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.
Letter to Gage
(Johnson Hall, Jan. 1, 1773)
Johnson, Sir William in: The
Papers of Sir William
Johnson, vol. 8,
pp. 688-689.
TO THOMAS GAGE
Df.1
|
[Johnson Hall Jan. 1 1773] |
[DEAR SIR]2
I have [had the favor of your letter of the 15th Ulto and] have accordingly [wrote to Major Bassett, giving him] such Instructions [for his conduct towards the Indians] on the Subject of the late Murder as I thought best & most Correspondent with your own sentiments. Indeed it is so nice a point that little more can be said to them, than that his Majesty is so Sensible of their follies, and so full of Clemency that he may be prevailed on to forgive them in this Instance on Condition, that it is the last, and that they restore the goods or an equivalent, &ca.
I imagined that the Indians about the Ouabache would interest themselves strongly in favor of the French Settlers, what Title the latter can claim by I am at a loss to conjecture. An Indian Title in that Country could not be admitted without establishing a very dangerous precedent, and as to one from the French Govt. tho' they latterly grew liberal of their Grants, I have never yet heard that they made any in that Country:-
As to the proceedings of the two Shawanese at the Ilinois in my name, I am at a loss what to think of it, for tho' it is possible they might have been sent in consequence of the late Scioto Meeting, they had no Authority from me, I am rather inclined to think that there is some dark Scheme in it, as I have lately discovered that the Shawse & Delawares are endeavoring to form an Association agt. the 6 Nations [& English], as the former if we Except [the Mingoes of Ohio and a few Senecas will not come into their Measures, they trust that the Six Nations will be intimidated at the news of the Confederacy against them, and (page 689) thereby induced to Joyn them, which is the more wanted by the rest, as the Situation of the Six Nations [ ] renders them the most [fitting to attack our Communications] & northern Settlements. [They complain bitterly] to the other Nations of the Capture [of Captain Bull &] 40 Delawares by the party I sent out in 1764 & request to be made Independant of that Confederacy, I have Even been lately Assured that a Deputation was Secretly going to Philadelphia with a View to proceed to England to effect this, From which If attended to by Governmt. they hope to set the 6 Nats. so much agt us, that they will Joyn the rest thro' a Spirit of revenge.
Col. Johnson going down as a Representative for this County, I beg to referr you to him for any thing farther on these or other occurring Subjects.
His Excelly GENL. GAGE.
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INDORSED:3 |
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|
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To His Excelly Genl. Gage |
TO JOHN WATTS
Df.4
|
[Johnson Hall Jany 1st 1773] |
By Coll: Johnson [ ] for Lord Adam Gordon which [ ] I wish that that may prove Sufficient, as I dont see [ ] either of the Evidences can go down, or what can farther be done here at present to authenticate it. A Bill on England sent to me here will answer my purposes Sufficiently.
Coll: Johnson who goes to take his Seat in the
House will give you the news of the Quarter, so that I have only at present
______________________________
1 In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
2 Words within brackets have been supplied from the original letter in the William L. Clements Library, Ann Arbor, Mich.
3 (1, p. 689) In Johnson's hand.
4 (2, p. 689) In handwriting of Guy Johnson.
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