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.
Conrad Weiser
to Richard Peters
(Heidelberg, May 19, 1755)
Weiser, Conrad in: Pennsylvania
Archives, first series, Vol. II,
pp. 318-319.
My Son Sammy, is coming to you with two Indian Boys, the Sons of Jonathan Gayienquiligoa, a noted Mohawk, that can read and write in his Language, well-known to you; he is Poor, and Prays that you, with the Gentlemen Managers of the Academy, will teach them to Read and Write in English, and to provide Necessaries of Life for them, during their Stay in Philadelphia, which will be as long as it will require Time to teach them. That the biggest of them is a very Intelligiable Boy, and good-natured; the other is not so, but more of an Indian, and something cross, as his Father says. If you could prevail with Mr. Heintzelmann, my Son-in-Law, for a few weeks to Bord with him, it would be agreeable to the Lads, because my Daughter is somewhat used to the Indians, and understands here and there a Word; then afterwards, you can put them where you Please. The bigest, his Name is Jonathan, and the others Name is Philip. I believe their Father will let them stay long enough to learn the English to Perfection, provided, proper Care is taken of them, which I hope, wont be wanting.
Jonathan wanted me to go to Philadelphia with the Boys, but I thought Sammy could do as well. The Indians on Susquehannah are Starving, and have almost nothing to Eat, because the Deers are Scarse. He thought to have had an answer before now, concerning their Petition to the Governor for some Provision, and the Fencing in of a Corn Field.
French Margret, with some of her Family, is gone to the English Camp in Virginia, and her Son Nicklaus is gone to Ohio, to the French Fort. I suppose they want to join the strongest Party, and are gone for Information. The Indians that are with the French on Ohio, are chiefly Anakunkis, Neighbours to New England, and (page 319) neither they, nor the Rest, (I can't learn their Number), will be true to the French, as they give out to our Indians. The other Indians on Ohio, think our Troops march too slow. They say they will be glad to see the French drove away from Ohio. This Report was brought by one of Jonathans Sons, from Ohio; he was not in the French Fort; he was afraid of coming nigh it, but the Indians thereabout have told him so.
I wrote to the Governor last week about the Indians Petition; I hope he has received my Letter. The Indians should have an answer. What can I say to them without having it from the Governor or Assembly? and they are continually plagueing me for an answer, which I hope you will send, if you can, by this opportunity. I have nothing to add, but am,
|
Sir, |
Heidelberg, May the 19th, 1755.
P. S.- Tachnechdorus, sent word by Jonathan for me to Come up to Shomockin, that the Indians had something of Importance to lay before me.
I understood since, by Jonathan, that several messages had arrived at Otsuacky, from the English army or Virginia, (as was said), with strengs of Wampum to forwarn the Indians on Susquehana, not to Come nigh the army, for fear of being taken for French Indians, and to stay where they are.
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