the virtue of these roots operates - When I shall have seen it performed I may judge.
When the camp fires are lighted and when the Warriors have finished their Meal, the Priests goes in the front of the encampment and begins his incantation The Budget being a few paces before him - at the full extent of his Voice he roars out his prayer or adjuration, which is in a tone between melancholic and terrific - The various tunes in various languages bellowed aloud by these Heralds of the night, the thickness of the Woods and darkness of the Weather with the blaze of a great many large fires extending along the Savage camp for a considerable length, the intervals of silence from time to time broken by these horrible Songs, sometimes by a Chorus of Wolves in full cry after the Deer, forma a very strange but striking medley - Every nation has his Magus chainting in the front of the Camp at one time, vying with each other in strength of lungs, at these times they pretend that their devotion procures them the sight of their Genius, and as their fasts are sometimes very severe, I should not be surprized if an empty stomach produced a light head and made visionaries of them -
24th. Being a fine day we finished the repairing our boats -
Pacane (The nut) a Miamis chief came to my hut to speak on the Subject of a Belt sent by the Chickasaas to the Shawanese and other Nations -
A little after 12 at noon left our camp the water very cold and greatly lowerd by the Frost - past Riviere à l'anguille which was at this time very low, tho subject at time to violent floods - It is about 150 yards wide at the mouth and some of us waded it quite across -
The Indians on this river told me there is a prodigious plenty of Eaels in this river which is the more probable as the Indians call them by the same name with a snake (Kinebec) and never eat of them - hower [however] as I told them and some of their ladies, that a Village situated as theirs, ought to be more populous then it was, and that Eel soupe was nearly equal to Viper broth, they may possibly diminish the number of Eels to add to their own -
Before Sunset we found the Ouabache frozen quite across
we determined however to pass at this bar if possible before it should be fortifyed by the addition of floating ice, with some labor & by going out of our boats we effected a passage, and encampd a small distance below a little after Sunset, having been 5 hours without making a halt - The men very chearfull and not one sick - encamped about a mile above the petit rockier -204
25th. This morning we found the rapids very shallow from the frost The river about 200 yards across at the petit rocher, a ledge of Rocks about 20 feet high, which having tumbled piecemeal at different times has choaked the channel and left but a very narrow pass for boats - The pilots must be very dextrous to pass the channels, a great descent rendring the water very swift, and sunken rocks lying scatterd, render the passing very difficult.
Notwithstanding every attention and the efforts of the men several boats were stoppd here, those acquainted with the rapids stood in the water and pointed out the way - fortunately tho it froze hard there was but little wind - about 3 o'clock p.m. we got to the pierced island - (Isle percée) -205 a narrow passage for boats is formd at this place either by the violence of the current in great floods or by an earthquake, I rather imagine the former - Its appearance has nothing romantic or striking, but the water passes with the rapidity of a Millstream - This morning the heavyest boats had been draggd with great labor, but here all the boats were to be hauled over the shallows and these were in extent half a mile at least below the pierced Island -
These inevitable retardements gave me some uneasy moments as the advance of the season threatned us with a frost severe enough to put an effectual stop to our progress - The drought had been unusual and the frost had dryed up many of the small streams - At our encampment some principal men of the Ouiattonons (des considèrés) made their appearance - The names of the men of this nation are surely the most whymsical of any in the World La Morve (snot) la mauvaise panse (rot gut) le grand Pin (Toledo) la mauvaise bouche (bad or rotten mouth) la gaine (The sheath) -
The French traders give them the character of being thievish, cruel, and cowardly - As I did not understand the Peankashaa
(or Ouiattonon) language, I could not tell what Character these Savages gave the Traders -
However the most reverend of these gentry told me he was himself too old to go to war, besides that he was in mourning, but he would send his Son and some young men, That he was not a Chief, yet had some men at his disposal - Importance and Vanity are of all climates, while I am writing, this man of consequence is no talker, and my Ink freezes in my pen tho I am near enough to a fire to scorch my shins - I found myself much in his predicament as to importance so was very attentive to their great men -
At our last encampment I had remarkd fossils on the top of the hill and here the soil very fertile, producing, Maple, nutwood, & other forest trees, Oaks of a great size, Beach &ca. The long grass which the men laid in the boats was not speary, but like oatstraw -
26th. Had the boats loaded before sunrise - saluted our Ouiattonon friends, who from an excess of politeness had nearly fired in my face yesterday -
The frost being very severe, the wind high, and the water very shallow, we had great difficulty to get along - The roughness of the water prevented our finding the channel - The Men sufferd much, many of them having their legs cut by the floating ice, being obliged to work in the water to save the boats which were also much injured - After getting 1/2 a mile we were obliged to land, make fires, and recruit the men with a dram each
About 3 p m. we found the river completely barrd with ice, and that of a considerable thickness - With the help of poles, and by swaying in the batteaus, (Tho that we knew must open their seams) we broke our Way for about 100 Yards and proceeded about two miles, here again we had another barrier of strong ice to break thro', in order to get into the Channel on the south side of the Garlic Islands -206 Half a mile below them we got into deep water, and encampd on the South shore - The Indians who had attempted to pass the ice in the Evening, had workd till they were tired in vain - They encampd about a mile and half above us on the North Shore -
The Woods where Beech are the chief timber are good for encamping being free from undergrowth - perhaps the soil is
peculiarly adapted to that tree, or its thick shade discourages the brush from rising - but in many places on the banks of the Ouabache, the Grape vines, raspberries, prickly ash, brambles and thornvines are so thich that ones Flesh as well as their cloaths must be torn to pieces in passing but a short way -
In the night a blast at S. W. cleared away the ice and softend the air -
27 Set off early and had but little difficulty - halted a little above the coal mine,207 to rest and warm the men - Some Ouiattanons met us here and would have detained us, but they were desired to follow to our camp, which was to be a little above the mouth of the Thipicono, a River whose source is near that of Ouabache and whose course is nearly parallell with it -
About a mile before we arrived at our camp, we had to force our way thro' thick floating ice, which choakd the river, soon after our Arrival the Indians just mentioned arrived -
They said I must not be surprized that they had not undertaken to drive out the rebels, as their women and children were too much in their power, but that our arrival encouraged them to act, and I might be assured they would do what I should require of them - These men informed me the rebels were gone from St. Vincennes to Kaskaskias -
The coal mine lies on each side of the river the N. side of which is hilly the S. level - The abundance of fine timber will for centuries render the opening this mine unnecessary - But so great are the disadvantages attending the settling on the banks of this river, notwithstanding the fertility of the soil, as will probably deter any but Indian Traders from it and they must be the poorer sort. Its vast distance from the sea, the scarcity of water for a part of the Year, and the violent floods in the Spring and fall, the turbulence of the Savages inhabiting these parts who are more fickle, ignorant, and jealous than their neighbours.
The characters of most of the Europeans who have dealings with them are not likely to improve the morals, or remove the jealousies of the Indians, as in all remote posts are to be found the most faithless and abandond among the Traders - Men of that stamp will naturally attempt to push their fortune where they are least known -
These Indians as well as the Ilinois, and Misouri Tribes, have been kept almost altogether in the dark with respect to the power of the British Nation, few but contemptible Renegadoes from the English having been seen among them, & the French Traders from interest as well as a mortified pride, decrying as much as possible every thing that was not French - every thing of European fabric is by them called french, they carry this yet farther by calling some kinds of Wild Ducks French ducks -
Orderd the mens arms to be set against horses in the Streets and a walking Sentry at night in each Street of the camp, to give notice of rain, and to take the alarm from the out Picketts -
28th. Stoppd at the cabin of the white head a chief of the Ouittanon Indians, who expressd great pleasure at seeing me, told me he had always encouraged those of his nation to wait my arrival, that the Chiefs who were out at their hunting ground were not very distant and could readyly be summoned, that he should go down to our camp to hear what might pass in the assembly - This Chief told me that the sale of Lands made by the Old Tobacco (a Peankashaa) had much displeased all the Indians - That the situation of their families had deterrd the Savages from taking an active part against the rebels, but that our coming would be a great encouragement to them -
The few Indians at this wintering ground had killed an amazing quantity of game - I was regaled by the princess if not in the neatest, at least in the most hospitable manner, Some Raccoon's flesh smoaked, and teized208 so as to look like shreds of Oakum, was taken out of a skin and served in a platter - The lady then took some raccoons grease out of a bag with a wooden Miquain or spoon, and with a hand of much the same color with the spoon, scooped out what stuck in it - These good folk were much chagrined that I could not stay till their soupe, of Venison Beans, and Maize was ready, but as we set off, they threw a dozen Head Raccoons into the boat - These peoples Cabins, and manner of living is too nearly like that of other Indians to merit any particular description -
we encamped a small mile above the Village of Ouiattanon not very comfortably, as wood was scarce, and it had raind from 12 at noon 'till pretty far in the night. -
29th. This Morning Major Hay who had been at the Village to gain what intelligence he could of the proceedings of the rebels, returned - I find that they have had every countenance and encouragement from the French traders - Le Gras has a commission as Major signed by their commander, Bosseron a Captain's, Baron an Adjutant's, Monbrun, and Perault Officers -
I am told there is no Fort at the falls of Ohio, but am still in the belief there is, as the Shawanoe Chief so lately described to me, the situation of the Island and the falls -
Some reports make the rebels 60 at Kaskasquias, 40 at Cahokia others 280 in all - French reports variable as the authors -
An officer of the name of Helm commands at St. Vincennes - Colonel George Rogers Clarke at the Ilinois - Jean Baptiste Chapoton a trader from Detroit had come last night to my tent and was very coolly receiv'd, yet this morning he made his appearance with his usual affronterie, I desired to see his pass dated 17th, Feby. and askd him how he presumed to go to the Ilinois contrary to the Oath and obligation of his passport - he answer'd that he and Mr: Rapicault [Raimbault?] having been in partnership, the state of that person's affairs had engaged him to go - I asked him, how he could excuse his not informing me of the arrival of the rebels in the Country, since he was on the spot - He said Mr: Le Gras had written, that his own writing was not legible, He thought he was at liberty to go on any part of his Majesty's possessions, all futile, impudent evasions, & received with the contempt they deserved -
The six pounder was fired frequently to draw in the Indians from their hunting -
30th. The Men were exercised in firing at a Mark - Went to the Fort which is formd of a double range of houses enclosed with a Stockade 10 feet high, and very poorly defensive against small arms.209 The Indian Cabins of this settlement are about 90,
the families may be estimated at 10 to a cabin - The French inhabitants being summoned to meet me in the Chapel I lectured Messrs: Chapoton and Raimbault - They were well provided with evasive answers for every question I put to them -
The Outarde a Ouiattanon orator who had been in the Summer at Detroit, came from his wintering and saluted me at the fort, shortly after the Ottawas came in to dance - In the afternoon Kissingua (a mixed Ottawa & Miamis) arrived with 10 Ouiattanons for war, said he had been looking out for us till his eyes were sore, but that when he heard the report of a cannon in the wood, he was certain his father was arrived, & he had hastend to give him his hand -210 fixed 10 o'Clock next morning for a meeting of the Indians in Council. - The Indians in high spirits, tho no liquor had been issued -
December 1st. Employed part of the day in drying damaged provisions &ca Held a talk with all the chiefs in the Morning, shewed the road-belt to the Ouiattanons, informd them of the sentiments of the 6 nations and the conformity of the lake Indians -
Spoke to them on the subject of the sale of
lands privately made by the Old Tobacco, and some of the Peankashaas, as a
thing transacted without the consent of parties concern'd, as an irregular
proceeding unauthorized by the Crown whose sanction was necessary in public
acts of such a nature that the compensation was by no means equivalent to what
was stipulated by the Kings regulations, which being the case I told them they
could not be bound, I therefore in presence of them all burnt the copy of the
Contract and cession of lands, telling them that when I should see The Old
Tobacco and his son, I should make them understand how imprudently they had
acted with regard to their Brethren the River Indians -
N.B. A Copy of this contract sent to Sir G. C. as well as to Ld. G G.
Methusaagai (a Chippowey Chief ) gave them a belt from the 6 nations by which they were exhorted to join the other Indians in acting against the Rebels, and to give credit to what they should hear from the English, who befriended and supported them -
Methusaagai deliverd also a belt from the Women living upon the lakes, addressed to the Wives of the River Indians, ex-
horting them to work hard with their hoes, to raise corn for the Warriors who should take up the Axe for their Father the King of England -
The Ouiattonons declared themselves well pleased to have the information the Chippowey chief had communicated, and that they were disposed to follow the good example of their brethren - That Quiquapouhquáa (crooked legs) an old Chief who had received an English Medal from me at Detroit, had accepted a flag from the Rebels, and that they were uneasy till he brought it in to me -211 In the Evening the War Chief (Petite face) with 22 Warriors were accommodated with blankets &ca -212
As it was necessary to sharpen the War axe of their Gentry, a feast of two hogs with a due proportion of what they call Milk (Rum) was prepared, they acknowledged they had received an axe at Detroit which had lain by till this time, but since they saw the Indians from That Quarter determined to act, they would not be behind them -
Godefroi Pittette and Raimbault French Inhabitants offerd their services, this last promising to act so as to retrieve his Character -
2d. Major Hay went to the Fort, swore the Inhabitants, and hoisted the St. George's Ensign, which the Indians were informd was to be understood as a guarantee of protection and security of their lands - A party of a Serjeant and six rank and file from each of the Detachments presented their Arms on the Flag being hoisted and three rounds from the six pounder were fired -
One Magnian a Trader of this post, who had gone voluntarily on this errand to some of the Chiefs in the neighbourhood, returnd with an account that two of the Quiquaboe chiefs were on their way, that they had hesitated but he had persuaded them to come.
A Feast about 2 p m. at the Ottawa encampment - After the usual Oraison, Egushewai sung the war song having two war belts and three Death hammers togather in his hand - - The men were exercised in firing at marks - A chief of the Ouiattanon Indians named La Natte (the budget) properly means a Mat) left an Heiress who agreable to their customs, represented the Family and wore a French medal, as she is married to a Chief who had some influence and who wore an English Medal I wished to
exchange her Medal for a large English one which I put about her neck having taken off her own, at the same time giving her some silver brooches and bracelets, but in a few minutes she appeared dissatisfied, and all my arguments could not prevail with her to be divorced from her old Medal -213 However on my insisting that she should keep the bracelets she resumed her good humor - Mahinomba an Old Quiquaboe chief came in after Sunset from his hunting ground 25 leagues distant, He had been at Detroit in the Summer with 5 other old men - I told him that tho' contrary to custom to speak on busyness after Sunset, I would break thro' that custom and even put off my journey for a day, that he might have an opportunity of conversing with the Chiefs of the other nations -
3d. Met all the Chiefs, held much the same discourse as with the Ouiattanon Indians - They said on the arrival of the Virginians their War Chiefs had consulted Monsieur de Celoron on the occasion, asking him how they should act, That they were told they must hide the War belts they had received at Detroit - They acknowledged they were afraid to take up the hatchet as their families were exposed too much to the inroads of the Virginians -
The War Song was sung by a number of different chiefs, And when I gave the War belt to the young Quiquaboe chief, I presented him with a handsome couteau de chasse -214
Those who spoke, delivrd themselves as I could have wished and appeared highly pleased at the sight of their friends, as well as with their speeches, and promised to follow their example -
They gave a belt to the Chippoweys to cover the bones of all their deceased forefathers on both sides and a pipe or Calumet to conciliate their good will -
This is a usual ceremony, that any disagreable impression of former disputes or rupture may be effaced -
I had opened the assembly by smoaking out of the Calumets presented me by the Shawanoes and Quiquaboes at Detroit with which they seemed well pleased, saying they observed I did not forget my Children and that all the Tribes on the Ouabache would act to my wish - Some complained of age and infirmities which would not allow them to follow me - One after the rest had spoke, said Father! I have waited to the last, I have heard others
speak for my part nothing ails me, my legs are stout and well able to carry me as far as you will chuse to go -
The Quiquaboe Chief who was the principal speaker in the Council said that on the approach of the Rebels to Ouiattanon they were taught to think them so numerous that opposition would be in vain, for which reason they had hid the Axe I had given them at Detroit, (meaning the War belt) but that when they actually arrived, and their number proved so inconsiderable, (there were but 70 or 80) One of the Chiefs shewed them the Belt, and told them that was prepared to strike them -
The same chief told me, the greater part of their people were at this time dispersed at their hunting grounds, but that in the Spring they would appear like Musquetoes and infest the Ohio, and all the Rebel Frontier - 96 Cabins at this Village, computed at 10 souls per Cabin - Total 960 - reckon a third part Warriors 320 - but more likely 2 Warriors to a cabin 192 Warrions in all -215 (Dawson, Wiggins, Thompson, Cottrel, DuBois, Traders, and Serjeant Mr. Evers of La Mothe's arrived from Detroit. Orderd Cloathing powder and the usual equipment for the old Men women and children of the Quiquaboes, and Arms &ca for those Warriors who were to accompany us - About 11 at night we had an Eclipse of the Moon, the Savages as is usual with them fired small arms almost the whole time it continued - The Tuette a Chief Son in law of La Natte being asked about the Eclipse said he had thought at first the camp was attackd but happning to look up saw the occasion of it and fired as the rest -
4th. Prepared to take in as many of the Savages as our batteaus could hold conveniently - A Ouiattanon Chief called le Forgeron (the Blacksmith) asked for a War belt, which having received he said, Why should not I go to War, I am old, I am too lame to be able to run away, War is my vocation, I had rather after my death have the flesh torn off the bones by wild beasts, than that it should lye to rot idly in the ground, meaning he preferred Death in the field of battle, to dying a natural death at home.216
Being told that old Quiquapouhquaa was coming I deferrd my Journey, and about Dusk he arrived when I went to speak to him and his people - I told them that on the first news of the arrival of the Rebels in that Country, I had proposed coming to
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