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.
Marest to Vaudreuil
(August 14, 1706)
Marest, Father Joseph J. in: Michigan
Historical Collections, XXXIII, pp. 262-271.
These people of Toupikanich begged me to bear witness to M. de la Mothe that they had not insulted us in any way. I did so although reluctantly, and requested him at the same time to look to the safety of our priests with the Miamis, if he perceived that they were in danger, and that in so doing he would be pleasing you. I believe you will not disapprove of me [for doing so] for I consider that these priests are in great danger.
A party of warriors was to have set out from here which would have induced the Poux Sakis to fall upon the Miamis of the St. Joseph river. M. Arnault stopped it, first of all until our arrival; we then thought it advisable to stop it entirely. For that purpose we gave the belt which you had intended for speaking about Detroit, when the opportunity occurred, which we had not given because it did not seem to us reasonable to praise the men here for not having taken part in the affair at Detroit, while they were going on the war path with those from Detroit. This belt with some tobacco, had the effect of stopping Ounaskie and Koutaouililouo, and with them out of the village everything could easily be frustrated there; and although a few boats have gone since, [and] some young men have spoken of sending after them again, at least they will not be able to make an important attack. I asked the savages whether I could safely send a boat of Frenchmen to St. Joseph River; they replied that I could do so, and have even escorted me there, seeming to take an interest in the priests there; for, while they are there, they do not think they are at liberty to make war on the Miamis as they would like to do. For this reason they would be pleased to see the priests all out of this post; but I do not think that you should desire it, for it is the most important after Mishilimakina. If they were free to go there, they say that they would take so many men with them against the Miamis that, in a short time, they would drive them out of this beautiful country. I do not, however, think that they will undertake it without learning your wishes on the matter. I had spoken to some Frenchmen about taking news to the St. Joseph River, and helping our priests, and getting them out of their difficulties if they are there and enabling them to leave, but there are other French people who intimidated one of those I spoke to; it is not done to the savages.
I feel obliged to testify to you the pleasure I have had in those who have taken up our boats. It is the sole gratification I have had on the journey, to be in the company of minds so well formed. I have also every possible reason to be well satisfied with those who took up the King's boat. They have done us all sorts of services on the journey.
I thought, as well as the French people, that it was not advisable for the Sr. Menard to leave here until we were settled in the fort. I believe you will not disapprove, because it was a question of our safety, for the savages dare not act badly until they have left to go down. It would also
(dis-)turbances here; that it was enough that there should be any at Detroit. He urges you always to regard his village with affection and to prevent the word of Le Pesant proving true, who had given the Iroquois six parcels [? of furs] to come with him to devour the village of Michilimakina; that you should continue to stop the Iroquois, since he keeps his word so faithfully, and that you should urge the Iroquois not to receive the Hurons if they want to withdraw to them. You will do what you think fit about it.
I have at last found another Frenchman to go to the St. Joseph River, and I hope four of them will set out to procure the safety of the fathers, about which there is reason for much concern, on account of so many parties of warriors, who are going in that direction. At the least, they will bring us news of them, unless they find too much danger on the way.
There are several French people here whom one could wish not here. The Sr. Menard knows them and will be able to name them to you.
We are expecting Mons. Boudor very soon with news from Detroit. I am sending off a boat to the St. Joseph River at the same time as the King's boat leaves to go down. There are, however, some French people who oppose it; but I look upon that as a matter in which the public interest is concerned. I have however granted them three or four days' delay to obtain news; it is necessary to humor them. I am in deep respect, Sir, Your most humble & most obedient servant,
|
Joseph J. Marest of the Company of Jesus. |
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