THE OHIO VALLEY-GREAT LAKES ETHNOHISTORY
ARCHIVES: THE MIAMI COLLECTION
It is noted that the following work from the Miami Archives should be read and
considered within the historical context in which it was composed and printed.
The opinions expressed and the language used do not reflect the opinions or
standards of the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, but are, rather,
indicative of thought in that historical moment during which the document was
published.
Marquis de la Jonquire to
Governor Clinton
(Montreal, Aug. 10, 1751)
Jonquire, Marquis de in: N. Y. C.
D.
(Lon. Docs.: XXX), VI,
pp. 732-?.
pp. 733.
(page 733) to you my just sensibility at all the 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 possessions, not satisfied with multiplying themselves more and more on Rock river (Rivire a la Roche), with having houses and open stores there, have, more than that, proceeded, within sight of Detroit, even unto the fort of the Miamis.
This proceeding, following so many unneighborly acts, the evil consequences whereof we but too sensibly feel, have placed Mr de Celoron, the commandant at Detroit, under the necessity of ordering these Englishmen to be arrested.
Three of them were first arrested at Ayonontout,1 the place selected in 1747, by Nicolas, the Rebel Huron Chief, as his stronghold, near the little lake of Otsanderket,2 that is to say within ten leagues of the town of Detroit. The names of these three Englishmen are Luke Arowin, an Irishman by birth, an inhabitant of Pensilvania, Joseph Fortiner, an inhabitant of the town of Gerge,3 and Thomas Borke, an inhabitant of Linguester.4 Lastly, the fourth Englishman, named John Pathin, an inhabitant of Willenstown, has been arrested in the French fort of the Miamis, by M. de Villiers, commandant of that post.
The 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.
1st None of these Englishmen were ignorant of M. de Celoron's interdiction to the English traders in 1749; that interdiction is public throughout every place in New England, and consequently they are in the wrong when they do not confine themselves there.
2d It cannot be said that they were at Ayonontout to trade with the Indians, because they had nothing but presents to distribute among them.
3d It is so evident that they wished to hold a council with the Indians in every respect fatal to the French, that they encamped in a place selected by Nicolas, a Huron chief, a rebel to the French, for his stronghold; they doubtless wished to persuade the Indians to entertain the same feelings as Nicolas, and to attach the most influential to them, in order to resuscitate that chief, who is dead, and to put in execution his nefarious project.
4th What is remarkable and conclusive is, that the leader of these three Englishmen, Luke Arrowin by name, speaks all the Indian languages, is accustomed to the Upper Countries, and is very capable of making them subscribe to whatever he wishes.
This is so complete a proof, that it is unanswerable. As for John Pathin, he entered the fort of the Miamis to persuade the Indians who remained there, to unite with those who have fled to the Beautiful river. He has been taken in the French fort. Nothing more is necessary.
The little property that was taken belonging to
these prisoners, has been claimed by the Indians as plunder. They have not been
ill treated. Mr. Cuyler saw three of them in this town, who have their liberty,
and want nothing. John Pathin could enjoy the same freedom,
__________________________________
1 Called Junundat, and located at the head of Sandusky bay, in Pownall's map; but at the head of the Elk creek in Mitchell's map of 1755.
2 Sandusky bay. See Mitchell's map.
3 Qu? Jersey.
4 Lancaster.- ED.
Return
to TOC, p. 12
Continue to
next part of Miami Collection
[return to Miami
Collection Menu]
[return to Glenn A. Black
Laboratory of Archaeology List of Publications]
[return to Glenn A. Black
Laboratory of Archaeology Home]
Last updated: 29
November 2000
URL: http://www.gbl.indiana.edu/home.html
Comments: webmaster@www.gbl.indiana.edu
Copyright 1996, Glenn Black Laboratory of Archaeology and The Trustees of Indiana University