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.
Vincennes to St. Ange(?)
(Among the Miamis, March 7, 1733)
Vincennes in : Dunn, J. P., Mission
to the Ouabache, pp. 302-304.
(page 303) fort et Deux maisons dedans et ille faudroyt presentement y faire Uncordegarde avec Des Cazernes pour loger Lessols Dats ille nest pas possible Dereste Dans cette androy avec si peut Detroupe ille faudroyt trante hommes avec Une officier Jesuis plus anbarase que jamais Dans cette androyt par Laguerre Des chicachies qui Sont Venus Deux fois depuis leprintamps ille ny a que Douze jours que Ledernier party a amn trois personnes et Comme Cest Lefrancois qui leurs amis Le Cassetete alamain je suis oblig Defaire tout les jours De Ladepence jespere Devostre Bontez que Vous voudr Bien avoir Esgard acette androit et a Lapeine oujesuis tant pour moy que pour Lapetite garnizon que jay cest Lagrace quattand Devous Ce Luy qui a Lhonneur Destre avec Unprofond respect
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Monsieur |
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Vostre trs humble et trs obeissant Servituer |
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VINSENNE |
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[TRANSLATION.
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March 7, 1733. |
MONSIEUR- To make reply to the honor of yours, I will commence by informing you that the Ouabache nation is composed of five tribes, which include four villages, of which the least is of sixty men bearing arms, and in all about six or seven hundred men, whom it will be necessary, for the good of the service, to gather together and remove from proximity to the English. It has been impossible for me to bring together all these tribes because I have always lacked merchandise in this place. The fort which I have had built is eighty leagues up the Ouabache, above the rivers by which the English will be able to descend and open trade with these tribes. The place is well fitted for the location of a large establishment, which I would have made if I had had the troops. In regard to the trade which can be had, it is in furs. It (page 304) is possible to send out from this post every year about thirty thousand skins. That, monsieur, is all the trade that can be secured for the present.
There has never been so great need of troops at this place as at present. The Indians, Illinois as well as Miamis and others, are more insolent than they have ever been, and that since the Foxes have been overthrown. The little experience I have acquired in the twenty (?) years I have been with them, makes me fear some bad return from these nations, especially mine, which sees an establishment that I have begun and which there has appeared no desire to continue in the past three years. The only thing that can come in the meantime, Monsieur, is the loss to us of all the tribes, both of the lakes and of other places.
You have done me the honor to ask me to send you a statement of the works finished and to be constructed. There is only a fort and two houses in it, and there should at once be built a guard room with barracks for lodging the soldiers. It is not possible to remain in this place with so few troops. It will need thirty men with an officer. I am more embarrassed than ever in this place by the war with the Chickasaws who have come here twice since spring. It is only twelve days since the last party brought in three persons, and as it is the French who have put the tomahawk in their hands, I am obliged to be at expense continually. I hope of your kindness that you will give special attention to this place and to the trouble which I experience, as well for myself as for the little garrison that I have. It is a favor expected of you by him who has the honor to be with profound respect, Monsieur,
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Your very humble and very obedient servant, |
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VINCENNES.] |
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