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 43
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
1732-The Location of the Indian Town.
In Vol. 1 of the Penna. Archives, p. 331, it is stated that the Northern boundary of Maryland is now fixed as being 16 miles below the Indian town on Susquehanna River.
1732-The Conestogas Complain that They are Wrongly Blamed for Killing the Whites.
In Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec., p. 500, a treaty was held at Philadelphia by Shekellamy on the part of several In- dian tribes. He said one reason why they came at this time was that "two days before he left home, which is now seven days since, a Messenger came to him from the Ganawese In- dians, who live between Pextan and
323
ANNALS OF THE SUSQUEHANNOCKS AND
Conestogoe, with account that they Understood the Governor of Vir- ginia was about to send a party of armed men amongst them to cut them off, for a Murder committed in Vir- ginia; and therefore, requesting the assistance of all the other Indians to defend them against the enemies. But as he can not believe that the Gov- ernor of Virginia would make war on these Indians without acquainting this Government with it, he is now come here to inform his Brethren of this matter and to know of them what they have heard of it."
On page 504 of the same book the Ganawese Chief makes a speech at the said treaty.
1733-The Ganawese Above Conesto- goe and Their Complaints.
In Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec., p. 504, it is set forth that the Ganawese live between Pextan and Conestoga at this date, therefore, they are still in the County of Lancaster. Their Chief and four of the Warriors were pres- ent at the treaty held on the 6th of .August, 1733. In the treaty these Ganawese complained as follows:
"Ullaloes, a Chief of the Ganawese Indians, with four others of that Na- tion viz .: Menahachtay, Peyohinas, Waapen & Naiemot.
Ullaloes produced a letter wrote at the desire of all of their Nations, by James Mitchell of Donnegal, signify- ing the concern they are under that any of their Nations should be charg- ed with killing any white people and declaring their ignorance of the mat- ter.
And then by the Interpreter said:
That a few months since a report was spread among them, that the white people had charged some of theirs with the killing of two English men; that they are sorry and asham-
ed that such a report should be spread, for none of their people have done any such thing; that whenever their young men go to war they are very careful to give them the strict- est caution not to hurt the English.
That last winter when their young men returned from War they brought with them the scalps of two Indians they had killed, and gave an account that they had killed a third, but this body was taken away by his friends so they could not get his scalp.
That the white people who live in their Neighborhood have told them that the Governour of Virginia in- tends to come against them, with a hundred men to revenge the Death of those who are killed and supposed to be white people, and that two young men of their Nation must be delivered up.
They were asked where their young men had killed those Indians, and of what Nation they were?
They answered that it was on the forks of a River lying to the South- ward of James River, in Virginia, and that the Indians were of the Tootelaes; that they have seen the scalps and know them to be of In- dians and are now to be seen in their Indian town.
The delivering some strings of wampum.
They add that they are extremely concerned that any Suspicion should be entertained of them as if they had done any injury to the white people whom they look upon as themselves; that they and the English are as one Heart, one Body, and one Person, therefore to do hurt to the white People would be doing hurt to them- selves.
They were told that it could not but give us a great concern to hear such reports; that they were extreme-
324
OTHER LANCASTER COUNTY INDIAN TRIBES 1
ly careful to do them Justice and to preserve a. good understanding with them, and we hope they will be equal- ly careful on their parts, that we are well pleased with their coming here to satisfy us, and if they are innocent as by what they Lave said we hope they are, they have no need to feel any resentment or to be under the least Apprehension, but if it should prove otherwise, Justice must be done upon the guilty persons.
That these People who live near and give them so much Uneasiness by the reports they have spread of the Gov- ernor of Virginia coming against them have no foundation of what they say; they know nothing of the matter, and are not to be credited. If the Indians have not done anything amiss they have nothing to fear.
They said that what they told was spoken sincerely-their tongues and Hearts go together; That they have nothing further to add, but having been at some expense at their Jour- ney here they hope their Brethren will consider it. They were told care should be taken of them, and some- what given them before their depar- ture.
It was ordered that Thirty shillings be given them to defray their charges on the road, and that their entertain- ment in Town be paid for."
1733-The Governor's Private Secre- tary Visits Conestoga.
In Vol, 3 of the Colonial Réc., p. 506 the expenses connected with the Indian treaty are set out and among them may be found the following.
"Decr .- To Robert Charles for the Expenses by him disbursed in a Journey to Conestogoe, by order of the Governor and Council, to forward to the Indians of Alle- gheny several Messages of im- portance, touching the reports
spread of their going over to the French, and inviting them to come to Philadelphia to treat with this Government, and for an Express sent , to Sasquehan- nah for Edmund Cartldge, who was the bearer of Messages, 4£ 17s .- And we are of opinion that 5 Pounds be allowed to the said Robert Charles for his trouble in the said Journey, for
9 Pounds & 17 Shillings.
1733 .- The Government Bears the Expenses of Shawanese Indian
Funerals.
In the Book last mentioned, p. 507 is set forth the following charge:
"March-To the Charges of Attend- ance, nursing and funerals of two Shawanese Indians, p. Account, 28 Pounds 14s. 5, & to Dr. Thomas Gaerme, their Physician, for his medicines Advice and care, P. his Bill 15 Pounds.
43 Pounds, 14s. 5."
1733- Peter Chartier Brings Much Rum to Conestoga.
We remember that Peter Chartier was a son of Martin Chartier and that his mother was a Shawanese In- dian. In an item found in Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec., p. 501, it is complained that Chartier, whose name is here spelled Cheavier, brings rum to the Indians and does not obey the laws at all. The Indians ask that this bring- ing of rum be stopped.
1733-The Walking Purchase Is Again Mentioned
In Vol. 6 of Haz. Reg., p. 212, men- tion is again made to the walking purchase of 1686 and it seems that there is still some dissatisfaction connected with it.
1734-Captain Civility Sent for By the Government.
In Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec., p. 570, it is set forth that several Oneida In-
325
ANNALS OF THE SUSQUEHANNOCKS AND
dians came to Philadelphia but before they could talk they desired to see their friend and brother Captain Civ- ility and desired that he might be sent for to come from Conestoga, which was done. Civility and some other Indians came down from Con- estoga and the treaty was held. There was also present the Chief of the Ganawese Indians and John and Thomas Penn. Most of the business of this Council or treaty concerned sections of Pennsylvania outside of Lancaster County and therefore we will not set forth the proceedings.
1734-The Indians at Conestoga Com- plain of the Traders.
In Vol. I of the Penna. Archives, p. 425, the following complaint is made by the Indians against the Traders : "May 1st, 1734. My Brethren :
Some time ago Edmund (Probably Edmund Cartlidge) brought a Letter amongst us, and withall advised me to mind to be careful of my people, not in ye least to hurt theni, and if we wanted any Assistance we might expect it from You, which we are very glad to hear. As for ye belt of Wampum you sent by ye Five Nations, we have not yet had, though so often mentioned. Edward Kenny, Jacob Ryatt, Tim'y Fitzpatrick, Wm. Dew- lap & Jno. Kelly, of Donegall, come trading with us without a License, which is a hindrance to the Lincensed Trades. Charles Poke and Thomas Hill are very pernicious for they have abused us, and we gave them a fath- om of white wampum, desiring them by that token to acquaint you how they had served us, and att a Drinking Boutt, Henry Baley, Olliver Wallis and Jno. Young, took one of our old men, and after having tied him abus- ed him very much, James Denning
was among them and abused us like- wise, such pople we think are not proper to deal with us. Jno. Kelly, of Pextan has made a great disturb- ance by raising false reports among us, and Tim'y Fitzpatrick, Thomas Moren and Jno. Palmer quarrel often with us, therefore, we desire those four may be kept particularly from us. Jonas Davenport, Laz. Lowry, Jmes Letort, Fran's Stevens, James Patterson, Ed. Cartlidge, we desire may have license to come and trade with us, as also Peter Cheartier, who we reckon one of us, and he is wel- come to come as long as he pleases likewise we begg att our Councill that no trader abovementioned may be allowed to bring more than 30 Galons of Rum, twice in a year and no more, for by that means we shall be capable of paying our debts and making our creditors easy, which we can not do otherwise, and that every trader may be obliged to bring his rum in ye Cabin where he lives dir- ectly, and not to hide in ye woods, but for P. Cheatier to bring what quantities he pleases, for he trades further than the rest, and that every trader bring his license with him, and for our parts if we see any other traders than those we desire amongst us, we will staves their Cags and seize their goods likewise, we also beg every trader may be obliged to bring good Powder, and if we are indebted to any of those we desire may not be admitted to trade with us, if they will come without goods or Rum, if we have it by. us we will pay them their Due, we also hope no hired man will have liberty to bring any rum with him.
We are Your Friends and Brethren,
NECHIKONNER, (L. S.) OPOCKRETOR, (L. S.) CAWKECAWLEN? (L. S.)
326
OTHER LANCASTER COUNTY INDIAN TRIBES
OLANAWKANOR, L. S.) MEELATAINEN, (L. S.)
Testes:
JONAH DAVENPORT, JAMES LETORT, LAREY LOWREY, PETER P. CHEARTIER, Indorsed 1st May, 1734. A letter from the Indians ab't Licenc'd Traders."
1735-The Conestoga Indians Show the Written Penn Treaty.
In Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec., p. 597, there are set forth the proceedings of a treaty of the 29th of July, 1735, as follows :-
"Several Indians of Conestogoe and Sasquehannah to the number of thirty in all, Men, Women and Child- ren coming to town on a friendly visit, and their Chiefs applying to the Proprietaries and Governour to be heard in Council.
A Council was held at Philadel- phia, August 1st, 1735.
PRESENT:
The Honourable THOMAS PENN, Esqr., Proprietary.
The Lieutenant Governor,
Samuel Preston,
Clement Plumsted,
Ralph Assheton,
Thomas Griffitts, Charles Read, Esquires.
PRESENT ALSO:
Tioquataraghse or Civility, Oni- chsulyiena, Canasquagenerat, Tatier- nughti, with several other Conesto- goe Indians of less Note.
Ullaloes, Chief of the Ganawese, with Peyhiohinas, Joaasha, and some other of that Nations.
Gannauwantagerah, Waiabiessanagh and others of the Shawanese.
Conrad Weyser, Interpreter.
The Proprietor told the Indians that as soon as heard of their Arri- val he sent a Message to his brother, at Pennsbury, acquainting him
therewith, but he is so much in- disposed as not to be able to come down, and that the Council are now met to hear what they have to offer. Civility, by the Interpreter said:
That there are now present three different Nations of the Indians, to witt: the Conestogoes, Ganawese and Shawanese, who are come down to visit the Proprietors, and to renew with them the League and Chain of Friendship.
That when William Penn first came into this Country, he called many of the Indians together and told them that the Great King of England had given unto him a large tract of land, on which several nations of Indians were settled; that it was his desire to live in Peace and good friendship with all those Indians, and therefore he would make purchases from them of those lands, before they should be possessed by the white people.
That the Indians told William Penn he and they should live on those lands like Brethren, in Love and and Friendship; whereupon William Penn and the Indians entered upon a League of Friendship together, whereby they became all as one people and one Nation, joined to- gether so strongly that nothing should ever disunite them, but that they should continue one people for- ever.
That if one Chief article then agreed on between William Penn and the Indians was that if any mischief or hurt should befall either, they should assist one another, and con- stantly have their eyes open to watch for each other's safety, and their ears open if any news were brought from any Country that might give uneasiness to either, they should carefully inform each other of what they heard.
327
ANNALS OF THE SUSQUEHANNOCKS AND
That it was further agreed be- | orders being given for their good ac- commodation and entertainment, they were at present dismissed.
tween William Penn and the Indians, that each should bear a share in the others misfortunes. That this Coun- try, though it might be filled with people of different Nations, yet care should be taken that Justice should be done to every person, and no mischief happen without satisfaction being given when it was necessary.
That William Penn and the Indians agreed on other articles, of all which two papers were written; one of them their brother William Penn had and the other they have brought with them, to show that they preserve all these things carefully.
That their Brother William Penn told the Indians this agreement was to continue for three Generations.
Then laying down three Bundles of skins,
He said:
That they were now come hither to see William Penn's sons, to take them by the hand and renew with them the League of Friendship made with their father. And to bind their words, they now presented, in the name of all the Conestooge, Ganawese and Shawanese Indians, three bun- dles of skins.
Civility laying down another bundle of skins added:
That the Shawanese Indians who live upon River, lately sent him a present of skins, which he now gives to the Proprietaries, to engage them to assist in composing any dif- ferences that may arise between the Irish People, woh are come into these parts and these Indians who intend to live and dye where they are now settled.
That he had now finished all he had to say.
The proprietor told the Indians he would speak to them on the heads they had mentioned very soon; and
At a Council held at Philadelphia, August 2d, 1735.
PRESENT:
The Honourable Thomas Penn, Esquire,
The Lieutenant Governour,
Samuel Preston,
Ralph Assheton,
Thomas Griffitts,
Charles Read,
Esquires.
And the Indians mentioned in the preceeding Minute.
The Proprietor spoke to the Indians by the Interpreter, as follows :- Friends and Brethren :-
I told you yesterday, that on the first Notice I had of your coming to Town I had sent to my brother, whom I had left at Pennsbury, to desire his Company here, and I am now truly sorry that the indisposition he lab- ours on or under, which till is over will not suffer him to travel, must deprive him of the pleasure he would have taken at your visit. You are sensible he is your Country man, being born in the same land with you, and for this reason he would have desired to see you; but he has sent me a letter by which I know his mind, and now since he cam not be present himself I shall give you both his and my own sentiments, which I assure you are exactly the same.
We need not tell you, who formerly saw our father William Penn here, that he loved all the Indians as his own People and Children, he shewed it in all his actions and conduct towards them; he made a firm League of Friendship with all the In- dians, and he not only observed them strictly himself but he gave it in charge to us his children to do the same. And as we are the same with
328
OTHER LANCASTER COUNTY INDIAN TRIBES
our father, so we are very well pleased to find by this visit, and what you have said, that you are the very same you were when he was here, and that you not only remember the Substance of what then past, but also have kept one of the instruments of writings that he gave your fathers under his hand."
After this done the Governor showed the Indians the deed which they had made September 13, 1700, for the Susquehanna lands and also the treaty by which they confirmed the deed made the 3rd. of April, 1701, which we have before set out. This seemed to satisfy them. On the fourth of August they met again and after they had some rum, pipes, tobacco and bread they were given presents and the Governor made them a speech, which pleased them very much. After all this they de- parted.
1736-Lands From the Mouth of the Susquehanna River to be Bought.
In Vol. 4 of the Col. Rec., p. 87, at a Council, it was stated that it was advised the Indians and whites ought to confer and treat about the purchase of lands and that as the Indians signed releases to Penn for all the lands lying between the Mouth of the Susquehanna and Ke- kachtanium Hills, and that it now remained to conclude on the amount of goods to be delivered. Here we are further informed that the Land purchasing has not ceased to cause some trouble.
1736-A Reference to the Conquer- ing of the Susquehannocks by the Five Nations.
In Vol. 4 of the Col. Rec .. p. 93, at a treaty held at Philadelphia, at which some of the Five Nations were present the question of these Sus-
quehanna land again came up and the Speaker of the Five Nations said that if Captain Civility at Conestoga should attempt to make a sale of any lands to us or any of our neigh- bors they must let him know and that he had no power to do so; and if he does anything of the kind the Indians will utterly disown him.
The subject again came up and on p. 94 of the same book, the Indian Speaker of the Five Nations said, "We have indeed heard of a letter sent up to Susquehanna from the Governor of Maryland. If he men- tions anything in it of orders from the King of England we are to hear of it. The land on Susquehanna be- longs to the six nations by the con- quest of the Indians of that river but we do not know how they lay claim to the Southern lands."
Here we again see that subjuga- tion of the Susquehannocks is proved. 1736-An Indian Deed for Lands on Susquehanna.
In Vol. 1 of the Penn. Archives, p. 494 there is set forth under the date of 1736 a deed from the Sachems of the Onondagos, Chiefs of the Sene- cas, Chiefs of the Cayoogoes, Chiefs of the Oneidas and chiefs of the Tus- caroras, which sets forth as follows: "Whereas, the late Proprietary of the Province of Pennsylvania, Wm. Penn, Esq., soon after arriving in his province, took measures to have the River Susquehannah, with all the land lying on both sides of the same, purchased for him and his heirs of those Indians of the Five Nations Inhabiting in the Province of New York, who claimed the p'p'y thereof and according did purchase them from Coll. Thomas Dungan for- merly Governor of New York, and pay for the same, Notwithstanding
329
ANNALS OF THE SUSQUEHANNOCKS AND
which the Indians of the Five Nations aforesaid, have continued to claim a right in and to the said River and Lands; nor have those claims been hitherto adjusted, whereupon, the said Sachems or Chiefs having with all the others of the said Nations Met the last summer at their great Coun- cil, held in the Countrey of the said Onandagoes, did resolve and con- clude that a final period and Con- clusion should be put to all Disputes that might possibly arise on that oc- casion ; and have appointed the aforenamed Sachems or Chiefs as Plenepotentiaries of all those nations to repair to Philadelphia in order to confirm the Several treaties of Peace which have hitherto been concluded between them and the said Province; and also, to Settle and Adjust all Demands and Claims that have been heretofore made, or hereafter may be made, touching or concerning the aforesaid river Susquehannah, and the lands lying on both sides there- of; and ye said Sachems or Chiefs of the Five Nations aforesaid, having for themselves and on behalf of the said Nations, renewed and ratified the said treaties of Friendship and Peace substituting between them and the said Province, did afterwards proced to treat and agree with the Honorable the Proprietors thereof, about the said river and lands. Now know ye, that in consideration of, the premises aforesaid and of the several quantities of goods herein mentioned, viz: 500 pounds of pow- der, 600 pounds of lead, 45 Guns, 60 Strowd water match Coats, 100 Blankets, 100 duffle match coats, 200 yards of half-thick, 100 shirts, 40 hatts, 40 pairs of Shoes and Byckles, 40 pair of stockings, 100 hatchets, 500 knives, 100 houghs, 60 kettles,
awl blades, 120 Combs, 2000 needles, 1000 flints, 24 looking glasses, 2 pounds of vermillion, and 100 Tin pots besides 25 Gallons of Rum, 200 pounds of Tobacco, 1000 pipes, and 24 dozen of Gartering, by the said Proprietairies, John Penn, Thomas Penn and Richard Penn, well and truly paid and delivered unto the said" chiefs aforesaid before the de- livery of these presents, they acknowl- edge themselves to be satisfied and they, for themselves, and all the Five Nations, the Tyannuntasacta Hills, or confirm unto the said John, Thomas and Richard Penn the following lands, to wit :- "All the said River Susquehannah, with the lands lying on both sides thereof, to extend Eastward as far as the heads of the Branches or Springs which run into the said Susquehannah and all the lands lying on the West side of the Susquehanna river to the Setting of the Sun and to extend from the mouth of the said River Northward, up the same to the hills or mountains called in the language of the said Nations, the Kekkachtananin Hills, or Endless Hills, and by the Delaware Indians, the Kekkachtananin Hills, together, also, the Islands in the said River, Ways, Waters, Watercourses, Woods, Underwoods, Timeber and Trees, Mountains, Hills, Mines, Val- leys, Minerals, Quarries, Rights,
Liberties, Privileges, Advantages,
Hereditaments and Appurtenances thereunto belonging, or in any wise appertaining;" and then they further say if the Indians any time hereafter demand any property, "to the said River Sasquehannah, lands on both sides of the same, Islands contained therein, Hereditaments and premises hereby granted and released, nor any part or parcel thereof, but of and 100 tobacco tongs, 100 Scissors, 500 from the same shall be barred and
330
OTHER LANCASTER COUNTY INDIAN TRIBES
forever Excluded by these Presents; and that the said Proprietaries, John Penn, Thomas Penn, and Richard Penn, their heirs, successors and assigns, shall, and rightfully may, from time to time, and at all times and seasons, forever hereafter, quiet- ly and peaceably, have, hold, occupy, possess and Enjoy, all and singular, the Said River Susquehannah, and the lands lying on both sides of the same, and all the Islands therein, with the Hereditaments granted and released, with their and every of their appurtenances, Without the Let, Trouble, Hinderance or Molestation of the said Kakiskerowane, Tayun- hunty, Caxhaayn, Kuchdachary, Saw- ceyatecos, Sachems or Chiefs of ye Nation of the Onondagoes; Kanich- hungo, Tagachskaholoo, Sagoayaton- dackquas, Ashcoalaax, Hetquantag- echta, Sachems or Chiefs of the Sene- kaes; Saguehsanyunt, Sunaratchy, Kanawatoe, Tecochtseegherochogoo, Sachems or Chiefs of the Cayoogoes; Saliscaquoh, Shecalamy, Tahashwan- garoras, Sachems or Chiefs of the Oneydoes, and Sawantga and Tyeros, Sachems or Chiefs of the Tuscaro- ras, or any of them, or any others of the Indians of the Five Nations afore- said, or any other person or persons claiming or to claim the same, or any part thereof, by, from or under them, or any of them, according to the true intent and meaning of these Presents.
In Witness whereof the before named Sachems or Chiefs, for them- selves and on behalf of all the People of the Five Nations aforesaid, have hereunto set their Hands and Seals, the Eleventh day of October, in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty Six, and in the Tenth year of the Reign of King George the Second, over Great
{ Britain, etc." The deed is then signed by twenty-six Chiefs and wit- nessed by seventeen witnesses. This deed is recorded in the Office of Re- cording Deeds in Book G., Vol. 5, p. 277.
1736-A Release for the Same Lands.
On the 12th day of October, 1736, the various Indians above mentioned made or executed a release in addi- tion to the former deed, which deed was made on the 11th of October and in their release also embodied a treaty. This release and treaty are as follows: 4
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.