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 15
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of peace between us were obliged to give us 20 days' warning of inten- tions to war if at any time they grow weary of peace with us, which not- withstanding they, in an open, hor- rible manner, with the major part of their forces, and some if not all of their great men present, assaulted the house of Randel Hanson standing within three miles of their fort and there continued to fight one whole day after all which they had confi- dence to endeavor to persuade us it was the Senecas that committed the outrage."
We readily see in this that though Maryland very atrociously mistreat- ed the Susquehannocks yet they still contiued to blame the Susquehan- nocks for the murders which the Senecas committed; and used that protection as an excuse for making the war on the Susquehannocks in- stead of the Senecas though it is pretty certain that the Senecas were the real aggressors. The whites evi- dently took this course because the Senecas were now supreme and the Susquehannocks were almost annihi- lated by them and completely under their control.
1677-Henry Coursey's First Steps in Making Peace With the Sus- quehannocks.
In the 5th Vol. of the Md. Arch. pp. 246-247 the next step in effecting peace with the Susquehannocks is shown. This is set forth in a letter from Colonel Coursey to P. Nolley's on the Delaware River dated May 22, 1677, which is as follows :- Right Worthy Sir: On the 19th inst. I wrote you from New Castle. On the 20th came Jacob Young from Maryland which gives me a better account than I received before, which is as fol- lows, 'Them that killed Richard Milton's family were eight Susque- hannocks, and that upon doing the
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kiiling they immediately fled to the | vernor Andros to get them to the Senecas and that all the mischief Masaques (Maques), for it was told me by Captain DeLavall that if they had them they would make war im- mediately with the French. that hath been done hath by their (Susquehannocks) several troops as they came out of Virginia (They are
now retaliating for the killing of their five chiefs) and the two per- sons this year shott were by two Susquehannocks that came with the trops of Senecas, that carried the Susquehannocks from the place since which the same troops took the chief warriors into Susquehanna River, being 30 in number who had then been hunting to make a present to you for peace (the Susquehannocks were hunting for furs to make a present) among which was the young Indian I had talked with at Jacob Young's. Old Collyer was coming himself but was by the rest pursuad- ed to desist for the want of a pre- sent? I have now sent for him and one other great man to come to me, where I now stop for them. There are about 26 of them (Susquehan- nocks) left here; still I propose to persuade them to go with me to
New York, it being Governor An- dros's ordered to Captain Collyer to send them. The Senecas intend to be at Palmer's Island when the corn is half a leg high.I likewise find it necessary to carry Jacob Young with me without whom I can do nothing; and that truth is from him and none else. He tells me that the Senecas having marched 10 days then fell at some difference among temselves how to divide those Sus- quehannocks they had with them, they being of two several forts and upon the division the Susquehan- nocks were much displeased, and some of them got away, the rest they bound and carried with them, but it is judged not to hurt them, for every one of the forts strive what they can to get them to themselves, and Gov-
This 23rd. instant came me to four Susquehannocks and with them the Emperor of the Delaware Bay In- dians and upon discourse, I find them all inclined to peace. It seems a custom to give a present by any one that speaks a treaty. I am ready to take horse again for New York where I hope to be by Saturday night, Signed, Henry Coursey." This is how the Susquehannock Indian history after the year 1776 became linked in with the Seneca history, who were their merciless masters.
1677-Further Steps in Making
Peace Arrangements.
In Vol. 5 of the Md. Archives, p. 248 is Thomas Notley's reply to Coursey's letter and it is as follows: "I am heartily glad that you have made so great a discovery in so short a time as to the state of the Indians, especially the Susquehan- nocks. I am glad Jacob Young goes with you; and that you have so good an intelligence from him. One thing I must add that if upon the whole consideration you shall think it more necessary to let the Susque- hannocks live in this Province (Maryland) than elsewhere, then en- deavor so to order it. If not how- ever, leave no gap but make a thor- ough conclusion with all the Indians. In this I depend upon your discre- tion."
1677-Henry Coursey's Proposal to the People and the Indians.
Under the date of June 22, this year, in 5th Maryland Archives, p. 251 further steps of the arrangement for peace are set out by Henry Cour- sey in a message to the Senecas as
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follows, "We formerly had peace with the Susquehannocks which they perfidiously broke, not only killing single persons but at last with the greatest part of their forces assault- ing a whole family in a house and to amuse us they told us that those outrages were committed by
the Senecas thereby to engage us in a quarrel with you. We found their per- fidiousness and breach of faith fell upon them and have now so near destroyed them that they are forced to seek shelter under you who were before their enemies. Now so there shall be no cause of quarrel between us and you and that we may now live in peace as brethren granted by the same God, though not known to one another, we desire that all of the Susquehannock Nation as shall come under your protection, may be by you obliged not to do any violence or wrong to any Christian inhabit- ing either in Maryland or Virgnia. In case any injury shall hereafter be done by any of the Susquehannocks living under the protection of you Senecas, or by any of your own na- tion, you shall deliver him to us or to the Governor of New York to be proceeded against according to his demerits." This shows again the great earnest desire of the Maryland people to establish good will with the Senecas in order that the Sene- cas keep the Susquehannocks from renewing their slaughter of
the whites as they had done after they left the fort on Potomac, vowing vengeance until they had killed ten white men for every one their number which they lost.
1677 - Answer of the Onondagoes to the Proposal for Peace.
In Vol 5 of the Maryland Archives p. 255 is set forth the views of the Onondagoes on the question of the terms of peace with the Susquehan-|
nocks, which were proposed by the whites of Maryland and New York; the answer is as follows, "A belt was sent to us by Colonel Henry Coursey authorized by Maryland that we might make greater haste to come down which we have done and he saith that none of us shall, for the future injure any persons in Mary- land. We thank the gentlemen that they do exhort for peace, we are so minded ourselves but we acknow- ledge that we have killed of your Christians and Indians formerly whereof Jacob Young, (who helped the Susquehannocks and lived with them) my friend, was a great occa- sion; but we desire now that all be past and buried in oblivion. A belt of 13 rows deep we now give you. We say again that Jacob Young was a great captain and leader against them whereby the wars have been continued but now we desire peace and that the Almighty God who dwells in Heaven may give his bless- ings thereunto.
We let you know that there are of ours, four castles of the Senecas out fighting against the Senecas-you may therefore warn your Indians that there may be no injuries or damages done hereafter, and so to contine the peace we do give two beavers." The Onondagoes here seem to show a very honorable disposition and a fervent spirit towards peace.
Their referring to the "Almighty God who lives in Heaven" seems to indicate that the Jesuits had effected quite a good work among them in matters of Christianity.
1677-Answer of the Maques to the Proposition for Peace With the Susquehannocks.
The view taken by the Maques on the question of Peace may be found in Vol. 5 of the Maryland Archives,
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pp. 257-258, and it is as follows: "We are glad the King's Government of Maryland and Virginia have sent you to speak of peace and that this place, Albany is fixed for all na- tions to make peace. return hearty thanks and will with one heart and one head. The Sene- cas were on their journey with 600 men to come here but for fear turn- ed back; but we were not afraid. We return you hearty thanks for re- leasing the two sons of Conondon- dans and likewise that you beheaded the Sachem of the Susquehannocks named Achnaetsachawey,who was the cause of their being taken prisoners; and we do present five beavers."
At the conclusion of this treaty these Indians sang a song after their manner by their method which they do undertake to hold firm and they give a beaver and a dressed Elk skin. And then they sang another song, the meaning of which is that their people may now forget what is past between them and the Colonists but might al- ways be mindful of what has now happened in this house and if the Senecas appoint any other place, it will not be accepted but this place to be the only appointed and perfix- ed place now dedicated to this great treaty with all our tribes."
These Maques also show a very honorable and equitable spirit which shows both their honest and their simple nature.
1677- The Oneidas, Senecas and Some of the Onondagoes Re- fuse to Obey the Peace Above Refered to.
In Mombert's History of Lancaster County, p. 23 he says, "Notwith- standing a treaty of amity concluded between Maryland and the Five Na- tions in 1677, some of the Oneidas, Onondagoes and Senecas who were not present at the time of the treaty,
fell upon the Susquehannocks who were in league with Maryland, kill- ed four of their number, took six prisoners, five of them fell into the share of the Senecas, were in con- formity with the treaty, sent back, but the sixth was detained by the Oneidas. Overtures and remon- strances on the part of Maryland and Virginia proved unavailing and after a few years of hostilities broke out with increased violence and only ceased with the final overthrow of the Susquehannocks by the Five Nations. It appears from a minute examination of imperfect and some- what contradictory data, exhibited at length by Foulke, that the Lancas- ter lands fell into the power of the Five Nations some time between 1677 and 1684." This shows the difficul- ties that were constantly encountered in perfecting permanent peace with different tribes of Indians, some of whom were honest and others treacherous, and all of them being more or less under political obliga- tions to various contemporary tribes. It appears that when a treaty was made, another tribe would claim that it was made without their advice and presence and they would repudiate it, so that the Susquehannocks may be said to have been between the up- per and lower mill stones a great deal of the time.
1677-Governor Dungan's View of the Might of the Five Nations and The Fate of the Susque- hannoeks.
In Vol. 5 of the Second Series of the Pennsylvania Archives, p. 755 Governor Dungan makes a report dated 1684 in which he refers to some things which happened in 1677 and among other things he says, "I have sent herewith what the Nations that conquered the Susquehannocks
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desired of the King in my Lord Ef- fingham's presence and I believe it to be of dangerous consequence if denied." This demand on the part of the Five Nations was that the whites should not interfere with the relation between the Five Nations and the Susquehannocks for the Five Nations had conquered them and thought this interference was meddling.
As to the Five Nations at this time Governor Dungan says: "The Five Indian Nations are the most warlike people in Amerca, and a bulwark be- tween us and the French and all other Indians. They go as far as the South Sea the Northwest Passage and Florida to War. New England in the last war with the Indians would have been ruined, if. Edmund Andros had not sent the Five Nations to their assistance. All the Indians in these parts of America are tributary to them." By. the South Sea is meant the Pacific Ocean and the Northwest Passage is at the Arctic Ocean. So these great Indians that whipped the Susquehannocks had a reputation for war all over North America with the exception of the South West section toward Mexico.
1677-Other Authorities on the Over- throw of the Susquehannocks.
Lewis Evans in his "Analysis,"print- ed by Benjamin Franklin and publish- ed in London in 1755 on the fall of the Susquehannocks says, "The Sus- quehannocks after a great defeat by the Marylanders, were easily exter- minated by the Confederates (Five Nations). So that those Nations who are now on the Susquehanna, are only such as the confederates have allotted that River for; as the Nan- ticokes, from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Tuteloes from the Mehe- nin River in Virginia and the Dela- wares, under which we include the Minnesinks and the Mandes, or Salem
Indians"-(p. 14). At pp. 11 and 12 he also says, that "they (Five Na- tions) gave the finishing stroke to the extermination of the Susque- hannas."
To show further that the Senecas or the Five Nations as a whole did overthrow the Susquehannocks about 1676-77, we quote from the 4th Col- onial Records, p. 712 in which is set forth the speech of Tachanoontia,one of the orators of the Five Nations at the treaty held June 27, 1744 in the Lancaster Court House, where in speaking of the lands on Susque- hanna, he says, "All the world knows we concurred the several Na- tions living on Susquehanna, Cohon- goronta, and on the back of the great mountains in Virginia." We see from all this that there is no doubt about the defeat of the Susquehannocks by the Five Nations.
1678-The Shawanese Now Come to the Susquehannock Country.
In this year the Shawanese came to Conestoga. They were a small tribe and from North Carolina. They settled on the Pequea Creek. It is generally said that they in came 1698. See Vol. 4 of the Votes of As- sembly, p. 517, where it is stated that they were Southern Indians and came to Conestoga in 1698 to the number of 60 families. Gordon also says in his history, p. 514 that they came in 1698. But Redmond Conyngham, Esq., in 15 Haz. Reg., p. 117 says that the original manuscript from which the notes were prnited states that they came n 1678. This error he says is plain because these Shawnese were here before William Penn came,which was in 1682. The Dauphin County Pamphlet on Indian History, p. 43 also says that the Shawnese were at the William Penn Treaty in 1683. A very famous descendant of these Shawanese called Red Pole is buried
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in Trinity Church Yard at Pittsburg he having died there in 1797 and his monument says that he died at that date, "Lamented by the United States,"-(See 12 .Haz. Reg., 63-64). 1678-Rumor that the Susquehan- nocks, After Conspiring with the Senecas, Incite the Senecas to Invade Maryland and Fall on the Piscataways.
In Vol. 15 of the Md. Archives, p. 175 under the date of June 13, 1677 at a council held at the old Court House the following appears: "The common rumor that the Seneca In- 1678-Maryland Helps the Piscata- ways Against the Susquehan- nocks and the Senecas. dians by instigation of the remaining part of the Susquehannocks, now liv- ing among them, are designed to come down to make war upon the In 15 Md. Archives, p. 183, at a Piscataways toward the latter end of Council held August 19, 1678 it ap- the Summer (which the Piscataways do generally believe) was taken into consideration; and it was ordered that . Jacob Young be impowered to go to the old Fort on the Susquehan- na and treat with the great men of the Seneca Nation, touching the said rumor according to such orders and instructions as he should receive from the Governor.
In pursuance whereof the Honor- able Thomas Notley, Esq., did em- power the said Jacob Young upon his instructions under hand seal, to go accordingly to the old Susquehanna Fort and address himself to the great men of the Seneca Nation and by presents or otherwise according to their custom to remind them of the League of Peace which they had lately entered into with the Pisca- taways."
In this we have some important Historical facts, (1) that the Senecas and Susquehannocks or some of the Susquehannocks were in strong league and friendship with each other
at this time, (2) that the great men of the Senecas or some of them were living among the Susquehannocks in the neighborhood of the old Susque- hannock Fort on the Susquehanna River, (3) that the Senecas were making tools of the Susquehannocks, which later was to result in a dis- agreement between them and the Susquehannocks and bring on an- other fight, and (4) that the Senecas would not rest until they had sub- jugated the' other Pennsylvania tribes, to do which they did not scruple to violate any treaties which they formerly made.
pears as follows, "Then Council met, according to appointment by previous order of Cuncil, the Great men of the Piscataways and it is ordered that the said great men be given to un- derstand that the Governor and Coun- cil understand that a few of the Pis- cataway Indians have been killed by some of the Senecas and Susquehan- nocks as they believe; and told them, Maryland would send to Albany to converse with the Governor of the Senecas about this matter."
1679-An Encounter Between the Susquehannocks and Piscataways.
In 15 Md. Archives, p. 213, we are advised instead of the Senecas coming themselves, they sent the Susquehan- nocks to fight the Piscataways. This is set forth as follows,"then was ta- ken into consideration the state of the Indian affairs and the matters which lately passed between the Governor and Council the Piscataway Indians, touching the murders committed and it is advised to send for the Emperor
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dians and remind them of the League of Peace and that we are desirous to speak with them in relation to a late encounter between them (The Pisca- taways) and the Susquehannocks and that the said Council had something to propound to his Lordship for their security against the Foreign Indians."
In this it is hinted that Maryland is about to raise a force to secure the Province against these Senecas, who were mis-leading the Susquehan- nocks and we shall see that this finally brought on the Ninan Beall expedition.
1679-The Susquehannocks Divided Into Two Divisions by the Five Na- tions; One Kept in New York and the Other Established at the Old Susquehannock Fort; Further De- luded by the Senecas Against the English.
Under the date of March 19,1679 in Vol. 15 of the Maryland Archives, pp. 238-240 the following may be found, "Present at a Council, the Speaker and the great men of the Piscataway: The interpreter was ordered to tell them that we are lately informed that there was one among them that lately came from the Senecas and that his Lordship had a great desire to speak to him. The said Indian that came from the Senecas being made ac- quainted with his Lordship's desire to hear him gave the following account. He begins by laying on the table five single acorns some small distance from each other and four together at one place which he signifies the four towns of the Senecas, from which he came-the four next single acorns he likewise declared to be four other towns of the Senecas, with the two middle most whereof the Susquehan- nocks had divided themselves amongst; and lived there, to say,-one- half at one town and one-half at the other. The fifth and outermost of
| the five single acorns he declared to be a place inhabited by the English where the Senecas used to treat and whither he was sent from the four first towns with a present which he delivered; but by the description of the said place, to be a place of great resort and trade for the said Indians for powder and shott. It appeared to be Fort Albany and they were Dutch to whom he had delivered the present."
He said the towns were all peace- able and quiet excepting only the two towns among which the Susquehan- nocks had divided themselves. He declared that in every fort there were some English. He further said that the Senecas allowed him to go to see his friends freely; and so he is here; and that he would weight his mind and the English and tell them who it was that had done the English all the mischief; viz .: those two nations amongst whom the Susquehannocks now live and that they would do more mischief yet, both to the Piscataways and the English. They told him he must return in ten days.
He was asked whether those two nations with whom the Susquehan- nocks lived were at war or peace with the other four nations, and he answered that they were all together in peace and amity with one another; and that the Susquehannocks go from town to town peaceably as friends and netophs (netoughs) that is children or cousins, but that the four nations now seem to blame the English very much for letting so many of the Sus- quehannocks escape as they did for they are of such a bloody and turbu- lent mind that they will never cease doing mischief both to the English and Piscataways so long as one re- mains alive.
He was asked whether those two forts with whom the Susquehannocks
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lived be of the same bloody mind as the Susquehannocks themselves, to which he replied at first, that "they were not, but by instigations of the Susquehannocks he does believe they are now become as one. He also says the Susquehannocks laugh and jeer at the English, saying they can do what mischief they please for the English can not see them. He said those forts were three moons from Piscataway as he was three moons in coming. He was asked whether the Susquehannocks did intend to come down against the Piscataways and the English and in Virginia, and he said that a great man of the Susquehan- nocks made a speech saying, he was pretty well satisfied with the revenge he had taken of the Virginians by the help and assistance of those In- dians and now intended to fall on the Piscataways and English in Maryland for they (the Susquehannocks), had done little or nothing there yet and that a considerable party had gone forth 20 days ago. This he said he had heard from an Indian that had escaped from the towns in which the Susquehannocks lodged. He said the forces of those two towns or forts were so strong that he could not express it, and that the great men of the Susquehannocks said that they would never have any peace with the English of Maryland or the Piscata- ways or the Chopticos or any other Indians on the south side of the Pata- psco."
In this we see that the revenge which the Susquehannocks swore on the whites of Maryland and the friendly Indians with Maryland for slaughtering their great men at the 1680-The Piscataways Much Frigh- still tened by These Movements of the Susquehannocks and the Senecas. Potomac Fort was in their hearts and that they were determin- ed to carry it out. We can not suppose that this story was a series In Vol. 15 of the Maryland Arch., of falsehoods against the Susquehan- Ip. 277 we now see the result of the
nocks because it was given by a friendly Indian who was captured by the Secenas and had leave of absence; and because it seems exactly in line with what the Susquehannocks de- clared to do. However, there may have been intrigue in it and a well formed plot to get the Susquehan- nocks in trouble
with Maryland again for it must be remembered that a year before the Susquehannocks were begging Maryland for peace. However, it seems that it was only that small branch of the Susquehan- nocks who were living at the old Susquehannock Fort that were ask- ing for peace; and it is likely that the other and greater branch of the Susquehannocks who were living in these two Senecas forts in New York were very revengful against Mary- land as this messenger said. We also see here that it is proved beyond doubt that a great body of Susque- hannocks did go and live with the Senecas of New York. Another thing is noticeable and that is the wisdom of the Five Nations in statecraft,they very wisely determined to establish some of their tribes with some of the conquered Susquehannocks in the old Susquehannock Country to preserve their rights and look after their con- quered lands in Pennsylvania; as well as to take the remainder of the Susquehannocks with them to New York-for the double purpose of keep- ing the Susquehannocks weak by di- viding them and of keeping them
among themselves in a friendly way to consolidate the Susquehannocks with themselves for the purpose of further enlarging the great confeder- acy of the Five Nations.
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