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 Gage
(Kaskaskia, May 18, 1765)
Fraser, Alexander in: Clements Library,
Gage Papers, American Series,
vol. 36, Reel #10.
Sir
This day Monsieur Maisonville arrived here from the entry of the Ouabache, with the Chiefs who had gone thence to meet Mr. Croghan they have been away twenty four days: but neither saw nor heard anything of him. They made me a great many reproaches on their return for having told them that he ought to have come at all.
The Chiefs whom I detained here for some weeks for his arrival, will stay no longer. They say they must go to their Villages to plant their Corn.
I prevaild on Pondiack however to stay for ten or twelve days yet he is the person who seems most inclind to peace of any amongst them, and it is much to be wishd he may be prevaild on to make a peace as it will probably be of a longer duration than any made without him. He is in a manner ador'd by All the nations hereabouts, and he is more remarkable for his integrity & humanity than either frenchman or Indian in the Colony.
He has always been as careful of the Lies of my men as well as my own as if he had been our Father.
I am very much surprised the Monsieur de St Ange has not yet made me the least answer regarding my Complaints of the Shawonese Chief and the Message he had given the Indians in the name of Monsr. Debrie.
All the Indians held a Council last night Night [sic] at Fort Chartres with Monsieur St Ange- I Coud not as yet learn what passd at it, as no body is yet come from thence but I am inform'd that it is regarding myself & my men to take us and divide us amongst the nations till they hear what Monsieur Croghan has to say, and treat us afterwards, according as they like or dislike his Speeches. I have sent of[f] all my men to save them, and I stay myself with my Servant, who coud not be prevaild on to leave me.
I wrote Major Farmar by then, and I will continue to do so by every opportunity till I get away myself to meet him which I will do howsoons I hear anything of Mr Croghan- or dispair of his coming.
I am sorry to inform your Excellency that the Shawonese story seems every day to gain credit more & more amongst the nations, as it is no doubt affirmd to be fact by the raskally Inhabitants who to a man, are prejudisd against the English.
I hope soon to get word of Mr Croghans arrival at the Ouabache as he must Certainly be there now, if he left Fort Pitt in six weeks after me.
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I have the honour to be your |
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Ilinois
Caskaskias Village
May the 18th 1765
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