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.
Instructions for
Maisonville
(Fort Stanwix, Oct. 8, 1771)
Johnson, Sir William in: The
Papers of Sir William
Johnson, vol. 12,
pp. 930-931.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAISONVILLE
A. Df.1
|
[Fort Stanwix, Oct. 8, 1771] |
Instructions for Mr. Maisonville
You will on your Way to, & on yr. Arrival at the Wabache Assemble [all] the Cheifs [of that & ye. Surrounding Nations]2 in my Name, [and] & When met, You will make them acquainted wth. His Majestys Disposition & Intention, wch. are to promote peace & bring abt. a good understanding between his Subjects, & all the Indian Nations on this Continent. that, he has given this to me in charge to effect that I have Succeeded therein [so far as to have] with all other[s] Nations but [them] theirs, & the Potowatamies, who seem ignorant of their own Interest, [by] running abt. like a People Drunk with a Hatchet in their Hands whilst all other Nations are employed in Hunting & Trading to the great advantage of their People.-
You will also let them know my Surprise at their not attending ye. Meeting held by the Deputys Sent by me, the Six Nations, & Canada Indians last Spring3 at the great plains of Sioto, that [in consequence thereof,] there are Messingers now [sending for] going from [here &] the Several Nations here (for the last time) to desire yt. they may repent before it is too late of wt. they have so rashly done, and [thereby alone] by that means entitle themselves to our forgiveness, & favour, on wch. alone will depend their Happiness, and that of their Children yet unborn.-
|
A large Belt |
You will Constantly, or by everry opertunity make me acquainted with what passes amongst the Nations in that Quarter, and let me know their Numbers Connections & Politicks.
[Lastly] You are also to let them know that when they act a proper part I shall be glad [at any time] to See any of their Cheifs, (page 931) [when] & I am certain I shall then be able to convince them of their past Errors & Send them back enlightened, & Happy.-
FROM PHYN AND ELLICE
Contemporary Copy4
|
Schenectady 18 Octr. 1771 |
SIR
Inclosed is an Acct. of 7 Firkins of Butter sent by a Sledge of Mr. Van Ep's which we houp will prove good.
The Traders here & at Albany sends an Express to Niagara about the 5th. of Next Month where it will be mett by another from Detroit, if You have any Commands for the Posts at that time Major Funda will forward them we Are with Much respect Sir
|
Yours &ca. |
|
|
P & E |
|
The Honble
SIR WM. JOHNSON
_________________________________
1 In Canadian Archives, Indian Records, Vol. 9. A French translation, in another hand, follows but is not given here.
2 Words italicized and in brackets are crossed out in the manuscript.
3 The Congress at Scioto Plains in June and July, 1771.
4 (1, From Phyn and Ellice) In Buffalo Historical Society, Phyn & Ellice letter books.
Return
to TOC, p. 21
Continue
to next part of Miami Collection
[return to Miami
Collection Menu]
[return to Glenn A. Black
Laboratory of Archaeology List of Publications]
[return to Glenn A. Black
Laboratory of Archaeology Home]
Last updated: 28
February 2001
URL: http://www.gbl.indiana.edu/home.html
Comments: webmaster@www.gbl.indiana.edu
Copyright 1996, Glenn Black Laboratory of Archaeology and The Trustees of Indiana University