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.
Correspondence Between
Gage and Bouquet
(Nov. 30, 1764 - Feb. 26, 1765)
(Due to length divided here into two
parts)
Bouquet, Henry and Gage, Thomas in:
Michigan Pioneer and Historical
Society Historical Collections,
Vol. 19, pp. 283-295.
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GEN. THOMAS GAGE TO COL. HENRY BOUQUET
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NEW YORK December 7th 1764 |
SIR
Major Small arrived yesterday with your Dispatches of the 15th Ult from the Forks of the Muskingham. I am very glad that my Letter (page 288) of the 21st October got to you in time; not that you could have acted otherwise than you have done, in any situation but it made you easy. I conceive the Latitude given you in your Instructions as sufficient, but from the Tenor of your Letters I perceive you did not look upon your Powers in the same Light that induced me to write you that Letter & being thoroughly satisfied that every thing was very safe in your Hands.
The Peace you have made does great Honour to yourself & must give the greater satisfaction to His Majesty as well as to every Person who wishes well to his service. Nothing but the steps you have taken of marching into their country and prescribing your own Terms with that Firmness & Resolution which you have shown thro' all your Transactions with the Savages would ever have brought those Savages to a serious Peace, you have by an admirable Conduct, reduced & humbled them as they deserved; and thereby made a Peace upon a solid Foundation and greatly added to the Reputation of His Majesty's arms amongst the Indian Nations.
I return you the Proceedings of the Genl Court Martial with my approbation of the Sentence, but if you see it proper that the Prisoner should retire quietly as the Regiment was to be immediately reduced, you will manage the affair as you judge best. I enclose you a Pardon for Joseph Thomas of the Pensylvania Regiment.
I will take the first opportunity to commend Mr. John Lewis for an ensigncy. His father has been active in the Service from the Beginning of the late war, and the Publick Spirit, he has exerted on this late occasion, certainly entitles Him to some Reward from the Government and I hope he will meet with it.
I have transmitted all your Conferences to Sr Wm Johnson so that he can want no Insight into our affairs, when he comes to transact Business with the Deputy from the Shawanese and Delawares. It were to be wished that Colonel Bradstreet had given you full Information of every thing that had passed on his side. There was a sort of Peace made with Pondiac's Tribes and it was believed he had lost his Influence, in so much, that his own Belt was cut in Pieces. But Capt Morris found he had as much Influence as ever, and he has not come into us; affraid to trust himself. He should if possible be gained to our Interests. The Miamis and Twightwees, Indians of the ouabache and the Illinois tho' not openly in Arms are greatly averse to us; and Pondiac can manage them as he pleases. The Peace lately made may possibly soften all these nations, and if a particular Belt was sent to Pondiac to notify the Peace, and to take him into favour, it may (page 289) greatly advance the service. If he could be got to Fort Pitt or the Detroit He might be made usefull, and as an earnest of his sincerity would be anxious to show us his readiness to do us some notable service. I mention these matters to you in case it should be in your Power to effect any thing of this kind.
Major Small mentions that you had some thoughts of sending to take possession of the Illinois by Land with the assistance of Pack Horses. I fear the season was too far advanced, the Journey too long and the Difficultys too great to be undertaken in that manner. The only method must be by water for a Detachment, you will have received my Letter of the 9th and of the 11th of November on this subject & will of course have done everything in it possible for you to do. The French are working against us privately as much as possible, I have more proofs of it than Mr. Smallman's1 Letter.
I must beg you would thank Colonel Reid for me, for the assistance he has given you in this troublesome campaign.
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I am with great regard |
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humble Servant |
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THOS. GAGE |
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Col. Bouquet.
[A 8, p. 487]
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GEN. THOMAS GAGE TO COL. HENRY BOUQUET
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NEW YORK Decr 20th 1764 |
SIR
I am just favoured with your Letters of the 30th of Novr and 3d Instant by Express. The Behaviour of the Shawanese is somewhat suspicious, and I could wish that your Partys were returned to Fort Pitt who were sent to collect the Prisoners in their villages. If they come in with their Prisoners the Shawanese may still hold their Terms of Peace as they will have an advantage over us.
You were the best Judge upon the spot whether the Shawanese and Delawares were so far reconciled, as to make it prudent to send an officer with them with Belts to the several Nations mentioned in my Letter. The surest way no doubt to take possession of the Illinois or any other Post is to go with a Body of Troops able to force a compliance. But we have no number of Troops sufficient to do this with. The Deliver of that Country into our hands has been settled by the two courts; The French declare that the Indians of that District, (page 290) were well reconciled to it, till spirited up by Pondiac particularly and by the Shawanese and Delawares. We have never been at war with Twightwees, Oerbache or Ilinois Indians and Capt Morris would certainly have got to the Illinois had not the Shawanese Delawares & Senecas prevailed upon the Twightwees to stop him at the Miamie. Those Nations went earlier than you mention to stop up our Road to that country, for they had just left the Miamie Fort before Capt Morris arrived there, which was on the 7th of Sept. The intention of his going there was not known till the 26th of August, that he sett off with a number of Indians, up the Miamie River. Their view was to keep us out of that River and Country and prevent us having any intercourse with those natives. The Miamie is one Route St Josephs is another. The Belts were sent from the Miami to St. Joseph only three days before Capt Morris got to the Miamis, so that every road on that side was secured. We have made Peace with the Indians on the Lower parts of the Mississippi. But the Arkansas have been spirited up to oppose us. By which means that Passage is likewise barred against us; And that circumstance has prevented an officer going up to the Illinois from New Orleans. The only Door that remained was by the Ohio. This it was impossible to pass, till Peace should be concluded with the Shawanese and Delawares, and if those Nations are sincere and hearty in their negotiations, They can conduct any Person to the Ilinois in the greatest safety, and it has been Judged very proper that a Person should be sent to enter into an alliance with them and ask their consent to take Possession of their Country, for want of which Precaution before the Indians took so much umbrage at our possessing ourselves of all the Posts which had been possessed by the French. The French no doubt have had the chief management in those endeavours to obstruct our entrance into the country. They have not dared to do it openly but we have no reason to doubt, that they have used all means in their Power to do it privately. The Indians of the Illinois would never hurt a person sent with Belts and a proper message from us, conducted by the Shawanese, who could even prevail on their neighbors of the Ouabache to Join them. The French also must prevent his being hurt, and give him Protection should they refuse our Alliance and Friendship, and deny their consent to our coming into their country. The affair would be settled so far as to convince us that nothing but force will affect it. But how or in what manner that force can be raised is another Question; you have seen what the Provinces will do, or rather what they will not do, when the Enemy is at their Doors. What can be expected from them do you (page 291) think, to carry on operations at such a Distance, I should always prefer the Ohio to the Mississippi, in case a large body of Troops was to be employed, but that is not the present plan. A Regiment is to move up the Mississippi, to endeavour to take a peaceable possession and we are to do every thing in our Power from every other Quarter, for the success of this Measure upon this Account it was, I recommended to you in my last the gaining of Pondiac. From the accounts we have had from the Ilinois, it seems that Pondiac with the Shawanese & Delawares, could put us in possession of that country whenever they pleased. I must use every means to send to the Ilinois which may be effected with safety unless the Shawanese have deceived us. The Question will then be short either force your way or give up all thoughts of it and it is Time this Business was brought to a crisis. From your telling me that you had sent a Mingo Chief to the Lakes I conclude that you have acquainted Lieut Col Campbell Commanding at Detroit of the Peace you had concluded agreeable to Colonel Bradstreets desire in his letter to you from Sandusky. I am certain that you will do every thing that you see possible to be done to forward the service in the shape I have represented to you. If the Arkansaw Nation could be gained we have no enemy from the Ohio to the Ibbeville. The Illinois Nation only above the mouth of the Ohio and such allies as they can assemble- They have been spirited up against us but never at war; and proper means used by those who have animated them, may possibly pacify them without more trouble.
If Capt Barnsley has been in want of Cash it was for want of timely notice to supply him. You will have been made acquainted before this that I had ordered Colonel Robertson to meet Capt. Barnsley and see that nothing was wanting, giving him at the same time a further credit of 10,000 Sterling 7,000 of which Lt. Col. Robertson carried to Capt. Barnsley and on his return told me that it was sufficient in the opinions of Capt Barnsley & Mr. Callender, to pay every thing that was necessary to be paid up the country; that for the remainder the pee would desire to be paid in the Philadelphia. In case more is wanted you may perceive there is a good sum yet in Mr. Nelson's hands which may be drawn if Capt Barnsley sees occasion. As for the sums to be paid in Philadelphia- The Capt may give in a Total of it as soon as he can give a tolerable guess at it; And a Credit sent there anytime he chuses.
I am ready to hope that Virginia will pay their Militia that turned out Volunteers & have done so much service in their Country; If I write about this affair it will be considered in this alternative, that if (page 292) the Province does not pay them the King will & in that case you may Judge what will be done in it.
I must not give them the smallest hopes the King will pay them and indeed if he does the Province will never pay them hereafter. This is so well known at home that I have been told that no such Example must be given. They even begin to disapprove of feeding the Provincials. The method you have taken in writing to Govrs Fanquier & Sharpe will it's to be hoped have the weight which ought to be expected from it.
I dont apprehend that the Resolution which His Majesty has taken in Respect of Sales & Purchases of Commissions, can affect you & Col. Haldimand more than the rest of the Army. No officers of your Rank can purchase any thing but Regiments, And that has never been allowed tho often attempted, since I came into the service. In respect of selling you are likewise on the same footing with the rest as well as with regard to an exchange on half Pay. I perceive you Judge from what you have heard of Baun Murster's affair. The Baun played his cards ill and many things occurred which I can't now explain, to settle his affair in the manner you have heard.
Colonel Haldimand puts affairs in the very worst of light, he was relieved by the second Councillor in the Province as Colonel Burton2 was in Montreal by the eldest Counciller. Its true that he had been Govr Murray's Secretary, but had also been a Captain in the Army, and was & still is Deputy Judge Advocate Genl. for North America. This was however an error in Govr Murrays proceedings as there was to be no Lt. Govr. of those Districts & they were annulled soon after. In respect to Pay for the Time he served 20 Shillings per day has been issued for a certain time, for each of those governments; which I have told Col. Haldimand. That matter I therefore suppose must be settled betwixt him & Col. Burton. I should imagine they would easily settle it. But in case of contestation he has nothing to do but to state the whole affair & transmit it to the Secretary at War, who would doubtless so regulate matters as to divide the appointment betwixt them both in proportion to the Time they have served. They have likewise had great disputes about command which has obliged me to leave them as they were by virtue of their former commissions which are not superceded by Govr Murray's Civil Commission. In a Packet or two I expect Col. Burton will be appointed a Brigadier Genl upon (page 293) the Staff in North America, & I can then give Col. Haldimand leave to come to New York without throwing affairs into confusion.
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I am with great regard Sir |
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Your most obedient |
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THOS. GAGE. |
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Colonel Bouquet
P. S. I hope there will be no objection to grant you the leave of absence you desire. If you have had or can obtain any good Accts of the Communication by James River to the Mouth of the Canawaha I would be glad you would send it to me. I have wrote to Govr Fanquier & told him the advantages which would arise to his Province from making that communication a good one.
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T. G. |
[A 8, p 491]
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GEN. THOMAS GAGE TO COL. HENRY BOUQUET
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NEW YORK |
SIR
I would be glad that you found a proper officer to send to the Illinois Mr. Croghan is here, who I intend shall accompany the officer whom you shall pitch upon for this business. The Rank of the officer is immaterial, a Volunteer mentioned to be a Cadet in the French stile would do as well as a Commissioned officer. Its necessary only that He is intelligent and speaks French. I am preparing a Letter for Monsr. St. Ange3, a Speech for the Indians and messages to the Inhabitants. Croghan4 will take the Chiefs of the Delawares & Shawanese who have the most Interest with the Illinois Nations, and proper Belts and Messages from those Nations to them. If you send me the name of the Person you fix upon for this Service it would be inserted. But to save time I may send the papers to you, to insert his name & Regiment in the Blanks left for that purpose.
Therefore Croghan will leave this, as soon as the several Instruments are made out and I shall write further by Him.
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I am with great Regard |
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Sir |
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THOS. GAGE. |
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[A 8, p 499]
General Gage 24 Dec 1764
Received the 4th January 1765
[Entered]
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GEN. THOMAS GAGE TO COL. HENRY BOUQUET
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NEW YORK Feby 26th 1765. |
SIR
I am to thank you for your Letter of the 12th and 17th Inst with their several Enclosures.
Capt. Murray's message to the Shawanese by the Six Nations its to be hoped, will have the desired effect of bringing them in, but if this Disposition of the People of the Frontiers, of killing every defenceless Indian they met with, it will be of little purpose to confer or treat with any of the Nations. The affair you wrote about to Govr Sharpe should be strictly enquired into pray let me know if you have had any answer from the Governor, for I must get some Intelligence of the methods taken to find out that infamous Action, which you reported to me.
If I dont mistake there is later news from Detroit that what Andrew the Huron brought to Fort Pitt, but no Accounts of the Many Partys sent against the Shawanese and Delawares, or of the Scalps taken by the Poutawatamies; so that I don't give much Credit to all that matter Sir William Johnson had received a Letter from the Interpreter with the Deputy's of the Delawares to inform Him that the deep snows had delayed them. I believe they are by this Time with Sir William, as well as a great number of the Six Nations, who were to be assembled about the same time.
I am sorry to find the Assembly of Virginia so very obstinate in refusing to Pay to People who have done them more effectual service than all their Militia put altogether, and most sincerely hope that the same thing will not happen in the other Governments. I have received Treasury repeated by the Secretary s of State and War, that I am at a loss to know in what shape I can possibly turn affairs, so as to carry on the Service. To all my other Business there is in part added that Pay Master General & to be myself accountable by Vouchers for the Expenditures, so that I am become a Cashier, and an Accomptant, nor can any expence be paid till the service it is for is approved by the King unless sudden emergencies should arise. Thus affairs are & the most be made of the monies already granted by me on Mr. Mortier I dont know any better shape to put the business of the Virginia Volunteers in than that what you propose that of a Bounty to equip themselves.
The Business of the Agents is finished by the settlement you have fixed with them and as a Contract is now made with the Agent of the present Contractors, it is proper to give out the orders which are sent (page 295) you herewith which I beg you would be so good as show Iglis- for their satisfaction & forward to my Posts whenever you think it proper to change the command, you will send me information & I will appoint Lieut Col. Reid in orders.
I have to acknowledge the receipt of the Vouchers & Accts numbered 1 2 3 with the Return of the officers who have the Command in the Posts No. 4. I must consider the best method of paying the Militia, and the Losses at Bushy Run, the most regular would by by Warrant if I can bring it about consistent with the orders now sent, and that it shall not occasion a suspicion that I have deviated from them & bring on an explanation of it. You shall have such receipts as you think proper for the above Vouchers &c which will either be sent to you, or given you when I have the pleasure to see you. The Person who brought them got a Receipt for the Delivery. The return of the officers of the first Battalion who command on the Albany communication will be sent here.
I have now something to trouble you with which is to beg of you to compute as exactly as you can, what may be the contingent Military Expenses of the Department of Pensilvania pr annm, at a medium, in Time of Peace. Every trifle should be considered supposing a Regiment there as at present. This is demanded from the War Office & must be sent Howe. I must therefore desire you will be so good to send it me as soon as you conveniently can.
I have received your Letter of the 18th Inst with Mr. Shoemaker's Letter & Bill against Lieut Benzel inclosed I shall transmit the last to Crown Point by first opportunity.
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I am with great Regard |
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Sir |
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humble Servant |
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Letter from Genl. Gage
February the 26th 1764
Received the 1st March
Answered the 4th do.
[A 8, p 505]
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1 See appendix.
2 (1, p. 292) Col. Ralph Burton governor of Three Rivers replaced Amherst in Montreal in 1763, when that general was appointed commander-in-chief.
3 (1, p. 293) Louis St. Ange de Bellerive. See Vol. X, p. 216 this series.
4 (2, p. 293) See appendix.
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