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 41
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The Governour then told them that he was well pleased with what they had said unto him, and that since the Indian, who killed the English- man at Burt's house is not of their nation, he would demand Justice from the Nation to which he belong- ed.
The Proclamation was then inter- preted unto them, which pleased them very much.
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ANNALS OF THE SUSQUEHANNOCKS AND
Then the Governour having ordered some Rum, Bread, Tobacco and Pipes to be delivered to them, and likewise one Strowd Matchcoat and one Shirt to Civility one Strowd Matchcoat and Shirt to Shawatawlin, or Sam, and one Shirt to Pompa- pechtya, the three Interpreters; he took all the Indian Chiefs by the hand, and desired them that when they returned home they should ac- quaint all their People with what had now passed between them and us, and that the Remembrance thereof might endure forever."
1728 - Philadelphia's Reception Governor Gordon on His Re- turn from the Great Conestoga Treaty
to
It is evident that the Province of Pennsylvania was in a considerably excited condition at this time, be- cause of the troubles whch the Shawanese were making and other Indian dissatisfactions arising about Conestogoe and in the neighborhood of Tulpyhocken. The Treaty was therefore a great event and upon the Governor's return to Philaedlphia, the people gave him a hearty wel- come.
The American Weekly Mercury in its issue of May 30, 1728, gives this account of the Governor's return and reception, as follows:
to them himself. His honor was met some miles from this City by Richard Hill and divers gentlemen and wel- comed back with a handsome colla- tion in the woods: at the City bounds his Honor was received in a very genteel manner by Thomas Lawrence, Esq., our Mayor and a very great number of gentlemen, as well as strangers as city inhabitants, who with several ladies with coaches accompanied his Honor to his house: it is reckoned the cavalcade consist- ed of near 200 people, which is a far greater number than has ever been known to meet together on such an an occasion at any time before in this Province.
We are told that the Country people in and about Conestoga were so highly satisfied with the Governor in every part of his conduct that notwithstanding the scarcity occa- sioned by the late hard winter they brought in of their own good will, large quantities of provisions of all sorts and would take no pay for them. About 250 men on horseback accom- panied his Honor to the Indian town when the treaty was held and great numbers flocked in from all parts to pay their compliments to him, sa it was said there was never seen amongst the inhabitants a greater harmony and a more cheerful readi- ness to assist with what was in their power, than appeared on this occa- sion, which is cheerfully owing to the affable, courteous behavior of the Governor."
"Yesterday the Hon. Patrick Gor- don, Esqr., our Governor returned from Conestoga, having finished the treaty wtih the Indians in those parts to the entire satisfaction of all This is a glowing tribute to the Governor and we can imagine the strange scene the old Indian town of- Conestoga, with its few scores of white man's primitive buildings ap- pearing here and there in the woods. From this article several hundred that were present. This timely and prudent management of the Gover- nor's has made everything quiet and easy and the Indians were so pleased that they said they never had such a satisfactory speech made to them since the great William Penn spoke | people must have been present and
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OTHER LANCASTER COUNTY INDIAN TRIBES
considering the primitive state of Pennsylvania at that time, it was as big an event as when several thou- sand gather together in these days. A little contemplation of the primi- tive scene between the Conestoga and Susquehanna, in what is now Manor township, not far from the town of Rock Hill, ought to give one a great deal of quiet pleasure.
1728-The Dsturbed Condition of the Indians of the Susque- hanna River.
There was such uproar through the Indain sections of Pennsylvania at this time and a feeling that dan- ger and. slaughter were about to happen, that on the 3rd of June just a week after the Governor's return, at a Court of Quarter Sessions held that day, a charge was delivered from the Bench to the Grand Jury, of which the following is the close: "Gentlemen:
You with all
other inhabitants have observed the emotion and unreasonable panic which lately pos- sessed great numbers of the People, It is true something has happened which raised the notice and concern not only of the Government but of every good man; but it is really surprising to hear of the many, idle groundless and lying stories which have been bruited and thrown out to alarm and isturb the people, some of which may have risen from ignor- ance and fear; but we wish it were less obvious that much more have proceeded from a ,wicked design against the Peace and safety of the Country ; we need not be more partic- ular but hope every true man will in his mind, mark such incendiaries.
You will see published the Gover- nor's treaty with the Indians on Sus- quehanna and some of the Delawares
about Brandywine. The Chiefs with others of the Delawares are now here at the Governor's request. You will find by the treaty that there never was a more amicable, open and hearty freedom between us than at this time, which appeared as well in their countenances and behavior as in words.
This is noted to you. That as you are dispersed in several parts of the country, you may as occasion offers in all conversations endeavor to quiet the minds of the people and persuade them, for the future not to hearken to, much less assist in spreading lies and ridiculous tales- and we heartily wish it may not hereafter be observed, that the In- dians are more calm and prudent than some of our people.
They in their Councils have a dis- creet and just way of thinking, and although they can not but be touched with grief, as is every honest man among us, at such as the late un- happy accidents yet they wisely
make all give way to the strict League and friendship which hath from our first settlement subsisted between the Christians and them, and impute crimes to madness, folly and wickedness of the actors.
We shall close with the reasonable hope or assurance that if we do not provoke the Almighty God by our forgetfulness of him and by our in- numerable animosities and follies to scourge us that way, there appears no danger from the Indians.
We entreat you therefore to excite all the people to use them well and to give no offence as the Governor by his late proclamation has admon- ished and commanded; and let not that be done indiscreetly-either by tippling with them, foolish talking or asking childish and impertinent
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ANNALS OF THE SUSQUEHANNOCKS AND
questions, expressing a ridiculous bravery on one hand or foolish fears on the other; but let it be with all manliness, gravity and sobriety as well as strict justice; this will honor our profession as Christians, and draw their regard and love to us as Englishmen."
This may be seen in the American Weekly Mercury in the issue of June 6, 1728.
1728-Two Chiefs Who Were at Con- estoga Treaty Come to
Philadelphia.
In the issue of June 6, 1728 of the American Weekly Mercury it is stated that two chiefs, who were at the Conestoga treaty came to Phila- delphia and a treaty was made with them, which pleased them very much.
1728-The Five Nation Chiefs at Conestoga.
In Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec., p. 330, it is stated that the Chiefs of the Five Nations are now at Conestoga and have great power over all the In- dians; that the Five Nations have ab- solute authority over all the Indians and have them do whatever they choose.
1728-A Great Number of the Five Nations and Some other Indians Will Come to Philadelphia in the Spring.
In Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec., p. 333, it is set forth that a great number of representatives of the Five Nations and some other Indians are coming to Philadelphia in the Spring to treat with the Governor and the Council. 1728-Samuel Blunston Sends a Let- ter to the Governor About In- dian Disorders.
In Vol. 1 of the Penna. Archives, p. 216, a letter of Samuel Blunston is set forth as follows:
"May ye 12th, 1728.
Friend James Logan:
This Morning the Messenger
brought the Letter to Neighbor
Wright, who being very ill with a Rheumatic pain in his thigh, desired me to call on the Indians (in my way to Pequea, where I was going), and deliver thy message, which I have ac- cordingly done, and they say they will send a Messenger to Peshtank tomorrow, but Shamaken is too far, and they have not provision in their Town to entertain em. But the Shaw- anas and Canawas, with all of them who are at home, will expect the Governour in their Town, in nine or ten days: here is an old Indian re- turned from the Five Nations, says some of their Chiefs are coming to Philadelphia in about three weeks to renew the alience, that they are of Opinion the Indians who were at Manahalany have been put on by the French to Stir up mischief. Last week eight of this town, the King one of them, went out to War, the rest are home. Provision is very scarce this way; there are so many wagons going down this week that it is needless to engage any, for you may have your choice. I do hope this skirmish will not come to an open rupture for we borderers are in the most danger. I am with respect to self and wife, Thy Friend,
SA. BLUNSTON."
1729-The County of Lancaster Organized.
In order that we may keep our bearings on the time of the happen- ing of the events we are speaking about, I make note here that in the Spring of 1729 Lancaster County was Organized and created out of a Part of Chester County.
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OTHER LANCASTER COUNTY INDIAN TRIBES
1729-Conestoga Indians Again in and they were afflicted with them,
Philadelphia at a Treaty.
In Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec., p. 361, it is set forth that at a Council held May 26, 1729 at Philadelphia.
"PRESENT:
The Honorable PATRICK GORDON, Esqr., Lieut. Governour; James Logan, Richard Hill, Ralph Ashe- ton, Samuel Hazel, Esqrs.
PRESENT ALSO:
Tawenna, Ganyatorouga, Tacquatar- ensaly, alias Civility, Chiefs of the Conestoga Indians.
Amawoolit, Peyhiohinas, Yaoehkon- guess, Chiefs of the Ganawese.
Peyashickon, Whawyaygamen, Say- kalin, Chiefs of the Delawares. (With several other Indians).
Mr. Peter Bizallion and Mr. John Scull, Interpreters.
The Governour told the Indians that he was very glad to see them, and that accordingly to their Desire he had called his Council together to hear what they had to say.
Civility then said that none of the Shawanese are now come because unhappily, having spent ail their provisions on rum, they are obliged to stay at home to provide subsis- tence for their families by hunting, but that they have contributed equally in the presents now to be made, and desired these now present to speak in their name.
Then directing his discourse to the Governour he said:
That the Governour did not come to see them at Conestoga the first year after his arrival, being hindered by sickness and business, but that last year he came to see them, for which they were very glad, and then spoke to them particularly about the Death of those Indian People that were then killed. That the Governour then expressed his and all the Eng- lish people's sorrow for their death,
though those that were killed were not of their people, but that they are now come to desire the Guvernour may grieve no more, but that the memory of the whole may be entirely buried in the Ground and never be remembered.
That the Governour, the English and the Indians, are all as one People and one body, that if they had receiv- ed anything on their stomach that was harsh and unpleasant, they must bring it all up, purge it out and cleanse their Hearts, that they all may be pure and clean and remain all the same People and body as be- fore.
That if there has been any uneasi- ness between us, or any cause of Grief, it must be all done away; they are now come for that purpose; they will sweep the house clean and make the floors all white so that there shall not the least Spott of Blackness re- main.
That what the Governour said to them at Conestoga pleased them much; it was all right and good; they had never any speech made to them since William Penn was here and as the Governour then spoke they desire it may so continue that they may be ever the same; and that the Candle of Love should always burn, and that there should never any Uneasiness subsist between us.
The Conestogoe, Delaware, Shawa- nese and Ganawese Indians all agree in what he has said, and resolve for- ever to continue in the Same Love and Friendship with the English as one people, and as they all joined together in what was said last Spring at Conestogoe, they are now come hither to repeat the same.
As they are all one People with the Christians, so their Children must be the same as the Children of the same parents, for they are all come from the same father and mother.
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ANNALS OF THE SU SQUEHANNOCKS AND
That as the Governour desired last year at Conestogoe, that the roads between Philadelphia, Conestoga and the Five Nations should be clear and open and free from all Grubs and Thorns and everything that can give any Offense, they find it is truly so, and are resolved that it shall so re- main while they live.
That last year the Governour told them that the English and the In- dians must help each other as Breth- ren whenever they meet, that their desire it may be always so; that the English may help them in their Wants and the Indians shall always assist the English when they meet them in the woods; they will treat them with clean food, and in pure vessels, they will eat together out of one clean, and white dish without any Spot, as a MARK of the Cleanness of their Hearts.
That not only the Indians that were at Conestogoe last year, but likewise those of the whole Country, were pleased with what then passed and that the presents then delivered to them were divided into the small- est parts, that it might reach all the Indians everywhere and be read as a letter.
Then TAWENNA stood up and said:
He never spoke since Wiliiam Penn was here till last Spring, and now speaks the same again to the Governor. That William Penn in his house in his Town, told them they must be one body and he now says the same; they are not to be as one people bound together to each other, though the bonds were ever so strong, though they were of iron, for even in that case the one may suffer and the other escape, but they and we as William Penn said must be as the same body, half the one and half the other, that cannot be divided, that but is apprehensive
each may have, both Joy and Pain alike, as the same body and division.
William Penn said as both Nations were to be the same Body, so that if by any stroke that body were to be divided down the middle into two parts so that they fell assunder, this should be looked upon as the Act of Providence, which neither could help or be blamed for.
William Penn further said that if all the people around us should differ one with another, yet we must not differ but continue the same in love and Peace; that the Indians ought not hastily to go out to war but rather should study peace, and that if they were attacked he and his people would be ready to defend them, for that we art all as one people. Wil- liam Penn told the Indians that he loved them all; their Men, Women and Children, and that he held Coun- cils with them to perpetuate the remembrance and affection towards them, that the Friendship he had es- tablished with them was to last for many generations; that their old men die and others come in their room, who likewise die, but that the Love and Friendship between the Indians and English ought to remain forever
Tawenna said, he hopes the Gover- pour will continue in the same strong Friendship and Love with all the In- dians, for their hearts are sincere and true, and they all desire that no unhappy accident may ever interrupt that Peace which subsists between che English and them, and that all these things which Governour Penn spoke to them may ever be remem- bered and imprinted on our and their hearts, so as to be observed inviol- ably.
That he is well pleased with all that has passed between us and them, some mischief
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OTHER LANCASTER COUNTY INDIAN TRIBES
may happen through the great quan- tities of rum which are daily carried amongst the Indians, who being greedy of that liquor are soon de- bauched by it, and may then easily be stirred up to some unhappy or ill action.
That William Penn told them he would not suffer any larger quanti- ties of liquor to be brought among them, and that they might stave the casks and spill it if they found any in the woods, but that now several hogsheads of rum are brought to Conestogoes and to several other places in their road and near to them by which the Indians are tempted not only to sell their peltry but like- wise their clothing for that Liquor, and are much impoverished thereby.
That William Penn often told them if any Christian committ any foolish or ill action amongst them, they should seize him without doing him any violence, and bring such person to him, that the matter might be en- quired into, for that he had made a Boal for the bad and wicked amongst his own people.
That William Penn is dead, but he now repeats all these things to the Governour whom he looks upon as in his stead, and if as William Penn himself was alive; that he remem- bers all these things which were then said and he has now spoke in the name of the Conestogoe, Ganawese, Delaware and Shawanese Indians.
CIVILITY added that he was very uneasy lest any mischief should happen through the great plenty of rum daily brought amongst This concern he said was them. not so much for fear of any accident among the Indians themselves, for if one In- Gian should kill another they have many ways of making up such an af- fair, but this uneasiness proceeded
from an apprehension least a Chris- tian should be ill used by any Indian intoxicated with that Liquor.
In confirmation of all this, and of their love and friendship for this Government, they now present a large parcel of skins.
The Governour thanked them for their present and having expressed his satisfatcion with what they had said, told them he would speak to them tomorrow.
At a Council held at Philadelphia, May 27, 1729.
PRESENT:
The Honourable PATRICK GOR- DON, Esqr., Lieut. Governour, James Logan, Richard Hill, William Fish- bourn, Clement Plumsted, Esqrs.
And the same Indians as before, with Mr. Bizallion Interpreter.
The Governour spoke to the Indians in these words:
My Friends and Brethren:
Seeing your affairs would not suf- fer you as you proposed last year, to make a return to my visit to you at Conestogoe, I am pleased to see you now here, and wish that some of the Shawanese had also accompanied you; but since you speak for them by their direction, and they join in your Present, I take what you say as if it were truly spoke by all the four Nations and as an answer to what I then spoke.
I am glad to find by your discourse that you not only remember what I said to you last Spring, but also there are some yet living who can remember what your father William Penn said to your people when he was in this countrey, from thence you see that his words and mine are the same. He agreed with all the Indians whom he treated with in the several points that I laid before you at Conestogoe; they were his words,
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ANNALS OF THE SUSQUEHANNOCKS AND
though spoken by me, and as I ob- serve the old men will remember them, so now I desire you again to repeat them over to your children and require them to remember them and repeat them again to their chil- dren, that the same may be continued not only to your children but,
through all generations and all ages.
By this means we shall truly con- tinue not only as Friends and Broth- ers, but one people, of one Body, one Mind and one Heart. We shall re- joice together and be sorrowful to- gether, and we shall be the same.
I need not say anything further to you on these heads, for it would be only to repeat the same things, there- fore I only say: let us remember all the good words that have been spok- en. Your words have been good and your present is good. I take it kind- ly, and I return you some goods proper to cloath you, with some Powder and lead and Provisions for your journey, that you may go from hence cheerfully and make all the Indians over the whole cheerful with the words that have been spoken; that you and they and all of us may keep the chain bright and clear and without spott forever.
I must add that you complained much of your suffering by rum; many laws you know have been made against it; but your people make all these laws of no effect; they will have it; they send their women for it to all places where it can be had; and we can make no laws against your drinking it; you must make these yourselves. If your women would carry none of it it would be more easy; I shall endeavor how- ever, to prevent it being carried in such Quantities.
Then the following goods which were prepared by order of the Board
[were delivered to them, viz: 20 Stroud Matchcoats, 8 Blanketts, 8 Duffels, 20 Shirts, Half a barrel of Powder, One hundred weight of lead, 2 Dozen Knives & 1 Dozen Looking Glasses; with Rum, Bread, Cheese, Bacon, Tobacco and pipes. A gun was likewise ordered to be given to Civility. The Governour then took all the Indians by the hand and wished them a safe journey home. The Bundles of Skins delivered by the Indians being examined and weighed, were found to contain, 72 fall Derr Skins, weighing 287 pounds, 79 Summer Deer Skins, weighing 142 pounds; 108 Drest Deer Skins, weigh- ing 119 pounds; 3 Beavers, weighing 3 pounds, 17 Racoons, 3 Foxes and 6 Catts.
Which were ordered to be sold by the Treasurer, and the produce thereof applied towards the charge of the Present Treaty."
1729-The Ganawese, Delawares and Several Other Tribes of Indians Present at the Above Treaty Also.
I here merely make note of the fact that these various other tribes of In- dians were also present at the treaty, to show their prominence. What part they took all appears in the treaty itself.
1729-The Damage Done by the In- dians Near the Chester County
Line Paid for.
We remember that in an earlier item we spoke of the complaint of a Lancaster County citizen against the Indians who killed his cow. Provis- ion was made for the loss of the cow and the destruction of the property as appears in Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec., p. 366, as follows:
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OTHER LANCASTER COUNTY INDIAN TRIBES
"To Richard Thomas, Four Pounds as the price of a cow killed and eat up by the Indians of the Five Na- tions, in their return home from Philadelphia, after the treaty with them in July, 1727, certified by ยท a Justice of Chester County, and the value of the Cow ascertained by the affirmations of two lawful men o that County."
1729-The Southern Indians Kill Some Conestogas.
In Vol. 1 of the Penna. Archives, p. 238 a letter written by Captain Civility to Governour Gordon, as fol- lows:
"CONESTOGOE, June 10th, 1729.
Sir: Knowing the good correspond- ence settled betwixt us, am willing to acquaint the Governour, having no other in the world to tell my troubles to of this nature, which is of the Barbarous Usage of the Shorrey Indians beolnging to South Carolina which was about 4 days ago, they robbed three houses upon Pertomack belonging to us, forty of our men is gone after them, in order to pursue them, they likewise killed fifty-nine men belonging to us at the Five Na- tions town, and has taken two women and a boy prisoners, first they came upon them and killed eight men, then they came to a par- ley to make peace, but could not pre- vail, the Captain that went out was taken, and then they surrendered the town, this is a true relation of our unfortunate brothers, of their suffer- ings by those barbarous Indians. So concluding with my humble ser- vice to your Lady and pleace to ac- cept the same to your Honour from your most humble, obedient servant.
His CAPTN. CIVILITY. mark.
Direction :
To Patrick Gordon, Esq'r., Governour of Pennsilvania."
1729 - Further Light on the Killing.
In Vol. 1 of the Penna. Archives, p. 240, Civility writes another letter to Gordon in which he says:
"GOVERNOUR:
I received your answer to my let- ter and thank you for your love and care over us.
Wee have no manner of hopes or expectation of having Currundaw- awnah redeemed if hee should be still alive, which wee do not expect; if any of us should go there on that intent, provided he was stil living we should be liable to fall into the same misfortune.
I impute that to ye Five Nations own fault for they was the cause of their own ruin, had they stayed at home they might still been all living.
Wee the Conestogoes are fearful leastt such provocations should be ye action to draw ye Southern In- dians near, if not as far as this place, we have heard that they have of late been about Potomack; and we have sent all our young brisk men accom- panied with some Delawares and Conoys in all near thirty men in or- der to Look outt and see if they can find any of the Southern Indians there; the reason of our so doing is because our time of hunting Draws nigh, and our people being fearful, and if they find the Coastt clear they may yet better hunt with Courage.
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