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.
Benoist to Raymond
(February 11, 1750)
Benoist in: Archives Nationales,
Ministere
des Colonies, C11A 97:392 and in
Illinois Historical Collections,
French Series, vol. III,
pp. 163-165.
|
New Orleans, January 22, 1750 |
Annexed to the letter of M. de Raymond of October 1, 1751
Copy of the letter written me by M. Benoist, commandant at the Illinois, on the subject of the conspiracy the execution of which I frustrated when I commanded at the Miamis. Extract from my service journal the original of which was sent to the court by M. de la Jonquiere.
Monsieur:
I have the honor to give you the information of a conspiracy which was set on foot against us last summer at the instigation (page 164) of the English, who make use of La Demoiselle, chief of the Miamis who have gone off to Great Miami River. He has sent out speeches to have attacks made on us by both the tribes of the Wabash and by our domiciled Indians. Here is what I discovered a few days ago.
This rebel has had the Wea give a wampum belt to the chief named Pedagogue and an English flag to his brother who is of the family of the Rouensas, the first chiefs of the Illinois. This speech was received and sent to the Cahokia, who accepted it. It was also sent to the Peoria, whose answer has not yet come. La Mouche Noire, who is a Piankashaw chief, is expected this spring to carry out a wampum belt as a final message to carry out the conspiracy. La Demoiselle, so I have been told, is to come with his people and those of Sonnioto, gathering on his way the Miami, the Wea, and the Piankashaw, to join with our domiciled Indians to attack us. The report also goes about that our domiciled Indians are enlisting the Missouri and the Osage to be of (page 165) this party. We have but two bands, which are very small, who do not assent to this affair; but force will oblige them to declare for it also. After the blow has been struck they are to go after the English and bring them here. La Demoiselle gives them to understand that they shall have goods at a low price.
I beg you, Monsieur, to inform me if you see that the tribes of your region are on the move, that I may parry the blow. Be on your guard. On my side, I shall beware of a surprise.
Last summer we had three French killed on the Mississippi by the Sioux, and this fall another with his slave on the Des Moines River by the Little Osage. Of the latter I demanded the murderer, and I do not know what they will decide. There is much trouble in our districts, and I do not know what will come of it; I hope however to be able to deal with any event.
I have the honor to be very fully, Monsieur, your very humble and very obedient servant,
|
Benoist De St. Claire |
Fort de Chartres, February 11, 1750.
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