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 Gage
(Johnson Hall, May 27, 1769)
Johnson, Sir William in: The
Papers of Sir William
Johnson, vol. 12,
pp. 722-723.
prevent ye. farther sale of spirituous liquors at this place & to effect their design will soon begg your Honour's advice & influence. * * * *
TO THOMAS GAGE
A. L. S.1
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Johnson Hall May 27th, 1769 |
DEAR SIR-
I have Just received two Alarming letters the one from the late Commissary at Detroit, the other from Capt. MacLeod,2 the purport of them correspond nearly with some reports & rumours that have lately prevailed, & tho I hope they may prove groundless, yet it is necessary You should know that the Intelligence has been received at these posts, that the Shawanese, Delawares, Mingoes of Ohio Associated with the Powtawatamies Chippeweighs &ca. intend to break out, that the Shawanese have brought a great number of Cattle to the Miamis River, which they Say they are to live on during the Seige of Detroit, the Inhabitants of which Settlement as Mr. Hay3 writes are so much alarmed that they have brought a good part of their Effects & provisions into the Fort, with some of their Women & Children. The Panies first received intelligence of it, which they communicated to their Masters, & some Indians have advised the Traders they most regarded, not to proceed to Detroit, the Consequence of which is, that they have resolved to go no farther than Fort Erie, & Capt. MacLeod writes that between 20 & 30 Batteaux now at the Carrying place are come to that resolution, this may have bad effects, for in case the Indians are not realy disposed to do Mischeif as is represented, the failure or scarcity of Goods at ye. season when they come with their peltry &ca. in full expectation of a plentiful Market will produce much discontent amongst (page 723) them, I have also received an Indian Speech from Detroit made in the presence of Capt. Turnbull4 & all his Officers in favour of Capt. St. Clair5 & full of wants, a Copy of which I dare say you will receive from him by this opertunity, I have also a letter from one Mr. Robinson Commanding a Vessel on the Lake Huron requesting some allowance to gratify the Indians whose Assistance is necessary to get up his Vessel & representing that they were accustomed to receive many favours from Cap. Sinclair, such as condemned Pork &ca., which he cannot afford them, thro the want of which they may be discontented.-
Capt. MacLeod only waited the return of De Couagne the Interpreter whom he had sent to procure farther Intelligence of the Indians designs, & would then set out. I delayed the last half years Accts. waiting for his, but it not yet coming, I am oblidged to inclose my Accompt without it, as many are importunate for money.-
I have seen Several of the upper Nations within these few Days, who have told me of the discontents to ye. Southward &ca., and say, that Goods are sold verry dear, which is ye. pretext made use of by some of the Nations, but as I purpose in a little time going up to the Six Nations Country, I expect to obtain more particular Information in these matters, which I shall communicate.-
I am with the most perfect Esteem
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Dear Sir |
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Your most
Obedient |
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W. JOHNSON |
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1 In William L. Clements Library.
2 Captain Normand MacLeod, commissary at Niagara.
3 Lieutenant Jehu Hay, commissary at Detroit.
4 Captain George Turnbull, commandant at Detroit.
5 Captain Patt Sinclair.
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