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.
Lewis Evans: An Analysis of a
General Map of the Middle
British Colonies
(Due to length divided here into two parts)
In: Gipson, Lawrence Henry, Lewis
Evans, Philadelphia: The
Historical
Society of Pennsylvania, 1939,
pp. 1 (Title), 141-176.
By
LAWRENCE HENRY GIPSON
TO WHICH IS ADDED
Evans' A Brief Account of
PENNSYLVANIA
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TOGETHER WITH FACSIMILES of HIS Geographical, Historical, Political, Philosophical, and Mechanical ESSAYS, NUMBERS I and II, wherein the author sets forth an analysis of a GENERAL MAP of the Middle British Colonies; a Description of the Country of the Confederate Indians; the several Rivers and Lakes contained therein; |
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the Importance of taking Fort Frontenac; with an ANSWER to the OBJECTIONS to those parts of Evans' General Map and ANALYSIS which relate to the sending of troops to Virginia and to the defense of the French Title to the Country on the Northwest Side of the St. Lawrence River. Also Facsimiles of Evans' Maps. |
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PHILADELPHIA:
THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA
MCMXXXIX
Geographical, Historical,
Political, Philosophical and Mechanical
E S S A Y S.
THE FIRST, CONTAINING
AN
A N A L Y S I S
Of a General MAP of the
MIDDLE BRITISH COLONIES
IN
A M E R I C A;
And of the COUNTRY of the Confederate Indians:
A DESCRIPTION of the Face of the Country;
The BOUNDARIES of the CONFEDERATES;
AND THE
Maritime and Inland NAVIGATIONS of the several RIVERS
and LAKES contained therein.
By LEWIS EVANS.
PHILADELPHIA:
Printed by B. FRANKLIN, and D. HALL, MDCCLV.
THE
P R E F A C E.
THE Map, that these Sheets accompany, and that they are intended to explain and supply, is presented to the Public, when a longer Time was indeed necessary to have given it the Degree of Correctness that was intended it. But the present Conjuncture of Affairs in America, and the generous Assistance of the Assembly of Pensilvania, have brought it to Light, when the Public will, it is hoped, receive Advantages from it, that will render an Apology for its premature Publication needless; and think it worthy the Encouragement of a BODY who devote the Public Money to the Public Service.
IT comprizes such an Extent, as is connected with that very valuable Country on the OHIO, which is not the Object of the British and French Policy, and the different Routes of both Nations thither. The Lake Ontario is equally open to both; to the one by the River St. Laurence; to the other by the Rivers Hudson, Mohocks and Seneca. But the French having, thirty Years ago, fixed themselves on the Streights of Niagara, by building Fortresses on Lands confessedly British, secured the Key on that Side to all the Country Westward. Those in Power see at last its Consequence, and are projecting the Recovery of it; and with great Judgment, for that Purpose, are establishing a naval Force on Lake Ontario, as very necessary in the Recovery and Securing of it. The Issue of this Enterprize will have great Influence on our Affairs, and of all Things it becomes the Colonies to push it on with Vigour. If they succeed here, the Remainder of the Work will be easy; and Nothing so, without it. The English have several Ways to Ohio; but far the best is by Potomack.
BY Reason of the little Acquaintance the Public has with these remoter Parts, where the Country is yet a Wilderness, and the Necessity of knowing the Ways of Travelling there, especially by Water: In the Map is pointed out the Nature of the several Streams; as where rapid, gentle or obstructed with Falls, and consequently more or less fitted for Inland Navition with Canoes, Boats or larger Vessels; and where the Portages are made at the Falls, or from one River, Creek or Lake to another. And for distinguishing the Extent of the Marine Navigation, the Places, that the Tide reaches, in the several Rivers, are pointed out. And in these Sheets, both the Marine and Inland Navigation are treated of at Length.
AS the Natures of the Soil and Streams depend upon the Elevation and Depression of the Land; I have particularly explained here the different Stages that it is divided into. It were to be wisht, that we had like Accounts of all Countries; as such would discover to us great Regularity, where an unattentive Observer would imagine there was Nothing but Confusion; and at the same Time explain the Climates, the Healthiness, the Produce and Conveniences for Habitations, Commerce and Military Expeditions, to a judicious Reader in a few Pages, better than Volumes of Remarks on Places, drawn without these Distinctions.
TO render this Map useful in Commerce, and the Ascertaining the Boundaries of Lands, the Time of High-Water, at the Full and Change of the Moon, and the Variation of the Magnetical Needle are laid down. But as these deserve particular Explanations, I have, for want of Room, concluded to treat of them at large in a separate Essay.
ALONG the Western Margin of the Map is drawn a Line representing the greatest Lengths of Days and Nights (without Allowance for the Refraction) which will assist Travellers, in forming some Judgment of the Latitude of Places, by the Help of their Watches only.
THOUGH many of these Articles are almost peculiar to the Author's Maps, they are of no less Importance than any Thing, that has yet had a Place amongst Geographers. But Want of Room in the Plate, has obliged me to leave out, what would have very much assisted my Explanation of the Face of the Country, I mean a Section of it in several Directions; such would have exhibited the Rising and Falling of the Ground, and how elevated above the Surface of the Sea; what Parts are level, what rugged; where the Mountains rise and how far they spread. Nor is this all that a perpendicular Section might be made to represent; for, as on the upper Side, the Elevations, Depressions, outer Appearances and Names of Places may be laid down; on the lower, the Nature of the Soil, Substrata and particular Fossils may be exprest. It was with Regret I was obliged to omit it. But in some future Maps of separate Colonies, I hope to be furnished with more Room.
THE present, late, and antient Seats of the original Inhabitants are expressed in the Map; and though it might be imagined that several Nations are omitted, which are mentioned by Authors, it may be remarked, that Authors, for Want of Knowledge in Indian Affairs, have taken every little Society for a Separate Nation; whereas they are not truly more in Number than I have laid down. I have been something particular in these Sheets in representing the Extent of the Country of the Confederates or Five Nations; because, whatever is such, is expresly acceded to m English by Treaty with the French.
Philadelphia
August 9, 1755.
AN
ANALYSIS
OF
A General MAP of the
MIDDLE BRITISH COLONIES,
The Country of the Confederate Indians, &c.
AS different Parts of this Map are done with very different Proportion of Exactness, Justice to the Public, requires my distinguishing the Degree of Credit every Part deserves; and to make some Recompense for the Defects of those Places, where no actual Surveys have been yet made, by giving such a Description as the Nature of the Subject will admit; which may, at this Time, be of as much Consequence as the nicest Surveys destitute of this Advantage.
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THE British Settlements are done, for the greater Part, from actual Surveys. The Latitudes of many Places taken with good Instruments, and the Longitudes of Philadelphia and Boston, observed by different Persons, and well agreeing, give a Foundation for the Projection of the Map. And as Philadelphia is a fine City, situate near the Center of the British Dominions on this Continent, and whether inferior to others in Wealth, or Number of Houses, or not, it far excels in the Progress of Letters, mechanic Arts, and the public Spirit of its Inhabitants; Reasons sufficient for paying it the particular Distinction of making it the first Meridian of America; And a Meridian here I thought the more necessary, that we may determine the Difference of the Longitude of Places by Measuration; a Method far excelling the best astronomical Observations, and as we may be led into several Errors by always reckoning from remote Meridians. Those who have only seen the Plans and Maps of this City, must be cautioned not to give any of them Credit, for it extends only on the West Side of Delaware, about a Mile and a Half in Length, and about Half a Mile in the greatest Breadth. Near the Western Extremity is the Statehouse, the Spot proposed for my Meridian to be drawn through. |
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Latitudes. Longitude of Boston and Philadelphia agree, Philadelphia made the first Meridian. |
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The Extent of the British Settlements. || C b; † C c; C d; D d |
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THE Settlements made by the English are bounded on one Side by the Ocean, and on the other by no certain Line or Distance; for in some Places they are not above 30 or 40 Miles from the Heads of Tide, and in others 150 or 200. In general, they may be considered as extended to No. 4 ||* on Connecticut River, and thence to Saretoga † on Hudson's River, and to Case's on the Mohock's River; thence back, by the Lakes , at the Head of Susquehanna, to the Head of Delaware, and thence |
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|| E d; F f |
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down the last mentioned River to the Mouth of Legheiwacksein || **; from whence to include those of Pensilvania, you cross over to Susquehanna River by the Purchase Line laid down in the Map; |
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† F h; G h; || F j & G j |
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and further along Westward, so as to include the Southern Branches of Juniata, Frank's Town †, and Ray's Town . The scattered Settlements thence to Ohio along Yoghiogani || and Monaungahela || are lately broke up by the Incroachments of the French in that Quarter. |
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H k; K l |
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Those on Green Briar and its Branches, and downward to the Fork, and thence Southward by Stahlmakers , at the Head Fork of Holston River, to the Line dividing Virginia and Carolina, complete the Line, and yet remain undisturbed. This may be supposed to include our remotest Settlements; not so much for want of People to improve and plant, but Schemes in almost every Colony to prevent them. |
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Trade much farther settled. |
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THERE have been British Subjects scattered over many Places, besides those above-mentioned, especially on Ohio, Wawyaghtas, and the Branches of Chrokee River to the West; and the Lake Ontario Northward; but they cannot with any Propriety be said to be Settlers, because they have not acquired Titles to the Soil under their King, nor cultivated the Land by Husbandry; two Things absolutely necessary to denominate a Settlement. |
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G q; G p; || H o |
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AT the Wawyghtas , the English Tawghtawi Town , Lower Shwane Town ||, and many Places on Ohio and Lake Erie, our Traders have occasionally settled a Trade, and purchased Ground for their Houses; and tho' they might not be deemed Settlers as Planters or Colonets, they may with the greatest Propriety be such as Traders. |
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Longitude computed from Philadelphia and London. |
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THE Longitude at the Top is computed from Philadelphia; at Bottom from London, according to the late Mr. THOMAS GODFREY'S Observations and my own at Philadelphia. And I was induced to give these the Preference |
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happened to see him, had not his Notes, whereby he might otherwise have rendered those Parts more perfect. But the Particulars of these and many other Articles relating to the Situation of Places, I must defer, till I deliver an Account of the several Rivers and Creeks, their Navigation, Portages and Lands thereon. |
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In Regard to the Boundaries of the Colonies, I have inserted those established by Authority, and left the rest undetermined. But I must not omit observing, that though the Line between the upper Part of New-Jersey and New-York, is not settled, the Station Point in Latitude 41:40, on the only Branch of Delaware in that Latitude, was settled by Commissioners and Mathematicians, appointed by Acts of Assembly of both Provinces, and certified under their Hands and Seals, in 1719. But the Determination of the other End, on Hudson's River, in Latitude 40, by Reason of a Difference of four Minutes in some Observations made with the Instrument, was suspended till a more accurate One could be procured. The Southern Boundaries of Pensilvania, and those of Delaware Colony, are according to a late Decree in Chancery; but how far Pensilvania extends Northward is not yet settled, but I am convinced the Patent intended it at Latitude 43, though it calls it the Beginning of the 43d Degree. But the Disputes about Plantation Boundaries I have determined to reserve for another Place. |
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Boundaries of Colonies. Between New-York & New Jersey. of Pensilvania and Delaware. |
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I HAVE not Room here to enlarge on the State of the INDIANS, nor describe their several Boundaries. But it must be observed, that they do not generally bound their Countries by Lines, but by considerable Extents of Land. For as their Numbers are not considerable in Proportion of the Lands they possess, they fix their Towns commonly on the Edges of great Rivers for the Sake of the rich Lawns to sow their Corn in. The intermediate Ground they reserve for their Hunting, which equally serves for that Purpose and a Frontier: For Example; The Confederates*** actual Settlements were bounded Northward by the Cloven Rock and Regiogue Point, on Lake Champlain; the Raarondacks were bounded by the further Side of St. Laurence River; and all the intermediate Ground reserved for a Frontier between them. |
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Indian Affairs. The Bounds of the Country of the Confederation, towards Canada. |
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THE Bounds of the Confederates Land on that Side is still the same. And as it may be Matter of Enquiry at this Time, I shall, as well as I am able, in a little Compass, give the same on the other Sides, as far as can be learnt with Certainty; but shall not regard the Purchases made by the English, but their old Boundaries only on this Side. They formerly included the Branches of Otter Creek and Wood Creek ||, and thence across to Hudson's River, and down the same on the West Side to the Kaats Kill ; for the Mohiccans then occupied the East Side of Hudson's River, |
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|| C b; D c |
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but as the Confederates have since conquered them, they claim a Dominion Eastward to Connecticut River. The Lenne Lenoppes || they entirely subdued, whom we usually call the Delaware and Minnesink Indians; they have therefore a Right to their Country as far as was not sold by the Conquered, before their Subjection; which was from the Sea to the Falls of Delaware at Trenton , to |
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They conquered
the Mohiccons, and Delwares. |
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||F f |
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PETER MENEVET, Commandant under CHRISTINA, Queen of Sweden. Their Boundary extended thence Westward to the great Falls of Susquehanna ||, near the Mouth of Conewga Creek; For though they gave the finishing Stroke to the Extermination of the Susquehannocks, BELL, in the Service of Mariland, at the Fort, whose Remains are still standing on the East Side of Susquehanna, about three Miles below Wright's Ferry, by the Defeat of many Hundreds, had given them a Blow that they never recovered of; and for that Reason the Confederates never claimed but to the Conewaga Falls. And as the Susquehannocks had abandoned the Western Shore of Mariland, before their Conquest, and the English found it mostly derelict, |
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|| G g |
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the Confederates confine their Claim to the Northward of a Line drawn form Conewaga Falls to the North Mountain, where it crosses Potomack ||, and thence, by that Chain of Mountains, to the Branches of James River. The Indians between this Chain and Potomack were the Sachdagughs , whom the English called Powatans, after a noted Chief of that Name, on their |
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||I f |
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first Arrival in James River, and were of as many Tribes and Societies, and of as many Names, as there were Creeks and Rivers from James Town ||, to the Great Bent of Potomack ; and as these were subdued by the English, the Confederates claim no Right to that Part of Virginia. |
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||I j |
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The Monecans or Tuscarras ||, divided also into many Tribes, occupied the Branches of James River from the Falls upwards, and the Country thence Southward. Some of these the Virginians obliged to desert their Country, and retire further Southward; and took away some Lands, confirmed by solemn Treaties, from others, who are since received into the Country of the Confederates for Protection. And tho' the Confederates lay no Claim to these Parts in Right of the Tuscoaroras, who form one Nation of the Confederacy, because they have been obliged by the Force of Arms to abandon it; they are not so well satisfied in Regard to the Lands of the Tuteloes and Meherins, who are other Tribes, and received into their Protection; from whence the Boundary here is not so certain. |
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To the Southward. |
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THEIR Boundaries, from hence Westward, is not so exactly ascertained, as with the English; because they have generally maintained a doubtful War with the Cherokees and Cuttawas**** on this Side; and tho' these have in general been compelled to retire more Southerly than they were formerly seated; yet the positive Right of the Confederates does not extend beyond the Latitude 36o on the Branches of Holston or Cherokee River. Though the English have lately settled thereabouts, and the Country had not any Indian Settlers, the Confederates claim a Right there in Virtue of having acquired it by Arms from the former Inhabitants. |
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Shawanese
conquered. |
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THE Shwanese, who were formerly one of the most considerable Nations of these Parts of America, whose Seat extended from Kentucke ||, South Westward to Missisippi, have been subdued by the Confederates, |
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||G o |
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and the Country since become their Property. No Nation held out with greater Resolution and Bravery; and though they have been scattered into all Parts for a while, they are again collected on Ohio ||, under the Dominion of the Con- (page 157) federates, which they bear with great Reluctance; though all that is required of them is to acknowledge the others as braver Men, and partake of their protection. |
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* The Letters in the Margin point out a ready Way of finding a Place in the Map. In the East Margin is a Row of Capitals; at Top, another of small Letters, in each Degree of Latitude and Longitude. Carry your Eye from the Capital Westward till you come into the Square, under the small Letter, and there you will find the Place referred to.
** In the Letter-press Printing I am obliged, for want of proper Characters, to substitute gh in the Indians Words to express a certain Sound that the Italians, French and English are destitute of; and that other modern Nations, who have it, are not agreed to express by any settled Character. The Hollanders use g, the Irish gh, the Welch and Germans ch. In the Engraving, I have revived the antient Greek Character which was used to express the same Sound.
*** (*, p. 155) Otherwise called Iroquois, Five Nations, Six Nations, Minques and Mingoes.
**** (*, p. 156) Chicasaws.
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