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.
Replies of Vaudreuil to Miscouaky
(November 4, 1706)
Vaudreuil, Marquis de in: Michigan
Historical
Collections, XXXIII, pp. 294-296.
escaped on the way and have come to rejoin our people, and have told them that they have not been ill-treated by the Onitanous. They report that the Miamis lost fifty in killed and wounded; and we lost twenty-six, including the men who returned from war, whom the Hurons bound treacherously.
My Father, I speak in the names of all the Outavois tribes, the Poutouatamis the Sakis, the Outagamis, the Mastrowtins, the Kikapous, the Ouinipigos [?Winnipegs], the Malominys, the Sauteurs, the Mississaguez, all the people of the districts bordering on the lake; finally all our allies are indignant against the Hurons because of their treachery to us. They all beg you, by my mouth, to let us fight against them. I pray you, my Father, to tell me your opinion that I may tell it to our people and that we may do naught but your well.
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REPLIES OF M. DE VAUDREUIL TO MISCOUAKY,
CHIEF OF THE OUTAOUAS.
Endorsed- Reply of M. de Vaudreuil to the Chief of the Outaouas: annexed to the letter of the 4th Nov., 1706.
Replies of the Marquis de Vaudreuil to Miscouaky, brother of Jean le Blanc chief of the Outaouas who were at Detroit, on the 28th of Sept. 1706.
I have listened quietly, Miscouaky, to all you have told me; and although I had already been informed of what took place at Detroit, I was surprised nevertheless at the account you gave me of it. I cannot give you a reply, for it does not appear to me that you have been sent by all the tribes, as you say you were, but only by your brother Jean le Blanc to sound me as to my opinion, and the proof of that is that you set out from Michilimakina with the intention of staying down here, and that it is only your brother's arrival which has made you desirous of going up again. However that may be, I am not sorry to have seen you, and I am very glad of what you have told me concerning your brother's conduct.
You wish to know my opinion, Miscouaky, you have begged me to tell it you; hearken to me well. I am a good father; and as long as my children listen to my voice, no evil ever befalls them. You have proofs of it in what has taken place at Detroit; for, if this man Pezant and Jean le Blanc had taken nothing in hand without learning my will, you would not have attacked the Miamis, you would not have killed my men, and you would not be in your present state of distress and want.
My men have been killed, Miscouaky; and, until I see the tribes that I (page 295) have always looked upon as my children, coming here to acknowledge their guilt and to ask for my pardon, I cannot forget that I lost a missionary and a soldier at Detroit, which is a matter of importance with us. That is what you may tell your brother and all the tribes from me, when you arrive there.
I have seen and examined the message which you have given me; as you have told me yourself that it was a belt which you had drawn from your bag, and that your people had not given you any when you set out, I return it to you and cannot receive it. Not that I scorn it because it comes from you, but I cannot answer it because it does not come directly from them; and I am very glad to return it to you, as a thing which belongs to you, in order that you may make use of it in arranging any troubles which may arise.
As regards what has taken place at Detroit, you will tell your people that I stay their axes and forbid them to go to war, whether against the Hurons, or the Miamis, or elsewhere; but that I order them to stand solely on the defensive at their homes until I am more fully informed of all matters. I am expecting news immediately from M. de la Mothe, and I will consider, during the winter, all that you have told me and the information he sends me, so that I may be able to arrange matters, if the account you have given me is true. And as in consequence of the of the troubles you have caused, it is impossible for you to go very far away for hunting this winter, your people will be able to come down here early, together with the French people I have up there, to learn my opinion. That is what they ought to have done this year, instead of sending you alone, and without a belt, on behalf of all the tribes.
It is not belts that I require, Miscouaky, nor presents. When my children have disobeyed me and have committed such a fault as yours; the blood of Frenchmen is not to be paid for by beaverskins. It is a great trust in my kindness that I demand, a real repentance for the fault that has been committed, and complete resignation to my will. When your people entertain these feelings I will arrange everything; but, for that purpose, they must come early next spring, or at least some of the chiefs must come; they must bring me all the French people, who must be assisted by your young men to bring down their furs; lastly, they must remain at peace on their mats, and not go to war even if any should come and attack them in their dwellings, contenting themselves with acting on the defensive until next year, and with coming to lay their complaints before me. That, Miscouaky, is my decision; that is what you may say from me to all the tribes.
I do not give you any present for your brother or for any of your chiefs, for it is not right that I should reward children as long as they are in a state of disobedience. But I have pity on you because of the trouble you (page 296) have taken, and the trust you have reposed in me; I will give you a blanket, a shirt of Mitasse, some powder, bullets and tobacco to spur you on to use diligence in returning; and I shall have regard to you according to your conduct up there, of which Father Marais will send me word; and it rests with you alone to have proofs of my favor when you return with the others.
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AMOUNTS EXPENDED FOR THE KING'S SERVICE BY CADILLAC.
Endorsed-29th Sept., 1706.
Statement of sums spent for the King's service by Monsieur de la Mothe in order to prevent the Miamis, Pepitakokia and Onyatonuns from going to war against the Outavois this winter, and to prevent the tribe of the Pehaugnissa from going to attack the Iroquois.
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Three belts at 20#1
each |
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#60: |
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Given to Quarante
Sols, Chief of the Hurons, sent with |
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de la Mothe; ten
livres of powder at 4# per livre |
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40: |
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Given to
Pakoumakoüá, chief of the Miamis, to go with |
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de la Mothe; ten
livres of powder at 4# per livre |
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40: |
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Given to Mons. de
Boucherville for his journey with four |
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Mothe; 30 livres
of powder at 4 francs per # |
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120: |
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