a prisoner to me - Just then Kissingua came up, and laying his hand on the Prisoner's head, made the same claim - The Indians consider that man as a prisoner, who is seized by the hair, so the affair was pleaded in Council, when the Shawanese, not only gave up his claim, but desired Kissingua might be reputed the captor, and receive the belt usually given to redeem a prisoner, and which I had at Detroit promised to give to the first who should make a Prisoner, the value about 3£ Sterling - Kissingua's plea was short, do we go to War for heads or hands?
When an Indian would save a prisoner, he throws his belt over his Shoulder, which secures him effectually from all harm, The person who gains a belt as Kissingua did is expected to signalize himself on the first occasion. -
20th. Some more of the inhabitants took the oath of fidelity to His Majesty -
I met all the War and Village chiefs at a council in the Fort, The Old Tobacco and his son were present -
Having addressd the chiefs, and returned them thanks for their good behaviour from the time of their leaving Detroit, I observ'd that when I lookd round, I saw but two strange faces, that there were but two men in the council to whom I had not held out my hand, that their imprudent conduct was the cause, and that unles they alterd their sentiments I never should consider them but as links broken off from the chain with which I had bound all my children - I reproached them with their conduct in regard to Lord Dunmore's grant, & told them how I had acted at Ouiattanon -223
Egushewai rose afterwards and advised them to open their ears, and pay attention to what I said, as I spoke the sentiments of all present, thankd me for endeavoring to bring them to their understanding, told them that the lands in question reverted to its former state and owners, expressed his thankfullness to the King, for sending one among them who endeavored to unite them all in one interest, and concluded by advising them not only to listen to, but remember for a long time what they heard this day, took them both by the hand, desiring them to be strong, & think upon what ground they stood -
Necaquongai or the petit Gris exhorted them to think upon
God above, and be wise - Pacane advised them to pay attention to what had been said. Quoiquipinang told them that all the chiefs present had no other sentiments on this subject than their father - Dawatong desired them to swallow down the words they had just heard, and keep them near their hearts -
The young Tobacco then rose up and said, I thank you all for what I have this day heard, I have not lost a syllable, You are yourselves to blame you chiefs, you have 'till now been afraid to come thus far from your homes to encourage me, I was dismayed being so inconsiderable as I am and without advice or support, I am but a young man; When the Rebels came into the country I was alarmed, what I have done was from a sense of my own weakness; Why should I use many words, I am glad to join my hand with yours, and to shew my father I am sincere I will put into his hands what was given me by a King or great chief -
He then gave me some certificates of different dates, of his good behaviour to the white people, signed by English French and Spanish commanders at different posts.
I told him I was well pleased at his proceeding, that I felt my heart in its right place, since he gave me room to think his professions were sincere &.ca-
Lieutenant Schieffelin returned, without any intelligence. In the evening sent down Lieutenant Chabert and Mr. F. Maisonville with 13 men to stop any craft that might pass the mouth of the Ouabache with supplies to the rebel posts -
wrote to Monsieur de Rocheblave to inform him that I should endeavor at effecting his exchange for Captain Helm -
21st. Nothing extraordinary.
22d. Called the Chiefs together to consult about sending off scouting parties to the rivers mouth, to the falls of Ohio, and to Kaskaskias - They said they would consider of it, and give me an answer - This day made a small magazine in the fort coverd with raw hides.
Seven Shawanese came in from their wintering ground on white River, where was an encapment of 40 of them.
23d. Sent for Wyndeego the Pouteouattamie Chief, and proposed his going to the Ilinois with Belts &ca found him as docile as I could wish. Spoke with Kissingua about his undertaking
go to the River's mouth tho the weather be very severe -
Several of the Indians came this day for provision and powder being on their return to their respective Villages -
A dispute happend yesterday between the Chippoweys and Ottawas, but had no issue -
24th. Sent off Lieutenant Schieffelin with 7 men in a Pirogue at the same time Egushewai with some Ottawas, and Canadians with Pierrot Chesne in all 30, to the river's mouth to watch for rebel or other boats, In the Evening one la Tour who had been on the Ohio, and was returning from his hunting was sent to me by Lt. Shieffelin with the information that the Cherakees with some Ottawas, Shawanese and Delawares were assembled at the mouth of the Cherakee river,224 with design to intercept any of the Rebel boats going down or coming up the Mississipi -
Sent off Lieutenant de Quindre, with the old Raccoon Wabangay, and Methusaagay's son with 16 Indians, to lay upon the road to Kaskaskias, to intercept any Straglers, they returnd at 6 in the Evening, bringing in two prisoners one a Piedmontese named Vigaud,225 the other a Canadian trader one Renaud with letters from the Ilinois which contained nothing material -
This day some Ouiattanon Indians came to me requesting that they might be permitted to cut a lock of hair off the head of one of the Virginian prisoners taken in the fort, to be placed in the Reliquaire of their Natte or Budgett - being granted they performed the ceremony with much gravity, and each present shook the prisoner by the hand -
I made a present of a pound of Vermilion to a Warrior of the Ouiattanon nation called great Eyes, which was highly acceptable - One of the speakers of the nation said to me, Father you have judged well, that man and all his progenitors have been eaters of men, when he goes to war, he rubs his mouth with vermillion that he may inspire those who see him with horror, you could not have made him a greater present - Whether the meat be green or stale, he can eat it -
I told them I endeavored all I could to give understanding to my children, that those who heard me every day had learned to abstain from cruel actions, that none but men with arms in their hands were proper objects of the warrior's resentment, that
the Americans, that they were billeted upon the inhabitants, and squandered at large thro' the settlement -
26th. Two Delawares came in from the white river who reported that a Chickasaa and a Delaware with two Ottawas went lately to the Shawanese and Delawares, with belts from the Chickasaas and Cherokees by which they desired them to forget former animosities, that they might act strenuously in concert against the Rebels - that the Southern Indians were assembled at the Chickasaa river, being invited by an Officer in the King's service to oppose the rebels, and keep the Mississipy clear of their boats &ca.-228 That in three months they were to proceed to Kaskasquias and St. Vincennes, turn out the Rebels and their abettors -. They said further that the messengers were to have returned in 30 days, but had been now absent 40 - that the Kings troops had dispossessed the Rebels of some settlement they had had possession of on the Mississipi -
I assembled all the chiefs, and related these circumstances to them, as also the purport of Kissingua's errand. -
27th. A party of 5 Quiquaboes went on a Scout towards Kaskasquias.
The deaf man a Peankashaa chief with some of his nation, presented me a string of white Wampum painted green, representing the river Ouabache, which should be always free from all impediments for me and my children (meaning the Lake Indians). Also a string of blue Wampum requesting me to have pity upon their wives and Children, the usual way of begging provisions, cloathing, powder &ca
Wyndeego returnd with a prisoner taken on the road to Kaskasquias but who could not give any information worth notice -
This day some of the inhabitants who had been absent at their Buffaloe hunting when we arrived, took the oath of Allegiance to the number of 40. -
Two hundred and fifty Men, Inhabitants of the Post appeared under Arms this day on the Parade -
The Powder was brought into the new magazine in the Fort, as well what belonged to the King, as that of private persons, which was only deliverd to those who went to hunt Buffaloe for their winter provision - notwithstanding the most diligent
search made, & a heavy fine laid upon any who should secret Gunpowder, we afterwards found that they contrived to hide it effectually and employ it when occasion offerrd -
28th. Finished a Barrack for 50 men - At work sinking a Well. Completed a Guard house near the Gate.
A Warparty of Ouiattanons (the petite face at their head) 19 in number desired to go on a decouverte to Kaskasquias and that Charles Baubin should go along with them -
Others came desiring leave to return to their own homes - The Grand Sioux was of this number, who said he professed a different religion from the rest, that he worshipp'd the malignant Spirit (The God of War) that as he had not his Natte with him he could not go against the enemy, for not having his Guardian Manitou with him, he was apprehensive that the good and great Spirit might take advantage of it, and destroy him -
At night gave Baubin a letter for Janis at Kaskasquias, and Hypolite Baulon (interpreter to the Ouiattanons another for Monsieur Cerré, with a placart addressed to the inhabitants of the Ilinois -
The Commissary purchased by order, 30 carcasses of Buffaloe salted at 10 Sols the pound -
Three Messieurs De Quindre Lieutenants in the Indian department desired leave to return to Detroit, I told them that when I engaged them to enter into the Service, I had wished to benefit them as well as the King's service, but since they did not find their account in it, they were at liberty to return, and that I would furnish them with certificates for their pay -
As no cause of discontent had been given 'twas not till some time after I had cause for accounting for this request -
Orderd a recencement of the inhabitants to be taken by Messrs: Bellefeuille and Montbrun -
29th. The following returns were prepared to be sent to the Commander in Chief - Of Effectives - Of the Militia of St. Vincennes, Of Stores &ca found in the fort - A plan of the fort - Copies, of Captain Helm's letter to Colonel Clark, of the placart, and of the Oath tenderd to the Inhabitants of the post - Prices of provisions -229 &ca--
Gave the de Quindres their certificates -
30th. The Grande Coete (great Queue) principal Chief of the Peankashaas arrived with 35 followers on horseback -
31st. Finding a dissatisfaction prevail among the Militia from Detroit, which I could only attribute to the management of some persons who should have acted a far different part, I determined to gratify them by dismissing them which I did giving them certificates for their pay to the 24th. January, and ten days provision to last them to the Miamis - kept the arms of one half; and allowed arms to the remainder for their security in passing thro' the Indian Villages - Went this day to the little river230 to examine the state of a Sawmill, and a grist mill on this stream - The former is so stationed as to be unserviceable when the Ouabache rises as it did this winter, the latter is but poorly secured against Land floods -
Took down two billiard tables in the Village - Sent off the packets with letters for the Commander in Chief,231 Govr: Cramahé, Captain Lernoult & Mr: Macomb at Detroit.
1779 January 1st. The Savages as is usual on the first day of the year, came to make their compliment discharging their pieces at the Gate of the Fort, I went out to give my hand to the Chiefs, when Sastaharitze the Chief of the Wyndatts spoke for the rest, wishing the great spirit might prosper all our undertakings[,] saluted the King of England and his children, and having received the accustomed present of some rum and Tobacco, went away and behaved very quietly & soberly, not so the drunken thoughtless inhabitants of the Village -
The Militia Officers came also in compliment, I told them I hoped they would maintain order and subordination among the inhabitants, that they should be supported in their Authority, and disobedience punished with severity -
From their conversation I found that the attempts of the most reasonable among them to encourage order, decency, or the education of children, were frustrated, or ridiculed by the indolent vicious ignorant inhabitants - It must be observed that diligence and industry would speedily pay themselves in this Country, very extensive meadows supply abundance of pasture for Cattle in Summer, the hay is sweet and strong, and their Cattle could
to cry out Long live the Congress - In this he was followed by all persons, the King's colour were delivered to the Priest, who carryed them to Colonel Clarke then at Kaskasquias -233
5th. The Piankashaà chief Grande Coète came to me this Morning to explain his situation - This man had been at Detroit, and was very well treated, came away perfectly satisfyed - indeed his manner and behaviour entitled him to notice, With very good sense and a very modest behaviour, he was perfectly sober, never touching spirituous liquors, and more from complaisance than liking tasting even wine - he had a manly openness of Character & was highly esteemd by his own people - This man told me that he had not listend to the Rebels from inclination, but that having heard that Detroit was for a certainty in their hands, he had no resource for ammunition etca. but from the Americans -
//Had the French inhabitants chose to have set this man right in that point, it was easily to be done, but probably they were the first to impose on him -//
He said he had been at Ouiattanon with Captain Helm from whence he should have proceeded to the Miamis to know the truth of the report, but the Chiefs at Ouiattanon dissuaded him - //This was probably the doings of Monsieur de Celoron// - Some Delawares came in from White River, and confirmd the accounts formerly given of the assemblying at Cherakee river -234
6th. A young Saqui came to ask for a War Axe, saying he never went to war without doing something - He received one and presented it to the Young Tobacco, who sharpend it for him, that is he took it from him, sung the War song & danced, then returned it. -
The Carpenters were employed in framing a Barrack 40 feet long by 18 - 6 men in digging the Well - The inhabitants in squaring oak logs for the Blockhouses -
7th. The Well sunk to the level of the water.
8th. Nothing extraordinary -
9th. A young Peankashaa of Baubin's party, returnd with a Prisoner, by the name Jean l'oignon who had been engaged to bring letters from Kaskasquias - the prisoner was almost
only directed them to go to the falls to see if the roads were clear (that is to report if the Enemy had any parties out) therefore he was averse from going in search of men to kill - that he himself would pass on to the Shawanese Towns and inform his people what had passed since he left them -
Young Tobacco came to take leave -
Three of the inhabitants (by name Boucher) who had been refractory and refused to do their Corvée, and who therefore had been kept to hard work in the Fort, were this day sent to their homes having promised to behave better in future, and taking the oath of Allegiance -
17th. Nothing extraordinary -
18th. The Captains of Militia set up their Poles - The Militia appeard under arms, being divided into three Companies according to their Districts -
A new Union flag was hoisted, and a royal salute fired in honor of her Majesty, our gracious Queen -
The Officers dined together in the Fort, and kept the festival in the best manner possible - Taffia -
19th. The Wyandatts expressed their desire of returning - I told them I should lay no restraint upon them, but thought they would be in the right to wait the return of the parties which had been sent out, and the arrival of the Delawares, who had the speeches of the Chickasaas -
They expressed their desire that Mr : Reaume should go with them, I said he was at his own disposal - he chose to stay
Sent off a small party of Ottawas and Chippoweys with provision and Tobacco to meet the parties from Kaskasquias, and lend them assistance if wanted -
20th. Pacane came to take leave with his young men, saying he should return to me in the Spring by the way of the falls of Ohio -
Wabangai and his brother also who were to go to the Patte de Dinde,238 and to return by the way of the falls by the time the maple juice should have done running -
The old Tobacco came on a visit and said the Delawares had told him that in the course of this moon, the Chaktaas Chickasaas, Cherakees, and Alibamas would come, part to St. Vin-
cennes to take the Ouabache Indians by the hand
Some to go against the Rebels at the Ilinois, and some to assist the Shawanese upon the frontier -
from him I learnt that the Piankashaas are but lately settled in this neighbourhood, having formerly been a wandering nation - that before their coming to the Southward they had been stationed near the Patócas, commonly stiled Padoucas in the Maps a nation inhabiting the country 700, or 800 Miles from the mouth of the river Misouri to the N. W.
Mr: Elliott came to desire to leave to go to the Shawanese Towns and from thence toward Fort Pitt, to procure intelligence, as he had not succeeded in a former attempt -
Old Reaume a Miami of Eel river came to take leave, He said, Father, we have followed you to this place, on our march, God has been good to us, we have not lost a man either by the enemy, or by sickness - We have eaten up a deal of your provision, we have wanted for nothing, should we return to our villages as fat as you now see us, we should be ashamed to be seen, but we mean to take a circuit on our return, as we may possibly fall on the track of an enemy, by which means we may be something thinner on our arrival -
Our Women and children could not have subsisted in the Winter season unless some men had stayed to hunt for them, but in the Summer they do not need their help, we shall therefore on our return tell our men not to grow too fat, and we that go off tomorrow mean to return also
You may expect to hear from us soon -
21st. Nothing extraordinary -
22d. Hypolite Baulon returned from Kaskasquias, and with him the Ottawas and Chippoweys sent to meet Egushewai - He reported that he had tenderd the papers I had sent by him, but that they were not received - That Egushewai was near having taken Colonel Clarke on his way to Cahokia - that a Delaware of Egushewai's party having got into Kaskasquias, had been closely questioned as to his errand, but had kept his council - That the Rebels had known nothing of our arrival, till the appearance of the scouting parties at the Kaskasquias -
23d. Lieutenant DuVernet of the Artillery came to tell me
might, but Michimunduck was the only one they invited -
This day all the timber and scantling for one of the Blockhouses was finished and ready for raising -
The new barrack was clapboarded - A Corvée of 30 of the inhabitants was orderd to go to the Miamis, under the direction of the Commissary with ten Pirogues to bring down Provision -
Captain McLeod, Lieutt. St. Cosme, & Charles Baubien had leave to return at their own requests -
28th Two Delawares, A Shawanese, and four Piankashaas, went off to the salt lick above the falls of Ohio on a Scout -
The East Blockhouse was raised -
Eshkibee a Pouteouattamie chief, returnd from hunting he had design'd to have crossed the Ohio to make a Prisoner, but the Spring was not sufficiently advanced for him to bark a tree for making a canoe, so he was obliged to give up any thought of it, he said however, that as he had voluntarily come with me from Detroit, he should not return 'till I did, that he had now made himself acquainted with the Country and should shortly set off again for the Ohio -
29th The different tribes of Savages met at the fort, when the little face rose up, and expressed his satisfaction at the Message deliverd by the Shawanese from the Creek Indians - The Grande Coète then took me by the hand, saying that in so doing he took all his brethren the Indians by the hand, as they were now all united and had but one Father to look up to, he then presented six strings of black and white wampum with a small scalp, saying his brethren of different nations had often presented him with the like, that he followed their example, having heartily joined them, and presented me with that piece of dried meat, as a proof -
He then presented a pipe of peace, in which all present smoaked the Creek Tobacco, he said he was well pleased at finding a road was now opened between them and the Ouiattanons, that he should promote to the best of his power a firm alliance between the two nations, and act in concert with them -
The little face then gave the Creek belt to Nicaquongai saying that he being of a nation who lived nearer to the Lake Indians than himself, it was proper he should forward it to them -
Nicaquongai made the same speech to the Ottawas and deliverd the belt to them, desiring them to show it to their Allies -241
I thanked them for their attention to the advice they received from time to time, and applauded their unanimity -
Told them I should acquaint their father at Quebec of it, as well as the six nations, and that Methusaagai should take the speech of the Grande Coete with him to Detroit where it should remain till my return -
30th A Chief of the Peoria nation arrived with six of his followers, spoke highly in favor of the English, and professed his regard for Captain Lord who had commanded at the Ilinois - mentioned the distress of his people for cloathing & ca.- They were well received and the Chief gave up a french Medal of L. 15. in lieu of one on the G. 3d -242
A three pounder mounted in the E. Blockhouse - The Chippoweys set out for their homes -
31st Eshkibee presented himself with 10 warriors, & begg'd to have three white persons with him as he meant to go on a scouting party to the falls of Ohio -
Lt. Bondi of the Indian department, Raimbault and Dumai were orderd to accompany them -243
A Shawanese asked for Barblet Searsy This man had been taken prisoner by the Indians and carried to Detroit where he engaged with a Silver Smith & had a Dollar per day wages besides his board & lodging - after some time he took the oath of allegiance & enlisted with the Volunteers being an able active man and a very good marksman - on this occasion he deserted I shall have occasion to mention him hereafter -
Egushewai and Chamintawa offerd themselves to go to Kaskasquias on a scout, The Peoria chief was present, who declared his intention to act in concert with his brethren being sensible the English alone were able to provide for the Indians, as he saw the Americans had not cloathing for themselves -
At 4 p.m. Mr. Adhamar the commissary of provisions, took up ten pirogues & set off for the Miamis for the stores and provisions which were lodged there -
Captain McLeod, Lts. DuVernet & St Cosme, and Mr. Jonathan Schieffelin a Volunteer -
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