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.
Bouquet to Monckton
(Presqu'Isle, Sept. 3, 1760)
Bouquet, Henry in: Aspinwall Papers,
Coll. of the Mass. Hist. Soc.,
vol. IX, 4th series,
pp. 312-313.
SAME TO MONCKTON
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PRESQU'ISLE 3d September, 1760. |
SIR,
As the Pack Horses were going back yesterday the advanced Party of the Escort was fired upon from an ambuscade of French and Indians, one was killed and the Enemy falling upon them took three Virginians Prisoners, but as they were tying them Capt Mc Neil who was in the Rear of all came up, and firing upon the Enemy made them abandon the three Prisoners & run in the Thicket, leaving some of their Blankets, Tomahawks &c., behind them. This was about two miles from the Camp; at the first Notice I sent a Reinforcement to Capt Mc Neil, but the Enemy did not appear again.
The Bearer, one of the Delaware Indians came at that time to us and said that hunting his Horse he had been taken by two Taways and a frenchman, who threatened to scalp him if he did offer to leave them, and give us any Intelligence till they had done their business. The Taways (i.e. Ottaways) told him that there was a large Party of French coming from Detroit to take this Post. During the Skirmish he made his Escape.
Captain Mc Neil being come back with the Pack Horses we found besides the man killed, two more missing Moxon servant to Mr Lawson, with all his masters Baggage and another Virginia Soldier Barton, who in the attack run both in the Woods, and have not been heard of since, tho' I sent Parties to look for them.
I engaged five Western Indians to follow the Enemy, and if possible bring a Prisoner, they have had three of their own Horses taken, which made them eager to overtake the Party, and they can speak to them without danger.
Some men coming . . . . (illeg. copy) were also fired upon . . . . (illeg. copy) this morning having . . . . (illeg. copy) -noitre along the shore, he reports that he has seen some Canoes & men in the Peninsula. The Grass guard being in a Redout is in no danger from a small Party.
By the several Reports of the Indians & our People it seems that the Enemy had more men than what we saw. I can not know the truth till the Indians return, as by the Detachment to Niagara & the Peninsula, I am too weak to venture a Party out (except some Hunters) the Woods being so full of Brushes and fallen Trees as to be nearly impracticable, and much better known to the Enemies than to us.
I shall reinforce the Escort of the Pack Horses as far as Le Boeuf, and inform you of what happens hereafter.
If Pensilvania Troops were to be left here, they will want proper Bullets for their Fusees, which our Cartridges don't fit.
I wish we could have some trusty Indians to scout hereabout, as I can have no dependence upon the raw and undisciplined People I have here.
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I am with great Respect |
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Sir, |
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Your most obedient |
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& most Humble servant |
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HENRY BOUQUET. |
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General MONCKTON
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