A JOURNAL KEPT BY Coll. Stephen Courtland, & Coll. Rich. Beyard, Of Their Majesties Council for the Province of New-York, Being appointed by the COUNCIL to Attend His Excellency Benjamin Fletcher, Captain General and Governor in chief of the Province of New York Province of Pennsilvania Country of New-Castle, & Territories and Tracts of Land depending thereon in America, and Vice Admiral of the same, TO ALBANY In Treating with the Indians of the Five Nations, and River Indians of that Province, in the Months of June and July, 1693.
Together with the Propositions and Conferences of the said Indians with his Excellency. And his Excellency's Answers, &c.
Printed and Sold by William Bradford, Printer to their Majesties, King William & Queen Mary, at the Sign of the Bible in New-York, 1693
A Journal, &c. Province of New-York ss. June the 3d. 1693.
HI [...] Excellency arrived this day from his Government of Penn [...]ia, to New-York, and being indisposed by his Journey▪ g [...]ve Orders that all things should be put in [...] for his Journey to Albany, and that the Present [...] provided for [...] Indians should [...] addition of Aims and Ammunition.
[...] His Excellency being recovered, set forth about eleven a [...] the fore noon.
June 14. The Wind being favourable, arrived at Albany, about two a Clock in the afternoon, being 150 Miles from New-Yo [...]k.
About 12 miles from Albany, his Excellency received L [...]tter from Mr. Samu [...]ll P [...]rtridge of Ha [...]field in New-England, acq [...]g him [...] Christians were lately killed, and th [...]ee more wounded in Deerfield, and that a party of the Mobaques and River- Indians of this Province were suspected guilty of the Fact, and some of them in Prison, for the rest marched toward Albany.
June 15 His Excellency sent Leiut. John Schuyler to meet that party, with Orders to make diligent search (by opening all their Packs and Bun [...]les for suspected Goods, taken from th [...] Christians, which Orders were executed accordingly, and nothing could be found to ground supposition of their guilt, and the Indians were very forward to throw open all their packs and bundles.
This day arrived the Party of Indians at Albany, and his Excellency ordered the Coun [...]ellors present to examine them concerning that Morther, who had a full Account of their Negotiations there, and by sundry Circumstances and Reasons which they offered, did be [...]ieve them innocent.
June 16. They reported their Opinion up [...]n the Examination t [...] his Excellency, who ordered them to write a Letter to C [...]ll. John Pinch [...]on, desiring that a [...] might be put to any violent proc [...]eding against the Indians in Prison [...] further discovery be made, [...] i [...] cau [...]e a defection in [...] Ind [...]ans of this Province in al [...]a [...]ce with us.
Major D [...] W [...]s [...]ells ▪ with a small guard, was sen [...] express with that Lett [...] and had [...]ctions to use his endeavour to qualif [...]e the New-England People, who were violent in prosecuting [...] Indians
June 19 This being the day appointed for the coming in of the [...]ndians of the five [...] to Albany, and they not appearing, an Express was sent with [...] [...]ands of Wampum, to hasten their coming.
This [...] arrived from Canada Joseph and Henry, two Christian Mohaqu [...], with twenty four Indians, bringing two French scalps, and a young French Prisoner, &c.
June 20. His Excellency, attended with forty Horse, went and [Page 4] viewed the Garrison at Schenectady, put [...] that night.
June 21. The praying Mohaques desired Audience of his Excellency, and presented to him the French man, who was then Prisoner, as a particular Mark of their Affection. In the after-noon his Excellency returned his Answer, and gave them Kettles, Knives, Rum, Drink, &c. to refresh themselves.
June 22. Two Schackhook Indians that were sent last fall to the Onogungoes with a Belt of Wampum, to with-draw their Hatchets from against the English, and turn them against the French in Canada, came to his Excellency, presenting to him a round Plat of Wampum, with four spots in it, signifying four Castles, and four Propositions which they had to offer.
The first was, That the Plat of Wampum came from four Castles of the Onogungoes, that there was twelve more, who made one Nation with them, and that they would communicate the Message to the other twelve Castles, and give an answer in the fall.
The second, That they were a free People, and do not depend upon the French, nor any other Nation: That a French Priest had been among them, desiring them to come over to Mont. Royal, and assist the French against the Indians of the five Nations in this Province, and that they did refuse it, because they had received Protection and former Kindnesses from the Indians of the five Nations and Christians of Albany.
The third, That they cannot tell how to trust the People of New-England when they speak of Peace, and therefore propose it to his Excellency, the Governour of this Province, to whom they have more faith and credit.
The last, They desire his Excellency will please to send a Token, wherein their Agents will confide, and be assured of safety in treating here with his Excellency the next Fall.
Whereupon his Excellency gave them a large Belt of Wampum, wrought with the figure of a Tree at one end, and an Ox at the other, in signification of Protection and Plenty, which they were ordered to present to the sixteen Castles of Onogungoes.
June 25 Major Wessells returned, with a Letter from Coll. Pincheon, and the Depositions of some Women, who had their Scalps taken off by some Indians, which were very positive against the Prisoners, and said the People of New-England were violent and stiff in their Opinions against them.
June 26 His Excellency went and viewed the Garrison at the Flats, gave Orders, and returned in the Evening.
June 28. His Excellency having received further satisfaction of the Innocency of our Indians from the Murder at Deerfield, sent a second Express, with Letters, to Sir William Phipps & Coll. Pincheon for their Releasement.
July the 2d. At night the Indians of the Western Nations arrived, some of the principal Sachims had private Conference with his Excellency.
[Page 5] [...] His E [...]llency made a publick Speech to the Indians of the [...] Nations in the City Hall at Albany, and gave them larg [...] P [...].
July 1. [...] the Nations (by a Woman Interpretess) made [...]ver a [...] the [...] Hall, and gave [...] Excellency some P [...]l [...]y
H [...] Ex [...]ency having given them two fat B [...]lls yesterday, [...] Young Men might [...] them with Bo [...] and Arrow in his fight, which [...] did. Then his Excellency entertained the Sachims on board their Ma [...]sties Ketch A [...]brought
July 5. His Excellency had private Conscience with the Sachims, and gave to them, and some of their most valiant Captains, particular Presents for their Encouragement, and desired them to return to their Castles.
July 6. His Excellency made a Speech to the River Indians, and gave them Presents.
July 8. His Excellency left Albany, and the 14th following, the Wind being Southerly, arrived at New-York, where his Excellency was received with Guns, and other Signs of Joy.
- S. V. Courtland,
- N. Beyard.
Propositions made by the Schackbook Indians to the Gentlemen of the Council, in behalf of his Excellency Benjamin Fletcher, at Albany the 15th day of June, 1693.
Present
- Stephanni Courtlande,
- Nicholas Beyard,
- Peter Schuyler,
Esqrs.
WE have been as if in great Darkness, or Cloud, for some time, and now the Light is come again, the Sun shines.
We return our hearty Thanks for the Preservation of our Wives and Children in our absence, while we were hunting in the Winter. Give two Beavers.
Twen [...]y Years ago we were received as Children of this Government, and have lived peaceably ever since under its Protection. And seeing several of our People are detained Prisoners in New-England, upon suspition to have killed some of their People at Deerfield, we sub [...]i [...] the whole matter to the judicious Consideration of his Ex [...] [...] three Beavers.
[Page 6]Our Governour is a great Man, we pray that he would [...] our future Preservation; and since the French are also potent, [...] have our Eyes open, and bend all our Strength against them. Do [...] four Beavers.
Propositions made by the Mohaques Indians, to his Excellency Benjamin Fletcher at Albany the 21th day of June, 1693.
Present
- His Excellency Benjamin Fletcher, &c.
- Coll. Stephen Courtland,
- Coll. Nicholas Beyard,
- Major Peter Schuyler,
- Rode was Speaker.
Brother Cajenquiragoe;
i.e. Lord of the swift Arrow. A Name given to his [...] for his expeditious March to their Assistance when the French & Indian had destroy'd 3 of their Castles in February last.
WHen our Castles were destroyed by the French this Spring, you came up very speedily for our Succour and Relief, which was extream acceptable to us; and when you went away to New-York, you promised to come up this Summer and see us, which you have done accordingly▪ We are heartily glad to see you, for we were afraid we should never have seen you more, and we bid you heartily Wellcome. Do give a Beaver Skin.
Brother Cajenquirago; When you went back to New-York this Spring, you was pleased to order us to look out and keep good Scouts & Videts, which we have done, by sending a party out into the Enemies Country, who had a small brush with them, and got three Scalps, which b [...]ing a noisom fight, we do not think it convenient to bring them forth to our Brother Caj [...]nquirago. You and we have done this together; for the Ammunition and Provision was yours, which we used in this [...]cution, and we are joyntly concerned in doing this Mischief to the Enemy. Do give a Beaver Skin.
Brother Cajenquiragoe; We must acknowledge, that your Kindnesses to us have been very great, you have supplyed us with Provision and A [...]nition ever since the Enemy destroyed our Castles; We earnestly [...] the continuance of your favour and affection towards us, for we are [...] poor People, and have lost all by the Enemy. You are [...]sed [...]ir our Arms, when any of our People break their Gun or [...], you cause your People to mend them, for which we are very [...]. We could not stay for the other Nations, since our Obliga [...] are greater than theirs, and we have received the greatest Kindne [...] [Page 7] [...] [...]me first to return our th [...] [...] [...]dgment [...]. [...] B [...]a [...]r Skin.
Brother C [...] [...] we knew that our men were [...]med t [...] the People [...] [...]o were so kind to send an Ex [...]ress [...] a Kindness and Favour▪ [...] an especial manner. When Major [...] wi [...]h our People, he lost many men (but the [...]earing o [...] the Fre [...] that time was the means that preserved us) We have thoughts ever since of supplying the Rooms of those Christians who were killed there▪ with P [...]on [...]s taken from Canada, but cannot get [...]ch a Number, never [...]hele [...]s having one now, we freely deliver him to Cajenquiragoe, as a particular t [...]ken of Gratitude.
His Excellen [...]y's Answer.
I Did not expect to see you before the arrival of the other four Nations, but perceiving you are [...] our Affection and Zeal to the service of the great King & Queen of England ▪ & gratitude for those Marks of favour you have received from their Ma [...]esties, I am heartily glad to see you, and well satisfied with the service you have done against the French and their Indians, by which I perceive you have not lost the antient Courage, since you dare attack them in the face of their Castles.
I am come up according to my Promise, to strengthen the Fronteers, to condole the Dead, and give you more Marks of their Majesties Favour to you, but shall defer the giving those Presents until the other four Nations are come. I accept the Prisoner from you, and shall be always willing that the War be made with Honour, and no Prisoners put to death, but in the heat of Action, unless for such Crimes as do deserve it by Martial Law. I have sent to New-England for those of your Nation detained Prisoners there, and hope they vvill be returned.
You may always depend upon my readiness to assist you, if you give me such Notice that I may have time enough to come up to you; You must consider the length of the way, it is 150 Miles by Water, and the Journey depends upon the chance of Winds and Tide, therefore be sure give early Notice. His Excellency made them presents.
July the 2d. About 9 a clock at Night, the Speaker of the five Nations, with two of the Sachims of the Onondages Nation, [...] a private Conference with his Excellency the Governour, which was granted them.
WE a [...] [...]d to see you here, and are come to discourse with you in [...] Matters of Import: We have heard much of a design to subdu [...] Canada, with a Fleet; our Young Men are eager and [...]ll [...] Heat [...] ma [...] [...] of that War; pray tell to the Truth; for if [...], we must manage ou [...] Youth accordingly.
[Page 8] Brother Cajenquirago; We h [...] o [...]ten had [...]ges of Governours here, and it was a long time before [...] c [...]uld be acquainted with our Constitution and Affairs▪ so soon as they come to understand us they are gone. We desire to know how long you will stay? We would not have you depart: We know your heart is good, you have demonstrated it by your swift coming to our assistance with so considerable a Force, when the French and Indians had made an impression upon our Mohaque [...] Country; for which we return our hearty Thanks. Do give seven Beavers.
His Excellency's Answer.
THe great KING, my Master, knows best his own time and season to make an attack with a Fleet, and subdue Canada, as yet I have advice of no such Design, whensoever I shall have notice thereof, I shall acquaint the Brethren.
As for my stay here, it must be only [...]ing my great Masters ple [...] sure, yet doubt not but I shall continue so long as to see Canada subdued.
A Speech made by his Excellency to the Indians of the Five Nations, viz. Mohaques, Oneydes, Onondages, Cajonges and Sennekes, in the City Hall at Albany, the 3d day of Ju [...]y, 1693.
WHen I saw you in this place last February, I proposed to be here early in the Summer, at the time the Bark would run, as you desired. In this I was disappointed, by the Commands of the great King and Queen of England, &c. who were graciously pleased to send their Royal Mandate, requiring me, upon receipt of it, to repair unto Pennsilvania, and take that Province into their Majesties immediate Care and Government.
I received this Commission in April, and the Execution of it took up the remainder of that Month, & all the Month of May. At my Return to New-York, I found my self indisposed, but in six days I was ready for this Journey. I have taken care to strengthen our Fronteers, with Recruits of Christian Souldiers, and War-like Necessaries.
I formerly told you, and must tell you again, That our Enemies cannot easily hurt us, unless you are careless, and by your Drunkenness [...]ble your selves; This is a Vice strictly to be proh [...]bited and [Page 9] punished. It is a greater in me to Martial Men [...] their Sleep like Death, and so they become an easie Prey [...] though weak Enemy. Let me th [...]r [...]fore desire you to be [...]o [...]er and vigilent, then you will alw [...] [...] a condition to make good your ground, till Relief come, or at least to retreat with Arms in your hand
The Blow you received last Winter, is fresh in our Memories; y [...]u know it came by a supine watchless Humor of the Brethren the Mohaq [...], you also know I marched into Sch [...], the same [...] the Enemy [...] defeated, not far from it; but that is over, let it c [...]on you to for th [...] future; could I have joyned you before the Engagement, [...] appearance, very few, if any, had escaped.
In my last Conference with you, I told you, that some of your Yo [...]n [...] Men had killed several Horses of ours near Sch [...]nectady ▪ you prom [...]sed me that satisfaction should be made, and that [...] should be restrained for the future, in which I hope you [...] effectual Care.
In my way to this place I met Intelligence of a b [...]r [...] Murder committed at Deerfield in New-England, and that three Indian [...] [...] with this Government were imprisoned there upon suspicion of the Fact; I caused the matter immediately to be examined, and have [...] two Expresses to New-England, to give them [...]he best satisfaction that I can gather by such Evidence as appears to me here.
Since my arrival two small parties of the Mohaques came in from Canada, with some Marks of their Success, by which I observe they retain that Courage, for which they have been so long famed: They brought in one French Prisoner, whom they have presented unto me, he informs me, that the Enemy lost eighty men of that party which they had sent last Winter to destroy the Mohaques Castles, and that thirty three more wounded were brought into Mount Royal, several whereof since dyed, and that the French were upon quitting all their small Forts, to strengthen their great Ones, and withal that they intended to Re-inforce Cadara [...]qui.
I have receiv'd an Information as if some of the Brethren are wavering, and inclined to a Peace with the common Enemy, I desire to know the truth of that matter, and am assured that such Thoughts must only arise from the [...]stigation of the Jesuite M [...]let, which some of the Brethren have so long suffered to live amongst them, and whose only Practice i [...] to delude and betray them, let me therefore advise you to remove that [...]ll Person from amongst you.
I am now come to condole your Dead, and to [...]ssur [...] you of the Favour of Their Sacred Majesties, the great King and Queen of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, &c. and in their Royal Names, as their [...]ervant and Lieutenant here to renew and confirm the antient Covenant Chain not only in behalf of this Province, but those of New England, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsilvania; and as a Mark of their sacred Majesties Esteem and Value which they have for your Courage and steady Adherence to Their Interest; and as a Seal to this Covenant Chain, which must ever be preserved Inviolable, I have brought you Presents from Their Majesties.
The Answer of the Five Nations to his Excellency Benjamin Fletcher, &c. in the City Hall of Albany, the 4th day of July, 1693.
WE are involved in a Bloody War, which causes us to sit i [...] sorrow and grief: And since we are about to speak o [...] Matters of Import, we clear the Mouth and Throat of the Interpretess, that she may speak our meaning plainly and truly to you. Do therefore give her three Beavers.
Then having repeated some part of his Excellency's Speech to them yesterday, said,
Brother Cajenquiragoe, We are much rejoyced that the great King and Queen of England do take notice of us, so far as to extend their gracious Favours to us, by so considerable a Present, for which we return our hearty Thanks, and more especially for the Guns and Ammunition.
We are glad that our Brother Cajenquirago renews and confirms the Covenant Chain, not only between us and this Government, but also for New-England, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsilvania, which Covenant shall forever be kept inviolable by all the Five Nations as long as the SUN shall Shine. We pray that our Brother Cajenquirago may have a watchful Eye, that none of those Collonies hold correspondence with the common Enemy, but use their endeavours to destroy them.
We heard nothing of that which you proposed yesterday concerning the Priest Millet living in Oneyde, until we came to this Town; we forthwith made inquiry amongst our Brethren the Oneydes, who told us there was an Indian sent with Letters to Canada by Millet the Priest, which surprized us very much.
Brother Cajenquirago; You are our great Tree, whose Roots extend themselves to the utmost parts of the Government. We desire you may not be disturbed when any of our Prisoners, who are our Slaves, do mis [...]be [...]ave themselves, for it shall never be countenanced by us, but all proper Methods shall be taken to prevent the like Mis-behaviour for the future. And in like manner we beg, that care may be taken, that none of the Prisoners you have do any harm, or correspond with the Enemy, as we suspect was done by Chav [...]leer Deaux, and that he was sent to Canada with Letters, by some of our Brethren.
B [...]other Cajenquirago, In former times our Propositions were quite otherwi [...]: Our Discourses were then of Peace, and giving of Presents to one another, but now the [...]ase is altered. Our Speeches are now of nothing but War, prompting one another to [...]: As for our parts we are resolved to stick close by the War to the last drop of our Blood; and though we are tossed to and fro we will remain stedfast to the last Man, according to our first Conclusion. This we acquaint you of, our great [...]other, for your own Satisfaction.
[Page 11] Brother Cajenquirago ▪ W [...] h [...] Information in our [...] [...]rother Cajenquirago had [...] received Commands from [...] King to be Governour of Pennsilvania, [...] that you were fit [...]g out a Fleet to go and take Canada, this was extream joyful News to us, and all our Young Men, who were to be commanded by Sodogarees, Sachim of the S [...]n [...]k [...], were glad to end the War at one push, to facilitate the Fleets success i [...] subduing that place, to remove all our Troubles, and make an end of this Bloodshed, but to ou [...] great sorrow, now we hear of no such design.
Brother Cajenquirago, You are the great flourishing Tree of our shelter, that keeps the Covenant Chain bright, we have one Request to make, which is, that you will be pleased to stay with us, and not return to England, since you are acquainted with our ways and methods; and if there be any thing you have to acquaint the great King & Queen withal, you may write to them, and not go from us, for the King knows you to be a Wise man, and therefore will believe you.
Brother Cajenquiragoe; We are very glad that the Province of Pennsilvania is come under your Government▪ We pray that you would bring some of their Men hither with their Bowes and Arrows, and Hatchets in their heads; for this is the place of Action which ought to be defended
We are glad that the Showannoes (who were our Enemies) d [...]d make their application to you last Fall for Protection, and that you sent them hither to endeavour a Peace with us, as also, that you have been pleased to send Christians along with them to their Country to conduct them back again; we wish they were come to assist us against the common Enemy.
Brother Cajenquirago; We beg of you to let us have a Smith and Gunstock maker in our Castle, to mend our Arms when they are broken.
Now we have done, only must tell you again, that we are extreamly glad, and roul and tumble in Joy that our great King and Queen have been pleased to enlarge their Favours to us in our greatest Necessities, and that there is so much Unity amongst all the Brethren.
Albany, the 4th of July, 1693
This Evening, after the Young Indians had ended their spot of killing the two fat Bulls, (which were presented by his Excellency) with Bow and Arrow, and roas [...]g and eating, his Excellency invited several of the chief S [...]chims and Captain [...] of most Not [...] and Bravery on board his Majesties Ketch Albrought, riding before the [...] of Albany, and treated them to their extraordinary satisfaction. Upon their desire, his excellency gave them and count of the success the King of England has had against the French [...] beyond the great Lake, o [...] the great Victory which the English Fleet ob [...]ained against th [...] French the last Summer, with the part [...] that D [...]se [...]t [...] o [...] great Fight that had been on Land, where [...] in their Camp, because they would [...] have many men were slain on both sides▪ but th [...] [...] no N [...] ye [...] [...] Summers Action.
H [...]s Excellency d [...] [...]courage them to [...]nifest their Valour and [Page 12] Courage against the common Enemy, as their Ancestors have done. Reminded them of the Priest Millet, that they must expect that all their Designs will be destroyed so long as he is kept amongst them, and therefore advised them speedily to remove that dangerous Person.
His Excellency also bid them be mindful of what he said to them, and true to the Covenant they have renewed. Which they all promised to observe and keep inviolable. Whereupon, as a Seal thereunto, his Excellency ordered the firing of five Guns, which they answered with the like Number of Shouts.
It was particularly observed, that Odongaowa, the long Oneyde, who was the only suspected Indian, and the most particular Friend of the Jesuite, did rise up, and sing a Song of War, (which after their way is the same with a Vow) that he would now presently go and fight the French, Praying Indians of Canada, and promised further to his Excellency, that he would take particular care that no Letters from Canada should come to the Priests hands, but would have them secured at their first coming, and sent down to his Excellency to be read, that the Poyson may be discovered, which is hid therein. Whereupon they went on Shore, with great Satisfaction. His Excellency ordered them a Salute of five Guns, which they answered with so many Shouts, after their wild manner.
Albany, the 4th of July, 1693.
His Excellency sent for the Sachims of the five Nations, to have a private Conference, and said,
Brethren, It is high time for you go home to your Castles, and see that they be secured from all attempts of the Enemy. I design to go to New-York, to take charge of that Trust the great King, my Master, hath reposed in me.
But I must tell you before we part, that I cannot but take Notice, that you have omitted the answering these three Proposals which I made to you the day before yesterday.
First, about the Horses, which your Young Men have killed; I do hear of no Satisfaction yet made, but Complaints come to me every day of this nature.
Then relating to the Priest Millet at Oneyde, whom the Brethren of Oneyde do still harbour among them. I must tell you again, that he betrayes you, and all your Councils; and that you may see that I desire not to diminish your Number, I am willing to give you a pretty Indian Boy, in lieu of the old Priest; and accordingly the Boy was brought and delivered them.
And then concerning the two Expresses that I sent to New-England, about those two Indians detained in Prison there upon suspition of the Murder committed at Deerfield.
The Sachims of the five Nations answered,
Brother Cajenquirago; We forgot that Article concerning the Horses, but shall take care, that whoever kills any Horse [...] or Cattle belonging to the Christians, the Person or Persons offending shall make Satisfaction for the same.
[Page 13]As for the Jesuite Mi [...]let, the Oneyde Sachim said, He would [...] Promise relating to that matter, which was, That so soon as the [...] Messenger did return from Canada, all the Letters and Papers should [...] from him, and forth-with brought to our Brother Cajenquirago he [...] [...] Priest shall see them. I am willing to take the Boy in Exchang [...] [...] Priest, but the Priest must stay at Oneyde till the Return of [...] from Canada. I desire the Boy may stay here until we bring the [...] which shall be so soon as the said Messeng [...]r returns
We are very Thankful to you, our g [...]e [...] Brother Caj [...]nquirago ▪ [...] sending two [...]xpresses to New-England about that Accident at Deerfi [...]ld and our People imprisoned there We doubt not but in a short time i [...] will be made appear, that the Canada Indians have committed this Mu [...]der; and the Brethren of New-England, who are in Covenant with us, must have patience▪ till such cases can be found out▪ We doubt not but the Governour of New-England is a Man of that Prudence and Conduct, who will not be so hasty, since it cannot be long undiscovered
Brother Cajenquirago, We acquaint you, that it is proposed by all [...] N [...]ions to make Peace with the Dionondadees, a Natio [...] [...] that are in Alliance with the French of Canada, which will strengthen us and weaken the Enemy; the S [...]nneks, who live nearest to them, have undertaken to effect this business, and do take Presents of Wampum from the rest of the Nations to confirm [...] ▪ we desire your co [...] currence in the Matter, and that as you are our eldest [...]rother you [...]end Tokens also, and receive them into the Covenant Chain.
Whereupon his Excellency replyed, That he approved of then Proposals, and was willing they should proceed to make Peace with the Dionondadees, and for that purpose gave them a Belt of Wampum
Whereupon the Indians gave [...]ve Shouts.
Albany, the 5th of July, 1693.
After the private Conference, his Excellency this Morning did further recommend to the chief Sachims and Captains of the five Nations the necessity of their speedy return to their several Castles, their keeping continual Scouts to observe the Enemy's Motion.
It is reported, they are drawing up their Forces towards Cadaracqui (which is their uppermost Fort upon the Lake, deserted by them about four Years ago.)
That h [...]s Excellency did not know whether the Enemy's design was to make an Attempt against the uppermost Nations, the Onondages ▪ [...] and S [...]neks, or upon the lowermost, the Mo [...]aques and [...]. Did recommend to them to joyn the Forces of the upper most Nations▪ as it was formerly agreed to, if attacked, promising to take care of th [...] lower most Nations, if his Excellency have but timely Notice of their approach, as he did last Winter.
His Excellency wished them a safe Return and good Success in all their Undertakings against the common Enemy, assuring them of the g [...]eat King and Queens Favour; nothing doubting but that all of them, [Page 14] as Men of Courage and Honour, will stick close to their Majesties Interest, as they have alwayes done since the first settlement of this Country, equal to their Promises, and the Covenant Chain, which they have now renewed; And bid them Farewell.
Whereupon the Speaker of the five Nations, in behalf of them, returned hearty Thanks for his Excellency's great Favours, and his care for their Safety, assuring his Excellency, That they would strictly observe his Commends, and by their future [...]ol [...]ss and Behaviour against [...] Enemy, manifest their true Affections and Z [...] to his Excellency's [...] and Government. And thereupon made [...]ve Shouts, and took leave
His Excellency having private Account of the great Services of particular Sachims and Captains to this Government, sent for them to his Chamber [...]oart, commended their Bravery, repeated his [...] Recommendations, and presented them by his own Hands with fashionable laced Coats and Hats, and several other Presents▪ suitable to their Services. Which they received as a more particular sign of His Excellency's special Favour, repeating their former Vows; and so departed, with Signs and Expressions of perfect Satisfaction, more than ever was observed in any former Treaty.
His Excellency's Speech to the River Indians at the City Hall of Albany, the 6 of July, 1693.
THis is the first time I have seen you since my coming to the Government, tho' you are seated near this Garrison, and derive your Protection from it.
I have now sent for you, to let you know what part of your Conduct and Behavio [...]r I like, and what I dislike▪ Some of you have done well and like valiant Souldiers in joyning with the five Nations, to attack the Enemy in Canada; This deserves Commendation.
But on the other hand, its very unlike Souldiers and dutiful Children, to draw out the whole Force of your Castles to h [...]t leaving your Women and Children exposed to the Accidents and Hardships which attend a Country engaged in War against so watchful an Enemy as this is.
For the future you must give notice, and have permission to go on these Occasions, and take care to leave sufficient Force behind you.
There is another stupendious Folly you are guilty of▪ when your Hunting is over, you'll sit down near some place, wherein a few days [...]ou drink out what has cost you the labour of some Months, and then [...]ome home Beggars, as you went. Th [...] [...] of [...] [Page 15] appeared lately unto you at Deerfield, and I hope will caution you for the future. I must advise you, That from henceforth you bring all the Effects of your Hunting into your own Country, which by pruden [...] management will support you the rest of the Year.
I am informed, the Enemy comes in small Parties, and does [...] here, killing some, taking others Captive [...] 'tis your Duty, and will be your Honour to send out Parties to clear the Woods, and knock such on the Head; and for your encouragement you shall receive a Reward of Fifty Shillings for every Head you shall bring in, which is killed within three Miles of this Garrison or Schenectady.
I now renew the Covenant with you, and take you under the Pro [...]tection of the gr [...]at King and Queen of England, &c. and expect [...] will endeavour to dese [...]ve the favour of their August Majesties, by your strict adherence to this Covenant, and your due Obedience to all the Directions and Commands of my Self, or others their Majesties Governours of this Province. Gave some Presents.
The Answer of the River Indians to His Excellency the 6th of July, 1693. Interpreted by R. Sanders.
WE thank you for your great Care over us, and we shall observe all your Directions and Commands now given us; You are that high Tree, under whose Branches we shelter, whereby our Old Men, Women and Children have been protected in our absence, from the late Incursion of the French, our common Enemy▪ we shall not for the [...] abroad a hunting, or against the Enemy, without leaving a [...] Guard. We will make frequent Rounds from this City, on both sides the River, to discover the skulking Enemy, and doubt not but our Young Men shall receive the promised Reward when they bring in the Heads of those lurking Foxes.
Father, We give our Hearty Thanks for sending two Expresses to New-England on our behalf; we assure you that we are innocent of the mischief done at Deerfield, and so are likewise those Prisoners that are there in Custody. Believe us, our Hearts are good, and we desire only to Hoe under your Protection in peace and quietness.
Father ▪ We return you also our Hearty Thanks for renewing & making [...]ht that Covenant Chain ▪ We will always oyl & g [...]ease it, that it shall [...], but be kept inviolable with you, our Father, and with all the Breth [...]n of New-England, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsilvania And thereupo [...] [...]resented His Excellency with half a Belt of W [...]mpum