USA > New York > Franklin County > A history of St. Lawrence and Franklin counties, New York : from the earliest period to the present time > Part 23
USA > New York > St Lawrence County > A history of St. Lawrence and Franklin counties, New York : from the earliest period to the present time > Part 23
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The minutes of the Massachusetts house of representatives for the 2d of August, 1775, contain the following memoranda:
" Ordered, That Mr. Winthrop, Mr. Foster and Mr. White, with such as the honorable House shall join, be a committee to confer with Louis, a chief of the Caughnawaga tribe of Indians, (who is now in town, being conducted here by Colonel Bayley of Cohoss,) in order to gain from him all the intelligence they can, respecting the temper and designs of the Canadians and Indians towards these colonies, or any other matter it may be of importance to us to know."
Read and concurred in, and Mr. Howard, Mr. Batchelder, Dr. Church and Colonel Orne, are joined to the committee of the honorable board.
On the following day, " Mr. Chauncey brought down the report of the committee of both Houses, who were appointed to confer with Louis, a chief of the Caughnawaga tribe of Indians, viz:
" In Council, August 3, 1775.
" The committee appointed to confer with Louis, a chief of the Caugh- nawaga tribe of Indians, (who is now in town, being conducted here by Colonel Bayley of Cohoss,) concerning the temper and designs of the Canadians and Indians towards these colonies, have attended to that ser- vice, and beg leave to lay before this honorable Court, the several ques- tions proposed by the committee to the said Louis, and the answers made by him; which were as follows, viz:
Question. How many are there in the Caughnawaga tribe ?
Answer. Five hundred men able to bear arms.
Q. How many in St. François ?
A. I do not know. They are a different nation.
Q. How many in Aronok ?
.A. I do not know.
Q. Is there any other nation of Indians near your tribe ?
A. Yes, Cannastaug. The number of them I can not tell.
Q. Has the Governor of Canada prevailed on the St. François Indians to take up arms against these colonies?
A. The Governor sent out Messrs. St. Lue and Behpassion, to invite
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the several tribes of Indians to take up arms against you. At his desire they held a Grand Council, and the French officers gave each man half a pound of powder and a drink of brandy, and an ox among them, for a feast. They answered, nobody had taken arms against them, and they would not take arms against any body to trouble them; and they chose to rest in peace. Upon this answer, the officers told them, ' if you do not take up arms the Yankees will come and destroy you all.' The Indians answered again, when these men come here to destroy us, then we will take up arms and defend ourselves; but we will not go to seek people to quarrel with them. The officers then told them, if you will not take up arms, the regulars will come and destroy you, and take your lands. They answered, they may come as soon as they have a mind to; and who- ever comes to attack us, we will take up arnis and defend ourselves.
The officers tried to engage their young men to take up arms, by put- ting two johannes apiece into their hands; but when the chiefs knew it they took the money from them, and returned it to the officers, and told the young men if they offered to engage, they would put them to death.
Q. Did you hear of any other nations of Indians that consented to take arms?
A. There is another nation, called Ottowas, at a greater distance, which the governor endeavored to engage, telling them that the other nations had agreed to do it. Upon which the Ottowas sent twenty of their tribe to the General Council before mentioned, to inform them of the go- vernor's message, and enquire whether they had agreed to take arms? They answered they had not; and if they had any thought of it, they would have given them notice. The French officers had further told them, that New York, and all the other governments to the southward, were going to take arms against the Yankees.
Q. What do you know of the disposition of the French Canadians towards us?
A. Their disposition is the same as that of the Indians. The Governor tried last winter to raise two thousand troops, but he could not engage any. They were disposed to remain upon their own land in peace.
Q. What number of regulars is there in Canada?
A. About five hundred in all.
Q. Where are they stationed?
A. A sergeant and five privates at Quebeck, twenty at Montreal, and the rest are gone to St. Johns.
Q. What account did the French officers give of us?
A. When I went for my pass, the governor told me that you were not capable of defending yourselves, and read me a letter purporting that the king's troops had killed two thousand of your people, without reck- oning the wounded, and burnt one of your towns.
All of which is humbly submitted. By order of the committee."
J. WINTHROP. (American Archives, fourth series, vol. iii, p. 301.)
Impressed with the warmest feelings of patriotism, and an earnest desire to serve the cause of the colonies, he returned to his home, and imparted to his fellows the things he had seen and heard.
In a letter from Sir Guy Carlton to General Gage, written in August, 1775, which was intercepted, the Canadian governor says:
" Many of the Indians have gone over to them (the Americans), and large numbers of the Canadians are with them.
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I had hopes of holding out for this year, though I seem abandoned by all the world, had the savages remained firm. I can not blame these poor people for securing themselves, as they see multitudes of the enemy at hand, and no succor from any part, though it is now four months since their operations against us first begun."
This occurred in the summer of 1775. The corn harvest having been secured, and some slight preparations for winter being made, he induced a dozen of the Caughnawaga warriors to visit with him the American camp, that they might learn, from actual observation, the condition of the cause which he was urging them to espouse. They first proceeded to the quarters of General Schuyler, and repaired thence to Cambridge. He had been probably advised to this course, by his friend General Schuyler, whom he had repeatedly visited, on his journeys to Albany, to gain intelligence of the approaching struggle. The latter had previously notified the commander-in-chief of the nature of the visit which he might soon expect to receive, but the journey was delayed a little longer than was expected. We find the occurrence mentioned in the corres- pondence of General Washington, who, in a letter to Major General Schuyler, dated at Cambridge, 16 January, 1776, says:
" Our Caughnawaga friends are not arrived yet. I will try to make suitable provisions for them during their stay, and use every means in my power to confirm their favorable disposition towards us. They will not, I am fearful, have such ideas of our strength, as I could wish.
This, however, shall be strongly inculcated."
(Sparks's Washington, vol. iii, p. 245.)
Very soon after this letter was written, Louis with his comrades arrived in the American camp, to tender their allegiance to the cause of Liberty, and testify their respect to the character of the commander-in-chief.
In a letter to the president of congress, dated Cambridge, January 24, 1776, General Washington says:
" On Sunday evening, thirteen of the Caughnawaga Indians arrived here on a visit. I shall take care that they be so entertained during their stay, that they may return impressed with sentiments of friendship for us, and also of our great strength. One of them is Colonel Louis, who honored me with a visit once before."
(Sparks's Washington, vol. iii, p. 260.)
Louis had an ambition for military distinction, and it appears from what follows, that there was a hesitancy on the part of the American generals in granting this.
To entrust responsible posts in the hands of Indians, of whose charac- ter or history they knew little, would be unwise. To send them off without notice, would tend to make them dissatisfied, and for aught that could be known, might serve to render them disgusted with the cause.
The perplexity which the commander-in-chief experienced from this cause, is expressed in the following extract from his letter to General Schuyler, dated Cambridge, January 27, 1776;
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" I am a little embarrassed to know in what manner to conduct myself with respect to the Caughnawaga Indians now here. They have, not- withstanding the treaty of neutrality which I find they entered into with you the other day, agreeably to what appears to be the sense of congress, signified to me a desire of taking up arms in behalf of the united colo- nies. The chief of them who, I understand, is now the first man of the nation, intends, as it is intimated, to apply to me for a commission, with the assurance of raising four or five hundred men, when he returns.
My embarrassment does not proceed so much from the impropriety of encouraging these people to depart from their neutrality, or rather accepting their own voluntary offer, as from the expense which probably may follow.
I am sensible that if they do not desire to be idle, they will be for or against us. I am sensible also, that no artifices will be left unessayed to engage them against us. Their proffered services, therefore, ought not to be rejected; but how far, with the little knowledge I have of their real intentions, and your want of their aid, I ought to go, is the question that puzzles me. I will endeavor, however, to please them, by yielding, in appearance, to their demands; reserving, at the same time, the power to you to regulate the number and movements, of which you shall be more fully informed, when any thing is fixed."
In answer to this, General Schuyler wrote:
" It is extremely difficult to determine what should be done, in what you mention, respecting the offer made by the Caughnawaga Indians; but if we can get decently rid of their offer, I would prefer it to employ- ing them. The expense we are at in the Indian department, is amazing : it will be more so, when they consider themselves in our service; nor would their intervention be of much consequence, unless we could pro- cure that of the other nations. The hauteur of the Indians is much diminished since the taking of Montreal : they evidently see that they can not get any supplies, but through us."
(Sparks's Washington, vol. iii, p. 262.)
There is preserved a traditionary account of the interview between the Indian delegates, and the American general, at the audience or council which he gave them on this occasion. It was related by the Rev. Samuel Kirkland, the missionary of the Oneidas, who is said to have acted as interpreter to the one from whom we receive it.
One of the Caughnawaga chiefs arose and said:
" He perceived there was a war cloud rising in the east, which may make great trouble, and bring much distress upon the American people on account of which his very soul troubled hint. . War was a great evil to any nation or people. He knew this by sad experience, in the war between the English and the French, by which the latter were brought to ruin.
He rejoiced to see the Americans had such independent spirits, as to take up arms and defend their rights and liberties, and that they would succeed because he believed that God was on their side, but that this must be gained at the expense of much blood, and great distress, upon the people. That the king of England was a powerful king, or he could not have conquered the French in Canada, but the king of Heaven is stronger than any earthly king and will defend the oppressed ; and with a strong voice he added, "brother Bostonians, be
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strong and courageous; your cause is good, you will assuredly be sup- ported by the Great Spirit above, whose omnipotent arm will defend you, and in the end will give you a victory; a victory that will resound through all the earth, and this shall be a Sabbath day with you, and your children, and it shall be celebrated with joyful hearts, as long as the true American Spirit shall beat in their breasts. Your true Indian friends in the north, will do what they can in your favor. Indians are born free people; they love liberty, yes, they would wish to live as free as the deer in the forest, and the fowls in the air. Brother Bostonians, you are a great people, and able to meet the king of England, in the battle field. We are feeble compared to what we were once.
You will, I hope, always remember the feeble people who were once the lords of the soil, but who are now much reduced both in members and strength. But the war spirit is still in us, and we will do what we can to aid you, when the opportunity shall offer, even should it result in the destruction of our village by the British your enemies. Remember brother Bostonians, the words of your brothers of Caughnawaga.
Never forget that a portion of them are your friends at heart, and pray to the Great Spirit, that you become a free people, as the Indians your brothers."
Having been civilly treated at the camp the Indians returned to Al- bany, where they had an interview with General Schuyler, John Bleecker acting as interpreter; and here they again tendered their services to join the American cause.
After a considerable hesitation from the causes above indicated, it was resolved to grant the request, and Louis Cook, received a commission in the American army. From this time his residence at Caughnawaga became unsafe, and he returned thither no more during the war, unless stealthily.
A portion of the party remained with him, and others returned to Caughnawaga, warm in their friendship to the cause, and intending se- cretly to promote it as they might find themselves able.
These movements attracted the notice of Governor Carlton, of Canada, who endeavored to secure their adherence to the royal cause, but with- out effect.
In the winter of 1777-8, Colonel Louis repaired to Oneida, to raise a company of warriors among that tribe, and in this he succeeded. This is confirmed by a statement made in a petition of one Edward Johnson, to the legislature, for a grant of land for services rendered, in which he says:
" That winter I got acquainted with Louis Cook, a French Mohawk, who came to Oneida to get as many men to join him as he could in the American cause against Great Britain, for which he received a Lieutenant Colonel's commission from the first Congress, and said Louis asked me if I was willing to serve the country with him."
We also find a memorandum that the Oneidas entered Schenectady in July, 1780, under Col. Louis.
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This tribe as is well known, was the only one that rendered efficient service to the American cause during the revolutionary war. The Mohawks were influenced by the Johnson families to take up the hatchet against the colonies, and it is well known that the western Indians of New York deserved the chastisement they received at the hands of General Sullivan.
In the summer of 1780, Count de Rochambeau, with a French fleet and army, arrived in the United States, as their allies, in their struggle for liberty.
"It was deemed advisable by General Schuyler, and others, that a de- putation of friendly Indians should be encouarged to visit the French army and fleet at Newport. Many of the Iroquois had been strongly at- tached to the French in early times, particularly during the last war, and they still retained a lively remembrance the amicable intercourse that had then existed. When M. de Vaudreuil surrendered Canada to the British, he gave to the Indians as tokens of recognizance, a golden cru- cifix and a watch; and it was supposed that a renewal of the impres- sions which had in some degree been preserved among the tribes by these emblems of friendship, would have the effect to detach them from the British, and strengthen their union with the Americans and French. For this end their journey to Newport was planned.
General Schuyler who was at Albany, selected eighteen Indians for this deputation. Thirteen of these were Oneidas and Tuscaroras, and the other five Caghnawagas, from the Saut of St. Louis, near Montreal. They were accompanied by Mr. Deane, who was thoroughly acquainted with their language. They arrived at Newport on the 29th of August, 1780, and were received with a great deal of ceremony and attention by the French commanders. Entertainments and military shows were pre- pared for them, and they expressed much satisfaction at what they saw and heard. Suitable presents were distributed among them ; and to the chiefs were given medals, representing the coronation of the French king. When they went away a written address was delivered to them, or rather a kind of proclamation, signed by Count de Rochambeau, copies of which were distributed among the friendly Indians. It was in the following words:
" The king of France, your father, has not forgotten his children. As a token of remembrance, I have presented gifts to your deputies in his name. He learned with concern that many nations deceived by the English who are his enemies, had attacked and lifted up the hatchet against his good and faithful allies, the United States. He has desired me to tell you, that he is a firm and faithful friend to all the friends of America, and a decided enemy to all its foes. He hopes that his children whom he loves sincerely, will take part with their father in this war against the English."
This paper was written both in the French and English languages, and sealed and signed in due form."
(Sparks's Washington, vol. vii, p. 183.)
General Washington in a letter to the Count de Rochambeau, of Sept. 3, 1780, says:
" The visit you have had from the Indians, gives me great pleasure. I felicitate you on that which you must have had in the company of such
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agreeable and respectable guests. I dare say the reception they met with, will have a good effect. It has been the policy of the English in regard to them, to discredit the accounts of an alliance between France and America; a conviction of which on the substantial evidence of your army and fleet, and not less of your presents and good cheer, will not fail to have a happy influence." (Ib., p. 183.)
These Indians were principally useful as scouts, to carry intelligence and get information-a kind of service for which they are peculiarly adapted by nature, from the knowledge which they have of the forests, and the wary look-out they maintain against surprise or detection by their enemy.
On several of these occasions, Col. Louis was employed successfully. Once he was engaged to convey information to Canada, in connection. with the expedition that was sent thither under General Montgomery, and at another time was sent to meet a messenger from Canada, at a de- signated place, near Lake Champlain. This duty he performed success- fully, but when he reached the camp of the Americans, he was almost starved, having lost his provision bag, in crossing a river. He could not hunt on the way, as the British had Indian scouts in the woods.
On several of his expeditions as a bearer of despatches, he crossed Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, to the upper settlements on the Connecticut.
In whatever enterprise he undertook, he uniformly acquitted himself with credit, and in every act of his life he confirmed the esteem which he had acquired among the officers of the army, who not only learned to trust his fidelity, but ask his opinion on subjects connected with Indian warfare, and varied affairs connected with the Indian tribes.
He continued in active service till the peace, and then not daring to re- turn to his former associates at Caughnawaga, from the active partizan course which he had pursued, he repaired to Oneida, where he continued to reside until about the year 1789.
Many of the Caughnawagas had like him, lost their residence and their homes, by joining the Americans, and from some neglect no provision had been made for them, as for the Canada and Novia Scotia refugees, vho for a like reason had become exiles; these patriotic Indians wandered here and there homeless, and a part of them finally settled at St. Regis to which as Caughnawagas they had a claim.
There can be little doubt that the claims of these Indians have been overlooked, as one may search in vain the public records for evidences that they have ever been remunerated by grants of land or otherwise, for their services, with the exception of Colonel Louis.
Some time after the revolution he visited Montreal, Caughnawaga, ind St. Francois, and from his known influence with the Indian tribes,
.
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he was treated with respect by the agents of that government, who it is said, tendered him strong inducements to engage his friendship, but he rejected them all, that he might be free from this species of obligation, His wife, however, who accompanied him, accepted a gift of twenty dollars, with which she purchased a store that is said to be still owned by her descendents at St. Regis.
The western Indians towards the close of the last century, began to show symptoms of hostility to the United States, and endeavored to excite the same feeling among all the Indians in the country, to whom they sent messages, inviting them to meet in general council, to concert measures for promoting their measures, and of urging certain claims against the general government. The Canada Indians were also invited, and attended. The course which they pursued will be inferred from the following extracts.
"Colonel Louis of the Cougnawagas also came here to inform the government, that the Seven Castles, so called, in Canada, had been in- vited to the council, to be held at the Miami River, of Lake Erie. He also being convinced of the justice of the United States, promised to me his influence towards a peace. (Letter of Gen. Knox, Feb. 10, 1792. American State Papers, Indian affairs. vol. i, 12, 35.)
The deputies of these tribes accordingly attended the Indian council at the rapids of the Miami, on the 13th of August, 1793, and in the reports of the commissioners appointed on the part of the government, it is recorded, that they used their influence in settling the troubles then existing between the western tribes and the United States, which subse- quently ripened into open hostilities.
They however with the others insisted that the Ohio river should be the boundary between the whites and the Indians.
His residence on the frontier of St. Regis was at first quite unpleasant as well as unsafe, from the hostility which his former course had created among the zealous loyalists who settled on the St. Lawrence, after the war.
During a portion of his life, before the war, he had resided at St. Regis, and occupied a tract of land afterwards known as the Mile Square, near the present village of Massena. This he endeavored to have secured to him by letters patent. The following is the petition in which he solicited this favor.
To the Honorable the Senate and Assembly of the State of New York, in Legislature convened ;
" The petition of the subscriber respectfully showeth: That at the commencement of the late war, he resided near the village of St. Regis, within this state, and adjoining the north bounds thereof. That he occupied there a certain tract of land, lying on the Niconsiaga River,
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beginning on the first falls on the said river, and extending up the same on both sides thereof, about one mile, which land had descended to him by inheritance, and is his own distinct property.
That at the commencement of the late war, he left his said habitation, and joined the American army, and continued to serve his country in a military capacity, throughout the war, and that from the part he had taken in the American cause, he finds it inexpedient to return to his former residence, although the land so owned by him is still held and rented out by him. That your petitioner is desirous to have the said lands secured to him and his posterity, by a title to the same, under the authority of the state.
Your petitioner therefore most humbly prays, that the legislature will be pleased, in consideration of the premises, to direct letters patent to be issued to him, for the said tract of land.
And your petiitoner will as in duty bound ever pray, &c.
LOUIS COOK.
ALBANY, 8th January, 1789.
The Journal of the senate of the state of New York for 1789, contains the following.
January 10, 1789.
"The petition of Louis Cook, alias Hadaguetoghrongwen, praying that his title to a certain piece of land, may be confirmed to him under the authority of the state, was read and committed to Mr. Clinton, Mr. Haw- thorn, and Mr. Tredwell." (p. 30.)
February 19, 1789.
Mr. Clinton from the committee to whom was referred the petition of Louis Cook, alias Hadaguetoghrongwen, relative to his claim to a tract of land lying on the Niconsiaga River, near the village of St. Regis, within this state, reported that it was the opinion of the committee, that the prayer of the petitioner ought to be granted, and that a provision be made to direct the commissioners of the land office, to grant letters patent to the said Louis Cook, for such tract of land lying on the Nicon- siaga river, beginning on the first falls on the said river, and extending up the same on both sides thereof as they shall find to be his distinct property ; provided the same has not been otherwise appropriated; which report he read in his place, and delivered the same at the table where it was again read, and agreed to by the senate." (p. 68.)
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