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 28
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Several other items of expense
connected with the Conestoga In- dian Treaties are set forth in the same book and page as follows: An account of Thomas Masters for wine furnished the Governor 'on his jour- ney to Conestoga to the value of 25s, was allowed and also a note from Henry Worley requesting pay for his services of going to Conestoga on a message to the Indians last June, was read and he was allowed three pounds.
1711 - More Palatines Now Settle Among the Conestoga Indians.
In Vol. 19 of the Penna. Archives, p. 572 it is set forth that Thomas Story having a right from the Pro- prietor for 1000 acres of land in the manner of Highlands has instead taken up the same quantity near the settlement of the Palatines near Con- estoga, for which the Commissioners granted a patent. But it appears that he re-conveyed them and took up some land in lieu of it, which he proposed to purchase, and he agrees to give the same price that the Pal- atines did at the same time the tract was taken up by the Palatines which is accordingly granted
1711-Sixty Conestoga Indians Come to Philadelphia.
In Vol 2 of the Votes of Assembly, p. 104, it is stated that "The Speaker informed the House that during the Governor's absence and since his last return from New York he had received and entertained upwards of 60 Constoga Indians who came to treat with the Governor about the intended expedition against the French and the Northern Indians of Canada by which he had disbursed at least twenty Pounds, and been at much trouble; therefore desired that the same might be reimbursed him out of the Provincial stock.
Resolved, N. C. D. That if the Gov-
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ernor concurs with this House here- in, the sum of twenty Pounds shall be paid him by the Public Treasurer out of the Provincial stock, after all payments, ordered by the three re- solves of Assembly, made of the fifth month, 1710, are discharged, and that the clerk draw an order on Samuel Carpenter, public Treasurer, for pay- ment thereof accordingly; which was done, and signed by the speaker, to be presented to the Governor for his concurrence, and then the House adjourned until seven o'clock tomor- row morning."
No comment need be made on this item particularly except to call the reader's attention to the fact that the Conestoga Indians were frequently at Philadelphia.
1711 - Governor Gokin Makes An- other Treaty with the Cones- toga Indians and Others.
In Vol. 2 of the Col. Rec., p. 532, at the top of the page it is stated that, "At a council held the 4th of June, the Governor desired the opinion of the Council as to his go- ing to Conestoga, because Colonel French knew nothing of the new matters on which a treaty was to be made and the Council desired that the Governor and some of his Coun- cil should go; and on the 11th of June the Governor acquainted the Council that he is now ready to start to Conestoga, if they still think that Bezalion's message is of such importance as to require him to go, it being so very hot now. And the board decided that as the In- dians expected him, he should go. The Governor accordingly went to Conestoga and held a Council with the Indians at Conestoga on the 18th of June, which he reported to Phila- delphia on the 23rd of June, as fol- lows, (p. 533) :-
"At Conestoga, Jun 18, 1711. PRESENT: The Honorable CHAS. GOOKIN, Esq. Ltt. Govr.
Joseph Growdon, Richard Hill, Griffith Owen, Caleb Pusey, Esqrs.
A present of 50 lbs. of powder, 1 piece of Stroudwater, 1 piece of Duf- fils, 100 pounds of shott; being laid upon the floor, the Governor (by In- dian Harry the Interpreter), thus spoke:
Governor Penn upon all occasions is willing to show how great a re- gard he bears to you therefore has sent this small present (a forerun- ner of
a greater to come next Spring), to you and hath required me to acquaint you that he is about to settle some people upon the branch- es of Potowmac, and doubts not but the same mutual friendship which has all along as brothers, past be- twixt the inhabitants of the Govern- ment and you, will also continue be- twixt you and those he is about to settle; he intends to present five belts of wampum to the five nations, and one to you at Conestoga, and re- quires your friendship to the Pal- atines settled near Pequea.
To which they answer:
That they are extremely well pleased with the Governor's speech, but as they are at present at war with the Tuscaroroes and other In- dians they think that place not safe for Christians, and are afraid that if any damage should happen to these the blame will be laid upon them, that settlement being situated betwixt them and those at War with them. As to the Palatines they are in their opinion safely seated, but earnestly desire that the death of Letore may now be adjusted, for they shall not think themselves safe until it is.
18th, Tuesday about twelve
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The Senequois and the Shawanois | out some of his people, either to met the Governor and Council, Ope- ssah, Chief of the Shawnois, by Mar- tin Chartier, interpreter, thus spoke:
Were it impossible for us, by pre- sents or any other way, to atone for the lives of those young men our people unadvisedly slew we would be partly willing to make satisfac- tion, and such a condescension would be forever greatly remembered and more nearly engage us and for the future render us more careful. The uneasiness we had on that ac- count was such, that we could not sleep until the last time the Gover- nor and his people were up here, at which time we had some hopes given us of adjusting that matter, since the murderers are all dead except one, who is gone to Messasippi.
To which the Governor answered:
That the Laws of England were such, that whosoever killed a man must run the same fate, yet consid- ering the previous circumstances to that murder, the length of time since the accon., the distance of place were acted from the Govern- ment, and before coming here, and the persons all save one, (who is absconded) since his deed, I am willing to forbear further prosecu- tion on enquiry into it, but withal caution you that if any such thing hereafter fall out, you may be assur- ed I shall as well know how to do Justice as I have now shewed mercy for which they return the Governor their hearty thanks, and Opessah assures that if hereafter if any such thing happen, he himself will be executioner and burn them that should dare to do it.
The Senequois acquaint:
That Opessa being therefor solicit- ed by John Hans Steelman, had sent
bring back or kill Francis de le Tore and his Company. Opessa, he af- firms he was entirely innocent, for that John Hans came to his cabin when he and his young people (who were then going hunting) were ill Council, told them that some of his slaves and dogs (meaning La Tore and Company) were fled, therefore desired him forthwith to send some of his people to bring them back or kill them, and take goods for their trouble, at which motion Opessa surprised, told him that he ought by no means discourse, after that man- ner before young people who were gone to the woods, and might by ac- cident meet these people and there- fore ordered him to desist, utterly denying his request.
The Senequois also acquainted the Governor that Le Tort had taken a boy from them and sold him at New York and requested that the Gover- nor would enquire after him, that they might have him again."
Penn in England having learned of the stealing of this boy wrote to the Susquehanna Indians the following letter,which may be found in Vol. 12 of the Pennsylvania Archives, p. 280:
' My Good Friends :
The people of New York have again wrote earnestly to me about those Indian prisoners taken by you, especially the woman and boy saying that they bought them fairly of the Governor of Carolina who sold them for slaves and they being my good friends and neighbors, and all under the same king, I must there- fore desire you to deliver the said woman and boy to the bearer hereof Silvester, who will carefully carry them to New Castle and there put them on board a vessel from thence directly to New York, and by so do-
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ing you will geatly oblige.
Your very good friend and brother, WM. PENN."
This treaty of 1711 is referred to by Governor Keith, who himself made a treaty with the Conestogas in 1720; and he says, "About nine or ten years ago a considerable num- ber of the Five Nations, not less than fifty came to Conestoga and a meeting with Governor Gookin late of this Province and several of his Council, Colonel Dongan's purchase was mentioned to them and they were fully satisfied," (3 Col. Rec., p. 101).
All this goes to throw light upon this great treaty of 1711 and shows us that confirmation of the land pur- chase on Susquehanna was one of its objects. All the purposes of the treaty however, are plainly set forth in the treaty itself.
1711 - More Palatines. (Mennonites) Settle Among the Conestogas.
In the item which we have just stated it will be observed that the following sentence, which the In- dians say in regard to the Palatines, occurs, "As to the Palatines, they are in their opinion safely seated." I merely make this a separate item to show that the whites were now mixing and settling among the In- dians and in their neighborhood. As the question came up whether the whites would be safe there if the In- dians got into war with other tribes. It is here stated by the Indians that these whites would be safe.
Mombert in his History, p. 26 tells us, "That as early as 1711 there were Palatines settled near Pequea, who were prominently admitted into the friendship of the neighboring tribes." We have no doubt that this is directly quoted from the Colonial Records as we have just cited it.
1711 - Colonel French Sends in His Expense Account of the Con-
estoga Treaty.
In Vol. 2 of the Col. Rec., p. 529, in February, 1711, Colonel French gives in the following account of the expenses of his treaty:
Coll. French's account of his Journey to Conestoga, etc., were read and considered, and 147 Pounds, 6s., 10d, allowed to him, saving the de- ductions following: viz: for horse hire and baggage men in July 1707, charged in Governor Evans' account and paid him 5 Pounds; for six Pounds paid by the present Gover- nor to the baggage men in July, 1710, charged in Coll. French's ac- count, in all deducted 27 Pounds, 7s; so there remains due to Coll. French, and which is allowed by the board, 119, 19, 10.
The Governor's account of dis- bursements and charges on his Journey to Conestoga, in July, 1710, to treat with the Five Nations, amounts to 8 Pounds, and 10s, which is allowed by the Council.
The supply bill was now again read and sent to ye house with amendments affixed to it."
This shows us something of the kind of equipment that was neces- sary to be taken into the Conestoga treaties to perfect a treaty.
1711-The Governor Orders the Con- estoga Chiefs to Come to Council.
In Vol. 2 of the Colonial Records, p. 537 on the first of August, this year, "The Governor sent for Indian Harry, and ordered him to fetch some of ye chiefs of the Indians, who were come down with a design to go to Canada. He brought six of them, and the Governor asked them by Harry the Interpreter, how many there were intended for Canada.
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They answered about 5 or 6 and Twenty. It was askt them why they did not make the bent of their way to the Five Nations, pursuant to Coll. Hunter's letter to them. They replied that Coll. French would have had them come by way of New Castle, and promised to go along with them, but New Castle being out of their way, they came to Philadel- phia and expected him there. It was asked them whether they apprehend- ed they were come here at the Gov- ernor's request, or upon Coll. Hunt- er's letter to them, as being under covenants, with the five nations to go to war, when they required them; they answered they came in obedi- ence to Coll. Hunter's letter, but they expected Coll. French to go with them. They were told that Coll. French might have such a de- sign, but he was off of it, and asked them whether they would go to Bur- lington by land or water, where they would have company enough of the forces raised there to go along with them, to which they said they would further consider amongst themselves."
The importance of Conestoga is here again plainly shown.
1712-The Delawares Show a Belt of Wampum Sent to Conestoga.
that they thought it would be pro- per to stop at Philadelphia and show the Governor these belts, together with their Indian pipe or calamet with a stone head, wooden cane or shaft and feathers fixt to it like wings, with other ornaments. They said that the Five Nations had given them this pipe, that they were com- pelled to show it when they came among the Five Nations to be known as friends. They then proceeded to explain each of the thirty-two belts of wampum, and tell who made it and for what it was for. Besides these 32 belts they showed two more, one that had been given by Penn when he was here and the other that was since sent by Colonel Evans to Conestoga, which they are also to carry with them. But they desire to know from the Governor, now, what was intended by them. The Governor asked them why they waited 11 years to ask about this belt that Wm. Penn gave them, and they said that the man that was to carry it died soon after they got it and that that was the reason. Further it appears in this treaty that they had several bundles and skins and that they made presents to the Council and al- so held a treaty and at this treaty it is stated that they received pre- sents from the whites and "these presents being kindly accepted, fill- ing their calamet or long winged pipe with tobacco and lighting it, they presented it so lighted to the Governor and each of the Council, etc., to smoak a few blasts of it as a token of the greatest friendship that could be shown.
In Vol. 2 of the Colonial Rec., p. 546 there is an account of Council of a treaty held at Edward Farmer's House with the Delaware Indians. It will be remembered that the Dela- wares moved to the Susquehanna as we have shown before. These Dela- ware Indians had thirty-two belts of wampum and they were on their way to pay tribute to the Five Na- tions of New York. In making their 1712 - Another Body of Conestoga Indians Come to the Council. speech to the Governor they declared that many years ago they were made In Vol. 2 of the Col. Rec., p. 553 it it stated that at a Council held on tributary to the Five Nations and were now about to visit them; and the 23rd of July of that year, "sev-
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eral Indians being arrived some days ago from Conestogo, on busi- ness of importance, (as they said), and having waited eight days for their Interpreter, they at length met the Council this day; Tagodrancy or Civility, a War Captain and Chief, with Tanyahtickahungh, the old Speaker, Knawonhunt, and Soach- koat, two Brothers, and some others being sate, they first presented a bundle of deer skins, and by Indian Harry their Interpreter, said: That the Proprietor, Governor Penn had at his first coming amongst them made an agreement with them that they should always live as friends and Brothers, and be as one body, one heart, one mind, and as one eye and ear; that what the one saw the other should see, and what the one heard the other should hear and that there should be nothing but love and friendship between them and us forever.
They presented a small bundle of furs, and said that on their part they had always kept up this agree- ment and should constantly observe it in all respects, that if anything came to their knowledge relating to us they would always like brothers and friends acquaint us with it, and if at any time any foreigners or strangers came among them they would, (as they had always done) give notice of it immediately to Philadelphia, and in all things would acquit themselves accordingly to what they had promised and engag- ed. They presented two bundles of skins together, and said that on our part we had promised them to regu- late the trade that was carried on with them at Conestoga, and had spoke of licenses to be given to the traders, by which means all abuses were to be rectified. But that since Licenses were granted they found
themselves worse dealt by than
ever, they received less for
the goods that they sold to the traders, were worse treated and suffered more injuries, which they desired the Council would inquire into, and know why it was so, and cause it to be redressed.
They presented a fifth bundle, and said, that the Cattle the traders kept hurt and destroyed their corn; Civil- ity gave an account of his coming with divers of their people, in a friendly visit to the old French women. M. L.Tort's house; that with- out any provocation she turned them out of doors, and that upon their expostulating upon it, she told them that the house was her own, that the land was hers, for she had bought it of Governor Penn, and proceeded to insult them very rudely; they there- fore desired to know whether this was so or not, and whether she had any authority to act in such a man- ner.
They were told by the board that the Council were much troubled to find they had occasion to complain, but they were desired to use such a freedom with us as became brothers, and not receive anything, but lay all their grievances before us, whoever the persons offending might be, and it should all be considered and an- swered together.
They proceeded to complain of M. Letort, and particularly the old Queen Conguegoes representing that the said M. Letort did them great dam- ages by keeping of hogs, and that at twice she turned them into the Queen's corn in her own sight.
They said that they had often
taken horses out of their fields and taken them to the owners; that some- times they would not acknowledge them to be theirs, but that when damages were done by any, all the traders
would deny that those
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ANNALS OF THE SUSQUEHANNOCKS AND
horses did belong to any of them that did it; upon which one of them they said resolved to take a method to find to whom one particular horse belonged, for having taken him out of his corn three several times, he at last shott him, that the owner meet- ing with the loss might be discover- ed by his complaints.
They added that one Sheerwill had lived amongst them for two years without planting any corn; that not- withstanding he had still enough, furnishing himself by stealth; and that he had sometimes been taken in the fact but that he had now left the place.
They are told that all these mat- ters should be inquired into, consid- ered and answered altogether in the morning.
They desired that they might be acquainted with what news we had either from New York relating to the Indians, or from other places; and some time being spent on these sev- eral subjects, they are told they might withdraw which they did ac- cordingly, and the Council entering into the considerfation of what had been delivered. It was resolved, that these injuries requiring an im- mediate redress, care should be taken to procure satisfaction to the Indians for the losses they had al- ready sustained, and that they should be prevented for the future by oblig- ing these traders to remove from so near a neighborhood to them without any delay, and that none of them should be suffered to sitt down among these people; all which was referred to be further considered to- morrow.
The account of their presents being taken, they were found to be, 30 Deer skins, valued at about 3-6d each, 5 Pds. 5 6 2 half bears, 7
3 foxes at 18d each, 6- Racoons, at 6s each 10 6 3 beavers at 5s and one Dressed Doe at3-6. 18 6
The whole amounting at
the highest computa-
tion to . 7 Pds. 01 0
And it is ordered that another should be provided to return to them, viz:
6 Stroudwater Matchcoats.
6 Duffils.
6 White Shirts.
50 lbs. of powder.
1 cwt. of Lead, besides a stroud- water and a shirt to Harry the In- dian Interpreter, and two small shirts to two of his children, and then adjourned until tomorrow at 3 in the afternoon."
This again shows the difficulties under which the Conestoga Indians labored and the questions of import- ance that were constantly rising from that section.
On p. 555 of the same book it is stated the next day, "The Board tak- ing into consideration the com- plaints made by the Indians, they thought fit to order, that the traders whose cattle had done damage to the Indians should be forthwith obliged to make compensation to the satis- faction of the sufferers they left the town; and as had been before resol- ved, that none of them should be suf- fered to live any longer amongst that people, but should at this fall at fartherest remove t to greater dis- tance, and not allowed on any terms to keep cattle and other horses than what are for their immediate ser- vice, unless they should live on pur- chased land.
The several other heads spoke to by the Indians being also consider- ed, the Secretary was directed to an- i swer them from the Board, accord-
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ing to the instructions now agreed on and giving him, and accordingly the presents yesterday ordered to be returned to them being mostly gott ready, and they themselves called in the Secretary spoke to fully to every particular, the heads of which are as follows:
That the Bond of friendship and Brotherhood made by the Proprietor William Penn, with their nation, was so strong, that we doubted not that it would never be broken; that both we and they had hitherto inviolably kept it, and we were glad to see them on their parts desirous to strengthen it and therefore took their presents very kindly.
That we, on our parts thought this Bond so strong that it could not be made firmer by any presents; yet to shew how acceptable any tokens of their friendship were to us, and that they might be supplied with some things necessary, in consideration of their long journey to visit us; we de- sired them to accept what we had provided for a return to them, re- peating what those presents were and delivering them all but the shirts which were not yet ready, and the provisions to be given them in the morning. That in relation to their complaints of trade, they must consider that all traders had in view by buying and selling, was to gain something to it themselves. That unless they could buy at such a rate as that, they could sell the same goods for somewhat more, so as to live by the profit, they would lose their labour and none would follow it. That all commodities sometimes rose in price and at other times fell, and that the traders must buy at such rates as their buyers could af- ford. That most of all the skins and furs bought of the Indians were sent to England, where the people
were numerous like the leaves on the trees, and received all the goods on the main from Carolina, Virginia, etc., and so to Hudson Bay, that these goods happened now by their plenty to be low in England, and English goods high by reason of the war. That it was owing to these causes and not to the traders being obliged to take licenses; that their trade was now so low, (as some ill people who would not subject them- selves to any orders might suggest to them), that the reason of grant- ing licenses was that none should be allowed to trade with them, but such as should give security here to deal honestly by them, and not in- jure them in any of these points they had formerly complained of; that by these means we could at all times, by the security they gave here, punish them whether present or absent for any disorders they com- mitted, and therefore that these li- censes were of the greatest benefit to the Indians, and that if they were any way injured in trade they ought to complain to us. That from the security the traders had given, we might oblige to make reparation; that we were heartily sorry they had such occasion of complaint on other accounts than those of trade; and that the traders proved such bad neighbors that none had ever been allowed by us to settle amongst them but Peter Bizalion and that not only he but the rest that had done them damage should forthwith make them satisfaction. They were therefore ordered to settle the account of their damages with the persons who had done them by tomorrow morning, and were promised that they should be made good to them."
This item shows the firmness with which the Government of Pennsyl- vania dealt with these Conestoga In-
ยท
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ANNALS OF THE SUSQUEHANNOCKS AND
dians as well as all the other In- dians. It is noticeable here also as shown p. 556 that Peter Bezalion is at this time settled among the Con- estoga Indians; and also that the Delaware Indians are now constant- ly with the Conestogas at their treaties.
1712-Letort Granted a New License to Trade With the Conestogas and Other Indians.
In Vol. 2 of the Col. Rec., p. 562 it is stated that the petition of James Letort was read, praying that he may have a license granted to him to trade with the Indians, etc., which being considered, he is ap- proved on and may have the Governor's license accordingly.
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