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 37
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53
SIR: After I had been here some days I set out on Sunday morning last from Conestogoe towards New Castle by way of Nottingham, not without some hopes of having the happiness to meet you about the head of the Bay, from whence I daily expected to hear from you. But after I had proceeded twenty miles on my journey, I received an express on the road from two Magistrates of Pennsylvania, informing me that they, with some others, had been taken prisoners by a party of men in arms from Cecil county, and car- ried before the Justices of that Court, who detained them in custody two days, and afterwards dismissed them upon a verbal promise to ap- peer the next court. They also ac- quainted me of their being certain- ly informed by the Cecil Magistrates, that a warrant was issued by Mr. Lloyd fo surveying a Mannor to my Lord Baltimore, upon the banks of the Susquehanna above Conestogoe, including this settlement from whence I now write, and that an or- der has been issued by yourself in Council to press Men and Horses for that service, and that they were to set out from Baltimore on Monday,
viz: next day, under the command of one Captain Dursey . Now, Sir, though I did not by any means give credit to all this relation, yet know- ing the weaknesses and former at- tempts of some of your people of whom I have formerly complained to yourself, who justly bear the char- acter of land Pirates, I was resolved to put it out of their power on this occasion, to embroil us by their ridic- ulous projects, and returning im- mediately to Conestogoe,where I in- deed had left the Indians but two days before, much alarmed with gen- eral reports, that the Marylanders were coming to survey the lands which no reasonable man could then believe. I now did, at the earnest request of the Indians, order a sur- vey to be forthwith made upon the banks of the Sasquehannah, right against our Indian towns, and you will find the reasons I had for it more fully set forth in a copy of the warrant of the survey herein enclos- ed. As I found this absolutely neces- sary to be done for quieting the In- dians, as well as to prevent the mis- chief which might happen upon any of your people presuming to en- croach upon what these Heathens call their property; so likewise, it appeared to me to be the only method I could take at this juncture from preventing our own people from taking up or settling lands on this side to disturb or hamper the Indians unto whom this Province is bound by old Treaty to give them a full scope and Liberty in their set- tlemnts from the Christian inhabi- tants.
But that all things of this nature may be carried on with that open- ness of heart and perfect good under- standing which I am sure we both de- sire, and that your own prudent mild conduct may be strengthened by all
277
ANNALS OF THE SUSQUEHANNOCKS AND
the arguments I can furnish you for | ened out so no trouble will occur. putting a just restraint upon that Covetous and most licentious Humor, with which you see we are contin- ually plagued, I thought it my duty without delay to acquaint you by express with all that has been done here with the reasons at large.
Perhaps some ignorant, or I should rather say designing people, will en- deavor to perswade you that this place is upon the Border of Mary- land; Whereas in truth, there can- not be a clearer demonstration in anything of that nature, that it is about twelve miles to the North- ward of Philadelphia, and I am sure I need not say any more to convince you that at least I have good reasons to insist upon it being within the limits of this province, without all manner of dispute.
My fatigue in the woods has brought a small fever upon me which an ounce of bark has pretty much abat- ed, so that tomorrow I shall return home by slow journey directly to Philadelphia, where I should rejoice to see you once more but in all places and at all times I shall be while living most faithfully, etc.
1722-The Cayugas Claim Land at Conestoga, Formerly Sold to William Penn.
In Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec, p. 182, as shown in the above item, the Cayuga Indias had told the Con- stogas that certain lands round about Suspuehanna belonged to them and that Penn had not bought it; that the Conestogas say that they know the Five Nations have no right to those lands and that four of the Five Nations are satisfied but the Cayugas claim rights to lands and even to those where the Conestogas now live; and the Conestogas now ask t"? Governor to get this matter straight-
1722-Location of the Conestoga In- diantown and Fort.
By reverting to the survey of Springetsbury Manor which extended 15 miles Nortward from the mouth of the Conestoga creek, we are given another view of the location of the Conestoga Indiantown, for in Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec., p. 183, it is stated that the Indiantowns are right oppo- site this tract of land, to be surveyed across the Susquehanna river.
1722-A Delegation of Conestogas Go to Philadelphia.
In Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec., p. 189, it is set forth that the Indians of Cone- stoga go to Philadelphia to attend to important business. The language is as follows:
"Satseechoe, the Messenger, who in the beginning of last May was sent the second time to the Five Nations, being returned from thence, and ac- companied to town from Conestogoe with Captain Civility, Tehanoote and Diohanse, the Governour appointed him a public audience, wherein by the interpretation of Civility from the Mingoe into the Delaware Indian tongue, and of Alice Kirk (who was first sworn to interpret truly,) from that into the English. He reported as follows:
That the people of the Five Nations wanted provisions so much, and were so busily employed in looking out for food that the Chiefs had not time to meet and open the presents sent them by the Governour; that he carried them altogether to the house of the King on the river where the Messeng- er was born (viz: the Cayoogoes), where he left them, and when they have leisure from providing them- selves with victuals they will meet together and open them; that these
278
OTHER LANCASTER COUNTY INDIAN TRIBES
presents are all put together with those sent by the Governour of Vir- ginia, and the Golden Medal sent by the Governour until our Governour and the Governour of Virginia come to Albany, to which place they desire the Governour and James Logan to come."
1722-The Conestoga Indians and the Five Nations Want the Cart- lidges Pardoned.
In Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec., p. 189, it is stated that the Indian delegation from Conestoga including some of the Five Nations reported to Council, "that they were glad the Governour sent them a Letter for that was like two tongue, and confirmed what the Messenger said to them. The great King of the Five Nations is sorry for the Death of the Indian that was killed, for he was his own flesh and blood he believes that the Governour is also sorry, but now that it is done there is no help for it and he desires that John Cartlidge may not be put to death for it nor that the Governour should be angry and spare him for some ime and put him to death after- wards; one life is enough to be lost, there should not two die. The King's heart is good to the Governour and all the English. One stuck a gentleman with a knife at Albany and they were sorry for it, but it was made up and nobody put to death for it. So they desire John Cartlidge may not die for this, they would not have him killed. John Cartlidge has been a long time bound, and they desire that he may be bound no longer. When the Gov- ernour comes to Albany, they will take him by the hand and their hearts shall be joined as their hands to- gether. The Governours of New York, of Virginia and New England are to be here. The Indians will all meet
and all will be made up when the Governour comes to Albany. The Governour of New England has sent them great presents of Match Coat, thirty bundles of goods all tyed up, and they are not yet opened. When the Governours come altogether to Albany, they will open and divide them. The Five Nations will be glad to see the Governours, they have been busy getting victuals as fish out of the River and some vension from the woods, but now Squashes and Pompions are come they will be able to travel. Their King is an old man and could not come thither; he can not travel as a young man, but he will come to Albany to see the Governour there, who he hopes will come in ten days. They desire that Satcheechoe may come hither with the Governour."
1722-The Five Nations Surrender All the Conestoga Land.
At a treaty held at Albany in 1722, the Five Nations said, "Brother Onas: those lands about Conestogoe which we now freely surrender to you all the Five Nations have claimed, and it is our desire that the same may be settled with Christians, in token whereof we give you this string of wampum," (See 3 Col. Rec., p. 201).
To this Governour Keith replied, (p. 202) "Brethren: You know very well that the lands about Conestogoe upon the River Sasquehanna, belong to your old friend and Kind Brother William Penn, nevertheless, I do here, in his name, kindly accept of the offer and surrender, which you have now made to me because it will put an end to all other claims and disputes if any should be made here- after."
1722-Governor Spotswood of Virginia Intends Holding a Treaty at Conestoga.
In Vol.3 of the Col. Rec., p. 202, it is stated that, "The Secretary com-
279
ANNALS OF THE SU SQUEHANNOCKS AND
municated to the Board a Letter he | Susquehannas made stronger but that had received from the Governour of the Council opposed. The Governor then suggested that the best thing to be done would be that Governor Keith would either wait on Governor Spotswood at Conestoga, where Gov- ernor had appointed the Chiefs of the Indians to meet Spotswood, or that he, Governor Keith, would communi- cate to the Indians whatever Spots- wood wished to have done, (See 3 Col. Rec., p. 207). this Province, dated Albany the - instant, informing him that Colonel Spotswood, Governour of Virginia, then with him at Albany, had resloved on his return homeward to hold a treaty with our Indians at Conesto- goe, whither our Governour designed to accompany him, and therefore de- sires the Secretary to give notice by James Le Tort and Smith, the Gana- wese Indian, to the Chiefs of the Spotswood replied that he was very much surprised at the decision of the Council and from the tone of the letter he was very much disappointed, (See 3 Col. Rec., p. 208). Four Nations of Indians settled upon Sasquehanna River, viz: The Mingoes or Conestogoe Indians; the Shawa- nese, the Ganawese and the Delawares to be ready to meet Colonel Spots- 1722-A Message to the Conestogas, Delawares, Shawanese and wood and him at Conestogoe in the beginning of October; but James Le Tort and Smith, the Indian not being Ganawese. returned from Albany as the Govern- our expected, the said direction of the Governour's is at present imprac- ticable. And further this Board is of opinion, that they can not concur in directing our Indians to meet the Governour of Virginia at Conestogoe, until this Government is acquainted with the end and Design of the said meeting."
This desire of Colonel Spotswood to hold a treaty at Conestogoe was not received well by the Council of Pennsylvania (3 Col. Rec., p. 206.) The members in Council differed very much on this matter and they decided to put the decision off for a while, and finally after the Council broke up the Governour found most of the inembers to be of a different opinion from him on the subject of Spots- wood's intended treaty with our In- dians. The result was that the Gov- ernor sent Spotswood a communica- tion saying that he himself approved of the treaty and wanted the intimacy between the Five Nations and the |
The Governor and the Council after the Albany treaty sent to the above named Indians a message and told them that a more firm League of Peace was now made. Keith also told them that he hoped that he and Spotswood would meet them; and that at the Albany treaty the Five Nations agreed the Conestogas, Shawanese and the other eight tribes under them would be kept from harm; and the Five Nations also agreed that neither they or the Conestogas shall harbor any negroes and that all negro slaves found in the woods would be returned to the owners.
1722-The Conestoga and Shawanese Indians Send an Answer to Council.
In Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec., p. 215, the reply of the Conestogas and Shawanese is given as follows:
"The Governor not having sufficient time, at the last meeting of the Council to lay before the Board the answer he had received from the In- dians at Conestogoe, by James Le
280
OTHER LANCASTER COUNTY INDIAN TRIBES
Tort, to the message sent them from himself and the Board, the 11th of October last, now orders the same to be read, and is in these words.
Conestogoe, Oct. 18th, 1722.
The Indian Speech to his Excel- lency Sir William Keith, Bart., Gov- ernour of the Province of Pennsylva- mia, and his Honorable Council at Philadelphia.
Brethren :
We have heard a relation of the Governour's proceedings at Albany, interpreted by James Le Tort, and are very glad for his safe return, as also of the Governour of Virginia and his proceedings, from which we have a small dread upon us, but we being here had not the opportunity to know what was acted.
The last time the Governour was here, we were in hopes he would clear all misunderstanding.
We are very thankful for the Governour's care in letting us know the law with respect to Virginia, and will take care to acquaint the others and take care to observe as directed by the Treaty, which is en- gaged on our parts.
We are thankful for the Belt of Wampum sent by the Governour in confirming the law, and acquainting us of the strictness of its ties.
We are troubled in mind of being stopped for fear of some evil conse- quences to happen thereby. Notwith- standing, we say, as the three Gov- ernours agreeing with the Five Nations on it, we are satisfied.
We were in hopes there should have been free liberty to pass and repass, but as it is agreed otherwise, we will observe.
We likewise, the Chiefs of the Conestogoes, Connays, Delawares and Shawannoes, sent this belt of Wam- pum to the Governour and Council to
Confirm our speech, consent and ap- probation, and thankfully acknowl- edging the Governour's care for and on our behalf at the Treaty at Albany, and in the Spring our chiefs will pay a visit to your Excellency and Honorable Council at Philadel- phia.
An answer also from the Shawana King in answer to that part of the message relating to the fugitive Negroes from Virginia, were read in these words:
Conestogoe, Oct. 18th, 1722.
From the Shawanna King to his Excellency Sir William Keith, Bart., Governour of the Province of Penn- sylvania.
These are to acquaint your brother concerning these Negro Slaves be- longing to Virginia, now at or amongst the Shawannoes at Opper- tus. I will go myself and take as- sistance where they are not exceed- ing the number 10 as directed. And as soon in the Spring as the Bark will run, we will lose no time to per- form the taking of them according to direction, for now they are abroad a hunting, so it can be done no sooner; besides, there will be Hazard in Seizing them for they are well armed, but we must take them by guile.
I am your Excellency's most humble Servant,
THE SHAWANNA KING.
1722 - Chester
County Complains Against the Rum Selling at
Conestoga.
In Vol. 2 of the Votes of Assembly, p. 312, it is set forth that Chester County filed a petition, asking that rum selling among the whites and Conestoga Indians shall be stopped.
281
ANNALS OF THE SU SQUEHANNOCKS AND
1722-The Assembly Take a Great Interest in the Cartlidge Murder.
In Vol. 2 of the Votes of the As- sembly, p. 310, the Assembly asked the Governor to find out all the facts concerning this killing near Cone- stoga, and on p. 213 the Assembly ordered an address to be drawn up and sent to the Governor on that same affair. This address is found, p. 314, and is very strong, setting forth the necessity of condemning to condign punishment those who killed the Indian back of Conestoga. This petition is signed by a great number of inhabitants. The Assembly also demands the re-arrest of the Cart- lidges for the killing the Seneca In- dian near Conestoga, (See p. 318) ; and they also vote 50 Pounds to in- vestigate the killing, (See p. 321) ; and further they grant 100 Pounds to Governor Keith to go to Albany treaty to help to straighten out the affair with the Five Nations, (See p. 327); so that the whole cost of the Governor's party going to Albany and all the costs growing out of the murder at Conestoga reached up- wards of 300 Pounds, a very large sum, which shows the great import- ance that the Governor attached to the unfortunate killing. We must remember that the sum of 300 Pounds is the same that was voted to Lan- caster County afterwards to build a Court House and from this we can judge what it meant to vote 300 Pounds to investigate an Indian mur- der.
1722-Great Hardships Among the Shawana Indians.
In Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec., p. 164, we are told that there was a great deal of hardship and suffering among the Shawanese Indians, so much so that they cannot go to the Philadel-
phia treaty. This time seemed to be a season of hardships much of which ís made apparently by Governor Keith's treaty at Conestoga of June 15th and 16th, 1722, (See Col. Rec.,p. 181).
1722-The Shawanese and Connoys Go to Philadelphia to Pay Tribute to the Five
Nations. -
In Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec., p. 187, is set forth that the Connoys and the Shawanese are going from Connoy to the Five Nations to pay tribute and further that they have captured some negro slaves from Virginia and now keep them prisoners among them- selves, (See 3 Col. Rec., p. 206). At this time they were living on the Po- comac and had negro slaves living among them, (See 3 Col. Rec., p. 211).
1722-Governor Keith Holds a Coun- cil With the Ganawese.
In Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec., p. 181, it is set forth that in addition to the other tribes of Indians, the Ganawese were living about Susquehanna and Conestoga and that they made a treaty with the rest of the Indians and Governor Kieth.
1772-The Warrant for Springets- bury Manor Signed at Conestoga.
In Vol. 4 of Haz. Reg., p254, it is stated that the warrant for the Manor of Springetsburg, which we have before spoken of was signed and dated at Conestoga.
1722-The Old Parchment Treaty, of 1682 Shown by the Conestoga Indians to Geoveror Keith.
Gordon in his History of Pennsyl- vania, p. 603 says that in 1722 at the Treaty held at Conestoga by Gover- nor Keith, that the Indians there showed him the original parchment
282
OTHER LANCASTER COUNTY INDIAN TRIBES
and treaty which 'William Penn had signed and delivered to them forty years before, that is the Great Treaty of 1682.
1723-The Conestogas Say They Will Never Forget William Penn.
In one of the articles last cited we observed that the Conestogas and Shawanese sent messages to the Gov- ernment, and in them they made the statement that they will not forget William Penn, since he held the great treaty with them. I cite this simply because it seems to prove that they were present at the great traty.
1723-The Suquehanna Indian Tribes Send a Message to Philadelphia by Delegates
In Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec., p. 216, the Governor makes known to the Council certain communications he has had from the Indians on the Susquehanna and Conestoga. The account is set forth as follows:
"Then he communicated to the Board the speech of Whiwhinjac, King of the Ganawese Indians deliv- ered to the Governor (when there was not a sufficient number of coun- sellors to make a Quorum) by Civil- ity, in the name of the said Whiwhin- jac, and of his and all the other three nations of Indians upon Susquehan- na, viz: the Conestogoes, Delawares and Shawanese, at the Court House, May the 18th, and rendered English by Ezekiel Harlan, Interpreter, which was read and is as follows:
They rejoice that there is a Gov- ernor here from England that loves the Indians as William Penn did.
we must all be one half Indian and the other half English, being as one flesh and one blood under one Head.
William Penn often spoke to them and desired the Indians might heark to what he said, and after three gen- erations were passed, and the People gone who heard these words, he de- sired that the writing which he left with them might be read to the fourth generation that they might know it was the sense of the words of their grandfathers.
Willianı Penn knew the Indians to be a discerning people, that had eyes to see afar off, and ears to hearken unto and discover any ap- proaching danger, and he ever looked upon them as his brethren.
William Penn told them that he perceived that the Indians delighted too much in going to war, but he ad- vised them to peace, for if they went abroad to war they thereby provoke other Nations to come and destroy them.
We would not in that case give them countenance or any assistance, but if they lived at home in peace and minded their hunting he would not only take care of their goods and families to protect them but would also furnish them with powder and lead to defend themselves against those who might come to war upon them.
It was agreed both by William Penn and the Indians, that if it should happen at any time that either of them did forget the strict League of Friendship then made between them, the party who faithfully kept and remembered the Covenant chain should take the other, who had for- got, gently as it were by the shoul- der and put him in mind of it again.
They remembered that William Penn did not approve of the methods of treating the Indians as Children, or Brethren by joining Hands, for in all these cases, accidents may happen As the Governor went last year to Albany to make a firm peace with the to break or weaken the tyes of Friendship. But William Penn said, Five Nations, and to bury the blood
283
ANNALS OF THE SU SQUEHANNOCKS AND
of an Indian that had been spilt by the English, Whiwhinjac, the Gana- wese King, here present, is coming in the name of all the four Nations of Indians, upon Sasquehanna, viz: The Ganawese, Shawannoes, Conestogoes and Delawares, to desire that the same blood may not be buried but washed away as it were by a swift running stream of water never more to be seen or heard of again, and they further desire the Governor to believe that as they are one flesh with the English, they look upon themselves to be equally concerned with them in accidents of that Na- ture.
They desire the Government may keep this treaty in remembrance, so as that no clouds of any kind may a- rise to obscure it, but that it may re- main bright and lasting as the Sun, and they desire that the Settlers and young men near Conestogoe and their other towns, may be directed to treat them with kindness and respect like Brethren.
They also desire that the English may not be suffered to straiten or pinch the Ganawese or Shawannoes to make them remove further off, but to consider them as Brethren, for they have heard some words to this purpose which they do not care to mention.
They are glad to find the English continue to send their young men with Goods amongst them, and they acknowledge that the Traders are now very civil and kind to them, whereby they eat their victuals with- out fear and have a true relish of them.
The Shawannoes, Ganawese, Con- estogoes and Delawares shall never forget the words of William Penn, but that since that treaty was made between them and him, they do not find that we have been so careful to come as often to renew it with the Conestogoe, as they have been to come to us at Philadelphia.
They then said Indians both old and young do return the Governour their hearty thanks for his care last year in sending Corn and Biscuit to their families when they wanted it very much.
Having finished what they had to say, Whiwhinjac, in the name and on behalf of all the Indians makes a present to the Governour of 200 Skins.
The young men of the Ganaway town, in behalf, of all their people say by way of complaint, that they have suffered many grievances.
Then the Governour's answer to the Indians, which he was about to deliver, was read and approved.
It was then considered by the Board what presents should be re- turned to the Indians, and agreed to be as follows: A Barrel of Pow- der, twelve gallons of rum, 300 1b. of Biscuit, one groce of pipes, 20 Ib of Tobacco, 15 Stroud Match Coats, 15 Blankets, 5 pair of shoes and buck- les, 5 pair of stockings, 150 lb of lead and meat to the value of twenty shillings."
1723-Upper Shawanese Send An- other Message to Phialdelphia
In Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec., p. 219, there is mentioned a letter from Jas. Mitchell, Justice of the Peace, direct- ed to the Governor, dated Donegal, April 25th, 1723, containing an ad- dress from Ocowellos' King of the Upper Shawanese, to which the Board agreed to make the following answer:
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.