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.
Forbes to Bouquet
(Shippensbourg, Aug. 18, 1758)
|
Forbes, John in: B. M., Add. MSS. 21640, f. 141, A. L. S. (printed in James, Writings of General John Forbes, pp. 180-182) and in Stevens, et all. The Papers of Henry Bouquet, vol. II, 1951, pp. 382-384 |
p. 383.
. . . (illeg. copy)
In carrying forward the new road, I think there might easily be a small road carried on at the same time, at about 100 yards to the right and left of it; and parralel with it, by which our flanking partys might advance easier along with the line, I dont mean here to cut down any large trees, only to clear away the Brushwood and Saplins, so as the men either on foot or on horseback may pass the easier along.
I should think such a road could be easily carried along and pretty quick, if so, and that two file could march abreast, by making Collumns of Infantry march there, your line can always be formed much quicker and easier.
After many Intreigues with the Quakers, the Commissioners, the Governour & c., and with the Governour and Government of new Jersey and by the downright Bullying of Sir William Johnson4 &c. I hope I have now brought a Convention with the Indians of whatever denomination or Tribe, pretty near to a Crissis. The six nations and all the Chief men of the Indians living to the eastward of the Lakes and upon the Ohio as far down as the Wabache, and Illinoi,5 have all accepted of our Belts of Invitation and friendship, and have promised to meet the Governours and Commissioners from all those different Provinces at East town in Pennsylvania by the 12 or midle of September,6 where I think nothing can prevent a solid peace being established with most of those Indian tribes, as the Indian Claims appear to me both Just and Moderate, and what not man in their senses or in our situation with regard to the Indians would hesitate half an hour in granting them.
I flatter myself great good may be drawn to the publick from this meeting, as I hope that private Interest and provincial Picques, will, and ought to be drove away from this meeting.
I am now considerably better of this flux being partly free from the excrutiating pain I sufferd, but still so weak that I can scarce bear motion, but this a few days ease and sleep will soon restore.
As you must no doubt have a vast number of Cattle and Horses to provide for, I Should be sorry that they should disturb us in our Motions, should they come to want, and make us change Situations before we choose it.
There is [at]† near this place and
I am told near F: Loudoun &c a great many of those deserted plantations
where the Hay rots upon the Ground for want of Hands & Scythes to cut it
down and make it. I have set this Garrison and most of the Inhabitants
hereabouts a mowing and
____________________
† Stricken out.
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