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.
Hamilton to Carleton
Hamilton, Henry in: Haldimand Papers,
[B 122, p. 115], in Collections
of the
Illinois State Historical Library,
vol. 1, pp. 332-333, and in
Michigan Hist. Colls.,
vol. 9, pp. 459-460.
TO GEN. CARLETON
SIR- Since my last of the 6th Instant, an Express is arrived from the Illinois, with an account of the arrival of a party of Rebels in number about three hundred who have taken Mr. de Rocheblave prisoner have laid him in Irons, and exact an oath from the Inhabitants binding them to obedience to the Congress &c.
There is an officer with 30 men detached by the Rebels to Cahokia to receive the allegiance of the people at that Post, and I have no doubt that by this time they are at St. Vincennes, as, when the Express came away, one Gibault a French Priest, had his horse ready saddled to go thither from Cahokia to receive the submission of the Inhabitants in the name of the Rebels.
'Tis now but twenty one days since the Rebels got possession of Kaskaskias.
Monsieur de Celoron sets off this day with Belts for the Ouabash Indians whose deputies went from this not long since, well satisfied with their reception & took 3 War Belts.
A Letter from Mr Rochblave written some little time before his imprisonment mentions there being four English frigates in the entrance of the Misisipi.
As there is not one of the vessels here at present, I send this Express in a Batteau to Fort Erie by Lieut Chabert of the Indian Department.
I beg leave to take notice to Your Excellency that if the Ouabash Indians are supported properly, it will entail a considerable additional expence, at the same time 'tis well known to your Excellency that these nations are the only barrier to be opposed at present to the inroads of the Rebels & the attempts of the French and Spaniards.
I am also to observe to your Excellency, that there remains yet a large quantity of provision to be forwarded to this Post, that scarce any merchandise is yet arrived, the goods of last year left on the carrying place being not yet forwarded, that large quantities will be wanted for the savages as well as for supplying the trade and that the vessels alone will not be sufficient to transport the Quantities wanted.
If the Merchants were allowed to forward their goods in batteaus all the way, they would many of them I believe chuse to venture rather than abide the damages, losses & delays they suffered last year.
I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant.
|
HENRY HAMILTON. |
August 8th 1778.
Endorsed:- Detroit No. 8. Lt Govr Hamilton 8th August 1778.
[B 122, p 115.]
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