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 49
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1758-Conestogas Threaten to Leave Lancaster County.
In Vol 8 of the Col. Rec., p. 112, it is stated that, "Information being given to the Governor that an Indian, William Sock, with his Comrade, had for some time been tampering with the Conestogoe Indians, and that they were at the Instance of these two In- dians, proposing to remove from the Manor, his Honor had written a Let- ter to Mr. James Wright, to inquire into the affairs, and to invite Sewaise and these Indians to come and see him.
.A Letter from Mr. Shippen, of Lan- caster, on this Subject, was read in these words:
Lancaster, the 3rd of May, 1758. Honoured Sir:
I take the liberty to acquaint your Honour that the Conestogoe Indians are going to leave their Town. I had my information last night from Mr. Ross, of the blue Rock. He tells me, that last Thursday they sent Mr. McKnee to acquaint him they wanted to have a conference with him, and when he came to them they said they had nothing at all against him, for he had always been very kind to them, supplying them with all nec- essary provisions, but that they had been lately at Philadelphia, on visit to the Governor, to beg a few !
'Clothes, and particularly Leather for Moccasins, as they were naked and barefooted, but that he had (to use their own phrase) broken his word with them, for after having detained them a good many days in Town, he sent them packing away in the same destitute condition in which they came; and that seeing this was the case and they were not allowed to hunt for deer among the Inhabitants, they were forced to go into the Wild- erness to seek clothing for them- selves and families; and they pro- posed to go a little beyond Augusta, a fort, and there to build Indian Ca- bins. But as they intended to re- turn in the Spring, they desired that Mr. McKnee might be permitted to remain in their town, and plant corn to be divided between his and their families, when they come back and as a token, of their Friendship with the English, Old Sohaise gave him a String of Wampum, which was White and then Mr. Ross answered, and as- sured them he would supply their wants immediately from Lancaster. Yet, notwithstanding this declaration, they said they were resolved to keep their resolution. Then he left them know, if they would not be persuad- ed to accept this offer, he feared it would be unsafe for them to pass through the County without an es- cort, and he would employ Mr. McKnee to go with them to Hunter's Fort, to which they readily agreed. That on Saturday Mr. McKnee came to Mr. Ross again, and told him that the Indians were divided in their Council, whether to go off a hunting or to stay and plant their corn, but that he understood by Betty Sock, that Billy Sock (her son) and some of the young men were absolutely re- solved to go (take her own words) and help the French, maybe the Eng-
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lish. Since which time Mr. Ross has heard nothing of them. However, though it be a busy time with me, as I think this affair of very great con- sequence to the Province, trifling as the number of those Indians may be, I have thought proper to visit them immediately and shall use my ut- most endeavors to appease them and keep them back.
I am, with due respect, your Hon- our's Most Obedient Humble Servant, EDWD. SHIPPEN." 1758-Billy Sock at the Bottom of this Trouble with the Con-
estogas.
As we have seen above Billy Sock had a hand in this matter The sub- ject was further discussed in Vol. 8 of the Col. Rec., p. 115 as follows:
"The consideration of the intelli- gence respecting the Conestogoe In- dians was resumed, and a letter read that was wrote to Mr. James Wright resquesting him to sift this matter, and to invite Sewaise, the head man of the Conestogoes, to bring Will Sock and the other Indian to see the Governor; and M.r. Weiser was re- quested to lay in Town, in order to interpret for the Conestogoe In- dians."
1758-Further Proceedings to Satisfy the Conestoga Indians.
In Vol. 8 of the Col. Rec. p. 116 the Council having heard from James Wright relating to the Conestogas' difficulties, by three Indian Messeng- ers and the letter was taken up by Council. The letter is as follows: "May it please the Governor:
¡told me they would take the journey with their Brothers; I believe Sha- haise to be an honest man, and a [heart Friend to the English. I made no objection.
I have had a good deal of discourse with these Indians, and particularly with Shahaise, who said he would tell me what the Stranger and Sock told him; and as well as I could un- derstand his broken English it was this that the Six Nations with all the tribes in Friendship with them, have had long and general Councils and the result of them was, that they would send some of their Chiefs to the French and some to the English, and demand to have boundaries fixed between each Nation and themselves; that if the French on their part re- fused to comply with this demand, they would then join their whole force with the English against them; and though he would not say it, yet it is reasonable to conclude they came to the same resolution in re- gard to the English. He mentioned the Twightwees and some other Na- tions, and said there were several, of which he knew not the names, who had entered into this Confederacy. What I have wrote he repeatedly told me, so that I can not mistake; as Shahaise has been intimate with me many years perhaps he may have spoken with more freedom than he would do in any other place, or than the others may do.
As to any other Intelligence they may be able to give, I can not learn anything at all from them; neither did I chuse to question them too strictly, for fear of giving them occa- sion to think themselves suspected, and perhaps preventing them from complying with thy request. .As to these Conestogoes selling their Corn, they have usually done it, when they have more than they want for food,
In pursuance of the direction thou was pleased to send me, I went to the Conestogoe Town and delivered the string of wampum and Message. Bill Sock and the Stranger (who is a Cayuga) agreed to wait upon thee. I gave no encouragement to any other Indian to go; but the day Shagree and Shahaise came to my House, and to purchase little necessaries. I have
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ANNALS OF THE SUSQUEHANNOCKS AND
heard some time ago that part of their number designed to leave their town, and a part of them to stay, which is still their intention; but they were proposed to go away quietly and privately, for about a week ago they gave a String of Wampum to Thomas McKee, with a request that he might carry it to the Governor, and acquaint him that a number of them were going towards Shamokin to get some Deer, as they could -not hunt with any safety in these parts, were barefoot, and in want of cloathing for themselves and their families, but that they left their Corn-fields and Cabins and should return next Spring; but notwithstanding these as- surances, I am of opinion the young- er part of those who go will not re- turn to settle among us, as indeed their way of living will scarce admit of it, for however kind the Govern- ment may be to them, yet hunting is their Natural Employment and that they have not dared to follow for two years past, except about my brother's House and mine.
Shahaise, I am perswaded will never leave this place; at least he assures me he will not, and that some others will stay with him; and as for them that go, I really think they do not remove from any dissa- tisfaction to the English, or evil De- signs, but only for the reason they assign, as Thomas McKee tells me they are certainly in want of cloath- ing (which I hope the Government will be so good as to take Notice of). McKnee likewise tells me the Indians had desired him to meet them in Philadelphia, if he could, least they should not be understood; the Cayagu would not wait until he could go with them, but he purposes to be in town for a few days.
The people are SO prejudiced against Indians in general that I
| thought it necessary to procure a substantial man to take care of these in town. I heartily wish their jour- ney may be Satisfactory to thyself and of service to the Publick.
And am thy respectful Friend,
JAMES WRIGHT."
After the letter was read the In- dians were sent for and the Governor made them the following speech, which is found p. 117:
"Brethren and Brother Sohays
(Shohaise) :
I have been informed that some of our Brethren of the Conestogoe Town were moving away with their wives and families and selling their Corn and Improvements. As you had not given me any notice of this. I was much concerned to hear it and there- fore sent my Brother Shohaise a String of Wampum to invite him here to see me, that I might hear from him the truth of the story; and if it was so, whether that they were mov-
ing from any invitation of your Brethren, the Indians or from Dis- satisfaction with us; and I now de- sire you, by his String of Wampum, open your minds freely to me.
A String of Wampum. Brother:
I was also nformed that one of your brothers of the Conestogoe Town had been in the Six Nations Country, and was lately returned from thence and he brought with him one of our acquaintances of the Six Nations. I therefore desire you will inform me what news he has brought from thence and what passes among our Brethren there.
A String.
Shohaise consulted with the other Indians, and after a short rause re- turned an answer as follows:
Brother, the Governor:
You say you have sent for me and my friends to learn from us if we
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OTHER LANCASTER COUNTY INDIIAN TRIBES
were leaving your town, and if so, whether any offence had been given us.
Brother:
We are neither leaving your Town, nor have taken offence at anything, all that is in it is, that some of our Indians have a mind to go on Sus- quehannah, partly to hunt and partly to trade, that they may provide nec- esaries for their families. If the Indians had a mind to go quite away from their Brethren and leave the place, it would have been my duty and I certainly should have done my duty in giving notice to you myself. Were all to go, I would not go with them; I would stay where I am. You were entirely misinformed, depend on the truth of what I say. Brother:
Before we set out we held a Con- sultation at -;- Thomas McKee was present; he is expected in town every moment; when he comes I shall speak again, having some things to say to you."
After this the history of Billy Sock was taken up and a great many mat- ters entered into which does not con- cern the Conestogas.
1758-Another Council Held with the Conestogas.
On the 12th of May, 1758 as is set forth in Vol. 8 of the Col. Rec., p. 122, the Conestoga Indians and some of the Six Nations went to Philadel- phia to discuss the trouble about the Conestogas and the report of the treaty is as follows:
"PRESENT:
The Honourable WILLIAM DENNY, Esqr., Lieutenant Governor.
William Logan, Richard Peters, Es- quires.
The Indians, Six Nations.
Conestogas. Shahaise.
Will Sock, Seneca George, Chargrea.
A Cayuga Indian.
Thomas McKee, Interpreter. Brother:
When the two Indians, Will Sock and Cayuga came to Conestoga, we sent for Thomas McKee and desired him to carry a Message to the Gov- ernor at Philadelphia; it was to this purpose:
We let the Governor know that most of the Indians who now live at Conestogoe, intended to remove thence to a place some distance above Shamokin; that where they were at present the Women could get no clothes nor their Young men go a hunting; it was, therefore, determin- ed that the Women should take some kegs of liquor with them and sell them for skins that would procure their women cloathes, and the Young men with their hunting would supply themselves with shoes and other nec- essaries. Now as they intended to be absent only one winter, they desired the Governor by Thomas McKee, not to think amiss of them, for that they had no bad designs. They said it only was, that no Cloaths being given them they were become naked, and this measure of going above, think- ing, for a while would procure them Cloaths and other necessaries; at the same time let the Governor know, that as a fire was kindled at Cones- togoe that had burnt a long while, and he was born there and lived there all his life, he would not go with the other Indians, but stay and lay his Bones at Conestogoe; this, he added, was the purport of one-half of the String. The other half was that the Women left their Homes, Hogs, and Corn fields, and desired they might be put under the care of Thomas McKee, They further desired he might be or- dered to plant corn and take care of their Houses and cattle; for which he should be allowed one-half and.
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ANNALS OF THE SUSQUEHANNOCKS AND
Indians were to have the other half. ! Ground for Several years, for which
Thomas McKee said that this is the String which the Conestogoe Indians sent by him and gave the String of Wampum.
Shahaise proceeded :
Brother:
When this speech was delivered to Thomas McKee, we had not received the Governor's Message. After Mr. Wright had delivered us your mes- sage, we considered among ourselves and came to a resolution to alter our
purpose and stay at home. Our women not being able to provide themselves with Matchcoats and Moccasins and other necessaries, was the only reason that induced them to go to Shamokin; but now all that was over, and on what the Governor had said to them, by Mr. Wright, they were determined to stay.
A String.
The Governor made answer:
Shahaise and the other Conestoga Indians:
I am well pleased with the account you have given of your Intention to remove; and much more so that you altered your Resolution.
The Conestogoe Indians may depend on my protection, and that I will sup- ply their wants, so as not to put them under the necessity of removng Sha- haise's determination to stay, even if, the others should have gone, shows his love towards his Brethren, and discovers a particular regard.
I have directed Mr. James Wright to supply you with provisions, from time to time, as usual, and shall also earnestly recommend it to the Com- missioners to send you some neces- sary Cloathing; at present you who are come down shall receive a small present.
Shahaise then complained of Abra- ham, who had planted Indian corn and sowed Hemp in a Piece of their
he promised to give them every year a piece of Linnen, but had not paid them for two years past. He desired he might be made to do them Justice. The Governor charged Thomas Mc- Kee to apply to Abraham, and if he did not immediately pay them the ar- rears to let him know and he would order him to be sued and oblige him to give a compensation for the land agreeable to his engagements.
Chagrea informed the Governor that he was inlisted and had served in the Garrison of Fort Augusta, and that there were six months' pay due him, which he desired might be paid him off.
The Governor directed the Pay- master, Mr. Young, to settle and pay off Chargrea, which was done."
1760-Conestoga Indian Conference at Lancaster.
In Vol. 8 of the Col' Rec. p. 457, a record is found of a conference be- tween the Government of Pennsyl- vania and the Conestoga Indians, growing out of the fact that the Con- estoga Indians are now complaining that they are not well taken care of and that they express great uneasi- ness at the neglect of them, on the part of the Government. The Coun- cil is as follows:
"At a Conference with the Conesto- go Indians at Lancaster, the 15th day of February, 1760.
PRESENT:
Richard Peters and Richard Hockley, Esquires.
Sewees, Billy, Sock, John, 5 Young Boys.
Peggy, Interpreter.
Sewees, by a String of Wampum did let us know that he was ex- tremely well pleased with our visit to him; and enquiry after his health, and that we took notice of the women and Children. He returns his thanks to us
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OTHER LANCASTER COUNTY INDIAN TRIBES
for this, and likewise for desiring to | 1760-Conoys Now Live at Chenango. know whether he or his people were in want of anything.
He then told that he was old and unable to get his livelihood; that his young men had not so much as a bit of Powder or lead to shoot a bird with.
John Ross, when alive, promised him a supply of necessaries but he has received nothing since his death and desires we will let the Governor know this.
A string.
Canrach Caghrea:
I am very glad of the Opportunity of seeing you here; I have long wished to have seen somebody at Lancaster that I could speak with; old William Penn in particular had regard for the Conestoga Indians; he loved, indeed, all the Indians, but there was a singu- lar love between him and the people who came with him, and the Cones- togoe Indians. We are now but a few, and I am grown old. I give you this Belt, and desire you will hold fast your love and continue to be as kind as ever; Deliver it to the Governor, and tell him that we have ever held fast our Friendship with William Penn's people and desire he will do the same; I speak for my young men and all the Women and Children, whom I put under his protection.
You may perhaps think I will go away, but I tell you I will always stay at Conestogoe, and these that are with me will stay too. You must be my mouth to the Governor and ac- quaint him with our intention and that we hope he will be so kind to us as William Penn and all the Governor to this time.
N. B. This was communicated by the Governor to the Provincial Com- missioners, and two persons were ap- pointed to supply them with neces- saries.
We have seen in a former item that the Conoys moved up to the Mouth of the Juniata, but now we are told at this date they live farther West at Chenango, (See Vol. 8 of the Col. Rec., p. 492).
1762-Delaware Chiefs to Be at Lan- caster.
In Vol. 8 of the Col. Rec., p. 721, there is set forth a statement that an Indian conference was held at Lancaster on August 11, 1762. This conference lasted until the 29th day of August. Some of the meetings were held at the Court House but the meeting of August 27th, was held in Mr. Slough's House and on the last day of the meeting on August 29th, the goods which the Indians were to have as presents were ex- posed in Mr. Hambright's Malt House, in Lancaster. It will be seen that this treaty lasted over three weeks and a great many Indians were pres- ent. The record of this treaty covers 54 pages in the Colonial Records, ex- tending from p. 721 to p. 774. In all there were 557 Indians present, being the largest treaty ever held in Lancaster and one can imagine how the little town was swarming with In- dians at that time. I find all the tribes mentioned as being present ex- cept the Conestogas. Even the Conoys were there, but if the Conestogoes were present at all they were there not as a tribe but as a few individ- uals.
It also appears that on the 27th of August a conference was held at the Old Lutheran Church, where the Governor took some of the Indians aside and held a secret conference with them.
1763-An Address from the Cones- togas.
In Vol. 9 of the Col. Rec., p. 88, ap- pears the following address from the
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ANNALS OF THE SUSQUEHANNOCKS AND
Conestogas, whch is a sad, plaintive wail. It speaks of the encroachment upon their lands and various other subjects. It is as follows:
"To the Honourable JOHN PENN, Esquire, Lieutenant Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Prov ince of Pennsylvania, &ca., &ca. "Brother:
We, (the Conestoga Indians) take the present opportunity, by Captain Montour, to welcome you into this Country by this String of Wampum and as we are settled at this place by an agreement of Peace and Amity established between your Grand- fathers and ours, we now promise ourselves your favour and protection, and as we have always lived in Peace and Quietness with our Brethren and Neighbors round us during the last and present Indian Wars, we hope now, as we are deprived from supporting our Famiies by hunting, as we formerly did, you will consider our distressed situation and grant our women and children some Cloathing to cover them this winter. The Government has always been kind enough to allow us some prov- isions, and did
formerly appoint people to take care of us, but as there is no person to take that upon him, and some of our neighbors have en- croached upon the Tract of Land re- served here for our use, we would now beg our Brother, the Governor to appoint our Friend Captain Thos. M'Kee, who lives near us and under- stands our language, to take care and see Justice done us.
SOHAYS, his Mark,
INDIAN, his Mark. or CUYANGUERRYCOEA, SAGUYASOTHA OR JOHN. his Mark.
Conestogoe, November 30th, 1763."
1763-The Conestogas Murdered
ter of the Conestoga Indians and the final act which resulted in the com- plete obliteration of the Indians from Lancaster County.
It is as follows:
"The Governor having received in ' Friday last, a letter, dated the 14th Instant, from Edward Shippen, Esq., at Lancaster, acquainting him that a party of armed men had that morn- ing murdered Six of the said Cones- togoe Indians at their Town, laid the same before the Board, which was read viz:
A LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR FROM EDWARD SHIPPEN, ESQUIRE.
Lancaster, 14th December, 1763,
Evening.
Honoured Sir:
One Robert Edgar, a hired man to Captain Thomas M'Kee, living near the Borough acquainted me today that a Company of People from the Frontiers had killed and scalped most of the Indians at the Conesto- goe Town early this morning; he said that he had his information from an Indian boy who made his escape. Mr. Slough has been to the place and held a Coroner's inquest on the Corp- ses, being Six in number; Bill Sawk and some other Indians were gone towards Snith's Iron Works to sell brooms; but where they now are we can not understand; and the Indians, John Smith and Peggy, his Wife, and their child and Young Joe Hays,were abroad last night too, and lodged at one Peter Swar's about two miles from hence; These came here this afternoon, whom we acquainted with what had happened to their Freinds and relations and advised them to put themselves under protection, which they readily agreed to; and they are now in our Work House by them-
In Vol. 9 of the Col. Rec., p. 89, appears the first news of the slaugh- selves, where they are well provided
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OTHER LANCASTER COUNTY INDIAN TRIBES
for with every necessary. Warrants are issued for the apprehending of the Murderers, said to be upwards of Fifty men, well armed and mounted. I beg my kind complements to Mr. Richard Penn, and I am with all due regards,
Sir. Your Honour's Obliged
Friend, and most humbel servant, EDWARD SHIPPEN.
The Honourable John Penn, Esqr., Governor.
Whereupon the Council being mov- ed by the cruelty and barbarity of the above action, and apprehending that the Indians who were settled at Conestogoe were under the protection of this Government and its laws, and that consequently killing them with- out cause or provocation, amounted in law to the crime of a murder, ad- vised the Governor to write imme- diately to the Magistrates of the Counties of York, Lancaster and Cumberland, to exert themselves on this occasion, and issue warrants and do everything in their power for apprehending all the principals con- cerned in the said Crime, and their accomplices, and securing them, that they may be brought to Justice, and further, that a Proclamation be is- sued, ordering all Officers of Justice to be aiding and assisting therein."
1763-Governor Penn Sent An Or- der to Lancaster About the Killing of the Indians.
On the 19th of December, 1763, the Governor sent the following letter to the Magistrates of Lancaster and York Counties, found in Vol. 9 of the Col. Rec., p. 92 :
"Philadelphia, 19th December, 1763. Gentlemen:
Having received information that on Wednesday, the 14th Instant, a party of men, armed and mounted, did, without cause or provocation and
in defiance of all authority, proceed to the Conestoga Indian town, in Lan- caster County, and murder six of our Friendly Indians, settled there under the protection of this Government and its Laws. I do hereby direct and require you immediately to exert yourselves on this account and to is- sue warrants and take all other Measures in your power for the ap- prehending all the Principals in the murder of the said Indians and their accomplices securing them in some of the Jails of this Province, that they may be brought to Justice and receive a legal tryal for the Crimes they have committed.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your very humble Servant, JOHN PENN. To the Magistrates of the Counties of Lancaster, York and Cumberland.
1763-Governor Penn Takes Further Steps on the Killing of the Conestoga Indians.
On Vol. 9 of the Col. Rec., p. 93, the following letter was ordered by the Council:
"William Logan, Richard Peters, and Benjamin Chew, Esquires.
The Council taking into considera- tion the late conferences with Papou- nan, and other Indians from Wighal- ousin, as well as the unhappy affair of the Conestoga Indians were of opin- ion that the few friendly Indians left at Wighalousin by Papounan should be invited down to Philadelphia, and be taken under the protection of the Government, and that those of the Conestoga Indians who escaped the Fury of the Rioters ought to be im- mediately removed for their better security, and therefore advised the Governor to desire the Concurrence of the Assembly in these measures, and that they would provide for the necessary expense attending them, for which purpose a draught of a Mes-
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