USA > Pennsylvania > Colonial records of Pennsylvania, Vol. VII > Part 33
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" That from the Accounts given us by the Indians who delivered this Message, we were informed that those Indians reposed great confidence in the continuance of our endeavours to that purpose, and after the receipt of a Second Message some of them were induced to meet Governor Morris at Easton, and there layd the foundation of a more general Treaty.
" That a considerable Number of us attended the said Treaty at Easton, and from the Conduct and Express declaration of the Indians were assured that our Personally attending there was very acceptable to them and conducive to the general Service.
"That in Confirmation of the Sencerity of our desires to promote the restoration of Peace, We had provided a present of such Cloathing for these Indians as they then appeared to be immediately in want of, which Governor Morris was pleased to deliver them on our behalf.
" That we are now informed there is a much larger Number of Indians waiting to meet the Governor at Easton, being still desirous of promoting the restoration and establishment of Peace with them, We are ready and willing, by personally attending the Treaty, to manifest the Continuance of our care and concern herein, and our hearty disposition to regain and improve the Friendship of the Indians to the general Interest of our Country, and if our fur- nishing a supply of Cloathing for these Indians against the approaching Winter, in Addition to those provided at the Publick expence, may in any measure tend to those purposes, and our doing it will be consistent with the Governor's pleasure, We shall chear- fully provide and send them to the place appointed for the Treaty, to be delivered them by the Governor in such manner as will most effectually promote the publick service and express our Friendly disposition towards them. All which is with much respect sub- mitted to the Consideration of the Governor. Signed on behalf and at the request of our Brethren.
"SAM. PRESTON MOORE, " ABRAHAM DAWES, " JONATHAN MIFFLIN, "JS. PEMBERTON."
The Governor's answer to the foregoing Address, by the Secretary.
"The Governor has considered the Address presented him this Morning in behalf of a considerable Number of the People called
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PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.
Quakers, and is willing to receive such goods as they shall put into his Hands for the use of the Indians, and deliver them along with the Provincial Present, in the same manner Mr. Morris did. The Governor likewise thanks the Gentlemen for their kind offer of attending the Indian Conference, and shall be glad to see them at Easton."
A Message was delivered from the Assembly, desiring the Gov- ernor wou'd be pleased to Commissionate Samuel Kirk to be Ser- jeant-at-Arms, with the usual powers. And a Commission of the same Tenor with his present one was made out, executed and de- livered to him.
A Bill Entituled " An Act for regulating the Officers and Sol- diers, Commissioned and raised by the Governor for the Defence of this Province," was delivered to the Governor for his Concur- rence, read, agreed to, returned to the House, passed, sealed and lodged in the Roll's Office.
At a Conference with the Indians, held at Easton, on Monday the 8 Nov., 1756.
PRESENT :
The Honourable WILLIAM DENNY, Esquire, Lieutenant Gov- ernor.
William Logan, Į
Richard Peters, Esquires.
Benjamin Franklin, ?
Joseph Fox,
Commissioners.
William Masters, John Hughes,
Teedyuscuug, the Delaware King, Speaker,
Four of the Six Nations,
Sixteen Delaware Indians,
Two Shawonese,
Six Mohiccons,
Pumpshire, a Jersey Delaware Indian, Interpreter.
Colonel Weiser,
1
Major Parsons,
Cap. Weatherholt,
Officers of the Provincial Forces.
Cap. Vanellen, Cap. Reynolds,
1 Lieut. McAlpin,
Ensign Jeffrys,
$
Recruiting Officers of the Royal Americans.
A Number of Gentlemen and Freeholders from the several coun- ties, and from the City of Philadelphia.
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MINUTES OF THE
On Saturday Morning, the Governor, whilst at Samuel Dean's, received Intelligence from Mr. Horsfield, that a party of Indians, who came with Teedyuscung from Diahogo, stay'd behind at a little distance from Fort Allen. and had some bad designs in doing so; whereupon the Moravian Brother who brought the Intelligence, was immediately despatched to Easton, and the next morning the Gov- ernor received a Letter from Col. Weiser, informing him that the matter communicated to him by Mr. Horsefield, had been examined into along with Teedyuscung, and was without foundation, on which the Governor proceeded on his Journey and come to Town in the afternoon, and as soon as he light, the Delaware King and two of the Six Nation Indians, came to wait on him, by whom he was told that Colonel Weiser and two other of the Six Nations, 4 were gone to meet him, but had taken a different road. Mr. Weiser and the two Indians came afterwards, and expressed their concern at missing the Governor.
This Morning the Governor sent Mr. Weiser with his Comple- ments to the Indian Chief, and desired to know whether he in- tended to speak first and when ; and the King saying it was his duty to Speak first, wished it might be this forenoon, on which the Governor appointed Three a'Clock, P. M., at which time the Governor Marched from his Lodging to the place of Conference, guarded by a party of the Royal Americans in the Front and on the Flanks, and a Detachment of Colonel Weiser's Provincials in Subdivisions in the Rear, with Colours flying, Drums beating, and Musick playing, which order was always observed in going to the place of Conference.
Teedyuscung opened the Conferences with the following Speech : " Brother the Governor :
" May it please your Excellency to hear a few Words. I will put the Governor and Gentlemen in mind that Conferences were held here in the Summer, and what passed there is well known.
" I have taken all the pains possible to Execute what I then un- dertook, and have brought with me several of different Tribes, as well Delaware as Six Nation Indians.
" I held up the encouragements I received from the English, and spread them forth far and near to all the Tribes I promised to go to, as well among the Delawares as Six Nations, and assure you I have been true and faithful to my promises, and used all the Dil- ligence in my power ; in Testimony whereof I give these four Strings.
" In Confirmation that I have faithfully published what was committed to my care, several Indians of different places, as well Six Nation Indians as Delawares, are come along with me, and being now present will put their Hands and Seals to the Truth of what I say ; they have acted upon what I have delivered in they
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PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.
behalf of this Government, and their minds are intent on the good work that is going on. Some of them were here before.
"In Conformity to an ancient and good Custom established among our Ancestors, I now proceed to open your Eyes and Ears, and remove all obstructions out of your Throats, that nothing may Impede the attention necessary to be used in a matter of such Im- portance as is now going on.
" Some bad reports have lately been spread which deserves to be no more minded than the wistling of Burds. These I wou'd re- move by this Belt and take away all bad Impressions that may have been made by them."
Gave a Belt of Eight Rows.
" Brother :
"I have done for the present, and another time, if God spares Life, I will begin the main matter I came to do."
The Governor replied :
"Brother :
"I return you thanks for you kind Speech, and likewise for the regard you shewed me in sending two of the Six Nation Indians along with Mr. Weiser to meet me. I unfortunately took a different Road and so we missed of one another, but it gave me great Satis- faction to hear by Mr. Weiser that he and those Indians were de- sirous to meet me and Conduct me to Town.
" Brother :
" Many idle reports are Spread by foolish and busy People; I agree with you that on both sides they ought to be no more regarded than the chirping of Birds in the Woods."
A String.
" Brethren :
" By this Belt I open your Eyes and Ears, and particularly the Passage from your Heart to your Mouth, that in what you have to say to this Government they may both concur, nor the Mouth utter anything but what is first conceived in the Heart; And I promise you openness and sincerity in everything I shall speak."
A Belt.
The Governor said he wou'd be ready to hear what Teedyuscung had further to say at 11 O'Clock to-Morrow Morning.
.
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MINUTES OF THE
At a Conference with the Indians on Tuesday the 9 day of November, 1756.
PRESENT :
The Honourable WILLIAM DENNY, Esquire, Lieutenant Gov- ernor.
William Logan,
Esquires.
Richard Peters,
The Commissioners.
Freeholders.
Magistrates.
Officers.
Indians as before.
The Governor ordered the Interpreter to acquaint Teedyuscung that he was ready to hear him, and he delivered himself as follows: " Brother :
" This is to notify to you that at the Treaty held here in the Summer, I promised to publish what was then delivered to me to all the Nations I could have any influence upon; and that I have performed all I promised, and done my duty faithfully with respect to all these Nations, I can evidence by some of them who are come with me, and are now here at your pleasure, ready to hear what you have to say to us, and disposed to do every thing in their power; in Confirmation of what has been or will be transacted."
A String.
" Brethren :
"This Belt signifies that I took notice of and paid a due regard to every thing mentioned by the Messengers you sent to me at Diahogo, whom I received kindly, You may, in particular, remem- ber that you took hold of my Hand, and thereupon I came to this place where the Council Fire was appointed to be kindled ; when I came here I found every thing said by your Messengers to be true, which, on my return, I made known, as well as every thing else that was then delivered to me, To ten different Nations, Delawares and Six Nations, and as many of them as I have prevailed upon to come with me can evidence the truth of this.
" We are all put in mind of the Ancient Leagues and Covenants made by Our Forefathers, and of the former Union and mutual kind Actions of our and their Ancestors; what was proposed here re- newed the remembrance of these former happy Times.
" Tho' we are but Children in Comparison of them, and of lit- tle ability, as you well know, yet we have picked up a few Chips, and will add them to the Fire, and hope it will grow a great Fire,
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PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.
and blaze high, and be seen by all the different Indian Nations who wait to know what we are now doing."
A Belt of Ten Rows.
" Brethren :
"I remember what has passed in discourse and Conversation among your Old Ancient People, especially about Governor Penn ; what he said to the Indians is fresh in our minds and memory, and I believe it is in yours. The Indians and Governor Penn agreed well together ; this we all remember, and it was not a small matter that wou'd then have separated us, and now you fill the same Sta- tion he did in this Province, it is in your power to act the same part.
" I am now before you, just what you see me. I represent my- self to be only a Boy. I am really no more. Now, as misfortunes have happened by the bad Spirit, by our Enemy and by some of our Foolish young People, I declare unto you the Truth that I have ever been sorry to see it thus, and as far as I know myself, if it cost me my Life, I wou'd make it otherwise. As I have already proceed a great way and prevailed on those who have steped out of the way, and on many of whom I' had little or no Expectation to enter into peaceable measures; I now call upon you to use your Ability, which are much greater than ours, to assist this good work, to encourage it, and to confirm it to good purpose."
A Belt of seven rows.
Taking the Belt up again, he added : "what you have said I have truly imparted to all, and what you shall now say, I shall like- wise hold up. I shall not put it into my Bosom to declare it and destribute it to all, that it may have a good effect."
At a Council held at Easton, Wednesday, the 10th day of Novem- ber, 1756.
PRESENT :
The Honourable WILLIAM DENNY, Esquire, Lieutenant Gov- ernor.
William Logan, Richard Peters, Esquires.
Conrad Weiser, from Teedyuscung, acquainted the Governor that last Night an Indian named Zacheus, brought an Account from Fort Allen, that about Forty Indian Warriors were come to Nishame- kachton, a Creek about three miles beyond that Fort, from Diahogo, where they were informed by some Indians who first set out with Teedyuscung to accompany him to the Treaty at Easton, that he and all his Company were cut off and they were come to revenge his Death, in case they shou'd have found it true, but hearing Tee-
318
MINUTES OF THE
dyuscung was safe and kindly received by the English they were glad and wou'd remain there; Teedyuscung being asked by Mr. Weiser if it wou'd not be proper to send an Invitation to them to come to the Treaty, he said it wou'd, and desired the Governor might Join with him in it, Which being approved by the Governor, Moses Tattamy and Lieutenant Hotter were dispatched with the Message.
The Minutes of Yesterday's Conference were read, and the An- swer Considered and agreed to, but deferred till the Return of the Messengers from the Indians beyond F. Allen.
Conrad Weiser was ordered to inform the Indians by Moses Tat- tamy, that Parties of the Enemy Indians had lately committed Murders on the Borders of this County, even since Teedyuscung's coming amongst us, but were retreated and that the Inhabitants were determined to pursue the Murderers and to desire these In- dians not to stragle, but keep together least they shou'd be mistaken for Enemy Indians. /
At a Meeting of the Governor and Commissions it was mentioned that the Indians had surmised as if Injustice had been done them in Land Affairs; the Governor, therefore, added to his Answer a Paragraph putting the Question in plain Terms.
At a Council held at Easton, Friday, 12th November, 1756. PRESENT :
The Honourable WILLIAM DENNY, Esquire, Lieutenant Gov- ernor.
William Logan, r Esquires.
Richard Peters,
The Commissioners.
The Messenger, Moses Tattamy, returned this Morning from the Indians and reported that in his Journey near Hayes' about half way to Fort Allen, he met two Indians and a Soldier coming down to see their Friends, and know what they were doing and how re- ceived; but as he told the Indians he was going up with a Message from the Governor and Teedyuscung, they were satisfied and re- turned to hear it; that he came to the Indians at nine o'clock yes- terday noon, and delivered his Message, after which they were in Council till three in the afternoon, and then gave him an Answer to the following effect: That they thanked the Governor for the kind notice he had taken of them, and for his Invitation to come to the Treaty, but as it was agreed between Teedyuscung and them that they shou'd come no further than the place where they were, and that the Goods in case of Success, were to be brought and divided at Fort Allen, they intended to stay whilst the Treaty con-
319
PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.
tinued; they were glad to hear the Indians were treated as Friends, and that a peace was likely to be made, and if it shou'd be so, they shou'd all heartily rejoice and wou'd agree to and confirm every thing Teedyuscung shou'd do; Tattamy told the Governor that he had likewise informed them of the Murders lately committed, de- siring them to be cautious of stragling or going at a great distance, for which notice they were thankful and promised to keep their In- dians together, and if they saw any Tracts of Indians going towards this Province to give immediate notice of it to the Governor.
The Messenger being asked if those Indians had impowered Teedyuscung to transact Business for them at the Treaty, he an- swered that they said in express Terms they had given them their Authority, and if any Good shou'd be done, meaning if a firm Peace shou'd be concluded, not only they but all the Indians at Diahogo and many more different Tribes or Towns wou'd be ex- ceedingly pleased with it, and wou'd confirm it.
The Draft of the Governor's Answer to the Indians, as settled at the last Council, was read and some alterations made; then the Indians had notice that the Governor wou'd Speak to them this Afternoon.
At a Conference with the Indians on Friday the 12 Novem- ber, 1756, P. M.
PRESENT :
The Honourable WILLIAM DENNY, Esquire, Lieutenant Governor.
William Logan,
Richard Peters, Esquires.
The same Commissioners,
Officers.
Gentlemen.
Indians as before.
The Governor Spoke as follows:
" Brother :
" I am going to give you an Answer to what was said by you at Our last Meeting, and would have done it sooner If I had not ex- pected to have seen more of our Indian Brethren here. I shall use the utmost sincerity on my part, and desire you will hearken attentively."
A String.
" Brother :
" I observere what you have said in regard to your faithful per- formance of all the matters given you in Charge by this Govern-
320
MINUTES OF THE
ment when you were last here, and heartily thank you for the dili- gent care you have taken to make known to all the Indian Nations our good dispositions for Peace, and for inviting them to this Council Fire, and for the further Assurances You made in behalf of those present and of many more who are absent, even some of whom you had little Expectations of, that all will be done in their power to bring the same to a happy issue."
A Belt.
" Brother :
" You have done well to consider the Ancient Leagues subsist- ing between you and this Government from its very first begining. I am pleased to hear you Express your self so affectionately in favour of the first Proprietor; he very well deserves it at the hands of all the Indians; He was always just and kind to them, and gave it in Charge of his Governor and to his Children, the present Pro- prietaries, to Treat them as he did, with the utmost Affection, and to do them all manner of good Offices, which has always been done by them as far as is come to my knowledge.
" As to myself, after the present Proprietors had appointed me to this Government, they recommended the care of the Indians to me in a very Particular manner, and I assure you I shall be ready on all occasions to do the Indians every service in my power, and most heartily assist in bringing about a lasting and durable Peace. I throw a large Log into the Council fire that it may blaze up to the Heavens and spread the blessings of Peace far and wide."
A Belt.
" This Belt confirms my words.
"Brother Teedyuscung :
" What I am now going to say to you shou'd have been mentioned sometime ago. I now desire your strict attention to it.
" You was pleased to tell me the other day that the League of Friendship made by our Fathers was as yet fresh in your memory. You said it was made so strong that a small thing would not easily break it. As we are now met together at a Council Fire kindled by us both, and have promised on both sides to be free and open to one another, I must ask you how that League of Friendship came to be broken ? Have we, the Governor or People of Pennsylvania, done you any kind of Injury ? If you think we have, you shou'd be honest and tell us your Hearts. You should have made com- plaint before you struck us; for so it was agreed in our Ancient League. However, now the great Spirit has thus happily brought us once more together. Speak your mind plainly on this head, and tell us if you have any just cause of Complaint, what it is; That I may obtain a full answer to this Point I give this Belt."
A Belt.
B t E th
a
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PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.
Teedyuscung thanked the Governor, and desired time to consider till to-morrow morning, and he wou'd give an Answer at such time as the Governor wou'd be pleased to appoint.
The Governor desired he wou'd take full time to consider it, as it was a matter of Consequence, and let him know when he was ready; and desired he wou'd at the same time offer what he had further to say on any other matter.
At a Conference held on Saturday, the 13 November, 1756.
PRESENT :
The Honourable WILLIAM DENNY, Esquire, Lieutenant Gov- ernor.
William Logan,
Richard Peters, Esquires.
The same Commissioners, Officers,
Gentlemen,
Indians as before.
Teedyuscung Spoke as follows, laying before him the several Strings and Belts given him Yesterday by the Governor :
" Brother :
"I remember you told me Yesterday by these Strings that you would have had a Conference sooner had you not expected that the Indians who were invited wou'd have come to this Council. I thank you for the kind things you have spoke, and for reminding me of what passed in former times. I will endeavour to tell you the truth from the bottom of my heart, and hope you will have Patience to hear me. All I deliver shall be according to the Authority I have received, as those who are now with me will witness."
Gave three Strings of Black & White Wampum.
" Brother.
" The Times are not now as they were in the Days of our Grandfathers ; then it was Peace, but now War and Distress. I am sorry for what has happened, and I now take and wipe the Tears from your Eyes, as there is great reason for Morning. This I not only do on my own part, but on the part of the Six Nations, who will put their Seal to it. I take away the Blood from your Bodys with which they are Sprinkled. I clear the Ground and the Leaves that you may sit down with Quietness. I clear your Eyes that when you see the Day-light you may enjoy it. I declare this not only for the Indians I represent, but for the Six Nations, VOL. VII .- 21.
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MINUTES OF THE
who with them make up Ten in all, which have with us, put their Hands to these words."
Gave a Belt with nine rows.
" Brother :
" Now I have done wiping your Eyes and Bodys, and cleaning the Ground where you sit; I will also heal your wounds, not only on the Top but at the Bottom. I will apply to them the good Plaister which the Great Creator has made for these purposes. I say I will heal the Wound so as it may never break out more, but be compleatly cured. In this the Six Nations will also join with me."
Gave Belt of Eight rows.
" Brother:
" Now as I have healed the wound, our Case is like that of two Brothers, when one has been Sick and has recovered his Health, 'tis usual for the other to be glad, just so it is with me now. Your wound is cured, I am glad to see you face to face, as it has pleased the good Spirit to bring us together ; I also remember every thing you have said ; and as to what I have said, or still have to say, the other Nations will confirm."
Gave a Belt of Eleven Rows.
" Brother:
"I am now going to tell you something in a few words, in answer to your request last Night, that I should give you a true account how I came to strike you.
" In the Beginning of the Confusion and War that happened the fall before this, I lived in the Middle of the Road leading from the Six Nations to Philadelphia, where it was ordered by my Unckles to sitt down; and there I sat in profound Peace, under no appre- hensions of Danger ; and when I looked toward Philadelphia, I saw my Brother the Governor, and nothing but Peace and Friend- ship ; and when I looked the other way, towards my Unckles the Six Nations, every thing was also Peace there ; so it was with me, until all at once a Man, whose Name is called Charles Broadhead, an Inhabitant of this Province, came to me at Wioming and told me, as if he had such a Message from the Governor, that I had struck my Brothers the English, which I denied over and over ; and when I cou'd not prevail with him to believe me, I took two Handfulls of Wampum and desired him to go down with them to the Governor, and assure him that it was not I who struck the English. I also desired the Governor to let me know what further measures I shou'd take, to satisfy him and my Brethren the Eng- lish, of the Truth of this. I also desired of the same Messenger, that the Governor wou'd take all the prudent methods he cou'd, to relate this to Col. Johnson and to my Unckles, the Six Nations,
0
S b ta be
b
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PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.
as I was under a good deal of concern that this Charge was laid against me. There were two Kings present besides me, who joined with me in the Message ; and I likewise desired the Governor to send me word what to do, for which I waited till I was out of Pa- tience, and obliged to flee, and leave my Inheritance on that account."
Gave a String.
" Brother :
" According to your other Question or Request last Night to know of me why I struck you without first giving you a Reason for it, I will tell you the truth why I have unfortunately struck you. I say, Brother, I will tell you the very Truth in Answer to your Question. I never knew any of our Ancient Kings ever to have this in their minds. I now tell you it came from a great King, at least I think so. The King of England and of France have settled or wrought this Land so as to coop us up as if in a Penn. Our Foolish and Ignorant Young Men when they saw the proceeding of this Enemy and the things that were told them believed them, and were persuaded by this false-hearted King to strike our Brethren the English. According to your desire I will now tell you the Truth with an honest Heart as far as is in my power. After this unfortunate management once prevailed it is easy for all you Eng- lish, if you took into your Hearts to find the cause why this blow came harder upon you than it wou'd otherwise have done; but this is not the principal cause; some things that have passed in former times, both in this and other Governments, were not well pleasing to the Indians; indeed, they thought them wrong, but as I said be- fore, they were not the principal cause." Being asked in what other Governments, he answered in the Province of New Jersey. "Now, Brother, I have told you the truth as you desired me, and also the Uneasiness of my mind, because I verily believe it was our Duty to go to the very bottom, be it as bad as it will, and that it is neces- sary we should both open our whole minds to one another that we may agree to heal the wound."
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