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 Marin
(July 14, 1753)
Duquesne in: Contrecoeur Papers,
Archives du Seminaire de
Quebec, Fonds Viger-
Verreau 5:60-7.
DUQUESNE TO MARIN
(ASQ V-V 5:62:7)
|
Montreal, July 15, 1753. |
It is good that you should not be unsure, Sir, that Sieur de Celoron reports to me that the Hurons from his post are striking as much as they can against the Tetes Plates who are settled in the direction of Sonioto, where the English say that the Governor of Virginia, called the Big Knife, is going to exterminate the French troops, after which he will march to Detroit and seize it. I inform you of this news only not to leave you unaware of anything which reaches me, and to amuse you with the Indians bulletins which divert me very much since they seemed to be dictated by fear.
I feel indeed that I cannot refuse the peace and protection which very certainly the Ttes Plates will ask for, in spite of the advantage there would be in having this very numerous tribe devoured by our allies who are ravaging them from all sides. This position would be much more agreeable to me than having to fear that it would form some league against us. But after weighing our true interest, I come back still to the orders given me, which definitely consist in playing the role of Mediator, peacemaker, and of leaving all the Indians under your command entirely free to make use of their peltry as it may seem good to them; likewise to hold out a hand to them when they come to you.
I order you, Sir, to inform all our posts which are near you, and not only those under your command but even at Detroit, at the 8yats, at the Miamis, and at St. Joseph, of the protection which you will have occasion to grant for me, so that no once can claim ignorance; and that you can assure the Indians to whom you make promises, that they may be very certain that I have given orders in accordance; but that I cannot answer for the submission of the thoughtless young men, and that they ought to be assured that I shall receive them badly if they fall into the position of similar disobedience.
You will please, Sir, give a collated copy of the passage of this
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