SPEECHES OF THE INDIANS |
473 |
Miamis
Key ta ga yan and a great number of the Warriors of the several Nations.
Children (the Shawanese &c, that compose the Ohio confederacy.
Your Belts and Strings were delivered to be the other day in council, their contents were made known unto me, you desired they should be delivered to your Brothers the Ottawas, Chippeways, and the other Nations who were then absent, requesting in the name of your Confederacy, immediate assistance to repel the Rebel force which were making their appearance in our country; as you are now present in this General Assembly of which I am rejoiced that you see with your own eyes, part of a Nation, who for a long time were absent (Ouidas) and our Friends the six Nations, who are come to your aid. I now desire that you repeat the Contents of your Embassy to your Brothers present.
Sastaritsi, then spoke on 4 Strings mix'd Wampum.
Father! I pray you to attend as also my Brothers from nigh and afar to what I am now going to relate.
Brothers- You have heard of the arrival of one of our Fathers Vessels from Niagara, in her came our Brothers the Six Nations- Two of their Chiefs addressed themselves to me, and said that they hoped their Brethren would now open their Ears and attend to what was good- here is one of them (Cayashutta) that has animated us, and that from us he looked for assistance, after that of his Father.
The Snake, Shawanesse Chief speaks on a Belt and several strings of Wampum.
Father, You see that your Children of the Confederacy on the Ohio are here assembled- some days elapsed since we met you in Council; informing you that we were under great apprehension from being harrass'd continually by our Enemies the Rebels, that we prayed the assistance of you our Father & that of you Children- These Strings and Belt we left with you to deliver, to e-y Ottawas, Chippawas, & the rest of our then absent Brethern.
Brothers, We brown skins are all of one blood & I who speak to you am sent
by the Confederacy of the Ohio to inform you of the Accounts received by a Prisoner,
which alarmed us not a little- we though it our Duty to communicate the same
to our Father and his Children our Allies- no sooner we saw our embarrassed
Situation we immediately recollected the antient Friendship which subsisted
between us, we were told that the Enemy were numerous and encroached our Country-
we then thought it most advisable to come in unto you, who are the great Body,
and with your assistance be enabled to drive them from out of our Country, Brothers,
How could you
60
474 |
REPLY OF MAJOR DE PEYSTER |
plead ignorance to our situation, we applied to you last Fall but had no
relief- We now make this declaration before our Father, and you our Brethern
who compose this great assembly, in order that you may no more, in future,
appear ignorant.
Brothers,- holding Indian Tobacco-
You now have heard what we have had to say to your, we now present you this herb which we have received from Heaven: we pray you to give us your immediate answer, to smoake therefrom as a few whiffs of it induces us to grant the request that may be made upon it.
He then held up a Scalp with a piece of Tobacco thereto, and repeated much the same as in Conference of the 5th instant- and added
Father, What I've now said is no more than what I delivered to you the other day in Council, praying your assistance- as a delay may be of great consequence, but if we get up in time we may meet the Enemy ere they be upon us.
Major De Peyster then spoke,
Children- The Shawanese, Delawares, and the rest of the Nations that are of your Confederacy- I am now going to address myself to the Ottawas, Chippawas, and the Nations who were absent at the time I met you in Council, when you made your request respecting your Embassy, where you required Assistance- I told you that I would supply you with Ammunition and necessary Clothing as much as I can spare- as to men the number I have, are employed for the defense of this Post, to keep it in security that I may receive my Children from time to time with open Arms- I pitch upon St Dusky for a Depot, and I request that you and your Brethern the Warriors in general to attend there. I can almost answer for your Brethern, that it is unnecessary to press them on to meet the Enemy, it was with difficulty I could prevail on them to remain here untill the great Council met, as they were continually proposing to send off small Parties of 10 and 15 men to War- I am of opinion that it would be much better that my Children gather & collect themselves into a great Body, by which means they will be able to frustrate the designs of the Rebels, ere they penetrate into the Indian Country, you now see that my wishes coinside with yours and that I am ready to support you in defeating their attempts-
Children, I have last received a letter from a Trader at Rocher de bout* which
informs me that the Enemy have taken possession of Kuskackin, and are inclined
to get to St Dusky- for my part, I don't put an implicit confidence in the report,
as I cannot imagine them to be so far advanced- if true, we need not cry for
the loss of that place, as we may then be assured that the Indians of Kushackin
are Enemies to the Rebels-
____________
*See appendix
SPEECHES-WAR SONG |
475 |
Cayashutta great war Chief of the six Nations then speaks on 4 Strings white
& black Wampum, and addressing himself to the several Nations present.
Brothers I now greet you all and am much rejoiced to see you all assembled at our Fathers Council Fire.- you have heard that we brown skins are one Body and I now tell you that we the Sis Nations are come here for to open your Ears to hear what is good, and to attend to whatever our Father may say
On which delivers the 4 Strings
The, ya, en, dinega (alias) Capt. Brandt, addressed himself to the several Indian nations, and said.
I am pleased to find that you are ready to assist your Brethern the Shawanese- You see me here, I am sent upon Business of importance to your several nations, I shall follow you and your Father to the camp that it is to be formed at St. Dusky, at which place I shall deliver you the Speeches of the Six Nations in presence of the Ohio confederacy who will be there. I hope when you are acquainted with the contents of my Embassy it may furnish means to unite you more strongly in the cause we are mutually engaged, and continue our Friendly intercourse as the meeting will be general.
Major De Peyster, holding a War belt.
Children; This Belt is sent to you from the Six Nations, in order to sharpen your War Hatchets from St. Dusky.
Delievers the War Belt to Cayashutta, who sings as is usual, and says Take Courage, Brethren, this is our Fathers Hatchet, we will make a good use of it.
Onishacheré a Wyandotte Chief sings the War Song, and then says
Father, I sing because I am disposed to meet my Brethren at your Council Fire, which is to be held at St. Dusky.
Egnshewey, Ottawaa War Chief takes the War Belt and sings, after which he says
Father, you see your children are prepared to meet the Enemy, don't let us see but a few of your own colour, let us see you get up with a number of them
Mashquiash Chippowey Village Chief takes the Belt & Speaks
Father, you see here your Children & speak well to them, you have a Strong Arm, why don't you arise and go with us where you direct
Negig. Ottawaa War Chief
Father, Why should I not take this War Hatchet, when it is presented from you and my Brethren.
476 |
CLOSE OF COUNCIL-NEWS |
The Council was then closed with the following Speeches by Major De Peyster.
Children, I have already told you that this Belt is delivered for to sharpen your Hatchet on and that I shall give you all the support that is necessary- You seem to hint that I should go with you to War; my reasons are already ` assigned which prevent my going out with you, and I hope when you reflect on them, that it appear to your satisfaction- You say I sit still, but don't you see that I am not idle- have I not raised the ground and made this place strongly fortified against any attempt whatever, that I may be able to protect my children and supply them with the necessaries. Don't suppose that your Father the King does nothing because he sits still, who has as many children as the sands of the Sea to supply. I now conclude with assuring that the officers &c belonging to your Department shall be ordered to be in readiness to attend you. (Signed)
| AT S. DEPEYSTER, Major.
|
Extracted from the Council Boo, J. Schieffelin Secr. Ind'n Dept.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Memorandum
On Thursday the 26th April 1781 P. M.
|
After closing of Council, arrived a young Indian in three days from St Dusky and reports that the Children of the Chief from that place (Du, you goud) report that they saw the Virginians at the Village of Kushackin- that they divided their Army in two Parties, each of which took a different rout, one by St Dusky and the other by the Shawanese side.
The Indian Women of St Dusky have dispatched this runner with this message on four Strings of Black Wampum and a piece of Tobacco tied thereon, praying that their Father Major DePeyster to send them immediate relief, that seven days are elapsed since the Enemy left that place- 50 men from St Dusky departed immediately in search of them. The Indians of Kushackin retired with great precipitation towards St Dusky, half naked, being surprised by the Enemy. Simon Girty is gone on to the upper St Dusky to get what news he can from a Rebel Prisoner, who was taken by the half Kings Son.
Endorsed:- Copy, 16 Indian Council held at Detroit 26th April 1781.
[B 123 p 27]
532 |
COUNCIL WITH MIAMIS |
with Monsr Chevalier's account amounting to one Hundred & Forty nine
Pounds, twelve shillings N. Y. Curry to both of which I had no objection, but
that which I made last year, vizt, that it was by General consent all the Trade
of the Post should be General-
Monsr Chevalier's other account does not meet with the approbation of the Merchants & Traders here-
If more than this Certificate is necessary for admitting to Payment the Two enclosed accounts for the sums above mentioned I shall follow your Direction on that head-
I am, Sir, your most obedient and
most humble Servant PATT SINCLAIR Lt. Governor |
Michilimackinac 24th Octr 1781
Captain Mathews
[B 98 p 86]
_______
INDIAN COUNCIL
| DETROIT October 29th 1781 |
At a Conference held by maj'r A. S. De Peyster Commandant of Detroit & Dependencies &c &c
&c with a party of Miamis just arrived from the Miamis Town.
PRESENT.
Maj'r At. S. De Peyster Commandant
Duperon Baby & Bobin, Interpreters.
A Miamis Chief speaks Miamis Chief speaks
Father! I am sent into you from our Chiefs in all haste for Powder & Ball, the Dry'd meat you see here (Seven Scalps) is the produce of our Warriours who desire it to be presented to you.
Father! Do not be surprised when you see but the young men before you, since we are sent by our Chiefs to address you in their names. Our Chiefs with about Seventy warriours were on their way hither in order to see you, but were obliged to return to our Village immediately, on having had the report from a runner detached from thence that the Enemy was advancing towards the Miami Town from St Vincennes. When we say the Enemy we wish you should know that it consists of French, Indians and Rebels- the courrier reports further, that on the arrival of the Rebel forces at St
| DEMAND OF INDIANS |
533 |
Vincennes, a Qui, qu, à pous and a Oüiat Indian were confined as they were at
that place to ask presents.
Maj'r De Peyster then said
Children! Your Chiefs acted right in returning home on the report of the Enemies approaching towards your Village, I am happy to inform you that your Brethren the St. Joseph Indians are prepared for them so I've sent officers from hence for that purpose the St Joseph Indians will never forget the Indians who struck on them last year. The ammunition you request shall be delivered to you immediately, and as soon as I find that the report proves true, I shall give my children the Miamis all the assistance in my power, as it will not look well to say anything till then.
A Miamis speaks on
strings of wampum
Father! as the Danger is evident our chiefs have recommended to us to be diligent & to look upon our journey hither as absolutely necessary, in short to apprize you of the future rout of the Enemy and the necessity of forwarding immediately ammunition in order to enable us to defend ourselves, as we are entirely unprovided and can do nothing without assistance.
Our Chiefs have recommended to us strongly to pray of you not to think anything too precious for the young warriours, but give them freely- which you will do to us a Deputies and warriors who have been this summer for the Kings cause ag't the Enemy, and after you have furnished us all with arms & precious clothing, we hope you'll be good enough to give us in profusion of that Shining Metal, an ornament which draws the attention of the Warriours, which is the true way of engaging them, their lives, and their blood to the King.
Father! We pray of you to do agreeable to our desires, and the Demands of our Chiefs by doing which, you'll conciliate their regard.
Extract from the minutes
| J. SCHIEFFELIN Secr'y. |
Endorsed:- Extract of a Conference held by Maj'r De Peyster Commanding Detroit
and Dependencies &c &c &c with a party of Miamis sent from their
Town with the Intelligence of the approach of the Rebels,- 29th October 1781.
[B 123 p 155]
_______
RECEIPT OF STORES.
| MICHILIMACKINAC ISLAND, 1st Nov 1781.
|
Received into His Majestys Engineers Store from Mr. McNamara the undermentioned particulars- viz:
| INSTRUCTIONS-SUPPLIES |
541 |
necessary for the winter, but should there be anything wanting you must content
yourselves as I now make it a rule to supply my children from my own store and
not buy from every Trader. I shall take care that you be provided with such
cloathing as will keep you warm.
The General at Quebec who commands throughout this Country desires me to inform his Indian Children that as the War may be of long duration and he has many children to support, that he wishes they content themselves with what is really necessary, as he promises to provide for his Indian Children as long as they are engaged in his war, but they must not open their hearts for everything which strikes their fancy but content themselves with what is useful, Your father at Quebec says further, "that your Brethren the Indians in Canada have requested that Liquor be witheld in some measure, for they find it is more destructive to their brethren than the Sword, he therefore recommends that you avoid drinking to that excess but be advised by your brethren below- as I understand that the Christian Indians are prevented by their religion from taking an active part in the war, I shall order something to be delivered to those who have come in to see me.
Major De Peyster then addressed the Mohawks telling them he was satisfied with their manner of acting and that they should receive the same treatment as the rest of his children who have done his will.
"Extract from the minutes
| "J. SCHEFFELIN Secry |
Endorsed:- No 21 Extract of a Council held by Major DePeyster Commanding Detroit
&c &c &c with Delawares under Captn Pipe and Winginam their principal
chiefs Detroit November 9th 1781.
[B 123 p 166]
_______
MAJOR DE PEYSTER TO CAPTAIN MCKEE
| DETROIT the 19th Novr 1781 |
DEAR SIR, In compliance with your request I now dispatch a party of rangers with a batteau loaded as pr Invoice sent by Serjt. Secord, I have thought it necessary to send some provisions and acquaint you that Serj. Fisher left four hundred of flour & thirteen half Barrels of Pork with Archbald McAlisters, Mr Cochren's Man, of which you may also take giving him your receipt.
I hope the Indians will be satisfied, as we have it not in our power to purchase any different articles- We have nothing more to communicate but as Mr Surphlet returns here I hope to send you some favourable news which I expect by the Hope.
I am Dr Sir Your Huml & obedt Servt
| AT. S. DE PEYSTER |
550 |
COUNCIL-PERSONS PRESENT |
return here before you pay us a visit I shall not fail to send your Letters. Mrs.
De Peyster and the Gentlemen Desire to be remembered to you.
I am Dr Sir Your humbl & obedt Servt
| AT. S. DE PEYSTER |
Please remember me to my Indian Friends & Children
[Indian Affairs M. G. III]
______
INDIAN COUNCIL
| In Council Detroit Feby 25th 1782
|
PRESENT
Major At S. DePeyster Commandant
Captain Henry Bird
Lieutenants Saumarey
Brooks
Mercer
Ensigns Macdougal }
Pollard
Sheehan
Frey
Lieut. England 47th Regiment
Captain Caldwell }Corps
of Rangers
Lieuts. Butler & Clinch
Duperon Baby
Isidore Chesne }Sworn
Interpreters
Charles Beaubien
Schoch, pi, my }Mascontin's
Chiefs
Chin, Chack, quan, Le Grew
Pe, pa kick, coy, ya }Qui, quabous Chiefs
Pick, co, nishi me
Major DePeyster addressing himself to the Chiefs and warriours of the Mascontin and Qui, quabous Nations.
Children! Since it is my desire that I should call you my Children, it is this day I call you so as it gives you pleasure.
Two days are now elapsed since you told me you were in want of everything and delivered over to me two of my people who deserted from the Enemy, you also informed me that the Rebels have deserted Post Vincennes and were in the greatest want of every necessary of life. of life.
| EXHORTATIONS AND ASSURANCES |
You asked me for many things and asserted that you were entitled to a supply of
necessaries as some of your people were now at war against the Rebels towards
the Falls of the Ohio- it is well that you commence following the example of
your brethren by acting against the King's Enemies; You should have done so
long since and I would have taken care to prevent your wants by maintaining the
Miamis Town.
In order to render yourselves happy in future, you must on your return to your Villages send Deputies to your several nations that border Owabash and inform them that since the Rebels have deserted the Post you are determined not to let them return amongst you and send Deputies to this place to acquaint me with their sentiments. If I withhold Traders from amongst your people it is to avoid injuring you by putting an ax into the hands of the Enemy to strike at me and my Children, what I have recommended to you is not difficult on your part to perform which is to keep back the Enemy should they attempt to come up the Wabash or by land once more, the situation of your country admits of it, you see that the Delawares keep their Ground clear, for should the Enemy return hereafter and I get information thereof; I shall then naturally think that my Children in that quarter are a sleep, or wish to be so and it will then be out of my power to send them traders to supply them with their necessaries, you plainly see that the Enemy is too far distant that I should have anything to apprehend from them & that it is for your good only I give this advice and hope you'll advantage therefrom- that your People may not be ignorant of your English father being strongly united with the brownskins in general you see here Deputies from the Six Nations Ottaawas from Michilimackinac and others too tedious to mention who are always here to testify that the English and the Indian Nations are but one and why should not you the Mascontins and Qui, qua bous with those who border the Wabash follow their example- as you are come in to see me I shall order such things as is proper for you, but with respect to ammunition and necessaries for those who are absent I cannot allow of any unless I see them here, as it is seldom properly divided therefore whenever I hear you are sincerely engaged in the war and you shew yourselves in number I shall then take the opportunity to give such ammuniton and cloathing as is necessary for you.
Children! On your return I request of you to tell the Ouittanongs (that killed McCarty and made two prisoners last year) "that I do not approve of their manner of making war as I am informed that they had taken a french man in the same action and allowed him to return home again. this is not acting according to my order, it is your duty to make all prisoners you can who appear in arms against the King your father-
(delivers several strings of wampum to each nation)
|
CONCLUSION OF COUNCIL |
Captn. Jos. Brant, who being present with others of the Six Nations address'd
himself to the Mascontins and Qui, qu, abous-
Brethren! We are glad to see you before our father. we who address you are of the Six Nations who live on the other side of the Lake, you see here who we depend upon this is our father (the Commandant) who supplies us with our wants, we are pleased with what your father told you who we call brother, it is from him however that we brownskins should take the lead since we make one with him and those who are under him. We invite you Brethren by the few words which we now say "to attend to what your father has said and not listen any more to the Rebels, least that we who have not too much sense may fall out with each other should we not think with our father. We speak but little, as we are warriors therefore take the hint from us who know the dispositions of the Americans and of those from whom we come-
Themigassey an Ottawa from Mackinac
Brethren! the Mas-contins & Qui, qu, a bous
Listen to what I shall say, which is to recommend to you to pay a proper attention to what our father has said in your regard, Since you complain of your misery it is your duty to perform his will and assure yourselves of becoming happy-
Our father said true when he told you that he and his children the Brown Skins make but one, as he is the support of us, our wives and children-
A Qui, qu, abous Chief address'd himself to the Commandant, in the name of the Mascontins and Qui, qu, abous
Father! We are highly pleased with what we have heard from you, and he Sentiments of our elder Brethren the Six Nations in our behalf, we have to return you our thanks for the free manner you have made known yours to us, all of which we shall on our return communicate to our people & we expect to benefit thereby-
Extract from the Minutes
| J. SCHIEFFELIN Secry. |
Endorsed:- Extract of a Council held at Detroit Feby 25 1782, by Majr. De Peyster
Commanding Detroit &c with the Mascontins and Qui, qu, abous nations.
[B 123 p 193]
_______
LIEUT. GOV. SINCLAIR TO GENERAL HALDIMAND
| MICHILIMACKINAC, 9th March 1782. |
SIR, The Abstract of Bills herewith sent gives a clear state of the expense