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.
Instructions to Wright & Blunstone
(September 2, 1728)
Gordon, Patrick? in: Pennsylvania Archives,
First Series, Vol. I, pp. 229-232.
INSTRUCTIONS TO WRIGHT & BLUNSTONE, 1728
|
Philada , 2d September, 1728. |
John Wright & Samuel Blunston,
RESPECTED FRIENDS:
Much contrary to our Expectations, we find there are still some (page 230) Commotions amongst the Indians, that require to be look'd into, and we are now apprehensive that the Story we first had in the Spring of the Tweektwese or naked Indians or Miamis (for they goe by all these Names) who live to the Southwest of Lake Erie being invited to attack this Countrey, is not altogether without a Foundation, very few of our Indian have been privy to it, if there be any thing in it, one Manawkyhickon, a near Relation of Oqueala's, who was hanged last year in Jersey, with one Collupny one of the five Nations, but French by Birth, who both live near Shamokin on Susquehannah, are the chiefs who have been laboring Mischief. Our Lenappys or Delaware Indians know nothing of it. The Shawanese we know are ready for any Mischief. How far the Five Nations are privy to it we cannot judge. But the Governour and Council, who mett yesterday upon it, are of opinion that it is of very great Importance to us to have an Opportunity of speaking with those Chiefs that were lately at Conestegoe, if they are not yet returned, for which Purpose this with the inclosed is now sent Express that if possible they may be prevailed on the step hither.
You are therefore requested (if I. Wright can travel so far) to give Civility the enclosed Letter to him, explaining it in the best manner it can be done, delivering him also the belt of Wampum for the Chiefs, tho' it's desired, when he speaks to them, if they are to be mett with that you or some of you could be present. It were to be wished he were more to be depended on, he cannot but think himself under some Obligations since the last Treaty, but these work not on some Dispositions. He is the best however that at present is to be mett with to undertake it, and we must endeavor to make the best of him.
If those Chiefs are not come back to Conestogoe, they should be carefully waited for and enquired after. Or if they are any where on the River, and not far above Pextan, they should be brought back if possible. And if they cannot be prevailed on to come to Philadelphia, they may 'tis probably be perswaded to stay at Conestogoe a few days, to wait for some who may come up to them from hence. If they should not even agree to this, as we know they acct themselves great men and are stiff, then 'tis desired they may be told as followes.
That form the first Settlement of this Countrey, and especially of late years, there has been always a firm Friendship between us and the five Nations. They may remember a firm League was made with their Chiefs at Conestogoe 18 years agoe, and again with Ghesaont 7 years agoe at the same place, and again at Albany the next year or in 1722, between all their Chiefs and our Governor with divers of our Council, who went thither to meet them, and that at all these times, especially the last, the Chain or League of Friendship that had formerly been made with them was brightened and made as strong as it was possible to be made by Man. The same also was done in some measure last year with some of the Cayoogoes, tho' that is not the Nation we have generally treated with. The (page 231) Onondagoes having commonly been the people that have been sent to us, and therefore we wondered that none but the Cayoogoes came at that time to visit us. That if they have any thing to say to us on any account whatsoever, we should be glad to hear it from some of their Chiefs, and they may be assured they shall meet with their true Friends and Brethren in us.
But here in mentioning the Cayoogoes, Caution should be used that these people who are come thither are not principally of that Nation, and therefore their Nations should be first enquired into, and no Distinctions be used that can give any offence. They account the Onondagoes their best Gentlemen, tho' not numerous.
Then if there be room for it, they might be asked, whether ever they heard that any of the French Indians were encouraged to attack this Countrey, Upon which they may be told, that this has ever been a peaceable Countrey, and that by being perfectly just to the Indians & all men, by making them as one People with us, and doing them all the Justice in every Case that we deal to one another, we laid a firm Foundation for Peace, that we would have Peace with all men, but if any shall be so unreasonable as without any Provocation to attack us, we are now a very great People and very numberous, and doe not want means to defend ourselves by force, but like Good men we would chuse to be defended rather by our Justice & Upright Dealings than by Arms, for we believe Mankind was made to serve God, and for a much nobler End than to be knock'd on the Head.
They may be told also, that they know very well the French are always contriving Mischief against the English to trouble them, and spare no lies, no false Stories nor Endeavors to seduce and deceive the Indians. But were it in the Power of the French and the Indians that joyn them, as it is not at all in their Power, to destroy the English, then the five Nations having none else to depend on but the French, would be intirely ruined, they cannot supply Goods as the English can, and when they gett the Upperhand and have nothing to fear, they are proud and Cruel Masters. The Indians would then be Slaves, they have therefore the Strongest Reasons in Policy and on their own Account, to be hearty Friends & adhere closely to the English Interest. It is their own Interest & that will not deceive them.
These things ought on all Occasions to be inculcated in the Way of Conversation, but with a seeming Carelessness, as it were ridiculing the Follies of those who have any favorable Opinion of the French as Friends to the Indians, and they must if possible be talked over with these Chiefs. Philadelphia would be the best Place, but if not here, then there, by such as may goe from hence, or by any others that can doe it.
If I. Wright's health will not suffer him to travel so far, for wch I should on other accts be extremely troubled, it's hoped I. Blunston Wh Adm Cornish may manage this affair, And it might be advisable that Elizr Cornish, who speaks the language, should privately be- (page 232) tween themselves enter into as close a discourse as possible with Civility about what news he hears or what he knows.
This affair will give you some trouble, but it's equally every man's Concern in the Governmt who has any thing in it that he values. If any Charge accrue it must be borne by the Publick. We hear by an Indian that at Shamokin they have hang'd one Timothy Higgins, a servt to Henry Smith, an Indian trader, but we hope it's not true. Said Smith & John Petty are gone up to day to know how matters are in those parts.
The substance of this you will easily see is to be managed with as little noise as possible, that now alarms may be given without a real occasion. We hope there will be none, for on Indian stories there is very little Dependence, but Prudence will advice to Precaution where ever it can be used.
Pray dispatch the Messenger as soon as possible wh a Letter to Ye Governr, from whom this should have come, but time would not so well allow it.
|
I am wh kind love & respect, |
If the business cannot be soon despatched, the Messenger (M. Jervaes) should not be detained, but if these Chiefs are there & will either come down or wait there for others coming up, some other should be sent down on purpose. If the Bell is not delivered care should be taken to have it returned.
Indorsed:
Copy Letter to Messrs Wright & Blunston, 2d Sepr 1728.
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