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.
To the Indians
of the Ouabache
(New York, April 8, 1772)
Gage, Thomas in: The Papers
of Sir William Johnson,
vol. 8, pp. 442-443.
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INDORSED: |
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Copy/ |
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TO THE INDIANS OF THE OUABACHE
Contemporary Copy
(Copy)
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New York April 8th, 1772. |
Message to the Indians of the Ouabache. .
BRETHREN,
The King has heared with much concern of the Extraordinary behavior of many Indians Inhabiting these parts of the Country; and likewise that a large Settlement of white People has been formed upon your Lands without Laws or Government, of which the Indian Nations in general have often made Complaints; And the King apprehends that these Settlements could not Subsists without visible Inconvenience to the Indians, and a Total Neglect of that Order in use amongst Civilized Nations.-
It has therefore pleased his Majesty to Order those White People should immediately leave the Indian Country, And come within those Lands near the Sea Coast, which the Forefathers of the Indians long ago granted to the English, Leaving the Country to the Indians, to whom it belongs, and thereby freeing them from many Imputations under which they have lain from such a Mixt Settlement, as well as enabling them to enlarge their Trade and hunting, and to traffick with more Advantage with Traders of all sorts, than they can do at present which [ ] People only, who set their own Pr[ ] every thing.-
Brethren,
You will consider this Act of the King as an Act of Grace and Favor, in which the Adva[ntage] of the Indians is as much consulted, as that of the English Government.
FROM NORMAND MAC LEOD
A. L. S.
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Coghnawage 11th April 1772 |
SIR
On my arrival home last night the person who last year hired part of the place upon which old Doctor Wallace used to live came to me and asked me from whom he should hire his place for this year. I told him that according to agreement, made with her last year he should hire the place from me. This Evening two of her horses got swamped on what I call the disputed lands, their being no Man Servant at the time neigh the House and I from home Mrs Mac Leod Sent my little Ser Nancy to acquaint her with the distress of her Cattle, but in place of thanking her for sending her servant (having heard that I intended takeing possession of the place) used her and me before a parcel of Negroes and Common people with the utmost Contempt, with all the opprobrious and Contemptible language that could be made use of by her Lasivious Tongue, and also said that if I was to Set my plough a going there she would fight to her Neck in blood; Tho' I made an agreement with Mac Leod he can't put it in force without orders from Sir William. Her Overseer Mr. Mick said he would brake my Cattles Legs if they should Come upon his Mrs place after having a life Deed from Sir William. Mrs Denniston also told the Rabble that was then present, that the promise you made her of her Farm for so long a time was in presence of Doctor Dace1 and some other person whose name they Could not remember.
As to her passion and the many dirty things she
said of me in particular and other People in General, I shall say nothing
_______________________
1 Dr John Dease.
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