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 from Vaudreuil and Bgon
(September 20, 1714)
Vaudreuil and Bgon in: Wisconsin Historical
Collections, XVI, pp. 303-307.
Sieurs de Vaudreuil and Begon have Conferred with Sieurs de Ramezay, de Louvigny, de la forest and Daigremont regarding the plan to be followed for ending the war with the Renards. They consider that the first move to be made in this matter is to take measures for arranging a peace between the miamis and the Islinois, because those two Nations are numer- (page 304) ous. and have always been Enemies of the Renards- against whom they do not, however, make war, being restrained by their mutual fear, since they are only three or four days distant from each other. For this reason we cannot induce them to send detachments against the Renards until they have been united by a reliable peace; and to bring this about we have agreed to send them presents this very autumn, which will be addressed to Sieur Desliettes for the Islinois, and to Sieur de Vincennes for the oyatanon miamis. And, as those two nations seem to desire peace, it is believed that it will not be difficult for Sieurs Desliettes and de vincennes to restablsh a friendly understanding between them. The presents for the miamis will be sent to detroit to Sieur de La forest, who will deliver them to Sieur de vincennes without expense; and the presents for the Islinois, will be sent to Michilimakina to Sieur de Lignery, who in like manner will deliver them to Sieur Desliettes.
Sieur de Vaudreuil is now sending to Michilimakina Sieur de St. Pierre de Repentigny,1 a Lieutenant, to carry thither the presents intended for the Islinois, and be will give orders to Sieur de Lignery to persuade the savages of Michilimakina, as well as those of Lake Superior and Lake huron, to make war in every possible way against the Renards, early in the spring, as soon as Sieur de Louvigny shall arrive.
Sieur de Vaudreuil is also despatching Sieur Dupuy to carry to detroit the presents intended for the miamis, and to ascertain the quantity of provisions that will be necessary for Executing the plan. Those two officers will serve for this Expedition.
However, Sieur de Louvigny intends to employ every possible means to make for the Savages, our allies, a glorious and advantageous peace. Accordingly, on his arrival at Michilimakina, he will learn from Sieur de Lignery what disposition all the Savage Nations have toward the Renards; and in accord with (page 306) what he learns concerning their attitude toward making peace, and the Satisfaction that may be required of them (both for ourselves and for the Savage Nations that have been wronged), if they appear disposed as we desire, there shall be question of nothing further than of making presents for Covering the dead, and of Recovering the Slaves that may have been taken on either side.
But if the Renards persist in their insolence, Sieur de Louvigny will resolve on war against them. He expects on his arrival at Michilimakina to find letters from Sieur de La forest, by which he will be informed concerning the number of savages at detroit upon whom he can count; and also Letters from Sieur de vincennes informing him of the attitude of the miamis toward this war and of the number that can be assembled; and he will arrange with Sieur de la forest the time and place for assembling the Savages of detroit and the miamis. He further expects to find on his arrival at Michilimakina Letters from Sieur Desliettes reporting the effect produced by the presents sent to him for the Islinois, and the Sentiments entertained by them.
Sieur de Vaudreuil has given the proper orders to Sieur de Louvigny, and has written to Sieur de Lignery to send immediately the Scioux to try to break off the peace which they have made with the Renards, and to persuade them to refuse the latter an asylum among them. He has also given orders to Sieur de Lignery to inform all the Coureurs de Bois that the King has condescended to grant them amnesty on condition that they come, by St. John's day at latest, to Michilimakina, where they will receive orders from Sieur de Louvigny for making war against the Renards; while, in case they fail to profit by this favor, they will be punished in accordance with the Rigor of the law.
These French, having assembled with all the Savages who have been invited, will form a considerable force, with which Sieur de Louvigny will March to the Village of the Renards to attack them there; and if they do not stay in their forts he will cut their corn, Burn their Cabins, and Encamp on the ground. As the Renards will not find it easy to obtain provisions when (page 307) assembled, they will be obliged to disperse in order to hunt; and Sieur de Louvigny will have them pursued and harassed by different parties that he will send after them.
________________
1 Reference is here made probably to Jean Paul le Gardeur de St. Pierre, born 1661, a grand-nephew of Jean Nicolet. Le Gardeur was long actively engaged in Indian and Northwestern affairs; the date of his death is not known.-ED.
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