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.
Letter to Johnson
(New York, May 28, 1764)
Gage, Thomas in: The Papers of
Sir William Johnson, vol. 4,
pp.432-434.
(page 433) tion. They should not be permitted to have it at the Trading Posts, but to carry away Home, what Quantity they pleased.
An order is gone to supply you at Albany upon your Demand, with the Tents & oil Cloaths, but I am not certain that there are any of the latter in store.
The Connecticut Troops will probably have passed you before this can get so far, unless detained by contrary winds, so that I think Nothing can delay the operations; but what it shall be found Necessary to be done on the Carrying Place of Niagara
If the Western Indian recommence Hostilities they must have received Supplys from the Mississippi, and be encouraged by the French at the Ilinois; those of Detroit are heartily tired of the Commotions. I can't think they could pluck up spirit from the Perception of any Delays; which have been Internal, and out of their sight; for they must have seen Numbers of People moving up, Vessels Building, and a great stirr over the Carrying Place. The Indians who see our eagerness to Trade with Them, must perceive it can never be our Interest to destroy Them. And as They have never seen that we used any Endeavors to extirpate Them, I should think They can't now give Ear to Idle storys of that Nature.
The Indians on the Muskingham & Scioto have been quiet a good while, at least Nothing has happened lately on the Frontiers. They have heared that Major Loftus was going up the Mississipi and it's surmised are gone with other Savages perhaps some of those of the Detroit to waylay the Convoy. The Tonicas1 and other Indians below have saved them the Trouble, by attacking the Convoy about 75 Leagues from New Orleans, a few men killed & wounded. They could neither land or defend Themselves in their Boats. Major Loftus is returned to Pensacola. He must follow the French Method of paying Tribute to the Tribes who live on the Banks of the River. He has not (page 434) numbers to force his Passage, or would it answer our Purposes if He had. If the Indians of Detroit and others should retire to the Ilinois, and be determined not to let us take Possession of that part of the World They may certainly give us Trouble enough.
Colo Bradstreet may appoint a surgeon for the use of the Indians, as He has a greater Number of the Faculty up with Him, than I hope He will have occasion to make use of. I will mention this Service to Him.
The Assembly of Pensylvania is sitting, and seem now inclined to raise Forces. I have not yet heared that the vote is actualy passed, but have great Reason to hope that it will be passed very soon. You will say that it is high Time
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I am, with great Regard, |
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Dear Sir, |
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Your most obedient |
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humble Servant, |
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THOS GAGE |
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SR WM: JOHNSON Bart
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INDORSED: |
May 28th, 1764- |
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Genrl
Gages letter |
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TO JOHN BRADSTREET
Copy2
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Johnson Hall, May 29 th 1764 |
DEAR SIR
Yours of yesterday3 I this moment recd and am glad to find the Connecticut Troops are not far off.
There are a good many Indians already at Niagara,
& the rest I shall order to assemble there, & at Oswego, in 15 days
_________
1 The Tunica, or Tonikan, Indians who dwelt on the Mississippi north of Pointe Coupe, La.
2 (1, p. 434) In Library of Congress, Force Transcripts.
3 (2, p. 435) A letter that was destroyed by fire.
Return
to TOC, p. 17
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