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.
News from Detroit
(1747-48)
In: New York Colonial
Manuscripts,
vol. 10, (Paris Documents:X),
pp. 150-168.
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21st 13 Abenaquis of St. Francis and Becancourt, are sent to Fort St. Frederic to relieve those employed as scouts in the vicinity of that fort.
28th 16 Iroquois, of the Saut St. Louis, are fitted out for an expedition, under the command of Cadet Drouet Surville.
News from Detroit.
29th We receive, at Montreal, news from Detroit, by some chiefs and deputies of the Outaouas and Pouteauatamis, 7 in number, two Lorette Hurons and six Frenchmen. Mr de Longueuil, the commandant of Detroit, reports to us everything of interest that occurred there since his last letters, dated 2nd 9ber, relative to the derangement of the different Nations of this Continent, whereof the following is an extract:
The Miamis, who had formerly pillaged the fort and seized the Frenchmen, have sent one of their principal chiefs to Mr de Longueuil to request him to send back some Frenchmen to them, and not to deprive them of their indispensable supplies, promising him that order would be restored in a short time. That officer yielded to their solicitation, with a view to deprive the enemy of the liberty of seizing a post of considerable importance. Ensign Dubuisson, whom he sent thither, is to form only a small establishment there to winter in. He has been supplied with 30 Frenchmen to maintain himself there, and is accompanied by 30 others destined for the Ouyatanons trade, with orders to the latter to rejoin Sieur Dubuisson in the spring, so as to return together to Detroit. Mr de Longueuil adds, that as some of our French people remain among the Ouyatanons, where even some families are settled, he did not consider it right to abandon countries where no disorder has occurred, and where great disturbance might break out, in the absence of assistance; besides, having formerly engaged to send some merchants and traders to the Kicapoux, Mascoutins, Puans and Ouyatonons, he could not break his word, inasmuch as these Nations observed their promise to him.
Nicolas, the Huron Chief.
When the Miamis Deputy was at Detroit, Nicolas, Orotoni and Anioton, chiefs of the Huron traitors, came there to sue for peace, and to surrender the belts which have been the cause of this treason; they have made speeches to which Mr de Longueuil has given an answer, but he doubts their sincerity.
NOTE.- These speeches and answers are annexed to the Journal.
Whilst these deputies were sojourning at Detroit word was brought to Mr de Longueuil that a party of five warriors, guided by a Huron, had just killed three Frenchmen, within & @ 6 leagues of the fort; he sent 30 men to overtake this party. Those deputies, apprehensive that some of their people might be confounded with these five warriors, informed this officer that they were in a cabin on Bois blanc island, and offered even to arrest them. Mr de Longueuil accepted the offer, and gave them ten men more, who overtook the first detachment. The 5 hostile Indians surrendered without resistance, and were conducted to the fort; nevertheless, whilst disembarking, one of them, an Onondaga by adoption and leader of the band, was killed by the populace, which was incensed against those traitors; the four others, one of whom was a Huron of Detroit, who acted as guide; the second a Seneca, and the remaining 2, Mohegans, were put in irons. This party had, in fact, discovered 3 Frenchmen at Grosse isle, six leagues from Detroit, where they lay in wait for them, at the detour of a point, and fired (page 151) on them. The French, surprised, put out into the stream and repaired to the post; all the three were slightly wounded and have been cured. Mr de Longueuil has given notice that the fate of these 4 prisoners depended on the conduct of their tribes.
Outaouas, Pouteouatamis.
According to appearances the Outaouas and Pouteouatamis are sincerely desirous of peace, and seem determined to force those to it who will offer any resistance; if, as charged, they have dabbled in the conspiracy of the spring, they do not the less refuse taking any part in it, and in order to complete the proofs of their fidelity, declare themselves enemies of those who have disturbed the country, in such wise, however, that they offer themselves as mediators for the pardon of the most guilty, not daring to say that they will declare war against the Hurons, for fear of the consequences that may follow.
River St. Joseph.
Mr de Longueuil was very uneasy about the occurrences at River St. Joseph, when nine Frenchmen arrived thence at Detroit, with an equal number of Indians of the place, to ask for Ensign Belestre, who was appointed to command there. Mr. de Longueuil granted them their request, and all of them set out on the 16th of December for this place.
Provisions.
The post of Detroit will, it is to be feared, run short of provisions, in consequence of the great number of tribes continually there, and who are to come from all parts this spring. Mr de Longueuil reiterates his demand for the early transportation of provisions. It would be also unfortunate were the Indians aware of the scarcity at the fort.
A number of Outaoise families reside in the neighborhood of Detroit, and are supported at the public expense, on pretence that they are willing to die, as they say, for the French; they have been unwilling to move any distance from the fort; and, in addition to all this, Mr de Longueuil learns that several Huron families are about to return there to consume his provisions.
News from Ostandousket.
The letter addressed to us by this officer contains news brought from Ostandousket,1 20th Xber, by two Hurons deputed by the sachems; the following is an extract of the intelligence: When the Seneca and Mohegan sachems of the Beautiful river received the news of their four men at Detroit, it created, at first, an outburst of anger in most of the minds; several were disposed to go and revenge this blow, but the announcement of Mr de Longueuil's sentiments respecting their people, allayed this first excitement. Passion, however, becoming master, two parties took the field, one to kill some Frenchmen at the Miamis, the other for Detroit. In case of failure at these two points, they were to attack indifferently all they should meet, doubting not but the Outaouas and Huron had contributed to the loss of their men. These menaces have obliged these Hurons to collect together at the White river, 25 leagues from Detroit, to entrench themselves there and examine in safety the conduct of the Iroquois, which they promise to report to us in case of any movement.
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Extract of a letter from Mr de Berthet, Commandant at the Illinois, to Sieur Lachine, trader at the Ouyatanons, dated Cahos, 20th October, 1747, whereof he sends us a copy. |
Illinois.
On receipt of intelligence at the Illinois that there were 15 @ 16 pirogues of hostile Indians in the river of the Cherokees,2 10 Illinois Indians went out to scout and met them who announced themselves as Chaouenons, and captured one of the enemy, whom they brought to Mr de Berthet. The prisoner, called an Alibanon, was interrogated and equivocated; at one time he said that he and his comrades were coming to visit the Chaouenons, who had invited them; that at first they were unwilling to come, but on an invitation being sent with 4 Belts and at the solicitation of the English, they had set out, 14 pirogues in number; he would not say what nation they were going to attack; only says, that the Chaouenons had told them to wait for them in the River Mississipi. Mr de Berthet adds, by way of reflection, that the English were justified in telling our nations that all the passages would be closed on them. He expects some aid from Canada, otherwise is very apprehensive for the result. The conduct of the English, the Iroquois, Huron and Chaouenon, proves that they wish to drive our Indian allies off their lands.
Niagara.
March 1. We receive letters from Lieutenant de Contrecoeur, Commandant at Niagara, of the 24th of January; that officer informs me that everything is quiet at that post; that having received, since the fall, no news of Sieur Joncaire, residing at the Senecas, he had sent a courier thither on the 18th of January, to learn what was passing among the 5 Nations, and to inform me of it.
Mr de Contrecoeur adds, that the War chief of the Little Seneca Rapid had just arrived at Niagara, and reported to him that the English had sent a Belt from Choeguin by a Seneca chief, directing him to deliver it to the Five Nations, and to pass it thence to the Hurons; that this Belt invited these nations to come, this spring, to Choueguin, where the commandant of that post was waiting for them to transact business; that the chief of the Little Rapid had assured him, that he was going to send back that Belt to the Senecas, with word not to send him, in future, any Belts from the English, as he would not receive them, being desirous to remain quiet with his father; Mr de Contrecoeur has encouraged this chief to adhere to the course he had adopted.
This officer sends us a copy of a letter he had just received from Chevalier de Longueuil, dated Detroit, the 6th of January last, whereof this is an extract:
The Seneca, one of the four prisoners taken at Detroit, stabbed himself in prison on the night of the 28th and 29th of December, with the knife belonging to the sergeant, who was on guard over him, which he had seen him put in a certain place. This Seneca and the Huron, as has been ascertained, had taken the resolution to commit suicide from fear of a more cruel death; the two Mohegans were aware of it, but dared not divulge it. M. de Longueuil is not certain that this Indian did kill himself; 'tis probable that the Huron was the executioner, and was to kill himself afterwards, being the more determined. From a subsequent examination (page 153) of the three remaining prisoners, it has been discovered that they had been on the point, during the preceding night, of assassinating the sergeant of the guard; their preparations to escape afterwards were pretty complete, as the two Mohegans had already broken the lock of their irons; this has obliged M. de Longueuil to confine them more closely, so as to remove all ____ (illeg. copy) in that regard.
Fort Frontenac.
Same day, 1st We are also in receipt of news from Fort Frontenac; Sieur Cabanac, the commandant, writes me on the 15th instant.3 There was nothing new at the fort; everything is quiet there.
2d The Outaouas and Pouteouatamis deputies from Detroit have spoken to the General according to the message sent by Chevalier de Longueuil, and delivered the Belts they had to charge.
5th(?) Thirteen Iroquois of the Saut St. Louis have asked to go on an expedition; they have been equipped; Sieur Bouat, an Aiguletted cadet, has been placed at their head with three Canadians.
Mr Andre, formerly Lieutenant-General of the provostship of Quebec, is deceased at Three Rivers.
War Party.
7th(?) Seventeen Iroquois of the Saut have been equipped for an expedition. Cadet Charly commands this party.
Sieur Simblin, military cadet, who has been wounded at the close of October last, within four leagues of the fort of Nortfields, and taken to Boston, arrived at Montreal in company with three Englishmen sent with him by Mr Shirley, who writes to Count de La Galissonnire and informs him that he has no more French prisoners at Boston; that he expects the Governor of Orange will send back immediately to Montreal those within his government, who have been carried off from our frontiers. Sieur Simblin was to have passed there on his return from Boston, but he found the road too long. He reports that the English militia enlisted for the Canada expedition, had been dismissed; the English, however, do not lose sight of the enterprise, and expect to stop all our vessels this spring in our river. We have the three Englishmen well treated and closely watched. They ask to take back with them two prisoners, men of family, who are here.4 We shall see to their departure, if it be proper to release these two men.
Scout to Choeguin.
Nanangoussi (?), an Iroquois chief, and nine Indians have been equipped and leave on a scouting expedition to Choeguin, and to ascertain what is passing there.
At the end of the last, and beginning of the present month, Mr de Lantaganac, commandant at Quebec, in the Count de La Galissonnire's absence, has had fitted out about two hundred Indians, both of the different Acadian villages, settled around Quebec, and of St. Francis and (page 154) Becancourt. These Indians are to divide into several small bodies, to go and attack the English settlements towards Fort St. George.
Fort Frontenac.
19th We receive a letter from Sieur de Cabanac, commandant at Fort Frontenac, informing us that the Iroquois deputies, from the Lake of the Two Mountains, who had left their village on a deputation to the 5 Nations, have abandoned their project, and delivered over to him the belts of which they were the bearers. These Indians have been induced by Mr Piquet, missionary of the Lake of the Two Mountains, to go as if of their own accord to the Five Nations. This deputation, which had our approbation, was purely complimentary; the real design was to sound the dispositions of the Five Nations, and to discover what was going on among them.
Forts on our Frontiers.
20th We are issuing orders for the repairs of the different posts of the government of Montreal, which are garrisoned by regulars and militia, so as to put them in a good posture of defence; the farmers will contribute a large portion of these works.
Fort St. John Road.
We have also determined to have a stockaded fort constructed at the place called St John, . . . leagues above the Chambly Rapid; also to cut a wide road across the woods from La prairie de la Madeleine to said Fort St John; this expense will save heavier outlays which are required for the transportation of provisions, &c., to Fort St Frederic. We shall report in detail on the necessity of these works.
The Intendant departs for Quebec.
Prisoners ransomed.
The Iroquois of the Saut have delivered to the General, at Montreal, some English and Dutch men, whom they had adopted; they are to be paid for them or to have Panis in their stead.
23rd The Intendant arrives at Quebec.
M. de Linctot.
27th Death of Mr de Linctot, captain in the troops.
Sieur de Laverendry.
29th Sieur de Laverendry, Junior, has returned to Montreal with the Cristinaux and other warriors of his party. In the neighborhood of Corlac he fell in with a party of Mohawks and Dutchmen who were coming to Sarastau on a scouting party; he brought two Mohawk scalps, among which is that of the principal chief of that Nation; one of a Dutchman, and a Dutch prisoner, who reports nothing of interest; only says, that there is considerable talk about peace. This first blow on the Mohawks will not fail to frighten them.
War Party.
30th Two Iroquois, of the Lake of the Two Mountains, and twenty-three others of the Saut are being equipped; they are going to the enemy's country under the command of Cadet Langy Fontenelle, accompanied by Sieur Pommeroy, another Cadet of Ile Royale.
April 4th Nanangoussy, Iroquois chief of the Saut, has returned from Choueguin, whither he has been sent on a scout; he reports that there is but one trader's house outside of Fort Choueguin; that there were a great many Dutch and Palatine traders at the place called Thyaoguin,5 who were preparing to come and do a considerable trade at Choueguin, at which fort there was nothing doing that could lead any one to suspect any expedition on the part of the English or the 5 Nations.
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NOTE.- This report has since been confirmed in part by Sieur Cabanac, commandant of Fort Frontenac, and by Sieur Joncaire, residing among the Senecas, which induces us to believe that Nanangoussy has really made the voyage. |
Sieur Drouet.
2d(?) Sieur Drouet de Surville is returned to Montreal with the warriors of his party. He struck a blow near Fort Ocquarine,6 and took one prisoner and two scalps.
Beaubassin.
12th We are in receipt of intelligence from Father Germain by 8 Micmacs who have just arrived. This missionary informs us, by his letter of the 16th of February last, that he has received no news from Port Royal since the month of December previous, which leads him to think that nothing of interest had occurred there, for he has reliable people at Minas, who are to inform him of every movement.
Proclamation of the Governor of Boston.
He sends us a copy of a proclamation of the Governor of Boston of the 21st of October last, wherein he declares that the inhabitants of the Province of Acadia need not apprehend that the King of England wants to expel them; on the contrary, his intention is to maintain and protect the loyal subjects in the peaceful possession of their properties, privileges, &c.; enjoins on the inhabitants of said Province, who are good subjects, not to harbor nor conceal those who have taken up arms for the French; who have openly afforded them aid and comfort. On the contrary, to use all their efforts to arrest, secure and deliver them into the hands of the commanding officer of said Province, particularly the men named Louis Gautier and Joseph and Pierre Gautier, two of his sons, Amand Bigeau, Joseph Leblanc, dit Lemaigre, Charles and Franois Raymond, Charles Le Roy, a native of this Province, and his brother Philipe Le Roy, Joseph Brosard, dit Beausoleil, Pierre Guidry dit Grivoie, and Louis Hebert, formerly servant of Captain Hanfields, all, twelve in number, outlawed for being guilty of high treason with the enemy; and for the greater encouragement of the inhabitants, good subjects of said Province, to arrest the abovenamed persons, promises a reward of 50 sterling for each criminal delivered up within the space of six months from the day of the date of said proclamation; and such of the guilty as will, within said time, themselves deliver up any of those outlawed, shall receive the pardon of their crime in addition to the 50 pounds sterling.
English Deserters.
At Beaubassin are 4 English deserters from Port Royal who ask permission to come to Quebec, and one English prisoner taken by the Indians last year in the fight at Minas, whom Father Germain has ransomed.
Father Germain.
Father Germain anticipates that he will be obliged to withdraw from Beaubassin in the spring, as he will be too much exposed there, but in all events he will place himself in a position to know equally well what will be going on, and will even occasionally visit that place.
MrMaillard.
Mr Maillard is, since the fall, with the French settlers of Ile Royale, who are refugees at Tatimigouche, within 9 or 10 leagues of Bay Verte. He writes us, on the 20th of February, that he expects to send his Indians this winter to Ile Royale to harass the enemy and prevent them cutting firewood. Father Germain says, on this occasion, that the Indians can hardly succeed alone; that they will require some commanders to manage them; that it is true that 60 or 80 Indians would so disquiet the English of Louisbourg that they would, in the opinion of the more experienced at Beaubassin, be reduced to go and look for wood elsewhere, which would be a matter of very great inconvenience to them.
20th A courier arrives from Montreal with several letters from the Upper country, extracts whereof follow:
Illinois.
Mr de Berthet, the commandant at the Illinois, writes us, in the months of November and December, about the general conspiracy of the Indians against the French, which was instigated by the English, who always employ the 5 Nations to convey their sinister Belts; the Illinois narrowly escape being seduced.
The Chaouenons of Chartier's tribe, so far from coming to Detroit according to invitation, have surprised some distant establishments on the River of the Chraquis; they are reported to be in fort with the Cherokees and Alibanons, thought this Chartier, who has much influence over this tribe excuses that evasion, assuring that it will not be prejudicial to the attachment of these Indians towards the French. 'Tis to be feared either that he is not able to control them, or that he will, himself, change his opinion.
The aid that has reached him from Louisiana, is insufficient; he continues in want of provisions and goods, asks additional supplies by means of which he hopes to retain the Ouabash Nations, and to maintain himself.
Detroit.
M. de Longueuil writes us also in the month of February last.
Two tribes of Outaouas and Sauteurs, one from Saguinan and the other from Michilimakinac, came to Detroit to ask pardon for those of their nation who killed the Frenchmen in these two posts. M. de Longueuil referred them to M. de St. Pierre, the commandant at Michilimakinac; they promised to go thither.
At the end of January, 14 Hurons of Sandosket, with Scotache and Quarante Sols at their head, came to Detroit to ask for the release of the three prisoners confined in irons, the (page 157) remainder of the five who had been taken at Bois blanc Island, where they had been attacked by the French when Nicolas was suing for peace. This deputation made such fair promises, that Chevalier de Longueuil, though feeling great repugnance to the release of these three prisoners, [consented to their discharge, on the advice of the principal Frenchmen and Indians in the fort.
A Frenchman killed.
A Frenchman has been killed at the gate of the fort of the Miamis, it is supposed by some Iroquois.
Nicolas.
Nicolas' conduct is not free from equivocation; the English of Philadelphia visited him twice during the winter, to trade, and were well received. The scalp belonging to the Frenchman who was killed near Fort Miamis, has been carried thither; it is to be apprehended that Nicolas' former proceedings were merely for the purpose of deceiving more easily.
Mikinac, a trusty Outaouas chief, is collecting the Sauteurs of the neighborhood; the Outaouas of the three tribes, and the Pouteouatamies. He proposes to go and summon Nicolas to [observe] his promise, and to declare war against him in case of refusal.
Mr de Longueuil keeps always on his guard, and explains the necessity that exists for the early arrival of the convoy.
Miamis.
Sieur Dubuisson, the commandant at the Miamis, informs us that the unfriendly tribe having La Demoiselle as its chief, had resolved to return to its duty, and was already on the way to Detroit, when it received a deputation reported to be composed of Chaouenons, which dissuaded the Miamis from taking this step.
The posts of the Miamis and at the River [St Joseph]7 are not in want of goods.
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NOTE.- Observe that when Chevalier de Longueuil permitted some traders to proceed last fall to these two posts, he recommended them not to burthen themselves with too many goods, which, under existing circumstances, might serve as an object of pillage to ill-disposed Indians. |
Niagara.
Mr de Contrecoeur, the commandant at Niagara, also writes by the same opportunity, and furnishes a favorable account of the Outaouas at the head of Lake Ontario, who have given notice of, and prevented, the evil designs that were concocting.
The Chief of the Little Rapid.
Is well pleased with the services of the chief of the Little Rapid, who gave notice that the English had given him some bad Belts to transmit to Sandosket. This chief is, nevertheless, suspected of having sent these Belts to their destination at the moment he promised to send them back to the English. Efforts will be made to get at the bottom of the matter.
Scout.
24th Captain Chevalier de Longueuil is sent from Montreal to Lake St. Francis with a detachment of one hundred men, Canadians and Indians, to reside at the most convenient (page 158) place to watch the movements of the enemy, and send out frequent scouting parties; so as to guard against surprisals by means of this precaution, and of the different scouts to be detached by the officers commanding the several frontier forts.
Sending back the Cartel.
The General sends back from Montreal the three persons who came with a cartel on the 9th of March. They were conducted to the Frontier by Sieur Simblin, whom they had brought back. We found no difficulty in surrendering to them the two prisoners whom they have asked of us on arriving.8
Answer to the Governor of Boston.
The Marquis de Galissonnire answers, by this occasion, the Governor of Boston's letter; he informs him, among other things, that it is necessary to make arrangements for the regulation of the accounts of the packets which have been sent from Quebec to Boston, and from Boston to Quebec, and what regards the ransom of the English prisoners from the hands of our Indians; proposes to him different means for the settlement of these sort of accounts in good faith and with mutual satisfaction.
Treats of the non-execution of the cartel by some of the Governors of the different Provinces of New England, and particularly by him of New-York, to whom no more prisoners shall be sent back until the Canadian prisoners in his government be surrendered.
Reproaches the inhumanity of the English, who have circulated Belts among almost all the Nations, setting a price on the head of several officers in command of our posts in the Upper Country, and particularly of Detroit.
Chevalier de Niverville has been sent from Montreal to the south of Lake Champlain, with a detachment of 20 men to scout, and prevent the approach of any hostile parties that might interrupt the spring sowing.
War Party.
27th Sieur Langy Levreau and 10 Iroquois of the Lake are fitted out at Montreal for a scouting expedition in the direction of Chouguen.
We are about to dispatch Sieur Deplaine to arrange, as usual, the signal fires and smokes along the South shore from Quebec to St. Barnab, to give notice of any approach of a hostile fleet. We issue orders, at the same time, to the settlers along that shore to build huts and parks in the interior of their lands, to secure their families and cattle from attack, and to the farmers to repair to Quebec with their arms and one month's provisions, as soon as they shall perceive the fleet.
Packets.
Orders are conveyed in like manner to the captains of the settlements from Cape St Ignace, going down, as far as St. Barnab, to stop the English packets that might enter the river; to receive the letters, send them to us, and make the packets await our answer.
28th Sieur Bouat has returned to Montreal with his party; he has attacked several English between the forts of Deerfile and Ocquarine;9 has taken two scalps and one prisoner, who reports nothing of interest.
29th Sieur Lanoue Robutel and 40 Iroquois of the Saut have been fitted out at Montreal for a war expedition.
150 militiamen are dispatched from Quebec to Montreal to escort the canoes destined for Detroit and Michilimakinac.
30th Mr Begon, Governor of 3 Rivers, died at Montreal.
1st May. Sieur Aubert and two biscayennes10 are sent off to Cape Desrosier, where he is to observe the vessels that will pass, whether friends or enemies. He is furnished with the signals the King's ships are to make when they will reach that post.
Sieur Abel, in like manner, sails in another biscayenne for Cape Chat, with orders similar to those of Sieur Aubert.
Sieur Rouville is sent to St. Barnab in command of a third guard there.
Fire Rafts.
3d Sieur Cartier is, likewise, dispatched to Ile aux Coudres, where he is to manoeuvre the fire rafts constructed at that Island, as well as at the Little River, Bay St. Paul and La Gribanne,11 so as to make them drift against the enemy's fleet, should it appear in the river. Orders the Captains of these 4 settlements, also, to stop the packets, as has been done on the South shore.
6th Sieur Niverville has returned from the south of Lake St. Francis. He has no knowledge of any hostile party.
War Party.
9th Sieur Duverger Simblin, with 24 Iroquois of the Saut, are fitted out to strike a blow in the direction of Chouguin, and carry off, if possible, the Mohawk chief named Theyaoguin, who attacked the carpenters on Ile la Mothe, in the fall of 1746, on his return from Montreal, where he had been loaded with presents.
Prisoner.
10th Cadet Charly is returned to Montreal with the Iroquois of his party. He brings in a prisoner taken near Evril,12 who reports nothing of interest.
War Party.
M. de Sabrevois, commandant at Fort St. Frederic, informs us of the return of a party commanded by Sieur Hertel Beaubassin, consisting of 11 Abenaquis and three Canadians. They burnt, in the neighborhood of Orange, 30 houses, destroyed 3 small forts and one mill; all of which had been abandoned. They were quite near Orange, but had not an opportunity to take any prisoners.
12th Sieur Mouet, military cadet, and 30 Iroquois of the Saut have been fitted out for an expedition into the enemy's territory.
Deputies from Detroit.
17th The General returns an answer, at Montreal, to the message brought by the son of Mikinac, an Outaouas chief, and the other deputies, who arrived from Detroit last February; they will return with it in company of the convoy which will soon leave for that post.
Prisoner.
18th Some of the Becancourt Indians, who had been equipped last winter at Quebec, are arrived; they attacked 4 Englishmen near Fort St. George; killed three of them and captured the fourth, whom they have brought in. This prisoner, who is wholly illiterate, reports nothing of interest.
2 Prisoners.
19th Some other Indians belonging to the same tribe, bring in two English prisoners whom they took in the neighborhood of Fort St. George; these prisoners give no information.
The General equips, at Montreal, 15 Abenaquis whom he sends to Fort St. Frederic to increase the scouts.
L'Amphitrite.
20th A courier from St. Barnab informs us of the arrival, at said place, on the 17th, of the ship L'Amphitrite, Captain Lavocat, who sailed from Bordeaux on the 27th of March last.
Sieur Langy Levreau, who had been sent on a scout to Choueguin, is returned to Montreal. There is no appearance of any movement in the neighborhood of that fort.
4 Scalps.
Some Becancourt Indians, belonging to the same tribe as those who came on the 18th, have arrived. They killed 6 Englishmen in the vicinity of Fort St. George, 4 of whose scalps only they have been able to bring off.
A Prisoner.
Other Indians of the same tribe are returned with a prisoner taken in the same country; does not report anything of interest.
L'Amphitrite.
24th L'Amphitrite has anchored in the harbor. This ship has captured a prize laden with salt, which was going to Newfoundland; the Captain transferred 6 English prisoners of the 9 which the crew of the prize numbered.
A Prisoner.
26th Sieur Langy Fontenelle has returned to Montreal with his party; brings in an Englishwoman prisoner.
War Party.
Sieur de Varenne, an Aiguletted cadet, with 13 Iroquois of the Saut, are equipped at Montreal for a war expedition.
Arrived, the schooner L'Elisabeth, Captain Monsion sailed from St. Domingo on the 15th of March; 4 English prisoners had been put in his charge to bring to Louisbourg, under a cartel. When three days out he was met by an English privateer who took the 4 prisoners, and having continued his voyage was again overhauled by an English privateer on the banks of Newfoundland. The Captain of this privateer, in consideration of the service she was on, allowed this vessel to continue her voyage though loaded with about 150 puncheons of molasses and rum. The crew only were pillaged. 'Tis said that this trade is pretty frequent now between St. Domingo and the New English Colonies, where the vessels carry, reciprocally, (page 161) provisions and refreshments by taking out a cartel commission and taking on board a few prisoners. Captain Monsion has given us notice that a ship had sailed from St. Domingo in company with him, under a similar commission, for Quebec, with 2 @ 3000 minots of salt.
La Friponne. L'Aimable Marthe.
By this vessel we learn that the Royal frigate La Friponne, commanded by M. de Tilly, was at Ile aux Coudres last evening, and that M. Simonin, commander of the schooner L'Aimable Marthe(?), from Martinico, had run aground in the Traverse.
La Friponne. Convoy for Detroit.
27th The frigate La Friponne has cast anchor in the harbor.
The convoy for Detroit has left la Chine, under the command of Captain de Celoron, escorted and well supplied with provisions, ammunition and goods.
Answer to Letters.
The General answers, by this opportunity, the different letters he has received from the posts.
Mr de Berthet.
1st to Mr de Berthet, commandant at the Illinois. It is recommended to arrange, if possible the affairs of the Chaouenons; 'tis with this view that he sends the man named Rhaume, who is connected with Chartier.
It is proper to restrain the lessees within the limits of their posts, but 'tis still more essential not to consent to the Indians removing; as these sort of migrations, proposed under color of the public good, have never had for object anything but private interest, and almost always evil consequences.
Recommends to him to correspond with the commandants of Detroit, Michilimakinac, and the other posts of the Upper country.
Mr de Longueuil.
2d to Chevalier de Longueuil, commandant at Detroit.
The messages and proceedings of Nicolas are too suspicious to be relied on.
He ought not to have released the three prisoners taken on Bois blanc island; at least 'twould be proper to see the execution of the conditions formerly agreed upon; it is dangerous to assemble Councils under such circumstances.
Divers messages and answers are sent to him, including those that have been given at Montreal and those he will reply to, himself, in the General's name.
Present are sent by Cold foot, a Miamis chief, who appears trustworthy.
Ditto, for the Chaouenons; they are entrusted to the man named Rehaume.
Pardon is not to be granted to the Missisagus and Sauteurs above Detroit, until they make due submission; they must surrender the murderers.
He is to retain out of the convoy, such as he will have need of, according to circumstances.
Should any Huron or other rebel be so daring as to enter the fort without a pass, through sheer bravado, as they have done, 'twould be proper to arrest him and put him to death on the spot, even though there had been no treachery, but as a simple act of justice and allowable vengeance.
Recommends that the least possible trade in powder be carried on with suspected Indians.
Commandants of Posts.
Count de la Galissonnire writes to the commandants of the posts of the Miamis, Ouyatanons, River St. Joseph, &c., respecting what concerns them; and adds, that they ought to keep an exact and circumstantial journal of the occasions wherein they are obliged to incur expenses for presents to Indians.
Sends these officers a list of the Voyageurs who are wintering with the Indians, and of the Couriers de bois, in order to their being sent back, so that they may not return any more to the Upper country.
Another list is sent them of the Indian murderers and malefactors, in order that they be arrested and sent down.
|
NOTE.- These two lists will be also sent by the Michilimakinac convoy, which is on the point of starting for all the Northern posts. |
Sieur Simonin.
28th Arrived an officer of Sieur Simonin's schooner, who landed at Trinity; he brings us the letters from the court which were given to said Simonin last year.
Cadet Louis Simblin arrived from Detroit with some Indians of the Upper country, who have accompanied him. Chevalier de Longueuil writes us in detail, on the 5th of this month, on the affairs of his post. This is an abstract:
Kinousaki had returned, on the 7th of April, from the Miamis river, whither he had gone to bring back the Hurons who had deserted from the village of Ostandosket; has reported that Nicolas, with 119 warriors of his nation, men, women and baggage, had taken the route to the White river, after having burnt the fort and the cabins of the village; that the Outaouas had given him (Kinousaki) a cool reception, and that a portion only of them would consent to return to Detroit, the remainder wishing to settle at the lower end of the Miamis river, where the Hurons had promised them the English would supply their wants. Kinousaki has added, that when the Outaouas will learn the desertion of the Hurons, which they were ignorant of, they will alter their resolution.
At the same time two Hurons, who were sent by Sastaredzy the Huron chief of a loyal tribe, confirm the departure of Nicolas and his people for the White river, to seek shelter among the Iroquois there, or among the Mohegans who are near Orange, and that only 70 men of all their nation would come back.
The scalps of the Frenchmen who were killed by Nicolas, have been conveyed to the Mohegans.
On the 24th of April, 4 deputies arrived from Saguinam, with Belts, to say that their chief was leaving to convey the murderers to the General.
Mr de Belestre arrives from the
River St. Joseph with twelve chiefs belonging to that post.
Mechoukima arrives with 34 warriors from the Grand river.
Id. 4 war chiefs and sachems sent by the Kickapoux and Mascoutins.
Id. Spies from the ill-disposed tribe of the Miamis.
Id. Emissaries from Nicolas and the Chaouenons of Sonioto.13
Id. Some Sauteurs of the interior (de la contre) who are come to
submit themselves to their Father's will. All these nations have arrived within
three or four days.
A council was held on the 28th of April, at which the Outaouas, Pouteouatamis following their example, the Hurons and Sauteurs of Detroit have all sworn fidelity and obedience to (page 163) Chevalier de Longueuil, and have promised that the first party that would insult the French should be considered a common enemy.
Mr de Longueuil, by 4 Belts, put mocassins on the feet of all the warriors so that they may be ready at a minute's warning; all appeared to be accepted with cordiality, sincerity and resolution to go and do the behest of the General. These nations have each furnished two warriors to go and reconduct, to Montreal, the French Iroquois and others who had conducted their deputies back to Detroit, and to give their Father notice, at the same time, of the arrival of their Nations.
Nicolas and the Chaouenons will soon be advised of everything by their spies, which will only have a good effect.
Answers.
Count de la Galissonnire answers Chevalier de Longueuil by the Detroit convoy, which is not yet far off. The following is an extract:
Huron Mission.
He is to neglect nothing to restablish the Huron mission, which will, possibly, attract not only the wavering, but all the treacherous; it might be advantageous to remove the establishment of Detroit to Bois Blanc Island, but examination must be made as to whether this change of locality would not remove us too far from the Indian villages, and oblige us to abandon settlements already formed; to furnish information hereupon.
Each of us, individually, writes to Chevalier de Longueuil to facilitate, as much as circumstances will permit, the restablishment of the mission of Father La Richardie, who continues to entertain the hope that the rebellious Hurons will return to their duty. Precise orders will be issued on this subject, in consequence of the trifling indication of repentance these traitors evince.
Niagara.
De la Galissonnire sends, with the convoy, Captain de Raymond to relieve Mr de Contrecoeur, the commandant of Niagara, who has applied to be recalled.
He also sends Captain de Vassan to relieve Mr de Cabanac at Fort Frontenac.
____ (illeg. copy), resident at the Senecas, having demanded to be relieved, in consequence of which(?) the General has appointed Sieur Joncaire Clauzonne, his brother, to succeed him &(?) to whom he furnishes the necessary instructions respecting the course he is to pursue as regards the 5 Nations under existing circumstances.
______(illeg. copy), assistant engineer, is sent to Fort Frontenac to repair that fort and _____(illeg. copy) the condition of the artillery. The provisions and ammunition of Fort Frontenac are doubled by the convoy; a number of guns and some pieces of artillery are, also, sent thither. There are, in all cases, preparations in advance for the attack on Fort Choueguin, a project which _____(illeg. copy) may occur hereafter; in other respects, these precautions will not be useless should we ever be obliged to declare war against the 5 Nations.
Sieur Simonin.
29th Sieur Simonin has anchored in the harbor; his running aground at the Traverse has been unattended by any serious consequences. He sailed from Martinico on the 3d of last month and reported to the Minister his delay at that island.
A Prisoner.
Some Abenaquis arrive with a prisoner taken at Fort St. George; reports nothing of interest.
War Party.
20th Cadet Louis Simblin, with two other Canadians and 9 of the Upper country Indians, is fitted out at Montreal for a war expedition. 60 Iroquois of the Saut and the Lake, and 10 Canadians are also equipped for the enemy's country. Sieur Jumonville, a seconded Ensign, commands this party; he has under him Sieur Hertel de Rouville another Ensign, and Cadets Hertel, junior, and L'Espervanche.
Sieur de Niverville Montizambert is returned with his party; he brings 2 prisoners and one scalp, which he took near the city of Boston.
A Prisoner.
June 1d Arrived, at Montreal, a party of Iroquois and Abenaquis, with an English prisoner, who was taken at Erimedok, coming from Suega. It appears, by the report of this prisoner, that the people of New-England are still promised a Canada expedition.
A Prisoner.
7 Abenaquis, of Becancourt, bring to Quebec another English prisoner taken within 30 leagues of Boston, in the direction of Fort St. George; they attacked five Englishmen, 2 have been killed, 2 escaped, and the fifth was taken; mentions nothing of interest.
3d A courier, from St. Barnab, informs us of the arrival there of the ship Le St. Pierre, of Bayonne, Captain Darragory, who, after having captured a Dutch vessel beyond the Great Bank, was himself taken a few days afterwards. He ransomed himself by the payment of 30,000 livres.
War Party.
4th Sieur Duplessis Fabert, ensign of foot, with 15 Canadians, 30 Iroquois of the Lake and two from Detroit, have been equipped at Montreal for a war expedition.
War Party.
16 Abenaquis have, likewise, been fitted out at Montreal for the same purpose; they are commanded by Sieur Simblin, the elder, who has only just returned from escorting the English cartels.
News from Beaubassin.
Father Germain writes us, on the 20th of May last, and informs us that he has dispatched a Biscayenne from Bay Verte, on board of which he caused to be put three English deserters from Port Royal.
This missionary likewise sends us copy of a letter of the Governor of Port Royal, to the deputies of Grand Pr and the other districts of Minas and Chignitou, dated the 14th of March last, whereof the following is an extract:
"Mr Shirley has received express orders from the Court of England, to look to the security of the Province of Acadia, and to protect the inhabitants, provided they comport themselves according to the obligation of their oath. A vessel of 20 guns has, consequently, arrived here, and we expect, in a short time, another with transports and troops, in addition to those already arrived. I exhort you to comport yourselves in a proper manner, so that you may enjoy his Majesty's favorable dispositions. It is necessary that you inform me of the state of your districts."
Father Germain adds, that there are no more than 150 men in Port Royal fort.
Settlers of Ile Royal.
Reports the intention of the inhabitants of Ile Royale who are refugees at Tatmigouche, to send off a certain number, with as many Indians as Mr Maillard will be able to collect, to Ile Royale, on the breaking up of the ice, to lay waste the country and carry off the English lodging outside of Louisburg. Mr Maillard is doing his best to put this project into execution. Father Germain inquires if we wish to continue this little enterprise, and, at all events, gives us some information for the conveyance, without accident, to Acadia of a detachment of French and Indians, to harass the enemy at Ile Royal, without incurring much danger.
A Prisoner.
8th Sieur Lanoue Robutel has returned to Montreal with his party; he brings in one prisoner and a scalp.
9th 32 Ttes de Boule and 40 Nepissings, are arrived to see Count de la Galissonnire.
The war party, commanded by Sieur Mouette, the elder, is returned. It has been surprised, within 5 or 6 leagues of Fort St. Frederic, by a stronger party of the enemy; our people were obliged to retreat; one Indian has been killed and another wounded.
10th Sailed, from Quebec, Captain Curodeau's snow for Martinico.
Id. The galliot, La Marie Catherine, Captain Mourejeau, for the same port.
Le David.
11th A courier of St. Barnab, informs us of the arrival there of the ship Le David, Captain Taillasson; she sailed from France in company with La Friponne. We continue active exertions to launch the vessel, Le St. Laurent, which is on the stocks, whenever the tide answers.
Le St. Laurent is ready for launching, but a strong N. E. wind does not permit us to hazard the experiment. The tide has risen only 14 feet 5 inches.
The Biscayenne dispatched by Father Germain has arrive with the three deserters in question; they were put in the barracks with their comrades.
Le St Laurent.
13th At 1/2 past 7 o'clock this morning the ship St. Laurent was launched with all possible success. There was 14 feet 10 inches of water in the basin.
Le St Pierre.
The ship St. Pierre, of Bayonne, has anchored in the harbor.
Le David.
Also, the ship Le David.
Also, a galliot from Martinico, Captain Boulau, loaded partly with salt.
Sieur Simblin, the elder, is returned to Montreal with his party. He has been in the neighborhood of Choueguin, where he captured a Mohawk, who will be sent to Quebec with his comrades, who are in irons.
War Party.
14th Cadet Bailleul with 17 Iroquois of the Saut have been fitted out at Montreal for an expedition.
Ensign Portneuf Neuvillette and 21 Iroquois of the Saut have also been equipped for a like service.
Arrive, the ship Le Lion Monrose, Captain Foucher, sailed from St. Domingo on the 15th of March, under a Cartel flag with 4 English prisoners which he was to land at Louisbourg. This vessel was met when three days out by an English privateer, which relieved her of the 6 prisoners and allowed her to continue her voyage; she is loaded with about 1500 minots of salt. Said Foucher entered the Gulf in the beginning of April, and not being able to pass on account of the ice, went through Canso, where he encountered no obstacle.
A Prisoner.
Twelve Indians of Panaouamsk arrive with an English prisoner taken in the vicinity of Fort St. George, who reports nothing of interest. These Indians have wintered at their village, and took this opportunity of coming here in search of some presents.
20 Mississagus from the head of Lake Ontario have come to Montreal to see the General; they have promised fidelity, and assured that they had no participation in the bad Belts that have been distributed. Sixteen of them have demanded to go on an expedition, for which purpose they have been fitted out. Sieur Langy Foutenelle has been given to them as a commander.
War Party.
18th Sieur Langy Levreau and 24 Iroquois of the Saut have been fitted out for a war excursion. Cadet Daillebout de Cuisi has been adjoined to the party.
5 Scalps.
19th Sieur Louis Simblin and his party of Upper country Indians have returned with 5 scalps; within a few leagues of Fort St. Frederic he attacked an English detachment which probably surprised Sieur Mouet's party and killed one of our Indians.
La Nymphe.
Sieur Dubois, Junr, is arrived; he landed at Mount Louis from the snow La Nymphe of St. Malo, Captain La Garenne, loaded partly with salt intended for the fishery at Mount Louis. This ship is to go up to Quebec; he is instructed to deliver there the 486 logs of lignum vitae which M. Guillot, chief commissary at St. Malo, has put on board for the stores at Quebec.
Detachment sent to Acadia.
Upon the representations heretofore made by Father Germain, that the French refugees from Ile Royale, in the neighborhood of Tatimigouche, designed to proceed to that Island to make some devastations there, and on his proposal that we assist them, we resolve to send to Beaubassin, under the command of Ensign Marin, a party of 140 men, one hundred of whom are Indians from the different villages. This detachment will be employed not only in preventing the English forming any new settlements in Acadia but also in annoying and harassing them either at Port Royale or on Ile Royale as far as the environs of Louisburg, or in the different harbors where they cut fire-wood, should it find an opportunity to go thither to make incursions, so as to disgust the enemy more and more with their conquest; efforts are being made for the dispatch of this detachment.
Convoy to Michilimakinac.
20th Count de la Galissonnire orders the dispatch from Montreal of the convoy for Michilimakinac, under the command of Lieutenant de St. Vincent. This convoy is well escorted and sufficiently well provided with provisions and merchandise to supply the post abundantly. The General writes to Lieutenant de St. Pierre, commandant there, that the convoy was delayed in the hope of receiving news from Michilimakinac, but that the advanced season obliged him to order its dispatch, though he is uninformed of what is passing at that post; that should the troubles continue, nothing remains to be done than to abandon, as already proposed, those posts which are exposed to danger, in order to oblige the guilty to come to Michilimakinac, and even to Montreal, in search of what they want; that he must exact the surrender of the murderers, and, should circumstances force him, grant peace on the same conditions as those accorded to the Hurons of Detroit, who were to bring two English prisoners for every Frenchman they had killed; the promises must, first of all, be performed in order that these Nations may not betray us as the Hurons have done. The General leaves this officer at liberty to determine, according to circumstances, the carrying into execution the different licenses granted for the Northern posts, and observes to him, nevertheless, in regard to the West Sea and Nepigon, that in case these posts were abandoned, it would be to be feared that the English might irretrievably monopolize the entire of that trade, which they now share with sufficient advantage. Demands some Panis, in order to indemnify the Indians who have surrendered some English prisoners.
Ensigns Larone and Chevalier de Laverendrie have, also, taken their departure; the first for Point Chagouamigon, and the second for the West Sea.
War Party.
21st Sieur de Niverville Montizambaut, Sieur Grandpr, his brother, and 19 Abenaquis have been fitted out at Montreal for a war excursion.
Scout.
Nine other Abenaquis have been, also, fitted out for Fort St. Frederic, and to reinforce the scouts there.
Outaouas.
17 Outaouas of Detroit, belonging to the tribe of one of Mikinac's younger sons, have had an outfit to return home.
War Party.
22d 34 Iroquois of the Saut have been outfitted for a war party, and ordered to divide themselves into two or three small sections; but having manifested some repugnance, they were, authoritatively, told that they were to submit to orders and obey.
Le St Ursin.
A courier from St. Barnab informs us of the arrival, at said place, of the ship St. Ursin, of Rochette, which sailed with the frigate La Friponne.
News from Michilimakinac.
24th Chevalier de Repentigny arrives at Montreal, from Michilimakinac, with 18 canoes of Indians from that quarter; in regard to news from that post, there is reason to be satisfied (page 168) with the conduct of M. de St. Pierre, the commandant there; he has managed the affairs of his post with much firmness and success.
25th All these Indians have had a talk.
One Murderer given up - Michilimakinac Nations.
The tribe of the Indian, Achoabmet, has delivered up one of the Saguinam murderers; attention, however, had been paid this chief, who has behaved well, whilst refusing that Calumet, which he presented, until all the murderers were surrendered; he, who has been given up, has been put in irons, without any promise of mercy. This severity has astonished the Indians, to whom has been explained the importance of granting no more pardons, as these have, hitherto, only served to occasion new crimes.
The tribes of Outaouas, Kicapous, Sinago and some people from the Forks have protested fidelity, Piadalouan being speaker.
Hostages - A Murderer.
The Sauteur tribe has delivered two hostages for the performance of the promise they gave to surrender the murderers belonging to their Nation; one of those who made the attack at La Cloche, and had crept into this tribe, has been recognized and put in irons.
|
NOTE.- On the same day one of the hostages was released, giving the nation to understand that we were unwilling to make the innocent suffer for the guilty. |
All these Indians have very urgently demanded mercy for the murderers; they were answered, that it was mercy to detain them, so as to prevent them continuing their bad conduct; that the people of their nation ought to have confidence in their Father's beneficence, and think only of repairing the past.
We send back to Bay Verte, the Biscayenne dispatched by Father Germain, and which has brought 3 deserters from Port Royal; Mr Hocquart freighted it with some ammunition and goods, to be expended, as far as they go, in taking up the notes outstanding in Acadia, and which were issued in consequence of the sojourn of different detachments there. Amand Bigau, an Acadian, and a worthy Frenchman, who is mentioned in the Governor of Boston's proclamation, came to Quebec, and returns by this opportunity. This farmer will be of use to Sieur Marin's detachment, by the supplies of provisions and other necessaries he will procure for it. Mr Hocquart has considered it his duty to treat this Acadian with some distinction; he has ordered, to be delivered him, from the King's stores, about 3 @ 400# worth of ammunition and goods, in order the better to encourage him to facilitate our expeditions in that Province.
Scouts.
26th Count de la Galissonnire sends Captain de Verchres to Lake St. Francis, to relieve Chevalier de Lacorne, in command of the detachment there, which is employed in scouting, and 'tis necessary to keep up.
The party, commanded by Sieur Villiers de Jumonville, has returned to
Montreal with 5 English scalps; it had not time to remove those of 9 @ 10 other
Englishmen, who were also killed. He attacked, between 3 forts, a party of the
enemy, who made a gallant resistance. Two of our Iroquois and Sieur Hertel, the
younger, have been killed.
______________________
1 Sandusky.- ED.
2 (1, p. 152) Tennessee river.- ED.
3 (1, p. 153) ?. February.
4 (2, p. 153) The party consisted of John Hawks, Matthew Ellison and John Taylor. Hawks was one of the proprietors, though not an inhabitant of Keene. He commanded Fort Massachusetts in 1746, when it was taken, and had just returned from captivity. The "two prisoners" whom they applied for, were Samuel Allen, of Deerfield, and Mr. Blake, with whom they _______(illeg.) in May. New Hampshire Historical Collections, II., 97, 99.- ED.
5 (1, p. 155) Near Lake Oneida; now Rome, Oneida county, N. Y.
6 (2, p. 155) On the 14th(?) March, 1748(?), while about eight men were a few rods from the fort (at Charlestown, N. H.) they were attacked by about twenty Indians, who endeavored to cut off their retreat to the fort; a skirmish ensued in which Charles Stevens was killed, a man by the name of Androus, or Anderson, wounded, and Eleazer Priest taken captive. New Hampshire Historical Collections, IV., 112, 114.- ED.
7 (1, p. 157) The passages within brackets, in this journal, are supplied by the Editor.-ED.
8 (1, p. 158) See note 2, supra, p. 153.
9 (2, p. 158) Charlestown, N. H.- ED.
10 (1, p. 159) See IX., 477, note.
11 (2, p. 159) See IX., 97, note.
12 (3, p. 159) Haverhill.- ED.
13 (1, p. 162) Scioto.- ED.
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