USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Lancaster county Indians: annals of the Susquehannocks and other Indian tribes of the Susquehanna territory from about the year 1500 to 1763, the date of their extinction > Part 14
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ANNALS OF THE SUSQUEHANNOCKS AND
made by the Susquehannocks and | it is stated in a letter that "word was suspiciously received by Maryland. received from the head of the bay, that the Susquehannock Indians have gone back to their old Fort about 60 miles above Palmer's Island and have been there so long that they have corn fit to roast." In the same letter it is stated that "a peace was made last summer between the Susquehannocks and the Senecas so that they are now at ease and out of our reach." This apparently fixes the time when the Susquehannocks again got back on the River and when they began to be friendly with the Senecas again. 1676-New Light Upon the Location of the Susquehannock Fort. This was toward the end of July or the beginning of August and on that subject the following appears, as showing the Views of Council. "At a Council held Sunday, August 6 :- Letters from Nathaniel Stiles and Jonathan Sibly which bring intelli- gence of some Susquehannock In- dians being at the head of the bay (Chesapeake) and more upon their march thither and of their desires and designs of peace with us and their intentions for (to go to) St. Mary's for the purpose of protection (were read) from which news we believe it is probable from their conditon in Virginia, fom whence it is supposed they come (that) they wthout doubt were in the incendaries of the mis- chief which makes them desperate by either the neighbornig Indians being likely to do them no good by war. This occasioned these Susquehannocks to leave them and return to their own fields and habitations; and hike- 43 1/2 wise that they have made peace with their old enemyes (the Senecas), their prentensions for peace is a matter of weighty consideration.
It is probable that these Susque- hannocks have not only blown the coals but made the fire and the flame of troubles that now burns in the breast and in the bowels of our neighbors, the Virginians, to our great sorrow and grief. To make peace with these Susquehannocks is a mat- ter dubious and worthy of good consultation and requires correspon- dence with Virginia. But it may be in no ways inconsistent to treat with these Susquehannocks and to send them and Jacob Young as protection." And for a meeting at Mr. Mertyes's is ordered."
1676-Susquehannocks Make Partial Peace Again With the Senecas.
In Vol. 15 of the Md. Archives, p. 122, it is stated that the Susquehan- nock Indians have returned to their old fort "about 60 miles above Pal- mer's Island." Palmer's Island is practically a few miles below the mouth of the Susquehanna River. According to the Pennsylvania rail- road map Columbia is miles
from Perryville. Now if Palmer's Island is 15 miles below the mouth of the Susquehanna River, this would bring a point of 60 miles above Pal- mer's Island in the neighborhood of Columbia, a couple of miles below which has generally been accepted as the location of the old Fort. How- ever, it depends on how near 60 miles mentioned in the letter is the accurate number of miles.
1676 - Edmund Andros Encourages the Susquehannocks to Reurn
to Pennsylvania.
In 1674 James, Duke of York re- ceived from his brother, the King of England, among other lands, a grant of the territory from the Connecti- cut River to the Delaware River; and on July 1, 1674 he gave a commission to Edmund Andros to be Governor In Vol. 15 of the Md. Arch., p. 122, over it, (Second Ser. Pa. Arch., Vol.
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OTHER LANCASTER COUNTY INDIAN TRIBES
5, p. 639). And November 5, 1675 Edmund Andros began to buy from the Indians lands west of the Dela- ware River, (Do. p. 673), and con- tinued buying until he owned a great deal of land extending from Dela- ware River westward toward the Sus- quehanna River. Then hearing of the hard fate of the Susquehannocks, by a letter from Captain Cantwell on the Delaware, and hearing about them coming northward again to- ward Susquehanna, at a Council held July 28, 1676 it was resolved (Do. p. 681), "to write to Captain Cantwell still to encourage the coming of those Indians, till when not to promise anything to them, but if they desire it, the Governor will endeavor
a composure of all things in Maryland and a perfect peace with the Maques an Sinnekes (Senecas), after which the said Indians (Susquehannocks) may return to their lands as they shall think good.
"If the said Indians do comply, that Captain Cantwell to give notice of it to the Governr here, and to the Gov- ernor of Maryland ,and let them know that the Governor hath given him the said order, thinking it the greatest service, he could do them, so to take in the said Indians,-lest go- ing to the Maques and Senekes, they might induce them to make inroads, upon the Christians, which none of us could remedy.
If the said Indians will come in, that he give notice (ask) where they are most inclinable to go, for the pre- sent, being either at the Falls, or the middle of the River at Delaware."
So the Susquehannocks now find new friends-the Governor of New York and his people, owners of all the land from Connecticut River al- most to the Susquehanna. The ruler of these new friends now asks the Susquehannocks to come under his protection on the west side of Dela-
ware River either at Trenton Falls or higher or lower until he shall compel the Maques and Senecas to make peace with them, when he pro- mises they may go back to their old lands on Susquehanna. This invita- tion was. given by Edmund Andros July 28, 1676.
1676-The Susquehannocks Again Back to Their Old Place on the Susquehanna River.
In a communication found in the 5 Md. Archives, pp. 134-135, in a com- plaint dated Aug., 1676 by prominent citizens of Virginia, it is stated among other thngs that "the Susquehannock Indians returned meanwhile to the Susquehanna River again, and cut off several families at the head of the Bay and thus all the Indians are en- couraged, who call the Christians cowards and children to fight with. But the Governor of Baltimore to cloak his policy with an Assembly, condemned his Major Truman unto a fine of 10,000 pounds of tobacco and imprisonment during pleasure for having suffered the five Susquehan- nock Indians to be killed, notwith- standing the Assembly cleared Tru- man, upon the producing of Lord Baltimore's order, yet to keep the people from complaining to England he keeps this all a secret."
1676-Word Sent to Virginia that Maryland Will Make Peace with .
the Susquehannocks.
On the 6th of August, 1676 it was ordered by Maryland that a letter be sent to the Governor of Virginia to give him notice that the Deputy Gov- ernors and Council of Maryland are "upon making terms of peace with the Susquehannocks which may be for the safety as well of that Govern- ment as of the Province, which is as followeth from said letter: 'We have lately received intelligence from the
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ANNALS OF THE SUSQUEHANNOCKS AND
head of the Bay that the Susquehan- therefore sent a passport to them and Jacob Young the interperter to come and to and return safe from the treaty to be held at Murtyes, at any time within one month and we have written to Berkley and a Council of Virginia to give hm notice. So stand nock Indians have resided at their old Fort about 60 miles above Pal- mer's Island for so many months that they now have corn fit to roast; that they shortly expect the remainder of their troops and as many of the western Indians near or beyond the your affairs now with the Indians but mountains as they have been able to as to the English under Colonel Bacon, they stand not so fair; for we have cause to suspect he intends to embroil the Province in a warre; and that he will make pursuit of the Pis- cataways his pretense to enter here and use young Guiles Brent and his vain title to his mother's crown and sceptre of the Piscataways, as his father used the phrase it and other desperate persons in those parts, to bring on disquiet here." This needs no comment except to notice that while everything was going in the direction of peace in Maryland, it was quite otherwise in Virginia. pursue to come and live with them. We are further informed that by the means of Colonel Andrews with the Governor of New York a peace was made last summer between them and their old enemies, the Senecas so that they are now at ease and out of our reach. Notwithstanding this they have applied themselves to Captain Edward Cantwell the Deputy Gover- nor of New Castle and requesting a peace and trade as formerly with the English and in order to come down with Captain Cantwell and Jacob Young, our interpreter, to the house of Mrs. Margaret Penroy at the head 1676-Maryland Advises the Other Tribes to Make Peace With of the Bay near Palmer's Island and from thence sent a pass to come the Susquehannocks down to St. Mary's. We have there- fore sent them safe conduct to come down and treat with us.'" (Sèe 15th Maryland Archives, p. 122).
1676 - Maryland Council Send
a
Letter to Lord Baltimore About Peace With the Susque- hannocks.
On page 123 of Vol. 15 of the Md. Archives there is set forth a letter by . the Council of Maryland to Lord Baltimore to let him know of their intentions of a treaty with the Sus- quehannocks and advising him of af- fairs in Virginia. It is as follows :- "May 'it please your Lordship :- At a council held this day (Aug. 6, 1676) at Manakowick's Neck, we have con- sidered the overtures of the Susque- hannocks for a peace deeming it a blessing for God unhoped for, we thought it not to be slighted; and
In Vol. 15 of the Md. Archives, p. 126, the following complaint is set forth. The Emperor of Piscataway and the King of the Mattawoman In- dians came to council and it was or- dered to tell them "that the Susque- hannocks have sent to us to make peace and if we think it fit to make Peace with them, we will certainly include the Piscataways and Matta- woman Indians in it. And since they are unwilling to have us make peace with the Susquehannocks though we include them in it, let them be asked whether they will march with the English to the New Fort they have built and likewise pursue the Susque- hannocks and be obedient to the Eng- lish commanders with whom they have been ordered to march. They observed by Schotickeko, their speak- er, that they are ready to go.
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Here we see that the English in Maryland did not have exactly the smoothest sailing in getting the gen- eral peace established.
1676-Maryland Citizens Loudly Com- plain of the Treatment of the Susquehannocks.
In a communication dated the eighth day of August, this year there is a complaint to Lord Baltimore against the action in both Virginia and Mary- land concerning the Susquehannocks and in the course of the complaint the authors say, "Old Governor Berkley, altered by marrying a young wife from a wonted public good to a cove- tous fool's age, relishes Indian pre- sents so well that the Indian blood is pukketted up with other mischiefs in so much that his lady would have it, though it would overthrow the coun- try. Now there is an opportunity to give Virginia a good blow by Maryland Indians on account of the Piscata- ways have gone over to the Virginia to do mischief. The Piscataways
have united the Susquehannocks to their assistance, whereby a greater incursion being feared and unforseen, Gov. Berkley was persuaded to send Colonel Washington and Allerton to cut them off. At least they raised a force above 1000 men to protect the Province and so burdened Virginia to destroy them and therefore ordered Major Truman to besiege the fort which might have easily been taken, being not quite finished and not 100 fighting men in it besides women and children: And thus the soldiers were misled and intrentched and the Susquehannocks sent out five men whom the soldiers knowing to be some of the murderers, would not let come to the treaty but killed them. And thus were 5 or 6 weeks spent to consume the King's subjects and put both Provinces to an increased charge and a general alarm for the
Indians often sallied out killing
many and took their spades and arms and made themselves stronger and stronger. They "kroak" that
shameful siege ( Susquehannock Fort) up with the loss of above 200 soldiers and thirteen hundred thous- and lbs. of tobacco to the country be- sides Virginia charge; the Indians but losing now and then one by chance, and in Virginia afterwards they (Susquehannocks and others) destroyed 500 or 600 men, women and children without resistance, until Squire Bacon moved by the people's and his own loss repulsed the Indians which hath taken full effect, if not hindered by some ill-wishers, who have brought the country into the present confusion." This is quoted simply to show that issatisfaction had arisen by reason of the treatment of the Susquehannocks as above set forth. (See 5 Md. Archives, pp. 134- 135).
1676-Edmund Andros Criticizes the Raising of False Alarms About the Susquehannocks.
Under the date of August 11, 1676 at one of the Council meetings held under Andros, having received a let- ter from the Delaware of the alarm given by Mr. Herman's letter, "re- solve to send a check or rebuke to Captain Cantwell for making so rash an alarm but to advise that he be not careless, and that he send forth- with to the Susquehannocks to know their intent about their coming in (joning in a friendly way with the English) which if they do not,-then to be careful to promise them noth- ing; it not being proper as not in our power, and if they do come in, it be to live peaceable, as the rest of the Government doth." (See Second Ser. Pa. Archives, Vol. 5, p. 682). In this we observe efforts are still being made by the English, who are now owners of the Delaware and of much
.
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ANNALS OF THE SUSQUEHANNOCKS AND
land which they bought from the In- dians, almost to the Susquehanna, looking toward bringing the Susque- hannocks into complete friendship with them. Edmund Andros seemed to be a sincere friend of these In- dians.
1676-Andros's Instructions to Cap- tain Collyer on the Delaware and Susquehanna.
In the last quoted book, p. 686, un- der the date of September 23 of this year there is set forth several in- structions from Andros to Captain Collier from the management of In- dian affairs in eastern Pennsylvania, and among them is this instruction that he (Collier) is to acquaint the Governor of Maryland
"with the great inconvenience that hath been bound Eastward by the several 'na- tions of Indians joining, whereby the late mischiefs have happened; and that the Christians have received a greater service from the Maques and other Indians above Albany; they therefore desire their resolves about the Suspuehannocks and to acquaint them that he wishes to admit them within the Government, rather than hazard their being obliged to refuge with a grudge in their hearts, fur- ther away and out of our reach." The instruction further goes on and says: "but the Susquehannocks having had warr with Maryland, though now in peace, I have delayed making this conclusion, though it will be of ad- vantage to all" The instructions then further state, "the Susquehan- nocks are to be used friendly and as many as will are to come to me at this place (New York), for which all freedom and furtherance is extended to them; and let them know it is their good hearts and not riches that I value, therefore they need not trouble themselves about presents" I cite this merely to show the good
feeling which Edmund Andros had for the Susquehannocks.
Further steps in this matter ap- pear by the following extracts from a letter sent by Endmund Andros, Governor of Maryland, dated the 25th of September, 1676 and found in the last named book, p. 687. "If some course be not speedily taken they ( The Susquehannocks ) must all
necessarily submit to the Min- ques and Senecas who passionately desire it; but it would prove of a bad consequence. I have therefore dispatched Captain Collyer to you to let you know if I may be service- able to you therein to employ me and whether you judge the late peace with Susquehannocks sufficient, their continuing where they now are or being removed from these parts best. I have some interest with the Maques and Senecas and I can best deal with them; but some speedy resolution is necessary as it will concern the peace of all his Majesty's subjects in these parts." (Signed) Edmund
Andros." This shows that con- stant watchfulness was required to prevent the now beaten Susquehan- nocks from being utterly exterminat- ed by or assimilated with other In- dians of powerful tribes.
1676-A Small Encounter Between the Senecas and Susquehannocks.
In a letter found in the 5th Md. Archives, pp. 152-153 reference is made to "a small encounter" in the beginning of last December (1676) between the Senecas and Susquehan- nocks in which the writer says that "the most considerable affair that I am about to acquaint you with is about the Seneca and Susquehan- nock Indians who have had at the be- ginning of December, last a small en- counter at Jacob Young's house, which intelligence came to me by
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OTHER LANCASTER COUNTY INDIAN TRIBES
Tuesday night last, (Jan., 1677) ; up- on which I have taken the most ef- fectual care I could at present for the security of Baltimore and Cecil counties, and I send you herewith original letters I have received from the head of the Bay relating to it. I have inquired how we shall treat with the Indians as soon as the Spring approaches, for if we be not timely in adjusting all matters with them in the Spring, we shall be surprised by them and your Lordship's pro- vince will receive much damage before we are sensible where our mischief proceeds. Therefore I shall take all care to be peaceable with the Senecas and the Suspuehannocks, especially care to be peaceful with the Senecas (if it be obtained) they being the greatest and most considerable Na- tion, and our league wth them will occasion our security from the Dela- wares or Macquas; and if the Senecas war with them they can not make incursions as they usually do and in- vade us. Otherwise it is probable they say, especially if they and the Susquehannocks confederate they will invade us; they being both Na- tions of the bloodiest people in all these parts of America." This letter is dated Jan. 22, 1677, and therefore the affair referred to was in 1676. 1676-The War With the Susquehan-
nocks Makes the Taxes High.
In the Md. Archives, pp. 137 to 140, under the date of December 9, of this year there is remonstrance by the Governor and council directed to Lord Baltimore, setting forth the true state of Maryland and of the rea- sons of the high taxes and among other things it states, " it is now so that the people are likely to run into rebellion against this Government and we may be involved in intestine war as it is in Virginia. The great clamor is against the greatness of
taxes; and the debarring of some freeman from voting. As to the taxes we appeal to the whole world wheth- er our Lord Proprietary was not forced into the expensive war against the Susquehannocks last year; and whether he sought not all means of pacification that could stand his honor and safety of the people be- fore he engaged in it. If the taxes continue this year, and it is the same necessity of protecting the people, much trouble will ensue." The re- sult of the Susquehannock expedi- tion is now very plain in this item.
1676-Maryland Now Takes Hands Off the Senecas and Off of the Susquehannocks.
In the Second Md. Archives, p. 545 it is said that the end of the Ses- sions of 1676, the Assembly repealed the Act for the preservation of cer- tain articles of Peace made with the Susquehannocks in 1674. This was done so as not to give any offense to the Senecas. And also at p. 547 of the same book it is set out that the Act for raising a supply to pay the charge of making peace with the Senecas and war with the Susque- hannocks and their confederates, which passed in 1674, was also repealed. This was done so that the Susquehannocks should not be of- fended with Maryland for showing an undue favoritism to the Senecas and for allowing to let stand up-re- pealed the declaration of war against the Susquehannocks.
1677-Upland Court Acts on the Threat of the Senecas to Kid- Nap the Susquehannocks.
In the record of the Court at Up- land "at a meeting held by ye Com- manders and Justices att uppland uppon the news of the Sineco Indians comming downe to fetch the Susque-
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ANNALS OF THE SUSQUEHANNOCKS AND
hannos, that were amongst these | lately desired to come to a treaty River Indians, etc., March 13th., an- noq. Dom., 1677. It was concluded upon the motion of Rinowehan the Indian Sachomore that Captain Coll- yer and Justice Israell Helm goe upp to Sachamexin where att present a great number of Sineco and other Indians were, and that they endeavor to pursuade the Sineco and Sasque- hannos on these Rivers to send each a Deputy to the Governor of New York and that Israell Helm goe with them. ( See records of Upland Court, p. 49; also see the same re- ferred to in Vol. 2 of Watson's An- nals of Philadelphia, p. 237).
The meaning of all this is that the Senecas of New York, who had al- ready forced one branch of the Sus- quehannocks to come and live with them, were now determined on swal- lowing up the rest of the tribe who are scattered along the Lower Sus- quehanna, near the Old Fort.
1677-Maryland Appoints a Commis- sioner to Make New Peace With the Susquehannocks.
In Vol. 5 of the Md. Archives, p. 243 the following interesting com- mission is to be found entitled in the said book, Copy of a Commission Granted by the Governor and Coun- cil to Henry Coursey, Esq., for mak- ing peace with the Indians; "То Thomas Nally, Esquire, Greeting :- Whereas the Susquehannocks, Sene- cas and divers other nations of In- dians, inhabitants to the Northward of this Province have formerly com- mitted divers murders and outrages within the Province upon which there hath ensued a war between his Ma- jesty's subjects, residing in this Province and Government as well as those residing in Virginia, and the Susquehannocks; and whereas the said Susquehannocks have since and
of peace with his Lordship and have submitted themselves and put them- selves under the protection of the Senecas, etc .: Know ye that I have constituted, ordained and authoriz- ed Henry Coursey, Esq., one of his Lordship's Council for this Province as ambassador or envoy to treat with and conclude a firm peace with the said Susquehannocks, Senecas and any other Indians unknown to us, in- habiting and residing to the North- ward of us within or without the territory of his Royal Highness and from whom we have already receiv- ed injury by the confederacy between them and the Susquehannocks, upon such reasonable terms as to him shall seem meet and convenient ac- cording to his instructions. And for as much as the said Indians do now reside for the most part within the territory of his said Royal Highness's (viz .: the Duke of York's domain North of Maryland and including Pennsylvania and New York, the Sus- quehannocks having gone back to the Susquehanna River), and can be treated with only by a journey to be had through his Royal Highness's territory, I do hereby ordain and appoint said Henry Coursey to treat with Edmund Andros, Governor Gen- eral under his Royal Highness, the Duke of York, and desire him leave to pass through said territory to treat with the Indians and I do re- quest that the said Henry be receiv- ed according to the law of Nations. Given at St. Mary's April 30, 1677."
1677-Instructions Given by Mary- land to Henry Coursey How to Treat with the Susque- hannnocks.
In Vol. 5 of the Md. Archives, pp. 244-245 the further directions in making a treaty are set out as fol-
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OTHER LANCASTER COUNTY INDIAN TRIBES
lows, "You are with all convenient speed to begin your journey toward New York by way of New Castle on the Delaware in order to your going into Albany to treat with the Sus- quehannocks; and on arrival at New Castle to signify to the Deputy-Gov- ernor there in general terms that you are sent to Colonel Andros by his to come to a treaty with the Sene- cas at Fort Albany or elsewhere; and you are to inform yourself from Captain Collyer and others of the true state of the Susquehannnocks what numbers there are, upon what terms they are received by the Sene- cas, and if any such be under whose protection they live and how they may be treated with all in order to the settling and universal peace be- tween us, and the Susquehannocks and the Senecas and the rest of the Indians to the Northward as also be- tween the Indians and all the low land Indians in league and amity with us.
You are to apply yourself to the Governor of New York and render him to assist in procuring a treaty for you both with the said Senecas and Susquehannocks if there be such a nation left.
When you are come to a treaty with the Senecas you are to let them know that we had no knowledge of them but by the Susquehannocks' re- port; that they from time to time told us that the injuries we had re- ceived in our Government and the murders of our people were all pre- petrated by the Senecas, that we af- terwards found out that these very murders which the Susquehannocks fathered upon the Senecas were com- mitted by the Susquehannocks them- selves and that that was the real cause of the war between us; and the injury to us was the greater because the Susquehannocks by the articles
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