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.
(Johnson Hall, Nov. 16, 1771)
Johnson, Sir William in: The
Papers of Sir William
Johnson, vol. 8,
pp. 317-320.
whose great Age & Infirmities Induced him to decline buisness,- Also that Deputies were arrived in their Country by way of Seneca from those Nations which Tho. King had visited, to desire in their Names a General Meeting with the Six Nations for which purpose they would Assemble [imediately] at Scioto, and requested that the Six Nations would lose no time in Sending their Deputies, all which they thought proper to Signify to me.- On my Arrival at the Oneida Lake I held a Meeting with these Chiefs and Sundry others who Assembled for that purpose where I advised the Bunt (whose Influence and fidelity I have long had reason to be well Satisfied with) to reassume the Care of publick Affairs & thereby [restored peace] gave great satisfaction1 to that Nation, After which I told them that in Consequence of the News they had heard of the death of Thos. King,2 the shod. no longer delay the Sending to those Nations who had received the bad belts from Agaustarax of Chenussio and taking them away as Contrary to the desire & without the knowledge of the Six Nations, and that I expected this would be imediately performed In the manner resolved on at my last Treaty with them, as you'll see in the Extract I then sent you.- This they Assured me was their fixed Intention as a proof of which Chiefs of each were imediately dispatched to bring away those belts and to Express their detestation of that whole proceeding. We next Settled about the Scioto Meeting, as which they Seem resolved to manifest their fidelity to the English, and to pursue such measures as will bring those People to good order, otherwise they declare they will Shew themselves able to preserve their Ascendency over these people by compelling them to due Submission, in such a manner as to leave no room for their propagating farther evil reports of the Six Nations.- The News of the death of Thomas King was some disappointmt. because None of his party being arrived his negociations were not fully known. (page 319) I have since received a Letter from Lt. Govr. Bull3 [giving] containing the particulars of that Indians death and that the Proceeds. and belts to a great Number & Govr Bulls Letter which he received from the Southern Inds. are in the care of his party who were preparing to come hither by Sea.-
I am fully persuaded of the Truth of your Remarks concerning the Trick played by the Chenussios, and that there is no doubt of the Western Indians meeting with encouragement from the French, who will doubtless endeavor to draw the Spanish Govr. in to at Least a Connivance with their politicks.- I fear that it will be a difficult task to remove those at Post Vincent, but especially as they encrease fast I think it not a little dangerous that they stay there, It not being possible In my opinion to keep them under proper Government in such a Situation, & with Such Inclinations.
On my way up I had much Conversation with Mr. Maisonville and as well from his Character as Influence I have resolved to make a trial of his fidelity by impowering him to act as a Resident there, with a moderate allowance to have his Eye upon all that passes, make faithfull reports, and do what he shall be ordered. I have many reasons for thinking such a person necessary in such a Neighbourhood, and good hopes that his fidelity will Answer my Expectations, I have also settled a Limitted Allowance for my Deputies which I whish had been done sooner as I Apprehend it is for the best.- I am sensible that Laws & Regulations in the Indian Country will have no Effect unless Commandg Officers who are best Calculated to see them Executed are impowered to seize Delinquents, and have them punished, without this the Indians will allways have a plea & often a reasonable one for their Irregularities.-
Many of them formerly complained when Rum was totally forbid,
some of whom were Instigated thereto by the Traders but I have
some reasons to think that the Inds. in Genl.
are
_________________________
1 "Gave great satisfaction" in Johnson's handwriting.
2 On September 5, 1771 at Charleston, S. C.
3 (1, p. 319) William Bull, appointed lieutenant governor of S. C. in 1764.
Return to TOC, p. 21
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