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 Bradstreet
(Roche de bout, Aug. 31, 1764)
Morris, Thomas in: (Enclosed in Bradstreet
to Gage, Sept. 12, 1764), Gage Papers,
American Series, William L.
Clements Library.
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Rochedebout Village of the Ottawas August 31st 1764 |
Sir
On my arrival at the Fort of the rift I was met by several Indians of the Village on Horseback and invited by Attawang one of the chiefs who came with me to his Cabin but how great was his surprize as well as mine when I found myself surrounded by the most formidable body of Savages I have yet seen collected together. In a word I gave myself over for lost especially as I cou'd observe them to be even more exasperated than curious tho they gaz'd at me as at a monster. Atawang is a good creature. By the mediation of Mr Vincent the disposition of the Indian Inhabitants is chang'd they breath'd nothing but wrath and they are now not averse to peace. The neighbouring Villages seem to Court it and will wait on you at Detroit which I am sure will give you pleasure. Pondiac appears quite tractable and his power is absolute he has given a Belt to St Vincent who now determines to return to the Illinois country without which I coud never have got a step farther. My two French Attendants are faithfull and Godfroi acts with indefatigable zeal. My Indians who return'd with the Battoe robbd us of allmost all which they sold to the Savages here so that we are at present destitute of allmost everything except our powder which by good luck we have sav'd. The Miamie river is now a river without water an empty Canoe cannot pass here. I am therefore oblig'd to purchase three horses and Send back by my Servant such part of my little baggage as can possibly be spar'd I am certain that it will be necessary to make some stay at the Illinois perhaps a long one for things are in great confusion. Yesterday morning the Kickapous and Mascoutins return'd home finding these Villages inclind to Peace as they were summon'd to this place to make War and are unacquainted with the English. The Miamis are likewise gone having left two of their people to attend the Chiefs of these Villages who come to Detroit to report what may pass there. I shall sitt out this day
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I have the honor to be &c. |
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Thos Morris- a Copy |
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