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.
An Abridgement of the Indian Affairs
Wraxall, Peter in: Harvard
University
Studies, vol. XI, pp. 214-215.
Albany 10 Sepr. 1739. A Deputation from the Mohawks to the Commissrs They say they have not yet received the Govr of Canadas Answer about the Settlement at Wood Creek but expect it speedily.
They say the Covt Chain with the upper & Western Nations is not kept so bright as formerly, & that the French on the contrary have so great an Influence over them that they direct them as they please.1
That they hear the Sennecas are going in conjunctions with other Western Indians to join the French Army against the Chickasaws, & that proper Persons should be sent to reside amongst the Sennecas to support the Interest & Influence of this Govt.2
That they think the French should be no Means be suffered to settle Irondequat & that the only effectual Prevention will be for us to make a Settlement there wch they are assured the Sennecas will consent to.
The above Intimations from the Mohawks were communicated (p. 192) to the
Lieut Govr in a letter from the Commissrs who say they hope the Assembly will
enable his honour to settle Irondequat & that the Sennecas make us the
Offer to do it & are desirous (page 215)
we should that otherwise the French certainly will do, wch must very much
distress our Fur Trade & encrease their Influence over the Western Indians
& the Sennecas.
_______________________
1. This Observation of the Mohawks seems to be well grounded, for I have not met with any conference of Negotiation in the Records for several years past with the Western Indians. Whether the Trade being opened between Albany & Canada prevented it, I cant be positive, but it seems likely, for ye other ceased from yt time. Trade with them there was at Oswego, but no Negotiations.
2. This also was prudent Advice & when a good Choice has been made always turned out to our Advantage, tis there the French chiefly push their Politics & tis there we should be prepared to resist them. I make not doubt from Mr Clarke's great Capacity this would have been done & Irondequat put under the Marks of Possession but he was distressed by Faction, & what has been often & I fear will be long the Fate of this Colony the public good & many salitary measures sacrifized to that Personal Anomosity wch takes the lead amongst People of the chief Capacity in this Country wch is sided by the Ignorance & mean subserviency of a Body of Men who are led in strings like Calbes. Govrs also have wanted Spirit, Integrity or Capacity to over awe these Factions Leaders.
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