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.
Council with the Iroquois
(Fort of Detroit, December 7, 1701)
In: English Translation of Margry, II-3, pp. 403-406.
pp. 403, 404, 405, 406.
Aouendando, chief of the Sonnontouans, speaks by four sticks of porcelain shells.- My father, these four sticks of porcelain shells are my letter. I bring here the bones of three women of the tribe of the Miamis (that is, three prisoners). Onontio (that is, the Governor-General) told me to bring them here; it rests with you to do with them as you think fit, and, if you approve of my taking them myself to their relatives, I will do so. You have only to command me; I should not be sorry to go in person to comfort the hearts of the Miamis. If you order me to do this, give me some safeguard, so that I may be well received.
We look upon this fire here, (that is,- this settlement; that shews the necessity for keeping up this post) we Iroquois, as the greatest of all the fires, where all the tribes shall come to speak of their affairs.
Another chief is coming, after me, bringing prisoners to place at your disposal.
Reply of M. de Lamothe to Aouendando, the same day. Tomorrow I will tell you my mind, I am rejoiced to see the bones of my (page 404) children the Miamis; I hope to see more of them very soon. It is true that this fire will soon be a great one; all the tribes will see it from afar and will say- "Let us go and warm ourselves at the fire of our father." It is here, therefore, that you must come, you Iroquois tribes; and if it happens that any evil mind should seek to disturb this happy peace, bring your complaints here; in times of trouble, hang up your hatchets until Onontio has been told everything, for I will write to him about them and he will decide our disputes. Today my mouth is closed; tomorrow I will open it.
Speeches of M. de Lamothe to the Sonnontouans chief and other Iroquois, on the 8th of December, 1701.- I am delighted that you have brought these three prisoners here, because now men will have none but good thoughts.
By four fathoms of tobacco.- This tobacco shall be your letter, Aouendando; you shall deliver it yourself to the Miamis. Speak to them as I am about to tell you; "Onontio told me to bring your bones to the village of the French, which is at Detroit, and I have done so. He who commands there was the master of them. I offered to bring them to you myself and to restore them to you; he told me told me to have courage and take them to your village, exhorting you to shew me the same sentiments and the same affection as if he had come himself; he also commanded me to tell you that we were to smoke his letter in the same calumet.(see fn. 1)
By two fathoms of tobacco;(see fn. 2) There are two fathoms of tobacco, for you to smoke in the morning, on rising. It will encourage you for your march, and will comfort you when you are weary in the evening, when you are warming your feet at your fire.
By four livres of powder, four livres of bullets and a gun.- This gun, this powder and these bullets are for killing animals on your journey, so that you may drink the broth from them in peace. You will also feed the Miami women whom you are taking back to their homes. Here are a few glass beads and some vermillion to improve their appearance when they near to the village.
Speech of the Sonnontouan chief, on the same day.- I will carry out your orders precisely; this is what I shall say to the Miamis on my arrival: "I beg you to listen to me, for I wish to inform you of everything." I shall speak to the Miamis by a necklace and a white coverlet, and I shall say to them:
"This necklace and this white coverlet are to dry your tears and to cover the blood of your dead. I see, my friends, that your minds are still shaken, but I exhort you to forget the past. I beg you to drink freely of broth, in peace, that it may wash your hearts. I know that it is difficult for you not to think of your dead; but since the earth is now so fair, we must live in good understanding. Let us all look to the French village which is at Detroit; it will settle all our disputes, if any should arise."(see fn. 3)
He is also to speak to the Miamis by two necklaces and a red coverlet and say to them:
"By this necklace I set in order the bones of your men who are dead, and it (? the coverlet) is to wrap them in.
By a third necklace.- This necklace is to carry the bones of your dead.
By a red coverlet. I had great difficulty in finding the way to you, because I walked by night(see fn. 4); but now, since I have (page 406) come here, you will be able like me to walk easily.(see fn. 5) I have broken the branches everywhere. I have made smooth the land, I have marked the paths, I have straightened the branches which were bent, and have raised the trees which were fallen. Now, therefore, all the paths are good; I beg you always to keep a fine mat, well stretched. But, above all, do not suffer any of your men to soil it.
Reply of M. de Lamothe to the Iroquois.- Your sentiments are very good; let them have deep roots; and, since the mountains are now smooth, do not make them rugged again.(see fn. 6)
_______________________
1. (1., p. 404), This is a token of reconciliation. (L.C.)
4. (1., p. 406), This is,- I walked in time of war. (L.C.)
6. (3., p. 406), That is,- Since peace is well established, be at rest and love tranquility. (L. C.)
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