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 Johnson
(New York, Sept. 10, 1771)
Gage, Thomas in: The Papers
of Sir William Johnson,
vol. 8, pp. 251-253.
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INDORSED:1 |
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London 10th 7br. 1771 |
FROM THOMAS GAGE
A. L. S. 2
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New york Septr: 10th: 1771 |
DEAR SIR,
I should have thanked you Sooner for your Letters of the 9th: and 22d: Ulmo:; in the first of which you inclosed Me an extract from the Minutes of Proceedings with the Six Nations, in July Last.
It is pretty plain that the Six Nations were no way concerned in the Intrigues they were accused of, in the Report Made by Mohican John, and the other Indian at Fort-Pitt. I gave very little Credit to the Intelligence at the time, and believe Mr: Croghan was of the same opinion; tho' for some Reason, he would not declare his Sentiments. But he was right, no doubt, in transmitting the Report to you.
I have waited some time to have the Accounts confirmed from the Ilinois, concerning the Hostilities committed there by the Kikapous. I have no Letters So late as that Event is reported to have happened, tho' two or three officers are arrived from thence, who inform me, that they had heared it at the Mingo Town on their Way to Fort-Pitt, and that a Party of about Forty of the ouabacke Indians, I Suppose the Kikapous to have been part, had Intention to intercept them going up the River, but they had escaped them by pushing on with great alacrity. These officers left the Ilinois the 9th: or 10th: of June.
Besides the ouabache Indians, the Pouteatamies of St: Joseph have also killed Some People at the Ilinois and I find from Missilimakinac, that none of our Traders dare, even yet, go amongst that Nation to Trade. The French Traders supply them, and no doubt keep up their animosity against us. You may recollect their having Murdered Several English Traders, who ventured amongst them.
You will See from these Reports, that the ouabache Indians Instead of becoming More Peaceable from the advice that has been given them, and forgiving their former Murders as well of Indians as of White People, are grown worse; and the Navigation of the Ohio, will be more precarious daily, unless Some Measures are taken to bring them to Reason and I am realy of your opinion that they Merit Chastisement, and that Nothing less will obtain us Peace from that Quarter. The Deputys Sent to the Southward May be returned already, or will Soon return, when you will be better able to Judge what is proper to be done therein, and the best way of Chastizing them. Monsr: Maisonville mentioned Something to me concerning those Tribes, of their never having been Sent for, or properly talked to. He may have Spoke More to you on that Subject.
It will be proper also to take the Behavior of the Pouteatamies under Consideration, it is a Strange Situation that no English Trader dare go into their Country; and that they are to Send Partys every year to Make war at the Ilinois. I understand they are a Most turbulent Tribe, and believe Many of their Neighbours Might be prevailed upon to make them behave better; Which I should be glad you would take under your Consideration.
If the Pouteatamies and ouabache Indians are brought to reason, I hear of no other Nations at present that Shew any Inclination to commit Hostilities.
What you mention about the Peace between the Cherokees and Six Nations and other Matters, I very well remember, both you and Mr: Steuart were of the Same opinion, about the (page 253) impropriety of the Measure, and acted against your own Sentiments. And I believe what followed Soon after that Event, and the Powerfull Confederacys that were forming, convinced every body that you was right in your Notions of Indian Policy.
I am with great Regard Dear Sir, Your Most Obedient humble Servant, THOs. GAGE
SR: WM: JOHNSON Bart:
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INDORSED:3 |
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New York 7br
10th 1771 |
FROM WILLIAM YOUNGE
A. L. S.
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[City Hall Albany September 12, 1771] |
[ ]
As Necessitey in Close Confinemant, Oblidgees me, to Wright These fue Lines
to your Honnour, Hoping that it may fing you, in a good State of halte, as I am
in at Prasent. But in a Bead Setuation of Life, and of Living som times Days
Withought a Mought full of Victuls, and, Hardley, a Shurt, or any Other Close
to Pute on my Back at Prasent, for I have Bin Oblidg to Sall all the Close I
head to Seport my Selfe, With a Mought full of Vittols for to Save my Life,
Tharefore, Now Nasessetey, Oblidges me to aske a Faver, from your Honnours
hands, That, if your Honnour Whould Be Plesede to Be So Good, and
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1 In Johnson's hand.
2 In Harvard College Library, Cambridge, Mass.
3 (1, p. 253) In Johnson's hand.
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