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.
Journal of Expedition, 1749
(Due to length divided here into three parts)
Celeron, Pierre Joseph, Sieur de in: Ministere
des
Colonies, Collection Moreau St.
Mery, Canada,
Vol. XL (1741-1749), Folio 318 and in
English Translation of Margry,
Vol. 6, pp. 666-721.
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I smoked the pipes, and they went away well pleased, and remained quiet the rest of the day and the following night.
On the 10th of August, about ten in the morning, I assembled in my camp all the chiefs and some of the warriors; had a place prepared for the council; and told them the General's message, to which they listened with much attention.
Message of the Marquis de la Galissoniere to the nations of Chiningue brought by Monsieur de Celoron, the 10th of August, 1749.
A belt.
The friendship which I have for you, my children, notwithstanding your distance from me, has induced me to send Monsieur de Celoron to bring you a message and seek to open your eyes as to the designs of the English on your lands. You do not know of the settlements they propose making on them, which tend to nothing short of your total ruin. They hide from you their thoughts, which are to so establish themselves as to become masters of this country, and drive you away, if I let them do so. I must, then, like a good father who tenderly loves his children, and who, though far away from them, bears them all in his heart, warn you of the danger that threatens you; which is, that the English mean to take possession of your lands, and to that end have begun to corrupt your minds. You know, my children, that they left nothing undone during the last war to turn you against me. The greater part of your nations had courage enough not to listen: I am grateful for this, and, like a kind father, I forget what has just passed, persuaded that, for the future you will remain quiet in your dwellings. Whatever wars I may have (page 693) with the English, it is to your advantage to keep the neutrality which you yourselves asked when you came to Montreal and to which is the happiness of nations.
As I know the English only inspire you with bad feelings, and, besides, intend, through their settlements on the Beautiful River, which belongs to me, to take possession of it, I am sending to call on them to retire, and I have the greater right to do this since the Kings of France and England have agreed that the English should never come thither for trade or anything else. This is in fact one of the conditions of the peace just made; moreover, the chiefs of the Five Nations have told them not to pass over the mountains, which form their boundaries. I do not wish to employ force this time towards the English, I shall tell them quietly my determination, that they may pay attention. If, afterwards, misfortune befall them, they can only blame themselves. For you, my children, be quiet in your homes and do not enter into the disputes I may have with the English: I shall take care for all that may be for your advantage. I invite you to come to see me next year. I shall give you marks of my friendship and put you in such condition as not to regret those whom I advise you not to suffer among you. I will give you all the help of a kind father who loves you, and who will let you want for nothing. Those who bring this help to you will never covet your lands, either to buy or usurp. On the contrary, I will order them to keep you thereon against all others, and your interests shall be common with mine, if you behave well. In this way you will be always quiet and peace will be in your villages. I wished, my children, to tell you the sentiments of (page 694) your father before speaking to the English, whom I am going to look for to tell them to retire.
The council being ended, they appeared well pleased with what I had told them, and went to their villages to prepare their answer, which I told them to give the next day, having a long way to go, and the season being far advanced.
This village is composed of Iroquois, Chaouanons and Wolf Indians, for which cause the council lasted more than four hours. Besides these three tribes there were Iroquois from the Sault St. Louis, from the Lake of the Two Mountains, and some Nepissingues, Abanakis, Ottawas and others. This collection forms a very bad village, which, seduced by the bait of cheapness held out to them by the English, keeps them badly disposed towards us.
I called the principal English traders to me, and summoned them to retire into their own country with all their men, as I had done to those whom I had previously met.
They, like the others, answered that they would do so; that they knew well they had no right to trade on the Beautiful River. I added that their government was bounded by the mountains, and that they ought not to pass beyond. They agreed. I wrote to the Governor of Carolina in the same way as before to the Governor of Philadelphia.
On the 11th of August, the Indians came to give me their answer. If they are sincere, I believe the Governor-General will be satisfied; but there is little reliance to be placed on the promises of such people, the more so, as I have just said, since their interests make them look with favorable eyes on the English, who supply them with goods at such a low price that there is reason to think the King of England or the country makes (page 695) up the loss of the traders in their sales, in order to attract the Indians. It is true that the expenses of the English are not nearly so considerable as those of our traders on account of the difficulty of the routes. It is, however, certain that we can never regain the Indians, except by furnishing goods at the same prices as the English; the difficulty is to find how to do so.
Answer of the Indians of Chiningue to the message of the Governor-General, 11th of August, 1749:
My father, we are very glad to see you to-day, and are pleased with the way in which you look upon us. The Commandants of Detroit and Niagara had told us to go and see Onontio; to-day you come yourself to invite us to go down. We should be cowards not to pay attention to your word. By this belt we assure you that all the nations on this river will go down next spring to hear the word of our father Onontio. Nothing will change our minds; though but one of us should be left, he would go to have the pleasure of seeing our father. The shoes which we shall make at the thawing of the ice will not be able to carry us to Montreal; we pray you to provide for this so that we may find some at Niagara when we pass there. My father, have pity on us, we have no longer any old chiefs; we are only young men that now speak to you. Pardon the faults which we may commit, because you, who are wisdom itself, also make some. You have come to drive the English from this country, and to this we willingly agree; but you ought to bring with you traders to furnish us with what we need. If you have pity for us, leave us the English to give us the help necessary until the spring. You can see in (page 696) what an unhappy state we should be, if you do not show us this kindness. Do not be surprised at the lack of answers to your belts. Before you are only the young men who guard our wigwams. When our chiefs and braves return, we shall tell them your intentions, and the sentiments of your father Onontio; and, in order that we may be at ease we pray you to leave with us one of our children,- Joncaire, to conduct us to our father and work with us for our good.
Answer of Monsieur de Celoron to the request of the Indians for one of the Messrs. Joncaire:
My children, it is not in my power to dispose of the officers which your father confided to me. When you go down you can ask him for one of the Messrs. Joncaire, and I am sure he will not refuse.
Reply of the Indians continued:
We thank you for the hope you give us that our father will grant us one of our own children. We again assure you that we will do, without reserve, all that you have asked. We should be glad to see you longer, and we thank our brothers who are with you for the advice they have given us, and shall pay attention.
When the Council was finished the presents intended for them were brought forward. These being considerable were appreciated. I urged them anew to hold to what they had promised, and above all to come and see the Governor-General next year, assuring them that they would be well pleased with their reception by their father Onontio. My business finished, I had the canoes launched and embarked to continue my journey.
About four leagues lower down there is a river to the south (page 697) on which there are several villages; I did not land there, having spoken to them at Chiningue.
On the 12th I embarked about six in the morning. Having gone four or five leagues I fell in with two pirogues laden with packages and manned by four Englishmen. I landed to talk to them. All that I could gather was, that they had come from St. Yotoc1, whence they had set out twenty-five days previous. I had no English interpreters, and they did not know how to speak Iroquois, which was the only language of which I had an interpreter. I re-embarked and continued my route until three o'clock and having many sick, I sent my Indians out hunting in hope that this Beautiful River, which had been reported to the Governor-General as abounding in wild cattle, might furnish some for my people who were living on nothing but meal and water (colle), but I was disappointed. My Indians killed nothing but a few deer which was a poor comfort to hungry and sick persons.
On the 13th I set out early in the morning and fell in with several pirogues manned by Iroquois who were going to hunt among the rivers of this region. At noon I sealed up and buried a leaden plate at the entrance of the River Kanououoara, to the south of the Beautiful River, affixed to a tree the King's arms and drew up the following official statement.
Proces Verbal of the depositing of a leaden plate at the mouth of the River Kanououara.
In the year 1749, we, Celoron, Knight of the Royal and Military Order of St. Louis, Captain commanding a detachment sent by the orders of the Marquis de la Galissoniere, Governor-General of Canada, to the Beautiful River, accompanied by the principal (page 698) officers of our detachment, have buried at the foot of a large elm tree at the entrance of the river and on the southern bank of the Kanououara, which empties itself into the Ohio on the east, a leaden plate, and have attached to a tree in the same spot, the arms of the King. In testimony whereof we have drawn up and signed, along with the officers, the present official statement. At our camp, the 13th of August, 1749.
On the 14th August, I set out at 7 o'clock in the morning, not being able to do so sooner on account of the fog. I passed two rivers, the mouths of which are very beautiful. The hunting was considerable that day in deer.
On the 15th I continued my voyage and buried a leaden plate at the mouth of the river Yenanguekouan, and drew up the following official statement:
Proces Verbal of the depositing a fourth leaden plate at the entrance of the river Yenanguekouan, the 15th of August, 1749.
The 15th of August, 1749, we, Celoron, Knight of the Royal and Military Order of St. Louis, Captain commanding a detachment sent by the orders of the Marquis de la Galissoniere, Governor-General of Canada, to the Beautiful River, otherwise called the River Ohio, accompanied by the principal officers of our detachment, have buried at the foot of a maple tree, which forms a triangle with a red oak and an elm tree, at the entrance of the river Yenanguekouan, on the western bank of that river, a leaden plate, and have attached to a tree on the same spot, the arms of the King. In testimony whereof we have drawn up and signed the present official statement, along with the officers. At our camp, the 15th of August, 1749.
On the 16th I could not start before nine o'clock, wanting several hunters, both French and Indians, who had passed the night in the woods. I made about twelve leagues.
On the 17th I embarked at seven o'clock. In the course of the day I passed two beautiful rivers, which flowed down from the lands, the one to the north, the other to the south of the Beautiful River. I do not know their names. I landed early for the sake of hunting, being wholly reduced to meal and water (colle).
On the 18th I set out at a pretty early hour. I encamped at noon as the rain hindered us from continuing. That same day I deposited a leaden plate at the entrance of the river Chinondaista, and fixed the arms of the King to a tree. This river bears canoes for forty leagues without meeting rapids, and takes its rise near Carolina. The English of that government come this way to trade on the Beautiful River.
Proces Verbal of the fifth leaden plate, placed at the entrance of the river Chinondaista, the 18th of August, 1749.
In the year 1749, we, Celoron, Knight of the Royal and Military Order of St. Louis, Captain commanding a detachment sent by the orders of the Marquis de la Galissoniere, Governor-General of Canada to the Beautiful River, otherwise called the Ohio, accompanied by the principal officers of our detachment, have buried at the foot of an elm tree, on the southern bank of the Ohio, and the Eastern bank of the Chinondaista, a leaden plate, and have affixed to a tree in the same spot the arms of the King. In testimony whereof, we have drawn up present official statement, which we have signed along with the officers. At our camp, the 18th of August, 1749.
On the 19th the rain continued so violently that I was forced to pitch my camp on higher ground, the banks being inundated. On the 20th I re-embarked. After going a few leagues, I saw far off a man standing on the shore. I went to him; it was a Wolf Indian returning from a war on the Dog Tribe, and sixteen days had passed since he had set out alone without food or ammunition. I gave him as much as would enable him to reach Chiningue, from which he was still far distant. I questioned him with regard to the number of people there might be at St. Yotoc2; he answered there might be about 80 or 100 huts. I continued my voyage till three o'clock, and then sent my men out hunting.
On the 21st the Indians of my detachment came to represent that they were afraid to go to St. Yotoc without previous notice to the tribes of that place of my designs, because it was a considerable village and there was reason to fear it had been warned of my expedition; that they feared those who had brought the news of my arrival might, as in the case of the villages through which I had passed, have carried false reports, which would lead them to lie in wait for us when drawing near the village. I assembled the officers to discuss the part we should take. It was arranged that we should despatch a canoe to St. Yotoc to pacify and encourage the inhabitants in case any bearer of news had disturbed them. Monsieur de Joncaire was appointed along with Teganakassin and Saetaguinrate, both of them chiefs from the Sault St. Louis and faithful servants of the King, and three Abenakis chiefs. Monsieur de Niverville asked permission to go also, which I granted. I allowed them some hours' start, then I embarked, and afterwards landed, as usual, for hunting.
On the 22nd I embarked about 7 o'clock in the morning, after (page 701) having distributed wat stores to all my men, and urged them to act their part well in case the Indians made any attack. After going abut four leagues I discovered a canoe, armed apparently by seven or eight men, and with a white flag. As soon as they perceived me they landed and I went to them. It was Monsieur de Joncaire with seven Indians,- Chaouenons and Iroquois. As soon as I landed the chief came and shook hands with me; the others did the same, then seated themselves and kept silent for some time. They seemed to me much disturbed, and I questioned Monsieur de Joncaire, who told me that the tribes of St. Yotoc were completely upset, that on his approach they fired shot and even pierced the flag; that on landing he and his party were conducted to the council wigwam, and when he was about to explain his mission an Indian arose and interrupted him, saying that the French were deceiving them and came only to slaughter them and their families; that at that instant the young men had seized their arms, crying, "Let us first kill these Frenchmen, send our families to the woods, and then lie in wait for the canoes." According to what Monsieur de Joncaire and the Indians who were in his company told me, all this would have been done but for an Iroquois chief who averted the storm, pacified them and volunteered to come to me along with any others who would follow him; and, for security, they retained M. de Niverville and some Indians. Finally, after a silence of a half-hour, the Iroquois chief rose and said to me: "My father, you see before you men without intelligence, who were on the point of embroiling the land forever. Look on us in pity and do not resent what we have done. When you reach the village our old men will testify that the fault has been repented of. For the last two months we have (page 702) been like drunken men, by reason of the bad news brought to us from the villages through which you have passed."
I answered: "I do not know what you wish to say to me; when I reach St. Yotoc I shall make inquiry and see what to do. I know you have come to meet me with good intention. You would have done wisely in bringing back the Indians who were with M. de Joncaire. You may go back to your village. I will be there in a little time. You will advise the young men not to salute me in the way they do, or they will expose themselves to danger." I gave him and those along with him a draught to drink and sent them away.
By what M. de Joncaire told me I knew well that these Indians were badly disposed and much frightened, since in the space of twice twenty-four hours they had constructed a stone fort, strongly built and in good condition for their defense. This caused me to make some very serious reflections. I was aware of the weakness of my detachment; two-thirds were young men, quite inexperienced, and who at the sight of ten Indians in war paint would have taken to flight. It had not been in my power to choose others, and although the Marquis de la Galissoniere, when leaving for Quebec, had recommended that I should be given picked men, no regard was paid to it. Altogether there was no other course left but to continue. Needing provisions, with my canoes unfit for service, and no more rosin pitch or bark, I re-embarked, prepared for whatever might happen. I had excellent officers and about fifty men on whom I could rely.
At a quarter-of-a-league's distance from the village I was descried. The salutes began immediately, and those Indians discharged fully a thousand gun-shots. I learnt that the powder (page 703) had been gratuitously furnished them by the English. I landed opposite to the village and returned the salute. The chiefs and the old men crossed the river and came to me with flags and pipes of peace; they had the grass cut in order to make seats for us, and invited me along with the officers to sit down. They had brought back with them the Sieur de Niverville and the detained Indians. As we were about to sit down, about 80 warriors armed and equipped crossed over. I ordered my detachment under arms. These 80 men lined a hedge about twenty paces from us, and leaned on their guns. I told the chief that I was astonished at the action of these foolish creatures, and that if they did not move promptly I would give orders to fire. He replied that they did not come with any bad intention, but merely to salute us again, and that they should retire since it displeased me. This they did immediately, firing their guns in the air, which were only loaded with powder. Pipes were then presented to myself and all the officers. After this ceremony a Chaouenon chief arose and congratulated me upon my arrival. I told him that I would speak to them to-morrow in my tent where I would light the Governor's fire. They answered that they had in their village council wigwam where, if I would repair with all my officers, they would listen to what I had to say on the part of their father Onontio. I refused, and said it was their place to come to me to hear what I had to say to them. As they were ill disposed it would have been a great imprudence to go into the village, (so) I held firm to this point and brought them round to my view.
They returned to their village. Guards were posted, and the patrol rounds were kept up during the whole night very (page 704) scrupulously by the officers. It is to be remarked that into this village, made up of Chaouenons and Iroquois of the Five Nations, there had come more than thirty men from the Sault St. Louis, driven out thence and attracted by the abundant hunting, and the lavish markets of the English. The son of Tenagakassin is there, and neither his father nor myself have ever succeeded in getting him away. Besides those from the Sault St. Louis, there are also some from the Lake of the Two Mountains, some Wolf Indians, Miamis, and from nearly all the nations of the Upper Country. But these additions were worth no more than the Chaouenons and were wholly devoted to the English.
On the 23rd I sent them word by Monsieur de Joncaire to come to my camp to hear the words of their father. At first they refused, saying that these must be spoken in the council wigwam. I answered that it was the duty of children to come and find their father in the place where he wished to light his fire. After some parleying they came to my camp and made their excuse in these terms:
Speech of the Indians of St. Yotoc to M. de Celeron, by four strings of wampum, the 23d of August, 1749.
My father, we are ashamed to appear before you after the excesses we committed yesterday with regard to those whom you sent us. We are in despair. We ask pardon of you and of our brothers, and beseech you to bury that bad affair. The sorrow we feel gives us hope that you will pardon us.
Answer of Monsieur de Celoron to the Indians of St. Yotoc, the same day.
My children, no one could be more astonished than I was when I learned by the canoe which came to me, the reception you had given to the chiefs sent to announce my arrival and to tell you that I came to bring you the word of your father Onontio. To quiet you, they were furnished with everything which could prove to you that I came only in peace to your village. What was thought sufficient by all the nations has not been enough for you, and you fired upon them. Not content with that, you have preferred the words of a bad man in your village, who is a slave to my own. I was the more surprised, that long ago I knew the Chaouenons to be men of intelligence, yet on this occasion they hastened to insult my messengers. What have you done, Oh Chaouenons! with the good feeling of ten years ago? When Monsieur De Longueil passed by here on his way to the Chicachas you came out to meet him, and showed him in every way the kindness of your hearts. A company of your young men even rose up to follow him. He did not give you notice of his coming, but at that time you had a French heart, and to-day you let it be corrupted by the English who dwell among you continually, and who, under pretext of ministering to your wants, seek only to ruin you. Reflect on these my just reproaches and get rid of those bad people who will be, if you do not take care, the ruin of your nation.
With four strings of wampum you cleared my throat on my arrival. I had no need of that medicine. The heart of the Governor is always kind towards his children, but as you need a dose still stronger, by these belts of wampum I clear away all your bad feelings. The pardon which you pray for your fault, and the sorrow you seem to have for it, lead me to be gracious. (page 706) Be wiser for the future. As you ask me, I bury this unhappy affair, and I will ask your father Onontio, to bear no resentment. I invite you to reject all the bad talk which may be addressed to you in future, and to listen to the message of your father Onontio, which I bring to you.
Message from the General to the Indians of the village of St. Yotoc, brought by M. de Celoron, the 23d August, 1749.
By a belt.
Though far away, my children, the friendship I have for you had induced me to send M. de Celoron to open your eyes and let you see the plans which the English are forming against you and the lands on which you dwell. I am sure you do not know of the settlements they are thinking of making on them which tend to nothing short of your ruin. They conceal from you their idea, which is to build on your territories forts sufficiently strong to destroy you, if I allow it. I ought then as a kind father who loves his children tenderly, and who, though far away from them, always thinks of their good, to give you notice of the danger which threatens you. You know, my children, that they omitted nothing in the last war I had with them to induce you to declare against me. Happily for yourselves you did not listen to them, and I am grateful to you. Others let themselves be drawn away, I have pardoned some of them, persuaded that they will be more prudent for the future, and will listen no more to these who seek only to trouble the land; but to shield you completely from their wiles I have sent to summon them to withdraw immediately from off my territories into which they never had a right to enter, the kings of France and England having agreed in treaties of peace, that the English should never come into the Beautiful (page 707) River for trade or any other purpose. I do not wish to employ force this time, although I could lawfully seize their goods; I am warning them peaceably to pay attention; if another time misfortune befall them, they have only themselves to blame. As for you, my children, remain quiet in your wigwams and do not enter into the quarrels I may have with the English; I will take care for all that may be for your advantage. I invite you to come and see me next year. I shall give you marks of my friendship, and put you in such a state as not to regret those whom I remove from my territories. I shall give you all the assistance which you have a right to look for from a kind father who loves you and will not let you want for anything. Those who will bring you this assistance, will not invade your lands nor drive you away from them; on the contrary, I shall give them orders to maintain you therein, and your interests and theirs shall always be the same.
Another belt.
For the two years that I have been in the country
I have been entirely taken up in finding out the interests of my children, and
all that could be of advantage to them. I have learned with regret of the
affair between you and the Illinois; as you are both equally my children and I
have the heart of a father, I charge M. de Celoron whom I send into all the
villages of the Beautiful River with my message, to present you with this belt
on my behalf in order to induce you to become reconciled with your brothers the
Illinois. I have taken the same steps with them, having despatched to the
commandant of that post an order to speak with them on my part, and to tell
them to remain quiet. I hope, my children, that both of you will hear my speech
with
_________________________
1 See footnote on p. 703.
2 (1, p. 700) Pere Bonnecamp has Sinioto. If that is correct, the copyist has made the first three letters into the word "saint".
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