USA > Kentucky > A history of the commonwealth of Kentucky > Part 37
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* The proprietors of Pennsylvania bought of the Six Nations a large Irart of country at this congress, and on receiving their deed of conveyance for the same, the sand proprie- tors paid the Six Nations 10,000 Spamsh milled dollars ; being the considerauon money for the said tra"t.
+ The Six Nations here farther make it a condition, that no old claims should ha allowed. This was expressly made to remove all pretensions on the part of Virginia, to the lands washeard of the Allegany mountains, under the La raster goed; as they to peatodly said that they had been cheated and desgrand at the treaty held at Lancaster, 15th,
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the engagements you have now, as well as formerly, entered into with the English, and that you may every day grow more sensible how much it is your interest to do so.
Sir William Johnson, addressing himself to the Governor of New Jersey, and the Commissioners, said:
Gentlemen-Agreeable to his majesty's intentions, signified to me by the Secretary of State, and for the satisfaction of the several nations here assembled, I take the liberty to recommend it strongly to your several provinces, to enact the most effectual laws for the due observance of the line, and the preventing all future intrusions; as the expectation thereof, and the reliance the Indians have on your justice, from the assurance I have given them on that head, have proved great inducements to the settlement of the line now established between the colonies and them.
To which the Governor and Commissioners answered: Nothing should be wanting on their parts to the obtaining such security for the boundary as was deemed necessary, on their return to their respective colonies.
GRANT FROM THE SIX UNITED NATIONS TO THE KING OF ENGLAND.
To all to whom these presents shall come, or may concern :- We, the sachems and chiefs of the Six Confederate Nations, and of the Shawnesse, Delawares, Mingoes of Ohio, and other dependent tribes, on behalf' of ourselves, and of the rest of our several nations, the chiefs and warriors of whom are now here convened by Sir William Johnson, baronet, his majesty's super- intendent of our affairs, send greeting:
Whereas his majesty was graciously pleased to propose to us, in the year one thousand seven hundred and sixty-five, that a boundary line should be fixed between the English and us, to ascertain and establish our limits, and prevent those intrusions and encroachments, of which we had so long and loudly com- plained; and to put a stop to the many fraudulent advantages which had been so often taken of us; which boundary appear- ing to us as a wise and good measure, we did then agree to a part of a line, and promised to settle the whole finally, whensoever Sir William Johnson should be fully empowered to treat with us for that purpose:
And whereas his said maiesty has at length given Sir William Johnson orders to complete the said boundary line between the provinces and Indians; in conformity to which orders, Sir William Johnson has convened the cheifs and warriors of our respective nations, who are the true and absolute proprietors of the lands in question, and who are here now to a very considerable number:
And whereas many uneasmesses and doubts have arisen amongst us, which have given tise to an apprehension that the line may not be strictly observed on the part of the English. in which case matters may be worse than before; which apprehen-
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sion, together with the dependent state of some of our tribes, and other circumstances; retarded the settlement, and became the subject of some debate; Sir William Johnson has at length so far satisfied us upon it, as to induce us to come to an agreement concerning the line, which is now brought to a conclusion, the whole being fully explained to us in a large assembly of our people, before Sir William Johnson, and in the presence of his excellency the Governor of New Jersey, the Commissioners from the provinces of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and sundry other gentlemen; by which line so agreed upon, a considerable tract of country, along several provinces, is by us ceded to his said majesty, which we are induced to, and do hereby ratify and confirm to his said majesty, from the expectation and confidence we place in his royal goodness, that he will graciously comply with our hamble requests, as the same are expressed in the speech of the several nations, addressed to his majesty, through Sir William Johnson, on Tuesday, the first day of the present month of November; wherein we have declared our expecta- tions of the continuance of his majesty's favor, and our desire that our ancient engagements be observed, and our affairs attended to by the officer who has the management thereof, enabling him to discharge all the matters properly for our inte- rest: That the lands occupied by the Mohocks, around their villages, as well as by any other nation affected by this our cession, may effectually remain to them, and to their posterity; and that any engagements regarding property, which they may now be under, may be prosecuted, and our present grants* deemed valid on our parts, with the several other humble requests contained in our said speech:
And whereas, at the settling of the said line, it appeared that the line described by his majesty's order, was not extended to the northward of Owegy, or to the southward of Great Kanhawa ricer; we have agreed to and continued the line to the north- ward, on a supposition that it was omitted, by reason of our not having come to any determination concerning its course, at the congress held in one thousand seven hundred and sixty-five: And inasmuch as the line to the northward became the most necessary of any, for preventing encroachments on our very towns and residences; and we have given thuis line more tavora- bly to Pennsylvania, for the reasons and considerations men- tioned in the treaty: we have likewise continued it south to the Cherokee river, because the same is, and we do declare it to be our true bounds with the southern Indians, and that we have an undoubted right to the country as far south as that river, which makes our cession to his majesty much more advantageous than that proposed:
Now, therefore, know ye, that we, the sachems and chiefs aforementioned, native Indians and proprietors of the lands
* The grindts with the Six Nations then made, and are here alluded to, were as follows: o1 10 Mr. Trent ; one to George Croghan, Eanq. ; and one to Mesers. Penn, proprietors of the province of Pennsylvania.
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hereafter described, for and in behalf of ourselves and the whole of our confederacy, for the considerations herein before men- tioned, and also for and in consideration of a valuable present of the several articles in use amongst Indians, which, together with a large sum of money, amount, in the whole, to the sum of ten thousand four hundred and sixty pounds seven shillings and three pence sterling, to us now delivered and paid by Sir William Johnson, baronet, his majesty's sole agent and super- intendant of Indian atl'airs for the northern department of America, in the name and behalf of our sovereign lord George the Third, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ire- land, King, Defender of the Faith; the receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge; we, the said Indians, have, for us, oui heirs and successors, granted, bargained, sold, released and con- firmed, and by these presents, do grant, bargain, sell, release and confirm, unto our said sovereign lord King George the Third, all that tract of land situate in North America, at the back of the British settlements, bounded by a line which we have now agreed upon, and do hereby establish as the BOUNDARY between us and the British colonies in America; beginning at the mouth of the Cherokee or Hogohege river, where it empties into the river Ohio; and running from thence upwards along the south side of the said river to Kitanving, which is above Fort Pitt; from thence by a direct line to the nearest fork of the west branch of Susquehannah; thence through the Allegany mountains, along the south side of the said west branch, till it comes opposite to the mouth of a creek: called Tiadaghton; thence across the west branch, and along the south side of that creek, and along the north side of Burnet's hills, to a creek called Awandae; thence down the same to the east branch of Susquehannah, and across the same, and up the east side of that river to Owegy; from thence east to Dela- wore river, and up that river to opposite to where Tianaderha falls into Susquehannah; thence to Tianaderha, and up the west side thereof, and the west side of its west branch to the head thereof; and thence by a direct line to Canada creek, where it empties into Wood creek, at the west end of the carrying place beyond Fort Stanwiz, and extending eastward from every part of the said line, as far as the lands formerly purchased, so as to comprehend the whole of the lands between the said line and the purchased lands or settlements, except what is within the province of Pennsylvania; together with all the hereditaments and appurtenances to the same, belonging or appertaining, in the fullest and most ample manner; and all the estate, right, title, interest, property, pos- session, benefit, claim and demand, either in law or equity, of each and every of us, of, in, or to the same, or any part thereof; To have and to hoid the whole lands and premises hereby granted, bargained, sold, released, and confirmed, as aforesaid, with the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging; under the reservations made in the treaty, unto our said sove- reign lord King George the Third, his heirs and successors, to and for his and their own proper use and behoof, for ever.
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In witness whereof, we, the chiefs of the confederacy, have hereunto set our marks and seals, at Fort Stanwix, the fifth day of November, one thousand seven hundred and sixty-eight, in the ninth year of his majesty's reign.
ABRAHAM, or The mark of his nation.
Tyahanesera, Chief of [L. s.] the Mohawks.
The Steel. HENDRICK, or Chief of [L. s.] the Tuscaroras.
Saquarisera, The Stone.
CONAHQUIESO,
Chief of [L. s.] the Oneidas. The Cross.
BUNT, or Chief of [1 .. s.] the Onondagas.
Chenaugheata, S The Mountain.
TAGAAIA, Chief of [L. s.] the Cayugas. The Pipe. GAUSTARAX, Chief of [L. s.] the Senecas. The High Hill. Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of WILLIAM FRANKLIN, Governor of New Jersey;
FREDERICK SMYTH. Chief Justice of New Jersey;
THOMAS WALKER, Commissioner for Virginia; RICHARD PETERS,
JAMES TILGHMAN, S of the Council of Pennsylvania.
At a congress held at Fort Stanwix, with the several nations" of Indians, Saturday, November the 5th, 1768; present as at the last meeting:
The deed to his majesty,-one to the proprietors of Pennsylva- nia,-and the one to the traders, being then laid on the table, were executed in the presence of the Governor of New Jersey, the commissioners of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and the rest of the gentlemen present .* After which, the chiefs of each nation received the cash, which was piled on the table for that purpose; and then proceeded to divide the goods amongst ther people, which occupied the remainder of the day.
At a congress held at the German Flats, in the province of New York, with the Six United Nations of Indians, in July, 1770, by Sir William Johnson, baronet, his majesty's solo agent and superintendent of Indian affairs, &c., &c., Sir William fohnson spoke to them as follows:
Brothers-The King, my master, having received all the papers and proceedings relative to the great treaty at Fort Stan- wix, together with the deed of cession which you then executed to him, has laid them before his council of great men; and, after considering the whole of them, has signified to me. (which I hope will be deemed a farther instance of his paternal goodness,)
* The deed to the traders bad been executed neo days before; but sir William Johnson and the commissioners recommended that the chief's of the Six Nettope, who had signed it, should carry it into congress, and publi Iv acknowledge the exception of it. at the same time they exerted the grant to the King of England, and the proprietors of Pennsylva. nia ; which was accordingly done.
N. B. The grant to Mr. Fromhan was subscribed by Mr. Walker, commissioner for Virgina, and the sano persona in authonts, who were witnesses to the above deed to the King, and the one to the proprietors of lindana.
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that he did not require the land so far to the southward, as the Cherokee river, if it was of the least inconvenience to his chil dren, whose interest he has so much at heart. He has, at length, in compliance with your own desires, as transmitted by me, and the public grant that you made, impowered me to ratify the same, by letters I have received from the lord (the Earl of Hillsborough) who is one of his majesty's secretaries, [holding his lordship's letter in his hand,] which I now propose to do, You all know the deed of cession, of which this [showing a copy] is a true copy; you all know that it was executed in a public meeting of the greatest number of Indians that has ever been assembled within the time of our remembrance, and that all who had any pretensions were duly summoned to it.
To which the Six Nations answered:
Brother Goragh Warraighiyagey-We are now met together in full council, to answer you concerning what you last spoke to us, about the King's having reccircd cur deed, and the proceedings at Fort Stanwix, with his ratification of the same, with which we are highly pleased. When we met you to so great a number, in so public a manner, at Fort Stanwix, we should hardly have acted as we did, unless we had been possessed of a FULL RIGHT SO TO DO. We now desire that you may assure the King, that it was our property we justly disposed of, and that we had full authority so to do.
ORDER OF VIRGINIA COUNCIL.
In Council, Williamsburg, August 23d, 1776.
Mr. George Rogers Clark having represented to this Board the defenceless state of the inhabitants of Kentucki; and having requested, on their behalf, that they should be supplied with five hundred weight of gun-powder;
Orderel, therefore, that the said quantity of gun-powder be forthwith sent to Pittsburgh, and delivered to the commanding officer at that station, by him to be safely kept, and delivered to the said George Rogers Clark, or his order, for the use of the said inhabitants of Kentucki. JOHN PAGE, Pres't.
Test, ARCH'D. BLAIR, CI. Coun.
INSTRUCTIONS TO GENERAL CLARK.
Lieutenant Colonel George Rogers Clark:
You are to proceed, without loss of time, to inlist seven companies of men, officered in the usual manner. to act as mili- tia, under your orders. They are to proceed to Kentucky, and there to obey such orders and directions as you shall give them, for three months after their arrival at that place; but to receive pav, &c., in case they remain on duty a longer time.
You are empowered to raise those men in any county in the Commonwealth; and the county lieutenants respectively are re -.. quested to give you all possible assistance in that business.
Given under my hand at Williamsburg, January 2d, 1778.
P. HENRY.
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VIRGINIA: Sct. IN COUNCIL, WILLIAMSBURG, Jan. 2d, 1778. Lieutenant Colonel George Rogers Clark:
You are to proceed, with all convenient speed, to raise seven companies of soldiers to consist of fifty men each, officered in the usual manner, and armed most properly for the enter- prize; and with this force attack the British post at Kaskasky.
It is conjectured that there are many pieces of cannon and military stores, to considerable amount, at that place; the taking and preservation of which would be a valuable acquisition to the State. If you are so fortunate, therefore, as to succeed in your expedition, you will take every possible measure to secure the artillery and stores, and whatever may advantage the State.
For the transportation of the troops, provisions, &c., down the Ohio, you are to apply to the commanding officer at Fort Pitt, for boats; and during the whole transaction you are to take espe- cial care to keep the true destination of your force secret: its success depends upon this. Orders are therefore given to Cap- tain Smith to secure the two men from Kaskasky. Similar con- duct will be proper in similar cases.
It is earnestly desired that you show humanity to such British subjects and other persons as fall in your hands. If the white inhabitants at that post and the neighborhood. will give undoubt- ed evidence of their attachment to this State, (for it is certain they live within its limits,) by taking the test prescribed by law, and by every other way and means in their power, let them be treated as fellow-citizens, and their persons and property duly secured. Assistance and protection against all enemies what- ever, shall be afforded them; and the Commonwealth of Virginia is pledged to accomplish it. But if these people will not accede to these reasonable demands, they must feel the miseries of war, under the direction of that humanity that has hitherto distin- guished Americans, and which it is expected you will ever con- cider as the rule of your conduct, and from which you are in no instance to depart.
The corps you are to command are to receive the pay and allowance of militia, and to act under the laws and regulations of this State, now in force, as militia. The inhabitants at this post will be informed by you, that in case they accede to the offers of becoming citizens of this Commonwealth, a proper gar- rison will be maintained among them, and every attention be- stowed to render their commerce beneficial; the fair st prospects being opened to the dominions of both France and Spain.
It is in contemplation to establish a post near the mouth of Ohio. Cannon will be wanted to fortify it. Part of those at Kaskasky will be easily brought thither, or otherwise secured, as circumstances will make necessary.
You are to apply to General Hand for powder and lead neces sary for this expedition. Ifhe can't supply it, the person who has that which Captain Lynn brought from Orleans can. Lead was sent to Hampshire by my orders, and that may be delivered you. Wishing you success, I am, sir,
Your h'ble serv't, P. HENRY,
.
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In the House of Delegates, Monday, the 23d Nov. 1778. 5
Whereas, authentic information has been received, that Lieutenant Colonel George Rogers Clark. with a holy of Virginia militia, has reduced the British posts in the western part of this Commonwealth, on the river Mississippi, and its branches, where- by great advantage may accrue to the common cause of America, as well as to this Commonwealth in particular.
Resolved, That the thanks of this House are justly due to the said Colonel Clark and the brave officers and men under his command, for their extraordinary resolution and perseverance, in so hazardous an enterprize, and for the important services thereby rendered their country.
Test, E. RANDOLPH, C. H. D.
Williamsburg, in Council, Sept 4th, 1779. Lieutenant Colonel George Rogers Clark: SIR:
I have the honor to inform you. that by Captain Rogers I have sent the sword, which was purchased by the Governor, to be presented to you by order of the General Assembly, as a proof of their approbation of your great and good conduct, and gallant behaviur. I heartily wish a better could have been pro- cured, but it was thought the best that could be purchased, and was bought of a gentleman who had used it but a little, and judged it to be elegant and costly. I sincerely congratulate you on your successes, and wish you a continuation of them, and a happy return to your friends and country; and am, sir, with great regard, your most ob't serv't. JOHN PAGE, Lt. Gov.
GOVERNOR BENJAMIN HARRISON'S LETTER TO GENERAL GEORGE R. CLARK.
In Council, July 2d, 1783.
SIR: The conclusion of the war, aud the distressed situation of the State, with respect to its finances, call on us to adopt the most prudent economy. It :- for this reason alone I have come to a determination to give over all thoughts for the present of carrying on an offensive war against the Indians, which you will easily perceive will ren ler cho services of a general officer in that quarter unnecessary, and w il therefore consider yourself as out of command; but before I came leave of you, I feel myself called upon in the post forei A manner to return you mv thanks, and those of my Conbell, for the very great and sin- gular services you have rendere i your country. in wresting so great and valuable a territory art of the hands of the British enemy, repelling the attacks on Li''r savage allies, and carry- ing on successful war in !'. that of these country. This tribute of praise and thanks so justs due. [ a a happy to com- municate to you as the united vous of the Executive. I am, with respect, sir, yours &c. BENJAMIN HARRISON.
THE END.
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