUMENTS "

We

have been charged under Authority,

•for the Security of

tiie

Time,' that

we

at this

'

witli

'

XXX.

:

623

declining every

BritisU Colonies in North- America,

Expence

that seems necessary

and the well-being of

this I'rovince

and other injurious

act contrary to the Inclinations of our Constituents,

Reflections of the like Kind, often repeated, and as often confuted by us; but, nevertheless, reiterated and insisted on at this

"

We have

Time.

been harased with frequent short and unnecessary Adjournments, without Consent

of his Majesty's Council, to

Times unseasonable, when nothing was expected

contrary to Precedents in the Times of former Governors, to the great

Constituents.

"On

Concern, and the heavy, needless, and unsupportable

private

their

in

without Advice of '

his

Weeks, your Excellency was

then to meet to proceed upon Business;' a severe Season of the Year

when

Members

Expence of our pleased,

Majesty's Council, to prorogue the General-Assembly, to the 13lh of

was no Weather would permit them Climate,

to be done»

of the

For Instance,

the sixth of December, after a Sitting of seven

Januartj,

Damage

there

Probability, that any to

Thing could require

meet; and on the 13th of Januanj,

in this cold

their Sitting, if the

to the

3d of March, from

thence to the 17th, and then to the 24th of the same Month. " On the 2-5th of March, the General-Assembly being sitting, your Excellency was pleased to

make a Speech to the Council and Assembly wherein, amongst other Things, you were pleased to recommend to us, in particular, to make farther Provision for victualling the Troops levied ;

in this

for

Colony;

this the

100 Rangers,

to

House

readily and chearfully complied with

be employed in scouring the

Woods

in

the

;

and moreover, provided

County of

Albtimj,

and also

for

Expence of your Excellency's Voyage to Albany, to meet the Indians. "On the 23d of April, the House having finished, as to the Business before them, and having nothing more to do than meet and adjourn, they by Order, sent a Representation to your the

Excellency, to the following Purpose.

"'That, pursuant

to

your Excellency's Recommendation, and

in tender

Commisseration of

House had passed a Bill for providing, 'among other necessary Services, for One Hundred Rangers, to be employed for the Protection 'and Security of the said Settlements, against the skulking Parties of the Enemy: That the 'Council having also then, eight Days since, passed the said Bill, it then only waited your

'

the Out-Settlements, on the Northern Frontier, the

'Excellency's Assent, to have the several Matters therein provided '

for,

carried into Execution

;

that the frequent Accounts received, of the Mischiefs done to our Out-Settlements by the

'skulking Parties of the Enemy, evinced the Necessity of a speedy Remedy, and that therefore '

the

House humbly

desired, that

if

your Excellency approved of the said

Bill,

you would be

'pleased to give your Assent thereto, that the Execution thereof might be no longer delayed

'and they further represented

to

your Excellency, that having intimated to the House,

in

;

your

'Speech, at the Opening of that Session, that 'the Sitting should be but short,' they had 'declined proceeding upon any other Business, than what was

rcommended by your Excellency,

'and had then already done therein, what they judged necessary •

at that

Time, and that

their

continuing Sitting, being attended with great Inconveniences to themselves, and occasioning a

'great Addition of

Expence

to their Constituents, already

groaning under the heavy Weight of

'other Taxes; the House therefore humbly desired, that your Excellency would be pleased to

'allow of such a Recess, as the then Situation of publick Affairs would admit.' " On the 24th of April, your Excellency sent a Message to the House, which required some

Time

to consider of; to

which, your Excellency required our Answer, before you would favour

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

624 us with a Recess

;

the

House then resolved upon a Representation to be drawn, in Answer to it was prepared, you were pleased, on the 25th, to send for the

that Message, but before

Council and General Assembly, and passed the Act before mentioned.

"On

the 2d of Ma>j, without allowing

Answer

Time

for the

House

And,

to finish their said Representation,

you were pleased to send a Letter to our Speaker, intimating, That his Majesty's Service would not permit you to continue the Session longer at that Time, and therefore signified your Pleasure, that the House should 'adjourn to the 12th of the same Month." "On the 13th, your Excellency sent a Letter to the Speaker, signifying, that you thought it for his Majesty's Service, that the House should be adjourned to the 19th.' " On the I9lh, the Representation was ordered to be signed by the Speaker; and the House sent a Message to your Excellency, by two of their Members, to know your Pleasure, when you would be attended therewith; and soon after, the Speaker had a Message, signifying, 'that you thought it for his Majesty's Service, that the House should be adjourned to the 26th. "On the 26th, your Excellency, by your Answer to the Representation, was pleased (upon the Allegations as before ) to direct the Adjournment of the House, to the 2d of June. " We shall pass over your Excellency's Message on the 2d of June, and the Opinion and Resolutions of the House thereupon, and only refer to them in the printed Proceedings. "On the 5th of June, your Excellency sent a Message to the Speaker, signifying to him, 'that you thought it for his Majesty's Service, that the House should be adjourned to the 14th.' " On the 16th of June, by the like Message, (on the same Allegation) the House was adjourned in

to the said Message,

amongst other Things,

'

'

'

'

'

to the 7th of Juhj.

"On

the 7th, by your Excellency's Letter, to the 14th; on the 14th, to the 2]st; on the

21st, to the 30th of Juli/,

an Adjournment

"On

to the

on the same Allegation

;

and on the

31st,

you were pleased

to direct

3d of August.

House; on the sixth, the which we severally refer. the 14th of August, the House met and adjourned every Day; sometimes

the 4ih of August, your Excellency sent a Message to the

House came

"From

to

Resolutions thereon

the 7th to

;

to

twice a Day, and nothing to do, your Excellency not having thought (as has been usual) to

make

fit

to

recommend

to

them,

Provision for the current Services of the Y'ear; or rather, your

Excellency had expressed your Intention, that they should meddle with nothing further than

what you recommended by

said

Message

The House

:

nevertheless, unwilling to remain

and put their Constituents to daily unnecessary Expence, proceeded upon that, and and ordered several other Business, as they found it expedient in the Course of the Session Bills to be brought in, which were of absolute Necessity at this Time; which were brought

inactive,

;

The

in accordingly, to tvk.

" A71 Act,

to

November, 1747, ^^

"

An An

to

let

farm

to the first

following severally, entitled,

the Excise

on strong Liquors retailed in

this

Colony,

from

the Jirst

of

of November, 174S.

an Act, entitled,

Act, further

to

continue

Act, further

to

continue an Act, entitled.

An An

Act, for rcgulntijig the Militia of this Colony. Act,

to

prevent Desertion of his Mnjcsty^s Forces

in this Colony.

" "

An An

Act,

to

prevent p'icate Lotteries within this Colony.

Act, for appointing Commissioners

to

take, examine,

and

state, the

puhlick Accounts of the

Colony, from the Year 1713.

"^«

Act, for the more

effectual cancelling the Bills

of Credit of

this

Colony.

«

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX.

625

Purpose with the last, having passed both Houses the last Fall, your Two Excellency was pleased then to refuse your Assent thereto, saying you would take Time to consider of them, and yet immediately after prorogued the General Assembly; and the House conceiving such Acts would be of great Importance to this Colony, they therefore prepared "

Bills to the like

them again. "

To

proceed, there were farther these following Bills brought

in,

and preparing

this Session,

severally, entitled,

"

An

Act, for raising the

Lottery, fo7-

Sum

Two

of.

Thousand,

Two

Hundred, and Fifty Pounds,

a further Provision towards founding a College for

the

bif

a publick

Advancement of Lcarnimr, witldn

this Colony.

"

An

Act, further

" of

An

this

Act, entitled.

An

Act, for the establishing a Military JTalch, for

continue an Act, entitled,

An

Act, for and towards stqqwrting the Government

to continue aii

and County of Albany.

the City

Act, further

to

Colony, by gi-anling

to his

Majesty the Duties therein mentioned, from the first

1740, to the first Day of December, 1741. " An Act, for the Relief of the Poor in the County of Suffolk. ^^

An

Act,

to

provide for the Payment and Subsistence of

Day

o/"

December,

And,

One Hundred and Fifty Rangers,

to be

employed in scouring the Woods in the County of Albany, until the first of November next. " In which Bill was intended should be included, the Provision for all other Services that

might be judged necessary

"And

for the Protection

and Security of the Frontiers the ensuing Winter.

midst of our Proceedings thereon, your Excellency on the 4lh of Se/ptember last, sent a Letter to the Speaker, signifying, that you thought it for his Majesty's Service, that the in the

'

'

General Assembly should be adjourned

"At

this

Time we cannot omit

to the eighth.'

observing, that there were Commissioners appointed by his

Majesty's Letters Patent, under the great Seal of this Colony, to meet and treat with Commissioners of the neighbouring Colonies, that were already, or should hereafter, be appointed, lo meet and treat touching our joint Conduct in the War; and Commissioners from the Governments of the Massachusetts-Bay, and Connecticut, were arrived in this City; and all these Commissioners had met, and had entered upon Treaty for the Purposes in their respective

Commissions, and were continuing

fitting

Importance of their Negotiations required

every Day, to give the utmost

Dispatch the

would be absolutely necessary, whatever Conclusions these Commissioners should come to, that they should be approved of, and ratified by the several Branches of their respective Legislatures, by whose Consent they were impowered to treat, and by whose Aid Money must be furnished so it was urged, that as the General Assembly of this Colony were then sitting, the Legislature here could be daily advised ;

and as

it

;

with, and their Sentiments

known from Time

Time, concerning the Particulars under Method of reasoning advanced, upon the issuing the new Commission, with full and absolute Powers, which you did not object to, and therefore must be supposed to approve of. " On the Sth, the House met, and proceeded on the necessary Business of the Session, until when, in the midst thereof, our Speaker received a Letter from your Excellency, the 17th to

Consideration; and your Excellency well knows, that this was the

;

directing an

"And Months

Adjournment

to the

22d of ihe same Month.

After such Adjournment, (as before recited) and Prorogations, within about nine past, and the House was providing as usual, at the Fall of the Year, for the current

Services of the next, at a

Vol. VI.

Time when

several of the aforesaid Bills had been carried up to the

79

;

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

626

Council for their Concurrence, and were passed by tliem also

;

several

others

ready

for

the Council, others in great Forwardness, and others ordered in, your Excellency thought fit, " On the said 22d of September, to send for the Council and Assembly, and to pass only two

was pleased to prorogue the General Assembly, to the 29th of the same Month, then to meet to proceed upon Business.' " Thus rendering vain and abortive all our Labours of the last Session, which were near, though not quite perfected and giving us the Pain of a needless heavy Expence to our Constituents, to begin the Work a new, and do the same Business over again " On the 29th of September, the House met, ready to proceed upon Business but soon after, our Speaker received a Letter from your Excellency, directing an Adjournment to the 5th Instant; and though the House, by a Message to your Excellency, then signified their

of the said Bills; and then

'

«

;

;

;

Inclination to proceed immediately to Business, in order to shorten the Session, and thereby

ease their Constituents of the Expence attending the same, your Excellency paid no Regard to it,

but insisted upon the said Adjournment.

We

"

conceive thus stating the Facts, as in Truth they are, must be sufficient;

make any

Reflections

upon them

and whether or no,

;

for his Majesty's Service, or the Security,

Judgement

"But

Method of proceeding

Welfare, or Interest of the Colony,

we need is

not

calculated

we submit

to the

of every impartial Person.

as your Excellency

may perhaps be

advised, that the

Method

to

manage an Assembly,

harass them with frequent short Adjournments, by which they will soon be tired, and

is to

we take the Liberty to assure your Excellency, that such No Treatment your Excellency can use towards us; no soever, that we may suffer in our own Persons, shall ever prevail

brought to submit to any Measures

Advice

is

and

vain

how

Inconveniences

upon us "

this

It

to

;

fruitless:

great

abanden, (or divert us from steadily pursuing) the Interest of our Country.

has often been insinuated, that

we do

we

run counter to the Inclinations of our Constituents

much as they would have us; that we are parsimonious, and too saving of the Country's Money and yet we imagine it must appear, upon a Review of our Proceedings, that notwithstanding our Care has been to manage with Frugality, the Colony have been put to the extraordinary Expence of near Seventy T/wusimd Pounds, since the Commencement of the French War, which is a Burthen we fear our Constituents will be apt to think too heavy

that

not do so

;

them to bear; however, we please ourselves with the Thoughts of having discharged our Duty to his Majesty, and our Country: What farther the publick Exigences may soon require,

for

we

cannot

tell

neither would

;

but as

we be

we wou'd

too sparing:

not be profuse and lavish of our Constituents Money, so

We

are ready and

most

heartily willing to

do every Thing

that can be reasonably expected of us, consistent with the Circumstances of the Colony, that

may

be for his Majesty's Service, and the Interest, Security, and Defence of this and

liis

Majesty's other Colonies in North- America.

"By "October

9,

Order of

the General Assembly,

1747.

Message from His Excellency, Governor Clinton, " Gentlemen, " I have the Pleasure to

communicated

to

David Jones, Speaka:"

to the

General Assembly.

perceive, from the first of your Resolves of the Sth Instant, me, by Order of your House, that the Scheme concerted by the Commissioners

LONDON DOCUMENTS of this

Colon_y, witli

Approbation

;

since

it

of Miissac/msZ/s-Bdi/ nnd

lliose

differs in

nothing Material iiom

of the 17th of October, last Year,

Time

;

I

I

G27

Connciticul, Ims tiie

Plan, which

had concerted with Mr.

Scheme which

but that then, the

XXX.

:

concerted,

was

to

SIdrlcij

I

received so ready told

you

in

my

and Mr. Warren,

nil

Speecli, at tiiat

be put in Execution, principally

at the Charge of the Crown whereas this must be entirely at the Charge of these Colonies, and that the Execution of mine, did not depend upon so many Uncertainties as this must do. ;

"Before the Meeting of these Commissioners, I had likewise the Pleasure to see, that the I had concerted, for the Security of the Frontiers, before I left Albany, last Year, and which was communicated to the Council of this Province, was so far, lately approved of Plan which

by the Council that it was unanimously made an Instruction to the Commissioners of this Province, to endeavour by all Means, to have one or more Forts built at the Carrijing-Place, at the joint Charge of these Colonies, for the Security of the Frontiers, which is the very same Thing I intended to have done last Year, at the Charge of the Crown, when the Execution of it was so far retarded, by your Commissioners withholding the Provisions, and other Disappointments, that it became impracticable in that Season, and the Continuance of the same Clogs upon the Provisions, by your Acts, has rendered it impracticable at any Time since. " I am at a Loss to conceive, what can be meant by the following Words, in your 4th That the Committe is persuaded, that his ISLijesty's Orders to his Excellency, Resolve, viz. 'with Respect to Indian Presents, are still subsisting;' If you mean, that I have not fully executed his Majesty's Orders, but that something still remains to be done, or that his Majesty has not determined his Orders; I must ask. you, who persuaded you to think so? What Evidence have you now before your House, to persuade you, that either I have not fully Was ever his Majesty's executed his Majesty's Orders, or that he has not determined them ? Pleasure communicated to any Assembly of this Province, otherwise than by the Governor V Can it be imagined, that any Governor in his Senses, would avowedly and publickly declare any Thing to be his Majesty's Pleasure, which really was not so, or in the most solemn Manner, But to proceed, no Man refuse to do any Thing which his Majesty had ordered him to do? need to be at any Loss to perceive the View and Purpose of the following Words of this Resolve, viz. And though by several Informations it appears that his Excellency has the Summer last past, made large Draughts on the Crown, on the Head of Indian Atlairs, and no Disposition thereof for that Purpose, has yet been heard of.' " Now, Gentlemen, 1 will venture to say, that notwithstanding, of your asserting this in such ;

'

'

'

'

strong Terms, you

know

that not one

Word

of

it is

Truth, for though

it

may

be true, that

I

have made large Draughts on the Crown, yet this could not appear to you as a House, by any Information, because you, in that Capacity had no Information of it, for which I appeal to your

own Minutes, though some of you may know something of it as Merchants, yet the lar greatest Number of you know nothing of it, but by a blind Faith in their Leaders. How can it be said, that no Disposition of any Money I have received on these Draughts has been heard of? Tiiis You assert, that no Person has is as bold a Falshood, as ever came from any Body of Men. heard of such Dispositions it is impossible for you to know this, otherwise, than by full Proof before you, that none of that Money was disposed of, or that it still remains in my Hands; ;

and of

this

you have not the

least

Appearance of Evidence, while you thus endeavour to tlirow On the contrary, I may ask, whether there

so gross a Slander on your Governor's Character.

be any Person of the least Note or Curiosity in this Country, Parties o[ Indians, sent out at several

Times against Canada,

last

who has not Summer and

heard of several since,

and of no

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

628

at one Time, and that very considerable Numbers of Indians, Time, cloathed and armed, and constantly found with Provisions, and that several Persons both Whites and Indians, have been sent among tiie distant Nations, with Presents, to engage them in our Interest, and to bring their fighting Men to us, and Messages have been continually passing back and forward on these and such like Occasions.

less tlian

GOO Men, mnrcliing

have been from Time

" Let

me

Occasions?

to

ask you, whether this Province

For you must know

it;

and

if

lias

paid one Farthing of any Expence upon these

this

Province did not, wiio did pay

all

this great

Expence? If I did not; nay tell me, who was capable of doing it, without making large Draughts for it? "It is well known, how difficult it was before the Treaty I had last Year at Albany, to get a Dozen or a Score of Indians, to go out to Scout, and what a Charge these small Numbers cost; and now Col. Johnson, engages to bring a 1000, or more together, upon any reasonable Notice. It appears from Mr. Johnson''s Examination, taken before a Committee of the Council, and communicated by me to you, at tiie Time my Message was sent, that the far greatest Number of Sachems, were in the French Interest that they had received Belts from the Governor of Canada; that since I employed that Gentleman, in Consequence of the Promises they had made me, they had given up these Belts, and were entered heartily into the War against Ca«aJa; and that many numerous Indian Nations, living at so great a Distance from us, whose Names are but lately known to us, are now courting our Friendship, and ready to declare against the French. Can any Man in his Senses, imagine that all these Things could be done without a large Expence of Money ? But, Gentlemen, as to whatever Sums I received by these Draughts, I am in no Sense accountable to you, since none of it was given by you, neither are you Judges of the Disposition of it, nor if any Accounts of the Disposition were laid before you, can you give a Discharge or Acquittance for a single Fcmuj of it; and therefore, you have not any Thing to do with it. " The making Peace and War, treating with foreign Nations, and all the executive Parts of Government, are indisputed Parts of the King's Prerogative; and at last before you conclude your Resolves, you discover for what Purpose, this vile Slander is thrown upon your Governor, with no less View, than to wrest his Majesty's Authority out of the Hands of his Governor, and to place it in the Hands of the Men, with whom you propose to deposite the Money; for since nothing can be done without Money, then the Governor cannot do any Thing with the Indians, but at the Pleasure of these Men, with whom the Money is deposited, and by that Means you, or rather a Faction among you, become the Governors of both Governor and Indians. " Your 5th Resolve, shews how little you consider the Danger of the Garrison at Oswego, at this Time, and the Difficulties that may attend the sending any Relief, or the necessary ;

Provisions thither. " Your Zeal for encouraging the Indians, in prosecuting the to see in

what Manner

declared

War

it

appears, by your 6th Resolve;

War

when

against the French, last year at Albany, they

against Canada,

I

am

sorry

the Indians of the six Nations,

made

it

a Condition, that while

young Men were out fighting our Battles for us, the old Men, Women and Children, should be taken Care of by us, and protected, and for that Purpose desired to have one or two Places fortified, at our Expence in each Nation. This in itself, appeared so reasonable, that I

their

Man in his Senses, can think it ought to have been refused ; and if I had refused and thereupon the Indians had declined joining us in the War, you would not have failed to blame me what Regard you have to the Honour of this Government, and Justice to the believe, no it,

;

;

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX. Lulians, appears from

tliis

Resolve;

vvlien to

exposed their Lives, and are ready again this Province,

Women

who

you

if

;

and

shew your Thankfulness

;

you. Gentlemen, in Effect, say

many 100 will not, we

live

they

" Pray, Gentlemen, from

to the Indians,

who

liave

expose their Lives, in Defence of the People of

and when they desire Assistance from

and Children

those will

to

629

Safety of their old Men,

for the

us,

we

no more Care of you

will take

tiian

Miles from you, and never received any immediate Defence from will not.

whence do you expect

certain

and undoubted Advice, that the Did you, or any Assembly,

Forces at Albany, are to be discharged from his Majesty's Pay?

receive any Orders or Advice, directly from his Majesty or his Ministers, or otherwise than ? The Forces at Albany, are under my Command only, and you never will know any Thing of his Majesty's Pleasure about these Forces, but from me, or from my Successor. This Resolve seems a very forced Introduction of a very modest Claim of the Command of the Army, under the Title of Regulations But, Gentlemen, I can tell you, that while you are thus in vain mispending the Time, in making Regulations of his

from the Governor of this Province

:

Majesty's Forces, which ought to be imployed in making Provision for the Safety of the

make any you do not accept of them under such Regulations as his Majesty thinks proper; and this you can only know from me, and you must accept of them on the Footing I proposed, or not accept of them at all. His Majesty will not part with the least Branch of his Prerogative, relating to Military Affairs; nor dare I, nor will I, give up the least Branch of it on any Consideration, however desirous you may be to share in it, or to Inhabitants of this Province, you will soon have none of these Forces at Albany, to

Regulations about them,

if

have the Whole Command. " And to put this your Claim of the

Command

of the

Army, out

of dispute, you send your

Orders next to me, relating to the Fort at Saraghtoga ; and this you do at a Time, when some of you at least know, that though

I

Time impracticable. " The Design of these Resolves

heartily inclined to do all that

you now

desire of

me,

it is

at this

considerate Men, to be no what was not in my Power to prevent; to throw an unjust Odium on my Administration, when at the same Time, what may have happened, is principally occasioned by the unreasonable Opposition you have made will too evidently

other than by raising a most unreasonable

appear to

Clamour against me,

all

for

Measures which were concerted to prevent it. have not by the Constitution of the Government, any Share in the Execution of Military Orders; you are not from the Nature of Things, capable of judging of these Matters,

to all reasonable

"You

because you cannot pretend

to that

Knowledge

neither can you have sufficient Information to

may "

I

arise every

Day

or Skill, that

know what

is

is

necessary for this Service

proper on the several Events which

in Military Affairs.

formerly told you, that the Frontiers of this Province, could not be secured by that Fort,

Manner to prevent the Incursions of the Enemy and in this, I have the unanimous Consent of all who are capable of judging, and who have sufficient Information to judge and what has happened to that Fort, I forewarned you of in my former Messages, was likely to It happen, unless you gave me proper Assistance to preserve it which you have not done has occasioned a heavy Expence to the Crown, in the Reliefs that became too frequently 80 as in any

;

;

:

;

necessary

;

nothing has caused so

to that Garrison

;

much

Dissatisfaction

and more Lives have been

other Cause since the

lost

Commencement of the War.

by It

its

among

the Soldiers, as their being sent

disadvantageous Situation, than by any

was

at first placed there

by Commissioners

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

630 recommended

to

me by

the Council, as the properest Persons to be intrusted

been since discovered, had not the publick Benefit Wheat, their own Property, and then growing.

"No Reason

can be assigned

for

in

View, but

to

;

who, as has

preserve some Quantities of

continuing a Garrison in that Place, but as

towards Canada, in Case the Expedition had gone on

this

it

is

Summer, and because some

a

Step

of the

warlike Stores for that Expedition were lodged there, and that the with-drawing an advanced Post, might give Discouragement to the Indians our Friends

maintained without hazarding a

total Dissolution of the

:

But when

it

could not be longer

Forces at Albany, and the Loss of the

there, it became absolutely necessary to withdraw the Cannon and Enemy's taking an Advantage of these Misfortunes, and which were in a great Measure occasioned by your Behaviour, in opposition to the Measures I had taken, and represented to you as necessary for securing that Post. I must leave it to his Majesty's Ministers to judge, whether I have not done every Thing incumbent on me, or in my Power, on this Occasion; and to judge whether you have done your Duty for his Majesty's Service and the Safety of the People whom you represent. "Finding by the Minutes of your Proceedings since the last Prorogation, that you were going upon numerous Matters, and Bills, some of them of small Weight and Consequence at this Time, when I think the Province to be in the greatest Danger and when I thought all Things ought to be postponed to the Consideration of the subject Matter of the Message I sent you

Cannon and Stores lodged Stores, and to prevent the

;

the

first

Day

of your Meeting, for securing the Frontiers, and the Lives and Estates of the

Inhabitants of this Province.

"I sent the Message the 8th of this Month, to incite you to proceed on the subject Matter of first Message, without Delay; and for that Purpose, I told you, that I would receive

that

nothing from you on any other Subject,

till I

should

the Frontiers, and the Safety of the Province

consider any Thing else which you "

The

Day

may

;

know your

after

Resolutions as to the securing

which you

may

have Time enough

to

think proper.

you received this Message, you ordered the Door to be locked, and the For what Purpose was this Farce acted on this Occasion ? Was there any Appearance of any Person without Doors, attempting to break in upon you? Or, did any of your own Members seem willing to run awy? I am well assured that was not the Case! Was it then to assume a Power to shut me out, that I might not have access to you by Message, or otherwise? If so, the doing of it is a high Insult on his Majesty's Authority, and a with-drawing of your Allegiance for that Time. "But, Gentlemen, wherein by this Message did I encroach upon your undoubted Rights and Privileges? I told you what I would do, or not do, myself; that is, I would receive nothing from you till I knew your Resolutions for securing the Province. I imposed nothing on you but that Message; have not I Liberty to act, as well as you? And may I not complain of any Encroachment upon my Liberty and Authority, as well as any other Subject or Officer of the King ? " Consider, Gentlemen, by what Authority you sit, and act as the General Assembly of this Province I know of none but by the Authority of the King's Commission and Instructions to me, which are alterable at his Majesty's Pleasure. You seem to place it upon the same Foundation with the House of Commons, of Greal-Britain ; and if I mistake not, you, by the

Key

to

next

be

laid

after

on the Table

:

!

Resolves of the 9th of this Month, assume

Commons

of Great-Britain:

If so,

all

the Privileges and Rights, of the

you assume a Right

to

House of

be a Branch of the Legislature of the

;

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXX.

631

Kingdom, and deny your Dependence and Subjection on the Crown and Parliament. If you have not the Rights of the House of Commons of Great-Britain, then the Giver of the Authority by which you act, has, or can put Bounds and Limitations, upon your Rights and Privileges, and alter them at Pleasure and has a Power to restrain you when you endeavour to transgress and I must now tell you, that I have his Majesty's express Commands, not to suffer you to bring some Matters into your House, or to debate upon them and for that Reason, the Custom has been long established, of the Clerk of your House, to shew every Day to the Governor, the Minutes of the Proceedings of your House and It is an undutiful Behaviour to keep any Thing secret from me that is under your Consideration. "In short, Gentlemen, I must likewise tell you, that every Branch of the Legislature of this Province, and all of them together, may be criminal in the Eye of the Law and there is a Power able to punish you, and that will punish you, if you provoke that Power to do it, by your Misbehaviour, otherwise you must think yourselves independent of the Crown of GreatBritain. But before I conclude on the Head of these extraordinary Resolves, I cannot but take Notice of that unmannerly Method taken up by you Members of the present Assembly, of This is a ordering me to be served from Time to Time, with Copies of your Resolutions. Method no way warranted by any Practice in Parliament, (whose Practice you think ought to be the Rule of your Conduct) it is highly disrespectful to that Authority which his INIajesty has placed in me, and is an assuming in some Sense, an Authority over me, and a Direction of my For what Purpose else can this be done, since without this, by a Practice Conduct. established ever since a General Assembly sat in this Province, the Proceedings thereof are daily communicated to the Governor; and in Pursuance of his Majesty's Commands, all your Proceedings ought to be communicated, that the Governor may put a Stop to them, when they became disorderly or undutiful to his Majesty, or perhaps criminal. " This leeds me to consider a most indiscreet Behaviour of some of the Members of your House, who in a quarter of an Hour after I was served with the Copy of your said Resolves, of the 9th Instant, came into an Apartment of my House where I was busy, and without the least previous Notice, one of them offered to read a large Bundle of Papers, which he said, was a Remonstrance from the House. Does every private Man in this Country, think his own House his Castle? And must your Governor, when in his private Apartment, be thus intruded upon? Would any private Man bear such Behaviour in a Stranger? And must your Governor bear it with Patience? I think therefore from such Behaviour, without any other, I had too much Reason to refuse to receive it, or to suffer it to be left with me and from some past Representations which have been openly made by your House, I never will hereafter receive any Thing from your House, in publick, the Contents of which is not previously communicated to me in private, that I may judge whether it be necessary for his !Majesty's Service, and ;

;

;

;

;

publick Good, to give Access to

me

for that

Purpose.

" Gentlemen, " I must likewise on this Occasion, observe to you, that at the Opening of the present Session, you did not, as usual, acquaint me with your being a House, in order to receive from me what I should think necessary for your Consideration at this Time and as I believe that you cannot give any Instance where this has been omitted by any General Assembly of this Province, before this Time, I must think that this Omission was with Design. Before I had any Opportunity of speaking or sending any Message to you, you entered into several Resolves, viz. ;

;

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

632 "

You

resolve to take the State of the Province, and of the Frontiers, into your Consideration

but without doing

this,

or receiving any Information of the State of the Province, or of the

Frontiers, being laid before you.

" That the late and frequent Adjournments and Prorogations, I had made of the Assembly, have occasioned Interruptions in providing for the Defence and Security of the Frontiers. Now, Gentlemen, is not this an Incroachment upon the King's Authority in my Hands, and

taking upon yourselves a Superiority over, and controlling

acquainting

me

with

any Reasons you had

Power

taking the

for

of that Authority, without

State

of the

Province into

your Consideration. " In the same Breath, you resolve to

make

a Remonstrance upon the State and Condition

of the Colony, and without resolving what shall be the Subject Matter of that Remonstrance,

you order a Committee to draw it up: The Committee in a very little Time, bring in their Remonstrance into the House and it will beyond Contradiction, appear from the Minutes of the Proceedings of your House, the Time when you met, and the Time when the Committee brought it to my House, that there was scarcely Time to read it hastily over, and that it was impossible for your House to form any rational Judgement on what the Committee had done. ;

Is this acting like rational

Men ?

Is this following

Precedents of the Parliament of Great-Britain,

which you pretend so much to imitate? No, I'll defy any Man to give any Precedent of this Nature, unless it was in that House of Commons that had resolved to take away the King's Nay, I'll defy any Man to show, that the Life, and to overturn the established Government Council, or General Assembly, of any Nation, ever acted in tliis Manner, but where a Faction had resolved to usurp the whole Authority and Power over that Nation. " I had Reasons why I would not then take notice of those insolent Representations, as would have become me but now that those Reasons are removed, and on this Occasion, when I have Reason to believe the like Insolence was intended, I must tell you, that you therein not only forgot all Kind of Decency or Respect, to the Authority which his Majesty has been pleased to intrust me with over this Province, (not to mention the Regard which every Man of any tolerable Manners, must think due to the Family where I had my Birth) but you thereby endeavoured to make me lose all Esteem among the People, and to render it as far as in your Power, impracticable to do that Service which is required of me in opposing the Enemy. I further say, that without any Regard to Truth, you therein boldly asserted several Things, which, from the Minutes of your Proceedings, can be proved that you know to be :

;

false

;

and, in order to excuse yourselves with the People, for denying

War

Enemy, and

me

the necessary

you Minds of the People, that I converted the publick Money to my but what little Pretence you had for this imprudent Assertion, may appear to private Use Strangers as well as to those better acquainted with the Affairs of this Government, when it is made known to them, that all the publick Money of this Province, that came in any Manner into my Hands, in four Years since my Arrival in this Place, to be disposed of by me for his Majesty's Service, or the Service of this Province, did not in the Whole, amount to little more Supplies for carrying on the

endeavour

against the

for defence of this Province,

to infuse into the ;

than. One Thousand Eight Hundred Pounds, this Currency, for the Use of the five Nations of India7is,

and other Indians tributary to them, when

numerous

tiiere

I

met them

at Albany,

and who were more

than on such usual Occasions of meeting them.

" Now, let any Man but consider, what the Province could suffer, by the most sinister Management on these Occasions, when the Indians were maintained out of that Money, all the

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX. Time

tliey

were

Presents, as

at A/h/inij, publick Presents

well

is

were given

to all tiie

known, were likewise made out of

it,

633 Nations

tlien tliere,

and private

Sachems of every Nation,

to tiie

and a considerable one to the Senekas, for their Claim to Oswego, which had been promised them by my Predecessors, but never performed and the IiuUnns were out of the same Money, ;

transported in

Waggons from

Schencctadij, 16 Miles, to Albatnj,

Now

Schenectady, with Provisions for their Journey.

saved by the most sinister Means

had been converted

to

my

;

Use; could

Commissioners with-holding the Provisions

for

all

Money which came

the

this justify

and refusing the other necessary Supplies, you did as much as doing that Service which I concerted, determined, and was about of the

Enemy, and Protection

to

into my Hands, your Proceeding, which by your the Forces, and your justifying them in so doing,

nay, suppose that

private

and from Albany, back again

suppose what you please to have been

of the People of this Province

in

my

Annoyance supposing what you

say,

I

;

your Power, prevent have done,

to

for

insinuated had been true, this never could have justified you, in your past and present Conduct;

and which I shall make appear whenever that Point come in Question. Had the saving of the Country's Money been truly the Design, you would have in the Krst Place, privately acquainted me with any Information you liad on that Head, and if I could not have satisfied you, you might applied in some Manner to the King for Redress, which would have shewn at the same Time, the Regard you had for but

assert your Insinuations are false,

I

properly

shall

But

his Authority, in the Character of his Governor.

saving of

Money

to the

to put

it

out of Question, that the

People you represent, was no Part of your View;

need only observe,

I

had the Administration of this Government, above Sixty Thousand Pomids, has been put into the Hands of Commissioners, named by you, and none of them have been to my that since

1

Knowledge,

called to

Account by you

to

this

Day

;

is

it

because

all

Men

in this Province,

excepting your Governor, are uncapable of turning any Part of the publick private Use, or because

all

of

them were

of you, or in special Friendship with the leading

"But

the Spirit of those Representations,

appears in them, against those,

who

own Number, Men among you.

either of your

become

still

when you took upon you

to their

some

more evident, by the Malice which

any Manner endeavoured

in

Money

or near Relations to

support

to

me

in

my

judge of their Hearts, without assigning one single Act, to support the heavy Calumnies you endeavoured to throw upon them, and that in a Manner, that every Man who has the least Sense of Honour, would be ashamed of in private Administration,

to

Life, but much more unbecoming the Character of the Representatives of a People, who have any Sense of moral Honesty. But this will be so far from doing an Injury to these Persons Characters, that you establish their good Character, when, after you shew so great an Inclination to discover Faults and Blemishes, you have not been able to point out one.

"

I

must, before

I

leave this Subject, take Notice of your refusing to supply the Independent

Companies of the King's Troops witli Provisions, who are posted at Albany, in your Defence; It is well known, that these Troops cannot at this Time, subsist there on their Pay, as they have no Means of supporting themselves otherwise when from Duty, or if they could support themselves,

is

new

in their Sight,

Levies

otlier

may

reasonable to think they could be satisfied to serve for

it

Tendency, but that of the Dissolution of those Troops, and

desire this,

it is

my Duty

with Provisions by you,

where they can Vol.. VI.

I

Pay

alone,

when

the

have as good Pay and Provisions; besides, this Refusal can have no

to

prevent

it,

and therefore,

must withdraw them

subsist.

80

all

if

into

for

whatever Reasons you

these Troops be not there furnished

some

otlier

Parts of the Province

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

634

"Now, Gentlemen,

from whence

reflect

King and Country, can

arise

it

;

seems

to

long continued, unbecoming Conduct to your

this so

me, that

can arise from no other but one or more

it

of the following Motives.

"A

you would endeavour by all Means in your Power, to Enemies; or " In Favour of that shameful Neutrality, which it is generally believed, some in this Province, have endeavoured to establish between this Province and Canada, at this Time, such as was established in the War in Queen Anne''s Reign, by which the French in Canada, gained great firm Principle of Disloyalty, that

deliver up the Country to the King's

Advantages over the neighbouring Colonies,

Prejudice of the

to the

common

Interest

of

the Nation.

"

A

Design

to overturn the present Constitution of the

Administration into Confusion.

Government, by thus throwing the

Or,

"Lastly, to satisfy the pride and private Malice and Rancour of a few Men, at the Hazard of

the Lives and Estates of your Constituents

nor what Share they have

" Gentlemen, " I have again and again,

when you had

to break out into indecent Expressions

House, that you might have Time

any Session,

I

seemed

to

;

I

value

;

to

no secret,

unreasonable Heats and Passions, so as

and

to give

find

you what Example I could, in preventing one Instance, wherein at the opening of

your Behaviour has been quite otherwise often to lug

Time

of

Danger.

a proper Resentment from me,

have endeavoured

is

have any Remembrance of any Differences which had appeared

to ;

renew Differences, and at Heart, in this

fallen into

you cannot

them

Things, will evidently shew, whether you or

most

that such there are in this Country,

and undutiful Behaviour, adjourned or prorogued your

to cool,

the renewal of any past Differences

the preceding Sessions

;

your private Consultations.

in

I

in

;

in

you omitted no Opportunity

Head and Shoulders;

among many

this

have had the Safety of the People of

other

this

Province

And now. Gentlemen, when you have Reason

to expect

I

will disappoint

you once more:

throw on me, cannot hurt

my

you whose Esteem the Injuries you have

All these Aspersions

Character, with those

and you are not capable of making a proper Reparation,

for

attempted to do.

"And

therefore,

I

shall

again

recommend

to you, to

make

the necessary Supplies for the

Security of the Frontiers, and for preserving the Fidelity of the Indians, and their Encouragement in prosecuting the

Session, and that

War

against the French, as

you dispatch

this Affair

I

did by

my

Message

at the

Opening of

this

without Delay, by not intermixing any other Business

that can be as well

done afterwards as now, till all that is necessary be compleated, by tliese because no Man can tell, what Inconveniences may arise, or what Mischiefs may happen every Day to the Inhabitants on the Frontiers. "I am well assured, that the Governor of Canada, has too good Information of what passes Bills being passed

your House

in this Province; these

make

;

open and publick Differences among ourselves,

Attempts, which otherwise, he never would have thought

"And

that

I

may

as

much

Misunderstanding or otherwise,

as in I

now

my

you, that

I

will not give

which the Issuing or Disposition of the publick Money liis

encourage him

Power, prevent any Delay which may

tell

Majesty's Commission and Instructions to

Clogs on

may

me

direct, or

is

to

of.

my

arise

Assent to any

from

Bill, in

directed otherwise, than as his

which

shall

Majesty's Authority, with Respect to the Disposition or

lay

any Limitations or

Command

of the Forces,

LONDON DOCUMENTS may

or which in any Sense

XXX.

:

lessen his Majesty's Authority in

G35

my

Hands, with Respect

to

military Affairs.

"If you make any Thing contrary

to his Majesty's

Commission

or Instructions, a Condition

of your granting the necessary Supplies for the Safety of the People of this Province, tell

you, that

them

in this

it

will be trifling with the

Time

I

now

Lives and Estates of your Constituents, by exposing

of Danger, without Relief; for

I

never will yield to

the Condescentions of the Governors of this Province, are

now

it:

The

too sensibly

felt,

ill

Effects of

to continue

any Thing of that Method but at the same Time, none of you shall be more desirous than I am, that the publick Money be disposed of in the most proper and frugal Manner, and that you be fully satisfied by all reasonable Methods, consistent with that Constitution of ;

I

Government which the Uses for which

his Majesty has established in this Province, that it is

it

has been applied to

granted.

"Fort George, October

G. Clinton."

13, 1747.

Having now opened to your Lord^P' view, what has been the situation of the province some time, with respect to the two essencial Articles of Govern', the prerogative of the Crown and the proceedings of the Assembly, we shall proceed to place before Your Lord^P' another great and equally dangerous evil, arising from the distracted State of affairs in which

for

this valuable Province has thus long

destructive effect

been involved,

and that

is

the very bad and almost

has had upon the general disposition and ancient friendship of the Six

it

who are seated on the back of it, and whose attachment to the British Interest depends upon their temper towards the Govern' of New York, and the benefits and

Indian Nations, chiefly

protection they find in their alliance with

The

it.

great Advantages which the experience of

from the Assistance of

were prevented, by merciless

this

their having been left

Enemy, by

the

lost,

years, had given us reason to hope for,

exposed

to the cruel

in the

time of the late war,

Ravages and Incursions of a

that protection, which, tho' often promised them, was as often and their friendship was also a second time endangered, and

want of

neglected to be provided

almost entirely

many

powerful and warlike body of people

for,

by their not receiving their usual supply of presents at the regular

and stated times; these unhappy

effects

may

indeed be

in

some degree,

attributed

to

the

disappointment they met with, from the expedition against Canada not taking place after they had been prevailed upon to take up the Hatchet in this service; yet, the finding themselves

same time neglected by those people, to whom their Friendship and alliance had been, on every occasion of danger and distress, so particularly serviceable, must doubtless have been a great additional shock to them, and greatly contributed to make them, in their own

at the

minds, either deny the Power or distrust the sincerity and good will of great Brittain.

Nor were any steps taken for two years after the peace for regaining the affections of these making them the usual presents upon that occasion, and should such a cessation of all Govern' in the province, as has for two years continued, ever again he repeated, The Six Nations of Indians, always the most constant and best allies of the British Interest iu America, will be entirely alienated from us, and driven to seek a connection with the French, who,

people, by

availing themselves of our neglect, daily strengthen themselves, by artfully turning

Indians against us, as are not directly our

Thus,

My

Lords, have

we thrown

allies,

and disturbing such as

together, whatever

we

thought

all

such

are.

may

tend to give your

LordPi" a just idea of the melancholy State of the affairs of this distracted province, so capable

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

636

made by good Govern' and

general tranquility one of the most flourishing and American Colonies; and tiiese, My Lords, are the steps and fatal measures, by which the legal prerogative of the Crown, ( which alone can keep this or any Province dependent on the Mother Country) has been reduced, the most essencial powers of Govern' violently wrested out of the hands of the Governor, the province in time of war left exposed, the Six Indian Nations disgusted, the whole support of Govern', for above two years entirely omitted and refused, and every thing which the Crown has a right to demand, or the

of })eing

advantageous of His

Province

for their

Maj'>"'

own

sakes, in interest oblige to provide, has been denied merely in resentment

i'rom personal quarrels,

and on account of differences between the Gov' and some members of

the Council and Assembly.

Your LordFP' have desired us

propose remedies

to

and therefore we will and most likely to Council and Assembly, to restore tiie

for these grievances,

we imagine

proceed to offer to your consideration what

will be necessary

good agreement between the Gov' and tiie its just and legal boundaries, put the affairs of Govern' once more into a proper course of Administration, recover the fidelity of the Indians, and guard against a return of re-establish a

prerogative to

these several mischiefs hereafter.

Unhappily divided as the parts of the Legislature of the

personal

Members

in

dislikes

and animosities

every branch of

it,

this Province are, old and inveterate as which prevail among particular & considerable the Enemies to the present Gov"' and Govern' in it

are,

fortified as

are by the several essencial and repeated departures from the prerogative, and necessary as •well as

just powers of the

Crown,

We submit

it

to

Your LordP?" whether

it

be possible, distracted

men now are, to strike out any method of reestablishing the former, or reconciling the latter. Mr Clinton endeavoured at the end of the late War, to recover from the Assembly the encroachments they had made upon the Crown the Assembly refused to as affaires and heated as

;

restore the powers they had usurped.

This opposition brought the matter

to

an

issue,

and the

Assembly shewed by the event, that no arguments which the Gov' could urge, nor any disadvantage which could follow to tiiemselves, even from a total cessation of Governt. was sufficient to induce them to depart from those usurpations, which we have stated above, and which in the beginning of M' Clinton's Administration had, as they urged, his consent at least, if not his approbation. If a new Gov' should be hereafter appointed, sent over under new, and, if it be thought proper, still stricter Commission and Instructions, and with positive directions to get the prerogative restored in these very particulars, Interest

which

his Maj''' has in this

it

is to

one of his most considerable provinces

the future happier administration of

it,

in

be hoped, for the

America, and

for

that such a Gov' not having the prejudices of particular

people nor the spirit of irritated parties to contend against, would be able to reunite the

Assembly, and prevail upon Constitution of Govern'.

As

all

Men

this is a

consent of the whole Legislature,

it

to

assist

in

reestablishing

the

proper and ancient

work, which can not be performed but by the united

probably never can be obtained, while the several parts of

The

that Legislature continue at the greatest Enmity.

likeliest

season therefore for doing

it,

must be, when the Temper of people is calm, and their present mutual passion is over; and we submit it to your LordPi"* with great deference, whether in the first instance the executive part of this Govern' or the

common harmony

the Gov' his original and necessary powers. this province will ever be

acquisitions

by

it,

induced thus

to

of

it

can ever be retrieved, but by reinstating in

Whether

give up

all

in the

second place, the Assembly of

the result of so long contest and their

but in a time of general satisfaction, and

when

private and personal quarrels

LONDON DOCUMENTS are at an end

found, as

and

;

in the last place

the occasion of a

at

dislike, capable of great influence

This seems it

to us, tlie

whether

new

Gov'',

from his

tiiat

:

XXX.

G37

general satisfaction,

ever so likely to be

is

unopposed by any set of Men upon personal Station and deserving of it from his character.

only time, in which, such an alteration can be brought about, because

can not be done but by the approbation of the Legislature, which must be greatly reconciled

to the

Govern' there, before they will concur in such a method of giving

strength and support.

The Commission and

permanent

it

Instructions of such a Gov' might be framed upon

a plan suited to the circumstances of the Province, and the services to be required of him, and, if

your

Lordw

should think

methods, which

it

proper, further methods might be thought

of, for

enforcing his

may

be truly said in general, that the same

shall be tiioughl likely to regain the

powers which have been wrested from

obedience to the

spirit

and

letter of

them.

It

the prerogative of the Crown, and to reestablish a good agreement between the Gov' and the Council, and Assembly, will be also the most effectual for preserving that prerogative restored, and this good agreement,

when

it

has been again reestablished

but,

;

we

when

thus

can not help

it to Your LordP''% whether it would not be a great additional means of guarding any future Divisions, and of putting the Administration of Govern' into an amicable and certain course of execution by entirely removing most of the sources of the late differences, if the Council and Assembly could be prevailed upon to pass a general perpetual Revenue Act, upon the plan of that which has been passed in Jamaica, by which Act a standing Revenue is

suggesting ags'

given to his Maj'^, and provision raised by the Act

made

for the

Govern' out of duties

several expences of the

Should such an Act be passed, the salaries of

itself.

Officers, the fund for

the payment of them, the maintenance of the Fortifications, the trusts and powers reposed in particular Officers, the charge of presents to the Indians, the salary of the

every necessary measure of Govern' would be lastingly provided

Gov'

in

the several

for,

one word points of

Domestic Govern' now so often disputed as factions rise and gain strength, would be finally decided by the legislature and the several powers legally belonging to the Gov' and requisite for his supporting his character would be by a law of the province put out of dispute, and all the claims of present factions against the prerogative of the Crown would be by a perpetual Act of the Legislature itself ascertained. Civil Officers, who by the nature of their Trusts and and for the Right Administration of those trusts, ought at least to be independent of any body of Men, would be no longer obliged to fall in with any discontented party of Men in the Assembly, to secure a subsistance, nor would the Assembly have it any longer in their power,

Offices,

to

make

the Offices of their friends and of Officers they dislike, as large and inconsiderable

it to Your LordPP* whether if the foundation of Govern' and the were thus by a declaratory Law established, and all the charge and services of Govern', which are ever neglected and sometimes totally omitted when warm opposition is formed, were thus perpetually provided for. Men of factious tempers and views would not, on the one hand, lose their chief motive for faction, and the province on the other

as they please

;

and

we

submit

just powers of the Gov'

be secured

.against the

many

ill

ettijcts

it

has of late years suffered from

this sort has

been passed, individuals, from any cause

to distress Govern', the in

I

im, and

tiie

Gov'

Province

will

have

itself will

all

dissatisfied, will

proper powers for supporting

be in the mean time defrayed in

it,

even tho' such

As soon

opposition to Govern' should again be formed and obstinately carried on.

as an

Act of

have few temptations it

its

permanently vested expences, conducted

and defended by the common operation of such a perpetual Act of Revenue as we are recommending, and has been wisely and happily, both, lor that Island and the Motiier Country, enacted in Jamaica.

.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

638 With

respect to the Six Nations,

lately received

a letter from Coll

:

we have

the pleasure to inform your LordPP', that

Johnson Commissary of

New York

for Indian

we have Affairs,

a

very diligent, honest, and able Officer, informing us that he has lately held a meeting with

them, in which he had the satisfaction

to

undeceive tiiem

in several

and

essential particulars,

draw from them the strongest proffessions of future steadiness and attachment to the British Interest, and to renew the usual treaty of strict alliance with them, so, that the very ill to

effects of past neglects

and their

being perfectly removed

;

late disgusts, too justly conceived, are

we

hope, in a

way

of

but neither in this nor any circumstance, can the Interest of Great

Brittain, in what relates to New York or these Indian Allies of it, be permanently or effectually removed or guarded against, unless the peace of that province be restored, the foundation of the Govern' better established, and by that establishment all the evils that have lately happened be entirely stopped'^nd prevented in their very source and origin. We must also inform your

LordPPS

tiiat

York, having

M' Clinton has within a very few days acquainted

made

New

the Govern' of

us, that

provision for presents for the Six Nations of Indians, he has invited

them

June next, and that he has upon this occasion desired the Gov""' of in America to meet them there, in order to distribute the presents of the several Govern'% establish an Union of Councils, prepare a State of Indian Affairs for His Maj'J" consideration, & concert measures for the future management of them, and in one to a all

Treaty

at

Albany

in

His Majesty's provinces

word

with us

to effectually unite all the Indian Nations in alliance

and attachment to the British Interest.

This plan,

is

one

in

common

friendship

certainly, a very wise one, and, if

be

it

American Provinces, and will do great honour to the Govern" concerned in the accomplishment of it. And we submit it to your LordPP', whether it would not be a means of preventing the inconveniencies we have before stated, and of securing these presents from New York being punctually made hereafter, if a certain sum could be raised by the General Act of supply, proposed as above, for this pupose, and the expence of presents to the Indians be put upon a successful, will greatly contribute to strengthen the security of His Maj'^'»

looting with the other annual charges of Govern', and

general fund annually raised for the current Charges deserves such a lasting provision interests of the Province,

;

none more deserves

be defrayed like those, out, of the of the province. to

be reckoned

No

among

service better

the necessary

and such an attention and habitual expence would certainly succeed

in fixing these Nations.

Your LordPP^

will observe, that

by the

last letters

from

M'' Clinton,

dated the

2"^

December

J750. which are transmitted with this State, he informs us, that he has called an Assembly, and that they have voted a supply for the charges of Govern'; but, my Lords, they have passed

these Acts of supply in the same improper manner, and with the same usurpations on the Prerogative, and liable to every objection, which induced M"' Clinton in the year 174S. to dissolve the Assembly, and leave the Province without support rather than in time

give his consent and sanction prerogative of the

Crown

;

so

to such destructive

same

;

tho' the

for the charges of Govern', their usurpations

confirmed than regained by this Councils of this

what has caused the Assembly have agreed to make

the State of the province, as to

that

calamities they have suffered continues the

some provision

Kingdom

last

on the prerogative are rather

meeting, and as great a necessity as ever remains for

to interpose

most valuable and divided province.

of peace,

encroachments upon the legal and just

and take some measures,

tlie

for the better settlement of this

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX.

We

have now,

My

Lords, witliin as

together with what

we

compass and with as much clearness as we could,

and impartial representation of tiie present state of New York, think, with great deference to your LordPP% are the likeliest measures,

submitted to your Lord^P' a

if

little

G39

full

many evils and Misfortunes under which this very now for so long laboured in doing which we hope we

they can be attained, to remove the

important but distracted province has

have represented

facts clearly,

your LordPP' reference.

We

;

proposed remedies not improper, and answered the intention of

are,

My

Lords,

Your LordPP' most obedient and most humble servants. Dunk Halifax J. Grenville. DUPPLIN. Fkan: Fane.

Whitehall

Charles Townshend.

April 2, 1751.

Abstract of the Evidence in the Boohs of the Lords of Trade relating .

An

[New- York

Entries, B. W., p. 174.

On

the 20"" of

September 1743.

to the state of

Clinton arrived in

M"'

New- YorJc.

]

Abstract of the evidence in the Office Books of the Lords

Trade and Plantations relating

silting,

to

New

New

for

York, and the Assembly being

he with the advice of the Council, and as usual upon a publication of a

dissolved the Assembly then in being, and immediately called a

Commiss"

York.

New

new Commission,

one.

In October following having received a letter from M"' Stone, Secretary to the Lords Justices, signifying their

good

commands,

that he should use the most effectual

state of defence, in case of a

Rupture with France, he

Oswego with

orders for augmenting the Garrison at

Commissioners

for

means

to put the

after consulting the

a Corporal

Colony

in a

Council gave

and nine Men, and wrote to the

Indian Affairs to contract with proper persons for supplying them with

He likewise directed them till the spring, and transporting them to the said place. employ scouts to watch the motions of the French, and give early intelligence of what they might be doing. He also gave orders for putting the Militia of Albany in good order, and that the commanding Officer should keep watch upon the Frontiers and in case of any notice of the French approaching should assemble the said Militia, and March to the Assistance of Oswego. On the 8"" of November 1743. the New Assembly met, and the Gov"" in his speech made to them upon that occasion, recommended to them to consider of further means for putting the Prov" into a State of defence; and acquainted them, that he had intentions of renewing a Treaty with the Indians. The Assembly in their address in answer to this speech acquainted ftp Clinton, that they should have a due regard to the matters recommended by him. This session, which continued to the l?"" of December following, was spent in preparing such Bills as were thought necessary for the publick service and on the 1" and 17"" of December 1743. the following Acts were passed provisions

to

;

:

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

640 "

An

Act, for

"An

further continuance of an Act, entitled

tlie

"the Govern' of

this

an Act for and towards supporting

:

Colony, by granting to His Maj'^ the duties therein mentioned"

Act, further to fortify the City of Albany and

"sum of .£450. to defray " An Act, for payment

Town

of Schenegtade, and for raising the

the expence thereof."

of the salaries, services and contingencies therein mentioned out of "the funds appropriated'for the support of Govern'." Clinton, in his letter to the Board of Trade dated 5 June 1744. desires them Which Acts,

W

to lay before his Maj'^ for his

By

Royal approbation.

these Acts the support of Govern' was limited to one year, and the particular salaries

affixed to each Officer

money

is

by name and not to the

assertaining their salaries, and

and above

whereby not only the disposal of public

it is

worthy

notice, that in the last of these Acts, there

him of ^1000,

Clinton's salary as Governor an allowance to

!\r

solicitation in behalf of the province, M""

Office,

placed in the hands of the Assembly, but also the nomination of Officers, and the

and

for the

expence and

loss of

as a

is

reward

over

for his

time occasioned thereby;

Clinton indeed appears to have been very sollicitous, that these Acts should have His Maj'^'»

but as in his subsequent letter to the Board, he has been very full in his remarks and complaints of the Mischiefs and inconveniencies, which have arisen to his Govern' from them, it may be necessary in this place to state, what appears to have been the usage and

confirmation

;

custom heretofore, as

to

the

methods of granting money

for

the

support of Govern' in

this Province. ftr

Clarke in a speech made by him to the Assembly of

Bills in the

New York

on the passing Money

time of his Administration, asserts that soon after the Revolution a Revenue was

Term

granted to His Maj'^ for support of Govern' for a of Parliament in England

;

and

of years, conformable to the

that the King's prerogative to nominate Officers

method the

for

Revenue was never disputed that the Assembly, however, grown wanton with prosperity, not long after demanded the Nomination of a Treasurer, yet contented themselves at first with only insisting upon it for the management of Money granted on

management

of that

;

extraordinary occasions.

That being indulged

in this,

they were afterwards led to

insist

upon having the Revenue

the usual support of Govern', likewise put into his hands, which before had been solely

by His It

Maj'-^'

for

managed

Receiver General.

does not appear however from any of the Acts for the support of Govern' previous to the

year 1737., that the Assembly took upon them the disposal of the publick money, but

left

that

power in the hands of the Gov' and Council, conformable to the directions of the King's Commission and Instructions. During tl:e Administration of the Gov" Hunter, Burnet, Montgomerie and Cosby containing a space of about 28. years, the Acts for support of Govern' were made to continue generally for five years, and there was one general appropriation of the money to that purpose, without any partial application of it to the payment of particular salarys or services; the Treasurer and members of the Assembly only excepted. But at the commencement of M'' Clarke's administration in the year 1737. the Assembly limited the support of Govern' to one year, & by a partial application of the money to the payment of particular services, and salarys to the Officers of Govern' by them usurped, not only the disposal of it, but also the nomination of those Officers.

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXX.

G41

Mr Clarke did indeed represent at home in very strong terms, against tlie proceeding of tlie Assembly, with the reasons of his complyance at tliat time; as the Assembly at M'' Clinton's coming to the Administration were unwilling to drop a priviledge, the benefit of which they had enjoyed so long, they, as has been already observed, in the first money Bills, they passed, made him a present of ^£1000, which was no doubt given with a manifest intention, to influence him to give his assent to it in this irregular way. Whether M'' Clinton was influenced by tiiis, or whether his inexperience in afl\iirs of civil Govern' was the occasion of passing over such an encroachment upon the Crowns authority, is submitted to judgement; but certain it is, that his acquiescing with this measure in the first instance laid the foundation of the many subsequent attacks upon the Crown's prerogative, which he afterwards so loudly complains off, and which are particularly stated in that narrative, the thread of which it will now be proper to resume. On the 17"' of April 1744. the New Assembly met according to adjournment; M'' Clinton in his speech strongly recommended the consideration of what might be wanting to compleat the Fortifications of the City of New York, and those of the County of Albany, adding strength to

making provision

the Garrison of Oswego, and

Upon which

for the additional

Men

he had ordered to be

Commiss" for Indian Cannon and Powder to the several Forts in the Indian Country, assured him that they would make effectual provision for that expence; and on the S"" of May they voted several sums of money for building a house for the residence of sent thither. Affairs

to

the Assembly addressed the Gov'' to direct the

transport warlike

the Gov', and for repairing

stores of

&

compleating the Fortifications and other works necessary

for the

security of the province.

Upon

War

being declared, M'' Clinton sent them a Message on the 17"" of May, recommendation of providing for the security of the J'rovince, and proposed the sending an additional Serjeant, Corporal and ten private Men to Oswego; he also exhorted them to make some provision for securing the fidelity of the Five Nations from notice of the

repeating

the former

contingencies which would arise in time of war, and to compleat the P'ortifications of the City of

New Upon

York. the receipt of this Message, the

any additional strength the other matters

Assembly came to a resolution to make provision for Oswego, but to defer the consideration of the

Gov'' should send to

recommended by

the said Message,

till

their next

meeting; upon

the Gov"" sent a second Message to them, representing the necessity of

this resolution

making provision

for the

recommended to them to which Message, they returned no answer, but were adjourned to the third Tuesday in July following, M"" Clinton having first given his assent to an Act for repairing and compleating the Fortifications, and other works necessary

several services he had

for the security of the

By

Prov"

;

—

appointed for the services therein mentioned, to

this Act, Commiss''* are

to be raised is directed to be paid

sums and M'' -f

the

money

services are also specified in the Act.

Clinton, however, sent up

Soldiers,

whom

without Warr' from the Gov'' and Council, and the several

and a Detachment

to

Cannon and Ainunilion Saraktoga.

six Indians to serve as Scouts, directed

into pay to reside at

Oswego

to

Oswego, and a reinforcement of

likewise sent an Interpreter to Oswego, and

two Indians of each of the Six Nations to be taken and advanced £50 to the commanding Ollicer for

for its defence,

presents to the Indians and other incidents. Vol.. \l.

He

M

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

642 Soon his

after

way

Clinton went up to Albany to an Interview with the Five nations, and on

tliis M''

thither, received

head of the

Militia in

the declaration of

War

against PVance, which he published at the

Albany, where he also renewed a Treaty of peace and alliance with

the Five Nations.

At

this Interview

who came

to

Commission

he was met by Cominiss" from the Massachusets Bay and Connecticut,

treat

to treat

with the Indians; The Commiss" with M' Clinton

in

for

the

Massachusets had also a

conjunction with the Colonies of

New

Connecticut and

Rhode

Canada Upon

from Albany, he called together the Assembly, and recommended

to distress the his return

Island about measures for sending proper

French

in their

number

Hampshire,

of Forces into

settlements. it

them

to

to

provide for the safety of the province, for the services he had before urged, and for others vrhich

he had done upon their credit

for the

charges of

Commiss"

to

Neighbouring Govern" upon the aforementioned proposals, and the Fortifications of the City of

Crown

near

New

York.

He

be appointed to treat witii the for repairing

and complealing

likewise proposed the building strong Forts

Point and at Tierundequet, and maintaining strong Garrisons in them

Battery should be erected on Nassau Island.

He

;

that a

acquainted them, that he had ordered the

Commiss" for Indian Affairs to agree with an Officer and ten Men to serve as out-Scouts towards Crown Point, and that the said Commiss" had given it as their opinion, that 39 Men and two Officers with ten Indians, would best be employed in that service in the County of Albany, for which he desired them to make provision. On the 24"" of August the Assembly came to several Resolutions of Allowances for repairing the Fortifications of New York, and erecting the Batteries, recommended by the Gov', but upon a motion made, that the South East Bastion of Fort George should be repaired,

it

passed in

They at the same lime voted .£28. 6' S"* for the out-scouts the Gov"' had appointed ^300 for out-scouts for one year, and otiier allowances for services performed at Oswego & Saraktoga. They likewise addressed the Governor to order 50 of the Albany Militia to go up to Oswego with a supply of provisions & amunition, and to order such further force hither, in case it should _be attacked, as he should think proper, and they would make the

negative.

provision for the

An On

act

was

same and Trading house at Oswego. Sepf 1744. the Gov' sent a message recommending it to them, to enable him

also passed for supporting the Garrison

the IS"" of

to

appoint Commissioners to treat with those of the Neighbouring Colonies, touching the conduct

War; whereupon

of the

On

they came to a resolution, that

it

would be imprudent

any Scheme before a plan of it, was imparted to them. the 21" of Sepf the Gov' gave his assent to the following Acts:

engage

"An

Act

them

to

viz':

for regulating the Militia"

"

An Act for raising ^3200 for putting the Province in a posture of defence " An Act for raising .£300. for finishing and compleating the Fortifications

"

An Act

"

in

in

in the City " of Albany" " An Act, further to continue an Act for and towards supporting the Govern*, by granting to " His Maj'y the duties therein mentioned, from 1" December 1740 to 1" Dec' 1741."

for

paying out of the funds appropriated for the support of Govern' the Salaries

" and services therein mentioned."

Assembly made provision for presents for the Indiana, as well amongst them, following the same rule in the in the Acts for the same purposses passed the preceeding year.

In this last mentioned Act the

as for an interpreter and Missionary to be sent

appropriation of the

money

as

LONDON DOCUMENTS By

the Act for raising i?3200,

tiiereby,

Commiss"

and the sums specified are directed

XXX.

:

643

are also appointed for the services provided for to be paid to

them without any warrant from

tlie

and Council.

Gov""

Rf Clinton in his letter to the Board, dated the 9"" of October 1744. represents, that the Assembly were very backward in their deliberations, and that it was with the utmost difficulty he brought them to any tolerable resolution for the public service. That the Council, however, had with great zeal concurred with him in every measure for the good of the province, and to bring the Assembly to a better temper. On the 12"" of March 1744. Mr Clinton recommended it to the Assembly to make provision for assisting in the expedition to Louisbourg, for fitting out a sloop of War, for the defence of the Colony, for building two Forts upon the Frontiers, for frequent interview with the Indians, for sending 50 of the Militia to Oswego, and victualing a detachment of the King's Troops, and making Reparations of that Fort, for contingencies and extraordinary services of Govern', for enabling him to appoint Commiss" to treat with the neighbouring Govern'* about the conduct

War; and

of the

he also represented the necessity of appointing an Agent, for transacting

publick affairs in Great Brittain.

On

March 1744. the Speaker of the Assembly, acquainted the house, that a

the next day 13.

had been preferred to the House of paper money in America; he observed Bill

Commons

in

Great Brittain,

prevent the issuing of

to

Law, would were foreign to the Title and scope of the Bill, contrary to the Constitution of Great Brittain, and would iu effect subject all the British Colonies in America to the absolute Will of the Crown, and of to

them, that this

greatly affect that Colony in particular, and

those Acting under

On

its

Bill if passed

into a

that as to the last clauses, they

authority.

March the Assembly took this Bill into consideration, together with the Report of a Committee, to whose consideration it had been referred, wherein it is observed, that this Bill would Establish such an absolute power of the Crown in the Plantations, as would be inconsistent with the Liberties and Priviledges inherent in an Englishman, while he is in a British Dominion. On the 27"^ of March 1745. the Assembly came to a Resolution to discharge half the Garrison of the Fort at Oswego, which induced the Governor to send a Message to them on the 29"', representing the mischiefs likely to attend such a reduction, and that it was the opinion of His the IS"* of

Council, that in the present dangerous situation of

Maj''''

affairs,

the

Garrison ought not

to

be diminished.

The

Gov'' at the

same time

laid before the

Council several

letters,

which he had received

from the Frontiers, representing the apprehensions they were under of an attack from the French, and the necessity of an additional Force for their security.

On was

the

4"'

of April 1745. a motion

was made

for fitting

out a Colony Guard vessel, which

carried in the negative.

On

the

9"'

of April

the

Assembly took the

Gov"''

speech

of the

consideration, and voted .£3000 for the Louisbourg expedition, but a

enable

the

Gov'

to

appoint

concerning the conduct of the

continuance of the Garrison at the Frontiers, for

On

of

March

into to

Commiss" to treat with those of the neighbouring Govern" war, it was carried in the negative. They voted however the Oswego, and made provision for repairing the other Forts upon

making presents

to the

Indians and .£100. for contingencies of Govern'.

the 17"" of April 1745. the Gov'' acquainted the

Fleet of considerable Force,

12""

motion being made,

was

arrived in the

West

Assembly by Message, that a French Indies, and represented to them the

— NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

644

necessity of erecting Fortifications,

lie

likewise laid before them, the examination of

John

Lydius, relating to the designs of the French, and the danger of a defection of the Six Nations, and on the 11"" of May the Assembly came to several Resolutions for fortifying the Province.

On

May

the 14"' of

1745. the Gov"" acquainted the Council, that he had by their advice sent

a Petition of the Inhabitants of the Frontiers, setting Forth their apprehensions of a defection of the Indians to the Assembly, who had taken no notice of it, but only sent him an answer by their Clerk

;

that they had slighted

many

things he had

recommended

to

them

for the benefit

of the Colony, had ordered the building of Batteries, appointed Commiss", disposed of the

Colony Powder, and other his Maj'J'' orders,

things, without so

& made many

much

as consulting

him; that they had slighted

misrepresentations in their votes, for which reasons he thought

proper to dissolve them, which he did accordingly with the advice of Council on the same at the same time he warmly reproved them for their neglect of the several points, he

it

day; and

had so often and so earnestly recommended to their consideration. But took notice, that they had adventured to take upon them, the assignment of places, for erecting Batteries, to direct the number of guns to be placed upon them, and to order the issuing out the publick gunpowder, & without consulting him in either respect, which was in effect assuming the Administration of Gov'', and that thro' an were become a dead weight

Govern' and wresting the King's authority out of the hands of his invincible untowardness and an inordinate thirst of power, they

against the other branches of the Legislature.

if

There were four Acts passed in this a judgment may be formed from the

session, titles

which the Gov' has neglected

to transmit,

but

of them, they relate only to the private ceconomy

of the Province.

Upon the meeting of the new Assembly, on the 25"' of June 1745. The GoV, in his speech recommended Batteries at New York, the building two Forts in the Indian Country, maintaining out scouts, and taking necessary measures to

dependance on the British

preserve the

Indians in their

Interest, as also the sending a reinforcement to the Garrison at

at the same time, he laid before the house a letter from the Duke of Newcastle, and one from M'' Shirley, pressing that such assistance might be sent from New York. The Assembly in their Address in Answer to this speech, acquainted the Gov', that they should with the greatest attention and dispatch apply themselves to the consideration of the several particulars recommended to them, and that nothing should be wanting on this part to cultivate and improve that good understanding, which ought to subsist, between the

Louisbourg;

different

branches of the Legislature, and accordingly in a few days after they came to several

resolutions; viz*

To

allow .£6000 for the Louisbourg expedition, to

make

provision for the continuance of

upon the Frontiers, for compleating the Fortifications at New York, and for allowing ^100 for contingencies of Govern'; but agreed to referr the consideration of the Forts, Out scouts, and what related to the Indians, to their

a Garrison

at

Oswego,

for

repairs

of the

Forts

next meeting.

On

the

6""

of July 1745. the Assembly were adjourned to the August following, and the Gov'

to the following Acts: Act for the paying of .£5000 towards carrying on the expedition against Cape Breton." Act for erecting and repairing Fortifications within this Colony, for defraying the charge

gave his assent

"An "An

" of several services, for the defence and security of the same, and other purposes therein " mentioned"

LONDON DOCUMENTS "An By

Act

for

paying ^1511.

XXX.

:

G45

Colony" what sums shall be

for the service of tlie

the second of these Acts

it is

directed,

paid,

and

to

whom, and

that

the receipts of the several persons shall be a discharge to the Treasurer; whereby the disposal of publick

money

is

vested in

tiie

Assembly, contrary

to

what

quantities of

publick stores, and for what services.

The

last of these

'tis

M' Clinton in his Assembly had come

letter to the

Board, dated the

Maj'*'* Commission & Instructions; gunpowder shall be issued out of the Acts is liable to the same objections.

His

likewise directed by this Act,

and

So'""

of July 1745. represents, that the

no determination as to their quota of Assistance for Louisbourg that the French had lately caused a great commotion among the Indians, by expedition endeavouring to make them believe, that the English had a design to cut them off; that two of the principal Nations were formed into a body to destroy our settlements, and that we should to

;

have lost our Indians, had not the Commiss" for Indian affairs been very diligent to quell that Report that the French had increased their settlements, by which means and by having 2 or 3 vessels on the Lake Cadaraque, they had almost engrossed the Indian Trade. And, that by ;

erecting Forts and trading houses

all

along the Lake in the Senekes Country (contrary to the

faith of Treaties)

they daily gained too great an influence over the Indians dependant on

To

prevent these encroachments, he proposes to Fortify a harbour on the Lake

the English.

Cadaraque,

and

He

to build a

few Vessels of superior strength, to

settle regular

Troops

in that

Country,

and repairing such Forts as might be necessary. likewise acquaints the Board, that the French intended an expedition against the English have an Engineer appointed

to

for building

settlements, and sends an account of the

number of

regular Troops and Militia posted at their

several settlements in Canada.

In another letter of the same date he acquaints the Board with what the Assembly had done

make provision for an more necessary, as they begun to be wavering in their attachments, and as the French Indians had commenced hostilities upon the Frontiers; he also urged the necessity of having an Engineer sent from Great Brittain for the repair of the Fortifications, which was communicated by this Board to His Maj'^"* Secretary of State. On the 29"" of July 1745. M^ Catherwood was sworn in at the Council Board, Secretary of the Colony of New York, by virtue of a Commission from M' Clinton, to act in that character in the absence of the Secretary appointed by his Majesty or his Lawful deputy. At the same time M' Clinton communicated to the Council several letters, which he had received from the Commiss" for Indian Affairs relating to the danger there was of the Mohawks going over to the French ; upon considering the whole matter the Council were of opinion, that the Gov'

for the

Expedition against Louisbourg

;

but that they had neglected to

annual interview with the Indians, which was

tlie

should have an Interview with the Indians that Fall.

On

the

6"*

of August 1745. the Assembly

met according

to

adjournment, and M' Clinton

acquainted them by Message with the Hostilities committed by the French

Indians, and

represented to them the necessity of continuing out Scouts upon the Frontiers, the Funds for

which service were now exhausted.

He

also laid before

them the Intelligence which he had

received from the Frontiers, and urged the necessity of their enabling him to hold an Interview

with the Six Nations, and on the 21" of August 1745. the Assembly came to a resolution to allow .£600, for enacting' the Gov' to treat with the said Indians.

On

the 23"* the Gov' sent a Message to the house

recommending

to

them to pass a Law for War, and also a Law,

prohibiting any Trade or Intercourse with the French Indians in time of '

Sic.

enabling.

— En.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

646 for

imposing a powder duty upon vessels agreable

the 2S"' the Assembly desired

be adjourned

to

But on

to the 77"^ Article of his Instruc'"'

October, which the Gov' accordingly

to

complied with

On

the 3"* of

Sepf

Clinton communication to the Council, a declaration of

M""

the Govern' of the Massachusets

Stoddert, relating to the conduct of those Indians, and

people of Albany in time of War.

War

by

issued

against the French Indians, as also a letter from Coll:

Bay

their practice of

Trading with the

consideration of these papers were of

The Council upon

opinion that from the Interview which had been held between the Six Nations of Indians and the Gov' of Canada, there join in a

province

was great reason

to apprehend, that they

War against the English; that it was adviseable that of New York should be prohibited to Trade with the

were prevailed upon

His

all

Maj'''' subjects in

to

the

French Indians, and that the

Six Nations should be sollicited to remain Steady in the British Interest.

M' Clinton went up

In the beginning of October 1745.

Commiss" from

the Six Nations, when, jointly with

Albany

to

to hold

an interview with

the Govern'^ of the Massachusets Bay,

Connecticut and Pennsylvania, he entered into conference with them, which ended in a Treaty, whereby the said Indians, declared, that, in case the French Indians did not make satisfaction

committed on the Frontiers, they would upon orders from the Govern' of War they likewise declared, that they were well satisfied,

for the hostilities

New York that

the

readily join in the

:

rumour spread amongst them of a design of the English

to destroy

them, was

without foundation.

On

INI'

Clinton's return from Albany, he

Assembly, which met on the

28"" of

Assembly upon

In his Message to the

communicated

October according this

to

this

Treaty

to the

Council and

adjournment.

occasion, he represented to them, as a matter

extreamly worthy of their most serious attention, the naked and exposed condition of the Frontiers, and acquainted them, that, as since the Treaty with the Six Nations, the French

Indians had committed further hostilities, he thought as

it

necessary

to

acquaint them therewith,

now the necessity of erecting Forts upon the Frontiers was the more pressing. On the 14"" and 15* of November the Assembly came to several resolutions to make provision

for the publick service,

Oswego, and

for

and among the

rest,

they made provision for continuing the Garrison at

oat scouts, but resolved to defer the consideration of building a Fort at the

carrying place, until the next meeting of the House.

On

the 20"'. Nov' 1745

Enemy

had cut

off

M' Clinton sent

a Message to the Assembly, to acquaint

them

Saraghtoga settlement upon the Northern Frontier, reproving them

that the for their

upon the Frontiers so often recommended to to March Detachments of the Militia to that part of the Province which was most exposed, it was incumbent upon them to make ample provision for their subsistence and for erecting a Fort at the carrying place, as also for supplying the Indians in our Interest with Arms and Ammunition, and making good the neglect of

making provision

them, and representing

to

for building Forts

them, that as

it

was necessary

deficiencies in the funds for supply of Govern'.

In consequence of this Message the Assembly immediately voted ,£400, for building a Fort at

the carrying place

and supporting a garrison therein

;

they also made provision

for

a

Detachment of the Militia and allowed £100 for contingencies. On the 25"' of November 1745. the Gov' laid before the Assembly several papers, which he had received, relating to the Damages done by the Enemy at Saraghtoga and to their further Whereupon the Assembly [came] to several Resolutions, viz' To allow rewards proceedings.

—

—

LONDON DOCUMENTS that if the Gov'' found

;

would make provision

the house to

XXX.

:

allow an additional sum of ^200 for Scouts, and

for Scalps, to

Schenectade

;

it

for

647

£30

for erecting a

Blockhouse at

necessary to send a detachment of the King's Troops, their

until

they came

Enemy

had taken

and provision

transportation

Albany.

On

the 27"" of

NoV, two persons deposed before the Council,

that the

Whereupon the Council advised the Gov"' to send for all the warriours of the Six Nations to come to Albany, and to acquaint them, that they should be supplyed with provisions, powder and Ball upon their going to war, besides a Reward for scalps & prisoners. On the SS"* of Nov'' 1745. the Speaker of the Assembly acquainted the House, that the Gov"' had given orders for the King's Troops to march to Albany, and recommended to the House to make provision for their transportation and subsistance during their passage, and also for lodgings for the Officers during their stay there, to which the house agreed, and came to a resolution to make such provisions accordingly. The House then came to the following Resolution viz' another settlement and cut off about 150 or 200 of the

That

this

house will at

all

Militia.^

own

times chearfully concurr in every reasonable measure for our

defence, for the Assistance of our Neighbours, and to any well concerted plan, consistent with

the circumstances of the Colony, for distressing and attacking the

Enemy, and

that this

and

is,

ever has been the firm purpose and unanimous Resolution of this House. M''

Clinton in a letter to the Board dated the IS"* of January following, represents, that the

view of the Assembly their

own

in

coining to this resolution was, to remove the complaints and odium

people threw upon them for their neglect in raising supplies for the^ safety of

the Province.

The

Gov"' gave his assent to the following Acts,

by adjourning the House

"An

Act

for

An Act " An Act

for

*'

to

M' Clinton

to the 17"' of

among

others,

and put'an end

to the Session

December.

continuing the support of Govern' for one year."

payment of salarys ettc" farm the excise on retailed strong liquors " in

30"" of

his letter of the

November

.

1745. acquainted the Board with

his

Assembly had not given attention to what he had recommended to them, concerning the Building of Forts upon the Frontiers That as that while they are at the charge of maintaining a G-ov'', it will never be otherwise. they are jealous of the power of the Crown, and are Levellers by principle, nothing but an Independent Gov'' could bring them to a just sence of their duty; that he was apprehensive that that the money they had voted for the Louisbourg expedition would never be paid

transactions at the last Interview with the Indians

;

that the

;

he was endeavouring to engage the province in a scheine for the reduction of

and had sent up Cannon

to

Albany

for that

building a Fort at the carrying place

purpose

;

that the

was very inconsiderable

;

sum voted by

the

Crown

Point,

Assembly for two of the

that he had detached

King's Companies & a body of Militia to Albany, and had given orders to the Six Nations to take up the Hatchet, but that unless the Assembly would come into ways and means of joining with the other Colonies to attack the Enemy, he could notanswerforthesecurity of the Province. '

November

27,

1715.

His Excellency having sent for two persons lately conae to this city from the Fish Kills about Enemy had taken a Settlement called Woodstock, and cut off 150 or 200 of the

90 miles from Albany, they Report That the Militia that

went

to attack

them. Next -York Council Minutes, XXI., 66.

— Ed.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

648 It

should be observed, that the Acts mentioned to liave been passed in this session, were

passed in the same irregular manner as those of the like nature were particular

by the

by name, and

On

in

act for

payment of

very few instances

salaries, the several to the Officers for

December 1745. the

in

the last,

sums are made payable

and

in

to the Officers

the time being.

communicated to the Council two letters from Coll: Schuyler, desiring 300 of the Militia might be sent up to Albany and Schenectady, & recommending the building a Fort at Saraghtoga, whereupon the Council were of opinion, that, as the Gov"" had sent up two Independent companies to Albany, it was not necessary to send the 4"" of

Gov''

up a Detachment of the Militia; but that a Fort ought to be immediately built at Saraghtoga, and a Stone Fort at the Carrying Place early in tlie spring. The Gov'' likewise acquainted the Council, that the Militia of New York, had refused to do duty as Centinells at his House, for which olTence the Council were of opinion they ought to be fined, conformably to the Militia Act.

On

the ll'^^of

December

the Gov"' laid before the Council several other letters,

which he had

received from the Frontiers, relating to the defenceless state thereof, and to the designs of the

Enemy; which were

who

Murray,

be sent

to the

Committee consisting of the following Horsmanden, M'' Chief Justice De Lancey and M''

referred to the consideration of a

M' Kennedy,

persons:

M"^

Courtland,

M''

reported, that as to the information of the designs of the French, notice thereof

neighbouring Govern*^ representing

to

them the bad consequences of the Enemy's

carrying such a design into execution, exhorting them to have their forces in readiness to assist 2^^ that as to the representation of the Commiss" for Indian Affairs of what their neiglibours.

was necessary for the Frontiers, and their desire that some of the Militia might be sent to Albany, they were of opinion, that as a Detachment of the King's Troops was already there, and the Inliabitants upon the out settlements, had retired to that place, it was unnecessary to send any of the Militia, till further advice, and in case it should be necessary to send any thither hereafter, they advised his Excellency to recommend it to the Assembly to make provision for their pay and subsistance; lastly that Major Swatwout should be commended for his diligence, and admonished

to

have the Militia

in readiness at all events

and

to give the Gov'' early advice

Enemy. December the Assembly met according

of the designs of the

On the l?"" of to adjournment, and on the 20"" the Gov' sent them a Message, acquainting them, that he had sent His Majesty's Troops to Albany for the defence of that City; that he had since received letters from the Coll of the Militia Regiment of that Country' and the Commiss''^ of Indian Afl'airs (which were by his order laid :

him to rebuild the Fort at Saraghtoga immediately, and that he had by the consent of his Council send up directions to have it rebuilt accordingly, not doubting but they would make provision for that expence, as well as for the pay of such additional before the house) advising

Troops, as he should be advised

to

proper encouragement to those, the

send up for the protection of the Frontiers, as also for giving

who

should take pains to engage the

Indians heartily in

War.

In this Message he also reminds Ihem of the necessity of concerting measures jointly with the

neighbouring

amendments, to

make

Govern" concerning the prosecution of the War; He proposed such and concluded with exhorting them the means in their power to strengthen the hands of the Govern', and to

as he thought necessary in the Militia Act,

use of

all

provide for every thing necessary for the preservation of the Province. '

Sic.

Qu? County.

— Ed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS On

the 24""

and came

Message

December 1745

the liouse resolved itself into a

allow il50. for rebuilding the

to a resolution to

on Wednesday the

G49

Committee upon

P'ort at

this

Saraghtoga, and

to

Message, take the

Assembly But M^ Clinton has not transmitted the proceedings of the Assembly in

into further consideration

was then adjourned.

XXX.

:

S""

of January, to which day the

that session.

In his letter of the 18"" of January however, to

what

On

lie

had recommended

to

them,

lie

says, that the

for the security of the

the lo* of January 1745. the Gov""

communicated

Assembly had paid no regard

Province.

to the Council several

letters

and

papers received from the Frontiers representing the necessity of Building Blockhouses, of a

Rum

prohibition against selling

to the

Saraghtoga; which papers were referred

On

the 17"" Coll

:

Dekey

Indians and the difficulty of getting the Militia up to to a

committee of Council.

presented to the Council a Belt of

from the Cashigton Indians'

to

be presented

Council recommended to the Gov'

to

to the

Wampum,

which he had brought

Gov' as a token of Friendship, and the

send the said Indians a Belt of

Wampum

with assurances

of protection.

On

the 31" January 1745.

M' Clinton laid before the Council several otlier done for the security of the Frontiers.

letters

&

papers

relative to things necessary to be

On

the

affairs,

5""

of March the Gov"" laid before the Council a letter from the

Commiss" of Indian Oswego with

representing the necessity of a Fort at the carrying place, the supplying

him that the Six Nations had refused to take up the Hatchet ag" which was referred with the other letters he had laid before the Council, to a

Provisions, and acquainting

the French

;

Committee of the Board M' Clinton Assembly had desired to be adjourned ;

at

pox, but the Council advised the Gov' not to

On

same time acquainted the Council, that the Tuesday in April on account of the small comply with their request.

the

to the

2"''

IS"" of March the Committee of Council consisting of M' Livingston, M' Chief M' Kennedy, M'Horsmanden, M' Murray and M' Moore, reported on the aforementioned papers, referred to their consideration, to the following effect: 1" That as they apprehend, that the Six Nations of Indians, declining to enter into the War, arose from their not having Forts and Garrisons in their Country, they therefore advised the GoV to acquaint the Neighbouring Govern" therewith, and to urge them to contribute their proportion of the expence towards establishing P'orts and Garrisons in the said Indian Country, the charge whereof was too heavy 2"^' That these papers be communicated to to be borne by the province of New York alone. tiie Assembly and that the Gov' should recommend to them, to make provision in the mean time for building six Block Houses upon the Northern frontiers, for the maintenance and pay

the

Justice,

of the Militia to be garrisoned in them, and for 25 at the

Men

to be posted in the

expence of the Inhahitants upon the Frontiers, and that the Conimiss"

should always be furnished with sufficient sums of money, to answer

On

all

Blockhouses

built

for Indian Affairs

exigencies.

communicated to the Council a Message sent him by the Assembly, acquainting him that, as they were about to raise a large sum of money, they desired to know, if he had any objections to passing a Bill for issuing Bills of Credit; upon which he desired the Council's opinion, who advised him to return for answer, that, when a Bill for that purpose should come regularly before iiim for his assent, it would then be a proper time for him to give his opinion thereupon. the

of April 1746. the Gov'

2°''

'

Vol. VI.

This tribe reaided on the Delaware

river, at or

82

near Cocliecton, Sullivan Co., N. Y.

— Ed.

;

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

650

On

the 20"> of April M' Clinton laid before the Council a letter from Admiral

succours for the Garrison at Louisbourg,

On

come and

him with

settle in the

Warren

the Council advised him to send to

the 25"" the Gov' laid before the Council several letters from the

Affairs, acquainting to

\frhich

their intentions of sending a

Message

to the

tiie

soliciting

Assembly.

Commiss" of Indian Cocknawaga Indians

Province of Nev? York, and that the French intended

to build a

Fort

12 miles beyond M' Lydius's house, and urging the necessity of the removal of a French Priest settled in the Seneca Country, which papers

On

the 3"" of

May

were

Committee. Assembly to the first Tuesday

referred to a

the Council advised the Gov'' to adjourn the

in June.

On

two Towns which Petition the

the 10"' the Gov"' laid before the Council a Petition of the Inhabitants of the

upon the Frontiers, desiring Blockhouses might be

built for their security,

Council advised the Gov'' to send to the Assembly.

On

the IS"" he laid before the Council two letters from the Commiss''' for Indian

complaining of

M''

affairs,

Lydius's conduct, and representing the distressed state of the frontiers, and

Enemy. These letters were referred to would be adviseable to forbid M' Lydius to intermeddle with the Indian Affairs, and to order him to attend his duty in the Council and that 200 Men should be draughte 1 out of the Militia to be posted at Albany and Schenectady. the frequent murders and scalpings committed by the

a Committee,

On

who

the 20"" of

meeting

in a

reported the next day, that

May

1746.

M""

it

Clinton laid before the Council, several papers relating to a

Garrison at Snraghtoga; the impracticability of building the Six Block houses,

which the Assembly had made provision, on account of the annoyance given by the Enemy, These papers were to measures to be entered upon for the security of the frontiers. referred to a Committee of Council, and in the interim tiie Gov'' was advised to send blank for

and

Commissions

to Coll

:

Schuyler, to enable liim to appoint proper Officers to raise volunteers (or

make provision for their payment. them a letter from Coll: Beckman, relating to raising Men in Dutchess County, advised the Gov'' to engage 200 Men and to recommend it to the Assembly to provide amunition, pay and subsistance for them. On the 5"^ of June 1746, the Assembly being met pursuant to their adjournment, M"' Clinton in a Message acquainted them, that the Intelligence he had received from Albany during their recess, .had obliged him to order an additional force of 300 Men, to be draughted out of the Militia, in order to be sent up to their assistance; and that he doubted not, but they would provide for the pay and subsistance of this reinforcement, in such manner as had been done that the several Representations, letters and papers, which he had ordered to be for others laid before them, would not only prove the necessity of taking this step, but also convince them that the exigency of affairs required a much more powerful assistance, as well for the maintenance of the frontiers as for the prosecution of the War, in both which matters he recommended the greatest dispatch. On the next day a Committee of the whole house upon this Message, came to a resolution Ranging the Woods and

On

to

recommend

the 30"" the Council, upon the

it

to the

Gov"

Assembly

to

laying before

;

to

make immediate

provision for 450

Men

of the Militia and 50 Indians to be posted on the

Northern frontiers, as the Gov'' and Council should

direct, including the

Men his ExcelK'' had Men ordered to be

already sent thither, the 120 directed by the Blockhouse Act, and the 30 posted

at

Number

Saraghtoga; and

provision accordingly

the

at the

same time

desired, that the designation of those

Men, the

of Officers, and other contingencies, might be laid before them, that they might

Committee

to

;

which having been

whom

laid before

them on the

the above Message had been committed.

6""

of June,

was

make

referred to

LONDON DOCUMENTS On

tlie

same

clay

Mr

Clinton

summoned

Assembly

tlie

had received

speech to both acquainted them, Tiiat

lie

(An extract of which, he had ordered to make the necessary dispositions for

to be laid before

raising as

XXX.

:

to

651

attend liim, the Council, and in a

in a letter

many Men

Duke of Newcastle, Commands forthwith

from the

them) His

Maj'J'''

as the shortness of the time

would

permit, to be employed in concert with his Maj'^'' regular forces in an expedition against the

French Settlements in Canada and recommended it to them in the most earnest manner to such ample provision with the greatest dispatch, as would enable him to answer the King's expections. In the afternoon the same day, the Council and Assembly addressed the Gov' with thanks for his speech, and the strongest assurances, that they would proceed on this important design with the utmost Unanimity & dispatch. On the 7"" of June 1746. M"' Clinton ordered a proclamation to be published, inviting and ;

make

encouraging

On

Men

to inlist for the intended expedition.

Assembly having resolved itself into a Committee of the whole house on his That a bounty of £6 be allowed for each ExcelK^' speech, came to the following resolutions. able bodied Man, that should voluntarily enlist and that .£6000 be allowed for the purchase of tiie

9"'

the

;

sundry provisions

for victualing the forces to

be raised for the said expedition

;

and

a Bill be brought in for appointing Commissaries to purchase the said provisions. resolutions having been sent up to his Excell'^^ were by

him

laid before the

also, that

The above

Council on the

together, with a paper containing several queries relating to the intended expedition, on

he desired their opinion and advice.

This paper was referred to a Committee of Council,

ll""

which

who on

That as to the 1" Querry, if the Assembly would provide for as many Men as could be raised by the province in Bounty money, provisions & Battoes ettc; it was their opinion, that the Assembly by their General resolve to give ,£6, Bounty money and provisions to the Men to be raised, did intend both to be without limitation, but no mention being therein made of Battoes, they advised his Excell'''' to give immediate orders for building a number of Battoes, sufficient for transporting the Forces and Stores, not doubting but the King would defray that expence. In consequence of this advice a Proclamation was immediately ordered to be prepared, prohibiting all Carpenters from doing any other work than making Battoes. As to the 2°'' Querry, What encouragement to Indians; The Coram" were of opinion, that such Indians as should engage in the War were intended to share in the provisions. As to the 3"* What steps were to be taken to engage the Indians, in the War, and whether proper to acquaint them with the expedition then, or at the Interview The Committee advised his Excell"^' to engage the Six Nations to join in revenging the hostilities committed by the Enemy, and to desire the Sachems and figliting Men to meet him at Albany on the 20"" of the next Month but to make no mention to them of an intended expedition. They also advised tiiat the Indians in alliance with the Six Nations should be by them invited to join in the War and to come to the said interview. As to the 4"", whether the province should provide pay and provision for such of the Indians as should engage in the War, and also for their wives and Children, as in tiie last War; they were of opinion that the presents of cloathing, arms and amunition were always deemed by the Indians to be in lieu of Pay &. bounty money. As to the 6'^ Whether he, the Gov% should order Battoes to be built for the forces to be raised in other provinces? They advised his Excell'^^' to consult Sir W" Gooch & other Governors on this point; and if they desired it, and would answer for the payment, then to give such orders. As to the 0"" whether adviseable for him (the Gov'') to order Tents and other Camp-necessaries and that for the Forces to be raised in New York, and to draw on the Crown for that expence the IS"" reported upon

it

to the following effect.

—

;

;

;

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

652

service might not suffer by delaying to provide Bnttoes for the other province; the Committee advised His Exceil"'^ to consult Sir W"" Gooch on these heads also. As to the ?" whether adviseable for him to draw on the Crown for Arms & cloathing the Com"^ advised His tlie

And as to the to pursue the directions he had received from the Duiie of Newcastle. whether the Province will allows provisions for the Regular Troops, if any should he sent on the expedition, and any additional pay to Subalterns, as in the last War; the Committee thought themselves incapable of resolving that question without the Assembly. On the 16"' of June 1746. the Gov' laid before the Council a letter, representing the bad ExcelK^

&"",

condition of the Fort at Saraghtoga, which

was

referred to a

Committee of Council appointed

to

enquire into the state of the said Fort, and to cause estimates to be made of the necessary repairs. The same day 16"* June 1746. The Council appointed five of their Members to join a

Committee of the Assembly to consider of the most speedy and effectual means for the execution The five of that part, which the Colony of New York was to take in the Canada Expedition. Members appointed to be of this Committee, were: M' De Lancey,M''Courtland, M'Horsmanden,

M' Murray & M' Moore.

On

Assembly

the IS"" M'' Clinton by the Advice of his Council sent a Message to the

Commiss" for Indian affairs to he had the King's next month

acquaint them, that he had ordered the

to

invite the Six Nations

orders to make them Albany the 20"" of them to make provision for an additional present from the Colony, and speedily to make known, what bounty and subsistance should be allowed them that he had wrote to all the neighbouring Gov" recommending it to them to endeavour, that their respective to

meet him

at

;

presents, and advised

;

Govern" should bear a proportion of the expence of engaging the Indians in the War that having no direction from His Maj'^ to provide Battoes or Tents, he desired to be speedily informed, if they would make provision for that expence. He also exhorted them to make a suitable allowance to the Town Major of Albany. At the same time he laid before them Capt° Ingoldsby's letter of the 7"" June, and the ;

examination of

M''

Jacob Ten Eyck of

tiie IS'*",

at

Saraghtoga; the Com'"'' of Council, to

to

make any

On

whom

both relating to the bad condition of the Fort this

Matter was referred, having been unable

estimates, and having advised His Excell"^^ so to do.

the 20"" June 1746, a Committee of the whole house upon the speech. Message and

papers, granted

volunteers, and

nem: con: an additional bounty of came to the following resolutions.

That the Colony should

in

common

40'.

and a blanket

to each of the first

with the neighbouring Govern" bear

its

1000

proportion of

the expence of provisions for such Indians as will go on the expedition, and for such of the

Kings forces as his Excell''^ should send. That it was their opinion, that His Majesty did not expect the Colony

be at the expence

to

of providing Battoes, Tents, ettc.

On

the

23"^"

day of June 1746. the Assembly voted i'40000to be struck

in Bills of

Credit for

the service of the Expedition.

On

the

27'''

the

Assembly voted ^ISOO

for

purchasing

Gunpowder

for the use of the

.£150 to the Gov' for the expence of his voyage to Albany: ^69.9'

obtaining an Engineer, and soUiciting a supply of Gunpowder.

They

S''

for his

also resolved, that,

being impossible to erect the Six Block houses on the Frontiers according to the Act for raising a supply of

^13000

for the

thereby appropriated to that service should the 500

Men

posted on the Northern Frontier.

more

now

Colony,

expence

effectual fortifying the

tlie

in it

directions of

Colony, the sums

be imployed for the pay and subsistance of

:

LONDON DOCUMENTS On

Mr

the 30"' June 1746,

relating to

Arms, Cloathing

XXX.

:

653

Clinton laid before the Council a letter from Sir W"" Gooch

ettc. for

the

Men

to

be raised, and also

letters

from the Gov" of

Connecticut and Pennsylvania, acquainting him, that the Assemblys of their respeclive Govern"

had refused take any share of the expence of engaging the Six Nations of Indians

in the war,

or of providing Tents, Battoes ettc.

On

the

4""

July

1746.

M""

acquainted

Clinton

Commiss"

Assembly by Message,

the

that

upon

had Commissioned Officers to raise a Comp'' of 100 Volunteers out of the Militia; that he hoped they would grant that Comp^ additional pay, without which they would not continue in the service; that M' Gooch M'' Thomas and M'' Laws had acquainted him, tiiat their respective Govern", refused to bear any share of the expence of engaging the Indians or furnishing the that he therefore earnei^tly Provisions, except that the former seems to intend a present recommended it to them to take the article of Provisions, as well for Indians as the King's Troops, into their serious and immediate consideration, and to provide for transporting the same as well as the warlike stores. On the 9"" July 1746. M' Clinton by the advice of the Council sent another Message to the Assembly recommending it to them to follow the example of all the neighbouring Govern" by advancing all monies requisite for every purpose in the prosecution of the Expedition, by which

representations from the

of Indian attairs, and by the advice of the Council, he

;

method one give his

third or fourth part of the

own

upon the proper

Bills

expence might be saved

offices, for all

to the

Crown, and

offering to

such sums as should be requisite for those

which they should think the province was not expected to bear the charge. That they would make provision for the 100 Rangers as soon as they should be properly

particulars of

informed of their services, and of the certain time, they had been employed.

That with regard

to the

expences of furnishing provisions

for

Indians or Regular Troops to

be sent out of the Province, they could not recede from their resolutions of the SO"" of June last

;

That

but a

if

the neighbouring

Govern" would contribute,

New York would

bear

its

proportion.

change so general as that of transporting provisions and stores could not be intended by

His Majesty to be borne by that Colony.

That the Colony's advancing attended with most that they

saw very

fatal

little

all

monies requisite

consequences, as

it

part of the expedition,

for its

must occasion

would be

a further emission of paper

probability of the Crown's sustaining

any

loss

money

;

by the course of exchange,

the then present season being very profitable for drawing by exchange.

On

M' Clinton acquainted the Council with this Resolution, and that the for Bills of Exchange, at the rate, exchange may be about at the time of the London Vessel's departure. The Council being asked, advised his Excell'^^' to issue his Bills at that rate, and to draw on the Lords Commiss" of the Treasury. The same day the Assembly resolved, that the Forces raised in New York, for the Canada the 15"" July 1746.

Merchants would not furnish necessaries, but

expedition, should be victualed at the expence of the Colony from the time of their embarkation

&

at the

Gov"

;

desire, adjourned themselves to the 29. July.

Before his adjournment, M' Clinton gave his assent to the following Acts " An Act to prevent the exportation of provisions, warlike stores ettc." M''

the

Clinton observes, that

Crown and

it

was necessary

to pass this Act,

on account of the expedition, that

the Province might not be put to any extraordinary charge upon that occasion.

"An Act for emitting .£40000 " Canada "

in

Bills of Credit, for the service of the expedition against

"

NEW-YOEK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

654 Tlie passing

required a large

was advised by of

was certainly in ]\r Clinton a breach of Instructions, in excuse of vvliicli was not inclinable to give his assent to it but as the extraordinary occasion sum to be raised, which could not be procured by any other means, he

tliis

Act,

observes, that he

lie

all

his

;

his Council to

money

the public

raised

journey to Albany)

Assent to

by

must be further observed, that the disposal

Commiss"

entrusted to

is

It

it.

this Act, (except .£150

allowed

to the

therein named, to

Gov'

for the

whom

directed to pay the said monies without any warrant from the Gov"" or Council.

made

emitted by this Act are

An Act

to detach

300

Men

This Act seems contrary invested in the

GoV

of the people of

"An Act for On this Act

;

but

Albany

from Albany to serve on the expedition

His Maj'" Commission, whereby the

to

M"'

The

is

Bills

current for ten years, and regular annual periods are fixed for

sinking and Cancelling them within that time. "

expence of

the Treasurer

Clinton observes, that the occasion of

to serve

—

command its

passing,

of the Militia

was the

is

refusal

on the expedition.

impressing Artificers, for providing necessaries for the expedition" M''

Clinton observes, that he was informed by one of the Council, that his

impress warrants for those purposes, would not be obeyed

;

he therefore recommended the

passing this Act, that the service might not suffer thro' the obstinacy of the people.

On

Mr

the 17"* July 1746.

of Indians, having

first

Clinton set out for Albany, to meet the Chiefs of the six Nations

recommended

to

the Council the peace and safety of the City and

province, and the advancement of the expedition, and desired that they would

by express

inform him of every material occurrence.

On

the 25"" M"" Clinton in a letter to M''

Kennedy, which he desired him

to lay before the

Council acquainted him, that he had received information, that the French were preparing to attack Schenectady or Albany, and the Settlements on the

Mohawk

River, with a design, as he

supposed, to prevent the Six Nations joining in the War, desiring that the Assembly might

meet according to their adjournment, in order to their being informed of these matters, and that The all the companies that were compleated might be immediately dispatched to Albany. Council directly issued orders for the March of the said companies, laid before the Speaker and eight other Members of the Assembly the said information, relating to the designs of the French, and directed the Secretary to summon the Members of the Assembly to meet for the dispatch of business on the 12"" of

Aug:

acquainting the Gov' by letter with what they had done

the 12"" there not being a sufficient number, that house

on that day a

letter

was further adjourned

and

from M' Clinton was received by the Council, acquainting them, that he

Assembly to meet on business and they were accordingly adjourned to the 2°'' of Sept'. did not think proper to suffer the

From

— On

to the IQ""

the proceedings of the Council

they took upon them to

fill

it

till

his returti to

New York

appears that during the absence of M' Clinton,

up blank Commissions

for Officers

on the Canada expedition; they

likewise gave orders for the disposition of the Militia, marching Troops up to Albany, and for the issuing

Gunpowder and

During M' Clinton's stay

other stores. at

Albany, he jointly with Commiss" from the Massachusetts Bay,

held an interview with the Six Nations of Indians, which ended in a Treaty with them and

by which, they engaged to join in the War. of October 1746. M' Clinton being returned from Albany desiring the advice of the Council, whether to send for part of the forces from Albany to New York, or not, they were of opinion that the withdrawing any Force from Albany, would greatly endanger that their allies,

On

the

S"^

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXX.

:

(355

Country, and advised the detaining the Maryland and Virginia Troops, defence of

for the

New York

in

case of an attack;

on the

for

some time longer,

however, the Masters of the

11"'

Maryland transports, having refused to engage for the payment of carrying the Troops of that province to Albany, whenever it might be thought proper to send them thither, the Council advised the immediate embarking them for Albany.

On

the 17""

Ocf

1746. M' Clinton being seized with a sudden indisposition sent for the

Speaker, and desired him to lay before the house in his name, a speech he had intended to

have made that day.

Assembly objected

Tlie

to this

manner

but for the sake of dispatch of business, consented to receive

of delivery as unprecedented

it.

;

Jr Clinton

In this speech

acquainted the Assembly, with the success of his voyage to Albany.

That notwithstanding the bad disposition the

many

endeavours of the French, and the Nations

&

Si^c

Nations had long been

difficulties in his

in, thro'

the

way, he had firmly engaged the

c^ix

War.

their Neighbours in the

That misconduct or neglect must have happened in the management of Indian Affairs, which he recommended to their particular consideration, least the advantages obtained by the late treaty be lost again.

That

M''

Gooch having declined

been obliged

to

command

the

of the Forces intended against Canada, he had

take the principal care of them, upon himself.

That the measures he had

settled with M"" Shirley and M"' Warren for employing the land annoying the Enemy, having been disconcerted by the arrival of the French Fleet on the Coast of Nova Scotia, he had, before he left Albany, disposed them in the best manner

Forces

in

he could for the security of the Province.

That the dangers occasioned by the arrival of this Squadron, required their particular attention. That a larger sum than usual, was necessary for Indian Affairs, he having ordered a Winter

Camp,

several small

Forts, and Blockhouses on the frontiers

before them, and that he did not doubt, but the

many motives

;

that estimates should be laid

he mentioned would

make them

exert themselves in furnishing means.

On

the

IS'""

Ocf

1746. M'' Clinton being

still

indisposed, sent a Message to the

Commiss" for delivering provisions at Albany, having

acquainting them, that the

any, but to Captains and at Albany, according to the words of the Act, Coll

no longer obey the orders he had

left

Council,

refused to deliver :

Roberts could

him; upon which he desired the advice of the Council,

upon several letters from Coll: Roberts mentioning the deficiency of the additional bounty money, and several other particulars relating to the Army; but it does not appear by the Minutes, that the Council took any notice of this Message. as also

On

the 2P' October 1746, the

Assembly

Committee of the whole house resolved on a Colony during their continuance in Winter, Quarters, and .£200 for transporting the same to Albany. They also resolved to make no further provision for the detachment of Militia sent to Albany. On the 22"'^ M' Clinton laid before the Council his proceedings at Albany, during the Interview with the Six Nations and other Indians. in

a

further supply of .£6500 for victualing the Forces raised in the

On

the 23"*

Ocf

1746.

Mr

Clinton sent a Message to the Assembly relating to the

Commiss" He acquainted them

that had arisen from the refusal of the

words of the Act

direct.

that the measures for operations had been

greatly retarded thereby, and that every enterprize might be defeated, not subject to the Generals orders

;

difficulties

to deliver provisions, otherwise, than as the

he therefore proposed to them to

if

the provisions

amend

were

the Act, and

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

656

provide for transporting provisions along with the Forces, and desired them also to

make good

the deficiency of additional Bounty money, and to furnish Blankets for the regular Troops, as well as for the Forces levied for the In the afternoon of the

same day

the above Message and speech of additional

Bounty, and

the speech

&

On

to

Canada Expedition. the Assembly in a Committee of

l?"""

present

Ocl% resolved to grant .£540

an

humble Representation

upon

to

the Gov"' in

answer

to

Message.

the27"'of October 1746. the Commiss"

that they had received information from the

County had, by an order from

away

the whole house

for the deficiency of the

for

purchasing provision acquainted the Assembly,

Commiss"

at

Albany, that the High Sheriff of that

Coll: Roberts, forcibly broke open their Store Houses, and taken

was referred to a Committee of the whole House. Assembly presented their Representation in answer to the Gov''" speech and Message, in which they declared themselves unacquainted with the bad disposition of the Indians or the occasion of it that they had complied with what was recommended to them by defraying the expence of his journey to Albany, and by granting .£600. extraordinary for presents; that he, the Gov"" knew best, how the service had been performed ; that they were pleased to hear the Six Nations were solemnly engaged in the War, and should be glad to be convinced of it by their Actions. That in order to examine into and find out the cause of the neglect or misconduct in the management of Indian Affairs, they desired to have copies of all letters and papers, between him and the Commiss" or any other persons on those matters, since his arrival. That till this was done, it would be imprudent to grant a larger sum than usual for the Indian Affairs, lest it should be liable to the same misconduct. That they objected greatly to the forming a Winter Camp, as the means to retard or defeat the Canada Expedition. That they were sorry to find his Excell'^^ of opinion, that harmony was not subsisting between the branches of the Legislature, that whoever prevailed on him to entertain such distrust, were not friends to their Country. With regard to the Message, relating to the transporting provisions with the Troops, they

On

a large quantity of Provisions, which the 5" of Nov'' the General

;

recapitulated their proceedings ever since

the receipt of the

Duke

of Newcastle's letter,

appealed to him for the Justness and expediency of them, and refused to

make any

further

Acquainted him that they had voted the deficiency of Additional Bounty money, and should always endeavour to render his Administration easy, as far as their

provisions on that head.

duty

On made

to

His

the

Maj'J'

S""

and the Colony would permit.

Committee of the whole house, appointed the 27"" of October, upon the Information given by the Commiss'"' for purchasing provisions,

of Nov'' 1746. the

their report

relating to the breaking open the storehouses at Albany.

The Committee's Report warrant from

M""

manner

New

as the

sets forth, that Coll: ftLirshall

Clinton, requiring

them

to

had produced to the Commiss''' a

supply the four Independent Companies

in like

Levies, which the Comss"''' had refused to do; that the Sheriff of Albany

had told the Commiss"'' he had a Warrant to impress provisions for 1400 Men for 60 days, and, upon their refusal to deliver the same, had broke open the Store house, and being asked by

what

authority he did so, had produced a Warrant from the Gov'', to impress

workmen,

horses,

two months provisions. That altho' the said Sheriff had demanded provisions for 1400 Men, there were but 1270 in actual service, and of that number three Companies had at that time provisions for near two Months. That

carriages, ettc and one from Coll: Roberts to impress

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXX.

657

but S or 900 new Levies marched from Albany, and that the provisions forcibly taken would

New

That several F'ield officers had demanded Army, and that D'' Golden, in particular had threatened, in case of their refusal, to have other Commiss" appointed in their stead. Upon this Report the House came to the following Resolutions. That His Excell^^ was ill advised in granting a warrant for provisions for the four have subsisted the

Levies, to 24"^ January next.

provisions to be transported with the

Independent Companies.

That the Commiss" in refusing to obey that warrant, had acted agreable to the Act. That Coll: Roberts's warrant was arbitrary and illegal, and that he was thereby guilty of a high misdemeanour. That the breaking open the Storehouses was arbitrary, illegal, and a violation of the Rights and

liberties of the subject.

That M' Holland, the Sheriff, who broke open the Storehouse was also guilty of high misdemeanour. That Cadwallader Colden Esq' in threatning the said Commiss" was guilty of a high misdemeanour. That it was in vain to furnish provisions, till proper assurances should be given that a stop should be put to such proceedings.

That His

Excell'^^

be acquainted with these Resolutions, and desired to order the Attorney

General to prosecute the said Delinquents.

On

November 1746. M' Clinton

the 10"' of

which he

their representation, in

told

Assembly in answer to had been notoriously known, that

sent a Message to the

them, he thought

it

the bad dispositions of the Six Nations were owing to the ill usage they received from Traders and dealers, who for the most part were employed in the conduct of Indian Affairs; that many reasons induced him to think this a matter of great consequence; that he would order copies

of if

all letters

between him and the Commiss" of Indian

Affairs,

whenever they desired

they had desired the same information with regard to the orders he had

left at

it;

that

Albany, they

Gamps ettc. That would countenance disrespect to his orders, the consequences whereof were obvious. That their printing their representation without waiting his answer, shewed that his Recommendation of good agreement was not unreasonable. That he had never taken any step towards raising parties or divisions, but endeavoured to keep up strict harmony that liad done more for the province, than any of his predecessors, and would have had another opinion the

publication

of their

as to the disposition of Forces, winter

dissatisfaction

;

should always be carefull of their Rights and priviledges as well, as of the King's prerogative.

On

the 24"" of Nov'' 1746.

M' Clinton sent a Message to the Assembly in answer to their the measures he had taken at Albany, and to clear the character of the Gentlemen of the Council, who assisted him there. He told them, that, in consequence of the plan of operation settled with M' Shirley and M' Warren, all the Forces rendezvoused at Albany, were to march from thence. That he thought it for the good of the service, to join to them as many of the four Independent Companies, as could be spared from the Garrisons. That the New Levies at first amounted to 1600, but death and desertion having reduced that number to 1400, he concluded it would be agreable to the House to supply that defect by adding 200 Men of the Independent Companies, without putting the Province to any charge but that of Provisions that there was an absolute necessity to subsist these Men, and no provisions to be had at Albany, and, that when he granted orders for issuing provisions resolves of the

S""

to

vindicate

;

Vol,. VI.

S3

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

658 to

them, he sent assurances to the Commiss", that if the Assembly would not allow them, he That the form of the Warrant to M' Holland the for, or replace the same.

himself would pay

Sheriff had been advised and approved in

full

Council before he went to Albany.

That he

had also offered the Commiss" to pay for the Transportation of Provisions, if they thought themselves not authorized by the Act to do so, and had told M' Colden if they refused upon That M' Cuyler those terms, to say that he should be obliged to appoint other Commiss".

seemed content to transport provisions on those terms, and did not refuse, tho' he delayed to do it. That he referred them to a copy of the Minutes of the Council of War for proofs, that Coll Roberts did his duty in granting the Warrants and that M"' Holland was also in his duty in executing that Warrant; for all which reasons he could not order any of the prosecutions they desired, but should submit the matters to the King and his Ministers. That if in spite of his best care, any embezzlement of provisions had or should be made, he would heartily join ;

:

in discovering for in like

and punishing Delinquents; that the provisions impressed should be accounted if they had remained in the care of the Commiss"; and that he hoped

manner, as

they would take care

He

to

prevent a necessity for such proceedings for the future.

then laid before them some complaints from Coll: Roberts of deficiency in the

caggs, and concluded with justifying the Conduct of

M''

Rum

Colden, and desiring them to consider

the tendency of their proceedings with regard to that Gentleman and every other Officer that

had obeyed

his orders.

Message the House came to the following resolutions on the 26"" of Nov' 1746. That the Gov" answer was in no respect satisfactory, and that they could grant no further allowance for provisions, whilst the notorious abuses, that had been committed were avowed

Upon

this

and incouraged.

That

the advisers of that

Answer had endeavoured

among the several Laws and were Enemies to the

to create dissentions

branches of the Legislature, had encouraged the breach of the Constitution of the Colony.

That as soon as assurances should be given, that the abuses with regard to provisions should be effectually prevented, they would chearfully grant further subsistance for the Forces, but till then they could proceed on no business whatever.

On

the 28"" Nov"' 1746. M"' Clinton sent a Message in

answer

to the

above resolutions,

tellind

them, he expected the provisions should be delivered as the service might require, then nothing that had

happened could, of should happen again, and assuring them that care should be had

of the provisions and accounts laid before them, and that he thought these assurances sufficient. It

does not appear that the Assembly took any notice of this Message

they were prorogued to the 13 January following, M' Clinton having

;

on the

first

6""

of

December

given his assent to

the following Acts.

"An "An

Act for continuing the support of Govern' for one year longer" Act for payment of the Salaries and contingencies therein mentioned for one year." These Acts were passed in the same irregular manner as those of the like nature already

mentioned, except that there are some additional clauses to the

first

for the preventing of

uncustomed goods. " An Act for continuing the support of the Garrison and trading house at Oswego" "An Act for making further provision for Victualling the Troops raised for the expedition " against Canada"

— LONDON DOCUMENTS

"

By

this

Act Commiss" are appointed

XXX.

:

for the services therein

G59 mentioned, as also Commiss"

keeping and issuing the said provisions at Albany; There are also certain allowances Chief gunner, Store Keeper and Matrosses, who are all personally named in the Act.

to a

for

On

9""

the

of

December 1746.

M''

Clinton transmitted to the Board, a printed copy of his

which Treaty there is an introduction, setting forth the was made, and that M'' Clinton being sensible of the difficulties which might attend his endeavours in that affair was desirious of having the Assistance of as many of the Members of His Maj'*' Council as the circumstances of affairs would permit, but that they all declined to give their attendance except M'' Colden and M'' Livingston. With the above mentioned printed Treaty, M"' Clinton likewise transmitted a publick Newspaper called: the New York weekly Post Boy, in which are printed the proceedings of the Council on the 4"" of Dec'' 1746. which proceedings are not entered in the minutes of the Council Treaty with the Indians

at

Albany,

motives and grounds on which

to

it

By

transmitted by the Secretary.

these proceedings

Members

the Treaty, as to sev' of the

it

appears, that

what was asserted

Justice, acquainted the Council with

in

De Lancey

M''

declining to attend the

Gov'

at

Albany, which he

moved

represented as a misrepresentfttion of Facts, and an invidious reflection, and Printer might inform the Board by whose directions he printed

acknowledged that

it

was printed by

his

directions,

the Chief

the aforementioned instruction to

it.

that the

That NP Colden thereupon

upon which the Council came

to the

following resolutions.

That

the aforementioned paragraph contained

invidious reflection upon such of the

Members

a misrepresentation of Facts and

of the Council as remained at

New

was an

York, during

also panted in this Newspaper the resolves of the answer thereto. M"' Clinton in a letter to the Board of Trade without, date observes tiiat the publication of the resolutions of Council without any application to him, plainly shewed, that the spirit and design of their Actions were to stir up a popular Faction, and to represent M' Colden as a person

the

Gov''''

There are

absence at Albany.

Assembly of the

26"" of Nov"'

and the

Gov"^''

obnoxious to the Council and Assembly.

December and Januar 1746.

In

Clinton laid before the Council several letters from M'

M''

Shirley relating to an expedition intended against to Saraghtoga, It

and

to join his

Crown

Point, desiring

him

to send Artillery

Forces with those of Connecticut.

appears by the proceedings of Council upon this occasion, that they did at

Gov'' to

first

advise the

proceed with the Expedition, provided the Colony of Connecticut would join

it,

representing at the same time, the diflicullies and hazard attending such an expedition at this

Gov"

pressing them to be explicit in their advice, they gave was impracticable. On the 24"' of March 1746. the Assembly met according several prorogations, and on the 2'5"' M' Clinton in a speech acquainted them that measures were concerted with M'' Shirley for posting the Forces in the most useful! manner, for the security of the province and annoyance

season of the year; but upon the it

as their opinion, that the attempt

of the

by the

Enemy,

as also for building

two Forts

their quota of expence; that he had the service,

Mohawks

recommended

in readiness in case

and had endeavoured to preserve the good disposition of the

of Indians were out to intercept the

he earnestly recommended

it

to

Enemy

them

to

and supported,

at the carrying place to be garrisoned

joint contribution of the neighbouring Colonies, and

near

make

tiie

it

to

them

to furnish

of any occasion for their

p-ive

Nations

Frontiers, and to range the

further provision for victualling

;

that parties

Woods;

tiie

that

Troops, for

the expence of preserving the good disposition of the Indians, for which purpose he proposed to

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

660

go again to Albany, and to contribute cliearfully to the Canada Expedition jointly with tlie otiier Colonies, who had levied forces for that service. On the g"" of April 1747. M' Clinton acquainted the Council with a Message he had received for a short time, and desired their opinion, would be proper to adjourn them before the services provided for by their resolves of the 4"" inst: were passed into a Law; to which the Council replyed, that it would not be adviseable to adjourn them, till those resolves were passed into a Law. What these Resolves were, does not appear upon the minutes of Council, and no journal of Assembly for that lime has been transmitted by M' Clinton On the 24"' M' Clinton sent a Message to the Assembly in answer to their resolves of the IG"" inst: wherein they desired him to imploy 100 of the New Levies, as Rangers of the woods, acquainting them, that when he was at Albany, he could not prevail, on the people to go, on that service on less than three shillings a day and provisions, on account of the expence of apparel; that therefore the New Levies would think it hard to be obliged to go for one shilling.

from the Assembly, desiring leave to adjourn

whether

it

That no proposals had been made fatiguing a service

;

tor

defraying the expence of the Officers to be sent on so

that as they had asserted that the

unemployed, he should lay before them an account of

That he had secured the

fidelity of

his

new

I«vies, had remained hitherto

conduct with regard to the Frontiers.

the Six Nations without any expence to the Province; that

notwithstanding the great labour and care of furnishing the Troops with Arms, Amunition

ettc,

which likewise was no expence to the province, he had not neglected sending out parties to oppose the Enemy upon the Frontiers; that after the enterprize against Canada was at an end, he gave orders for posting the Levies in such manner as might best secure the Frontiers, and that Forces did March fortified a Camp capable of containing 500 Men at the carrying place for this purpose, but by the interruption of provisions and other difficulties, that they were obliged to quit that work, and content themselves with the Fort at Saraghtoga that he had posted a company at the Mohawk Castle, another between that and Schenectady, two companies at Schenectady, three at Ganestigayune, four at the half Moon, two at Scatacook and three at ;

;

Saraghtoga; that he was sensible other places ought

to

have been secured,

&

he should have

That he kept the Indians in readiness to join the King's Troops. That he had concerted measures with Gov' Shirley and the other Governors who approved his proposal for building a Fort at the carrying place, which he had in vain done

it,

had they provided

recommended

to

for the

expence.

them, (the Assembly); that their declining every necessary expence for the

security of the British Colonies, and the well being of their disrespectful

own

province, and also their

behaviour to him, had obliged him to speak things, which he should thought

otherwise prudent to conceal

;

that he

was suspicious that all the difficulties he had met with them in the war, arose from the views, which a few ;

in treating with the Indians and engaging

Men

Trade That if these Men could have prevailed with the Indians to declare for a neutrality, they hoped to oblige him to fall That there was reason to suspect, that this scheme was in concert into the same measures. with the Gov' of Canada, from a Message the latter had sent to the Six Nations at the Time of considerable Estates and interest, had to their private advantage gained by the

with Canada, which

for the

common good

he had effectually stop't

of the last Treaty; that he hoped they had too

much

sence of their duty to contribute towards

the success of such a scheme, as he had laid open to them, of the thoughts of strengthening the

hope of private

gain.

;

common Enemy

&

to the

that they had a just abhorrence

Ruin of

their posterity, from a

;

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXX.

That he should not be wanting to do every thing in frontiers; but that it depended upon them to enable him

his

(561

power,

to secure

for the security of the

them, by contributing to

the expence.

On

the 29"" of

answer

to the

May

1747. the Assembly presented an humble Representation to the Gov' in

above speech, wherein they

set forth, that they did not intend to give him offence employed as Rangers, which was founded on what he himself had done before; that they meant no more by their assertion of the Levies not being employed, than, that they did not proceed upon the Expedition for which they were raised That they were sensible that the fidelity of the Indians was of great importance, and that they had been at great expence to preserve it, which, together with the provision made for the Fort of Oswego, and for the pay and subsistauce of the detachment of the Militia posted upon the Frontiers, was a proof of that opinion that they had in 1745. granted ^£1000 for presents over and above the usual allowance, which they hoped might have prevented any discontent; that hostilities had been committed by the Enemy, and yet the Indians had not orders to take up

by

their proposal of 100 Levies being

;

;

the

Hatchet, notwithstanding his

Excellency's declaration, that they should That they acknowledged the favour of His Maj's" in allowing presents to those Indians; that they were not informed what sums had been expended for that purpose, nor for Arms Amunition ettc. for the New Levies, the disbursing of which however they apprehend was of great advantage to some individuals; They then reminded him of the gratuity of ^1000. given him at his first coming into the Govern' and the provision made for building his house ; that they readily came into the measures for rebuilding and garrisoning the Fort at Saraghtoga when destroyed by the Enemy, that they also made provision for building a Fort at the carrying place, for a line of Block houses to be built upon the Frontiers, and for victualling Garrisons ;

gratefuly

of the Militia posted therein, altho' that provision had been applyed to other purposes.

That they were sensible of the use of having two Forts built at the carrying place, but that was too great for the Province to bear; that however, when the other Colonies would engage in the design, they would willingly be at a proportionable expence. That as to any interruption for provisions for the Men Posted to protect the building of the expence

Saraghtoga,

if

the Gov""

meant the Commiss"'s

refusal to deliver provisions contrary to

they had already given their opinion by their resolve of the

always thought the fortifying a

Camp

at the carrying place

7"'

of Nov'

was

last,

Law,

and that they had

as impracticable as

it

proved

to be.

That the sums granted

for

Gunpowder

ettc.

together with

as well as

the

assistance

New

^40000

given

Batterys for repairing the for the

Fortifications,

Canada expedition and

towards the

purchasing

Levys, Louisbourg expedition, were proofs of their for victualling the

Loyally to His Majv and their zeal for his service. That if a skilfull Engineer had been employed in repairing the Fortifications, a great deal of needless expence would have been saved and that they wished the Engineer sent from England had arrived time enough to have directed the works now in hand; and that when they had reason to think the money would be laid out to the purpose, they should readily bear the proportion of any expence for the good of the Province.

That they had made provision for the appointment of Commiss" to treat with those of the neighbouring Govern", touching the conduct of the War; and a Commission was issued accordingly but how nothing came to be done upon it, could only be conjectured. ;

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

662

That they could not conceive, how the Gent'" of the Council, who attended his ExcelK'' to Albany were authorized to make any agreement with the Commiss" of the Massachusets Bay touching the building two Forts at the carrying place as represented to them by His Excell"^^. That as to the computation of the charge of attacking Crown Point, which had been laid before them, it was not signed by any person, nor did it appear, which of the neighbouring Colonies were willing to contribute to the expence and that as there was reason to expect hourly orders to proceed upon the Canada Expedition, they hoped they should be excused ;

providing for that purpose.

That they were concerned, obnoxious to them, and

to find

who had by

ill

His ExcelK^' was directed by the Counsels of a

Man

advice perplexed the affairs of the Province.

That they were ignorant, that the principal Traders and richest Men in Albany, did not wish Canada Expedition, and held correspondence with the Enemy. But that if there were such, they ought to be brought to Trial, for so heinous a Crime. That whoever instilled such notions into His Excell"'' grossly abused his confidence. That it was with abhorrence they received the thoughts, of any design to enable the common Enemy to overpower their own Brethren, a part of their own Nation, and that [they] believed there was no colour for sucli suspicion. That as to what his Excell"^^ had said concerning Popish Emissaries and the danger to be feared from them, is suited exactly with the character of a person at Albany, much favoured by his Excell'^^ and intrusted with the affairs of the Indians; and that the employing private persons in these affairs without the knowledge of Commiss" appointed for that purpose, was a means well to the

of

much

distraction and difficultys therein.

That they should have enquired into the misconduct of the Indian Affairs, had the proper papers been laid before them as was promised. That they believed there were Men amongst them who by low, wicked arts, disturbed the peace of the people, and that they hoped his Excell"^ would make such an one (for such an one they believed there was)

feel his

just resentment.

That they hoped His Excell''^ had heard, that the goods given by him to the Indians in 1745 did not amount to one third of the sum allowed by the Assembly that it had also been rumoured, that he had sold French and Spanish prisoners to Flags of Truce for several pistoles a head, which wicked rumours they thought it their duty, out of regard to his honour and interest, to acquaint him with, that the vile authors of them might be punished. ;

receiving this Representation the Gov^ acquainted the Assembly, that he should lay

Upon

before His Maj''' and his Ministers, and blamed

them

for

not entering

it

it

upon the minutes of

their proceedings.

The Gov'' then adjourned them to the 2"'' day of June. With the above Report, M'' Clinton also transmitted thereupon

That

;

wherein

at the

it is

opening of the

disposition and intention difficulties

they could,

a

paper containing his remarks

observed.

New

Session the Assembly

in all their

of disturbing the peace of the Gov''

proceedings, shewed their

by laying

in

his

way

all

the

and therefore, their excuse of not intending to give offence could

not pass.

That refusal

making his having employed the Levys as Rangers, the foundation of their provision for that service, the inconveniencies attending what he had done,

as to their to

make

determined him not to do the

like again.

LONDON DOCUMENTS That he was greatly with respect

surprised, that, after

XXX.

:

(363

the signal services he had done the Province,

all

Assembly should lessen that service, by an insinuation that the the War against the French Indians, tlio' actually at War with

to the Indians, the

Indians had not entered into the French.

That

it

was

true, the Indians did at present act only as Au.xiliaries,

been engaged as principals, and

totally secured to the province,

but they might have had not the Assembly refused

them assistance. That the Assembly's assertion that His Maj'^ directed presents to be made to the Indians at the charge of the Crown was false, and intended only to palliate their own neglect in not to give

providing for the service.

That their assertion that they had made as ample provision for him as had ever been made any of his predecessors, is also false; since the support of former Gov" has usually been granted for five years, and his only from year to year; that they had deprived him of many advantages & restrained the support of Govern' in an unusual manner by making themselves judges of Officer's services, and of the salaries and rewards they merited That he had received no benefit from their grant of money to Build him a house, the house being yet uninhabitable, and that all their Messages ettc, sufficiently contradict all professions of respect for his person. That the reason of withdrawing the small Garrison from iSaraghtoga was, because the place was not tenable against a superior force. That as he had yielded to the Assembly's naming Commiss" for erecting Forts and Blockhouses, the wavering and changing of measures relating to those Forts should not be imputed to him, but to those Commissioners. That it was never intended to maintain Garrisons in the Forts proposed to be built at the for

;

carrying place, but during the then present exigency; and therefore the Assembly's excuse

is

without foundation.

That as to the Assembly's assertion, that he had not told them, which of the neighbouring Govern" had contributed to the expence of building these Forts, he referred to his speech at the opening of the session.

That the reason why the estimate given

in

was not signed was,

appointed to treat with those of the Massachusets Bay, the Council

and

who

prepared this Estimate, did not care to sign

had taken upon them an authority not vested

That the

rest of their observations

direction of Military, as well as Civil

That

on

this

in

it,

least

it

that as

who

Commiss" were

attended him at Albany

should be suspected, that they

them.

head showed only their desire,

to

assume the

aflTairs.

made during the War, it was what was at present recommended to

as to the Assembly's recounting the provision they had

them was

evasive, as the charge against

for neglecting

them, which cannot be denied.

That the blame which they would lay upon him Fortifications,

ought justly

to

That he was not to be blamed for the Govern" not taking effect. That their reflection upon a person, by the

Members

for

the

blunders

in

repairing

Commiss" appointed by themselves. cause of the Commission for treating with

the

be laid upon the

whom

they suppose him to be advised, arose not from

of the Assembly, but from other persons,

compilers of their Representation.

the other

who were known

to

be principal

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

664 That

harmony

as to the assertion, that a perfect

they had forgot the blame, that justly

was employed,

subsisted before this person

upon them, both from himself and the Council so early as May 1745. for their encroachments upon the just prerogative of the Crown and lie refers to his speech to them, and the Council's censure of their conduct at that time; fell

;

some

who

of the persons,

then agreed

passing that

in

censure, being

the

Compilers of

their Representation.

That

as to his assertion, that the people of

endeavoured a neutrality with the French, Forts, altho'

money was granted

pressed to enter into the

War

for that

it

Albany did not wish well

purpose

in 174-5,

to the expedition,

had good foundation from them neglecting

that

but

to build

from the answer given by the Indians when

;

they would

which was declared

first

send

to

Canada

to

demand

by them by the people of Albany and from a certificate, that all the disorders, which happened amongst the Troops in Albany, arose from false Reports industriously spread amongst them by the people of satisfaction for the hostilities,

to be suggested

;

that Country.

That

this

his

opinion was not suggested to him by the

evident from his Message of the 23"* August 1745.

Person charged therewith, was

when he was

not supposed to be influenced

by him. That as to the character and circumstances of a person at Albany, that person was never employed by him, but was Commiss' from the Massachusets Bay, and represented to have done them signal service. That as to their Assertion of being prevented from enquiring into Indian Affairs by a prorogation, before the papers, they asked for, were laid before them, it was false, in as much as the Assembly had after their message never called for those papers, which shewed they never designed to make such enquiry.

That as to their insinuation of the presents given to the Indians in 1745 falling short of the sums allowed by tiiem, he must observe, how unbecoming it was to asperse him on common Report, when it was in their power to have examined into this affair long before they published this Representation

for his

;

that upon hearing this Report, soon after his return from Albany, he had

own justification, and

the satisfaction of the publick, ordered accounts of the presents

given to be made out, and delivered to several of the members of the Council.

That

as to the assertion concerning the sale of Prisoners to Flags of Truce,

possible to

make any answer

Report was raised

when they

than

owner of such M""

;

to

since

it,

it

that the advantage of Flags of

carry

many and

therefore

it

Truce

is

greater,

M' Clinton gave

Provisions for the

Commissioners named

it,

that

it

all

possible

means

might be published

it.

the 29"" of April 1747.

in

Troops raised

his for

assent to an Act for purchasing a further the

Canada

Expedition,

by

which

the

former Acts, past for this purpose are directed to deliver the provisions

to such persons as should be appointed to

carry few,

vessel to give gratuity for prisoners.

before he could answer

and

when they

Clinton closes his remarks with complaining, that the Assembly took

supply of

was' not

could not be imagined, what should induce the

to prevent his seeing their representation before they presented

On

it

could not be discovered, upon what grounds such a

by His Majesty

for the service of the

Canada expedition,

no other use or purpose whatsoever.

On the 2""^ of June 1747. the Assembly met according to adjournment, and M' Clinton sent them a Message, together with several letters and papers relating to the State and condition of

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX.

665

the Forces posted at Albany, and the meeting that had happened there for

In this Message he urged to them,

how incumbent

it

speedy and

their

was on them

how much ;

which could only be prevented by he acquainted them, that he had already engaged his

private fortune for his Majesty's service, and if

want of their pay. was concerned, and

to provide against evils,

sufficient assistance

be expected of him; that

the safety of the province

was willing

to

they would not advance so

on that occasion, he was ready to draw

do everything that could

much money

any sum, provided,

in

reason

be necessary

as should

his family

might be

indemnified from the consequences of what he had done or should do by the

advice of

Bills for

his Council.

On

Committee of the whole house upon the above message and papers. Reported Duke of Newcastle's letter of the 9"" April 1746, it was not the King's intention, that the province should contribute or advance any pay to the Forces, but that they should supply them with provisions. That the care of the pay was the Governor's province, who might draw Bills for that purpose, and that the Gov^'' desire of an Indemnification implied such a distrust of the King the

4""

a

their opinion, that, according to the

as ought not to be suggested.

That the Gov'' without grounds

;

diffidence to

and

Forces not being paid,

These opinions being agreed adjourned the Assembly

been transmitted

On

draw

Bills

on so pressing an occasion was unreasonable and

any bad consequences should ensue he alone would be to blame. that, if

to the

the 19"" of June

to,

to the 15""

nem con were :

:

to the province

sent up to the Gov"',

who on

from the

the next day

June; but no Journals of the Assembly of that time have

Board. M''

Clinton acquainted the Council, that he intended to

embark

for

happened among the New Levies, and recommended to them, the conservation of the peace of the City, and, if any thing extraordinary should happen, to meet, and consult, and take such steps, as they should think expedient for His Maj''" service, giving him the earliest notice thereof. M'' Clinton in a letter to the Board of Trade dated 22"'' June 1747 observes, that the publick affairs were reduced to such a state, the King's authority despised, and the Govern' wrested

Albany

that day, in order to put an end to the mutiny, that had

out of his hands by the violence of a Faction

province without the interposition of His

Maj''',

;

that he could not

answer

for the safety of the

and, that the Board might be the better Judges

of the State of the Province, he should lay before

them

a Narrative of transactions since he

entered upon the Govern'.

M' Clark's administration, who made large it was necessary for him to confide in one person; that M'' De Lancey, having the greatest property and connections and a knowledge in the Law, was the person he chose to place confidence in, that he advised him to accept his salary from year to year upon pretence, that when he had gained

That

affairs

had been distracted by parties

concessions to the Assembly

;

in

that being at his arrival a stranger to the people,

it would be easier to break thro' their usurpations; that he did power of Govern' into the hands of a Faction that to forward this view, in the Bills for support of Govern', the salaries of Officers were not affi.xed to the Office, not in the original', but to the pcTson in Office, whereby the Crown was deprived of those appointments and the nomination of them vested in the Faction and their dependants; that in these Acts

the affections of the people,

view

this

to

put

the

;

they also gave rewards for extraordinary services to be paid without a warrant from the Gov'; '

Sic.

These words ara

Vol. VI.

in

Got. Clinton's

flfnpntcli to tlio

S4

Lords of Tnide, of

22.

June

17-17.

Supra,

p. tiii.

— Kn.

NEW-YOKK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

666

that the Assembly took into their own hands the custody of all the stores of War, distinguishing them from those sent by His Majesty, by the name of Colony Stores; that they assumed the direction of Fortifications the Nomination of Gunners and other Officers, and directed them to that they raised and employed companies of Militia, and be paid without warrant from him put the money for payment of them into the hands of persons appointed by themselves that if it should be asked, why he suffered this, the Exigency of the times and the danger to be apprehended from the Enemy, obliged him to submit to it that tho' M' De Lancey at first, represented these things as usurpations, and advised him to dissolve the Assembly, yet in the next Assembly he supported those very measures and it was found, that his only reasons for such advice was to get rid of the Speaker, who opposed his growing power that in order further to secure power to himself, he formed an united Committee of Council and Assembly that the people were well pleased with the intended expedition against Canada, but it being contrary to the views of the Faction that he should gain any credit in it, they soon curb'd the zeal of the Assembly, representing that it was sufficient to make provision for levying Forces and victualling them, no more being expected by the Crown. But their Chief hope» were, that he would not be able to engage the Six Nations in the War that the Assembly insisted that it was intended, that the presents for those Indians, were to be at the expence of the Crown, ;

;

;

;

;

;

;

tho' the practice had

always been to the contrary

him

as were of this Faction refused to attend

expectation of his gaining discredit thereby their

assuming

to

name

themselves the

corresponding with

the Neighbouring

of

;

that such of the

to 1ms

Members

of the Council

Treaty with the Indians

in

1745. in

was proved by their publick discourse, by a Council, while he was in the province, by their

;

that

it

Governors, and by issuing orders to the Militia and

Gunners of the Forts, which orders were even given out after his return to New York, without being communicated to him that the proofs of these things would evidently appear from the minutes of Council and Assembly and other papers he had transmitted, and by the remarks he intended to make thereupon; that the views of the Faction were also farther proved by the messages and Representations of the Assembly, having been drawn up by M' Horsmanden, M'' De Lancey & M'' Murray. That he must confess indeed, that the Chief strength of the Faction arose from an Act of imprudence in himself in giving M' De Lancey a Commission of Chief Justice during life, whereby, he had gained great influence; that the reasons for making Judges in England for life, did not extend to the plantations, tho' he was made to believe they did that the Chief Justice, before he granted him that Commission, always show'd himself ready to serve him, but as soon as he obtained it, put himself at the head of the Faction, and ever since he has been in power, continual schemes have been formed, to weaken the power and authority of Govern', and alter the Constitution. He then submits to the Board, whether, as the forms of Commiss"' cannot be altered without Act of parliament, that be not a sufficient ground to revoke this, and observes, that it would be in vain to remove M' De Lancey from the Council, while his power of Chief Justice remained. Mr Clinton in another letter to the Board, dated 24"" of July, recommends the distracted state of ;

;

the province to their consideration last year,

there

;

he also acquaints them, that the laying aside the Expedition

had greatly discontented the Indians, and that, unless some enterprise was undertaken,

was danger of

something of that

losing

sort,

them

;

Assembly to undertake That two Nations in the

that he should therefore propose to the

but that he almost despaired of success.

French interest had been prevailed upon to come over to the English, to have them supplied with such necessaries as they might want.

&

he should endeavour

LONDON DOCUMENTS On

the 2S"> of July 1747.

Mr

:

XXX.

667

Clinton laid before the Council three letters from

M"'

Shirley,

Commiss" to meet others to be named by the other neighbouring Govern" at iVew York the 2"'' of Sepf following, to settle the plan of operations, the quotas of I\Ien and money and every thing relating to the intended expedition against Crown Point, the reduction of which was so absolutely necessary for the security of the Western frontier, that he had summoned the Gen' Court of his Govern' and should urge to them in the strongest manner the prosecution of this enterprise, and desiring M' Clinton to recommend it to his Assembly to acquaint the six Nations with the design, and in the meantime to order a party of 100 Men to Range between Saraghtoga and the Massachusets Whereupon the Council advised, that a plan of operations, should be immediately Fort. drawn up by themselves, and, if approved by the Gov' sent to M"" Shirley, who should be also acquainting him, that the Massachusets Bay, had appointed

New

acquainted, that the

On

the

1*'

Levies were ordered to be encamped.

of August the Council having prepared a plan of operations,

it

was read

at that

Board and approved.

On

the 3"^ Estimate of the expence of this Expedition were laid before the Council, and M''

Clinton having acquainted them, that there was great danger of losing

tiie

Indians, unless

some

enterprise against the French should be executed that year, again desired their opinion on the

aforementioned to the

letters,

Southward

to

M'' Shirley's letter

he was determined it

to tiiem to

make

from

concurr

M''

Shirley, and

in the

was advised

to

recommend

appointment of Commiss"

to

meet

at

to the several

New

Govern"

York, and to lay

before the Assembly, together with the said estimates, to acquaint them that to

employ the Forces

effectual provision for

in the

province

in this expedition,

and

to

recommend

it.

4"' M'' Clinton sent a Message to the Assembly together with a copy of and acquainted tliem with the proceedings of the Council thereupon, and urged to them the immediate necessity of undertaking some enterprize, and the particular good that would result to the Province from the execution of this. He told them, that the whole

Accordingly on the

M'' Shirley's letter,

expence was estimated

at

^£14000 and exhorted them to take such a share of that expence, that

the other Govern" might be encouraged chearfully to take the remainder; that he had the strongest assurances of the hearty Assistance of the Six Nations, and had hopes of several all interest and esteem among them by a longer inactivity. He desired their immediate deliberations and resolves on tiiese matters, and told them, that the Massachusets and Connecticut, iiad already advanced large sums to encourage the Six Nations in their zeal for this Enterprize.

other Nations formerly atached to the French, but that

would be

On

the

lost

6"'

the Assembly, on consideration of

M''

Clinton's Message,

came

to the following

Resolut"':

That they would chearfully contribute

their just proportion of

any sums they should Judge

necessary for any well concerted scheme.

That to consent to raise monies on their Constituents, on pretence of anoying the Enemy, without knowing on what grounds, and for what reasons, would be to betray their Trust. That they knew not what sums the Massachusets Bay and Connecticut might have given for the encouragement of the Indians, but were persuaded.

New

York had given more than both

those Colonies for securing them in the British Interest, and that the Gov' best

knew how

the

sums given had been applied. That New York ougiit not to bear more than one third of the Expence, which proportion they would chearfully contribute but that the Govern" to the Westward ought also to bear a share of it, by which means each respective third part would be lessened. ;

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

668

On

22'"*

the

of August

M' Clinton

laid

before

the

Council

a

paper containing the

apprehensions he was under for the security of the frontiers, and acquainting them that he could no longer find provisions for the Forces at Albany, nor continue the expence the

had been

at in securing the fidelity of the Indians,

and desiring them

to

Crown

consider these matters,

him their advice upon them. Committee of Council. On the 25"" the Council presented an address to M' Clinton, setting forth the dangers to which they apprehend the City of Albany to be exposed, by the withdrawing the Forces posted at the Northward of that City, and incamping them the many objections they had to as well, as the State of the Garrison at Saraghtoga, and give

This paper was referred

to a

;

the disposition that had been

made

of them, and the dangerous consequences they expected

it; and desiring him to post such numbers of the New Levies in Albany, and to the Northward of that City as might secure the same, & ease the distressed Inhabitants. To this address M' Clinton only answered, that he should have expected to have been informed of the subject-matter of it, before it was presented but that he should duly consider it, and have a constant regard to the ease and security of the Province. But in a narrative of the case, on which this address was formed (which he transmitted to the Board of Trade in Sepf 1747) he observes, that 'twas by the advice of the Council that the Forces were encamped, and that his That orders left it to the discretion of the commanding Officer to chuse the ground. notwithstanding their desire to throw a Slur upon that Officer, he was fully satisfied, that the Forces, when encamped were better disposed for the security of Albany than they had been That he was convinced this address was only designed to raise clamour and before. disaffection, not to redress any misconduct; for, if that had been their intention, they would have applied to him in a proper manner at their meetings in Council. On the 2S"= of August, M'' Horsmanden chairman of the Committee appointed on the 22'"' to consider of the paper that day delivered to them by M'' Clinton, read and presented to His Excell'^J' their Report thereupon but a debate arising, whether the Report should be received

from

;

;

or not, M'' Clinton said he should take further time to consider of It

does not appear by the Minutes of the Council that

On

it

it.

ever was received

—

Message to the Assembly, acquainting them, that he could no longer continue the expences he had undertaken at the charge of the Crown of furnishing with provisions the Independent Companies and New Levies, made in the Southern

same day M' Clinton, sent

the

a

Colonies, of securing the fidelity of the Indians, nor of sending out parties; that he therefore

recommended

to them to find supplies for these purposes for two months, by which time he hoped to be able to tell them the King's pleasure with regard to the Forces at Albany, and whether any of the neighbouring Govern" would contribute to any of these expences. That he could no longer continue the expence of transporting provisions to Saraghtoga and relieving that they must therefore provide for those expences which were greatly increased that P'ort since the Enemy's incursion on Burnet's field. ;

On

the

2'"'

Sepf a Committee

of the

whole house upon the above Message, came

to the

following resolutions:

That the Four Independent Companies of Fuzileers, ought

subsist themselves out of their

pay, as they have always done unless posted in remote Garrisons

would supply them with provisions. That the Colony having always supplied its own

ever had and

;

that in such case the Colony

still

New

Levies with provisions,

it

was

unreasonable they should be burthened with those of the Southern Colonies, whose duty

LONDON DOCUMENTS it

Duke

was, according to the

of Newcastle's

XXX.

:

to

letter,

669

supply each of

its

own

forces

with provisions.

That the

Message of the

Gov"'''

orders to

make such

he ought

to

IS""

June 1746. having informed them, that he had the King's

presents to the Six Nations as might effectually engage them in the war,

obey those orders,

till

they were countermanded, especially as the Colony was not

able to bear that expence.

That the Gov'' might safely continue the expence of relieving the Garrison at Saraghtoga and transporting provisions thither in the manner he had already done, till he sliouid receive counter-orders.

That no additional allowance should be made to the Contractor for victualling the Garrison Oswego. That provision shall be made for the pay and subsistance of 150 Rangers for 50 days to scour the woods in the County of Albany. The whole house having agreed to these resolutions sent them up to the GoV desiring him at

to give orders for levying

On

9**

the

and sending out the said 150 Rangers with

all

dispatch.

a Committee of the whole house resolved to grant ^£9751, for the pay

&

subsistance

of the said Rangers for 50 days, and ^231.4' for supplying them with provisions, and ordered

They

a Bill to be brought in for that purpose.

much

as there

was reason

also resolved to address the

to believe the Garrison at

GovS

that in as

Saraghtoga would soon be obliged

to

would give directions for the relief of that garrison, least the Fort ettc. should fall into the Enemy's hands. That, if the New Jersey forces could be no longer continued there, he would send a sufficient Number of the New Levies to that Fort for its security; or if he had no longer the power of disposing of the New Levies, that 100 Men of the Independent Companies might be posted there, and that they would make an allowance desert for

for

want of

provisions, he

supplying them with provisions.

On

the 10"" M"' Clinton, in a Message to the Assembly, acquainted them, that their resolves of the 2"^ Inst: had given him great concern for the safety of the province, and reiterated his

demands of the 28* of August. He told them, that their refusals would oblige him either to withdraw the Garrisons or suffer the Forts to be deserted. That notwithstanding the industry with which doubts of his success with the Indians were propagated, the good effects of the Treaty were now sufficiently evident, and that the King having at a great expence, recovered the affections of the

Indians, might justly expect them, to be at the charge of preserving

That he insisted on their making provisions at least for two months for those services he had recommended to them that if they continued to refuse these supplies, they must be

them.

;

answerable

for all the

That unless the

misfortunes that might

affection of the Indians

fall

on the province in consequence of such neglect.

was secured,

Garrison at Saraghtoga, and therefore could not relieve

it

would be impossible to preserve the they had given a proper answer

it, till

to this Message.

On

the 11"" the Assembly resolved to address

M' Clinton on the subject of the Fort and him what they had desired in their address of the 9"". Committee of the whole house on the Gov'" Message of the 10"" came to the

Garrison at Saraghtoga, and

On

the 12"" a

to repeat to

following resolutions.

That

to require

them

to victual

the

Four Independent Companies was unreasonable, and

ought not to be complied with.

That the demand of Provisions unreasonable and would,

if

for the

Levies raised in the Southern Colonies was also

granted, be a precedent very prejudicial to the Province.

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

670 That the King's orders

to

make

presents to the Indians, as mentioned in the Gov"' Message,

of the IS"" June 1746, did, in their opinion

still

subsist.

That they ought seriously to consider the inhancement of the price of provisions for the Garrison at Oswego; and if the contractor should appear to be a sufferer, to do therein what should seem reasonable. That an address be presented to the Gov' concerning these Resolutions. On the la"" M' Clinton suspended M'' Horsmanden from his seat in Council, who desired a copy of the reasons

On

for his suspension.

INr Murray of the Council and M'' Verplank and M' Cruger of Assembly were appointed Commiss" to meet those of the other Colonies, to concert measures for the prosecution of the War, and encouragement of the Indians. M' Clinton in his letter to the Board of Trade of the 27"" Sepf 1747. complains greatly of He says that he had the most unreasonable and unjustifiable opposition he had met with. several times passed over the most scandalous and false Reflections thrown by the Assembly on his person and Administration, and begun a new, as if no such injuries had been done, that their behaviour could only proceed, from the most malicious spirit of wicked Men, whose design it was, to wrest the King's authority out of the hands of his Officers, and to place the

the

22°'' ]Vr

Livingston and

the general

Administration in a popular Faction retaining the Indians

any longer

;

that they

in their

had refused

to

contribute anything towards

engagements, and were endeavouring

to

throw that

and every other expence of the intended expedition against Canada, upon the Crown. That popular faction was become so generally prevalent, that without some extraordinary assistance

That the first of Parliament, Gov" would not long be able to support the King's authority. means of checking the power of Factions would be to fix a certain support for the Officers of Govern', which might be done by a Quit-rent on the lands equally rated, and that he believed the papers ettc. he had transmitted, would evince the necessity of taking some such method.

That

M''

Horsmanden having been

the principal Actor in the opposition, and in forming the

Faction against his measures, he had suspended him from his seat in Council, and removed him from all his Offices of trust. His reasons for which he inclosed to the Board, as well as those for not having communicated the said reasons to the Council.

M' Clinton's reasons for suspending M' Horsmanden were 1° That M'' Horsmanden had no where any visible Estate. and in difficult circumstances for proof of which he refers :

;

That he was involved to the general

in

debt

notoriety of the

Fact, and to Lieut' Gov' Clarke.

That he was a principal Actor in the Faction, that had been formed in the Province to Gov' and to gain the administration both. Civil and Military into their own hands. That this was evident by the constant meeting of a Committee of the Council and Assembly, who never made any report of their proceedings, tho' the resolutions of both. Council and Assembly were directed by them that M' Horsmanden was one of this Committee, and referrs to M' Peter Wraxall for an ace' of the proceedings of this Faction. That M' Horsmanden drew up 2'"'

distress the

;

all

the papers prepared by this Committee, particularly those entered in the Minutes of Council, stated. That he was the Author of the late representation of the

which have been already Assembly, was proved by

peculiarities of his stile,

by the Affidavits of persons which were

annexed, and by interlineations in the rough draught made in M' Horsmanden's hand writing. That it would appear also by an affidavit transmitted to M' Gearing, the Gov""' Agent, that M' Horsmanden communicated the Minutes of Council to some of the Members of Assembly.

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXX.

671

That the Faction had opposed or endeavoured to curtail all supplies, and had influenced the Assembly to put the publick money in the hand of their own Dependants, without allowing the Gov"' any power in the distribution of it, which the urgency of affairs had obliged him to submit to. For proof of this he referrs to the several Acts passed during his Administration for 3''"*

granting supplies,

&

to his

.

speeches and Messages to the Assembly.

That. they had influenced the Assembly to Assume the nomination of Officers and appointment of salaries and Rewards for particular services, (in the last of which cases M'^ 4""

Horsmanden was a

particular instance) without so

much

as consulting the Gov'';

to all

which

he had been obliged to submit, otherwise the Govern' would have been without support; for proof of this also he refers to the Acts for raising supplies passed during his Administration. 5""

That

the Faction

endeavoured

to vilify

had, not only in conversation but by their resolves, addresses ettc,

and slander the

Reputation with

Gov''"'

false

and malicious aspersions,

with design to withdraw the respect of the province and thereby to defeat his measures, and render him obnoxious to the King and his Ministers. 6"" That in the publication made by the authority of the Council and Assembly, the Faction had thrown Invectives and aspersions on those, who had endeavoured to vindicate the Gov""!

Character, with design to expose his friends to the fury of an incensed Mob.

That the 5"' and were proved by the Assembly's representation of the remarks on the Representation of the Acts for supplies of Provisions, and by the Councils address, which they had published in one of the common Newspapers that this proceeding was unprecedented that the opposition of the Fraction proceeded from two motives first, the desire of some ambitious Men to put the Govern' entirely in their own hands, which was the easier to be accomplished, as the majority of the Council and Assembly were ignorant, illiterate people, of Republican principles who secondly had no knowledge of the English Constitution or love for their Country from a design to establish a neutrality between the province of New York and Canada, as was done in the late War, whereby the Enemy was supplied with provisions, and the people of New England exposed to their Ravages ; that such a design was now to be renewed, might be 6""

Articles

;

;

;

—

imagined from the advantages, the people of the Province would reap from of the

People of Albany to build Forts on the

frontiers, tho'

—

it,

from the neglect

money was granted them

for that

purpose and by the backwardness of the Commiss''' for Indian Affairs in engaging the Indians

war against Canada, and by their conniving at, and encouraging conferences between the Gov' of Canada and the Six Nations; tiiat it was for his having shown a resolution in opposing this neutrality, that the two interests in the opposition, joined to weaken his administration. in the

The reasons

that M'' Clinton assigned for not communicating the above to the Council, and M' Horsmanden a Copy of them are: That others of the Council were joined with M' Horsmaden in the same criminal practices. That some of those being Men of large family interests, the Gov' was desirious of reclaiming them by gentle metiiods, and avoiding all causes for refusing

when the expedition against Canada might have suffered by it. M' Clinton suspended M' Stephen Bayard from his seat in the Council, and in his letter to the Board of Trade of that day, referrs them for his reasons for so doing to those he had given for the suspension of M' Horsmanden, adding that M'' Bayard had come hot from the Faction, and threatned his person in a most insolent manner, with design to intimidate him into a compliance with their measures. The same day M'' Horsmanden wrote to the Board of Trade, to acquaint them, that M' Clinton had suspended him without the advice or consent of Council, and had refused him a of dissentions at a time,

On

the 29"" of Sept'

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

672

copy of his reasons for so doing. Tiiat M'' Clinton had also removed him from his publick. offices without assigning any reason. That he could only attribute these marks of displeasure

who had

Gov'''' confidence, and made the advice of That reports of Committees of Council, when not agreable to M"' Golden, were suppressed; to an instance of which in minutes of the 28"" of August 1747. he refers the Board, as being the occasion of M' Clinton's resentment against him that he was that day Chairman of the Gora''° to whom IVP Clinton had referred some matters in writing; that having read the Report and presented it to the Gov% M' Golden moved that it should not be received. Upon which he expressed his surprise at the absurdity of M"' Colden's motion, and at the Majority of the Council's being overruled by the minority in which he had no design of offending, but thought he did no more than his duty. With this letter M"' Horsmanden transmitted a Copy of the said Report, which sets forth,

to the

ill

offices of M"'

Golden,

engrossed the

the rest of the Gouncil almost useless.

;

;

Committee he had applied to M'' Clinton for further information them that M"' Clinton had refused and resented this, as calling account for what was contained in that Paper; that the Committee denying any sucii reported their reasons for desiring such further lights viz' That as the GoV has said

that by the directions of the as to the matters referred to

him

to

design,

;

:

he could no longer find provisions for the Forces at Albany, or continue the expence of sending out parties of the Indians ettc. it was reasonable for the Committee to enquire, whether he had orders from His Maj'^ to decline it for if he had not been disavowed in it, the same reasons which prevailed on him to undertake it as first would make it necessary for him to continue it. That the Committee were of opinion, that, as M' Shirley and M"" Knowles were ;

meet and advise concerning the disposition of the Levies, his Excell"^^ should represent to them the danger of withdrawing those Forces from this Province; that as to the other points referred to them, they could not form any opinion without further lights, that the members most in his Excell*^'' confidence, and from whom some information might have been expected, had not attended the meetings of this Comm'" although they were summoned thereto. M' Clinton in his letter of the 27"" Sepf 1747. incloses a narrative of the occasion of this to

Report, in which he represents, that the paper he read to the Council ought to have been M'' Horsmanden moved, for That the Committee met at a Tavern, and ordered copies to be made of the said paper, notwithstanding he had charged them to keep it secret, and that a copy was sent to each member, as well to those who were present, when the Gov' enjoy[n]ed secrecy as to those that were not; That several of the Committee

immediately considered and not referred to a Committee

committing

it,

and

it

was accordingly

;

but that

carried by a majority.

withdrew themselves upon the indecency of the application made

to the Gov'' for

further

explanation of the said paper; and that the receiving the said Report was opposed by other

Members,

On

the

what passed in the Committee. M' Clinton desired the advice of his Council with respect

as being an untrue account of 2"''

of October

to the

measures proper to be taken for the security of the Frontiers, and for preserving the Fidelity of the Indians; and a Committee being appointed to consider of the same, took the examination of ColH Johnson on the State of Indian Affixirs but it does not appear from the Minutes of ;

Council, that they

On

the

5""

made any

of October the Assembly met, according to adjournment, and

to the following Resolutions

That

report thereupon.

the state of the province

consideration.

That

came immediately

:

and

in the first place of the frontiers

be taken into immediate

the Gov"' frequent adjournments of the house had interrupted and delayed

the provisions necessary to be

made

for the security of the frontiers.

:

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX.

673

The same day M' Clinton, sent them a Message, laying before them the agreement made between the Commiss" of New York, Massachusets, and Connecticut, and exhorting them to grant the supplies necessary for levying and paying the forces to be raised in consequence of that agreement, and for the security of the frontiers, and preserving the fidelity of the Indians, for which services nothing was settled in the agreement. He reminded them that he had recovered the affections of the Six Nations at a great expence

no longer continue, and entreated them fidelity,

a small expence in

consider the

Nations

to contribute

proportion to that of recovering

Oswego and

securing the Garrison at

to the

Crown which

what was necessary

He

it.

he could

to preserve their

desired

them

also to

building a Fort in each of the Indian

he proposed to them for the ease of the people to take into the pay of the Province

;

the forces levied for the

Canada Expedition, and represented

that would attend that measure

that;

;

altlio'

to

them

tlie

many

advantages

they ought to bear the whole expence of securing

the frontiers and the fidelity of the Indians, he would endeavour to persuade the Southern

Colonies to contribute a reasonable proportion the last treaty given very large presents

;

;

that the Massachusets

&

Connecticut had at

and as the province had not at that time, nor since

any expence on that head, they might be the more reasonably expected to advance That they might depend on his best endeavours for the welfare of the province and for the giving them all possible satisfaction as to the frugal management

been

at

what was necessary now.

of whatever should be granted That their resolutions as to retaining the Forces at albany must be speedily sent to M'' Shirley; that the Sachems of the Six Nations were waiting their determinations and would stay but two days, he therefore recommended dispatch to them, and required their speedy answer. On the S"" a Committee of the whole house upon the above Message, came to the following ;

Resolutions

That provisions be made Connecticut and

That That That

all

New

for

executing the scheme concerted by the Commiss" of Massachusets

York.

necessary provisions be

a proper present be

made

made to the

for the security

Sachems then

at

of the Northern frontier.

New

York.

Committee were persuaded the King's orders relating to presents to Indians still subsisted, and tho' no disposition of the large draughts, made by the Gov'' on that head, had yet been heard of, yet, since the Gov'^ had declared he would do nothing more at the expence of the Crown, ^SOO should be allowed and deposited in the hands of proper persons for the above purpose; that the usual provision be made for the Garrison at Oswego. That as to erecting Forts in proper places among the Indian Nations, the Province ought to bear

its

tho' the

proportion of that expence with the neighbouring Govern".

That upon receipt of certain and undoubted advice of His .Majesty's Orders Albany forces from his pay, a sufficient number of them ought to be retained

to discharge the for the security

of the Northern Frontier.

That provision be made

for victualling the Garrison at Saraghtoga, tho' not

mentioned

in

the Gov''' Message. gih

That the Gov"" be desired to inform the house, if he has complied with their requests of the ^ iph gepf last, relating to that Garrison, & what number of Men he has posted there,

that they

make

provision accordingly.

These resolutions having been sent to would consider of it and send an answer Vol. VI.

M"' ;

Clinton he returned for answer to the

last,

that he

but he immediately sent a Message to the Assembly,

b5

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

674

acquainting them, that he saw by their votes, they were going on matters foreign to what he

had recommended; that

would receive nothing from them, but what

lie

related to his Message;

that a loss of a day might be fatal at this conjuncture, and that the consideration of other aflFairs

miglit safely be deferred.

Upon key

to

the receipt of this Message, the next day, the door

was ordered

to

be lock'd and the

be laid on the table, and they immediately came to the following resolutions.

That manner That

it

was

the undoubted right of the house to proceed on

all

proper subjects in such

as they thought best.

them in that particular, was a breach of privilege. would receive nothing from the house but what related

to direct or prescribe to

Tiiat the Gov"'" declaring he

Message,

is

to his

unprecedented, and tends to the subversion of Rights of the House, and the people

they represent.

That the adviser of that Message was an Enemy

to the

Colony.

Which resolutions were sent up to the Gov'. The same day a remonstrance to M'' Clinton was prepared by the Assembly, setting forth their concern for the loss of that harmony that subsisted between the several branches of the legislature at the time of receiving his Maj'^'' orders for the Canada expedition. That they attributed the Artifices, that had ever since been made use of, to distract and divide them, to the person on whom the GoV had relied that they were much concerned, that his confidence ;

should be placed in a person so obnoxious.

That the Gov' had returned no answer

to their

resolves and requests, relating to the Fort and Garrison at Saraghtoga, and the Trading house

That he had always kept the Indian affairs a profound secret, and diverted them that he was ill advised in taking them out of the hands of the Commiss", whom, if they were not to be trusted, he should have removed and appointed others, and that his failure in that particular had been the sole means of perplexing afl^airs with the Indians that it would have been much better for the Prov" to have established a neutrality between the Six Nations and the French Indians, than to have been at so great an expence, and still to have them on a precarious footing; that they had been told indeed, the Indians had engaged heartily in the War, but as yet had never heard of any engagement between them and the French Indians. That the several expressions in his Message relating to his success with the Indians, and the joy with which the disaffected had entertained doubts of it, were the mere Figments of his principal adviser, foisted upon them with private views to magnify those Treaties; that [they] could not but remark the cruelty of his unjust reflections on the Commiss" and people of Albany, whose deplorable circumstances were sufficient to melt a heart not devoid of humanity that they believed indeed, the Gov'' had put the Crown to great expence in recovering the affection of the Indians; how properly he had applied the money, at

Oswego.

from their ancient channel

;

;

;

they

knew

not, but as they

bad a large sum

in

had not heard of any presents being lately made, they supposed he That the Gov'' article.

Bank, altho' he had asked supplies on that

expressions of concern for the welfare of the Province had no effect on those that judged by That he had been ill advised in withdrawing the Garrison at Saraghtoga in 1745' actions.

and in the disposition of the New Levies, and had in these particulars neglected very signal that had the opportunities of demonstrating his concern for the protection of the Province ;

muster of the in their

Levies been

fair

and

just, the

Crown would have

saved

considerably

That the Gov' had treated the people of the Province, and the Assembly in with contempt; that his Messages were full of injurious reproaches and calumnies-

Pay.

particular,

New

LONDON DOCUMENTS That

XXX.

:

G75

the house had been harrassed with frequent, short and unnecessary adjournments (the

which tliey recited) to the great damage of tiie Members and contrary to That they submitted to every impartial judgement, whether such proceedings were That if these methods were advised calculated for the King's service, or the Colony's welfare. That in order to make them submit to any measures, the attempt would be vain and fruitless. altho' it had been insinuated that they were more saving of the Country's money than was agreable to the inclinations of their constituents; they had granted near ^70000 since the war particulars of

precedent.

with France, and were ready and willing to do every thing that could be reasonably expected

from them.

A Committee appointed for that purpose waited on M'' Clinton with this Remonstrance, but he would neitiier hear it, nor suffer it to be left with him. On the 13"" the Assembly acquainted M'' Clinton, that they had under consideration a Bill for making provision for the security of the frontiers, and therefore desired him to lay before the house a state of the Forts and Garrisons of Saraghtoga and Oswego, and inform them what was the result of the consultations of M"' Shirley and M'' Knowles. as to the forces at Albany, that they might make provision accordingly. To which M' Clinton returned for answer, that he had not received any advice from M'' Shirley and M' Knowles touching the Forces, and that with respeit to the other part of the Message, he would take time to consider of

it.

That Scheme concerted by the Commiss" of New York with those of the Massachusets Bay and Connecticut had met with so ready an approbation, as well as that for the security of the frontiers, tho' it had been retarded by the Province Commiss" withholding that the King's Provisions. That he knew not on what evidence they founded their opinion orders relating to making presents to the Indians, still subsisted; that no Assembly had ever

On

the same day

he was pleased

M"'

Clinton sent a Message to the Assembly to the following effect:

to find that the

;

received the King's orders but thro' his Gov'', and no Gov'' could be supposed to dare to declare that to be his Majesty's pleasure, which

was not

so, or to

disobey the orders he had received

that their assertion of having never heard of any disposition of the

money

;

received on the

made was a bold Falsehood, without the least appearance of evidence that on the contrary they knew very well Indians had been armed cloathed and supplied with provisions and considerable parties sent out, to all which expences the Province had not That whatever sums he might have received by draughts, he was not contributed a farthing. draughts he has

;

accountable to them for such monies, nor had they any thing to do with the disposition or

account of

it;

view was plainly

that their

same Men, with

whom

to place the

King's authority in the hands of the

they proposed to deposit the money, and by that means to become

Gov'', both of the Gov'' and Indians.

That he was sorry

the danger of the Garrison at Oswego, and so

little

to see,

zeal for

their refusing to build Forts for the protection of the Indians,

they had so

little

who

had exposed their

defence of the Province, shewed the higiiest Ingratitude and disregard of the Justice of the Govern'.

That

Orders but thro' him, and

if

concern for

encouraging the Indians.

as to the Forces at Albany, they could never

That

lives in the

Honour and

know His

Maj'-''

they would not accept those Forces according to his proposal, and

speedily too, they could not have them at introductive of a claim of the

part of the King's prerogative.

Command That

all.

of the

That their resolve on this subject seem'd Army, but that he should never give up any

their sending orders next to

Saraghtoga, was another proof of that claim.

That the design of

him relating

their resolves,

to the Fort at

was

plainly to

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

676

clamour against him

for things that were realiy the consequences of their unreasonable That neither the Constitution nor tlieir own knowledge, skill or Information entitled them to the least share in the execution of military orders. That he had formerly told them, that his opinion was founded on the consent of all good Judges, that the Fort at Saraghtoga would not answer the purposes for which it was built; but it was built by Commiss" who had not in view the security of the frontiers, but the preservation of their own Wheat. That their opposition to his measures had greatly increased the necessity he had been under of withdrawing that Garrison. Tiiat the Message he sent to them to proceed upon, what he had recommended to them, arose from his finding by their Minutes, that they were going upon variety of matters and Bills of small weight; that theshuttingthedoor of their house, was denying him access and an insult upon his authority, and that he did not by that Message incroach upon their privileges. That they owed their Constitution to the Kings Commission only, and had no Right to assume privileges belonging to the Commons of Great Brittain, to whose authority they were subject. That he had great reason to complain of the indecent behaviour of some of the Assembly, in coming into his apartment with their Remonstrance, and that he would never receive anything from the House in publick, the contents of which were not previously communicated That their entering upon Resolves at the opening of the session before he to him in private. had an opportunity of laying before them, what was necessary to be considered, was an encroachment upon the prerogative. That in their Representation, they had forgot all decency and respect to his Authority. That they had asserted falsehoods, and, in order to excuse themselves for denying the necessary supplies, had endeavoured to infuse into the minds of the people, that he converted the publick money to his private use. That the little pretence they had for this impudent assertion, must appear evident, when it was known that all the money disposed of by him, since his first coming to the Govern' did not amount to .£18000 currency. That supposing all the money which came into his hands had been converted to his private

raise a

opposition.

use, that could not justify the

Commiss" withholding

refusing other necessary supplies.

That since

his

provisions from the Forces, or their

Administration of the Govern', the Assembly

had put above .£60000 into the hands of Commiss" named by them, none of which had ever been called to account. That the Spirit of their Representations appeared in their heavy calumnies thrown upon those

who endeavoured

to

support him

in

his Administration

;

against

whom

however, they had not been able to prove one fauU or blemish. That their refusal to supply the independent Companies posted at Albany with provisions, could have no other

That

tendency, but that of the dissolution of those Troops.

this their

unbecoming conduct

could arise from nothing, but a firm principle of disloyalty, in endeavouring to deliver up the Country to His

endeavoured

to

Maj'^' Enemies, from

be established between

a desire of favouring that shameful neutrality

New York

and Canada, from a design

to overturn the

Constitution of the Govern', or lastly to satisfy the pride, malice and rancour of a few Men.

That he had,

at the opening of every new session endeavoured to prevent a renewal of past which they on the contrary had always promoted that he should now lay aside resentment, and recommend it to them to make the necessary supplies for the security of

differences, all

;

the frontiers, and preserving the fidelity of the Indians.

which might

arise

from a misunderstanding, he thought

should not give his assent to any to His

Commission and

disposition or

command

Bill, in

That it

in

which publick money was

Instructions, or should any

ways

order to prevent any delay,

proper to acquaint them, that he to

be disposed

of,

contrary

limit his Maj'^'' Authority in the

of the Forces, or in the direction of Military affairs.

LONDON DOCUMENTS On

:

XXX.

677

the 15* of October 1747. the

Assembly sent to acquaint the Gov', that as it appeared by the Commiss" Report, that a Gunsmith and two Men should be sent, to Four Tribes of the Indians, with goods to the value of .£300 New York currency, they desired, he would, without delay give directions for that purpose, and that they would make provision to defray the expence.

On

the 16"" of October the

Assembly took the Gov'' Message

into consideration,

and came

to

the following Resolutions:

That provision be made

for

the pay of a

Detachment of

Militia posted at

Oswego,

for

supplying the said detachment, as also the double garrison of regular Forces, with provisions. On the 19"" M' Clinton sent a Message to the Assembly to acquaint them, that his Maj'' had

thought proper that the expedition against Canada should be discharged; that he was directed to recommend

might be necessary

for

it

paying the said Forces,

to

till

them,

aside,

laid

to furnish

provision could be

that on this occasion he renewed the proposal of retaining a

and the Troops

money as made by Parliament;

such sums of

number of

the Levies at All)any

whatever number was retained,

for the defence of the frontier, but that

it must be upon the same pay, and the choice of them to be left to him. The next day the Assembly came to a resolution, to make provision for 8. Companies of 100 Men each, of the levies posted at Albany for the defence of the Frontiers and annoyance of the Enemy. On the 2P' a Committee to whom the Gov'"' last message had been referred, reported their opinion, that the great expences of the Colony during the War rendered it unable to make provision for the pay of the Troops levied for the Canada expedition. On the 23'^ the Assembly came to several Resolutions to make provision for repairing Fortifications, and for employing a proper Number of out scouts during the Winter. On the 26"' M' Clinton sent a Message to the Assembly, that, as it would soon be necessary for him to order a large Detachm' of the Militia for the defence of the frontiers, he recommended to them to make provision for their pay and subsistance. The same day the Speaker, of the Assembly, represented to the house, that an order, signed

with the Gov''

name and

been published

in the

directed to

M' James Parker, printer

forbid to reprint or otherwise publish the

refused to receive. said

Remonstrance

General Assembly, had

all other persons were Remonstrance of that house, which the Gov' had

That he found himself charged to

to the

Gazette of that day, whereby the said Printer and

be printed

in the

in

that order, with having directed the

votes of the house, in disregard to the Gov''' authority,

and therefore as what he had done, was in consequence of an order of the house, he desired his conduct might be vindicated therein. Upon this occasion, the Assembly came to the following Resolutions:

That

it

was

the right of the people, to

know

the proceedings of their Representatives, and

that any attempt to prevent those proceedings being printed

That the humble Remonstrance

of the house of the

is

a violation of that Right.

Q"" inst:

tho' refused

by the Gov', was

yet a regular proceeding.

That the

Gov'"' order to forbid the printing

it,

was

arbitrary and illegal, an open violation of

the privileges of that house and of the liberty of the press. Tiiat the Speaker's ordering the his duty.

Remonstrance

to be printed

was regular and

consistent with

;

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

678 The same day

the

Assembly

resolved, that a quantity of

Gunpowder should be

delivered to

County of Albnny. On the 31" of October 1747. the Committee to whom the GoV' Message of the 24"" was referred, reported, that they were surprized the Gov^ should recommend provision for a Detachment of the Militia, having before proposed the taking a sufficient number of the Levies at Albany, for the same purposes, to which the House had agreed, and were making proper provision for them, and that, whilst His Excell'^y was governed by such unsteady Councils, 'twould be difficult for the House to make such provision for the defence of the frontiers, as the situation of the affairs seemed to require. On the 2"'' of Nov' M'" Clinton sent a Message to the Assembly, in answer to this Report of tlie Committee; wherein he observed, that as they had refused to give the King credit for such sums as were necessary to pay the Forces, and had proposed to reduce the pay of the Officers of the companies, which were to be retained, so low, that no one would accept a Commission, whereby the Province was in danger of being left exposed to the Enemy, he thought it his duty to endeavour to prevent that mischief by employing the Militia. This Message was referred to a Committee, who the next day reported their opinion, tliat from His Excell'^^'' Message, instead of discovering any reason for throwing off their surprize, they found great cause for its increase, and the instability of the Councils still more evident that it was now intimated, that the Levies could not be retained, without their arrears were advanced, which was not a former condition that the house had agreed to allow the same pay to the private Men, and furnished them with cloathing, and only objected to the pay of the Officers, which was communicated to His Excell*^^, who, altho' he expressed some doubt whether these forces could be continued but upon the full pay, both of Officers and Men, yet he acquainted them, that the time for their discharge was not fixed, and that he must first consult with M' Shirley and M'' Knowles on that head that the house had impatiently expected the result of his consultation, but instead thereof a new, and more heavy condition was intimated from all which they concluded, that it was not His Excell"^'' intention, that these forces should be received into the pay of the Colony, but rather, thro' want of cloathing ettc. that they should be driven to desert by which means the frontiers being left defenceless, the GoV might have a pretence, in order to harras the poor people of the Country, to make detachm" from Coll: Schuyler for the use of

tiie

;

;

;

;

the Militia.

To On

this opinion the

the

6""

House unanimously agreed.

of Nov' 1747. the Gov' laid before the Council an Instrument signed by Gov'

Shirley and Gov' Knowles, dated the 28"" of October raised for the

On

Canada

this occasion the

Gov' observed,

had called upon the Assembly detachments

of

last, for

the discharge of

all

the Troops

expedition. that, as the

to retain a sufficient

the Militia to be in readiness to

frontiers

would be deprived of defence, he

number of the Levies; that he had ordered march to Albany; that the Assembly had

money or Credit to pay off these Forces, and being informed that the Assembly proposed, that the frontiers should be defended by new Levies, of Volunteers, which might be impracticable, he desired the Advice of the Council, what might be further done for securing the frontiers, for the pay of the Troops now to be disbanded, and preventing any disorders which might happen upon that occasion. On the next day the Council were of opinion that the provision made by the Assembly for 800 Volunteers, was most likely to retain them but that the pay allowed to the Officers was refused to furnish him

;

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX. too small.

As

to the

payment of

679

the Troops, tliey advised his Excel^' to

make

application to

the Merchants for that purpose.

M' Clinton in his letter to the Board of Trade dated 10* Nov' 1747. complains of the conduct M' De Lancey, the Chief Justice, in endeavouring to throw the executive powers of Govern* into the hands of the Assembly, in order to distress the Govern' in all cases, where money is wanted for the King's service; that he should be obliged to suspend him, as he had done M' Horsmanden and M'' Bayard, that upon the refusal of the Assembly to retain the 800 new Levies in their pay, he issued his orders to the Colonels of the Militia, to hold their Regiments in readiness to march at an hour's warning; that the Militia Reg' of New York being in consequence of those orders drawn out, unanimously refused to obey any orders from the Crown, without an Act of Assembly and that he was apprehensive, that the rest of the Militia would take this example; that the Assembly had publickly avowed the neutrality with the Enemy at Canada, and that he had the greatest reason to believe, that M"' De Lancey was deeply concerned in that villainous declaration, which he hoped would justify his intentions of

;

for

suspending him.

On

the SO"" of Nov' the Gov'

acquainting him, that almost the Council advised

him

communicated

all

to the

Council two letters from Coll

to post such a

number

:

Johnson,

Upon which

the Levies, at the Indian Castles had deserted.

of the Levies as should enlist in the province

service at the said Castles.

On

the 25"'

M' Clinton dissolved the Assembly and

in his speech upon that occasion, he consequence of his order to their printer, and recommended it to them to consider, whether it would not have been better, if he had by that order infringed their Liberties, to have applied to him in some other manner, than by the method they took to assume an authority over him, and contradict his orders. He begged them likewise to

complained of their resolves

in

consider, that their remonstrance and former representation,

and contradictions

;

the method they took to their

were full of notorious falsehoods were calculated to support falsehood, slander, and malice; that present that Remonstrance could only be with a design to shew

that they

contempt of the King's authority

of their proceedings

he should leave his forbidding

was no

it

was taken

the character of His Gov', and that,

in

if

the whole

would plainly appear

together, the spirit of their actions

;

that

Superiors to judge of [t]his remonstrance, as well as of the propriety of to be printed; that as to the liberty of the press, the preventing abuses of it

it

to his

obstruction.

That notwithstanding

for the security of the Indians,

plain from the aspersions they

that they intended to

his

recommendations

they made not the least provision

threw upon him,

assume the superiority

in order to lessen

in the

to

them

to

make

for that service

him

Administration.

;

provision

that

it

was

in the eyes of the people,

That

it

was necessary

to

keep secret the orders for the discharge of the Troops, least the Frontiers should be deserted before any provision was made for their defence; that he gave them however timely notice

would happen, that they might make the necessary provision ; yet they refused to do the manner he recommended, and pursued a more uncertain and expensive method, and that it was well known, how dilatory they had been in their proceedings. That the orders he gave to the Militia were neither partial nor illegal, and yet, by means of the Assembly's that this it in

influence they were disobeyed, and that this could be done with no other view, than to usurp

the

due

command to the

of the militia.

Forces, shewed,

That

how

their refusing the

little

King

credit for the

paym' of what was That if they had frontiers would have

regard they had for his authority.

complied with the terras proposed by him

for retaining

the Levies,

tiie

—

—

—

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

680

been secured, whereas they are now left exposed. That their refusing to make provision for the subsistance of the Independent Companies upon the same foot as the other Levies, tended

and shewed that they were desirious of having all the That the Bills, which they had passed

to a dissolution of those companies,

Military Force in the Province dependent upon them.

and

to

which he had unwillingly given

That

his Assent, put their designs out of question.

they had endeavoured to make, what he should do for the safety of the Province inconsistent

with

his duty,

by rendring what they put

it

in his

power

to

do

for the safety of the

province

contradictory to the King's commands, and derogatory of his authority; but he hoped his zeal for the safety of the People,

would excuse him

His Maj'^

to

themselves the nomination of

want of Candour

in

all

Officers,

and the rewarding of and

their proceedings,

such Laws. That a was their assuming to That there appeared a

for passing

further instance of their aiming, both, at Civil and Military power, services.

knew many

that, as he

disapproved of their conduct, he could not do better than to put

it

of the inhabitants

in their

power

to declare

and therefore he dissolved them. session of the Assembly the following Acts were passed and assented

their sentiments,

During

this

M' Clinton:

"An Act to continue the Militia Act" The Act which is hereby continued was to be

proper and reasonable, and there

passed in 1743. is

The Regulations

Chief by

his

Commission

or other

cancel! certain Bills of credit struck

"

An Act An Act

for continuing the

for

shall

Commander

power whatsoever.

—

"An Act to let to farm the Excise on strong Liquors" The moneys to be paid, into the hands of the Treasurer by "

by

thereof appeared

a proviso, that nothing therein contained

derogate, lessen or diminish the powers and authority lodged in any Capt° Gen' or in

to

viz':

and issued upon

the Farmers, are appropriated to

this duty.

support of Govern' for one year"

purchasing a supply of Provisions

for the

Levies detained for the security of

" the frontiers."

By

this

Act the Treasurer

is

directed to pay certain

therein nominated for purchasing

&

sums of money

to certain

Commissioners

transporting the provisions to Albany.

There is also a severe penalty inflicted upon any persons, who shall, under any pretence whatever seize or carry away any of the said provisions. On the reading this Bill in the Council M'' Colden moved, that it should be amended in such manner that the disposition of the Provisions for the Forces posted at Albany should be vested in the Gov' or Officer of those Forces;

which motion was carried

" An Act for emitting .£28000 The currency of these Bills is by a Tax upon the Inhabitants. By this Act ^8597 19 are

— —

Commanding

in the negative.

in Bills of

Credit for the security of the Frontiers"

limited to

9.

years, and provision

is

made

for cancelling

them

Commiss" named in it to be by them Commiss" are also appointed for issuing provisions to empowered to purchase Gunpowder and lead for them.

directed to be paid to

applyed to the payment of 800 Men.

who

the said 800 Men,

are likewise

power whatever over these 800 Men, which by the Gov''"' Commission liie hands of persons appointed by the Assembly. Upon this Bill's being reported in Council without amendments, M'' Colden dissented first, because Commiss''' were appointed thereby to pay the Forces levied or to be levied in the

By

is

these provisions

vested in him,

is

all

placed in

;

Proviace,

who were

to act

independent of the Gov'; secondly, because the Treasurer was

LONDON DOCUMENTS sums without Warrant from the Cancelling the Bills was open to fraud. directed to issue

An Bill's

Gov"'

:

XXX.

— and

681

thirdly, because the

method of

Act for appointing Commiss" to state the publick accounts from the year 1713. On this passing in the Council, M" Colden dissented for the following reasons 1" Because tiie :

—

nominate Persons to state the Publick accounts. 2°'*'^' As the Funds for the support of Govern' had always been, duties upon Wines, and Merchandize, the persons named by this Act to state these Accounts being Merchants were not proper persons, and might 3'J' Because have an undue influence. there were some expressions in this Bill, which Gov"' has the only right to

tended to the making the Members of Assembly perpetual auditors of the publick accounts. Because there was no tie upon the Treasurer or the Province to bind them to admit the State of the accounts made by the Commiss". S"" Because no rules are prescribed for

4""'^

the proceedings of the Commissioners.

was

in matters of accounts,

Because

An

Act

this State,

to

which might be erroneous,

was making

and exposing the State of the Province

Because Salaries were directed of the Governor. "

6""

directed to be published in the Newspapers, which

the

Mob

the dernier resort

to Foreign Nations.

Lastly.

be paid in perpetuity to certain persons without the Warrant

Cancelling the Bills of Credit"

for

M' Colden dissented to the passing this Bill in Council for the following Reasons: 1" As it was subject to the same objections as the former, as to the nomination of Officers and payment of money without Warrant from the Gov' & Council. 2ndiy Because by this Bill other Bills of credit are directed to be cancelled in the place of those directed to be cancelled by preceding Acts. Whereby Bills might be left in the hands of Persons, after their currency had expired, to their great loss.

Because the Treasurer

directed to exchange defaced Bills for

new ones, which was known, or they might be counterfeits. 4""'^ Because this Act repeales a clause in a former Act, whereby evidence was to be given of the Old Bills being cancelled, which evidence by the present Act, the Commiss" are not S'"''

is

liable to fraud, as the value of defaced Bills could not be

required to give

;

that they might therefore put the old Bills in their pockets and issue

them

out again.

M' Clinton in a letter to the Board of Trade dated the 30. of Nov'' acquaints them with his having dissolved the Assembly for the reasons set forth in his speech. He observes, that the Assemblies of that Province always incroached upon the prerogative of the Crown but that ;

they assumed to themselves the nomination of Officers and the rewarding of Services. That he could think of no method of remedying this evil but repealing the Acts for issuing

now

Bills of Credit,

proper.

That

and reissuing those

under such conditions as his Maj''' should think Canada and his endeavours to suppress it, had That M"" De Lancey, M' Horsmanden, Mr Murray, M'' Bills

the desire of a neutrality with

established a Faction against him.

Bayard and M"' Livingston all members of the Council, were deeply concerned in the Faction. That M' Oliver De Lancey brother to the Chief Justice, said, that the Faction would hang three or four people, and set up a Govern' of their own and upon the dissolution of the Assembly, he asked his Brother, whether affairs could not be carried on without an Assembly, ;

who

answered, yes,

money

if

the people could he persuaded into

it,

hut that they would not part with

Clinton concludes his letter, with pleading the necessities of the Province, in excuse for his passing the money Bills, liable to so many objections. their

at that rate.

Vol. VI.

M''

86

:

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

682

On the 31" of December, M' Clinton communicated to the Council some resolves of the Assembly of the Massachusets Bay, wherein they dissent from several Articles of the agreement entered into by their Commiss" with those of Connecticut and New York. On the 26"" of January ]74|^. M'" Clinton communicated to the Council a Petition of the corporation of Albany, praying the continuance of a

Cap" Schuyler, which

On

the

4""

the Council advised

of Febr''

IVr

him

Company

there under the

Command

of

comply with.

to

Clinton acquainted the Council, that, upon

receiving frequent

complaints of there being no powder in the Fort at Albany, he had directed Coll: Marshall to apply to the Commissaries of Stores for

3. barrells

of Powder, until the Assembly should

make

provisions, and that the Commissaries had refused to deliver them.

On

the 12"" of Febr'' 174y a

New Assembly

met,

when M'

Clinton

made a speech

to

them

to

the following effect

That the

affairs

made it necessary to call them together at that time that Commiss" of the neighbouring Provinces for carrying on the war, had

of the province

the agreement with the

;

been approved by the Assembly, by the Colony of Connecticut and by the Massachusets Bay, ll"" article objected to by the Massachusets Bay, might be by large parties of Indians that he advised them to make provision for that purpose; that it was worth considering how the influence, which the French were likely to gain over the Indians from their being disappointed in the expedition to Canada, might be obviated, and hoped for their assistance in it. That he recommended to them to make provision for the payment of the salaries of Officers and other contingencies of Govern', for an allowance to an Interpreter, to the Indians appointed by him, for the pay and victualling the

with some alterations; that the carried into execution

;

garrison at Oswego, for the repairs at the Fort at Albany, rewards to the Indians for Scouts,

New Levies to Albany, victualing them in the Mohawk's Country, removing Cannon from Saraghtoga to Albany, payment of his house Rent, compleating the house in the Forts, making Stables, and other conveniencies, as also for a Commanding Officer to the Troops raised by the Province. He concluded his speech with recommending peace, harmony & dispatch. maintenance of prisoners, transporting the

On

the 17"" of Febr^ M"' Clinton laid before the Council several letters from the frontiers,

containing advice that the French were preparing an expedition against the English.

And on

the IS"" he acquainted them, that he had, in consequence of that advice, directed

among the Indians concerning the designs of the French and the Council him to send out scouts to watch the motions of the Enemy, and to recommend to the Assembly to make provision for them. On the same day the Assembly presented their Address to the Gov' in answer to his speech,

enquiry to be made

;

further advised it

wherein, they assured him, that they should with

all

dispatch enter into the consideration of

the several matters he had recommended to them, and provide such supplies as might be

necessary for the defence and security of the Colony and annoyance of the

The Gov'

Enemy.

then sent them a Message, acquainting them with the advice he had received

concerning the designs of the Enemy,

&

recommended

to

them

to

make

provision for Out

Scouts, and the Interpreter he had sent amongst the Indians.

On

the 20"" of Febr' 174|-. a

Committee of the whole house upon M' Clinton's speech took it, which related to the agreement of the Commissioners for

into consideration that part of

carrying on the

War, and reported

it

as their opinion, that the alteration proposed

by the

;

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXX.

:

G83

Massachusets Bay, would defeat the ends of the agreement, and tlierefore that the house ought not to agree to those alterations; in which opinion the iiouse unanimously concurred.

On

the

23'"*

the house

came

to several Resolutions to

detachment of Militia posted

make

provision for the repairs of

Oswego, for provisions for the said detachment, and also for the double Garrison of regular Forces at Oswego, for discharging the expence of furnishing goods to the Gunsmiths sent among the Indian Nations, for an allowance to a Gunsmith in the Seneca Nation, for the payment of Out Scouts and for Fortifications for the pay of a

at

furnishing and compleating the Gov'"' house.

On

the 24"" the Gov' laid before the Council an extract of a letter from the

Duke

of Newcastle

M' Shirley, recommending to Gov' Clinton and him to take necessary measures to cultivate and secure the friendship of the Indians, and to protect and defend them against their Enemies for which purpose presents were to be made to them, and tiie expence reimbursed. This paper was referred to a Committee, which on tlie 29''' Reported 1" That a proper person should be sent amongst the Indians furnished with presents, to disswade them from going to Canada, and to assure them, that a conference would be held with them next summer. 2"'' That the Forts already begun upon the frontiers should be forthwith finished, and others to

:

built in proper places.

That proper measures should be taken

S""^

quotas of assistance for the expedition ag" 4thiy

River

to induce

Crown

the other Govern" to furnish their

Point.

That it should be recommended to Admiral Knowles to send some of Lawrence to make a diversion. They submit it, whether it would not be proper to maintain a garrison

ships up the

liis

S'

5ihiy

at

Crown

point,

in case the expedition should succeed.

That they recommended

6"y

provided at His

Maj'^"''

it

to

the Gov' to examine into the State of the stores of

War

expence, that, in case the expedition proceeded, the other Colonies might

furnish their proportion. Lastly, that the Commiss'^ of the several Colonies, should

meet

recommended

the Assembly, and

to

them

some convenient place

at

soon as possible. On the 1" of March the Gov' laid the extract of the letter of the

Duke

as

of Newcastle before

concur with the other Govern" in carrying some

to

vigorous enterprise into execution.

On

House came

the 3"* the

to several resolutions; for building

Schenectady, for fire-wood and candies

for

Commiss",

New

Blockhouses, at

&

Albany, for

Gunpowder

to

be put into

preparing Stockadoes at Albany, and for purchasing the hands of the

two

fourteen Blockhouses at Schenectady

in lieu of a like

five barrels

of

quantity delivered by them to the

Commanding

Officer at Albany.

On

the

4""

M' Clinton sent a Message

to the

Assembly acquainting them,

that,

upon finding

he could not retain 13. Companies of the Levies on the pay of the Province, he applied to the Gov' of Connecticut to raise three in that Colony, which was accordingly done. But being one more than the

Company Tiie

into the

late

Assembly had provided

same day the House came

Rangers employed

for,

he recommended to them to take that

pay of the Province, as an additional security. in

scowring the

to

a resolution

Woods on

to

make an allowance

the Northern Frontiers.

for the

pay of the

—

:

—

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

684 On

the 28"' the

GoV

being ituhsposed, the Chief Justice, by his directions, laid before the

Council two letters from Gov"' Shirley proposing a meeting between him and Gov"" Clinton, and an interview witii the Indians, and approving tiie measures M' Clinton had taken in consequence

Duke of Newcastle's letter. Which letters were referred to a Committee, who on the Sg"" against Crown Point would not fail of having a good effect, in of the

Indians in the British Interest; that they recommended

it

to M"'

reported, that an expedition retaining the Six Nations of

Clinton to send a Message to

the Assembly, to induce them to declare themselves chearfully on this point, and to acquaint

them, that, in case of success, he and M"' Shirley would join in keeping any Fort that might be taken from the Enemy at the expence of the Town. That as M"' Shirley in his letter had approved of the proposal for sending Coll Johnson among the Six Indian Nations to prevent :

amongst those Indians, and for employing parties recommended to His Excel^'' to carry those measures into

their going to Canada, for building Forts

of them in the Acts of Hostility, they

execution, and were of opinion, that his Meeting Gov'^ Shirley and holding an interview with

the Indians would be for the publick service.

On

the SO"" M"^ Clinton sent a Message to the Assembly, earnestly

the several points, which the Council had advised him to

On laid

the 31^' a

recommend

Committee of the whole house, upon the that they acknowledged His

before them, reported;

said

recommending

to

to

them

them.

Message and papers therewith

Maj'>'*

favour in directing, that the

Indians siiould be protected and secured in the British Interest at the expence of the

Crown

;

that the Province ought to join with the other Colonies in any well concerted scheme, and that

made to enable the Commiss" of this Colony to meet those of the others, and concluded on proper measures. To this Report the house unanimously agreed. On the same day the house resolved to make an allowance to the Gov' for monies advanced by him for Scalps and prisoners.

provision should be

On

the 1" of April they resolved to

officers included,

be employed

On

the

as Rangers, and for

9""

following Act " An Act to

By

this Act,

make

provision for the pay and subsistance of 800 Men,

posted on the frontiers, For additional allowances to such of them as should

of April,

M''

Out Scouts on the

Clinton

different parts of the Frontiers.

with the advice of Council gave his assent

to

the

make provision for several services for the defence and security of the frontiers " Commiss" of Fortifications are appointed. Commiss" are also appointed for the

for providing firewood and candles for the Forts and and the Treasurer is directed to pay to the Commiss" the payments several sums mentioned in the Act without any warrant from the Gov'' and Council are also directed to be made in like manner to persons named in the Act for purchasing & transporting provisions for the use of the Troops, and for other Military services, relative to the

pay of the Rangers and out Scouts, and Blockhouses upon the Frontiers

;

;

security of the Province.

"

An Act

for the

payment of

salaries, services

made

and contingencies of the Govern'"

the Officers of Govern' in the same manner as But there is a clause in this Act, for appointing Robert Charles Esq"= Agent for the Colony, and making an allowance to him for that service. This seems to be a very improper appointment, and ought to have been provided for by a M"' Clinton likewise complains, that this appointment was made without his separate Law. knowledge or consent.

In this Act the usual allowances are

practiced by former Acts of the like nature.

to

:

LONDON DOCUMENTS An Act On this Act M' Lamb "

for raising the

sum

XXX.

:

685

of ^eiSOO by a Lottery"

observes, that, although the

remain in the hands of the Treasurer,

to

and

money thereby

to

be raised,

is

directed to

purpose of ibunding a College and to no

for the

other use whatever, a very extraordinary clause immediately follows, enacting, that,

member should

move

thereafter

for

money

applying the said

to

if

any

any other purpose, he should

be incapable of sitting in that or any future Assembly, M' Clinton likewise complains, that

by

this

Act Commiss" were nominated

for that trust

without his being consulted.

After passing these Acts, M'' Clinton adjourn'' the Assembly to the the advice of the Council,

M' Clinton,

was

2°''

of

May; which, by

further continued to the 23"*.

Board of Trade dated the

in a letter to the

with the measures he had taken in consequence of the

22°'^

Duke

of April 174S, acquaints

of Newcastles letter to

Mr

them

Shirley,

He complains, to the Assembly upon that occasion. Assembly had only declared themselves in general terms, and that their conduct plainly shewed that they did not want to annoy the French in Canada, but rather to preserve He then observes, that the the neutrality, with which he had so often acquainted the Board. Indians were uneasy at the laying aside of the Canada Expedition, which, together with the information he had received, induced him to send Coll Johnson among them, with orders to make them presents, compleat their Fortifications, and engage them in Acts of hostility against the Enemy. M'' Clinton concludes his letter with complaining of the Assembly's manner of appointing their Agent, and observes, that he is to act independent of the Gov' and Council, and desires that the Board would not receive any memorials from him in that character, unless and the recommendations he had made that the

:

by previous notice from him.

On

the

23'*

May

of

174S. M" Clinton communicated to the Council, a letter from Coll

Johnson, transmitting a Journal of his transactions at an interview with the Six Nations, and

recommending a

Law

to

be passed, to prohibit the buying of arms, amunition and cloathes

from the Six Nations and their M"'

allies.

Clinton likewise laid before the Council a letter from

M"'

Stoddert, relating to the designs

of the French, to enter upon an expedition against the English. It

appears from the Journal of Coll: Johnson's transactions with the Indians, that they

complained of their kindred being detained prisoners at Canada. advised the Gov',

to

send

to

the

Gov' of Quebec,

to

Upon which the Council was willing to

acquaint him that he

exchange some French prisoners for those of the six Nations prisoners in Canada. These papers were then referred to a Committee and the Council advised the Gov' further

to

on which day the Committee of Council made their Report upon the forementioned papers, wherein they advised Gov' to send provisions into the Country of the Six Nations for their present relief, and that they should likewise be supplied

adjourn the Assembly to the

G'""

of June

;

and that it should be recommended to the to Albany Assembly to pass a Bill for [preventing all persons whatsoever'] purchasing arms, amunition and clothes from the Six Nations On the Sixth of June the Assembly met and were further adjourned to the 21" on which day M' Clinton sent a Message to them, desiring that, as the season of the year would not permit their providing for the services he had before recommended to them, he now recommended them again to their consideration, that from papers which he should now lay before them, they would see that there was great danger of a general defection of the Indians,

with provisions on their Journey

'

Th» wordi within brackeU

are added from

;

Kea

-

i'ork Council Minutet,

XXL,

308. See title of th« Agt, infra,

p.

687.

— Ed.

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

686

some enterprize that therefore he hoped, they would unite with agreement which had been made; that he had invited the Six Nations to an interview at the beginning of the next month, but that it would have little effect, unless the purchasing of Arms, cloathes and Amunition from them was prohibited for which purpose he desired, an Act might be passed. That he recommended it to them to make provision for the repair of the Fortifications, a state of which he had ordered to be laid before them. That he had likewise ordered to be laid before them several papers relating to the danger, the sea coast was exposed to, from the Enemy's privateers. That he had received complaints from the Gov' of Canada, that there was no Cartel settled for the exchange of prisoners between the two Govern". He recommended it to them to provide for the necessary expence of the maintenance and exchange of prisoners, particularly those of the Six Nations, unless they were engaged in

the other

Govern"

;

in executing the

;

and

for

rewards for scalps and prisoners.

Colonel Johnson, Col that

Command, and

:

He

then acquainted them, that he had appointed

of the Levies, and exhorted

to continue the

them

to

make him

Troops upon the frontiers

in the

an allowance suitable to

pay of the Province.

On the 24"" of June 174S. Coil Beckman acquainted the house, that he was informed, that, upon some of the New Levies suing their Capt° for their pay, the Gov'' sent orders to the :

Judge to put a stop to the proceedings, and ordered letters to be wrote, one to the Clerk of the County to prevent his issuing writs for such demands, the other to the Sheriff to prevent his executing of them. Upon this occasion a Com'" was appointed to examine into this affair. On the 27"' the Speaker communicated to the house a letter, which he had received from the Gov' wherein he acquaints him, that he had heard of Coll Beckman's information, that he liad only recommended to the Officers of the Court to put a stop to the claim of those deserters, who went off with His Maj'^'* arms and cloathing, and had thereby forfeited their pay; that if such a step could be construed a violation of the Laws, it was done thro' inadvertency, and he was ready to redress any damage that might have been received thereby. The same day the Assembly came to a resolution, that the Gov' should be desired to send a Flag of Truce to Canada with twenty five French prisoners, to be exchanged for such of the inhabitants of the Colony and of the Six Nations as were prisoners there, and that they would make good the Expence. On the 29"" of June 1748. the Com'" to whom the Gov''' Message of the 21" had been referred, reported their opinion, that the consideration of the services recommended by the Gov' would more properly fall under the consideration of the House, at the usual time of :

providing for the services of the current year, that further subsistance' should be

time for the subsistance of such a number of Men, as should be necessary frontiers,

to

made

at that

defend the

and that the consideration of the Fortifications and the protection of Trade should

then take place also.

That they were not a

little

surprized that the Gov' should press

them

to unite

with the

other Govern", to execute the agreement entered into with them, as that house had always

shewn

itself

ready, the Province of the Massachusets

Bay had

ever refused, to comply with

the terms, and had withdrawn their warlike stores from Albany.

On

the SO"" the Gov' laid before the Council the Resolution of the

relating to the

prisoners

now

exchange of Prisoners, and was advised in the

Colony '

to

to

send the

Canada.

provision. Journal of the General Assembly,

II.,

241.

— Ed.

Assembly of the 27"' French and Spanish

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX. On

the 1" of July

having

first

An Act they may "

"

The

M' Clinton,

687

Assembly's desire, adjourned them to the

9""

of August,

given his assent to the following Act.

prevent buying from or exchanging with the Indians any

to

Arms

or other presents,

receive by his M'^' orders."

provisions of this Act appear to be reasonable, and well

mischiefs which gave rise to

On

at the

its

calculated to prevent the

passing.

M' Clinton having recommended the peace of the City and County embarked for Albany. The Members of the Council, that attended him thither, were: M' Colden, M' Chief Justice De Lancey, M' Livingston and M' Kennedy On the 21" M' Clinton acquainted the above mentioned Council, that the pay provided foi the province Troops, was all expended, desired their opinion, whether he might continue them some time longer in service, in confidence that the Assembly, when they met would pay them, and was advised to continue them accordingly. On the 23'''' M'' Clinton and M^ Shirley had an Interview and conference with the Six Nations and their allies, when they solemnly promised to remain steady in the British Interest, not to the

S""

of July 1748.

to the care of the Council,

go

to

Canada, nor to hearken

On

to the insinuation of

the French.

August 174S. M'' Clinton laid before the Council His Maj'^''' proclamation for a cessation of arms, which was ordered to be published. M"' Clinton and M' Shirley in a joint letter to the Board of Trade, dated the IS"" August the

9""

of

1748. giving an account of the proceedings at Albany, represent, that,

King's

commands

to concert

measures

for securing the Six

when

they received the

Nations in the British Interest,

those Indians were under great uneasiness from the disappointment, they had met with, by the

expedition ag" Canada not taking place; that the insinuations of the French, assisted (as they

suspected) by some of the Inhabitants of Albany with a view of obtaining a neutrality, had

made such an Canada;

that,

extraordinary

impression on them, that they were ready to send a solemn Deputation to notwithstanding these difficulties, the Interview at Albany (at which an

number

of Indians were present) and the presents then given, had prevented

at

That the Indians were greatly affected with the intelligence they got Albany of the preliminaries being signed, and a proclamation published for a cessation

of

Arms;

their going to

Canada.

that in these circumstances

all

was obtained from them, that could be proposed; them of the advantages they would reap

that every thing had been done that might convince

with the English, and that the necessary expence on this occasion had all this would have failed of success, had not some neighbouring Nations offered to join with them in a vigorous attack upon Canada; that there was at that

from a

strict friendship

been very great; but that

time a good opportunity of promoting the English Trade and Interest, which might best be effected by employing proper persons amongst the Indians, to inform themselves of every thing,

which may promote Trade, and hinder the Indians from being ciieated. That the Commiss" to whose care the Indian Affairs had been committed, were by no means proper persons, for which they were assigned many reasons that the time of peace was in all respects the most proper for the execution of this attempt, and therefore they recommend the ;

it immediately. M" Clinton & M"' Shirley conclude their letter with recommending Board the prayer of a memorial presented to them by the Massachusets Bay, desiring

setting about to the

that the Southern Colonies

may

be obliged to bear a just proportion of the charge of defending

the Inland territories of the Massachusets, Connecticut and

New

York.

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

688

On

the 24"" of

Sepf

M""

Clinton acquainted the Council that there were only provisions for

the Forces on the Frontiers that time, there

mentioned

was reason

the 1" of Octoher, and that,

till

to believe

this to the speaker,

a supply was not procured by

if

they would disband themselves.

who thought

it

as yet

improper

to

That he had already

disband the Forces, and that

who were of the same opinion. Whereupon them with provisions till the 2P' October. On the 4"" October 1748. Clinton communicated to the Council a copy of the speech he intended to make to the Indians of the Six Nations then at Albany, in which he thanked them for their assurances, that they would not go to Canada, but rely on him to get their prisoners released assured them that he would use his best endeavours with the Gov' of Canada for that purpose, and that he would restore no French prisoners to him, till their prisoners should he had sent

Members

to several

the Council advised His

Excell'^''

of the house,

to supply

W

;

be restored, or security given

for restoring

them.

The Gov"" also laid before the Council a letter from Capt" Stoddart, advising that the Commiss" at Albany had refused him provisions for his company, saying, they had no orders to issue any, which His Excell''^ was the more surprized at, as he had sent his Secretary to M'' Richards

them

;

to desire

whereupon,

him M""

to send such orders,

and had received

Richards being called upon

accordingly, returned for answer, that he had consulted M""

who would the Act. order,

not agree to send

M"'

at

why

he had not sent orders

Van Home

the other Commissioner,

provisions or to do any thing further, they having fulfilled

Richards being then asked,

if

he would send up provisions upon the

Gov''''

written

Whereupon the Council ordered a letter to be wrote to the Albany, recommending to them to supply the said Forces to 21" October, and

answered he would

Commiss"

more

answer, that he would sent

for

for the reason,

not.

inclosing a copy of their minute of the 24"" of September.

The Assembly, having been adjourned from time

October, met on that them on the near prospect of a General peace but, as it was not finally concluded, recommended to them to take the necessary precautions for the security of the province, by continuing the Troops at Albany some time longer in the pay of the Province. He reminded them of the unprecedented manner in which they had hitherto granted his salary and those of the other Officers. He told them that the inclination, with which he came to the Govern' to do every thing for the ease of the people, and the advice at that time given him, had induced him at first to assent to the yearly Act, and the war with France had ever since prevented his refusing his assent to those Acts; to

12"" of

time to the

day, and on the 14"" M' Clinton in a speech to them, congratulated ;

but that the conclusion of the war, and the experience he had had of the tendency of those Acts, had

now determined

him, to put a stop to those innovations, and that he did not think

That he was not seeking any

himself at liberty to assent to the like Acts for the future.

augmentation of salary,

sum

in

what he recommended, and

if

they chose to express in the Act the

to be paid for each Officer's salary, he should not opp«se

it.

That the

principal objections

he had to their present manner of granting salaries from year to year, instead of

for five years,

were, that Grants and matters of a different nature were intermixed in those Acts, and that

were appointed to Officers personally by name and not to Officers for the time being, which he desired them to avoid for the future. He then recommended to them to pay the large sums due from the Province to Coll Johnson, for which the honour of the Govern' was engaged to make provision for paying the arrears due to the Troops, for continuing those posted on the frontiers, for the expence of Messengers ettc. on account of the exchange of salaries

:

;

Prisoners, and for compleating the Gov"'*' house

and Stables.

LONDON DOCUMENTS On in

the 19"" 1748.

The Assembly prepared an Address

which they thanked him

being so near, they thought

for his congratulations it

Pay of

in the

number

G89

M' Clinton

in

answer

to his

Speech

on the prospect of a general peace, which

many

and heavy burthen of

years, and not to continue the Forces at

the Colony, the three Independent

sufficient, for the security

Excell'^ that the

to

their duty to have regard to the grievous

Taxes, which the Province must sustain for

Albany

XXX.

:

Companies being,

of the Frontiers in the present situation of

of regular Forces usually posted at

Oswego

in

in their opinion,

affairs.

They

told his

time of peace had been

always judged

sufficient for that garrison, and that they should accordingly provide for number. That when His Excell'^ should send persons of higher Rank, and repute than those he had employed to negotiate with the Gov' of Canada concerning the exchange of prisoners, tiiey should then have Room to congratulate him on his success, and provide for all reasonable expence on that service. That a long experience of the many inconveniencies that arose from

the settlement of a five years support had determined the Assembly in

from that method, and the good

effects of

M"'

Clark's time to depart

an annual support to the Gov' and of the Grants to

other Officers of Govern' personally and by name, gave them the greatest reason to continue the present method.

That had the grants been made

to Justices for the time being, His Excell'^

being under the influence of a person of so vile a character, that

was astonishing he should some unworthy person. That when his Excell'^ gave his assent to the first Act of this Nature, he was apprised of the sentiments of the Assembly on those heads, and well advised in so doing. That he had acceeded to those terms, for good Reasons, and valuable considerations, and they were (

would have

persist in submitting to his Counsels)

filled

it

the Office of Third Justice, with

sorry he did not think himself at liberty to assent to such Acts for the future, because they

were

so well convinced, that the

They concluded with their

method was

assuring him that

salutary, that they could never depart from

the other matters he had

all

it.

recommended should have

due weight with them. the QO'"" October 1748. a

Comm'" of the whole house upon the Gov''' speech resolved to grant ,£3600 for the payment of the Forces on the frontiers to the 1" Nov' next, and so make On

Detachment of Militia posted at Oswego to the IS"" of Sept' next. Board of Trade of this day's date, repeats his complaints of the incroachments of the Assembly on the King's prerogative and authority; recites the several steps they have taken to get the executive power of Govern' into their own hands, and adds, that the prospect of a general peace, gave him hopes of being freed from the difficulties the Assembly had laid him under, in making provision for the defence of the Country, and of

immediate provision

M' Clinton

for the

in his letter to the

putting a stop to the usurpations of the Assembly.

For these purposes he proposes the payment of Salaries, tho' it had already in most parts taken its effect, and desires the Board to Consider, what Instruction or other method may conduce to this end. On the 21" Oct' 1748. M' Clinton, who had delayed appointing a time for receiving the :

repeal of the Act for the

above address, sent a Message

to the

Assembly, acquainting them,

that, their being in the

copy

of their address, which he had seen, no regard to the decency due to his character, he did not

think

it proper to receive it, but that business might not be at a stand, on that account,' to answer every part of it; that he had no private interest but the security of the province in view, in recommending the continuance of the forces in pay, and that no nation ever disbanded

their Forces before a peace

was concluded

;

that he had reason to think the person, he had

instructed to go with the prisoners to Canada, had behaved himself properly. '

Vol. V(.

Sic

Qu ? he

S7

proceeds,

'' Ministers, but that they declined

all

Justice in ordering

it

be printed.

to

That in most of the Bills they had prepared for his assent, they had assumed the executive powers of Govern' but that the necessity of the service obliged him to give his assent to them. The Acts passed by Mr Clinton this sessions were as follows, viz'. "An Act to continue the Act for support of Govern' for one year" On this Act M' Clinton, in a letter to the Board dated the IS"" Nov', observes, that this is the same title as the Acts by which in the time of his predecessors money was granted for the ;

—

support of Govern', to be issued by warr'of Gov"' and Council, but that by this Act, the is to

remain

Assent It

to

it,

in the

Treasury,

till

drawn out by some subsequent

least the duties for the support of

must however be observed, that

this

Act

money

Act, and that he gave

his

Govern' should cease. is

the

same

as others

which have been passed

for

the same purpose since the year 1737.

"An

Act for the payment of P'orces on the Northern frontiers." M' Clinton observes, that he was under a necessity of passing this

for

Act, least the forces raised

the defence of the frontiers should be dispersed without their arrears.

however many objections

to

it

That

lie

had

—

:

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

692

1" That Paymasters were nominated in

tlie

without his consent, and

Bill,

notoriously

disaffected to him.

That the money was to be paid to the private soldiers respectively, and not to the who were likely thereby to become great sufferers, having advanced money to the Men, during the time no provision was made by the Assembly. " An Act to support the Trading House and Garrison at Oswego." M' Clinton observes that this Act was necessary, as the beneficial Furr Trade of the province depends upon it, but that the Assembly have made an extraordinary Innovation by directing the Forfeitures to be sued for in the name of the Commiss", though the money is 2""^

Captains,

granted to the King.

to

There were besides the above mentioned Acts two others past by the Council which the Govr refused his assent viz'. " An act for On this Act

&

Assembly,

defraying several contingent charges of Govern' " M''

Clinton observes

1" That the charges are not said to be

made

for his Majesty's service.

gniiy

That all the payments are to be made without Warrant from the Gov'. 3*"^ That provision is made for payment of services done by persons not employed by him, and the services of persons employed by him neglected 4tiiij' That by this Act, all the Gunpowder which the Assembly purchased and placed under a Storekeeper of their

own

appointment,

is

applyed to defray the charches allowed by the

directed Bill,

by

this

Act

to

be sold and the money

without having a single pound of Gunpowder

allowed him for the defence of the province. "

An Act

M''

for the payment of the salaries, services and contingencies for one year." Clinton referrs to his speech to the Assembly on the 14"" of October for his reasons for

not assenting to this Act. In his aforementioned letter dated the IS"" of

him instructions for meet an Assembly

his ;

Conduct

;

for until that

November, he again presses the Board to send was done it would be to no purpose for him to

this is again repeated in a letter

from

M''

Clinton dated the 24"' of Febr''

M' De Lancey which has not been fully set

following, wherein he largely expatiates upon the designs and proceedings of

and the Faction

;

but there

is

nothing contained in this

letter,

forth in former parts of this State.

On

the 14"' of

March 1748 M' Clinton communicated

to the Council a letter

from M' Lydius,

advising him, that he had been inform'd, that the French had sent to the Five Nations to

them *not to join the Oltewawas, with whom they were apprehensive of a war; whereupon the Council advised M"' Clinton to send a proper person to the Six Nations, to

prevail with

represent to them, that

if

the French or their Indians should attack the Ottowawas,

who

are

would be incumbent upon them to assist them, and that if the to remind them also of their French should resent it. His Excell""^ would support them promise made at the last Treaty, to deliver up any French which might come amongst them, to his Excell''^, or any person he should send, and therefore, to insist, that, if any French are now allied

to the

said Nations,

it

;

amongst them, they should be sent to Col: Johnson. The Assembly appointed to meet this day, and were adjourned subsequent adjournments to the 27. of June.

On

the

2"'^

of

May

1749.

M''

to the 11"' of April,

and by

Clinton transmitted to the Board several Depositions, relating to

an insult offered to M' Holland one of the Council and Mayor of

New

York, by M' Oliver

De

LONDON DOCUMENTS Lancey, brother of the Chief Justice, which

in

:

XXX.

his letter to the

693 Board, he urges as a further

proof of the malice of the Faction, and observes, that a prosecution of

was prevented by the Influence

On On

the

10'''

of

the

IS'""

of

I\P

Oliver

De Lancey

of his Brother.

May his Maj'^'' proclamation for a due observance of the peace was May Mr Clinton laid before the Council a letter from Coll

published.

:

acquainting him, that, that part of his and

M"" Shirley's letter to

Johnson,

the Gov'' of Canada, wherein

King of Great Brittain, having been maliciously represented by the French, had occasioned great uneasiness amongst these the Six Nations are mentioned as vassals and subjects of the

Nations, which he had with great difficulty removed

Oswego

to

On

to confer

this letter the

;

and recommending the sending a person

with the Far Nations, wiio had offered their service Council advised the Gov' to direct Col

:

Johnson

in the

War.

to acquaint the Indians,

words " subjects and Vassals" meant only such as are under the protection and paternal King of Great Brittain; and also advised the sending a person to Oswego with presents for the Far Indians. On the 3''^ of June 1749. M'' Clinton in a letter to the Board acquaints them, that the Gov' of Canada had sent Emissaries amongst the Six Nations, to debauch them from their fidelity to that the

care of the

the English, and to prevail upon

entered into the war against them

them ;

to

go to Canada, to humble themselves

that he also threatened

war against

for

a Nation

having

upon

the

Lakes who had joined us in the war against them, and greatly distressed the Trade. That he was doing every thing in his power to defeat those designs, but as the Govern' was without one farthing for the support of it, or to defray any expence, he was under a necessity of defraying this expence of preserving the Indians out of his own Pocket. That he had sent an Interpreter with provisions and Amunition, to meet tiie Missisagues at Oswego, and encourage them in the confidence of being supported against the French. That it was of the greatest consequence he should be enabled to preserve the fidelity and affection of the Indians,

by whose steadiness

and the French commerce

in the

war, that province had been preserved,

Westward almost entirely destroyed, [which] had it not been for the opposition given to him by the Faction, would have been irrecoverably lost to them. That he must again recommend it to their consideration to support his Govern' & strengthen his

to the

hands by proper Instructions.

On

the 27"" of June 1749. The Assembly met pursuant to the several aforementioned adjournments, and on the next day, M' Clinton in his speech, congratulated them on the reestablishment of peace, and enjoined them to grant a revenue for the support of Govern',

conformable

answer

his Commission and Instructions; that as soon as he should receive their demands, he should lay before them what he thought further necessary to His

to

to his

same time M' Clinton laid before them such part of his Commission and Revenue for the support of Govern', On the same day, M' Clinton communicated to the Council a letter from Capf Marshall, containing intelligence of the march of a large Body of French from Canada to Belle Riviere, Maj'>'» service

;

at the

Instructions, as relate to the granting a

to prevent the English settling in those parts.

Whereupon and

On

Gov" Hamilton and Shirley, Gov' [of] Canada, expostulating with him upon such proceedings.

the 1" July 1749. M' Clinton laid before the Council the depositions of several persons,

relating to it

the Council advised him to give intelligence to the

to write a letter to the

some

disrespectful

words spoken against the Gov' by M' Oliver De Lancey, whereby De Lancey had averred, that the Gov' was an errant Villain,

appeared, that the said Oliver

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

694

Upon reading

Scoundrel and Rascal.

these depositions in Council,

IM''

Ciiief Justice declared

withdraw; the Council having taken these consideration were of opinion, that the words spoke by ]\r Oliver De Lancey,

his abhorrence of such words, and desired leave to

depositions into

were highly injurious and disrespectful, and, as they tended to excite Sedition, they advised tlie Gov' to order the Attorney Gen' to prosecute said De Lancey. M' Clinton transmitted these depositions to the Board of Trade, observing that such proceedings were countenanced

by

Faction.

tiie

On

the S"" July 1749., a

to M"" Clinton's

speech,

Committee of Assembly appointed

made

to

prepare an address in answer

Report, and the Address

their

was

read.

la which

they

acquainted the Gov', that they differed in their sentiments on the construction of those extracts of his instructions which had been laid before them; that there appeared no Royal injunction

them to grant a Revenue for tiie support of Govern' for five years, of which method were fond of engrossing the Sweets, and from which no Benefit ever had or could result in

people.

They

whether the

Gov""' to the

perceived no difference, as to His Maj'^' service and the Royal attention,

Officers of

Govern' were supported annually or

for five

years; and that as M'

Clinton had not acquainted them with the sentiments of the King's Ministers on that point,

they could not but continue in the same opinion.

was not owing

for publick

services

Assembly.

That they could give no other or

to

That the long delaying

to

pay just demands

them, but, to the unreasonable prorogation of the better

answer

to his speech, than, (as they

had

already told him) that they were assured, that the faithful representatives of the people would

never recede from the method of an annual support.

This address being presented of

it,

to

M' Clinton, he refused

with which the House being acquainted, resolved

the House to send His

Excell"'''

to receive

nem

:

con

it, till :

that

he had seen a copy it

was

irregular for

a copy of any address, and that he had no Right to insist on

any such copy.

On

the

V""

insisted he

July 1749. M' Clinton

had a right

to

in a

Message

to the

House occasioned by the above

resolve,

be informed of every thing that passed in the House, and to restrain

if they went beyond their just bounds. He told them, that the precipitate manner, in which the address passed the house, had given him reason to suspect a design of making him receive by surprize, what was not proper to be received, but that now he was acquainted with its contents and was ready to receive it. Accordingly the address was presented, and on the 12"" M' Clinton returned an answer to it in a Message to the following effect. He desired them to reflect on the gentleness of his

them,

conduct, ever since the differences had subsisted between them, and on their

own

continued

endeavours to calumniate his Administration without regard to truth. He reminded them of the advantage he had gained to the British Interest by his conduct with the Indians, and of tlie danger of losing those advantages by their neglecting to enable him to prosecute the measure he had taken. He told them that he had been obliged to advance his own money and use his

own credit money on

Man that would advance was no wonder, when it is considered, that notwithstanding the assurances they had given him, that they would provide for the expence of twenty five prisoners sent to Canada at their own request, no such provision was yet made tliat he was at a loss for the cause of Resentment against him, having never invaded the Right or property, or endeavoured to hurt the reputation of any Man. That they had endeavoured to mislead the people with regard to his demand, in which no mention was made of a support for for the

expence of exchanging prisoners, there being no

the Credit of their Resolves, which

;

LONDON DOCUMENTS years or even one, nor

five

That

session.

issuing

money

his ;

was

demand and

a point, in

:

XXX.

695

there any reference to what he had asked in the preceding

the Instructions that accompanied

which His

Maj''"' Intention

method of That it was

related to the

it

could not be mistaken.

means to prevent misapplication, that power of granting and issuing money, should be in different branches of the Legislature. That contrary to the practice of Parliament, they had provided for services, which he had never recommended to them, nor even been acquainted with, of which he instanced the case of Mess" Van Home and Richards, and that by inserting such grants in the Bill for support of Govern', they had put him under a necessity of assenting to them, or leaving the Government without support. That this was so dangerous an invasion of the King's prerogative, as could not be suffered to continue. That as on the one hand, they had rewarded services not recommended to them, without any proofs of such services, so on the other, they had neglected to provide for those recommended by him altho' proofs had been laid before them, as in the case of Col: Johnson, the greater part of whose demands remained yet unpaid. That he again demanded of them to grant a Revenue for the support of Govern', in such manner that the money might issue as directed by his Instructions that he would not assent to any money Bill contrary to those, and therefore demanded a Categorical answer. That as to other modes or forms, tho he might have objections, he would yet assent to the Bill, provided they inserted essential to the British Constitution, as well as the best

the

;

a suspending clause.

On

the IS"" of July

1749.

M"'

Clinton acquainted the Council, that M'

Van

Home

had

De Lancey, whom he had by had been informed, that the said De Lancey

refused to be examined concerning the words spoken by M'' Oliver

That he

their advice ordered to be prosecuted.

had, on other occasions, used the like words, and had declared his disregard of the prosecution,

endeavoured to brow-beat the evidence.

and

Examinations be requisite

On

the

for the information of the

for

l-i""

that purpose, and therefore he

July, the Council gave

it

That

it

being

necessary

to

take

further

Attorney General, the authority of the Council would

demanded

their opinion.

as their opinion that, as the case concerned the State,

examine witnesses, and comit them on their refusing to answer. In M'' Van Home was summoned and examined. On the same day the Assembly prepared an address in answer to M"" Clinton's Message of the la""; in which they set forth, that the dispute subsisting between them and His Excell'^^ was not of long standing, as might be concluded from his words, but arose from his demand of a the

Board had authority

to

consequence of which advice,

five

years support in October last; and his speech at the opening of the present session had given

sufficient occasion for the

continuance of that dispute.

That

in

answer

to the charge of

breach

of promise, in relation to the twenty five prisoners sent to Canada, such part of that service as

was not provided

was only postponed till the accounts thereof were demands had been postponed for the same reason;

for

of Coll: Johnson's

delivered, and that part that as his Excell"^^ had

asserted, that he never had invaded private liberty or property, they wished the breaking

open

the Storehouse at Albany, the putting a stop to proceedings in cases of private property in

Dutchess County, and other things of the like kind, could be hurried in oblivion. That the his speech seemed to mean, an itidifinite support, if not one for Jive years, and therefore it was he that endeavoured to mislead the People. That if they were only to make provision for such services as were recommended to them, half of the necessary ones would be left

whole of

unprovided

was

for.

That as to moneys given to private persons, for services of which his Excell'' were always mentioned in the Act that directs the payment of them and

ignorant, such

;

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

696 that in the case of Mess"

Van Home and

Richards, his

Excell'^''

of them, and might have seen and examined their accounts, that purpose

if

;

he would not,

custom of Parliament

it

has consented to the employing

he would have given orders

That they knew

default of the Assembly.

was no

to leave to

if

His Majesty the disposition of money raised

for

was the

it

publick

for the

between the condition of such subjects as lived under His Maj'>'" immediate Govern! and those whose unhappy lot it is to be under the command of the Gov" of Provinces; that the King neither had nor could have interest seperate from his service, but that there

was great

difference

That in cases must be owing, could be punished by

people, and therefore the Nation reposed such intire confidence in his Majesty.

of misapplication, the subordinate Officers, to

Parliament

;

Gov" of

but that the

whom

it

Plantations, being generally strangers to the people,

whom

they are sent to Govern, and having no estates in the Colonies to which they are appointed,

have seperate

means

interests, to

to raise Estates to

grossest misapplication

which they make the publick welfare subservient, and employ

themselves; that should publick moneys be

would be the consequence,

in

left to their

all

disposition the

which case the Gov" could not be

called to

account by the Assembly, and no security was to be hoped from the Council, who might be intimidated by sudden suspensions; that in this situation His Majesty could never condemn an

money

be duly applyed, and that they were informed, that was agreable to a former declaration of the Board of Trade. That they could not answer raising any money and leaving the disposal of it to a Gov', and this they hoped was a Categorical answer, but that they were ready to grant an honourable support of Govern' in the manner practised ever since his ExcelK^'' Administration. M"" Clinton refused to receive this address, till he had seen it in the votes, and then acquainted

assembly

for taking care, that publick

practice of appropriating monies granted,

the house by Message on the

should be

known upon

it;

since they had refused to grant a support of Govern'

17"". that,

conformable to the King's Commission

& Instructions,

he must

let it rest,

till

but that he earnestly recommended to them to

his Maj'^'* pleasure

make

provision for

debts justly due from his province, whether for monies advanced, or services done, of which,

accounts should be laid before them.

recommended

to

them, he desired

it

That

if

they thought

might be done by

Council might be put to restraint in consenting to Article of his Instructions, of

On

which he

laid before

fit

to

pay any debt or service not

a separate Bill, that neither

That

it.

them

this

he nor the

was enjoined by

the 12"'

a copy.

the IS"" July 1749. the House, upon consideration of the above Message,

renewed

their

resolutions of the 26"" of October 174S. relating to the breach of their priviledge in the Govern''''

denying access to the House, and came

to the following additional resolves.

That the house could not proceed on any business whatever, until they were satisfied in relation to the said breach of their' undoubted priviledge. That so soon as they should receive such satisfaction they would proceed to make provision for payment of the just debts of the Colony, and such other services as demanded immediate payment.

That the long delay of payment of the publick debts was, owing to the prorogation of the Nov^ by which a Bill passed for that purpose was defeated. On the 20"" July the Gov' sent a Message to the house in answer to the above resolves, in which, he acquainted them, that he had refused to receive their address for the reasons he had

house, on the 12"" of

given

in his

speech of the

12""

Nov' 174S. which he repeated to them.

address and Resolves before His

which he hoped would be giving

Mmj"'''

That he would

lay their

Ministers, and pray His Maj'^ to do justice therein,

sufficient satisfaction.

That

in the

manner they had demanded

LONDON DOCUMENTS they had forgot their dependency.

satisfaction,

and debts recommende

He

:

XXX.

697

then urged to them the making provision

in his former Messages, and concluded with assuring any method of payment of debts or publick. services, which had no other tendency, than to prevent Imbezzlements, and that surely some method might be found without an entire breach of the constitution, and taking the executive powers for the services

them, that he should readily agree

1

to

out of the King's hands.

That they would shew their duty in paying a proper regard to the Royal Instructions, from which lie could not deviate. This Message being taken into consideration on the 21" July the house resolved nem con That His Excell'^^"^ answer to their resolutions, relating to a Breach of priviledge was not satisfactory which Resolution they sent up to M'" Clinton. :

:

;

The Assembly continued

to

meet and adjourn without proceeding on any business

till

the

4"'

of August. M"'

Clinton in his letter to the Board of Trade of the 28"" of July 1749. acquaints their

had obliged him to meet the Assembly, before he upon matters, he had laid before the King's Ministers, of wliich the Faction had made a very bad use. That from his having no orders or instructions upon those points, the pressent session had brought things to a plain issue viz' That either his LordPP', that the exigencies of the province

had received

his Maj'J'' pleasure

:

Maj'y must support his Authority, or the Administration of Govern' must be given up to the

That he had not dissolved them, being in hopes of receiving soon such Instructions would have an happy effect on a new choice. That he hoped a perusal of the proceedings of this session would convince their Lordships of the obstinacy of the Assembly, and of his utmost endeavours to overcome it. That the Faction headed by M"' De Lancey, would rather Assembly. as

give up the Indians to the P'rench, and the British Interest, than yield any of their claims or

He

expectations of power.

then complains, that while he (the Gov'') could not

command

a

penny of the publick money, he had good reason to believe, that the Speaker, by private order^ of the house, drew considerable sums for the secret services of the Faction. That having ordered the Treasurer to deliver him an account of all public money received or paid since the

beginning of his (M' Clinton's) Administration, he had received only

trifling

excuses,

instead of a proper return, and could neither oblige him to pay obedience to his order, nor

appoint another Treasurer.

dangerous State of

On

the

of August 1749.

4"'

He

affairs in his

a speech to the following

concludes with entreating the Board speedily to consider the

Government.

M' Clinton prorogued

the

Assembly

to the 12*^ of

That he was sorry the session must end without producing any one thing the people

;

but that

to prevent the

it

September by

effect.

for the

benefit of

too evidently appeared, they had met, not to proceed on business but

removal of the differences subsisting; not to serve their Country but private was evident from their not having introduced one Bill. He

piques, and resentments, which

then took notice of their having renewed their former charges, relating to the breaking open the Storehouse at Albany, of putting a stop to proceedings in cases of private property in

Dutchess County, and attempting to restrain the liberty of the press ettc. and repeated the purport of the answers he had formerly given thereto. He reproached them with their want of regard for the preservation of publick credit, and for the prosperity and security of the

people

;

and

told

off all intercourse

Vol. VI.

them, that he had kept them together near a Fortnight after they had broke with their GovS in hopes the motives he had urged, would at length prevail SS

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

698 on them

^rnnt the neceasnry supplies; and

to

for those services,

they had l)roke

lliro' ail

th;it

tlio' tliey

had

the established rules

at last provided in

and orders of

some

Cioverii' in

sort

giving

Gov"

of Plantations was That he had never attempted to misapply any money. That he had made diligent search for 30 years past, and was persuaded no instance could he given of any Gov" making such attempt. That as he had offered his consent to any clause in money Bills, that had no other tendency than to prevent misapplication, it must be for other purposes than preventing imbezzlements, that they had That by their refusing to grant supplies, treated his person with snch unparalelled insolence. conformable to the King's Commiss", to which they owed their existence, they seemed to That their claiming the sole power of think, they could levy money by other authority.

money

That the paragraph

them.

for

the address relating to

in

highly injurious to the King and his Ministers, and

all

His Maj'" Gov".

issuing publick money, their appropriating salaries personally to Officers, and puting a stop to

all

business and Intercourse with their

dissolution of the

Assembly

GoV,

had, he believed,

made

all

Men expect a

but that he might not be said, thereby, to have disabled them

;

from making their defence, when called to answer

for their proceedings, he

prorogued them

to

the IS"" of September.

M' Clinton

in his letter to

the Board of Trade dated the

his former letters to their LordPi"; to

7""

Assembly as

the unjustifiable proceedings and claims of the

Aug:

1749. represents to

set forth in the

them

above speech, and

which he adds, that the Faction exults in the hopes they to M' De Lancey, soon to get all power into their

have from the Commiss" of Lieut' Gov'

own

hands.

That notwithstanding

all

that had been done, he did not doubt, but the face of

things might yet be greatly altered by the receipt of proper Instructions from His ALajesI}',

which he be

much

intreafs the

Board

better assured of a

may

be speedily sent.

good choice

hopes from the Resolves that pass

whole people are

dissatisfied

a general dissatisfaction

;

nem

in a :

That when he has received them, he shall That the Faction conceive great

new Assembly.

con

:

,

that

it

will be believed in

England, that the

with his Administration, and that the Ministry will give

but that the truth was

way

to

That he was assured great

far otherwise.

numbers of the most considerable people, were displeased with the conduct of the Assembly, and that, if a few loquacious members were changed, the nem con would be on the other side of the question, which is put out of doubt, by the Members disapproving without doors, what they have consented to within. That his having not received His Maj'J ' approbation of the suspensions he had made from the Council, was also a great encouragement to the That when the Assembly had broke off all intercourse with him, stopt all Faction. proceedings and had thereby refused to provide for the expence of sending to Canada for the :

:

prisoners there, and for preventing the Indians from entering into Treaties with the French,

the Faction, being informed

tiiat

he had tried and found

it

practicable, to raise the

sums

necessary, for these services by private subscription in a day's time, had thougiit proper to

prevent such a publick declaration against them, and had sent the Speaker, to acquaint him,

sum sufHcient, out of the publick money, into any That he was obliged to comply with this, which however was a proof that all the publick money, was at the disposal of the Assembly; an instance of That he hoped the the manner, in which they could make use of it, for their secret services. importance of the matters he had represented, and the many motives that made it incumbent

that the house had privately resolved to put a person's hands he sliould direct.

on him,

to use

desire, to

every means to obtain redress, would sufliciently excuse the earnestness of his

know

speedily the King's pleasure on the points, of which he has complained

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX. M''

699

Clinton in another letter of the 24"' Sept' 1749. to the Board of Trade, complains, that

the Constables and other peace officers, are influenced by the Faction to disobey his orders,

and for

this

reason he could not comply with their f.ordP'" instructions relating to the

of Whites and Blacks; that the Sheriff' of before, could not

disobedience.

York,

who had

have made any, had he not threatened

That

this

was

the l?"" Ocf^ 1749.

M''

only

made

Number

his return the

day

to prosecute the Constables in case of

a plain proof of the Rebellious spirit of the Faction, and that he

had ordered the Deli[n]quents

On

New

to be prosecuted, for this neglect of their duty.

Clinton in a letter to the Board of Trade, again urged

tiie

necessity of His Maj'^'^ interposing his authority to curb the insolence of the Faction, against

whose attempts and proceedings he

recapitulates his former complaints, and intreats the speedy

directions of the Board, as he imagines

it

be prejudicial to the King's authority to meet

will

the Assembly before he has received such directions.

He

acquaints the Board, that the French were forming schemes, to intercept the British

commerce with the Indians

to the westward, and had thoughts of building a Fort on the South which must be on the lands belonging to the Five Nations. That should such an attempt be made, it would not be in his power, in the then present posture of affairs

side of Ontario Lake,

it. He then complains of the malicious calumnies thrown by the Assembly on him, and every person that endeavoured to support the King's authority, recommends the supporting and countenancing M'' Colden, to whom he was greatly obliged for his assistance,

to prevent

entreats the Board to send

them, to

Mr

M""

him Directions without

Shirley, as an indifferent witness, and a

delay, and for further information referrs good Judge of the affairs of the Province.

Clinton in his letter to the Board of Trade of the aG""

November

1749. acquaints them,

that he had not been able to procure from the Treasurer of the Province the accounts he had

ordered him to prepare on the 27"' of the preceding June; neither could he obtain from him a State of the Bills of Credit in the province, tho' required by His Maj'J'^ express command, signified

by

letter

from the

Duke

of Bedford

;

he then proceeds to lay before their LordPP' a

State of the Treasury, and publick money, by which

opposed a Faction

for four years,

without support) was

Assembly,

in

order

it

appears, that M'' Hunter,

(during which time, he, and

all

having

the officers of Govern' were

at last so far distressed, as to be obliged to

make compliance

to the

obtain a support, for himself and other Officers of Govern'.

That he did this by yielding to them the nomination of a province Treasurer, the duty of which Office, had till then been always executed by the King's Receiver General. That M'' Hunter appointed M' Morris to be Chief Justice, which office had never, till then been given to a Native, and by being obliged to consent to a large Emission of Paper money, he had also given rise to a paper currency in New York. That the Assembly having forced their Gov'' to yield and Act to

in contradiction to the King's instructions, continue to grasp to time,

That

by which, things were at

last

reduced

Bills of credit paid into the

more and more power from time

to the present state.

Treasury

to be sunk,

have been by fraudulent means

re-emitted, by which methods the faction could at any time preserve large their designs, while the Gov'' could not

command

sums

for carrying

a farthing for the support of Govern'.

on

That

the Treasurer thought himself secure, being not the King's but the Assembly's Officer; that

while Judges head the Faction against the Gov',

any orders.

it is

not in his power to compell obedience to

He

therefore entreats the Board to loose no time in taking the necessary steps for crushing the Faction, and, for that purpose, proposes, that the office of Treasurer be suppressed,

and the Receiver General directed

to take the publick

money

into his hands,

and that the Laws,

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

700

from whence the Treasurer derived lioped,

would oblige the Assembly

his autliority, sliould

to

consent to such

be repealed

Laws

;

which measures

for the issuing

money,

lie

as should

be consistent with the King's Commission and Instruc'"'. He also proposes, that some able should be sent from England to be Cliief Justice of the Province.

Lawyer

On

the

19'''

of

March

17ig- M'' Clinton transmitted to the Board, copies of the Information

he had received of the endeavours of the French to withdraw the Indians from the British

war with each other; and represented to them, was not a farthing of the King's Revenue at his command, he was disabled from doing his duty upon this occasion. That as it would expose His Maj'^'* Authority to contempt, if he should meet the Assembly again before he had received His Maj''''* pleasure on the subject of his complaint he again entreated their LordP"" to send him immediate directions, and the more speedily, as the French were apprized of the publick dissentions, and were taking Interest,

and

to set these several Nations at

that, as there

advantage thereof

M' Clinton from

whom

to

prosecute their schemes.

in his letter of the

3''''

of April 1750, renews his complaints against the Treasurer,

he had not yet been able

June, as above mentioned. malice of the Assembly,

to

procure the account he had demanded

in the

That he had ordered these accounts, on purpose

who had

preceeding

to confute

insinuated, that he had converted considerable

the

sums of

That if this refusal of the Treasurer, should be thought to must be remembered, that that Officer had dared to neglect the King's commands (as above stated); that he was now confirmed in his opinion, that the Faction had applied large sums to serve their own purposes, and that this was the true reason of the publick

money

to his private use.

be with his connivance,

it

Treasurer's evasive refusal, to account.

That

as to his

own

vindication, the annual Acts for

and contingencies, prove, that he never had it in his power, to embezzle; and as to contingencies he asserts, that he is a great loser by that article. He then renews his former complaints of the conduct of the Faction, and the present state of the province, and repeats his entreaties, that the Board would immediately take them into consideration.

payment of

salaries

June 1750. transmits several papers relating to the Canada but as he acknowledges in his letter to have received the King's orders, relating to the exchange, which he was going to carry into immediate execution, it has not been thouglit necessary to state the correspondence between M"' Clinton and the Gov"' of Canada, or any other proceedings on

M' Clinton

in

his

letter of the 7"" of

delay of the French Gov'' in exchanging the English and Indian prisoners in

;

that head.

Board with apprehensions of the designs of the French to in the British Interest, and represents, of how great consequence, it is effectually to support these Nations that joined in the war; which however he found himself unable to do, the Assembly having made no provision for any exigence whatever. He acquaints their LordP^S that he had proposed to the Council to employ but that the Council were the Militia, in support of the Mohawks, if they should be attacked Jn this letter he acquaints the

excite their Indians, to

make war with those

;

of opinion, that he could not

command

That although some Gentlemen

of the

the militia without an Act of

Law, were of a

Assembly

for that purpose.

different opinion, yet the People, having

the Chief Justice on their side, would no doubt favor the opinion, which encreased their own power, and therefore he did not at that time think it proper to subject the Kings Authority to

Board to take this matter into consideration, and desires also, that be made to the Court of France to restrain the attempts of the Gov"^ of Canada.

dispute, but begs the

application

may

LONDON DOCUMENTS Oq

the 30""

was under, least

and

July 1750.

in the

answer

to

INP

Clinton

in a

:

XXX.

701

long letter to the Board, represented the hardships he

Administration of Govern', and complained that he had not yet obtained the

any of

his letters

his Maj'^' faithful subjects

on that subject, whereby the Faction was greatly encouraged,

much

disheartened.

That the

without any support, which had occasioned such an expence

Gov"' to

had been now two years

him, as he could no longer

That he had supported the Garrison at Oswego for a year on his own credit, but could That it was absolutely necessary, to meet the Indians, and make them presents on the conclusion of peace (for which the Assembly had made no provision) and that the Friends of the Govern' having given it as their opinion, that he could not meet the late Assembly without prostituting the honour of Govern', he had dissolved it, and issued writs for the election of a New Assembly, to meet on the 4"" of September. That altho' nothing which he had desired, had been done in support of the King's authority, and altho' M' De Lancey was exiting^ his influence on the people, he was persuaded, that this Election, would shew the sentiments of the province, to be different, from what the Faction represented them to be. He bear.

do

it

no longer.

concluded with repeating his entreaties, to

know

speedily their

Lordw

sentiments on the

affairs

of the Province.

M' Clinton in his letter of the 12"" of Sepf 1750. incloses some papers relating to Indian by which it appears, that, the Five Nations, at the instigation of the French, were actually carrying war with the Catabaws. He acquaints the Board that he had done every thing in his power, to prevent these mischiefs, by informing the neighbouring Gov" of the artifices of the French, and by pressing the new Assembly to grant the necessary supplies. He incloses a copy of his speech to the Council and the New Assembly, and the Council's address in answer thereto. M"' Clinton in his speech recommended the making an immediate provision for the Garrison at Oswego, for payment of the debt contracted on the publick credit for the supply of that garrison, for the security of the frontiers, and for tiie expence of meeting the Indians, as had been usual at the conclusion of peace. He acquainted them, that the French were indefatigable in infusing prejudices into the Indians, and had actually excited several Nations to make war on each other; and therefore he depended on their enabling him, to pursue the necessary measures for preserving the British commerce with the Indians, and for securing the[ir] Fidelity. He then recommended to them to make provision, for what was due to the officers of Govern', and to grant a support of Govern' agreable to the King's Commission and Instruct''% extracts of which he laid before them. He desired their observance of tiiat Instruction, which forbids matters of a different nature, to be included in the same Bill, and observed to them, that the mixing services, that had been previously recommended, with those that had not, might be affairs,

thought an attempt

to

bar the King's right of judging of the merits of his servants.

He

reminded them of the debt due to Col: Johnson, and concluded with assuring them, of his concurrence in every thing that might be for His Majesty's service and the good of the People.

The Council

in their

address upon this occasion, returned his Excell''^ thanks for his speech,

agreed with him as to the importance of the points he had recommended, and assured him of

any proper measures, for the support of Govern' and payment of publick which they acknowledged, no better rule could be followed, than that given by the King's Commission and Instruc"", and that all deviation from those Rules had been

their concurrence, in

debts, in the doing

attended with bad consequences. 'Sic.

Qu!

exciting.

— Ed.

— NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

702

The Assembly,

their address presented

in

would demonstrate

declaration, that he

on the

6""

Sepf

his zeal for the

1750., thank his Excell"^^ for his

good of the province, by

acts rather

than by words, and assure him, that they will consider the particulars he had recommended to

them, and do therein, what they should conceive to be for His Maj'^' service and welfare of the Colony.

On the SS* of Sept' M'

Clinton, laid before the Assembly, copies of letters and papers he had

received from Gov' Hamilton and Col

recommended

earnestly

Indian

it

to

them

to

Johnson relating to Indian

:

make speedy

and

affairs,

in a

message

provision for securing the fidelity of their

allies.

And on

the 27"" the Assembly presented an address, in answer to the said Message, setting

they had always exerted their utmost efforts to secure the Indian Nations in the

forth, that

and were still willing to contribute according to their abilities, but that the expence of securing the Frontiers, during the late War, had been so great, that the Colony was not in circumstances to comply, with Gov' Hamilton's proposals. That those Govern" to the British Interest,

Westward, which had received great said expences, ought

Nations

;

now

to

benefit from,

and this they desired His

at all

towards, the

Govern' Hamilton and other

Excell'^^ to represent to

They concluded with advising M' promising to enable him to make them a

Governors. delay,

and scarce contributed

be at the whole charge of securing the fidelity of the Indian Clinton, to meet the Five Nations without suitable present, and to provide, as usual, for

the expence of His voyage to Albany.

M' Clinton sent them a short Message on the 2S"' assuring them, that he should acquaint Gov' Hamilton with their sentiments, and should be ready to do every thing in his power towards preserving the friendship of the Six Nations, whenever they should enable him to perform that service.

On

the29"' the Assembly voted

His ExcelK^'' journey

On first

"

"

^SOO

and ^150

for presents to the Indians,

the 24"" of November, M' Clinton prorogued the Assembly to the

given his assent to the following Acts

An An

Act

for the

expence of

Albany.

to

2'"'

Apr: 1751. having

:

two Acts, therein mentioned, for and towards supporting the Govern'" payment of the debts of this Colony and for other purposes therein

to revive the

Act

for the

" mentioned " " An Act for the payment of the salaries and services therein mentioned to the l" of ''

Sepl'

By to

1751."—

these Acts the arrears of salary due to the Gov' and

all

other Officers, from Sept' 1748.

1750 (during which time the whole support of Govern' had been entirely omitted and

refused) are provided for and directed to be paid. the year 1751. and

£800

is

Provision

passed in the same irregular

also

made

for the service of

But these Acts are all manner as former Acts of the like nature, and are consequently the Assembly having thereby assumed to themselves almost the

same objections, whole of the executive part of Govern'. M' Clinton in his letter to the Board of Trade of the

liable to the

is

granted for presents to the Indian Nations.

2"''

Dec', acquaints their LordPP', that the

general and particular distresses of the Colony, had obliged

That he could not obtain any supply,

till

him

at last to

meet

this

Assembly.

he had given the Speaker a promise to pass Bills in

the usual manner, and that he hoped the necessity of His Maj'^'* service, would excuse him, especially,

as

he had not received

representations he had

made on

His Majesty's

this subject.

Commands

in

answer

to

the

many

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX. And

in his letter of the

2'"'

of Jannnry

last,

703

in furtiier justification of his

yielded to the encroachments of the Assembly upon His

INIaj''''"

having once more

prerogative, he represents that

the loss of the important Post of Oswego, of the great Trade carried on veith the Indians, and finally of the friendship and alliance of the Six Nations, must have heen the consequences of his refusing his assent to these Acts.

M' Clinton's letter of the 29"' of the same Month, informs the Board of Trade, that he proposes to meet the Six Nations at Albany in June next, and that he has invited all the Governors of His

Maj'^''

Plantations in America, either to a personal appearance there, or to

send Commiss" in order to establish peace Brittain, to concert slate of

measures

among all the Indian Nations in alliance with Great management of Indian affliirs, and to draw up a

for the future

them, to be laid before His Majesty.

Governor Clinton [

to the

Lords of Trade.

New-Tork Papers, Hh., No.

143.]

Fort George

in,

New York 13 June 1751

My I

Lords informed your Lordships by

my

Letter of twenty ninth of January

last,

that I designed to

Governors of the neighbouring Colonies from New Hampshire to South Carolina inclusively to join with me in an interview, which I proposed to have about this time at Albany with the Six Indian Nations, and the other Nations depending on them, in order to defeat the invite the

Designs and intrigues of the French to withdraw their affections from us, and to prevent the encroachments the French are dayly making on the Indian Territory subject to [the] Crown of Great Britain and to which His Majesty has a just claim by the Treaty of Utrecht All the

—

Governors have severally approved of the Proposals I made, except the Government of Virginia from which I have heard nothing, tho I sent a Triplicate of my letter to the President of the Council there

The Governours respectively approved the Measures I proposed, they promised to press the Assembly their Assemblys' to contribute towards the expence which may be necessary on this occasion by sending of proper Presents, (without which nothing can be done with Indians) and several of them gave me hopes that their Assemblies would contribute on this occasion But that (as in the Charter Governments) the Assemblys meet on their own adjournments they could not give me any positive answer till some time in May after their Assemblies had mett; for this reason I delayed my going to Albany till the end of this month in hopes of having that meeting more solemn and effectual by the uniting the Influences of all the Governments and at the same time I called the Assembly of this Province in hopes that they would contribute farther towards the expence, which I foresaw must unavoidably be much greater than usual, if any thing more be done to the purpose and the more to induce them I laid before them ;

all

the informations

I

had received, and likewise the several '

Sic.

— Ed.

letters

from the neighbouring

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

704

Governors confirming the same: that

But

I

am

sorry that after

all

I

must inform your Lordships

the Assemblies have refused to contribute or to enable their Governors to go personally

all

Commissioners to assist at the Interview at Albany, except Massachusetts Bay & The Governor of the last place has sent one Commissioner & six Indians in order to make Peace between their Indians and the Six Nations but by what I can hear from the Commissioner their Present Is by much too small to answer the Purposes designed or to send

South Carolina:

;

I

I

transmit to your Lordships a copyof Gov"^ Glen's to

can give for this neglect of a service which

I

and

all

me on

this occasion.

The only reasons

the Governors think so necessary at this

time are the penurious tempers of the American Assemblys and the private views which the

among them

trading part

own

their

Colonies, tho'

have, in endeavouring to

draw

the interviews with the Indians into

can not be doubted that Albany

it

is

the most proper place for this

Glen agrees with me tho' his Government be the furthest distant The reasons for the Assembly of this Province refusing to add to the allowance they have made for this Service I can only give your Lordships by their answer to my speech on this

purpose

occasion

in

which

I

IVP

transmit copies of both

was prorogued,

After the Assembly

I

suppose they found that their savingness on this

Occasion was not approved without Doors, and thereon the Speaker with I

me

told

me

in private

that the Treasurer should be directed privately to advance

conversation

^200 more, which

hope the necessity of the Service will excuse my receiving in this manner, tho' it shows at how absolutely the Treasurer and the Treasury is under the private and single

the same time,

direction of the

Assembly

—This

may some

time or other prove of dangerous consequence.

because a remedy can only be given

by the Kings have made, to show that all publick money is absolutely in the disposal of the Assembly, and they have thereby, assumed to themselves the who[le] executive powers of Government Upon receiving the report N" 9 from Lieutenant Lindesay commandant & Commissary at the trading house of Oswego, informing me of the French building a fortified house and seizing and detaining prisoners the English Traders 1 immediately dispatched a Gentleman to the Governor General of Canada with a letter of complaint of this encroachment on the Kings Territory and injury done his subjects, demanding reparation for the same; a copy of which letter N" 19 I shall by the very first opportunity after I have received an answer do myself the I

can

only apprize

your Lps of

immediate Authority as

will

more

it

appear by the several Representations

fully

I

;

honor to communicate the contents I

am

to

your Lordships

with Respect

My

Lords

Your Lordships most obedient humble Serv'

G. Clinton.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX. Governor

Wentworth [New- York

705

Governor Clinton.

to

Papers, Hh., No. 143.]

Portsmouth Jan"T

23"^

1750

Sir I

have the honor of your Excellencys favor of the

you have appointed in June next, which

to I

have with the

esteem ahsolutely necessary

Firmly

in the Interest of

to each

Governm'

themselves

safe,

His Majesty's Colonies

respectively, and yet will

IS"" Dec'' past advising

Nations of Indians and their

si.\

endeavor

am

I

to screen

in

at this time,

and

North America

apprehensive some

is

me

allies,

of the Interview

on the

first

to secure those

weeii

Tribes

of the last consequence

who may

at this time esteem themselves from the expence, that will attend it,

without considering the dreadful calamitys that must unavoidably fall on every Government, should these Nations be gained over to the French, which as your Excellency justly observes, there will be great reason to fear, should there appear to these people a disunion

Councils of His Majestys Governments on this important meeting; on which

Duty

to attend, but the

unhappy

situation

I

am

I

—

who

think

it

prepared with Suitable Presents which

As

I

am

the

my

receive His Majestys pleasure concerning

have communicated your Letter

I

it

is

it

will avail but little unless the

absolutely out of

private gentleman will care to advance such a sum, as for

it

to

His

highly expedient that Commissioners ought to appear in behalf

of this Province, but on the other hand they think

assembly

in

think

under, with respect to the Assembly, renders

between this time and that, them, or they return to their duty and obedience that impossible, unless

Majestys council,

I

it

my power

to provide

will require to lay at the

appear

and no

mercy of an

reimbursement

very Zealous to strengthen the interview your Excellency has fixed with these

Nations and being persuaded of the universal benefit His Matys Government must reap from the effects of

it

I

would propose

designed, that you nominate to of,

to

Represent

this

me

if

it

be agreeable and you think

a person residing in

New

York

Province, hereby obliging myself fully to

answer the end you approve impower him by the time it

will

or Albany, that

it concerns me to ratify and confirm all the engagements he shall enter into on the part of New Hampshire Thus Sir you [perceive] the melancholy Situation some of the Kings Governors are in, when the must have recourse to such shifts as these to do the Kings business. I am with great truth

fixed for the meeting, engageing also as far as

Sir

— Your Excellency's most obedient humble Servant.

New York

B Wentworth

Copy Exam*"

Gw

Vol. Vr.

P"'

Banyar D Secry

89

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

706

Lieutenant Lindesay's Report of Indian News., t&c, at Oswego. I

A Oswego Feb come from the

5"'

Came

IVfy.

at

Papers, Bh., No. 149. ]

have had from the Indians &c

1

here three Frenchmen from Onondaga, and told

was

place Joncaire

Canada, desiring men &c had been

New-Tork

Report of the News

at

me

they were

(on the River Ohio) with a message to the Governor of

to be sent

him

in order to build

a Fort there,

understood they

I

our several castles, telling them what they were to do soon after Adrawanah (one

of the Cheifs of the

Cahugah Castle) came

here,

I

spoke

to

him of

this,

and

told

him they

might now see the bad consequence of our Indians going to Canada, and receiving presents from the Governor of said place, for now he looked on them as his Slaves, and Tributaries and did what he pleased without their leave or consent. I also told him I was informed they had built a Fort at the carrying place (above Niagara) from the Iry to

this

Lake, and desired

would have a stop put appointed some Indians

He

if

they had any regard for their

it.

to

go and prevent the building

came here

April 3'^ Joncaires Brother

own

property, that they

replyed the five Nations had heard of this Fort and had

to

in

way

his

it

further

to

Niagara, and said he was going to

command the new Fort on the carrying place above Niagara. May 4"" Came here a Mesasagah Canoe (with Indians) who came and saw me and told for News, that there was an Army passed Cataracque, in order to build a Fort where Joncaire was, and to run off the Shawanahs, Chanundadies, and Twig-Twee Indians (who live at Ohio) and with whom the Philadelphians trade, and to was a good many Indians to go with said army. I told them as'they had entered into an Alliance with the Five Nations (which place belonged to them) and that many of the five Nations lived there as well as the other Nations aforesaid. I hoped the would join the five Nations in defence of said Indians, and opposed the views of the French, which was to make slaves of all Indians. Adrawanah being here I sent for him, and made

Kyahagah on

the Drafts of Ohio

&

drive them from thence, and that there

them repeat the News

to him,

the Frenches Views in

who seemed much

their doings,

all

other Indians, as their Slaves,

all

troubled with

I

it.

did

all I

and to shew that they treated the

who had

shew

Nations and

neither liberty nor property

Schanahary (an other Cheif of the Cahugahs) coming here the next day

I

was

at the

same

him

pains with

May

could to

five

who

This day came here a Seneca Indian

5""

building a Fort near the

Twig Twees)

informed

me

that the

French (who are

hearing of three Philadelphia Traders, that were going

with that Nation, sent for them to smoke a Pipe in a friendly manner, which they of, and as soon as they came took every thing from them, and put the men in Irons. hearing this I sent forSchauahary, and told him the News, he said they had heard it, and had

to trade ,

J

accepted

On

sent to

defend

to

know all

the

certainty of

those Indians

who

it,

and said

live at

I told all

our Indians that were here, that

Canada,

to receive Gifts

property and they might

was

theirs as his

Five Nations were determined to assist and

when

I

to protect the English that traded there

came here

see

did

first.

I

had opposed

their

—

going

for that was selling their Liberty and come to pass. For the Governor of Canada looked on what what he pleased without their leave or consent as they saw by

and presents from thence

now

own and

,the

Cayahagah, and

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXX.

:

707

above Niagara, and that they were about to build where was well informed they had given or sold to the Governor of Philadelphia, and whether they had done that or not (as it was theirs) I hoped they would allow no Fort to be built there but would all join & defend the Philadelphia Traders The the Fort built at the carrying place

Joncaire

which place

is,

I

—

&

Five Nations

others

the English had any

who

lived on Ohio, or

any of the Rivers terminating therein when

commerce

John Lindesay^

New

York

A

Copy Exam''

true

Gw

P''

Banyar D

Secry.

Lieutenant-Governor Hamilton [

New-Tork

Governor Clinton.

to

Papers, Hh.. 155.

]

Philadelphia

May

1751

15.

Sir I deferred answering your Excellencys Letter of 13"" April, till I could certainly inform you what Part this Province would Act with regard to the Treaty to be held at Albany in the next month and I am now extreemly mortified at being obliged to acquaint you, that contrary ;

my

Assembly has altogether declined having any thing to do in that Copy of their message inclosed Although from the religious principals of a great majority of the House I never expected they would enter into any offensive Measures to protect the Indians against the French yet I made not the least doubt, but that in order to shew them countenance, and to secure their good will they would at least have contributed a very handsome Present to be delivered with Yours and those of the other Governments, which would have made the whole appear more considerable and better worth their acceptance This I did not fail to press upon to

expectations, our

treaty; as you will see by the

;

;

John Lindksat, founder of Cherry Valley settlement, in the county of Otsego, N. Y., was a native of Scotland, and in December, 1730, received from his countryman. Gov. Montgomerie, the commission of Naval Officer of the port of New-York. In 1732, he was appointed Sheriff of Albany, which office he filled until October, 1739. He acquired nearly 20,000 acres of '

the public lands, located in different parts of the province, by patents dated from 1736 to 1741.

Valley

He removed

to Cherry

1740 with his wife. Lieutenant Congreve his fatherin-law, and servants, and gave to bis new home the name of Lindesay's bush. But being unacquainted with practical farming, and the French war breaking out, he was obliged to in

abandon

Reinforcements being ordered to the western frontier, Lieutenant Congreve resigned his commission

his enterprise.

in fiivor of

Mr. Lindesay,

who

proceeded to Oswego

iu 1744.

He was

in

Schenectady

in the

winter of 1746-7.

October, of the last mentioned year, the Council taking into consideration several petitions of the

Governor

hia Excellency the

to continue Lieutenant Lindesay in the

the Indians of the Six Nations to the same purpose that he

is

of the garrison there.

survived

company Minuten,

and being

command

On

traders,

the

Hth

praying

of the garrison at Oswego, and the request of

also of opinion

from their

own knowledge

of Mr. Lindesay,

command, and the more so on the account of hia engaging Address to the Indians, recommend his Kxcellency to order Lieutenant Lindesay to repair to Oswego, to take the cominnnd He was commandant at that post until February, 1749, when he was appointed Indian commissary

well qualified for that

unanimously resolved to

and agent

;

Oswego

there. hiin,

He

retained the latter situation until his death, which occurred in 1751.

but they had no children.

of Independent Kuzileers.

XXL,

277

;

At

Campbell's

the time of his death, Mr. Lindesay llixtortj

Commissiona, IIL, 800, 368, 481

;

His widow, Penelope Lindcsav,

was a lieutenant in Captain Clarke'a of Tryon County, 23; Kew -York Book of Patentt ; Kew-York Council

Johnson'a Maniucrtptx,

I.

— Ed.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

708 Members

the Principal sitting, tho'

with the

without

&

spirit

in repeated conferences both before

effect,

that whatever

so

may

be

and during the time of their

the consequence of our not

last

acting

resolution the present state of Indian affairs seems to require, and the

circumstances of this Province very well enabled us

my Power

do, I can not reproach myself with

to

would have contributed to so good a purpose Upon the death of Canassatego and some other of the principal Sachims of the six Nations We have thought it necessary to send to the Council at vpho were our very good friends Onondago, a message of condolence with a small present of one hundred pounds value, and as 1 am to request there will be soon an opportunity of meeting that council together at Albany of Your Excellency that M"" Weiser our Province Interpreter may have your permission to having omitted any thing in

that

—

:

deliver the If

same

at that place

whereby much time

&

trouble will be saved to this

Government

our Assembly had entered heartily into the measures propos'd in your Excellency's

of the 18 Dec'

fully

I

intended to have waited on you at Albany

;

letter

and to have joined

my

best endeavors towards restoring our Indian affairs and putting them on a better foot for the

But as they have neither thought fit to advise my joining in these measures, nor made any provision of Presents suitable to tiie importance of the occasion. I must deny myself the satisfaction I proposed in paying my respects to you in Person, and have only to wish all

future

possible success to your labors for the publick. Service I

beg the favor of your answer whether

forementioned small Present

at

Albany and

am

iNr

Weiser may be permitted all possible Regard Sir

to

deliver the

with

Your Excellencys most obedient humble Serv'

James Hamilton

New York

Copy Exam'' l"" Gw Baxyar

D

Secry

His Excellency Gov'' Clinton.

Governor Glen [

to

Governor Clinton.

New- York Tapers, Hh., No.

156.

]

S° Carolina

May 21"

1751

Sir I

was

in great

hopes

to

have been able to have accepted of your Invitation

being very sensible that such a General meeting of

all

to

New

York,

the Governors that have any connection

V, with Indians, would before' his Majestys service, and the security of the Colonies, and altho' it might be more convenient for Carolina tiiat such meeting should be at Virginia as was proposed it is

last

in a

Nations and

upon or

year by

manner

M''

Lee, yet upon

many accounts New York

the center of the British Colonies

many

in alliance

other Indians have for

with

New York

many

upon

should be preferred, both as

this continent,

and because the six

years past been more immediately dependent

no doubt Indians may be allured by Presents to any place, Sic.

Qu ? be

for.

— Ed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX. but they are not attracted to Albany by presents only,

709 by Treaties

tliey are attracted

been prevented from attending the meeting proposed to be held

in

June next at

I

have

New York by

some disturbances among the Cherol^ees, but I have sent a Gentleman who is no stranger to affairs, as Commissioner (rom this Province he is one of the Council here, and I beg leave to recommend him to your regard I shall not presume to point out what may be the proper heads for your deliberation in general I think it would be adviseable to contermine all the Plotts and Intrigues of the French Indian

and

:

order thereto,

in

commission" ligiit

tiiat

into these matters

may seem

dark

will

it

maybe

&

be necessary to collect from

— To

one unacquainted with Indian

made

may

may prove very

it

for these last

am

Governors or

different

&

can give any

facts as

the designs of the French

affairs

however Govern" are either indolent or

fatal

to the

if Britisii

Whether

Provinces.

the observations that

I

have

seven years, will satisfy any other person what the designs of the French

be, I shall not take

suspicious

the

doutblful, their projects improbable, and their views very distant

they are not less to be minded upon that account and negligent,

all

present at that meeting such circumstances

upon

me

to assert,

and

firmly convinc'd

but

I

assure you

confirmed during

who

myself

I

War

the

I

at first

found

their

Commissaries and even French Agents, amongst our Indian Nations inciting them

was but Indian

to a general

insurrection against the English, but their proposals not having, been listened to, their next

attempt were to get some'footing amongst these Nations themselves, and accordingly they told

them

it

was good

for

them

to

have a Trade both with the Frencii

&

with the Englisii, that the

English seemed to covet the Deer Skins but the French were desirous their

Beaver and small Furrs and the hoped they would permitt them

put their goods in; This their designs

we very

truly interpreted to

and they have ever since continued

against them, and

by giving them rewards not only

the skalps and heads of our Traders:

continue

Warr betwixt

doing every thing

in

mean

to harass

Tiiey also

Forts but

power

Wars when by

to rekindle

they have been extinguished they consider that the English

Interest, if

us,

also prevented to

warn

our Indians but even for

all

&

accomodations, and by

settled all along the

for

Nations are a sort of Bulwark to us, and

and so turn the Canon upon

we

the care of English Governors

first

and that their back settlements being thinly inhabited must part, that the Indian

in this

their constant practice to raise

it

the Nations in the British Interest to prevent

their

with them for

our Indians by sending them

for the Scalps of

make

to trade

to build strong houses to

if

many

Sea Coast,

years be their weakest

they could get them in their

they might invade us with double advantage, but even

they can weaken this Barrier by making our Indians destroy one an other they would have

much less to struggle with, in any Our first care therefore ought to be, Friends also among themselves, and

future attempts to

make

all

for that reason

commissioners will heartily join your Interest reconciling

all

upon these Provinces

in

any future War.

the Indians that are friends with the English

in

I

hope you and the other Governors and

removing

all

the obstacles to a Peace, in

the differences and cementing together in a close union the Northward and

Southward Indians; under the name of Northward Indians I include, not only the Six Nations, Delawares and Susquehannah Indians, but all the different Tribes who may be in Friendship with them particularly those on the Ohio River, as under the name of Southward Indians, I comprehend the Cherokees, the Catawbas, the Creeks, called sometimes Muscagee, the Chickesaws, and such part of the Chactaws as are in our Interest, and all the Tribes in friendship with those Nations, or that live amongst our settlements, such as Charraws, Uches, Pidees, Notchees, Cape Fears or other Indians and 1 hope that all Prisoners on each side will the

;

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

710

be mutually delivered back

;

and whereas about two or three years agoe, a Gentleman of off and murdered by some of the Indians who

Province one Capt" Hague, was carried

upon or near the Ohio River, who came to War against the Catawbas, that some satisfaction be obtained for the said murder, and I hope you

demand it This Province has more Indians

it is

this live

absolutely necessary

will take the opportunity

of so general a meeting to

in Alliance

with

who have

it,

no dependance upon, or

connection with any but the English of Carolina, than any other Province whatever as you

by

will see

my

account of them in some of

concerning Indian Carolina and

having

its

affairs that

New

may

my former

letters,

and

I

hope that any representation

be laid before His Majesty, as the united sence of

New York

England, the Center and the two extreems of the Continent will not

fail

of

due weight

At present

have not time to add any more but that I am with much Respect

I

Sir,

New York Copy

Your Excellencys most obedient and most humble Servant

James Glen

Exam"* P

Gw Bantar D

Secry

Oovernor Hamilton [

New-York

to

Governor Clinton.

Papers, Hh., No. 167.

]

Philad» June

G"-

1751.

Sir

am

I

favored with your Excellencys Letter of the S?"" of May, expressing your consent

to the delivery

thanks

;

and

of our small Present at Albany:

to assure

you M' Weiser

for

which I am now to return you my conform himself to the conditions

shall in all things

therein mentioned

am much

I

obliged to your Excellency for imparting to

great part whereof

I

am

inclined to beleive

is

true,

me

the Intelligence from

having myself in april

M''Croghan, an information of very nearly the same import, which

This Account

I

I

M' Lindsay

last received

from

enclose for your perusal

—

Assembly at their Sessions in May, and in repeated conferences members, pressed them to enable me to do some thing effectual for the

laid before the

with the principal

Preservation of that part of His Majestys Dominions, as well as for the security of our Indian

Trade, both which were in danger of being

lost

by the Frenchs taking possession

Forts on the River Ohio even within the Limits of this Province as

But to

ail

we have

&

building

reason to beleive.

arguments that could be used on that occasion availed nothing towards inducing them their Duty to his Majesty and to the people they represent.

do what was indispensably

Hence

it

is

that

I

injunctions laid

have

little

reason to expect they will ever act a proper part in Indian

some notable calamity befall our back inhabitants, or upon them from home as they will not venture to disobey

affairs, untill either

till

they have such

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX. I

beg leave

occasions and

to

my acknowledgement

express

am

with

all

711

of your great civility upon this, and

all

other

imaginable Regards Sir,

Your Excellency's most obedient & most humble Servant James Hamilton

GoV

His Excellency

New York

Clinton

Copy Exam"*

Gw

P'

Banyar

D

Governor Clinton

Secry.

to the

[New-Tork

Marquis de

Ja Jonquiere.

Papers, Hh., No. 158.]

Sir I

am

sorry that

your Excellency,

my

I

to

am

laid under the necessity to send M"" Corn'' Cuyler the bearer of this to complain of encroachments made on the Territories subject to the King

master and the violences and injuries done to his subjects by the subjects of France under

your Government

in

open violation of the Amity and Treaties subsisting between the Kings

our Masters. I

have repeated informations that some Persons pretending

to act

by commission from your

house on the River of Oniagara, between Lake Erie & Cadarackqui Lake on the Territory of the five Nations (called Iroquois by the French) which they long since solemly submitted to the Crown of Great Britain and who by the Treaty of Excellency are erecting a

fortified

La Chapelle

Utrecht confirmed by the late Treaty at Aix

are allowed by the

King your master,

Great Britain and likewise that Six Englishmen subjects of the King my were peaceably pursueing a lawful Tradejwith the Indians in amity with the King

to be subjects of

who

master,

my

masters subjects have had their persons

&

like

commission and their Persons detained

in

goods seized by persons pretending to act by a Prison in Irons near Oniagara with such severe

as seldomed is used to prisoners of civilized nations in time of actual War Notwithstanding of the Pretensions of these Persons, guilty of the injuries & violences

Treatment

of, I am persuaded from your Excellencys Candour & justice, and the you formerly made of your desire to cultivate the amity & Friendship reestablished between the two Crowns & their subjects, that these things must be done without your

which

I

complain

professions

being truly informed of the Situation of tlie place where the subjects of Canada are huilding And that the other Acts of Violence & injustice are entirely without your this House.

Knowledge.

1

strict

the building of that set these

men

reparation be

you will Truth of these Facts That you will order That you will issue your orders not only to

therefore assuredly expect that on your Excellencys receiving this

immediately cause

at

enquiry to be

made

House immediately

liberty

made them

who

into the

to cease.

are detained

for the injuries

prisoners near Oniagara, but likewise that ful

and losses they have suffered and

lastly that the

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

712 persons

who have been

guilty of these violences and injuries [to the subjects'] of Great Britain

be exemplarily punished, so as to deterr

all

others from attempting the like at any time hereafter

— And of your having given these necessary orders who

at the return of the Gentlenian

Your Excellency may be assured mutual amity

&

hope

for these purposes, I

to

be well assured

carries this letter

that nothing shall

Friendship between the Kings subjects

in

be wanting on

my

my Government

part to cultivate

and those of France

under yours I

am

with the greatest

Respect

Fort George in June 12 1751.

New York

y' city of

True copy ex P

Your Excellencys Most obedient and most humble Servant G Clinton

G Banyar D

Secy,

Oovernor Clinton [ New-Tort

to the

Papers.

(

Diike of Bedford.

S. P. O. )

XL, 216.]

My

Lord Duke I received your Grace's letter, notifying the death of the best of the Prince of Wales, which occasioned the deepest sorrow to me and in this I

princes, all

His

His Royal Higness Maj''''

have the honour

to inclose herein to

your Grace, an address of condolence from

the other branches of the Legislature here, on that melancholy occasion, which

beg that your Grace would be pleased

From Maj'y''

several letter from

my

friends

to present to

and Agent

in

in

me and

our behalf

I

His Majesty. England,

I

have impatiently expected His

leave of absence, which with other material reasons has (as your Grace will observe by

the inclosed) occasioned

my

detaining Capt°

my

private affairs

probable that

I

Roddam

here; for as

my

health

is

so very

much

am told it will be impossible to survive another winter in it, wanting me so much at home for the good of my family and as it is not

impaired by this Climate, that

and

good subjects

Colony.

I

;

should have any other opportunity, unless in a Merchantman, which must put

me and M" Clinton to the greatest inconveniency, 1 have determined to make use of this, and beg Your Grace will be so good as to represent to His Majesty the absolute necessity of my coming home, without His Royal permission. Another reason for it is that here is a person who offers to give his oath, that he saw a paragraph in the English Gazette, of about 20"" April, that Sir Peter Warren's commission for Governour of this Province was actually made out, which if so, I must be superceded, and totally deprived of arrived from the Virgin Islands,

such another opportunity, before next spring, which

weak '

I

fear

may

prove

fatal to

me

in

my

present

indisposition.

The wordi within brackets are added from the copy

of the Letter in Pennsi/hania Colonial Records, V., 664.

— Ed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS By

XXX.

:

713

the other papers enclosed your Grace will perceive the absolute necessity of

my

meeting

the Six nations of Indians dependent on this province at Albany, on the yS"" day of this month.

My

best endevours shall be used to bring to effect

hope may,

in a great

measure secure

the designs of the French of

On my His

all

Canada appearing by

return hither from Albany,

Maj""'' ship the

Greyhound I

for

am

1

is

proposed by that meeting, which

I

Main of America, against

these papers.

intend forthwith to imbark with

my Family

on board

England.

with the greatest regard

My Fort George in

what

the British Colonies on the

Lord Duke Your Grace's most obedient and most humble servant

New York

18 June 1751.

G.Clinton.

(signed)

His Grace the Duke of Bedford.'

Governor Clinton

My

Lords of Trade.

to the

New-Tork Bundle,

[

li.

,

No.

1. ]

Lords,

& IS"' of June last, I had the honour to your Lord??' the Informations I had received of the practices of the French, in several parts of America to withdraw the Affection of the Indians, iti amity with us, and to obstruct the British Commerce among the Indians everywhere, and of their building Forts on the lands of the Five Nations for that purpose and that I had sent a Messenger to the Gov'' of Canada complaining of these infractions of the Treaty of Utrecht, and demanding my

In

proceeding letters of 29"' of January

communicate

to

;

reparation, a copy of which has been transmitted to

Your LordPP'. These Informations of the designs and practices of the French, being confirmed from all parts, gave general apprehensions of the fidelity of the Indians; and I had for this reason conceived hopes, that all the Colonies would have joined in concerting measures to defeat the

designs of the French; but I have been almost entirely prevented in my expectations. Massachusets Bay, South Carolina and Connecticut, only, sent Commissioners with a small 'John Russell, 4th Duke of Bedford, K. G., was born 30th of September, 1710, and on the 11th of October, 1731, married Lady Diana Spencer, daughter of the Earl of Sunderland, and granddaughter of the Duke of Marlborough; and 2ndly, in 1737, baring succeeded to the dukedom in 1732 Gertrude, daughter of the Earl of Govvor. His grace was constituted first {

)

lord commissioner of the Admiralty in December, 1744, under the

Pelham ministry, in which station his orders to Warren was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire in 1745, and was one of the Lord Justices during the King's absence abroad in 1746, 1748, and 1760. At the breaking out of the Scotch Rebellion, he raised a regiment of foot, with which he served; and on the 13th of February, 1748, succeeded Lord Chesterfield, as

contributed considerably to the

fall

of Louisburgh

Secretary of State, with charge of the Colonies. Minister Maurepas

Duke

)

of Newcastle,

wanting he found

Lieutenant of Ireland

;

;

He

it

necessary to resign.

of January, 1771

Vol. VI.

On

the

formed part of the Bute Ministry,

Minister plenipotentiary to France, to negotiate a

Uth

held this office until the 26th of June, 1751,

in deference to the King's Mistress,

— Ed.

[)eace,

and becoming

fall

of Newcastle, in 1756, the

in 1761, as

which was

90

when

being (like the French

a victim to the treachery of his colleague, the

Duke

keeper of the privy seal;

ratified in

of Bedford

in

February following.

1762, he

became Lord was appointed

His grace died on the

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

714

supply of money, and without any resolution of credit, whereby any general measures could

have been taken. The Assembly of this Govern' likewise gave no assurances of the measures that might be concerted, and had only granted the usual sum in time of peace, for renewing

and brightning the Covenant Chain, as in this Country it is expressed. The Gov' of South Carolina sent Six of the Chiefs of the Catawbas (upon my frequently importuning of him) to make peace with the Six Nations; they had been at war as long as any in this Country can remember, and as the Six Nations and Catawbas were both in Friendship with the English, the French Emissaries were continually iraployed on both sides, to blow up this War; and a peace

between these Nations, on many accounts became necessary for the British Interest. While I was at Albany, I could only enter upon following heads, as the allowance I had from the Assembly for supporting the Indians, did not permit me to keep them a day longer than 1"

1

did.

To renew

the Covenant Chain, on the mutual assurances of their fidelity and the

King's protection. 2'^

To

exhort them to strengthen themselves, by drawing the neighbouring nations into

with them, and securing a general liberty of Trade.

strict alliances 3'y

Men

send a proper number of

To

demolish any works already begun.

The of

my

first

was

to

Oniagara

Lastly to

readily and heartily done.

To

French

to forbid the

make peace with

and

to build there

to

the Catawbas.

the second they answered, that in consequence

former repeated desires, they had for some time been employed for that purpose

;

that

they had alliances over a large extent of Country, that very lately nine Castles (or more properly villages) on the East side of Lake Erie, had strictly united with them, and submitted themselves to the King of Great Brittain.

These

I

think are the Missisagues

who

joined us in

the late war, and have removed from their former habitations, to avoid the resentments of the

the third they answered, that they had already sent some of their Sachems to

French.

To

Canada,

to the

Governour

there, to forbid his building at Oniagara,

receive a satisfactory answer, they

would send

to

Oniagara, as

I

and that

desired

;

the French continue obstinate, nothing but the powerful interposition of the

if

they did not

but they added,

King

with the King of France can put an effectual stop to the French encroachments.

their

if

Father

And

lastly,

they agreed to the peace with the Catawbas.

The Catawbas being brought into the meeting the peace was made after the Indian manner, by smoaking together on the Calumet and exchanging Belts, but the peace will not be firmly established, unles the Catawbas take care to give up their prisoners at Albany within a year, Considering the long Rancour, that has subsisted between these Nations, as was promised. great care must be taken on the side of Carolina, that no

new

offence be taken or given.

The

Peace than the other Nations. It may be proper to inform your LordPPS that while I was at Albany 33. Canoes, with French Indians, consisting of near 200 Men, came to that place with their Beaver of a considerable value for trade, and

Mohawks

are

much more hearty

in the

Canada under a necessity to grant them passports, least the French Commandant at Crown Point (or Fort S' Frederick) should stop them, threatning that otherwise they would leave the French, and settle with the Six Nations. There was likewise another incident relating to the persons, who have the care of Indian aflfairs in this Province,

that they had laid the Gov'' of

which

will require so particular a detail, as

I

can not in the time that

is

allowed (before the

LONDON DOCUMENTS Greyhound sails) relate with that I must therefore postpone

which

I

am

:

XXX.

715

explicitness, whicli the nature of the thing requires,

and

next opportunity.

to the

with the greatest respect.

My

Lords

Your LordP'" most obedient and most humble servant

New York

G

17 July 1751

Governor Clinton [New-York

My

to the

Clinton.

Diike of Btdford.

Papers. (8. P. 0.) XI., 218.]

Lord Duke.

In

my preceeding letters

& IS"" of June last, I had the honour to Communicate had received of the practices of the French, in several parts

of 29"' of Jan"^

to your Grace the informations

I

of America to withdraw the affection of the Indians, in amity with us, and to obstruct the British

Commerce, among

the Indians every

of the Five nations, for that purpose

Canada complaining

;

where and of

and that

I

their building Forts on the

had sent a Messenger

of these infractions of the Treaty of Utrecht, and

copy of which, has been transmitted

to

to the

demanding

Lands

Governour of reparation, a

Your Grace.

These informations of the designs and

French being confirmed from ail And I had for this reason conceived hopes that all the Colonies would have joined in concerting measures to defeat the designs of the French, but I have been almost entirely prevented in my expectations, Massachusetts Bay, South Carolina, and Conecticut, only, sent Commissioners with a small supply of money, and without any resolution of Credit whereby any general measures could have been taken. The Assembly of this Govern' likewise gave no assurances of the measures that might be concerted, and had only granted the usual sum in time of peace, for renewing and brightening the Covenant chain, as on this country it is expressed. The Governour of South Carolina sent six of the Catawbas (upon my frequently importuning of him) to make peace with the Six nations. They had been at war, as long as any in this Country can remember, and as the six nations and Catawbas were both in Friendship practices of the

gave general apprehensions of the Fidelity of the Indians.

parts,

with the English, the French emissaries were continually employed on both sides, to blow up the war, and a peace between these nations, on many accounts became necessary for the British interest.

While

I

was

Albany,

at

from the Assembly than

I

1"

for

I

could only enter upon the following heads as the allowance

supporting the Indians did not permit

me

to

I

had

keep them a day longer

did.

To renew

the Covenant

chain, on

the

mutual assurances of their

fidelity

and

the

King's protection. S'UJ

To Exhort them

strict alliances

to

strengthen themselves, by drawing the neighbouring nations into

with them, and securing a general liberty of trade.

— NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

716 S'i'y

To

send a proper number of

to demolish

men

to Oniagara, to forbid the

—

Lastly any works already begun was readily and heartily done.

to

French

to build there

and

make Peace with the Catawbas.

The first To the second, they answered,

that in consequence to my former repeated desires, they had sometime been employed for that purpose. That they had alliances over a large extent of Country. That very lately nine Castles (or more properly villages) on the East side of the lake Erie, had stricktly united with them, and submitted themselves to the King of Great Britain ; these I think are the Missisagues, who joined us in the late war, and have removed for

from their former habitations, to avoid the resentment of the French. To the Third, they answered that they had already sent some of their Sachims to Canada to the Govern' there to forbid his building at Oniagara, and that if they did not receive a But they added, if the French satisfactory answer, they would sent to Oniagara as I desired. continue obstinate, nothing but the powerful interposition of the King their father, with the King of France, can put an effectual stop to the French incroachments. And lastly, they

agreed to the peace with the Cautawbas. The Cautawbas being brought into the meeting, the peace was

made after the Indian manner by smoaking together on the Calumet, and exchanging belts; but the peace will not be firmly established, unless the Catawbas take care to give up their prisoners at Albany, within a year, as promised. Considering the long Rancour, that has subsisted between these nations, The great care must be taken on the side of Carolina, that no new offence be taken or given. Mohawks are much more hearty in the peace than the other nations. It may be proper to inform Your Grace, that while I was at Albany 33. Canoes with French Indians, consisting of near 200 for trade,

and that they had

men, came

to that place

laid the Gov"' of

with beaver of a considerable value,

Canada under

a necessity to grant

them

passports,

French Commandant at Crown point (or Fort S' Frederick), should stop them; threatning that otherwise they would leave the French, and settle with the Six nations. There was likewise another incident relating to the persons, who have the care of Indian least the

Province, which will require so particular a detail, as I cannot in the time alloted me, (before the Greyhound sails) relate with that explicitness, which the nature of the thing requires, and which I must therefore postpone to the next opportunity. I have the honour to be affairs in this

With the

greatest respect

My

Lord Duke,

Your Grace's most obedient and most humble servant, (signed) G. Clinton Fort George in

New York

July 17. 1751.

;

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXX.

:

Conference letiveen Governor Clinton [

New-Tork Council Minutes

Propositions

made by

his

and

in Secretary's Offlco, Albany,

717

the Indians.

XXL,

44a

—

153. ]

Excellency The Honourable George Glinton Captain

New York

General and Governor In Chief in and Over the Province of

To At Albany the

G"-

Present

fcc'

the Six Nations.

Day

of July 1751.

— His Excellency The Hono"' Cadwallader Golden James Alexander James De Lancey

Esq"

of the Council

Edward Holland Jacob Wendell |

Joseph Dwight Oliver Partridge

)

William Pitkin

\

John Chester

j

W"

Bull Junior

The Mayor and Corporation

And

Commissioners

y

for the

Province of the

Massachusetts Bay.

Colony

of

Commissioner for the Province South Carolina

of

Commissioners

for

the

Connecticut

of Albany

Several Oilicers of the Independant Company's, and Gen' from

New

York, attending his

Excellency and the Commissioners upon this Occasion.

Bretheren

The design away all rust,

of

my

to

Brighten

meeting with you at it,

this time,

and Strengthen

it;

is

to

so that

renew the Covenant Chain, it

may

forever Indure

:

to Cleanse

as this

Chain

Enemys, who have at all times Indeavoured, and are still Endeavouring to Break it, they would be Glad that we, or you, should let it Slip. Let us then hold it fast, with all our Strength, and Secure it at both Ends has Lasted so

Long and Secured

us against the Designs of our

—

A

Belt

Bretheren

Commissioners from the Neighbouring Colonies of Massachusets Bay, and Connecticut, have at this Council fire in this place, from the Earliest time, and are now Come again

met you

Commissioner from South Carolina, which province being a great way off, hath ^ These Commissioners are all Come hither to this time. I now by this Belt in assist us, in Strengthening, and holding fast the Old Covenant Chain. your father the King of Great Brittain's Name, and in Behalf of all his Majesties Subjects in. North America, renew and Confirm the Covenant Chain, and all former Engagements of Love and friendship between us and you, that they may remain firm & unshaken so Long as the The Chain Belt Sun and Moon shall Endure. here

is

also a

never sent any Commissioner before

Bretheren

One

great

End and

purpose of

you, and by your means, with

all

tliis

Chain,

is to

Commerce Between us and Lay to the westward of you

secure trade and

the Nations of Indians which

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

718

means the power and Aullioiity of the Six Nations, is greatly Increased Among all must Come through your Countries to Carry on this Commerce, so necessary for them, and when they see and understand the Strength and numbers of your Bretheren, all over this great Continent, united together in this Covenant Chain, they must by

tliese

their Neighbours, as they

have a high Opinion of your power; as the keeping the path Open Indian nations to the Interest of us

all, I

Westward of you,

is

to this place,

from

of so great Benefit to you, as well as to the

give this Belt to remove

all

Loggs, or other rubbish that

may

A

the

all

Common

obstruct

it.

Belt

Bretheren

The Governor

of

Canada dreads

this

Union of the Bretheren with

us,

and with the distant

Nations to the Westward and Southward, as far as the river Mississipi, for this reason he

is

Break this Chain, by obstructing and stopping the Trade and Commerce that is Between this place and the far Indians, who pass thro your Countries. I am told he is at this time Building a fort on your Lands at Oniagara, to stop the Indians in their way to trade with us If you should Suffer him to do this, the Six Nations will become weak and mean, in the Eyes of all the Neighbouring Nations, for these Forts will be Like Bitts and Bridles in their Mouths, by which you and the other Indian Nations must turn, and go as the Governor of Canada pleases, your Bretheren the English make no Attempts on you to restrain your Liberty of going to trade where you Like best, and where you Can be served Best. always endeavouring

to

—

Whereas these forts W*" the French Build are to take this Liberty from the other Nations, and them to go to Canada, and thereby to withdraw their Love and friendship from us and you, and to make them our Enemys. I therefore by this Belt in the Name of your father the King, Insist and require of you, that as Soon as possible, you send a proper Number of your

to force

men

to Oniagara, to Oblige the

there, or at Ohio, or It will

be

much

any where

Easier

to

French else

to forbear their Erecting,

any Forts, or other Buildings

on your Lands, and to Demolish what

prevent their being Built, than to pull them

down

is

already Built.

afterwards.

A

Belt

Bretheren

Another

Artifice the

War, Between

Enemys

of our Covenant Chain

make

use

of, is to

Excite Variance and

the Several Indian Nations that are united with your Bretheren the English, in

the Several parts of this Great Continent.

Nothing can so Effectually weaken, and

Entirely Destroy the Bretheren, as their falling out

among

at

Last

themselves, and mutually Killing

and destroying one Another: this is doing the Work of your Enemys: while they sit Looking If all the Indian Nations united in Friendship with Carolina, on, and laugh at your folly. Virginia, Maryland Pensilvania, this Government, Connecticut, Massachusets Bay and New Hampshire, were Truly and firmly united in the Same Councils, with Love and Friendship, how Great would that power be, what dread must it Strike on your Enemys, and who would In Order to Accomplish this so much to be desired Union, I have dare Attempt to Hurt them. prevailed upon the Governor of South Carolina, to Send a Gentleman to this place, whom you now See here and to Send with him Six of the Chiefs of the Catawbas, who are now in this

make peace with you and to become Your fast friends, and to unite with You in As in your former Treaties in this place. You desired, and Solemnly I therefore receive them, as one Flesh and Blood with you, on their Coming to it. Excite you, to Lay hold of this proffered peace and Friendship with the Catawbas.

City ready to

our

Common

promised

to

by

this Belt

It

must tend

Cause.

to

Strengthening the Covenant Chain, and the

Common

Interest of us

all.

I

can

LONDON DOCUMENTS no Longer Bear therefore

I

to

who

See those,

XXX.

:

are our Bretheren, Killing

719

and destroying one Another, and

cannot Doubt of your Chearfully Agreeing to what

I

now

propose.

A

Belt of peace.

Bretheren I design in a Little time, to pass over the Great Water, to the King your Father. I perswade myself that your ready Compliance with what I now require of you, will Enable me to recommend you to his favour, and that I may tell the King of this, among many other Instances of your Dutifullness to him, and thereby Secure to you his protection. And as the time of my Imbarquing draws near, I must recommend to you all possible dispatch to the affairs now

A

before you.

Answer

Belt.

of the Six Nations to his Excellency the Honourable George Clinton

Cap' General and Governour In Chief

and Over the province of

in

New

York &c. At Albany the Eighth Day of July 1761.

Present

— as before

Brother Corlaer

We are now met at the appointed time, to make our Answer, and desire to know Whether Your Excellency is ready to hear us (to which his Excellency answered yes). Brother Corlaer It is

a

Long time Since we have had the pleasure of seeing Your Excellency at this place of we will now Answer Your Excellency's Speech, paragraph by paragraph.

Consultation, and

Brother Corlaer

As your Excellency with the Commissioners from Massachusets Bay, Connecticut and Come to renew the Covenant Chain with the Six Nations, we are also Come here to Join Your Excellency and those Commissioners, in that Good design, and Say that we Shall remain Inseperable by any Accidents of this world, for that neither Thunder Lightning or the falling of Trees Can seperate us. A Belt Carolina, are

—

Brother Corlaer

As

&

the Commissioner from Carolina, has never been here before, the Oneydeys, Tusquaroras,

Chingas, have agreed to give him a name, that

to talk of him,

hope he

will

if

for

always Honestly Assist, in holding

we should have Occasion name ( Arickwawaga) and

time to Come,

we may know who we mean, and have Chose fast the

the

A

Covenant Chain.

Belt

—

Brother Corlaer

By

the Old Covenant

we

are one heart, one Blood, and one head

Excellency for renewing this Covenant hurt,

it

:

and we

shall

remain as one,

:

and we thank your any member is

for if

A

Affects the whole.

Belt

—

Brother Corlaer

Your Excellency desired us your Excellency, that

to Increase

we have done

it,

our Interest

and

Still

Among

Continue

to

the far Nations:

do

it.

we now Inform

Having got nine Castles of

—

—

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

720

Setled at Caniahaga,

the far Nations

who Acknowledge

themselves Subjects of the King

of Great Britain, and have Built a Stockade Fort there, to Strengthen themselves, and Secure

the English Trade, and Agreable to your Excellency's desire

much

we

shall Increase

Our

A

as possible.

Interest as

Belt

Brother Corlaer

we should Send Some of our men, to forbid the French Building now Inform Your Excellency, that the reason of the Onendagas Going to Canada, was with that View, as the Land was the property of that Nation, and at their return we Expect an Answer, whether they will desist or no, which we shall take Care to Let your Excellency know of; and if they do not Stop, we shall do as your Excellency Your Excellency

any Forts

directs,

also desired

at Oniagara,

and we

and go some of Each nation and forbid the Building of those

A

forts.

Belt

—

Brother Corlaer It

we

was Your Excellency's

told

Informs

we

shall

desire.

Eleven Years Ago,

we wanted to See and now here, we are willing to

your Excellency then us, that

it,

make Peace with

talk with them,

and

as

the

Catawbas

:

your Excellency

see them, and hear them talk, and then and as your Excellency told us, that the French one another, we are Convinced of the truth of it, and shall Consider

they are

Consider of

for us to

with

all

Moderation

;

Laughed at our killing more of it, when we hear the Catawbas

A

Belt

—

Brother Corlaer It

might have been of bad Consequence, had not your Excellency Acquainted us of your we know of your going, we wish you a prosperous Voyage,

going over the great water, and as

a dangerous passage, wherefore we pray to the great God of heaven, to protect you, and Carry you Safe Over, we shall be glad to hear of your Safe Arrival, as your Excellency has promised to recommend us to our father the King, which we do not doubt but you will do, As your Excellency has and we return your Excellency our hearty thanks for your promise. been so good as to Inform us of your going over the great water, we desire your Excellency will Carry a Message from us, and Inform the King our father, that the French are Endeavouring to take away our Lands, and Build Forts on them, and beg that the King will Inform the King of France of the proceedings of his Subjects, that he may put a stop to it, it is

—

for that the

Land belongs

to the

King our Father, and the Governor of

this province

—

Brother Corlaer

We

would send another Message by you, that is, that the King our Father would reinstate amongst us. And as you are now About to Leave us, and have not Chose any person, with whom we may Transact our Affairs in the mean time, we hope you will Appoint Coll" Johnson

some person,

whom we may

to

bring our news, and from

whom we may

receive

A

— —

News Belt

Brother Corlaer

We

have now

Prisoners in Canada.

fully finished our

When

andrufled Shirt and

Answer

His Exccllcncy

to

in private

Dunckards Son the Like

presents gave to Niecus a Laced Coat, Hatt,

— LONDON DOCUMENTS And among them and 2

p'

1 p«

14

12 Guns

half Ticks

50 Flints

1

Doz" Knives

2Slb Goose Shot to

put

it

12 Kettles

in

Niecus for the whole returned his Excellency thanks, and said he was Obliged to his

The Speech

M'

of

in the

War.

Bull the Commissioner from South Carolina to the Six Nations.

Bretheren the Sachems and Warriours of the Six Nations.

Gov' Clinton having kindled a Council and Indians

you

1

Doz" Boxes

Excellency for Considering their hardships

My

721

24lb Lead

2!b Vermilion

Cottons

12 Shirts

When

XXX.

the rest of the Warriours.

Strouds

y"*'

:

at

to

it,

I

am Come

a

fire

Long way on

at

Albany, and Invited the English Governors

the Great Sea, from South Carolina, to talk with

and as no Governor or Commissioner from that province, hath ever shaken hands at Albany before, I give you this Belt of wampum to tell you I am glad to see you, shake hands with you, that you may know me, and Open your Ears to hear what I have it.

with you

and

to

to say to

A

You

Belt

Bretheren

The Governor

of South Carolina Intended to have

was Some bad Folks from

the

Cherokee Nation,

Came

himself to see You, but as there

as if they designed to

Killing and plundering the English Traders in that nation,

tlie

Stop the path by

Governor resolved

to

Stay to

any mischief should be done by the Cherokees, Immediately to Carry war into Such of their Towns, as Should be Concerned in it he has therefore sent me, one of the Beloved Men, to talk for him, and gave me this good talk, which He has fixed the Great Seal I have in my hand to deliver in particular from himself to you. to it, that you may know it is a Strong talk, for this Seal ties Every thing Strong to which take Care of his people, and in Case

:

fastened, it shall be read to You now, and may be read to your Children [Here M' Bull read the Governor of Carolina's Letter to the Six Nations]

it is

The Governor

after

you

of South Carolina to his Friends and Brothers the Chiefs of the

Six Nations and other Indians meeting at Albany.

Loving Friends and Brothers

There are many nations

of Indians in Alliance with this

Government;

the Cherokees, the

Creeks, the Chickesaws, the Catawbas, and a great part of the Chactaws, besides that are Incorporated with

Some

many

tribes

of these Nations, or that Live peaceably in our Settlements,

the Charraws, Euchees, Notchees, Peedees,

Cape Fears, Etewaus and

others, and as they are

my

Constant Endeavour, to keep them friends with one Another. The French were at Great pains Some Years ago, to get an Interest among them, and to Alienate their Afltctions from us; but finding their Attempts were Vain, their next friends to the English,

it

has been

Flame of war amongst them thereby to become an Easy prey to them and in this they have been too Succesfull, having blown up a Bloody war afresh betwixt the Creeks, and Cherokees, after I had Extinguished it, and had happily healed those wounds that had been too Long Bleading.

design has been, to Stir up Strife, and to Kindle the

weaken them

Vol. VI.

;

so as they m.iy

;

:

01

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

722 hope

however

I

pleasure,

if I

and

shall still reconcile all their Differences;

I

it

Settle the disputes that have so

Long Subsisted between

me

would give

could Contribute in Conjunction with the Governor of

New

an Equal

York, to Adjust and

the Six Nations and other Indians to

the Northward, and the Catawbas, Creeks and other Southward Indians.

have

I

Some

time

Catawbas upon this Subject, in the presence of Some of those, who go with this Letter, and their King would have been at Albany a Year and an half ago, had not Death prevented him however the King and the head men, and all the nation in General, are now desirous to Bury in Eternal Oblivion, all that has happened on either Side, so that the Same ago talked

to the

:

may

never

in

time to

Come

make

be Mentioned or thought of; and are Willing or desirous to

Bind themselves in one Chain of Friendship with their Brothers of the Six Nations and the other Southward Indians; the one End to be Kept by the Governor of New York, and the other End by the Governor of South Carolina and I hope youl agree to it, and I have sent Some presents of such things as I thought you might have Occasion for, to Bind the Treaty, not only betwixt you and the Catawbas, but betwixt you and the Creeks, and all Southern Indians, may the Chain never Contract any rust, but Shine Like the Sun in the a peace, and to

:

Firmament, may the peace Last while the Sun Eudures. Loving Brother.

I

am my

James Glen Gov' South Carolina

may

Bretheren with

recommended

very

Good

S" Carolina.

friends your

(Ls)

21" 1751.

this talk,

I

deliver this Belt of

Wampum,

to Inforce the

matters therein

A

to you.

Belt

—

Bretheren It

makes

my

heart and Every English Heart Sorry, to See Indians

English, Continuing at

war with Each

Creeks, Cherokees

all

it

is

good Friends

Some

who

are friends to the

almost Like Strikeing the Hatchet

This Can be pleasing only

Bretheren the English. the Six Nations, are

otiier,

to the English

to ;

your Enemys

in

and the Catawbas, the Chickesaws. the

of the Chactaws, and the Small Tribes of Indians Living

Settlements, are also good friends to the English,

it is

your

— You my Bretheren of in

our

very good, and therefore our desire that

who are friends to the English should be Friends to each other, and be Included Same Bright Chain, which holds the English and the Six United Nations together. I am now Come a great way with the Assistance of the Governor of New York, and the Commissioners from Massachusets Bay and Connecticut, to Lengthen the Old Covenant Chain for that purpose, and to plant the Tree of peace may it always be Green Like the Laurel, may its Roots grow so Strong in the Earth, that no Wind from the Great Lakes or Great Rivers, where the French are Setled, Shall be able to Blow it down, may its Branches Spread wide in the Air, that you the Six Nations and your Allies, may sit friendly under the Shadow the Indians

all

in the

;

of

it,

with the Catawbas, Creeks Chickesaws, Chactaws, Cherokees and the Small Tribes

may the hatchett and all that is who desires to dig it up can find it Then the time which you now Spend in going to War against our Indian Brethren, may be Usefully Employed against our Common Enemys, or in Hunting, that you may Buy plenty of Living

in

our Settlements, and there

Smoke

together, and

past be Buried so deep under Ground, that no Cross person ;

Goods for your Selves your Wives and your Children, King George, who Like our good father, is Grieved to is

pleased

when he Sees them kind

broad Belt of

Wampum

to

one Another

this will be very agreeable to the

Great

see his Children destroy each other, but

— To

inforce this proposal I give

you

this

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX.

723

Bretlieren

Altho South Carolina is so far distant from Aliiany, yet I have Brought some presents for you from that Government, which you will Accept of, as a Testimony of the Friendsliip, which that province hath for our Bretheren the Six Nations. I have them in my Care, and they shall be delivered when Gov'' Clinton makes his presents to you, to Confirm this promise I give you this String of Wampum.

My

Bretheren the Sachems, and Warriours of the Six Nations.

We

have heard what his Excellency Governor Clinton has said Concerning a peace, and Excellency the Governor of South Carolina hath wrote to you, and also what I have

what

his

now

said,

you

will hear next,

Come

what the Chiefs

of the

Catawbas, who

Came

here with

me

will

make peace with you, they know it is the desire of the English that peace should be made between You, and yod know it is the desire of the English also. To Open Your Ears I give you this Belt say, they

of

to this

Council Fire

at

Albany, to meet you,

in

Order

to

Wampum Here

the

Catawbas Came down from

their Quarters, Singing with their Colours pointed to

the Ground, and having Lit their pipes, the

Chief Sachems of the Six Nations,

King and one more, put them

who Smoked

out of them.

And

in the

mouths of the

then Spoke to tiiem

as follows.

Friends I Last Year with the Advice of my great men, determined to make a peace with you, and Set out for that purpose, but was taken Sick by the way, which hinder'd me. The same

my heart, and the Gov' of Carolina Agreeing with me, Consented New York, that we might meet you here at this treaty, which greatly rejoyced me, and when I Came away, my Towns all Shoke hands with me, and desired me for them to make a peace, and I give this Belt, which has all my Towns upon it, Signifying that they all Join in my desire. resolution remained in to

Send a Vessel

to

We are all Friends to the English and desire to be so with our Brothers the Six Nations, and as Some of your people are now out, that do not know of the peace, when they are all returned, and the path Clear and Safe, I will Come to your Towns and Houses, and Smoke with You, as

I

would

in

my

own.

[Here the King

first,

and then the other Catawbas Shoke

hands with the Six Nations]

To which

the Six Nations Answered.

Bretheren

We

are glad to see

thing of moment, to

you here, and return you thanks for your kind Speech. But as it is a take time to Consider of it, and shall Answer you this Evening or

we must

morrow morning.

When

his

Excellency told the Six Nations he would give them their presents,

answered the Catawbas.

when

they had

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

724

The Answer

Speech of

of the Six Nations to the

M'"

Bull the Commissioner

from South Carolina

At Albany the tenth day of July 1751.

Pkesent

— His Excellency the Hono''" George Clinton &c" The

Hon'''*

Cadwallader Coldea

James Alexander James De Lancey Edward Holland

^

Esq" of the Council

William Johnson

The Commissioners from the Several provinces. The Mayor & Corporation of Albany.

And

Several Officers of the Independant Companys, and

Attending

his Excellency,

and the Commissioners on

other Gentlemen from

New York

this Occasion.

The Catawbas being Come Down from their Quarters. The Chief Sachem of the Senecas Litt a pipe, and put it into Catawbas, who Smoked out of it, and then he returned it Among

the mouths of Each of the the Six Nations.

And

then

the Six Nations Begun.

Brother Corlaer In

Answer

&

Arickwawaga paragraph of

to the first

M"" Bull's

Speech,

we

return him thanks for his kind

Speech, and desire that he will be faithfull and Honest in holding

fast the

Covenant Chain

A to 2^

Belt

Paragraph.

Arickwawaga

We

thank You kindly

Governor of Carolina's Letter, and

for the

shall

preserve

it

as in

our Bosom.

Brother Corlaer and others, particularly Arrickwawaga

We

kindly thank your Excellency and the other Gent for the Uneasiness they Express at

the Indians murdering one another,

Natured person can

find

and we Consent that the Hatchet be Buried where no

A

it.

111

Belt

Brother Corlaer and others the Commissioners.

Arickwawaga the other day by a Belt

of

wampum

told us, that he

tree of peace, that the Englisli and Indians might Sit in peace under

good design, and heartily Join you

in

it,

and may

it

grow Large and

it.

Came here to plant a we thank you for your

last forever.

A Brother Corlaer

Arickwawaga

also told us, that he

and gave us a Belt his Advice

to

Arickwawaga Also

Bosom

Belt

Saf-

Open our

Some of his Bretheren the Catawbas, we have heard them, and thank him for

brought with him

Ears, to hear

them

;

A told us, that altho he

as a present for us,

and

to

Came

a great way, he Brought

remind him thereof, we give

this Siring of

Belt

some thing

Wampum

in his

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXX.

725

Brother Corlaer It is

but a few days ago,

we

desired you to raise up

Warickweaga

Falling Tree

tlie

(Coll"

Johnson meaning) and Leave us Some person to Transact our Affairs with. The Goods at Oswego are so dear, that we Cannot Buy them, and desire your Excellency will Order them be sold Cheaper, as

to

it

will be a

means of Strengthening

the Covenant Chain.

A When

the Six Nations Spoke to the

Catawbas

String of

wampum

as follows

Bretheren the Catawbas

Doors and Fires, to make peace with us, and we have heard your kind it, and as a token that you Came to make peace, and were received as our Friends, we give you this white Belt of Wampum, to wear about your necks, that all that see it, may know that you have been here and were received as our Friends.

You Came

to our

Speech, and thank you for

Bretheren the Catawbas.

This Belt Serves

Custom among

all

make you more

to

powerful), and give you Short horns

the Indian Nations, that

prisoners with them, and

when you

when they Come

Come

we

in that time,

shall

Sue

;

it

has been a

for peace, they bring

some

return with prisoners, the peace shall be Compleated, and

your horns Lengthened, and we give you a year not

to

to return

Look upon the peace

with the prisoners, and

if

you do

as Void.

Bretheren the Catawbas

We

will take

your pipe up

to the

Mohawks

Castle, being the

first

and there Sit and Smoke, and think of you, and not go out the time Appointed by us.

were

;

to

Town you came war,

if

to, as it

you return within

Here the Catawbas Answered I

have Long wished

for a

peace with you the Six Nations, but never had an Opportunity

it is Compleated before his Excellency and these Commissioners, and the Belt wear it about my neck as a token of FriendshipIt is a right and good Custom, that prisoners should be Exchanged in making a peace, and if you'l send Some of your people home with me, I will Carry them to my Own house, and they shall Live as I do, and I will then deliver all the prisoners I have to them, and Come with them, and Conduct them Safe to their own doors. till

now, and as

past,

I

shall

Bretheren the Catawbas.

As to your request of Sending Some of our people to your Country, it is unprecedented, and what we never have done at the first time of meeting; and none of our people are prepared to go: therefore we Cant Agree to it. But we may at the Second time Send Some of our people with you.

Here to

We

shall

See

us.

Come

in a

tlie

Catawbas Answered

Short time to your

The

Towns

to

compleat the peace and you

may Expect

Six Nations Answered

Bretheren the Catawbas

We

when you Come again, you'l Come by water, and bring we may know you to be tiie Same, for as there are Several

desire

you, that

a

Commissioner with

Natious which are iu

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

726 Conjunction with destroy

what

is

us, that

now

may

done, but

Here

his

if

not

know

you Come

of this peace, the to this place

path

may be

dangerous, and

youl be Safe

Excellency Spoke to the Six Nations as follows.

Bretheren I

am

glad to be Informed by you, of the

among

Success of our Endeavours to Increase your

— That

you have received nine Castles into the Covenant Chain, and that they have Acknowledged themselves Subjects of the King of Strength and Interest

other nations

Great Britain. I

approve of what you have done, and hope you will Continue your Endeavours for these I shall Likewise on my return to Court, Lay before the King your Father, what

purposes, and

you have desired me to Say in relation to Coll" Johnson, and I can add no more, than what I have Already told you I have Constantly given Orders that goods be Sold as Cheap at Oswego as the Traders Canafford them.

—

To which

the Six Nations

Answered

Brother Corlear

We

desire Coll" Johnson rAay be Reinstated for as there is Some of the Six Nations gone Canada, about the French Building a fort at Oniagara ; unless your Excellency Appoints Some person for us to go to, you Cannot Expect to hear what Answer they Bring. Which his Excellency answered, telling them, that on his return to New York, he would ;

to

advise with the Councill as to the Appointment of

And

for their Affairs.

then Ordered the presents Out, and gave them, and at the

gave

Same time Mr.

Bull

his

Governor Clinton [New-York

My

Some person

Duke of Bedford.

to the

Papers. (S. F. O.) XI., 221.]

Lord Duke.

lately received a letter, from M' Catherwood, my secretary in London, dated the 18 of May, wherein he acquaints me of his having often made application to Your Grace, for my leave of absence, and that he was in hopes of obtaining it. But in the latter part of his letter, he tells me. Your Grace declined getting my leave, till the report had been made, and considered in Council, which was a great di.'-appointment to me, hopeing that after so many years absence I should have been indulged with it; And accordingly had put every thing on boar[d] His Maj'^'' Ship Greyhound, which was to sail in a few days, so that I must now undergo I

I am told that nothing but the Bath can be of service to me, much impaired by this Climat therefore, I must again repeat my petition

another winter's severity, and

my

health being so

Your Grace,

;

me my

and as the faction every day decreases, and the peoples eyes are open, I conceive it will be of no ill consequence to leave M"' Colden President, till His Maj'y'' pleasure be known, especially as Your Grace, has hinted, that you will not

to

to

procure

leave

;

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX. agree to RP Chief Justice Delancey's being

727

(witii tlie Administration), I must likewise Colden's services and fidelity to His Maj'^, that a faction may not have the pleasure to see an innocent person sink under the load of calumny, which they, for that purpose have heaped upon him. I have the honour to be with the most profound regard

continue to

recommend

left

M''

—

My Lord Duke Fort George

in

Your Grace's most obedient and most humble servant ' (signed). G.Clinton.

New York

lSJulyl75L His Grace the Duke of Bedford.

Order of Council

to

prepare additional Instructions for the Governor of New- York I

At

the Council

By

a

New-York

Chamber Whitehall The

Committee of

Papers, Hh., No.

G"-

1159. ]

of August 1751

the Lords of His Majestys most honorable Privy Council.

Whereas the Lords of the Committee of Council this day took into their consideration a Report made by the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, upon the present state and condition of His Majestys F^rovince of New York in America, whereby it appears that great disputes have arisen between the Governor and the are

still

subsisting,

and that

many encroachments

have

Assembly of

that Province,

which

been made by the Assembly on

His Majestys Prerogative by wresting from the Governor several of the executive Parts of Government, which were vested in him by His Majestys Commission And the Lords of the

—

committee approved of what has been proposed by the said Lords commissioners in their said Report for putting a stop thereto for the future Do hereby order that the said Lords

—

Commiss" do prepare a draught of an

Instruction or Instructions for the Governor of

New York

agreeable thereto

W. Sharpe.

Governor Clinton [New-Tork

to the

Dxihe of Bedford.

Papers. (S. P. 0.) XI., 223.)

My

Lord Duke. Having some years

from His

Maj''''

since thought

it

for

His Maj'^ service to suspend

Council of this province, an account of which

I

Trade, with the reasons for so doing, but never received any answer from tho'

I

was inform'd by agents

that they were approved

of.

And

M''

Stephen Bayard

transmitted to the Board of tlieir

Lord"" upon

it,

as he has disqualified himself

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

728

now, by leaving this province and settling with his family in another, I beg leave to recommend M'" John Chambers, a Gentleman of an unexceptionable character, an opulent fortune, strongly attached to His Maj'^, and perfectly skilled in the Constitution of this Province, having been a Law for a great many years. And I hope it will meet with Your

noted practitioner in the

Grace's approbation and assistance in procuring the Royal Council in the room of the aforesaid Stephen Bayard, as he assist

me

Mandamus

for

him

to

be of the

not only capable, but ready to

is

with his advice in any emergency wherein the Royal prerogative or the safety of the

Province are concerned. lately

I

of His Maj"""' supreme Court, purely for his integrity, and whole province, he has been often requested to represent

made him second Judge

to the universal satisfaction of the

and would have been elected without the least opposition, but he still declined it, more immediate service to His Maj*'', at the Council board, than Therefore I must beg Your Graces interest that my suspension of in the house of Assembly. M' Stephen Bayard may be confirmed, and M"" John Chambers be appointed in his room. this City,

thinking, that he could be of

I

have the honour

New York

25"'

His Grace the

be with the greatest respect

to

My

Lord.

Your Grace's most humble and most obedient servant (signed) G.Clinton.

Aug: 1751.

Duke

of Bedford.

Governor Clinion [

New-York

Lords of Trade.

to the

Papers, Bnndle

No.

li.,

2. ]

New

My

York, 29. August 1751.

Lords

Having some years

since thought

it

for

His

Maj'?'' service

from His Mnj'" Council of this Province, of which LordPP', but never received

any answer upon

it.

1

suspend M' Stephen Bayard

to

did myself the

And

leaving this Province and settling with his family in another,

Honour

now

as he has I

to acquaint

your

disqualified himself,

by

beg leave to recommend M'

character, an opulent fortune, strongly

John Chambers, a Gentleman of an unexceptionable

attached to his Maj'y, and perfectly skilled in the constitution of this Province, having been a noted Practitioner in the Law, for a great many years, and I hope it will meet with your LordPP' approbation and assistance in procuring a Royal in the

me

room

of the aforesaid

Stephen Bayard

;

as he

Mandamus

is

for

him

to

be of the Council

not only capable, but ready to assist

with his advice in any emergency wherein the Royal prerogative or the safety of the

province are concerned. I

lately

made him Second Judge

of his Majesty's supreme Court in the place of

M'' Phillips

deceased, purely for his integrity, and to the universal satisfaction of the whole province. He has been often requested to represent this City, and would have been elected without the least opposition, but he

still

declined

it,

Majesty at the Council Board, than

thinking that in

lie

could be of more immediate service to his

house of Assembly.

LONDON DOCUMENTS I

must beg leave

also to

remind Your Lord^P' of

transmitted since, as I

LordPP*

it

my

reasons for

was informed by manner

;

therefore

my

Agents

inclosed letters

I

M''

my

former Recommendation of M' Brandt

I

transmitted to your Lord^P* in June

My

me

last.

I

it

I

wrote

am

to the

by Your

but encouraged others to behave

suspension of both, him and M' Bayard

Brandt Schuyler

have received since

I

729

but for want of having notice taken of

;

hope that

Chambers and

confirmed, and JP John

The

Horsmanden,

has not only occasioned him to be more insolent to

in the like

I

my

XXX.

suspended likewise from the Council and so doing, to your LordPP% which was very well approved of long

Sciiuyler to succeed M"' Daniel '

whom

:

may

may

be

be appointed in their rooms.

GoV

of

Canada a copy of which

with the greatest respect

Lords, Your LordPP'

most humble and obedient servant G. Clinton.

Colonel

Johnson [

New-York

to

Governor Clinton.

Papers, Buadle

li.,

No.

8. ]

(Copy).

Mount Johnson,

May I

it

27. July 1751.

please your Excell'^^

inclose

Your

Excell"^^

an Account of what the French are about at Cadaraghqui, given to

Capl" Lindesay by Attrawaney a Cajuga Sachim,

soon as possible.

I

thought proper also

to let

who begged

of

him

to let

me know

it

as

your Excel^^ know, that there has a body of

French to the number of twelve hundred, and two hundred of Orondacks ettc. passed by Oswego, about a fortnight ago with a design to cut off (as I understand some of the Nations of Indians to the Westward, who are strongly attached to the British interest, also to stop the Philadelphians building at or near Ohio, or any where else there about, having this account confirmed by a French Deserter now at my house, who saw this body of Men set off from Cadaraghqui. I immediately in Your Excell"^'^ name, took upon me to send an express through all the Nations, with a large Belt of Wampum, acquainting them of the French's march that way, and desiring they might be on their guard which has been so kindly taken by the Five Your Nations, that it is not to be e.xpressed. I am with all due respect imaginable

—

;

—

Excell"^'''' ettc.

W"' Johnson.

Lieutenant Lindesay (

to

Colonel Johnson.

New-York P>per«, Bundle

II.,

No.

8. ]

(Copy) 10.

July 1751.

This 10 day of July Attrownney came here from the Messesagas, where he had been negotiating an allyance with said Nation, he told, all the old Sachims were dead and young Vol. VI.

yj

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

730 ones put

in tlieir

altho'

strong,

and promised, to keep it firm and make an agreement with the

places, wlio confirmed their old allyance

they were

solicited

by the French, not

to

Five Nations.

He

told,

he was at Cadaraghqui, where they were building a large ship, which was to have

some there told him when fitted, was designed to come and take this That he saw the six Cannon, designed for said purpose, three yards long with a wide Bore. He brought with him eight Messesngas, young fighters, who were to go out with him against the Flatheads, I have done what I can to stop them, but yet can not tell if I have three Masts, and that place.

prevailed or not.

Jno Lindesay.

Lieutenant Stoddert

Colonel Johnson.

to

[New-York Paperu, Bundle

li

,

No. 3.]

(Copy).

Oswego 19 July Dear As

1751.

Sir,

know

of, till just now, have but just time to acquaint you, some Cannoes of French Traders, who say there was an army gone up the other side the Lake, with which was two hundred Orondack Indians under the Command of Mons' Belletre and Chevalier Longville, and that their design was against a Village of the Twigtwees, where the English are building a Trading house of Stone, and that they are to give the English warning to move off in a peaceable manner, which if they refused, they were to Act with Force. And that they intended to build a Fort there and garrison it with three hundred Men. The Governour's Son of Montreal is hourly expected to pass by here with fourteen Cannoes of Soldiers, which are them designed to be stationed at the above This is the Village where George Croghan generally Trades, all the Indians of which place. are firmly attached to the English, for which reason the French call them Rebells, and are going to bring them into subjection two of the Chiefs are to have no mercy, the others if I

did not

of this Battoes going

that there passed by iiere a few days ago

they submit are to be pardoned

;

—

Benjamin Stoddert.

Governor Clinton t

New-York

to the

Tapers, Bundle

Lords of Trade. li.,

No.

4. ]

New York. My I

30.

August

J

751.

Lords,

do myself the honour to enclose a copy of the Governour of Canada's

mine of

12.

June

last,

with a few remarks upon

it

made

answer to some extracts

letter, in

in haste, as likewise

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX.

731

from the Register of Indian Affairs in Albany, and should have sooner done myself the honour have complyed with Your LordPP' orders, relating to Indian affairs, but tlie papers vv'ere all

to

in Coll:

Jan''

Johnson's hands, and as

when

I

had not appointed a Secretary,

for

the necessity of the circumstances of meeting the Indians

Indian Affairs

till

last

were early, obliged me Albany to meet them, I

Secretary; and when we went up to and on perusing a part thereof the Extracts now transmitted Your LordPP% were found, which are some proofs of the infractions of the French on the

to appoint

Edward Holland

Esq'*"

sent an express for the Registers, to

Treaty of Utrecht, & of their incroachments on the Territories belonging to the Crown of Great Brittain; and I doubt not I siiall be able soon to transmit to your Lord^P' many more proofs to the same purpose, and to prove the whole remarks, after a thorough perusal of the Indian Registers, which

last

till

month were only in loose Quiers of paper, but now they are Volumes in Folio, and they are now perusing with care, to

strongly bound up into four thick

get

what

pursuant

your LordPP' that may be, concerning the Indian

intelligence possible for to

Affairs,

your LordPP' orders. have the honour

I

to

My

be with great respect

Lords

Your LordPP' most obedient and most humble servant G. Clinton.

Marquis de

la Jonqtiiere to [

New- York

Papere, Bundle

Governor Clinton. li.,

No. C]

[TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH.] Montreal, lO"- August, 1751. Sir, I

3"'' of this month, the despatch your Excellency did Cornelius Cuyler on the 12"" of June last.

did not receive, until the

to write to

me by M'

You cannot complain. Sir, of the post I have caused to be erected at the much less pretend that it is an usurpation on the lands of

carrying place,

me

the honor

foot of the Niagara

the subjects of the

King, your Master.

Your Excellency might as well have said that I have invaded the territories of the King of for if it were true that the Iroquois of the Five Nations are his subjects, their lands would incontestably belong to his Britannic Majesty. This, nevertheless. Sir, is the foundation you have wished to give to your complaint. My answer will convince you that it has no solidity. You, very unadvisedly, and in opposition to your own understanding, call the Five Nations Great Britain,

subjects of the King, your Master.

not to put forth

circumspection; and in

any other

They

are no such thing, and

such a pretension in their

light

it is

piesence.

You

you would be very careful them with much more

treat

yet to be established (a naiirej that they have regarded the English

than as their brothers.

This

is

an evident proof that so

far

from

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

732

acknowledging them as their Masters, they declare tliemselves, on tlie contrary, in every and they even do not conceal that the Englisii hold directly

respect, independent of tliem

;

from them the posts they have these

whenever they

If the

in their territory,

Five Nations were

to

subject

acknowledging the dominion of the King,

them

do

to

them

to surrender

themselves to

my

any Crown, they could

not help

Master, and their natural inclination would lead

you are not ignorant, and ancient and modern history bear testimony,

French are the

first

them

first

that they

assistance

It is

will oblige

so.

In fact, Sir,

first

and that they

shall think proper.

white

men

that appeared on the territory of the Five Nations.

;

first to

penetrate into the territories of

from that very moment they have taken possession of

;

with

formed an alliance of friendship. It is from them they have received their accordingly from that very moment did they call the French their Father.

unquestionable, then, that the French were the

the Iroquois

that the

It is

it,

and

this possession

has been uninterrupted.

Now, were

these lands susceptible of

any dispute between the Kings, our Masters, and the

question had been discussed at the time of the Treaty of Utrecht and Aix la Chapelle,

it

could

not, in fair justice, but be decided in favor of France.

But the Iroquois wish

God who gave them

to

to be the sole masters of their lands

;

they cease not to say that

it is

them, and that they acknowledged him alone for Master and Sovereign.

This they have signified by authentic documents to the English and to the French. I add, that the French, after having conquered their lands in the wars they had with them, gave those back to them and restored them to their rights by solemn treaties. From all which it must be concluded that your Excellency has had no authority against the

post

I

have caused

to

be

established.

It

to object

has been erected with the perfect

knowledge of the Iroquois of the Five Nations, who alone are competent to complain of it. They did not oppose it; they consented to it, and have acknowledged that it would contribute as

much

to their

advantage as to that of the French.

It is

only a house of refuge (hospice), an

entrepot of provisions, and a halting place for French voyageurs from the upper country. I never should have thought that you would have claimed the four Englishmen who have been arrested, inasmuch as they have stated that they had a license from the Governor of Philadelphia, and none of them having exhibited it to me, they are considered as vagabonds

and bush rangers. But as your Excellency takes their part, and as nothing less than that is necessary to persuade me that you authorize and approve their conduct, I will consent to explain the reasons

which caused

You

their capture.

are not ignorant. Sir, of the expedition M'' de Celoron

Beautiful River by order of the Marquis de

the

name

of the King,

lands; that he

my

summoned

all

la

Galissonniere

made ;

in the

that he

year 1749 to the

renewed

for,

and

in

Master, the possession which his Majesty always held of those the English traders there at the time to retire; that he wrote to

fulfilled his mission, and to warn him any English traders should thereafter again make their appearance on the Beautiful River, they would be treated without any delicacy. I had the honor to write you myself on the 7* of March, 1750, on that subject, and to request your Excellency to issue an order forbidding all the subjects of New England to go and In the same letter I had the honor to express trade on the territory of the King, my Master.

the Governor of Philadelphia to inform him that he had that

if

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX.

733

you my just sensibility at all tlie secret movements of the English to induce the Indians, who, from all time, have been our closest allies, to destroy the French. Although you did not honor me with any answer, I flattered myself, notwithstanding, that you would adopt strict measures to arrest the course of all these seductions, and maintain, on your side, the union that ought to subsist between us. But the result has undeceived me. The English, far from confining themselves within the limits of the King of Great Britain's to

possessions, not satisfied with multiplying themselves

more and more on Rock river (Riviere a la more than that, proceeded, within

Roche), with having houses and open stores there, have, sight of Detroit, even unto the fort of the Miamis.

many unneighborly acts, the evil consequences whereof we have placed JP de Celeron, the commandant at Detroit, under the necessity of ordering these Englishmen to be arrested. This proceeding, following so

but too sensibly

feel,

Three of them were Rebel Huron Chief, as ten leagues of the

first

arrested at Ayonontout,' the place selected in 1747, by Nicolas, the

his stronghold, near the little lake of Otsanderket,^ that is to say

town of Detroit.

The names

of these three

within

Englishmen are Luke Arowin,

an Irishman by birth, an inhabitant of Pensilvania, Joseph Fortiner, an inhabitant of the town of Gerge,^ and Thomas Borke, an inhabitant of Linguester.'' Lastly, the fourth Englishman,

named John

Pathin, an inhabitant of Willenstown, has been arrested in the French fort of the

Miamis, by M. de

The

Villiers,

commandant

of that post.

capture of these four Englishmen ought not surprize you;

'tis certain. Sir, that they did not risk coming so to say, under his M. C. Majesty's cannon, except with sinister views. Here is the proof of it.

1" None of these Englishmen were ignorant of M. de Celeron's interdiction to the English

1749

traders in

;

tiiat

interdiction

consequently they are in the wrong S"*

is

England, and

they do not confine themselves there.

cannot be said that they were at Ayonontout

It

New

public throughout every place in

when

to trade

with the Indians, because they

had nothing but presents to distribute among them. S"*

so evident that they wished to hold a Council with the Indians in every respect fatal

It is

French, that they encamped

to the

French, for his stronghold the

same

;

feelings as Nicolas, and to attach the

who is dead, and to What is remarkable and

that chief, 4'*'

in a place selected

by

they doubtless wished

most

Nicolas, a

to

This

is

have

conclusive

is,

so complete a proof, that

it is

influential to them, in order to resuscitate

that the leader of these three Englishmen,

unanswerable.

the Miamis to persuade the Indians

fled

the Beautiful

to

chief, a rebel to the

put in execution his nefarious project.

Arrowin by name, speaks all the Indian languages, is accustomed is very capable of making them subscribe to whatever he wishes. fort of

Huron

persuade the Indians to entertain

river.

He

As

who remained

for

to the

Luke

Upper Countries, and

John Pathin, he entered

there, to unite

has been taken in the French

fort.

with those

the

who

Nothing more

necessary.

is

The

little

property that was taken belonging to these prisoners, has been claimed by the

Indians as plunder.

town, '

who have

Called Junundat, and located

Mitchell's '

They have

their liberty,

map

not been

ill

at the head of

Mr. Cuyler saw three of them in this John Pathin could enjoy the same freedom,

treated.

and want nothing. Sandusky bay,

in Pownnll's

map; but

at the hoiul of the

of 1755.

Sandusky bay.

See Mitchell's nmp.

'Qu!

Jersey.

'Lancaster.

— Ed.

Elk creek

in

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

734 but at

lie is

so mutinous,

and uttered so many threats, that

I

have been obliged

to

imprison him

Quebec.

You

perceive. Sir, that

French.

tiie

English traders observe no longer any discretion, that nothing can

and that they are redoubling their

restrain them,

efforts to excite the Indian

Nations against the

you cannot do it too promptly. ]f any Frenchman was wicked enough to do any thing prejudicial to the English, I would have him punished most severely, and if any are so venturesome as to go on the King of Great Brittain's lands, I disavow them from this moment, and consent that you secure their persons. 'Tis time to correct this, and

Mr. Cuyler will have the honor to report to you

my

granted him

autliority for all the business

the regard

all

I

he had to transact

French have nothing directly or indirectly to do with

have had for him, and that

in this

I

Colony, although the

it.

you how sincerely I desire to reestablish the most perfect intelligence between the subjects of our Governments; to this 1 shall direct all my attention, and as soon as your Excellency will unite your efforts to mine, we shall have no difficulty

He

in

will be able also to tell

succeeding. I

must not conceal from you.

Sir,

that your deputy, Mr. Cuyler, has brought hither with him

John Cuyler, who is not mentioned in his passport. It has been reported to me that this John Cuyler, who is a' merchant, was trading with the French, and even with the Indians, and was constantly conferring with iheiu in the house in which he lodged in this town, all which is highly improper. his brother, Mr.

I

have the honor

sent back to

New

to advise

England,

your Excellency, that

who

will

come

I issue

to this

my

orders to have

Colony unprovided with

all

the English

a passport

from

their governor. I shall

await impatiently your answer. I iiave

the honor to be respectfully, Sir,

Your most humble and most obedient servant.

La

Governor Clinton^s Notes on

the

Governor of Canada's

[New-Tork Papers, Bundle

Notes on the

His

Excell'^' letter of

GoV

12'''

of

II.,

No. T.]

June

last represented to the Gov'' of is

Canada, the infractions of

building at Oniagara on the lands

of the Five Nations, and nearly in the middle of their Country.

who

Letter.

of Canada's letter of 10"" August 1751.

the Treaty of Utrecht, in regard to the Fortifications he

Traders,

Jonquiere.

And

in regard to four

English

were, in time of peace, supposed to be taken Prisoners on Ohio River, and

plundered of their Merchandize, which his

Excell''^

supposed, was without the Gov'' of Canada's

knowledge or consent; but, requesting his enquiry into those things, and if found true to desist from building, and to set the prisoners at liberty and to recompense them for their damages.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX. The Gov'

of Canada, by his answer of 10"" August, confesses the things complained of to be

deny them

true, does not

groundless and

facts

735

to be infractions of the

false in

Treaty of Utrecht, but advances a number of

themselves, which (says he) had they been

known

at the Treaties

and Aix-la-Chapelie the Dominion of England over the Five Nations would not have been acknowledged by his Master the King of France, but rather that of his Master, of Utrecht

the

says

were taken trading with

prisoners

four

ordinance of

the

forbidding the English to trade there

his,

to the Five Nations,

;

Indians at Ohio, tho' that

and the Twiglitees and other Indians upon

Five Nations, have been long agoe received by

this

it

contrary to an

be a Country belonging

who

are not Natives of the

Govern' into the same Covenant Chain with

the Five Nations.

This seems

to

be

treating

Britanick

his

Majesty and

the

Treaties

of

Utrecht

and

Aix-la-Chapelle with contempt, and the letter seems (what he says) beyond an answer, for the very answering would,

any answer be thought of

it

to

seems, be admitting solemn Treaties to be called in question.

him

it

ought

to be,

If

with the utmost caution and deliberation, and

best advice possible.

would seem proper, that one copy of the letter be sent forthwith to the GoV of his sentiments upon it, as the prisoners belonged to that Govern' and a great part of Ohio River is actually within the grant to the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania. It would seem also proper that other copies be laid before his Maj'^' Ministers for redress from the Court of France, and that the Gov' of Canada may be recalled, and punished for the infractions of the Treaties, and contempts expressed in his letter So far on the letter in General. I shall now make some remarks upon some of the It

Pennsylvania for

Paragraphs of the

N° his is

1.

To

letter.

deny, that the Five Nations ever were subjects of the King of Great Brittain,

Dominion over them

is

when

expressly acknowledged by the 15"" Article of the Treaty of Utrecht,

a piece of unparalelled effronterie

The sentiments which he there says the Five Nations have, are what the French have been them with for many years with the utmost application; and wish they may not

inspiring

I

have prevailed too

And

far.

if

other measures be not speedily taken as to Indian

affairs,

there

no small probability that they will prevail. N° 2. I do not believe that the French were the first white people that appeared upon the lands of the Five Nations, it is near a hundred and forty years agoe since the Dutch settled at Albany and Schenectady, whicli places are part of the Country that did belong to the Five Nations, as appears by the Registers of Indian affairs here, and other authentic Monuments ; is

and

I

question

if

the Five Nations iiad then, or for scores of years after, ever

with the French, because of the assistance that the French, from

always gave

N"

3.

Nations,

I

to the

know

till

made

coming

friendship

to

America

Alganquins, the most ancient and inveterate Enemies of the Five Nations.

of no possesion, that the French had of any part of the Country of the Five

long after their submission to the Dominion of great Brittain and

before the Revolution

was

tiieir first

;

and the

first

some few years

possession of the French of any part of their Country,

was no more at first, then leave from the Five Nations Country for their convenience, but they afterwards having fortified that Place, the Five Nations took it from them twice, and tho' at the peace they made with the French in 1 694 ( because not assisted in the War by any of the Colonies but New York and found that they gave them not sufilicient assistance) the French insisted upon settling again I

believe at Cadaraghqui, and that

to build

a trading house in their

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

736

at Cadaraghqui, yet the Five Nations absolutely refused their consent to

it,

as appears by the

Indian Registers here.

The French

possession of Detroit

was not

till

the peace of

after

Reswick and

it

appears

these incroachments were greviously complained of by the Five Nations to the Gov' of

York, and they insisted then that His Britanick Majesty should apply

New

French King

to the

for redress.

For that they converting those settlements into Fortifications, they saw, might in time, deprive them of their Beaver hunting Country, which extends from Cadaraghqui Lake to the

Northermost part of the Huron's Lake, bounded on the Southward by Lake Erie and Detroiti and I suppose it was the many applications to the Court of Great Brittain after the peace of

Reswick and during Queen Anne's war against those incroachments induced the court of Great Brittain to

insist at the

French, that

of the

Treaty of Utrecht upon an absolute

acknowledgement of the Dominion of Great Brittain over the Five Nations, which was conceded to by the IS''' Article for as to their first time of settling near Oniagara, it was only about the year 1720 and these three are the only settlements I know of, that the French have ;

;

Country of the Five Nations, how

in the

far these

supporting that assertion of the Gov"" of Canada,

N"

and

4.

The

settlement he

is

now making

in defyance of the Five Nations,

the Five Nations at Albany in July

at

I

(complained of as before) will be from

submit.

Oniagara into a Fortification,

and of the Treaty of Utrecht. last, will

show how

far

The

is

done

last

in the sight

conference with

they are from consenting to

it;

they are too sensible of the consequences of it ever in their senses to consent. Possibly the pretence he uses, in saying that it is only for a place of refreshment for Travellers, may, with large presents have prevailed

was done

on some particular

at their former settlements at

Men

of the Five Nations to consent to

Cadaraghqui, Detroit and near Oniagara

;

it,

as

but the sad

experience, the Five Nations have found those refreshing places turned into Fortifications in defyance of them, and that they keep them against the Treaty of Utrecht, and all the applications

made for redress and by means of these they will before long, if a proper remedy be not found, not only deprive the Five Nations of their Beaver Hunting Country, but stop all intercourse between the English, and the Far Nations of Indians in allyance with the Five Nations, as Oniagara is the Rout by which they come. As to the Four prisoners, it would seem that the Gov" of Fennsilvania is the most proper

that have been

person to

;

make remarks on

that part of the letter.'

Governor Clinton [

My

Papers.

(

Duke of

S. P. 0. )

XL,

224.

Bedford.

]

Lord Duke.

By Maj'y"'

'

New- York

to the

this opportunity I

Attorney General

do myself the honour, to acquaint Your Grace, that M' Bradley, His for this

province died the 28"" inst:

The above Notes were written about the

last of

August or boginning of September. Governor Clinton's letter to is dated 2. September 1751. Pennsylvania Colonial

the Governor of Pennsylvania, transmitting that of M. de la Jonquiere, Recordi, Y., 55S.

—En.

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXX.

:

737

,

Your Grace is well acquainted with the importance of that Office, and how much the dignity and authority of His Ma,'>'' Govern' within this province depends upon the fittness and ability of the Person, that

The want

is

to

succeed

M"^

Bradley.

of those qualities in an Attorney General, together with the particular infirmities

my

M' Bradley, have greatly embarrassed

of

not only

my

authority, but

my

Administration, weakened

my

hands and exposed

person to such rudeness and insult as would upon a general

which have been obliged to give Your Grace, and some information. About two years ago I recommended to Your Grace the appointment of William Smith Esq: to that Office, and took that care at that time, that Your Grace should be informed of his character. I then obtained M' Smiths consent to accept that Office, attended with his earnest request, that an application might be made for a provision for M"' Bradley, and his family, without which he signified to me in the strongest terms, that he could not with pleasure accept it. The late event has removed all difficulties on that head, and upon the first notice of M' Bradley's death I immediately appointed Nr Smith to the Office, and ordered it to be notified to him, who waited upon me with his thanks, and an assurance of his faithful discharge of that duty. I immediately ordered His Commission to be made out dureing pleasure, and this day I have put the seal to it, including the Offices of Attourney General and Advocate General which are report, scarce be credited at a distance, of

my

1

friends the trouble of receiving

so connected in point of duty within this province, that they can not well be seperated, or

granted to different persons, and

As

to M''

Smith's Character

Grace: That he was born

in

1

I

am informed

that every Attourney General has exercised both.

beg leave now only to add, to what

England

at

Newport Pagnel

in

I

formerly informed Your

Buck's County

in 1697,

and had

an University Education, and the degree of Master of Arts, was admitted to the Bar here in 1725. wliere he has ever since practised with very great reputation, and an universal good is firmly attached to present happy establishment, and is by far and able person in this province to execute the said Offices. Wherefore I must intreat your Grace, that he may obtain His Maj''''' own appointm' of him for the said Office with the like salary of ^150. sterling yearly, as the late M'' Bradley and

Character, and in his principles the most

fit,

others his predecessors Attourneys General of this province usually had. I

think

proper to remark to Your Grace that

it

M'' Piiiilipse,

second Judge of the supreme

Court, having died three days before the beginning of the last Court in July, there was an absolute necessity of forthwitii appointing another. the vacancy, a CJentleman

who

thought of John Chambers Esq:

I

to

fill

has practised the law here above twenty five years, witii a

good reputation, and a large estate, and a person, the most aggreable to the whole province, as he has always behaved with moderation, never countenancing any faction.

Upon my

offer of the Office

to

him, he declined

behaviour, with such strong reasons, as convinced of the Office to him in that manner, and

any of

my

successors, or the

tenure in the

office.

I

Vol. Vr.

New York Duke

it

unless

it

were granted dureing good

of the necessity and fitness of granting

have not the least reason

to believe that either

General will have any cause to wish he had a

to

I

be with the greatest respect

Your Grace's most obedient and most humble servant (signed) G.Clinton.

of Bedford.

93

or

less

Lord Duke

31" August: 1751 His Grace the

I

in

have the honour

My Fort George in

people

me

— NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

738

Governor Clinton

New-York Papers, Bnndle

[

My

to the

Lwds li.,

No.

of Trade.

9. ]

Lords,

drawn up by M' Golden, I have had information Oswego, that a considerable body of French and Indians had passed by that place, in order to drive ail the English Traders among the Indians away, and By the same to detter all the Indian Nations from having any commerce with the English. account I am informed, that the French are building a Vessel of Force on Cadaraghqui Lake. Since

I

received the State of Indian affairs

from the commanding Officer

at

Indians who gave the information, say, that they saw the Cannon which are to be put on Board that Vessel. If the French go on in this manner without obstruction, or any thing done on our part, to secure us and the Indians in friendship with us, the French in a little time must obtain an absolute influence over all the Indian Nations on the Continent; and a vessel of such Force, as this is said to be, will be sufficient to disposess us of Oswego. Of what consequence this may, in time be of to the safety, as well as to the British Commerce among the Indians, Your LordPP' will easily perceive, and how much the Indian

The

affairs

deserve your attention.

Without directions and instructions of a

my

from any hitherto given, no Gov',

different nature

power to do what is requisite for preserving the fidelity of the Indians, and securing commerce among them, and therefore 1 hope your Lord^P' will excuse my recommending of this matter to your Lord^P' consideration, that some method may be speedily thought on to secure the Colonies against the designs of the French, and which from

in

opinion, has

the papers

I

it

in his

have had the honour I

am

to

send to your LordPP' must appear evident.

with the greatest regard

My

Lords,

Your LordPP' most humble and most obedient servant 1.

G. Clinton.

October 1751.

Hon. Cadtoallader Colden [

to

New-Tork Papers, Bnndle

Governor Clinton. li.,

No.

10.

]

(copy)

The

present state of the Indian

affairs,

with the British and French Colonies

North America, with some observations thereon for securing the Fidelity of the Indians to the Crown of Great Brittain and promoting Trade

in

among them. In obedience to

Your

Excell""^"'

commands,

I

have collected the informations we have received, and French Colonies, and put them in such

relating to the Indian affairs with the English

order, as from thence, their true State, at this time,

may

be put in the clearest

light.

For

this

LONDON DOCUMENTS purpose,

Nations

is

it

necessary to go so far back, as the time

in the expedition,

intended against Canada,

XXX.

:

739

when your Excel^^ engaged

in the

year 1746.

Your

Excell'^y

the Six

no doubt,

in what disposition the Six Nations were then, what influence tlie P'rench had among them, and how the Commiss", at that time, for Indian affairs, in this Province, had (even by their own confession) lost all influence among the Indians. That, at that time, M' Johnson distinguished himself among the Indians by his indefatigable pains among them,

remembers, gained

and by

Ids

compliance with their humours in his dress and conversation with them

;

that

lie

Your Excell'", in perswading them to enter into the War but that it was principally efl^ected by the very large presents pubiickly against the French made to them at that time by your Exceli'^'', and continued thro' M' Johnsons iiands, from time The Commissioners for to time, til! the peace was concluded, and for some time afterwards. Indian Aff"airs having lost all influence on the Indians, Your ExcelK'' found it necessary, to commit the whole conduct of Indian affliirs to M'' Johnson with a Commission of Collonel to command them, and being furnished with larger sums for this service by the Crown with a Colonel's pay for himself, he made a greater figure and gained more influence among the And it is no wonder, Indians, than any person before him (so far as I have learned) ever did. since he had advantages much greater than any one before him ever had. The ascendancy which he had gained over the Indians appeared, by his being able to prevent their sending to

was the

chief instrument, under ;

Canada,

to confirm the

always done,

&

peace and to exchange their prisoners, as before this time they had

your Excell'^

in their trusting entirely to

were detained prisoners

in

they looked on themselves as subject to the

The allowance

for Indian affairs

and the Assembly refusing

for the

recovery of their people,

Canada, by which they gave the French an undoubted from the

much

Crown of Great Brittain. Crown being stopt on the

who

proof, that

conclusion of the peace,

made

to the Commissioners Johnson found himself disabled to carry them on without great prejudice to his private fortune, and if he had gone on in the expensive manner, to which he had accustomed the Indians, might have ruined his fortune. Johnson being discouraged by the want of the necessary supplies, desired his Coll dismission from this service, and at last (without Your Excellency's privity) sent a Belt round all the Nations, whereby he informed them, that he no longer took care of their affairs. This was a very odd step, such as nothing of the kind had ever been done before, & occasioned for Indian affairs in

to grant so

time of peace. Coll

as the usual allowances

:

:

extraordinary speculations

among

the Indians, of which

it is

supposed the French Emissaries

took advantage.

The Commission

had been, for many years past, intrusted with the Dutch Commissioners had joined openly with the Faction in the Assembly, in, opposition to the Administration and the Governour's measures, and they were, on the other hand, remarkably favoured by that Faction in the Representations and remonstrances of liiat

at

Albany; the

House.

Your

for Indian afl^airs

last

They openly

assisted each other in infusing prejudices in the

minds of the Peo|)le

to

Excell'^* administration.

The Commissioners were

influenced by two motives;

first,

by resentment

that authority which tiiey had so long posessed, and this Resentment

being put into the hands of an Pvnglishman, patrimony.

The

whom

first

Dutch look upon

of lis

as Intruders into their

other was the loss the Commissioners thereby sustained

personal Trade, or at least imagined that they did

Albany, go

the

for tiie loss

was increased by

to the

;

for as the Indians,

Commissioners, they thereby gain a preference

when in

in their private

they

come

or

first to

the buying of Furs,

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

740

and likewise make use of the Money allowed them

for Presents to the

them preferably to others. This is evident by the that Commission which otherwise could have no

interest the profit

Indians, to trade with

Traders make

attending

it,

to

be put into

but by the method

here supposed.

most considerable Trader with the Western Indians, and sends more other person does the people of Albany imagined, that his having the conduct of Indian affairs, gave him great advantages, for as he lives near the Mohawk Castle, and near forty miles from Albany, ail the Six Nations and other Indians to the Westward stop at his house and were there supplied, and from that time few or none were seen at Albany. This touched a people, in the most sensible part, who have no other view in life, but that of getting money. When the war broke out, the Contractors for supplying the Garrison of Oswego refused to continue their contract, unless a very considerable allovpance was made for Escortes and other extraordinary expences. Coll Johnson undertook it and supplyed a double Garrison at Oswego, by advancing the money on the faith of the Assembly he advanced money for several other publick expences, by which a very large sum became due to him from the Province. The Faction in the Assembly took a Method in favour of their Friends at Albany, which had been often before practised even with Gov" themselves, to induce them to comply with the humors of an Assembly, to the prejudice of the Prerogative, and tho' in itself the most ungenerous, that can be well imagined, yet had always proved effectual, because no private single Man was able to hold out against it. It was this. The Assembly under various pretences delayed or refused the payment of the sums which Collonel Johnson had advanced for the service of the Govern', sometimes by directing the payment to be made out of funds which they themselves knew to be exhausted, and by the Treasurer (who is the Assembly's Creature) his giving preference to Warrants payable to others, tho' of a posterior date, and by the Assembly's arbitrary cutting of some part of his accounts, tho' they were proved in the manner the Assembly required. This they did without mentioning what articles were dissallow'd, or giving him an opportunity of proving them, or assigning any reason, why they were disallowed; (vide. Minutes of Council at Albany July last & Coll Johnsons memorial to his Excell"^^) By these means near two thousand pounds of money he has advanced, remains still due to him, and this without his charging any thing as a salary or Reward for his services, or any interest for the money, now several years due to him. After such usage, it could not be expected that Coll Johnson would go on in the service of the Govern' by advancing money on the credit of the Assembly for that service, while the Assembly not only refused to grant funds as was usual for those services, but refused to pay what was already due. The Act by which the Garrison at Oswego is supported, by a duty on Rum and Strouds sold to the Indians, is contrived in such manner, that the conscientious fair Trader may be easily Coll

goods

^

:

to

Johnson

is

the

Oswego than any

;

:

;

:

:

^

entangled and brought under over him.

And

difficulties,

while the fraudulent dealer,

the Collectors of those duties have

it

in their

may gain

power

great advantages

to favour their

Friends

and distress those they dislike. The Collectors have been so far favour'd by the Faction in -the Assembly, that tho' they have for several years paid nothing of the produce of those duties as the act directs, into the Treasury, they have never been called to an account for the same.

And

the Six Nations complain heavily, the

must pay so much more

Mohawks

Rum

especially,

who

live

intermixed with the

and Strouds than their neighbours do. There is reason to think, that all the Strouds sent to Canada, are exempted from this duty, whereby the French gain a great advantage over the English fair Trader, for those goods sold planters, that they

for

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

-

XXX.

741

Frenchmen are not subjected to the duty, whereby the French are enabled to sell the goods which they buy at Albany cheaper to the Indians, than the English can do at Oswego. But the greatest discouragement, in the management of the Indian Affairs, is by the Indians' being constantly cheated by them with what they deal. This is a mischief that has been long complained of, and unless some Law were passed for the preventing of it, I know not to

how

it

must

can be remedied

fee a

Justice, at

Law now

for as the

;

stands, an Indian before he can obtain redress

Lawyer, must take out a writ, fill a declaration, and at last wait twelve months for two or three hundred miles distance, sometimes five hundred from his habitation,

and without one farthing to support him, or to defray the charges of the suit, and then, his is not admitted in any of our Courts, nor the evidence of any other Indian. Can

evidence

who are treated in this manner be supposed to be under the protection of the King of Great Brittain, or can they be supposed to be treated like friends, or like rational or human creatures? it is but too obvious what the consequences of this treatment must be. As the Govern' have no funds for giving salaries to those who have the care of the Indian these people

they are generally left to the discression of the Traders with the Indians, who pretend without reward, and as they are divided into one set who trade to Canada and another trade at Oswego, or directly with the Indians, these two sets are influencing the Indians

Affairs, to act

who

in opposition to

each other,

in

order to defeat the measures which the other takes.

The

several Colonies likewise have different and seperate interests which they severally regard

more, than the

common

Thus

interest of the whole.

endeavouring to draw the Mohawks

to

settle

the Massachusetts

on their frontiers

Bay

for their

are at this time

security,

and the

people of Pennsylvania are endeavouring to draw them to the Frontiers of Pennsylvania, and

none of them will unite in furnishing a common stock The Assembly, since the year 1740, have neglected expence attending the Management of the Indian

sum

and that only

for presents to the Indians,

dissatisfaction the Indians

of the peace.

But

whole.

for the wellfare of the

to give the usual

affairs,

till

annual supplies for the

this last year,

when

they gave a

after the repeated accounts received of the

had expressed, of their being totally neglected, since the conclusion

surely, no great matters can be expected, from

or ten days time, at such Interviews with the Gov"",

when

what can be done

in eight

at all other times they are neglected.

Thus it appears, that the Govern' of New York was entirely disabled from taking the usual or any care of the Indian affairs from the conclusion of the peace, to the spring in the year 1751. by the Assembly's refusing to grant the usual supplies for that service, and by their distressing Coll: Johnson, with whom those affairs were intrusted. The Gov in the conduct of Indian affairs is under a double disadvantage. The Assembly will grant no supplies for the usual expi-nce of

of the Fraction be appointed, an'' leave of absence,

Colony"

my Enemies

— This

can have proceeded only from the gross

who

(and no Gov''

has continued so long in America, as

Thom.\3 Hay, Lord Yiseoimt Dupplin, eldest son of George Henry, 7lh Earl of KinDoul, of Scotland, and 1st Baron

He was

England, was born

4tli

November, 1746,

Commissioner of Trade and Plantations, which

a

July, 1710.

of the Treasur}'; in 1735 he

of

appointed, in 1741, one of the Commissioners of the Revenue, in Ireland; and in office

he held until 1754, when he became one of the Loids

was appointed Joint Paj-master, with Lord Darlington.

In 1767, he was ofl'ered the office of

Chancellor of the E.\cheqiier, which he declined.

Lord Dupplin represented the town of Cambridge,

and in June, 1768, succeeded to his f .ther's title. issue, on the 28th of December, 1787. Ed.

His Lordship,

—

Hay

I

who was

in several

parliaments;

brother to the Archbishop of York, died without

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX.

763

my

confidence in a person, and

have done, ever avoided creating Enemies) that

placed

T

who

designed to leave the Administration in his hands,

obnoxious

to the people, that

This

Ihera.

is

of so bad a character, and so

of a piece with the other calumnies industriously insinuated to his Maj'-"

Ministers, in such general forms, that no direct

Had any

negative.

is

they could not, with patience, have bore his being placed over

answer can be given

them but a bare

to

particular instances been given of this Persons misconduct, the truth of

the charge against me, in placing any trust or confidence in him, could have been cleared up,

Gentleman has as fair a character as any Enemies have alleged any particular facts to his prejudice, it can not be doubted, that they gladly would have done it, and as no such Facts (to my knowledge) are alledged, it must be thought to proceed from their inability to set forth such facts, not to their want of inclination to do it. But as to that particular of the danger of the peace of the Province, in case of his having the administration, I can now, I think give It has been publickly known in every part of the province for several months a full answer. but as

at present stands, I can only aver, that this

it

other person in the Province.

past, that

and has

I

it

Could

designed to leave the Administration in the hands of the President of the Council,

been the subject of discourse every where.

appeared, but the contrary, and this

to

is

Nothing

like dissatisfaction thereon has

none can have the assurance

so notorious, that I think

Country, whatever they

to say otherwise in this I pressed

my

may

dare to say at a distance.

thought, would be highly for His Majesty's service in this Province, as all the artifices of the Faction who, I suspected may some leading Men in the Assembly, and who, thereby, might difficulties, which perhaps I could not foresee or guard against;

defeat

my

letters

true that

which

I

wrote to your

much misaprehended. My Lords, I am still

it is

[

effectually

have an influence over

still

I

had nothing more

Lordi'P' or the Secretary of State,

of opinion, that

at so great a distance

would

it

under view in

lay the Administration

been drawn from them, of any danger of the peace of the province,

America,

It is

have the doing this previously approved of by His Maj'^ as a matter, that

in

and

my

if

in

any opinion has I have been

absence,

of the greatest consequence to His Maj's" service in

from the immediate inspection of his Ministers, for the

secflrity

and peace of the Colonies, for securing the British Trade in the Colonies, and for preventing its being carried into Holland and other foreign Ports, to discourage as much as possible any attempt of an ambitious or Bold person to make himself, by popular artifices, necessary to the Administration,

when he

thinks himself thereby, able to obstruct any measure however useful

or necessary, unless he be taken into the Administration, on

manner think proper insolent attempts,

to prescribe

and

I

;

1

have, as

humbly presume

that assistance, which, with submission

I

that I

I

thought

it

what terms he

my

should have done

conceived

I

shall in

an insolent

duty, endeavoured to crush such

had reason

it

had

effectually,

I

received

The preventing

to expect.

of such like daring and insolent attempts appear to me, to be of such consequence to the Royal authority, the ease of every Gov"' for the future and for preserving the peace of the Province,

that

I

am

persuaded

it

will

deserve your

Lord"" most serious attention

hope, that notwitstanding of any misrepresentations or misapprehensions,

His

Maj'5" approbation of

my

I

conduct on this head, and in hopes of this

patience, the unusual hardships and difficulties

which

I

am

be with the greatest respect

My

Lords. Your Lord"" ettc.

laid under.

I

;

and

I

humbly

shall at last receive 1

shall bear,

with

have the honour to

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

764

Governor Clinton [

New- York

Lords of Trade.

to the

Papers, Bundle

li.,

No.

83. ]

New

My

York

4.

October 1752.

Lords,

have the honour of your LordP'" commands of the S'"* June last, and I shall, so far as in power punctually obey them. But 1 must beg leave to observe to your LordPi", that I have yearly, for this five years past, humbly represented to your Lord^P' and to the Secretary of State, the incroachments which the Assemblys of this province have made on the Royal prerogative, and of their persisting in their disregard of the King's instructions; by which means I am disabled to observe them, without having received any directions on the repeated representations, which I have made on the following heads. I

my

By

his Maj"'"'

publick

money

By

Council. the

money

Commission, as well as Instructions to his Governours of this province, all be issued by warrant from the Gov', with the advice and consent of the

is to

every Act granting

money

to the

King, for several years past, great part of

issued without such warrant, and sometimes by warrant of the Speaker of the

is

Assembly only. By this means the Assembly or rather a Faction in that house, have it in their power to reward those who support these incroachments on the King's prerogative; His Maj'^' servants are discouraged by their having their Salaries curtailed, and the payment of the money, which they have advanced for His Maj''"'^ service refused, without assigning any reason for such Johnson's case). At the same time the tools of the Faction, have large refusal, (see Coil sums allowed them, and these allowances made without suffering either the Gov' or the Council to examine into the accounts of these pretended services, on which the money is to be issued, (for proof of this see the minutes of Assemb^ of the IS. day of November, and the address of the Assembly near the close of last sessions, and the Councills address in answer to it). :

The Assembly

allows nothing of late for the contingent services of the Govern', by which

the service frequently suffers, while at the large

sums

or Council

same time the Treasurer has been known

to

advance

and a few of the Members, without the concurrence of either Gov' he will always do, while he looks on himself not as the King's Officer but

to the speaker, ;

and

this

the Assembly's.

appointment

for a

This has been the case ever since the year 1715. when they had the Treasurer allowed them, notwithstanding that the King had a receiver

General of his Revenues

with a Salary

for that

in this

province by appointment under the great Seal of Great Brittain,

purpose; since this concession, they have continually incroached, more

and more, on the Kings prerogative, and continually assumed

more and more

power

to themselves.

The Assembly

take upon themselves the sole power

of rewarding

salaries,

under pretence of their being part of money

Bills, (see the

all

services,

and of

amend such allowances

appointing salaries, and they will not allow the Council to alter or

or

Acts for support of Govern'

and for payment of the salaries and contingent charges of Govern'), by reason whereof they gain an undue influence over all the officers, and weaken the authority of the Gov' and Council over them.

And

as the Salaries are only appointed for

removal of every all offices,

officer,

so that no

man

one year, and

to cease at the death or

they, thereby likewise, gain an undue influence in the Nomination to is

willing to accept of an office,

who

is

unwilling to court and depend

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXX.

705

on the favour of a Faction in the Assembly, however he be otherwise qualified and zealous in the King's service.

Tho' the Assembly dare not deny the King's authority over the Militia, yet an opinion is among the people, that the powers of the militia can only be put in execution by

inculcated

far,

that no penalty can be incurred by disobedience without an

for that purpose.

Acts in former times were annually passed to lay penalties

authority of the assembly, so act of

Assembly

certain

in

brought

cases,

in,

till

within this four years; since which

tho often pressed by

me;

time no Militia Bill has been

a general disobedience has since that time ensued, and

Your LordPP' no doubt will consider, how far it is proper Kings power over the Militia, to depend on the pleasure of an Assembly. The Assembly put the publick gunpowder into an officers hands, of their own nomination, without the Gov' having it in his power to command the least part of it on any emergency appearances of a Militia ceased.

all

to suffer the

whatsoever, except in case of an actual invasion.

has been sold, so that

now

this

Since the peace,

all

the publick

gunpowder

Govern' has not one pound of publick gunpowder on any

emergency, and

tho' I laid his Maj'^' instruction for a continual supply of the publick Magazines with Gunpowder, they would pay no regard to that instruction. They keep up, a perpetual distinction, between the Kings money and the Colonies money,

between the King's warlike Colonies It is

officers;

stores,

and the Colonies, and between the Kings

your Lord^P' will consider

needless for

me

to observe to

how

far

such distinction

is

Officers

and the

to be allowed.

your Lord^^S what must be the consequences of these

incroachments, and to which state the executive powers of Govern* are reduced.

I

have again

and again pressed the observance of the directions of the King's commission and instructions I have refused for some time, my own support, unless it were granted in the passing of Laws. conformable to refusal of

his Maj'^' instructions,

but

all

any support, otherwise than upon

to

their

no purpose, the Assembly persisted

own

terms.

It

had no other

effect,

in their

than

still

further to distress the Administration, and to raise popular clamours, of a neglect of the publick service,

which they said thereby issued.

now

I

am

persuaded

it

is

not in the power of any Gov',

Assemblys after more power; remedy must come from a more powerful authority than any in America. But as the Faction in this province consists chiefly in Merchants, and would subside if it were not supported by them, it is necessary on this occasion, to inform your LordPP', with the state of Trade in this Province, and of the entire disregard of the Laws of Trade. While the Assembly is directed by Merchants, who find their private advantage in the breach of these Laws, they must of consequence do all they can to weaken the Administration, by which these Laws are to be put in execution, and what can be more effectual, than to make the Officers sensible, that the only way for them to prosper, or to be rewarded, is by a neglect in their duty, and that they must suffer by a performance of it. These attempts extend from a Judge to a Constable, and from a Ciov' to a Tide waiter. It is not easy to imagine, to what an enormous bight this transgression of the Laws of Trade goes in North America; if the exportation of Tea at this time be compared whith what it was some years since, from tiie Books of the Custom house in London; what I say will in a great measure become evident. as things

stand, to put a stop to these perpetual graspings in

the

The

consu[ni]ption of

Tea

in tiie

Northern Colonies increases

will be found that the exportations from

the great consumption of

gunpowder

in the daily use of fire arms,

Great Brittain, cannot

to

and yet

in it

London decrease

to a great

degree yearly, yet

it

]t is

not easy to concieve

the populous Northern Colonies,

where every Man is gunpowder from

of late.

will be found, that the exportation of

any degree answer such an expence.

—

:

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

766

I mention these two articles, because they may be easily inquired into, but they are far from comprehending the whole of this illicit Trade. Perhaps it may be found that Holland and

Hamburgh

receive

more

benefit from the

does after the expence that Great Brittain

Your LordPP' may conceive, how Trade, when few in the Province

Trade is

at

little it is in

to the Northern Colonies, than Great Brittain

when

their support

is

deducted.

power of a Governour, to prevent this illicit assist him so much as in giving your LordP'"

the

are willing to

proper information, from the fears they are under of the resentment of a powerful Faction in Govern', and

the

when they

find so

little

care taken to

protect or

distinguished themselves in support of His Maj"'' authority.

What

I

reward such as have

now

represent deserves

your LordPP' attention, or in a little time none will expose themselves to such resentment. It may deserve your LordPP' consideration, how far any Law in the Plantations can be in force, which is contrary to or inconsistent with the direction of His Majesty's Commission, by

Laws

made in the Govern", immediately subject to the Crown. much on Your LordPP' patience, in repeating what I formerly represented, which from Your LordPP* letter seemed to me necessary to be done. The last paragraph must require time and much consideration to put my thoughts in writing; I shall endeavour to obey your commands as soon as the publick affairs with the Assembly shall be

the authority of which I

have

over,

at this

who

all

are

time transgressed

meet the 23.

are to

I

inst

am

with the greatest respect

My

Lords,

Your LordPP* most obedient and humble servant. G. Clinton.

Governw Clinton [

to the

New-York Papers, Bundls

Lords of Trade. li.,

No.

39. ]

New York

My

24. October 1752.

Lords,

New York is become vacant by the death of Warren to which place I beg leave to recommend William Smith Esq'' to Your LordPP'. M' Smith is a Gentleman of University education and who has practiced the Law here near thirty years with great reputation and the only Lawyer that would or did consent to prosecute As

a place in the Council of this Province of

Sir Peter

M' Oliver Delancey, brother of the chief Justice here for his enormous scurillity against me ab' three years ago with which I acquainted your LordPP' and now take this opportunity of transmitting a copy of the information against him.

Upon

the death of the late Attorney General here

convinced he was by far the most heartily

recommended him

for

fit

his

I

and able person Maj»>'"'

appointed M' Smith in this province to

approbation to

pre-engaged to a Gent" in England,^ by which M' Smith to '

'WniiAM Kkmfe^

arrived in

Esq.,

New York

was appointed Attorney-General

in

it

but

my

it

in his place

fill

seems the place was

great concern

is

like to be

England on the 2l8t November, 1761. Commissions,

with hia family on the 4th November, 1762.

New -York

Gazelte.

being

that place, and

31.

He

LONDON DOCUMENTS disappointed of that place, the' he has executed

and reputation without 1

am

which

I

just

:

XXX.

ever since

it

767

my appointment

with great honour

an}' salary.

come from meeting

the

Assembly of

do myself the honour to inclose and

My

am

Province, and making them

this

my

speech

with great respect,

Lords,

Your LordPP' most obedient and most humble servant, G. Clinton.

Memorial of

the

Hon. Lewis Morris [

To

Kew-Tork

the Right Honourable the Lords

The memorial

Papers, Bundle

Commiss"

II.,

for

to the No.

Lords of Trade.

45. ]

Trade and Plantations.

New York

of Lewis Morris Esq: of the Prov" of

in

America.

Sheweth.

That the Assemblys of the Province of

New

York, during the Administrations of Gov'

Hunter, and Gov'' Burnet, made frequent attempts of the publick

to get into their

money, and the appointment of the Salarys

the Govern'; but those

Gov"

to

own hands

the disposition

be paid to the several Officers of

steadily opposed their several attempts.

That in the year 1729. soon after the Administration of the Govern' came into the hands of M' Montgomerie, the assembly resumed their attempt, and having some private assurances from the Gov% that he would comply with their Resolves for that purpose, they took upon themselves by vote of their own house, to ascertain the salaries of all the officers of the Govern', giving to some more, to others less, than had (for a long time before) been agreed upon and allowed by the

GoV

and Council.

That your Memorialist being then of his Maj'^" Council for the said province, and thinking the Assemblys attempt to dispose of the publick money a dangerous attack upon the prerogative of the Crown, and destructive of their just depeudance, opposed the same to the utmost of his power, and not only used many arguments with the Gov', but protested in Council against complying with the Assembly's resolves; and therein shewed, that yeildiug up to them that Point, was contrary to his Majestys Patent and Instructions, and in effect giving up the whole Govern' into their hands. Notwithstanding which the said Gov' complyed with the resolves of the Assembly, by drawing the Salary warrants agreable thereto, suspended your Memorialist from his seat

in

the said Council, and

by a

partial Representation of the

Matter

LordPP' Board, had the suspension confirmed, and Pliillip van Courtland Esq', a inclinable to give up the Rights of the

Crown

Your

to

Man more

a|)poiuted in his stead.

Your Memorialist begs leave to observe to your Lord'''", that the giving up that point by the Removal of Your Memorialist, has been the cause of most of the disputes that have since happened in that Province, and of the present weakness of His Maj'^' Govern' here the ;

Assemblys having from that time disposed of

all

publick

money without

controul, and

nltf>roil

:

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

768 or taken

away

the officer's salaries, as they thought

fit,

and thereby rendered them entirely

dependant on themselves.

Your Memorialist need not point out to Your LordPP' the dangerous tendency of such a power in the hands of an Assembly, the ill uses they have already made of it, or how inconsistent the same is with his Maj'^' Patent and Instructions and the Just dependance of that Province on the Crown. But Humbly prays that as he was removed from the said Council for no other reason, than acting according to the best of his judgement in support of the prerogative of the Crown, against the unconstitutional Incroachments of an Assembly that he may now be restored to his Rank in the said Council, there being a vacancy made by the death of Sir Peter Warren. Lewis Morris by Rob' H Morris. New York 1752. ;

:

Lords of Trade [New-York

To

May

their Excellencies the

please

it

We

Your

to the

Lords

Justices.

Entries, O., p. 13.]

Lords Justices

E-xcellencies

have had under Our Consideration the annexed Memorial presented unto Us on the

M"' Peter Wraxall of the Province of New York in America, complaining that the Hon"* George Clinton Esquire His Majesty's Governor there, has refused to admit him to the Office of Town Clerk, Clerk of the Peace and Clerk of the Common Please in the County and City of Albany in the said Province to which he was appointed by his Majesty's Commission bearing date the 15 Nov"" 1750 and having been attended by M"" Calcraft agent for the Memorialist, and by M' Catherwood Agent for M"" Clinton, and heard what they had

behalf of

1o otfer in behalf of their respective Constituents:

We

beg leave humbly

to represent to

your Excellencies.

That

it

does appear to Us upon the papers laid before us by

Allegations of the said Memorial, that his Majesty did by a

support of the

M'' Calcraft in

Commission bearing date the 29 of

February 172J appoint Philip Livingston Esquire to be Town Clerk, Clerk of the Peace and Clerk of the Common Pleas in the County and City of Albany in the Province of New York

and

to

be Secretary or Agent for the Government of

New York

to the Indians

;

His Majesty's

Subjects in those Parts during His Majesty's Pleasure; That upon the death of the said Philip

Livingston

Which

M"'

Wraxall alledges to have happened on the 21" of August 1750, M'

Clinton did without His Majesty's consent or directions therein grant a Patent under the Seal

New York bearing Town Clerk, Clerk of

of

Albany

date the 25 of Sept' 1750, to M'

the Peace and Clerk of the

in the said Province during

good behaviour

Harme Gansevoert

Common

appointing him

Pleas for the County and City of

That upon M' Wraxalls application

Majesty's said Governor immediately after his arrival in

New

to his

York, to be admitted to the said

which he had been appointed by His Majesty's Commission, the Governor acquainted him that the same was in possession of another person under a Commission from him and refered him to the Decision of the Law.

Office to

LONDON DOCUMENTS Tn

answer

did upon

to these facts

death of

tiie

M-"

and allegations

is

it

Livingston appoint

XXX.

:

admitted by M"'

769

W Catlierwood that the Governor

Harme Gansevoert

to

the Office of

Town

Clerk of the Peace and Clerk of the Common Pleas in the County and City of Albany in the Province of New York, which he said he apprehended he had a right to do by his Commission and Instructions. At the same time M' Catherwood laid before us the copy of a Clerii,

from M'' Wraxall to M'' Clinton with a copy of M"^ Clintons answer thereunto wiiich we have likewise annexed; And as M"' Clinton in his letter to M"' Wraxall mentions that he had pursuant to the Charter of the City of Albany, granted his Majesty's Letters Patents under the letter

Seal of that Province for those Offices to

annexed a copy of those clauses transmitted to us by

appointment of the

IVP

M"'

Gansevoert at Albany

in the said Charter,

which

We

have likewise hereunto and which were

relate to this point

Wraxall from which

Town

Clerk

is

it will appear to your Excellency's that the reserved to the Governor only in defect of an appointment

by the Crown. Several other Facts have been laid before us relative to the manner

has been carried on but

we have

in which this transaction not taken Notice of them to your Excellencies because the

evidence upon which they are founded require in matters of this nature and

is

not attended with

all

that Authenticity

which we

Clinton has not been heard upon those particulars Upon the whole however we are of opinion that M' Clinton by taking upon him to grant a Commission under the Seal of New York for the holding the said Office of Town Clerk, Clerk M''

Comtnon Pleas in the County and City of Albany during good behaviour which before had always been held under immediate Commission from the Crown during pleasure and the appointment to which by the Charter of Albany reserved to the of the Peace, and Clerk of the

Governor only

in failure of

appointed by

his

an appointment by the Crown, and by refusing to admit the person

Majesty's Commission to the

Exercise of that Office has exceeded his Authority and Acted in a manner inconsistent with his duty to the Crown. We would therefore humbly submit to your Excellencies whether it will not be adviseable that in support of his Majesty's Authority and in Justice to

Clintons conduct in this

affiiir

M"'

Wraxall, His Majesty's disapprobation of M' him and that he should be directed

should be signified to

forthwith to revoke the said Commission granted by him to M' Gansevoerth for the Office of Town Clerk, Clerk of the Peace and Clerk of the Common Pleas for the County and City of Albany and to put the said Peter Wraxall into the

full

enjoyment and possession thereof

Terms and Directions of His Majesty's Commission And if M"" Clinton should continue disobedient to His Majesty's Commands We humbly apprehend that it may become necessary that orders should be sent to His Majesty's Attorney General of the Province of New York to take proper methods for setting a side the Commission granted to M'' Conformable

to the

Gansevoert by due course of law. All

which

is

most humbly Submitted

Whitehall

DuxK Halifax Dupplin

Nov

Fran

:

7.

Vol.

1752.

VL

97

:

Fane

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

770

Lords of Trade [

To

the

Hon''''^

George Clinton Esq

New-York

:

Governor Clinton.

to

Entries, O., p. 25.

Governor of

New

]

York.

Sir

Herewith inclosed, We send You the Copy of a letter which has been delivered to Us by Your Agent M' Catherwood as a letter from you and altho' as it is not signed, We are hardly justified by Rule of Office in taking any notice of it Yet as it is of so extraordinary a Tenor, We thought it Our duty not to delay giving you shortly Our sentiments upon it; tho' we are concerned for the inconveniences which have arisen from your receiving His Majesty's orders to remain in your Government at the time you was upon the point of leaving it, and for the danger to which you say your health may be exposed the next Winter Season, yet considerations of a private nature must give

the publick good

All his

Maj*'''"

way

to

measures that are thought necessary

measures are founded

in a

due attention

to

for

the peace and

Welfare of his subjects and nothing can be more unbecoming Your Character than to suggest you do in your letter, that those which regard so important a Province as that under your

as

Government have proceeded from the Calumnies and Misrepresentations of your enemies

No

complaint of M" Coldens conduct has been made to Us, nor has his Character been drawn into question, and yet it may be improper all circumstances considered that the Administration of

Government in your Province should at this time devolve upon him ; for notwithstanding what you say that no dissatisfaction did appear upon it being known that you intended to put the Government into his hands yet it cannot be supposed that the Party which you have often suggested to have so strenuously opposed and defeated your measures would more quietly submit to and acquiesce in the Government of one invested only with a temporary Authority especially as the person whom you represent to be the head of that party must be set aside to make way for him It is to be apprehended that such a Measure must rather inflame than quiet the opposition you say you have met with and instead of restoring the Authority of the

Crown would

in all probability lay the

greater confusion; for these reasons

Majesty's

Service, that

you should remain

appointed some person from heartily farewell

Foundation of further encroachments and introduce

we must adhere

hence

to take

in

the

to

Our opinion

Province

that

untill

it is

his

still

necessary for his

Majesty shall have

upon him the Government.

So we bid you

and are

Your very loving

friends

and humble Servants

Dunk Halifax Whitehall

Nov

:

29. 1752.

Dupplin James Oswald

LONDON DOCUMENTS Lords of Trade [

To

the Right Hon'''^

Henry Fox

New-York

Esq'"'

to

XXXI.

:

771

Secretary Fox.

Entries, O., p. 80.

]

His Majesty's Secretary

at

War.

Sir

M' John Catherwood Secretary

New

to the Hon''''^

George Clinton Esq: His Majesty's Governor of

York, having lately presented to us a memorial on belialf of the said Governor, relating

Governor of Oswego in that Province which happen'd in and representing the impossibility of M' Clintons bringing to Justice the Ringleaders and offenders whom he has in Custody for want of a field Ofiicer to preside and a

to a Meeting and Desertion of the

January

last,

sufficient

number

having

pursuance of the said Governors orders

in

of other officers to form a generall Court Marshall and setting forth

proceedings of a Court of enquiry held thereupon, You had referr'd him to Us; the said Memorial into our immediate Consideration and

it

tliat

you together with the

laid this affair before

We

have taken

appears to us to be of the utmost

importance to His Majesty's Service and to the Security of the said Province that the persons concern'd in this mutiny should be brought to Justice as speedily as possible to obviate the difficulty

may

be directed

to

under which

where there are think necessary

War

may

as a

means

whom

he hath in custody together

necessary in the tryal to Halifax in Nova Scotia

sufficient

number

of other Officers to try them according

And

that such orders as

Hopson His Majesty's Gov:

also sent to Col:

And

has occurred to us that M' Clinton

it

punishing mutiny and desertion.

for

may be

maybe

and a

field Officers

end that the said Prisoners

We

Clinton labours

send the Ringleaders and other offenders

with such persons whose evidence to the Articles of

M"'

be brought to a legal tryal as soon as

of

may

Nova

you

shall

Scotia to the

be after their arrival

you a copy of the said Memorial and of the proceedings of the Court of enquiry and desire you will lay the same before the King for his Majesty's directions thereupon to the end that the means we have suggested for bringing the at Halifax.

therefore beg leave to inclose to

said mutineers to Justice or such other as

may

be carried into Execution.

We

may appear

to

His Majesty to be more adviseable

are Sir

Your most Obed' humble Servants

Dunk Halifax T. Grenville James Oswald Fran: Fane

Whitehall

Jan:

11.

1753

Secretary [

Fox

New-York

to the

Lords of Trade.

Papers, Bundle

II.,

No.

47.

]

War

My

Upon being honoured with your M"'

Office. 3. Feb'" 1753.

Lords,

Catherwood's Memorial

in

Lord''?' letter of the ll"" of last month inclosing a copy of behalf of Gov'' Clinton, and the proceedings of the Court

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

772

of Enquiry, relating to a Mutiny and desertion in and from the Garrison of

province of

New

Oswego

in

the

your desire that the Mutiniers and other offenders, with such

Yorli, with

Nova by a General

persons whose evidence might be necessary on the Tryal, should be sent to Halifax in Scotia; and doubts having arisen, whether the said offenders could be legally tried

Court Martial

York;

I

in the province of

Nova

committed in the province of New being of opinion: " that the offenders

Scotia, for offences

referred the case to the Attorney General,

who

may be sent with the witnesses from New York to Halifax to take their Tryal there, before a " general Court Martial, constituted according to the Act agamst Mutiny and desertion, by special

"

" warrant from His Majesty"

—

I

am

to desire

your LordP?^

will be pleased to give the

necessary

orders to Gov'' Clinton to send the Offenders with the witnesses to Halifax.

am

I

at the

same time

to

acquaint your LordfP^ that

I

take care to send, by the

will

first

shipping to Nova Scotia, the proper directions to Gov' Hopson to receive the said offenders and

Witnesses, with his

Maj''"'

special warrant authorizing the appointing a General Court Martial

Tryal and punishment of the offenders.

for the

I

am

with the greatest respect

— My Lords,

your LordPP' most obedient and

most humble servant H. Fox.

Lords of Trade [New-York

To

the Right Hon'''"

Henry Fox Esq

:

to

Secretary Fox.

Entries, 0., p. 85.]

His Majesty's Secretary

at

War.

Sir

Upon

considering your letter to Us, dated the 13 of February last desiring

the necessary Orders to M'' Clinton Governor of

New York

to

We

would give

send the Mutineers^at Oswego with

the Witnesses against them to Halifax, in order that they might take their tryals there, a

has arisen in what manner the expence attending the passage of these people to and

difficulty

from Halifax

We

is

to be

defrayed

make the necessary Provision recommend it to them in the

could wish that the Assembly there might be induced to

for this

expence and

strongest

shall

give directions to M' Clinton to

manner but we have reason

to believe that in the present disposition of the

they will not be prevailed upon to grant any money for this Service

beg the favour that you M''

will be pleased to inform

us

what

directions

Assembly

And therefore we must it may be proper to give

Clinton in case the Assembly shall refuse to comply with his recommendation

We

are Sir

Whitehall

Jan: 31. 1753.

Your most obedient and humble Servants Dunk Halifax Ja: Grenville Dupplin

LONDON DOCUMENTS Fox

Secretary

to the

[ New-York

My I

XXXI.

773

Lords of Trade.

Papers, Bundle

li. ]

Lords,

am

honoured with your Lord^P'

may

direct""

at

:

New

be informed what

letter of the 16"" instant, desiring to

be necessary for your

to give Govern" Clinton, in case the

Lord'''''

York, should not be prevailed upon

by him

Assembly

expence of transporting the

to defray tiie

Mutineers, with the witnesses against them to and from Halifax, in order to their being tryed there

and am

;

to acquaint

Your LordPPS

that as the prisoners and witnesses are, as

defrayd by the corps they belong to; Gov'' Clinton should therefore, order the Captains to defray the said contingent expences; but occasion be thought too great for

agent to apply to this Captains,

office for

them

suppose,

to bear, the

take care that such excess shall be

I will

I

think, be directed to

tho',

if,

Assembly decline

it,

it

should, upon this

upon

his directing his

such part of the expence as shall be thought too great for the

I

am

made good.

with the greatest Respect

Your

Lordi'P'

— My Lords

most obedient and most

humble 21.

I

King's pay, as soldiers, the contingent expences, such, as the passage by sea, are usually

in the

servant.

March 1753.

Opinion of

the

H. Fox.

Lords of Trade on

the

Boundaries between New- Yorh and

New

Jersey.

[Journal, 61.]

Opinion of the Board upon the Questions of Boundaries between N. Y.

Thursday June

At a Meeting

of His Majesty's Commissioners for

— The Right Hon:

Present

New

New York The Act of

New The

of

New

to the following opinion

Oswald. in

the Province of

Question

is

An Act

and resolutions thereupon

passed by the Governor, Council

&

&

viz'

Assembly of the Province

Jersey.

general object of

Jersey and

New

it is

as

&

Line of Partition and Division between the Provinces

upon this Act are of two sorts, viz' upon which it is founded, & such as Circumstances which accompany it.

relate

Transactions

to run the

York.

The Considerations which Such

M""

Jersey in 1745 for running the Line of Partition between that Province

and came in

1753.

M"' Pitt

Their Lordships took into Consideration the Act passed

Newjereey New-York

N. J.

Trade and Plantations.

Horatio Walpole

M' Grenville

V"-

&

to

the

arise

principles

relate

to

the

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

774 If the

Act

&

the Regulations prescribed by

with the established Forms of

are consistent

it

if

on the contrary

it

and

Justice,

Constitution in such cases, and can

rendred effectual to answer the proper and legal purposes of

But

upon Principles of

are founded

tlie

be

the Act ought to be confirmed.

it,

should be found unjust, unwarrantable and ineffectual,

it

ought

to

be rejected.

As

to the

an Act of the Province of

first, it is

New

Jersey interested in the determination of

the Limits and in the consequential advantages to arise from

The Province

of

New

establish Boundaries;

it

Jersey in can as

and other Parties concerned

The it

established limits of

distinct

it's

it.

and seperate capacity can neither make nor

form Regulations for deciding Differences between

little

itself

in Interest. its

Jurisdiction and Territory are such as the Grants under

which

claims have assigned. If those

Grants are doubtfull and differences arise either upon the construction or upon

the matter of them.

We

the concurrence of

all

apprehend that there are but two methods of deciding them either by parties concerned in Interest, or

by the regular and

legal

forms of

judicial proceedings.

The

legal

method of proceeding

authority of the

Crown

itself,

We

conceive must

be

derived

from the immediate

and be signified by a commission from His Majesty under the

Great Seal.

The Commission adequate

Powers

of subordinate Oflicers and of derivative

are not competent nor

to such purposes.

To judge

otherwise would be to set up

e.x

parte Determinations

&

incompetent Jurisdictions

in the place of Justice and legal Authority.

the Act of

If

New

Jersey cannot conclude other parties,

Ends proposed. That it would not be seems

that Province

effectual

sensible,

to

it

cannot be effectual

form an absolute decision

whilst

it

endeavours

to

Crown

c"*

answer the

Legislature of

in this case, the

place in the hands of the

Decision of one point relative to this matter and of considerable importance to the

to

it,

Crown

the

which power

not derive from them without their having the power to establish the thing itself

without the assistance of the Crown.

As

We

think the present Act without the Concurrence of other parties concerned in Interest

unwarrantable and ineffectual, the next point

to

be considered

is

what Transactions and

Proceedings have passed towards obtaining such concurrence.

The the

principal Parties interested are the

two Provinces of

New York

and

New

Jersey and

Crown.

The Provinces

are interested with respect to their

Government and Jurisdiction and His

Majesty with respect Sovereignty, Seigneurie and Property.

With regard

to the Transactions

on the part of the Province of

observe, that whatever Agreements have been

New

made formerly between

York,

We

shall

only

the two Provinces for

whatever Acts of Assembly have passed, and whatever Commissions by the respective Governors & Governments, the Proceedings under them have never been perfected, the Work remains unfinished and the Disputes between the two Provinces subsist with as much Contradiction as ever. But what we principally rely upon is, that those Transactions were never properly warranted on the part of the Crown, that the Crown never participated in them, nor could be bound with respect to it's Interests by Proceedings so authorized.

settling their Boundaries,

have been issued

LONDON DOCUMENTS Tlie Interests of the

Crown may be

XXXI.

:

considered in

tliree

Sovereignty respecting mere government, of Seigneurie,

Rents; or of Property, as relative to the

Crown

either the

it.

alledged, that they are not materially atiected

the Immediate

Interests

as

respect Escheats

of

and Quit

takes place in such cases where

last

made any Grants of the Soil, or wliere such Grants have by actual With regard to the former viz' those of Sovereignty it may he

has never

Escheats reverted to

eitiier

lights,

vvhicii

which

soil itself,

775

&

Government

by

the Question, as both Provinces are under

Direction of the Crown, but they stand in a very different light

Quit Rents & Escheats, and we think with respect to them the two Provinces makes a material alteration; for though the Province of New Jersey is not under Regulations either of Propriety or Charter with respect to its government, yet it is a Propriety Province with respect to the Grant and Tenure of it's Territory, and consequently as New York is not in that Predicament, the Determination of the Boundary in prejudice to that Province will affect the Interest of the Crown, with respect to the Tenure of such Lands as are concerned in this Question, it being eveident that whatever Districts are supposed to be immediately held of the Crown in New York by being supposed to be included witli respect to the Interest of

situation of the

in the Limits of the Province of

New

Jersey, will immediately pass to the Proprietors of that

Crown

Province and be held of them, by which means the

And

will be deprived of

it's

Escheats and

what has been said to obviate this ditficuhy, the Crown having made absolute Grants of the whole Territory that can possibly

the Quit Rents pass into other hands; that

come

in

as to

Question under the Determination of the Boundary, and reserved only trifling and it does not seem to us conclusive, since it admits as Interest in the

inconsiderable Quit Rents,

Crown, the greatness or smallness of which

We

Though

of the Question.

merely accidental and does notafTect the Essence

is

cannot help observing that in the case of exorbitant Grants

with inconsiderable Quit Rents and where consequently the

Crown

has been deceived in such Grants by

in virtue of

it's

for

it

for that purpose, a

to

&

Comission issued under such circumstances

Crown

in' no other light than as a mere York we observe the Commission is it does not follow the Directions of the Act of 1717, which declares that the be issued shall be granted under the joint authority of the Governor and

That even with respect

Commission

Right of Property

above mention'd without obtaining a previous direction

line

Crown

can be consider'd with respect to the interests of the questionable, as

reasonably be supposed that

appears to us that Governor Hunter ought not to have issued his

running the

instruction from the

nullity;

may

Seigneurie seems rather to be enlarged than diminished.

This being the Case,

commission

it

Officers, the contingent

its

Province of

to the

New

But as it has been urged that the Crown has since confirmed and approved these Transactions either by previous declarations or by subsequent acquiescence, Council

of that Province;

and consequently participated

in

them

so far as to conclude

We

consider the circumstances urged for that purpose. transacted in such a

by giving consent

manner

to an

as to support such

Act passed

New

in

an Inference.

York

in

1717

debts due from that Colony &c* concluded and bound Proceeditigs had under the

.so

It

for

&

We

shall in the next place

itself

has been urged that the

with respect

to the

The view and

so distinctly formed for the purposes of raising

various and so distinct from any consideration of the Disputes *

ix,

iti

orifcjinal.

— Kd.

Crown

paying and discharging several

Commission issued by Governor Hunter.

that Act appear to us so entire establishing funds

itself.

do not think that any thing has been

subsequent purport of

money and stihsistitig

;

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

776 in the

two Provinces with respect

to the

Boundaries, that

We

cannot conceive a single clause

in

so long and so intricate an Act can be a sufficient Foundation to warrant the Proceedings of

Governor Hunter subsequent

to

it

without a special Authority from the

Crown

for that purpose,

and there is the more reason to be of this opinion as the Crown by giving it's assent to that Act can be construed to have assented only to the levying mony for a future purpose, which purpose could not be effected by any Commission but from itself, and can therefore never be supposed to have thereby approved a commission from another Authority at that time actually issued

&

proceeded upon previous

With respect

to the

to that assent.

Transactions between the Province of

New York

and Connecticut,

alledged to be similar to and urged as a Precedent, and even as an approbation of the Matter

now

in Question,

The Act passed

We

think the two cases materially

&

essentially different from each other.

New

York in 1719 for running and ascertaining the Lines of Partition and Division between this Colony and the Colony of Connecticut recites, that in the year 16S3 the Governor & Council of New York and the Governor and Commissioners of Connecticut did in

Agreement concerning the Boundaries of the two Provinces; That in Agreement Commissioners and Surveyors were appointed on the part of each Colony, who actually did agree, deteimine and ascertain the Lines of Partition, marked out a certain part of them and fixed the Point from whence the remaining parts should be run That the several things agreed on and done by the said Commissioners were ratified by the respective Governors entred on Record in each Colony and in March 1700 approved and confirmed by King William's Order in Council & Letter to His Governor of New York, from which Recital it appears to us, that those Transactio*ns were not only carried on with the Participation but confirmed by the express Act and Authority of the Crown, and that Confirmation made the Foundation of the Act passed by New York for settling the Boundaries between the two Provinces. As to the Argument which has been urged in support of the Act, That the Transactions already pass'd for settling the Boundary have determined the most material parts of it, and in Council conclude an

consequence of

this

and the other

that one point being fixed is

of

little

Consequence

been no Party

&

left to

to those Transactions, that

even by those

who were

in to give it's

Assent to Matters in which

Determinations to

upon

parties to

it's

the

We

of no Difficulty.

Crown

to fix at it's pleasure the

observe in the

first

place that the

has

the Merits and Execution of them are contested

them, that the Crown would by such

Interests,

remainder

Crown

it

a

Method be drawn

has never participated, and to authorize future

under proceedings which

it

may have no

opportunity

examine.

As first

therefore

it

appears to us that the Proceedings in this

affair

affected

by

this

cannot think

it

Ordered that the

in the

be immediately

Act carried on without any proper Participation on the Part of the Crown, adviseable to

recommend

this foregoing Resolution

it

to

His Majesty

4""

of July.

for his

their

We

Approbation.

and Opinion be communicated

respective Provinces, and that the Secretary do desire

Wednesday

were not warranted

Crown may

Instance by proper Autiiority, and as the Interests of the

to the

Attendance

at

Agents

for the

the Board

on

LONDON DOCUMENTS Reverend Sarmiel Johnson [

May

"

to the

XXXI.

:

Archbishop of Canterbury.

Lambeth Palace, No.

American Colonies M. B."

77?

1123,

1.,

No.

W

]

please your Grace

it

This humbly waits upon Your Grace by iVi'' SnUh a very ingenious Young Gentleman, in He is now returning and desires, (as is whose favoryou wrote to M'' Chief Justice De Lanceij. fit) some account of his conduct, since he hath been in these parts, ma}^ be transmitted to Your

—

Grace;

— which

owe

Your Grace, which

to

and religion

the rather very willingly do, as

I

M'

Herbert

— So

— There

is

falls in vrith

which we

a part of that duty

—

world

will then be pleased to give

hither westward fly

it

inform you of the condition of things with regard to the church

to

in these parts of the

Your Grace

call

is

me

leave to inform you.

dog and trace her

sin doth

To

inslanlly."

That " As

church doih

(lie

use the words of good old

scarce anything of note written by the free-thinkers, (as they affect to

themselves) to the detriment of Christianity, but what

is

transmitted hither and propagated

—

As and greedily read and imbibed by many conceited and unthinking people: Truth and Virtue propagate. Error and vice go side by side, and I fear will gain the Ascendant; which makes it extremely melancholy that we cannot be favoured with a good Bishop to assist

among

us,

and go before us

Among of

stemming the

in

torrent.

other pernicious books the Independent

Young gentlemen

of figure in

New

Whigg grows much

York, have of

late set

up

in

vogue, and a notable set

way,

for writers in that

in a

— Several

worthy gentlemen of the Church in that province have of late been embarked in a design of erecting a College as a Seminary ot Upon which the Church, though with a free and generous toleration for other denominations. these Reflectors have been indefatigable in their paper, and by all possible means both public

weekly paper

called the Independant R/jleclor

—

and private, endeavouring hands, and

make

it

by several of these papers

We

to spirit

up the people against

us,

and to wrest

M"'

Smith

out of the Church's

will lay before you.

have several of us been writing

in

the Church's defence against them, and endeavouring,

not without some success to defeat their pernicious schemes.

inform Your Grace

it

a sort of free-thinking or latitudinariau Seminary, as your Grace will see

how much we

are obliged to this

whose behaviour hath been very virtuous hath exerted himself with great zeal

&

— Among

Young gentleman

inoffensive and

industry, and

amiable

others,

I

beg leave

to

for his excellent labours,

and who

respects,

in all

no less good sense

&

discretion in the

Churcii's cause, and hath wrote several things witii very good advantage for promoting that College, and for the

advancement of learning

of a College, a copy of which

in

these parts, and particularly an excellent draught

herewith send Your Grace, by which you will see to

I

how good

purpose he hath spent his time, and with what a benevolent and affectionate public

been consulting the best interest of this Country, though a stranger extremely loth to part with him, as he would make a very excellent Tutor hath

especially in the Belles

may

to

Assembly have taken and are taking with regard to their College him for anything further, & remain, may it please Your Grace

Your Grace's Stratford in

June

New

he

our College

beg leave

to refer

Son most obedient humble Servant (signed)

!)S

I

Mo.st dutiful

&

England

20"' 17-5:1.

Vn... VI.

spirit

— We are

I

steps the

you

in

it.

humbly beg your Grace's influence witii him that he purpose. As he has a Draught which contains the principal

Lettres, and

return again to us for this

in

Samuel Johnson

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

778

Governor Clinton

Lords of Trade.

to the

[New-York

Papers,

li.,

67.]

Flushing upon Long Island y' 30

My

June 1753.

Lords

By

9""

to Liverpool

when

Instant

mending

from

far

bound

a Vessel

dated the

that

I

I

I

find

my

do myself the honor of inclosing a Duplicate of

troubled your Lordships with

my

Health which

myself grow weaker every day and

I

last

is

so

greatly fear the

ill

state of

ill

consequences that may attend my family if any accident should happen to me here for as have been so ill treated by the Faction I have great reason to fear those J leave may meet with worse which makes me more desirous of coming home than otherwise I should and am persuaded that all those who are husbands and Fathers must pity my situation I take this opportunity to acquaint your Lordships what has since passed between me and I

tiie

Indians that came

Assembly I

am

down upon some complaints and

I

immediately took with the

sorry to be further troublesome in regard to some expressions in the votes of Assembly

marked

your Lordsliips perusal by which

for

find

I

provoke

agreable

me

me

a speedy dissolution to rob

to

and likely

to

be exceeding

there are

That the

evidently disposed to embroil the Publick affairs to

the steps

to redress these complaints

beneficial

persuaded the

in

tiie

to

the

Publick and afterwards to lay

when

the whole blame of

raising a popular disgust to secure to themselves a future Election

way

to turn these

house is

of the present measures which are very

disappointment has ensued to take occasion from a Dissolution

upon me and by

some persons

intentions of these Malecontents

mens malice upon themselves

not the least notice of the provocations given or that

may

is

for

me

I

a it

am

at present to take

be given before the conclusion

of the Sessions

Governor Hamilton of the motions of the French and to acquaint the other Governors to the Southward cannot add any more than to assure your Lordships I shall use the best I endeavours in my power for His Majestys Service and safety of the Province whilst I remain in it and beg leave to assure you of the profound Respect with which I am have given the

I

their Indians as

I

earliest notice to

have received

it

and desired him

—

My

Lords

Your Ldps. mo obedient and very humble Serv' G CUNTOM.

Colonel

Johnmn

to

Govei'nor Clinton.

[New- York Papers,

May

it

No. 60.]

please your Excellency

Last night

by

IL,

a great

I

was alarm'd about 12 of the Clock by two Conajoharie Indians accompanied & hollowing in a frightfull manner with the

many Mohawks, who came whooping

LONDON DOCUMENTS

Wampum

me by

XXXI.

:

779

it cnme young men who were hunting near a place called Swegaachey below Cadaraghqui having seen a great number of French and Indians march well equipped for War to said place, which it seems is their Rendezvous dispatched two brisk young men with the news to Onondaga, the rest remain to watch the French's motion, and to see if they pass the Roads leading to their Castles, if so, then they are certain their design must be against the Ohio Indians, Twighteeys &c' and in order to prevent said Nations being surprized by them they beg your Excellency would as soon as possible send them word of the French's being on the way thither, and that by the way of Philadelphia, as it is by much the nearest. But on the other hand should said army turn towards the five Nations, as they from their fears seem to think they may, there will be an

enclosed string of

by

to acquaint

order of the five Nations, from wlience

fresh Posts in less than forty eight hours that

Wampum

some of

their

it and desire our assistance both would instantly inform your Excellency of. Nay so intent they were on it that they would not be satisfied until I wrote this, and dispatched it to Albany by one of my own people on Horseback in their presence, so that I hope your Excellency will excuse any blunders I may have made, and believe me with the

express with a large Belt of of

Men & Ammunition which

sent to acquaint us of

they earnestly desired

I

greatest esteem imaginable

Your Excellencys most obedient Servant W™ Johnson

"

20 April 1753.

P

S.

They judge their number about twelve Hundred, besides the Battoe Men and New York. are a great many officers & young gentlemen by their appearance Ex-" F' Gw Banvar D Secry

Captain Stoddart [

New-York

to

say that there

A

true

copy

Colonel Johnson.

l^apers,

li.,

62.

]

Oswego May

15'"

1753

Yesterday passed by here thirty odd French Canoes, part of an army going to Belle Riviere, to make good their claim there, and by a Frenchman who passed this also yesterday in his way to

Cajocka gives

Canada Viz:

me

common Report in commanded by Mons' Marin,

the following account which he said he learned from

that the

army

consisted of six thousand French

who is ordered to Ohio to settle the Limitts between us and they, that they lay claim on all the Lands on any of the Rivers or creeks descending or terminating in the great Lake; that if he met with any opposition he is to make good his claim by force of Arms and to build Forts in

such places he shall think most convenient to secure their right; that one Fort

built at Ka-sa-no-tia-yo-go (a carrying place)

oblige

all

look upon

and another

at

Diontarogo

;

is

to

be

they are also to

the English they meet with, whether Traders or others to evacuate the place, as they all

we

possess

now

as their

undoubted Right, which they mean

to supi)ort

by force

1

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

780 Arms; That

of

this expedition is tigreeable to orders received

in the winter, that he particularly orders

from the Grand Monarque late

that they molest not this Post at

any Rate

in

consideration of

at

settle

Cape Breton but near where they claim they

are to reduce if not quitted immediately after warning given.

That

tiie

any other post the English

shall

presume

to

approach or

War

by the first Vessells from France, which were not yet him we had as yet no intelligence or probability of a War; He also told me there was about 500 Indians of the Coghnawagees, Scenondidies, Onogonguas, Oroondolis & Ciienundies who would not engage to go to war with the English & on Ohio but are employed at so much P' Month to Hunt for y" army: our five Nations are very uneasy, & many who were the first and principal settlers at Swegatsy are returning to their respective villages and seem to have much the spirit of Resentment in them, that the French should offer, to take possession or settle and build Forts at Ohio, without their consents, as they look upon it as their property, and many of them are now eager to take up the Hatchett and if they were a little spirited and assisted by us would soon with the assistance of their Allies, frustrate the Scheme of the French Politicians, intended settlements which if we tamely suffer, we may bid adieu to all the Indians on the continent as they will be y"' masters of them all, and the consequence will be a continual anoyance and encroachment on our Frontiers as there is no doubt but they will extend their Dominions in America as far as possible, and now seems the very Crisis of time to gain the Indians or for ever lose them If I hear any thing further concerning this army shall not fail to fommunicate it to you at all apportunitys arrived,

,

them

expected a declaration of

&was surprized when

I

told

:

:

B. S.

The preceding Johnson as

a

is

a true copy of a paper sent to his Excellency

copy of a

letter to

him from Capt" Benjamin Stoddart

Gov' Clinton by Coll

Gw

Lieutenant Holland [

to

New-Tork Papers,

W™

— Examined by Banyar

D

Secry

Governor Clinton. II.,

No.

68.

Oswego May

y^ 15"" 1753.

Sir I

begg leave

to

inform your Excellency that yesterday passed this place thirty odd French

Canoes, part of an army consisting of six thousand French, besides 500 Indians, commanded

by Monsieur Marrin designed learn from a French

man who

for the

River Ohio or Belle Riviere, which from what

we

can

stopped here as well as sundry accounts from the Indians, are to

settle the limitts between us and they at Ohio and that they lay claim to all the Lands descending or terminating in the great Lake and that in case of opposition they are to support

Claim by Force of Arms & are to cause all the english whether Traders or others to them parts: that the Commandant is invested with power to build Forts, and garrison them in such places, and in such manner he judges most proper to secure their claim Our five Nations seem very uneasy and much exasperated at this unexpected expedition of the French and say they never will consent the French shall settle or build Forts at Ohio as their

quit

its

their right,

and which they

will

never give over.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XX A Every thing myself with

in this

all

Garrison

is

781

I.

well and as nothing further occurs

— beg leave

to subscribe

due deference Sir

Your Excellency's

mo

dutiful

New York

A

humble

Serv'

Hitchen Holland

True Copy exam'* P'

Gw

Bantar

D

Secry

Conference between Governor Clinton [

New-Tork Papers,

and

the Indians.

li., 68. ]

Fort George

in the City of

New York

12 June 1753.

Minutes

of Meeting between His Excellency the

General

& Commander

Seventeen

Present

—

Mohawk

in

Honble George Clinton Capt° New York &c &c and

Cheif of the Colony of

Indians

Of His Majestys Council James Alexander Mayor of y' City Archibald Kennedy & Edward Holland William Johnson Several Members of the Assembly

&

other Gentlemen Attending

William Printeys Interpreter

Hendrick an Indian Cheif rose up

& made

Peter Wraxall Secry

the following speech addressed to his Excellency

Brother

We

,

to

are

come

wipe away

hither to

all

& make

renew

bright the Covenant Chain of our Forefathers and

Tears from your eyes (here he gave the Gov' a String of

come here with peaceable

Wampum) We

intentions

Brother

We

are

come

Forefathers:

We

remind you of the antient alliance agreed on between our respective were united together by a Covenant Chain and it seems now likely to

to

be broken not from our Faults but yours Brother

You know me very

well, that

I

called our Six Nations together at

have always been a help and support

Albany

the five other nations of Indians have promised and not performed the

proved true

to

you when you have

— By my means every thing has gone

right

&

whilst

Mohawks have always

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

782 Brother

Indian

&

now you know me

said just

I

always been

affairs,

had the

my

very well, and

we Moliawks have when he had the care of

heartaches, because

you, as our brother Col Johnson can Witness

faithful to

War there was no assistance given you but by our Nations, some time longer we would have torn the Frenchmens Hearts out

especially in this last

War

lasted

Brother I

say the indifference and neglect shewn towards us makes our hearts ake, and

your Behaviour

alter

we

to us

Covenant Chain

fear the

if

you dont

broken

will be

Brother

We

dont lay the blame upon yourself, but upon your Council

know you would

&

Assembly

for brother

we

be willing to do your part, but the dont regard us nor strive to take any

care of us

Brother It

know and hear that the Council and Assembly dont take care naked and defenceless, and dont care what becomes of our Nation, You

greives us to the Heart to

of Albany but leave

Peace

sit in

&

it

quietness here whilst

we

are exposed to the

enemy

Brother It is

by your means

that

we

stand every hour in danger, for

fought against the French, and they

and we are forced

to

now

it

was

at

your request that we

dayly stand with a knife over our heads

be upon our guard because nothing

is

as yet settled

to destroy us

between us

Brother

You have put the Hatchett into our hands & we Mohawks have taken and used it against your enemies, and you have never taken the Hatchett out of our hands so that we still have it Brother desired us to keep the Roads amongst our Nations open

You have always

&

clear,

but

we

been a great deal of Damage done amongst our Bretheren at Ohio, both white people and Indians killed Six Englishmen & Fourteen Indians, Showammers & Mehihammers for which reason that Road seems now to be spoiled have heard that

this last spring there has

Brother

We beseech you to consider of some method to bring all things into the State they used to be between your Forefathers & ours for brother you must not imagine we alone are greived, the other Nations are so also, tho'

we Mohawks

are called the

Head

of the 5 Nations.

Brother If

shall

you dont endeavour

know

of

it

and

all

to redress our

Greivances the rest of our Brethren the 5 Nations

Paths will be stopped.

Brother

We

beg you will not be long considering of

immediately or

tell

us at once

you

will

you may perhaps

it,

our Father the King, but that will be too long,

we

do nothing

tell

at all for us

Hendrick then presented the Gov'' with a Belt of

us you will write to

therefore desire you will do

Wampum &

sat

down

some thing

LONDON DOCUMENTS At a Council held

at Fort

George

in the

XXXI.

:

783

City of New York the JS"" day of June 1753

Present — His Excell'^ the Honble Geo Clinton Captain General &c &c M' Holland

M' Alexander M' Kennedy

Col. Johnson

Hendrick and three other Sachims of the Mohawk Nation & Hendrick spoke to His Excellency as follows

lately

come

to this place

were

introduced

Brother

When

our Brethren

have continued

to

tlie

English

came among

first

do so ever since, but

it

us

seems now as

if

we gave and sold them Lands, and we had no Lands left for ourselves

Brother

We

have sold several small Parcels of Land

to our

Brethren and they have taken up a much

We

greater quantity which will appear by the Records

know

our Brother

is

not privy to this

and do's not approve of it, but that it has been done by stealth and Deceit, and we desire our Brother to examine into the Grants of Land to know if there be any such Frauds. We did design to give several Tracts of Land to sundry persons, but whenever we were about to sell a piece of Land to a poor man we were informed the Land was taken by others & that therefore

we

could not dispose of

it

Brother

As to what we have sold we are well satisfied therewith and sensible, but it greives us to have more taken up than we have agreed to sell And there are several people come down with us who have agreed with us for the Land, and if they will do right we will do justice to

we do not love to we may shew

And we desire our brother to let us see the we have sold & what we have not, for sure brother there is no grant given out but that the names of the Persons who bought the Lauds & of the Surveyor & Interpreter are mentioned & by this we shall know who have them

for

Patents that

cheated

Brother.

I

am

selling us liquors

home

left

spot of

going to

&

Brother

you how many persons we design to drive away from our Lands lives just by us and who does us a great deal of Damage by

who

an Indian was stabbed thro' her selling Liquor.

to turn her

We

tell

and by that means making us destroy one another:

off'

Some

We

short time before

her have a little more and more every year, and we desire our brother to give us the Land when we go home.

Land and she takes

an order

when

our brother what Lands

us.

Viz. Barclay, Pichetts wife

we

cheat our Brethren.

let

in

have a complaint against Arent Stevens he bought a Tract of Land of

the Surveyor Hendrick Fry,

Arent Stevens came and

came

to

survey

it

we shewed him how

far to go,

us,

and

and then

told Fry he had employed him and made him go a great deal further and now this last spring there came an other Surveyor JVP Colden to survey the same piece of Land and then Arent Stevens made M'' Colden still go further than Fry went, so that he stole twice from us; And lately tVP Fry surveyed this Land again & had one Indian Chain bearer, and Fry told us he would show us exactly how far we had sold the Land, and then we found

out

how much was

stolen from us

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

784 Brother

have another complaint against Conradt Gunterman who was a very poor man, and who him a Tract of Land out of Charity with which he is not satisfied being two miles, but takes in more which we have not given or sold him, and since

We

we

took amongst us a gave

that he has got a surveyor

so

we

&

surveyed a great quantity of Land which we

intend Brother to take a

the same

Gave a Belt of

little

Rod and whip him, which may

know nothing

of,

deter others from doing

Wampum

Then Hendrick told His Excellency that he had a piece of News came away the French sent a String of Wampum

just before they

to tell him,

which was that

to the six Nations to call

them to Cadaracqui to speak with them and that the said String of Wampum was delived at Onondaga to the Bunt who desired the Messenger to call on his way at the Oniedes to acquaint them with the Intentions of that String of Wampum, & then to give it to Hendrick & Abraham that they might consider of it, for that the Mohawks for sometime past had not gone

Road to the French, and that they imagined the intended them to a Feast and then destroy them A true Copy examined. by Gw Banyar Deputy Clerk of the Council

the

to

do as they had done formerly,

invite

At

A

Council held at Fort George in the City of

Present

— His

New York

the 15'" day of June 1753

Excellency the Honble Geo Clinton Capt" Genii

&

P M

Governor

in

Cheif &c &c

M' Holland

M' Alexander M' Kennedy

Coll Johnson

M' Holland Chairman of the Committee appointed to examine Indians (now in this City) of encroachments made on

Mohawk

into the complaints of the their

Lands by the White

People, and of persons patenting and taking up a greater quantity of Land than they have sold to them. Reported, that the Committee find that all the Lands in the purchase of which the alledge they have been defrauded have been patented many years before His Excellency came into this Government except in the case of Conradt Gunterman, and that the grant to

him contains no more than

the quantity menf" in the

Deed of Purchase, nor more than

—

That the Committee ordered the Indians acknowledge they had given to him Interpreter to attend with Hendrik & another Indian and that Hendrik assigned the following

the said

cases in which they had been defrauded of their Lands to wit " In Livingstons Patent of the Flatts at Conojohary, more Land

was taken up than was

sold

by the Indians " Cnpl" Collins's

Land

at

Conojahary, that the Indians sold the

Low Land

but not the

wood Land " Cornelius Cuylers

Land

at the

little

Carrying place northside of the River, that the

Indians sold the Wood Land but not the Low Land " Peter Wagenaers Land over against Conojahary Castle North side of the River, the Indians

say he was asked

much

if

he would have more Land, to which he said no. but yet has taken up as

again as he [they] sold him

LONDON DOCUMENTS "That

said

Wagenaer bought of

the Indians

XXXI.

:

some Land

785

lying on the South side of the River

below the Castle & has taken up as much more as they sold him " Johannis Lawyers Patent at Stonerabie that the Indians sold

to

Creek, called the Cunstaghrathankre, in English the Creek thet

never dry, and that he has

taken up " That

six miles furtiier

is

him no

further than the

than the Creek

Honnes Clock possesses

&

claims an Island opposite to

Hans Hesse's Land below

the Indian Castle at Conojohary which they never sold to any Person and desire they

have

it

And

may

again

then Hendrik added that these were the cases in which they have been considerably

cheated which were of too great importance to be neglected, and that there are other Instances but being of little consequence they took no notice of them

A

True Copy

Examined by me

Gw

Banyar D,

CI. of the Council

Fort George in the City of

The Minutes of a conference held Clinton Capt General

this

—

N York June 1753

day between His Excellency the Honbie Geo in Cheif of the Colony of New York

& Commander

&c &c and seventeen Mohawk Present

le"-

Indians

Of His Majestys Council James Alexander Edward Holland Archibald Kennedy Mayor of the City William Johnson Paul Richards Esq"= Representative for the City

&

other Gentlemen attending

William Printeys Interpreter

Peter Wraxall Secry

His Excellency opened the Conference by the following Speech to His Excellcy the 12"" Inst'

ia

answer

to

Hendriks

Speech made Brethren I

am

glad to see you here and the

more

so as

you are come with an Intention I give you

brighten the Covenant Chain that hath so long united us together, and of

Wampum

to

wipe away your Tears

(Gave a Siring of

to

renew

this

&

String

Wampum)

Brethren

The Management of your affairs is now put on the same footing as formerly have been appointed some time ago and Provision is now made for them

for

Commissioners

Brethren I

have reason

Hands

to expect that Provision will also

be made to take the Hatchett out of the

of the Six Nations and there will be an interview with

Vol. VI.

99

you

at

Albany

this

summer

for

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

786

&

that purpose and for strengthening

brightening the Covenant Chain that the same

may

remain inviolable as long as the sun and Moon endure Brethren I

have always desired you to keep the Roads between the Nations open and clear and

recommend

still

between us

you, as

to

it

— The

look upon

I

Loss of our Brethren

it

at

I

do

be essential for keeping up an intercourse

to

Ohio gives me a great deal of concern and

1

Governor of Pensilvania on this Occasion and do every thing in my Power to prevent any further mischeif being done to them by the French or their Indians and as often as I receive any intelligence of any attacks intended to be made on you or your Allies by the French or the Indians in their Alliance you may depend on my giving you the earliest shall consult with the

notice of

it

you may be on your guard and as much (Gave a Belt of Wampum)

that

their Designs

as possible prevent the execution of

His Excellency then gave the following answer to the complaints of the concerning their Lands as p'

made

Mohawk

Indians

by Indian Hendrik

to His Excellency in Council the IS"" Inst,

Copy above

The same

persons remaining present as at the foregoing speech

Brethren

You complained

to

me

that

some encroachments have been made upon your Lands by the

white People and that some persons have taken up and Patented a much greater quantity than you have sold them, which complaint reported to me, that the find

I

have

laid before

His Majestys Council who have

the Lands in the purchase of which you say you have been

all

many years before I came into this Government except in the Gunterman It would be impossible by examining (he Grants of Land registered here to find out whether the persons who have purchased them have imposed on you, since there is no doubt the Deeds

defrauded have been patented case of Conradt

of purchase upon which those Grants as well in regard to the quantity as the situation of the

Lands.

1

defrauded,

must therefore as

well

as

refer

such

coniniissioners of Indian affairs

them and

before to

me,

to

in which you say you have been you may hereafter be able to point out to the

the particular Instances

others

who

as

I shall

direct to send for the persons interested to appear

examine the matter thoroughly as possible and

in order that strict justice

may

As Land

to the complaint against

he

entituled to a greater quantity

to

make

a Report thereupon

be done you where you have been injured

Coenradt Gunterman, you acknowledge you gave him a piece of two miles and upon examining the Deed he obtained from some of your people and the Kings Grant to him in consequence of that purchase, it does not appear from thence that is

of

the Quiet possession of so

;

I

much Land

must therefore

may

insist that

you

suffer

him

to

continue in

if as you by no means consent that you turn him off the Lan 1, but that you make the same known to the Commissioners of Indian affairs at Albany, that the necessary orders may be given to redress you neither can I consent that you turn away any of the other persons you complain of from the Lands they claim or possess, but must recommend to you to wait till the several matters can be examined into by the commissioners and in every instance wherein it may appear you have been imposed on I shall use my utmost endeavours that justice may be done you.

alledge

as he

justly claim

he claims more and persists in that claim,

1

can

under that Grant, and

still

LONDON DOCUMENTS now

in a

very different Light from the Draught

and as you seem

to you,

formerly sold, that account

I

to

&

XXXI.

:

Tlie instance you assign of Arent Stevens's taking up

more Land than you had sold appears tiiat Land wliich has heen shewn

Survey of

be convinced no more Land

is

expect you are well satisfied and that

(Gave

a Belt of

787

included in that Draught than you shall hear

I

no more complaints on

Wampum)

Brethren I can not help expressing my satisfaction at your behaviour on the Receipt of the Message accompanied with a String of Wampum from the Governor of Canada inviting you to Cadaracqui to speak with you. The French you know haveever been treacherous to you and you can not be too much on your Guard against them

His Excellency having thus concluded his Reply. Indian Hendrik rose up and spoke as follows Brother

Those persons who came down before us, we have sold & given Lands to and are desirous you will give them Deeds for the same and Brother we desire for the future that you will never Grant any Licences to purchase Lands unless we are present with you Brother If first

any

any Person or Persons whatsoever

shall

come

to

having our consent, should any accident happen satisfaction

measure Lands

in our Parts

we hope you Brother

without

will not expect

from us

Brother

We

dont lay the blame so much on

M''

Golden

as on those persons

who employed him

Brother

We

desire that Jerry

have agreed with him

Klock here present may have a Licence

to purchase the

Land we

for

Brother

We

desire

you

will

promise to comply with our Requests

Hereupon the Governor and Council withdrew

&

being

return'^

His Excellency spoke to the

Indians as follows

Bretheren I will grant a Licence to Peter Schuyler in the usual Form to purchase the Lands which you say you have given him, as you Desire it & as this Land seems to be given him instead of the Land he had obtained a Licence to purchase from you, and as the Land you desire to be granted to Jerry Klock and the other matters you have just now mentioned, they seem of so extraordinary a nature, I can come to no immediate Resolution upon tliem especially as there are so few of the Gentlemen of the Council in Town, and therefore those Matters shall he taken into consideration and an answer given you thereupon at the conference to be lield at '\ Albany this summer

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

788

To

this

Hendrik replyed

Brother

what we have desired

All

ache very

to be

done

for our

Good

not granted which makes our hearts

is

much

Brother

When we came

here to relate our Greivances about our Lands,

thing done for us, and to

we have

be broken, and brotiier you

we

so well,

will not trust to

we

expected to have some

you that the Covenant Chain of our Forefathers was like us that we shall be redressed at Albany, but we know them

told

tell

them,

for they are

no people but Devils, so we rather desire that

you'l say, Nothing shall be done for us

Brother

By & By you'l expect to see the Nations down which you shall not see, for as soon as we come home we will send up a Belt of Wampum to our Brothers the 5 Nations to acquaint them the Covenant Chain is broken between you and us. So brother you are not to expect And we shall no to iiear of me any more, and Brother we desire to hear no more of you. longer acquaint you with any News or affairs as we used to do; and as to Jerry Klock there are people who want to do him some harm but we will not agree to it Brother

We

did not expect

The The of the

when we came from Home away

that

our desires would have no effect

all

Indians then went

foregoing Proceedings between His Excellency Governor Clinton and a Deputation

Mohawk

Indians contained

Eighteen pages are faithfully taken from the Records of

in

Indian Affairs

By me Peter Wraxall Secry and Agent for Indian Affairs

Representation of the Lords of Trade [

To

May

the King's it

please

New- York

Katriea, O. p., 60.

to the

King.

]

most Excellent Majesty

Your Majesty Your Majesty's order

In obedience to

in

Council dated the 6 of last month,

We

have prepared

Draughts of General Instructions and of those which relate to the Acts of Trade and Navigation for Sir Danvers Osborn of Chicksands in the County of Bedford Bar' whom Your Majesty has be pleased to appoint Governor of the Province of

made

alterations from,

George Clinton Esq

:

and additions

New York

to the Instructions

;

in

which Draughts

We

have

given by your Majesty to the Hon**'*

the late Governor of the said Province in the following particulars; Viz'

LONDON DOCUMENTS: Upon tlie

a revisal of the former General Instructions

it

XXXI.

nppear'd

789

tliat

by

a frequent Insertion of

additional Instructions given from time to time to the several successive Governors of

New

York and by not observing a proper method in inserting them, tiie order in which the said General Instructions had been first arranged was alter'd and things wliich had no proper relation to each other so intermixed as to create Confusion and perplexity We have therefore in the present Draught ranged and digested the several Articles in such a manner as that those which relate to the same subject may be found together. We have likewise in many parts of the said Instructions, where the expressions might admit of a doubtful construction endeavoured to make them more explicit; But as a minute detail of such variations as are merely literal seems unnecessary We shall only point out to your Majesty those alterations which have been

made In

in

the subject matter of these Instructions

such parts of these Instructions where the Governor

all

particular

or

We

Government. have inserted

have omitted the words

lieu of

to us bij

one of

Our principal

any

to transmit

directed

is

Accounts of his Proceedings, and of the state of

general

affairs

within his

and

Secretaries of State

them, To Our Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, in order to be laid

before Us, conformable to the directions of that part of your Majesty's Order in Council of

tJie

March 1752 containing regulations with respect to tiie Plantations which relates to the Method of Gov" Correspondence, and we have added a Clause to the last Article of the said Draught of General Instructions, directing the Governor to correspond with the Secretary of State only, whenever any occurrences sliall happen within his Government of such a nature and importance as may require your Majesty's more immediate direction by one of your Principal Secretaries of State, and also upon all occasions and in all affairs whereupon he may receive your Majesty's Orders by one of your Majesty's Principal Secretaries of Slate. In these Instructions we have inserted the Names of 11 Persons all of which have been 11 of

already appointed by Your Majesty to be of your Council in that Province, but it

adviseable to leave out the

name

of Daniel

Horsmanden who

your Maj"' said Council has been suspended from consequence thereof presented a petition is

now

before

Your Majesty

for

in the Article relative to the

to

his seat

we

have thought

since his apointment to be of

by the

your Majesty praying

late

Governor and has

in

to be restored whicli petition

Your Royal determination thereupon

recommendation of persons

to

supply vacancies in the Council,

N° 7 instead of the direction to transmit a list of the names of twelve persons and always to keep that list complete, as this Article formerly stood the Governor is directed as often as any vacancy

happen, to transmit the names of three persons

shall

in

order to be laid before Your

your choice of one of them, which we humbly apprehend to be the more proper method as the Governor may not be able at one time to name twelve persons fit to supply Vacancies in the Council, or his opinion of person by their subsequent Conduct or otlier Majesty

for

Circumstances may be justly altered so as to render them improper to be admitted into the Council when In

the

it

may

Article

Magistrates

and

be their turn to supply Vacancies.

relative Officers,

to

the appointment of Judges Justices of the Peace and other

(N° 10) the Governor

appointments without the consent of

is

former Instructions, the Governors have not

particularly directed

which direction

his Council, to strictly

adhered.

We

not to

make such

tho' plainly implied in ti:e

have likewise omitted

tliat

part of the former Instruction which directs the Governor not to ex|)rt\ss any liniiiation of

time in the Commissions which he to the aforesaid

Offices

is

empowered

which direction appeared

to grant to persons to us to be

whom

lie

may

appoint

inconsistant with the Article

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

790

which next follows in the Instructions which leaves a power Judges and Justices under certain restrictions. ]t

having been represented

in the

Governor of removing Your Majesty

to us that the Instructions relating to appeals to

Council from the Courts in the Plantations were improper

Attorney and Solicitor General,

who

we have

& 27

inserted Articles N" 26

we

referrd

them

to

in

your Majesty's

prepared a Draught of Instructions for that purpose which

We have inserted the words, Or to Warrant under Our Signet or Sign Manual, it in this Province to which persons are appointed

In the Instruction relative to Patent Officers, (N° 29)

which any person

is,

or shall be appointed by

appearing to Us, that there are several Offices

by such Warrant under Vour Majesty's signet and sign manual. In the Article relating to forfieitures and esclieats (I\°54) in order to prevent the disposal of

them

for less

than the real value,

We

have inserted an additional Direction

to the

Governor not

to dispose thereof until he shall have transmitted an account of such Forfeitures and Escheats

and received Your Majesty's Directions thereupon. In the 55 Article which empowers the Governor Majesty by virtue of an Act passed

at

New York

to regrant the

in 169|,

we have

Lands resumed

limitted the

of such lands to be granted to any one person to 1000 instead of 2,000 as Instructions and as most,

if

not

all

Words

The 64 & 65

to

Your

of Acres

stood in the former

of the original Patentees of these resumed lands to wliom

alone as the Instructions stood, such lands could be regranted following

it

Number

may be dead

We

have added the

or to any other persons who shall apply for the same

Articles

which

relate to the preservation of

Your Majesty's Woods

in

America

and to the importation of Naval Stores are founded on several Acts of Parliament passed here

and as they have been approved by Your Majesty in the Instructions given Benning Wentworth Esq: Your Majesty's Governour of New Hampshire in the year 1741. We have inserted them instead of the former Instructions on those heads We have omitted that Article of the former Instructions which directs the Governor to get a law passed for the punishment of mutiny and desertion which appears to us to be highly improper as the Act of Parliament passed here for punishing Mutiny & Desertion extends to

for those purposes,

to

the Plantations.

We

have also omitted several other Articles of the former Instructions relative

regulation and return of able and sutBuient Jurors to the

Bounds of Parishes

to the

to the

removal of

New York and Albany to the building a fort in the Onondage encouragement of the Royal African Company the purposes for which those Instructions were calculated having either been long since carried into execution or the causes on which they were founded having ceased and determined Besides the foregoing alterations we have added the Articles N°' 39, 46, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 & 61. The 39 Article recites the several encroachments which have of late years been made upon your Majesty's Authority and Prorogative in this Province with regard to the methods of obstructions in the Trade of

County and

to

the

raising and disposing of

;

all

publick

mony

for

the support of

Government

as set forth in

Our

Representation to the Lords of Your iMajesty's Council dated the 2 of April 1751, and as

it

appears to us that the only method of restoring the peace and tranquility of the Province

which has been greatly disturbed by such proceedings and of preventing the like encroachments for the future must be by having a permanent and fixed Revenue for the support of Government This Instruction admitts the Governor to use his best endeavours to obtain such an Establishment

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI. The 46

whereby

Article

the

Governor

is

forbidden to give

791 assent to any Acts for

liis

imposing any duty's on the importation of Negroes from Africa or felons from

and the 67 and 68 relative

to the

this

Kingdom

Surveyors General of Your Majesty's Customs in the several

Colonies within their respective districts are to the same effect as those Instructions on the like

which have been approved by your Majesty and given

subjects

Leeward

Several exorbitant Grants of Lands having been formerly

Majestys Province which adjoins

and upon

to

your Governor of the

Islands.

trifling

New

to

made within

Your

that part of

Jersey without any proper condition of cultivation

and inconsiderable Quit Rents by which your Majesty's Revenue has been

We have inserted the 56 Article directing the Governor to enquire into the state of these Grants, and to take all injured and the settling and improving the Province greatly obstructed

lawful

methods

for

vacating them

and that your Majesty may be informed of the state of

grants in General within the said Province and of your revenue of Quit Rents and likewise

all

to prevent the like evil practice of making exorbitant unconditional Grants of Lands, We have added the 57, 58, 59, 60 and 61 Articles directing the Governor to enquire into the state of all grants of lands, and of your Majesty's Revenue of Quit Rents and prescribing regulations for

further

his

direction

in

granting of lands,

with respect to

all

which points the former

Instructions were either totally silent or very defective.

In the Instructions relative to the Acts concerning trade and Navigation the titles of

many laws which were

omitted

when

the former Instructions

Clinton and have added such as have been passed since;

and made such alterations

for the

more

We

We

have inserted

where given

effectually preventing frauds in the Plantation

as are conformable to a Representation of the

to

M'

have added the 6 and 7 Articles

Bonds

Commissioners of Your Majestys Customs

in the

year 1737.

We

have also added the 22 Article containing directions

effectual execution of the

Act passed

in

to the said

Governor

for the

more

the 21 year of your Majesty's Reign for encouraging

the making of Indico in the Plantations in America All

which

is

most humbly submitted

Dunk Halifax Charles Townshend James Oswald

Whitehall July 5 .1753

Order in Council respecting

the

Commission for Sir Danvers Osborne,

[New-York Papers,

At

li.,

the Court at Kensington the IG"" day of July 1753

Pkesent

—

The Kings most Excellent Maty

in

Council

Board a Report from the Lords Commissioners for Trade & by the saiil Lords Comm", Sir Danvers Osborne Baronet to be Capt" General & Governor in Q,\\k of His Matys

Upon reading

this

day

at the

Plantations, together with the draught of a Commission' prepared for

Baroixet.

No. 70.]

.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

792

—

New York

And it appearing and the Territorys depending tiiereon, in America Draught of a Commission is drawn in the usual Form His Majesty was pleased with the advice of His Privy Council, to approve thereof, and to order as it is hereby ordered, That the Right Honorable the Earl of Holdernesse one of His Majestys principal Secretarys of State do cause a Warrant to be prepared for His Majestys Royal Signature, in order to pass a commission under the Great Seal of Great Britain agreeable to the said draught which is hereto annexed Province of

that the said

A

true

Copy Sharpe

W

JiC'port

of Attorney and Solicitor Generals on Appointment of Chief Justice Delancey. [

New-Tork

Papers, Vol.

li.,

No.

69.

]

Case

M' Clinton, Great Seal "

the late Governor of

to constitute

New

York, was empowered by Letters Patent under the

and appoint judges and

" and Terminer, Justices of the Peace and

otiier

in cases requisite

Commissioners of Oyer

necessary officers and Ministers in

tlie

said

" Province for the better Administration of Justice and putting the Laws in Execution By the SO"" Article of his Instructions he was directed " not to displace any of the Judges, " Justices, Sheriffs or other Officers or Ministers within the said Province of

" good

&

sufficient

New York,

without

cause to be signified to the King and to his Commissioners for Trade and

"Plantations; and in order to prevent arbitrary Removals of Judges and justices of the Peace, he was further directed by the same Instruction not to expect any Limitation of

Time

Commissions which he should grant with the advice and consent of the Council of the said Province to persons fit for those employments Some time after M"' CHntons arrival in his Government he gave a commission under the Seal of New York to James Delancey Esq''* to be Cheif Justice during his good Behaviour, which office had before that time been usually held during pleasure Query Had M'' Clinton any Power to grant such commission during good behaviour, contrary to what had been practised in former cases? Query Can the Crown legally revoke the said Commission? if it can what will be the proper manner of doing it? in the

We think the Governor should not have granted this in a manner different But as the Power given by the Commission is general We apprehend the point of Law & can not be revoked without misbehavior

To Both Querys from the usage. Grant

is

good

in

D Ryder 25 July 1753.

W

Murray

LONDON DOCUMENTS

,

Lords of Trade [

To

My

the Right

New- York

Entries, O. P., 29".

One

793

Earl of Holder nesse.

to the

Earl of Holdernesse

Hou''''^

XXXI.

:

]

of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State.

Lord

In obedience to his Majesty's

Draught of Instructions appoint Governor of

for Sir

New York

which we have omitted nothing which appeared to us to be in the execution of his important Commission except only what relates to the encroachments whicli have been made

necessary for his guidance entrusted to his care,

commands We have prepared and laid before his Majesty a Dnnvers Osborn Bar' whom His Majesty has been pleased to in

and direction

by the French upon His Majesty's just rights within this Province and more particularly that Crown Point, of which matter we did not think it expedient to take any notice in the

at

it may be considered as an object of the Negotiation now carrying on between the two Crowns with respect to the disputed Points in America The Nature Strength and Situation of this Important Post, and the fatal consequences which must inevitably follow from the French being suffered to remain in possession of it, are so well known to your

General Instructions as

Lordships that

upon

it

But

it is

We

unnecessary for us to trouble Your Lordships with any further observations to your LordP whether it may not be advisable when a New Governor

submit

has been appointed by his Majesty for this Province that he should receive some instructions

with respect

to a point of so great

importance and which so essentially affects His Majesty's

rights and interests and the future peace and security not only of the Province of

but also of

all

New

York

His Majesty's other Colonys upon the Continent of America

We

are

My

Lord

Your Lordships most obedient and most humble Servants

Dunk Halifax Whitehall

J.

Aug:

Andrew Stone

9.

1753.

Grenville

Order in Council on Sir Danvers Osborne^s Instrvctions. [

At the Court

at

Present

New-Tork

Papers,

li.,

No.

71.

]

Kensington the 10 August 1753.

—

The Kings most Excellent Maty

in

Council

Upon reading this day at the Board a Ileport from the Right Honorable the Lords of the Committee of Council for Plantation affairs dated the 26"' of last month upon considering the Draughts of General Instructions as also of those whirh relate to the Acts of Trade and Vol. \\.

lOU

NEW- YORK COLOXLIL iLVNUSCRIPTS.

794

Navigation prepared by the Lords

Commrs

Trade and Plantations pursuant to his Majestys Danvers Osborne Baronet, Governor of the Province of New York By which Report it appears that in these Draughts of Instructions the said Lords Commissioners have made some alterations from and Additions to the Instructions given by His Majesty to the Honble George Clinton Esq'* the late Governor of the said Province, particularly with regard to the encroachments made of late years by the different Branches of the Legislature upon His Majestys Prerogative; and the Lords of the Committee being of opinion, that the same are not only proper but necessary to be made His Majesty was thereupon pleased, with the advice of His Council to approve of the said Draught of Instructions together with the additions and alterations made therein and to order as it is hereby ordered That the Right Honble the Earl of Holdernesse one of His Majestys principal Secretarys of State do cause the said Draughts of Instructions (which are hereunto annexed to be prepared for His Majestys Royal Signature Order

in

6""

Council of the

of June

for

last, for

Sir

—

A

Haii-I

of Holdernesse GoTre

[

to the

true

Copy Sharpe

W

Governors in America.

& Comdra in So America.

( 5,

P. O-

)

Xo.

T-4. ]

Whitehall. 2S. August

17-53.

Sir,

His Miijesty having received Information of the March of a considerable number of Indians not

in alliance

with the King, supported by some regular European Troops, intending as

apprehended, to commit some

have the King's commands diligence, to learn,

that you may, at

how

all

to

hostilities

send you

far the

it

on parts of his Majesty's dominions in America,

this intelligence,

and to direct you

same may be well grounded, and

to put

to use

is

I

your utmost

you upon your guard,

events, be in a condition to resist any hostile attempts that

may

be

made

Dominions within your Government and to direct you in the King's Name, that in case the subjects of any Foreign Prince or State, should presume to make any incroacliment on the limits of His Maj'^' dominions, or to erect Forts on His Majesty's Land, or comit any other act of hostility, you are immediately, to represent the injustice of such proceeding, and to require them forthwith to desist from any such unlawful undertaking; but if notwithstanding your requisition, they should still persist, you are then to draw forth upon any

parts of His Majesty's

;

armed Force of the Province, and to use your best endeavours, to repell force by force. But as it is His Majesty's determination not to be the agressor, I have the King's commands, most strictly to enjoin you, not to make use of the armed force under your direction, excepting within the undoubted limits of his Majesty's dominions. And whereas it may be greatly conducive to His Majesty's service, that all his Provinces in America should be aiding and assisting each other, in case of any invasion, I have it particularly in charge from his Majesty, to acquaint you, that it is his Royal will and pleasure, that you should keep up an exact correspondence with all His Majesty's Governors on the Continent; and in case you shall be informed by any of them, of any hostile attempts, you are immediately

the

LONDON DOCUMENTS: to asseml)le the j^eneral

assembly

\vitliin

XXXI.

795

your Government, and lay before tliem, the necessity

of a mutual assistance, and engage them to grant such supplies as the exigency of affairs require.

—

I

have wrote by

this

conveyance

to all his Majesty's

Gov" am I

may

same purpose.

to the ettc.

HOT.TIKRNKSSE

Journal of Conrad

Wd.ser\'i

Visit to the

Mohawhs.

"Journal of Conrad Weiser to the Mohocks' Country:

"July 24th, 1753.

— Set

out from

my House

Berks County

in

Heidleberg

the

Governor and received

in

— arrived

in Pliiladelphia.

"

On

— Waited on — Set out with the Stage Boat

the twenty-sixth.

" 2Sth.

" August

Sammy

1st.

liis

— Arrived

in

New York

with one Henry Vanden

Ham

Honour

for

early in the Morning, being taken

to Flusiiing

and deliver Governor Hamilton's Letter to him. they

left

the Letter with his

" Aug' 4th. 7th.

— At

my

Instruction.

Bordentown.

Lady and returned

on Long Island

to

ill

sent

my Son

wait on Governor Clinton

Governor Clinton being gone

to the I'lains,

the next Day.

— Went on Board an Albany Sloop, one Jacob Shanshack Commander. — next Day, the morning, delivered Governor

Five o'clock arrived in Albany

Hamilton's Letter

to the

Mayor, Mr. Sanders,

in

who thought

proper to

call

the Commissioners

of Indian Affairs to meet at four o'clock in the Afternoon, to concert Measures to bring back

Canada belonging to Pennsylvania, taken in January last on the Waters of Ohio, the said Prisoners having wrote several Letters praying his Assistance for their Relief, which Letters Mr. Sanders gave me to peruse. " Accordingly at four o'clock the Commissioners met at the House of one Lottridge, and a French Indian Squaw was sent for, who had one of the Prisoners, to wit, Jabez Evans, in her Family, given to her instead of Degarihogon, her Son or Relation, who died two years ago. " The Indian Woman's Name was Susanna, Wife of one 'Thanyuchta. She being a noted Woman, and none of the Indians of that Country being in Albany but young Lads, She being asked how it came that those poor People were taken Prisoners in time of Peace, she made Answer that some of the Caghnawaga Warriors went to fight the Oyadackuchraono, and happened to meet some of them at some distance from their Country, accompanied by these White Men, who when they saw that the Caghnawagas would or had a mind to kill or take the poor Prisoners from

made Resistance, and wounded one of their Men with Arm, upon which they resolved to take the White People as well as the Indians, and brought them away to Canada, leaving their Horses and Things upon the Spot; and when they came to Canada they presented the said Prisoners to the GovernorGeneral, and told him how things happened, and that the Governor made Answer he would have nothing to do with those Prisoners, upon which they, the Indians, took them to their Towns, and three of them were given to an Indian living in Caghnawaga, one to the Indians at Canassategy, and two were imprisoned at Quebec, for what Reason She did not know. the Oyadackuchraono, they the English a

Musquet Ball

in his

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

79G "

The Commissioners

told

the

Woman

that they had received several Letters from these

poor Prisoners praying for Relief (this very

Woman

had brought one from Jabez Evans), and

were taken in time of Peace they desired that they might be brought back again That the Commissioners would make reasonable Satisfaction to those that had them in their Houses and had used them kindly if they would bring them over. The Commissioners sent a Belt of Wampum (which I did provide) to the Chief Men of Caghnawaga, called Anuchrakechty, to require his good office for the Release of these Prisoners, which the Woman undertook as they

;

faithfully to deliver; she

a Piece of Eight to l)uy

being a very intelligible

some Bread

Woman

I

desired Mr. Sanders to give her

her Return, which She received very thankfully.

for

I

was thought fit that my Name should not be mentioned for fear that the Expectation of the Indians would rise too high; but the Woman asked me where I lived, because I could talk their Language so well, she wondered tliat I was never heard of. I told her I lived at Shohary and travelled up and down among the Indians, and so forth. By Way of Discourse she informed that the Conduct of those Indians that brougiit the English Prisoners was not approved of at Caghnawaga, and that the Rest of the Indians were angry at those that took them, and in their Drunkenness would call them old women and Breakers of the Peace, and that it was a Shame to take People that had not served the Commissioners as Interpreter, because

offended and in time of Peace, that

it

it

appeared plain to the Indians that those Prisoners had

done no Harm.

— Set out from Albany with a Schnechtady Waggon the Mohock's Country. — Staid Schnechtady, being a rainy day — met Henry Peters, the Chief of the

" August 9th. " 10th.

for

at

INIohocks (he that

it

made

so

much Noise

at

New York), in his way to Stockbridge, at whom I went to visit and had some

of Arrant Stevens the Provincial Interpreter,

the

House

Talk with

him about Indian Affairs. " August 11th. Hired a Man and Two Horses to carry me to the Mohock's^Country, where I arrived the same Day and was kindly received by Col. Johnson.

—

" 12th.

— Abraham

Canusta, another Chief of Canajohary, arrived

We

in

his

way

to

Albany.

went together to the Mohock's Castle to attend the Publick Worship with the Indians. I gave them an Invitation to come and see me at Col. Johnson's met some more of the Chiefs to have some talk together about the News now stirring abroad every where. " 13th. With a String of Wampum, I delivered my Message to the Chiefs of the Mohocks, to wit: Seth Degarihogan, Kanadakayon, Konadochary, and Kellian, in the Presence of Col. Johnson. After about an Hour's time they made answer (Kanadakayon Speaker) that they were in the same Condition and laboured under the same Difficulties with their Brethren that all what they could say was of Hearsay, though from good Authority, and the English that they believed it was too true, to wit that the French passed Oswego with a very numerous Army of Men well armed and some great Guns, and gave it to understand to the Six Nations that they intend to take Possession of their Lands at Ohio, which Land they said did belong to them from old Times, and that they would build Strong Houses at the Carrying Places, Jonasky a Carrying Place, Attoniat the Middle of the Carrying Place, and at Ohio, where they take Water, and at Logstown, and so take Possession quite down till they met the French coming from below, and that they would give Warning once or twice to the English Traders on Ohio to remove if they did it was well, otherwise they would strike them. The same they would do to the Shawonese to remove or kill them. As to all the Rest of the Indians they would not meddle with them if they behaved well and sat still; otherwise, if they disputed

—

—

;

:

;

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXXI.

:

797

would appear to be offended with what the French was would make use of their Arms that they made use of from the Beginning of times, that they still knew how to use them against the Indians as well as in former times, and feared nothing. the Frencli's Riglit to the Land, and

now

a-doing, they the French

" That upon

the Senecas sent a Message to their Brother Col. Johnson to ask how long and what was the Intention of the French. They thought the Coll. must know, and begged earnestly to be informed how things were. That the Coll. sent three Belts

they had to

tliis

live,

Wampum

them know that it was that what he often had told them, that if they did Guard and would now suffer the French to take Possession of Ohio or build Strong Houses any where upon the Six Nations' Land, it would be over with the Six Nations, and their Union would signify nothing more. That they must now stand up and shew that they are a People of Note, or lose all, &"• This Message was to go to Canayichagy, of

to let

not stand upon their

as well as through the Six Nations, but the Senecas stopped let the

"

Canayiahagons know that they must

They

desired that this

my

sit still,

it,

and sent their own Message

to

notwithstandinng the French's Expedition.

Message might be delivered

to

the Six Nations at Onondago,

and further Kanadakyon said not. "

and

Had some Hours' Talk with is

the before-named

Abraham, an

old Acquaintance of mine,

looked upon to be the most sincere Indian of that Nation.

Discourse that the Six Nations were afraid of the French, because divided and the French Alliance

among

Time

of the last

War.

told

me by Way

of

the Indians being so

the Indians so strong, that the Six Nations could not

prevent the French in their Undertakings. Indians in the

He

They

That

That

the English had lost

altho' the English their

Ground among the

Brethren shou'd supply

them with Araunition and cloathing, they could not resist the French without a numerous Body of English Men that would and could fight. That the French were now about taking Possession of Ohio against the Will of the Six Nations, but they could not

was

resist.

That he

well assured that as soon as the French had Possession of Ohio and built Strong Houses

there, they

would send

their Indian Allies against the Southern Indians in

English; to wit, the Catawbas, Cherokees, Cawidas, for Peace,

&'^'>'

to force

them the

League with the

said Indians to sue

and to acknowledge Onontio for their Father, and so make himself Master of

all

the Indians and their Lands. " I was told the same by Kanadakayon, another Chief of the Mohocks. " Coll. Johnson shewed me his Commission and Instruction, which he had from the Governor of New York under the Broad Seal of that Government. I judged thereby that he did not

want my Company, because he never asked me to go with him, or proceed on my Journey. I had told him before that I had set out from Philadelphia to go to Onondago by Governor Hamilton's Order, but as he had such a Commission (having been informed by the Way) I tiiought my Journey to Onondago would be needless. He said he left it to me, but I perceived some Coolness in him as to my going; I thought it was best not to proceed any further at tiiis time, but to return. "

The

Coll. has

my

been very kind to me, and entertained

Stay, and

was open and

me and my Son

very handsomely

me to change now and then a Letter with him, and whenever I came to the Mohocks Country to make his House my Home, and offered to do all the Service to the Province of Pennsylvania and myself during

free in all

Discourses to me, and would have

that he possibly could in Indians Affairs. '•

August 14th.

— Took my Leave of Col. Johnson and arrived

in

Scluiecktedy.

NEW-YOEK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

798

—

" 15tli. Arrived in Albany, where I was informed that a Letter from his Excellency Governor Clinton to me was sent Yesterday to Schnecktedy after me by one Thomas Orman, who happened to be the same Person that brought me just then to Albany in his Waggon he was called to an account for it immediately, he said that the Letter must be in his Coat Pocket, which he left at home; lie promised to bring it to Albany the next Day early in the morning; I told him I would not pay him till he brought the Letter, but he did not bring it, it was ;

judged that he "

lost

it.

— Albany, arrived New York on the twenty-third the Night. Council, know whether Governor Clinton y4th. — Waited on Edward Holland, one of

" ISth.

in

I left

in

the

was expected

who

Purpose,

in

He

Town.

told

me

to

know. I went to wait on Mr. Kennedy for the same was very ill, and he, Mr. Kennedy, would go to him, and would inform his Excellency of my Return from the did not

that his Excellency

Flushing to-morrow to see

Mohowk's Country, and that he would be back again the same day. " 25th. I waited on him again in the Evening, but Mr. Kennedy

—

told

me

that

all

the Horses

and Chairs over the River were employed and that he could get none, which prevented his going to Flushing. " 2Gth. Being Sunday. " 27th. I went to Flushing, on

— —

Long Island, seventeen Miles from New York, to wait on he happened to be from home but came in by one o'Clock. 1 paid him Governor Clinton my Compliments at his Door he called me in and asked me how far I had been, and signified I to me that it was a wrong Step in me to proceed to Albany before I had his Directions.

—

—

asked Pardon and told him did

not disapprove so

my

much

Reason of

my

why

I

His Excellency said

proceeded.

Proceeding as of

my

it

was

well, he

Son's not staying for an Answer.

my not proceeding to New York next Wednesday,

His Excellency seemed well enough pleased with ray Return, and of Oiiondago, and was pleased to

tell

me

that he intended to be in

and would then have me to wait on him and take a Letter to Governor Hamilton, and so dismissed me, but would have me stay and eat a Bit of Victuals first, and ordered his Attendance accordingly to get it for me and my Companion. After Dinner I left Fiusiiing and

New York

arrived in

" Aug'"

30tli.

29tii.

the

same Evening.

— His Excellency arrived

— By seven o'Clock a

in

New York

in the Evening.

Packet of Letters directed

to

Governor Hamilton was sent

to

my

Lodging by one of Governor Clinton's Attendance, who told my Landlord (I being gone to take a Walk and to inform myself if Governor Clinton came to Town last night) that his Excellency Governor Clinton wished me a good Journey to Pennsylvania, and desired to mention his Compliments to Governor Hamilton and deliver that Packet of Letters to him. I

being not altogether pleased with this Message, went about nine o'Clock to the Governor's

in the Fort, and one Mr. Askue went up to tell the Governor that I wanted to see him and take my leave of him. Mr. Askue came down again and told me that the Governor sent his Compliments to me and wished me a good Journey to Philadelphia, and desired I would

House

mention

his

Compliments

to

Governor Hamilton.

I

o'clock and arrived in Philadelphia on the second

left

New York

Day

the

same Day by Twelve

of September by Seven o'clock in

the Morning. "

"Dated

in

Philadelphia the 2d September, 1753.

Conrad Weiser,

Interpreter.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI. " P. S

— Before

799

Albany I desired the Favour of Mr. Ogilvie the English Minister, an if Governor Clinton's Letter to me directed should be sent back to Albany from Schnechtendy or the Mohawk's Country, to send it after me to New York or Philadelphia, which Mr. Ogilvie accordingly did, and it was delivered to my iSoa by Mr. Alexander Golden, Deputy Post Master in New York." I left

Acquaintance of mine, that

Lords of Trade [

To

the Right

Hoa'''""

to the

Earl of Holdernesse.

New-Tork EnUies,

the Earl of Holdernesse

0. P., 811.

One

]

of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries

of State.

My

Lord,

We of

Hon'''" George Clinton Esq: His Majesty's late Governor minutes of the proceedings between him and a deputation of the Mohawks

have lately received from the

New York some

Indians one of the Six Nations at the City of

New York

in

June

last,

upon occasion of several

Complaints made by the said Indians. It

appears from these

satisfactory

minutes, that the answers given

and that the Indians went away

hastily

to

these

complaints were

not

from the Conference expressing great

resentment and declaring they considered the alliance and friendship between them and the Province of New York to be disolved

As this affair appears to us to be of a very serious nature and may be attended with very bad consequences at this conjuncture, We think it our duty to lay before your Lordship the inclosed copy of the said minutes together with the copy of a letter we have sent to S'" Danvers Osborn upon

The

this Occasion.

is to recommend to Sir Danvers Osborn to hold an interview with the Indians of the Six Nations as soon as possible and as it has been usual upon former occasions when an interview has been held with the Indians for the other Neighbouring

chief object of this letter

Governments whose security and interest depends upon and is connected with them to send Commissioners to such interview, we have written to the Governors of such Provinces as are immediately interested

recommend

in

the preservation of the friendship of the Indians directing

Assembly's

to the

to be parties to this

to

make

them

interview

We

are

My

Lord

Your Lordships Most obedient

&''

most humble Servants

Dunk Halifax Whitehall Sept: IS. 1753.

to

provision for sending Commissioner to assist in and

J.

Grenville Dupplin

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

300

Lords of Trade

To

Sir

Sir Danvers Osborne.

to

Xew-Tork

[

Entries, 0. P., 301.

New

Danvers Osborne Bart: Governor of

]

York.

Sir

A few days after you sailed from Portsmouth, We received a letter from M' Clinton enclosing Minutes of the Proceedings between him and a Deputation of the Mohawk Indians at Fort George

You

City of

in the

will without

this affair the

June

in

with the Journals of the Assembly then sitting

last,

;

and tho' from the confidence

we

concern your Government,

we have

are perswaded

necessary and prudent measure to obviate the affair

to

Yet we think

no

it

you upon

it,

When we

consider of

is to all

York

informed of the particular circumstances of

fully

resentment e.xpress'd by the Indians and the abrupt and hasty manner

they went away

may

New York

doubt upon your arrival be

less

Our duty

and of pointing out

how

when we

which

will not

have

have taken every

failed to

Consequences which might attend

tliis

embrace the first opportunity of writing our sentiments you what appears to us necessary to be done.

to

to

great consequence the friendship and alliance of the Six Nations

His Majesty's Colonies and Plantations

in particular

you

fatal

in

of your vigilant attention to whatsoever

America

in

in

General as well as to

consider that this friendship and alliance

is

New

only to be gain'd and

preserved by making presents to them at proper times and upon proper occasions and by an inviolable observance of

which have

lately

our engagements with them and

all

greatly concern'd and surprized that the Province of to the general interest of

His Majesty's subjects

recollect the attempts

manner

in

given to the Indians and at

New York

We

cannot but be

should have been so inattentive

own particular we are still more

America, as well as to their

in

security as to have given occasion to the Complaints

surprized at the

when we

been made to withdraw them from the British interest

made by

the Indians but

which these complaints were received the dissatisfactory answers tiieir being suffered to depart (tho' the Assembly was then sitting)

without any measures taken to bring them to temper, or to redress their Complaints.

This being the light in which we see this affair we think it for his Majesty's Service that you should take the very first opportunity of representing to the Council and Assembly in the strongest

manner of how great importance

it

is

to the

Province of

New York

to preserve

the friendship and affections of the Indians and the fatal consequences which must inevitably follow from a neglect of

them

every measure you shall find

more

especially by

it

that you should press

;

with and support you in them in the British interest them which join'd to the presents

them

to join

necessary to pursue in order to

making proper provision

for presents for

fi.x

allowed by His Majesty and which you will receive by this conveyance this great end,

and to wipe away

all

remembrance of

may

that neglect the Indians

serve to facilitate

now

complain.

As a speedy interview with the Indians is from their present disposition become more necessary You will no doubt think it proper to advise with the Council as to the time and place of meeting the Indians in which points

convenience and as

it

is

obnoxious

to

them You

Complaint appoint some other place you

Onondago

trust

you

will

have a due regard

to their

if you find sufficient foundation for the upon enquiry think more for their ease and and we observe from a report of the Council and Assembly to M' Clinton that

place of meeting

satisfaction

we

appears from their complaints that Albany which has been the usual

is

will

shall

proposed as the most proper place

We

likewise hope that in the choice of the

LONDON DOCUMENTS persons

who

are to attend and assist

you

in

:

XXXI.

that Interview

You

SQl will

have a regard to such as

are best acquainted with the Indians and their AtFairs, and not obnoxious to

them and as a you will be parliculariy careful to appoint such as are well acquainted with the Indian Language and men of ability and integrity We hope that the threats of the Mohawk Indians when they left New York have not been

great deal depends upon

tiie

we

Interpreters,

desire

carried into execution but think

it of absolute necessity in order to obviate any ill consequences which might attend these threats that some person of character and discretion should be immediately sent amongst the Indians to acquaint them of your arrival, of the presents His Majesty has ordered to be delivered to them and of your intentions of holding an interview

with them for burying the Hatchet and renewing the Covenant Chain that this person should be carefully instructed to endeavour to remove any prejudices which the Six Nations may have imbibed from the representations of the Mohawks to obviate the ill effects that would attend a general discontent amongst them at so critical a conjuncture and to put them upon their guard against any attempts which

may

that nothing will to

may

be

made

to

withdraw them from

his

Majesty's interest and

be wanting to convince the Indians of the sincerity of Our intentions you

do well to examine into the complaints they have made of being defrauded of their lands,

take

proper and legal methods to redress their complaints and to gratify them by

all

reasonable purchases, or in such other manner as you shall find most proper and agreable to

them

such lands as have been unwarrantably taken from them for such other as they

for

have a desire future, that

to dispose of

we recommend

you do not make grants

own

the Indians upon their

Government disposed to

and

to

may

you to be particularly carefull for the any persons whatsoever of lands purchased by them of it

to

accounts such practice having

been found in a Neighbouring

and inconvenience but when the Indians are any of their lands the purchase ought to be made in His Majesty's name and

to be attended with great mischief

sell

at the publick charge.

As we

find

has been usual upon former occasions

it

when an interview has been held

with the Indians for the other Neighbouring Governments

Commissioners

to

be joined with those of

New York and

of the Indians equally affect several other Provinces

Pensylvania Maryland

New

in

alliance

as the present

with them

to

send

wavering disposition

we have wrote to the Governors of Virginia Bay and New Jersey desiring them to

Hanipsliire Massachusets

represent to their respective Assemblies the utility and necessity of this measure and to urge

them

to

make proper

settled the time to

provision for

it,

and therefore

it

will

be necessary that

and Place of meeting you should give them early notice of

recommend one thing more

to

your attention and that

is to

be (if practicable) comprized in one general Treaty to be

it

take care that

made

in

when you have and all

his Majesty's

appearing to us that the practice of each Province making a separate Treaty for

own name service.

is

very improper and

So we

bid

you

may

name

itself in

it

its

be attended with great inconveniency to His Majesty's

heartily farewell

and are

Your very loving Friends and humble Servants Dunk Halifax J. Grenville Dupplin

Whitehall Sept: 18. 1753.

Vol. VI.

this leads us

the Provinces

101

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

802

Lords of Trade [

Governors in America.

to the

Planlatiom General,

B. T.

(

)

XLIII., 837.

]

Circular Letter to the Governors of Plantations.

Interview with the 6 Nations

IS Sept. 1753.

To Jonathan

Belcher Esquire Governor of

New

Jersey.

Sir.

His Majesty having been pleased

sum

to order a

of

Six Nations of Indians and to direct his Governor of

them,

for delivering those presents, for

Chain with them

;

we

think

usual upon former occasions

it

money

to

be issued for presents to the

New York

burying the hatchet, and

an interview with

to hold for

renewing the Covenant

our duty to acquaint you therewith, and as

when an

we

find it

has been

interview has been held with those Indians, for

Majesty's Colonies whose interest and security

is

connected with

&

all His depends upon them, to

join in such interview, and as the present disposition of those Indians

have been made to withdraw them from the British

interest,

general interview more particularly necessary at this time;

we

&

the attempts which

appears to us to

make such

a

you will lay this matter before the Council and General Assembly of the Province under your government and recommend to them forthwith to make a proper provision for appointing Commissioners, to be joined with those of the other Governments, for renewing the Covenant Chain with the Six Nations, and for making such presents to them as has been usual upon the like occasions. And we desire that in tlie Choice and nomination of the Commissioners, you will take care that they are

As

men

of Character ability and integrity, and well acquainted with Indian Affairs.

and place of meeting

to the time

desire

has orders to give you early notice of

it is left

it.

We

to the

Governor of

New York

to fix

it,

and he

are, Sir

Your very loving

friends

and humble Servants

Dunk Halifax Jam: Grenville.

Whitehall

Septemb:

A like

18.

letter

1753

was sent

Duppun. to the

Governors of Virginia, Massachusets,

New Hampshire,

Maryland,

and Pensylvania.

Thomas Pownall^ [

Esq., to the

New-Tork

Papers,

II.,

No.

Lords of Trade. T8. ]

New York

My

Oct

14.

1753

Lords

It is

in His

my misfortune to acquaint your Lordships that after a very fortunate and safe passage Matys Ship the Arundel Capt" Lloyd and after Sir Danvers Osborns Commission was

LONDON DOCUMENTS published here on the tenth of this montli with

People and that

tiie

ever yet saw or

I

the

Instant

this

publick that can be conceived

conveyance as

his

felt

by

iiis

803

greatest joy and satisfaction both of private

tlie

all

XXXI.

:

that joy

was turned

sorrow

into the deepest

Excellencys sudden death on Friday morning the twelfth of

authentick particulars of which your Lordships will

Honor the Lieutenant Governor with

receive by the

first

the advice of Council has appointed a

committee of council to enquire into it As soon as His Excellencys death was known tlie Council of this Province was convened and I sent for to produce the Commission which I carryed and delivered to the Council in the Council Room. M' Chief Justice Delancey produced in Council a Commission appointing him

Lieutenant Governor and he qualifying took upon him the administration accordingly. Council asked

me where were

answered that they were

the Instructions

present in

at

my

&

required

me

to deliver

them

to the

custody that they were directed to

The

Council

S''

I

Danvers

to that branch of the Government Communicated from the Command"' in Cheif and that delivering them to the Council and accordingly refused Commission recited that it was to be executed together

Osborn only as Capt" General and that they could no belong y* Council otherwise than as they were

therefore to

do

it.

I

could not be justified in

It

was observed

I

that the

with the Instructions delivered with

and not the Council and that of Council to that purpose,

if his I

it I

said that could be by only the

would deliver them

Cheif which order they made and

I

Commander

to the

Lieutenant Gov'' as

My to the

Lords

I have the Honor my Lords to enclose an attested copy what was done before and the order of Council on the present occasion

may

I

beg leave to add

Cheif

Commander

my

Council they are not required

in

Honor

delivered the general Instructions accordingly to his

the Lt Governor in Council. presidents of

in

honor the Lt Governor and Council would make an order

o(

the

private reasons for refusing to deliver the Instructions

to put

them

in

execution and would not therefore be at

Cheif to whom I have delivered them is Trade are amongst S"' Danvers Oshonis papers tliat have sealed up and put into the Custody of M'' Murray under my seal I do not yet know whether there are any Instructions of a more private import if there were, I have not yet mett with them but suspect they are some way or other destroyed as His Excellency burnt almost all his papers the night before his death. ]f there do prove to he any such that ought not to he delivered up Your Lordships may depend upon me that they shall not, being private Secretary to S' Danvers Osborn I have the honor to subscribe myself My Lords Your Lordships mo obt Serv' answerable

all

The

for their

execution

The Commander

in

Instructions relnteing to

I

—

T

Lieutenant-Governor Delancey {

New- York

Pnpers,

II.,

to the No.

72.

Lords of Trade.

]

New York

My I

POWNALL.

IS"- Oct'

1753

Lords have a very melancholy account

your Lordships. Sir Danvers 0.shorne our Inte him on Wednesday the tenth Instant amidts the

to write to

Governor published His Matys Commission

to

-

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

804

Joy that were ever had justly entertained the best grounded Hopes & expectations of being a happy people under the administration of a Gentleman of Birth, good education and most amiable Character; But alas this great Joy was too soon succeeded by the deepest and most unfeigned sorrow, for on friday the 12"" about seven of the Clock in the greatest acclamations of the People and the sincerest demonstrations of

known on any

occasion

here

We

morning he was found in the lower part of M'' Murrays Garden (at whose house he lodged till fitted up for his Reception) strangled in his Handkercheif. It was observable that altho' he expressed his sense of the peoples joy upon his accession to the Government in the most engaging manner, yet he never shewed any cheerfulness, but appeared with a sedate and melanclioly Countenance, complain» of a great indisposition of body & disturbance of mind, which could not be diverted My Lords I most sincerly condole this unhappy event

the Fort was

which has filled the eyes of all persons here with Tears. On Wednesday the tenth instant the Honorable George Clinton Esq''" then Governor (before Sir Danvers Osborne opened his Commission) delivered to me in Council his Majestys Commission appointing me Lieutenant Governor, together with an extract of a Letter from His Grace the Duke of Newcastle herewith I was enclosed, and on friday the twelth after the surprising death of Sir Danvers Osborn qualified as Lieutenant Governor and published the Commission in a private manner attended only by the Members of the Council & the officer of the Guard, the unhappy event of Sir Danvers Osborn's sudden death forbidding any thing more public. After which I appointed M' Alexander the eldest councillor present, M"' Chambers second justice of the Supream Court and M"" Holland Mayor of this City, Members of His Majestys Council to be a Committee to examine into the means by which the late Sir Danvers Osborn came to his Death As soon as tiie examinations are taken 1 shall transmitt them to your Lordships

—

I

am

My

Lords

Your Lordships most obedient and most humble Servant James DeLancey Inclosed

is

the order to secure Sir Danvers's effects and an attested copy of the Inquisition

before the Coroner

To

the Riarht Honble the Lords of

Trade &c

Mr. Pownall

to tlie

[New-York

Lords of Trade.

Papers,

li.

82.]

New York

My I

that

Oct

SO"-

1753

Lords sent y' Lordships an Account of Sir 1

could hear was

to

sail

from

Danvers Osborns death (by the very first ship on the 14 of this Month by way of

this continent)

LONDON DOCUMENTS Philadelphia, duplicates of which

Port by the

The

first

I

sent on the

XXXI.

:

same day

vessel that sailed from hence on the 25"" of this

Printer having sent

of the General Assmbly

I

me

&

an other from this

month

S"' D. O. a copy of the Votes & Proceedings your Lordships directions that these things be transmitt them to your Lordships

as Secretary to

have as

sent to you, taken the liberty to

805

to Boston

I

know

it is

My Lords in pursuance of a Resolution of the Council & Assembly at a free conference, Die Sabbati 9. o. Ant. Merid. 30 June 1753. Coll Johnson mett the six Nations this summer at a General meeting at Onondaga. A Report of which meeting he sent down to M' Clinton, who sent it directly to Sir Danvers Osborne a Copy of which I have the honor to transmitt to who

your Lordship's as also the account that D' Shuckburgh, letter sent

me this morning.

not as one employed

in

Who

as he attended Coll

is

referred to in Coll Johnsons

Johnson only

as a friend

the Service does not choose at present to be

—

more

and companion,

particular there are

many other matters of Intelligence That he beggs to refer to the Time of Coll Johnsons coming down to N York whom he expects this winter The true reason why he is afraid to be more particular, is on account of the violent parties that subsist here about the management of Indian afftiirs one party are for supporting Coll Johnson an other for throwing all the affairs of the Indians in the hands of the Commissaryes as the matter came to S"" Danvers Osborn I thought it my duty as his Secretary to transmitt them to your Lordships and as such I have the honor to subscribe myself My Lords Your Ldps most obe* and most humble Serv'

T PoWNALL

Dr. Shuckhurgli [

to

New-Tork

Thomas Pownall^ Esq. Papers,

li.,

No.

84.

]

Memorandum Of what passed while

I

accompanied Col Johnson among the confederate Nations of Indians

at Oswego being what fell in discourse from some of the Sachems of the different Castles without the ordinary Forms of Belts It is to be observed the Indians resumed of themselves the conversation the next day after the General Conference, whether they were afraid of being heard by some French men who were present at the meeting, or what other reason we could not assign why they did not say as much in their General

meeting

at

Public the day before as Indians that passed by

Onondaga and likewise

I

am now

Oswego

to relate Viz

way

That

the combin'd

Ohio, were

army

of French and

some measure dispersed, great part of the Indians particularly of the Six Nations, having left them being much disgusted with the arrogant behavior & proceedings of Monsieur Morang their commanding officer. That the Indians who returned back we surprised at the inactivity of the English and took on them to say that the imagined had the army proceeded compleat all Philadelphia & Virginia would have given up to them. We heard at Oswego that some Indians belonging to that party this year in their

to

in

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

806

had deserted Monsieur Morang and sold their Guns and some other Goods they had received from the French. Two English Prisoners of some figure were sent in Irons to Niagra in their

way

to

Canada these were seen by the Indians who returned.

That the Twightwies and

Wampum

twelve other Nations or Tribes had sent a large Beit of

to the Six Nations to tell

that the French were coming suddenly upon them that the Axe hung over their Heads and they only waited to hear their opinion being unwilling as they were their Allies to undertake any thing against the French for fear of bringing them upon the Six Nations who have referred them to the Sennekas who lay nearest to them We have heard since that the Twightwees have submitted being unsupported and have been down to Canada to receive Here Presents from the French and what injunctions they may think fit to lay them under

them

—

some few Remarks on the present State of the Six Nations By what we could learn among them not only the Twightwees but the Six Nations themselves are very backward to undertake any thing against F'rench who are so enterprising as to intimidate all the Indians in It may possibly in time make the whole British American Continent sensible tliat these Parts. follows

their Interests tho in

it may be necessary to make as strong a party among the Indians each Province The apprehensions of Danger, in time of

different Colonies are not so incompatible but

unite their Endeavors at whatever expence to

against the French as they can in

Peace are too remote to be felt by People involved in Trade and business, but should a War break out it would be too late to wisii matters had been preconcerted. Indian Affairs at

managed merely by expedients there being no

present are

They

are divided

further

is

among themselves by

established

Method of conduct? them.

the continued artifices of the French

tho' inclined to us are afraid of

&

all I

can say

them

Sir

Agreeable

more,

may

to

be,

your request

Provincial affairs to

say more

the

&

I

have sent you the above being the most

might be thought If

my

officious in

me who

at present are no

worthy Friend Coll Johnson was on the spot

it

might be thought more authentick as soon as he arrives

I

could recollect,

ways concerned

& in

might be necessary

shall acquaint

you

in

mean

am

I

Your very humble St

New

R

York Oct SO* 1753

Shuckburgh

To Thomas Pownal Esq"

Lieutenant-Governor Delancey [

New-Tork

Papers,

li.,

to the No.

86.

Lords of Trade.

]

Bowry

My I

near

N

York 2 Nov' 1763

Lords wrote of the

fifteenth of

October to your Lordships

death of his late Excellency Sir Danvers Osborn which

I

to give

an account of the untimely

sent by the

way

of Philadelphia and

LONDON DOCUMENTS a duplicate

London,

it

I

sent to

town by

was some time

this

my

XXXI.

:

807

son to be forwarded by one of tbe

summer proposed

that

first ships from hence to Commissioners should be sent to Albany

to have a conference with the Indian Nations and to deliver them the usual presents as Governor Clinton was indisposed and a New Governor soon expected: Upon my return from Albany from the River Circuit in June I repaired to Jamaica on Naussaw Island where the Assembly then sat, & hearing of the above proposal, 1 offered an other at a conference

&

between the Council

Assembly on Indian affairs after having previously acquainted Governor of it; which was that some proper person should be sent up to Onondaga to bury the Hatchett (a Ceremony used among the Indians at the conclusion of a War and which had been neglected) to quiet the minds of the Mohawks who were out of Clinton with

Temper

it

who approved

occasioned by some disputes about Lands and to

Nations and prepare them for a meeting early next

make a small Present to the five summer at Albany: This proposal was

agreed to and Coll William Johnson sent on that Service.

The Reasons

was done.

I

went upon were

first,

that

I

Inclosed

thought

it

you have a copy of what would be for His Majestys

Service that once in some years a person with a publick character and some small present

should be sent up to Onondago which

is the place of the General meeting of the five Nations and where they keep (as they express themselves) their Great Fire & the Tree to which one

end of the Covenant Chain

is

Secondly

fastened.

Weight among

sent to Albany could have that

I

did not think

any Commissioners

to

be

the Indians as the presence of the Governor,

nor quiet their minds or remove the jealousies they had entertained and thirdly by this method there would be a larger present to be distributed y^ next year, which with proper

—

management

The other papers inclosed are addresses to me on my would have a good effect upon them advancement to the Government and the speech I made to the Council and Assembly. I was advised by the Council to lay the thirty ninth article of His Majestys Instructions to Sir

Danvers Osborn before the Council and Assembly, which 4'jrth

4gih

^

4.9th

1

did.

also laid before

I

Articles to be entered in their Registers with the 50"" by

which

I

am

them the directed

80 to do I

am

My

Lords

most obedient & most humble Servant

James Delancev

The Right Honble

the Lords Commissioners of Trade and Plantations

Colonel

Johnson

to

Governor Clinton.

[New- York, (B. T.) XXXI,

May I

it

please

li.,

86.]

Your Excellency.

arrived three days ago from Onondaga, and agreable to your orders have transcribed

passed there between

Shuckburgh)

me and

to lay before

the Six

Nations, which

I

what

take this opportunity (by Doctor

your Excellency, together with what

1

said to the

Mohawks and

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

808

French men there & examined wliat pass they had fiom the I met some Governor of Canada, which I found only allowed them to purchase ginseng for an established Company of Merchants, peculiar for that commodity. They told me there were above twenty their answer.

Canada this summer with people to settle towards Ohio, and that more were expected at Mississipi, among whom they supposed there would be a number of Swiss. This being the most material, beg leave to refer you to the Docter for other occurrences. I am with the greatest respect, Your Excellencys most humble Serv' Mount Johnson W™ Johnson. sail

of transports arrived in

several

T""-

the 24"' 1753.

Copy

Governor Clinton

exam"*

Gw. Banyar D.

(signed)

Conference letiveen the

Mohawhs and

At a meeting of both Castles of the Mohawks

at

CI Con.

Colonel Johnson.

Mount Johnson July

Hendrick their Chief being appointed Speaker, spoke as follows

the 2G"' 1753.

—

Brother Warraghiiyagey.

Though

it is

not usual for us to speak

first

went sent

for,

yet as our hearts are

full

we

crave

leave to throw of the burthen.

Brother on the receipt of your message two days ago we were highly rejoyced to think that you were again raised up, and iinpowered to receive and impart reciprocally the news between Thereupon we agreed without delay to come down to your us and our bretheren the English. Where should we house our late fire place, kindled at a troublesome time, even in war; resort to when any thing lays heavy on our hearts, but where we have always found satisfaction whatever might trouble us. We have reason to be uneasy and had the Governor sent for us by the Commiss" whom we hear are appointed, we would not at this time harken or move Gave a String of Wampum. a foot.

—

Here follows

my

Speech to both Castles of the Mohawks.

Bretheren and Friends

New York, and am glad to see you all well, and bid where your brother the Governor has impower'd me to light up a small fire again, so as to enable me to boyi a little victuals for you while the Conference lasts. Bretheren. I am ordered by your brother the Governor to let you know that your behaviour & demands were very unreasonable and unusual while at New York, and that he and his Chief Men were much affected to find that you, whom they looked upon as most sincere friends, should use such loud and foul words, that almost shook and Soyled that firm and bright Chain I

congratulate you on your arrival from

you welcome

here,

made by our wise

forefathers and continued

by

their posterity

till

now

unsullied.

I

cannot

help reproaching you for your unfriendly and rash behaviour, which put your brother the

Governor and

his great

men

in a very unsuitable disposition to redress grievances

which were

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXXI.

809

tlien had not time to efleet. Wherefore I am commissioned you that what ever may make you uneasy you would defer till the arrival! of the New Governor who is shortly expected, and will have more time to hear all j'our complaints than the present, who is prepareing to return to England that, and his want of health, has prevented him from meeting the Five Nations this Summer, as he intended, to renew the antient league between them and us, and quiet your minds. From thence it is that I am appointed by the government here to convene the Five Nations at Onnondaga to treat with them there, in the Governor's Name. Now as you and I have continued to consult each other in all affairs of consequence, I must desire you would join me in considering what are the most proper steps to be taken with regard to my going to the General Convention at Onnondaga. In the mean time I insist upon your living in harmony with us as usual, who have and ever will be your best friends, and conjure you by this Belt of Wampum that all differences that may have happened, to be stiffled, and that the link of that bright Chain which seemed to be loose may be as strongly connected as heretofore. Here the Belt was given. Bretheren. I further expect that you will be ready with a proper number of Sachims and

they in ever so good temper, they to tell

:

Chief

Men

to attend

me

thither,

and also

at the

General Meeting.

Here a String of

The answer

of both Castles of the

Hendrick

at

Mohawks

Mount Johnson July

to the foregoing

Wampum.

Speech

;

spoke by

27, 175-3.

Brother Warraghiiyagey.

We

have with willing ears heard what you said yesterday,

it

has

made

the

deepest

impression on our minds, and will never be forgot even by our youngest people wliom

we

Tho' we are sensibly affected by our Bretherens neglecting us for some time past, and the private differences we have had with the inhabitants, yet for this time we agree to every thing you request, and shall bury all animosity and dispute in a deep pool, so as not to be thought of more, and hope there may never be reason for the brought along

to

hear you once more.

never weaken the Chain of friendship so long subsisting between us and our Bretheren, and you may be assured we shall take all opportunitys of like again: small provocations shall

signifying our attachments as

we and

our forefathers have done formerly.

Here a Belt was given. Brother Warraghiiyagey

You may depend upon our readiness at the first call to wait on you at Onondaga and assist as much as in our power, at the General Meeting, having pitched upon some of our most intelligent and respectable men to attend you there.

you

Here a String of

Wampum; &

Ended.

Onondaga Castle, being mett by the Sachims a mile were all ready to receive me. Soon after I was seated, the Red Head, one of the Chief Sachims of that Castle rose up and Spoke as follows: September the

on

this side,

Vol. VI.

who

5""

1753. Entered the

said they

—

102

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

810 Brother Warragluiyagey.

As you

enter our meeting place with wett eyes and sorrowfull hearts in conjunction with

our Bretheren the Mohawks,

asswage Your

grief, that

we do with

you may speak

this String of

freely in this

Wampum

wipe away your tears and

Assembly.

Here they gave the String

of

Wampum.

Here follows what I said to the General Convention of the Six Nations Onondaga spoke by Hendrick the Chief of the Mohawks.

at

Bretheren of the Six Nations.

The

great concern

I

am under

the

for

our three great and

loss of

who

Caghniagarota, Oiiughsndego and Gahusquerowana, compleat, makes general,

I

it

incumbent on me

do by these three Belts of

clear your throats that

condole their death, and as

to

Wampum

we may Speak

in their time

wash away

together, and

is

it

dry up your tears that

beloved Brothers

made your Assembly a great loss to us in

we may

see each other,

their blood out of our sight,

and cover their bones with these Strow'd Blankets

Here gave the three Belts

of

Wampum

and three Blanketts of Strowd.

Bretheren of the Six Nations

am now

you that the indisposition of the present Governor and the expectation new one, has occasioned the interview, proposed at Albany between you and him this summer, to be deferred, upon which I am commissioned to treat with you and at the same time to assure you that the succeeding Governor will meet you as soon as he I

to acquaint

of the sudden arrival of a

conveniently can, with presents as usual.

him wiiatever delay;

till

then

You

will then

amiss, which will be redressed you

is 1

expect

all

of you will live

have an opportunity of laying before on, without any unnecessary

may depend

in perfect

harmony with

y'

Bretheren y' English.

A

Belt.

Bretlieren of the Six Nations.

me

grown up with weeds for want of being used, was agreed by the wisdom of our Ancestors that it siiould never be extinguished: You know it was a saying among us that when the Fire was out liere, you would be no longer a people I am now sent by Your Brother the Governor to clear the Road & make the fire with such wood as will never burn out, and I earnestly desire you would take care to keep it up, so as to be found always the same when he shall It

&

grieves

your

fire

sorely to find the road hither so

almost expiring at Onondaga, where

it

;

A

among you.

send

Belt.

Bretheren of the Six Nations. I

may

now renewed the Fire, swept clean all your rooms with a new White Wing, and hanging near the Fire place, that you may use it for cleaning all dust dirt &"= which have been brought in by Strangers, no friends to you or us.

have

leave

it

A

string of

Wampum.

Bretheren of the Six Nations. I am sorry to find on my arrival among you that the fine shady Tree which was planted by your forefathers for your ease and shelter, should be now leaning, being almost blown down by Northerly winds. I shall now endeavour to set it upright that it may flourish as formerly,

while the roots spread abroad

;

so that

when we

sitt

or stand on

shake should any storms blow, then should you be ready

to secure

it.

them you

will feel

A

Belt.

them

LONDON DOCUMENTS:

811

.XXAI.

Bretheren of the Six Nations.

Your Fire now burns clearly at the old place, the Tree of Shelter and Protection is set up & flourishes; I must now insist upon your quenching tliat fire made with brambles at Swegachey, and recall those to their proper home who have deserted thither. 1 can not leave disswading you from going to Canada, the French are a delusive people, always endeavouring to divide you as much as they can, nor will they let slip any opportunity of making advantage 'Tis formidable news we hear that the French & some Indians are making a descent of it. upon Ohio is it with your consent or leave that they proceed in this extraordinary manner, endeavouring by force of arms to dispossess your own native allies as well as your bretheren :

A

the English, and establishing themselves?

large Belt.

Bretheren of Onondaga.

must remind you of a new Custom lately introduced, very inconvenient for our mutual is, when you receive news from the Westward Southward or any other quarter, you send it from one Castle to another, till it arrives quitejltered from what it was at first. I therefore require you by this Belt of Wampum to follow the old custom & send it as far as I

interest, that

you intend

it

should go directly by some of your

own

Nation.

A

Belt.

Bretheren of the Senecas.

As you have always been looked upon as the door of the Six Nations where all news, Westward and Southward must enter and go out, we dont hear this door open as we used to do formerly, and believe it to be worn out, & think it necessary to hang on a new one of such wood as will never decay the noise of which when it opens should alarm all the Confederacy. 1 must now desire you that whatever you hear of consequence you would send it very distinctly to the Sachems of Onondaga who will send it directly to your Bretheren. I require also as you are nearest to the Western Tribes of Indians that you will endeavour all in your power to draw as many of them into our interest as possibly you can, by which means the Six Nations may continue their strength & credit. especially from the

;

A

Belt.

Bretheren of Oneida

and to rub off all moss and dirt it may have contracted have your Castles as near together as you conveniently can with the Tuscaroras who belong to You as Children and the Scanihaderadighroones lately I

am now

to set

time past.

this

up your stone

My

best advice

strait

is

to

into your alliance or families, which makes it necessary for me to fix a new string to the Cradle which was hung up by your forefathers when they received the Tuscaroras, as you do

come

now

the Scanihaderadighroones, to feed and protect

A

Belt.

Bretheren of Cajuga I

could heartily wish that you would not live so scattering, and that you would not listen to

who

you never had any alliance with or obligation to. It is agreeable your Castle by taking in the Tedarighroones, and shall, according to your request, give a pass to those of that Nation here among you that they and A Belt and a Pass. the rest of them may come and join your Castle unmolested

the French

news

that

are a people

you are about

to strengthen

Brethren of the Six Nations.

You must imagine I was much troubled when immediately after my appointment to meet at Onondaga, to renew and put in order every thing relating to your affairs, to hear that

you

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

812

some of 3'our people were returned witli scalp aiul prisoners from the Catabaws, with whom you made so solemn a peace last year in my presence, wliich pleased all your bretheren the English upon this Continent, the King your Father also approved of it. Now what an everlasting shame must it be to the Six Nations if this bloody affair be not immediately made up, if it be possible. I expect at least that you return the prisoners if any you have, and committ no further hostilities on that Nation. A Belt. Bretheren of the Six Nations.

As

proceed to reform every thing relative to the Old Covenant between you and us,

I must by that strong Chain of friendship made by your forefathers, the memory of whose actions you have always regarded. You may depend upon the part in your hands that it shall never slip. I congratulate you in the name of your I

remind you on your part

to

hold fast

Brother the Governor on the two additional links to the Old Ciiain, the Scanihaderadighroones

and Tedarrigliroones, who without doubt must increase the strength of

A

it.

Belt

Bretheren of the Six Nations. I take this opportunity to return you the three Belts of Wampum sent by you to the Governor with a request to hinder the Rum from coming among You. He was very glad to gratiSe you in it, and that you had seen the ill consequences of that bewitching liquor, and hopes you will continue in that resolution always. Tiie proclamation forbidding Rum to be sent or sold any where among you (except at Oswego) is already published. Here returned them their Three Belts.

Bretheren of the Six Nations. I have now only to recommend what I have said in your Brother the Governor's name to your serious consideration, and when you are prepared to return an answer, I should be glad

to hear

by the Lake where

it

I

am encamped and

have a small present

for

you, and some

provision for your Children.

The Red Head

in

behalf of the whole, stood up and replied thus:

—

Brother Warraghiiyagee

You may be and as

it

where you

lay;

be agreeable Parted

assured

we

shall take to heart all

your words and deliberate upon every

article,

some time, you must not think it long if we do not come down to the Lake as you expect to morrow it may be the next day, tho' we consider it cannot you to live in the woods; we shall make what dispatch we can

requires

to

for that day.

At a general Meeting of the Six Nations held

The Answer

at

Onondaga September the

lO"" 1753.

of the Six Nations to the foregoing speech, by the

Red Head,

their Speaker.

Brother Warraghiiyagee

We

are obliged to

you

for

your speech and act of Condolence for the

Brothers Caghniagarota Oriughsadego and Gahuscaroana

was done conformable

to

our manner.

We

;

loss of our three great

and we are the more affected as

are too sensible of

what consequence they were

it

of

LONDON DOCUMENTS Assembly;

in tliis

to

XXXI.

:

say more would be to exaggerate

813

we wish was

our concern, which

A

entirely suppressed.

Belt.

Brother Warraghuyagee

We

are sorry to hear our Brother the Governor

notice of the sudden arrival of a

then; some of which

till

speech relative thereto.

we

shall

new

We

one.

mention

in

is

sick,

order as

and we thank you

for

giving us

suspend some matters of consequence

shall

we

proceed to aswer that part of your

when he

All of us will chearfully attend

pleases to

and are

call,

A

unalterable in our antient friendship with our brethren the English

Beit.

Brother Warraghuyagee.

We

acknowledge with equal conscern with you that the Road between us has been is scattered and almost extinct. We return you our most hearty thanks for recruiting the Fire with such wood as will burn clear, and not go out, and we promise that we shall with the utmost care dress and keep it up, as we are sensible from what has been said by our forefathers that the neglect of it would be

obstructed and almost grown up with weeds, that our Fire

A

our ruin.

Belt.

Brother Warraghuyagee

We use

well the use of the White Wring you recommended and are determined sweep out whatever may hinder the Fire from burning with a pure flame.

know very to

it

A

to

String.

Brother Warraghuyagee

You may depend upon our

care in defending the Tree which you have replanted from the

we are full of acknowledgments for your care watch every threatning cloud from thence that we

inclemency of the high winds from Canada;

and admonition, and be assured we may be ready to prop it up.

shall

A

Belt.

Brother Warraghiiyagee

We strong

rejoice that

&

and doing

we

flourishing, all

we

see the Fire burn pure

where

it

should do, the Tree of Shelter look

and you may depend upon our quenching that

false fire at

can to recall our brothers, too often seduced that way; tho'

Swegachey

we

do not

we had done so much amiss in going thither, when we observe that you white people pray, and we have no nearer place to learn to pray and have our children baptized, than However as you insist upon it we will not go that way nor be any more divided. 1 that. I must now say it is not with our consent that the French have committed any hostilities at Ohio; we dont know what you Christians, English and French together, intend; we are so hemm'd in by both, that we have hardly a hunting place left. In a little while if we find a

conceive

bear

in a tree

there will immediately appear an

and hinder us from killing that

we

hardly

know what

it,

which

to

say or think

is

owner of

the land to challenge the property,

We

our livelyhood.

are so perplexed between both

A

Belt.

Brother Warraghiiyagee In behalf of our Bretheren of this Castle of

Onondaga

transmit to our Bretheren the English, what ever directly, according to the old custom.

we

1

am

to

say that

we

shall

hereafter

hear of consequence, invariable and

A

String.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

814 Brother Warraghijyagee.

The Senekas do know themselves to be the Door of the Six Nations, and thank you for it as we are sensible it was mnch wanted, and with such durable wood as will not We shall be quick to hear when it opens, and shall communicate distinctly what news rott.

renewing is

passing, to our Brothers at

Onondaga,

in

order to be dispatched to our bretheren the

English; and shall be very sollicitous to invite

endeavour

to

keep the Roads

to

it

clear

Nations to enter at that door, and shall

all

A

and open.

Belt.

Brother Warraghuyagee.

We

thank you heartily for cleaning the Oneida Stone and setting

agreeable to your advice collect our people together

;

it

up

right,

and

shall,

also the Tuscaroras, be they scattered

where they may, and the Scanihaderadighroons we do unite with

us, a small party of

whom

are here present to hear you, and to take their share of our Brother the Governor's bounty.

We

also return thanks for the

receive those

New

new Bretheren we

String fixed to the Cradle, contrived by our forefathers to

intend to uorish and provide

A

for.

String.

Brother Warraghuyagee

The Cajugas say they have

not been more conversant with the French than the rest of the

Six Nations; they will endeavour to keep themselves as compact as they can, and thank you They also return you thanks for the for this intuition, being sensible it is for their own good. pass you

were pleased

to

give to the

strengthen their Nation, three of

whom

Tedarrighroones to come and unite with them to are

now

here to partake in the

name

of their Nation

A

of the intended present.

Belt.

Brother Warraghuyagee.

We are


',

shall raise or contribute in the

shall be invaded, or harras'd

open declared Warr or

that the others

what

is

common

Colonies disposed

each Colony's just

cause,

when any one

by the French or Indians, whether

in a time of

and they shall be obliged in some effectual manner (as his Maj'^ shall think most proper) to conform to that determination upon every emergency; yet, I say, My Lord, there seems just reason to apprehend from past experience, that the want of such a setlemeut, and a method to enforce its taking effect, will be an obstacle to the carrying into execution any general plan for cementing an Union among His Maj''"' subjects upon this not,

continent, for the defence of His Maj'" territories committed to their trust.

LONDON DOCUMENTS What greatly

incourages

me

to

:

XXXI.

823

take the liberty of submitting this observation toyourLordP's

is, that it was tliought necessary by the Government in King William's Reign to Quota of Men and Money, which every one of the Colonies should be alloted to raise for the defence of New York; and that I find the like setlement continued in Sir Danvers Osborne's, late Gov"' of New York's OS"" and 96"' instructions a copy of which N° 3. to save your Lord? trouble, I likewise inclose. The carrying of this settlement into execution. Your LordP will be pleased to observe, stands solely upon the King's recommendation of it, and I can't learn upon the best inquiry, I have been able to make hitherto, that it ever took effect, yet, I must likewise remark this fact to Your LordP; that since the time of making that settlement, the abilities and circumstances of several Colonies are much altered, so that, that would be a very unequal rule for settling the For instance: Your Lord? will just proportion of their Quota's in Men or money at this day. find the Quota of Men allotted to this Province to raise for the assistance of New York is 350, and that allotted to Pennsylvania is SO. Now, such a proportion between the two Govern" at this time would be extreamly unequal; the Number of Inhabitants in Pensylvania having since Reign been so much increased by the great number of Foreigners, who King William the have annually transplanted themselves and their families thither, from the Palatinate, Swiss Cantons and Northern Parts of Germany, and by the natural increase of the people, that some have computed them at 500,000 persons ; whereas the increase of the numbers of Inhabitants in the Massachusets Bay within that time ( not to mention their having had but a very inconsiderable number of Foreigners transplanted among them) hath been greatly hindered by having many of their valuable Townships lately lopped off by the new Settlement of the boundaries between them and the Province of New Hampshire in 1737 as also by the settlement of the boundaries between them and Colony of Rhode Island in 1741; and the province hath been further reduced by the great loss, it sustained of its inhabitants by sea and Land in the expedition against Cape Breton, and the preservation of Nova Scotia, both, before and during the whole course of the late W^arr so that there is no reason to doubt but that at tliis day the Inhabitants of Pensylvania tho' they should be computed only 400000, are about double

consideration, settle the

;

3'"''''

;

number of those of this Prov". The like remark may be made upon

the

the proportion of the Quota of men and INIoney settled between the Colony of Connecticut and this Prov", which is about 1 to 3., that Colony being alloted to raise 120 Men, and the Province 350, whereas the Colony, by means of the beforementioned reduction of the ancient, reputed limits of this Province, and its being exhausted of its Inhabitants in the late expeditions, and Warr, hath since making the aforesaid

settlement so far got the start of the Province in the increase of proportion at this day between them

more than

as 2 to 3.

is

There are other circumstances besides

to

proportion of the Quota between the Colony and the Prov"

covered by this Province, so that

its

Inhabitants, that the just

(according to the computation of good Judges) no

be considered ;

viz

:

in adjusting the

the Colony

is

entirely

own, to defend in time of war, and consequently is at no expence in tlie maintenance of marching Companies, Forls and garrisons whereas the Province hath a very extensive frontier, which is constantly for that purpose harras'd by the Indians and French, upon every rupture, and at a very considerable charge in maintaining marching Companies, Forts and (iarrisons; and in time of peace the Colony's Taxes for the support of His Maj'>'' Govern' among them, is very trifling in comparison of that ;

of the Province's.

it

hath no frontier of

its

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

824 I

submit these observations to Your LordP's consideration as specimens of the alteration of

the circumstances of the Colonies with regard to the proportion, which they bore to each other

King William's Reign, and their made at that time for adjusting be for adjusting them at this day. their respective Quota's of I must further add upon this head, that nothing would contribute more effectually to secure His Maj'''^ subjects and territories upon this continent, against the rapid progress, which the French seem to be making in perfecting a strong line of Forts upon our backs from Bay Verte Easterly, to the utmost extent of His Maj''''' Dominions Westward, and to bring the Indians to

number of

in respect of their

Inhabitants and ability in

how unequal a rule the Men and Money, would

present state, and to shew,

settlement

a dependance upon the English, that a well concerted scheme, for uniting all His upon it, in a mutual defence of each otiier, duely carried into execution.

have the utmost reason.

I

My

Maj'J''*

Colonies

Lord, to think that the People of this Province are most readily

disposed to do their part in promoting so necessary an Union, and to exert the same

which they have hitherto

in

His

Maj'^'" service,

to the

utmost of

spirit,

their abilities, in concurrence

with his other Colonies for their mutual defence; but I think it my duty to mention to your LordP that the thoughts of bearing the burthen of defending the wide frontier, upon which Fort Dummer stands, and was in the year 1737 adjudged to belong to the Province of New

Hampshire, in case of

some

as they did the last

War, seem

especial provision

is

made

for the protection of it

greatly exposed to be ravaged by the

The

daily intelligence that

houses,

so grievous to them, that

I

another rupture with France, they could be induced to do

our Traders to the

is

by

much it

his Maj'^,

;

question whether and whether, unless

it

would not then be

Enemy.

received here from the Indians which frequent our Truck

Bay

Fundy, and even the

of

Officers of Fort

Lawrence

in

Schiegnecto, of the great Diligence of the French in strengthening their Forts and Block Houses in that District,

themselves of

and that on the Isthmus near Bay Vert, together with

their having posessed

John's River, and the commerce they carry on in the Bay of Fundy, hath

S'

greatly alarmed the

Assembly

from such a neighbourhood

;

;

and they extreamly dread bad consequences

in case

it

to the Province

shall continue until another rupture: as they

from the French encroachments at Crown Point, unless something

is

done

to curb

do also

them

;

towards the expence of doing which, and maintaining a Fort and garrison, if it should be His Maj'>'' pleasure to have one erected for that service; I have reason to hope that the Province

would contribute

Quota of Men and money, in proportion to the protection which would receive from it, in common with the Provinces of New York, Jersey's, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire, as His Majesty allot each Colony to do the same. observe. His Mnj'''"' commands not to make use of the armed force, under

their just

their western frontier

Pensylvania, shall

New

be pleased

I shall

to

carefully

my

direction, excepting within the undoubted limits of His Maj'^'* Dominions. As I have the honour to be acquainted with the sentiments of the Right Hon'''' the Lords Commiss" for Trade and Plantations concerning the Isthmus of the Peninsula of Nova Scotia, where the French have erected their Forts, and the River of S' John's in the Bay of Funda, founded upon the vouchers and evidences produced by the Commissary's of both Crowns in

the negociation at Paris; viz': that they are clearly within the limits of His Maj'^'' Province of

Nova

Scotia,

I

suppose

in their memorials,

we may deem them

which extend

as far as the

be so, notwithstanding the claim of the French River Kennebeck to the Westward, and to the

to

:

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI.

825

City of Annapolis Royal, as also part of the lands lying between that and the Sea coast of Scotia, from Cape Sable to Cape Canseau to the Eastward.

Nova

1

have the honor

My

to

be with the highest respect

Lord

Your Lordships most humble and most obedient servant

W.

[

(N" 1)

Goveraors and Commanders in North America,

Extract of Lieu' Holland's

New York

dated Nov'

letter, 8.

S. P. 0.

(

Commanding

Shirley.

No. 67.]

)

Oswego

Officer at

to the Gov'' of

1753, communicated to Gov'' Shirley by Lieut

De Lancey.

Gov"^

Oswego Nov

S""

1753.

Sir

Since

I last

did myself the honor of writing to

part of the French

army

my

put themselves under

taken at Minas

when

that

cut

went up

this

protection (and

off,

Your Excellency, has repast

summer

whom

the other a French

to Ohio, from I

now

down)

send

Man, from

whom

this the greatest

deserted two Men, and

Man

the one an Englisii

whom we

learn that the French

have been incapable of accomplishing their designs on Ohio, by means of the Indians but

army had been very

threaten a second tryal next year they also inform us that

tiie

great numbers dy'd with the scurvy through the badness of

tiieir

provisions,

sickly

and

and that the Indians

Southward had not only bid defiance to them, but forced from tiiem both. Provisions and Brandy sundry times; they also inform us that the French had taken from thence, two English

to the

Prisoners,

whom

(N" 2.)

they sent in Irons to Canada.

Extract from

Cod September the

29""

M''

in the

Smith's letter to Gov' Shirley dated Dec"'

2-i"'

1753. from

Cape

Massachusetts Bay.

1752 the Castor or Beaver Comp^ of Quebec petition'd the

Council of Canada to have a Fort erected on or near a Iliver

Gov

and

by tiie French, la Riviere Blanche for the better support and strength of their Indian commerce, which they alleged was [encroach'd upon by the English Traders: This was]' forthwith granted by the Gov' and Council, and an army of six thousand Men to be forthwith raised and ready to March by the 1" of January 1753; which body was to consist of 5000 militia, 600. Indians and 400 regulars, and when raised were thus to be disposed of: They were to be .divided into tiiree parlies, and to March as follows, viz': the first party consisting of 2000 Militia and 300 the second Indians on the 1" of January 1753 under the Command of Capt" Murray party consisting of the same number to be ready on the first of March under the Comniand and the third party consisting of tlie Regular and the rest of the of Mons' Payconage Militia to be ready to embark at Quebec on board of Boats, which were to be provided for call'd

;

;

'

The words within brackets

Secretary's Department, Albany.

Vol. VI.

are added from the copy of this letter in

— Ed. 104

New-York

Colonial Manuscripts, lS.X\lll., in

— NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

826 them, by the I" of

May under

the

Command

of Capt"

Upon

Lothbinere Engineer:

the

measures were so expeditiously taken, that Arms, Amunition and provisions with necessary apparrell, were forthwith provided and dispos'd of in proper Magazines throughout the Country for that purpose by the beginning of December; and declaration

of this

grant,

according to the time limited

by the Grant, the

first

their march on New saw embarked at Quebec on

party began

Year's day 1753. the second party in March, and the remainder

I

—

We had every day the 1=' of May on Board 100 flat bottomed boats built for the expedition News, before I left Canada of a great sickness raging among them, so that the Hospitals at Montreal and Fort Frontenac, were entirely crowded with their sick, and several have deserted from them, and privately returned home, being terrified with the thoughts of so long a March,

all

which greatly impairs

This party

their force.

to

is

remain on [the]

Command

for three years.

When

Canada which was on the

I left

of August last

18""

populace in general were greatly dissatisfied with

this' Govern',

arbitrarily bereav'd of their children, so that seditious Libels

the

Country people and

on account of their being

and

continual cry of their streets; for the suppressing of which an Act

[soj

Sonnets were the

satirical

was made

that

any

if

person sung or spoke any disrespectful words, against the Governor, the Lord intendant or Council, exciting to Mutiny or sedition, should upon conviction be forthwith imprisoned

for a

year, unless proper security for their future good behaviour should be produc'd

first,

the populace look'd upon as only a Bugbear,

two

till

or three

were taken

;

this at

into custody

and

which rigour pretty well silenced the Mob. Their common cry was that their Governour by his sending such a body of Men so far from home, had an intention to deliver the Country into the hands of their Neighbours the New England Men, of proper security obliged

to

be given

;

—

The Indian Traders with whom have 500 Leagues from Quebec, and that it is in the British territories; and further, that upon the English receiving intelligence of their schemes and proceedings, they were affraid they would make head against them and drive 'em off.

whom

the Canadeans in general are mighty jealous.

conversed inform

N

B.

him I

to

me

that

La

The above named come

to

Riviere Blanche

M''

Smith, was at Canada about four years, and

Boston at the Province's expence

would not loose

I

is

to

be further examined.

this opportunity of transmitting this

I

have sent

In the

mean

for

time,

account home, together with the extract

Commanding Officer at Oswego's letter mark'd N" 1. communicated to me by Lieut' DeLancey from New York, which confirms this account in part, tho' I must observe that

of the Gov''

the

number of

militia

and Indians mentioned

in

it,

to

be employed

in this

according to our computation of the whole number of fighting French

Canada, the former of which

is

is

large,

Indians in

not reckon'd to be more than from 16000 to 20000 at the

utmost, and the latter not reckon'd 'their.

expedition,

Men and

to

exceed

New -York

in the

whole 900.

Coloiiial Manuscripts.

— Ed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI. Governor Dinwiddle [New-Tork

to

827

Lieutenant-Governor

Colonial Manuscripts, in Secretary's Office, Albany,

De

LXXVIII.

Lancey. ]

Williamsburg Virg"

Jan'' 29"'

1754

Sir,

The Advances made by makes it necessary for me their Proceedings,

the French to deprive his Majesty of the Interiour part of America, to give

your Honour part

by the Return of

a

Gentleman

in the Intelligence I

whom

I

have just received of

sent to the French

Commandant

for

that Purpose.

On

his Arrival he

found that the French had taken post on a Branch of the River Ohio, and had mounted Eight pieces of Cannon, Six pounders, and that they

built a Fort, wherein they

had

in

Readiness Materials

which they declared

for other Forts,

the River, and particularly at Logs

Town,

their Intentions to erect

on

the place destined for their cheif Residence, as soon

as the Season would permit them to embark, and for which purpose he saw Two hundred and twenty Canoes ready finished, besides a great Number more blocked out. Having delivered his Credentials and my Letter, he complained to the Commanderof the Violence that had been offered to his Majesty's Subjects, in seizing their Effects,

To which

and making Prisoners of their persons

he was answered, " That the Country belonged to them

;

that no

" a Right to trade upon those Waters, and that he (the Commandant) had Orders to " every person prisoner that attempted it on the Ohio, or the Waters of it."

Your Honour

will perceive these to

so discerning

that presses every one of his

vindicate the

make

be their Sentiments by the inclosed, and that they are and it were superfluous to advance many

determined to carry their Designs into Execution

Arguments with

;

Englishman had

;

and sagacious a Servant of our Master,

to

prove the Urgency

Majesty's Colonies to exert themselves on this Occasion, to

Honour and Dignity

of his

Crown, and

justify his

undoubted Rights, against the

Invaders of the British property.

The Powerof our Enemies it's

utmost

Efforts, to procure

is far all

from being contemptible, and

possible Advantages against us.

it is

as certain they will exert

They have

three Indian Nations, the Chippoways, Ottoways and Orundacks to take up

English, and from the best Information Maj

already engaged

Arms

against the

Washington learned, that the French had four Forts on the Missisippi, besides their strong Settlement at New Orleans, where they have above Fourteen Hundred Men in Garrison; That by Means of the River Ovabaseck, they have a Communication between Canada and the Missisippi and some Forts on the Oubask, to cover and protect this Communication. Before they sent their Troops into Winter Quarters last Fall, they called the several Tribes :

of Indians near their Fort together, and told them, that altho' the approaching Season, and the State, at that Time, of the Waters, made it necessary to send the cheif of their Forces into

Winter Quarters, yet they might be assured to see them early in the Spring with a much more considerable Armament, and that then they would take Possession of the Ohio, and threatened them if they were not entirely passive. These Circumstances induced me to order out for the present a Detachment of the Militia, and call together the Assembly, which I have ordered to meet the 14"" of next Month, and hope they will enable me to take more vigorous Measures in the Common Cause, the Success

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

828 of which, as

I

apprehend greatly depends on the Dispatch with which our Forces are drawn

Colony

together, and the promptitude of every

to exert itself

on

this pressing Occasion.

have chosen Will's Creek on the Head of patowmack. as the most convenient place of

I

I should be extremely pleased, if your Honour would you think proper to send, agreeably to his Majestys Comands, for mutual Assistance, which I sent you by the last Express, and as early in March as possible. As it may be very hurtful to the service to divide the Command, I wish to find your Honour in my Sentiments, and that you are willing to entrust my General Officer the Command of the Men from your Government. If I am so happy as to have your Concurrence in this, shall hope the Consequence will be to shew our Enemies how far they were mistaken in the Sarcasm they threw out, that tho' they owned, We could bring two Men to their one,

Rendezvous, early in March, and thither

Men

be so good as to order the

that

I

we were too slow, and disconcerted, to hinder the progress of their Undertakings. May God, Sir, felicitate your Government with every happy Event, and enable us to ascert

yet, that

our Sovereign's just Right with Success Sir

Since writing the above,

received your Letter of the 11"" of December, covering that from

I

the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations.

with the Indians

at

Albany

in

June

next,

which

I

I

am

observe your Intention of an Interview

very sorry interferes with the Meeting

have proposed with the Six Nations and the Southern Indians on the thereto the Broils

and

I

am

we

are like to have with

the French,

which

will

20"" of

May

enhance

all

convinced the Assembly of this Province will be very backward

next

;

my Time in

I

add ;

sending

Commissioners

to

Albany, as the Charge of the intended Meeting at Winchester, and the

Men

to

defeat the Designs of the French will be very considerable, and

raising of

myself with the Hope of your Assistance.

Express

The Favour

Answer by

of an

I

flatter

the Return of this

will oblige

Hon'^ Sir

Your obed' humble

New York Indorsed

Servt.

Rob' Dinwiddie

GoV

Dinwiddee 29 Jan-T 1754 R 17 Feb"^ in Council the IS Febry & answered the same day.

Read

Lw^ds of Trade

to

[New-York

To James Delancey Esq:

De

Lieutenant-Governor

Lancey.

Entries, O., p. 819.]

Lieutenant Governor of

New

York.

Sir,

We

have received your Letters

to

Us dated the 15

of

Ocf and

2 of

November

last,

containing an account of the melancholy death of Sir Danvers Osborn and of Your having taken

LONDON DOCUMENTS upon You the administration of the Government delivered you by M'' Clinton before his departure. the 29 of

November acquainting

in

:

XXXI.

virtue of a

We

829 Commission

of Lieut' Gov'

have iii\ewise received Your

letter of

us with your proceedings in consequence of Lord Holdernesse's

you dated the 2S of August last. unhappy differences which have so long subsisted among the different Branches of the Legislature, restoring the authority of the Crown which has been greatly affected by them, reforming the abuses which have been introduced into the management of Indian Affairs and the establishing a firm Peace and Friendship with them are points of very serious consideration and we hope proper attention will be given to them; The previous measure of sending up Col Johnson to the Six Nations to obviate the mischiefs which might have attended the disgust given to the Mohawks and to prepare them for a general meeting was right and proper and we think it Our duly to recommend to you in the most earnest letter to

The

conciliating the

:

manner

to hold the intended

interview as early as possible and strictly to follow the directions

contain'd in our letter to Sir Danvers Osborn upon that Subject. Inclosed

we

Copy of the invoice of the presents directed by his Majesty to be we are glad to find from the Agent employed by Sir Danvers this service are arrived except some Guns which could not lie got ready in time but now !nade and which we have assurance from the Board of Ordnance will be sent send you a

given to the Indians which

Osborn

in

which are

by the

We

first

Ships

Commands signified to we read the account you

very much approve the regard you have shewn to His Majesty's

you by Lord Holdernesse and

it is

with the greatest Satisfaction that

sent us of the reception they met with from the Assembly, and the resolutions they

upon them,

We

entirely agree with

inevitably attend the proceedings

of

hopes from the intelligence contained

you

in

to

the P'rench and their settling upon the Ohio and had in

your

letter

and from an account transmitted

I'ownall that they had abandoned their design but

M"'

came

opinion as to the consequence which must

it

appears by letters which

to

us by

we have

Governor of Virginia that they have built and garrisoned one two or three more. We need not suggest to you how much it is the interest all the Colonies to prevent such encroachments Your own letter and the resolutions of the Assembly are a sufficient testimony that the people of New York are since received from the Lieut'

fort

upon the Ohio and intend

to build

throughly convinced of the truth of of the Colonies in whatever

may

it

and that they

will not be

wanting

to join

with the rest

be proposed for the general security of the whole.

So we

bid you heartily farewell, and are

Whitehall

Feb:

26"- 1734.

Your very loving friends and humble Servants. Dunk Halifax J. Grenville

James Oswald

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

830

Lords of Trade

To Thomas Pownall Esq

Thomas Pownall^ Esq.

to

[New-York

Entries, O., p. 824.]

:

Sir,

We

have received your

letter to us

dated the 14 and 30 of

Ocf

containing an account of

the nielaciioly death of Sir Danvers Osborn and transmitting the particulars of at

the meeting with the Indians at

We

are

entertained

firmly of

persuaded

Onondago

July

what passed

and other publick papers.

last,

expectations which the people of New York had Danvers Osborn's administration were well founded and

the

that

being happy under

in

S""

we lament the loss which they as well as yourself have sustained by his unfortunate death. The reasons you give for not delivering up the Kings Instructions to the Council are just and proper and we greatly commend the prudence with which you acted in this affair

We

had hopes from the intelligence contained

in D''

Shuckburg's papers which you properly

transmitted to use that the French had abandoned their design upon the Ohio

by

letters

which we have since

Fort altho' part of the

rec''

but

;

it

appears

from the Lieut' Governor of Virginia that they have built a

Armament which supported them

We

in it

may have

returned.

are Sir,

Your most

Ob"* Servants

Dunk Halifax J.

Pitt

Whitehall

Ja.

Feb

Ja.

:

26. 1754.

Secretary Pownall [

To James De Lancey Esq:

to

Lieutenant-Governor

New- York

Entries, 0. p., 826.

Lieut' Governor of

New

De

Ghenvillb Oswald.

Lancey.

]

York.

Sir, I am directed by the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations to acknowledge their having received the Box of Publick Papers (mentioned in your letter to me of the 10''' of Jan:) and also your letters to them of the 24 of December and 3 of Jan: and to acquaint you that

they will take the

first

opportiiniiy of writing fully to

you upon the several points therein

contained their Lordsliips however cannot omit this opportunity of expressing their satisfaction that an early and general meeting with the Indians has been finally settled as the securing their friendship at the present juncture

much

[for]

is

of great Importance to his Majesty's Service and so

the General Interest and advantage of the Province of

New York

and the other

herewith inclose to you a letter to the administrators of S' Danvers Osborn directing them to deliver to you the goods ordered

Neighbouring Provinces and by their Lordships directions

I

LONDON DOCUMENTS by His Majesty

now

are I

to

in their

be given as presents to

tlie

:

XXXI.

831

Indians and which you inform their Lordsliips

hands.

have also their Lordships directions to acquaint you that they apprehend you are

riglit

you may give your assent to a distinct Act for making provision for additional presents to the Indians and for defraying the other incidental expences it appearing to be a contingent and temporary service separate and distinct from the otiier Service of Government. Permit me to close this letter tho' of a publick nature with my sincere thanks for the repeated civility's and kindness which my brother acquaints me he has received from you and which have been a great alleviation of his afflictions and misfortune in the loss of his friend S"' Danvers Osborn. I am with great truth and esteem in

your opinion

tiiat

Sir,

Your most obedient & most humble Servant John Pownall

'

Whitehall

March

7,

1754.

^presentation of

the

Lords of Trade

[New-York

To

May

the it

to tlie

King.

EQtrics,0., p. 832.]

Kings most Excellent Majesty

please your Majesty,

James De Lancey Esq Lieut' Governor of your Majesty's Province of New York having transmitted to us an humble address of the General Assembly of that Province to your Majesty relative to the 39 Article of your Mnj''"' Instructions to the late Governor we humbly beg leave to lay the said address before Your Majesty The Assembly in this address assert, that the imputations contain'd in the said Article of :

your Majesty's Instructions are groundless and

liave

been most falsely and

maliciously

represented to your Majesty and as this Instruction was founded upon our representation upon the Slate of the Province dated the 2 of April 1751

We

think

it

our duty in justification of

ourselves and for the support of your Majesty's honor and dignity to observe to your Majesty that the several facts therein contained and wiiich are recited in the Instruction are verified in

the clearest and strongest manner by a variety of incontestable evidence;

It

appears from the

Journals of the proceedings of the Council and Assembly that during the greatest part of M'

and disagreements did subsist between the and that the publick peace and tranquility of the Province was greatly disturbed It appears from the Acts of the Assembly particularly by those for raising money for publick Service which are all of them of a temporary nature and to which your Majesty's Governor was necessitated from the exigency of the service in time of war, to Clintons

Administration

factious

animosity's

different branches of the Legislature

management and money but have also wrested from your Majesty's Governor the of Government the custody and direction of the publick military stores

give his assent that the Assembly have taken to themselves not only the disposal of such publick

nomination of

all offices

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

832

the mustering and direction of troops raised for your Majesty's service

every

otiier

and

short almost

in

executive part of Government by whicii unwarrantable encroachments and invasion

of your Majesty's just and undoubted authority order and Government was subverted and your

Majesty's service obstructed and the security of the service endangered

imputation of misconduct in the Assembly mentioned

proved from their

own

Acts and proceedings

in

We are

As

therefore every

your Majesty's Instruction

humbly of opinion

is

so clearly

that no regard ought to

be had to the assertion in their address that they have been falsely and maliciously represented All

which

is

most humbly submitted

Dunk Halifax. J.

Geenville.

Whitehall

James Oswald

April 4. 1754.

Andrew

Dr. Colhoun [ New-Tork

to

Lieutenant-Governor

De

Colonial Manuscripts in the Secretary's OflBce, Albany,

Stone.

Lancey. LXXVIII.]

Sir,

Last night the following Deserters from Niagara came here, by

were one I

and

night,

thought

it

may

till

noon next day

way

of

Oswego

say they

at Coll Johnson's.

be agreeable to you, therefore gave you the trouble of

Isaac Swits immediately upon his arrival at

N York,

that he bring

this,

&

have desired

them before you. say they

natives of France. Antoiae Fran ois L'Ouaque a Parisian, & Jean Baptiste de Cortois were with Marrain, at the building of the two wooden-Forts, S. West from Niagara. L'Ouaque seems to be the most intelligent of them. 1 show'd him some Maps of that Country, he has

all

marked with

a Pencill the form of the largest fort built on the neck of a Peninsula on the

South side of Lac Erie 40 Leagues from Niagara. 1749.

Comandant

:

Cap' Repantinie

also the form of the smalest Fort

who was

at

N. York anno

upon the Riviere de Boeuf 7 leagues

South from the former, where Marrain died, say they have there 9 Guns, 3 of Six

&

(bur pounders.

good, the other

&

G of

two

No guns in the other Fort, three leagues of the Road next to the Lake very part very Swampy. L'Gardeur de S' Piere was ordered to Canada, & Cap'

ContreccEur from Niagara

is

their present

Comandant. Contrecoeur's Son an Ensigne

at

Niagara

with only 15 men when they deserted. They were at first about 2000 Men Savages included, when L'Ouaqu^ and de Cortois were detached to Niagara in November last, about five or GOO Dead, and unfitt for Duty.

They and

talk of

to build a

3000 or 4000 men

to

come

this spring

from Canada to reinforce their settlement,

Stone Fort upon the Ohio or Belle Riviere

to the

Westward, say that part

of

the Stones are already dug and squared. It's

said here that the French liave lately finished a Fort at Coas, near the head of Conecticut

River, about 80 or 90 miles above P'ort

Dummer.

1

am

with the greatest respect,

Sir

Your most obedient humble Servt. Alex' Colhoun.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI.

833

Deserters Names.

Charles dit

le

Chevalier de L'Axaque

1

Marie au Cote d Espagne.

S'

j

Jean Baptiste Giraud, Provencal Jean Baptiste de Cortois, Franch-Comte Antoine Fran9ois L'Ouaque. Parisien.

Louis Sabion,

Albany Aprile

il

a reste a Corlac, chez Morison Perruquidr

12. 1754.

De Lancey

Lieutenant-Governor [

New-Tork

to the

Papers, Bundle Kk., No.

Lords of Trade.

1. ]

New York.

My I

22''

April. 1754.

Lords.

had the honour of your LordPP'

endeavour

to give

due attention

letter of the 26"" of

to the

Febr^

last,

on the

IS"" inst

:

I

shall

matters your Lord^P' recommend, and shall stricktly

follow the directions containeJ in your letter to Sir Danvers Osborn.'

have used to the Neighbouring Govern", to induce them to send Albany Treaty, are, that as his Majesty had been graciously pleased to order the Indians a present and had directed the several Govern" to send Commiss" to this Interview, the Indians seeing tiiem there, and being told they are all met by order of the great King their Father on the other side of the Big Lake, and that they are to act in concert for the mutual advantage of them and us may be emboldened to act with vigour in the British Interest against the French. That Your LordPP' intention was that a Treaty be made in His Majesty's name, between the Indians and all the Provinces and that 1 proposed at this interview to unite, as far as possible, all the Indians in alliance with us into a firm and lasting peace with eacii other; and to this purpose to lay before them the folly in waging war with those who are children of the same Father the King, and are all Brethren to the English ; to represent to them the artifice of the French who perswade them into so absurd a practice, to alarm them at the French building Forts on the Lands conquered by and belonging to them on the Lake Erie and the River Ohio, thereby excluding them from a free and open communication with the Far Indians and those in alliance with us; and lastly, principally to concert measures among the Commiss" at this Interview, for building Forts in such part of the Indian Country for their protection, as may encourage them (by seeing their wives and children will be secured and retreat afforded themselves) to declare openly and cordially for us. If sometliing of this kind be done, some reasonable and equal plan concerted of expence and operations; I am perswaded the Indians might be brought wiiolly back into our interest, and to join us readily in dislodging the French from our side of the Lakes; till some such measures

The arguments

Commissioners

I

to the

;

;

'

Sir

Danteks Osdornk, of Chicksands, Bedfordshire,

Bart,,

married

in

September, 1740, Lady Anne Monta{;ii, daughter

of the Earl of Ilalifax, and sister of Lord Halifax, at this time President of the

of

Lady Osborne was, eays Smith, the cause

Vol. VI.

of his melancholy death.

105

— Ed.

Board of Trade.

Excesbive grief for the loss

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

834

I cannot have great dependence on their acting with vigour; we must show them the way, and show them too that there will be safety in adhering wholly to the British Interest. The intelligence I sent Your LordPP' from the Officer at Oswego, was given by Stephen Coften, the same Man whom Coll: Johnson found working in the Mohawks Country, whose deposition he took; a copy of which I now inclose. Whether his fears of the French while at Oswego, made him conceal the truth, or whether the Officer at Oswego was negligent in his Examination, ] know not; but the truth of his deposition is fully confirmed by intelligence we have received several ways; it was brought and delivered to me by Coll Johnson the IS"" of Febr^ last; I took care to have copies immediately sent to the Gov" of Pennsylvania, Maryland & Virginia.

be taken

:

The

Oswego

inclosed intelligence from the Officer at

I

yesterday dispatched by express to the

same Governors. I

have received the copy of the Invoice of the presents directed by His Maj'^

the Indians, and

have an account from the Secretary

I

be given to

to

Board of Ordnance that the

to the

remaining Guns are sent which are arrived.

On the 17"" instant I sent an extract of that part of Your Lord??' letter, which relates to the Resolution of the Assembly of the 13"" of November last, on the Earl of Holderness's letter to

them.

I

had before

letter of the IS"" of

at the

January

last,

wherein

his

Lord^

pleased to approve of that Resolution, which

them

my

opening of the Sessions, communicated signifies, that

in

I

my

speech had urged as a motive to induce

honour of the Crown, and

to exert their greatest effi)rts, to vindicate the

undoubted rights against the Invaders of

Lord Holderness's

His Maj'^' had been Graciously

his property.

LordPP' letter with the intelligence from the Officer at

justify

signilying that they would perceive by the letter from the Earl of Holdernesse,

already before them, and the extract from Your LordPP' a just expectation

in his

His

.Maj""'

accompanied the Extract of your Oswego, and a Message to the house, I

letter, that their

which was

Resolution had raised

Majesty and his Ministers, that they would Act in a manner suitable

to that resolution; and therefore earnestly

recommending

to

them,

now

the French were in

Motion, and with an apparent intention to invade one of His Maj''" Colonies, that they would exert themselves on this occasion, and enable

me

to give such assistance to the

Colony of

Virginia as the present exigency demanded.

They have voted only lOUO pounds his ALnj'^ has ordered into Virginia

(in their address to

me)

for provisions for the

two Independent companies, which

from hence; the reasons they urge

are, a great debt

from the expence of the late

not going higher

for

War;

the necessity of

repairing the Fortifications and out Garrisons; the expence of a double garrison at Oswego,

and the building Forts

come

in

to a lesolution to

the Indian Country and on our Northern frontiers

;

and as they have

bear an equal proportion of the charge of building those Forts,

I

Governours of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusets Bay and New Hampshire, that they may use their

have sent copies of

it

to the

endeavours to bring their Assemblies to join in large

sum

of money, and renders

them unable

this

Expence;

all

to affijrd that assistance

which will require a they would otherwise

willingly give.

They have pounds

—

also voted for the additional

this is

an annual expence.

Albany 150 pounds, annual Commiss" pounds. Officer at Oswego 25 pounds

Men

For presents for Indian

—

this last,

to strengthen the Garrison at to the Indians. Affiiirs is

SOO pounds,

expenses to

170 pounds, Indian Interpreter 50

for trifles to be given

they visit the Officer at Oswego, which have often a better

Oswego 456

my

effi^ct

the Indians

when

than larger at other times.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI. They have

resolved to provide for

I

repair of

tlie

Fortress at

Oswego and

which I have accordingly done. should have sent Your Lordw^ some papers relating to the Jersey

give directions for doing

till

tlie

835

me

desired

to

it,

the next opportunity, as the

Maps

to clear that Matter are not yet

line,

but must defer

completed.

—

I

am

—

it

ettc-

James de Lancey.

Deposition of Stephen Coffen. [

New-York

Papers, Bundle Kk., No.

4. ]

Stephen Coffen of full age being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that he was taken prisoner by the French and Indians of Canada at Menis, in the year 1747, under the command of Major Noble, from whence he was brought to an Indian Village called Octagouche, ahout 15 leagues to the westward of Chebucta, vi'here he was kept three weeks prisoner, from thence was carried to a French settlement called Beaubasin, where the French had a wooden Fort tlien Garrisoned with twenty five Men, remained there two Months, from thence they took him to Gaspey, a considerable fishing place in the Gulf of S' Lawrence near to the entrance of the River; there are about 300 families settled there, they kept him there working near four years, then he was brougiit to a place called Ramouski inhabited by about 25. French Families, from which place he sailed two years to and from Quebec, in a sloop carrying Beaver and During Furs, Salmon ettc. to Quebec, and in return brought back. Brandy dry goods ettc. the time of the Deponents residing at Quebec, he says, it was commonly talked or reported, that they, the French intended to settle as many families as they could to the Westward, to make up for the loss of two of their Towns sunk in the West Indies by an Earth-quake. The Deponent further saith, that the Navigation up tiie River S' Lawrence, is very dangerous, particularly so at the Isle

aux Coudres, and the

Isle Orleans, the

North side of the former

is

the best Navigation, the south side being very rapid and Rocky, and the channel not above 200

yards wide, about G fathoms Water; whereas

North East end of the

latter begins

in the North Channel there is 15 fathom, at the two Sand banks, which extends a league down said River ;

between both banks, and pretty near the middle of the River, iVom tiience Tlie Deponent says, to the Town of Quebec good Navigation, being 15 fatiiom all tiie way. there is no possibility of going up said River without the Tide serves, or a strong North East Wind, especially at the two afore mentioned Islands. In September 1752 the Depon' was in

the channel

is

Quebec, and endeavouring

to

agree with some Indians, to convey him to his

England, which the Indians acquainted the Gov'

of,

who immediately

own Country New

ordered him to Goal,

where he lay tliree Months; at the time of his Releasement the French were preparing for a March to Belle Riviere or Ohio, when he offered his service, but was rejected by the Gov' General Le Cain he the said General setting out for Montreal about the 3"* of January 1753. to view and forward the Forces, the Deponent applyed to Major Ramsay, for liberty to go with the army to Ohio, who told him he would ask the Lieutenant De Ruoy, who agreed to it, upon which he was Equipped as a Soldier, and sent with a Detachment of ;

three

htmdred

Men

to

Montreal,

under the

Command

immediately with said Command, by Land and

lee, for

of

Mons' Babeer, who

Lake Erie;

they

in

sett

their

off

way

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

836

stopt a couple of days to refresh themselves at Cadaragliqui Fort; also at Taranto on the

North side of Lake Ontario; then at Niagara Fort 15 days; from thence

setoff"

being April, and arrived at Chadakoin^ on Lake Erie, where they were ordered to

by Water

Timber, and prepare it for building a Fort there, according to Gov" instructions ; but Mons' Morang coming up with 500 Men and 20 Indians, put a stop to the erecting of a Fort at that place, by reason of his not liking the situation, and the River of Chadakoins being too shallow to carry any craft with provisions ettc. to Belle Rivier. The Deponent says, there arose a warm debate between Mess" Babeer and Morang tliereon, the First insisting on building a Fort there, agreable to his Instructions, otherwise on Morang's giving him an Instrument in writing to satisfy the Gov' in that point, which Morang did, and then ordered Mons"' Mercie, who was both. Commissary and Engeneer to go along said Lake, and look for a good situation which he found, and returned in three days, it being 15 Leagues to the S. W. of Chadakoin they were then all ordered to repair thither; when they arrived, there were about 20 Indians fishing in the Lake, who immediately quit it on seeing the French they fell to work and built a square Fort, of Chesnut Loggs squared, and lapt over each other to the height of 15 foot it is about 120 feet square, a Loghouse in each square, a Gate to the Southward and another to the N. ward, not one port hole cut in any part of it; when finished they called it Fort la Briske Isle. The Indians who came from Canada with them, returned very much out of Temper, owing as it was said among the Army to Morang's dogged behaviour and ill usage of them, but they the Indians said at Oswego, it was owing to the Frenche's misleading of them, by telling them falsehoods, which they said they had now found out, and left them. As soon as the Fort was finished, they marched Southward cutting a Waggon Road through a fine level Country, twenty one Miles to the River of BcEff'. (leaving Capt° Deponteney^ with a hundred Men to garrison the Fort la Briske Isle) they fell to work cutting timber boards ettc for another Fort, while Mons"" Morang ordered Mons'' Bite with 50 Men to go to a place called by the Indians Ganagarah'hare, on the Banks of Belle Riviere, where the River O Boeff empties into it ; in the mean time Morang had got^ large Boats or Battoes made to carry down the Baggage and provisions ettc to said place; Mons' Bite on coming to said Indian place, was asked what he wanted or intended he upon answering, it was their Father the Gov' of Canada's intention to Build a Trading house for their, and all their Brethren's conveniency, was told by the Indians that the Lands were theirs, and they would not have them build upon it; the said M' Bite returning, met two Englishmen Traders, with their Horses and goods, whom they bound & brought prisoners to Morang, who ordered them to Canada in Irons; the said Bite reported to Morang, the situation was good, but the wate[r] in the River O Boeff too low at that time to carry down any Craft with provisions ettc. a few days after, the Deponent says, that about [one] hundred Indians called by the French Loo's, came to the Fort La Riviere O Ba'ff", to see what the French were a doing, that Mon' Morang treated them very fell

;

;

;

;

;

kindly, and then asked them to carry for

down some

stores ettc. to the Belle Riviere

payment, which he immediately advanced them on their undertaking to do

with

full

loads, but never delivered

them

to the French,

it

on horseback ;

they set

off"

which incensed them very much,

loss, but a great disappointment. Morang a Man of very peevish Cholorick meeting with those and other crosses, and finding the season of the year too far advanced, to build the Third fort, called all his officers together, and told them, that as he had engaged, and firmly promised the Gov' to finish the three Forts that season, and not being

being not only a disposition,

'

Now, Portland, Chautauque

Co.,

N. Y.

'

Derponliney. Nnr

York (^nlnvinl Manimcript!!, I.XXVIIT.

'

OO.

Ibid.

—

T.n.

LONDON DOCUMENTS able to

fulfill

had now

was both,

the same,

and ashamed

affraid

XXXI.

:

to return to

begged they would take him (as he then

for

;

which was rejected by the

him, as he had behaved very

about eight days before he

Canada,

in a

Canada, being sensible, he live in disgrace, he

Governour's favour for ever; wherefore, rather than

forfeited the

made

sat in a carriage

time) and seat him in the middle of the Fort, and then set flames

837

left

who, the Deponent

Officers,

them

to

ill

La

the Fort

all

Isle,

Chev

him, being very sick some

and

says,

let

him perish

had not the

in the

least regard

The Deponent further saith, that Le Crake arrived express from

in general.

Briske

for

fire to it,

:

Birch Canoe, worked by 10 men, with orders (as the deponent afterwards heard)

to Morangto make all the preparation possible again the spring of the two Forts at Chadakoin, one of them by Lak« Crie, the other at the end of which carrying place is 15 miles from one Lake to the the carrying place at Lake Chadakoin other; the said Chevalier brought for Mon' Morang, a cross of S' Louis, which the rest of the Officers would not allow him to take until the Gov' was acquainted of his conduct and behaviour; the Chev: returned immediately to Canada, after which the Deponent saith, when

from the Governour Le Cain year, to build then

;

O

the Fort la Riviere

Boeff"

and has two Logg Houses

Canada,

built of wood stokadoed Triangularwise, Morang ordered all the party to return to except three hundred men, which he kept to Garrison Both

was

finished (whicli

in the

for the winter season,

is

inside) Mons''

Forts, and prepare materials ag" the spring for the building other Forts

Coeur an

Officer

and Interpreter,

to stay the

Winter among the Indians

he also sent Jean

;

at Ohio, in order to

prevail with them, not only to allow the building Forts on their Lands, but also persuade

them

The Deponent further saith, that on the 2S"' of October last, he sett off" for Canada under the command of Capt° Deman, who had the command of 22 Battoes, with 20 Men in each Battoe the remainder being 760 Men, join the French interest against the English.

if possible, to

;

followed in a few days, the 30"" arrived at Chadakoin, where they staid four days, during

which time Mons'' Peon with 200 Men, cut a Waggon Road over the carrying place from Lake Erie to Lake Chadakoin,' being 15 Miles, viewed the situation which proved to their liking, so sett

off"

Nov'

S""

Fort, with 25

for Niagare,

Men

in

build Battoes for the

it,

where we arrived the

they talked of rebuilding

army again the

G""

it

:

is

a very poor rotten old

next summer.

it

spring, also a Store

House

We

left

50

Men

wooden here to

for provisions Stores ettc

and

hands being fatigued with Rowing all night, ordered to put ashore to breakfast within a mile of Oswego Garrison, at which time the Deponent saitii, that he with a Frenchman slip't off', and got to the Fort, where they both were staid here

two days, then

sett

off"

the 500

Canada;

;

Men Morang brought up

700 more, which made

in all

Forts, 50 at Niagara, the rest

1500 men all

Boeff",

to

;

before

here.

under the

came

The Depon'

Command

at different

further saith, that

of Mons' Babeer,

&

times with stores ettc

three hundred of which remained to garrison the two

returned to Canada, and talked of going up again this winter,

have planted

where Morang commands.

Sworn 10""

Gov"

came

first,

they had two G-pounders, and 7. fourpounders, Fort at Ganagarah'hare, which was to have been Fort, but as that was not built, they left the Guns in the Fort La Riviere O

which they intended called the

he

afterwards, there

as to be there the beginning of April

80,

all

Army passed from thence Men with which he went up

concealed, until the

besides the 300

for

me

;

in the

Further the Deponent saith not

„^„ OTEPIIEN

this

o,^

day of January 1754.

W™

'^

+

mark

Johnson. '

now, Lake Chautouque.

— Ed.

n^r,^^ OOFFEN ,

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

838

Lieutenant-Governor [

De Lancey

Lords of Trade.

to tlie

New-York Papers, Bundle Kk., No.

7. ]

New

My

York, 21

May

1754.

Lords,

In

my

letter of the 22. of April,

I

money

acquainted your LordPP' with the sums of

the

which I beg leave to refer, inclosing a copy of it. In the Bill they sent up to the Council for issuing the money, several of the allowances were made payable on Receipts, and not by Warrant; among the rest that of 1000 pounds for subsisting the two Companies, ordered to Virginia, with provisions for six Months, and the Council being of opinion, that this method of issuing the publick money, was repugnant to His Mnj'^'' Commission and Instructions, rejected the Bill, and advised me to prorogue the General Assembly, til the ne.\t day, and to recommend the providing for the services in a manner not

Assembly had voted,

to

which

liable to objection,

I

accordingly did.

my

endeavours,

I

me to raise Men The extreme

your LordPP' with a particular

is

part, as

charges of Govern',

will

your

point out to your LordPP' it

may

be, as the

not recede, and the Council on the other, think themselves not

Assembly's method, unless they depart from the Royal Instructions.

should have

made no

difliculty in passing the Bill rather,

service of this nature to drop; relying on this; that the necessity to

all

look upon this service, to be distinct from the annual and constant

I

I

only say, that after

for this service or to enable

however urgent

of the disappointment of any service,

at liberty to give in to the

appear

shall

Assistance of Virginia.

for the

Assembly on one hand

my own

shall not trouble

I

obstinacy of the Assembly in this instance, will

the danger there

For

I

accompany this with the votes, but could not prevail on them to give one farthing

detail of the proceedings, as

Lord''?* a sufficient excuse,

and

I

I

was thus

beg your Lord^P' sentiments

than suffer a

laid under,

would

my guide upon

for

such occasions. I lately received an express from Gov'' Hamilton of Pennsylvania, with intelligence that the French had drove our people from a small Fort on the Ohio, and obliged them to retreat to the Inhabitants; and being uncertain whether your LordPP' will receive this advice earlier from

Virginia, or otherways,

I

They came

inclose copies of the Papers.

my

to

hands the

Month,

9"" inst:,

must embark to go to the interview appointed with the Six Nations at Albany, so that the time would not allow of my calling them again to lay these papers before them. I can not meet them till their harvest is over, which will be the latter end of July, or the beginning of August, when I hope they will show such a regard to their solemn Resolution approved of by His Majv, as a few days after

may redound I now send

I

had prorogued the Assembly, and early

to their

this Province,

in the next

I

honour.

your LordPP' some papers relating

to the division line,

with a copy of an ancient Map, said

was then Gov' of East Jersey. the Lands that are as

I

I

between

be signed by

New

still

Duke

in the

Crown.

of York, but will

Jersey and

Andrew Hamilton, who

have drawn two lines on the Map, to distinguish

conceive

Charles Second's Grant to the

to

in a triangle,

make no observations on King suppose the Duke had a right to grant I

shall

the lands, which he did grant to Lord Berkely and Sir George Carteret, and then

how from Cape May considered

far the

at the

Duke's Grant

mouth

to

them, did extend up Delaware River.

it is to

be

The bounds

of Delaware River are " extending to the Northward as far as

:

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXXI.

:

839

Northernmost Branch of the said Bay, or the River of Delaware, which is in forty one Here I would only observe, that the Northermost Branch of the said Bay or River, is the terminus ad quern, the piace at wliich they must stop: the

degrees and forty minutes of Latitude."

tlie

words, as far

as,

being the same in sence

as,

usque ad, which

is

always exclusive of the

Cape May, to the Northermost Branch of Delaware River is the whole extent of the Western boundary of Jersey. As for these words, which is in forty one degrees and forty Minutes of Latitude, I do not take them to be part of the description of the Boundary, they are only affirmative words of computation, or rather conjecture of the latitude wherein the Northernmost branch or the Forks of Delaware lye. For instance, if a grant was made of all the lands from London Bridge to Greenwich, which is ten miles; here the mistaken computation made of the distance, will not carry the grant beyond Greenwich. London Bridge being the terminus a quo, the place whence, and Greenwich the terminus at quern, the place to which; and these two make the extent of the Grant, and are always understood to be exclusive. So of the western boundary of Jersey, the main Ocean at Cape May at the mouth of Delaware Bay, is the terminus a quo, and the Northermost branch of the said Bay or the River of Delaware, is the terminus ad quern, which make the extent of the Jersey grant on the West. For Delaware River is formed by the two branches joining into one Body at the forks of Delaware, may properly enough to be said to be the ne plus place to which you go; so that from

ultra, of

For the mistaken computation of distance or

Jersey on that side.

latitude,

cannot

enlarge the extent of a Grant, words of that sort being not descriptive but conjectural. It is said,

as the Patents of

Wawayanda and

can not be concerned,

Maj"^'' interest

Minisink are bounded on the Jersey

let the line

run where

the Jersey line on which these Patents were bounded,

Map, which was even

if

at that time understood to be the line,

the real line of Jersey

is

to run from the

Bay, to the Station on Hudson's River opposite being I

to

but this

was the supposed

is

line

Council

I

for this

Manager

the

;

tell

him

my

;

in

which

letter

I

thought

it

opinion that the forks of Delaware, were the

me a pretty me by M''

to

make no reflections on it, but submit the propriety of it to your Lord^P' must inform your Lord^P' that M' Alexander is a Member of his Maj'>'''

shall

consideration.

chief

in

propose a line of peace between the two provinces, to put a stop

to

duty, as his Majesty's servant, to

I

marked

line.

ne plus ultra of Jersey on that side. This paragraph has drawn upon extraordinary proposal from the Jq^sey proprietors, which was delivered Alexander.

line, his

a mistake; for

Forks of Delaware, or the head of Delaware lower Yonkers the King's intention

to the

and disorders that are committed on the Borders

to the disputes

my

will,

and they cannot be extended Southward,

grant lands no further than the then supposed

wrote to Gov"" Belcher

it

Province and

in

for

the Province of Jersey, and a considerable proprietor, and a

behalf of the Jersey proprietors.

I

leave

it

to

your Lord^P' to consider

how

between the two Provinces, and between the Proprietors and his Majesty. I inclose the Report of a Committee of his Majesty's Council on the disturbances between the people living on the borders of the two Govern" and consistent this

is,

the opinion of the

while there

Commitee

is

this controversy subsisting

for establishing a line of peace, until the partition line be fixed

between both provinces, and M' Alexander's reasons LordPP' will perceive the opinion of His

run according to the supposed if

they appear satisfactory,

that the line be so fixed

I

&

line,

Maj'^'"'

for his dissent to the said Report.

Your

Council to be, that the line of peace, should

and the reasons upon which they ground their opinion, and

hope directions will be given

to the

Gov"

of the

two provinces,

ascertained as a line of peace, until His Maj''"' right be finaly

settled in such a legal course, as his

Majesty

shall think proper.

j

)

;

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

840

I am very backward to take any steps to protect the Freeholders and Inhabitants in the quiet enjoyment of their possessions up to the supposed line, as the Council advise. The Reason, My Lords, is, that I am concerned in the Minisink Patent, and so are my Brothers and sisters, Nor shall I take any steps as Devisees of my Father, vs^ho held two shares in that Patent.

without the advice of the Council.

I

beg your Lord??'

will be

pleased to direct

me

on

this head.

As one

of the points in

for building Forts in

War

view

at the

meeting of Commiss"

advanced places on the

at

Albany,

is

to concert

frontiers, to cover these Colonies,

and

measures

in case of a

I would propose to your LordPP', that I might have his Maj''''' leave twenty thousand pounds in Bills of Credit, to be put out at interest for the space of ten years at six per cent, and then to be paid into the Treasury and sunk the whole of the Interest to be applyed in building and supporting the Fortifications on the This fund would produce 1200 pounds per annum; and as Frontiers, and to no other use.

to

annoy the French;

to pass a Bill for emitting

the Assembly are averse to

seems

to

me

have a bad obtain,

this

effect

measure

Taxes at this time, those of the last war not being yet at an end, it is most likely to go down with them, and I can not think it will

on the credit of our paper currency,

we have about

for,

115,000 pounds paper currency, and

from the best information

we now

sink annually

I

could

by the funds

appropriated to that purpose 9500 pounds. I have just received advice from the Officer at Oswego that on the third instant, thirty French Battoes loaded with provisions under the conduct of two Officers, past that Post, in

way

their

to Niagara,

supposed

to be destined for the

Ohio.

—

I

am

— My Lords,

Your LordPP' most obedient and most humble servant James de Lancey

Major Wasldngton [

New-Tork

to

Governor Hamilton.

Papere, Bundle Kk., No.

6. ]

(

Honourable It is

copy

Sir,

with the greatest concern

was compelled

to

I

acquaint you, that

M''

Ward Ensign

in

Cap" Trent's

comp^'

surrender his small Fort in the Forks of Mohongialo to the French on the 17.

who fell down from Weningo with a Fleet of 360 Battoes and Canoos, with upwards of one Thousand Men, and eighteen pieces of Artilery, which they planted against the Fort, drew up their Men, and sent the inclosed summons to M'' Ward, who having but an inconsiderable inst

:

number of Men, and no Canon to make a proper defence was obliged to surrender; they suffiired him to draw off his Men, Arms, and working Tools and gave leave that he might retreat to the Inhabitants, for His Maj'^'' service, and for all our interests on by the inclosed speech of the Half Kings, that the Indians expect some Assistance from you, and I am persuaded you will take proper notice of their moving speech, and of their unshaken fidelity. I

have heard of your Honour's great zeal

the present occasion.

You

will see

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI. 1

thought

it

841

more adviseable

you could get King proposes.

to acquaint your Hon'' with it immediately, than to wait till by way of Williamsburgh, and the young Men, as the Half

intelligeuce

I have arrived thus far with a detachment of 150 Men, Coll: Fry with the remainder of the Regiment and artilery is daily expected. In the mean time we advance slowly across the mountains, making the Roads as we March, fit for the carriage of our Gunns ettc. and are designed to proceed as far as the mouth of red stone Creek, which enters Mohongialo, about

we have a Water carriage down Ohio Company, which may serve as a

37 Miles above the Fort taken by the French, from whence the River; and there recepticle for our

a Stone house' built by the

is

Ammunition and

provisions.

We have credible accounts, that another have intelligence that 600 of the Chippoways and

Besides these French that came from Weningo,

We

party are coming up Ohio.

also

Ottoways, are Marching down Sciodo Creek to join them.

Freedom

I

have assumed

hope your Hon"^

I

acquainting you with these advices.

in

It

my

Country that intluenced me to it and occassioned this Express. and regard, your Hon"''' most obedient and very humble servant.

will excuse the

was the warm I

am

with

all

zeal

I

owe

due Respect

G" Washington.

James Foley the express, says he left M'' Washington at the New Store on Potowmack about 130 Miles from Capt" Trent's Fort at the mouth of Mohongialo on Saturday 27"" April. Philadelphia.

A

G"-

May

1754.

Examined by Richard Peters, Secretary.

true copy

New York

16.

May 1754

—a

true copy Exam**

by

Captain Contrecoeur's

Gw: Banyar D

Summons [

New-York

to the

Secretary

—

British Troops at the Monongahela.

Papers, Bundle Kk., No.

10. ]

A Summon

by order of Contrecoeur Capt" of one of the Companies of the Detatchment of the French Marine; Commander in Chief of His Majesty's most Christian Troops^ now on the Beautiful River, to the Commander of those, of the

King

of Great Brittain, at the

mouth

of the River Monongahela.

Sir,

Nothing can surprise

me

King my Master, which

more, than to see you attempt a settlement upon the Lands of the

Captain of the Bombadiers, 'Sic. Storehouse. '/Sic.

Nea-York

me now. Sir, to send you this Gentleman Chev: Le Mercier, Commander of the Artilery of Canada, to know of you Sir, by

obliges

Colonial Manuscripts,

Hio moat chriBtian Majesty's Troops. Ibid.

Vol. VI.

LXXVIU;

— Ed.

106

Pennsylvania Colonial Jteeorda, VI.,

29.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

842

what Authority you are come to fortify yourself within the Dominions of the King This action seems so contrary to the last Treaty of peace, concluded at Aix-la Chapelle, between his Most Christian Majesty and the King of Great Brittain, that I do not know, to whom, to impute such a usurpation, as it is incontestable, that the lands situated along the Beautiful River, belong to his Most Christian Majesty. I am informed. Sir, that your undertai^ing has been concerted by none else, than by a Comp^ who have more in view the advantage of a Trade, than to endeavour to keep the Union and harmony which subsists between the Crowns of France and Great Brittain; altho' it is as virlue of

my

Master.

much

the interest. Sir, of your Nation, as Ours to preserve

it.

you come into this place charged with orders, 1 summon you in the Name of the King my IMaster, by virtue of orders which I got from my General, to retreat peaceably with your Troops from off the Lands of the King, (and not return; or else 1 find myself obliged to fulfill my duty, and compell you to it, I hope, Sir, you will not defer an instant, and that you will not force me to the least Extremity) in that case. Sir, you may be persuaded that I will give orders, that there shall be no damage done by my Detachment. I prevent you, Sir, from the trouble of asking me one hour of delay, nor to wait for my consent to receive orders from Your Gov'. He can give none within the Dominions of the King my Master; those I have received of my General are my Laws, so that I can not depart Let

it

be as

it

will. Sir, if

from them. If

on the contrary,

you, that

Children

I

Sir,

you have not got orders, and only come

to

Trade,

I

am

sorry to

tell

can't avoid seizing you, and to confiscate your Effects, to the use of the Indians our

and friends; as you are not allowed

allies

this reason. Sir, that

we

Lands, moreover the King to trouble the

stopped two Englishmen

my

to

carry on a contraband Trade.

last

Master asks nothing but

year,

It

is

for

who were Trading upon our

his right, he has not the least intention

good harmony, and Friendship which reigns between

his Maj'^

and the King of

Great Brittain.

The Gov'

of Canada, can give proof of having done his utmost endeavours, to maintain the

perfect union

&

which reigns between two friendly

princes, as he

had learned that the Iroquois,

Nepissingues of the Lake of the two Mountains, had struck and destroyed an English family

towards Carolina, he has carred to that family,

carried to Boston; and

cruelty

'

up the Roads and forced them

which was the only one

what

is

upon the English our

to give

him a

little

boy belonging

&

which M' Wlerick a Merchant of Montreal has more, he has forbid the Savages from exercising their accustomed alive,

friends.

means taken all last Winter, to instigate the Indians to we were striving to maintain the peace. I am well persuaded. Sir, of the polite manner in which you will receive M' Le Mercier, as I expect you will well out of regard to his business, as his Distinction and personal Merit. send iiim back with one of your Officers, who will bring me a precise answer. As you have I

could complain bitterly. Sir, of the

accept the hatchet, and to strike us while

'

Sie.

barred. iVeui - York Colonial Manuscripit,

LXXVIII.

— Ed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS got some Tndians with you, Sir,

my

them of

intentions

I

join

I

upon that

vvitli M''

XXXI.

:

Le Mercier an

843

interpreter, tiiat he

may inform

sul)ject.

am

with great Regard Sir

Your most humble

Done

at our

Camp

&

most

obedient Servant

Contrecceur

April 16. 1754.

Philadelphia

6">

May

1754.

a true copy examined by

Richard Peters

De Lancey

Lieutenant-Governor [

Secretary.

New- York

Lords of Trade.

to the

Papers, Bnndle Kk., No. IS.

]

New

My

York. 5 June 1754.

Lords,

On

the 21" of last

Month (May)

I

had the honour of writing

to

your LordPP' and inclosing

New

several papers relating to the controverted line of Division between this Province and

Jersey, a duplicate of which letter

1

now

send, with a

Copy

of Keith's Map, and a paper

received from M' Alexander; the otlier papers relating to this matter mentioned are entered in the Minutes of Council

1754, Copies of which

I

now

Commencing

I

that letter,

in

the ll"" January, and ending the 17""

May

send your LordPP% with the Journal of the Council's proceedings

the two last sessions of General Assembly, the votes of the Assembly, and ingrossed

in

copies of

the Five Acts passed

;

among

the Acts there

are

not any

I

think that require

particular observation. I

have received intelligence from the Officer at Oswego that on the

14"" of

May

Canoes seemingly well manned, passed that place, supposed to be destined to Ohio the two Independent companies, in his Maj'J" ship Centaur sailed for \'irginia,

17. ;

French

last

alter

week being

detained a considerable time here by bad weather. 1 shall

embark

for

Albany 1

to

morrow,

to

meet the Indians on the

14"" instant.

am

My

Lords,

Your LordPP* most obedient and most humble servant. James de Lancet P. S.

I

inclose

paper delivered

Your LordPP' a copy of me by M' Alexander.

to

my

letter to

Gov' Belcher and of

my answer

to the

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

844

Secretary Robinson [

to the

Plantation General Papers,

X V.

Lords of Trade. (

O.

)

No. 125.

]

Whitehall, 14"' June 1754.

My

Lords,

The King having taken it

into consideration the present State of affairs in North America,

and

having appeared to His Majesty to be highly expedient that a Plan of General Concert

should be entered into by his Majesty's several Colonies for their mutual and

common

Defence,

and to prevent or remove any Incroachments upon His Majesty's Dominions: I am to signify to Your Lordships tile King's pleasure that You should forthw^ith prepare such a Plan of concert

may

as

may

be proper for the purpose above mentioned, in order that the same

be sent to the

several Governors of His Majesty's Colonies in North America. I

am.

My

Lords,

Your Lordships' most obedient humble Servant T. Robinson*

Lords of Trade and Plantations.

Secretary Robinson to Lieutenant -Governor L)e Lancey. [

GoTemora

& Commanders in Horth

America.

P. 0.

( S.

)

No.

74. ]

Whitehall 5 July 1754. Sir, I have received your letter of the 22°* of April, directed to the Earl of Holdernesse, in answer to His Lordship's letter of the 18"" of January, and having laid it before the King, I am to acquaint you vpith his Maj's"'' surprise, that the Independent companies of Your Govern* were found in so bad a condition, as they appear to have been by your own account. Capt°

Rutherford and Lieut' Morris are actually

set out for their respective posts

;

and His Mnj'^ does

not doubt but that the two Companies are thoroughly compleat, which you have sent to Virginia, and that you have taken the like care to compleat those which remain

upon Duty

in

your province. '

Sir

TnoMAS

Robix3'-n, son of Sir

William R. and Mary Aislabie, was ambassador to the Court of Vienna in 1734 and during

the administration of Sir Robert Walpole. the peace of Ai.\ la Chapelle.

In 1747 he a'-ted as one of the plenipotentiaries on the part of Great Britain at

He was appointed one of the Lords of Trade iu He was also Master of the wardrobe, and in

was made a privy councillor. Though of the House of Commons. foreign affairs, he was ignorant even which he too frequently attempted,

1748,

which

office

he held a year; and in 1750

1754 appointed Secretary of Slate and leader

a good Secretary of State, as far as the business of his office and that which related to

House of Commons controversy, and when he pla3'ed the orator, who loved and esteemed him, could not On George 2d going to Hanover, he was appointed one of the Lord

of the language of an it

was

so exceedingly ridiculous, that these

always preserve a friendly composure of countenance. In 1755 he was removed from the Secretaryship, to make way Justices.

for Mr. Fox, and went back to his old place aa Muster of the wardrobe, with a pension of £2000 a year on the Irish establishment. He was offered, again in 1757, the place On the 7th of April, 1761, he was of Secretary of State, which he declined on the scire of ill health. Waldegrave's Mem

created Baron Grantham, of Grantham, county of Lincoln, and died 30 September, 1770.

the late Viscount Goderich.

— Eo.

His lordship was Grandfather to

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXXI.

:

845

with great concern that His Mnj'^ sees the unwillingness of his subjects under your

It is

Govern' to exert themselves Colonies,

more

in

what

is

the

especially since

now become

so esse[n]tial!y

tlie

common

cause of

all

the

accounts from Major Washington of the violent

last

proceedings and actual hostilities of the French upon the Ohio; which verify in fact what was

apprehended, when the Earl of Holdernesse wrote so fully to you in August last, and which might have been, in a great meusure, if not totally, prevented, had every one of His Maj'^"' Governments exerted themselves according to those directions; I am now to enforce to you,

by

command,

the King's express

the said directions, to

which

I shall

only add, that at the same

time that your assembly seems to be so sensible of the vigour and resolution said to have

been shewn by the Govern' of Virginia upon those which were sent to you, which

them

I

they should not be unacquainted

this occasion,

with the behaviour of the Govern' of Massachuset's Bay,

obedience to like instructions to

in

do not doubt but you have been enabled

consequence of your correspondence with Gov' Shirley, and much

in

less

to lay before

should they be

ignorant of the approbation which His Maj'^ has been graciously pleased to

shew to his good your neighbours, and of the encouragement wh"^'' has been given to them to proceed with the utmost vigour as you will see more fully by the inclosed copy of a letter, which I have written to M' Shirley by His Maj'^'' commands of which you will make a proper use, in subjects,

order to excite His

Maj'^'* subjects

under your care,

to follow so

brave an example. I

am

ettc.

T. Robinson.

Lords of Trade [

To James Delancey Esq:

to

Lieutenant-Governor

New-Tork

Entries, O. P., 837

Lieut' Gover' of

New

De

Lancey.

— 354.]

York.

Sir

One

of his Majesty's ships of

War

being preparing to

sail

few days

in a

us an opportunity of answering such points in the several letters

we have

for Virginia affords

received from you as

have not yet answered.

You

are already so fully acquainted with our sentiments

unnecessary for us

to

upon Indian

say any thing further upon this subject

We

our surprize and concern that after the proper arguments which you

neighbouring Coionys

to

concur

in the treaty

affairs that it is

almost

cannot however but express

made

use of to induce the

with the Six Nations any of these Colonys should

at this conjuncture have declined joining in a

measure so apparently for the general interest and security of the whole and such a conduct appears to us tiie more extraordinary as we are informed that upon former occasions and in times of less Peril and Exigency they have joined in

such treaty's

The affairs

preserving and securing the friendship of these Indians

an object of the greatest Importance

the British Interest that not only

been secured from the

fatal effects

New York

it is

but

is

in the

present situation of

from the steady adherence of these Indians to all

the other Northern Colonys have hitherto

of the encroachments of a foreign power, and without their

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

846

all our efforts to ciieck and disappoint the present view of this power would be endless to enumerate the advantages which are derived from an alliance with these Indians and the mischiefs and evils which will certainly result from a neglect of them in the present conjuncture they are so apparent that we are at a loss to guess at the motives for the conduct of those Colony's who have declined joining in the treaty

friendship and assistance

may

prove ineffectual

it

with them. is the language of almost every Colony that a general Union become absolutely necessary nothing could have facilitated such a measure more than a general Congress of Commissioners from each Colony at Albany upon this occasion some plan might possibly have then been struck, out by these Commissioners for effecting such an Union which can never be brought about in the seperate and divided state of the Colony's without some general Congress. The reasons you give us in your letter of the 24 of Dec' for having appointed the meeting with the Indians at Albany rather than Ondiondago are founded upon a variety of circumstances which we have not the opportunity of examining into with that precision which is necessary Your reasons appear to us however in a to enable us to form a proper judgement upon them general view to be formed upon right principles and we hope they will be justified by the good

It

seem's to be the opinion and

of strength and interest

is

In

effects of this treaty.

treatys with the Indians of a publick nature regard only ought to

all

be had to the General Interest advantage and security which should the partial or commercial views

&

to arise

is

from such treatys nor

Interest of private persons be ever admitted to take

any publick meeting with the Indians as we have reason to fear has too often been the much to the prejudice of His Majesty's Interest and Service. The papers you have sent us relative to the points in dispute between New York and the Neighbouring Provinces with respect to Boundarys, more especially with respect to the line of division between New York and New Jersey and the observations which you make in your effect at

case very

letters

upon these disputes

consideration that

it

it

will be of great service to us

will be for his Majesty's service

temporary

and

for the

be ascertained and therefore

consideration and lay our thoughts fully upon

recommend

to

you

We

comes under our

that point

see this affair at the present

peace and interest of both Provinces that a

should be establish'd by his Majesty's authority until the true

line of Jurisdiction

line of property can

earnestly

when

appears to us in the general light in which

as

we have

it

also

we

done

matter into Our mean time we do

shall shortly take this

before his Majesty. to tiie

In the

Governor of

New

Jersey to every

and proper measure that can be tliought of to preserve the publick peace in those parts and prevent that mishief we have reason to fear might be occasioned by this unhapppy dispute. The general impressions we have had of your conduct in the office of Chief Justice have

legal

been favourable ones and we hope your Conduct

upon you

We

will

recommend you

to that office again

in the execution of the

when

this

command

are glad to find that you have satisfyed the Principal

command

devolved

ceases.

Members

of the

Assembly of

the unreasonableness of meddling for the future in the executive part of Government and of the propriety of allowing

all

publick

the Governor and Council

money

a point insisted on that the

Revenue even

notwithstanding be granted only from year

which are so

explicitly

disavowed

this reserve of granting the

to

be drawn out of the Treasury by warrant of

But as it is stil permanent nature should

only agreable to his Majesty's Instructions

in

to

for the services of a

year

we

words are meant

are afraid that either these pretensions to be retained in effect or that at least

Revenue only annually may from time

to time revive these very

LONDON DOCUMENTS may

pretensions since such annual grants

Crown

:

XXXI.

be employed annually

847 to

the purposes of wresting

whose Salarys depend upon the annual appointment of the Assembly and of disappointing all such services of Government as may be necessary even to the very existence of the Colony, which are not entrusted even in their execution to such persons as the Assembly appoints under the pretence of receiving and from

the

the

Nomination of

And

applying these annual grants in the

offices

even

the' the

Crown

has no Controul over such persons

execution of the trusts so reposed in them nor in making them accountable

expenditure of the

money

this

all

money

upon the people ought

raised

the

for

put into their [hands] according to the strict rules by which to

be accounted

for to the

Crown

all

in its Courts.

We are indeed at a loss to conceive what other purposes this point so strenuously insisted upon of granting the Revenue from year to year can serve for if it is imagined that this method of establishing a revenue by annual grant is the only one by which the province can be secured against misapplication on the part of the Governor or otlier officers of the

found to be a mistake and that the mere

mode

is

it

of granting the

directed to the above purposes

strict

to

punish

if

it

It

will

be

itself is of no effect at all and if disavowed by themselves such appropriation accompanied

Revenue annually which of is

with proper checks and proper penalties will be found more effectual

and

Crown

appropriation which produces such security and not

to

prevent misapplication

attempted than either the method of annual grants which

Services of a permanent nature and necessary to the very being

of

the Colony

is

in the case of

an absurdity

Assembly for the receipt and application of Publick money whereby not only the executive power of the Crown is invaded but the publick is disappointed of the only security it is made to expect such Commissioners being in their very constitution Intended to be beyond the controle of the executive power and not If the Assembly therefore truly and subject to any proper method of account in its Courts sincerely mean only to secure the Revenue which they grant against misapplication which is an object not only laudable in its self but which in duty to their constituents they are bound to endeavour to obtain by every method which their constitution admits, and which is not in itself absurd let them apply themselves to appropriate their grants both of permanent and occasional Revenue in the strictest manner to the purposes for which they intend it let [them] contrive and promote such Checks as they Judge most proper to prevent misapplication and such penaltys as they think necessary for punishing it if attempted There is nothing in such measures either contradictory of the Kings Instruction or invasive of His prerogative and it seems to be equally the interests of the Crown as of the Province that all publick money But if they persist by the means of annual grant either should be truly applied to its service or the appointing of Commissioners on the part of the

to attempt wresting from the

of

Crown

the nomination of officers and any other executive parts

Government disappointing the most

are comply'd with tho' they

effectual services of the province unless such pretensions

may have succeeded

in

such attempts either by the weakness and

Corruption of Governors or by taking advantage of the necessity of the times yet these attempts are so unconstitutional so inconsistent with the interest of the mother Country as well as of the

be found they

Crown and flatter

so

little

tending to the real benefit of the Colony

themselves in vain

if

and permanency We are therefore of opinion that the Council did right assent to the Act mentioned in your letter of the 24 of May. ;

It

York

was

a great surprize to us to find by your letter of the 22 of April that the

after so

itself that

it

will

they imagine they can ever give them a stability in

refusing their

Assembly of

New

proper a regard shown to His Majesty's orders by their resolution of the 28 of

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

848

so graciously approved of and

August 1753 which His Majesty had

expectation that they would have Acted with vigour at this

crisis

which had raised a just should have absolutely it was manner

refused to grant any other supply than the trifling Article mentioned in your letter and still

a greater surprize to us to find that they refused ever to grant

inconsistent with His Majesty's order and instruction

conduct in so perilous a situation

when

We

them but

in

a

are at a loss to account for such a

the proceedings of a foreign

power

call

upon the Colony's

most vigorous endeavours for their Security and Defence, and when the least delay or neglect may be attended with very fatal consequences, but what in Our oppinion still further aggravates the Assemblys disobedience to His Majesty's orders is that extraordinary declaration to exert the

Address to you of the 23 of April that it did not appear to them the building a Fort upon It is beyond dispute that their French Creek was any invasion of His Majesty's Colonys land are comprehended within the territory of the Six Nations who are by the Treaty of Utrecht acknowledged by France to be subject to the Dominion of Great Britain His Majesty looks

in the

;

upon

this

to

be an invasion of His Dominions and therefore such a declaration

is

highly

Assembly and injurious to His Majesty's rights and is the more extraordinary as the security of all the Colonys and the preservation of Our trade and commerce with the Indians depends upon the possession of these lands we cannot therefore but approve the answer you gave to this address and the proper regard you shewed for His Majesty's Rights and the publick interest in clearing His Majesty[s] title from such ill founded presumptuous

in

the

and pernicious doubts.

As soon as we received your letter and papers relative to these points we laid them before His Majesty as also all such others as contain an account of your proceedings in consequence of His Majesty's Orders and we doubt but you will receive directions from His Majesty upon them.

The Act

proposition you mention in your letter of the 21 of

for issuing ^£20,000 in Bills of credit requires a

to believe

from the Nature of paper currency

in

proper security and having a proper fund for operate to the advantage of a Colony and

money

for the

may

of being permitted to pass an

we

are inclined

General, that a moderate quantity issued upon

its

also

redemption within a reasonable time may be the least burthensome method of levying

supply and support of Government but then

making such paper money

May

very serious consideration

we

are clearly of opinion that the

unnecessary, improper and you shou'd meet with such difficulty in raising money for the supply and support of Goverment in the present emergency in the usual way as might induce you to fall upon this method we think that the bills ought by no means to be declared to be a legal tender and that the interest arrising from the loan of the bills should during their continuance be appropriated and applied to the services of Government in the manner prescribed by His Majesty's Instruction and provided also that you do not give your assent to any Act of this sort without a clause being inserted therein suspending its execution until His Majesty's pleasure be known. So we bid you heartily farewell and are a legal

tender in

all

paiyments

inconsistent with the sence of Parliament here, and therefore

is

if

Your very loving friends and humble Servants Du.NK Halifax Whitehall July 5 1754.

James Oswald Andrew Stone

LONDON DOCUMENTS Reverend

S.

Johnson

to the

it

please

and

in

No.

I.,

77,

Lambeth Palace.]

Your Grace

The Bearer hereof

New Haven

849

Arclihishop of Canterhury.'

["Amerioan Coltmies M8.," No. U23,

May

XXXI.

:

is

M''

Solomon Palmer who having been brought up and graduated

at

College, has for several Years, been a dissenting Minister of a very good character

much esteem but upon

occasion of our late Confusions he hath been led to read

the best Divines of our Chuch, which has of late convinced

him

that

it

is

his

many

of

duty to conform

now goes well recommended by several of the Clergy of Connecticut to Lord of London for holy orders in order to be incumbent to several adjacent places in the County of Litchfield in that Colony, where his late parish is, and where there are many people that earnestly desire he may be settled among them. And though they are most of them, but poor new planters, they have engaged 30 pounds sterling p' an. which he hath accepted as a Title for his Ordination, and which I hope my Lord of London will accept of as he does no[t] go with any dependence on any Salary from the Society. Nevertheless, as this will be but a very slender support for a family of seven Children, he is also recommended to the Society; and I shall be very thoughtful for Your Grace's influence, if it may be, that he may have a small pension allowed him in addition to it. On this occasion I humbly beg leave to imform Your Grace that the Gentlemen of the City of New York, where I now am, have, for several Years, been projecting to establish a College here, and been raising money for that purpose, and are now resolved speedily to carry it into execution. They have all along been often expressing their design that I should be the Head of their intended College; from which, (upon a visit I made them last fall,) I sincerely endeavoured, to ray utmost to dissuade them; notwithstanding which they have since unanimously chosen me to this Office, assuring me that they cannot be agreed on any other method, and that my refusal would much endanger the miscarriage of their design; and it seems the general persuasion that it is my duty to accept. However I have this Spring been prevailed upon to spend, at least, some months here, ( my neighbouring brethren in the mean time taking turns to do duty for me in my absence;) in which time the Trustees have been projecting a Charter, according to the tenor of which, the service of the Church is to be always used in the College, and the President to be always of In the Church of England; and it is passed in Council and preparing for the Seals. consideration of which conditions, the gentlemen of Trinity Church will give a tract of land And it is intended that Your excellently situated, whereon to build it, with 7 or 8000 pounds, Grace and my Lord of London be first named among the Governors of the College to

to the church, and

my

—

—

be incorporated.

Here

is

indeed a most virulent and active faction of Presbyterians and Freethinkers that do

violently oppose such a Charter, and do

all

they can to disaffect the Dutch, without

they bear but a small proportion in the province. '

The Most Reverend

Dr. Hebbi.nq

was Bishop of Bangor

in

— But

1737

;

lie

as the

Dutch seem generally

whom

steaidy

iri

succeeded Dr. Blaokburne as archbisliop of York in

and on the death of Dr Potter, in 1747, was elevated to the Sue of Canterbury. lie died on the 13th of March, 1757. "He was a very anniable man, to whom no fault was objected though perhaps the gentleness of his principles, his grdat During the rebellion he had taken up arms to defend fro:ii oppression that Religion, which he merit, was thought one. 1743,

;

abhorred making an instrument of oppression." Walpole.

Vol. VI.

—Ed.

107

— NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

850 their union with will

here,

Church

and apply myself

interest in

am

the

of England,

approve of the Charter: and

in

is

in

my

not

much doubted

believe

I

discharge of

to the

Your Grace's prayers

very deficient

it

they do,

if

it

I

as well

behalf, of

that the General

must accept of as

which

I

I

can.

— And

settle

humbly beg an

I

shall stand in

Assembly and

this Office

much need

proper qualifications for such a business, and especially considering

as I

my

advanced Years. I

am May

New

Your Grace, Your Grace's most dutiful son & most obedient humble Servant

please

it

York July 10 1754.

(

De Lancey

Lieutenant-Governor

New-Tork

[

to the

Pppers, Handle Kt., No.

signed

Lords of Trade.

19. ]

New

My

Samuel Johnsox.

)

York. 22. July 1754.

Lords,

With my

last of the 5"' of

June

Your

to

Journal of their proceedings in the two

LordfP',

I

sent the

last sessions, the votes of

Minutes of Council, and the the Assembly, and engrossed

copies of the five Acts passed then. I

I

week from the Interview with the Indians at Albany, and it is with pleasure we parted very good friends, which your Lordw may observe from what

returned last

can assure you, that

they say themselves in their speech at the conclusion of the Conferences.

I

had the good

fortune to bring the affair between the Germans, and Magin and his Associates (which had

among

raised so great a ferment

before

me

in Council,

&

in

the Indians) to a happy conclusion, with which the parties

the presence of the

declared themselves fully satisfyed.

Mohawks

of Conajoharie or the upper Castle,

This was one of the points the Indians had much at

and they are now fully contented with the manner in which I settled it. There is anotiier point that disturbs the minds of these upper Mohawks, which

heart,

myself about redressing as soon as on which they

I

can be fully informed

have been clandestinely surveyed

in relation to it;

I

shall

set

they say the lands

some must have been done by fraud and deceit, for it is not possible to believe that the Indians would dispose of the Lands on which they live, and from which they have the Chief part of their subsistence. I shall cause the Records to be searched, and if I find the fact to be as the Mohawks have suggested, I will order some legal course to be taken to vacate that patent; for till this be done, the uneasiness on their minds will never be removed; when this is done, I suppose the other, years ago to

M"'

live,

Livingston and others;

as lesser matters,

They have

may

desired

in

the night time, and patented

proves so upon inquiry,

if this

it

be easily got over.

me

to get a

Church

purpose, and encourage subscriptions, and

built if I

Church to be built of Stone, in such a Manner, Thus much of the upper Mohawks.

among them.

I

shall grant a Brief for that

can obtain a sufficient sum,

that

it

may

I

will order the

serve as a Fort upon any emergency.

LONDON DOCUMENTS The lower two

articles.

:

XXXI.

851

Castle of Moliavvks have also put in their complaints to me, and they consist of

One

relates to a grant of

Land made by them

to

INI''

Barclay, present Rector

of Trinity Chnrch; this grant passed through the usual forms, but they sny they intended

it

among them as a Missionary and afterwards for the use of his successors; but I am informed he made a regular purcliase of it, and believe it to be so, as he laid out a considerable sum of money in building on it, which no prudent Man would have done, who had only an Estate of so short a continuance. I shall lay it before the Assembly Barclay for his improvements, who, I am assured, and endeavour to prevail on them to pay as a Glebe for his use, while he lived

INI''

is

willing to convey that Estate for the use of a Missionary for ever,

the Expenses he has been

The

upon being reimbursed

at.

other article of complaint

is

touching a large Tract of Land called Kayaderosseras

which the Indians say they have never sold. I sent for some of the owners who produced an Indian deed (of which the inclosed is a copy) and a patent granted thereupon in November 1708. the bounds of which seem to me to be much larger than those in the Indian Deed. I must refer Your LordPP' to the Minutes of Council at Albany herewith sent, for the reasons which the Indians give to shew that the lands were not regularly sold, there have been no settlements made on this land though the grant be so ancient, and the Tract so extensive; for at a very low computation it is upon the Mohawk's River, except where it is interrupted

by ancienter Patents, twenty

five miles, running up the River Westerly, thence Northerly by twenty two miles, thence Easterly or Northeasterly about twenty miles to the third Falls on Hudson's River, thence Southerly along said River and ancienter

computation

in the patent

where

which I guess to be about twenty five miles; hut twenty Miles square, it will amount to 256000 Acres. This tract was granted to thirteen persons as tenants in common, but is now by purchases and devises branched out in such a number, as can scarce be known or found, and so it is rendered extreamly difficult, if not altogether impracticable to divide and settle it; and as the lands lie grants, to the place

supposing

to the

it

it

much

contain as

begins,

as

Northward of Albany and the Mohawks

our Northern frontiers,

if tiiis

river,

it

would be of great service and security

Townships, with an exemption from Quit Rents

in

people to engage in the settlement, especially S' tiacrameut or nearer to

the Indians satisfaction,

them.

if

I

am

if

since I

my

I

form upon

it,

for ten

years.

This would encourage

they were protected by a Fort at the Lake of

as yet at a loss,

what

steps to take in this affair to give

the Patent be vacated the Indians will be satisfyed, as they will

then expect to have the sale of these lands.

judgement

to

grant could be vacated, and the lands parcelled out to be settled

or steps I take in

return from Albany to

make

a

full

it, I

I

shall consider of the

shall

submit

to

enquiry into this matter.

herewith send the proceedings of the Commiss" at Albany,

find the publick conferences

matter and whatever

your Lordi'^S not having time in

which your LordPP'

will

with the Indians; the plan of a general union of the Colonies,

and a representation of the present state of the Colonies; the latter was drawn without the concurrence of any of the Council of this Prov". The vessel is to sail so soon, that the Council will not have time to consider of them, and lay their thoughts upon them before me when they shall have done so, I will transmit them to your LordP'" with such observations as shall occur to me. The plan I proposed to the Commiss" was to build two Forts in the Indian Country, the one at Onondaga where the General Council of the Five Nations is held, the other at Tiorondequat ;

near the mouth of the Seneca River on the Lake Ontario, about 80 miles westward of Oswego,

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

852

which was purchased from the Indians for this purpose when iM' Clarke was L' Gov''; it is hy River the French went under M' Denonvilie tlie then Gov'' of Canada, to destroy the Seneca Castle, and if we had a good Fort well garrisoned here, the Senecas would settle under its protection, and most of them become our firm friends, and join as when occasion offers to dislodge the French from Niagara, a Fort of theirs which commands the pass between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, which if it were in British hands, would soon put a stop to the French

this

encroachments on the Ohio. This was what I proposed on that quarter. On the other towards Crown point or Fort S' Frederick, at the South end of Lake Champlain I proposed to build three Forts, one at the carrying place on Hudson's River, to command that River; one on the Wood Creek a few miles Northward below where Fort Ann formerly stood and ;

;

the third at the south end of

War

Lake

S'

Sacrament; by

to attack the settlements of this Province,

Albany, or cross thro' the woods

to

and

this

may

Lake the French come

either pass

in time of

down Hudson's River

Schenectady and the Mohawks country

;

to

this consideration

alarms and discourages the Mohawks against whom the French bear a great resentment, as they were the most active in the late War; a Fort at this place might give some stop to the French, or at least we might hence have notice of their approach, and put ourselves on our

Wood Creek is a great inlet for the French to New Hampshire and Massachusets by turning to the right, into this province. These two Forts therefore would be a great obstacle to the French incursions into these Countries, and besides, would make us Masters of the two great passes by water to Crown Point, and thence to Montreal, the waters of the Lake and the Wood Creek fall into the drowned lands, and so pass by crown point into Lake Champlain, and it is easy to imagine, of what consequence these posts well secured will be in These were the things I proposed and which might have been soon and easily time of War carried into execution at the joint charge of the Provinces concerned, but the Commissioners

guard; the

Bay,

or,

—

would hear of nothing but the plan they have drawn up. T inclose two papers that were communicated to the Commissioners at Albany the one entitled "Measures necessary to be taken with the six Nations" ettc drawn up by Coll: Johnson, and the other " Considerations towards a general plan of the measures of the English provinces" drawn by M'' Pownall that your LordP?' may have a full view of what ;

passed at Albany.

We

have received the account of Major Washington's defeat near the Ohio by the French. may not be exact, but the truth of the disaster is not I have ordered circular letters to be sent to call the Assembly together on the to be doubted. 20"" of August, when I shall endeavour to prevail on them to give M' Dinwiddle Assistance,

The

particulars as in the paper inclosed

and should the Assemblies do their duty on cope with the French on the Ohio. Since the above, there relation of I

is

this occasion, I

hope M' Dinwiddle

will be able to

a letter from Coll: Innes to Gov' Hamilton, giving an authentic

Major Washington's

defeat, a

copy of which, printed

in the

Newspaper

I

inclose.

am.

My

Lords

Your LordPP' most obedient and most humble servant James De Lanckv.

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXXI.

:

853

Proceedings of the Colonial Congress held at Albany. [New-Tork Papers, Bundle Kk., No.

20.]

Albany the

19.

June 1754.

Proceedings of the Congress held at Albany by the Hon'''^ James DeLancey Esq"'* Lieut' Gov"' and commander in Chief of the Prov" of New York, and the Commissioners of the Several Provinces now met in this City.

At

a Meeting in the Court

Present —

House

The

at

Albany on Wednesday the

Hon'''^ the Lieut' Gov'' of

June 1754. A. M.

19.

New York

Joseph Murray

William Johnson John Chambers William Smith

Esquires of His

Maj'^"'

Council of

New York

:

Theodore Atkinson Richard Wibbird Meshec Weare Henry Sherburne Jun

Esq"

New

Commlss"

for

His Maj"" Province

of

Hampshire.

Samuel Welles John Chandler Oliver Partridge

Esq" Commiss"

for

Esq" Commiss"

for the

Massachusets Bay

John Worthington William Pitkin

Roger Wolcott

Colony of Connecticut.

Elisha Williams

Stephen Hopkins Martin Howard Jun' .Tnn'

)

| j

Bejamin Tasker

Abraham Barnes

(.

„ „ ^ ^^"^ Commiss" for the Colony of Rhode Island -r.

.

,

Esq" Commiss"

for the

Govern' of Maryland.

Esq" Commiss"

for the

Govern' of Pennsylvania

John Penn Richard Peters Isaac Norris

Benjamin Franklin His Honour the Lieut' Gov' of New York having yesterday directed M' Banyar Deputy Secretary of the said province, to wait upon the Commiss" of the several provinces above named to acquaint them that his Honour desired they would meet him in Council in the City Hall of Albany this morning, in order to produce their powers and proceed upon business. The said Commiss" being now accordingly met took their seats,

respective Commiss"' which were read. ^'''" P''°^'^'=«'^ ^

.u"!o,?°ro"" 18'" of September the

last,

and produced their

''^t'^'- fi-om tlie Right Hon'"' the Lords of Trade, bearing date out of which a paragraph was read.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

854

Afterwards were'read two Minutes of the proceedings of the Coramiss" of Indian affairs in IS"" and IS"" inst also a remonstrance from tiie Oswego Traders to

this City dated the

:

His Honour. It was recommended as the first step necessary to be taken at this Congress, that the Commissioners should consider of the several matters they may judge proper to be proposed to the Indians, at the intended interview with them, and to prepare the speech to be made on

that occasion for wliich purpose his honour acquainted the Commission", he would direct the

Secretary or Agent for Indian the

Commiss"

them

that they might give

At a Meeting

the information relative to Indian

Court House

in the

Present

all

to attend them with the Records of that Ofiice, and meet together as often as there should be occasion in order

affairs

of Indian affairs to

at

Albany on Wednesday afternoon the

— The Council of New Minutes of

in the

affairs.

York, and

all

the

Commiss"

19.

June 1754.

as particularly

named

morning.

this

The Board proceeded to take into consideration the Matters recommended by his Honour in The whole letter from the Lords of Trade was read and is as follows:

the Morning.

Whitehall Sepf 18 1753. Sir,

A few days after you sailed from Portsmouth we received a letter from M'' Clinton, inclosing minutes of the proceedings between him, and a Deputation of the Mohawk Indians, at Fort George in the City of New York, in June last, with the Journals of the Assembly then sitting. You

will without

doubt upon your arrival be

fully

informed of the particular circumstances

of this affair, the resentment expressed by the Indians, and the abrupt, and hasty manner in which they went away, and tho' from the confidence we have of your vigilant attention to

may concern your Govern', we are persuaded you will not have failed to have taken every necessary and prudent measure to obviate the fatal consequences which might attend Yet we think it no less our duty to embrace the first opportunity of writing our this affair.

whatever

sentiments to you upon

When we is to all

[it,]

consider of

and of pointing out

how

to

you what appears

to us necessary to be done.

great consequence the friendship and alliance of the six Nations

His Maj"" Colonies and Plantations

in

America

in general

as well as to

New York

in

and preserved by making presents to them at proper times and upon proper occasions, and by an inviolable observance of all our engagements with them, and when we recollect the attempts, which have lately been made to withdraw them from the British interest, we cannot but be greatly concerned and surprised, that the Province of New York should have been so inattentive particuliir;

when we

consider that this friendship and

alliance, is

only to be gained

Maj"" subjects in America, as well as to their own particular have given occasion to the complaints made by the Indians, but we are still more surprised at the manner in which these complaints were received. The dissatisfactory to the general

Interest of His

security, as to

answer[s] given to the Indians, sitting)

& at

This being the light in which sh"*

their being suffered to depart (tho' the

without any measures taken to bring them

take the very

first

we

see this affiir,

to

Temper

we

think

Assembly was then

or to redress their complaints. it

for his Maj'""" service that

you

opportunity of representing to the Council and Assembly in the strongest

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI. how

855

New York, to preserve the Friendship consequences whicii must inevitably follow from a neglect of them, that you should press them to join with and support you in every measure Manner

and

of

great importance

aflections of the Indians,

it is

to the

and the

Province of

fatal

you shall find it necessary to pursue in order to fix them in the British Interest, more especially by making proper provisions for presents for them, which joined to the presents allowed by His Maj'y, and which you will receive by this conveyance, may serve to facilitate this great end, and to wipe away all remembrance of that neglect, the Indians now complain of. As a speedy interview with the Indians is from their present disposition become the more necessary, you will no doubt think it proper to advise with the Council, as to the time and place of meeting the Indians, in which points we trust you will have a due regard to their convenience, and as it appears from their complaints, that Albany, which has been the usual place of meeting is obnoxious to them, you will, if. you find sufficient foundation for this complaint appoint some other place, you shall think more for their Ease and satisfaction, and we observe from a Report of the Council and Assembly to M"^ Clinton that Onondaga is proposed as the most proper place. We likewise hope that in the choice]of the Persons who are to attend and assist you at this interview, you will have a regard to such as are best acquainted, with the Indians and their affairs and not obnoxious to them; and as a great deal depends upon the Interpretors, we desire you will be particularly careful to appoint such as are well acquainted with the Indian language and Men of ability and integrity. We hope that the Threats of the Mohawk Indians, when they left New York, have not been it of absolute necessity in order to obviate any ill consequences which might attend these threats, that some person of character and discretion should be immediately sent amongst the Indians to acquaint them of your arrival, of the presents his Majesty has ordered to be delivered to them and of your intention of holding an interview

carried into execution, but think

with them

hurrying the Hatchet and renewing the Covenant chain, that this person should

for

be carefully instructed to endeavour to remove any prejudices which the Six Nations

imbibed from the representations of the Mohawks, a general discontent

to obviate the

ill

effects

may have

which would attend

among them at so critical a juncture and to put them upon their guard may be made to withdraw them from His Maj"" interest, and

against any attempts which

may

be wanting to convince the Indians of the sincerity of our intentions; you examine into the complaints, they have made of being defrauded of their lands, to take all proper and legal methods to redress their complaints, and to gratify them by reasonable purchases, or in such other matter, as you shall find most proper and agreable to them, for such lands as have been unwarrantably taken from them, and for such others as they may have a desire to dispose of, and we recommend it to you to be particularly careful for the future that you do not make grants to any persons whatsoever of lands purchased by them of the Indians upon their own accounts, such practices have been found in a neighbouring Govern' that nothing will

do well

to

to be attended with great mischief

any of

their lands, the purchase

As we

find

it

&

inconvenience; but

ought to be made

in

His

has been usual upon former occasions

when

Maj'>'''

the Indians are disposed to sell

name and

at the publick charge.

when an interview

has been held with

the Indians, for the other neighbouring Govern" in alliance with them to send

Commiss" to be York, and as the present wavering disposition of the Indians equally the other provinces, we have wrote to the Governours of Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland,

joined with those of effects

New

N. Hampshire, Massachusets Bay and assemblies the

utility

and necessity of

New Jersey, this

desiring

them

to represent to their respective

measure, and to urge them to

make

p.'oper provision

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

856 for

and therefore

it

when you have

will be necessary that

it

meeting, you should give them early notice of

more

your attention, and that

to

comprised in one general treaty practice of each province

is

and

it,

recommend one thing

to take care that all the provinces

be made in His

to

making a separate

Maj*^'"

name,

treaty for itself in

and may be attended with great inconvenience heartily farewell and are

its

be

Your very loving

(if

practicable)

appearing to us that the

it

own name,

is

His Majesty's service.

to

and place of

settled the time

this leads us to

very improper,

So we bid you

and

friends

humble servants

Dunk Halifax J.

For Sir Danvers Osborn

And

also

GoV

of

New

Grenville

Dupplin.

York.

were read the following papers from the Commiss" of Indian

affairs at

Albany,

viz'

Albany, 15. June 1754.

At a Meeting of the Commiss" of Indian

Present

— Coll

Affairs at M"" Lutteridge's

Mynd' Schuyler

:

Cornelius Cuyler,

John Beekman, John Rentzelaar,

Rob' Saunders Esq" Mayor of the City Syb' Van Schaak Esq" Recorder Capt° Hubert Marshall

Commader

)

Esquires,

Jacob Coen' tenEyck,

of the Fort

Peter

Winne

Peter Wraxall, Secretary.

His Hon' the Lieut' Gov' the Hon'''* James de Lancey Esq'* having directed Coll. Mynd' Schuyler to convene the Commiss" of Indian Affairs that they might consult together if they had any matters in particular to recommend to His Honour upon the approaching interview, with the Six Nations. In consequence hereof the Commiss" are of opinion, that the Six Nations dispersed and confused, should in the most earnest together in their respective Castles, and that the

That

honour apply

his

live together in

their

friends

to the

Mohawk

Onondaga Indians

one Castle according

to

manner be exhorted Nation should

whd now

to unite

live in

live

and dwell

one Castle only.

and exhort them to their ancient and prudent Custom, and to cause all

and Relations wherever dispersed

in particular to direct

to join

them

particularly those

who have

separated themselves, and live at present at Sweegassie' on the South side of the River S'

Lawrence,

to the

Eastward of Cadaraghqui where the French have

lately fortifyed,

Garrison, and where a French Missionary constantly resides in order to

our alliance.

At

this

to the Six Nations of

draw them

have a from

off

Sweegassie the French have lately made a settlem' of Indians belonging which the greatest part are from Onondaga and Cayouge.

That whereas the French have been long endeavouring to prevail on the Senecas to come settle at Irondequat in order to have them nearer to their settlements, the more easily to effect their design of debauching them from the British interest, the Commiss" are of opinion, that his Hon' should insist on the Senecas, who at present live very remote from one another, and

'

Oswegatchie,

now Ogdensburgh,

St.

Lawrence

Co., N.

Y.

— Ed.

— LONDON DOCUMENTS to

make

mouth

a general Castle near the

to build a

new

Castle.

— This point

:

XXXI.

857

of the Senecas River, where they have already begun

has been several times recommended to tliem by former

Governors, and which they have faithfully promised to do, but have not hitherto effected.

The Commiss" Nations

are of opinion that the most eff*ectual

to the British Interest, will

method

and secure the Six

to retain

be to build two Forts, one on the Onondaga, the other in the

They

Senecas Country, and that each Fort be supplyed with a proper Missionary. of opinion that the carrying and selling

Rum

in the Castles of the Six

Nations

is

are further

of the

most

pernicious consequence to the public interest of this Colony in particular and to the British Interest in general, with respect to our Indian connections.

The Commiss"

Frenchman upon any pretence whatsoever, should Trade among the Six Nations, and that the Six Nations should be directed to send those Frenchmen away who now Trade or reside among them, and to warn them not to return. Those French Emissarys having always been of fatal consequence to the British interest amongst the Six Nations. be suffered

.to

are also of opnion that no

reside or

Albany

At

a meeting of the

Present

—

Commiss"

of Indian

at the

aflfairs

Peter Winne,

Sybrant Van Schaak Recorder,

House

18""

June 1754.

of Robert Lutteridge.

Mynd' Schuyler, John Beeckman,

Jacob Coen' ten Eyck Esq". [Peter Wraxall, Secretary.]

His Honour the Lieut Gov' having sent do with regard proper

to

They

to the

to Coll:

Myud' Schuyler

River Indians at the approaching interview

to

know what

— Coll:

convene the Commiss" that they might answer his honour upon

are of opinion, that after the Six Nations arrive in

send a Message

Whereas

to the said

Town,

it

he should

Schuyler thought

this point.

will be time

enough

to

River Indians.

divers complaints have been

made

to the

Rum

Indians at Chonoghoheere Castle, do forcibly take

Commiss"

of Indian Affairs that the

from the Oswego Traders,

in their

passage by the said Castle;

and also that the Onejda Indians oblige the Traders to let them carry their goods over the carrying place, and to pay them double, and sometimes more than double the Customary price which the Germans were ready and willing to take. It is the opinion therefore of this Board that His

Honour be pleased

represent the injustice of these proceedings to

tiie

at the

approaching interview,

Six Nations, and that

it is

promises so solemnly made, and a violation of their engagements entered

to

a breach of their

into,

and frequently

renewed with former Governours.

A

true

Copy from

the Records of Indian Affairs.

Peter Wraxall

Seer"" ettc.

A

Remonstrance was then read to the Board from the Oswego Traders Lieut Gov' of New York, of which the following is a copy :

Vol. VI.

:

^

108

to

His Honour the

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

858 "

To

his

of

We

Honour James deLancey Esq" Lieut:

New

Gov''

and

Commander

Chief of the Prov"

in

Yorli ettc.

Oswego most humbly beg leave to remonstrate to your many hazards and difficulties we are subject to, in our passage thither from the ill we meet with from the Indians i. e. in passing the Mohawks and Conajohary Castles;

the Traders (or Handlers) to

Honour

the

treatment

they board our Battoes, with axes, knives ettc and by force take what

hooping and yelping as

Rum

they think proper,

they Gloried in their depredations, and threatning Murder to any that

if

oppose them, and on our arrival at the great carrying place the Oneida Indians force our goods

from us

at pleasure to carry over,

for each freight, but rob us of our

and not content with making us pay a most exorbitant

Rum,

threatening language, and are generally so numerous that

we

are obliged to submit to those

impositions, or run the risk of being murdered and robbed of every thing their

price,

stores and other goods, with a great deal of invective

we

have, and to put

schemes the better into execution they force away the High Germans, who generally

we may be under a necessity of employing them, and paying demand. We therefore humbly pray your honour, to take those our most severe grievances under due consideration, and fall upon such methods to redress them, as you in your great wisdom shall seem most expedient. Accept of our most fervent prayers for welfare and prosperity, as we ever remain with all attend with their horses, that

whatsoever they please

to

due defference, gratitude and esteem

Oswego June

The

— Sir Your Honour's most dutiful and most humble servants. (to which 47, several names were signed)

1" 1754.

following Gentlemen were appointed a Committee to prepare the draught of a general

speech to be made by his Honour to the Indians. Namely:

Theodore Atkinson, Elisha Williams, Martin Howard Esq" to whom were delivered the aforesaid papers. [Adjourned till to Morrow Morning.]

At a meeting

at the

Present

— William Johnson, Samuel

Jun"' Isaac Norris,

Court House in Albany on Thursday the

— His

Honour and

the

aforesaid

20""

Council of

Wells,

Benjamin Tasker Jun'

June 1754. A. M.

New York

and several of

the Commissioners.

The Committee appointed yesterday to prepare a draught of a general speech to be made to make their Report [the Board] adjourned till tomorrow morning.

the Indians not being ready to

— LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI. At a Meeting

in the

Court House

Present —

Albany on Friday the 21" June 1754. A. M.

at

GoV

His Hon"" the laeut

The Council

859

of

New York

aforesaid,

All the Commissioners, and

Thomas Hutchinson It

was proposed by the Gov'

they should be

was agreed

named

in the

that to avoid

Esq''"

all

Minutes according

one of the Commiss" of Massachusets Bay.

disputes about the precedency of the Colonies, to tiieir situation

from North

to

South

— which

to.

Peter Wraxall Esq'" was chosen Secretary to this Board.

The Committee

delivered in their draught of the General Speech which

coming

At

to

any conclusion on the

a meeting in the Court

Present

House

;

at

objections were

Albany on Saturday the

— The Council of New York

a meeting in the Court

Present

and

all

the Commissioners except

for

Massachusets Bay.

of the draught of the General speech

upon M' Hutchinson and M' Peters were desired Adjourned to Monday Morning.

At

the

House

at

to

was resumed, and one being agreed

wait upon the Lieut' Gov' with the same.

Albany on Monday the

— The Council of New York

June 1754. A. M.

22'*

Commiss"

aforesaid,

John Chandler Esq' one of

The Consideration

was read thro' and the Board not

made to some parts, same they adjourned till to morrow morning.

afterwards paragraph by paragraph

aforesaid

and

24.

all

June 1754. A. M.

the Commissioners.

A

motion was made, that the thanks of this Board be given to the ReV* M' Peters, one Commiss" for Pensilvania, for his sermon preached yesterday and that he be desired suffer the same to be printed. which was unanimously agreed to. M' Chambers and M' Peters were desired to wait upon his Honour, to request him the

—

administer an Oath to M' Wraxall for the due and to this

Board.

— adjourned

At a meeting

— His

Monday

afternoon the 24 June 1754.

Honour the

New

Lieut'

York and

all

Gov' and the Council

the

afores**

of the Province of

Commiss"

M' Chambers and M'

Peters, Reported to the Board that M' Wraxall had been swore into His Honour, comfortable' to their desire in the morning. motion was made, that the Commiss" deliver their opinion, whether a Union of all the

his Office by

A

to

discharge of his Office of Secretary

to three o'clock this afternoon.

as aforesaid

Present

faitliful

of to

Colonies

is

not at present absolutely necessary for their security and defence. '

Sie,

coDformable. Official Record in Johnton'a Manuteriptt,

L

— £o.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

860 The

question was accordingly put, and

it

passed inthe affirmative unanimously.

His Honour the Lieut' Gov' made a proposal as a branch of the Indian Affairs under the considration of this Board, to build two Forts in the Indian Country to protect them, their

Wives

&

children as the best expedient to secure

their

His Majesty.

fidelity to

proposal the Board determined to proceed upon, after they had considered

— Which

some Method of

Union between the Colonies. Committee be appointed to prepare and receive Plans or Schemes for the Union of the Colonies, and to digest them into one general plan for the inspection of this Board. Resolved, that each Govern' chose one of their own number to be of that Committee.

effecting the

On

a Motion that a

Accordingly were appointed. Thomas Hutchinson Esq

for Massachusets Bay. Theodore Atkinson Esq"' for New Hampshire. William Pitkin Esq. for Conecticut. Stephen Hopkins Esq'' for Rhode Island Benjamin Franklin Esq'' for Pennsylvania. Benjamin Tasker Esq"' for Maryland

It

was

left to

His Honour to appoint one of His

and he named 'William Smith Esq'". Adjourned till to morrow morning

At a Meeting

:

in the

Present

Court house

— Joseph

Council for the Govern' of

Maj'^'*

New

York,

at 11 o'clock

Albany on Tuesday the

at

25""

June 1754. A. M.

Murray

William Johnson

V

Esq" of the Council of N. York.

John Chambers Richard Wibbard

Meschech Weare Henry Sherburne

^ Esqrs Commiss''' for N. Hampshire.

Samuel Wells. John Chandler

Esqrs Commiss" for the Massachusets Bay.

Oliver Patridge

John Worthington Wolcott Roger °

)

Elisha Williams

j

Martin

Howard

y

Jun' ]

Isaac Norris

)

V

The draught Lieut: Gov' of

•

Esq""

John Penn

Abraham Barnes

,« -n ^. rr Esq" Commiss"

Commiss"'

r

for

o Connecticut. .•

for

Rhode

York, adjourned

till

Island.

„ Commiss'^' o r. r n lor Pennsylvania. Esq" 17

Esq' Commiss''

1

for

Maryland.

of the General speech not being returned to the

New

..

Board from His Honour the

five o'clock this afternoon.

LONDON DOCUMENTS At a Meeting

Tuesday

as aforesaid,

Present

—

25"'

XXXI.

June 1754. P. M.

to the

Board

for their

:

in the

Present

the Commissioners.

&

Honour by M' Hutchinson and M'

which were read to the Board by the Secretary, and was deferred till to morrow morning. adjourned till 11. o'clock to morrow morning

At a meeting

all

approbation His Honour's alterations

to the draught of the speech presented to His 22""* inst

861

Gentlemen of the Council of N. York and

All the

M' Murray delivered

tlie

:

additions

Peters, the

the further consideration thereof

Court House at Albany on Wednesday the

26""

June 1754. A. M.

— William Johnson and

John Ciiambers Esq" of the Council of New York. Samuel Welles, John Chandler, Thomas Hutchinson and Oliver Patridge Esq" Commiss" for Massachusets Bay. William Pitkin, Roger Wolcott & Elisha Williams Esq" Commiss" for Connecticut.

Martin

The draught

Jun"" Esq'' a

At a Meeting

in the

Present

The draught

was

10 o'clock to

Rhode

Island.

further debated, but not being

morrow morning.

Court House at Albany on Thursday the

was

of the general speech till

27">

June 1754. A. M.

further debated,

all

and not being

the Commissioners.

fully

concluded upon,

5 o'clock this afternoon.

a Meeting in the Court

Present

till

for

— The four Gentlemen of the Council of New York and

the Board adjourned

At

Commiss"

of the General speech, to the Six Nations

concluded upon, the Board adjourned

fully

A

Howard

House

Albany on Thursday the

at

27.

June 1754. P. M.

— The four Gentlemen of the Council of New York and

all

the Commissioners.

motion was made that the Commissions or Powers from the several Govern" should be part of the Records of this Congress.

made It

was unanimously agreed

The draught

to,

and ordered to be pre6xed

of the General Speech

was

settled,

to

these Records.

Read and unanimously approved

of,

&

is

as follows:

of the great King our Common Father, renew the ancient Treaty between this and all his other Govern", and you our Brethren; and I have the pleasure to tell you, that by His Maj""'" order there are now present, Commiss" from Massachusets Bay, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Maryland. Virginia and Carolina likewise desire to be considered as presi-nt, altlio' some great aflairs

Brethren.

I

have invited you here by the

to receive a present from him,

and

which those Govern" are engaged

in

in,

his

command

name

to

have prevented their sending Commiss";

see our Brethren here in health, and heartily bid you welcome.

we

A

are glad to Belt.

— NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

862

We

Brethren.

condole your, and our loss

last interview in this place,

from your hearts, that you Brethren,

We

come

wipe away

may

in

all

tlie

death of some of your people since the

your eyes, and take away sorrow

tears from

speak freely.

the Tedderighroones, as

it

lately will

added two links

to the chain, the

always gives us pleasure

to see

the

name

to preserve

of the Great

King our Father, and

in

the behalf of

gives us great

moon

His

all

inviolable and free from

rust,

and we expect the

like

shall

endure and

all

us the English and

a space

left to

which draws us

line represented

The

is

draw

all in

in

them

Chain Belt

in the following

manner:

represents arms — — These represents Colonies be thought present — These represents the Six the the middle the other Indians — And there

all

which are here present and those who desire Nations, and there

to

common Father

This represents the King our

Brethren.

extended, embracing

Chain Belt

keep the

confirmation and assurance on

A this

to

in

we now

Colonies,

Miij'''''

part.

His Honour the Lieut' Gov^ explained

you

will represent to

solemnly renew brighten and strengthen the ancient covemnt Chain, and promise

same your

This

your strength increased.

strong and bright so long as the sun and

it

It

Shanihadaradighroones and

This Belt

chain hath remained firm and unbroken from the beginning.

our disposition

Wampum.

of

3. strings

to strengthen and brighten the chain of friendship.

you have

satisfaction, that

We

his

this line

the

the Six Nations

to

in

under the King our

foregoing explanation having been given hy His

common

Honour

is

Father."

at the time of his delivering

the speech, doth not appear in the proceedings of the Congress, but stands in the Records of

Indian Affairs and

is

therefore supplyed in this manner, [by]

(signed).

We

Brethren.

are informed that you

now

Peter Wraxall

live dispersed

Seer: for Ind

:

Aff:

from each other contrary to the this means exposed to

Ancient and prudent custom of your Forefathers; and as you are by the attempts of your Enemies,

expect

it

from you, for your

We

National Castles;

united they Brethren.

A

may

therefore in the most earnest

to join

Onondaga Nation

We

may

easily

fall

to

oblige us to mention it;

lately

done

so, in

The French

this,

and your

who now

lives at

a sacrifice, whereas

A. Belt.

and uninjured.

have some things

to,

in

particular to call in

in

The

say to you of great importance.

subsisting between us and you our Brethren, as well as the great affection

you; notwithstanding

and dwell

you, especially those of your Nation

brave people separated from each other live secure

manner recommend

safety, to collect yourselves together,

desire you, brethren of the

your Friends and relations Osweegachio.

we own

we

Treatys,

bear towards you,

profess to be in perfect friendship with

us as

well as

they are making continual incroachments upon us both; they have

the most insulting manner, both to the Northward and Westward,

Your

Fathers by their valour above one hundred years ago, gained a considerable Country, which they afterwards of their own accord put under the protection of the King of Great Brittain.

The French are endeavouring to posess themselves of made the most express Treaties with the English to the Brethren.

It

this

whole Country,

altho' they

have

contrary.

appears to us that these measures of the French, must necessarily soon Trade and intercourse between the English and the several Indian

interrupt and destroy all

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI.

863

Nations on the continent, and will block up and obstruct, the great roads wliich have hitherto lain

open between you and your allies, and Friends wiio want to know vvhetlier these things appear to you

We

live at a distance.

the same light as they do to us, or whether the French taking possession of the lands in your Country and building Forts between the Lake Erie, and the River Ohio, be done with your consent or approbation in

—

a large Belt.

Brethren.

how

Open your

hearts to us, deal with us as Brethren,

we

are ready to consult with

Clouds that hang over us, this is a matter of so great weight that we tiiink it best to defer mentioning any other affairs till you have considered this, least they should take away part of tliat attention which is necessary on so extraordinary an occasion. you,

to scatter these

A Belt. adjourned

till

At a Meeting

Present

to

morrow morning

in the

— John

Court House

at 11 o'clock.

at

Albany Friday the

Chandler, Oliver Patridge

&

28""

June 1754. A. M.

John Worthington Esq" Commiss"

for

Massachusets Bay.

Richard Wibbird Meschech Weare and Henry Sherburne Esq" Commiss"

New

for

Hampshire.

Roger Wolcott and Elisha Williams Esq" Commiss" for Connecticut. for Rhode Island. John Penn Esq"" one of the Commiss" for Pennsylvania. Martin Howard Jun' Esq' a Commiss''

The Board adjourned

At a Meeting

Present

in the

till

5 o'clock this afternoon.

Court house

at

Albany Friday afternoon the

2S"'

June 1754.

— The four Gentlemen of the Council of

New York Commiss" from Massachusets Bay, All the Commiss" from New Hampshire. All the Commiss" from Connecticut, Stephen Hopkins Esq' one of the Commiss" from Rhode Island. John Penn, and Benjamin Franklin Esq" from Pensilvania. Benjamin Tasker Jun' Esq' one of the Commiss" from Maryland. All the

The Committee appointed

the

21'*' Inst

:

to

prepare and receive plans and schemes for the

union of the Colonies, presented short hints of a scheme

were taken by the Commiss" of the respective provinces. Adjourned till to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock.

for that

purpose of which copies

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

864

At

a

Meeting

at the

Present

Court house

— William

in

Albany on Saturday the

29""

June 1754. A. M.

Smith Esq' one of the Council of

New

York,

and

the

all

Commissioners. His Honour the Lieut' Gov' of going his

to

speak

to the Indians, the

Honour while he delivered

At a Meeting

in the

Present

New York having given notice to this Board that he was Board adjourned till 5 o'clock this afternoon and attended

the speech.

Court House

— Joseph

at

Albany on Saturday the

Murray, John Chambers

&

29'i'

June 1754. P. M.

Will™ Smith Esq" of the Council of

New York All the

Commiss" from Massachusets Bay

Theodore

New All the

Atkinson

and

Richard Wibbird

Esq" Commissioners

for

Hampshire.

Commiss" from Connecticut.

The Commiss" from Rhode

Island.

Commiss" from Pennsylvania The Commiss" from Maryland. All the

The Board being informed that a considerable Number of Indians from Stock bridge, being known by the name of the River Indians were in Town, a motion was made

of the Nation that his

Honour

the Lieut' Gov' might be acquainted with the circumstances of said Indians

and desired to give orders

for their support.

to, and M' Welles and M' Franklin were appointed to wait on Honour accordingly. The hints of a scheme for the Union of the Colonies were debated on, but come to no conclusion. Adjourned to Monday morning at 9 o'clock.

The

said Motion

was agreed

his

At

a Meeting at the Court house at

Present

Albany on Monday the 1" July 1754. A. M.

— The Lieut' Gov' and the four Gentlemen of the Council of New York. All the Commiss" for Massachusets Bay except John Chandler Esq' Theodore Atkinson and Henry Sherburne Esq" Commiss" for Hampshire.

New

The Commiss" for Connecticut. The Commiss" for Rhode Island. All the Commiss" for Pennsylvania The Commiss" for Maryland. M' Franklin reported

to the

Board that he had with M' Welles (M' Welles was not then

present) waited on the Lieut' Gov', and delivered the Message from the Board of Saturday last, relating to the River Indians living near Stock bridge, and that his Honour, was pleased to

answer that he had not sent

for those Indians, that

he had consulted his Council, and

:

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI.

865

enquired of the Commissioners of Indian Affairs, and was informed that it had never been usual to afford subsistance to those Indians at any Treaty in Albany, that it was a great expence to New York to maintain the other Indians, that those properly belonged to Massachusets Bay Govern' and it appeared to him, that they should be supported by that Govern'.

Upon a Motion, the Records of Indian affiiirs of New York were sent for, and it appeared that the River Indians have usually been present at the Treaties with the Six Nations, and that a speech has always been made to the said River Indians, and it was moved to the Lieut' Governour of New York that he would now speak

to

them

in the

name

of the

Commiss" from

the several Colonies, and also give orders for their support.

His Honour agreed to the proposal of speaking to them, and offered to give orders for their support but was pleased to say that he expected the Commiss" for the several provinces would contribute to the charge of it.

His Honour delivered

At a Council held

Present

to the

in the

Board copys of two Minutes of Council which are

City of Albany the 27'" June 1754. P. M.

— The Hon"' James de M""

as follows

Lancey Esq' Lieut' Govern'' M"' Chambers, M'' Smith.

Murray, Coll: Johnson,

His Honour being informed by the Indian Interpreter that the lower Castle of the Mohawk now in this City, had some business to lay before him, and desired to be admitted to

Indians

an Audience, appointed them to attend at 4 o'clock this afternoon, attending accordingly, were introduced with the Interpreter.

in Council,

and they

them he was very glad to see them, that he was now met in Council & ready what they had to say. Whereupon Canadagara their Speaker addressing himself to his honour spoke as follows: We are here this day by God's will, and your Honour's order, to which place you Brother. have led us as it were by the hand this is our old meeting place, where if we have any You are lately come to the Administration, and we are grievances, we can lay them open. We take it very kind, you have given us glad to see you, to lay our complaints before you.

The

Gov"" told

to hear

;

this opportunity to unfold

Brother.

We

shall

our minds, and

now open

we

now proceed to declare our grievances. we beg you will take time to consider what

will

our minds, and

shall say, and not give us too hasty an answer, or in two or three words, and then turn your back upon us. As you are a new Gov' we beg you will treat us tenderly, and not as the former Gov' did, who turned his back upon us, before we knew he intended to depart, so that we had no opportunity to finish our business with him. The reason, we wish you would

we

treat us in this tender

of our grievances, and Brother. shall

now

We

tell

manner,

you a you what it is told

all

little ;

because this

is,

we hope

is

while ago, that

it is

the place

where we

things will be so settled that

we had an

concerning our land.

are to expect a redress

we may

part good friends.

uneasiness on our minds, and

We understand that there

we

are writings

we shall have none left but the very spot we live upon and hardly we have examined amongst the elderly people, who are now present, if they have sold any of it, who deny that they ever have, and we earnestly desire, that you will take this into for all our lands, so that

that;

consideration, which will give us great satisfaction, and convince us that

Vol. VI.

109

you have a friendship

— NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

866 for us;

we

who have

dont complain of those

honestly bought the land they possess, or those to

whom we find

have given any, but of some who have taken more than are very poor, we [thought we] had yet land round about

we

writings for

but

us,

given them

it is

one condition of the ancient Covenant chain, that

It is

all.

it

we have

if

We

;

said there are

there be any

uneasiness on either side, or any request to be made, that they shall be considered with a brotherly regard, and we hope you will fulfill that condition on your side, as we shall be always ready to on ours we have embraced this opportunity of unbosoming ourselves to you, with regard to our Castle, and we are well assured tiiat the other Castle of tlie Mohawks, iiave ;

complaints of the same nature to make,

when they come down. we

grievances, and the Conajoharys will declare theirs, but that

We

have

now

shall leave to

declared our

them.

By

this

what we have said, and by the same we inform you that the Five Nations, have some things to say to you before you speak to them. Gave a Belt.

Belt

we

you

desire

to consider

The Gov"- said You have now unbosomed :

you have I will

said,

&

yourselves to me, and not give you a hasty answer.

consider of

it

Grievances as far as

you

therefore desire

and you

may by

to tell

would seriously consider of what

I

find me ready to redress any of your But your complaints are general, I must me, where those lands lye and the Names of the persons of whom

seriously, it

desire

shall

my

in

always

power.

you complain.

To which

the Speaker answered

Brother.

We

beginning

at the half

Cacknowaga

:

are told, a large Tract of land has been taken

Moon, and

so up along

or Canada-creek, which

is

Hudson's River

about four or

five

up called Kayadarosseras,

to the third fall,

miles above the

and thence

to the

Mohawks, which

upon enquiry among our old Men we cannot find was ever sold, and as to the particular persons, many of them live in this Town, but there are so great a Number we cannot

name them.

The Gov

said

:

send for some of the Patentees or the persons claiming that land, and hear what they have to say, and consider the matter and give you an answer before you leave this place. It is I will

agreable to Justice to hear both parties, before a judgement friendship for you,

I

will do

you

all

the Justice in

A At

a Council held in the City of

Present

— The

my

true copy exam''

Albany the

2S">

is

given

;

and to manifest

my

power.

by G. Banyar D. C. of the Council

June 1754.

James De Lancey Esq' Lieut' GoV ettc. M' Murray, Coll Johnson, M' Chambers M^ Smith. Hon*""'

:

His Honour being informed that the Conajohary or the upper Castle of the Mohawk Indians, and several Sachims of each of the other five Nations, attended without, and desired to speak to him, they were introduced with the Interpreter. Hendrick their Speaker spoke as follows

:

:

;

:

LONDON DOCUMENTS

We

Brother.

burns

fire

;

as soon as

Tiie

had a message from you some time ago,

meet you

at

are

where the

place

tliis

at Coll

Johnson's, and

:

now

here conipleat.

said

Brethren of the Six Nations you are welcome. togetiier to condole the loss in the death of

that

to

y67

we of Couajahary met the Messenger you sent witli a letter we received it, we came down running, and the Six Nations

GoV

and with

XXXI.

:

this string

of

Wampum,

I

wipe away your

you may open your minds and speak

I

now you

take this opportunity

your friends and tears,

relations, since

you

are all

met

last

here,

and take sorrow from your hearts,

A

freely.

String of

Wampum.

Hendrick replyed

We

thank you for condoling our loss, and wiping away our tears, that we may and as we do not doubt, but you have lost some of your great Men and friends, give you this string of condolence in return that it may remove your sorrow, and that we

Brother.

speak

we may

freely,

both speak freely.

Gave

Then Hendrick addressing himself Johnson

Coll

:

told

them a

to

New

Onondaga, Gov''

to

to the Six Nations

do service

was expected soon,

said

:

Tliat last year he attended

King and their people that Coll Johnson and they would then have an opportunity of seeing to the

Brother.

now

We

— and

tiieii

:

;

him at Albany, and laying their grievances before him. That the New Gov"' arrived soon after and scarcely had they heard of his had an account of his death, and that now he was glad to see his Honour, to declare his grievances

a string.

arrival but

whom

they

he would

proceeded.

why we

thought you would wonder

Summer we

of

Connajohary

staid so long,

we

shall

Connajohary were down at New York to make our complaints, and we then thought the Coven' Chain was broken, because we were neglected and when you neglect business, the French take advantage of it, for they are never quiet. It seemed to us that the Gov' had turned his back upon the Five Nations, as if they were no more, whereas the French are doing all in their power to draw us over to them. give you the reason.

Last

of

We

told the Gov"' last summer, we blamed him for the neglect of the Five Nations, and at same time we told him, the French were drawing the Five Nations away to Osweegachie owing to that neglect, which might have been prevented, if proper use had been made of that warning, but now we are affraid it is too late. We remember how it was in former times when we were a strong and powerful people. Coll Schuyler used frequently to come among us, and by this means we were kept together. We the Mohawks are in very difficult circumstances, and are blamed for things Brother. behind our backs which we dont deserve. Last Summer when we went up with Coll Johnson to Onondaga, and he made his speech to the Five Nations, the Five Nations said, they liked his speech very well, but that the Mohawks had made it. We are looked u[)on by the other Nations, as Coll Johnson's Counceilors, and supposed to hear all news from him, which is not the case; for Coll: Johnson does not receive from, or impart much news to us this is our reason for staying behind, for if we had come first, the other Nations would have said, that we made the Gov" speech, and therefore tho' we were resolved to come, we intended the other nations should go before us, that they might hear the Gov" speech, which we couid

the

:

:

:

;

hear afterwards.

There are some of our People who

iiave large

and Dutch, so that they sometimes hear what

is

open Ears ami

said

talk a little

by the Christian

settlers

broken English near them, and

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

868 by

this

means we came

head of pride

all

Tis true, and

the other Nations; here

we Connajoharys

we are looked upon to be a proud Nation, and known we are so, and tiiat we the Mohawks are the they are, and they must own it; but it was not out of but for tlie reasons we have already given.

to understanri, that

therefore staid behind.

staid behind,

His Honour answered

:

Brethren of Connajohary.

— You

now

have

told

me

the reason

why you

stayed behind,

because you would not be blamed, by the other Nations as you have been before. satisfyed with what you say, that your staying behind did not proceed from pride.

You

tell

me you

language of the

have large open Ears, and that some of you understand a

settlers

about you, but

I

must caution you not

to

hearken

neither of us or your Brethren of the other Nations; I desire that

to

we may

all

am

of the

little

common

I

reports,

speak

freely,

and open our hearts to each other, and so remove any jealousies from amongst us. I hope that at another interview, you will all be more punctual, and keep as near as you can to the time appointed. You are sensible it must be very inconvenient to me and the

Commiss" from

the other

Govern"

to be

detained so long in this place, at so great a distance

from our homes. a true copy, Exam''

A

by G. Banyar. [D. C. of

y'

C]

motion was made that a Committee should be appointed

Which was agreed

the present state of the Colonies.

to,

to draw up a representation of and that the Gentlemen who were

appointed to prepare and receive Plans or Schemes for the union of the Colonies the

S-i""

:

ult:

should be a Committee for this purpose.

The

plan for a Union of the Colonies was debated but the Board

Adjourned

to

At a meeting

nine o'clock to

in the

Court House

at

Albany on Tuesday the

2"''

Present — All the Commiss" from Massachusets Bay,

Rhode

Island,

to

no resolves upon

it.

July 1754. A. M.

New

Hampshire, Connecticut,

Pennsylvania and Maryland.

After the debates held on the plan of an Union, to

came

morrow morning.

it

was moved

;

if

the Board should proceed

form the plan of a Union of the Colonies, to be establised by an Act of Parliament.

Whereupon it was move[d] to put the previous question, which The Question was then put, whether the Board should proceed

passed in the negative. to

form a plan of a Union of

the Colonies to be established by [an] Act of Parliam' which passed in the affirmative.

adjourned

to 3 o'clock in

At a meeting

the afternoon.

as aforesaid on

Present

Tuesday the

— The Lieut' All the

Gov''

2"''

July 1754. P. M.

and the four Gentl" of the Council of New York and the several Govern*' above mentioned.

Commiss" from

The answer of the Six Nations to the general speech made to them on Saturday last by His Honour the Lieut' Gov' of New York, in His Maj''''' name, and in the presence and behalf of the several Govern" on the continent therein named, was read and is as follows:

—

— LONDON DOCUMENTS

Abraham, •Brethren.

ready

Sachem

869

Mohawks rose up and said. and the Commiss" of tlie other Govern" are you

of the upper Castle of the

the Uov' of

New York

hear us?

to

The

a

— You

XXXI.

:

Gov'' replyed they

Then Hendrick

were

ready.

all

&

brother to the said Abraham,

a

Sachem

and

of the said Castle, rose up,

spoke on behalf of the Six Nations as follows: Bretiiren

— Just now you

you were ready

told us,

to

hear us, liearken to me.

Brother Corlaer, and brothers of the other Govern'*

Saturday

last

you

told us that

you came here by order of the Great King our common

Father, and in his name, to renew the ancient chain of friendsiiip between this and the other

Govern'* on the Continent and us, the Six united Nations; and you said also that there were

then present, Commissioners from

New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode and that Virginia and Carolina desired to be considered

Massachusets Bay,

Island, Pennsylvania and Maryland, also as present.

We

rejoyce that by the King's Orders

We

other face to face;

Carolina

&

we

are

met here

all

are very tliankful for the same, and

this day,

we

and are glad

Gave a

Virginia as also present.

We thank you in the most hearty manner for your condolence to your friends and Relations, who have died since our last meeting here.

Brethren.

condole

all

Gave

We

return

keep

it

over

it,

more

we

all

will therefore take

so securely that neither

is

it

[links] to

it

as lyes in our

Honour's explanations of

now

present, and

all

Brethren.

also

Wampum. in his

it

shall

break

it;

we

there

we will use our endeavours power; and we hope when you show this Belt

it,

all

Onondaga, where our Council Fire always burns, and

Thunder nor Lightning it,

so

by your seeing the vacancys

in the general speech

strengthen yourselves, and bring as

do

we

of very great importance to our united Nations, and

to

and as we have lately added two links

give you reason to rejoyce at

We

of

3. strings

us,

our grateful acknowledgements for renewing and brightening the

This Chain Belt

covenant Chain. our Allies,

you

each

Belt.

(holding the Chain Belt given by his Honour and the several Govern"

Brethren,

hand)

to see

look upon the Gov"'* of South

many

)

In the

in it filled

mean time we

Covenant Chain

into this

as

up

(

to

will consult

add as

again,

shall

His

referring to

desire, that

you

many

we

you will

possibl)' can.

solemnly renew and brighten the Covenant Chain with our Brethren here

our other absent Brethren on the Continent.

As

to the accounts

you have heard of our

living dispersed

from each other

'tis

very true.

We

have several times endeavoured to draw

Osweegatie but

in vain, for the

you desire we shall Your have asked

Gov' of Canada

off those is

like a

our Brethren

wicked deluding

who

are settled at

spirit;

however, as

persist in our endeavours.

us the reason of our living in this dispersed manner.

neglecting us for these three years past (then taking a stick and throwing

The it

reason

is,

your

behind his back)

you have thus thrown us behind your back, and disregarded us, whereas the French are a subtle and vigilant people, ever using their utmost endeavours to seduce and bring our people over to them.

Gave

a Belt.

— NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

870 As

Bretliren.

the encroachments of the French, and what you liave said to us on that

to

King our Father,

article in behalf of the

we have made

as these matters

were

before us as of great

laid

if any of them have you mention, and we can not find that either any sale has been made, or leave has been given, but the French have gone thither without our consent or approbation nor ever mentioned it to us. Brethren. The Gov"" of Virginia, and the Gov' of Canada are both quarrelling about lands which belong to us, and such a quarel as this may end in our destruction they fight who shall have the land. The Gov" of Virginia and Pennsylvania have made paths thro' our Country to Trade and built houses without acquainting us with it, they should first have asked our consent to build there, as was done when Oswego was built. Gave a Belt.

importance, so

a strickt enquiry amongst

all

our people,

either sold or given the French leave to build the Forts

—

;

Brethren.

It is

very pleasant that

we

we may

shall

to

all live in

we

give

you

and

This

is

and

us,

away

this Belt (giving a Belt) to clear

all

Clouds then

;

us.

the ancient place of Treaty where the Fire of Friendship always used

now three years since we have been called to any publick Treaty here Tis Commiss" here, but they have never invited us to smoak with them, (by which

'tis

true there are

not

'tis

bright sunshine, and keep together in strict union and friendship

become strong and nothing can hurt

Brethren. to burn,

very true as you told us that the Clouds hang heavy over

look up, but

;

they mean the Commiss" had never invited them to any conference), but the Indians of Canada, come frequently and smoak here, which is for the sake of their Beaver, but we hate

them (meaning the French Indians) we have not your fault Brethren thai we are not strengthened Point, hut you hindered us that the Ice

from

it,

;

we had concluded

to

as yet confirmed the peace with them.

conquest, for

go and

take

Tis

we would have gone and taken Crown

it,

but

we were

told

was

it

too lute,

and

would not bear us ; instead of this, you burnt your own Forts at Seraghloga and run away

which was a shame

^

a scandal

Fortifcutions about you, no, not even

may

hi/

to

you.

Look

to this City, tis but

about your Country c^

one Step

from Canada

see,

hither,

come and turn you out of your doors. Brethren. You desire us to speak from the bottom of our hearts, and

you have no

and

the

French

easily

Look about you and

see

all

these houses

full

of Beaver, and the

likewise powder, lead and guns, which the French

Brethren.

The goods which go from hence

now make

to

money

is all

we

do

shall

gone

to

it.

Canada,

use of at Ohio.

Oswego, go from thence

to

Ohio which

further enables the B'rench to carry on their designs at the Ohio.

Brethren. at the

You were

desirous that

we

should open our minds, and our hearts to you

French, they are Men, they are fortifying everywhere

you are

all like

women

— but, we are

ashamed

to

;

look

say

it,

bare and open without any fortifications.

Here Hendrick ended his speech, his Brother Abraham then rose up «fc said Brethren. We would let you know, what was our desire three years ago when Coll Johnson laid down the management of Indian Atiairs, which gave us great uneasiness; the Gov"' then told us, it was not in his power to continue him, but that he would consult with the Council at New York, that he was going over to England and promised to recommend our desire that :

:

Johnson should have the management of Indian Affairs to the King, that the new Gov"" might have power to reinstate him we long waited in expectation of this being done, but hearing no more of it, we embrace this opportunity of laying this Belt (&gave a Belt) before all our Brethren here present, and desire them that Coll Johnson may be reinstated and have Coll

:

;

:

LONDON DOCUMENTS: the

Management

management,

for

Brethren.

I

of Indian

we

for

Affairs,

we

all

XXXI.

lived happy,

871 whilst they were

forgot something.

We

think our request about Coll

Which answer from the Indians was debated paragraph by who were appointed a Committee to prepare a General speech draw up a Adjourned

At

The

sea.

Affairs at

fire

liere is

Albany who

paragraph, and those Gentlemen the 19"" ult

were now appointed

:

reply. till

to

morrow morning

a Meeting in the Court

Present

Johnson, whicii Gov''

:

King our Father is drowned in the burnt out, and (turning his face to the New York Commiss" of Indian were there present) desired them to take notice of what he said. Clinton promised to carry to the

to

under his

love him, and he us, and he has always been our good, and trusty Friend.

—

House

at 9 o'clock.

at

Albany on Wednesday the

3''"*

July 1754. A. M.

John Chambers and William Smith Esq" of the Council of

New

York.

Samuel Welles, John Chandler and Oliver Patridge Esq" Commiss" from Massachusets Bay.

Theodore Atkinson and Richard Wibbird Esq" Commiss" from [The Commissioners from Connecticutt] Martin Howard [Jun^] Esq" a Commiss"' from Rhode Island. All the

New Hampshire

Commiss" from Pennsylvania. Esq"" one of the Commiss" from Maryland.

Benjamin Tasker

A

draught of the reply proposed to be made

to the

speech of the G Nations of the 1" inst

which the Committee appointed yesterday afternoon had drawn up, was read. M'' Chambers desired to carry it to His Honour the Lieut' Gov"' for his opinion

was agreed

Took

— which

to.

their seats at the

Board.

j

His Honour the Lieut' Gov''

Joseph Murray and William Jofinson Esq" of the Council of

New

Thomas Hutchinson and John Worthington Esq" Commiss"

for

York.

Massachusetts

Bay.

Meschech Weare and Henry Slierburn Esq" Commiss" Stephen Hopkins Esq'' one of the Commiss" for Rhode

Abraham Barnes Esq' one

of the

for

New

Hampshire.

Island.

Commiss" from Maryland.

His Honour laid before the Board several' matters, which he proposed to be inserted in the Reply to be made to the Six Nations, which together with the draught from the Committee

was read and debated. The Commiss" from Pennsylvania province and proposed

it

to

be added

also laid before the to the

Reply.

Board an addition

Hampshire and Connecticut, proposed also some additions. These several draughts being read & considered the following reply agreed upon by the Board. '

certain.

in

behalf of their

The Commiss" from Massachusets, New

Johnson Manuscripts,

I.

— En.

to the Six

Nations was

^J

;

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

872

Brethren. It gives us great pleasure to see you so ready to renew and brighten the ancient Chain of friendship, we wish the further extention of it, and shall not fail joyning our utmost

endeavours for that purpose.

We

Brethren.

are [very]

sorry that any neglect has been

shewn

to you,

we hope

and

that

nothing of that kind will happen hereafter, or any misunderstanding arise between you and any

You are our old and steady friends, we assure you not one thought has minds of rejecting you, our hearts have ever been warm towards you, and we now gladly meet and open our hearts to you. The Covenant is renewed, the Chain is brightened, the Fire burns clear, and we hope all things will be pleasant on both sides for of his Maj'y'' Govern".

ever

come

into our

A

the future.

Belt.

We gladly understand that you gave no countenance to the French, who went and have entered on your lands, they are always your and our open or secret Enemies

Brethren. to Ohio,

you did put

this land

among

for this end,

under the King our Father, he others, he has directed us to

is

now

taking care to preserve

meet you

under the King's Govern', yet the property or power of selling it having authority from him, we always consider as vested in you.

You

Brethren. to you,

it

you

for

here, for although, the land is to

any of

his Maj'^'^ subjects

say that the Gov'' of Virginia and Canada, are fighting about lands belonging

and the Gov" of Virginia

&

new

Pennsylvania have opened

roads and built houses

at Ohio.

What you all

We

say, is a great surprise to us.

all

know

that for five years past, in the face of

the six Nations in open daylight, the French have been marching Troops into that Country,

which we ever

King

did,

and do

still

acknowledge

to belong to you, tho' within

of Great Brittaiu's Dominions, and under his protection,

&

your Father the

the French did publish every

where, their designs to build Forts and drive away the English Traders, and

them

into

execution by seizing the Traders, and did

last

tiiey did

carry

year actually build two Forts iu

that Country.

But we never heard notwithstanding these open

Hostilities of the French, that ever Virginia

or Pennsylvania, sent one Soldier or built one house for their or your protection,

till

this

present year. It is

fortunate that M"" Weiser

[with your Nations] and

is

who

transacts the publick business of Virginia

one of your Council and knows these matters well,

& is

Pennsylvania

now

present,

hear the account he gives, and that will set this matter in a true light. M"^

Weiser was

to

say as follows

The Road

:

Ohio is no new Road; [it is an old and frequented Road ;] the Shawanese and Delawares removed thither above thirty years ago from Pennsylvania ever since which that Road has been travelled by our Traders at their invitation, and always with safety, until within these few years, that the French with their usual faithlessness, sent armies there, threatened the Indians and obstructed our trade with them. Brethren.

to

;

The

Gov'' of Virginia observing these

account of them

his

;

Maj'^

was pleased

Nations to consult measures with them,

hostilities in to

how

time of

to put a stop to these

injurious to them, as to his subjects, and that they might better It

was thought

peace, sent His Maj"'' an

French proceedings, equally

know them.

some place near the Country where these were carried on; His Maj'^ likewise ordered a present to the Six Nations,

the interview might best be held at

hostile proceedings

full

order his Gov'' to hold an interview with the Six

;

LONDON DOCUMENTS as a further token of his affection for them.

Onondaga by in that

:

XXXI.

Accordingly

M''

873 Weiser

in

was

1750.

sent to

the Gov"" of Virginia, and invited the Indians to come, and treat at Fredericksburgh

Province, and receive

finding the French

still

tlie

King's present, but could not prevail.

continuing their hostilities sent

Commiss"

Ohio, and delivered them the King's present, and by a Belt of

The

Gov"' of Virginia

in 1751. to the Indians at

Wampum

proposed, that a

strong house might be built near the mouth of the Mohongahela, for their mutual protection

made answer,

were well pleased with the proposal, and would send that own to it. Nothing was heard of this Belt, and the last year the French invaded the Country of Ohio, with a strong hand, whereupon the Indians residing there, your flesh & blood, sent repeated messages to the Gov' of Virginia, to send his young Men to their Assistance, but he being a person of great forethought and .prudence still forbore to do it, and instead thereof sent two Messages by M'' Andrew Mentour, to Onondaga, It happened that no Council could be called at either time, the for your advice how to act. Chiefs of Onondaga, desired M'' Mentour to tell their Brother the Gov'' of Virginia, to act cautiously, and let the French strike the first blow. The French then coming nearer and nearer, Tanacharisson (otherwise called the Half King) was sent to them by the united Nations at Ohio, together with the Shawanese and Delawares to forewarn them off their land, in the mean time other chiefs of these several Nations came to Virginia and Pennsylvania, and told us what they had agreed upon, in Council, to wit that the Indians

that they

Belt to Onondaga, and joyn one of their

:

they, the rest of the Chiefs should

Aleghany

Hills, to

come

to us

and desire us

to call

our people from over the

prevent bloodshed between the English and French; but

when

these Indians

returned, and found that the French paid no regard to their warning, but told them positively, that

if

they opposed their taking posession of that Country, they would cut them

repeated Messages to the

Gov"

of Pennsylvania and Virginia, to apprize

off,

them

they sent

of their, the

Indians immediate danger, telling them they would find nothing but the ashes of their houses

and their bones,

they did not forthwith send warriours and build them a house to

if

having a late example before their eyes,

in,

Tweeghtwees on

them

a sudden and were then Trading with them.

On

this

killed

fly to,

upon their brethren the well as some English who

that the French had fallen in

their houses as

melancholy account the Gov' of Virginia agreable

to the request of the Indians sent

people to build a house at the mouth of Mohongahela, but before they had finished

it,

the

French came down the River, with a Thousand Men and 18 cannon, and told the people who were building it, and were but forty four in number, that they might' either fight or give up posession, which last they were obliged to do, on account of the superior force of tlie French. Brethren.

This

is

the truth, which

we have thought

the prudent and cautious conduct of Virginia might be

proper to relate so particularly, that

known

fo

confirm what

is

said,

Here M' Weiser's Brethren.

You

This Belt

and that you may remember what has been now related

told^ us

we

are open and defenceless,

we

we

to you.

to

given to

A

Belt.

are consulting

must. Johnion Manuscripts,

I.

110

how

far it will

be

expect you take care to keep your

people from going over to the French. '

is

relation ends.

necessary to fortify our frontiers, at the same time

Vol. VI.

As

the Six Nations.

Pennsylvania, they have never sent a warriour, or built a Fort at Ohio.

' tell.

Ibid.

— Ed.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

874

We

are able

when

united with you to resist any force the French and their Allies, can bring

against us.

(The

following paragraphs were to be spoken by the Gov' of

You have

Brethren.

told

me, that

this is the place of

New York

Treaty; that

'tis

in his

now

own name)

three years ago

you were asked to smoake a pipe here; that there are Commiss" but they have never you to smoak with them. It was their duty on their appointment to acquaint you with it, and to invite you to smoak with them to rekindle the fire, which was then almost extinguished, and if they had done it earlier, and before I sent them directions it would have been very agreable to me. Brethren. You say the liouses here are full of Beaver; this is a Trading place, and the Merchants have a right to traffick for Beaver or other skins, which they sometimes pay for in goods and sometimes in money, but as to what you say about Guns, and powder being sold to the French, I have made all the enquiry I could into this matter, and am assured you are misinformed, for that neither guns nor powder are sold by any persons here to the French. Brethren. You tell me that whilst Coll Johnson had the management of Indian affairs you all lived happy, that you loved him and he you, and that he has always been your good and Trusty friend I am very sensible you had good reason to look upon him, in this light and fully convinced that he is still your Friend, but as this is the place where the ancient fire was kindled which was nearly burnt out, & as Coll Johnson for some reasons declined the management of Indian Affairs, it was thought proper to rekindle the fire here, by appointing Commiss" whom I sliall direct to receive and consult with you, upon all business that may concern our mutual interests, and [I] expect that you will for the future apply to them according to the Custom of your forefathers, to tell your news, and in return to receive from them what shall be thought necessary to be imparted to you, and I will give them directions that they treat you, with the affection due to you as Brethren. I will make tryal of them another year, and if you do not meet with the kind treatment you have a right to expect, complain to this Govern' and eflectual measures shall be taken for your satisfaction. Gave a Belt. since

invited

—

:

;

:

(The

following

Brethren.

we have

told

We

was

to

be spoken by

have agreed

M''

to tell all

you the News from

New

Killogg I[n]terpreter from Massachusets Bay).

News,

&

England, tho'

take Council together,

we

at a considerable distance

can not part from you.

till

The

French have the same bad designs there, as well as at Ohio, they are very fond to get Kennybeck River; we have news of their beginning a Fort at the head of that River; a priest of theirs has built a house a great way down that River, Governour Shirley has raised 800 Men, gone down to drive them away and to build an English Fort at the head or far up the Kennybeck. We have news also that the French are building a Fort up Conecticut River, northward of Cowass; the GoV of New Hampshire has now sent a Comp'' of Men up that River to enquire into that fact, and if true to drive them immediately off. In another part of the Govern' of New Hampshire a number of the S' Francis Indians, have lately taken

and

is

said River

a family consisting of a

Man and

his wife

and three Children, and carryed them into captivity

from an out settlement on Merrismack River, and at a Treaty held with them.

this

contrary to their solemn engagements

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI.

We

875

have also news that a number of Indians had murdered twenty one English Fishermen and had carried their Scalps, to Cape Breton where they were well received, and

at Canso, 'tis

said rewarded.

The Board

At

then adjourned

till

to

morrow morn?

a meeting in the Court house at

Albany on Thursday the

4""

July 1754. A. M.

— The four Gentlemen of the Council of New York

Present

All the

The

at 9 o'clock.

Com miss"

Govern"

for the several

plan for a Union of the Colonies was debated but nothing finally determined on

adjourned

to

—

3 o'clock this afternoon.

as above on

At a meeting

Present

Thursday the

— All the Commiss"

4""

July 1754. P. M.

Govern"

for the several

The plan for a Union was further considered but no resolves made thereupon. The Board receiving a message from His Honour the Lieut' Gov'' of New York, that tiie Indians were seated in order to speak to his Honour and the Commiss" the Board adjourned to 9 o'clock to morrow morning and waited upon the Gov^

At a meeting

in the

Present

The

—

Court house

All the

Commiss"

5"'

July 1754. A. M.

Govern"

for the several

was

rejoinder of the Six Nations spoke yesterday afternoon

ordered to be minuted as follows

made

Albany on Friday the

at

to the Six

Nations on the

3''''

(

:

The

following speech

read, to the

Board and

chiefly a Rejoinder to the reply

is

inst:)

— Brethren

—

We on our side are equally of the several Govern'^ you have expressed yourselves on the renewing and brightening the ancient covenant chain between all His Maj'^' Govern" on the continent and us of the Six New York

Brother of

as

much

rejoiced as

United Nations.

As

New York

what the Gov' of

to

affairs at

Albany,

we

are

much

told us yesterday relating to the

notice of us for the future, that he will try

acquaint this Govern', Brethren.

We

if

us

— he

is

if

Master of

he all

fails us,

to

we

New York how

we thought die

Coll: Johnson has behaved to us, and

ourselves in by his leaving

— however we

do what he pleases, and

oft'

the

Brethren.

We to

are very thankful to the

meet here

in order to

we submit

King our Father

enquire into

management

agree to what the Gov' has proposed to the whole affair to him.

Gave

many Govern"

of Indian

they do not treat us as Brethren.

have told the Gov' of

our opinion of him, and the danger of Indian Affairs,

Commiss"

him for his promise to direct them to take due them for one year longer, and for giving us leave to

obliged to

all

for

ordering

a Belt.

Commiss" from

so

matters relating to us and to put every

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

876

We

thing upon [a] right footing.

we

rejoice that

we have opened

Commiss" from the Some time ago the King our Father

our hearts to each other, and

Govern" our thanks for the same. Brethren. sent a present to the Gov' of Virginia, who sent a Messenger to the Six Nations that we should come down to Virginia and receive it, but we could not come; we have since been informed that the present was sent to Ohio (the speaker then proceeded to repeat the substance of what was said to them yesterday on the part of the Govern" of Virginia and Pennsylvania by their Interpreter M'' Weiser.) We allow that the Road from Pennsylvania to Ohio is no new Road, but has been travelled these thirty years by the Traders. return

We Allies, affair,

We

tlie

Gov''

and

all

the

thank the Gov'' of Virginia

New

return the Gov' of

made bows

given us, of our lands,

York, and

loerc consjiltijig

the other Govern** our most hearty thanks (here

Honour and all the Commiss''') for the promise of protection and the acknowledgement that the right of selling it is in us. Gave a Belt.

are not safe

principal reawns

and of the Country of the Five Nations. You told tis yesterday ^ us. We beg you will resolve upon something speedily.

ahont securing both, yourselves

from danger

in two places in

New

why we

07ie

desire,

The French have

day.

We

England.

in this City, there has been a

made

in this

TVe put you in mind in our former speech of the defenceless state of your Frontiers,

Brethren.

You

all

&

are our Brethren'

to his

particularly of this City [, of Schenectady'\

and

who

for assisting the Indians at Ohio,

and we approve of the Gov' of Pennsylvania's not having hitherto intermeddled he is a wise and prudent Man, and will know his own time.

the Speaker

you

several

dont

know

you will be speedy

French Indian at

i7i

their hatchet in their hands, both, at

but this very yiight they these matters

We

very narrow observations on every thing thereabouts.

is,

that since Coll: Johnson has been

to kill

him, or

to take

upon account of his great interest among us, and being also one of the Five Nations is one of their Sachems). Upon this they gave four strings of Wampum.

(The Board having ordered

this

Rejoynder of the Six Nations

remainder of their said rejoynder

it

and

think him (Coll: Johnson) in very great

danger, because the French will take more than ordinary pains either

their proceeding, the

Ohio

One of the

attack us.

took measure of the wall round

who

his house,

may

to

be only so

by order of

is

his

him prisoner,

(Coll: Johnson

far

recorded in

Honour

the Lieut'

Gov' supplied after this manner from the Records of Indian Affairs, that these proceedings of the Congress may compleat all that passed at the publick conferences with the Indians. The remainder of their said speech is as follows:)

There

Brethren.

concerned

is

an

affair

this is the selling of

;

about which our hearts tremble and our minds are deeply

Rum

in our Castles.

young people. We request of all the Govern" here any of it amongst the Five Nations. Brethren.

dont want

it

We

destroys

It

present, that

it

many both, of our old and may be forbidden to carry

Rum, it may cause murder on both sides. We be sold us in Albany, but that none may be brought to our Castles.

are in great fears about this

to be forbid to

own name, that they will not allow any Rum to be brought who do must take the consequences. Brethren. We the Mohawks of both Castles have also one request to make, which is, that the people who are settled round about us may not be suffered to sell our people Rum it keeps them all poor, makes them idle & wicked if they have any money or goods they lay The Cayouges now

declare in their

up their River, and those

;

;

'

Relations. Johnson Manuscripts,

I.

— Ed.

— LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXXI.

877

Rum, it destroys virtue and the progress of Religion amongst us. (the lower Castle Mohawks have a Chapel and an English Missionary belonging to it). We have a friendly request to make to the Gov'' and all the Commiss" here present, that they will help us to build a Church at Connojohary, and that we may have a Bell in it, which together with the putting a stop to the selling of Rum, will tend to make us Religious and lead better lives than we do now. Brethren. We have now fully opened our hearts to you except about the land belonging to the Cannojoharys which caused us to go down to New York last year. The Gov' knows what our complaint is, and we now desire to know, when that affair will be settled, as it was it all

out in

of the

promised that satisfaction should be given us on that

Here Hendrick ended M"'

article.

his speech.

Penn one of the Commiss" from Pennsylvania, declared that himself in conjunction with Commiss" for that Govern' were about purchasing from the Six Nations a tract of

the other

land within the boundaries of the said Govern' below the lattitude 42°; and the Indians also then published their intention of making the said sale at the Commiss" Lodgings. The Gov' spoke to the Indians and told them That as to what they had said about Rum, he :

would give them an answer to morrow morning, that he had received a present for them from the King their Father, and another from this Govern', which he would give him to morrow morning, when he would also give them an answer to those other particulars which require

As I have given you satisfaction with respect to one of your complaints about your land, and you have consented that an enquiry into any other shall be deferred until I arrive at N.York, I shall not now say anything further to you on that aflair. (Extracted from the Records of Indian Affairs by me Peter Wraxall Seer""). one.

—

The Board then proceeded to consider the plan to 9 o'clock to morrow morning.

for a

Union, but did not go thro' with

it.

adjourned

At a Meeting held

Present

in the

Court house at Albany on Saturday the

6""

July 1754. A. M.

— All the Commiss"

for Massachusets Bay William Pitkin and Roger Wolcott Esq" Commiss"

The Commiss"

for

John Penn, Isaac

Rhode

for

Connecticut

—

Island.

Morris,'

&

Benjamin Franklin Esq" Commiss"

for

Pennsylvania.

The Commiss"

for

Maryland.

Gov sent to the Board the speech he proposed to make to the River which the Board agreed to with a small addition, which was sent in writing to his Honour. The Board having been informed by M' Peters " that the Lieut' Gov' of New York sent for •' him last night, and told him, his provisions were expended, and he could no longer maintain " the Indians, and expected the Commiss" would maintain them, and gave him the list of what His Honour the Lieut'

Indians,

" had been allowed

p'

day

to the

'

Five Nations, exclusive of the River Indians"

Norris. Juhnson Manuscripts,

I.

— Ed.

The Board

—

:

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

878 thereupon

resolved

:

they would

that

take the

charge of supporting the Indians upon

themselves.

Meshech Weare and Henry Sherburne Esq" Commiss" for Nevp Hampshire took their seats. The Committee appointed the 1" inst to draw up a representation of the present State of the Colonies with relation to the French delivered the same to the Board, which was read, & ordered to lay upon the Table for the consideration of the Commiss" The Secretary presented to the Board a draught of the speech which his Honour proposed to deliver to the Six Nations this afternoon, and also the following Message from his Honour " that the Board would please to send him any alterations or additions which they might think :

—

that his Honour, intended when he made the to be made to the said draught " speech, to read to them the Act of the General Assembly of New York concerning the sale " of Rum to the Indians, and that he also recommended the request of the upper Castle of

"proper

" the

Mohawks for a Church to the Board." The Secretary also brought back his Honour's approbation to the small addition proposed to be made to the speech intended to be made to the River Indians, which speech is as follows: Brethren.

I

have sent for you here

Father's protection, and that

to give

we might with

the

you

fresh assurances of the Great

Commiss" whom you now

King your

see assembled here

from the Govern" of Massachusets Bay, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Maryland, strengthen and brighten the Covenant Chain. We are glad to see you at this [your] old meeting place, and we do now, in His Maj'^'' name, and in behalf of all the Colonies renew the Ancient Covenant Chain of friendship, that it may be stronger and brighter than ever, which we recommend to you to preserve clean and free from rust, by a peaceable & affectionate behaviour to all your brethren, and especially to those who live

may

near you, and you

then with confidence rely on the favour of this and

all

his

Govern".

Maj'>'"

As a proof of the King your Father's tender regard for you, I shall deliver you a Present he has sent over for you, consisting of such necessaries as you may want; and the Commiss" from each of the Govern" have contributed towards a present for you also, all which presents shall be here ready for

you

in

the afternoon.

Elisha Williams Esq'' a Commiss"

On

a Motion

New York

made and seconded

relating to the

for

Connecticut took his

that a

Message be sent

answer he proposes

to

make

M" Hutchinson reported

May

it

the following

Commiss"

His Honour the Lieut' Gov" of

to the Six Nations,

M' Franklin were appointed to prepare the same. Theodore Atkinson and Richard Wibbird Esq" Com" as did also Richard Peters Esq" one of the

seat.

to

for

for

M" Hutchinson and

New Hampshire

took their seats,

Pennsylvania.

Message:

please your Honour.

The Commiss" from the several Govern" now met at Albany observe that in the speech your Honour proposes to make this day to the Indians of the Six Nations, and which you have caused to be communicated to the Board by their Secretary, no notice is taken of the complaints of the said Indians, relating to their lands. This complaint seems by the letter from the Right Honourable the Lords of Trade, which your Honour has laid before the Board to have been the principal occasion of this unusual and expensive meeting of Commiss" from

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI. many

so

Colonies, and

appears by the

it

last

879

answer from the Indians, that

their uneasiness

remains.

still

The Commiss" therefore, think it incumbent on them to pray your Honour that they may be acquainted with the particulars of the complaint, and that they may have an opportunity of consulting with your Honour, proper measures for removing the causes thereof.

Which was read and unanimously agreed to; and it was thereupon ordered that and M" Pitkin, wait upon his Honour the Lieut' Gov'' of New York with the same. adjourned to 3 o'clock this afternoon.

At a Meeting on Saturday the

Present

—

G"-

M"'

Welles

July 1754. P. M.

Commiss" from Massachusets Bay Commiss" from New Hampshire The Commiss" from Connecticut All the

All the

Stephen Hopkins

one of the

Esq"'

Com"

from Rhode Island

M' Welles reported to the Board that he and M^ Pitkin had delivered the Message they were appointed in the morning to deliver to His Hon'' the Lieut' GoV of New York The four Gentlemen of the Council of New Y^ork Martin Howard [Jun"'] Esq'' Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Barnes Esq" took their seats. M"" Murray delivered at the Board his Honour the Lieut' GoV'" answer in writing to the Message delivered to his Honour this morning by M'' Welles and M' Pitkin, which was read and follows:

is as

In answer to your Message to me of this day I acquaint you, that yesterday I had the Sachems of the Connajohary Castle before me in Council, to conclude the matter in controversy between some Germans and one Teady Magin, relating to an Indian purchase that

Gentlemen.

had occasioned the greatest uneasiness amongst the Indians of that Castle, which meetings, was then formally and finally settled to the satisfaction of all parties. I

then took occasion to observe to them that at their meeting on the

them

open their minds

to

complaints before inst: I

me;

was not acquainted with any other returned thither

I

I

expected they would

I

what they had mentioned

that as to

being abroad on the circuit

soon as

and that

fully,

at the

time they

would look

made

into them,

e""

tiiem at

New

and do [them] satisfied

I

inst: I desired

came

York, and then all

laid

all

their 4""

speech on the

to this place, I

promised as

the justice that lay in

my

and thanked me.

July 17-54.

The Board

2"''

have

in their publick

particular complaints until

power, with which they declared themselves well

Albany

then

two

after

James DeLaivcey

being obliged to attend at the interview of the Sknticok and River Indians

adjourned to

Monday morning

At a Meeting

in the

Present

at 9. o'clock.

Court house

at

Albany on Monday the

— William &

The speech proposed by His Honour been again read

S"-

July 1754. A. M.

Johnson and W"' Smith Esq" two of the Council of all the Commiss".

to the Board,

New York

to be made to the Indians of the Six Nations having and the complaint of the Indians relative to their lands coming

:

:

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

880

under their consideration, the Board were acquainted that M'' William Livingston and M' William Alexander,! j^q of the Heirs or Devisees of Phillip Livingston Esq''* deceased, the proprietor or patentee of the lands on which Connajohary Castle stands, had declared their readiness to give up

was ordered

all

said

that

right to said patents or such parts as shall be thought necessary;

NP Livingston and

M''

it

Alexander be informed that the Board desired

speak with them.

to

Livingston and M"" Alexander being present informed the Board, that their Father was. one among other Patentees of the lands mentioned, that they were interested ^ each of them in M''

their Father's Right; the circumstances of this title they

had made no enquiry

into, but

were

ready to make any resignation, which, either justice or the publick service required.

The Board being informed

that His

Honour

the Lieut'

GoV

desired a Gentleman from each

Govern', might be appointed to be present with him, in making enquiry of the Indians of the

Connajohary Castle, how far they were satisfyed respecting their lands, M"' Peters and M' Howard were appointed to wait on His Honour and acquaint him that the Board agreed to Accordingly

the proposal.

M''

Hutchinson was appointed

for

Massachusets Bay

:

Atkinson was appointed

for

New Hampshire

:

Wolcott

for Connecticut.

Coll

Coll M"'

Hopkins

for

Rhode

RP

Norris

for

Pennsylvania

for

Maryland.

Coll

Tasker

:

Joseph Murray

&

Island.

John Chambers Esq" of the Council of

New

York,

took their seats.

His Honour's draught of the speech he proposes to make to the Six Nations which was 6"" inst: was read, and after debate had thereon, relative to the

delivered to the Board the

Rum

amongst them, and the Connajohary's desire about a Church, some alterations it were agreed to be proposed to his Honour. The Representation of the present state of the Colonies was again read, through, but no

sale of

and additions to final resolution

The answers were

read,

and

thereon agreed

is

We

made them

the

6"' inst:

as follows:

The Speech Father,

to.

of the Scaakticook and River Indians to the speech

of the Scaakticook Indians

are glad that the Gov' sees his children

now

before him,

we

are small in

Your Honour may see that we are but number, but next time we hope we shall be more young and unexperienced, our ancient people being almost all dead, so that we have nobody to Gave a Belt. give us any advice, but we will do as our Fathers have done before us. ;

Father,

This Belt came from our forefathers, and

we will

be true and faithful to the king as

Gave a

they were.

They

also

be stopped '

Afterwai'ds

gave

to the Gov''

at Scaacticook,

known

as

Lord

a small bundle of skinns and desired that the sale of

and that

if

they want

Stirling; married Sarah, eldest

LivingstoD, and Catharine 'V^an Brugh. Holgate's

it

they will come and buy

it

at

Belt.

Rum

might

Albany.

daughter of Philip Livingston, 2d proprietor of the Manor of

American Genealogy,

163.

— Ed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI. The speech Fathers. are

met

— We

of the River Indians.

you

are greatly rejoyced to see

here, and

881

we thank you

for this

all

here.

by the

It is

opportunity of seeing you

will of

heaven

together, as

all

liiat

it is

we

a long

time since we have had such a one. Fathers, who sit present here, we will just give you a short relation of the long Friendship, Our Forefathers which hath subsisted, between the White people of this Country and us had a Castle on this River, as one of them walked out he saw something on the River, but was at a loss to know what it was, he took it at first for a great fish, he ran into the Castle and gave notice to the other Indians, two of our Forefathers went to see what it was and found it a Vessel with Men in it, they immediately joyned hands with the people in the Vessel and became friends the white people told them they should not come any further up the River at that time, and said to them they would return back from whence they came and come again in a year's time; according to their promise they returned back in a Our Forefathers year's time and came as far up the River, as where the old Fort stood invited them ashore, and said to them, here we will give you a place to make you a Town, it shall be from this place up to such a stream, (meaning where the Patroons Mill now stands) and from the River back up to the Hill, our Forefathers told them they were now a small people, they would in time multiply and fill up the land they had given them. After they were ashore sometime, some other Indians, who had not seen them before, looked fiercely at them, & our Forefathers observing it and seeing the White people so few in number, lest they should be destroyed, took and sheltered them under their arms; but it turned out that these Indians did not desire to destroy them, but wished also to have the said White people at this time wliich we f.ave now spoken of, the white people were small, for their friends but we were very numerous and strong, we defended them in that low state, but now the case is altered, you are numerous and strong, we are few and weak, therefore we expect that you will act by us in these circumstances, as we did by you in those we have just now related we view ye now as a very large Tree, which has taken deep Root in the ground, whose branches are spread very wide, we stand by the body of this Tree, and we look round to see if there be any who endeavour to hurt it, and if it should so happen that any are powerful

—

;

;

;

;

enough

to destroy

Fathers,

You

we

it,

are ready to

how

see

early

with

fall

we made

Gave

it.

friendship with you,

strong chain, that chain has never yet been broken, it

brighter and stronger, and

hope you

we determine on our

will take care that neither

we now

we

tied

clean and

part, that

it

never

each other in a very

Rub

that chain, to

shall be

you, nor any one else shall break

rejoyced that Peace and friendship have so long subsisted between us.

a Belt.

it,

and

make we

broken, and

we

Gave

are greatly

a Belt.

at what we are about to say; we would say something White people purchased from time to time of us, they said they only wanted to purchase the low lands, they told us the hilly land was good for nothing, and that it was full of wood and stones, but now we see people living all about the Hills and, woods, although they have not the purchased lands when we enquire of the people who live onthe[se] lands, what right they have to them, they reply to us that we are not to be regarded, and that these lands belong to the King but we were the first posessors of them, and when the King has paid us for them, then they may say they are his hunting now is grown very

Fathers,

Dont think strange

respecting our lands

;

when

the

—

;

:

Vol. \i.

I

1

I

—

:

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

882 scarce,

and

we

take care that

are paid for our lands, that

make a present of a bundle of Skins. [The Board then Adjourned to 3 O'clock

At a Meeting

ettc.

Present

on Monday the

— All

The Board proceeded

S""

will

we may

this afternoon.]

July 1754. P. M.

Commiss" except

the for

with

way; therefore we hope our Fathers Gave a Belt. live.

are not like to get our livings that

we

Coll

:

Atkinson M' Norris and the Commiss"

Maryland.

in their consideration

upon the plan

for a

Union, but did not go thro'

it.

The speech proposed to be made to the Six Nations was returned, to the Board from His Honour with the alterations and additions proposed by the Board in the morning: Ordered. That the said speech lay upon the Table till some further matters relating to it be agreed on by the Board. in the morning to be present with the Lieut' Gov'' of New York Connnjohary Indians, returned from the same and reported as follows: That His Honour enquired of the Indians whether they had not expressed themselves satisfied with the measures he had taken concerning their lands, and the promise that he would

The Committee appointed

at a conference with the

when he came to New York, to which they replyed that they at Albany when they made this' complaint at New York last year That he had told them he had now left the papers there, but would enquire into it when he came there That they were willing to try one year more, and if matters were not made up by the Gov'' whom they looked upon as their elder Brother, but neglected as they enquire further into the

were

sensible,

affair

:

His Honour was

—

—

used to be, they would send to

all

their other brothers (pointing to the Commiss"'') for their

assistance, and tliat they agreed to this the rather, as there

they did not think

it

were French Indians in Town, and Upon which His Honour

convenient to have any difference before them.

again assured them, he would enquire into their

affairs,

in order to their being satisfyed,

had the King's orders for it. The Board receiving a Message from His Honour that the Sachims of the Six Nations were

especially as he

attending to be spoke to

The Board adjourned

At a Meeting

in the

Present

:

to 9 o'clock to

Court house

at

morrow morn^ and waited upon

Albany [on Tuesday

— Joseph Murray & William Smith All the

Commiss" except

Coll

:

the]

Esq"'' of

Q""

the Governour.

July 1754. A. M.

the'Council of

Partridge and

New

York.

M' Hopkins.

The public conference between His Honour the Lieut' Gov' of New York and the Commiss" from the several Govern", with the Sachems of the Six Nations yesterday evening was read, and ordered to be entered as follows '

their.

Johnson Manuscr'pU,

I.

Ed,

—

LONDON DOCUMENTS You

told

from selling

Rum

Brethren. arise

made

me your

hearts

were deeply concerned

your respective Countries,

in

XXXI.

:

I

883 at tiie sad effects

will give orders that the

among you

which may

Laws

already

and whatever further provision in the law is necessary, 1 will endeavour it shall be made, that you may see I take care of your health and your peace, which are hurt and disturbed by the use of for preventing the Sale of this liquor

Liquor among you, of the Five upper Nations

this

have

said,

from

selling

apply

how

shall consider

I

Rum, and

far

may

it

shall be strictly put in execution,

and as

:

what you of

to

can think of a proper remedy for this

if I

the

Mohawks

be necessary to restrain the people living round you evil,

I

will

endeavour to

it.

Brethren of the Upper Castle of the Mohawks.

am

I

well pleased with your earnest request to have a

do every thing

my power

in

Commiss" from

the

to

amongst you, and

built

shall

very agreable to me, and

is

it

Govern'* present to find a disposition

the

all

Church

promote so good a work, and

in

you

to

receive

the

Christian Religion.

As

Brethren.

have given you satisfaction with respect

I

your lands, which lay heavy on do you justice as on that

The

affair

to the rest

Gov'' being informed it

was

Hendrick answered

powder

when

I

come

to one of your complaints, about and have assured you that I shall endeavour to

New York,

to

I

shall not say

any thing further

to

you

now.

the Hill, told them,

the

}"our minds,

by the Interpreter, that they chose

in his opinion, better for

them; just

for

Rum

Schenectady and the

to

as His

them

Honour

to

to

have

pleased,

have the powder divided on it

who

sent to Schenectady.

them he would order

told

above the settlements, with which they expressed

themselves satysfied.

His Honour then said I have now done speaking :

you

to

to you, but before I cover

behave quietly and peaceably

to all

up the

fire, I

must recommend it to in your return home.

your brethren and their Cattle

Hendrick then replyed

Your Honour

told us,

have been so amicably

you now covered up the fire and we are highly pleased, that all things settled, and hope that all that has passed between us may be strictly

observed on both sides

Brethren of the several Govern"

We

hope that you

ourselves, and If

we do

Brethren.

now

will not

[so]

fail in

the Covenant Chain, wherewith

not hold fast by this Chain of friendship, our

We

we have mutually bound

solemnly renewed and strengthened.

wish you would

all

Enemies will laugh us to scorn. some provisions for us, in our way

contribute to provide

home, which will effectually prevent our people from killing the Inhabitants' Cattle, and we desire you will provide some Waggons for us to go to Schenectady; we think this expence will fall too heavy upon one province, as we have the presents from all to carry up. We beg we may all take care of the Fire' of friendship and preserve it by our mutual attention from any injuries; we will take care of it on our sides, and we hope our Brethren We wish this fire of Friendship' may grow up to a great height, and then will do so on theirs.

we

shall

be a powerful people. '

Sic. Trfe of friendship.

Johnson ManvfcriptK,

I.

Fj>.

:

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

884

We

Brethren.

the united Nations shall rejoyce in the increase of our strength, so that

may

other Nations Brethren.

will just tell

I

we may

all

of us.

you what a people we were formerly; if any of our F^neniies rose our whole hand against them, for our little finger was

we had no occasion to lift up and as we have now made so

anainst us, sufficient,

awe

stand in

strong a confederacy,

if

we

are truly earnest therein,

retrieve the Ancient glory of the Five Nations.

We

have now done ; but one word we must add. The Interpretor, if the French Brethren. continue their Hostilities, will want assistance, three or four to be joyned with him ; but this matter

we submit

The Gov

to the Gov".

replyed

Brethren.

It

We

have

now

we have

[fully] finished all that

to say.

:

me and

gives

all

the Commissioners here present great satisfaction, that this

interview has been so amicably concluded on all sides. 1 have ordered 30 waggons, to be provided for your service which I e.xpect here to morrow morning, and I have ordered provisions to serve you on your journey. I hope that by this present Union, we famous as you were of old.

As

to the Interpreter,

when

necessary assistance, and that

we

in our

endeavour

shall

I

to

shall

grow up

to a great height

and be

the circumstances of this Country require

it,

as powerful

and

he shall have the

Govern" here present, extend and preserve the Covenant Chain by every possible Method

assure

you

in

the

name

of this and

all

the

power.

They asked his Honour when himself and the Commiss" proposed to return home. His Honour answered, that they had some matters yet to settle about the Union, and

they

should then set out for their respective habitations.

The Gov"' then in his own name and that of the Commiss" wished them a good journey and they returned the compliment, and then the conference broke up. The answers of the answers,' of the Lieut' Gov'' and the Commiss" to the Schaacticook and River Indians, was next read and ordered to be entered as follows

The answer Children.

Schaacticook Indians. condole with you on the loss of your old and experienced people.

to the

We

A. string. Children. 1 and the Commiss" from the other Govern" here present are glad to see that although you are young and unexperienced, yet you are willing to take advice, and are

determined

Answer

to

remain

to the

We

faithful to the

King and

friendly to

all his

subjects.

A

Belt.

River Indians.

you treasure up in your Memories the mutual instances remembrance of that friendship will descend to our posterity, and we desire you to hand it down to yours; and altho' there is a great alteration in circumstances since our predecessors first came among you, yet we have not less A Belt. afl'ection for you than they had Children.

are glad to find that

of friendship between our ancestors and yours; the

'

Sie.

The Answers

of the Lieut Gov., &o. Johnson Manuscripts,

I.

— Ed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI.

885

Children.

Your brightening and strengthening the covenant Chain, is well pleasing to me and the Commiss"; we acknowledge you have never broke it; we have likewise preserved it entire, and are determined

to

continue to do

— You complain

A

so.

Belt.

some of the people of this province, are in possesion of your is a complaint which affects persons who live at a distance. I have ordered notice to be given them of it, and if upon enquiry into the affair, it shall appear that you have been injured, I will endeavour to get you redressed but I shall observe to you, that the constant method of granting lands in this Province, is and has been by licence from the Gov% to purchase from the Indians, and upon the purchase being returned, before him in Council, he with their advice orders a Patent, and that most of these lands concerning which you complain, were patented when you were Children, some before any of Children.

that

lands which you never sold.

This

;

you were born. Ordered that the following minute be made. Tiiat the last paragraph of the foregoing answer to the River Indians, about the

Patenting Lands addition

in this

made by His Honour

to the

"

shall

I

observe"

it

as

—

draught sent him yesterday by this Board.

plan of the Union

a draught of

manner of was an

M' Chambers, Coll: Partridge and M"' Hopkins took their seats. was debated and agreed upon, and ftP Franklin was desired

Coll: Johnson,

The

Province beginning with the words

now

to

make

concluded upon.

adjourned to 5 o'clock this evening.

At a meeting

ettc

Present

on Tuesday the

— His

9""

Honour the

New

July 1754. P. M.

Lieut' Gov''

York, and

appointment

all

in the

the

and the four Gentlemen of the Council of

Commiss" except

IVP

Franklin absent by his

morning.

The draught of the Representation ettc was read and considered paragraph by paragraph, some amendments made, and the whole was agreed to and ordered to be minuted as follows: That His Maj'J" title to the Northern continent of America, appears to be founded on the discovery thereof first made and the posession thereof first taken in 1497. under a Commission from Henry the 7"" of England to Sebastion Cabot. That the French have possessed themselves of several parts of this continent which by Treaties have been ceded and confirmed to them.

That the right of the English to the whole Sea coast from Georgia on the South to the River Lawrence on the North except the Island of Cape Breton and the Islands in the Bay of S' Lawrence, remains plain and indisputable. That all the lands and Countries Westward from the Atlantic Ocean, to the South sea between 48 and 34 degrees North latitude were expressly included in the grant of King James S'

the P' to divers of his subjects so long since as the year 1G06 and afterwards confirmed in

1620. and under this grant, the Colony of Virginia claims extent as far

West

as the south sea,

and the ancient Colonies of the Massachusets Bay and Connecticut were by their respective Charters, made to extend to the South sea; so that not only the Right to the sea coast, but to

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCEIPTS.

886 all

the Inland Countries, from sea to sea has

at all

times been asserted

by the Crown

of England.

That the province of Nova Scotia or Accadie hath known and determinate bounds by the Grant from King James the 1" and that there is abundant evidence of the sense which the French had of these bounds while they were in possession of it, and [that] these bounds being then^ known, the said province by the Treaty of Utrecht according to its ancient limits, was added^ to Great Brittain, and remained in possession thereof until the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, by which it was confirmed; but by said Treaty it is stipulated, that the original

bounds of the said Province shall be determined by Commissaries ettc. That by the Treaty of Utrecht the Country of the Five Cantons of the Iroquois, acknowledged to be under the Dominion of the Crown of Great Brittain.

is

expressly

That the Lake Champlain formerly called Lake Iroquois and the Country Southward of it, Dutch or English settlements the lakes Ontario, Erie and all the Countries adjacent,

as far as the

have by

all

ancient authors, French and English been allowed to belong to the F'ive Cantons

or Nations and the whole of these Countries long before the said Treaty of Utrecht, were by

under the protection of the Crown of great Brittain. is reserved to the French a liberty of frequenting the Countries of the Five Nations and other Indians in friendship with great Brittain for the sake of Commerce, as there is also to the English a liberty of frequenting the Countries of those in said Nations, put

That by the Treaty of Utrecht there

friendship with France for the

same purpose.

Treaty of Utrecht the French built several Fortresses, in the Country of the Five Nations, and a very strong one at a place called Crown Point, to the South ot lake Champlain. That the French Court hath evidently since the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, made this

That

after the

Northern Continent more than ever the object of its attention. That the French have most unjustly taken Possession of part of the Province of Nova Scotia and in the River S« John's and other parts of said province, they have built strong Winter and spring season, a much

Fortresses, and from this River they will have during the easier

communication between France and Canada, than they have heretofore had, and

will

be

furnished with a harbour more commodiously situated, for the anoying the British Colonies by

and Men of War than Louisburgh itself. That they have taken possession of, & begun a settlement at the head of the River Kinnebeck, within the bounds of the Province of Main, the most convenient situation, for affording support and safe retreat to the Eastern Indians in any of their attempts upon the privatiers

New England. appears by information of the Natives the French have been making preparations for another settlement at a place called Cohass on Connecticut River, near the head thereof, where it is but about ten miles distant from a branch of Merrimack River, and from whence Govern' of

That

it

settled on is a very near and easy communication with the Abnekais Indians who are the River S' Francois, about forty miles from the River S' Lawrence, and it is certain that the

there

New Hampshire in which province this Cohass is supposed to lye, have been impeded by the French Indians, from making any settlements there. and interrupted That since the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, the French have increased the number of their Forts in the Country of the great Lakes and on the Rivers which run into the Missisippi and Inhabitants of

'

thus known. Johy>xon Mammcriptu,!.

'ceded. Ibid.

— Ed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI.

887

are securing a communication between the two Colonies of Louisania and Canada, and at the sune time, putting themselves into a capacity of annoying the Southern British Colonys, and preventing any further settlement of His Maj"'' dominions That they have been gradually increasing their Troop[s] in America, transporting them in their Ship[s] of War, which return to France with a bare compliment of Men, leaving the rest in their Colonies, and by this means they are less observed by the powers of Europe than they would be if Transports as usual heretofore were provided for this purpose.

That they have taken prisoners, divers of His Maj'J'"* subjects trading in the Country of the and other Inland parts, and plundered such prisoners of several thousand pounds

Iroquois, sterling,

and they are continually exciting the Indians, to destroy or make prisoners, the

Inhabitants of the Frontiers of the British Colonies, which prisoners are carried to Canada and a price equal to what slaves are [usually] sold for in the Plantations

is

demanded

for their

redemption and release.

That they are continually drawing off the Indians from the British interest, and have lately perswaded one half of the Onondaga Tribe with many from the other Nations along with them, to

remove

to a place called

a Church and Fort and

and rather inclined

Men

of

Osweegchie, on the river Cadaraghqui, where they have

many

to the

of the Senecas, the most

French, and

it is

numerous Nation, appear

to

built

them

be wavering

a melancholy consideration, that not more than 150

the several Nations, have attended this Treaty, although tiiey had notice, that

all

all

the Govern" would be here by their Commissioners, and that a large present would be given.

That

is

it

the evident design of the

French to surround the British Colonies, to fortifie all the important

themselves on the back thereof, to take and keep possession of the heads of Rivers, to

draw over

the Indians to their Interest, and with the help of such Indians added to

such Forces as are already arrived and

may

hereafter be sent from Europe, to be in a capacity

of making a general attack on the several Govern", and

Force be sent from France, there to that

Crown and

is

if at

that the danger of such a Naval Force

argued from past experience,

Heaven, every sea-port

Town

the same time a strong Naval

the utmost danger that the whole continent will he subjected

for if it

had not been

on the Continent

destroyed by the Squadron under the

in

Command

is

not merely imaginary,

may

be

most extraordinary interposition of the year 1746. might have been Ravaged and for the

of the

Duke

d'Anville, notwithstanding the

then declining State of the French, and the very flourishing state of the British Navy, and

Cape Breton. That the by experience they are able to make greater and more sure advantages upon their neighbours in peace than in war; what they unjustly possessed themselves of after the peace of Utrecht, they now pretend to have a right to hold by virtue of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, until the true boundary between the English and the French be settled by Commissarys, but their conquest made during the war, they have been obliged to restore. That the French affairs relative to this continent are under one direction, and constantly regarded by the Crown and Ministry, who are not inse[n]sible how great a stride they would make, towards an Universal Monarchy if the British Colonies were added to their Dominions, and consequently, the whole Trade of North America engrossed by them. That the said Colonies being in a divided disunited state, there has never been any joint exertion of their Force or Counsells to repel or defeat the measures of the French, and the further advantage accruing to the English from the possession of

French

find

particular Colonies are unable and unwilling to maintain the cause of the whole.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

888

That tliere has been a very commonly called the Indians of improved

private purposes,

to

That they are supplyed with

now

for the

avoid revenge

French

flee to

;

a [re]

sake of the Trade with them, and the purchase or

to the public service.

Rum

by the traders

in vast

and almost incredible quantities, and the Indians

in force being insufficient to restrain the supply,

of every Nation are frequently drunk and abused in their Trade, and alienated from the English

they

or, as

the Six Nations and their friendship and alliance has been

more than

acquisition of their lands

the laws of the Colonies

great neglect of the affairs of the Iroquois,

they often

wound and murder one another

tiiereby

tiieir affections

in their

the French, and perhaps more have been lost by these

Liquor, and to

means than by

the

artifices.

That purchases of lands from the Indians by

private persons for small trifling considerations,

have been the cause of great uneasiness and discontents, and if the Indians are not in fact imposed on and injured, yet they are apt to think that they have been and indeed they appear not

fit

to

own

be intrusted at large with the sale of their

Colonies which

make such

lands, and the

sales void, unless the allowance of the

seem to be well founded. That the granting or patenting vast Tracts of Land

Laws

Govern' be

to private persons,

some of the

of

first

obtained,

orcompanys without

conditions of speedy settlement, has tended to prevent the strengthning the Frontiers of the particular

That

it

Colony where such Tracts

lye, and been prejudicial to the rest. seems absolutely necessary that speedy and effectual measures be taken

to secure the

Colonies from the slavery they are threatened with.

That any already

further advances of the French should

made removed.

— That

constantly regarded, under

some wise

for the recovery of those Indians

that remain.

— That some

be

prevented and

the

encroachments

Indians in alliance or Friendship with the English be

the

directions or superintendancy.

who

That endeavours be used

are lately gone over to the French and for securing those

discreet person or persons be appointed to reside constantly with each

in Trade, and duly to communicate all That the Trade with the said Indians be well regarded, and made subservient to the public interest, more than to private gain. Tiiat there be Forts built That warlike for the security of each Nation and the better carrying on the Trade with them.

Nation of Indians, such persons to have no concern advices to the superintendents.

vessells be provided sufficient to maintain

Lakes.

That

all

His

Maj'''''

right to a free Navigation on the several

future purchase of lands from the Indians be void unless

where such lands

lye,

and from the Indians

in a

body

in

made by

the Govern'

their public councils.

That the

patentees or possessors of large unsettled Territories be injoyned to cause them to be settled in a reasonable time

on pain of

forfeiture.

That the complaints of

the Indians, relative to

grants or possessions of their lands fraudulently obtained be enquired into and

all

any

injuries

That the bounds of these Colonies which extend to the South sea, be contracted and limited by the Alleghenny or Apalachian mountains, and that measures betaken for settling from time to time Colonies of His Maj"'* protestant subjects, westward of said Mountains in convenient Cantons to be assigned for that purpose; and finally: That there be a Union of redressed.

His Mnj'y' several Governt' on the Continent, that so their Councils, Treasure and strength be employed in due proportion ag=' their common Enemy. AH which is submitted:

Adjourned

till

9 o'clock

tomorrow morning.

may

LONDON DOCUMENTS At a Meeting

in tlie

Court House

New

July 1754. A. M.

lO""

new form

Franklin reported the draught in a

the further consideration of

Esq''

of

New

York.

one of the Commiss"

for

Hampshire.

determination of yesterday which was read

of a plan of a Union, agreable to the

paragraph by paragraph,

[and

and

debated]

deferred to the afternoon.

it

lo 3 o'clock this afternoon.

At a Meeting &c. on Wednesday

Present

The

889

Albany on Wednesday the

Commiss" except Henry Sherburn

All the

adjourned

XXXI.

— Joseph Murray and W" Smith Esq" of the Council

Present

M''

at

:

— His

the 10"" July 1754. P. M.

Honour the Lieut' Gov' and the New York and all the Commiss"

consideration of a plan of a Union

Plan

four

Gentlemen of the Council of Governments.

for the respective

was resumed which plan

as follows:

is

of a proposed Union of the several Colonies of Massachusets Bay,

Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island,

New York, New Jerseys,

New

Pennsylvania

Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, for their mutual defence

and

security,

and

for

extending

the

British

Settlements

in

North America.

That humble application be made

for

an Act of the Parliament of Great Brittain, by virtue

may be formed in America, including all the said Colonies, within, and under which Govern' each Colony may retain each present constitution, except in the particulars wherein a charge may be directed by the said Act, as hereafter follows. of which, one General Govern'

That the

said General Govern' be administered by a president General, to be appointed

&

supported by the Crown, and a grand Council to be chosen by the representatives of the people of the several Colonies, meet in their respective assemblies.

That within

Months

the several Assemblies, that for that

purpose convened,

following proportions, that

after the passing of such Act,

Happen

may and

is to

The house

of representatives in

to be sitting within that time or that shall shall

chose,

Members

for

the

be specially

Grand Council

say:

Massachusets Bay

7.

New Hampshire

2.

Connecticut

5.

Rhode

2.

New New

Island

York

4.

Jerseys

3.

Pennsylvania

6.

Maryland

4.

Virginia

7.

North Carolina

4.

South Carolina

4.

Vol. VI.

112

4«.

in

the

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

890

Who

meet

shall

time at the City of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, being called

for the present

by the President General as soon as conveniently may be

That there

shall

be a

New

and on the death or resignation of at the

after his

appointment.

Grand Council every three years, place shall be supplyed by a new choice

for the

next sitting of the Assembly of the Colony he represented.

That

from time to time

that the

when

after the first three years,

the General Treasury can be shall

Members any Member, his

Election of

Number

to

in

the proportion of

money

known, the number of Members

all

arising out of each

to

to

ensuing Elections be regulated by that proportion (yet so as

be chosen by any one province be not more than seven nor

That the Grand Council

Colony

be chosen, for each Colony

shall

meet once

in

every year, and oftener

such time and place as they shall adjourn to at the

last

if

Members

to

such

than two).

preceeding meeting, or as they shall

be called to meet at by the President General, on any emergency, he having writing the consent of seven of the

less

occasion require, at

call,

first

obtained in

and sent due and timely notice

to

the whole.

That the Grand Council have power

to

chuse their speaker, and shall neither be dissolved

prorogued, nor continue sitting longer than six weeks at one time without their

command of the Crown. Members of the Grand Council

own

consent,

or the special

That the

sterling per diem, during their Sessions or

shall be allowed for their services ten shillings

Journey

to

and from the place of Meeting; twenty

miles to be reckoned a days Journey.

That the Assent of the President General be requisite to all Acts of the Grand Council, and it be his Office and duty to cause them to be carried into execution. That the President General with the advice of the Grand Council, hold or direct all Indian Treaties in which the general interest or welfare of the Colonys may be concerned and make peace or declare War with the Indian Nations. That they make such Laws as they judge necessary for the regulating all Indian Trade. That they make all purchases from Indians for the Crown, of lands [now] not within the bounds of particular Colonies, or that shall not be within their bounds when some of them are reduced to more convenient dimensions. That they make new settlements on such purchases by granting Lands, [in the King's name] reserving a Quit rent to the Crown, for the use of the General Treasury. That they make Laws for regulating & governing such new settlements, till the Crown shall think fit to form them into particular Govern'\ That they raise and pay Soldiers, and build Forts for the defence of any of the Colonies, and equip vessels of Force to guard the Coasts and protect the Trade on the Ocean, Lakes, or great Rivers; but they shall not impress men in any Colonies without the consent of its Legislature. That for these purposes they have power to make Laws and lay and Levy such general duties, imposts or taxes, as to them shall appear most equal and just, considering the ability and other circumstances of the Inhabitants in the several Colonies, and such as maybe collected with the that

;

least

inconvenience to the people, rather discouraging luxury, than loading Industry with

unnecessary burthens.

— That

Treasurer in each Govern'

they might appoint a

when

General Treasurer and a particular

necessary, and from time to time

the Treasuries of each Govern', into the General Treasury, or

may

order the sums in

draw on them

for

special

most convenient; yet no money to issue but by joint orders of the President General and Grand Council, except where sums have been appropriated to particular purposes, and the President General is previously impowered by an Act to draw for such sums.

payments as they

find

— LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXXI.

891

That the General accounts sliall be yearly settled and reported to the several Assemblies. That a Quorum of the Grand Council impowered to act with the President General, do consists of twenty five Members, among whom tliere shall be one or more from a majority of the Colonies. That the Laws made by them for the purposes aforesaid, shall not be repugnant, but as near as

may

be agreable to the

in Council for approbation, as soon as

Laws of England, and shall be transmitted to the King may be after their passing, and if not disapproved within

three years after presentation to remain in Force.

That

in case of the death of the President General, the

Speaker of the Grand Council

for

the time being shall succeed, and be vested with the same powers and authority, to continue

known. Commission Officers, whether for land or sea service, to act under this General constitution, shall be nominated by the President General, but the aprobation of the Grand Council is to be obtained before they receive their Commissions and all Civil Officers are to be nominated by the grand Council, and to receive the President General's approbation until the King's pleasure be

That

Military

all

;

before they officiate

;

but in case of vacancy by death or removal of any Officer Civil or

The

which such vacancy happens, known. That the particular Military as well as Civil establishments in each Colony remain in their present State this General constitution notwithstanding. And that on sudden emergencies any Colony may defend itself, and lay the accounts of expence thence arisen, before the President General and Grand Council, who may allow and order payment of the same as far as they judge such accounts just and reasonable. Military under this constitution.

may

appoint

till

After debate on the foregoing plan

Resolved. their

Gov'' of the Province in

the pleasure of the President General and grand Council can be

:

That the Commiss" from the

respective

several

Govern" be desired

constituents for their consideration, and that the

to lay the

same before

Secretary to this Board

transmit a copy thereof with their vote thereon to the Governor of each of the Colonies which

have not sent their Commiss" to this Congress. His Honour proposed to the Board that agreable

to their resolution of the 24. June, they

would now consider the expediency of building Forts in the Indian Country. It was determined, that considering the present wavering disposition of the Senecas it was expedient that a Fort should be built in their Country at a place called Irondequat or Tierondequat. Ordered. That a Committee be appointed to consider what further Forts may be necessary in the Country of the Six Nations, and that each Colony name a Member for this

Committee.

That M' Chambers and M' Peters be a Committee by this Board. adjourned till tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock.

Ordered.

and agreed

to

to revise the

Minutes settled

— NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

892

At a Meeting

at

Present

the Court house at Albany on Thursday the 11"' July 1754. A.

— His

Honour

New All

tiie

the Lieut' Gov' and the four

Commiss" from

M' Welles from the Committee appointed That they had

:

Gentlemen of the Council of

York. the several

one of the Commiss"

reported

M.

Govern" except William Pitkin Esqr

for Connecticut.

may be

to consider vphat other Forts

carefully considered

necessary,

the present state of the Frontiers of these

-Colonies, and are of opinion that several other Forts at particular passes, are equally necessary,

with that proposed at Tierondequat, that as there

is

no probability of their being effected

the present disunited state of the Colonies, and the General union

unnecessary.

— We apprehend

some inconveniencies may

may make some

arise if the

of

in

them

Board should go farther

into the consideration of that matter at this time.

His Honour put the Question, whether the Board would accept of

And

it

passed

Certain

in

this

Report.

the affirmative.

proposals

from William Johnson

Esq"'

relative to the

Six

Nations, and for the

defeating the designs of the French; also certain considerations offered by

Thomas Pownall

Esq' "towards a general plan of the Measures of the English Provinces" were read

at

the Board.

was thereupon voted that M' Franklin be desired to give the thanks of this Board to the M' Johnson and M' Pownall, and desire them to suffer copies of the papers to be taken by the Commiss" of each Colony for the consideration of their respective Govern". Ordered. That all His Maj''"' Govern" on this Continent may have liberty from time to time It

said

to take copies of the proceedings of this Congress or

any parts thereof, paying

for the

same,

and that no other copies be delivered by the Secretary. Ordered. That upon the Secretary's leaving this Province the Records of these proceedings of the Commiss" of the several Govern" be lodged in the Secretary's Office of the province of

New

York.

M" Chambers and M' Peters Reported that they had examined these Minutes of the proceedings of this Congress and find them right. An then His Honour the Lieut' GoVof New York and the Commiss" of the several Govern" rose without any further adjournment.

New York

SS"-

July 1754.

A

True copy from the proceedings of the Congress held in the City New York in the months of June and

of Albany in the Province of

July ofthis present year-

Examined by me

Peter Wraxall Secrf Note.

— The

ManuscripU,

I.,

letters

and words within brackets,

in the State Library.

— En.

in the preceding

Document, are inserted from

tlie

copy

in the

Juhison

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXXI.

:

893

Mr. PownalVs Considerations towards a General Plan of Measures for I

New-York

Papers, Bundle Kk., No. 22.

Colonies.

]

Considerations towards a general Plan, read at 11.

tJie

Congress held at Albany

tlie

July 1754.

The Plan of the French measures in building a line of Forts round the English settlements is: 1^' To cut the English off from all communication of alliance or Trade with the Indians. The reason of building Fort Cadaraghqui: " They found it necessary to build this Fort for a Bulwark against the incursions of the " Iroquois and «'

Trade of skins that these Savages maintain with

to interrupt the

New York

of

and the Hollanders who have formed a new Colony there,

for

" Savages with commodities at cheaper rates than the French of Cauada"

Chap"-

tiie

Inhabitants

they furnish the

— Father Henepin

4.

The Scheme or design of building the Fort at Niagara " Such a Fort as this might easily interrupt the commerce betwixt these people and the English and Dutch in New York. Their custom is to carry to New York the skinns of Elks, " Beavers and several sorts of Beasts which they hunt and seek after for two or three hundred " leagues from their own home. Now, they being obliged to pass and repass near to this •'

" mouth of the River Niagara, *'

force in time of war,

by open

Id" Chap:

them by

easily stop

and thus oblige them

" Tis

fair

means in time of peace, or commerce upon Canada"

to turn their

7.

design of building the Fort Cananistigoyan^ on the

The " of

we might

some years

all sorts

since M''

of Goods.

Dulhut

built a Fort

upon

this

Lake

superior:

Lake, where he had large Magazines

That Fort was called Cananistigoyan, and did considerable diservice to Bay" La Honton's memoirs of North America p. 214.

««the English settlements in Hudson's 2'^'

To make

bounds

as the

it

a line of Circumvallation to confine the English settlements within such

French are please

to,

thus set to the English provinces.

alleged on this head but the following

The Summons

is

more than

of surrender sent by the

French

Many

proofs might be

sufficient:

Officer to the English Officer at the

Forks

of Monongahela. 3""^

To

join Louisania and

Canada

become Masters of the Lakes and make the whole

to

continent one French Kingdom. plainly perceiv'd by what relations I had of several particulars in different Nations, tliat were not a matter of great difficulty to make considerable Establishments to the South " East of the Great Lakes, and that by the conveniency of a great River called Ohio, which " passes thro' the Country of the Iroquois a passage might be made into the great sea at

"I

"

•'

it

Cape Florida." " There is not

Father Henepin Chap: in all

4.

Louisiana a spot better adapted for an Establishment than that

River Ohio) nor where

more importance " the communication thence with Canada is as easy •'

"

is

much

shorter.^

'

it

is

of

to

as

Charlevoix's Journal Historic No""

CamaniiftigovaD.

"*

Tbie paragraph

•»**••

have one

by the River of the 8.

is

1721.

tran&latcJ

v. G.

fi

om

p t!ie

Illinois

besides,

and the road

157. Frencli.

(viz: the

— Ed.

:

:

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

894

" The Lake Ontario or Frontenac is easily navigable and that with great vessels." Father Henepin Chap: 6. " It were easy to build on the sides of these Lakes an infinite number of considerable " Towns which might have communication one with another by navigation for five hundred " Leagues together and by an inconceaveabie commerce which would establish itself amongst "them" id" Chap: ll'". In 1678. The French had a Brigantine of Ten Tons on the Lake Ontario: Chap: 14. In 1679. a Ship of 60 Tons on Lake Erie. Chap: 19. The whole back Country which they divide into Canada and Louisania they call New France.

The English measures

therefore should be.

1" to open themselves a passage to and a communication with the Indians. S'y

and keep separate Louisania and Canada. Forts which the French are laying on their necks.

to disjoin

To throw off this yoke of The only way for the English 3'"''

to

do

this is to

themselves and to protect the Indians.

to secure

become Masters of the Indian Countries so as Then and then only would the English have

a real and actual interest and alliance with the Indians.

There appear two ways

of effecting this

Either to dispute with force of

and

to secure

Arms every

pass and hold in the Country with the French

such with Forts and Garrisons.

Or, to become Masters of the Lakes and to acquire the

The first considered The French Govern' adventures;

is

in

Canada

is

Dominion of that Navigation.

a Military United power.

founded and actually setled in such adventures.

settlements of Farmers, but of Forts

&

settlements of soldiers.

passes and Holds and has secured them by Forts.

and building and Garrisoning such Forts

calculated for Military

Is

Does not

consist of

Is actually

The undertaking such

Farms and

possessed of such

Military adventures

but actually carrying on the ordinary method and

is

For which both, the people and Govern' of Canada is consist of Farms and Farmers and settlements of labouring not fighting Men, who must live and maintain their Families, by the culture of their respective settlements, cannot therefore be draughted out and employed in Military adventures without ruining them their families and their settlements. They cannot settle and fight too. They could fight as well as the French, but then must give over settling. They make the best regular plan of settling their Colonies.

Whereas the English Provinces

formed.

settlements in the world, but then, this fixes the necessity of their labouring on a particular spot.

Whereas

employed

them As thus

Military adventures requires

any

at

place,

at

any time.

to be unsettled,

the

English

ready to March and be

Provinces are not in their

Constituents, so neither they are in their Govern' formed tor Military service. Mlltiary Establishment; no part of

them

The French

the French have) for this service alone.

They

hitherto been masters in the Field.

even to

sett out

with us at this moment.

have Forts and Garrisons

in

What

it

While the English

(as they are

now

if

the service continued.

when

they will.

)

to

But

we had now

as they are

They can

at

a

Back two's time, could not march

well served with artillery in any part of the

they could raise one in a year or

circumstanced

were they

they have, they can keep; what

almost every pass of the Country.

moments warning draw together an army Continent.

therefore will always be as they have

will beat us at the dispute of every pass,

they have taken part from us and can take the rest situated

They have no

selected trained and kept a constant standing Force (as

any place where

it

was wanted while the necessity of

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI.

895

The measure therefore most reasonable and most likely to succeed is to sett the first step, where we have already a footing. We have in the heart of the Indian Country a Fort, a Under the defence of this the English may build a Fleet that shall: Garrison, a Port. 1" Open itself a passage and communication to the Indians. 2° They may establish a Trade of the most easy management and the greatest profit. 3° That would divide and cut off Louisania from Canada. 1" This is a pass the French are not possessed of. a Pass that all the Forts they have built are of no use to the defence

have always been superior

A

of.

A

of.

to the

Pass that the English in their

own way,

Pass where our proper Force would be united and where no

could divide and dissipate

in

which they

French, could dispute with the French and beat them out artifice of the

French

it ettc. ettc. ettc.

2'"* The navigation of the Lakes would establish a Mart, where the Indians of every Nation would resort. "In summer time several Northern Nations come to hunt and fish in these Parts (he here speaks of the Lake superior) and bring with them the Beaver skins they have gott in the Winter in order to truck with the Coureures de Bois wiio do not fail to meet them every year."

Lahontan's Memoires of N.

Am:

^;.

214.

Trade of the Hudson's Buy Company which is as it were, only on the skirts of this great continent is found so beneficial, what might not this be, that is in the very heart of it. The Back settlements will in time want a vent for their produce; this Trade would open to them such a vent. 1° & 2° Being Masters of this pass and this Trade would give the English the Command of the Indian Country and consequently of the Indians; which is the only way to preserve their Fidelity and alliance. 'Tis the only way to enable them to continue our Friends. The example of the Navigation and Trade of the Caspian Lake may not only be a Rule of experience, but is also a most encouraging example. Many other reasons for and consequences of this measure might be off'ered, but this paper If the

does not 3"*

mean

to give reasons but to

propose considerations.

the English were Masters of the Lakes and had consequently the friendship of the

If

Indians, the French could

and no communication, no the Country, ettc ettc.

Upon

have

little

or no

the whole, this Measure

is

communication between Louisania and Canada, built up and down

with most of the Forts they have

effectual one,

adapted

to the

Nature of the strength of the Provinces

numbers of whose people are Mariners; third or a qwirled at least may he such.

are maratime, and

and perhaps one

The

All that can be

our

who

Boatmen

navigation of the sea and River on one side and of the Lakes on the other, would form

these Provinces into a

of the

take into this dcmonsi ration

Lake

own

done

(Ontario

;

Kingdom

equal

at present

and

in the

is

if

not superior to the

Kingdom

of

under the defence of Fort Oswego,

mean while

to

New

Fr.-mce.

to secure the

dominion

secure by Forts the passes upon the P'rontiers of

settlements (distinguish here the Frontiers of the Settlements from the Frontiers

of the Provinces) and those of our allies; to protect ourselves, and then, this being done

should attempt and acquire,

for it is in

the Lake superior excepted). alloted to the

Lake Champlain

our power, the dominion of

New Hampshire

all

the Lakes,

Massachusets and Rhode

— Connecticut, New York

and

New

Jersey

to

Pennsylvania, Maryland Virginia and perhaps the Carolinas too to lakes Erie,

we

(perhaps

Island might be

Lake Ontario Illinois ettc.

—

;

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

896

"

" If the English would pursue their measures to the best advantage, they ought to engage or the Goyogouans (Cayugas) to go and settle upon the

The Isonontouanes (the Senekas)

" Banks of the Lake Erie, near the Mouth of the River Conde, and at the same time they " ought to build a Fort there with some long Barques and Brigantines; for this is the most "convenient and advantageous post of all the Country and that for an infinity of reasons which "

am

I

Besides

obliged to conceal.

" Riviere de Francois, and then " reach the Lakes."

this Fort,

they should Build another at the Mouth of the

would he absolutely impossible

it

for the

Coureurs de Bois

to

Lahontan p 273. (signed).

J.

Pownall.

Appendix This measure respecting the management of Indian affairs is offered as consequencial of the plan of a general Union of the provinces, or may be applyed as an expedient in the mean time such union can take place.

till

original natural form under which the Indian Country lay, being that of a Forest stocked not with sheep or Oxen or Horses, not with Beasts of labour and Domestic Animals but only with wild Beasts and game; all that this Country afforded for food or rayment must be Hunted

The

The Indians Therefore would consequently be as they were, in fact not Landworkers but Hunters, not Settlers but wanderers; they would therefore consequently never have, as in fact they never had any idea of property in Land. They would consequently never have, as in

for.

fact,

they never had any

common

Civil union, and consequently not

or executive

power properly

authority, but there

is

fixed interest,

any Govern'.

so called.

anyone communion of Rights and actions, one They know no such thing as an administrative

They allow the authority of advice a kind of legislative They never had any one collective actuating power

no Civil coertion.

of the whole or any Magistrate or Magistrates to execute such.

But the Country appearing now under

a very different form, and they, the Indians, being

under very different circumstances arising from Trade, Treaties and War, begin to feel rather than see, to find by experience rather than reason the necessity of a Civil union of Power and action, and that these circumstances have in fact for many years been forming and have at length formed to

them such a Collective power.

These people are precisely

circumstances where a community that was before

only one of Society

is

in that point of

becoming that

of Govern'. In

all

their Actions therefore of late years

whether of Treaty or

War

they have recurred

to

become capable of such a general leading, but their circumstances require it. The circumstances with which they are connected have formed them into a state, but from the circumstances of the Society under which they live they can never have amongst themselves a Stateholder. Their circumstances require and look out for some such, some such they must have, and if we do not find such for them, the French Further as tiiey know not, nor acknowledge any leading will, and are actually attempting it.

some agent

to actuate this

Power; they

are not only

power but that of authority, there can be no nominal visible appointment of such Leader they will never appoint such within themselves, nor will they ever submitt to anyone appointed from without. This was the mistake of the Gov'' of Canada which had like to have lost him all

the Cachnuagas

two years

ago.

Therefore such person or persons as can acquire or actually are power,

this authority

in possession of this leading

with them, can be this Agent, this Leader, this Stateholder

ettc.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI.

897

Facts, and the actual State of the circumstances of the Indian Affixirs and of the

measures show the necessity of such an

and

Oilice,

it

were needless

French and

to point out the use

beneficial consequences of such.

(signed)

J.

Pownall.

Colonel Johnson's Suggestions for elfeating the designs of the French. [

Measures necessary to

New-Tork

to

28.

]

be preferred, towards defeating the designs of the French

British Contin'.

As

Papers, Buadle Kk., No.

be taken with the Six Nations, and other Matters requisite

on the

July 1754.

the Six Nations and their Allies, are doubtless

much

what they were some

altered from

years ago, especially since the French have from time to time, without being interrupted, been treating with them, and as all States are liable to vicissitudes from some cause or other, which it

may

States

be loss of time is

now

to look into, tho'

too manifest; therefore

it

may

I

am

sorry to say a partial defection of those

be best to direct our management according to the

present exigency.

Imprimis, it is not reasonable to suppose that one or two British Govern" should, or ever can continue to retain in the British Interest, such a number of people as the Six Nations amount to, while we are sure to be so far out bid by so powerfull an opposite as the French, in the purchase of the friendship

consequence

to

of a

the preservation of

all

people,

our

&

who from

their

are

situation

of the

highest

their Colonies, according as they are affected.

The French being under the necessity of taking their Route through their Country in their march to the Southward, in order to perfect that fatal line of communication between their most distant settlements, by means of which to lessen our Borders and to make continual discents upon our defenceless Frontiers, and crowding us into the sea;

The Eyes

it

is

our business as

Western Tribes of Indians are upon the behaviour of the Six Nations, whose fame of power, may in some measure exceed the reality, while they only act a timid and neutral part. This I apprehend to be their modern State. Now to hinder the incursions of the French, and to revive the spirits of the Six Nations and their allies, nothing can conduce more to those desireable ends, than first, establishing fiarrisons in the most commodious places among them for till such time as their familys and corn lands ettc are covered and protected by us, it will be difficult, if at all practicable, to obtain their assistance against the French on any emergency. I am now to mention sentiments of the Six Nations in regard to the settlements intended to be made at Ohio; they dont like that either the French or English should establish themselves there, it being their best hunting ground they rather expected we should assist in keeping industriously to obstruct their designs at

all

events.

of

all

the

;

;

and driving the French off", than that we should build Forts only to restrain the French from coming down further upon ourselves. I believe, were the French hindered from settling, we could have treated with them for those lands, as they never refused us tiie pre-emption which is Vol. VI.

113

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

898

more pleasing to them being without hostility, than for the French by force, and treat them as tho' they were conquered.

To enumerate

other requisites, necessary to counteract our

observed, that there are stores provided for

Houses and Forts

to the

all

sold,

them

common Enemy,

Indians at Niagara and

Westward, which are not only

to take

all

as

it

it

is

were to

be

other French Trading

but given occasionally, as the

Indians stand in need of them; such kind of encouragement should be provided for by an

allowance

King's Officer at

to the

Oswego (or

at

any other Forts or Trading houses that

may

be built in the Indian Country) who should always be Commissary to regulate the Trade. This allowance should be expended in some cloathiug for presents, also Arms Ammunition and particularly provisions to be given when he Treats with the Foreign Indians; they being from their long journey thither, always in need of them there, and on their return

own

to

their

Country.

A

strict look out at Oswego should be kept Onondaga River, among the Six Nations should be some English continually residing

French from passing by there, up Trade with or corrupt them. There in every Nation, whether Military Officers, or The diffijrent Govern" on the Continent others, to keep up a continued correspondence. should do the same both by sea and land, quite from Georgia through the Country of the Indians

the

South

iniiabiting both Carolinas from

to hinder the

either to

may

to North, that the several Colonies

the actions or designs of the French; this in

from the Senekas Country, as they keep up a

be alarmed of

a great measure might be done by Indians,

strict

correspondence with the different Nations

inhabiting beyond them; and that being our frontier as well as theirs,

would be necessary Here I cant help observing that for want of a strict correspondence between the several Govern" as above, in regard to Indian affairs, that the Indians must think there can be no union in our Councils, to

have a Fort there (Senecas) garrisoned by Soldiers as soon as

when

it

has been

known more than

may

it

be.

once, that the Six Nations have been invited to a conference

This looks among the Indians, as tho' our Measures

by different Colonies at the same time.

were not mutual, and occasions them

to be divided in their Councils also, being doubtful of

our acting with vigour and unanimity

ettc. against

The Post from

the French.

Virginia

if

more usefull, being but very precarious at present. A Fort also at Onondaga where the Six Nations and their Allies hold their General Council, would be very requisite, with a proper Officer and a brisk party of Men, also a Missionary; more

certain, would, be

Smiths

to

be sent at proper seasons to

working utensils. A Smith also at Oswego

the Tribes to

all

mend and keep

to repair the arms, kettles ettc. of the

in order their

arms and

Far Indians, who come there

annually to Trade.

A further encouragement and near at that place, as promoted by taking off the

more general trade and Intercourse with

to a it

is

a general

Mart or

and known

fair,

to

all

the Indians far

them

all,

might be

duties, that the Traders could afford to undersell the French.

place of such universal importance should be largely supported by the Colonies in general;

being of more concern towards Interest, than

retaining

any thing yet proposed, that

afore mentioned

;

their passing the

much

tlie

a sufficient

Onondaga

number

of

is,

Men

render

it

it

the Indians upon the continent in the British

a proper Officer at that place with the allowances to

resist the

River, or the South side of the

French

if

attacked, and to hinder

Lake Ontario,

the Fort should be

made

so

impregnable to any attempts the French might have against

it.

larger and stronger than at present;

strong as to

all

A

it

is

by

its

situation capable of being

;

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXXI.

:

899

This would be to good purpose, and under the protection of this Fort might vessels be built on the Lake.

for Service

of learning, at least Grammar, to reside among the Tribes of the Onondagas, Mohawks, in order to become good interpreters in every dialect, wliich we are much wanted. Those might serve also for Schoolmasters or Catechists.

Young Men

Senecas, and

It

up

might be expedient

all

his Majesty

own

remind the Indians of their ancestors having given and rendered it, where their Beaver hunting was, to

to

that land or Country, at least the pre-emption of

King William, which they won by the sword eighty years

before, besides their

Native land, which they gave also and earnestly desired an instrument to be drawn to

that purpose,

and that

might be carried over

it

to

the King by Robert Livingston then their

—

The Question then should be whether the Indians will join us in defending their own property in those Lands, while we have only a promise of pre emption; if they answer in the affirmative, it will be necessary tliat all the Colonies give them the strongest assurances that they will support them against the French or any Enemy, as far as the nature of our constitution will admitt of. Secretary, which afterwards

They

was done

the people

all

they

further

said,

who

it

New York

within

it,

may

to

Chenondoanah'

it

in their

in the

Senecas Country, and

Enemy

be secure from the attempts of an

would remove the end of

they

Wawiaghtenhook, were taken

live

the year 1727.

be reminded, that they have frequently desired that the

the five Nations, should

covenant Chain might reach from that

in

to

it

;

that

Teughsaghrontey (Detroit) or

power, but that the French would mock at

it,

as they have

into their possession already against their will, sending people thither to build a Fort

but that they hoped the French would speedily be removed.

This

may

serve to

shew the

early and continued incroachments of the French.

W°

Order in Council rfjectivg [

At the Court

Kensington the

at

Present

Upon reading

—

at the

the

Address of

the

New- York Papers, Bundle Kk., No. 6""

Johnson

AssemUy of New-YorTc.

82. ]

day of August 1754.

The Kings Most Excellent Majesty

in Council.

Board a Report from the Right Honourable the Lords of the Committee month in the words following, viz'

of Council for Plantation affairs dated the IS"" of last

"Your Majesty having been •'refer unto this

Committee

pleased, by your order in Council of the

a Representation of the Lords

Commiss"

8""

of April

last, to

Trade and Plantations " upon an address of the General Assembly of the Province of New York to your Maj"', relative "to the SQ"" article of your Maj'''' Instructions to the late Gov' of that Province. The Lords "of the Committee, in obedience to your Maj'J" said order of reference, have taken the for

—

'

This Indian village

PovmalCt

Map

is

laid

down on

the west

of the Middle Britith Ooloniti.

bank of the Geaesee River, about futcen miles south

— Ed.

of

Lak« Onlario, on

NEW- YORK COLONIAL RU.NUSCRIPTS.

900 •'

said

"have

representation in this

and address into their consideration, and

Assembly

to find that the

address asserted, that the imputations contained in the said 39"" Article of your

" Maj'y* Instructions were groundless, and have been most falsely and maliciously represented " to your Maj'y. But the said Lords Commiss" set forth in their said representation " " That " " as this Instruction was founded upon their Report upon the state of that Province, dated " " the a""* of April J 751., They think it their duty in justification to themselves, and for the " " support of your Maj'''"' honour and dignity, to observe, that the several Facts therein " "contained, and which are recited in the Instructions are verified in the clearest and strongest " " manner, by a variety of incontestable evidence.

That it appears from the Journals of the " " proceedings of the Council and Assembly, that during the greatest part of M' Clinton's " " Administration, Faction, Animosity, and disagreement did subsist between the different " " branches of the Legislature, and that the publick. peace and tranquility of the Province " "

was

That

greatly disturbed.

" " those for raising

money

it

appears from the Acts of the Assembly, particularly by

which are all of a temporary nature, and to " " which your Maj'^' Gov'' was necessitated from the exigencys of the service in time of War, " " to give his assent, that the Assembly have taken to themselves, not only the management " " and

disposal of such

" " nomination of

all

for public service,

public

money, but have

also wrested from

Officers of Govern*, the custody

&

direction of

your

Maj'^'*

Gov' the

the public Military

all

" " Stores, the mustering and regulating of Troops raised for your Maj'>'' service, and in short " " almost every other executive part of Govern' by which unwarrantable encroachments and " " Invasions of your Majesty's just and undoubted authority, order and good Govern' were

" "subverted, your Maj'^'' service obstructed, and the security of the Province endangered; " " as therefore every imputation of misconduct in the Assembly mentioned in your Maj'>'» " " said Instruction, is so clearly proved from their own act and proceedings; The said Lords " " *'

Commiss"

" that

are of opinion that no regard ought to be had to the assertion in their address,

they have been

falsely

and

maliciously represented "

" Committee agreeing in opinion with the said Lords

" do therefore humbly Report to Your Maj'^, "province of

New York

ought

Commiss"

And for

that the said addrtss of the

the

Trade

Lords of the

&

Plantations,

General Assembly of the

to be rejected."

day took the said Report into consideration and was pleased with the advice of His privy Council to approve thereof and to order as it is hereby ordered, that the said His Majesty

address of the

Whereof the

time

this

General

Assembly of the Prov" of

the Lieut' Gov"" or

being,

and

all

Commander

others

whom

it

in

New

York,

Be,

accordingly rejected.

Chief of His Maj'^' Prov" of

may

concern,

are

to

take

New York

notice,

for

and govern

themselves accordingly

(a true copy)

W.

Sharpe.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: Lords of Trade

to

XXXI.

Secretary Rohithson.

[B. T. Plantations General Entries, K., 86S.

To

Thomas Robinson one

Sir

901

]

of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State.

Sir

In obedience to His Majesty's last,

we have prepared

Colonies upon

tiie

commands

a IMan of Genera!

by your

signified to us

Concert

to

letter of the

14"" of

June

be ent'red into by His Majesty's several

Continent of North America for their mutual and

prevent or remove any encroachments upon His Majesty's dominions inclose to you, together with our Representation to His Majesty

;

upon

common

defence, and to which Plan we herewith

it;

which we desire you

will be pleased to lay before His Majesty.

We

are, Sir

Your most obedient and most humble Servants Dunk Halifax Jam Grenville Fran. Fane And: Stone :

Jam' Oswald Whitehall

August

9""

Rich''

Edgecumbe

Tho' Pelham.

1754.

R^esentation

to the

King with plan of General

Concert.

[Plantations General Entries, K., 869.]

^

To

May

Kings Most Excellent Majesty

the it

please

Your Majesty. Your Majesty's commands

In obedience to

signified to us by Sir

Thomas Robinson, one of Your last, we have

Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State in his letter dated the 14"' of June

prepared and herewith humbly beg leave to lay before Your Majesty the draught of a Plan or Project of General Concert to be entred into by Your Majesty's Several Colonies upon the

Continent of North America for their mutual and common defence, and any encroachments upon Your Majesty's Dominions.

This Plan consists of three distinct parts or propositions, 1"

That

a certain and

permanent method be established

already built upon their Frontiers, or

may be further

to prevent or

remove

viz'

for

maintaining such Forts as are

necessary to be built for supporting proper

garrisons in such forts, for defraying the expence of the usual and necessary presents to the

Indians

&

other contingent charges, and for establishing

the Forts as shall appear to be necessary for the

&

subsistmg Commissarys

management

of Indian services.

in

such of

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

902 2^

That upon nny attack

be made

raising

for

or invasion

a

sucli

number

upon any of Your Majesty's Colonies, provision of troops

over and

may

above those upon the ordinary

may be necessary to oppose and repel such invasion or attack. command of all the Forts & Garrisons and of all Forces raised upon emergencies

Establishment, as 3.

&

That

the

the sole direction of Indian Affairs be placed in the hands of some one single person,

Commander

in Chief, to

be appointed by Your Majesty,

who

is

to

be autiiorized to draw upon

the Treasurer or other proper Officer of each Colony for such sums of

money

as shall be

necessary, as well for the ordinary as extraordinary service, according to the Quota settled for

each Colony.

The two

by the mutual consent and agreement of Your Majesty; it appearing to objection and perhaps the speediest in point

points are proposed to be established

first

the Colonies themselves, to be finally ratified and confirmed by

us that this method might be liable to the least of execution.

With regard

in which the Colonies are to proceed in deliberating upon and depend upon them, the view and object of the measure and the precisely stated to them, the points upon which they are to deliberate, and

to the

settling such parts of

general plan of

it is

manner

it

as

which provision is to be made on their part, the method of proceeding in settling those points, and of finally ratifying and confirming them when settled, are ascertained as the preliminaries upon which they are to proceed. The necessity of this Union and the security and advantages which will arise to the Colonies from it, are so apparent, that we hope no difficulty will occur on their part. If however it

for

should be found upon

trial

that this measure should be defeated by any of the Colonies either

refusing or neglecting to enter into a consideration of the points referred to their deliberation; or, after

they are settled, by refusing to raise such supplies as are proposed by this plan to be it: We see no other method that can be taken, but that of an

the fund for the execution of

application for an interposition of the Authority of Parliament.

The

execution of the third and last Proposition of this plan, so far as regards the power

which the Commander in Chief will have over the Forts & Garrisons, and over all troops raised in the Colonies and in the management of Indian Services, depends singly upon Your Majesty; who may, as we humbly apprehend, legally and by virtue of your own authority, In order however to the invest any person your Majesty shall think proper, with such power. it is proposed that it should be agreed and settled by the Colonies, that he should be authorized under certain regulations and restrictions to draw upon the Treasurer or other proper officer of each Colony for such sums as shall be settled to be paid by them for the ordinary as well as the extraordinary service. We shall not take up Your Majesty's time in entring into any arguments to prove the propriety and necessity of an appointment of this kind, as we humbly apprehend it will evidently appear to Your Majesty,

proper and eflectual exercise of this power

and distinct Provinces, having dependence upon each other, neither this nor any other plan of unless the command of the Forts and troops and the management

that circumstanced as the Colonies are, divided into seperate little

or no connexion with or

Union could be

effectual,

of Indian affairs and services should be put under one general direction.

These are the principal observations which have occurred to us as necessary to be submitted Your Majesty upon this Plan to which however Your Majesty will permit us to add, that as it is proposed that in order to settle the several Points, the Commissioners nominated by the Colonies should meet at such time and place as Your Majesty should appoint; we humbly to

;

LONDON DOCUMENTS submit

to

it

Your Majesty whether

it

may

XXXI.

:

903

not be adviseable that the City of

be the phice of meeting, as being the most central

&

New York

should

therefore the most convenient in point

of situation.

Upon

the whole however

we must

observe to Your Majesty that from the delay which must new plan for an Union of the Colonies, it cannot be

necessarily attend the execution of any

made

to

answer the purpose of a present exigency.

danger or exigency exigency provided

may

Whatever circumstances

therefore of

must be guarded against and such for, by an application of such means of strength and force as can be procured in the most expeditious and effectual manner under the direction of some proper person to be appointed by Your Majesty[s] Commander in Chief of all Your Majesties Forts and Garrisons in North America and of all Forces raised therein or sent thither, and likewise Commissary Genera! for Indian AfTairs; wiiich, for the reasons we have already given, appears subsist at this time, such danger

to us to be absolutely necessary

and expedient

for

your Majesty's service

All which

is

most humbly submitted

Dunk Halifax Jam' Grenville.

Whitehall

Fran: Fane And" Stone Jam' Oswald Rich'' Edgcumbe

Aug.

ThC

9.

1754

Plan for a General Cooperation of

the

North American

Pelham.

Colonies.

[B. T. Plantations General Entries, K., 880.]

The Draught

of a Plan or Project for a General Concert to be entred into by

His Majesty's several Colonies upon the Continent of North America, for their mutual and common Defence, and to prevent or remove any

encroachments upon His Majesty's dominions.

9

Aug. 1754.

proposed that a Circular Letter or Instruction be forthwith sent to the Governors of

It is

the Colonies upon the Continent of North America to the following purport and

To

set forth the

danger

to

ail

effect, viz'

which they are exposed from the encroachments and invasions of

a foreign Power.

That

the only effectual

method

of putting a stop to these encroachments and invasions, and

preventing the like for the future will be forthwith to agree upon a Plan for maintaining

and supporting a proper number of Forts upon the appear to be necessary

for

the

frontiers,

and

in such other places as shall

general security of the Colonies;

for raising

&

subsisting

regular Independant Companies for garrisoning such Forts; for making provision for defraying

the expences of presents for the Indians and for the other contingent charges of that service, and for putting Indian Affairs under one general direction; and for raising and maintaining troops for the general security service and defence of the whole, upon any attack or invasion.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

904

To

state the urgent necessity there is of an

immediate Union of

tiie

several Colonies

upon

the Continent, for this purpose.

To direct the Governors forthwith to recommend these points to the serious consideration of their respective Councils and Assemblies, and to propose to them to appoint proper persons (one for each Colony) subject to the Governor's approbation, to meet at such time and place His Majesty shall appoint, in order to treat and deliberate upon this matter. That the persons appointed to be the Commissioners for this purpose be instructed to consider, in the first place, of the number of Forts necessary to be maintained and supported, and what number of regular forces will be sufficient for garrisoning such Forts, and to prepare an estimate of the annual expence thereof and of the expence of Presents for Indians and other as

contingent charges attending this service.

That provision be likewise made

in

such estimate for

established by Ris Majesty in such Forts as

siiall

management of Indian affairs. That in order to settle these estimates with furnished with authenticated

been

at for

twenty years

applied and disposed

last

maintaining Commissaries to be

be thought proper for the regulation and

the greater exactness the Commissioners be

Accounts of the particular expence which each Colony has past, for these services, and in what manner the money has been

of.

That when the Estimates shall have been settled, the Commissioners do agree upon the quantum of money to be supplied by each Colony for defraying the expence of this service. Tliat in settling such Quantum, regard be had to the number of inhabitants, trade, wealth and revenue of each Colony; for which purpose the Commissioners are to be furnished with very full and authenticated accounts of these particulars, and of the state of each

Colony respectively. That the said Commissioners do agree that in case of any emergency by invasion or otherwise, whereon it may be necessary to raise troops for the general defence of the whole, beyond the number upon the ordinary establishment, the expence thereof shall be defrayed by each Colony, according to the proportion each Colony is to bear of the ordinary established Ciiarge for Forts

fit'

That the Governors do will

Garrisons

may

signify to their respective Councils and Assemblies that His Majesty

appoint a proper person to be in

Commander

hereafter be raised or sent thither

Indian Affairs; and that provision service, for a proper salary for such

That

it

in

the Colonies in North America and of

Chief of

all

all

His Majesty's Forts and

Troops already raised there or which

upon any emergency and

also

may be made in the estimate Commander in Chief.

Commissary General

for the

for

ordinary established

be settled and agreed by the Commissioners at the general meeting that the said

Commander in Chief and Commissary for Indian Affairs be impowered from time to time as occasion may require, to draw upon the Treasurer, Collector, Receiver or other proper officer appointed to receive the Taxes or Duties levyed and raised in each Colony respectively, for such sums of money as shall be necessary for maintaining & supporting the several Forts and Garrisons, making P.'esents to the Indians and all other contingent charges, according to the service, & in proportion to for the ordinary established each Colony; taking care to transmit annually to each Colony a particular estimate, expressing the particular service for which such draughts are made.

general the

estimate

Quantum

agreed

settled for

upon

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI. That

ill

all

905

whereon it may be necessary to raise troops for the number on the ordinary Establishment, the

cases of aliack or invasion

repelling such invasion or attack beyond

estimate of the charge of such troops, of extraordinary presents to the Indians and

of

the other

Contingent Expences shall be formed by the Governor Council and Assembly of the Colony

invaded or attacked, and immediate notice thereof transmitted by the Governor of

sucii

Colony, with a Copy of the estimate, so prepared as aforesaid, to the Governors Councills and

Assemblys of the other Colonies upon the Continent, and that it be settled and agreed by the Commissioners at the general meeting, that upon such notice so sent, a Commissioner shall be forthwith nominated and appointed to each Colony respectively to meet at such place as the Commander in Chief shall appoint, in order to take into consideration and deliberate upon the aforementioned estimate so prepared by the Colony invaded, with full power to alter the same in such manner as shall be thought expedient, and that when the same shall have been agreed upon by the majority of the Commissioners who shall be there present, any five of which shall make a Quorum, the Commander in Chief shall be impowered by them to draw

upon the Treasurer or other proper Colony is to bear, of such expence,

officer of

each Colony for the respective Quotas each

in proportion to the ordinary established estimate for

&'^

Forts

That the draughts

of the

Commander

in

Chief as well

for the ordinary as extraordinary

Colony respectively out of any money lying in his hands, in prelerence to all other services whatever, and that in case it shall so happen that the Treasurer of any Colony shall not have in his hands a sufficient sum to answer such draughts he be impower'd, by the general agreement, to borrow such a sum as shall be necessary; for repayment of which provision is to be forthwith made by the Assembly.

service be paid by the Treasurer &' of eacii

That it be Colony once service,

signified, that the said in

Commander

in

Chief will be directed to transmit to each all his disbursements for the publick

every year, an account upon oath of

and that he

will

be obliged to account in His Majesty's Exchequer for

all

money

received and disposed of by him.

That each Colony may appoint a Commissioner to view and inspect from time to time as they shall think proper the state of the several Forts and Fortifications, and of the repairs made thereon, and to make report thereof to the Governor, Council and Assembly of such Colony to the

respectively,

Commander

& that

each Colony

may

in Chief, of the state of

likewise

make Representations from time

to

time

each Colony, and propose to him such measures as

good of the whole. That when the Commissioners have deliberated upon and settled the foregoing points, they do transmit to His Majesty's Secretary of State & to the Commissioners for Trade and shall occur to be necessary for the general

all their Minutes and Proceedings and that they do prepare a Project or draught of a General Convention u^on the foregoing Points and transmit copies thereof to the respective Colonies to be forthwith laid before the Governors, Councils and Assemblies, who are to take the same into immediate consideration,

Plantations, to be laid before His Majesty, attested copies of

and having made such alterations therein or additions thereto as they shall think necessary, shall return them to the Commissioners within two months, and wljen all the copies shall have been returned the Commissioners shall resume their deliberations and having finally settled the whole, the Convention shall be fairly drawn up and signed by each Commissioner and ;

transmitted hither

Vol. VI.

in

order to be laid before His Majesty for his approbation Ill

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

906

And

in

case

Commissioner

it

so

shall

happen that any of the Colonies

shall

neglect

to

appoint a

be present at the General Meeting, or such Commissioner when appointed

to

shall neglect or refuse to attend, such neglect or refusall shall not prevent the

present (any seven of vphich to be a

Quorum) from proceeding upon

Commissioners

the consideration of the

foregoing points but that the Convention shall be proceeded upon and finally settled and agreed by a Majority of the Commissioners, and wrhen so settled and ratified by His Majesty ;

be bvuling upon the whole. That the Governors be directed to signify to their respective Councils and Assemblies that His Majesty does not intend to withdraw that part of the expence which the Crown has been shall

usually

at,

for the

security and protection of the Colonies

but that he will be graciously

;

pleased to continue to maintain and subsist such a number of his troops as shall appear to be necessary to be stationed in America; and does also consent that whatever sums of money

have been usually given by His Majesty for Indian Services shall be deducted from the generall estimate, as the share His Majesty is willing to bear of the ordinary establishment for this service, and that upon any great emergency they shall receive such support from His Majesty as shall be thought reasonable

upon a due consideration of the Nature of the case and of what seem to require.

the Circumstances and conditions of the Colonies shall

Reverend Dr. Cutler [

to

" American Colonies MS.,"

Dr.

Secher^' Blsliop of Oxford.

Lambeth Palace, No.

1128,

I.,

No.

81. ]

My

Lord Your very good and condescending

Had any

to lay it before: '

letter

came

to

hand July

but

I

thought

it

too minute

to

2S.

Your Lordship, I had presumed mention, and myself happy enough in Your

important charge risen from the pamphlets

I

sent

Most Reverend Thomas Secker was a native of the village of Sibthorp, Nottinghamshire, and was born in the year 1693. communion; but in 1716 he applied himself to the

Hisp.arent3 were Dissenters, and designed their son for orders in their

study of physic, to improve himself in which he went to Paris in 1719. In 1720, however, he resolved to take orders in ordained Priest in March, 1723. The following year he was appointed ( after suitable study

the Church of England, and was rector of

Houghton

le

)

Spring, and in 1725 married the sister of Bishop Benson.

In 1727 he became rector of Eyton, and in

recommendation of Bishop Sherlock, was appointed Chaplain to the King, and in the following year rector of In In January, 1735, he was appointed Bishop of Bristol, and in May, 1737, translated to the See of Oxford. St. James. 1740, he preached the Anniversary Sermon before the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, in which 1732, on the

" Had they he reviewed the state of Religion in the Colouies, and urged the necessity of appointing Bishops in America. Bishops there, persons might be ordained without the ineonveniencies of a long voyage; vacancies might be supplied in much less" time; the primitive and most useful appointment of confirmation might be restored, and an orderly discipline Nor would such an establishment (proceeded he) encroach at all on the present rights of the exercised in the Churches. some persons profess to Civil Government in our Colonics, or bring their dependence into any degree of that Danger which apprehend so strongly on this occasion, who would make no manner of scruple about doing other things much more likely perhaps destroy it; who are not terrified in the least that such numbers there reject the Episcopal Order entirely; nor to

would be greatly alarmed were ever so many to reject Religion itself." Sermon, In 1763, Dr. Mayhew Letter to Horatio Walpole in support of the same views. the Society, and in opposition to the appointment of Bishops in the Colonies in 1754, in

;

p.

28.

He

of Boston

followed this up in 1751 by a

came out

to confute this. Dr.

in a

pamphlet against

Secker published an answer

which he explained the plan of such an establishment, wherein the powers and duties of the proposed Bishops To carry it out, hiiwcv.-r, rcrpiireJ Ihe interposilicin of to about the same sphere as they now move in.

were confined

LONDON DOCUMENTS now Your

Lordship's acceptance;

Lordship's

duty to obey, and not dispute.

now

Election Sermon equal to

was

6''

written on

5'

it,

and cliarged by the bookseller and

unhappily slipped

The whole impression

Secretary of the Society, and

for the

it is

my memory:

Hobart's Sermon

of

procure a single copy upon any consideration.

I

Copy

got one

Command, must determine me; who tliinii it my cost 9'' sterling. The price of his

else I enclosed has

same proportion.

in the

nor could

9O7

Mayhew's Sermon

D"'

enclosed has

What

sterling.

XXAI.

:

Some

now

in

is

is

but

but the cost

now

disposed of;

time ago, by great chance,

his hands.

It

1

looks odd to us,

Mayhew should be appointed to preach the Election Sermon in that place where the regular teachers of the town, disliking his sentiments in religion, would not take him to bear a part in their weekly lecture: but for this service, he most thank some friends he had in our that

general Assembly

I

One

the press.

in

Prince's Chronology of

same

my

understand,

is

a Vol. of

New

D"'

He

England.

without the boldness of

spirit,

Lord, that some other books, no small Octavos, are now Mayhew's sermons. Another is the second Vol. of M'^ is

justly counted a fanciful, credulous

Mayhew.

The

man, of the

a treatise of M"' Jonathan

Edwards, famous both among us and in Scotland, upon the doctrines of Election and Reprobation, which he would place upon the same footing with the H. Scriptures. I have' known the man for many years, and think him superior to Mayhew or Trince, a man of much sobriety and gravity, and of more decent language than they; but odd in bis principles, a

new

D'"

stiff"

Scotland.

hesitate about sending these books to

liint

I

and morose.

of the Society are a comfort to us, and give us hope towards the

success of our applications to

weak

There are an hundred subscriptions to the impression, from Your Lordship, but am ready to observe

Your Lordship's pleasure about them.

of

The good circumstances too

is

light,

haughty and

any

3''

them

where churchmen are in a body, but say not this to weaken Your Lordship's

in behalf of places

to support that interest, of themselves.

I

just remarks on the prudence requisite to conduct the Charity towards us: but

the

wisdom

of the Society

speech of Dissenters, so

is

is

on the one hand too great it

on the other hand

to

to give

am

sure that as

an handle to the licentious

be controul'd on proper occasions to

do good.

Your Lordship's good

among us does highly gratify and must yet be suspended, we trust in the wisdom and goodness of our superior to be thoughtful of us in the interim, and in God over all to succeed and reward their charitable concerns for us in due time. No wonder the dissenters oppose it: they are consistent in principle and interest. Interest of their cause, I mean, and not of their persons. The truth would brighten, and it would be a credit to be a Churchman.

Ani

oblige us.

if

inclination towards resident bishops

that blessing

was that spread an universal alarm throughout the Congregational and Presbyterian churches in the a general and just apprehension that Bishops, and Dioceses, and Churches, and ( says John Adams) Priests and Tythes were to be imposed upon us by Parliament. It was known that neither King, nor Ministry, nor Archbishops, could appoint Bishops in America without an Act of Parliament; and if Parliament could tax us, they could Parliament, and this Colonies.

it

"It excited

establish the

Church of England, with

as Conventicles

of Dr. Seeker's

and Schism-shops." eff'^rts in this

a lively interest in the

Creeds, Articles, Tests, Ceremonies

in

in

all other Churches Great Britain, prevent^-d the success and continued to take

Episcopal Church in America until his death, which occurred on ihe Sd of August, 1768, (says his great antagonist. Dr. Mayhew ) " a person of excellent sense, with a happy

He was

talent at writing; aiipareiitly free from the sordid illiberal spirit of bigotry

candour and was

and Tylhes, and prohibit

In 1738, he succeeded Dr. Ilutton as Archbishop of Canterbury,

regard.

affairs of the

in the 75th year of his age.

all its

This feeling, backed by the vote of the Dissenters

genaral a fiir reasoner."

which moat of the above particulars are taken.

;

one of a cool temper,

who

often

showed much

Dr. Porteus, Bishop of London, published a Life of Archbishop Seeker, from

— Ed.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

908 Your

Lordsliips representation of the state of religion

We

very melanclioly, but comfortahly

is

There is scarce any bad book that does not cross the water and but few good ones follow them: nor are our Clergy furnished with learning or leisure to yield antidotes. I acknowledge Your Lordship's great goodness that is disposed to help us in this unhappy state. The Undeserved kindnesses of tiie late excellent bisliop of Cloyne' to me will not suffer me to forget him or his, and your Lordship has much obliged me by the account of his lady, promising Son, and daugliter; and this gives me hopes, that when opportunity serves Your qualified.

share in the unhappiness of the times. :

Lordship

my

will present

know

not

the death of

honourable regards and best wishes

M''

Smibert

and came over with him to but an inflexible Dissenter.

May God

New

who was

He was

England.

continue Your Lordship for

Dean's

in the

many

Lordship's happiness will be an article in

my

man

a

to

Perhaps the lady does

them.

Company

Europe,

in his travels in

of an honest, amiable easy temper,

years as a blessing to the Church: prayers and joy.

Your Lordship's Compassions toward, myself, and

my

only son

Your

trust for the benefit of

I

now Curate

to the Rev''

Dean

of Docking, and am, as obliged,

Your Lordship's most Boston

New England

thankful and dutiful Son

Jjieutenant -Governor

De Lancey

to the

[Xew-Tork Papers, Bundle Kk., No.

Servant

Lords of Trade.

23.]

New

My

&

Timothy Cuti.ek-

(signed)

August 28 1754

York. 8 October 1754.

Lords,

With

my

last of the

22 July, a duplicate of which

I

now

enclose,

I

transmitted to your

Lordships the proceedings of the Commissioners at Albany, and two papers, the one drawn up by Coll: Johnson, the other by M' Pownall, and did then acquaint your Lordships that I had '

Right Reverend Dr. Berkeley.

'

TiuoTHT Cltlee, D.

D.,

President of Yale College, was the son of Major John Cutler of Charlestown, Mas3., and was He was ordained Jan. 1 1, 1709, minister of Stratford, Conn., where he continued ten

graduated at Harvard College in 1701.

years in high esteem, beini; the most celebrated preacher in the colony.

and entered upon the duties

of the office in the

same year.

In 1719 he was chosen President of Tale College,

In 1722 he was induced, in consequence of reading the works of

a number of late writers in England, to renounce the communion of the Congregational churches, and the trustees therefore passed a vote "excusing him from all further service as rector of Tale College," and requiring of future rectors satisfactory evidence of "the soundness of their faith in opposition to Arminian and Prelatical corruptions." He went to Boston in October, where a new church was offered to him, and embarked with Mr. Johnson for England, November 5th. In the latter

end of March, 1723, he was ordained Divinity.

He

set sail

first

a deacon and then a priest.

From Oxford he

received his degree of Doctor in

became Rector of Christ Church in Boston, where He was a man of strong powers of mind. He spoke Latin with

on his return to America July 26th, and soon

after

till his death, August 17, 1765, aged 82 years. Stiles great fluency and dignity, and was one of the best oriental scholars ever educated in this country. President President represents him as having more knowledge of the Arabic than any man in New England before him, except

he continued

Chauncy, and his

disciple,

«cclesiasti«al history

th» death of

He

Mr. ITiacher.

He was

also well skilled in logic, metaphysics, moral philosophy, theology,

published a sermon deliv«red befora the general «ourt nX

Thomas Greaves,

1757. Allev.

— 'ED

New

Haven, 1717; and

a

and

sermon on

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI. ordered a circular letters accordingly, and

to

909

the Assembly together on the SO"" of August;

call

they met

pressed them to give assistance to Virginia conformable to their former

I

resolution on the Earl of Holdernesse's letter, urging the great necessity there then

was from had the good fortune to prevail on them to grant the sum of five thousand pounds for that service, out of which I was to detain three hundred forty eight pounds and seven pence half penny, which I had before advanced for victualling the two Independent Companies sent by his Majesty's command to Virginia; the remainder 1 have Coll: Washington's defeat.

sent by

who

I

M' Dinwiddies order with Capt" Julian Legg of His Maj''''' Ship Shoreham to Virginia, Your LordPP' will observe the money was made payable to me, for

sailed yesterday.

which I issued a warrant in Council, so that I got over that point of having the money paid by the Treasurer on receipt, which had occasioned the loss of the thousand pounds before. On the 28"" August a Party of French Indians said to be of Bekancourt, a place between Quebec and Montreal, made an incurson into this Prov" and burnt the houses and Barns full of grain at Hoseck, a place lying about IS or 20 miles East from that part of Hudson's River,

which

is

10 Miles above Albany; they carried off with them the few remaining Indians of fifty and sixty in Number Men, Women and Children these when I was at Albany, assured me of their fidelity. The Indians who did among the French, and are entirely under the direction of the General of

Scachtacook, being between

had a

little

before,

this mischief live

Canada, so that there

is

;

no room

to

especially as the French Officer at

doubt of their being encouraged

Crown

to this barbarity

by him,

Point furnished them and the Scachtacook Indians,

whom

they have drawn from this province, with a vessel to carry them back to Canada across Lake Champlain. I have received information that the French Indians have also made incursions into Massachusets Bay and New Hampshire, and taken prisoners & scalpt some of His Maj"'' subjects the settlers of this Prov" escaped, as notice was given of the design by some Cagnawaga Indians a few days before. The view of the French in these measures, the

;

appear

to

them from Frontiers.

me

to be

no other, than

assisting Virginia, I

shall

endeavour to

Forts in such places, as

may

This province has been

in perpetual alarm, and so disable whole attention on the defence of their own bring the Assembly into providing money for the building

to

keep these provinces

by engaging in

their

some measure secure the settlements on the Borders.

expence in building Forts and Batteries for its security, and much money has been laid out not so advantageously as it might have been, had a person of skill formed plans of the works; and as the Assembly I conceive are willing to raise money at a great

and other works for the security & defence of the province, on which the French have long had an eye, I would intreat your Lordi^P' intercession with his Maj'^, that he would be graciously pleased to appoint an Engineer for this Province that the monies given

for building Forts

for Fortifications I

may

be employed to more advantage for the future.

inclose the printed proceedings of the

Assembly the Councils Address and a copy of the Act. I

am

— M}' Lords,

Your LordPP' most obedient and most humble servant. James DeLancey.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

910

Bishop Sherlock \

to the

Reverend

Chandler's Life of Johnson, 172.

S. Juhn-son.

]

Fulham, Oct. 20, 1754. Rev.

Sir,

In consideration of Mr. Palmer's^ circumstances, and

tlie

strong recommendation he brought

from you and other worthy clergymen, I appointed a special ordination, and not being able myself to ordain, the Bishop of Bangor, at my request, was so good as to come hither and ordain him but I refer myself to him to give you an account of his reception here. Sir, I do heartily congratulate the Church abroad, upon the prospect of the settlement of a ;

College at

New York

under the circumstances and conditions you

There

specify.

is

nothing

come from your parts that has given me so much satisfaction; and I am, and every of the Church of England will be, very much obliged to you for undertaking the care

that has friend

of it; for upon the prudence and fidelity of those

success of this undertaking will very

of this scheme, but then

it

was

who have

much depend.

I

the

first

formation, the future

remember some time

ago, that

heard

I

have the direction entirely,

insisted, that the dissenters should

and that the service of the College should be in their way. One reason offered in behalf of such settlement was, that it would be very convenient for the education of the young gentlemen of the islands which, I own, was far from being an argument with me for as the inhabitants of the islands are almost generally of the Church of England, I thought the putting the young people under the conduct of the dissenters, and obliging them to their manner of ;

;

worship, might, in time, be attended with great inconveniences; but if the College can be settled upon the terms you mentioned, it will go a great way in showing that the zeal for establishing the

Church of England

is

not so inconsiderable

sometimes been industriously represented. I pray God grant you health and strength I recommend you, and the good work. If I live to hear that you are recommendation of Mr. Beach. 1 am. Sir,

to

New-England

accomplish this undertaking,

settled in this

Your

in

new

office, I

shall

affectionate brother

to

as

it

has

whose protection

pay great regard

to

your

and very humble servant, Tho. London.^

' Rev. Solomon Palmer was a graduate of Tale College, and afterwards a Congregational Minister in Connecticut Having conformed he was admitted to Holy orders in the Church of England by the Right Reverend Dr. Egerton, as above stated, He continued a missionary in Litchfield " being found worthy upon an exiimination into his Morals and good Learning." the fatigues of county. Conn., and in 1761 was appointed, at his own request, to Amboy, N. J., being no longer able to bear an itinerant mission. But it seems he did not remove thither, as "he would by no means be suitable at Amboy, which is a

and the seat of the Governor, whereas Mr. Palmer has been always used to a plain retired Country Life." He But he did not go there, the people of that place Y., in 1762. consequence appointed to Rye, 'Westchester county, Haven. In preferring another; Mr. Palmer continued at Litchfield, and in 1763 went to superintend the church at New which is supposed 1767 he was again Missionary at Litchfield and Great Barrington, where he continued until his death,

polite place

was

K

in

to have taken place in 1772. '

and

Riglit

— Ed.

Reverend Thomas Sherlock was consecrated Bishop of Bangor

to the See of

London

in

174S.

4tli

February, 1727

;

translated to Salisbury, 1738,

Uis lordship died in 1762. Fercival on the Apostolic Successicm.

LONDON DOCUMENTS

De Lancey

Lieutenant-Governor [

New-Tork

:

XXXI.

Lords of Trade.

to the

Papers, Bnndle Kk., No.

911

29. ]

New

My

York. 21.

OcU

1754.

Lords,

my

S"" inst: a duplicate of which is inclosed, to acquaint your upon the incursions of the French Indians into this Province. I immediately ordered the City of Albany to be inclosed with Stockadoes in the places where wanting, the Blockhouses to be repaired, two hundred Men of each Regiment of Militia of the adjoining Counties to be held in readiness to march, and the whole Regiment in case of need, I sent the independent Company posted in Fort George in this to the Assistance of Albany. City to Albany, detaining a serjeant & the Invalids to do the Fort duty and had also directed a fort to be built at a Pass on the Hudson's River about forty miles above Albany, but no workmen would undertake it on the credit of the Govern'. I inclose a copy of my letter to the

omitted

I

in

LordPP' with

tiie

the

last of

steps taken

;

General of Canada

—

I

am

— My

Lords,

Your LordPP' most obedient and most humble servant. James De Lancey.

lAeutenant -Governor [

De Lancey

New-Tork

to

the

Govc^'nor of Canada.

Papers, Bundle Kk., No. 31.

]

(Copy)

New York

16. Oct-^ 1754.

Sir,

have received accounts from Albany, that several of the Indians of the Orondacks, and

I

other Tribes, domiciliated within your Govern', and as

I have been well informed, intirely in your direction, have lately made incursions into this, and the Neighbouring provinces, and have burnt and destroyed the Houses and Barns of the poor Farmers living at and nearHoseck within my Govern': this, in a time of profound peace between His Britanick and most

Christian Majesty, I

is

a practice so Barbarous, as

I

think

is

not warranted by any orders, and

persuade myself will not be approved of by the Most Christian King; and

flatter myself,

Rank and

character, and yet

those

that

Indians would

to the difficulty,

you

will permitt

is,

that

am

I

my

me

to say,

it

is

with difficulty

can conceive,

among the French and are under your direction, what Commanding Officer at Fort S' Frederick furnished

back to Canada.

I

am

in

whom

they had taken with them, with a vessel to

duty bound to lay these things before

the

King

Master.

I shall

not doubt but

Your

Excell'^ will,

by putting an

effectual stop for the future to such

Barbarities, convince the world, that the suspicion entertained on

and

1

told, the

these Indians and those of Scachtacook carry them

would willingly

have attempted this piece of cruelty without your privity and

connivance, since those Indians live

adds

I

could not have been done by the encouragement of a person of your Excell's

I

hope

I

shall

always [have] the honour

to subscribe

myself

tiiis

occasion are groundless,

ettc.

.JAMiis

De Lance V

—

—

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

922

Reverend S. Johnson [

" American Colonies

Bishop Seeker.

to

MS." Lambeth Palace, No.

1121,

1.,

No.

85. ]

Stratford in

New England October 25 1754

May I

it

please

Your Lordship

am most humbly

Your Lordship

obliged lo

for

your very kind

letter of

March

19""

which

August, and demands my most thankful acknowledgments. to M"' Smith, he had printed his Mirawia before M"' Barclay and I became acquainted with We were both very sorry and much blamed him for inserting him, though this was soon after. that very abusive passage from the Review about the Universities, and advised him to efface sorry he had inserted it, so it in all the copies he liad yet in his power, and he said he was

came As

my

to

hands

last

—

that I hope

none on your side of the Atlantic would ever have seen

it,

and

I

wish

it

never

had been. extremely obliged to Your Lordship for the Candor with which you condescended to little low performance of mine vyhich M' Chandler sent you, and for the kind things you are pleased to say of it, which 1 wish it could pretend to deserve, and I should have been particularly thankful for any observations you might have made on its defects, I

am

peruse that

I would by no means mislead young beginners, for whose sake it was published. M" Smith was desirous of getting it reprinted in London, and had my leave, and some corrections I made, and gave him a more accurate scheme for a partition of the sciences than those in the Philadelphia Edition But when I came to see his Edition, I was not a little surprized to find what a strange liberty he had taken with it, there being scarce a page in which he had not made some alterations, many of which I think are by no means any advantage to it, but much the contrary: and though I do not think he had any unkind, (nay I believe he had a kind) intention in them yet I cannot say I thank him for them.

because

:

about Bps, I had no notion of his publishing any such thing, as mine; and was most of it his own composition from some papers I gave him and letters I shewed him, and from what passed in conversation, and whether it was prudent to publish everything I believe he means well, and is truly an ingenious, and I hope insetted in it I am not clear. he will be a very useful man, but he is a Youth and wants a little more knowledge both of Pardon me, my Lord, for himself and the world than he has as yet had opportunity for.

As

to the letter

indeed

it

—

—

saying thus much. What Your Lordship says on the subject of that letter

is

very melancholy.

I

now

almost

and very much doubt those more favourable times you hope for will never come. So far from this, that I rather fear the age is growing worse and worse so fast, that the Freethinkers & Dissenters, who play into one auothers hands against the Chh, will never drop their

despair,

virulence and activity, by

all

manner

of Artifices,

—

till

they go near

to raze the

very Constitution

It is a sad omen that their interest with the Chh and State. Ministry should be so much superior to that of the Church, that she cannot be heard in so reasonable and necessary a thing, and when she asks no more than to be upon a par here with her neighbours, in having leave to enjoy the benefit of her own institutions as well as they. may he Is it then come to this, My Lord, that she must ask the Dissenters leave whether she allowed to send so much as one bishop; even though it were but a transient one, once iii

to the foundation,

both in

— LONDON DOCUMENTS 7 years, to take care of

dominions?

—

Church, must be indulged, yet

why may

913

— Our

New

England,

who

scarcely tolerate the

not one be allowed to be sent to

or Virginia or South Carolina, in which Colonies the

extremely hard indeed!

XXXI.

her numerous children, scattered over so vast a tract of the English

all

dissenting Governments in

If these

:

Church

Candidates would gladly

orders, vastly rather than go over the sea 1000 leagues,

is

ride,

N.York

if it

or Maryland,

Law?

established by

were 5 or 700

which has proved

— This

is

miles, for

so fatal to

many

of them. I

have

my Lord

above these 30 years been trying by many good

of a friendly converse with the Chief of them, to convince

than what

I

them

and all the means more is intended

Offices,

that nothing

mentioned above, and many of them are good men and have no objection; but so from being softened, that of late they seem a good deal worse than

far are the prevailing party

they were, (encouraged,

suppose by their potent friends at home,)

I

now

for

they will not

New-Haven that belong to the Church, to go to the Church there, nay, offer to fine M"" Punderson's own sons for going to hear their father, as I suppose he will inform the Society when at the same time the Church at New York, (where it most prevails) is about founding a College with free liberty to dissenting pupils to go to what our College at

suffer the pupils of

meeting they please; nay not excluding dissenters from being even such a preference in

tiieir

of the Church, and that an abridgment of the service of the offers at least 7 10"" of the

evening prayer, and

such a hideous clamour

is

and only desiring

tutors,

Charter, as that the President of the College be always a

Chh

charge in founding endowing &c.

raised against her having

any

Member

be used for Morning and

sort of preference or

— And

yet

any Charter on

these terms, by a small busy faction of dissenters headed by 4 or 5 bigotted violent freethinkers, as threatens

throwing the Government into confusion and frustrating the whole design: and have 3 Colleges in these Northern Colonies and the Church

this notwithstanding that they

Nay they contend that no religion at all should be taught in the College rather than the Church should have any precedence. So bitterly are they set against us and however so

none.

—

much they

are otherwise at variance

against us, and do

all

!

among

themselves, yet they unite with their utmost force

they can to disaftect the Dutch towards us,

— Thus, my Lord

who

otherwise were peacebly

and so I doubt it is at home, that by how much the more mildly they are used, by so much the more assuming and active they grow in their endeavours, (not only to hinder the promoting them here, but) even utterly to demolish the Episcopate disposed.

and the Liturgy there!

it is

here,

—

them here in N. England, it is not owing so much, my Lord, any endeavours of ours, as to their own wretched divisions, separations and confusions among themselves, occasioned by their late enthusiasm, and to the growth of Latitudinarianism, Arianism, Socinianism, Pelagianism and even Infidelity occasioned thereby; which lead many

And

as to our gaining ground of

to

honest people,

who

can find no sure footing otherwhere to

retire into the

ark of safety amid such a deluge of corrupt opinions and practices.

our great and good benefactors will not think their charity the support of the church in these parts, that

it

may

be an

ill

— So

bestowed

Asylum and

in

Church as the only that I humbly hope

contributing towards

refuge for those honest

—

This my Lord is a true state of the case: and wandering souls that can find no rest out of it. what, I beg, would the patrons of the dissenters have us do in the case? must we discourage And yet they are in such small scattered bodies these people from coming into the Chh?

—

that they cannot support Ministers, (though

without assistance:

Vol. VI.

Is

it

then an

ill

two or three such

judged charity to give them a 115

collections join together)

little

help?

—

—

—

NEW-YORK COLONIAL AL^USCRIPTS.

914 I

am

my

again humbly beg Your Lordship's pardon for

&

which your great goodness

in writing, to

very glad to

find the late excellent

tediousness and this too great freedom

much emboldened me.

condescension hath too

He

has so very worthy a son.

Bp Berkely

lately did

—

I

me

There has the honour of a most kind and elegant letter, to which I reply by this opportunity. been no reply published to M' Beache's answer to Hobart, nor any thing else pro or con, I purpose, notwithstanding the opposition soon to settle myself at relating to the Chh. N. York in the care of their Young College; in view of which, I humbly ask Your Lordship's

—

most

To

Ily

dutiful

of Oxford.

L"'

My

Lord, Your Lordship's most obliged & obedient humble Servant, Samuel Johnson ^ (signed)

prayers and blessing, and remain, with the utmost veneration,

first President of King's ( now Columbia ) College, in New York, was born at Guilford, 1714 graduated at Tale College, where he continued as a tutor until 1720, when he was ordained Minister of the Congregational Church at West Haven. In 1722 he, with several other clergymen, avowed tjieir preferences for the doctrines of the Episcopal Church, and proceeded to England, where they received Holy Orders in 1723,

Rev. Samcel JonxsoN, D. D., the

Coun., October

and returned

14,

to

1696,

and

America

;

in

Mr. Johnson being put in charge of the Church at Stratford. At this time he was the only In 1743, the University of Oxford conferred the degree of Doctor of Divinity on him,

Episcopal Minister in Connecticut.

and

in

was unanimously

1754, he

He

removed.

filled

where he resumed

elected President of the

that ofiice until February, 1763,

his

newly

when he

former charge, and died January

6,

instituted College at

:

—

Plain Reasons for conforming to the Church.

His death,

1772, aged 75 years.

of the Gospel declared to be a public loss to the American Church. ascertain, of Dr. Johnson's writings

New York,

The following

is

a

obligations

A System

city

he accordingly

tlie

Society for the Propagation

as far as

list,

we have been

able to

12mo. Boston, 1745.

are under to Love and Delight in the Public worship of God, preached at the

we

opening of Christ's Church at Stratford.

which

1733.

Letter of Aristocles to Authades, concerning the Sovereignty and Promises of God.

Sermon concerning the

to

resigned and passed the remainder of his days at Stratford,

4to. Boston, 1746.

of Morality, containing the first principles of Moral Philosophy or ethics, in a chain of necessary consequences

from certain

1746.

facts.

Letter to Jonathan Dickinson in Defence of Aristocles to Authades, concerning the Sovereignty and Promises of God.

12mo. Boston, 1747.

Elementa Philosophica edition of this

;

Mind and to Moral Behaviour. 8vo. Harvard College under this title 8vo. Philadelphia, 1752. of Metaphysics and Logic, (fee.

or Things relating to the

work appears

also in the Catalogue of

Noetica or the First Principles

Philadeljihia

:

Franklin, 1752.

(An

:

Ethica, or the First Principles of Moral Philosophy. Svo. London, 1752.)

A Demonstration of the Reasonableness, A S^mon on the Beauty of Holiness in Svo.

New-York.

A Letter one of

its

Usefulness,

and great Duty of Prayer.

1761.

to a Friend

members.

;

entitled, a

Short Vindication of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts.

1765. 1767.

The two

last

were

also republished the

An English and Hebrew Grammar, being tlie first short Rudiments of Two Sermons on Humility and Charity, delivered at New Haven. T.

&

J.

T. B.

Swords.

By

This forms an appendix to Dr. Caner's Candid Examination, published in 1763.

A Catechism and an English Grammar. A Hebrew Granmiar. London. Faden. The Rev.

1761.

the Worship of the Church of England, being a brief Rationale of the Liturgy.

Chandler wrote the Life of Samuel Johnson, D.

1805.

— Ed.

D.,

those Svo.

same year, under the

title

of

two Languages, taught together.

New

Haven.

which was published

1768. in

one Vol., 12mo.

New

York.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI. Sea'etary Robinson

915

Governors in North America.

to the

[Governors and Commanders

in

North America, (S. P. O.

)

No. 74.]

Whitehall

Ocf

2G"' 1754.

Sir,

Having informed you the State of

affairs in

my

in

King had under

letter of July 5"" that the

North America

;

I

am now

Royal consideration

his

acquaint you, that, amongst other measures,

to

that are thouglit proper for the defence of His Maj'^'" just rights and dominions, in those parts,

Men commanded by Sir Peter Halkett,' augmented to the number of 700, each

the King has not only been pleased to order two Regiments of Foot, consisting of 500 each, besides

Commissioned and non Commissioned

and Col: Dunbar,^

to repair to Virginia,

Officers,

and to be there

but, likewise, to send orders to Gov'' Shirley

and Sir

;

Will"' Pepperell, to raise

two Regiments,

whereof They are respectively appointed Colonels, of 1000 Men each and, also to sign Commissions for a number of Officers to serve in the said two Regiments, and who will ;

forthwith repair to North America, for that purpose.

Whereas there will be wanting a considerable number of Men to make up the designed complement of the said four Regiments, it is His Maj'*'* pleasure, that you should be taking the previous steps, towards contributing, as far as you can, to have about 3000 Men in readiness to be enlisted;

be appointed

and

to

it is

His

command

in

Maj'-'" intention, that

Chief

all

a General Officer, of

Master General, and a Commissary of the Musters,

shall set out, as

be, in order to prepare every thing for the arrival of the Forces

and

for the raising of the others in

You

Rank and

Capacity, to

the King's forces in North America, a Deputy Quarter

soon as conveniently

may

abovementioned from Europe,

America.

from that General, and the other Officers just mentioned, a full and e.xact account of the Arms, Cloathing, and other necessaries, to be sent, upon this important occasion, will receive

All as likewise of the Ordnance Stores, and of the Officers, and attendants, belonging thereto. which being ordered for this service, are such proofs of His Maj"''* regard for the security and welfare of his subjects in those parts, as cannot fail to excite you to e.xert yourself, and those under your care, to take the most vigorous steps to repel your common danger, and to shew, that the Kings orders, which were sent you last year, by the Earle of Holdernesse, and were renewed to you in my letter of the 5"" July, have, at last, rouzed that emulation, and spirit, which every Man owes at this time, to His Maj'^, tiie publick and himself. The King will not 'Sir Petee Halkett, of ritferran, Goaford,

who

Fifesliire,

assuuied his wife's name.

In

a

173-1,

baronet of Nova Scotia, was the son of Sir Peter WeJdeiburno, of

Colonel of the 44th at Sir John Copes' defeat, in 1745.

Cumberland

to rejoin

his

for Diinferline; and was Lieulenajit by Clmrles Edward, he was ordered by

he sat in the llouse of Commons,

Being released on

his parole,

regiment and serve again against the Jacobites.

With great

propriety,

he refused such a

dishonorable duty, saying that "his Royal Highness was master of his eoranilssion, but not of his honor." The King approved of Sir Peter's course, and he retained his rank. On the 2Gth of February, 1751, he succeeded to the Colonelcy cf his

regiment

He was

killed, at the

lay uuburied until 1759,

head of his regiment,

when they were

in

the battle of Monongahela, on the 9th July, 1755

discovered by his son and deceutly interred.

;

and

his

bones

Sargeul's Expedition agnimt Furt

JJuquemc, 274, 294. 'Colonel T110MA.S Du.vBAK, had been Lieutenant Colonel of the 8th of Royal Irish; and on the 29th April, 1762, was promoted to the Colonelcy of the 48lh regiment of Foot. In November, 1755, he was superceded in the command of this 1

regiment, and sent into honorable retirement as Lieutenant-Governor of Gibriiltnr, in consequence of his injudicious retreat, lie became Major General on the was never again employed in active service,

after General Uraddock's defeat

December

18lh, 17GU, but

IStli

of January. 1758, and a Lieutenant General on

lie died previous to 1778.

Ibid, 267.

— En.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

916

therefore imagine, that either you, or the rest of his Gov", will suffer the least neglect or delay,

performance of the present service,

in the

with regard to the following points:

viz':

now

strongly recommended to you; particularly That you should carefully provide a sufficient

quantity of fresh victuals, at the expence of your Govern', to be ready for the use of the Troops at their arrival.

from place going by

— That you

to place,

sea.

And

with :

all

sh**

who may have

likewise, furnish the Officers,

necessaries for travelling

by Land,

That you should use your utmost

no means of

and authority,

in procuring

diligence,

an exact observance of such orders, as shall be issued from time to time by the chief, for quartering the

Troops, impressing carriages, and providing

forces, as shall arrive, or

be raised within your Govern'.

As

occasion to go

in case there are

all

Commander

in

necessaries for such

the Articles above-mentioned are of a local and peculiar nature, and arising entirely

within your Govern',

almost needless for

it

me

to acquaint you, that

His Maj'^

that the charge thereof be defrayed by His subjects belonging to the same.

will expect,

But, with regard

w'^'' are of a more general concern, it is the King's pleasure, that the same should be supplied by a common fund, to be established for the benefit of all the Colonies collectively in North America; for which purpose, you will use your utmost endeavours to

to such other articles,

induce the assembly of your province, to raise forthwith as large a their contribution to this

common

sum

as can be afforded, as

fund, to be employed, provisionally, for the General service

of North America, (particularly for paying the charge of levying the Troops, to make up the complements of the Regiments abovementioned ) until such time, as a plan of general union of His

You

Maj'>'''

Northern Colonies,

common

defence, can be perfected. you shall have opportunities upon every thing with the said General Sir Will" Pepperell and Gov' Shirley, the King's intention to give all proper encouragement to such for their

will carefully conferr, or correspond as

relative to the present service,

or either of

them

who

;

and

as

it is

;

upon this occasion, you will acquaint all such persons, in arms and cloathing from hence, and that they shall be sent back if desired to their respective habitations, when the service in America shall be over. As the several Governors, in all the King's provinces and Colonies in North America, will receive by this conveyance a letter to the same effect with this, which I now send you, they will be prepared at the same time, to obey His Maj''''' commands and I am to direct you to persons,

the King's

shall

name

engage

to serve

that they will receive

;

correspond with

all,

or either of them, occasionally, as

you

shall

find it

expedient for the

General service. I

am

ettc.

T

Representation

King on

to the

[

To

the King's

INIay it please

We

the

Robinson

Proceedings of the Congress at Albany.

Plantations General,

(

B. T.

)

XLIIL,

402.

]

Most Excellent Majesty.

Your Majesty. letter from James Delancey Esq"" Lieutenant Governor of Your York, transmitting to us the proceedings of the Commissioners of

have lately received a

Majesty's Province of

New

— LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI. New

Maryland,

917

New

Hampshire, Massachusets Bay, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, assembled at Albany in June last, pursuant to Your Majesty's

the Colonies of

&

York,

renew and confirm the ancient Covenant Chain or Treaties of Friendship & Alliance between Your Majesty's subjects and the Six Nations or Tribes of Indians; and the said Commissioners having taken into their consideration several other matters of the greatest consequence to the Security and welfare of all Your Majesty's Colonies in North America, we think it our duty humbly to lay the whole of their transactions before Your Mfijesty. The chief points (besides that of the Treaty with the Indians) which the Commissioners orders, to

had under their consideration at this meeting, were, 1. The management and direction of Indian Affiiirs. 2.

3

The The

strengthening the Frontiers

:

and

providing for these services by a general plan of Union of the Colonies for their

mutual defence and security.

With

respect to the last of these points, the Commissioners having agreed upon a plan of

Union, which, as

presume

to

sense and opinion of

far as their

make any

observations

upon

it

goes,

is

but transmit

it,

complete in it

simply

itself,

for

we

shall not

Your Majesty's

but as they have delayed making any provisions for, or pointing out any consideration measures of carrying the two first of these points into execution, till the Plan of Union agreed upon by them shall have been considered by their respective Assemblies and afterwards oflered ;

to the consideration of Parliament,

Your Majesty's

mean time

in the

and as such delay may prove not only prejudicial but

and the security of the Colonies,

interest to be

if

fatal to

Indian Affairs should continue

mismanaged, as the Commissioners declare they now

are,

and

if it

should be neglected to build some forts upon the frontiers within the territory of the Six Nations, which the Commissioners are of opinion indispensable necessity: points

more

fully before

we

cannot but esteem

Your Majesty, and

fatal effects of

The management

is,

in the present situation of affairs, of

our duty to lay our thoughts upon these two

submit whether some provisional measure Your Majesty shall seem most expedient

to

their execution should not be directed as to

preventing the

it

such delay, in the present critical situation of

for for

affairs.

of Indian Affairs and strengthening the Frontiers are, in general points,

of the utmost consequence to the very being and preservation of

Your Majesties Colonies.

In

by the Commissioners met at Albany, and are the chief objects It is their unanimous opinion that the administration of these of the Union they propose. services should not for the future be intrusted to the Commissioners, nor even to the

this light they are considered

Assemblies of any one Province, whereby they

may

be directed to their

own

particular local

purposes, but that they should be under one general Administration directed to the general

and supported at the general expence of the whole and this being their sense of the and importance of these two points, the danger of any neglect or delay in their execution For it is hardly to be supposed that any one Province will, after is obvious and apparent. such a Declaration, efl^ectually undertake at its own particular charge the execution of these measures, however fatal a neglect of them may prove to the general interest of the whole or interest

;

utility

it's own particular security. The management of Indian Affairs,

even

and form the strongest barrier to the Province of

New

at least those of the Six Nations,

to the British

who

are the best allies

Settlements, has been hitherto cineffy intrusted

York, the Assemblies of which have takfii upon themselves, by Acts

of their own, the sole direction of this service, and have established such regulations with

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

918

respect to the trade as they have thought proper; the execution of which and the distribution

and application of the Presents voted by them, have been intrusted appointed by such Acts.

How

to

Commissioners

may have been

well soever these regulations

intended,

we

cannot take upon us to say that they have been either properly adapted to the general interest and convenience of the Indians, or to the preservation of our friendship with them ; and we

have reason to restraining

fear that the intrusting the sole execution of

them from being

traders, or establishing a

them

proper

to

mode

Commissioners without of enquiry into

conduct, has been attended with great prejudice to Your Majesty's service.

We

their

find frequent

been dispossessed of their lands by fraudulent

complaints of the Indians that they have

conveyances, and without a valuable consideration;

that they have been cheated of their

presents by the knavery of the traders before they could leave Albany, which had usually

been the place for all Indian Conferences that their people have been debauched and destroyed by the infamous practice of supplying them with rum, of their fondness for which the traders do usually avail themselves to carry their fraudulent views into execution. ;

That

all

conferences with them have been held at Albany, more for the sake of the private

interest and convenience of the traders than theirs.

That occasional or particular conferences or interviews are seldom or ever held with them, however the exigency of affairs may require it that little or no provision is made for the residence of Smiths or other artificers amongst them at their own Castles, or for smaller ;

occasional

presents as their

reproaching the

circumstances

may

require at the trading-house at

Managers with the opposite conduct of the French

Oswego

—

in these particulars,

and complaining of the dangerous influence they have thereby gained over their young and All which we believe to be true, being informed that such occasional

unexperienced people.

presents interviews and residence of artificers, produce

almost any extent

The the

made

much

greater effects, than presents of

at general conferences.

constant repetition of these complaints at almost every conference, and particularly at

last, at

urged with

which those

relative to their lands

uncommon warmth,

and the neglect of particular interviews, were Commissioners in

as well as the explicit declaration of the

their representation of their sense of the

mismanagement which has

subsisted in most of the

above particulars, seem to us equally to prove the necessity of an alteration in this management, as the dangerous consequences which may ensue, if such alteration is not more speedily made than the proposed delay, till a plan of Union is settled, admits of.

With respect to strengthening the Frontiers, it appears from the proceedings of the Commissioners that a proposition was made on the part of New York for two Forts to be built, one at Onondage, the other at Tierondequat on the Lake Ontario, and three Forts upon the other frontiers towards Lake Champlain & Lake S' Sacrament that this general measure was approved of by the Commissioners with the addition of a Naval establishment upon the Lake That the expediency of this measure was further confirmed by the to secure the navigation. complaints made by the Six Nations of the nakedness of our frontiers, together with the reverse picture which they drew of the French strength and the effects of that strength upon them. ;

and necessity of this measure being thus established by the concurrent sense of danger which may attend a delay in the execution of it, until a Plan of Union can be settled and approved of, seems equally obvious upon this general view, with that which we have already stated as likely to attend a delay in the execution of proper measures for the management of Indian Affairs; and we humbly beg leave to submit to iour

The

all

utility

parties concerned, the

LONDON DOCUMENTS Majesty some considerations, wliich

may

:

XXXI.

919

serve to set the expediency of this measure in a

clear light.

While the Six Nq^ions were possessed of all that territory which surrounds the two great Lakes of Erie and Ontario, which they used as their hunting grounds, and before the French had erected Forts which intercept their passage to part of those lands and cut off their communication with the far Western Indians, their alliance alone & submission to the British Government formed a sufficient barrier to Your Majesty's Colonies in the northern part of America; and for that reason forts were not then judged necessary, or at least only for the purposes of carrying on trade but since the French have erected their forts at Niagara, by which they have not only cut off the passage of the Six Nations to their hunting grounds, but ;

have acquired the greatest influence over the Senecas, one of the most powerful of those nations within whose territory those forts are built, unless measures of the same nature are pursued on the part of Great Britain, those Nations must in a very short time become dependent upon the P>ench, and instead of a barrier, be made subservient to their encroachments upon the British Colonies.

The Colony

of

New York

projected the building

forts,

has long foreseen these consequences, and has from time to time

both at Niagara and Tierondequat

well situated for a port and proper for

commanding

;

which

last place,

extremely

the navigation of the Lake, was purchased

long since by that Province with this view.

They have always however been averse to taking upon themselves the expence which would have attended an effectual execution of these measures, & there is the less reason to believe they will do it now, as it has been the declared sense of the Commissioners that this is a measure of general utility, & that the expence of it ought to be borne at the general charge. Upon

the whole therefore,

if

Your Majesty should be of opinion

that effectual measures

should be immediately entered into for putting Indian Affairs under a provisional direction and securing the Frontiers by erecting forts and building vessels upon the Lakes without waiting

Union can be

by which a proper provision may be made for these we would humbly submit whether it might not be adviseable that an Instruction should be immediately sent to the Lieutenant Governor of New York to inquire into and give effectual satisfaction to the Indians in respect to the

until a plan of

settled,

services at the general expence of the Colonies

;

Complaint they have made concerning their lands, and that Colonel Johnson should be appointed Colonel over the Six Nations, in the same manner and with the same allowance as

when

the expedition against

Canada was

in

agitation

intrusted with the disposition and application of

proper to

make

all

in the

last

war; that he should be

occasional presents Your Majesty

may

think

to these Indians, with the

nomination and appointment of all such smiths and other artificers as may be thought proper to be settled amongst them, and in general the direction of all other services not already provided for by the laws of New York The reasons of our taking the liberty to recommend this Gentleman to Your Majesty are the

made to us of the great service he did during the late war, in preserving the friendship of the Indians and engaging them to take up the hatchet against the French; the connexions he has formed by living amongst them, and habituating himself to

representations which have been

their

manners and customs; the publick testimony they have given at the last meeting of for, and confidence in, him; and above all the request they make that the

friendship

management

of their affairs

may

be intrusted to him.

their sole

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

920 With regard reasons

we cannot

to securing tlie Frontiers,

part of the forts proposed by

we have

New York may

take upon us to say, whether

we

be immediately necessary; but

already given, that one at least should be erected at Tirondequat; that

the harbour there should be fortified and that armed vessels, superior in strength and to those the

and secure

what

or

all

think, for the

may have upon

French

to us a free

the

Lake be forthwith

built, to

command

number

the navigation

and open communication and correspondence with the Indians. All which is most humbly sebmitted.

Dunk Halifax J.

Grenville

T.

Pelham

Whitehall

Andrew

Ocf

James Oswald.

29. 1754

Stone.

Secret In-^tructions to General Braddock. Secret

Instructions for

Our Trusty and Welbeloved Edward Braddock

Major General of Our

Commander, of

George R.

all

forces,

and

whom we

and singular Troops and Forces, that are now

America, and that shall be sent, or raised there,

to vindicate

and possessions, in those parts. Given at Our Court day of Nov'' 1754. in the 28"" year of Our Reign. 1"

Whereas

the French will, in

all

Esq'''

have appointed General and

at S'

Our

in

North

just rights,

James's the 25*

probability, endeavour to reinforce the several Posts,

Westward of it, by sending Troops up the River Mississipi; it is our Royal will and pleasure, that, as the season will allow Our Troops to take the field much sooner, in the Southern parts, than in any other parts of our Colonies, you shall begin your operations there as soon at the weather will permitt; You will therefore, order the Troops to be carried up the Potomac River, as high as Wills's Creek, where we have ordered Sir John S' Clair Our Deputy Quarter Master General, to erect a proper covering, and to provide Magazines, and, also, to prepare a Park for the Amunition and artillery, which may be necessary upon this first part of your expedition; and we have likewise given directions to Our said Deputy Quarter Master General, to provide the proper conveniences for a General Hospital at Hampton, and for a flying Hospital at the Creek they

now have on

the River Ohio, and on the Lakes to the

beforementioned. 2"*

— As soon

as

you

shall

have been able

to drive the

French from their Posts upon the

Ohio, you will take the proper measures for erecting a good and sufficient Fort, on the most

convenient pass, upon the said River, and you will leave a strong garrison consisting of the three Independent

Companies now

in Virginia, sustained

the Provincial Troops, as you shall find

by such a

necessary, to defend the

the whole of

part, or

same,

&

to

protect the

Indians, in those parts, as well as our settlements, which have lately been broke up. 3''''

care,

The

next service, which

and attention,

is,

is

of the greatest importance, and therefore demands the utmost

the dislodging the French from the Forts, they

now have

at the Falls

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI.

921

and passes of the Niagara; and the erecting such a Fort there, as

the future,

shall, for

make

His Maj'>" subjects masters of the Lake Ontario; by that means, cutting off the communication between the P'rench Forces on the Mississipi. It is Our pleasure, that if, for this purpose, you should

think

with the

have ships upon the said Lake Ontario, you shall concert

necessary to

it

Commander

Chief of Our Ships, and the Governors of New England and New York, the manner and means of Building and manning such vessels, as shall be most proper in

for that service. 4""

It is

our further will and pleasure,

an undertaking, you

that, in order to accelerate the execution of so salutary

Regiments intended to be raised by Gov' Shirley, and Sir William Pepperell, shall be ready to act, before the French can be drove from their posts upon the Ohio, employ the said two Regiments, in the immediate Reduction of Niagara, and Crown point; and nominate a proper person, or persons, to take the command thereof, in case you shall find your presence elsewhere more conducive to the general service. shall, in case the

In case the said

S""

two Regiments of Shirley and Pepperell,

shall not be raised,

the time that the service, on the Ohio, shall be finished

and ready

Our will and pleasure, that, if, then, you should find it necessary to march your whole force to make yourself master of the Posts before-mentioned, at Niagara, you shall take the most prudent means of joining to act,

till

;

it is

your said Force, with the British Battalions,

to eflect this most necessary and essential service; and when you shall have performed it, you are hereby authorized, and empowered, to leave the remaining Independent Companies, and such other reinforcements, as you shall judge

necessary, to be a sufficient garrison for the Fort and Forts, you shall erect there.

you should find, that the two British Regiments will be sufficient for performing the you may, then, employ the two American Regiments, at the same time, in disposessing the French from their Post at Crown Point, on the Lake Chamblois, which is the next point you will endeavour to gain But no positive instructions can be given you, upon this head, as you can only judge, hereafter, whether such a seperate operation can be undertaken, at the same time, that you are making yourself Master of that most material one, However after you shall have possessed yourself of the Niagara Forts, and shall at Niagara. have opened a safe communication betwixt that, and Oswego (which will not only secure the Back settlements, but likewise, bring back those Indians, who have fallen off from Our interest, and joined the French;) It is our will and pleasure, that the next service upon which you 6""

If

service at Niagara,

;

shall proceed, shall be: 7""

The reducing

in such place as

The

the Fort at shall find

Crown

most

Point, and erecting another upon the

effectual for bridling the

French Indians

Lake

Chamblois,

in those parts

and

and protecting, our neighbouring Colonies.

for securing 8""

you

last

French Fort

and most material service, that you

shall

perform, shall be the destroying the

by that means, recovering our province of Nova Scotia; but on do not give you any positive Instructions, only, that you shall correspond

at Benusrjour, and,

this point,

we

constantly

with

province; and

Lieutenant Col' Lawrence,

who

has

whilst the service of Niagara, or

the

Crown

command

of

Our

forces

in

that

going on (which must necessarily divide the French p-orces), Lieut, Col' Lawrence can, with a moral certainly, if,

Point

is

now there, or by an addition of Four or Five Hundred of tlie Provincial Forces, and that you can spare such numbers; it would be gaining much time in finishing the operations; but, if you should not find it advisable for Lieut* Col' Lawrence to undertake that service, in the manner before-mentioned, undertake the reducing that Fort, with our Forces, which are

Vol. VI.

IIG

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

922 but that

it

should

require a greater force,

still

you

having finished the

will then proceed, after

reduction of

Crown

Nova

and there make yourself thoroughly master of Beausejour, and by that means, of

Scotia,

Point, and

fixing a proper

Fort there,

witii part, or all

of our Forces to

the whole province.

The two Companies

O""

Commander

and the their

of

Nova Scotia, will afford you a any of the services above-mentioned,

of Artillery in Newfoundland and

sufficient supply of Artillery Officers

Our

and Gunners,

for

ships of war, have orders to give

all

the assistance possible in

way.

10""

You

will carefully provide

Winter Quarters

for all the troops

under your command,

according to the best of your judgement and discretion. ll""

during

With regard

to

this expedition

any prisoners, that ;

it is

Our

will

shall

be

made by

the Forces under your

and pleasure, that you should cause

all

command

such prisoners to

be sent to Old France.

G. R.

LiciUeiutnt-Governor [ S.

De Lanccy

to

p. 0. Governors' Loiters,

Sir

Thomas Robinson.

XL VIII. ]

New York

15.

Dec' 1754.

Sir

Upon

serious consideration of

of the French (of which

from that quarter;

I

think

what

lately

my

the

French Indians have done, no doubt

may

gave you an account) and of what duty

at the instigation

be further suspected

you the defenceless state of the Northern some measures which seem to me of general utility. From Albany northwards towards Canada there is no fort; we had one before and in the late war at a place on Hudsons River called Saraghtogo about 36 miles above Albany, which was abandoned and destroyed, so that the country lies entirely open and as the French have I

it

to lay before

frontiers of this Province, and to point out

;

always had a design on this Province as being most conveniently situated for them and if in their hands would cuttoff'all communication between His Majesty's subjects &the Six Nations of Indians, to the infinite prejudice of all the Northern Colonies, and as there is not above twenty two miles land carriage between Crown Point and through this Province to the Ocean, I apprehend we are in great danger, and that the French if they are disappointed in other parts will bend their whole force against this country, which is unable with it's own strength to defend itself against them. In order therefore to prevent or defeat such an attempt I would humbly propose that His Majesty be graciously pleased to order a Regiment into this Province

and

to direct

Massachusett's

the several Governors of

Bay and New Hampshire

to furnish their quotas

by

New

Jersey,

to use their

towards building the several

New

York, Connecticut, Rhode Island,

utmost endevors forts

the King's troops but victualled by the Provinces)

to bring their

One on

the

Wood Creek

and one on the

Crown Point make the common Creek and Lake the French and

south end of the Lake S' Sacrament; the waters of this Creek and Lake pass

and

fall

into the

Lake Champlain and

Assemblies

following (the Forts to be garrisoned

so into the River S' Laurence and

passage between this country and Montreal, and from this

LONDON DOCUMENTS tlieir

XXXI.

:

Rhode

Jersey, Connecticut and

Island are covered

by

New

923 Bay and New Hampshire;

Indians can and do enter this Province, Massaciiusett's

—

York and Massachusetts Bay.

There are many reasons why tliese Forts should be built. 1" because when His Majesty's arms are employed on the Ohio, Beeve River and the Presk lie or peninsula on the Lake Erie, the French will probably

make

a strong push on the Northern parts of this country,

as being most defenceless, to cause a diversion this way,

Secondly, because occasions

offer,

if

which these Forts may prevent. Point or even Montreal when favour and facilitate such a design, being

there should be a design against

these Forts will be well scituated to

placed at the head of those waters which lead to

Crown

Crown

Point.

should be built to assert His Majesty's right to the lands there; it

seems

to

me from

the waters that

Thirdly for

it is

by what

I

necessary they

can conjecture

the motions of the French, that they will lay claim to the heads of

empty themselves

into the Rivers S' Laurence and the Missisipi,

and

if

all

they

carry these claims into execution, they will prove very detrimental and dangerous to the

—

British Colonies in North America. The other Forts I would propose are, one in the Onondages country, being the place where the General Councils of the Six Nations are held a proper officer posted here and made a Sachem by the Governor of the Province (the Governors of New York exercise this right) would have a seat in their Councils and with proper management might have a considerable influence in their deliberations The other Fort I propose to be built at a place called Tiorondequat in the Senekas country on the lake Ontario, about SO miles westward of His Majesty's Fort at Oswego, and near the same distance from the French fort at the great p-all of Niagara. At Tiorondequat there is very good land, and a settlement might soon be made under the protection of this fort. Here the Senekas river falls By this fort and settlement, and the trade carried on with into the Lake Ontario or Catraqui. the Senekas so near their habitations, we might soon gain the affections of these Indians, who are the most numerous of the Six Nations, and from hence we might in a little time be in a ;

condition to dislodge the French from Niagara, a fort they have built without

all

within His Majesty's territories being in the country of the Senekas, one of the

five

question

Cantons by the treaty of Utrecht to be subject to the dominion of Great Britain. Niagara is a remarkable and important pass between the Lakes Ontario and Erie, which the French forces use in their way from Montreal to the Ohio so that if we should become masters of it, there would be an end of their encroachments in that quarter, as they of Indians acknowledged

;

would then be obliged

to take so large a circuit

arising from these forts

who

are well affected to us,

inclined to the French.

and attended with such

difficulties, as would manner impracticable. The advantages would be very considerable, as they would encourage those Indians

render the marching a body of

Add

men

fix

to the

Ohio

in a

the wavery, and be a restraint and check on those

to this, if the

Fort

at

Oswego standing

at the

mouth of

who

are

the River

where it empties itself into the Lake Ontario, were enlarged and strongly garrisoned, the French might be deprived of all intercourse with the Onondaga and Oneyda Indians for one branch of that River comes from Onondaga and the other from the Oneida country, and after their confluence pass under the Fort at Oswego. If these things be done I am persuaded tiie Six Nations will readily join us in any enterprize against the French and we should soon be an overmatch for them & prevent them from drawing off' so many of our Indians as they continually do; for which purpose they spare no arts nor money. ;

I

had

last

month the honor of your letter of the 5"" July acquainting me with His Majesty's Companies within this government were found in so bad a condition. This

surprize that the

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

924

was what I could not immediately remedy and was owing to too great an indulgence before the administration devolved upon me. The two Companies sent to Virginia were as compleat I ordered the as they could possibly be made in the short time before they were embarked. two other companies remaining here, to spare all the men they could excepting men who were before ordered to reinforce the garrison at Oswego, which I looked upon to be in imminent danger from the numbers of French who pass in sight of that Fort in their way to the Ohio. These men were sent thither by my orders with three additional pieces of cannon powder and ball, and I am still apprehensive whenever the French meet with a repulse on the Ohio ( which from the assistance of money sent by His Majesty to Officers of the

the twenty five

Virginia will

I

hope be effected next spring) they will in their return endeavor fort repaired and done all in my power for

Oswego. I have had the The two Companies are now disposed

revenge

in

of L' Holland in the

at Fort

;

Hunter,

in

to

take their

its

security.

—

manner At Oswego 50 men under the command at the Fort the Mohawk's country, 25 under L' Roseboom in this

:

;

Mills; to take care of the Fort in this City an old

town of Schenectady 25 under L'

Albany; and I have given Companies kept complete and the men duly trained and exercised, that

Serjeant and thirteen invalids, and the rest with their Officers are at strict

they

orders to have the

may

be

fit

for service.

and the copy of that to Governor Shirley to stir up the manner as might merit His Majesty's most gracious All I could obtain was a vote to repay me for the expence of erecting a Fort on approbation. some part of Hudsons River to the Northward of the City of Albany when the amount thereof shall be known, provided it exceed not the sum of six hundred pounds: so that I must I

have made use of your

Assembly

letter

to exert themselves in such a

advance or engage myself

for this

sum, which

I shall

readily do, being for the security of the

me, as I have already advanced considerably, and have laid out since 1 came to the government fifteen hundred pounds above my own income, and have had no salary, owing to the Assembly's unwillingness to provide for the support of government in the manner prescribed by His Majesty's instructions. They will make no other Country, though

it

is

a great hardship on

than an annual provision. When I had gone thus .

far and was ready to close my letter to go by a vessell that sails had the inexpressible pleasure of yours of the 26"' of October, in answer to which I can now only express my most humble and hearty acknowledgements to His most gracious Majesty for his paternal care of us and the regard he has shewn for the security and welfare of his faithful subjects in these parts; and do assure you that I will exert myself to the

tomorrow,

I

utmost of

my

power

that

His Majesty's command be punctually obeyed.

I

am

Sir

The Right

Hon"'' Sir

Thomas Robinson

Your most obedient and most humble Servant James De Lancey,

LONDON DOCUMENTS LietUenant-Governa)' [

My

De Lancey

New-Tork

:

XXXI.

925

Lords of Trade.

to the

Papers, Bandle Kk., No. 40.

]

Lords,

1 had the honour of your Lord^P' your LordPP' sentiments on Indian

letter of the 6"" of

July

last,

and

Affairs; that the preserving

am

fully

acquainted with

and securing the Friendsiiip

of the Six Nations of Indians is in the present situation of Affairs an object of the greatest importance, and that nothing can be added to the weight of your Lord>'P' observations on that

The

head.

only method

I

conceive to attain this salutary end,

is

by building Forts to cover beg your Lordships

them against the

insults of the

patience while

lay iny thoughts before you, the' you will find a repetition of several things

which

I

French and their Indians.

have formerly mentioned. The French have all along had

shall therefore

I

I

them, and,

situated for

if

in

a design

their hands,

upon would

being most conveniently communication between his

this province, as

cutt off all

Majesty's subjects and the Six Nations, to the infinite prejudice of

hence

bend

I

apprehend we are

their

defend

in great danger,

whole force against

itself

this Province,

which

is

unable, with

Maj'^ be pleased to order a

New

the Northern Colonies;

its

own

first

opportunity,

strengtii only, to

against them.

In order therefore to prevent or defeat such an attempt,

Jersey,

all

and that the French will upon the

Regiment

into this Province,

I

would humbly propose that His

and to direct the Governours of N.

York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusets Bay, and

New Hampshire

to use

their utmost endeavours to bring their Assemblies to furnish tiieir respective Quotas, towards

building the several Forts following, to be garrisoned by the King's Troops but victualled by

the Provinces.

One on the Wood Creek, which is about twelve miles from Hudson's River, and One at the South end of the lake S' Sacrament; about twenty miles from that River. The Waters of this Creek and Lake, after their junction, pass Crown Point, and fall into the Lake Champlain, and so run into S' Lawrence River, and make the common passage between this Country and Montreal; and it is from this Creek and Lake that the French can and do enter this Province, Massachusets Bay and New Hampshire New Jersey Connecticut and Rhode Island, are covered by New York and Massachusets Bay.

—

There are many reasons why these Forts should be 1"

They

French

will be a security to the

will not

When

2*"^

be able

to pass,

Mohawk

built:

Indians and to the

Mohawks Country,

as the

towards them without a discovery.

His Maj"'' arms are employed on the Ohio, Beeve River, and the Peninsula on

Lake Erie, the French will probably make a strong push on the northern parts of this Prov" as being most defenceless, to cause a diversion this way, which, these Forts may the

prevent or obstruct. 3'"='

If there

should be a design against

Crown

Point, or even Montreal, these Forts will be

well situated to favor and facilitate such an enterprize, being placed at the head of the waters

which lead 4''''

what

It is I

thither.

necessary they should be built to assert His Maj'" Right to the lands there, for by

can conjecture from the motions of the French, they will lay claim to

the Waters that empty themselves into the Rivers S' Lawrence and Missisippi

;

tlie

and

heads of if

all

they carry

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

926

these claims into Execution, they will prove very detrimental and dangerous to the British

Colonies in North America.

The One

other Forts-1 would propose are: in the

Onondaga Country, being the place where

Nations are held; a proper Officer posted here, and

(who

made

a

the Gov' of

exercises this Kight) would have a seat in their Councils, and, with proper

might have a considerable influence

Six

the General Councils of the

Sachem by

New

York,

management,

and

in their deliberations,

other Fort to be built at a place called Tierondequat, in the Seneca's Country, on the

The

Lake Ontario, about 80 miles westward of His distance from the French Fort at the great

Maj'^"'

fall

Fort at Oswego, and nearly the same

of Niagara.

— At Tierondequat there

is

very

good land, and a settlement might soon be made under the protection of this Fort, if the lands were granted without rent for a few years, and afterwards at a small quit Rent, and the Here the Sen[e]ca River falls into the lake Ontario. Officers to pass the grants without Fees. By means of this Fort and settlement, and the Trade, which, in consequence, would be carried on with the Senecas so near their them,

&

own

habitations,

the affections of these Indians,

fix

from hence we might in a

little

Fort, they have built, without

who

we might soon

are the most

gain an ascendant over

numerous

of the Six Nations, and

time be in a condition to dislodge the French from Niagara, a all

question within His Maj'^' territories, being in the Country

of the Senecas, one of the Five Cantons of Indians

acknowledged by the Treaty of Utrecht

to

be subject to the dominion of Great Brittain. Niagara is a remarkable and important Pass between the Lakes Ontario and Erie, which the French forces use in their way from Montreal to the Ohio; so that if we become Masters of it, there would be an end of their encroachments on that quarter, as they would then be obliged to take so large a circuit, attended with such difficulties, as would render the marching a body of Men to the Ohio with their provisions ettc in a manner impracticable, and the gaining this pass would open a large Trade with the Indians, of which the French at present reap the sole benefit.

The advantages those Indians

who

arising from these Forts

would be very considerable: They would encourage

are well affected to us, fix the wavering, and be a curb on those

who

are

would be ours, by choice or necessity. Add to this, if the Fort at Oswego standing at the mouth of the River, were enlarged and strongly garrisoned, the French might be deprived of all intercourse with the Onondaga and Oneida Indians, for one branch of that River comes from Onondaga, and the other from the Onejda Country, and after their confluence pass under the Fort at Oswego into the Lake Ontario. Were these things eflfected, I am perswaded the Six Nations would readily join us in any inclined

the

to

French

;

so

that they

enterprize against the French; and as they have very large Alliances,

overmatch

for the

French, and prevent them from drawing off so

many

we

should soon be an

of our Indians as they

continually do, for which purpose they spare no Arts or Expence.

A

more necessary, and the necessity which the Colonies act, and some will not act at all, nothing is or can be done to answer effectually the good purposes of defeating the French Plan to render themselves Masters of these Countries, and to ingross all the Indian more

general Union of the Colonies becomes every day visible

Trade.

Albany.

I

;

for in the present disjointed

way

in

have sent your LordPi" the general plan of an Union concerted at the Congress at was then the general opinion that the Colonies would differ in their measures, and

It

disagree about their Quotas, so that

it

appeared necessary to have the interposition of the

British Parliament to oblige the Colonies; and

I

think

it

will not

be done otherwise.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XXXI. should be glad

1

New am

if

before, since

I

His Majesty

;

surprised, that the construction

taken notice of

bave made on the disputes between New York and is greatly concerned in that controversy, and I put on the Duke of York's grant of Jersey, had not been

the observations

Jersey can be of any service

927

1

appears so very obvious.

it

Jurisdiction will soon be settled by His Majesty's

hope a temporary

I

authority, that so the Mischief

line

of

which

is

justly apprehended from the heat and violence of the Jersey Proprietors may be prevented. I inclose your LordPP' a printed copy of the Report of the Council on the Steps taken by the Jersey Proprietors, to whom I had referred the consideration of those matters and your LordPP'

and 21. of the printed proceedings of the Assembly, the Report of a and in page 37. the Message of the house to me on that subject, which seem to me to evince the necessity of the speedy settlement of a temporary line and from these papers it will appear, that both, the Council and Assembly will find in pages 20

Committee of

that house on the Jersey line,

;

advise

me

to exercise the Jurisdiction of this

16S6, which

shall

I

endeavour

to

do

Govern' up

in the best

manner

I

to the

supposed

line of the

can, yet so as to avoid

if

year

possible

any mischief.

By that

an Act of this Colony passed so long ago as the 13"' of William the 3'^'', it is enacted Waghachemack,' and great and little Minisink should be annexed to the County of Ulster,

and that the Inhabitants thereof sbould give their votes Ulster; so that

it

for

Representatives

evidently appears that these places were setled above

fifty

in

County of

the

years ago under

this Province; and can anything be more unreasonable than that the Proprietors of Jersey should remove these ancient settlers upon a bare claim, and before any proof of right. This

Act

13.

Will™

3"^ is

entituled

"An

:

Act

for the

more regular proceedings

in the Elections of

" representatives for the several cities and Counties within this Province" and

was not made any dispute with the Jerseys, but on disputes which had arisen between the County of Orange, which lies next to Jersey, and the County of Ulster which lies to the Northward of Orange. Your Lord^P' will see the readiness of this Province to come to a final Decision of the Controversy by the Act enclosed. Your LordPP' an account that upon my calling the Assembly together, and I have given having pressed them to give their Assistance to Virginia towards enabling them to repel the with a view

to

French from the Ohio, they granted the sum of ^5000. which I sent by Capt" Legge, and safely to the hands of M^ Dinwiddle; They then in consideration of the season desired a short Recess, which I granted them. At their next meeting, having received your LordPP'

came

letter of the 5"" of

July 1754.

I

used

my

endeavours with them

to

come

into a

method of

supporting the Govern' agreable to his Majesty's Instructions, by urging the arguments in your LordPP' letter to shew the unreasonableness of an annual support, and its natural tendency to

draw the

they assure to

Officers of the

me

in

Crown

into a

dependance on the Assembly;

in

answer

to

which

the most solemn manner, that they have not the least thought or inclination

invade or incroach on any of His

Maj'*^''

just

and

rightful prerogatives, or to

endeavour

to

wrest out of his Royall Hands, any part of the executive powers of Govern', by the nomination

and appointment of

Here

is

Officers, or in

any other respect whatsoever

(ji

hereafter objected to them,

if

'

The Patent

of

Waghaghkemick wns grautoJ

Orange county, N. Y.

— Ed.

their proceedings).

may be

at

any time

they should again renew their old pretensions; but they would

not depart from the annual support, and sent up to the Council two

in

52 of

a formal disclaimer, of some of their former proceedings; which

to Tliomaa

Swartwout and others

in

1

.

Bills,

i7.

one, for paying

It lies

and

on the Ncversink River

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

928

discharging several debts due from the Colony to the persons therein mentioned, and the otiier

payment of the Salaries and services therein mentioned to the 6rst day of Sepf 1755, remain before the Council, copies of which are now sent to your Lord^P'. The difference between this and former Bills for payment of debts is that the Assembly before, used to make the money payable upon receit, which is now left to be drawn out by Warrant. for the

which

still

The Assembly's

persisting so obstinately in their resolution of supporting the Govern' only

from year to year, lays expence, and

all

me

this while,

under great

difficulties.

without salary, and

how

unless Your Lord??' will be pleased to think of some

recommending

my

case to His Maj'^, or otherwise as

have been and

I

shall extricate

I

method

may

am

at a

myself

to relieve

me

I

very great

know

not,

from them, by

be most proper.

and ruinous condition of the Fortifications, and the offered to the Assembly to give my assent to an Act for

In consideration of the wretched defenceless state of the province,

I

Paper money, for putting the province in a posture of defence, and securing the Indians in their fidelity to His Majesty, if they would frame the Bill comfortable' to the directions I received from your Lord??'; their answer to this proposal will be found in their address to me, striking

This address was presented to me by the whole house, and upon which they, the next day came to the resolutions in pages Lords in the greatest perplexity imaginable, not knowing how to act

pages. 52, 53. of the printed votes. I

answered

as in pages 58. 59.

it

60. 61.; so that I

am My

in this critical situation of Affairs. I must not omit to inform your LordPP' that upon my sending the Message which is in page 45 to the Assembly, with an extract of a letter of the 5"" of July from Sir Thomas Robinson, recommending to them to enable me to build a Fort on Hudson's River, for the defence of the

Northern Frontier; they desire

me

some meanes

expence

for defraying the

of ^600. which, tho' a small

emptied, for left

I

sum

to

take order for erecting such Forts, and engage to devise in general,

must either advance or engage

limit it to the sum come out of pockets already well this sum, or the work must be

and afterwards page 61.

in itself, yet is too

my

much

to

credit for

undone.

M' Kennedy His Majv» Receiver General, delivered me a memorial setting forth the the Quit Rents, and pointing out a method for the more easy and speedy recovery of the same, a Copy of which I ordered to be laid before the Council & Assembly, and a Bill was brought in for that purpose, but was not so far completed

difficulties in collecting

as to be passed the Council, but will finished and passed,

I

suppose be taken up at the next meeting, and then

by which means the collection of His Majesty's rents

will be greatly

and the Revenue regularly gathered in. I send the Naval Officer's Accounts as he has delivered them to me. The Treasurer has not yet sent me his in, but I believe your LordPP' will have a more distinct knowledge of the publick accounts from the State that is The published in the votes of the Assembly, than from any of the Treasurers own drawing.

facilitated,

accounts were examined and stated by the Representatives of the City of

New

York,

who

are

by a former Act appointed Commissioners for this purpose, and are good accountants, and had the sight and perusal of the Treasurer's Books. I

have

now

given

my

assent to twelve Acts, (which are put up in a

Box addressed

to

your

one passed at the former meeting, and the Minutes of Council from the 28"" May to tlie IS"" December 1754, and the Journal of the Council's proceedings in the present Session. Only two of the Acts require any thing to be said on them. LordPi") with

'

Sic.

conformable

— Eo.

LONDON DOCUMENTS The Act: "to prevent

New

Colony of

York."

is

XXXI.

:

929

malicious informations in the supreme Court of Judicature for the

framed from an Act passed

in the

4 and 5 years of William and Mary;

only instead of excepting informations by His Majesty's Attorney General; in this to preserve the King's Prerogative, there

a proviso, that

is

it

extend to informations exhibited by

shall not

order of the Gov"' in Council, or by order of the supreme Court.

Province have frequently

filed

Attorney Generals

in

this

information upon trifling grounds, at the desire of contentious

upon Tryal had appeared to be vexatious & frivolous. This gave occasion to came up to me, to M' Kempe His Maj'^'' Attorney General, he had any thing to object to the Bill, he sent answer by his son, that he would

persons, which

the Act

—

I

sent before the Bill

know if home against it. The other Act is "to empower Justices of the peace to pounds" The Justices by a former law had power to try to

apply

—

gives

them a

from forty shillings

to five

causes as far as forty shillings.

This

try causes

larger power, and tho' they generally are persons not well qualified for such a

Act provides that either party may demand a Jury to try the cause before the apprehend there can not be any very great inconvenience in the Act, as it is to continue but for three years. i am My Lords

trust, yet, as the

Justices;

I

Your LordPP" most obedient and most humble servant. Jambs

15 Dec"^ 1754.

Minutes of

the attendance

of the Agent of Neto - York on the [ Board of Trade Journal, No.

62.

De Lancev.

Board of

Trade.

]

Thursday, December Earl of Halifax

M"- Pitt.

R'Hon: Horatio Walpole.

M''

19. 1754.

Oswald.

New York was and moved their Lordships that he might be informed of what Resolutions their Lordships had taken upon the The Board being informed

that M'' Charles,

attending without, and had a motion to

Representation of the Assembly of Instructions

— Whereupon

New

make

Agent

to the

York, relative

upon which

it

appeared to

to

Governor's

M' Charles, that they were but two them to be necessary to come to any

Resolution, or to which any answer could properly be given

Assembly submit

in,

to the 39"" Article of the late

their Lordships observed to

parts of the Representation

Province of

for the

Board, he was called

;

viz' that

part in

which the

the consideration of this Board whether they have been guilty of any

disloyalty or disaffection to His Majesty, and that part in

which they desire the mediation of That with respect to the first, it never was the intention of this Board to charge the Assembly of New York with personal disloyalty or disaffection to His Majesty, and that it did not appear to them that any

the Board with His Majesty, that this Instruction

Vol.

VL

117

may

be withdrawn.

—

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

930 such charge

is

contained in that Instruction.

wrote their sentiments of

fully

— Tliat

upon that instruction

Making a proper Representation

to

when

Governor Shirley [ S.

Lieut Governor, and should not

His Majesty, whenever

necessary for His Majesty's service, or

fail

should appear to them to be

it

New Governor

a

Board had

as to the second point the

to the

should be appointed.

Secretary Robinson.

to

p. 0. Governor's Letters,

LXVIII. ]

Boston

New

England, Decern''

24"" 1754.

Sir I

may have sent you a copy of the proceedings of the Comm" of Governments upon this Continent lately assembled at Albany in the York least that, by any accident should have miscarry'd, I inclose you

suppose Gov. Delancey

several of His Majesty's

Province of

New

;

one here.

That meeting, respective

gave the Colonies concern'd a

Sir,

Comm"

a conclusive

in

manner upon

fair

opportunity of agreeing by their

Articles of

Union and Confederation

for the

general defence of His Majestys subjects and interests in North America as well in time of

peace as of war; and form'd as soon as

is

it

is

most evident that

their present state requires such an

possible, in order to put

Union

to

an immediate stop to the encroachm" with

be w"^""

the French have, ever since the conclusion of the late treaty at Aix la Chapelle, been and still

are surrounding

them and

to prevent the total defection of all the Indians, not already

gain'd over by that nation from the British interest.

The Commissioners of the Massachusetts Province were accordingly furnished with plenary powers for agreeing conclusively on the part of that government with the Commissioners of all or any of the other governments who should be convened at the Congress upon the Articles of such an Union;

but the powers produced by

may appear

all

the other Commissioners there, being

you Sir by the copies of them w"^"" are made part of the record of their proceedings) nothing binding upon their respective governments either for building forts for the defence of the country of the Five Nations or cementing a general Union of the Colonies, could be concluded and agreed upon by them. As to the plan of the proposed Union agreed upon by the Comm" in order to be layd before their respective constituents for their consideration, a copy of which is contain'd in defective, (as

to

their proceedings; they had no expectation that

plan

be form'd, as

I

apprehend, in

constitutions, situations, circumstances to their

agreement upon any one plan

upon one) It

to their

duly carrying

it

wi^^

it

the

will

several

and tempers, in

every

have any

will ever be

article, or (if

;

their

different

found an invincible obstacle

they ever should happen to agree

appears from that part of the proposed plan fram'd at Albany,

nothing under the force of that would is,

unite

into execution.

be established by Act of Parliam', that the opinion of the their opinion

nor could any proper

effect,

Gov" would

effect

w'^''

Comm"

provides that

there present

it

shall

was that

such an Union, and what seems to give weight to

that the Crown's recommendation of the Union proposed in

King William's

LONDON DOCUMENTS:

XXXI.

931

among several of the Colonies for their mutual defence, and the quotas of men and money allotted to each governm' to pay, never had the least eflect as I can learn. However tho' the Comm" have fail'd for want of sufficient powers to perfect an Union among the Colonies at their Congress, yet they have made a great progress in concerting the reign

proper measures for effecting one, and discovering the absolute necessity of it's being done without delay; and their several determinations upon this point seem to have pav'd the way clearly for His Majestys ordering a plan of an

of

it

by Act of Parliament,

inforc'd here

if

Union

to be form'd at

home, and the execution

that shall be agreeable to his royal pleasure.

Tliese Gentlemen, Sir, having been chosen

Comm"

by the General Assemblies of the several

Colonies W^' they represented at the Congress, tho' commission'd by the Gov" of them, must

be consider'd as the most intelligent persons of their respective Governm" in the general state of tlie Colonies, and as having a just attention to the interest of their own Colonies in particular, in all their consultations, so that their determinations of these

they were as a General

I

am

Union of

assured by the Massachusett's their Forces

Comm"

and Councils are necessary

from the incroachm" of the French.

points

very near unanimous)

serve as a present rule for fixing the several proportions

which

1" That

at this conjuncture for saving

w""""

bear of the charges of supporting the Governm' propos'd

to

in all

them

2 That an effectual scheme for such an Union can't be

carry'd into execution but by authority of the Parliament of Great Britain.

estimated

(

viz'

by the number of members allotted

for

.3.

What may

each Colony siiould be allotted to

be erected

in the

Plan, there

each Governm' to send to the General

ought to be look'd upon as and this together with their representation of the state of the Colonies seems to have laid a good foundation for immediately proceeding at home to the forming of a proper plan in all points for a General Union of the Colonies, settling the quotas of men & money for each Colony to find towards the charge of it as stated in the plan of the Comm" to be estabiish'd by authority of Parliam' and carry'd into execution in the Colonies without further consulting them upon any points whatever. As to the plan of Union form'd at Albany, I would beg leave. Sir, to submit the following remarks upon it to your consideration, viz' 1. That the reason of committing to the several houses of Representatives solely the choice of the Members which each Colony is allowed to send to the Grand Council, seems to be because it is propos'd that the Council should have power to levy taxes upon the People, w"^' it is thought could not be exercis'd by any Council whatsoever in the Colonies which should Council:

I say.

Sir, that

the declared sense

of

all

their determination of these points

the Colonies;

not be wholly chosen by the People, or at least by their Representatives, without raising a general dissatisfaction. 2.

That on the other hand

it

is

clear that as such Council can be consider'd no otherwise

than as the General Representative body of

Union, the giving treaties

to

with them,

them

in

all

the people of the Colonies compriz'd in the

making peace and war with the Indians and concluding of military commissions, in tiie power of raising troops and

a share in

the disposal

erecting Forts, would be a great strain upon the prerogative of the

Crown and

contrary to the

English Constitution.

That the command over the Militia, power of raising them by warrant of impress, marching them upon any service at least within the limits of the several Colonies, appointing all military Officers, erecting and demolishing of Forts, declaring war against the Indians and making treaties of peace with them; are vested solely in the respective Goveruours of all of them, '6

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

932 proprietary

and

as those whose Governm' is founded on His Majesty's two Colonies of Connecticult and Iliiode Island, whose governm'^ charters, by which the Crown hath divested itself almost of the whole as well

cliitrter,

commission, except

in the

stand upon their old

prerogative, and transferr'd

to the populace, in

it

are lodg'd, the Governours not having so

much

whom

the several above mention'd powers

as a negative in

any election of

officers or

Act

of Legislature.

4 That the institution of these old Charter Gov" infancy, tho' well

accommodated

in the

Colonies during the state of their

draw together numbers of

to

settlers in the

English Plantations and for the regulation of each settlement whilst

it

beginning of the

consisted of but an

means well calculated for the Governm' of them when the numbers and wealth. The present state of the Governm' The Colony is computed to have upwards of of Rhode Island is an instance of this. inhabitants and a proportionable share of property; the reins of their Governm' prove now so loose that a spirit of mobbism prevails in every part of it; they pay no regard to the Kings handfull of people, yet seems by no

inhabitants considerably increas'd

instruction,

and very

which they seem calculated for

little

to look

or

in

none to Acts of Parliament, particularly

upon themselves as freebooters, as

preserving

their

dependency upon Great

their

Trade, in

to Acts of

governm' was not originally

Britain,

they have

little

or

no

among them now, and their example hath by degrees infected His Majesty's neighbouring Governm" w"" irregularities which they might not otherwise have gone into. I appearance of

it

would be understood to speak this only of the natural tendency of their governm'. Their Assembly have given proofs of a public spirit for promoting the general welfare of His Majestys Colonies ag" the encroachm" of the French, and extending his dominions in America; they have a strong attachm' to His Majesty's person and the Protestant Succession in his family, and likewise to the English

Governm'

so far as

consistent w"" the spirit of riot w"*

it is

among them, & may be call'd rather the fault of the form of their Colony Governm' then of the people; The most considerate of which are said to be much tir'd of it. 5. That the unfitness of these old Charter Governm" for the Colonies when they are grown up and come out of their infancy, was I suppose the reason why in the beginning of King William and Queen Mary's reign the governm' at home refus'd to the old Massachusett's reigns

Colony to renew their Charter w*^"" had been vacated by a judgment Westminster Hall in a late reign, tho' their principles and loyalty

in

greatly

recommended them

to its

favour; but instead of that

put an end likewise to the Charter Colony of

New Plymouth

it

in the

Court of Chancery

to the

Crown

at that time

was thought good

and

to erect

&

policy to

incorporate the

Bay and New Plymouth, together w"" the Provinces of Main and Nova Scotia into one Province, which is now the present Province of the Massachusetts Bay, saving that the Crown hath disannex'd Nova Scotia from it, and to grant them a new old colonies of the Massachusetts

Crown hath resum'd its prerogative and this form of Governm' was as by the People of the old Charter Colonies, who were in a great measure governm' and former popular privileges, then became disproportion'd to the

Charter, wherein the readily accepted surfeited of their

;

state of the inhabitants.

The

result from these observations. Sir, w'''

I

would submit

the old Charter form of government, such as that

Union,

is unfitt for

ruling a particular Colony,

General Governm' and Impcrium over

all

it

is w'^''

is

to

your consideration

proposed

in the

seems much more improper

is,

that if

Albany plan of

for establishing a

the Colonies to be comprized in the Union.

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXXI.

933

The only

material difference between an old Cliarter Governm' and the Albany Plan appears by the latter it is propos'd that the Governour General shall be appointed and supported by His Majesty and have a negative in every Act of the Grand Council (as it is there called ) whereas in the former the Governour is annually elected by the People, dependent upon them for his support and iiath no negative in the Acts of Assembly. This is relied upon as a most favourable circumstance on the part of the Crown in the following remarks, drawn up by a gentleman who had a principle hand in forming the Albany Plan, viz' " That the Government or Constitution propos'd to be form'd by the plan consists " of two branc[h]es, a President General appointed by the Crown and a Council chosen by the " People or by the People's Representative w"^"" is the same thing '* That by a subsequent article the Council chosen by the Pa»ple can effect nothing without " the consent of the President General appointed by the Crown the Crown possesses therefore to be, that

;

"

full

one half of the power of

this Constitution."

" That in the British Constitution the

Crown

is

suppos'd to possess but one third, the Lords

" having their share. " That the Constitution therefore seem'd rather more favourable for the Crown" But it seems an obvious answer to say that the power of the President General w* in the remarks is called one half of the Power of the Constitution, is only a Negative one, stripped of

every branch of the prerogative, and It

may

but

•'

it

remark " that

to the

one

third of the

in favour of the

It

in the British Constitution the

power, the Lords having

in a small

degree.

mischief by any act of theirs,

their

Crown

is

supposed

may be

to possess

but

share ;" with the consequences

drawn from it the Peers of the Realm

Albany Plan; it seems a palpable error to suppose that Crown, weaken its influence & power in the state by

are created by the

of the three branches of

it

power

at best only a preventative

can't prevent mischiefs arising from their inactivity, neglect or obstinacy.

As

who

is

controll the other half of the constitution from doing

their being one

it.

further observ'd that the prerogative

is

so

much

relaxed in the Albany Plan, that

doth not appear well calculated to strengthen the dependency of the Colonies upon the

Crown I

;

have

which seems a very important article I am affraid. Sir, been too diffuse in

perhaps be expected that 1

have turn'd

my

I

in the

my

consideration of this

affair.

remarks upon the Albany Plan, and

should ofier some other plan in lieu of

thoughts upon one, Sir, and

it

may

it.

form'd a rough

sketch of

it

;

but as

I

understood the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations were forming a plan themselves, I did not think it

delicate a

work.

proper for I

me

to transmit

my

crude sentiments to you upon so difBcult and

am, with the highest respect. Sir

Your most humble and

The Right

Hon*"'' Sir

Thomas Robinson

most obedient Servant W. Shirley.

NEW. YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

934

Secretary Mobinson to the Governors in Noi-th America. [

Governors and Commanders

in

North America,

(

S. P. 0.

No.

)

"t.

]

Whitehall Jan^ 23. 1755. Sir,

The King, being determined

that nothing shall be wanting, towards the support of his

Colonies and Subjects in North America, has

commanded me

to signify to you, his Majesty's

augment the Regiments in British pay (viz' not only Sir Peter Halkets, and Col: Dunbar's, but, likewise those which are now employed in Nova Scotia) to the number of 1000 Men each, to which end, you will correspond with Major General Braddock, or the commander of the King's forces for the time being, from whom you will receive directions for the sending such contributions of Men, as shall be wanting, and to such places where the same shall be

intention to

quartered or employed under his command.

As

there

is

number

probably, a considerable

America, as among such Foreigners,

from Germany, who

will

who may

of persons, as well

among

the Natives of

be arrived there from different Parts, particularly

be capable and willing to bear arms upon this occasion the King does effect this intended augmentation ;

not doubt, but that you will be able by care and diligence to

and

to defray the

charge of levying the same from the

common

fund, to be established for the

benefit of all the Colonies collectively in North America, pursuant to His Majesty's directions, to

signified

you, by

encouragement (which you

my

letter of the 26"" of

who,

to all such persons

will assure

them

shall

in his Majesty's

October

engage in

name)

last,

for

that purpose

this service,

it is

and as an

;

the King's intention

that they shall receive

arms and cloathing,

and that they shall not only be sent back, ( if desired ) to their respective habitations when the service in America shall be compleated and ended, but shall be entitled in every respect, to the same advantages with those Troops which may be already raised in at the King's expence,

consequence of your former orders. I

am

ettc.

T P. S.

I

have received your (Gov' of N. Y.)

letters of

Ocf

S">

and 21" and Dec'

Order in Council appointing Sir Charles Hardy Governoi' of [

At the Court

at S' James's, the 29"" of

Present

Upon Trade

New-Tork

—

lo"-

New York -

]

January 1755.

The Kings most Excellent Majesty

in Council.

reading this day at the Board a Representation from the Lords Commissioners for Plantations dated the 28'" of this inst recommending Charles Hardy Esq', as a proper

&

:

Gov' in Chief of His Maj'>'' Province of New York, His Majesty in Council approving the room of Sir Danvers Osborn Baronet, deceased

person to be appointed Capl- General in

Papers, Bundle Kk., No. 85.

Robinson

&

—

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXXII.

935

hereby ordered, that the said Charles Hardy Esq'' be constituted and appointed Capl" Gen' & Gov"' in Chief of His Maj""'' said Province of NewYork in the room of the said Sir Danvers Osborn, Baronet, deceased. And that the said Lords thereof, is pleased to

Commiss" for

the

is

it

Trade and Plantations do prepare a drauglit of a Commission and Instructions Hardy, and lay the same before his Maj'^ at this Board for his

for

said

order, as

Charles

Royal approbation

W. Sharpe

Lieutenant-Governor

De Lancey

[8. P. 0.,

Qovemore'

Letters,

to

Secixtary Robinson.

LXVIII.]

New York

31 Jan. 1755.

Sir

In consequence of the letter which I had the honor to receive from you of the ae"" of I have ordered the Assembly to be called together before the time to which they

October,

were before adjourned, which was the second Tuesday in March. They are appointed to meet on the 4"" of February, when I shall lay your letter before them and press them to make provision to enable me to fulfill His Majesty's commands. I this week received a letter from Monsieur Du Quesne the General of Canada (a copy of which I enclose) in answer to mine of the 16"' of October. The answer is such as I expected; but it is beyond all doubt that the Indians domiciliated among the French dose not take any step against the inclination of the General.

commanding

Officer of

Oswego.

I

I

send and extract of a

should have been surprised at

letter I received tiie

from the

confidence with which

Canada tells our Indians tliat the English are sending him letters inviting him them to destroy the Indians, had I not heard the like piece of falsehood, but of a more impudent nature, from a French Indian last year at Albany, who told me that he heard the General of Canada in presence of many Indians reading a letter, as from the King of Great Britain to the French King, proposing to him to join his forces with the English to extirpate These are wicked and mean artifices and cannot make a lasting impression. all the Indians. Yesterday the Lieu' Colonels Ellison and Mercer came to this town I have ordered horses to be got for them to carry them to Connecticut in their way to Boston, for which place they the General of to join

;

weather permits. An active lively officer at the head of this Government, with a regiment, would be of great service at this time and have a great I am with great esteem influence among the Indians.

will set out as soon as the

Sir

The Right Hon'''' Sir Thomas Robinson

Your most obedient and most humble Servant James De Lancey.

;

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

936

Marquis du

De

Qtiesne to Lieutenant-Governor

Lancey.

LXVIII.]

[S. p. 0., Governors' Letters,

[TRANSLATED FEOM THE FKENCH.] Quebec

26. X''"

1754

Sir I

have received

tlie

letter

your Excellency did

which reached me on the IS"" instant. sentiments, which are entirely opposed barbarous acts

This

peace.

among His is

I

am

me

the honor to write me, on the 16"»

S*"",

your Excellency appreciates

my

flattered that

to exciting the Indians to go

Britannic Majesty's subjects, with

so respectable a course for me, that

whom we

shall not depart

I

and commit the most

are in the most profound

from

it.

Abenakis going to avenge the death of two of their but as all the Indian nations chiefs, whom the English killed, in the direction of Boston are free, and even pride themselves considerably on this freedom, the Abenakis sent me word, in the beginning of May, that they would be sorry to displease me, but that they were unable to control their young men, who were decided on going to avenge the death of their chiefs. I have, these

two

years, prevented the

;

A

River Indians, {Loups) settled near Orange.

on condition that they would not cause any complaint S' Frederic again to

protestations,

in

demanded my permission to I gave them permission, ordered the commandant at Fort

party from the village of S^ Francis and Becancourt urgently

visit their brethren, the

I

communicate

my commands

;

to

and

I

But

them.

after so

many

reiterated

did not, until they had returned home, learn the ravages they had committed

your Excellency's Government; that they had very adroitly kept the commandant of who on that occasion only followed the custom practiced at

Fort S' Frederic in ignorance, all

our posts, of furnishing provisions and means of transportation to

come and go. As for the rest,

all

the Indians

who

must assure your Excellency, that no person in this colony is ignorant of I have treated those Indians for not having submitted to my will I am certain, for had it been possible to chastise them personally, I should have done so however, that nothing further will occur in your government, since I have given orders to the commandant at Fort S' Frederic to withhold all supplies from them but I cannot omit observing to your Excellency, that Belts are transmitted by way of Choueguen to all our posts, to corrupt the nations which are attached to us; and that a number of these belts have been brought to me by the Indians themselves. This assuredly does not contribute I

the displeasure with which

;

;

to the

maintenance of good understanding, which

manner.

I

is

so

much recommended

cannot avoid reporting the matter to the King,

barbarous disorder the intractable Abenakis have committed

my

in

my

to us in an equal

Master, together with the

your government, contrary

intention. 1

have the honor signed

Du

to

be

Quesne.

to

LONDON DOCUMENTS: De Lancey

Lieutenant-Governor [

My

Lords of Trade.

to the

New.Tork Papers, Bundle Kk., No.

44.

937

]

Lords,

In consequence of a letter I

XXXII.

received from Sir

I

Thomas Robinson

have ordered the Assembly wiiich had been adjourned

me

to

;

fulfill

on them to without a paper emission,

;

I

shall be

under a necessity

funds for sinking the Bills be sufficient restraining the I inclose

thought

it

of the SG"" of October last, second Tuesday in March to be

meet the 4"" of February when I shall press them to make provision to what His Maj''' expects from this Province. I shall endeavour to prevail put the Country in a posture of defence but as these services cannot be carried on

called together, to

enable

to the

New

do

to

it

to give into

it,

tho' shall insist that the

in five years, agreable to the act

made

for

England Colonies.

your Lord^P' an extract of a

letter

from the Officer

very surprising that the General of Canada should

tell

at

Oswego.

should have

I

our Indians, that the English

them in destroying the Indians, had I not heard the like more impudent nature, from a P'rench Indian last year at Albany, he heard the General of Canada reading a letter as from his Maj'J" to the

are sending letters to him, to join

piece of falsehood, but of a

who

told

me

that

French King, proposing to him to join his forces with the English to extirpate all the Indians. I shall take the best measures lean to wipe away this foul aspersion by sending the Interpreter among them, and as they are in want of Corn, I hope a seasonable supply, as soon as the Rivers are practicable, will have a good effect to this purpose. have sent ten pieces of Cannon IS pounders ettc to

]

GoV

Shirley to be employed

in

executing a plan he has formed.

War

Assembly granted money for purchasing a quantity of Comm''" were appointed, who, bought up a large quantity, which was lodged in the magazine of this City, and there remained for several years, till M"' Kennedy His Majesty's Collector, seized the same as illegally imported, there being no doubt Dutch powder among it, as general quantities of it are run into this Province. The In the beginning of the late

gunpowder

affair is

for the use of the

now depending

Assembly

will be

the

Province, and

in a course of

Law, but

brought to raise money

for

if it

be not discharged,

I

am

persuaded no

Kennedy first filed an The cause is now depending in

purchasing any more.

information in the Admiralty Court whence

M''

it was dismissed. Supreme Court, when it shall have received a decision there, I shall let your Lord''?' know the result. The powder was purchased of the Merchants in the Town, and there was so great a scarcity then, that the exportation was prohibited.

the

I

take care to send the Intelligence

concerned

;

I

shall likewise

General Braddock on his

I receive of the motions of the French to the Govern** send the extract of the letter from Oswego to be delivered to

arrival.

send the two Reports of a Committee of the Council with affidavits annexed as also the Report of the proceedings of the Commiss" appointed on the part of New York, to settle I

;

the line between of

my

New

letter of the 15.

York and Massachusets Bay, with the Map to explain Dec' last. I am My Lords Your Lord^P"

it,

and a duplicate

—

most obedient & most humble servant 31 Jan^ Vol..

James De Lancev.

17-55.

VL

lis

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

938

Lieutenant Holland [

to

New- York

Lieutenant-Governor Papers, Bundle Kk., No.

De

Lancey.

45. ]

Oswego.

1 Jan'' 1755.

Sir,

news I have to Report your honour, is, that some of the Chiefs of our Five Nations went to Canada last Fall, are just returned, who say, they have settled the point they went on, which was, that this place and Albany should remain in peace and quietness All the

that

without molestation.

And by

(much in our interest) we have the Honour may think, worth some notice, viz*: That Canada they were spoke to, with a very large Belt of Wampum, by

private intelligence from one of the chiefs

following particulars, which perhaps your

on their

first

arrival in

Six different Nations of French Indians, advising and intreating them, as Brothers, to break the sale of the Lands they

made

to the

English on the River Ohio, and to have some

consideration for their offspring, for those, they called Brothers,

seeking both, their ruin and destruction.

He

(meaning the English) were

further tells us that on their arrival at Montreal,

was gone to Quebec, and they were desired to go down and speak to him, and they would receive large presents, to which they replyed, they did not come for presents, the Gov'' in Chief

home upon which, which was dispatched express to Quebec, and they detained for an answer, which in a few days came to the following purpose: "Children, I am heartily sorry we cant see one another now, especially as it is at a time when you have much need of my Paternal advice, for those whom you call Brothers, the English, are seeking your overthrow (especially the Virginians who are a very bad mischevious people) as I have daily letters from them and your other Brothers to join them, (and as you are but a handful of people) cut you intirely off from the face of the Earth, and then divide your Lands between us. But children, I will not listen to any such proposals, but upon Business, and

they could not be heard there, would return

if

they had a hearing, and their speeches taken

as

my

paternal care

on the River Ohio,

is

too great ever to suffer

I will

Wampum,

my

take to myself what

and since providence has ordered

it,

that

we

you may acquaint Treachery of your Brothers, and that you possible in the spring at Montreal, where I consult with you for the means of your

Belt of

down

that

I

children to be so used; but as to the lands

have a mind

all

my

the King, the metiiods

&

we

I

will

in defiance of the English,

(

I

send you this

Children of the Five Nations with the included ) meet me as early as you may Fatherly advice, as well as safety from the impending danger now we have come to a conclusion, you shall

Mohawks

shall give

future

threatened by your Brethren the English, and after return to your respective homes, and

to,

can not meet one another now, all

;

in writing,

go over

to

France, and report to your Great Father

agree on for your safety that

it

may meet with

his approbation

protection.

was arrived at Montreal from Ohio, who was to return Winter with a Reinforcement sufficient to Rout all the English from thence. I am also informed that the whole Five Nations are to meet this Winter at Onondaga, to consult on the Messages from the French and their Indians. I am ettc.

They

back

also Report, that an Officer

this

—

Kitchen Holland

Copy Exam"^ by G.

Banyar D

Seer"'

LONDON DOCUMENTS Lords of Trade [

To

May

the King's

New- York

XXXII.

:

King.

to the

Eotries, O., 363.

939

]

Most Excellent Majesty.

Your Majesty. Your Majesty's Order in Council, dated the 29"" of last Month, we have prepared the Draught of a Commission for Charles Hardy, Esq'" to be Captain General and Governor in Chief of Your Majesty's Province of New York in America, which being in the Usual form, we herewith humbly lay before Your Majesty and shall prepare the necessary instructions for him with all possible despatch. Which is most humbly submitted. Dunk Halifax it

please

In obedience to

J. Pitt.

Grenville

Whitehall

J.

Feb'y

R. Edgecumbe.

4. 175-5.

Governor Shirley [ 8.

to

Secretary lioljinson.

p. 0. Governors' Letters,

LXVIII.

]

Boston

New

England Feb

4.

1755.

Sir I

beg leave to take notice of a chart which M' Pownall hath transmitted

Halifax one part of the design of which

Colony

in

such a manner as to

make

is

to give a

to the Earl of

specimen of the disposition of an Indian

the Indians inhabiting

it,

a good barrier against the

French, and at the same time dependent upon the English.

The Indians in general are certainly uneasy at any incroachm" upon their lands whether by French or English could we but perswade them by such plans of settlements in their country as the inclosed Chart exhibits a specimen of, that the real design of the English was to protect them in the possession of their country, not to take it away, it would be carrying all points :

with them. I find

Sir

This seems to me an object well worth attention. by the Western prints that the Assembly of Pennsilvania

after

an absurd obstinate

dispute w"" Gov' Morris, ab' instructions, have adjourn'd themselves, whilst the

enemy

is

at

May, without doing any thing for the preservation of their country. The Assembly of Maryland hath likewise risen without doing any thing further than having rais'd a Company of 50 men, w'"' was done before. I can't find any appearance of South Carolina's being active in the common cause; and whether the populous rich country of X'irginia will pursue proper measures for retrieving the bad consequences of the defeat they have sufler'd from an invading enemy, thro' their former weak measures, I mean whether they will now act with suitable vigour, is not yet known. Every ninth fighting man went out of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay upon the expedition against Cape Breton and for the their doors, to the beginning of

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

940 Nova Scotia

defence of

be

rais'd

well

know

Sir

every

tvvelftii

what

New

part

fighting

man

at least in Virginia

would make a body of between Jersey hath acted, and the conduct of

of their country,

w'^''

York.

This behaviour seems

have

in so great a

home under

to

shew the

necessity not only of a Parliamentary Union, but taxation,

His Majesty's dominions upon

for the preservation of

at

enemy out

the

You

4 and 5000 men.

New

in 174-5. wliy sliould not

tliere to repel

measure abandon'd the defence

a necessity of taking care of

it

Assemblies and thereby lay'd His Majesty's Governm'

this Continent, w""" the several

of,

the State, by suitable assessm"

for

upon

the Colonies. I

am

with the highest respect Sir

Your most humble and most obedient Servant

W. P. S.

M'

I

perceive by a letter from Colonel

Galissoniere, in the spring

R« Hon'''' Sir

;

at least

Lawrence

y'

he

Shirley.

in expectation of a visit

is

from

preparing for his reception.

Thomas Robinson

one of His Majesy's Principal Secretaries of State.

Lieutenant-Governor

De Lancey

[New-York

to

the

Lords of Trade.

Papers, Bundle Kk., No. 49.]

New

My

York. IS"- March 1755.

Lords,

In consequence of a letter of the 26"" of October last from the Robinson one of His Maj'>^' principal Secretaries of State, I called the 4"" of February altho' they had been adjourned to the second LordPP' will find what passed by the printed votes the result of their

The first, for make them more

in three acts then passed.

which

heretofore,

The second

province.

employed

will

is

an Act

in fortyfying the City of

in fortifying the

Town

from Albany, .£1000

regulating the Militia,

serviceable and

for raising a

New

Hon'''' Sir

Thomas

the Assembly together on

Tuesday

in

March; Your

short meeting

made more

is

contained

effectual

than any

contribute to the security of the

supply of ^45000 of which =£20000

is

to

be

York, ^6000 in fortyfying the City of Albany, ^3000

of Schenechtady a place on the

for securing the

may

is

Right

Town

Hudson's River 18 Miles below Albany and

Mohawks River

16 Miles Northwestward

of Kinderhook a settlement on the east side of is

considered as a principal frontier on that side

of the River, .£600 for building a Fort on Hudson's River, above Albany. .£5000 to replace

the same

sum given

destination

and

may

land

them towards the place of

their

to Virginia and .£5000 for refreshing such of His Maj'^'' troops as

in this Province and for providing convenient transportation for for other extraordinary services

security of the Colony, the residue of the

which may be judged necessary to the use and to remain in the Treasury to be hereafter

money

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXXII.

941

Upon this Act I shall observe to your LordPP% that the monies appropriated are by order of the Commander in Chief with the advice of the Council, so that the Assembly liave receded from one of their ill grounded practices. Secondly, that they sent some of their Members to me, the' not publicly, to know what persons I would have in the Bill as Managers for laying out the money, whose names were put in the Bill, but notwithstanding, I insisted on it, yet I could not prevail on the House after the names, to insert these few words in the Bill (whom His Honor has thought proper to appoint) and I I hope the durst not risque the fate of the Bill by insisting peremptorily on this Point. necessity of securing the Province and of obtaining money for the use of the King's Troops under the command of General Braddock in pursuance of HisMaj'*''' pleasure signified to me by disposed

of.

to be issued

Thomas Robinson's

Sir

by giving

my

letter, will plead for

Law

for a

my

excuse in breaking through

my

Instructions

paper Emission without a suspending Clause;

1

could not

any other way, as your LordPP^ may be convinced of from what passed between and the Assembly on this subject last fall; I have done the best I could, I had the advice

money

get

assent to a

me

in

of his Maj'^'' Council for this measure,

I

had no view of advantage to myself, but the General

one, of providing for His Maj'^^ service and the preservation of a Country which

more concern

is

evidently

Empire in America than any on the Continent. These were the only interesting considerations which influenced my conduct; the goodness of the Fund and the short period in which the Bills are to be sunk will, I am convinced keep them up to the credit at which they are admitted. The Third act is to restrain the sending provisions to Cape Breton, and a very necessary measure, as the French can not well carry on their of

to

His

Maj'-''''

expeditions in North America without the supplies of Provisions from the British Colonies.

This Province and Massachusets Bay came into

it

about the same time, Jersey immediately

this seems to me a step of so great consequence as to deserve the attention of the British Legislature; if an Act of Parliament were passed for that purpose and to declare all vessells Trading in this way good prise and a few Cruisers stationed at Halifax in Nova Scotia to intercept them, it would be a great

after

and

I

hope the other provinces

will

do the like;

dissapointment to the French scheme of encroaching on His Maj'^' territories.

I

would not

omitt this opportunity by a Vessel to Holland to inclose to Your Lord^P' the votes and the three Acts in print, as

I

shall not

My

soon have one directly to England

—

I

am

Lords.

Your LordPP' most obedient and most humble servant. James De Lancey.

Govei'nor Shirley to Secretary Robinson. [ 8.

P. 0. Oovernors' LelterB,

LXVIII. ]

Boston

New England March

24"' 1755.

Sir

On last,

the IS"" Instant in the evening

transmitted to

me by Major

I

had the honour of your

letter

dated the 20"' of

November

Gen' Braddock, and have, pursuant to your directions

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

942

appointed to meet him at Annapolis in Maryland, (the place nam'd by himself) about the fourth of April, which

appreliend will be as early as he can

I

Annapolis, after he shall have received I

my

letter to

him by

come from Williamsburgh

to

the return of his express.

intend to set out upon ray journey for this purpose Thursday the SS"" instant, before

which time

I

can't possibly leave Boston without infinite prejudice to His Majesty's service in

am engaged

Governor Lawrence for dislodging the French from I have set on foot among the Colonies of New England and the neighbouring ones for dislodging them from their incroachments near Crown Point at the same time: the great importance of both which, to His Majesty's service upon the Continent of North America at this conjuncture, and the progress I have made in the enterprize

I

their incroachments in

Nova

in with L'

Scotia,

and the scheme

tliem are fully mentioned to you Sir in

them here. You will

my

other letters, that

easily conceive Sir from the part

the timely execution of them,

my

have

I

presence

is

in

is

it

me

needless for

both these expeditions,

here, untill I can finish

how

many

compleated

points necessary to be settled

Point, and putting before

I

meet

it

in

for that in

among

motion before

my Assembly, which

I

Nova

and

to the

I

have reason

adjusting of the very

the Colonies concern'd in that destin'd for

set out for

Annapolis

;

neither of

stands prorogu'd to the 25"" Instant,

to put these affairs into the best train I can, for going

possible to return from

Scotia,

essential to

the necessary

all

dispatches and orders for the fitting out and imbarcation of the 2000 men, which to think are near being

to repeat

on during

my

when

I

Crown

can be done

W^""

shall

absence, and

I

endeavour propose

if

the interview w"" General Braddock in time to finish every thing

and to put my own Regim', which I compleated in three weeks, into the best order the short time will allow, for

requisite for carrying both the expeditions into execution will be

hope

receiving General Braddock's orders.

The

General, in a letter

of operations he proposes the

same time

to

I

had the honour

is to

to receive

from him, acquaints

me

that the plan

begin with the attack of the French Forts upon the Ohio, and at

attempt the reduction of those at the Falls of Niagara

these purposes he intends as soon as the transports arrive with the

two

;

that for the Irish

first

of

Regiments, to

forces he shall have with him, amounting as he expects in the whole 2300 British and Provincial troops, and to pass AUeghenney Mountains the latter end of The other part of the service he proposes to put under my direction and to appoint me

march himself with the to about

April. to

march

as early as possible with the corps of the

two American regiments

to the attack of

the Forts at Niagara, in order to cut off their communication with the French to the Northward

by intercepting their reinforcements and to prevent their retreat. Nothing in my opinion Sir, can be better projected than this scheme, or coincide more with the enterprizes set on foot in the Colonies of New England before the General's arrival in America. If all of them are successfully executed it would settle every point with the French this

year; the demolition of their Forts upon the Isthmus, S' John's River, at

Crown

Point,

the Falls of Niagara, and upon the Ohio, and erecting defensible ones at those places and

near the head of Kennebeck for His Majesty, would most effectually rid his Colonies of all incroachments, establish a barrier for them against all attempts either directly from Europe

upon their sea coasts or thro' the River S' Lawrence, the Great Lakes and the River Ohio on the back of them and by putting His Majesty into possession of the principal passes into Canada, go half way towards the reduction of that whole country. ;

LONDON DOCUMENTS:

XXXII.

943

would have been very practicable to have executed in this spring and the succeeding summer every part of the before mentioned general scheme if the five most Western Colonies had exerted themselves for their own defence, as much as the Province of the Massachusett's Bay and other Colonies of New England have done for the general service; including the SOO men, rais'd last fall for the expedition up Kennebeck River and building a Fort there, and the men that are already and will be rais'd towards compleating the two American regiments and those for the protection of Nova Scotia and His Majesty's lauds at Crown Point, upwards of 4500 men will have been raised within the Massachusetts Bay, 2000 of them at the expence of that government, and the three other New England Governments have voted 2100 men It

besides, for the service at

Crown Point

The

at their charge.

being harrass'd by a dangerous and increasing enemy

five

most Western Colonies alter two defeats

at their doors, after suffering

much richer than those of New England, have not as men for their own defence, nor a man towards augmenting the two British regiments to 700 men a peice, as was proposed by the Crown. The effect of this backwardness in them may be to make it questionable wether the General will be strong from them, and tho' more populous and far as I

can learn, raised above 1100

enough

in conjunction

with the Provincial troops in Virginia and the corps of the two American

Regim" supposing the former

to

wholly undisciplin'd, to 1700

(w'^''

amount will

French Forts upon the Ohio, and

at

to 1300,

make up the

and the his

latter,

whole

w'^''

force of

raw

troops almost

4000 men)

to attack the

are

alt

same time attempt the reduction of those near

the Falls of Niagara.

However

if

the General should finally judge

it not adviseable to make both attempts with with the main body of his forces to attack the French of Niagara, sending only such a detachment to the Ohio as might amuse

his forces divided, but proceed

Forts near the

P'alls

first

the French Forts there with the expectation of a speedy visit from him, the reduction of the

mentioned forts would penetrate into the heart of their incroachments upon the Great Lakes and the Ohio, and by cutting off all communication between Canada and their forces upon that river, leave them an easy prey to famine, if no other stroke should be given them (w'^'" yet might be done soon after the reduction of the Forts at Niagara was effected) and make them in a short time be glad to accept of a safe passage back to Montreal, if that should first

be permitted to them.

The

dislodging of the French from these Forts Sir, and building a

some where on the Streight between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario with one or two vessells of force upon each Lake to command the navigation of them, and a few small fortify'd places of Shelter upon the River Ohio, would in all appearance most effectually put defensible fort

an end to the encroachments of the French there from Montreal expected from the Missisippi, after their support from Canada

they would scarce attempt any, or

if

and as

;

to

those

w*^""

may

be

seems probable that they should, that a most easy conquest might be made is

cut

off,

it

of them.

Having observed

to you. Sir, of

what importance

I

conceiv^the reduction of the French

Forts at the Falls of Niagara would be to His Majesty's Western Colonies

now

proceed to state the advantages which

I

apprehend would

in particular,

arise to all

general upon this Continent from the operations proposed to be carry'd on at the in the Eastern part of

The importance

I

shall

his Colonies in

same time

them.

of the Province of

Nova Scotia to Great Britain consists in the following Mire possession of it, the French will not he

particulars viz' whilst the English remain in the

able either to assemble or subsist for any long time a large

body of regular troops

in

the

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

944

Eastern parts of this Continent, without great difficuUy; the Island of Cap Breton and country of

Canada

can't produce provisions

Ocean,

&

their navigation from thence to

Lawrence,

is difficult

at all times,

frequently lose a large ship in

And

sufficient to support

The French have now but one harbour

foreign supplies.

in these

Canada

w'^''

their present inhabitants, without

in North

America upon the Atlantick

lies thro'

the Gulf and River of S'

and practicable but a few months

in the year, so that

they

it.

much

disadvantages of the French, very

lies

English

the security of the

Northern Colonies against the power of France. But if the French should make themselves masters of that Province which

is

the key of

all

the Eastern Colonies upon the Northern Continent on this side of Newfoundland, abounds

with more safe and commodious harbours capable of entertaining large squadrons than the

same extent of Sea coast in any other part of the world, and hath a fertile soil for provisions of all kinds they would then have it in their power to introduce into North America directly from old France, and to support a very considerable number of land forces. ;

The

loss of this

Province would most probably be attended with a further immediate loss of

the most Eastern parts of

which

New England

and the whole Province of

tract of territory is contained that part of the

New Hampshire

;

within

King's woods from whence the Royal

is almost wholly supply'd with masts yards & bowsprits, and a sea coast of fifty leagues upon the Ocean, besides that round the Bay of Funda. The acquisition of it by the French would give them the Cod fishery of New England, Nova Scotia and the whole of that in the Gulf of S' Lawrence, w"^"" together with that which they already have upon the coast of Cap Breton and Banks of Newfoundland would maintain an immense nursery of seamen to man their Navy, and this advantage with the great extent of Sea Coast it would give them upon the Atlantick Ocean and the numerous harbours there, situated well to intercept all the trade w'"" passes thro' the Western seas in their return to Europe from the East and West Indies and South Sea, might go far in time towards putting it into their power to dispute the mastery of this part of the Atlantick Sea with the navy of

Navy

Great Britain.

Another advantage W'' the French would gain by whole,

is,

that the Province of

leagues from the Island of

an hold upon

this

Nova Scotia

Cap Breton, and

all

this

acquisition,

these held together would give them so strong

Continent, as might enable them in the end thro' the

they have over the English Colonies

in

and would crown the

contiguous to Canada and but 2 or three

lies

many

other advantages

time of war from the form of their government, their

influence over the Indians and compactness of their territories, to accomplish the reduction of

every one of them. It

would

at least, as I

have taken the liberty

to

observe to you Sir in another

letter,

be the

business of a long and successfull war, to recover the Province from them.

The

negociations preceeding the treaty of Utrecht shews with

was brought

at the close of a

war which had much enfeebled

how

great reluctance France

her, to consent to yield

up

this

Province to Great Britain.

The

artifices

which she hath used

to elude the

Treaty ever since the making of that cession

the hazard she run in losing above half her Naval force in the late

war, under the

Duke

when His Majesty had

d'

armament fitted out during the (now Halifax) at a time

Anville for the harbour of Chebucto

a squadron of seven ships of the line in the harbour of Louisbourg

and there was the utmost reason

to

apprehend that a much larger squadron would soon arrive

— LONDON DOCUMENTS: there from England

XXXII.

945

the immoderate claims the French Ministers have

;

made

since the treaty

Canada from the Southern bank of the River Royal upon the Peninsula on one side of the Bay of Funda

of Aix la Chapeile for extending the limits of S'

Lawrence

and

to the

as far as Annapolis

River Kennebeck on the other side of

it,

claiming even the Islands of Canso, and

leaving no part of the Province to Great Britain except the spot upon vphich

and garrison of Annapolis stand, and a narrow

the City

upon the Sea Coast from Cap Sable to the Islands of Canso exclusive; as also the manifest incroachments she hath made in contempt of the faith of treaties upon the lands concerning which a negociation was then actually depending slip

:

I

say, Sir, these circumstances

the Court of France and

The

observations

shew how great an object

how much

have made Sir

I

it

the Province of

hath the reduction of

my

in

it

Nova Scotia

is

with

at heart.

former letters upon the progress which the French

have already made therein, make it needless for me to trouble you with the repetition of them in this, and Governour Lawrence's letters fully shew the great danger there is that the French will very soon extend their incroachments upon the Peninsula, unless they are prevented by our striking the first blow as early as may be this spring.

And

seems clearly

this Sir

the measures which signify'd to us in

me in As

October

M''

your

taking

all

to the other enterprizes set

of General Braddock, the effect

it

may

I

have concerted

letter of the 5"" of July,

last, for

it

have

without delay>

to evince the necessity of carrying into execution,

Lawrence and

in

consequence of His Majesty's orders

and repeated

in a duplicate of

advantages to attack the French Forts

on foot

in

the Colonies of

New

in

it

transmitted to

that Province.

England, before the arrival

seems most evident Sir that the attempt against Crown Point, besides for facilitating the execution of the intended

reclaiming the Indians of the Six Nations and

tiieir Allies,

as

is set

one

in

Nova Scotia

&

forth in the inclos'd extract

who is the best judge in America of their dispositions, must greatly facilitate the reduction of the French Forts near the Falls of Niagara and securing that pass, by the very great diversion it must necessarily make of their forces at Montreal, (from whence their Forts at Niagara must expect their whole support) for the protection of that part of the country; especially if another sliould be made at the same time at Quebec, by a feint on the River Chaudiere, as I propos'd in my speech to the Assembly, and the expediency of securing the two most important passes into Canada, by erecting two Forts, one at or near the head of the river Kennebeck within a few days march of the City of Quebec, and another of a letter from Colonel Johnson to me,

from at Crown Point within near the same distance from their other capital city of Montreal both which sudden descents might be made into the heart of Canada at the same time; is so ;

apparent that

I

need not observe upon them. I am, with the highest respect Sir

Your most humble and most obedient Servant

W. Shirley. The

R* Hod'''" Sir

Thomas Robinson

Kn' of the Bath, one of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State.

Vol. VI.

119

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

946

Johnson

Colonel

Governor Shirley.

to

[8. P.O., Governors' Letters,

LXVIII.

]

Extract of a letter from Colonel William Johnson to Governour Shirley, dated

New York March The

Six Nations consider the

further to the

Northward

were not only ready afterwards

when

it

lands on

as belonging to

w"^'"

Fort S' Frederick

them, and when

this

is

war

it

was proposed

being laid aside, and

if

to

built

and considerahly

encroachment was

to join but sollicited the English to drive off the

in the late

but to no purpose,

l?"" 1755.

first made, French from thence, and

reduce that fortress engag'd heartily in

the being so often trifled with and the

it,

want of

women and children and themselves in case of need to retire to (which they have frequently complain'd of) does not now deter them, I think I can, upon proper encouragement, engage the assistance of two or three hundred, which I think a sufficient number, and if we succeed it will not only reclaim those who are lately gone over to the French but probably the Coghnawages too, and attach the whole body of the Six Nations and their allies so firmly to the British interest, that we might depend on their assistance at This and the all times if not wanting to our selves in a due management of their affairs. places of security for their

success of your Excellency's plan of operations to the Eastward, which

we have

little

reason

would revive their spirits and convince them we mean in earnest to oppose the French vigorously. For while they observe the French so active and enterprizing, and we on the contrary intirely inattentive to our interests they will be averse to the taking any step to

doubt

of,

may draw on them the resentment of the French. Your Excellency's letter to Gov' De Lancey of the 24"" Ult" hath determln'd him to call the Assembly who are to meet here the 25"" of this month, and in the mean time the Gentlemen of the Council and six of the Members of the Assembly now in town are to confer with M' Pownal on the proposals from your Governm' w'"" I heartily wish may be attended w"" the The Council as far as I can observe will come into the scheme. I can say desir'd success. nothing as to the liOwer House, and until I know the result of this Governm' or your Excellency points out to me in what manner I may be of service either in engaging the Indians

that

or otherwise, should the expedition go on,

however

to

I

cannot be very

explicit.

mention that a great number of battoes will be wanting

It

may

be necessary

to transport the provisions,

provided for the late expedition intended to Sif^ none of those being left which were Canada, and should your Excellency determine to proceed, I apprehend workmen should be employed to make them as soon as possible as many as can should be made here, for building a great number at Albany or Schenectady may be the means of apprizing the French of our stores,

;

them on their guard. have been detained here since the first notice of Commissioners setting out from your Governm' and as my staying can be of no service to further the scheme on foot, I propose to leave this place on Tuesday or Wednesday next, imagining I shall know by that time the opinion of the Gentlemen who confer with M' Pownal, and on my arrival at home can be

design, and put I

taking the proper measure to prepare the Indians in case their assistance should be wanted, which is very necessary, and may be done without even raising in them a suspicion of our real intentions.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: Vour Excellency's

XXXII.

947

His Majesty's service and the welfare and security of his Colonies, any thing that the measures you are at present taking; and if all the Colonies propos'd to be engag'd in the operations this way, act with equal spirit with your own, I think at this favourable juncture we have well grounded hopes of a happy issue. It is my own and the opinion of every one I converse with that should the General begin the attack at Niagara (leaving a few men towards the Ohio to keep the French in expectation of a visit there) it would be the speediest method to deprive them of their incroachm" on the Ohio, which they would soon find themselves under a necessity even to abandon, if we take and keep possession of that important pass. is

zeal for

more conspicuous

not

in

Lords of Trade [

To

May

their Excellencies the it

to the

New-York

Lords

Justices.

Entries, O. 363. ]

Lords Justices

please your Excellencies,

In obedience to his Majesty's

Commands

signified to ns by His Majesty's order in Council have prepared draughts of General Instructions and of those which relate to the observance of the Acts of Parliament for the encouragement and regulation

dated the 29 of January

last.

We

Hardy Knight whom His Majesty has been pleased to in Chief of His Majesty's Province of New York in America In which draughts we have made alterations from, and additions to the Instructions given by His Majesty to Sir DanversOsborn Bar' His Majesty's late Governor of this Province of Trade and Navigation for Sir Charles

appoint Captain General and Governor

in the following particulars Viz'

Upon a late revisal of the general instructions heretofore usually given by His Majesty to Governors of His Majesty's several American Colonys it appeared that by a frequent insertion of the Additional instructions given from time to time and by not observing a proper method in them the order in wliich the said general instructions had been first arranged was altered and matters which [had] no proper relation to or connection with each other, so intermixed and blended together as to create confusion and perplexity; We have therefore in this Draught which we now humbly lay before your Excellencies so arranged and digested the several Articles as that those which relate to the same subject and have a proper connection with each other may be found together we have likewise in many places where the expression might inserting

admit of a doubtful construction endeavor'd to make them more explicit but as detail of these variations or of

such as are merely

literal

seems

to

be unnecessary

point out to your Excellencies such essential alterations as have been

made

we

a

minute

shall

in the

only

subject

matter of these Instructions.

We

the first Article in which his Majesty's Council for this Province are named names of eleven persons as they stood in His Majestys former Instructions to the late Governor leaving out the name of Daniel Horsmanden who tho' formerly appointed of His Majesty's said Council was suspended from his seat by George Clinton Esq when Governor

have

in

inserted the

:

NEW-YORK COLONIAL IMANUSCRIPTS.

948

of this Province and did in consequence thereof present a petition to His Majesty praying to

be restored which petition

is

now

before his Majesty for his Majesty's determination thereupon

your Excellencys that this Gentleman has since in this Province and having in the execution of this office acted with a due regard to His Majesty's Service and no complaint having been made against him we humbly submit it to your Excellencies whether it may not be for His Majestys Service that he should be restored to his Rank and Seat in His Majestys said Council

we must however humbly been appointed a Judge

beg

in the

to represent to

Supreme Court

liis name accordingly inserted in this Instruction. The 19 Article is in lieu of the 39 Article of the Instruction given by his Majesty to the late Governor wherein his Majesty was pleased to signify his disapprobation of the extraordinary

and

conduct and proceedings of the Council and Assembly of this Province during the administration of the Hon''" George Clinton Esq: of their unjustifiable encroachments upon his Majestys Rights and prerogative and of their unwarrantable and

illegal

attempts to wrest the powers of

Governor signifying at the same time his Majesty's pleasure that the Governor should recommend to them to prepare a proper law, for establishing a lasting and permanent Revenue for the support of Government as the only effectual method of restoring peace and tranquility to the Province and preventing the like disorder and irregularities for the future and lastly directing his Majesty's Governor to remove

Government out of the hands of

any of

his Majesty's

Council or other

his Majesty's

officers

appointed by his Majesty

join in such unwarrantable measures for the future this instruction

was

who

should concur or

laid before his Majesty's

Council and Assembly by James Delancey Esq: His Majestys Lieut' Governor of New York and from the letters and representations which we have since received from thence it appears that his Majesty's Council truly sensible of the Justice of his Majesty's sensures

upon

their

former conduct have since shewn a proper regard to their duty and obedience to his Majestys commands and have always appeared ready to oppose any measures which the Assembly might propose and which appeared to them inconsistent with his Majesty's just Rights and the true constitution of that Province.

We

hope

this Instruction

may

have had the like good

upon the minds of the Representatives of the people and that they will for the future by shewing a proper regard to what shall be recommended to them from his Majesty and by departing from all unwarrantable and illegal encroachments upon his Majesty's Rights and prerogative attone for the errors of their former conduct We have therefore thought it advisable to leave out those parts of the Instruction which contains his Majesty's censures upon the

effect

former proceedings an[d] also the later part of it directing a removal of such of the Council who but have retained the substance of that shall be guilty of the like misconduct for the future part which directs th«i Governor to recomend to the Council and Assembly to consider of a ;

proper law for establishing a permanent Revenue for the support of Government which we are humbly of opinion is essential to the future peace and security of that Government and by

which alone to

real Stability

your Excellencies that

can be given to it

it.

was not tyed up from

Majesty's Governor

We must

however beg leave humbly

being doubtful whether by the

Words

to represent

of the former Instruction his

assenting to any law for

making provision

for

We

have thought it he should have obtained a permanent Revenue advisable in the present critical situation of affiiirs in America to alter the Instruction in such security and a manner that upon any great and sudden emergency wherein the immediate

temporary services

preservation of

necessary he

until

tliat

province or any of the Neighbouring ones

may be

at

may make an immediate supply

Liberty to assent to a law for making provision for such Exigency's

although a law for a permanent Revenue should not have been passed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: The 21

which contains regulations

Article

XXXII.

949

Governors condnct with respect to the former Instructions by which his Majestys Governor was restrained from assenting to any law for this purpose witiiout a clause suspending its execution until his Majesty's pleasure might be known and it having been emission of paper

bills

of credit

is

for the

in lieu of the Article of the

represented to us that in case of any great or sudden emergency the most effectual and least burthensome method of raising supply's would be by issuing bills of Credit, we have thought it

in

advisable to alter the Instruction so that upon any such great and sudden emergency and such case only the Governor may be at liberty to assent to a law for issuing a reasonable

Quantity of such

them within

bills

of credit provided proper funds be establish'd for calling in

a limited time and that they be not declared to be legal tenders in

&

cancelling

payment

of

any

debts dues or demands whatever. In the 43 Article which contains regulations for the Gov" Conduct in case of suspension of any of the patent Officers or their deputy's we have inserted some words to make those regulations to extend to cases where the deputy may happen to dye which was not provided for by the former Instruction from whence great inconveniences and disputes had arisen The 95 and 96 Articles of the former Instructions ascertaining the Quota of men and money to be sent to New York by the neighbouring Colony's for erecting Forts and in cases of distress by invasion or otherways having been found entirely ineffectual and the Quota therein

prescribed bearing no proportion to the present circumstances of the Colony's we have entirely omitted those Articles the purposes of which are fully provided for by the plan of Union of the Colonies which we have lately humbly laid before his Majesty.

Great Complaints having been lately made by the Five Nations or Cantons of Indians that made upon their hunting grounds contrary to express and solemn treaty's and engagements heretofore made with them by his Majesty's former Governor of this settlements had been

Province and that they were dispossessed of their Lands in other places by persons claiming them under fraudulent purchases and great discontents and uneasiness appearing amongst the Indians on this account which in the present situation of affairs might be attended with very

we have thought it for his Majesty's service to insert the 91, 92 & 93 which recites the treaty made with them in the year 1726 and the deed by wliich they surrendered their hunting grounds to the Crown to be protected and defended for their use and enjoins the Governor not to grant any lands or suffer any settlements to be made within the limits mark'd out in that deed the other two enjoin him to enquire into and use his fatal

cansequences

Articles the

first

of

utmost endeavours to redress the complaints of the Indians with respect to the Lands which they say have been taken from [them] by fraudulent purchases not to suffer any persons to purchase lands of the Indians without a licence from him and prescribe the regulations under which such licenses are to be granted in order to prevent the Indians being defrauded in the

manner they

set forth in the

and others upon

These may

it

many

representations they have

made

to his Majesty's

Governors

this subject.

please your Excellencies are the only essential alterations from the Instructions

we have added to this draught which have been given from time to time to the Governors of his Majesty's other Colonys but which have been omitted in those given to the Governor of New York tho' given by his Majesty to the late Governor excepting that several Instructions

equally well adapted to the circumstances of this Province

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

950 Ill

the draughts of the Instructions for the observance of the Acts of Parliament for the

encouragement and regulation of trade and Navigation we have made no alteration from those approved of by

his

Majesty for the

late

Governor All which

is

most humbly submitted

Dunk Halifax Pitt

J.

Grenville Fran: Fane James Oswald

J.

Whitehall

_

Ap' 22. 1755.

R.

Lieutenant-Governor [

De Lancey

New-York

to the

Papers, Bundle Kk., &4.

Edgcumbe

Lords of Trade.

]

4"-

My

April 1755.

Lords,

Since my last of the 18"" of March, I again called the Assembly together on the 25"' of the same Month, and acquainted them with the arrival of General Braddock, and the two Regiments in Virginia, and recommended to them the enabling me to quarter Troops ettc. and to contribute to a General fund for Articles of a more general Concern, agreable to His Maj'*'* pleasure signifyed in Sir

them

a Plan of

M''

Thomas Robinson's

Shirley's for attacking

letter of the 26"' of October.

Crown

Point, and desired

also laid before to

make

better

my

Message inclosed. The result they met on Tuesday and broke up on Saturday) is contained in

provision for supplying Oswego, as your Lord''?' will see by of this sliort meeting (for

J

them

their votes.

Instead of providing for Quarters, they desire

Barracks

for

accommodating

and other necessaries

his

Maj'''''

for the Barracks.

I

Troops; and 2"""^

They declare when the

general fund for the service of North America,

they having already given M"' Shirley's

five

would repair the old and build the new could not prevail on them to find bedding

I

their readiness to contribute to a

other Colonies shall

thousand pounds towards assisting Virginia.

plan and will bear their proportion

if

3'"^

the General approves of

its

come into it, They agree to being carried

which will appear by the papers inclosed; and they have provided for the more punctual payment of the Contractors for supplying Oswego. I thought it my duty to take this opportunity, though by the way of Holland, to acquaint your LordPP' of these

into execution.

matters

—

I

am

All

— My Lords.

Your Lordships most obedient and most humble servant

James De Lancet.

— LONDON DOCUMENTS: Secretary Poionall

To

the

Hon'''''

W»

Murray Esq'^ His

951

Attorney -General Murray.

to

New-York

[

XXXII.

Entries, B.

Maj"'"'

P

,

p. 3.

]

Attorney General.

Sir.

Sir Charles Hardy, whom His Majesty has been pleased to appoint Governor of New York being to embark in a few days for His Govern', I am directed by the Lords Commiss''^ for Trade and plantations to send you the enclosed state of a Case, to desire the favour of your

opinion upon

it,

as soon as

you conveniently can,

properly instructed thereupon.

I

end that Sir Charles Hardy may be

to the

am Sir

Your most obedient servant John Pownall.

11 June 1755.

[

New-York

Entries, B. P., p. 4.

]

Case. M"" Clinton, the late Gov' of New York, was empowered by letters Patent under the great Seal "to constitute and appoint Judges, and, in cases requisite, Commissioners of Oyer and " Terminer, Justices of the Peace, and other necessary Officers and Ministers in the said "Province, for the better administration of Justice and putting the Laws in execution"

By the Sg"" Article of his Instructions he was directed " not to displace any of the Judges, " Justices, Sheriffs, or other Officers or Ministers within the said province of New York without " good and sufficient cause to be signified to the King, and to his Commiss" for Trade and :

"plantations"

— and

in

order to prevent arbitrary removals

of Judges and Justices

of the

was further directed by the same Instruction " not to express any limitation of Time in the Commissions which he should grant, with the advice and consent of the Council of the said Province, to persons fit for those employments" Some time after M"' Clinton's arrival in his Govern', he gave a Commission under the seal of New York to James De Lancey Esq"'' to be Chief Justice during his good behaviour, wiiich peace, he

—

had before that time been usually held during pleasure. time after, M' Delancey obtained his Commission of Chief Justice during good behaviour. His Majesty was pleased to appoint him Lieut' Gov'' of the province of New York ; in consequence of which, the Administration of the Government of that province, and the office

Some

Custody of the public devolve upon him.

Query

Was

seal thereof, did,

upon the Death of Sir Danvers Osborn the

late

Gov%

:

the

Commission given by M' Clinton

behaviour vacated by

M''

to

M' Delancey

to

be Chief Justice during good

Delancey's taking upon him the Administration of the Govern' and

the Custody of the public Seal upon the death of the late Gov''? or has M'' Delancey a right to return to the exercise of the Office of Chief Justice under the Authority of the said Commission,

when

his Administration of Govern', as Lieut' Gov", shall

in Chief.

cease upon the arrival of a Gov'

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

952

Lords of Trade [

To

May in

please

it

Your

Lords

Justices.

Entries, B. P., p. 12.

]

Lords Justices.

their Excellencies the

We

New-Tork

to

Excellencies.

have had under our consideration, an Act passed by His

December

"An

Act

last,

intituled

—

And having been Agent

Paris,

province of

submitting the controversy, between the Colonies of

for

Jersey, relating to the partition between

His Majesty"

Maj'^''

New York

;

attended by

M''

for the proprietors of

Charles Agent for the Province of

East

New York

New

and

New

determination

the said Colonies to the final

New

of

York, and by M'

Jersey, and heard, what each party had to offer

upon this Act, we beg leave humbly to represent to your Excellencies: That the controversy between the provinces of New York and New Jersey, concerning the true boundary line between them, from which this Act takes its rise, has subsisted many years, and various Acts and proceedings have at different times been had, and done thereupon, with a view to ascertain this boundary, but without effect. In the year 174S. the Legislature of New Jersey passed an Act, entitled " An Act, for running and ascertaining the line of partition and division betwixt this :

New

province of

Jersey and the province of

New York"

— but

it

appearing to us, upon a

consideration of this Act after hearing of the parties interested by -their Counsel, that the

by His Maj""' Authority, it could and the object of it being to set up an exparte determination it would be unjust; we did in our representation of the IS"" of July 1753. humbly lay it before his Maj'J" for his Royal disallowance, humbly offering it as our opinion, that the only method, by which the matter in dispute could be properly and effectually

proceedings on which

it

was founded, being

not be effectual to the ends proposed by

not warranted

it,

decided, would be, a Commission to be issued by His Majesty for that purpose.

which we have since received from the Governors of time to time been committed on Maj'^'' service and the disturbance the frontiers of of the public peace; and although various propositions have been made by persons authorised on both sides, for determining the controversy, yet, none of them have had effect, nor is there any room to hope that the parties interested will concur in any effectual measure for deciding It appears from the letters and papers,

New York

and

New Jersey, that great outrages have from the Two provinces, to the prejudice of His

the dispute.

The

we now humbly

Act, which

several objections

;

it is

lay before your Excellencies appears to us to be liable to

improper as the method of determination which

it

proposes

is

unusual

and contrary to the constant practice in cases of the like nature questions of disputed boundary, whereby private property may be affected, having never been determined by the Crown in the first instance but always by a Commission from His Maj'^, with liberty to all parties which shall think themselves aggrieved by the Judgement of the Commiss", to appeal ;

to

His

Act,

is

Maj'''

to

from their decision.

submit the matter

determination of His

in

Maj''', yet, it

It is

also improper, because, altho' the

dispute, as far

as

private

previously ascertains in

property

some degree

is

very object of the concerned, to

the

the limits of private

LONDON DOCUMENTS:

XXXII.

953

and property, by declaring that certain patentees, therein mentioned sliali not extend their claim beyond a limit therein described; and if it was not liable to these objections, yet it would be inettectual, as the proprietors of New Jersey, have not consented to the method of Riglit

decision therein proposed.

For

all

which reasons we humbly beg

leave, to lay the said

Act

before your Excellencies, for your Excellencies disallowance.

We

beg leave further to represent to your Excellencies, that

it

appears

to

us to be of the

greatest importance to the peace and tranquility of the

two provinces, that some certain line of property and Jurisdiction should be speedily settled between them, which, as we conceive, can only be done by a Commission to be issued in the same manner and under the same regulations as that issued in the year 1737. for running the boundary between the provinces of the Massachusets Bay and New Hampshire, with liberty to either party, who shall think themselves aggrieved, proprietors of to give

ample

New

to

appeal

to

His Majesty

in

Jersey declared himself willing

to

security, that the said proprietors shall

of such a Commission, but the

Agent of

New

his

privy Council.

concurr

and

will defray

one half of the expence

We

would therefore humbly propose

Excellencies, that an Additional Instruction be given to His Maj'^'* Gov"' of to

recommend

to the

it

Assembly of that province

make

to

New

to your York directing

provision for defraying one

half of the expence of obtaining and executing such Commission, as aforesaid, Maj"" shall be graciously pleased to issue

for the

measure, and has offered

York, not being Authorized by his Constituents

has declined entering into such an agreement.

him

The Agent

in this

whenever

his

it.

All which

is

most humbly submitted.

Dunk Halifax J. Grenville James Oswald Fkan: Fane.

Whitehall

June

12. 17-5-5.

Governor Shirley [8.

1'.

to

Secretary IMini-on.

O. Covomora' Letters,

LXVIII.

]

Boston

New England June

20'"

1755

Sir I

by

had the honour letter

to

acquaint you in

my

last that

from Williamsburg soon after his arrival

propos'd this year,

viz'

the attack of the French Forts upon the Ohio with the two British

New York

regiments, two of the

Major General Braddock had inform'd me in America, of the plan of operations he

Indt^pendent Companies and the Provincial troops of Virginia

all of them to about 2400 men, under his own command and the reduction of the French Forts at the Strait of Niagara with the two American new rais'd regiments, which service he purposed to put under my command. The measures

Maryland and North Carolina, amounting ;

for

removing the French from their incroachnients upon the Isthmus of Nova Scotia and S' had before acquainted you Sir, concerted, and the expedition against the

John's River were as

I

French incroachments

my own Government Vol. Vr.

(

at

Crown

point form'd, before the General's arrival.

the General Court being sitting

120

when

I

The

business of

received His Excellency's letter)

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

954

and ill |inrliciilar the disposition & orders which were requisite to be settled before preparations going on in

should approve of them

from Boston Alexandria

in

I

left

the

two

last

mention'd expeditions,

Province in order to

keep

all

the

my absence, for carrying them into execution in case the General at my interview with him, necessarily detained me from setting out

the 30"" of March.

untill

relative to the

On

the twelfth day of April

Virginia, about 565 miles distance from this place,

I

arrived at the

where

I

Camp

at

had the honour of

meeting the General and the same day, after consulting with Commodore Keppell and myself. His Excellency determin'd upon the wiiole plan w*^"" consisted of the before mention'd operations

upon the Ohio,

at

in

Nova

The

first

Niagara,

be about the same time several steps taken in

it

Scotia, and

Crown

Point, to be executed as near as might

partof the plan indeed, was in effect concluded upon, and (the whole corps of the British Regiments, except two Companies,

being march'd with their baggage and greatest part of the train of artillery

for Winchester in remove the French from their incroachments in Nova Scotia and at Crown Point were, upon my communicating the propos'd schemes for effecting them, to the General, both intirely approv'd of by him and an express was thereupon sent the same day, with his directions for Colonel Lawrence' immediately to proceed in the former, according to the place concerted between him and me, without staying till the regiments in Nova Scotia should be compleated to 1000 men each for which he had lately received orders. The attempt of the reduction of the French Forts at Niagara with mine and Sir William Pepperrell's regiments (as His Excellency had propos'd in his letter) was at tlie same time determin'd upon by him, and in order to secure the important pass there in the most effectual manner, it was agreed to have some vessells forthwith built to command the navigation of the Lake Ontario the care of doing which the Commodore hath committed to me. According to this plan the French will be attack'd almost at the same time in all their incroachments in North America and if it should be successfully executed in every part, it seems highly probable tliat all points in dispute there with them may be adjusted this year, and in case of a sudden rupture between the two Crowns the way pav'd for the reduction of Canada, whenever it shall be His Majesty's pleasure to order it After I parted with the General, I found from the deficiency of Sir William Pepperell's levies, that there was no prospect of his raising more than 600 men by the time, that the troops destin'd for Niagara must begin their march, and as two of the Companies of his regiment were order'd to be posted at Oswego upon an expectation that the French would attack it which will reduce them to 1400 men, and that force would in the general opinion as well as my own be too weak an one to secure the pass at Niagara in my return thro' the Government of New Jerseys, I apply'd to the Assembly there, which was then sitting to permit the Regiment of 500 men, which they had lately voted to raise for the expedition

their

way

to Wills's

Creek) before

my

arrival.

The attempt

to

;

"^^

;

;

I

;

'

Brigadier General Charles Lawrence, was a

Member

of His Majesty's Council in

Nova

Scotia in 1749, and in 1750, whilst

yet a Major of the 60th or Royal American Regiment, was detached against the French Keiitrals,

when he

built Fort

Lawrence on the River Misiquas, at tlie head of the bay of Chignecto. On Governor Hopson returning to England, Major Lawreuce became Administrator of the government, Xovember 1, 1753 Lieutenant-Governor, October 21, 1754, and Governor of the Province July 23, 1756. lie became Colonel of his regiment on 28lh September, 1767, and was appointed Brigadier General in America on 31st December fallowing. In the next year he assisted at the taking of Louisburgh, and on the 2d of October, 1758, opened the first session of the first House of Assembly in Nova Scotia. His career was brought to a close on the 19th of October, 1759, to the deep regret, says Haliburton, of every individual in the Province. The House of Assembly ;

monument to be erected to his memory in St. Paul's Church, Halifax. It was during Governor Lawrence's administration that the Acadians, or French Neutrals, were cruelly expelled from their native country, and dispersed

caused a

throughout the American Colonies.

— Ed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: against

Crown

Point, to join their forces under

prevail'd with tiiem

and Gov' Beluher

troops were augmented to

J

XXXII.

ni)^ comi},ian(l in

Act

to pass an

for tiiat

955 the reduction of Niagara, and

means my

purpose, by which

900.

As the diversion which must be occasioned to the French Forces in Canada by the attack of Niagara, must malie a less force suiKcient for the reduction of the French Fort at Crown Point than was at

first determin'd to have been employ'd in it before the attempt on Niagara was thought this regiment might be spar'd from the service at Crown Point and the General hath since approv'd of this augmentation of the Niagara forces.

projected,

It

for

;

I

;

being generally apprehended that the troops under the service at Niagara, as with

that

pass

the

my command would must

French

lose

be

too

still

only

the

weak

'practicable

communication they have be[twe]en Canada and the Missisippi (that lying across the Lake Ontario from thence over the Strait of Niagara to Lake Erie, and over that into the River Ohio which falls into the Missisippi) & consequently all hopes of establishing themselves in the rich country behind the Apalachian IMountains, or of maintaining their extensive furr trade there, without both which Canada can be of but small value to them so that it must be expected ;

they will use their utmost

my

at

as

many

Since which

With

in

men were

provided the

willing to go with

with 300 Indians

me and

have obtain'd the consent of

I

this reinforcement I shall not

Point,

this

I

say. Sir, being the general apprehension, pass'd a vote enabling

that ag" Niagara; leaving 3700 in the whole for

to receive his approbation, before

Crown

:

of the troops rais'd within this Province for the service at

should think proper

it.

it

Assembly of my own Government

return to Boston, the

employ

defend

efforts to

w'"'

I

Crown Crown

to I

Point, and

the other Governm'^ concern'd consented to

the other Governments, but one. have an opportunity of acquainting the General all

set out for Niagara.

But

as

3700 men,

Fort there, than 5000 the utmost that was proposed before would have been

in

time

in conjunction

we have reason to depend upon being engag'd in the much more adequate force now for the reduction

doubtless a

is

me

Point, as

expedition ag" of the French

when

the whole

Canada would have been muster'd at Crown Point to defend it ag" our attack and are certainly a much more sufficient force for that service than 2400 (the whole of my troops, if they should be increased with 500 more) will be for gaining anil securing the pass at Niagara, upon w^"" depends the Southern Dominion now in dispute between us and the French, which is of infinitely mure value than the Fort at Crown Point; I think there can strength that

is left

in

;

be no doubt of

his

approving

it.

1 am in hopes of procuring a number of Indians to join Schenectady and Oswego, which are necessary in the service for scouts, outguards in marches thro' narrow defiles, and to guard the battoes in their passage thro' the narrow parts of rivers and creeks, and gaining intelligence and as the General could not spare me any part of

In addition to these reinforcements

with

me

at

;

his train of artillery,

others which

have, with the peices

I

I

have taken from Castle William

have borrow'd of Governor I)e Lancey from

I

ordnance which

1

have caused

to be cast

within

my own

New

in this Province,

York, and some peices of

Government, collected

a proper train

for the service.

In

my

against their

passage back to Boston thro' the several Governments concern'd

Crown

movements

proper time

and

Point,

many

;

I

in it;

they are most or

of

them arrived

Lake Champlain.

in

the expedition

had an opportunity of settling several points among them which retarded and I hope the troops destin'd for that service will be fitted out in all

of them upon their march for Alb;iny the place of rendezvous,

there and

on the point of proceeding from thence towards

;

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

956

My own Rhode

regiment began 13 days ago to march

where they were

Island governm'

Albany, thro' which

for

march

tiiey will directly

from hence to Providence

in divisions

imbark'd and

all

for

sail'd five

days since w"" a

fair

Schenectady, without making any

in

wind iialt

and hope by this time their transports may have enter'd Hudson's River. The New Jersey regiment arriv'd at Schenectady some days ago, as I have reason to hope all the heavy peices of I

artillery did, w^*" I

them,

&

have order'd to be immediately put on board the battoes prepar'd there

transported with other military stores and part of the provisions to

Oswego with

for

that

Regiment before the waters grow low. The two Companies of Sir William Pepperrell's regiment and one of the Independent Companies of New York have been some weeks at that Fort & employ'd in strengthening it & making it as defensible as the very weak state of it will admit in so short a time. Two other Companies of Pepperrell's have been several days detach'd to the Great Carrying Place near the Wood Creek in the way to Oswego, with orders to clear it of any French Indians W^"" may be sent to obstruct the passage of the Creek by it, to guard the battoes as they pass thro' it, mend the roads for the more easy conveyance of the artillery, stores, and battoes over the Carrying Place, and making the passage of the battoes thro' the narrow parts of the Creek more practicable in the difficult places. The battoes for transporting the forces have been all made and ready at Schenectady some time, together with the stores procur'd at New York and those purchas'd here, and the builders and workmen whom I have bir'd for building the vessells and boats to be employ'd on the Lake Ontario, w* must be built at Oswego, have been sent there several weeks ago, and at work upon them so that I hope to get them upon the Lake before I leave Oswego, w'"'" I look upon to be a point of great importance. I have procured seamen to navigate them, and the Officers appointed by the Commodore to command them are arriv'd from Virginia, and are gone with the stores for Oswego to have them rigg'd & fitted out with

falling great trees across

;

the utmost expedition. as soon as

may

Part of

my Regim'

is

order'd to proceed with their baggage in battoes

be from Schenectady to Oswego, and having

now

set the forces for

Crown

my

government as much as I can before I go, I shall set out the 24"" Instant for Providence and imbark on board the Province Sloop for New York, from whence I shall proceed in 24 hours after my arrival for Albany up Hudson's River Point in motion and settled the

affairs of

with the remainder of Sir William Pepperrell's regiment

my

own,

w'^''

determin'd between

command,

&

me

me

now

at

New York

and some levies of

&

having settled every thing which remains to be and Colonel Johnson concerning the expedition to Crown Point under

are to join

there;

the forces to be employ'd in

it, I shall pass on to Schenectady and proceed Oswego, with the remainder of the forces destin'd for that service and having seen the vessells and boats to be employ'd on the Lake Ontario or at least some of them fitted out, or very near it, and gain'd what intelligence I can and the time will allow, of

his

directly from thence to

;

the situation of the French at Niagara, there, as soon as

may

The New England

I

shall proceed with all the forces artillery

for the

the da}' before

arms from England,

my

Nova Scotia were

troops rais'd for the service at

Boston to repair thither on the 7"" of April, 2000 of them accordingly appeared there, waited

and stores

be.

w'^''

order to

&

were imbark'd by the

sail

for the

order'd, before

Bay

in

I left

22"*

of Funda, and about of that month, and

did not arrive at Boston until the IT* of May, being

return thither from Virginia

;

the vessell in which they were sent happening

have a long passage of about ten weeks; so that the troops did not sail until! the 23'^ of May. Their stay the last month gave me uneasiness had I been upon the spot as there were

to

;

LONDON DOCUMENTS 1000 stands of arms

:

XXXII.

957

Annapolis Royal and SOO might have been had here, the' not so good I should have chosen to have sent them away before but I have reason to hope that they will succeed as it is. I have receiv'd an account, dated lo"" instant at

as those sent from England,

;

from Col Lawrence, of their arrival at Scheignecto on the 2'' and that he concluded from not having received any news from thence, that they were by that time masters of the Isthmus, and was of opinion the reduction of the French Fort at S' Johns River would after that be an easy task, if the two French 34 Gun Frigates, W^*" he had intelligence were in the Bay of Funda, for the protection as he supposed of that River, should not be too hard for our sea

which consisted of three twenty gun ships only, and a sloop of war.

force there,

received here four days ago of a French squadrons being spoken with off

Ne^'foundland,

of soldiers standing for Louisbourg, gave

full

success of the expedition to

Admiral's Boscawen

&

Nova

Scotia; but

Mostyn with eleven

was

it

sail

me

reliev'd in

The news I Bank Vert near

no small concern for the

two hours by an

acco' of

of the line being spoken with off S' Johns

River at Newfoundland nine days ago, close at the heels of the French, and having sent a letter to Cap' Aldiick the Commandant there, acquainting him that they were going to cruize off Louigbourg; otherwise the stay of the

might have ruin'd the attempt whole Province.

The Acts

New England

troops here the last month,

for recovering the Isthmus, if not occasion'd the loss of the

pass'd lately in the several Colonies to prevent

to Louisbourg, together with the

embargo

in

the exportation of provisions

Ireland, have greatly distress'd the French at

effects must be soon felt in all their settlements in North America. few days ago I had a letter from the General dated 20"" of May from Fort Cumberland at Wills's Creek in which he complains that the inexpressible disappointm'* he hath met with, hath retarded his march a month beyond the time he at first intended but by the advices I have since received from Gov' Morris and Gov"" Dinwiddle, I hear he hath surmounted his difficirities, and it was judg'd would proceed the beginning of this montli from Fort Cumberland for the French Fort called Fort Du Quesne upon the Ohio, which is computed to be from 90 to 110 miles distance from Wills's Creek, where very possibly he may be arriv'd by this time &

Louisbourg and the

A

;

begun it

is

his attack, in

w*^""

I

have

little

or no doubt in

my own

opinion of his succeeding, tho'

men many

pretty certain the French have sent a reinforcement of 900

troops) and stores, very lately either to the Ohio or Niagara, and pass'd by in sight of

Oswego.

Alexandria, he purpos'd the Lake Erie

;

to

When

100 of them regular

had the honor of conferring with His Excellency at Presque Isle for securing the navigation of must, together with those designed for Lake Ontario, make us

build

v/"^ if effected

(

of their battoes have

some

I

vessells at

masters of the Great Lakes and Ohio and the country there, untill the French can get a superior force upon those Lakes, w'^'' it seems very difficult if not impracticable for 'em to do,

when our vessells shall be cruizing upon them. I hear from Gov'' Morris that at the General's request he hath estahlish'd a magazine of Provisions in the back parts of Pennsylvania, from whence he mountains

will

be easily supply'd by a

new

road, w"'' he, M"' Morris,

is

making

thro' the

waters of the Ohio, and which the General proposes to him to extend to Veningo and Niagara; all w'^'", if executed, must be of infinite use for marching the troops to & subsisting them upon the Ohio and at Niagara from a Colony more abounding w"' to the

provisions than any at present in North America.

The

General's presence and activity hath infus'd spirit into

attempt ag"

Crown

Point, and

by the Commission

w^''

tin'

Colonies concern'd

he hath given

to

in

the

Colonel Johnson for

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

958 taking upon him the

management

opportunely advanc'd

to

that

The

service.

proposal of

him

for

e.xpedition

of the Indian Affairs, and the ready

engaging 'em Niagara

to

in the

this

money he hath most

English Interest, he has greatly promoted

year

is

wholly owing

to

His Excellency's

it.

to acknowledge, Sir, the receipt of your letters dated the 23'' and 24"" of Jan'', and February the contents of which are answer'd in the foregoing part of this letter, except that 1 beg leave to observe that in the last mentioned you seem to think that the soldiers in New England are enlisted for His Majesty's service in general terms, whereas it is at present I

am now

10"' of

of them without acquainting them w"" the place of their any born in these Colonies inlist to go to the Southward of The command under which they are to act, is likewise another very

impracticable to raise any

immediate destination, nor Niagara, at furthest.

number will

material point w"' them. I beg leave further to observe Sir, that the common fund, W"" you seem to suppose to be provided by the several Governm'' in the Colonies for the support of His Majesty's service will never be agreed upon by the Assemblies among themselves, tho' acknowledg'd to be necessary

to all; that,

them

and a plan of Union must be establish'd by an authority from home or neither of & this you will perceive by the inclos'd extract of the minutes

be effected;

will

of Council at Alexandria,

is

the opionion of the other Governors

who were

present there as

own. And if I might presume, Sir, to suggest my opinion further in this matter, nothing would be a firmer cement of His Majesty's colonies, or go further towards consolidating them in the support of his service & government there, and the defence of their common interests ag"' a foreign power, than the establishment of such a fund and a plan of Union among 'em; nor do I think they would be difficultly rec'' by them from the Parliament. You will perceive. Sir, by the inclosed copies of my message to the Assembly of my own

my

well as

government and their message in answer to it, upon the subject of their finding provisions for mine and Sir William Pepperrell's regiments, according to the directions of Gen' Braddock's inclos'd letter, and paying their Quota of the levy money for the raising of them, that they refuse to do it. I beg leave to assure you Sir that I shall consuJt oeconomy as much as may be consistent with His Majesty's service

in the

expence of the expedition under

my command.

I

omitted

you before that the reason of my being the Colonel of the two New England Regiments gone to Nova Scotia was principally for the sake of encouraging the inlistm" and saving the expence of the pay of two Colonels, having no expectation of any allowance or pay to observe to

to

myself

in

hope

Sir,

I

under

it.

consideration will be had of an allowance for

my command, &

as the execution of the

command

my

will

necessary suite

the expedition

in

be attended w"" an extraordinary

charge to myself, especially in the rank to w"^ I have lately had the honour to be promoted in His Maj= army, I hope His Majesty will be pleas'd to order me a proper support in it during The expence of my travelling charges out of my own pockett in my the time of the service.

journey half the

to

Alexandria and back (being about 1250 miles) tho' I made use of my own horses servants the whole, and had some horses found for me in two of the

way and my

governments, exceeded ^200 sterling, for the time I was absent from Boston.

The

inclos'd

w'^''

is

near double the income of

copy of the General's instructions

will siiow

you

my Governm'

Sir, the extent of

to

me

my command.

LONDON DOCUMENTS My

desire of laying before

you a

among

959

particular state of the Colonies with regard to the operations

carrying on there ag" the French, and the very

plan of Union

XXXII.

:

appearance there

little

is

of their forming a

themselves, as recommended by His Majesty, in one view, hath

this letter into a greater length than I design'd,

w'^''

I

hope you

drawn

he pleas'd to excuse on

will

that account.

am with

1

the greatest regard

Sir

Your most huml)le and most obedient servant

W. The Right Honorable

Sir

Shirley.'

Thomas

Robinson on of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State. '

Lieutenant-General Willi.ui Shirley was a native of the county of Sussex, England, and boi-n about the year 1693. profession a biwyer, and had been in office in London but having a prospect of a numerous family, was

He was by

;

He

advised to remove to Boston. strong interest having been

He planned

1741.

made

resided there

some

six or eight years,

for another, Mr. Shirley

was provided

and had the promise of the

for

collector's place, but by being appointed fiovernor of Massachusetts in

the expedition against Cape Breton in 1745, on the 31st August, of which year, he was appointed Colonel

of a Regiment of Foot that was afterwards broke in 1748.

He

published an account of that Expedition in 1746, in

"A

Governor of Massachusetts Bay to his grace the Duke of Newcastle, with a Journal of the Siege of Louisbourgh." bvo. Boston; and returned to England in 1749, when he was appointed one of the Commissioners boundaries on this Coutiiient between England and France. the While thus engaged, he wrote the Memorial of for settling Letter from William Shirley,

Esij.,

the English Commissaries, dated 21st of September, 1750, wherein he cbiiuied for the

Penobscot, and south of the Saint Lawrence, as constituting

tlie

ancient Acadia.

himself to be captivated with the charms of his landlord's daughter, a person of his age and in his position, les-sened

He

to injure him.

him

whom

luning

Eiiglisli all

ho privately married.

in the regard of his superiors,

the land east of the

his residence at Paris, he

and atiorded

This

ill

permitted

judged

his enemies an

step, for

opportunity

returned to his government of Massachuselta in 1753, and in 1754 explored the Kennebec, on which river

he erected Fort Halifax, below the Waterville

falls,

and Fort Western, on the present

site of

the city of Augusta, Maine.

On

the approach of hostilities he was appointed Major General, 2d February, 1755, with the superintendence of operations in the

Northern Colonies, although he was

Niagara, which

little skilled in

through and brought disgrace on him.

fell

Oswego on an expedition against command of the Army, and England where he was badly received, and experienced

war, and proceeded as

He was superceded

in the

government of Massachusetts; and was ordered thereupon

much

difficulty in passing his accounts.

to

far as

in 1756, in the

Several publications in his defence appeared on

his return to England; one is North America from the commencement of the French hostilities on the frontiers of Virginia, in 1753, to the surrender of Oswego, on the 14th of August, 1756. In a letter to a Nobleman." 4to. London. 1757. It was written in New-York, it is believed by William Smith the Historian, and taken to England by William Alexander, known afterwards as the Earl of Stirling, who gave it to the Press. Smith'a New York. H., 225. This was followed in 1758, by "Memoirs of the principal transactions of the last war between the English and French in North

entitled "

A

Review

of Military operations in

America, from 1744 to the treaty of Aix la Chapellc;" and by another, entitled "The conduct of Major General Shirley, late Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Forces in North America, briefly stated." Mr. Smith says, Mr. Shirley in consequence

On

emerged from a load of obloquy. solicitations," says

30th January, 1759, he became Lieutenant-General,

Hutchinson, obtained the small government of the

Bahama

Islands.

[Army

He

Lint

;)

and "after long

was, says Bancroft, artful,/

needy and ambitious; a member of the Church of England; indifferent to the laws and the peculiar faith of the people (of Massachusetts) whom he governed appointed originally to restore or introduce British Authoritj', and more relied upon ;

than any Crown

officer in

America.

He was

bitterly opposed to the Plan of the

Alban}- in 1754, and as early as 1756, advised the Ministry to impose a

Stamp tax

in

Union of the Colonies agreed upon at America.

General Shirley eventually

returned to Massachusetts and died at hia seat in Uoxbury, on the 24th March, 1771, [Allen's Biographical Dictionary,\ which Bays,

he was the author of Electra, a Tragedy, and The Birth of Hercules, a Masque, 4to. London, 1766.

decease, Mr. Shirley

was

at the

head of the List of Lieutenant Generals of the British Army.

Army

List.

At

the time of his

1771

— Ed.

i

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

960

Additional Instruction [New-Tork

Sir

c. j,j

Chief

&

in

over His

Maj'^''

Granville, P. c. P.

s

1

depending thereon in America;

29"'

Whereas

it

Given

at

,

.

New

Whitehall the

in

Yorlc

and the

,

.

his

or in

Commander

President of the Council, or the time being.

Hardy.

Hardy Knight Captain Gen' and prov™ of

.

Marlbokougb

Cliarle-s

Entries, B. P., p. 23.]

Additional Tnstruction to Sir Charles

[Tho. Centuar,

Hakdwicke,

to

i

absence to the

t

Gov''

territories •

.

Lieut'

/-i

Gov"",

Chief of the said province

[12""]

day of [August] 1755.

for

in the

year of His Maj""' Reign.

has been represented unto us, that a controversy has for

New York & New

many Years

subsisted

Jersey concerning the true line of

between

his Majesty's Provinces of

partition

between the said provinces, on account of which great outrages have from time

to

time been committed on the Frontiers of the said provinces, to the prejudice of His Maj'''"' service and the disturbance of the public peace, and whereas it is of the greatest importance to the tranquility

and welfare of the said provinces, that a

line of property

and Jurisdiction

should be speedily settled between them, which can only be done by a Commission to be issued by His Majesty for that purpose, with liberty to all parties who shall think themselves aggrieved

by the Judgement of the Commissioners thereby to be appointed, to appeal from such Judgement to His Majesty in his privy Council; and whereas the Agent for the Proprietors of

New

Jersey, has declared himself willing to concurr on their behalf in this measure, as the

only proper and effectual means of determining the matter

in

dispute, and has offered to give

ample security that the said proprietors shall and will defray one half of the expence of You are therefore hereby authorized and obtaining and executing such a Commission required earnestly to recommend it, in His Majesty's name, to the Assembly of the Province of New York, under your Govern', that they do make speedy and effectual provision for defraying the other moiety of the expence of obtaining and executing such commission, as ;

aforesaid,

whenever His Majesty

shall be graciously pleased to issue the

same.

Note. The words witliin brackets in the above Document, are added from the Cojiy in Journal of the Oeneral Assembly of

New- York,

II.,

ill.

—Ed.

Lords- of Trade to Secretary Robinson. [

To

the Right Hon'''= Sir

Plantations General, (B.T.,) XLIII.,p. 41".]

Thomas Robinson oue

of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries

of State. Sir

Having since the date of our Representation to His ^^ajesty, with which we did in obedience commands, lay before him a plan of General Concert to be entered into by the several

to his

Colonies for their mutual and

common

defence, received several letters from His Majesty's

LONDON DOCUMENTS Governors

961

North America, representing the defenceless state of the frontiers, and the

in

management

irregular

XXXII.

:

of Indian affairs; and

points to be highly necessary as well for

tlie

it

appearing to us upon a general view of these

future safety of the Colonies as to ease the

country of the great and heavy expense with which

mother

has been of late years burthened, on

it

account of services relative to these points, that some general system should be laid down, and

some certain and permanent provision made management of Indian Affairs, which are in

To

the end therefore that

necessary to be attended

we may be to,

the defence of the

Frontiers and for the and permanent services. information upon every point

furnished with

full

consideration of a question of so great

the

in

for

their nature constant

importance, and enabled to lay our thoughts upon circumstances of the times shall require

it;

it

we submit

before His to

extent and whenever the

Majesty,

you whether

it

may

not be proper

that General Braddock should be directed forthwith to consider and report his opinion in

what manner the Frontiers may be best defended; what number of forts it will be necessary what size and strength; where those forts should be situated what number of regular troops it will be necessary to have constantly kept up in America for garrisoning them and for other necessary services; how these troops should be distributed and where stationed. And that no information may be wanting upon this matter which it is in our power to obtain we shall think it our duty to call upon such of His Majesty's Governors as are best acquainted with the general state and interest of North America for their thoughts upon this occasion more particularly as to the manner in which these services can be best provided for to erect; of

;

;

with the least inconvenience and burthen to His Majesty's Subjects.

We

are Sir

Your most obedient and most humble servants.

Dunk Halifax "J.

Grenville.

Whitehall

T. Pelham.

July 16. 1755

J. Pitt.

Major -General Johnson (

New-York

to the

Lords of Trade.

Papers, Bundle Kk., No. 64.

]

Albany. 21. July 1755

My

Lords,

went

I

Alexandria

to

in Virginia to

wait on His

Excell'^''

General Braddock.

I

received

from and signed by him, a Warrant for the sole superintendency and management of the of the Six relating to

United Nations of Indians their

my

conduct;

laid out in presents

I

further received from

and the remainder

affairs

and dependents, also some Instructions

him two thousand pounds sterling, part to be which would arise from the

for various other expences,

1 was to act; besides this the General has given me an unlimited Credit upon Gov' Shirley what further sumes this service might call for.

part for

allies

Vol. VI.

121

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

962

my

Immediately upon

home

return

several Nations, to acquaint tliem with to

my

house with

all

my

I

Wampum

came and herewith Tho'

have wrote him

I

I

1

the

thro'

appointment, and to desire they would come

proceedings at this meeting.

Instructions for doing this, yet

Belts and

sent Messages with

possihle dispatch; they

authenticated copy of

is at

I

my

down

transmit to your LordPP* an

have not General Braddock's

should take this honour upon me, and as

a great distance from any of our Sea-Port Towns,

I

lie

doubt not but both, your Lord^P' and

the General will approve of this method.

In the monies I have laid out, in those I shall be obliged to lay out, I have and shall be governed, by the most prudent frugality, which circumstances will admitt of; my accounts shall be kept with all possible regularity, and an undeviating integrity shall govern my

whole conduct. I

think

it

Department

From

my I

duty to acquaint your Lordships with the following particulars relative

am now

placed

the

to

"

in.

the weakness of the public influence of this Colony on the confederate nations; from

the superior activity, attention and artful conduct of the French, the British Interest hath been

long declining amongst these Indians.

Fr&m

Informations confirmed by

my own

observations and experience,

I

am

convinced that

most leading Men in the upper Nations of this confederacy, had entered into engagements with the French, and would speedily have effected a general defection from us to them and joined the French against us, and I fear their example would have produced a total destruction of our interest amongst the confederate Nations. I think I can now take upon me to assure your LordPP' there are very few, I hope none amongst the whole confederacy, who in the present disputes between our Crown and the French, do not sincerely wish us success and are not disposed to assist our Arms. I hope in a few weeks they will demonstrate this their present temper of mind by their actions. If we continue to exert ourselves with the spirit which seem[s] at presfent to animate us, should be successful, and right measures are pursued with regard to Indian Affairs, I doubt not but the several of the

ambitious and deep laid schemes of the French, not only with regard to these Indians, but

who

those various Nations

surround the Dominion of great Brittain

True

be frustrated but receive a mortal wound.

expence

for

it is,

perhaps some years will necessarily

opinion most glaringly deserve

in

that to obtain this desirable end, a grea^

arise,

but the alternatives in

my

humble

and the beneficial consequences will abundantly repay it. necessary to be put in execution with all convenient speed,

it,

Three things appear to me which I humbly recommend to your LordPP^

applyed in this

to

final

determination made therein.

Governors here, but met with no redress.

Province are

1

&

attention.

First: that the complaints of the Indians respecting their lands, be taken into a speedy

impartial consideration, and a

all

America, will not only

believe concerned in

Some

They have

often and

and

warmly

very powerful and wealthy people

these complaints.

The two Patents which

Indians lay most to heart, are: Cayaderossoras and the Connojohery Patent, and

till

the

Justice

I am convinced they will think themselves oppressed and I fear with apprehend the common powers of a Gov' merely as such, are not equal to this affair. I hope your LordPP' wisdom will fall upon some happy method to terminate by sufficient Authority these perplexing matters, which when the time grow more calm, will, if

done them some reason. is

therein, I

not remedied, be of fatal consequence.

I

manner) that

their

would write to the King doubt but he would do them Justice, and I

gave the Indians

this

my

promise (speaking

Father on these complaints, and they depend on.

after tlieir

tiiat

1

did not

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXXII.

963

The Second particular which I would humhly recommend to your Lord'''" attention is: To build wooden Forts at the Chief residing place of each Nation who can be prevailed on to admit

to

it;

keep each of them garrisoned with at

least a Lieut'' Party; that the

judiciously chosen, laid under certain restrictions, and that to both. Officers

Pay or by some other methods,

their

It

& Men

Officer be

by encreasing

be made an eligible duty.

Thirdly: That a provision be made for Gunsmiths or armourers, to reside at each of the said Forts, that a warehouse of such commodities, Rum excepted, as Indians are in the most constant want

of,

be kept in or near said Forts, to be sold under proper regulations by persons

understanding their language,

who may

also act as residents

the Supperintendant of Indian Affairs, and to be by

and Interpreters, accountable to

him authorized, and

that no other person

or persons do presume to interfere in the said business.

My

unwillingness to press upon YourLordPP' patience, and the

beg leave I

am

to

glad to find are

Since

my

me

call of

now on

not permit

I

have had a private conference with some Indians to

at

of Virginia, will procure their assistance to together, as a arise, fatal to

who

tell

General Braddock's assistance, are, that as they doubt

not Gov' Dinwiddies Influence over those Southern Nations of Indians

might

me

to enlarge further

foot.

public transactions

me, their chief reasons against going

meet

the public upon

upon these hints, to which 1 add, the securing the Navigation of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, both which

this interesting juncture, will

M' Braddock, and

that

if

who

live

on the back

those and they were to

good understanding does not at present subsist between them, some Broils themselves, and very disserviceable to our Cause. I have advised General

Braddock hereof. Gov' Shirley will, I make no doubt find as many Indians at and about Oswego as he will want. In my humble opinion, bis safety does not require any in his way up thither as it lays thro' their several Countrys. The Indians were of the same opinion as are most persons whom I have heard speak on the subject. I expect upwards of 300 will join me in my March towards Crown Point. The Colonies have made a provision only for 300. and that not sufficient in many articles. I have endeavoured to do my duty in the station I am placed with regard to the Indian affairs, fo the utmost of my abilities. I have neither spared myself Day or night, and have indeed greatly injured my health by it; I shall however rejoice if my conduct meets with your LordPi" approbation, and that I may thereby be honoured with his Maj'J' gracious acceptance of my duty and faithfullness: My Lords, Justice and Truth, call on me to acknowledge, the faithfullness, diligence and capacity of the Secretary for Indian Affairs in the execution of his Office, he has at present but

about .£G0

sterU'

per

annum without any

perquisites

—

I

am

— My Lords,

ettc.

W™ '

Colonel Johnson was appointed Major-General in the Provincial

NevfYork Documeatary HMory,

II.,

661.

— En.

Johnson.'

army by Commission, bearing date ICth

April,

1755.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

964

Conference between Major-General John-son [

The

New-Tork Papers, Bundle Kk., No

proceedings of the Hon""

W"

65

and

Names

Indians.

]

Johnson Esq",

sole Superintendent of Indian

Nine confederate Nations of Indians, Mount Johnson in the Province of New York.

ASliirs with at

the

at a public

meeting held

of the Nine Nations.

Senecas

Cayouges

\

/In

Oneidas

[

Onondages

)

Tiederigroenes

I

&

Upper

1106

Men Women and

number

of

ever before

Men than were known at any

public Meeting.

Schanadarighroenes

Delawares

all

Children of which a greater

Tuscarores

|

Aughquages

& Lower Mohawks Mount Johnson, Saturday

Present

the

2L June

1755. P. M.

— The Hon"'' William Johnson. The

M' Ogilvie Indian Missionary

Rev"*

Peter Wraxall Seer: for Indian Affairs

M' Daniel Clause, Arent Stevens, William

Printup, and Jacobus Clement

Interpreters. M"' Ferrall,

The

N

Hon"'* W"" Johnson's

B. This speech

German Gentleman

was

Cap'" Stoddert, Capt° Butler and several other persons attending.

first

public speech to the Indians.

translated and wrote in the Indian language

of education

who

by

M''

Daniel Clause, a

hath lived for sometime amongst the IndianS of the

upper Mohawk Castle in order to make himself master of their language, herein he was assisted by the other Interpreters under the inspection of Coll: Johnson. Before it was delivered in public it was read in Indian to two chief Sachims and Eminent speakers of the Onondaga and Onejda Nations, and was afterwards spoken to the whole Body of liidians with their consent and approbation, by the Onondaga Sachem called Red Head who was prompted by the Onejda Sachem to whom M' Clause read the speech with a low voice paragraph by paragraph, Colonel Johnson having first read it aloud to all present in English.

Brethren of the Confederate Nations here present. With this string of Wampum I wipe away all tears from your eyes, and clear your throats, that

we may

cheerfully look one another in the face and that

Bretheren,

Boston, of

I

have been

New

York,

whom

at this

meeting attend

Wam:).

where I went in company with the Governors of Maryland to wait on his Excellency General our Father the King of England hath sent over to this

lately at Virginia

of Pensylvania

Braddock (a great Warriour)

you may

(a string of

and speake without constraint.

and

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXXII.

:

9G5

number of armed Men, great Guns and other Implements of war, to you and all his other subjects within these his Dominions from the Insults and encroachments of the French. With this Great Man we met the Governor of Virginia and another great warriour, who continent with a large protect

commands all the King's ships in these parts of the World. At this meeting a great Council was held, many important

affairs were considered and agreed upon, amongst which, the welfare and interest of you our Brethren bore no small part

and

I

you were seriously considered.

assure

By

this string of

of this account.

Wampum

confirm the truth

I

(gave a large string of Warn"").

Brethren. The tree, which in your publick speeches and private applications to me, you have so often and so earnestly desired might be again set up, is now raised and fixed in the earth by so powerful a hand, that its roots will take a firm and deep footing, and its branches

be a comfortable and extensive shade

for you and all your allies to take shelter under it. For acquaint you that the Great King your Father, hath granted your request, and that conformable to His Instructions to General Braddock, I am appointed to the sole management I

now

all affairs relating to you and your Allies which may be transacted And by this Belt I now invite you and all your Allies to come and sit under where you may freely open your hearts and get all your wounds healed. (gave a Belt of Wampum).

and superintendency of in these parts. this tree

I

do Bretheren, at the same time remove the Embers which remained at Albany and rekindle

the Fire of Council and Friendship at this Place; and this Fire

I

shall

make

of such

wood

as

and greatest warmth, and I hope it will prove comfortable and come and light their pipes at it, and dazzle and scortch all those, who

will give the clearest light

useful to

are or

all

such as will

may be Enemies

Lustre and benefits of zeal, as

may

render

it

to

it.

expect Bretheren that you will on your parts increase the

I

this Fire,

by keeping

it

dressed up and attending

it

with that diligent

not only a blessing to yourselves but to your posterity.

secure these salutary ends,

it

other deceitful and unnatural

To

obtain and

will be absolutely necessary for you, totally to extinguish fires

which are made up

to

mislead and

all

end destroy both have now said on this

in the

you and yours; to confirm and enforce your compliance with what I subject I give you this Belt. (gave a Belt of Wampum).

With

Bretheren,

this string of

everything offensive, and us or any thing which

I

may

Wampum

hope that you obstruct our

I

make

this

Council

will take care that

harmony

Room

clean and free from

no Snake may creep

(gave a string of

in

amongst

Wampum).

must admonish and exhort you, that you will at all times, but more especially from your hearts, and cast away all discord, jealousies and misunderstandings which may subsist amongst you, or which any evil spirit may endeavour Consult together with that love and confidence which becomes to raise in your hearts Bretheren Let your general interest be the desire, and above all things engage the attention of every particular Man amongst you. Unity amongst Brethren is the best & surest defence against every Enemy. Brothers joined together with love and confidence are like a great Bundle of sticks which can not be broke whilst they are bound together, but when separated from each other, a Child may breake them, (here a bundle of sticks bound together were delivered by Coll: Johnson to the Speaker who with a very lively action and in an animated Brethren.

I

at this important conjuncture, pluck

—

—

!

—

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

966

manner exemplified the Metaphor, and gave the Bundle of Sticks to a Sachem on the Front Upon this a universal Shout of applause was given) so will it be with you if you Bench keep in Union and love with one another, You will be strong and your Enemies can not hurt but if you are inflamed and divided by jealousies and mistrust, you may be easily you destroyed. To fix in your hearts and to render this advice which I have given you effectual, I (Gave a Belt). strengthen it with this Belt of Wampum

—

—

—

to give you from His Excell'^'' General Braddock and some King your Father hath sent you by that Warrior. I shall deliver speech with another of my own the day after tomorrow. And as what I shall then be of the greatest importance to you all, I desire that none will absent themselves

Bretheren,

I

have a speech

presents which the great

you

this

say will either

The

Men, Coll

Women :

or Children.

then told them he had done for this time.

few minutes afterwards the Great Sachem of the Mohawk Nation rose up and said. We return you our most grateful acknowledgements for the speech you have made and for the present we us, and also for the promise of the further speeches you mention

A

Brother. to

;

take our leave of you.

Mount Johnson

their reply to his

this

Braddock's speech and his

Present

23.

June 1755

morning sent notice to Coll Johnson that they proposed making speech of the 21. inst: he consented to put ofi" delivering them General

The Sachims having

— The The

own

:

till

Hon*"'"

tomorrow P. M.

William Johnson.

Rev"* M"' Ogilvie the Missionary

Peter Wraxall Seer:

&

the Interpreters as before.

Lieut' Butler, those formerly mentioned and

many

other persons of the

neighbourhood attending.

Hendrick the Mohawk Sachim first rose up and said Brother Wariaghejaghe (Coll: Johnson's Indian Name). The Confederate Nations are now ready to make their reply to your speech to them on last Saturday ; are you prepared :

and disposed to hear what we have to say? CoUonel Johnson told them, he was. Hendrick then rose up again and addressing himself

to the Indians said

Brother Sachims and You Warrior my children We are now assembled to reply to our Brother Wariaghejaghe.

:

I will

therefore acquaint

you with the method, which has alwa[y]s been observed by our Forefathers on these occasions. The Mohawks, the Onondagas and the Senecas being the Elder Brothers of the confederacy, the Speaker at all public times, was chosen out of one or other of those Nations, nor was any preference given to either of the three, from whichever of them a speaker was chosen, there was no fear but every thing would be regularly conducted and I give you notice that our Brother Kaghswughtioni (alias Red Head) an Onondaga Sachim is chosen for our speaker at [A this meeting. You Warrior and young Men take notice and remember this Custom. ;

—

:

LONDON DOCUMENTS: great Council of the Sachims

&

Chief Warriors of

all

XXXII.

9G7

the Nations had been held upon this

Reply the whole morning and Hendrick was nominated for and proposed Kaghswughtioni which was at last agreed to.

but he declined it This Kaghswughtioni for some

their speal^er

much in the French Interest but by Coll Johnson's influence had attachment towards them, and the Coll had now brought him quite over Kaghswughtioni then rose up and addressed himself to Coll Johnson and said

years past had been very

been shaken to ours].

:

in his

:

:

as follows

Brother Wariaghejage sole Superintendent of our Affairs, and attend to what

We

I

am

you who are here present

now Assembled do by this String of Wampum return you our away our Tears ettc We do the same to you you may have had and we also clear your throat and Heart that you

the Confederate Nations

Brotherly thanks for the ceremony of wiping for every cause of grief

may

all

going to say.

:

speake to us with an unconstrained freedom.

for all the

Blood which hath been

spilt

We

—

condole with our Brethren the English

by the French and

all

other Enemies.

(gave a string of

we

Wampum)

are deficient in any

manner of form or should forget to answer in a particular manner any part of your speech, we hope you will excuse us. We only depend upon our Memories and cannot have recourse as you may to any written records. Brother. We take very kindly, and thank you for the relation you have given us of your Journey to Virginia and what passed at the Great Council there, and we are thankful to the great King our Father for sending over Gen' Braddock with so many of his warriors and great Guns to secure our Lauds from the encroachments of the French Brother.

If

(gave a string of

Wampum).

We

were grieved and distressed whilst the Tree lay down. We are with the utmost gratitude, sensible of the King our Father's goodness and kindness towards us in granting our request, which was made from the bottom of our hearts, to have it raised up Brother.

again.

We

we hope

it

are universally rejoiced to see this Tree replanted and that in so strong a

manner;

may grow up as high as the heavens, branches may be large and numerous enough

will be nourislred by refreshing streams, that

it

and be proof against every envious wind that it[s] to afford sufficient shelter for us and all our Brethren, to come and consult under it; and that our Cliildren's Children may bless the hand that planted it. (gave a Belt). ;

We

Brother.

Father, for

now

Forefathers,

have been long

by appointing You

to

treaded us kindly and honestly and last

As

to the Fire at

spark to light a pipe at

it,

&

the sole

Management

whom we

which

in

of our affairs,

look upon as our

own

to the

King our

old times cheared our

who have always and Blood. You wood as will never

flesh

made up the Fire at Onondaga of such it was so low and so bad, that we could not find even a we can not express our joy, that here we shall now have a fire

year to our great satisfaction

burn out.

and we are extreamly obliged

in darkness,

restoring us to that clear and comfortable light

Albany

answer every purpose we wish for, and that it will never be extinguished. We look on you Brother, as the King our Fathers representative and that we are under your direction and disposal, and the fire you have kindled here, as well as that at Onondaga, we will cherish, and all other fires we thus kick away (here the Speaker kicked with bis foot) as unnatural and [The Speaker then presented a Belt of Wampum to Coll: Johnson and made hateful to us. three low bows and all the Indians gave a shout.] that will

—

:

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

968

We

much obliged to you for renewing our ancient forms. You have Records we thanli you for puting us in mind of them by clearing this Council and we assure you we will on our parts enieavour to keep it clean and free from every

Brother.

are

of these things, and place

;

may

thing that Brother.

(gave a string of

be hurtful or unfriendly.

We

are extremely thankful to

for conveying

you

Wampum).

your good advice to us

sincerely and affectionately United together, in so expressive a

manner

as

to

you did by

be

this

our hearts, and we are sensible that divided, we shall be broken and destroyed, and we are determined to support that strickt union which rendered our Forefathers formidable and happy. (gave a Belt of Wampum).

bundle of

sticks.

It

hath

warmed

like this single stick easily

Here the Speaker made

a

bow and

sat

down.

The Chief Sachim of Oneida then rose up and addressing himself Onondagas and Senecas, and said

to

the

Mohawks,

Fathers and Elder Brothers.

We

acquaint you that as one of our Sachims called Connochquisie

is

dead we raise up

this

room and give him the same Name. Then he addressed himself Coll: to Coll: Johnson and said the same unto him and gave him a String of Wampum. Johnson took the Lad by the hand, and said he was pleased with the appointment, and desired the Sachems of that Nation, to introduce him to morrow morning and he would cloath him as Coll: Johnson then returned the Assembly his thanks for their respectful and usual. affectionate answer to his speech; and having given him notice by one of the Sachims to attend to-morrow, great and small to hear what he had further to say to them, and that two Cannon

Boy (presenting one)

in his

—

would be

fired as a signal

the Colonel then withdrew and the

;

Assembly broke up.

Mount Johnson 25 June

1755.

This morning Coll: Johnson examined the two Onondaga Indians whom he dispatched the They arrived here some days ago, but there was no IS"" ult° to Cadarachqui for intelligence. time to examine them

Present

till

this

morning.

— Peter Wraxall Seer: — Arent Stevens

interpreter.

The Chief Man of the said two Indians says That at the Falls of Oswegoe River he met who had lived at the new French settlement of Sweegachie which is below :

an Indian

Cadarachqui on the River

down and

S'

Lawrence and had

left it

about 8 or 10 days before

;

that he sat

entered into conversation with him and thereby learnt the following particulars:

That he and the other Indians of the Six Nations whom the French had drawn away to Sweegachie were obliged to break up their settlement there for want of provisions, for that all was given away to and consumed by the Troops, which Marched that way to the Ohio and that the Priest who was settled at Sweegachie had left that place. That he told him 1200. Troops had gone by this spring to the Ohio but there were very few Troops kept in garrison at Cadarachqui Fort, and that all the Troops go from Niagara to settle at

the Ohio.

— LONDON DOCUMENTS He

him there was another Indian

told

wait he might have more news from him.

This Indian confirmed what the other

whom he He did,

said,

XXXII.

:

969

expected to come along, and

above mentioned 1200 bound also for Ohio. That there used commonly to be but 4. Cannon but tliat there were now 15.

Sweegachie since

tlie

about two foot and a half insisted

thici\,

he shewed

go to Oliio,

to

&

with a

it

upon each of the Castles of Indians

warriors a piece

if

he would

and the second Indian came up to them. and added that SOO more Troops had passed

stick.

That

at

Cadarachqui Fort

tliat

the walls were

the.Gov'' of

Canada had

round about Canada to give him ten ten also from Sweegachie; but that the Indians were settled

demand and with the warlike proceedings at Ohio, that it was with great difficulty the GoV of Canada could prevail on the Indians to grant him any warriors, but at length he obtained five from each Castle and had the same number from Sweegachie. That the French Officer at Cadaraghqui had asked him if the Fort at Oswego was a strong one, he told him it was, the Officer said no, it is not, can push it down with a stick. He likewise told him all the Indians were leaving the settlement of Sweegaciiie for want of provisions. Our Indians having gained this Intelligence thought it unnecessary to go to displeased at the

I

:

Cadarachqui themselves

&

so returned.

Last night the scouting party sent the could

make no

discoveries, that

all

7. inst:

seemes very

to spy at

Crown Point

there,

still

returned, and say they

and that they did not see even a

Centinell at the gate.

Mount Johnson

The Honb'= William Johnson's second speech

to the

24.

June 1755. P. M.

Sachems and Warriors

of the Confederate Nations.

Present

—

The Honb''^ William Johnson The Rev* M'" Ogilvie Missionary. Peter Wraxall secretary for Indian Affairs.

The

Interpreters as before.

Most of the persons who attended yesterday

The same methods were taken with only that Hendrick the

and

all

it first

N

this

speech which are notifyed at the Coil's

Mohawk sachem was joined

three divided the delivery of

first

Speech

with the Onondaga and Onejda Sachems

between them.

it

ettc:

The

Secretary for Indian

Affiiirs

read

aloud in English by Coll: Johnson's Orders.

B.

Coll: Johnson had designed to have delivered General Braddocks speech before he

this would be a proper introduction to t/iol, and the Sachems he consulted and who assisted in speaking this speech told him, it would be more adviseable to prepare the Indians for General Braddock's speech, by giving them the first.

did this, but he afterwards judged

Bretheren Sachems and Warriours of the Confederate Nations here present. string of

Wampum

all I shall

now

I

pick your ears and

say to you

I

desire you will give the

—With

this

most serious attention

(gave a string of

to

Wampum)

Behold Bretheren these great Books [Four folio Volumes of the Records of Indian Affairs which lay upon the Table before the Colonel] They are Records of the many solemn Treaties and the various transactions which have passed between your Forefathers and your Bretheren Vol. VI. 122

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

970

—

you here present and us your Bretheren now living. You it is now almost 100 years since your Forefathers and That upon our first acquaintance we shook hands ours became known to each other. and finding we should be useful to one another, entered into a covenant of Brotherly love and And tho' we were at first only tied together by a Rope, yet lest this Rope mutual friendship. lest time and should grow Rotten and break, we tied ourselves together by an iron Chain accident might rust and destroy this Chain of iron, we afterwards made one of Silver; the the English, also between

well

know and

these

many

Books

of

testifie

that

—

—

—

strength and brightness of which would but eject to no decay'

— The ends of

this Silver

chain

immoveable mountains, and this in so firm a manner, that the hands of no mortal Enemy might be able to remove it. All this my Bretheren you know to be Truth; you know also that this Covenant Chain of love and friendship, was the dread and envy of all your

we

fixt

to the

Enemies and

ours, that by keeping

drop of each other's blood

it

to this day.

bright and unbroken,

— You well

know

we

iiave

also that

never

spilt in

anger one

from the beginning

to this

have almost every year strengthened and brightened this Covenant Chain in the most publick & solemn manner. You know that we became as one body, one blood and one people, the same King our common Father, that your Enemies were ours, that whom you time

we

took into your Alliance and allowed to put their hands into this Covenant Chain as Brethren, we have always considered and treated as such. Bretheren, You know also, that from the beginning the French were your declared and

—

most cruel Enemies Did they not stir up and join the surrounding Nations of Indians to oppress and cut you off from the face of the Earth? did they not cruelly and treacherously drive your Forefathers from their ancient habitations, and obliged them to remove to where you are now settled? did they not still continue their Devilish and Blood thirsty Enmity against you, and endeavour many and many times to burn these your settlements and destroy your Men,

Women

and Children? did not your Bretheren the Englisli in these times of your distress, & amunition? And when by our Union we have become strong, did we not go out to war with you against the French and their Indians, bring off a great Number of prisoners and Scalps, and make all the French in Canada tremble? did not support and assist you with arms

the French find that by your entering into a Covenant Chain with us, you were become so strong and powerful, that they could not destroy you by open force? did they not then make

peace with you and pretend a friendship for you? but were they faithful and sincere to these professions? no, did they not talk of peace with their Lips

they not smile on you

when war was

in their hearts? did

they had the Hatchet in their bosoms? did they not under the

when

professions of friendship, betray, deceive, and murder

you

at

Cadarachqui? did they not make

Onondagas, the Oneidas and the Mohawks? do not the bones of your Forefathers remain a testimony of it to this day and call on you, their children, ever to mistrust the fair speeches of the French and to revenge their foul deeds? did

war on and

kill

you

at the Senecas, the

they not impose on your good nature and confidence, when they begged your leave to build small houses at Cadarachqui, Niagara and Crown Point upon your lands, and instead thereof build Forts and put soldiers therein contrary to your inclinations and their agreement with

you? and in order to secure yourselves from their treacherous encroachments, did you not put all your lands under the protection and dominion of the Great King of England your Father, by a solemn deed in writing signed by your great Men of each Nation, and which the books now before me testifie? did not the French afterwards delude some of you and partly '

Sic.

Qu? wonld be

subject to

no decay.

— Ed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: by

art,

joy drive

come up, the French Men away

should never

make an

blood the French have

wicked

lies

on you

to

pull it

if I

were

to relate to you,

— how frequently they have

and abominable Arts,

make you

to

how

Sachems and

greatest warriors

had

I

when

who were

these base methods

not prevented

it,

Thus have

in

the shortest

which have passed

the best friends to your Bretheren

Men under

the

English

;

also the

their hearts

still

manner

it

was

by giving them timely

able, rehearsed to

to

of

in all

notice of their at

Ohio and

me?

you some of the chief matters

our days, between you and your Bretheren the

in these

who are in know that most of and that many of your

behaviour of your ancient and most bloody Enemies the French,

may

the same, whatever they

these things have been handed

Sachems here

I

Command

which they would

your inclinations, as you have often declared

times and

in old

would

shape of Men, poisoned

in the

danger? have they not absolutely taken possession of your best Hunting grounds built Forts thereon, contrary to

of your

suspicious of us your Bretheren, and to prevail

Mons"^ Celleron, to surprise and cut off your Bretheren at the Ohio, in,

how much

often and

the English? did they not six years ago, send a body of armed

probability have succeeded

Onondaga? and did

deceived and endeavoured by their

breake the Covenant Chain of Your Forefathers;

of your wisest

at

the ground, and to your great

to

it

?

end,

spilt

down and burned

not fully succeed, have they not often and that lately, like Devils

some

971

and partly by force, build a strong House even at your Castle

not the Great Quieder

I

XXXII.

profess with their lips.

down

present, can in a great

I

to you by your Forefathers, measure witness the truth of them.

However,

I

thought

necessary at this important time, to give you this general relation, that your young people

may

put

it

into their hearts,

have told you

is

and

I

give you this Belt of

Wampum

as a testimony that

And now my Bretheren,

I

what

I

(gave a Belt).

truth and fact

ask you, and

desire every

I

heart and ask himself seriously this question

:

who have

Man

been,

present to put his hand on his

who are

the

Friends and bretheren of

Does it require any you can be one moment in doubt, I must tell you, you will not act like the Children of those Brave & honest Men, whom you call your Forefathers, but like French Men in the shape of the Five Nations. Are you indeed our Brethren? Are you the Children of our ancient friends and brothers? Are you those Sachems and Warriors of the Five Confederate Nations, whom the Great King of England, the best and most upright Prince in the world, loves and honours as his Wise, his Warlike and dutiful Children ? Are you the Bretheren of the English? Are you my Brothers not in your hearts deny, but that the also? I hope you are, and if so, I am sure you can English have ever been, still are, and while you remain true to your solemn engagements and keep the Covenant Chain unbroken, I assure you will ever be, your affectionate Bretheren & steady friends; And that on the other hand, the French have been and still are in their hearts, the

Five Confederate Nations and

time to consider? does

it

their Allies? the

English or the French?

require any argument to determine?

Enemies whom you are at all times bound Thus I am sure you ought to think, and

to suspect I

am

&

if

detest.

persuaded do think.

Be Men

therefore,

and

be neither affraid nor ashamed, with one United voice to make an honest and open profession thereof.

I

call

Bretheren.

on you by this large Belt of

Wampum

Whatever Reports the French may

(gave a large belt of artfully

Wampum).

spread amongst you to alarm

&

excite jealousies in you against the English your Ancient Bretheren, your sincere Friends and Faithfull Allies, believe

me

they are

false,

raised only to ruin and enslave you, to establish

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

972

their own power, and then execute upon you & yours that malice and hatred which they now keep concealed. Be wise then my Bretheren and in order to remove from you any jealousies which those vile lies and abominable arts of our Enemies the French may make you harbour I call that Almighty Spirit above to wit?iess, who made lis all, against your Bretheren the English and knows our hearts, who created the sun which shines vjjon us, and in whose hands are the Thunder and Lightning, That we your Bretheren have no ill designs whatsoever against you. [The French have lately propagated amongst our Indians that the English intend to environ and cut them off, and as the present armaments without any formal declaration of War have raised the

—

attention and caused some serious surprise in the Indians, they, who are naturally suspicious have been much affected by these Reports. Colonel Johnson therefore thought it necessary to make the above declaration in such solemn terms, thinking it would be the most effectual method to prevent hereafter the influence of these base & pernicious reports of the French

from having the Integrity] If you

they propose, and to establish the confidence of the Indians in our

effects

—

if you will by and uphold the Covenant Chain of Your Forefathers King of England your Father, if you will be true Brothers to the English, and neither enter into any underhand engagements with the French, or into any Treaties with them against your Bretheren the English, If you will I am now ready with this Belt in do this with sincerely and keep it truly and honestly

will stand

continue to be dutiful

&

faithful children to the great

—

the Great

King Your Father's Name,

to

renew,

to

make more strong and

bright than ever the

Covenant Chain of love and friendship, between all the English upon this Continent and you And that it be now agreed the Confederate Nations here present, your Allies and Dependants.

between us, that those who are Friends by the said Confederate Nations their Enemies shall be ours. Bretheren.

It is

or

Enemies

Allies

to the English, shall

be considered as such

and Dependents, and that your Friends and (Here the Union Belt was given).

not that the English are affraid of the French or any of their Enemies, that

make you this offer it is because your Father the Great King of England loves and honours the memory of your Forefathers, and is inclined to treat you, their Children, as his Children, He is willing and he is able to provided you will be as dutiful and faithful as they were. And he is protect, you, your wives and Children from the power and Enmity of the French. I

;

determined

to drive all the

Frenchmen

into their

Country of Canada,

for

which purpose

his

Warriors are now gathered together with their swords in their hands, his great guns are loaded and all his warlike instruments are sharpened and ready. If you will therefore be so wanting to your own interest, as to join with the Enemies, or will refuse to go to war with your Father and Bretheren, you will draw upon your own heads the fatal consequence of your wickedness

and your

—

If you have any regard your Brother and friend, for

folly

for, if

you have that confidence

whom you

I

have reason

to

have always expressed an affection and I love you and speake for hearken to my advice who, you know has never deceived you dent break your Covenant Chain with them, Stand by your Bretheren the English your good The English have indeed been long asleep, let not the French boastings or lies deceive you. expect in

me

—

—

—

—

but now, they are thoroughly awake they are slow to spill blood, but when they begin, they Now is your time. are like an angry Wolf, and the French will fly before them like Deer. Brothers to chose, which side you will be of; if you are wise you want but little time to ;

determine, but upon this determination depends the future happiness of yourselves, your Wives

& children

after you.

LONDON DOCUMENTS Bretlieren,

answer

one

to

XXXII.

:

973

Here is a speecli I received a few days ago from our Brother Sciiaaoradjady viz': I some time ago sent him and which I shall now read to you

May

Fort Cumberland 15

This day

Brother.

I

received a speech delivered

me by George Croghan

have been here these four days waiting on the General with Croghan's house, he himself came in company with us. Brother.

am

I

my

glad to hear our Father the

You

of the Indians. all

are well

known

to us

all

the Warriors

Man we

can trust.

I

1755.

your name.

in

I

had at George

I

King of England has appointed you

and a

to take care

answer you that

I

and

people here will h.eartily join the General and go with him to fight the P'rench, and

hope you will send what warriors you can spare be ready, and

confirm what

to

we now

and we assure you we

to join us

say to you

we

present you this Belt of (

Now

in

:

Bretheren.

After

all I

shall

I

always

Wampum.

Gave a

Belt).

have said and when you see by this speech, that our Bretheren

Southward have joined General Braddock, and determined to go with him and fight the I tell you also that by this letter which I received at the same time from M' Croghan who is likewise with General Braddock, that great numbers of other Indians are daily expected at the Camp with the same intentions. I say after all these things, if you our Bretheren whose courage and Bravery are known far and near, and from whom we have a right to expect the warmest Zeal towards us, should on this great occasion show yourselves

to the

French, and when

we have reason to think, will not the surrounding Nations believe your ancient Bravery, or that the Covenant Chain of friendship and I am ordered to go myself alliance no longer exists between the English Nation and you. with a considerable number of your Bretheren from the neighbouring Provinces over whom I

cool and inactive; shall not

either that

am

you

lost

—

appointed to the Chief

Command

with great guns and other implements of war, to drive

the French from their encroachments on your hunting grounds in this Province; dutiful to the •will

treat

me

King your Father, as your Brother,

my Gun

to put in the water,

if

you

will be faithful to

My war

Go with me. is

loaded,

my

kettle

sword by

if

you

your Bretheren the English,

my

is

will be if

you

my Canoe is ready my Ax is sharpened. I

on the Fire,

side,

and

now take up the Hatchet and join us, your Bretheren against all our Enemies. Bretheren. I well know the Coghnawagas are as your own flesh & blood. We look upon them at present as our Brethern also, and to convince you, how tender I am of every one who belongs to you, I promise you, I will take every method in my power to make the desire and expect

Coghnawagas

you

will

sensible of their true

Interest on

the present occasion,

and

to

prevent

if I

possibly can, one drop of their blood from being spilt by us; and to obtain this desirable end, will lend me your assistance; but if neither your endeavours nor mine perswade them to get out of the way of mischief, they must take what follows. 1 will treat those who go with me as Bretheren, and in their absence take care and support the Old Men, the women and Children who belong to them. Dont you already see the King your Father is resolved to secuie you and your Country by sending his Troops to Oswego, and many more are getting ready to go there, so that if the French should attempt your destruction, we I

make no doubt you

will

shall

be between you and them and stand their warmest attacks.

exiiortations and sincere promises

own

Interest,

this

Country.

1

am

made

to

you, you should be

still

If after all

these friendly

obstinate and blind to your

determined to demit the management of your

affairs

entirely and leave

f^

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

974

By

this large Belt therefore

your Bretheren and given you.

Sachem

me

— (Hereupon

of the upper

When

the Speech

call

1

against our Coll

to raise

up

like honest

and Brave

Men

and join

confirm the assurances

it I

War

.Johnson himself presented the

:

Mohawk

on you

common Enemy and by

Belt to

Abraham

I

have

a Chief

Castle.)

was ended Coll

:

Johnson

told

them that

was a very long one and He desired they would with him, where the speech should as

it

contained several matters of great consequence at this important time.

now up

appoint a deputation from each Nation to go

be again read over

to

them

that

They accordingly appointed

it

might be

fully

their deputies

stairs

imprinted on their memories.

and

W Clause

read

it

over and was assisted by

now had it perfectly. Johnson gave notice that to-morrow, he would deliver them General Braddocks speech. And then this days conference broke up

the Interpreters and some Sachems in the pronunciation, and they said they Coll

:

:

Mount Johnson. 25 June 1755.

Present

—

P.

M.

as yesterday.

The same method was made use of in translating and delivering the following speech as is This speech was mentioned to have been observed in Coll: Johnson's two former speeches. spoke wholly by Kaghswughtioni the Onondaga Sachem, prompted by Hendrick the

—

Mohawk Sachem. All being seated and ready, Hendrick

by Coll

:

Johnson's directions said

Brethren and Warriors of the Confederate Nations

:

Attend

:

to the speech of his Excell*^

General Braddock.

The

To

speech was

first

read in English by the Secretary for Indian

the Sachems, Warriors and Great

The

Chief of Brothers.

His

Men

speech of his Excels'

Mnj'''

all

AflTairs.

of the Six Nations.

Edward Braddock Esq" General and Commander

in

His Britanic Majesty's forces in North America.

the Great

King of England our Father being absolutely determined

to

punish with the utmost severity Our and your Enemies the French, who have unjustly invaded his frontiers and your Hunting grounds contrary to your consent and have committed great

many who have dared to take up the Hatchet and to join with the King our Father's Enemies, who are too treacherous to be confided in, and too weak to support them, has therefore sent me with a very large Force of Men and all kinds of warlike instruments from England, to recover his own hostilities

years,

all

against you and your Bretheren the English inhabiting these Colonies for

which

is

very well known to you

;

and also

to chastize those Indians

Dominions and your possessions and to drive these Invaders for ever from you. Johnson one of my oflacers to whom I have committed the sole I send this by Coll management of all Affairs, between our Father the King and Your, and what he is going to say to you I desire you to receive as my own words. In confirmation thereof I give you a (Gave a Belt). Belt of Wampum :

Brothers.

You

are very sensible of the great friendship

between the English and your Nations,

for

many

and

affection

which has subsisted

generations, and that the French by their

LONDON DOCUMENTS:

XXXII.

975

unjust invasions of your lands, and cruel behaviour to you and Your Bretheren, the English, are endeavouring all in their power to make a Breach between us and you and to rust the

Chain which

till

now remained clear and which Moon gives light

I

am

determined

brighten

to

continue so while the sun and

&

Brother Sachems

hopes

in

Gave a

(

Belt

it

will

).

Warriors of the Six Nations.

I now desire, you will immediately take up the Hatchet against the French and their Indians, and that with a fixed resolution, to join us against our common Enemy, agreable to the usual Custom of your Ancestors, which will be very agreable

Remember and

take notice, that

to our Father the King, and its

you may be assured

I

shall represent

proper light.

(

Gave

your Conduct

time in

at this

Wampum

a Belt of

)

The French our common Enemy on the other side the great Lake, much alarmed at the armament sent from England under my Command to your assistance, were preparing to send a considerable Force to Canada, to assist your Enemies there, but the King our Father has prevented their attempts, by sending out some of his large ships of war, and blocking them up in their Ports. During the time I command the King our f\ither's Forces on this Continent, you may assuredly depend on my assistance and brotherly protection, and its expected on your parts, that you will, with the spirit and activity, so well known to be your Characters,

&

not hesitate, but exert yourselves

immediately declare against the French & join your (gave a very large Belt of Wampum).

Brothers and old friends the English.

The Amity and Friendship now

proposed,

I

doubt not

will continue while the

mountains

remain and the Rivers run. In confirmation of

all

the above,

I

present you with a Belt of

Wampum. E. Braddock.

N. B.

The paragraph which

down the Ouejda Sachem, when Arent Coll: Johnson threw

begins with: "

War War

of the speech spoke last (as the

Belt

is

Remember and

always given

take notice" was at the delivery

at the conclusion of a speech)

Belt in General Braddock's name,

Stevens the Interpreter began the

Braddock, he then danced one

for

Coll

:

Johnson,

War

dance

both which the

to

when

was taken up by an

it

for

General

Sachems bore the

usual Chorus. Coll: Johnson then ordered a large

Tub

of punch out,

for, to

drink the King's health.

After which the Assembly broke up.

Mount Johnson

the 26,

June 1755.

This afternoon Ottrowana a Great Sachem and Warrior of the Cajuga Nation arrived with 19 more of his people; with his also came Nockkie a Great Sachem of a Castle called the Missisagaes

who

lived on the North side of

Lake Ontario, and belong

to

Chippewyse

the

Confederacy which chiefly dwell about the Lake Missilinianac & are a very numerous people He says the French have deterred all his Countrymen from coming allies of the Six Nations. to

Trade

at

and proceed

The

Oswego by to

telling

him they would be cult

Colonel Johnson's

Coll: told

fire,

that he

is

but that he was determined to is

now

should be well used.

all

come

here.

him he was welcome and desired he would acqnnint

be would see and hear, and, that he would be glad at

who

of,

very glad, he

with what Countrymen

his Nation,

times to see any of his

— NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

976

Mount Johnson 2S June 1755. A. M. Ottrowana the Cayouga Sachem who arrived here

Sachem

Mississaga

Ottrowana spoke Brother.

The

26"' inst: sent

word

that he and the

desired a Conference with Coll: Johnson, they were accordingly admitted. as follows:

Sachem now present

Mississaga

are Allies of the Six Nations, and as

am

I

is

who

sent from four Castles of that Nation

myself a sincere friend of the English,

I

think

our general interest will be strengthened by securing and improving an Alliance with the said Castles-

Brother.

when he

I

must desire that

returns

home

would send a Belt you.

He

or Belts

by him

to his

may be kindly used as his report common interest, and that you

friend

consequence

to

Countrymen,

our in

which the Six Nations

will join

determined not to join the French, and his said four Castles have sent

his part

is for

my

this Delegate,

will be of great

same mind. you had no longer the management of Indian Affairs, I did not think it worth my while to come down, but as soon as I heard, you had again taken up the direction of them and sent for the Six Nations, I came away with my people, and we were hindered by wind and weather from being here, when you spoke to the Confederate Nations, however I have since been informed of all you have said to them, and when they have by and by given you their answer, I propose to talk a little more with you in private.

him

to acquaint you, that they are of the

Brother.

When

I

heard, that

Coll: Johnson replyed:

Brother.

As you propose to have another conference with me, I will defer any further what you have now said till then; in the mean time, I hope, you

conversation with you upon will in Council,

and particularly with your Nation, who, I am sorry to find, are a to the declaration of Friendship you have just now made.

little

backward, act according

Mount Johnson 2S June 1755

Present —

Coll: Johnson,

Peter Wraxall Secretary, Arent Stevens and Jacobus

Clement

Interpreters.

Principal

Sachems of

the

Mohawks, Onondagas

&

Senecas.

We are very uneasy lest you should be displeased at our so long delaying to give Brother. you an answer to the matters you have laid before us in your's and General Braddock's speech, and we are come to acquaint you that it is not our faults, for we three Nations are agreed, & think, you have desired nothing but what is very reasonable, and does not require much time to determine but the leading Men of the other Nations when we thought to have come to a general conclusion, have not been capable to attend at Council, by reason of To-morrow we purpose and doubt not to give the Rum, which is too plenty amongst them. you the answer of our whole Body. so

;

Coll: Johnson replyed:

Bretheren.

I

accept and

owing to your Nations. at Albany where many

I

am

pleased with your apology and

should not be so impatient but

of the

Troops

I

am

to

command

my

am

sensible the delay

presence

is

is

not

very much wanted

are arrived and

more every day

LONDON DOCUMENTS: conning. will let

I

published a prohibition against selling

me know,

from whence so

much Rum

is

Rum

XXXII.

N

B. Five or

six

lockt

Cags

up,

of

Rum

but great

the sale of

it

desire

you

it

was fetched from and

had been discovered and Coll: Johnson had them taken were daily among them, and sold to them at

quantitys

Schenectady and Albany, tho' the Inhabitants of both these

much

I

brought.

They said there was none sold in the neighbourhood, but that bought at Schenectady and Albany.

away and

977

in this Neiglibourghood.

Towns

are well acquainted

how

retards and prejudices the publick service at these times, and that they are

subject to penalties for selling the same.

Mount Johnson

29.

June 1755. A. M.

Sundry Sachems of the Onejda, Tuscaroras, Skaniadaradighroonas, Aughquageys, & Delawaras waited on Coll: Johnson. The Skaniadaradighroonas, Aughquages and Delawares gave a string of Wampum by which they informed the Coll: that last war he made a Sachem of the Aughquaga Nation who is They then presented a Belt of Wampum to let him know that a young Man since dead. whom they then presented was thought proper to succeed him, and hoped the Coll: would please to accept of him and cloath him, accordingly.

The Coll: promised to do so. The Onejdas and Tuscaroras then by

a string of

Wampum

Men whom

presented two young

made Sachems, and Colonel would distinguish them with

they said were firm to the Interest of the English, and worthy to be desired they might be accepted as such, and that the

the usual cloathing as Sachems.

— He complied with

their request.

Mount Johnson

The Sachems having

the speaches he had delivered to the

29.

June 1755.

were ready to make their reply to He sent them Confederate Nations the 24 and 25 inst:

sent Coll: Johnson notice that they

—

word he was ready to hear them. The Assembly met about 2 o'clock P. M.

Present

—

The Hon"' William Johnson Esq" The Rev"* M'' Ogilvie Peter Wraxall Secretary

The Interpreters as before and sundry other persons The Sachems and Warriors of the several Nations. Kaghswughtioni the Onondaga Sachem spoke as follows: Brother Wariaghtejage, sole superintendant of our

You you by

we

called

upon us

this string of

to give

—

affairs.

our serious attention to what you had to say to us

Wampum we

did so, and

are going to reply to your speech to us.

Vol. VI.

attending.

123

we

desire

you

will

now do

(gave a string of

the

;

we

same

assure

to

Wampum)

what

;

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

978

We

Brother.

are

much

obliged to

you

for the relation

you gave us of wliat hath passed,

We

both, with regard to our Bretheren the English as well as the French. to

be

and we are very thankful

true,

to

know

their affairs will do the same.

(Gave

You

desired to know,

who we had most

reason to believe were

Bretheren of the Six Nations, the English or the French, and you said in determining

upon

By

it.

this Belt

in general

for refreshing our

In those days the Governors contributed to hope that you, who have now the sole Management of

Brother.

it

memories with the particulars. the strength and Union of the Five Nations, we

you

we acknowledge

the Great

a Belt).

we ought

King

of

friends and

tlie

not to be long

England our Father

we put our trust in him. Dont think Brother that we are come tiiither with a double heart, we are honestly and fairly in Earnest, when we acknowledge our Brotherly affection and attachement to the English, and we hope you will keep it on your side inviolable as we will do on ours. (Gave a Belt of Wampum) is

the Master of our confederate Nations and

No

Brother,

evil

Reports or

artful

endeavours of the French

shall

draw us away from our

and Unity with our Bretheren the English. doubt not your declaration to us on renewing the Covenant Chain comes from the

affection

We

bottom of your heart,

we

on our side do with this Belt in the sight of

Him who

dwells on

renew and strengthen the Ancient Love and friendship which hath ever subsisted between your Forefathers and ours, and we hope you will mind duly to renew and brighten this Covenant Chain ( Gave a Belt of Wampum with several strings of Wampum to it ). high,

Worthy Children of our brave and honest Forefathers Men. We thank you for putting us in mind of our Ancestors 'tis very true they were such as you describe; we are but weak children in comparison with them, and we hope you will be a kind and tender Father to us. You have desired us not to listen to or be affraid of the French. We will not regard their insinuations, but remain dutiful to the Great King of England our Father, and tho' our neck is but small, we do not dread the French or any of our Enemies, and tho' we are not inclined to enter into quarrells without reason, we will stand by our Bretheren the English & adhere to our Covenant Chain with them. (Gave a Belt) Brother, You have represented to us how much the French are our Enemies, and you have

You

Brother.

and

told us to act like the

to declare ourselves like

laid before us the

We

have expressed your own

We

present State of affairs as matters of the last importance to our welfare.

think them such and for us all

life in

we

on

are very

much

this occasion,

obliged to you for that

and that you are ready

to

Esteem and go out with

Affection us,

you

and expose

conjunction with us, and that you will take care of our families in our absence.

the confederate Nations here present agree to your request and will join and assist

your undertakings.

We

have not yet determined what particular numbers

will

you

in

go from each

we are taking the necessary steps to be ready with our people. we know, the affairs you have proposed ought not to be delayed, but as we left our unprepared for this event, we are desirious that some of our young Men may first

Castle, but

Brother, families

return

home and

may depend you

settle

matters properly.

shall not wait for us.

We

imagine you are not yet quite ready, and you

)

:

LONDON DOCUMENTS: Kaghswuglitioni then made

You

Brother.

beg you

will

do the same

who have

invaded our hunting grounds and for the good opinion he has of in his undertakings. (gave a Belt of Wampum).

us.

him success

sincerely wish

We

;

return Gen' Braddock our grateful thanks for the information he gives us of his designe

to chastize those

We

:

by this string answer we are going to make to that (gave a string of Wampum

to the

great Warrior.

We

979

following reply to General Braddock's speech

desired us to be attentive to Gen' Braddock's speech to us

Wampum we

of

tiie

XXXll.

him that he has appointed a person so agreable to us to take care of our and we hope that you our Brother Wariaghtiejaghe, who are now raised up by so high an Authority will continue to be our steadfast friend. (gave a Belt). are thankful to

affairs,

The Speaker then took General Braddock's War

Belt and Coll

:

Johnson's and put them

together and said

We

we now make

are already declared ourselves on the one, and

And we

the other.

Braddock

are truely thankful to Gen'

the

same declaration on

for the assurances of his care

and

protection for us.

The Speaker then took

the Bundle of Sticks in his hands given by Coll

:

.Johnson in his

first

speech and said.

You exhorted us by

Brother.

We as

shall stricktly

if

this

bundle of Sticks to Union, friendship and Brotherly love.

observe your admouition and adhere together like true Bretheren.

your advice has already taken

Onondagas

effect, for

seems

It

the Senecas are gathering together, and the

are retrieving their people from Sweegachie

;

but Brother

we must

tell

you, Your

People are very faulty, they are too thirsty of money and carry on a Trade with the French which is not only a real prejudice to us but to yourselves also. Conochquiesie an Onejda Sachem then rose up and Brother.

We

are very thankful for

and concur

said.

in every thing

you have

said to us since the

The Things you proposed required no very long consideration. V^ou have invited us to join with you as Bretheren, we can not refuse so reasonable a proposal, and the Confederate Nations here present have complied therewith. You may perhaps think, we have present meeting.

not been so particular in our answer as your speech deserved but Bretheren must not stand too

much on form and ceremony,

you

satisfaction.

Coll

:

Johnson then said

Bretheren.

I

at

is

and we hope that

settled

will

give

:

all you have said in answer to Gen' Braddock and my must be disagreable to you to sit so long in the sun, I will not present but say something more to you to-morrow when I deliver you

speeches, and as detain you

am

the main point

I

well pleased with

consider

it

the presents.

Bretheren,

I

am

very sorry that notwithstanding

all

the care

I

have taken

to

prevent

being sold to your people at this meeting or from being brought amongst you, yet nevertheless found

You

am

its

are sensible of

way here. the many ill consequences which

attend the

apprehensive hindred you in your Councils and prevented

i;.se

many

of this liquor.

of your

it

Rum has

It has, I

young Men from

—

:

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

980

attending at our conference, and

I

must

desire every one will do

anymore Rum from being brought and drank In the evening the

Johnson began head Warriors.

War

was put on and

Kettle

at night the

The two Sachems who were Speakers

it.

Johnson he met them One of them spoke Brother, our Nation

this

to

hinder

dance was danced. Coll : day danced and many of the

July 1755. A. M.

1.

having desired a private conference with Coll:

morning.

the

in

power

War

this

Mount Johnson Several Sachems of the Cajouga Nation

their

all in

here.

was

name

of the rest

truly rejoiced

to the united request of all the Nations

came down to this meeting. But we must confess that your

&

said

when we

and

it

heard you were again raised up according was with great readiness and pleasure that we

pressing us to take up the hatchet

is

somewhat sudden and

which we were not prepared. Dont think Brother that we are any ways inclined to prefer the French to our Bretheren the English, we assure you we are not; the English are our Ancient Bretheren, and we are determined to stand by them the only concern we are under, on this occasion is on acccount of our Bretheren the Coghnawagaes, they are our own flesh and blood and many of us have Brothers, sons ettc who live amongst them, their safety you must think naturally affect us, and we can not but be uneasy about them and wish there was for

;

time given us to secure our kindred there from danger.

we

are at present under.

This Brother (

is

Gave a Belt

the only uneasiness

of

Wampum

)

•

Coll: Johnson answered

Bretheren.

:

know and am

I

sensible of your relation,

and your interest

in the safety of

the Coghnawagaes. I

have already mentioned

publick speech which

I

now

my

The Coghnawagaes are at present looked on and come now freely and unmolested to Albany, tho' inclined to distroy or confine them, but

should be treated civilly and as friends. their blood.

I

Friends and

do propose

live

my

sentiments in regard to them in a general manner in

confirm to you.

to

I

down

sent

We

treated by the English as Bretheren, they it

would be

power,

in our

have no desire or intention to

send a Message to them and try

amongst the Five Nations, and us, and in this

and not join the French against

if I

if

we were

so

orders to the soldiers there that they

they wont do

if

spill

one drop of

they will return to their

this, to

stand out of the

way

desire not only your concurrance but your

But if they will be obstinate and not only refuse our friendly admonitions, but act as Enemies against us, surely you do not expect, you can not blame us, if we treat them as their head strong rashness will deserve; as I would do by my own son or my Brother, so will do by them. Do you ask or expect any thing more and can I speak more reasonably or fairly. I (gave a Belt). give you this Belt to assure you, I mean what I have said. advice.

They

said

Brother. consider of

:

We it

are extremely obliged to you, for

and then say somewhat

in

answer

what you have now

said,

we

will seriously

to it.

They then gave another Belt and desired they might have a Smith sent up to reside amongst to mend their arms and their Tools and that they could not do without so necessary a

them

LONDON DOCUMENTS little

981

Man whom they named might come up with dry goods and some Gunpowder and lead to sell but no Rum.

person and requested bring a

XXXII.

:

also, that a

The Coll: promised he would look out for a Smith, and enquire was proper and willing to go. They then withdrew with great appearance of satisfaction.

if

the person they

Mount Johnson

Present

—

The Hon"* William Johnson

the Smith and

1.

named

July. 1755. P. M.

Esq'''

Peter VVraxall Secretary

The

N the

The

B.

Interpreters as before, and several other persons attending.

following speech was translated into Indian by M' Clause and spoke by Hendrick

Mohawk Sachem.

The

presents were set out in the middle of the yard, the Sachems and

Warriors of the several Nations sitting round. Coll: Johnson's speech:

Bretheren of the Confederate Nations here present.

[This speech was designed to be delivered with the presents as yesterday but all day long prevented].

it

raining

violently

The day

before yesterday you engaged yourselves to assist your Bretheren the English in

now on

their undertakings

foot against their

acted like dutiful children of the great

and your enemies, the French.

King of England your Father,

English and like true children of your brave and honest Forefathers.

your engagements should,

you

like

honest

Men and

will be detestable to

Bretheren.

I

all

like I

You have

hope you

will

be guilty of no deceit or breach of your words;

Men.

expect and desire you will acquaint

this

in

Bretheren to the fulfill if

you

(gave a Belt). all

engagements you have entered into and press upon them

your

allies

to act

and dependents with the

conformably thereto.

( Gave a large string of Wampum ). some of your young Men may return home to settle matters relating to your families as you left them unprepared for this event. As I would be far from insisting upon any thing that might be prejudicial to your safety & welfare, so I am willing, some of your young Men should return home as you request. But I desire that some may immediately go and join the rest of their Bretheren with General Braddock, and I shall send a White person well known to them to go with them [Here Capt" Stoddert stood up and was presented as one whom the Coll: designed to send with them to General Braddock] and you may be assured they will be well received and kindly treated by (Gave a Belt.). the General.

Bretheren.

You

Bretheren.

Your Brother and

in a

day or two be

desire,

at

Albany.

friend

He

is

Gov' Shirley who

is

well

known

to

you

is

now

or will

going to Oswego with a great number of Soldiers

who

Albany and Schenectady. He designs to go to Niagara to prevent the French from sending any more reinforcements to the Ohio, and to open the Road whicii is now stopped for your and our Bretheren to the Westward to come to Oswego. He expects and I desire you will meet him there and give him that assistance in his undertakings which as bretheren (Gave a Belt). you are bound to do are

now

at

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

982 I shall

be ready to march with the forces under my command for Crown you will have some Warriors of each Nation here to attend my directions, (a Belt). send for more that they may be ready to join us.

in a little time

Point, and I desire

and when

I

Bretheren.

propose to send a Message with a Belt of Wampum to our Bretheren the I desire your advice and assistance therein agreable

I

Coghnawagaes and before your departure to what I mentioned in ray speech

(Gave a

Wampum).

large string of

Here is a present which the King your Father hath sent you by Gen' Braddock. you will make a just and equal division of it. There is a large quantity of gun be likewise given you, as it would be dangerous to give it now, you shall have it

Bretheren. I desire

that

powder to when you are going away.

Mount Johnson

July 1755. A. M.

3.

Hendrick and his Brother Abraham Chief Sachems of the upper Mohawk Castle waited on Colonel Johnson and acquainted him, that they had received certain intelligence from the half

who went to the was a very severe and afflicting loss to them, yet they assured Coll: Johnson it should not hinder them from assisting iu the publick business at this juncture and that they would promote all in their

Kinf,

who

is

with Gen' Braddock, that

were

six

young Men

this year

power the

he had recommended at this meeting.

aftairs

all

relations of theirs

cut off by the Creek Indians, and tho'

Southward early

Mount Johnson

it

3.

July 1755. P. M.

The Sachems of the several Nations having given Coll: Johnson notice that they were ready to make a reply to his speech to them of the 1'' inst: he sent them word he was ready to

meet them.

They

Present

accordingly asserhbled.

— The

Hon'''*

William Johnson

Peter Wraxall Secretary. The Interpreters as aforementioned. Coll: Lydius, Capt" Killock, his son

and sundry other persons who had

attended formerly.

The Sachems and Warriors

of the Confederate Nations.

A^uiotta an Onejda Sachem rose up, and in the name of his Nation, the Cayougas, the Tuscaroras, the Skaniadaradighroonas and the Tiederighroonas condoled the upper Castle of the Mohawks on the loss they had sustained of the Six young Men of their Castle who had

been

killed to

the Southward and gave a string and Belt of

Wampum

as testymonies of

their concern.

Then Kao-hswughtioni the Onondaga Sachem stood up and with a string of Wampum addressed himself to the five aforesaid Nations and desired they would not be too much dejected by this Misfortune, but keep their minds firm and capable of business; he then in the name of the half King Schaaroyady condoled the upper Mohawk Castle with a string of Wampum sent from the said half King by those Indians who went with Coll Johnson's Messengers to General Braddock. He next condoled the said Castle in the name of Coll: Johnson, the lower :

:

LONDON DOCUMENTS:

XXXII.

983

Mohawks, the Onondagas and the Senecas, with a string of Johnson gave them some black Stroud for mourning upon the occasion. Castle of the

Wampum,

and Coll

These ceremonies being passed Caghswughtioni stood up and made the following reply in name of the Confederate Nations to Coll: Johnson's speech to them of the 1" inst: Brother. In answer to your first Belt, we say we will persist in our engagements and we hope you will fulfill all those on your side. Gave a Belt. the

we

In answer to your string, allies

and dependents, here

begin and

fulfill

is

promise you to press the conduct

we

shall observe

Deputy of the Mississageyes now

the

here, with

our desire.

(gave a string).

we

In answer to your second Belt

say, that as the Confederate Nations have agreed to join

their Bretheren the English against the French, your desire on this Belt

King having joined Gen' Braddock with Message yesterday received from him the half

you desire us

However

is

already

several of our people as

we

fulfilled

learn

by

by a

(gave a Belt).

we say, are you not our Tree of shelter, and why under any other Tree, where you go we are ready to follow.

In answer to your third Belt

Brother. will

upon all our him we shall

to take shelter

many

there will be

Oswego and near

of our people round about

join and be ready to assist Gov'' Shirley

Brother.

In

answer

to

to Niagara,

who

will

(gave a Belt).

your fourth Belt

we

say, that

we

desired first to go home to take we must consult upon, and send who will lay exposed to the Enemy;

care of our families and put our affairs in order, besides,

proper Messages to

they are

all

our scattered friends and Relations

ignorant as

we were when we came down

of the present State of Affairs none which you have made upon us. You are a large body and will move slowly, when you are ready and will send us word, we will run down, and tho' you should even be upon your march we will soon overtake you. (gave a Belt). In answer to your string about the Coghnawagaes, we will cooperate with you and use our best endeavours to prevail on them to get out of danger and not assist the French against our of us

still

were prepared

sudden

for this

;

call

Bretheren the English

We

Brother.

young Men

have

(gave a string).

now

finished our

are desirious they

We

first

answer

to

your Speech, and

return home, for

we

may

be increased.

not effectual, viz'

;

We

have sent

for there are three

in

Locust, Neck '

Sic.

;

there are

Dame Jam

Qu? Pocomoke: a

in

of

them who

our strength and

them by Belts of Wampum, but they are [They named the three Colonels: Hooper; the three Ciiiefs they also named viz' d" and Gecho in I'ekoinoke'] near whose houses

for

:

many

us, that both,

Colonels in Maryland

Coll: Scarbrough Coll: Henry and Coll

Jomikakonick

repeat to you, that our

for

they are desirious you will look upon them as your Bretheren at present live in Maryland and want to come to live near to theirs

we

can not upon so short a warning

besides, if our people were to stay here, we see no arms or them, therefore we must go home to equip ourselves. have taken into our Confederacy our Children the Skaniadaradighroonas and

be fully prepared for Action

accoutrements provided Brother.

may

river iu the Southeast part of Maryland.

— Ed.

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

934 they

live,

who

in conjunction

come away, we

desire

you

with three Chief

Men amongst

and write

will interpose

to those

let them them come away.

those Indians will not

persons to

let

(gave a string).

The Speaker then took and

hands a large Belt of

Wampum

with a smaller one tied to

it

said.

Brother.

we

in his

now

are

with

As every thing is gone on in a friendly way between us at this meeting and united together in the most intimate manner, let us not have the Devil to join

We

Rum.

us, that is the

desire

you

will stop

up the Bung and

let

none come

Oswego

to

be sold to our people let us be content with the drink which God gives us from the Heavens. Rum is not necessary for our lives, but on the contrary is the occasion of our to

;

We

loosing them.

of

have never any difference but thro'

some Corn you had

for us, that is a

this cursed

necessary article, and

Brother.

We

must correct you a

our Allies near us, but

people,

when they buy

will

send

(Gave the two Belts

five different parcels.

all

Liquor; but as you told us

we beg you

we

shall

little.

You

desire us to unite

have no land

left

and

live

make

it

in

together and draw

either for ourselves or

a small piece of land of us, by stealing they

up

it

).

them;

large.

for

We

your

desire

may not be suffered to buy any more of bought of two Men, who are not the proper owners of it. The land which reaches down from Oweigey to Schahandowana, we beg may not be settled by Christians [lands belonging to the United nations near the Susquehana River] but if any

such things our land.

come

may

not be done, and that your people

Sometimes

there

they

may

its

be called

away

that

so

we may have

land

left

for

ourselves and

(gave a large and small Belt).

our Allies.

The Onejda Sachem, rose up and said. You promised us that you would keep this fire place clean from all filth and that no snake should come into this Council Room. That Man sitting there (pointing to Coll: Conochquiesie, Brother.

Lyddius) is a Devil and has stole our Lands, he takes Indians slyly by the Blanket one at a time, and when they are drunk, puts some money in their Bosoms, and perswades them to sign deeds for our lands upon the Susquehana which we will not ratify nor suffer to be settled by any means; The Gov' of Pennsylvania bought a whole Tract and only paid for the halt,

we desire you will let him know, that we will not part with the other half but keep it. These things make us constantly uneasy in our minds and we desire that you will take care

and

that

we may keep

Brother.

We

(gave a very large Belt of

our lands for ourselves.

have

now

finished

all

we

have to say and

to

Wampum).

morrow we propose

to

return home.

Johnson then told them. That he had attentively heard what they had said, but as it was too late now to give them an answer he would make a reply to morrow morning. Kaghswughtioni the Chief Onondaga Sachem came to Coll: Johnson and told him, that as Coll:

very troublesome times were approaching, and they had now declared themselves in favour of their Bretheren the English against the French; he desired a Fort might be built at their they lay exposed to the French who might perhaps come and and therefore some place of security would be very necessary for them.

castle, for that

fall

upon them,

LONDON DOCUMENTS Coll: Johnson told

them

work enough

them

that he could not promise

he thought the army at Oswego, which was

985

to build a

Fort immediately, and

neighbourhood would send the French

their

in

XXXII.

:

them from giving his people any disturbance, and that and find it too difficult even to defend themselves. However, that he was pleased with his request, and it should be granted as soon as possible. that way, and deter

the French would be beset on

all

sides

Mount Johnson

3.

July 1755.

This evening the Cajuga Sachems waited on Coll Johnson in consequence of the conference he had with them about the Coghnawagne Indians the 1" inst:

They gave

it

as their opiniom that an express should be sent by Coll: Johnson to each of

Cogh[n]awaga Castles and another from the Six Nations. The Colonel asked them when they proposed to send theirs; they said as soon as they came home they would call a Council and send one off immediately. The Colonel asked them whither if he should meet with any chief Men of the Cogh[n]awagaes at Albany, it would not be as well to deliver the Belt, and what he had to say to them, as to send a special Messenger they answered either way would do. The Colonel asked them if they thought the methods proposed would be effectual to prevail with the Coghnawagaes to comply with our propositions; They answered they would not be positive, but as soon as ever they knew what effect their message had, they would acquaint the

;

the Coll: with.

The Colonel then

told

them, he expected their message

correspond with what he had said upon the subject private conference with them;

that his

would be

to

the

Coghnawagaes would and

his publick speech

in

and both ought

so,

to

in his

former

be uniform, they

promised theirs should conform.

Mount Johnson Colonel Johnson sent

for the

Onejda Sachems, and

told

4.

July 1755. A. M.

them, Gov'^ Shirley would have

occasion to build two Magazines for his amunition and provisions at each end of the carrying

&

would consent and give no interruption to the people employed therein had come up there, with a number of Men with Axes ettc, and told us they were come to build two large houses at each end of the carrying place, and began to cut down Timber without any further ceremony upon which we stopped them having no Message from you about it; but as you now make the request with a Celt of Wampum we place,

They

desired they

said that Capt° Petrey's son

readily grant

As the

to the

land

expected

grown have

it.

Germans who

they are

when they

rich,

settled

We

upon.

only by our permission, for they have never paid for

it,

that they

they not only refuse

to

pay us

we have

them in compassion to their poverty and would pay us for their land, but now they are

received

could afford

do with them;

to

live there its

for

our land but impose on us in every thing

therefore told

them

to

we

go about their business and remove

from our land.

The justice

told them he would at all times use his utmost power, that they should have done them and not be imposed on by any body, and exhorted them to peace and

Coll:

Vol. VI.

124*

— NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

986

Brotherly love on their side particularly at this time

when our Enemies

are doing every thing

they can to distress and ruin us.

They seemed

satisfied

and the Coll:

left

them

good humour.

in

Mount Johnson

4.

July 1755.

Coll: Johnson's Rejoinder to the reply of the confederate Nations of yesterday

Spoke by William Printup

Present —

The

Honb'''

Interpreter.

William Johnson

Peter Wraxall Secretary

The

Interpreters as aforesaid and sundry other persons attending.

Bretheren of the confederate Nations. As to what you yesterday said upon

young Men should remain Your young Men have had time enough to determine upon it. There are more than a sufficient number who have their arms now with them, and you know I have taken care to have all your arms and warlike instruments mended since your being here, which has been a great expence; amunition you here

—

think the objections you

I

have had

plentifully in the present

who

All those

I

desire that

some

of your

are rather evasive then just.

gave you.

join our arms shall be sufficiently provided, and as

meet with every kind of good usage; each Man who choses

shall

be paid

for

I

cloathed and

upon

I

shall

little and put you in mind that last War, when I armed, you out compleatly, several of your warriours deceived me and did not go

service.

give you this Belt to reassure

friends

I

all

who

those

shall Join their

have mentioned, that they

Bretheren in any of the

be treated in every respect as

shall

(Gave a

and Brothers.

Bretheren.

As

Skaniadaradighroonas

to the

I

shall

write

Bretheren.

(Gave a

I shall

take care that no

fully sensible of the

among

ill

Rum

consequence of

Belt).

about their removal

letters

agreable to your desire

am

you

told,

own Gun

must correct you a

fitted

present undertakings which

I

have already

to bring his

it.

Bretheren.

I

my

made

string)

be brought by any Christians into your Castles. it

and that

it

really

is

like a

Devil

(Gave

you.

when

it

gets

a Belt).

Bretheren. I am convinced that many frauds have been made use of in the purchasing of but the King your Father having heard of your your lands which I am very sorry for complaints and ever mindful of your welfare, hath sent such orders to the Gov'^of this province as will prevent these evil doings for the future, and I dont doubt but he will punish those who ;

(Gave a

have been guilty of these proceedings. Bretheren.

I

did promise, that

that no snake should

was such an from

me

come

offence to you,

[Coll; Lydius

I

would keep

into this Council I

am

came

sorry for

to

it,

this fire place free

from

all filth

Belt).

and did

desire,

As to Coll Lyddius, if his coming hither he came of his own accord without any invitation

room.

Mount Johnson with an

:

Interpreter,

and several Indians

LONDON DOCUMENTS: complained

Coll

to

:

Joliiison that

which Coll: Johnson spoke further with the Indians as

be prejudicial

which

I

am

to M"' it

Lyddius and forbid him and the Interpreter

As

to interfere

any

had and would occasion an uneasiness amongst them which might

to the service in

general]

If Coll:

measure

affraid is in a great

may

to

displeasure at this application of Lyddius, upon

their

true, I

Lyddius hath done as you represent and think, he

is

should attempt to settle Lands upon such unfair purchases. that justice

987

Lyddius had been privately perswading them to go

They expressed

Niagara with him.

XXXII.

be done you in this

I

very faulty, and that nobody-

will

endeavour

all

in

my power

affair.

which the proprietaries of Pennsylvania bought of you last year, it was and open manner with the consent of your whole body then present, and I believe most of your Sachems now here did agree to and were present at that Bargain, and tho' you then received but half the purchase money, you were told, you might have the other done

to those lands,

in a fair

whenever you would

with which you were

satisfied for you therefore to want which you iiave given a deed in so publick and so solemn a manner, is in my opinion unreasonable and unjust. If you expect justice to be done you, you ought to be ready to do justice yourselves, and believe me my bretheren that to be honest men is the surest way to be happy and respected. I think you ought and I would

half

call for

it

;

to recall half of that purchase for the whole of

money when you want

advise you to stand by the Bargain and take the rest of the purchase

As are

Schahandowana land the proprietors will not attempt to inclined to sell it you will remember you are engaged to sell it

to the

settle

to

it,

it.

but whenever you

them.

(Gave a Belt).

Our publick business

Bretheren.

long together in good health and I

lliat

now

is

no

ill

hope, you will put into your hearts the

at our conferences.

I

will stand

by

my

at

an end,

I

am

very glad

we have

continued so

accidents have happened to us at this meeting.

many important

engagements

to

affairs

you, and

which have been treated of I hope you will as strictly

observe those on your side. I wish you you again.

well, and safely

home,

to

your

families,

and hope

I

shall speedily see

some of

Kaghswughtioni the Onondaga Speaker then addressed himself to the Indians and said. Bretheren. You hear our Brother Warraghiyage tell us he has now finished the publick business with us and what he has further said by

We

Bretheren.

have

all

great reason to thank

way

of conclusion.

him

for the

harmony with which every thing

has been carried on at this meeting and that it is so happily ended. have experienced that in all the former expeditions in which

We

we have been

pressed to

join our Bretheren the English, affairs have not turned out well, and this has been a great discouragement to us, but as we have now person appointed over us by our own request to

King our Father and who is, as it were like one of ourselves, were we to refuse his Let us then go hand in hand with him and we it would be a great shame may hope to be as successful as our Foreflxthers were in times of old. (Hereupon a general shout of applause was given). the

application to us,

—

When Coll Johnson had taken his leave and was gone up stairs, a Deputation of the Sachems of each Nation waited upon him and desired they might say somewhat more to him. The following is what passed at this conference. :

Arent Stevens Interpreter.

:

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

988 Kaghswughtioni

said

:

The English and

Brother.

French seem now

the

be in earnest and

to

we hope

this

expedition will not be like the former ones which were disappointments to us and no honour

We

to you.

are sensible that

we

can not

now

stand neuter and

we

are determined to join

and assist our Bretheren the English and not behave as we did last War. But as the French are a revengeful people and have a great number of Indians in their interest, we must keep some of our people at home to secure our own dwellings from the Attacks which we have now reason to fear from the French, and we hope you will take care When we return home that we are supplied with Arms and Amunition to defend ourselves. we shall call our respective Tribes together and acquaint tiiem with every thing that has passed and our young Men are so much inclined

at this meeting;

of

them

will be

ready to join you, therefore

we must

to war, that

repeat to

we

Colonel Johnson withdrew with the Secretary, at their return

Bretheren,

I

can assure you the King our Father

From

behave more

I

am

now

the assurances you have

in earnest

is in

given

than you did last war, and

from the French or their Indians

employment; yet, as you seem quantity of arms and amunition

at

was drawn up

earnest in the present undertakings

Tho'

me

I

I

I

expect that

to

be uneasy,

to

defend those

I will

who

to the

all

your Nations will

doubt not you will soon be convinced, dont think you will be in any danger

your habitations, as

Kaghswughtioni then addressed himself

We

the following answer

persuaded, matters will be carried on, more effectually than

the French are not a match for the English.

Brothers.

many we may

too

that

made.

against the French, and

formerly.

when

afl'raid

(Gave a Belt).

not want arms and amunition to defend our habitations.

and

are

you our request

we

shall

give

them

sufficient

take care and supply you with a proper stay at

home.

(Gave a Belt).

Cayouga Sachems and

said:

three Nations your elder Bretheren are agreed and determined to assist our

Bretheren the English against the French, but the' you have consented to do the same, yet, you appear at times to be wavering, and as if your inclination were not thoroughly settled; speak out

now

therefore before our Brother

Warraghiyage and

let

us

know what

are your fixt

resolutions?

[The

eight Confederate Nations are subdivided into two grand Divisions viz'

the Onondagas and the Senecas,

who

The Mohawks,

are called the Elder Brothers of the Confederacy; the

Onejdas, the Cayougas, the Tuscaroras, the Schaniadaradighroonas and the Tiederighroonas,

which

five are called the

younger Brothers, the Delawares are looked on as the children of

all

these Nations.

The Cayougas

at this Meeting,

against the French, and

it

seems

had shown a remarkable unwillingness to join the English Kaghswughtioni addresses himself to

to be for that reason

the Cayougas in particular.].

One

of the

We

are determined to follow the

Cayouga Sachems

said

example of our Elder Brothers and

assist the

English

against the French.

They then told Coll: Johnson that they proposed to set off to morrow morning and that the Sachems would keep Company with the Young Men, to prevent their doing any mischief in their way home to the Inhabitants' Cattle or corn ettc; and said they hoped Coll: Johnson

LONDON DOCUMENTS

XXXII.

:

989

would order some provisions along the Road to support his Children the Sachems and Grand Ciiildren the Warriors. The Coll: told them he would take care they should be supplied. They then took their leave and the Conference broke up.

Mount Johnson

4.

his

July 1755.

This evening Ottrowana the Cayouga Sachem came with the Mississaga Deputy, who repeated his errand hither as mentioned, and assured Coll: Johnson, that the Castles he came from were determined to remain in friendship with the English and the Confederate Nations. Coll: Johnson gave him a string of Wampum to assure him that, whilst he and his friends continued in this disposition, the road hither should be free and open for them. And gave

him a Belt

home, thereby advising and admonishing his Nation to remain firm in and Alliance with the English and the Six Nations, and not hearken to the French, but come freely to Oswego where they might depend upon meeting with every kind to carry

their friendship

of good treatment.

The Coll: gave him a handsome present for himself, and told him, that if his Nation would come down in a body with the Confederate Nations when they might hereafter meet here, they should be treated in every respect as our bretheren.

He

promised

to deliver this Belt

with what had passed

A

and acquaint

his

people with the Colonel's Message and

at this meeting.

true copy from the original Records compared and

examined by

me Peter Wraxall.

—

Secretary.

lAeatmant- Governor [

De Lancey

to

Secretary Robinson.

GoTernors and Commanders in America, (S. P. O.

)

No. 69.]

New

York 7 August 1755.

Sir

Pursuant

to the directions

I

received in Your letter of the SG"" of October

carefully conferr or correspond, as

the service with General Braddock,

other things

it

was agreed

in

last,

that

1

should

should have opportunities, upon every thing relative to

1

I

went

Council, that

to this,

him

to Alexandria in Virginia,

and the

New England

where among

Colonies should raise a

remove the French from their encroachments at Crown Point. was over I returned to New York to meet the Assembly, that were adjourned to the Sa""" of April, when in pursuance of an agreement before made upon a plan of M' Shirley's and which only waited for general Braddock's approbation, the Assembly made provision for raising S Companies of one hundred men each being the Quota

body of men, and endeavour

As soon

to

as the business at Alexandria

of this province;

1

accordingly ordered them to be raised, and they are in conjunction with

the Forces of the other Provinces put under the

command

of Wiliani' Johnson

Esq"

as

Major

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

990

Crown

General, to precede to

marched

The

tliis

point,

and by the

latest

accounts from Albany, the

last division

week.

Fatal account

lately received

I

from Capt° Ornie'

in a short letter, of

General Braddock's

Army's retreating to this side of the mountains made it necessary to call the Assembly together again, and to recommend to them the raising more men to reinforce Major General Johnson the French on the Ohio, by the retreat of the British Troops, being at liberty to return to Canada, and some of the French ships with Troops, wiiich escaped Admiral Boscaven, having probably got up the River S' Lawrence to Quebec, whence the Troops may soon be sent to Crown Point, appeared to me sufficient reasons to strengthen the army destined against Crown Point. My recommendation succeeded with the Assembly, they have voted four more companies of one hundred men each to be draughted out of the militia, and are preparing a Bill for that purpose with all speed, so that I hope to be able to dispatch the new companies time enough to join the troops already gone, and if the Colony of Connecticut send five hundred Men and the province of Massachusetts Bay the like number in time, I hope Major General Johnson will be able to send a good account of his campaign his army before amounting to thirty six hundred Men or there abouts, if joined by the New Hampshire forces, who were to march by land cross the Country, and meet him at the carrying defeat and death, and the

;

;

place on Hudson's River. I took in charge at Alexandria was to provide Battoes for transporting the two Independent Companies posted in this Province, and two Companies of Sir William Pepperell's Regiment to Oswego and to furnish them with provisions, which I have done for six Months, the expence of which to this province amounts to upwards of three thousands pounds I also supplied Capt" Bradstreet, who was sent to command at Oswego, with whatever he wanted, and was to be had out of his Majesty's stores in Fort George, and must do him the justice to say, no man ever made more dispatch to get to his command than he did, having in three hours time passed the great carrying place between the Mohawks River and the Wood Creek, with his Company, provisions, Battoes and Baggage, which is a less

Another point

effectives of the

:

time than what the Traders generally take with a single Battoe

Mart

at

Oswego, and

I

am

when

they hasten to the

firmly persuaded, from the condition of the Fort and the State o

pas.s] of Niagara, five hundred Men might easily have made themselves But the French have had time to prepare for its defence, and it is probable many of those who return from tiie Ohio will be ordered to stop there. By the last accounts I received Gen' Shirley was about fifty miles from Albany in his way to Oswego. I hope it will not be thought improper to mention the number of Cannon that have been spared from this City for the several expeditions on foot, which could not have been done with safety to this place, liad not Admiral Boscaven been sent out to awe the French fleet; for the expedition to Isthmus of Nova Scotia, ten iron eighteen pounders with their carriages and

the Garrison, at [the

masters of

'

it.

RoBEKT Orme,

Esq., of the county of

exchanged into the Coldstream Guards,

in

DevoQ, entered the army as an ensign in the 35th Regiment of which he became a Lieutenant

foot,

and in 1745,

He accompanied Braddock, and he was wounded. He returned to

in April 24, 1751.

served as his Aid de Camp in the expedition against Fort du Quesne, on which occasion England the same year, and in October, 1756, resigned his Commission, and married the Hon. Audrey Townshend, only daughter of Charles Lord Viscount Townshend, sister of Lieutenant Colonel Roger Townshend, who fell at Ticonderoga in Ca|>tain 1759, aud of George, afterwards 1st Marquis Townshend, who succeeded General Wolfe at the capture of Quebec. Orme had the character of an honest and capable man, and left an interesting Journal of Braddock's Campaign, which has

been published in an elegant Winthrop Sargent, Esq. Ed.

—

style

by

the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, with a valuable Introductory Memoir,

by

LONDON DOCUMENTS:

XXXII.

991

implements;

to Gen' Shirley for tlie expedition against Niagara, 6. Brass twelve pounders, one brass eigiiteen pounder, and seven iron six pounders; and for the expedition to Crown Point, two iron thirty two pounders, six iron eighteen, two iron twelve, 4 brass six 4 iron six pounders. The use I would make of this, is to shew the expediency of having at all times in

&

this City, as being nearly the center of the British Colonies, a number of Cannon and Arms & a large quantity of Amunition ready on all occasions to be disposed of for such services, as the General, his Majesty shall think fit to appoint for North America, shall judge proper. This is

a further reason, because the operations

which

will

should be carried on through this province, by the

most sensibly

way

of

Crown

affect the

French

interest,

Point towards Montreal, and

by the way of Oswego on the Lake Ontario, westward to Niagara or North eastward to the head of the River S' Lawrence and the passage to Oswego being chiefly by water and through the Country of the Five Nations of Indians in alliance with us, there can be no great danger ;

of surprise or ambuscades.

I have said that the operations which will most sensibly affect the French interest should be carried on through this Province, my reasons are: There are but

—

ways to distress the French Lawrence to Quebec, with this

three

in

S'

1

Canada.

shall not

The

first is

by a Fleet and army up the River

meddle because

a

Force

for that

purpose must be

sent from Britain, and even then should be assisted by the strength of the Colonies to

diversion at Montreal.

The second

scituated at the south end of

is

thro' this

Lake Champlain; from

their incursions into these Colonies are supplied with

retreat for shelter,

and are soon

fitted

make a Crown Point a Fort French Indians who make

way

Province by the

this place, the

of

arms and ammunition;

to this place they out again for fresh incursions to murder or enslave our

we may intercept parties of Indians, or lay them under such going out or returning, as will greatly discourage them and will tend to keep our quiet. We shall then have the Lake Champlain open to us, we may build such

Inhabitants: posessing this Fort difficulties in

Borders

in

it, as can carry whatsoever may be wanting to destroy the Forts at S' John's and Chambly, and thereby open a passage either by land to the River S' Lawrence opposite to Montreal, or by water through the River Sorell quite to Montreal, whenever occasion offers for

vessels on

attacking that place, and

The

till

that place be destroyed, the Colonies will not enjoy a lasting

method of distressing the French, is by the way of Oswego: to go thither we pass as I observed before through the Country of our friend Indians, we pass, by water, a much less expensive carriage than by land, from Oswego we may go westward by water through the Lake Ontario to Niagara; if we become masters of this pass, the French can not go to reinforce or victual their garrisons at Presqu Isle, Beeve River or on the Ohio, but with From the Fort at Niagara, there great difficulty and expence, and by a tedious long passage. is a land carriage of about three leagues to the Waters above the Falls, thence we go into the Lake Erie and so to the Fort at Presqu Isle, and if we take that, the French can carry no supplies of provisions nor send men to the head of Beeve River or to the Fort du Quesne on the Ohio, and of course those Forts will be abandoned. The same Battoes which carry the train, provisions ettc for the Army to Oswego, may carry them to Niagara, and being transported above the falls, the same may carry them to Presqu Isle, the Fort on the South side of Lake Erie, so that it will be practicable to bring the expence of such an expedition into a moderate compass, far less, than the expence of Waggons, horses ettc which are necessary in an expedition by Land from Virginia to the Ohio; besides that, proceding from Virginia to Fort Du Quesne, if it be taken, it is only cutting off' toe, but taking Niagara and Presqu Isle, you lopp off" a limb from the French, and grciily disable them. Thus far peace.

third

i

;

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

992 Westward

for the present, tlio' the Detroit at the

some

will deserve

future consideration,

command that From Oswego we may take

vessels of force to

when

it

down the River S' Lawrence Crown Point to take that place. view of things,

this

Alexandria,

was agreed

it

it

Lake Erie be an object

that

one or more

our course North Eastward to the head of the River S'

precede

way to From

of

lake.

Lawrence, and remove the French encroachment offer,

West end

shall be thought proper to build

appears, of

Cataraqui or Fort Frontenac, or

at

what consequence Oswego

to be a post of the greatest

if

occasion

body of Troops sent by the

to Montreal, to join a

importance for

is: at

the Council held at

facilitating the reduction

of Niagara and securing the retreat of the Troops to be employed on that service, and therefore, that

was necessary

it

the Fort should be strengthened and the Garrison reinforced

accordingly General Braddock ordered the effectives of the two independant Companies and

two Companies of Pepperell's Regiment

thither.

considered

I

in that light

it

and therefore

readily agreed to transport and victual these Troops at the expence of the Province for the time

above specified and as evident

how

present Fort

far as the

necessary

was

built

it

is

fund in

my

These considerations make it Oswego and to Garrison it well. The

hands would go.

to build a strong Fort at

and the garrison maintained at the expence of

Province: but such

this

a Fort as the importance of the place requires, being the great inlet into the Country of the

Nations of Indians, will demand such an expence, as this province alone

five

bear and therefore should be built and garrisoned

expence of the Northern Colonies: The doing left to

keep the

five

at

this, is

is

not able to

His Majesty's expence or the united

now

almost the only measure

we have

nations from falling off from their dependance on the British Interest. I

am Sir

Your most obedient and most humble Servant.

James De Lancey.

Lieutenant-Governor [

De Lancey

to the

New- York Papers, Bundle Kk., No.

6'2.

Lords of Trade. ]

New York [

This Letter

is

nearly the same, as the preceeding one to Sir T. Robinson.

additional paragraph.

letter

from Capt"

Orme

to the other

Govern" nearer

had only a short

LordPP' will have received the intelligence, as

first

Aid-de-camp at

for the

The

Commodore Kepple

following, however,

is

aa

is

General Braddock,

whom

I

doubt not your

lay at Virginia ready to sail

General Braddock agreed to Oswego, when the Fund I had was now no more remaining that what is necessary for the common

expence of supporting the Garrison

exhausted, and there

to the late

hand, from

as soon as he received an authentick account of this disaster.

draw

R. B.

August. 1755

]

he wrote more particularly

I

J.

Q"-

at

LONDON DOCUMENTS: contingent services of expresses and

Alexandria engaged to

the

like.

Mohawk. Indians

fortify tiie

XXXII.

.£500 of

liaving been

it

at their request,

small but valient Tribe the more firmly to our Interest.

I

993

am My

before I

and which

went

to

will attach that

Lords,

Your LordPP' most obedient and most humble servant James De Lancey.

PS.

I

have sent your

Lord'^i"

one of Leuis Evan's Maps.

Population of [

An Account

of the

the

British American Colonies.

Plantations General,

Number

of

(

B. T.

)

XLIII., 424,

White

North America distinguishing the of bearing

Arms

Commissioners

;

]

last

of the Militia or of

Men

capable

Returns transmitted to the Lords

Trade & Plantations, and, where those Returns are Accounts which can be obtained.

defective, from the best

Ooloniei

Number

taken from the

for

5.

Inhabitants in His Majesty's Colonies in

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

994

my

with a copy of

proceedings at the late meeting with the Indians.

think

I

it

was about the

middle of July.

About 250 Indians have already joined me, and I

expect, before

I

to

full

Cognawaga Indians who

conjunction with the Six Nations to the

persuade them

as small parties are every

can be able to leave this place, to have

stand neuter in our present disputes

;

I

300.

I

live in

day dropping

in,

sent a Message in

Canada

in order to

have had their answer: " that

was

it

power, that by Religion and Treaties, they were so united to the French, they must obey their orders." The Sachems of the several Nations now with me, have this day sent them another deputation, to try if by fresh arguments they can bring them over to a not

in their

neutrality; this

is to

be the

Our Indians appear

last effort.

Men

our cause, and their young

to

be very sincere and zealous in

can hardly be withheld from going out a Scalping; but that

not thought either prudent or politic until the Cognawagaes give their

final

answer which

is I

expect in two or three days.

General Shirley soon after his arrival at Albany in his way to Oswego, grew dissatisfied my proceedings, employed one Lyddius of that place a Man extreamly obnoxious to the

with

public in general and to me in particular which I told Gov' Shirley, and the very Man whom the Indians had at their public meeting so warmly complained of. To this Man, he gave a Coil's Commission over the Indians and set him up to oppose my interest and management

with them; under him several others were commissioned and employed. These persons attacked all the Indians they could meet, went to their Castles, and by bribes, keeping them

my character, depreciating my Commission and my management, endeavouring to raise jealousies of

constantly feasting and drunk, calumniating

Authority, scandalously misrepresenting

—

in short, by the most licentious and abandoned proceedings, raised such confusion amongst the Indians, particularly the two Mohawk Castles who are the most leading people, that their Sachems were under the utmost consternation; they dispatched Deputies down to me to know, what was the occasion of all this surprising conduct, that I had told them 1 was appointed sole Superintendent of their affairs, which had given an universal satisfaction tro' all their Nations, but that now every Fellow pretended to be vested with Commissions, I sent several Messages and the Interpreters up to quiet their minds, for my authority ettc. Military Command would not suffer me to leave Albany, otherwise I would have gone myself, ixie

believe should soon have put a stop to all these violent measures. have at Albany a great number of original letters and papers, which give particular Relations of the lawless behaviour and villanous conduct of these Agents of Gov' Shirley's, tho' if I had them here, I would not trouble your Lord??' with a detail, which tho' very

and

I

I

shocking and interesting, would be extreamly tedious. 1 shall only say in general, that a complication of more scurrilous falshoods, more base and insolent behaviour,

more corrupt, more destructive measures would not have been

overset that plan of general harmony, which public, so lately established

—

I

they pleaded his authority for

presume

it

have been

all

in

this

Camp

told it

I

had with

wrote to Gov' Shirley about

me was

his

knowledge and consent,

that he said at the upper

he, supplied

ettc ettc. they said this in public before the

might be wittnesses

to

what they

infinite pains

fallen on, to

and great expence it,

told

me.

me

to the

but without remedy;

they did and said they had his Commissions and

must have been done with

Upstart of his creating, that

down

spoke,

I

I

cant but

for the Indians, since

Mohawk

Castle, that

with money and that he could

Chief Officers in this

Army and

I

they

was an pull

me

desired they

;

LONDON DOCUMENTS:

XXXII.

995

The reason or the pretended reason wliich Gen' Shirley pleads for liis thus opposing my Management and setting up these persons in opposition to me, is that I would not get him some Indians to escourt him from Schenectady to (Jswego. 1 had indeed mentioned it tosome of the Sachems, but they told me, as his way to Oswego lay thro' tiieir several Countries (Oswego itself is in the Senecas Country) they would not conceive there was any occasion for escourting him, and that when he came to Oswego there was no fear but many of tlie united nations, would according to my desire meet him there and assist him. Numbers of the Troops Indian

had gone up without any molestation, not the

least interruption

had been given to any one

Those who are would have been the worst of policy for the French at that time to have violated the tranquility of the Country of the United Nations; 'tis true some small parties of Indians had been discovered between Schenectady and my house, but they are looked upon as a set of Free Booters, and GoV Shirley's body guard would have been a full security to him against any of these, even his premier Lyddius when I talked to him on this head owned to me he saw no want of Indians for an escourt, and said he would

Oswego were

the Traders to

daily going and returning with single Boats.

acquainted with Indian Affairs, well know, that

endeavour

dissuade Gen' Shirley from

to

with reluctance

It is

it

it.

trouble your Lord^P' with these affairs, but as

!

I

have been honoured

with a Department of great importance and entrusted with monies belonging behoves me on every account not to be wholly silent. I have said as little as to give

your

LordPi"'

some idea of transactions which

I

to the I

Crown,

it

possibly could

apprehend come properly under the

cognizance of your Board.

Gov' Shirley's conduct, not only shook the system of Indian Affairs, gave me fresh vexation and perplexities, but occasioned considerable and additional expences on all sides, which would otherwise have been saved. The profuse offers which his agents made to the Indians in order to debauch them from joining me, tho' it did not succeed but with very few, yet gave to such self importance, that

all

when

by

whom

they were promised

in particular

—

and of public

all

who made demands upon me,

urged to any of them

I

me

their unreasonableness, they reproached

that they had refused Gov"' Shirley's greater offers,

they should desire.

The

critical situation of

under these circumstances I which they would otherwise neither have expected nor submitted

time

My

Lords,

letters to

his

me,

hasten to a conclusion

will

I

I

perceive he

is

and

will

power, his influence, his craft and

here only

am

I

speeches to the

anxious.

be

my

inveterate

abilities, will

Enemy

;

that the

be exerted to blast

my

whole weight of and

character, here

Gross falsehoods (such as he has already asserted, both

Indians and

in

his

malice— presentment' worked up by

own disturb me. I am sensible. Gov'

to.

Shirley's late behaviour and his

From General

;

letters

to

me)

misrepresentations

artful

in

his

— deliberate

people in his confidence, whose interest, nay whose very

livelyhood depends upon inflaming him against me. I

Indian Adairs

M' Braddock's defeat also happening about this was forced to compromise matters and make compliances,

affairs in general,

These

My

Lords are circumstances which

respects been an active and a useful servant to think he does not wear power with generous ease and true dignity, yet his rank in public life will naturally give him consequence and gain him influence. Were L to open in a particular manner, the whole scene of my conduct wilii regard

the

Crown, and

tho'

Shirley has in

have reason

I

'

res'jntment.

many

to

New- York Documtnlart/

Hiitory,

II., 68':

— Ed.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

996 to the public

with regard

and him, and from the papers and

between

to the disputes

us.

I

say,

letters in

my

were

do this and any one

to

I

possession, to contrast his conduct

who

should

thiiilc

and impartially to examine the full state of the case between But I apprehend unless I am us, I would risk character, life and fortune upon the decision. properly called upon to do this, such a voluminous appeal would not find either leisure or patience from those persons, whose opinions would be of the greatest consequence, I might

•it

worth their while, calmly

to peruse

rather perhaps be thought impertinent and too

My

full

my own

of

present address on this subject to your Lord??'

those acusations against me, wiiich

I

laid

before you and

I

importance.

to entreat

you

suspect already are or will be

Shirley, with a suspension of your judgment.

amply

is,

live to receive

at least receive

will

transmitted by Gov"'

If your LordPP' are disposed to have the whole your commands, they shall be obeyed with all

possible dispatch.

In the as

I

mean time

1

beg leave

powers he conferred upon me, were Juncture.

I

stipulated with

your LordPP' with the most unfeigned sincerity, only motives for accepting the commission &

to declare to

did to the late General Braddock, that

him

for

my

to serve

my King

my

and

country at this important

no reward, and whatever expectations

they were never equal to the fatigue tior the disadvantages foresaw I should, and which I have suffered.

to

my

I

might indulge,

which

private fortune,

I

My Lords, animated by my Loyalty, by my zeal for the public safety and welfare (both which were at stake) and by some desire of Fame, I accepted Gen' Braddock's Commission, Gov" and executed the trust reposed in me, with my best abilities and with integrity. Shirley's interfering in the authorative and ill judged manner he has done, was injurious to the true system of Indian affairs, a violation of the terms of my Commission and an arbitrary insult upon my character. I must beg leave to declare

me

to

your Lord^P', that

with the Management of Indian Affairs,

I

if

his Maj's" should think proper to

do not think

I

can

fulfill

honour

His Royal expectations

to my Country which will be thereby intended, if my proceedings are to be subjected to or controlled by any Governor, who may, by being ill advised or from personal resentments, or from other undue motives, take upon him to counteract my measures. Permit me further to observe to your LordP*", that unless the monies appointed to carry on Indian

and do that service

my disposal and a certain fund fixed on, I shall be ever liable to be and opposed, and often perhaps prevented from bringing into effect schemes which by a precarious fund I may be forced to drop and so loose that chain which may bind the whole structure. My Lords, I hope I shall not be misunderstood, I do not thirst for power or honours either from ambition or pride, my judgement not my passions take the lead on this subject. Affiiirs

are confided to

perplexed

From Gov'

Shirleys

ill

grounded resentment

— from

the imperious

stile

he writes

since Gen' Braddock's death, from his threatning intimations and his temper,

I

am

to

me

confirmed

subordinate power here with regard to Indian Affairs, and a fund dependant upon the will and pleasure of His Majestys Govern" in these Colonies, will be incompatible with my abilities and inclinations to conduct them ; and as I have no private or mercenary views to serve, I must humbly beg leave to decline the charge, unless I am put

in this lesson, that a

upon the footing as above intimated. I shall

always be disposed

accountable for

my

to take advice

from any of

his Maj'^'" servants here,

and

conduct to any .Tudicature his Maj'^ think proper to appoint

;

to

be

but to

LONDON DOCUMENTS: be subjected

to the caprice or political

views of Gov",

uniform direction of Indian Affairs which in

that

I

XXXII.

997

cannot think

my humble

ever harmonize with

vpiil

opinion

is

the only judicious

plan which can be pursued.

Persuaded

I

am

that

if

the

management

of Indian Affairs (those of the six Nations

are branched out into various channels of Power, the British interest relative to unstable, perplexed and in the end, totally lost I it

am

the

—

this, past

of

Lake George, not only

in

mean) will

be

experience teaches.

building a Fort at this lake which the French call lake S' Sacrament, but

name

I

them

honour to His Majesty but

I

have given

to assertain his

undoubted

dominion here. I

found

it

a meer wilderness, not one foot cleared,

I

have made a good

Waggon Road

to

it

from Albany, distance about 70 miles; never was house or Fort erected here before; We have The Troops now under my command and the cleared land enough to encamp 5000 Men. reinforcements on the way will amount to near that number. Thro' our whole march from Albany, tho' parties of the French have been hovering round us, we have had but one man scalped and one taken prisoner; they had both strayed four miles and upwards from our former

When our Boats are brought up from our last to the orders I had given. encampment, about 17 miles from hence which must be done by Waggons, and is a tedious work. When they arrive and are put in order, I propose with a part of the Troops to proceed down the Lake, at the end whereof is an important pass called Tionderogue about 50 miles from hence, and 15 miles from Crown point, and there endeavour to take post till the rest of the Forces join me and then march to the attack of Crown point, all which I hope to effect in about Camp, contrary

three weeks.

We

have reason

greatly superior to

to

expect a very powerful resistance and a number of Indians against us,

what we have. I

am with the utmost respect

My

Lords.

Your LordPi" most obedient humble servant. Wm'. Johnson

—— NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

998

Speech of Hendrick^ the Indian Sachem. [

New-York

Papers, Bundle Kk., No. 80.

]

Camp Present

— General Johnson Lieut Coll

Whiting

:

Lieut. Coll

:

at

Lake George

4.

Sept' 1755.

Major General Lyman. Coll Ruggles :

Capt" Peter Wraxall

Pitkin.

:

Seer

:

for Ind

:

Aff:

Capt° Butler Lieut' Claape^

W"

Printup

V Interpreters. I J

Sachems and Warriors of the several Indian Nations who having desired a meeting and a speech upon several affairs relating to the regulations of Army matters when they had finished, desired every body to stay, and hear what they were further going to say. Then Hendrick the Great Mohawk Sachem addressing himself to Gen' Johnson spoke as follows.

made

;

Brother Warahejage

superintendent ettc.

sole

Sometime ago we of the two Mohawk and we take

this

Castles,

were greatly alarmed and much concerned, many Gentlemen

opportunity of speaking our minds in the presence of

concerning our Brother Gov' Shirley,

who

is

gone

thought, you our brother Warahejage had the sole

—

—

he told us that though we Oswego management of Indian affairs, yet that he to

He further told us That he had always all that he could pull down, and set up. been this great Man, and that you our Brother Wariahejage was but an upstart of yesterday. These kind of discourses from him caused a great uneasiness and confusion amongst us, and was over

:

;

he confirmed these things by large Belt of I just

Brother.

now

said, these

Wampum.

matters

hearts ache and caused a great deal of

made our

confusion in our Castles. Gov' Shirley further told us " You think Your Brother Wariahejage " has his Commission for managing your affairs, from the King your Father but you are :

— he has

" mistaken " and when " goods to

I

fit

please,

—

Commission and all the monies for carrying on your affairs from me can take all his power from him it was I gave him all the presents and

his I

;

out the Indians with."

" This is my Fort, it was Built by to our Fort Ruler and Master here, and now Bretheren I desire twenty " of your Young Warriours from this Castle to join me as your Brother Wariahejage promised " me you would do and be ready at a Whistle. Bretheren you may see, I have the chief

Brother, he further told us

"

my

order and directions,

I

when he came

:

am

" command, here is money for you, my pockets are full, you sha'n't want, besides I have goods " and Arms ready for all that will go with me" He said a great deal more of the like kind,

—

which time

will not permit us to repeat at present.

days pressing and working upon my Brother Abraham to go with him as a he said to him " Wariahejage gives you no wages, why should you "go to Crown point, you can do nothing there but crack Lice; with me there will be " something to do worth while."

He was two

Minister for the Indians

—

:

'

clause.

— Ed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS

:

XXXII.

999

These Speeches made us quite ashamed, and the Five Nations hung down their heads and would make no answer. But Brother, notwithstanding all these temptations and speeches, we that are come and now here, were determined to remain steadfast to you, and iiad it not been for Gov'' Shirley's money and speeches, you would have seen all the Six Nations here. Brother, we have taken this opportunity, to give you this relation, that the Gentlemen here present may know and testify what we have said, and hear the reasons, why no more Indians have joined this Army. a True copy from the original minutes.

Peter Wraxall

Sec'^ Ind

New York I certify

carefully

:

aff:

Secretary's Office IS"- Sept' 1755.

the preceeding to be a duplicate of a copy signed Peter Wraxall Secr'^ for Ind

Jn°

Godby

Governor Hardy [

I

New-York

to the

Lords of Trade.

Papers, Bundle Kk., No. 67.]

Lords have now the honour

of Connecticut,

commands Bent

York, 6 Sept' 1755

to acquaint you that I arrived here the 2'' inst landed the next day Commission. found the Assembly sitting on a Message sent them by the Lieut* Gov', to assist the Govern*

and published His I

Aff:

Clerk.

New

My

:

examined and compared by me.

:

,

Maj"'"'

who

Men for the Crown point, and

are raising 2000

the Expedition against

them a Message desiring them

to give

it

reinforcing Major General Johnson,

who

as they had not concluded the business,

dispatch, which

I

I

herewith inclose, together with

War held by Major measure was concerted and agreed

that from Lieut' Gov', the resolutions of the Assembly, and a Council of

General Johnson,

your LordPP' information.

for

As

this

upon before my arrival, I hope your Lord^P' will approve my concurring in it, as any delays in me, might have impeded the raising such a body of Men in Connecticut so necessary at this important juncture, and which required the utmost dispatch. As the Assembly have had a long sitting this summer, they are desirioua of returning into I propose when they have finished the Bill before them to give them their several Countrys. an adjournment. I have notified

my

arrival to the several I

have the honour

to

Govern" be

Your Lordships Most obpflient and humble

serv'

Cha' Hardy.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

1000

Minutes of General Johnson's Council of War. [

New-Tork

Papers, Bnndle Kk., No. 6S.

]

Camp

at the

Great Carrying place. 22.

At a Council of

War

August 1755. P. M.

held by the Honourable Major General Johnson,

of the provincial Troops raised on the present E.\pedition against

Present

—

Commander in Chief Crown point.

General Johnson Lieut' Coll

:

Cole,

Major White Major Nicholls

Major General Lejman Col!

:

Coll

:

Timo Ruggles :

Major x\shley

Coll

:

Major Hoare Major Dennison Major Foot

Coll

:

Moses Titcomb Ephr: Williams Elez Goodrich

Coll

:

W"

Major Fitch

Lieut'

:

Cockroft

Lieut' Coll :

:

Coll

Bayly :

Pomroy

Whiting . Capt" Eyre chief Engeneer and Quarter Master General. Capt° Peter Wraxall Secretary. Lieut' Coll

Article

1.

The General

:

directed the Secretary to read to this Council of

received last night from Coll

:

Blanchard of the

New Hampshire

War

a letter he

Regiment, with the

letters

and papers therein referred to, and also part of a letter which the General received at the same time from the Lieut' Gov'' of New York, relating to the matters contained in Coll: Blanchard's dispatches, and desired the opinion of this Council of war what they judge necessary to be done in consequence of the intelligence and matters contained in the afore said papers. Article 2. The General then proposed for the advice of this Council of war, which way towards Crown point, from this place they would advise a Road should be cut, for the March and embarkation of the Army, and whether that Road should be immediately set about, and that he had directed Capt" Payson, Lieut' Butler and some Indians to attend in order to assist with their informations, the deliberations of this Council of war on this important question. Article 3. The General laid before this Council of War the last returns made him of the .

Army, and desired they would take the same into their serious consideration, together with the informations of some of the Indians present, who arrived here last night from Canada and Crown point, as also the sentiments of all of them now present relative to state of this

forming a judgement

for future proceedings,

and measures necessary to be taken hereon.

War, that the New Hampshire Regiment should be retained in this service, and that they be furnished with provisions by the Commissioners of the several Govern" concerned in this expedition. it is the unanimous opinion of this Council of War, that In answer to the second article the Road to Lake S' Sacrament appears to them the most eligible, and that it be immediately Council set about; upon which the General put the question, what number of Troops the thought safe and sufficient to carry on that work and build a place of arms and Magazines.

Upon

the Qrst Article

:

It is

the unanimous opinion of this Council of

:

— LONDON DOCUMENTS Voted

in tlie

:

XXXII.

1001

Men and half the Artillery and a suitable quantity War at their own motion was adjourned to 9 o'clock

Affirmalive two tliousand

The Council

Artilery stores.

of

of to

morrow morning.

t^aturday between 9 and 10 o'clock A. M.

The Council

of

War met

according to the adjournment of yesterday evening, and having

taken into their serious consideration the present state of this Army, as laid before them by the General in the last returns made to him the 17. IS. and 19. inst: by which they find the

whole amount of the Men fit for duty including tSerg" Corporals and Drumms were at that time 2932, since which the number of the sick are considerable increased, and 16. Deserters from one Regiment; so that, when the New Hampshire Regiment shall join the Army, they apprehend the whole number of men fit for duly may be estimated between 31 and 3200. The Council also find by the answer of the Cagnawagee Indians, to Gen' Johnson's Embassy, sent by the four Mohawk Indians who arrived here from Canada and Crown Point the 21. inst: and the said Cagnawagees speech to those Mohawks, which the General laid before the Council of War, that the Cagnawagees will join with their whole force the French against us. That from the accounts Gen' Johnson gives of his conversation with the said four Indians, it appears that the French are all in motion in Canada towards Crown Point that the Road from Montreal to S' John's is constantly crowded with carriages passing to and fro' with provisions and stores to be dispatched by the Brigantine, and one smaller vessel up Lake Champlain to Crown Point, which vessels are constantly employed therein; that the Enemy flinging up new works at Crown Point and every body there busily employed. The said Indians further inform, that there appeared to them a great plenty of provisions, that three Men-of-War from Europe had arrived at Quebeck with provisions, arms, cloathing & (iOOO Troops which the French said were designed for Crown Point. That the Gov' of Canada was calling in all the Indians settled around that Country, who these Indians do not doubt will readily and warmly join the French, and will with the Cagnawagees amount to a very considerable number. That the French GoV at Montreal told them, he waited impatiently for Gen' Johnson and his Troops, and should be very glad to see him, that he should have ready to oppose him SOOO Men besides Indians. That the French have had pretty exact intelligence of all our motions from the Marching of the first division from Albany. That if we marched by the way of the wood Creek, they designed to attack us at South Bay, if by the way of Lake S' Sacrament at Tieonderoga, that when these Indians past by Crown Point, there were not above 100 Men there, and two hundred more on theirway from S' John's, but that by this time, they doubted not they are greatly encreased, and That our Indians are of opinion, that the French will daily arriving as also the Indians. fortify at Tieonderogo, and be much too strong for us there, that some of the most steady and best affected Indians who came here with the General, as also these now arrived from Canada, have several times with apparent uneasiness assured the General and the Indian officers, that we were far short of a sufficient Number, to expect any success against the French, and have further added, that they were of opinion, we should be defeated, yet they were our Bretheren and would live and dye with us. These informations from the Indians were confirmed and sworn to before the Council by ;

Lieutenants Adems, Butler and Stevens.

Vol.

VL

12G

>

:

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

1002

This Council of war having taken all these matters into their most serious consideration, and examined since last night to the utmost of their abilities, the great subject now before them in which examination they have made allowances for the natural Boastings and Vapour of the French to our Indians, are unanimously of opinion, that the minutes of this Council of War, be with all possible dispatch transmitted by the General to the several Govern", who have raised Troops on the present expedition, and that Gen' Johnson do urge to the said Govern", the necessity of speedy and sufficient reinforcements, as there

is

great reason to believe

we

be opposed by the main strength of Canada, and that in the mean while, the army do proceed with all possible dispatch and vigour, upon the present expedition; that General shall

Johnson do

also inform the said Govern", of the necessity there will be of Cloathing

who New York Regiment, who

except

it

be the

P.

Jonath" White

and

are too thin cloathed, for the approaching season,

Blankets, to be sent for the Troops,

only will want additional Bedding.

Lyman, Major General. Timothy Ruggles

\

Moses Titcomb

Eben: NichoUs

j

Rob' Dennison

(

_

Eleaz

|

}'^

Noah Ashley

:

Goodrich.

Eph: Williams

\^

W" Cockcroft

Eleazer Fitch j

Jonath

:

Hoare

Jon*° Bagly

/

Seth Pomeroy

John Pitkin Nathan Whiting

Will: Eyre.

O

EdW Cole. N. B. Major Foot desired leave to withdraw from the Council yesterday being taken

A

true copy from the original minutes

A

true copy.

Examined by me. Peter Wraxall

Seer

•

Examined by

Gw

:

Banyar

D

Secrt^

Governor Hardy [

My

:

ill.

New-Tork

to the

Lords of Trade.

Papers, Bundle Kk., No. 73.

]

Lords,

I have now the honour to give you an ace' of the success of the Provincial Forces under Major General Johnson who commands the expedition against Crown point. The inclosed is a copy I received Express this morning, and is the only account I have of

the Action. '

1

am

this afternoon

going to

Embark with some

of His Maj'J" Council to Albany,

Lieutenant Colonel William Etrbs, Engineer in Ordinary, was commissioned as Major in the

and promoted to the rank of Lieut built fort

Col.

on the 17 July, 1768.

William Henry, at the head of Lake George,

in 1755.

His name

is

Army on 7th January, VJ56, Army List of 1765. He

not to be found in the

Nm-York Documentary

History, IV., 625.

— Ed.

LONDON DOCUMENTS where

appreliend

I

I

caa be of

infinite

more

service of

:

XXXII.

making

than by remaining here so distant from the scene of Action.

with materials, transmit

to

1003 the advantage of this success,

all I

shall,

when

I

can be furnished

your Lordf?' the particulars.

The provinces of the Massachusets are raising 2800. Connecticut 2000 and New Hampshire 300 Men, these reinforcements we hope will join General Johnson in a short time, and will enable him to improve this victory. Whatever is in my power to contribute towards it. Your LordPP' may depend on, and I beg leave to congratulate your LordPP' upon it, and am. ettc. Cha' Hardy. Sept' 14. 1755 P. S. the Express

who brought

Captain

this account says,

W" axall

to

about 6 or 700 of the

LierUenant- Governor

[New-Tork Papers, Bundle Kk., No.

De

Enemy

are killed.

Lancey.

74.]

Lake George. 10 Sept' 1755 Dear

Sir,

The S"* inst a party of 1000 Men and 200 Indians I detached against the Enemy, who were judged by the account of our Scouts were on the attack at the carrying place, or had gained This party met the Enemy about 4. miles off, engaged, their points, or been drove off thence. but found them too strong for them, and made the best retreat they could numbers were killed :

—

;

most on ours, particularly among our Indians however, we did not loose many Men in the retreat the Enemy marched to our Camp, and about 12. attacked us with their whole force. The engagement lasted very warm on both sidi-s till past four, when the Enemy began to slacken their fire, gave way and fled. Our Artillery played briskly in our front the whole time, and the breast work secured our Men the attack was begun by the on both

sides, I believe

;

;

;

Regular Troops on our center, the Indians ettc. on the left of the line, and afterwards they Col Titcomb of a Boston Reg' killed, which is all the made a vigorous attack on our right Our Gen' wounded in the hip, I found he grew stiff and I led him off to Officers I heard of. get him dressed, I touched him when he was shot, and thought I saw the shot enter, I judged

—

it

to

:

be near the small of his back and feared 'twas mortal, but we liappily found it was I have sent for D' Middieton (vpho, poor man, I ball remains and he suffers pain.

lower; the hear

is

sick)

dq not

I

if

possibly to

believe

amount

come up and take care of him. Our dead in the two Engagements, much more than 150 and about 100 wounded, but I can get no

to

exact return as yet.

The French Gen' the Baron de Diskiau we have taken, he is badly wounded and I fear will we understand he is General of all the Regular Forces lately arrived from Europe, an elderly Man, and very much of a Gentleman, & a great reputation as a Soldier. By his papers, at Crown Point, and at Tieonderogue he had ;3171. Regular Troops, from that place to Crown point they have fortifyed all the advantageous passes. He was mistaken in his not live

;

intelligence,

and the Indians and Canadians gave way.

His aid-de-Camp came into our

Camp when

it

This he says, occasioned

was dark, and surrendered

himself.

his defeat.

His Major

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

1004 Gen' was it

of the

and many

killed,

bravely

Enemy

made a bold attack and maintained we have about 25 prisoners, the number

otlier considerable Officers, they

our Cannon and breast work saved us

;

;

variously reported by the prisoners

is

We

tiieir

;

Gen' says. IGOO. others 2000 and

which them could not engage but kept posts where the Enemy might, but did not attack. Our Officers and Men are quite wore out with fatigue, we have been under arms, night and day since the first intelligence. I am so exhausted I can scarcely hold the pen. We were going to build a Fort, but it must be suspended till we are reinforced. The French hurried off", and head many of their dead. Our Indians have taken off" near 70 others 2300.

many

I

believe effective about 2200 at the time of the engagement, of

of

scalps, they

much

were

have

lost

enraged, hut not

about 40 of their people, Old Hendrick in so high spirits as

I could

I

fear

is

killed,

they are very

wish

& 5. some New Hampshire and New York Troops were as I understand reconnitring, heard our fire, marched briskly towards us, met 300 Canadians and Indians where the engagement was in tlie morning, who fled from the Another engagement took place about 4

about 210,

tiiey

Camp to scalp our people killed in the morning. Our Enemy to flight, and made a considerable slaughter. Capt"

Battle at our

brave party fought nobly

put the

Maginis

Horse, and

I

fear

cannot

live

be his

;

&

Calmness

party, behaved with the utmost

was brought

resolution,

memory honoured.

their opinion, that one General letter be wrote to all the

The

in

Commanded

the

much wounded on

Council of

War

Govern" and dispatched

a

have given directly to

Boston, from thence to Connecticut, they expect reinforcements which will be very welcome

We

to us.

are apprehensive

&

our Indians very

much

so, that the

formidable attack upon us and bring Artillery up the Lake.

I

French

of Battle found amongst the French Generals papers, also the General's

Camp, which

All at present

after this.

We

done

is

had two alarms while

inaccuracy Blunders

letter, I

sent me.

in a

if

The

not before,

hurry and

in

I

title

and

Aid-de-

his

long letter with particulars going

hope you will receive in a day or all allowances must

an irregular army

was drawing up that letter. You will in this pardon Your Honour a line, 'tis now a sort of am every moment interrupted, and have a thousand things to do. I am Most respectfully Sir, Your Honours

be made. all

now wrote &

and minutes of Council of War,

to Boston

two

the latter just

make a more Honour the order

\^ill

enclose your

ettc.

I

was

I

willing to write

most obedient servant

Peter WeaxaItL A-de Camp. Our General's wound his station

and

Capt" Eyre

is

pains him, he begs his salutations; he behaved in

the Idoll of the

who commanded

all

respects

worthy

Army.

the artillery with great Resolution and address, gives

me

the

inclosed letters, which your honour will please to take care and forward.

Mons"" all

Taken and wounded. Le Baron de Deskiau Marshal des Camps and armies and Commander

the Forces in Canada.

Mons' de Bernier Aid-de a true copy

Camp

to

Gen' and Lieut'

— Exam'' by me Lamb' Moore.

D

Secr''^.

in the

Royal Sweedish Reg'.

in

Chief of

LONDON DOCUMENTS: Letter'

from a Gunner

to

XXXII.

1005

his Cousin.

[New-York Papers, Bundle Kk., No.

75.]

Lake George 10

Sep--

1755.

Dear Cousin,

On the sixtli one of the Sachems dreamed a dream, and ordered prayers to be read, (a prayer was read in tiie Indian Camp) and the Sachems ordered no person to go out on the left of the Camp, which was obeyed. On the seventh at 4. P. M. three Mohawl\s came in who went Scouts, and told us a great body of Men was come from Crown point. A Council of War was held, and orders was given for 1000 Men to be ready to scour the Woods next morning, which was accordingly done, under the command of Coll: Williams Lieut' Coll: Whiting and our Mohawks, with King Hendrick, Capr Farrell, Stoddart, McKinnis. About 3 or 4. miles from the Camp we begun the attack which was about the hour of eight in the morning, they fought and retreated to the camp, when the French thought to go thro' all, but was much surprised with our Artillery which made Lanes, Streets and Alleys thro' their army; they fought the front two hours, and then came on the right wing, which was commanded by Coll Tidcomb, and attacked two hours there, and back to the front again and thought to come in on the rear but the General perceiving danger, ordered me to throw some shells, which of our army accordingly I did, and some 32 pounders, which soon made them shift births; they retreated About 700 French and Indians in sad disorder, and with shouts of Victory we got the day. got back to their old place of encampment, where they met with Capt"' Magines and Folsom with a party of 170 Men, and after an attack of about two hours intirely defeated the Enemy. We had a Muster, and find our loss not to exceed 170 and 30 wounded. Our Gen' is wounded, but thank God, not mortal, both, him and Aid-de-Camp with other officers distinguished themselves by their bravery. The loss on the other side was computed to be near 700. We have the head General prisoner and its thought mortally wounded and his Aid-de-Camp. Their Major Gen' was killed, he was the same who commanded at Ohio. His :

;

last

words, fight on boys, this

how many

is

Johnson not Braddock.

other Officers they cannot

We

tell.

lost

They

say they lost four Capl"', and

the following brave Oificers

Coll: Williams Coll:

Tidcomb

Capt" of Indians and King Hendrick Farrel, Stoddard, M'^Kinnis.

Cap' Tice. Capl" Maginnis

On

in the

Provincials.

pains of death.

their retreat they killed

what prisoners they had taken and scalped them. Our Blacks behaved

the poor creatures tyed to each other by threes and fours. the Whites.

we had P. S.

Pioniers

(This

My

love to

all

friends,

excuse haste,

fresh supplys before its too late.

I

am

we

found

are buysied burying the dead

;

I

wish

ettc.

we have various accounts about the numbers we engaged I am told for a certainty 700 Indians 1250 Whites. letter

We

better than

with, but by the Capl" of

was wrote by a Gunner who Acts under Capl" Eyres).

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

1006 Return of

Wounded and Missing

Killed^

[

New-Tork

Papers, Bundle Kk., No. 78.

Head Returns of the

killed,

in the Battle of

Quarters.

Camp

wounded and missing

Lake George.

]

at

Lake George

11.

Sepf 1755.

Troops under the the engagement of the morn^

in the provincial

command

of Major General Johnson, after and the subsequent attack on the Camp on Monday the 8"" inst. between the said Troops the British allied Indians and the French Regulars, the Canadians and Enemy Indians under the Comand of Mons"' Le Baron de Dieiskau Marshal des Camps and of the French forces sent to Canada and Commander in Chief of all the French troops in America.

Major General Johnson wounded

in the hip.

Regiment of Massachusetts Bay Commanded by Ruggles Capt" Solomon Keys, Lieut: Nathan: Gilbert, Lieut: Joshua Williams, Ensign John Fitzdale, Ensign Joseph Brentnal.

The

Coll

:

first

Timo

:

Lieut' Thompson Non Commiss'' Officers &

Privates

The Second Massachusets Regiment Commanded by Coll: Moses Titcomb. Coll: Moses Titcomb, Lieut' Non Commiss''

Officers

Maj"' Nicholls, 2

Private

Lieut"

Men

Non-Com'' Officers

The

& Privates, & 1. Ensign

third

&

Private

Men

Massachusets Regiment commanded by Coll:

Eph: Williams. Coll: Eph: Williams, Major Noah Ashley, Capt° Moses Porter, Capt° Ingersole, Lieut' Simon Cobb, Lieut: Dan: Pomroy, Lieut Nath: Burt, Ensign John Stratten, Ensign

Reuben Wait Non-Comm'' Officers & Private men Capt"' Simon Davis & Elisha Hawley

&

Ensign Josiah

Williams

Non Comm'' Officers & Private Men

Connecticut Regiment

First

Men

private

commanded

Lyman. Lieut' James Jones Non-Comm'' Officers d"

Privates

& d"

privates

by

Maj"'

Gen'

;

LONDON DOCUMENTS:

Second Connecticut

Reg' commanded

by

Lieut'

XXXII.

Coll

Whiting. Lieut'

Thomas Barnham

Non-Comm'*

Officers

Lieut' Ruggles

Rhode

Island Reg'

Non-Comm'* Private Private

& 15

men man

&

Privates

privates

commanded by

Officers

&

,

Three Connecticut Companys of comman"* by Major Fitch. Private Private Private

Lieut' Coll: Cole.

Privates

New York Regiment

IVIen

Man Men Total

1007

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

1008

T.

Pownall^ Esq., [New-Tork

Lords of Trade.

to the

Papers, Bundle Kk., No. 72.]

New York

My

20 Sepf 1755.

Lords,

to Albany, and desiring me to forward his letters to Your had the honour to do by a Vessel that sailed from this Port yesterday, duplicates whereof I now send your Lord^P" by a vessel that I am told will sail to morrow; and

Hardy being gone up

Sir Charles

LordPP'

which

I

further particulars having been sent

me

since his departure,

1

take the liberty to inclose

them

to your LordPP', for tho' they are but detached and private accounts of the action, they will

M' Wraxall's letters; and if Your LordPP' have not yet received the account wrote by Direction of the Council of War, be the best account that can be got at present. There are many further accounts brought down from Albany by the Schippers, of which the That when the French Indians were for standing aside and letting following is one. serve to explain

the English and French decide the Quarel, Old Hendrick declared for

War and

fired the first

by riding on Horse back on one of Gen' Johnson's Horses, his Horse was shot under him, and he being unwelldy and not able to disengage himself and get away

He

shot.

lost his life

was stabbed with a Bayonet. Part of our Indians came down to Albany with number of scalps, in their way to their Castles, where they are gone to perform the usual ceremonies of Condolence and Triumph, and bring out with them every Warrior in the Country.

My I

Lords, the account of the Action of the Party from Fort

have seen,

sufficiently explicit,

who

received

send

it

it

and

I

having

from Major Champlain of the

to your LordPP', as

I

had

it

Lyman

not been in any letter

the day before yesterday from an

New Hampshire

Regiment,

I

Albany Man

take the liberty to

it.

Lyman they hearing that the Indians had killed some Hampshire Reg' went out to scour the woods, which party upon a Report of a shott firing being heard towards the Lake was reinforced (by a detachm' from the New York and New Hampshire Reg" under the Command of Capt° Maginnis) to the number of 250 with orders to proceed to the assistance of the General; by the time they had advanced to within four miles of the Camp, the place where the action began in the morning

On

the

S"" in

the Morning at Fort

Waggoners, a party of

sixty

Men

N.

they discovered the Enemies Baggage lying in the Road (for it seems the Enemy had no expectation of a party coming from the South) and at some distance on the top of a Hill five or six Men keeping a look out; they got between the Baggage and these Men, and advanced

up the

Hill

and discovered a party of Canadians and Indians

They

Camp coming up

Enemy were

Enemies I

me

just as the

flight.

to the

number

of 300 sitting by

attacked these, defeated them, killed numbers, took

a run of water in the Valley. prisoners and put the rest to

They then

many

according to their orders advanced to the

going

off

and gave the finishing stroke

to the

defeat.

do not.

My

Lords, presume to send the above accounts as authentic, tho' the people assure

of the Truth of them.

I received to day a letter from M'' Franklin, who says: "Conraed Weiser informs me that the Six Nations have actually sent a Message to the Indians in their Alliance at Aukwick

LONDON DOCUMENTS: and the Ohio,

sharpen

XXXll.

1009

arrows and prepare for war, for they are now determined drive the French from Ohio, and do all in their power to assist the English" to

tlieir

to

Lords,

INIy

have the honour

I

Your

to

be

LordPi" most obedient and faithful

humble servant, J. POWNALL. '

Major General Jolinson [

New- York

to the

Papers, LI., No.

Lords of Trade. 6. ]

Camp

at

Lake George 24 Sept' 1755

My I

Lords had the honor

to write

me)

of laying open (to

your Lordships the

3'^ lust

and thought myself under the necessity

a very disagreeable scene

Thomas Pownali, of Everton house, Bedfordshire, was son of William Pownall, Esq., and was born in 1720. He came to Sir Daavers Osborne in 1753, and on his return tc England in 1755, was gazetted LieutenantGovernor of New Jersey (Oenlleman's Magazine, XXV., 284,) through the influence, it is presumed, of his brother, the Secretary of the Board of Trade; by whom he was designed as successor to Governor Belcher, who was at the lime old and infirm. While in England he published, io 1756, the Paper, supra p. 893, entitled "Considerations towards a General Plan '

Sic.

America as Secretary

first to

of Measures for the English Provinces, laid

Gentleman' » Magazine, XXVI., 211.

He

country only a few months. death that year, visited of 1755

but finding

;

Boston. Hutchinson.

it

New

He

by Mr. Pownall, the Author, before

the Commissioners

who met

in

Albany 1764."

returned to America with Lord Loudoun the same year, but continued in the

succeeded Mr. Shirley, as Governor of Massachusetts, in 1757, and on Governor Belcher's

Jersey, in order to

assume the government of that Province

also, in virtue of his

commission

impracticable to retain the administration of both Provinces at one and the same time, he returned to

He was nominated

he sailed from Boston for England on Ramsay's

S. Car., \l., 145.

in 1763.

He

3

to the

government of South Carolina

June, 1760, but

it

in

November, 1759,

in

consequence of which

does not appear that he ever entt>red on the duties of that

In 1762, he was appointed Comptroller General of the

army

office.

Germany, from which he

retired

represented the borough of Minehead in the British Parliament, and in the session of 1776 spoke on the

bill for

in

quieting the minds of Uis Majesty's subjects in America; on a motion for an account of His Majesty's quit-rents there; and on

Nova Scotia petition in 1778, on Mr. Fox's motion for papers relative to granting pardons, itc., in the Colonies; in 1780, on the motion for a peace with America; in 1781, on the American war; on opening the port of New York; on a bill in favor of American Merchants; and on treating with America. These speeches he had printed, and then sent to the Colonies.

the

;

Gov. Pownall possessed great knowledge of the Geoijraphy, History and Polity of the severol American Colonies. In 1764, appeared tbe first part of his work, entitled "Tlic Administration of tlie Colonies, wherein their Uighta and Constitution are discussed and stated;" the second part of which was published in 1775; this work ron

Sagittarius Letters, 10.

through several editions. contained in the annexed

In 4776, he published

Map

"

A

Topographical Description of such parts of North America as are

a work issued, it is said, to promote Land Company. In 1780 appeared his celebrated Tract, entitled " A Memorial most humbly addressed to the Sovereigns of Europe on the present state of Affairs between the Old and New World," in which ho announced, three years before the Peace, that "North America is de facto an Independent Power, which has taken its ecpial station with other Powers." This was followed by another " Memorial " in 1782, and a third in 1783. In 1787 he published "Hydraulic and Nautical Observations on the Currents in the Atlantic Ocean, forming an hypothetical theorem for investigation; to which arc added some Notes by Dr. Franklin." 4to. Rich. Governor Pownall was a member of several of the Middle British Colonies in North America," Folio

;

the inleresta of the Ohio

learned Societies, and a contributor for

He was

many

years to the Gentleman's Magazine, principally of |>aper8 nlating to Arclueology.

twice married, and died at Bath, England, on the 25th of February, 1805,

Magazine

for 1806, 288.

Vol.

VL

— Ed. ]

27

i:i

the 85th year of his a^e.

(Jenlleman't

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

1010 Since

my

said Letter,

enemy

tiie

paid us a visit at

tliis

Camp, we were

so liappy as to give

them a pretty severe repulse and took tiieir General tiie Baron de Dieskau, who commands all the French Kings Troops in Canada, Prisoner As I make no doubt but the General letter which I wrote to the Several Governments' who raised troops in this Expedition, or the particulars drawn from it of the actions and events of the

S""

Inst has before

The next day as

was

now been

my

your Lordships with

transmitted to His Majestys Ministers,

after this affair the Indians acquainted

Custom

their constant

I shall

not interrupt

Repetition of that narrative

after an

me

Engagement wherein

that they proposed to return

home

thf y had met with any considerable

Loss; for what passed on this occasion in a public way, I refer your Lordships to the inclosed me in private that one prevailing motive for their Return home, was that

Minutes, they told

French Indians and they had now drawn the sword against each other they expected fall on their Settlements, and therefore it was necessary for their General Safety, to go home, put their People on their Guard, call Councills & take every needful precaution, and that taken 1 should acquaint them that we were ready to go forward with the

as the

Enemy might

the

Expedition and

fix

a day for their return

they

would come more in number

&

determination of Revenge upon their enemies, they lost above thirty of their people and

which many eminent Sachims

&

Warriors verry

faithful

with a

among

to our Interests they sustained the

Cheif attack from the enemy in the morning action and they complained to me that they were sacrificed by the Backwardness and flight of our People, and I fear from the most impartial

who were in the engagement were slain Your Lordships will observe from the inclosed Minutes that they repeat in a vary ernest manner that the Coghnawagaes may never again be suffered to trade either at Albany accounts they had reason, every one of their officers

Oswego my humble

or

their request, to prohibit and prevent by the strictest Trade with the Cognawagaes or subjects of the F^rench King either at Albany or Oswegoe or elsewhere by any of His Majesties Subjects in these parts, but more particularly at Albany, will be a measure of the most useful kind will highly distress the French, who by the great Trade between Canada and Albany are enabled to supply the Indians with Goods which otherwise they could not but under great disadvantages, and hereby they

In

execution of

make

Law

opinion to grant

all

us Tools to the increase and stability of their Indian Interest

stronger

&

more

our hands to draw off

in

— We might

then push a

amongst them and have one of the most powerful means the Coghnawagaes from the French reunite them to their Brethren

successful Interest

them to return to their antient habitations in this Province Hardy is come up to Albany in order to push forward the present Expedition. here, when I propose to lay this matter before him, but I forsee that if Sir I hope to see him Charles embraces my sentiments and tries to push them into effect li^ will meet with great opposition from the Dutch Traders at Albany who by their Cabals and weight in the Assembly

of the Six Nations, and prevail on Sir Charles

may perhaps profit that

distress or at least

Lordships no longer than appears to

'

vex him, those people are so devoted

every other publick principle has ever been sacrificed to

me

for the

iliis ^'eneial letter

to

Honor

&

assure you of

to their

—

I will

own

private

detain your

my

Interest of His

will be foun.l, copied

it

most sincere inclinations to promote what Matys Service, & that I am My Lords &c W" JOHXSOX

from the London Magazine,

in

Xew-York Doeumentayy

History, 8vo., II., 691.

LONDON DOCUMENTS:

XXXIT.

Conference between Major General Johnson [

Now-Tork

Papers, LI., No.

lOH

and

the Indians.

7. ]

Lake George

Present

—

General Jolnisoii

Major Gen"

11'"

Sepf 1755. A. M.

Coll. Riiggles

Lyman

Capt" Eyre

Capt" Peter Wraxall Secretary for Indian ASairs Indian Officers, and William Printup Interpreter.

Aguiotta an Oneida Sachim Speaker

Brother Wariaghejage Sole Superintendant

When you

&'^

called us to the late General

Meeting at your house you reminded us of the which the French had shown to our several Nations, and told us of the encroachments which the French had made upon our hunting Lands to the Southward and particularly this way

many

barbarities

At the same time it pleased our Father the King and you our hrovher you and exert ourselves in revenging the injuries we have received and to to all which we agreed

to call

on us

to join

retrieve our Lauds.

Brother

made

After you

this

speech to us, there were none of the confederate Nations

once and openly that they would Nation and

I

call

now upon

assist

who spoke

at

you with as many as they could spare but the Oneida

the other Nations present whetlier

tin's is

not the truth

Brother

You hung your War Kettle over

meeting with 7 heads

at the last

seems that you had such a great Fire imder our enemies & how will it he when we come

it

that

it

made

to overset the

the

in

Water

it

and

boil

now

over

&

brother

it

destroved

whole Kettle upon them

Brother

Now

since you desired us

Speeches of our enemies

to assist

we have

lifted

you here, we came and notwithstanding the proud up our hands and destroyed them

Brother

Now we

have thus

to our several

f.ir

complied with your Call upon us

Homes and

Families

Hereupon General Johnson

for the present

retired to his

We

and so

are

we

bid

of us determined to return

all

you farewell

Tent with the following

a Reply as follows

Pkesknt

—

Major CJeneral Lyman L' Coll Whiting

Coll Iluggles

Major Fitch

Capt" Eyre

The

(Jeneral gave

two pieces Strouds

to cover their

Graves

officers

who

agreed upon

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPT?.

1012 Bretheren I

am

sorry for the loss you have sustained on your side as well as for that on our own.

have great Reason rather to this

warm

to

thank God

for the success

we have met with and our

We

losses ought

our hearts to prosecute the present undertaking than produce any coolness,

both Prudence and Bravery

call

on us

to

do

Bretheren

You have repeated some of the things which past, at our last meeting, I remember the whole very well and the engagements entered into on both sides and am sorry to see they are not

fulfilled

on yours

Bretheren

We enemy

are

way we have had in one day three engagements with the away and made a great slaughter of them. Whatever are your

not yet got half

— We

drove them

reasons for leaving us in this Scituation

same opinion,

However

I

that

it is

shall lay

I

must think and

all

the world will be I beleive of the

not agreeable to your promises nor advantageous to your characters.

no restraint upon you

we

are determined to pursue our

first

design, to

look our enemies in the Face and with Gods blessing to secure the safety of our country and endeavor to obtain that honor which you by thus abandoning us will have no share in I expect and desire by this Belt that you fulfil your engagements (Gave a Belt) Before General Johnson

him the Belt of

Wampum

made

the above reply the Sachims

came

into his

Tent and returned

he had given to go with the second embassy to the Coghnawagaes

and said Brother

Here is your Belt of Wampum, the Coghnawagaes have joined the French and acted as Enemies we desire they may never more be permitted to Trade either at Albany or Schonectady or Schonectady

Two

Cheif Sachims of the

Indians were returning

them soon again and

home

Mohawks it

also told the General not to be displeased that the

was unavoidable

in their circumstances, but he should see

fresh people with them.

Camp Present —

at

Lake George 12 Sep 1755.

General Johnson. Peter Wraxall Secry for Indian Aff"

William Printup Interpreter Sachims of the Lower Mohawk Castle and Oneida. Brother

We

heard your reply of yesterday, and we assure you our going home is not owing any Coldness of Heart or the least dread of our Enemies. It is our constant custom after an Engagement in which we have any loss to return home for a little while and chear our People and then return with fresh vigour and attack our enemies and you may be assured

to

Brother this

We

is

our present intention.

must entreat of you & earnestly beg that the Coghnawagaes may never be again permitted to come and Trade at Albany or Oswego or looked upon as our friendes, they have

LONDON DOCUMENTS beliaved treachorously and

we

XXXII.

:

1013

are determined no longer to look on

We

our Indignation does and will encrease dayly against them.

them as our brethren, hope you may not make up

sudden Peace with the French as was done last war, and leave us Disappointed of venting our resentments upon our enemies a

We

hope you

will stand to

your engagements

&

true

Copy from

Lurch and

persevere in your Designs

Gave

A

in the

a large Belt.

the original Minutes examined by

me

Peter Wraxall Secry

Major General Johnson [

to

New-York Papers,

for

Indian Aff"

Sir Charles Hardy. LI.,

No.

8.

]

Letter to His Excelley Sir Charles Hardj^ from Major General Johnson, dated

from Lake George the 16 Sep' 1755. Sir [I yesterday transmitted

Your Excell^

troops after the Actions of the

S"" Inst.

present find time to send, please to

make

the Returns of the Slain,

As it

it is

the Only one

I

wounded

&

missing of our

have sent or can possibly at

publick to the other Gov** concerned.

presume you have or in a day or two will receive a Copy of the General Letter W^"" by the Advice of my Council of War I dispatched by Express to Boston, giving the most particular Ace' then in my Power of the Actions with the Enemy on the 8 Inst. I have reviewed said Letter, which tho wrote with great Dispatch & under great Fatigues both of Body and Mind, I

is in

the main as just

There

is I

find

some

&

as full an

little

Account as

I

can give]

difference with regard to this

accounts then and since given

the late Coll Williams

^

mornings engagement between the

who marched

off with the first division

enemy attacked, and waited for tho Halt the enemy planted themselves in Indians leading the Van, One of the

of 500 did halt about a quarter of a mile from where the other division under Lt Coll Whiting, during this

ambuscade, Our Party then marched forward, the enemys Musketts by accident went off which allarmed our People and discovered the enemy,

who immediately began their fire on our Indians who finding tiie enemy on all sides retreated to who was at some small distance. The engagement then began on both sides. The Indians and the \'an of our people sustained the warmest Fire, and amongst them was the

Coll Williams,

greatest slaughter.

the us,

Whilest the rest of our Troops were marching up

to

support them,

enemy who were much superiour in Number began to spread themselves in order to surround Our Officers then thought it prudent to retreat towards the Camp, and our men tied that

way, the sustaining party I had dispatched found things in this Posture, and so the Flight became general. The enemy did not pursue vigorously, or our slaughter would have been greater, and perhaps our Panick fatal, this gave us time to recover & make dispositions to The Baron de Deskieu tells me bis plan was first to make receive the approaching enemy. an attack on our Troops at the great carrying place, but the Indians 'the. ,7ohn*OTt^ Manutcriiitf^

\\.

— Ed.

flattly

refused to join in

it

NEW- YORK COLONIAL

10] 4

because of the Fortifications there,

MANT:SCI?1PTS.

and that they apprehended

it

was defended by Cannon

would march and attack us here they were ready and willing to join with this he complyed very happy for us, for he would have found our Troops separately encamp'' out of the works, and no cannon there and his victory would probably have been a very cheap one and made way for another here. In my afore said letter I mentioned that in the Gallant Action of the evening the enemy were between 3 & 400 Canadians & Indians some prisoners wlio are since taken and are down at the Fort own that they were between 6 & 700, many of our men fired all their ammunition away picked up the Enemys during the action and These Prisoners one of whom is a Canadian Captain says most generously returned it them that

if 1)6

—

of the Cheif Officers were either killed or

wounded

in

the several actions of the day.

The

must have been between 6 & 700, but by the bodies found the slaughter does not appear to have been so large, many The General Opinion among the most doubtless they carried off, hid them or buried.

prisoners in general give

judicious here

is

I

am

not

as their opinion that their

whole

loss

enemys Loss is between 3 & 400 and many more wounded. Their Arms & baggage dropped about the woods are strong tokens of their great fond of sending out men to disperse themselves in search of these matters,

that the

precipitate flight.

Loss

it

he enemy fled various ways, & not in any compact bodies, it might therefore be a dangerous and might probably be an unsatisfactory measure to be ransacking the woods, besides, we have more important work before us The day after the above actions I found our Indians were determined on returning home, T own it surprised me, but they told me it was always their Custom after any engagement in which they had met with a loss, and indeed their Loss has been very heavy not only in numbers but in the personal consequence of the Slain [What passed on this Occasion I herewith transmit your Excellency Copies of, w^"" I apprehend should be made known also permit

me

to

send seperate Copies.

they had anothet reason,

w"^*"

to the other

Some

was that

as the

French Indians, they were apprehensive the

home

in

Gov" concerned

to

whom my time

will not

Men told me before their Departure sword was now drawn between them and the

of the Chief

latter

might

—

&

fall

on their Castles

&

that they

went

Most of Several other Parties of Indians were on

order to put their Affairs in a proper Posture

their People on their Guard.

them promised me faithfully to return very soon the Road to join us, but they met the others & are returned with them. Our Expedition is like to be extreamly distressed & I fear fatally retarded for the want of Waggons. The People of the County of Albany & the Adjacent Counties hide their Waggons this Service have deserted, some iS: drive away their Horses, most of the Waggons taken into Horses are quite Jaded, & some few killed by the Enemy & several run away. Most of our Provisions are at Albany a great part of our Amunition at the lower Camp & all our Battoes except ab' 120.

To

bring a

suff^

Quantity of Provisions here

&

all

the other necessaries for an

Embarkation upon the Lake in due time will require 4 or 500 Waggons at least. I have wrote to the Mayor & Magistrates of Albany, & sent them an impress Warrant & called upon them to exert their utmost Power & Influence to get a suff^ number of Waggons. I have given I sent a special Commission to an Active Officer to superintend & Dispatch the Waggons. some time ago a possitive Order to all the Commissaries at Albany to forward all the Provisions & Stores in their hands, since W"" we have had only 60 Waggons, none of W"" as I can find were dispatched by the New York Commissaries who being livers at Albany & Men the ill Power there might I apprehend if they had properly exerted themselves have forwarded

LONDON DOCUMENTS:

XXAII.

1015

—

Cause very much w''' regard to Wiiggons. We had not ahove 2 days allowance of Bread in Camp when these CO Waggons arrived, & 1 hear tliey are siiort at the other Fort. have by the Advice of the Council of War sent the three New York Companys here to join

Common

I

their Reg' there, in order to reinforce that post.] 1

way

send out constant scouting partys every

enemy.

Our Breast work

is

watch or discover the motions of the

to

strengthened and carried quite round our camp, a Picketted Fort

building here, the ground was cleared, and poor Coll Williams was beginning [it], when the enemys visit put and end to his life and necessarily suspended the work for some days. 1 would have had a more respectable Fort here, upon a Plan, and built under the direction of tlie Cheif engineer, but the Council of War were flatly against it, and upon their telling me

is

:

& men were extreamly averse to my other construction, and that would occasion a general dissatisfaction I gave up my own sentiments. Flat bottom boats are building for our artillery & Stores and when the Battoes are brought up, the Carpenters shall repair & caulk them If a sufficient number of Waggons are got and dispatched in time, I hope in less than three weeks to move from hence towards Crown Point. Besides regular Troops and every pass that the ranjoritj' of the officers if I

persisted in

fortified all

it

it,

Canada from Quebec

are said to be on their

here,

are

summoned

to

oppose us however as large reinforcements

hope we shall be able

I

wounded men

not most of your

if

way

not

will

make

at least to

Many

a good push.

Our

fear be capable to assist us.

I

sick increases

and will probably continue to do so, Cold weather is at hand, and our men very thinly Clad, however I hear the Governments are sending warm clothes In short Dispatch is our dt'pendance that depends upon Waggons and those I fear upon great uncertaintys. [I yesterday sent down to the Great Carrying Place 21 French Prisoners in order to be forwarded w"" 6 more from that place to Albany & transported thence to New York. The French General and his Aid de Camp I forwarded this day who is to travel in a Litter or Battoe to Albany

&

Merit

or .£90.

rank

New

&

thence to

York

Curr''.

—

I

New York

as his

Wounds

will permit,

I

am

persuaded his

him have 50 Guineas herewith send you sundry Letters W'' the Baron wrote here &

him

will secure

y' Excellencys

Countenance.

I

have

let

desired might be forwarded to Europe. I

send your Excellency also a Paper

\\'hether the state of his

&

I'oint

Army

between Crown Point

at Tionderogo,

I

found amongst some torn ones of the French General.

I

as therein specified

&

this place, or

cannot be certain, but

I

expected at

Crown

Point were 6000

—

I

it

am

the

Enemy,

apt to believe from

Tionderogue

As Your I

it

is

at the

End

mentions the whole all

&

to write separately to the several

communicate those parts of

beg y' Excellency

will

Crown

accounts are

F

Force

can gather, that

employed

in Fortifying

of this Lake.

me

impossible for

Excell'' will

at

his f^ncaiWpm'

both places for Information.

to

w""""

the Forces mentioned in the Baron's Specification were encampt at

Enemys Force

was the Amount of

have dispatched spies

send you also a French Letter taken from

I

the whole of the

is

whether

it

Gov" concerned,

W*" relate to the

Common Cause

my

&

Accept of the repetition of

best

Wishes

I

must beg Gov".

to those

belive to be

Sir

Your most Obed'

&

most

hum

Serv']

'

W'" Johnson '

Those portions of

Vol.

II.

—Eu.

tli«

ubove

letter iucloscd ia bruckets are supiilicil froiu the

Johnson 3[anmcrijAs,

in Stiite Libriiry,

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

lOlG

Lords of Trade [

To

the Honorable

Lieutenant -Gavevnor

to

New-York

James DeLancey

Entries, B. r., p. 29.

Esq'' Lieu' Gov"' of

De

Lancey.

]

New

York-

Sir,

We

have received your letter to us dated the D"" of August, acquainting us with the measures for promoting the expeditions under the Command of Generals Shirley & Johnson, and have laid a copy of it before His Majesty, who will, we doubt not, approve the zeal, spirit and activity, with which you have acted on this great occasion.

you had taken

you in opinion, that New York is in all respects the most proper Arms and Military stores, We have proposed, that, whatever His Majesty shall think proper to order to be sent to North America, (except such as are ordered for particular services) should be lodged in a storehouse at New York under the care of a Storekeeper to be appointed by His Majesty for that purpose, subject to the Controul and direction of the person who shall be appointed to the command of His Maj'^'' forces there, and of the Gov' or Commander in Chief of N. York. So we bid you heartily farewell &

As we

entirely agree with

place for a general Magazine of

—

are

ettc.

Dunk Halifax, Tho' Pelham, Grenville,

J. S"" Octo''

:

1755.

J. Pitt.

.

Governor Hardy i

Ncw-Tork

to the

Lords of Trade.

Papers, Bundle Kk., No. 81.

]

Albany. 8 Oct

My

:

1755.

Lords,

S«ce my being here Johnson continue

little

at their

has offered to trouble Your LordPi" with.

Camp

The Army under Gen'

on Lake George preparing every thing necessary

for their

future proceeding.

Inclosed is the extract of Gen' Johnsons letter to me, with the particulars of the Battle between his Forces, and the Troops of France under the Command of Baron Deskieu. And the copy of the conference held with the Indians, on their leaving the Camp, to return to their Castles after the Battle.

The French General desired to be

As

I

judge

service, I

removed

my

to

has been here some time under Cure,

New York;

I shall

something first

better,

and has

opportunity.

residence here for a longer time necessary, for the promoting His

have prorogued the General Assembly I

is

send him there by the

have the honor

to

to the 4"" of

November

Maj'''"'

next.

be

My

Lords

— Your

Lordships

most obedient and humble servant Cha" Hardy.

LONDON DOCUMENTS: XX MI. Secretary

Pownall

Major-Gnneral Julnimii.

to

[New- York

To William Johnson

1017

Entries, B. P., p. 31.

]

Esq''

Sir,

am

for Trade and PlantiUions to acknowledge the Albany the 21" July acquainting tiieir Lordships with your having been appointed by the late Gen' Braddock to the sole superintendency and management I

directed by the

Lords Comniiss"

receipt of your letter dated at

of the Affairs of the Six United Nations of Indians, their allies and dependents, and inclosing a copy of the minutes of your proceedings at the Interview held with in

them

Mount-Johnson

at

consequence thereof.

The many

which

proofs,

their

Lord^' had received, not only during the

management of

of your great ability and influence in the

keeping them steady side,

to their

War, but

last

since,

the Affairs of the Indians, and in

engagements, notwithstanding the

French on one

artifices of the

and the abuse and neglect of our own Colon)'s on the other, induced their

Lord''?' to

think

recommend you to His Majesty for this important trust upon the present great occasion and when their LordPP' reflect upon the happy consequences with which that appointment has been attended, and that perhaps it was the only means left of preserving the

it

their duty to ;

friendship and gaining the assistance of the Indians,

it

recommendation had the desired effect. The number of Indians, which attended the Meeting

gives

them the

greatest pleasure that

this

Mount- Johnson,

at

so

much

larger than

had ever appeared to any former Interview, at least of late years, was a happy Omen of success; and their LordPi" hope, that the manner, in which the Treaty with them was conducted, and the prudent and forcible arguments, which were used to engage them to take part with Us in our attempts to disposess the French of their encroachments, will have the effect, to fix

them

steadfast in our interest.

Indians are really sincere in their declarations, and

If the

we on

our part observe a proper

conduct towards them, by seeking the most effectual means of redressing the grievances and impositions they so justly complain

them,

this well-timed

be attended with

of,

and by inviolably adhering to our engagements with

renewal of the covenant-chain with them,

the happy consequences so strongly

all

doubt not,

will, their LordP""

marked out

in

your

letter.

The Transactions at Albany, at the last interview there, clearly marked out the necessity and expediency of a speedy, impartial and effectual examination into the complaints of the Indians, with respect to the Kayoderesseras and Conojoharrie patents, and other like violations of our Treaties and engagements with them and that the Indians may be fully convinced that ;

there

was no want

matters,

I

am

of a proper attention on the part of the Govern' here to these important

directed, to inclose to

of

New York

in«njcObarlea

"""'s'-

jt

advisable so to do.

redress

in

the

How

far these

complaints of

the

-ii

Instructions will

you to be inefTectual, it will be a great your sentiments upon this matter, and your opinion, what

them appear

to

obtain this desirable end.

Vol. VI.

present

in case

GoV

you think

\.i-i

i

a-

i

be effectual to obtain

Indians, must depend upon a variety of

circumstances, which do not, nor can appear to their Lord'"'"; but in

to the

•'

Aitlrlra: 90. 91. 92. 98. of the liona to Sir

you a copy of the Instructions given

thereupon, which you will communicate to them, '^

if

the directions contained

satisfaction to their Lord^P' to will be ihe

most

effectual

have

method

to

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

1018 It lias

long been their Lordi'P' opinion, that the

affairs

of the Indians ought to be regulated,

some one General plan and system, adapted to their particular every thing which can contribute to their security, convenience

established and conducted, under

and comprehensive of it will be impossible for such a plan to take place, whilst there is no fund existing for defraying the necessary expences of the service their Lord^P' however would be glad to have your opinion, of what shall appear to you to be the most proper plan for the direction of Indian Affairs upon such a general system, and if in the mean time the measures situation,

and satisfaction; but

;

shall appear to be immediately necessary, as temporary expedients to engage the friendship of the Indians, and keep them firm in our interest, their Lord''?' doubt not, but a proper attention will be shewn to them, as well as to M' Wraxhall's situation (whose

recommended by you

salary appears to be greatly inadequate to the hardships and fatigues of his Office) by ISr Shirley,

who and

has to

now

whom

Command

the Chief

relates to this branch of

America and consequently the direction of this service, to you to apply upon this, and every other matter which

it.

I

9.

in

recommend

their Lord^P'

am

with great truth Sir

Your most obedient humble servant John Pownall Secr'^

Oct. 1755.

Jieverend Dr. Johnson

Most Reverend Dr. Herring^ Archhislwp of Canterbury.

to ilie

["American

Colonies M3.,"

LambeCh Palace, No.

11-28,

II.,

No. 102.]

New York May

it

The

please

bearer hereof

Catechist,

is

is

my

now humbly

W Standard'

to

October 25 1755

Your Grace, son,

who having been

several years in the Society's Service as a

desirous of being admitted to their service as a Curate or Assistant

the very aged Missionary at

West

Chester, near

me

York, and humbly begs leave to pay his duty to Your Grace, and instructions and your blessing.

I

therefore

humbly presume

to

in this province of

to introduce

kind notice, and beg Your Candor and Condescension towards him, as Youth, and have some reason to hope he

may

New

wait upon you for your

I

him

to

Your Grace's

trust he is

an honest

prove a useful man, especially in such a Country

as this.

At West-Chester

in particular, there is the greatest necessity of

people there have been for of the public worship

;

many

some good

assistance, as the

years sinking into a deplorable state of irreligion and neglect

partly through the age infirmity and inattention of their Minister, and

partly through the bad example and influence of

some people of condition who

affect to

be a

kind of Freethinkers, and not only neglect the public Worship themselves, but tempt the '

Rev. Thomas Standard, was the

first

Episeop.il

Clergyman

of Brookhaven, L.

I.,

\iliere

he organized a congregation

in

Thompson's History of Long Island, II, 428. In the following year, he was removeJ to Westchester, vacant by the death of the Rev. Mr. Bartow, (Rep. of Prop. Soc., 1727,) where he continued to lahor iinlil his death, which occurred in 1725.

1760; having been for some time before his demise incapable of performing his otSce iu the Churck Westchester County,

II.,

212.

He was

succeeded in 1761, by the Kev. John Milner.

— Ed.

Bultou't Uintory of

LONDON DOCUMENTS vulgar to neglect and despise

many

it:

of

vvlioiii,

XXXII.

:

liowever,

if

1019

not

all, I

would

liope

may

yet

be reclaimed by the good conduct of a discreet, industrious and (aithful clergyman.

And in

as I\r Standard, (having no child and a considerable estate, has,

allowing

time he

is

son must,

my

son but

.^'-tO tiiis

currency,

e.

i.

about .£22 sterling

past doing anything himself, (at least that in a

manner do

all

tlie

duty;

I

is

p''

I

think been too narrow

Ann™ when,

at the

same

acceptable to his people) so that

my

should therefore be most humbly thankful for Your

Grace's kind influence with the Society, that they would be so good as to allow him a small pension, which probably would not need to continue long.

With

my

son, as a friend and

companion

in his travels,

of good esteem in the Vestry of this Cliurch, whereof he

Society with a letter from the rector church-wardens also

I

&

goes one M' Harrisson, a gentleman is a Member, who will wait on the

vestry, relating to our College, of

beg Your Grace's kind notice, as he purposes with him

to

pay

his

humbly duty

whom

to

Your

them I beg leave to refer Your Grace for an account of the condition of things I humbly beg \ our here in America an particularly as to what concerns our young College. Graces prayers for my son, amidst all the dangers and difficulties of this troublesome voyage, I am, may it please Your Grace as well as for myself in my new and difficult station. Your Grace's most dutiful Son, and most humble servant Samuel Johnson (signed) To his Grace of Canterbury. Grace: and

to

—

Lords of Trade [

To

Sir Charles

New-York

Hardy Knight Gov

:

to

Governor Hardy.

Entries, B. P., p. 40.

]

of N. York.

Sir.

We have received your letter of the G"' of Sept% acquainting us with your safe arrival in your Govern', and take the earliest opportunity of congratulating you thereon, and expressing our approbation of the message you sent to (he Assembly, to enforce what had been before so to them by M'' Delancey. and resolution, with which the Prov" of New York has shewn, in the vigorous measures they iiave taken for the defence of His Majesty's llights and possessions, will, we doubt not, be very acceptable to His Majesty, and we have the greatest reason to hope, from what has been already done, that all the Colonies concerned in this important service will

properly

The

recommended

zeal

continue to grant such aid and assistance to Gen' Johnson, as great advantages he has already gained.

may

enable him to pursue the

—Weare

Sir

Your

iimst obedient,

most humble servants

Dunk Halifax, J. Pitt, I''ran '

7.

Nov' 1755.

^^'

:

Fane

KDGCU.MUE.

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

1020

Secretary Robinson [Onvernors and Commanders

to in

Sir William Johnson.

Norlh America, (S. P. O.

)

No. 74.]

Whitehall

NoV

11. 1755.

Sir,

Your printed

circular letter, containing an account of the success of

the Action near lake George on the

your command, has been

laid

S"" Sept',

His Majesty's arms

in

and of the gallant behaviour of the Troops under

before the King, and

1

have

iiis Maj'''"'

commands

to

take this

early opportunity of expressing to you the sense, his Majesty has of the great and eminent

you have performed in the defence of iiis just riglits, and in your Country's cause. The spirit, and resolution, wliich do so great honor to your Conduct on this important occasion, meets witii His Maj'^'' highest approbation and the King is pleased to order, that service

prudence,

;

you do

signify to

tiie

Officers

and private Men,

who have

so eminently distinguished themselves,

that their resolute and undoubted behaviour has given His Maj'^ the greatest satisfaction.

The prudence, Judgement and precaution, which you showed in sending to tiie New England Governments before the action, for reinforcements, must likewise have its share of the praise, which is so justly due to the whole of your conduct. The alacrity and dispatch, with which the reinforcements were raised, is greatly to be commended, and there is reason to hope, that they will enable you to pursue the advantages you have already gained. The Colonies wliich have so readily, and vigorously exerted themselves on this great occasion, will always find favour and protection from His Maj'^; and I have the particular satisfaction of having it in charge to acquaint you, that the King has been graciously pleased to confer upon you, as a distinguishing mark of His Royal favor and approbation of your conduct, the dignity of a Baronet of Great Brittain, and the patent will be accordingly transmitted to you, by the

first

convenient opportunity.

upon the honor you and the Troops under your command have acquired, and am with the warmest wishes for your further success 1

sincerely congratulate you

Sir ettc,

T

Governor Hardy

to the

[New-York Papers,

LI.,

Lords of Trade. No. 1.]

Fort George

My

ROBINSO.V.

N

York 27 Nov' 1755

Lords

to recommend to the Assembly of moyety of the expence of obtaining and executing His Majestys Commission for settling the controversy subsisting between this Province and New Jersey. The Assembly are to meet on tuesday the 2"'' of December when 1

have received the Lords Justices additional Instructions

this Province to

make

1 shall lay before

them

effectual Provision for defraying the

this matter.

LONDON DOCUMENTS liave also received the

1

December

last for

Lords justices order

me by

a letter from

Also your Lordships directions signified to

last.

bearing date the IQ"" Sept'

1021

Act passed tiiis

Province

in tliis

Province and

New

in

Jersey

His Majesty.

Also your Lordships directions signified to

July

for repealing an

submitting the controvers}' subsisting between

to the final determination of

lo""

XXXII.

:

last.

All

which matters

I

me

shall

NP Pownall bearing date the by a

letter

endeavor

from

M'"

Pownall

to transmit! to

your

Lordships as early as possible Yesterday

I

returned to this City from Albany after a long residence there to assist and

to Crown Point, having assisted at a meeting with General Shirley, and commissioners from the Massachusetts and Connecticut to fix Garrisons at the Forts at the Great Carrying place on Hudsons River & the South End of Lake George, called by the French Lake St Sacrament, for which purpose I appointed Commissioners to

forward the expedition

repair to

the

Camp

at

Lake George

to

act

in

conjunction

with those

from

other

the

Governments concerned

The

miscarriage of this Expedition

is

owing

to

many

circumstances but principally to a

Lake George, before S"' of September When I got to Albany I found the army under this circumstance and used all means in last. my power by impressing all the waggons and Horses round the Country, to send them the But as supplies necessary not only for their subsistance but to enable them to move forward these supplies could not be got to them in due time, and the enemys Posts of Crown Point & Tiondarago were greatly reinforced by part of the Forces brought from Europe by the Baron De Dieskau, in conjunction with Canadians and Indians, The Council of War upon considering these matters and the advanced Season of the year were unanimously of opinion

want

of care in carrying up a proper quantity of Provisions in Store at

the arrival of the whole body of reinforcements raised after the battle on the

was not adviseable to proceed further this Season The two Forts built at the Great Carrying Place and the South end of

it

sufficient to

the

Lake

are

maintain this advanced Frontier untill His Majestys Pleasure shall be

I

hope

known

concerning them I

have the Honor to be

Your Lordships most obedient

Sc

most humble S' Chas. Hakdv

'

CnARLKS Haiidy, Knight, was the groiidson of Sir Thomas Hardy, the distinguished Naviil Commander in the reign eldest son of Vice Admiral Sir Charles UarJy, Kt., who was one of the Lords of the Admiralty in 1743. In August, 1741, Captain Hardy was appointed to the command of the Uye, 40 guns, and in Januari', 17.55, having been previously Knighted, was appointed Governor in chief of New-York, which office he filled unlil .Inly, 17.57, when he was appointed Rear Admiral of the Blue, with the command of the Royal William, 84 guns, in the expedition against Louisburg. '

of

Sir

Queen Anne, and

17.i8, he became Rear Admiral of the White; returned to England, and Januarj* 4, 1759, Mmtried Miss Stanynn, and was appointed, the same year. Vice Admiral of the White; and as such commanded under Sir Edward Ilawke, in the Union of 90 guns, in the memorable victory of Belleisle, Nov. 20. During the winter of 1760, he was second in command of the Channel Squadron, and in 1764 was elected to represent the city of Rochester in Parliament On the 28lh October, 1770, he was made Admiral of the Blue; in 1771 was elected for Portsmouth; next became Admiral of the White, and in 1779,

In June,

was appointed

to the

command

of the grand Western sciuaJron.

On

the Victory, at Spilheal, having been appointed to the same commiind

bowels the day before, and died ou the Magazine,

L., HIS, 214.

— Eu.

17 ;

May, 1780, he again hoisted his

flog

on board

but he was seized with an iiiltiimninlion of the

18th, at the Fouut^iiu Tavern, in I'orlsinoutli,

about the age of 07. UenlUinaua

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

1022.

Secretary

Pownall [

To

Sir

Now-Tork

to

William Johnson.

Sir

Entries, B.

P

,

p. 45.

]

William Johnson, Bart.

Sir,

Trade and Plantations, to acknowledge their and to express to you their great concern, that you should liave been obstructed in your endeavours to engage the Six Nations of Indians, their Allies and Confederates in His Maj'^'* interest, by measures which you represent to be so injurious to your Character, and so prejudicial to His Maj'^' service. As M"' Shirley has not in any of his letters mentioned this atfair to their LordPP', they are at a loss to guess at the motives for a conduct, which appears to them so inconsistent with the good of the service and with His Maj'^'' views and intentions in appointing you to But as so unhappy a misunderstanding the Superintendance and direction of Indian attiiirs. between persons in so higii command, can not fail of being attended with very bad consequences to the public service, they have thought it their duty to lay your letter and the paper I

am

directed by the Lords Commissioners for

liaving received

your Letter of the

transmitted with

it

before His

as shall appear to be

3"*

Maj'>', to

of

Sepf

last,

the end, that His Maj'^

may give

such directions thereon

most proper.

I have their LordPP' particular directions to congratulate you upon your success at Lake George, an event, which, at the same time that it does the greatest honour and credit to yourself and the brave Officers and Troops under your Command, cannot fail of being attended, with very happy consequences to tliose Colonies, which have so zealously concurred in, and so

vigorously supported, this necessary and important expedition.

I

am

Sir 2nd

Your most obedient and most humble Servant John Pownall. Seer"

Pec, 1755.

Governor Hardy

to the

[Xew-Tork Papers,

Lords of Trade.

LI.,

No.

2. ]

(Duplicate)

Fort George

My Lords My last

New York

Dec' 18. 1755.

i

of the S?"" of Nov'' to your Lordships acquainted you with

my

return to this city

from Albany 2^ Inst, and inclose your Lordships my speech at the I met the General Assembly the opening the Session with the addresses of his Matys Council and General Assembly, and my

answers to them The address from the Gen' Assembly

will inform

your Lordships

how

they are disposed to

comply with His Majestys Instructions to me, requiring them to pass a Law to establish a permanent Fund for the Support of Government, Your Lordships will also please to observe

LONDON DOCUMENTS:

XXAII.

1023 unknown

they express a concern that they should be required to pursue measures hitherto

them, while the other Colonys are part of their address

have been indulged

judge they mean

I

I

have the honor

this

how

to

this

insinuate, that others of His Majestys Colonies

to

to his Governors, to

full

my Government

to receive for

demand

in this

the Permanent Revenue,

Administration.

the liberty particularly to observe on this part of their address to refer

consideration

them; by

the very measures denyed

continuation of providing an annual support of Government, though

in a

His Matys Instructions have been as as those

to practice

left

difficult it

must be

for

me

to bring the

it

People here

to a

I

have taken

your Lordships

to

compliance with

His Majestys Instruct" while the neighbouring Governments and others on

this Continent,

are allowed to pursue the measures pointed out in this address.

From

the present situation of affairs on this Continent

Lordships judgment juncture I

when

the most perfect

my answer

find

not judge from

it

to their

that

Majestys Instructions that to

hope

I

harmony

is

shall stand

excused

your

in

so necessary in the ditlerent parts of the Legislature

address has had this good effect and

1

But

in this particular.

at the

same time

I

your Lordships

trust

have given them any encouragement to hope

I

do not expect they will frame such a

I

I

avoiding a dispute with the Assembly on this subject, especially at this

in

I

shall depart

will

from His

must inform your Lordships requires. But have reason

Bill as that Instruction

hope they will give up the other points contained in the Instruction with regard may be proper for my assenting to on present or future emergencies

to

Bills

that

The

short residence

me

enabled wish, to

I

1

have had in this

know men &

to

city, since

my

arrival to this

Government, has not

things enough to be so particular to your Lordships as

I

could

can only thus far say with respect to the Assembly, that they seemed very well inclined

come

into

every other measure

I

have recommended

tliem

to

for

promoting His

the

Majestys service 1

have this week attended General Shirley

at a

Council of

War

for

determining the operations

on next year, for the removing the French from their incro icliments, and securing His Majestys Rights on this Continent, which I presume General Shirley will transmit to

to be carryed

your Lordships I

have the honor

to be

Your Lordshifjs most obedient and humble Servant

Chas. Hardv

Sir William John.so7i [

New-Tork

to the

Papcro,

LI,,

No.

Lords of Trade. IS.

]

Fort Johnson Dec. IS. 175.5

My

TiOrds

The Season of the year and other circiimstancps made and discharge the Provincial Troops under my command.

it

necfusary to close the

Campagne

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

1024

When

knew

1 first

my

excused from

did, so interfere with

manner

I

By my

my

of

Military

wished

to

my

appointment

Command

and

sensible,

administration of Indian

pleaded that

I

that

affairs,

have not been able

I

and

Country, one day these four months,

I

it

desire of

would, as

my it

being

actually

could not attend them in the

now

be at

to

am

I

my own

abilities for the

good of His Majestys service,

thing put to a stand by Gen" Shirleys

me

sending

a

House, or in the Indian

got home, and

last

I

am

them

the administration of Indian affairs, so as to form and conduct

knowledge and

my

Atfairs, I repented

to Indian

was

have done

engagem"

military

I

am

just entering into

to the extent of

my

again obstructed and every

new commission and

Instruction for

and ordering me to attend him either at New York or Boston, the least of which is 200 miles distant from hence this journey I am but ill quallified I herewith transmit to your for, upon account of my wound the effects of wiiich I still feel

management

the

of Indian

affiiirs,

;

Lordships copies of

The footing

necessity I

am

to

iM'

& Instructions and also of my answer New York or Boston, to know upon what am to go on at Indian afll"airs, or whether

Shirleys Letter, Commissions

am under

I

of going, either to

go on with the administration of

I

will continue these aff'airs in a state of confusion,

all,

some Indians of

all

the Nations at this place the

and besides

am

I

to

have a meeting with

of next month

22''

propose to myself the honor of writing to your Lordships an other letter from

I

or Boston

—

am most

I

respectfully Y"

L''p'

W"

General Shirley [

New York

&c

to

Sir

New-York Papers,

Johnson

William Jolau-on. LI.,

No.

16.

]

New York Dec

V"-

1755

Sir

You already know Forces in North the

I

have the honor to be appointed Command"'

America, with

the

same

Powers

as

the

in

Cheif of

late

General

all

His Mnjestys.

Braddock had

command.

of His Mnjestys Instructions to me concerning Indian affairs, which and the only Instruction which the late Gen" Braddock had relative to that matter, you will find it refers to some appointment of you to the service therein mentioned, supposed to be made by His Majesty before Gen" Braddock left England, if you have received you will act in pursuance of it, according to the Instructions you may have such a commission

Inclosed

is a

is

copy of

the

S"" article

that,

—

and such further Instructions as I do now or shall hereafter send you. In case you have received no such commission, you will then act in pursuance to the Commission which I send you herewith, by virtue of the Power given me by His Majesty and founded upon the words and intent of his Royal Instructions, looking upon the Indians called there received with

it,

the Northern Indians, to be intended of those of the Six Nations, and whatever allies they

may have

to the

Northward

Inclosed are general Instructions for your Guidance and Directions in the execution of your

Trust and some calculated

for this occasion to

which

I

refer you,

and to the enclosed papers

LONDON DOCUMENTS account of Governor

containing nn

Sliavvanese, Delawares,

&

You

now by

XXXII.

1025

mid

Proceedings relative to the

Intelligence

Morris's

other Indians therein mentioned and of his Messages to several

Tribes of the Six Nations, which propose

:

last

mentioned papers

throw

will

light

upon the Service,

I

directing you to |)roceed to these Castles

me know by

you have received any other Braddock relative to the care of the Indians and how far may depend upon your acting under the inclosed Conmiission and proceeding in the Service I now direct you to go upon, that in case you may decline it, 1 may otherwise provide against His Majestys Service being disappointed by that means If the advanced Season of the year, or your state of Health will not suffer you to go as far as the Onondaga Castle you will then transmit the business by proper Messages to such of will let

Commission

the return of this express whetlier

.than that from the late General

1

them as you cannot personally go to As the effectual execution of the trust reposed in you, will on many accounts require my having an interview with you as soon as the business 1 now direct you to do will admit, I must desire you to let me see you at Boston this Winter some time before the month of March at furthest. I

am Sir

To

Maj"'

Your most humble Serv' W" Shirley

Gen" Johnson.

General Shirley's Commission New-York

[

By His all

To Major Gen"

Papers,

Excell'^ William Shirley

His Majestys Forces

to

in

LI.,

Major General Johnson. No.

17.

]

Esq" Major Gen" and Commander

in

Chief of

North America

Willian Johnson

Power & Authority to me given and granted by His Majesty to appoint a proper Person or Persons agreable to the Northern Indians to improve a good correspondence By

virtue of the

with them, and operations as

I

to

engage them

shall think

His Majesty, commit

to

to take part, and Act with His Majestys Forces, in such most expedient; I do by these presents in the name and behalf of your care and management the execution of the aforesaid Trust,

hereby appointing and

fully authorizing

their Northern allies,

and

with His Majestys Forces to such Instructions as

time to

may

make

effect

report to

you

me

to use in

you

to repair to the

your best endeavours

from time

to

Indians of the Six Nations and

engage them

to take

I

shall think

of your proceedings herein and of

all

material occurrences which

His Majestys Interest with the said Indians

Given under

December

in

my

hand and Seal at

New York

this

seventh day of

the twenty ninth year of His Ma''* lleign

W By His

part and act

most expedient and according time receive from me. And you are from time to

such opperations as

shall

to

Excellency's

W" Vol. IV.

Command

Alexaj«dbr Secry 129

Shirley

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

1026

General Shirley's In-strudions [New-York Papers,

W" Johnson

Instructions to

LI.,

No. 18.]

Esq"

are on the receipt hereof to send Messengers to the principle Castles of the Indians

You

1

of the

Major General Johnson.

to

Nations and endeavour

Si.x

and Warriors

possible to have a general meeting of their Ciieif

if

at their antient Council Place at

Onondaga

as soon as

may

Sachems

be after you shall

receive these Instructions and the Commission therewith. 2.

You

and that

them that

are then to acquaint

have thought

I

fit

for

I

succeed the late General Braddock

His Majestys Service

to

commit

in his

Command

your care the cultivating a

to

Friendship between them and the Northern Nations of Indians depending upon them and His

Majestys Subjects and engageing them in a firm alliance with His Majesty against the French

and the Indians in their Interest, in the present e.xpedition and the country out of the hands of the French.

for recovering

His Majestys just

rights,

3

You

by the

are then to acquaint

late

them

that your calling

them together

4 You are then to deliver them ray speech delivered enforce by

at this time,

is

occasioned

behavior of the Shawanese and Delawares Indians in the Province of Pensilvania

all

arguments

in

to

you herewith which you are

your power and with such presents as you

shall

to

judge necessary

to endeavor to prevail on them to send some of their Warriors to forbid the Delaware and Shawanese Indians to commit any hostilities against the English and in case these Indians shall not comply with such Orders to chastize them for their Behaviour as it bids defiance to that Authority which the Six Nations always maintained against those Indians and to make them sensible that unless they do that, they will not only infallibly loose that authority

and you are

for ever, but

with

it

the Character of the Six Nations have always sustained of being Masters

of those Indians

6

You

protect

are also to assure

them and

them

their Allies

in the strongest

engage a

number

sufficient

their country as is

of

men

most convenient

to

that I shall do

may apprehend

all in

my

power

to

from the French, and

my

promise to them I have ordered Justice Petri them a Fort of such size and in such place in them and that I will if they chuse to have them this

particularly the Oneidas, that agreeable to to

Terms

from any danger they to build

Winter send an officer with 30 men to reside among them as soon as New Fort are ready to receive them

their Barracks in their

6 You are to use every expedient in your power to cultivate and improve a good correspondence with the Indians of the Six Nations and their Allies and endeavour to prevail on them to declare themselves, and to take up the Hatchet against the French & their Indians as well as to act immediately against those

of Pensilvania, Maryland in such operations as

I

& Virginia,

shall think

as to be

ready

who have

to take part

&

lately invested the borders

act with His Majestys Forces

most expedient

me of your proceedings herein, and particularly to answer of those Indians to my speech now sent and state of the new Fort now building for the Oneidas and when you judge to the Barracks in it will be in a condition to receive a Garrison of His Majestys Troops and whetiier it will be absolutely necessary to send Troops to Garrison it this Winter, or whether 7

You

are from time to time to Inform

me as soon inform me of the

inform

as

may

be, the

the Indians will not be content to be without that Garrison until the Spring

;

LONDON DOCUMENTS:

XXXII.

1027

I have great reason to expect that a number of the Sachems and Warriors Messagues, Cheppevves, and Outawas will meet me next Spring at Oswego & as the Cheif Sachems of the Oneidas and Cayougas have promised also to meet me also then there. and as it will be necessary that as general a meeting as possible be had there witii the Indians Cheif of the Six Nations you are therefore to use your best endeavours to engage some of the

And whereas

8

of

tlie

Sachems and Warriors

of

concert such measures as

be

for the

Oswego

early in the Spring to

my

hand

New York

at

this tenth

day of Dec'

W

Shirley

Command

Excellency s

W"

at

mutual benefit of them and us

Given under Annoq. 1755

By His

meet me

the Six Nations to

all

may

Alexander

Secry.

Sir William Johnson [

New- York

to

Papers,

LI.,

General Shirley. No.

19. ]

Fort Johnson Dec 16. 1755 Sir

Your Excellencys Paquet I received this instant together with a Commission or Warrant for the Management of Indian Affairs, also a Letter and other Papers from Gov' Morris of Philadelphia concerning the Hostilities committed and still committing by the Indians on the Frontiers of that and the Neighbouring Provinces, desiring I would us my utmost endeavors

from you

to put a stop to

On my

it

Lake George them parts by an express from return from

I

received an account of the cruel proceedings of the Indians

as soon as I got home, despatched Susquehanna Indians, Delawares and Shawanese acquainting the former of the Behavior of those Indians and insisted on their immediate Interposition to the latter who are the people concerned; I sent a very smart reprimand for their unnatural and unjustifiable Behaviour to their Brethren and Neighbours the English giving them a strong and warm Invitation to join us, and turn their arms this way against the French and their allies. What effect it will now have upon them I can't in

Messages

to

all

the

six

Sir Charles

Nations, and

also

Hardy and the

to

;

much I make bold to say, that if I had not been so Time past and for some other Reasons I shall defer mention^ a much more favorable and prosperous way, and this perhaps

pretend to say with any certainty, but this

much employed otherwise

now

Indian

affairs

this

would be

in

not have happened 1

it

have

this

long time been told there was a Commission from His Majesty for me, and that the late General Braddock, but I never received any, nor pay for the one I had

was sent by him,

of

alllho'

I

have

neglected

all

my own

business,

on account of

it

and suffered

much thereby I

the

shall soon write

Commission

your Excellency more

fully

and

let

you know

my

inclinations regarding

NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS,

1028 I

this

proposed ere

I

received yours to have a meeting of

Season of the year,

in

prepare them for Service in the Spring I

mny

go

to

New York

all

the Nations

I

could assemble at

order to settle matters witii them in the best manner possible,

for a Fortnight,

it

and I

will take

some time

settle affairs

&

to get

them together,

be back ere they are assembled.

am Your Excellencys Most obedient

& mo

humble Servant

W™

&

so that

Johnson.

FOR GENERAL INDEX TO THIS WORK, SEE THE LAST VOLUME.