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 Johnson
(New York, May 12, 1772)
Gage, Thomas in: The Papers
of Sir William Johnson,
vol. 8, pp. 479-481.
If Maisonville acts with Fidelity and Sincerity, which I think it's now his Interest to do, and what from the Character given of him there is reason to expect, he may do good Service upon the ouabache, and acting in Conjunction with the Person you intend sending down the ohio, I think they may between them keep the western Indians in good Temper. I have long Suspected, and do now firmly believe, that all the Reports we have had of French Intrigues and Machinations with the Indian Nations, have taken their Rise from unwarrantable Means pursued by the French Traders, to keep the Trade in their own hands, without the Participation of the English. You will recollect the Threats of several Nations near the Lakes, if British Traders ventured in their Villages, and that some of them were actualy Murthered. But it's near two years since I have heared any Complaint of the kind, and am now informed that English and French trade Promiscuously about the Lakes. This shews that the Prejudices against us have, in spite of the French People, worn off by Degrees, and I imagine by time and Management, all Partys will be brought to the same Temper to the Westward. If British Traders are introduced amicably upon the ouabache they would proceed of themselves, for No People are fonder than Indians of Plenty and variety of Trade. And I imagine your Deputy and Maisonville might easily get the Consent of the Nations to this, and bring them in a short time to a Temper different from what they have been in. I don't imagine it would produce much Benefit as few of our Traders would go so far down the ohio; but we might thereby prevent many Disadvantages, by preserving Peace in the Country, saving the Lives of some bold adventurers, and prevent the Clamours of the Traders, who don't fail to complain that they can't trade in the King's Territorys, and that no means are taken to protect them. I have heard Nothing lately of that Mischievous Tribe of Pouteatamies at St: Joseph, perhaps they may be still troublesome.
When you propose sending your Deputy down the ohio, please to inform me of his Name; that I may apply to Governor Penn (page 481) and Lord Dunmore for Commissions of the Peace. I mentioned this to you some time ago and as you very much approved of it, I intended to put it in Execution.
I am with great Regard,
|
Dear Sir, |
|
|
|
|
|
Your most obedient |
|
|
|
|
|
THOS. GAGE |
|
SR: WM: JOHNSON Bart:
|
INDORSED: |
|
|
|
|
|
N York May 12th 1772. |
FROM GABRIEL MATURIN
A. L. S.
|
New York May 13th, 1772 |
SIR,
The General having granted you a Warrant for your half yearly Disbursements, I have the Honor to transmit you the same for Endorsement by this Occasion, as likewise the usual receipts for the amount thereof; I am not myself in Cash to pay the Warrant, but I shall give to whomsoever you shall be pleased to appoint to recieve it, an order upon the Contractor's Agents here, Mr. Watts & Mr. Evers for the Sum of 2745-1-9 1/4; and have already, as I did not know your mode of transacting this Business, given notice to Mr. Mc Evers of such a warrant being payable to you.
I have the Honor to be, Sir,
|
Your most obd: |
|
|
humble Servt: |
|
|
|
G. MATURIN |
SIR WM. JOHNSON Bt.-
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: 02
March 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