THE OHIO VALLEY-GREAT LAKES ETHNOHISTORY
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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
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indicative of thought in that historical moment during which the document was
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Letter
(Michilimacinac, June 6, 1777)
De Peyster, A. S. in: Haldimand
Papers, Q13, p. 273 and
in Mich. Hist. Colls.,
vol. 10, pp. 275-276.
should extend to all the traders in general
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I am &c. |
To the officer Commandg at Michillimackinac.
[B 39 p. 493]
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FROM CAPTAIN DE PEYSTER UNADDRESSED
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MICHILIMAKINAC 4 June 1777. |
SIR, Mr. Langlade arrived here with Sixty Indians from Labay. He says he expects more but I fear they will come to late, I have compleated him with the number required from this post. The nations here have accounts that Spanish Agents have been amongst their Neighbors; If it be true I suppose it is to draw off the Trade during these Troubles. The news however has made the Indians rather more difficult to move than I expected such is their curiosity and Fear, for I think I may affirm they are all well inclined. The Embarkation is now ready and will take place immediately. I must beg leave to refer you to Mr. Langlade for further particulars.
I have the Honour to be with great respect Your Excellency's most Hum' servant
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(signed) |
|
|
A. S. DE PEYSTER. |
|
Endorsed- Copy of a Letter from A. S. De Peyster dated Michilimakinac June 4th 1777.- 3; In Sr. G. Carlton's lre of the 3d July 1777.
[Q 13 p 313]
________
FROM CAPTAIN DE PEYSTER UNADDRESSED
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MICHILIMACINAC 6 June 1777. |
SIR, Since Mr. Langlades departure for the Island, I have received an Express from Monsr. Laurent, Ducharmes at Milwakee informing that the Chief Siginakee or Letourneau has received a Parole from the Spanish Commandant, to raise all the Indians between the Mississippi and the little Detroit of Labaye.
I am sensible we can undersell the Spaniards, but still I am lead to believe they can only have Views of Trade flattering themselves with gaining that advantage during our Troubles.
The Inclosed Letter from a Trader, will at least confirm that the Spaniards rather favour the English Traders. I must however observe that my intelli- (page 276) gence from Milwakee is dated the 15th May. Mr. Ducharme answers me, that he will be on the look out, and come off to me immediately, should anything happen to require it.
Yesterday arrived here a number of strange Indians, all fine looking men, without one Women or Child, they decline going down the Country, but proffer the greatest Friendship. I shall have a strict Eye upon them.
Monsr. Langlade has left me his Papers, when they can be digested into a regular account, I will forward them.
The 2776 Livres, refer'd to me by your Excellency's order, I have caused a Merchant to pay him, as he said he cou'd not do without it. I begin to perceive that he wants some looking after. I believe him to be strictly honest, and quite disinterested, but I see he retains all the French Customs- nothing so easy given as a bon au Compt du Roy. In short he can refuse the Indians nothing they can ask, and they will loose nothing for want of asking.
The presents Mr. Langlade brought up for the Minomunies, he tells me have been Pillaged, and, believes before they left Montreal, whilst he was sick. I shall take the first opportunity to have them examined, and shall transmit him the Bill of Parcels, whether they have been rob'd or not, by the Bulk they appear to be more than they deserve, at present after so many of them shamefully leaving Langlad yesterday. They took a French leave of me or I shou'd have sent them after him, as I did a party of his Ounippigoes- as the wind is very high, I am in hopes this will find him in the Island.
I am with the Greatest respect Your Excellency's most Humble and obedient Servant.
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(signed) |
A. S. DE PEYSTER. |
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Endorsed: Copy of a Letter from A. S. De Peyster dated Michilimakinac June 6th 1777. R 3d Aug. from Sir Guy Carleton.
[Q 13 p 273]
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FROM MAJOR DE PEYSTER UNADDRESSED
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MICHILLIMAKINAC 13th of June 1777. |
SIR, Since the departure of Mr. Langlade the Pottawatamies arriv'd here from St. Joseph's fifteen in number who are all either chiefs or chiefs sons totally ignorant of Bark Canoes. I am therefore oblig'd to send them in a Return Canoe, I hire for that purpose as Mr. Langlade assured me you was very desirous of seeing some of that nation their behaviour here has been Remarkably good they came under the conduct of Monsr Le Chevallier a man
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