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.
Croghan to (Gates?)
(Fort Pitt, May 22, 1760)
Croghan, George in: Aspinwall Papers,
Coll. of the Mass. Hist. Soc.,
vol. IX, 4th series,
pp. 249-251.
A Six Nation Indian who has Lived many Years amongst the Weyondotts arrived here last Night from Fort D'Troit gives me the following Intelligence, vizt 'That it is Twenty Days since he left Fort D'Troit, and the day before he set off the French Commandant sent of a Party of Twenty Ottawaies to Niagara for an English Prisoner to give them (page 250) Intelligence, as they expect the English and Six Nations will attack that place this summer. He says the Inhabitants about D'Troit are much Distrest with the want of Provisions and but few of them have planted this spring, as they frequently say what signifies their planting for the English to reap. Indian goods are very scarce there the Commanding officer having taken all for his Masters service, and sells none or gives any to any Indians except those who will engage to defend the place against the English. He further says, that about Thirty five days ago the Ottawaws, Chipaways, Kecopes & Shougheys called the Weyondotts to a great Council, at which they Complained heavily of the Treatment they had received from the Six Nations last year at the taking Niagara, by killing and scalping several of their People, and in particular Two great Captains, and said they suspected the Six Nations had some further design against them, in Conjunction with the English, as they did not send their Deputys agreeable to their Promise to Condole with them, and renew their ancient Friendship. However they said they would wait Two Months longer to see if they would come, if they did not, they would be Confirmed in their Opinion and make such a Push against the Six Nations and English on the Ohio as would give them sufficient satisfaction for the loss they sustained at Niagara. Tho' at the same time declared they wold Chuse to be at Peace with the English as the French were not able to supply them with Goods, but said it would be impossible to strike the Six Nations without striking the English likewise, as they were so closely connected.
The Commandant at Fort D'Troit has lately Reported to all the Indians that the French have retaken Quebec and entirely killed and taken all the English that were in Garrison there.
This Indian I employed last Fall to come to me this Spring as soon as he could hear the result of the Indians Councils, and he is of opinion that if an Expedition be (page 251) carried on this summer against D'Troit with any Considerable Number of Troops and Indians that all Nations of Indians will withdraw from the French & either stand Neuter or Assist the English on the first Notice they have from them. But if a small Number of Troops should go to reduce that place he is of opinion the Ottawaws, Chipaways, Kecopes & Shougheys will assist the French to defend it.
This Indian has lived fourteen years at D'Troit and says he is well acquainted with all the settlement and tells me the French can't make up more than Eight hundred men with the Garrison and Militia, and says the latter is much Dispirited & Dejected, so that he thinks it would be an Easy Conquest. He says there was a flying Report before he left that place, that there was an Army to come from the Mississippi to join them at D'Troit, but as the French have been telling the Indians so every Moon since Niagara was taken, none of the Indians believe there is any Truth in the Report.
_____________
GEORGE CROGHAN TO MAJOR GATES
|
FORT PITT May the 23d 1760. |
SIR,
Inclosed I send you a Piece of Intelligence which I recieved yesterday evening from an Indian of good reputation who I had employed last fall to bring me the earliest notice of any designs the Enemy or Indians in their interest might form against us, which you will please to deliver General Monckton for his perusal. I likewise inclose a Letter for Sir William Johnson with a Copy of the same, which you will please to forward to him. I can't help thinking but the Six Nations have acted wrong in not
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