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.
Duquesne to Rouille
(October 27, 1753)
Duquesne in: Archives Nationales,
Ministere des Colonies, C11A
99:39-44 and in Pease and
Jenison, French Series,
III, pp. 838-843.
pp. 838, 839, 840, 841, 842, 843.
MONSEIGNEUR:
Of all the Indian councils which I have held with the tribes who have come down from the upcountry during my sojourn at Montreal, I perceive none but those of the Chippewa of Chequamegon and of the rebel Miamis which are worthy of being sent you.
You will see, Monseigneur, in the first that the greatest part of that tribe was opposed to bringing me the murderer whom I had demanded of them and that all the chiefs who are attached to the French nation came to offer their bodies in his place. I answered them, as you will see, that I wished to be obeyed without delay next spring.
I also had reason to be satisfied with the Miami who chose as their orator the Indian of the tribe who had been the most rebellious and the most set on attacking us. They appeared to me to repent much of having drawn on themselves the disfavor of their father. They promised me that in submission to his will they would never stain the earth with blood save on his order. I attach as much weight to this promise, Monseigneur, as one can attach to that of an Indian since I know beyond doubt that they had no desire to come to Montreal and that their fear lest the detachment of M. Marin should fall on them to destroy them led them to this step.
The Chippewas of Mackinac have not been less susceptible to alarm than the Miami; the proof is that for two years after they had killed a Frenchman, they had obstinately refused to bring the murderers, and I was much surprised that at my first order I saw them arrive, bound, and with ropes around their necks, to place their bodies at my disposal. I can truly tell you, Monseigneur, that I handled them in such a fashion as to give them all a fright lest I should make an example of them; and in pardoning them I signified to them that I would have recourse to no one else in destroying them utterly; they should not be ignorant that I walked on the ice and in the forests in time of peace, so what would I not do it if were a question of going to chastise some of my children?
I have had much satisfaction, Monseigneur, in seeing tremble before me all the Indians who came down this year. Most of them met our bateaux and canoes which carried troops and provisions, and they told me that they recognized my power since (page 841) the French covered the lakes and the river in such fashion that they held each other by the hand from Presqu'Isle to Montreal. I replied to them coolly that being occupied only in making plain the paths and in procuring peace and tranquillity to my children I was marching with no more than enough force to exterminate those who might be bold enough to oppose my will and that I should receive favourably those who submit to it.
Without having seen it, Monseigneur, it would be difficult to believe the prodigious effect which this troop movement has had on all the Indians in general. They have become as one might say so docile as to be distrusted, which proves to me clearly the necessity of taking the field without having recourse to them.
Having been forewarned that at the arrival of a new father it was customary for all the Indians to come and see me, I wrote to the commandants of the posts to permit only the chiefs of each tribe to come down and that they would suffice to represent their (page 842) villages; but to no purpose; they opposed this because their young men wished to follow, and they brought me their wives and their children. This eagerness which has no other end than to get the customary presents and provisions which one cannot avoid giving costs the king tremendously because in this first visit it is necessary to give to an extraordinary degree.
However I think I have saved a good deal from the short sojourn which they made at Montreal as I already had the honor to tell you, as well as by some barrels of brandy which so dazzled them that I had no complaints of what I had retrenched on the various goods that I had given them.
The late M. le Marquis de la Jonquiere had promised many medals to new chiefs of the different tribes. Since I have not found enough here to satisfy the promises of that general, I beg you, Monseigneur, to be good enough to send me twenty-four of the large and twelve of the small to free me from these beggars who do not cease to make me despair.
I am not at all of the opinion what medals should be multiplied beyond a certain point because then this badge of honor would not flatter them so much; I will give this all my attention.
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I am with a profound respect, Monseigneur, |
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Your very humble and very obedient servant, |
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DUQUESNE |
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