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.
Instructions Given to Pean
(May 9, 1754)
Du Quesne, in: Contrecoeur Papers,
Archives du Seminaire de Quebec,
Fonds Viger-Verreau,
1:20 1/2.
INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN TO PEAN
(ASQ V-V I:20 1/2)
Continuation of the instructions given to Sieur Pean on June 26, 1753
Sieur Pean will comply with the first instructions which we gave him for the cases to which they relate.
Should he learn upon his arrival at Niagara that M. de Contrecoeur has found superior forces which have obliged him to fall back, he will make all possible haste to join that commanding officer, if he has thought that an increase in the forces might drive the English away from places they might have occupied. It would then be necessary to make the most vigorous attempts to repulse force by force. And if M. de Contrecoeur foresaw that, with all his troops together, it would not be possible to drive the English from the Belle Riviere, he would so notify Sieur Pean, who would then continue his journey to Detroit, unless Sieur de Contrecoeur ordered him to come and help in the construction of his fort.
Once the fort were constructed, Sieur Pean would return to Presqu'Isle to take the canoes for his trip to Detroit and Missilimakinac, and he would reinforce the garrisons of the forts of Riviere au Boeuf and Presqu'Isle as much as he will deem it necessary and in proportion to the supplies which he will be able to leave with them.
If, on the contrary, he learns that Sieur de Contrecoeur has met no opposition in establishing himself at Chiningue, we order him to go by way of Chatakoin and allow him freedom of choice in case he thinks advisable to send part of his detachment by way of the lower part of Riviere au Boeuf if there be any pirogues returned. This manner of reinforcing Sieur de Contrecoeur's detachment would be extremely agreeable to us because of the impression it would make on the savages when they see troops coming from all directions. In that event, upon leaving Chatakoin, he will send his canoes to Detroit so that Sieur Demuy can dispose of them according to the orders we have given him in that regard.
When Sieur Pean reaches Chiningue, if Sieur de Contrecoeur thinks it advisable, he will put his troops to work strengthening the establishment of the fort and, if necessary, enlarging it, in order to take care of as many as two hundred men in garrison for an entire year, provided that it causes no inconvenience in the matter of supplies.
When this fort is entirely finished or in the final stages of completion by its garrison, Sieur Pean, who will have had all the time to be instructed by skilled and trustworthy men on what is happening on the Belle Riviere, will continue the route we prescribed for him, to the Riviere a la Roche.
In case he found on his way some English establishments not farther than six leagues from the river, he would call on them to retire, would give the plunder to the savages and destroy these settlements (if he thought that such an operation did not prevent him from accomplishing his mission).*
And if he encountered on his road a fort which was solidly established and which he did not think he could destroy, he would still call on them to withdraw by notifying them that this river belonged to us incontestably. And if he saw that he could not repulse force with force, he would continue on his way and proceed with all necessary precautions.
After arriving at the Riviere a la Roche, Sieur Pean will get rid of all his sick men and embark them under the escort of the missionary who is going to the Tamarois, in order the make the portage more quickly. He will go up that river as far as he can, after which he will have all his pirogues burned and will proceed to the post of the Miamis where he will stop as long as he will think it necessary, to hold council with the savages either there or nearby.
If as a result of the measures we have taken, the Peanguichias were there to ask forgiveness, he should take his time about it and will act in such a way as to get the murderers to whom he will grant mercy in the accustomed manner and if they do not surrender to him, he will make them promise to bring them to us at Montreal.
On leaving Miamis, Sieur Pean will go to Detroit where he will remain as long as circumstances demand, after which he will proceed to Missilimakinac with a picked detachment of seven or eight hundred men and will send the rest to Niagara, to go from there to Montreal.
After staying at Missilimakinac for six days at the most, Sieur Pean will return to Montreal by way of the Grande Riviere.
On his way Sieur Pean will stop in all the Indian villages and will not fail to repeat to them that they have a father whose main concern is to assure them peace, but that he is severe to his children if they do not comply with his wishes.
We expressly recommend to Sieur Pean to inform the Tetes Plates that although I have received their speech, I will not consider them as my true children unless they approach the commandant of the Belle Riviere who has received my instructions.
As the ability and prudence of Sieur Pean are perfectly known to us, and as we are unable to foresee unexpected situations that may arise on the way, we are confident that he will act for the best under any circumstance. We are convinced of his zeal and his attachment for the service of the King and the glory of His arms.
Done in Montreal, May 9, 1754
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