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.
Council of the Hurons
(Fort of Detroit, December 4, 1701)
In: English Translation of Margry, II-3, pp. 400-403.
pp. 400, 401, 402.
Saint-Chouan speaks for the whole tribe.- When we were assembled at Montreal for the general peace, Onontio told us to set out quickly, to repair our canoes as soon as we arrived at Missilimakinak, and to embark and come to you here.*
Just when we were ready to set out, an evil speech came down upon us, which disturbed our minds.(see fn. 1) It was Father Carheil who spoke and said to us; "What it is I see? Why are you cutting down your stakes? Why do you cast them in the fire? It seems that you wish to build your fort and lay out your fields elsewhere. My heart would not be heavy within me if I saw that the prows of your canoes were turned towards the Miamis; but perhaps you are going to Detroit. If that is your intention, I warn you that you are dead men; the Iroquois will kill you there" (that (page 401) is, the Iroquois were to kill them there, the French giving them up treacherously). "You should believe me, because we Black Robes know when news is true. It my be that you will live at peace there for a year or two years; after that, you will find yourselves alone there.(see fn. 2) How will the man who is there be able to protect you against the Iroquois since Onontio himself was not able to do so? M. de Lamothe is not in command at Detroit; he is a merchant who is selling his goods there; when he has sold them he will go down to Montreal and will leave you at the mercy of your enemies."
For ten days, we held a council upon this evil speech, for our minds were troubled by it, and it is that which has set a part of our tribe at variance with us. It has not, however, prevented us from coming to place our village near yours, because we hope that you will not desert us in case of war.
Give us, then, some good lands near you; we beg you to come yourself and shew us the spot where you have decided that our fort should be built.
Speech of M. de Lamothe Cadillac to the Hurons, on the same day, 4th of December, 1701.- I should have deferred my reply to what you have just said to me; but as I see that the season is far advanced and your matter is urgent, I will tell you my opinion in a few words:
I commend your conduct in obeying the Governor.(see fn. 3) In coming to me here, you run no more risk than I do. If Father de Carheil (page 402) used this language to you, and said what you have just told me, he spoke wrongfully and did not tell the truth; and if he were here I would show him that I am in command here, for I would send him to the Governor and I am confident that he would not come back here again. If he does not come in the spring, I shall perhaps send for him and remove him from there, and send him down to Montreal in order that he may not disturb your minds in the future.
Saint-Chouan.- If one, two or three men told you the things we have related to you, you might doubt them; but what we have just told you was said to us at the council, at which the whole tribe was assembled. We cannot be all lying together.(see fn. 4)
M. de Lamothe.- That being so, this Father has not told you the truth, for I have no intention of abandoning you so soon. Be assured that I have no goods to sell. The reason why the Black Robes are not speaking rightly today is that they are vexed because I have brought a Grey Robe here, and priests are to cone who wear white bands. That angers them, because they would like to be the only ones. It only remains for me to tell you that I am very glad that you decided to bring your village near to the fort which I have built. By that means, I shall be able to embrace you and inclose you in my arms, so that, as we shall form but one body, we may die together.
On the 6th of December, M. de Lamothe marked out the lands which he granted to the Hurons, and the site on which he wished them to make their fort; then Saint-Chouan and four others of their chief men shouted with M. de Lamothe three times "Long live the King!" They thanked him for granting them these lands, which he did under His Majesty's pleasure.
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