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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, Oct. 1, 1771)
Gage, Thomas in: The Papers
of Sir William Johnson,
vol. 8, pp. 285-286.
p. 285.
FROM THOMAS GAGE
A. L. S.1
|
New york October 1st: 1771 |
DEAR SIR,
I am to thank you for your Letter of the 19th: Ulmo: with Mr: Mc: Kee's Report; which you will know by my last Letter, had been in part transmitted me from Fort-Pitt. The Trick played by the Chenussies by making use of the Name of the Six Nations, without their Knowledge or Authority has occasioned very great Confusion, and at the same time Serves to shew us how ready the Western Nations are for Mischief. They may be the more encouraged to it from the vicinity of the French at the Ilinois; indeed it appears so from what they alledge concerning the Forts building to protect them, which you know was an old Piece of Policy amongst the Canadians; but I hope the Spanish Governor will understand that it is our Mutual Interest to prevent the Indians from disturbing each other, and that he will not be drawn into such a Scheme. The French Traders are thick upon the ouabache, and it is Natural to suspect that they instigate the Indians against us to keep the Trade to themselves, and besides I am informed, that the Settlement formed by the vagabond French at Post Vincent,2 increases so much, as to require them to be kept under some Government, or to be dislodged.
The Complaints of the great Quantity of Rum carried amongst the Nations
certainly deserve Attention but how to prevent it effectualy is the Difficulty.
When Rum was entirely forbidden they made it an Article of Grievance, and to
permit only a certain Quantity to be carried by the Traders, is no easy Thing
to manage. I still hear that Commissioners are to meet from the Provinces
concerned in the Indian Trade. if they do, you may be certain I shall do my
utmost to get this Complaint
_________________________
1 In Harvard College Library, Cambridge, Mass.
2 New Vincennes, Ind.
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