USA > Pennsylvania > Delaware County > Upland > The record of the court at Upland, in Pennsylvania, 1676 to 1681, And a military journal, kept by Major E. Denny, 1781 to 1795 > Part 16
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Indian towns, to invite the Indians to a treaty at this place, arrive with six chiefs of the Shawanees, Wyan- dot and Delaware nations, to wit: Captain Johnny, or Red Pole, Half-King, Crane, Pipe, Wingeman and White-Eyes - all very glad to see us brothers. Some grog and smoke produced.
25th .- Wrote to Colonel Harmar at Philadelphia, an account of our passage, &c., and of the arrival of the In- dians, state of the troops, &c.
27th .- Caught two large Kentucky boats floating down empty - had been unloaded at Limestone, and carried away by a sudden rise of water. Boards served us for floors, sentry boxes and other useful purposes. About one hundred Indians assemble and encamp a couple of miles from us; the greatest part Wyandots, a few Delawares.
Dec. 5th. - Generals Clark, Butler and Parsons leave us on a visit to the Falls of Ohio, about one hundred and fifty miles below. Captain Finney and myself, with a party of soldiers in boat, go to Big Bone Lick, thirty miles down ; dig up and collect some astonishing large bones.
Dec. 6th. - Spent this day in the Indian camp by in- vitation ; treated with attention. It was a high day among them, a frolic and feast; several games played- exceedingly active at the game our boys call shinny or common. About forty young men were paraded for this game, equally divided; the ground had been cleared for the purpose. At the centre was a painted post, decorated with pieces of cloth suitable for leggings and breech
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clouts ; the winning side got these. Their ball the size of a man's head, made of deer's hair, covered with skin; their sticks four or five feet long, resembling a racket. The ball was thrown in the air-all endeavored to catch it upon his racket ; a fellow would take it in this way and keep in until another more smart overtook him or- knocked it abroad, when another scramble took place. They insisted on my joining in one of these games. Several other games were played; some with beans and dishes· or bowls, in imitation of backgammon. Our din- ner was served upon skins spread on the ground. Had walked to the camp, but must ride back ; girl and horse got for me. 1
1 Elsewhere in a note he says : "I left the garrison in company with Mr. Zane (a man who has been brought up during his youth amongst the Wyandots), to share in the amusements of a frolic that was to take place this day. Accordingly, when we arrived at their encampment we were taken very friendly by the hand, and desired to fall in with them at a game of common. The first thing did was to divide the whole into two parties; this ceremony was performed by two old sachems; and then took post on each side of an elegant decorated post of sugar tree, on the top of which was as much new scarlet cloth as would make a pair of leggings ; around the middle was bound a pair of scarlet garters. These were the prizes. When all was ready, one of the old men gave a halloo as a signal to make ready, which was answered by another from each of the company ; at that instant the ball was thrown up in the air, then at it we went, and contended for half an hour. At length it was sent past the stage, and the person who struck it declared it aloud, which ended that game-he being presented with the leggings. And in the same manner was the garter played for; he who hit the ball the last got the prize.
" After dinner another play was introduced, which was called mamondys. Having all sat down in a circle, they placed some blankets in the centre, and two of them began the play, with a wooden dish and six plum stones in it, marked on each side something like dice. They shook the dishes about, and from certain marks one would soon exceed the other. With
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7th. - The Indian women assembled in our council house and desired the attendance of the chief captain (Captain Finney). We all turned out, heard an oration from one of their elderly ones, the conclusion of which was a request for something to warm their hearts.
12th .- Accompany Isaac Zane, a white man, and two Indians, on a hunting party. We took a light boat, went up the river seven miles, and pitched a camp,; had an Indian woman along to keep camp. First day, too anx- ious in pursuit of buffalo, lost my course; intended to have kept near to Zean ; he was led off. I was alone and followed by wolves, yowling occasionally. Zean heard the report of my rifle and came up; was very glad to see him. Concluded to return to camp; he conducted me some distance. Before we parted he killed a doe; open- ed the udder with his knife-milk collected, of which I drank. Got to camp and stayed there. Party returned home the fourth day, and brought with us the meat of three buffaloes, two bears and parts of a number of deer.
15th. - The same day we returned from our hunt, it rained excessively hard. We were joined by our com- missioners from the Rapids, just at the landing; they having received a plentiful quantity of wet that occasion- ed a near resemblance to drowned rats.
18th. - Three Shawanee Indians arrived with a speech
these and other affairs we diverted ourselves until it grew late, when taking our leave, one who had expressed a great deal of friendship for me, remarked that the road was dirty, that we had three miles to go, and that I would be much the better of a horse-if I would accept of one he would soon have him procured ; I assented ; accordingly a squaw was dispatched, and soon after we were both mounted and conducted home by two females."
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from their nation, informing us of their being on their way to this place. This was very agreeable news to our commissioners.
19th. - Major Montgomery and Mr. Elliot were sent in a boat, with a sergeant and four privates, up to Lime- stone, in search of several horses that were stolen from . the Indians here, and were heard of at that place.
20th .- Commissioners returned a few days since from the Falls; disappointed at not finding more Indians come in. Those with us, about one hundred, are princi- pally Wyandots and Delawares, with whom the treaty at M'Intosh was held. The Shawanees are the fellows the present treaty was intended for ; they seem to hang back. Indians treated very kindly - dancing parties in our council house almost every afternoon ; the men jump, stamp and exert themselves much, but all keep good time ; females glide round, and have a gait or step pecu- liar to themselves. An old fellow has a keg, with skin drawn over each head-sort of drum on which he beats time - considerable regularity-dance in a circle round the fire - can't dance without something to make their hearts warm, and generally break up pretty merry. Very few went home sober, but those who did were sure to get drunk at night. They would come next day and peremptorily demand a quantity of rum; on being re- fused they set homeward very much offended, declaring that the next day should move them off, never to be seen as friends again. This day our clothing came.
Dec. 20th. - The commissioners are of opinion that a post will be continued here; they think it an eligible
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position until we are in possession of Detroit, &c. It is convenient to the principal body of the savages who inhabit the head waters of the Miami, and we are about seventy-five miles north of Lexington, to which place a road is now marked out; the Falls of Louisville, below, and Limestone settlement above.
21st. - Sent a return to Colonel Harmar by Mr. Hu- lings, inclosed in a letter, the copy of which is as follows:
COLONEL -Since my last, the commissioners after sending back the Shawanee chiefs, to bring in their nation and others on the Wabash, &c., have taken a trip to the Rapids, where they left General Clark. Whether he will return or not, is a doubt with us; but General Butler and Gen- eral Parsons say he will be up in a few days. Our reason for thinking he will scarcely return, is, that while here he had received almost daily complaints from the people on the frontiers of Kentucky, against the In- dians, and reflecting on him for trifling, as they think, with some of the savages, while others are plundering them. The people are very ripe for a campaign into the towns.
A runner arrived two days since with a speech from the Shawanees, informing us of the whole nation being on their way to this place. But after they do arrive, there are several more nations to be coaxed, so that from every appearance, next spring will bring up the rear of the treaty Much more indulgence is allowed the Indians here than was at M'Intosh. Dancing, playing common, &c. (for which they are well supplied with ma- terials to make their hearts merry), are frequent amusements here. Major Finney is determined they shan't act Pontiac with him, for every precau- tion is taken at that time.
The commissioners are of opinion that this place is the most advanta- geous spot to keep troops at, until we have possession of others farther northerly, as it is convenient to the principal body of the savages, and nearly an equal distance from the Rapids, the interior part of Kentucky, and Limestone, which is the upper part of the settlement. There has been a road marked out from this place to Lexington, their capital town,
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from which we can have any supplies we might stand in need of. The distance is about seventy-five miles.
The companies' clothing came to hand yesterday, all in good order. The commissioners made a compliment to Major Finney of as much white half-thicks as made each man a pair of over-alls; they have been worn for some time past, so that their sufferings are not so great as you might imagine. Opportunities are so seldom up the river that I can't possibly . send you returns as regular as I could wish, but none shall be neglected.
I have the honor to remain, your very humble servant,
E. D.
23d .- General Clark arrived from the Rapids, which was a very agreeable surprise, as few of us expected him. 25th .- A very dull Christmas (Sunday).
28th .- The chiefs of the Delaware nation (particularly Captain Pipe) made proposals to our commissioners to send once more to their towns, to know why a certain tribe of their's did not come in agreeably to a promise, and likewise, if the commissioners would send a mes- senger, he should be accompanied by their runners into the Shawanee towns, and to the more western towns, to bring a final answer from them. All was agreed to ; and at the request of the commissioners, Mr. Doyle prepared to accompany Mr. Ranken.
29th .- New deputation sent to bring the Shawanees, if possible, to treat - Lieutenant Doyle went along- all mounted. The caravan took up the line of march, and was expected would move on in state. Mr. Doyle, with his friend, Mr. Ranken, and a young man, an assistant, with two Indian men and several women, formed the line. They had not been long on the road until a very heavy cold rain came on, from which they must have suffered
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much ; but as the party consisted of old warriors, it. was expected they would not be discouraged at any difficul- ties of that kind, but proceed as men employed on such business ought to.
31st. - I set out in company with two Shawanees to provide a few turkeys for the first of the year, and at the request of General Parsons, agreed to meet him, General Butler and Major Finney, at a large pond about six miles up the river ; they to go in a boat. After we had rode the distance of four or five miles (for our party was all on horse-back; I was mounted on one of the Indians' wife's horse and saddle), we got amongst the turkeys ; and the first thing done was to charge upon them, so as to cause them to fly up on the trees, and all the howlings and frightful screeches I ever heard, were given to effect this purpose. As soon as the turkeys rose we alighted and commenced firing. In this manner we sported with two flocks, until we had as many as we could convenient- ly carry home ; then steering our course toward the boat, met a horse belonging to the Indians, and the only one that was left behind ; he missing his old companions, got on their track, and having a bell on, alarmed the boat, just as it was putting into the place appointed for our meeting, and occasioned them to make to the other side of the river; so we were obliged to return home without the refreshment which we expected from them.
Jan. 1st, 1786. - Agreeably to an invitation, the com- missioners and their gentlemen dined with Major Finney, Mr. M'Dowell and myself, in our hut, where we spent a few sociable hours in memory of the late year, and drink-
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ing success to the ensuing one. Just as tattoo was striking off, a gun was fired on the river and a light shone that did not a little alarm us, but upon examination was dis- covered to be a boat passing ; we made her come to shore. One of her hands was an old man, who had been lately made a prisoner by the Shawanees. His story is as fol- lows : About two weeks since, himself and his two sons were hunting on the head waters of Yellow Creek; at a time when the sons were after their horses, two Indians came on him, and after inquiring of his company (for they could talk English) moved off very rapidly, taking him along as a prisoner ; he says they treated him toler- ably, only that his hands were bound; but when they arrived at the Indian town, an old man took the direction and loosed his arms, returning to him his blanket, which had been taken, along with a rifle and some ammunition. He was kept about two hours, when the same old man, who could talk very good English, conducted him from the town, placed him on a path that led to where two of the old man's sons were hunting; he at the same time gave the prisoner a horse, three pints of parched corn and a shell to deliver to these boys, and then sent him off. The prisoner found the boys and delivered the shell ; they knowing the horse, and understanding the token, conducted the prisoner down to the Three Islands, about eleven miles above Limestone; and just as they ap- proached the river they discovered a boat on its way down. The Indians being apprehensive of some danger from the boat, did not wait for its coming ashore, but after bidding farewell with the white man, took their
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horse, which he rode, and moved off. The white man hailed the boat, got on board, and so arrived at this place.
2d .- Major Montgomery and Mr. Elliot arrived with two of the horses that they went in search of; the third one they were not able to get, but expect that Colonel Boon, a very worthy gentleman at Limestone, will re- cover him.
8th. - Lieutenant Doyle arrived, and informed us that after a disagreeable march of sixty miles, they were met by a party of one hundred and fifty Shawanees, on Sun- day, the first of the year. After consulting, it was agreed that he and Mr. Rankin should return, and Wengeanem, the Indian chief, go forward as far as was first intended ; indeed, the chief thought, that as Lieutenant Doyle and Mr. Rankin were under his protection, that he ought to have the right of ordering them, and did order them back with the Shawanees. Lieutenant Doyle says that the few nights he was with them their march was con- ducted with great regularity ; that the whole appeared to be formed in certain squads, equal in number, and when any of their young men or hunters would kill meat, it was brought, laid down by the chiefs, one of whom cut it into as many shares as there were squads or fires (for every squad had their own fire) and sent it off by men, who appeared to serve as fatigue men for the day ; so there was no one lived better than another, but all fared alike. Every evening after they halted and fixed them- selves properly, Captain Johnny, a young Indian who lived with the chiefs, and seemed to act as an aid, would take a drum made out of a keg, with skins tied over each
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end, and beat some kind of a signal; on hearing which, the whole would assemble and spend the greatest part of the night in dancing and feasting. Lieutenant Doyle continued with them until the whole got within twenty miles of the Fort, when hearing that they intended resting at that place, while another party of the same number would join them, he took leave of Mr. Ranken and came with his suite to the garrison.
9th .- George White-Eyes and Pipe's son, set out with dispatches for Muskingum, the purport of which was to have stores and liquors sent down.
14th .- We received information of the Shawanees in- tending to come into the council house, and that on their approach they would salute us with three rounds per man. Our commissioners knowing them to be a very proud nation, thought it best to pay them the same honors, and ordered preparations in a style rather de- grading to the United States, which was, that a party of soldiers should cook and serve out provisions to them in the council house. Now with them, the most decrepit old women are made choice of for that business; and nothing could have occasioned greater laughter than the appearance of soldiers carrying kettles of provisions to them. When the Indians saw them, they cried out, " There come the old women with warriors' coats on," &c. And who knows but they conceived us all old women clad in uniform. In order to return their salute, twelve men were ordered to parade, with three rounds of car- tridges, and myself to command them. We waited their approach, which was very solemn. As they came 18
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up they gave us Indian music, beat on a keg drum by one of the chiefs, the whole singing at the same time. Their line was formed in rank of file, the women bring- ing up the rear, all in very regular order. When their firing was over I commenced, and in the intervals gave them a tune on the drum and fife.
After all were seated, their chief warrior, Wiendooha- lies, from Wapotomaky, rose and wiped our eyes, open- ed our hearts, &c. After which our commissioners de- livered a speech, informing them of their commission and Congress' desire to treat with all nations between the Mississippi and the St. Lawrence, north of the Ohio, and bidding the Shawanees welcome to the thirteen great fires ; that at their next meeting the business would be entered into more fully. The Shawanees then desired to shake hands with the warriors; accordingly the officers paraded in the centre and received them all by the hand. A smoke from their pipes of peace took place next; and about dark a signal was given to march, and off they went.
19th. - It snowed until the ground was nearly six inches covered; but immediately after came warm weather which melted the whole, and caused the river to rise.
21st .- Bohengechalus, 1 with about twenty Delawares, arrived. They were saluted in the same manner that the others were. Bohengeehalus is esteemed one of the greatest warriors now among all the Indians. After he
1 Bohengeehalus, a very large stout man, brother of the "Grenadier Squaw."
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had seated himself he discovered General Clark, and knowing him to be a great warrior, rose and saluted him very significantly-instead of taking hold of each other's hands, they gripped nearly at the shoulder, and shook the left hand underneath the right arms.
This evening we were entertained with the Shawanees dancing much in the same manner as was performed by the Wyandots, but the assembly was vastly larger. After they had gone through several of their common dances they prepared for a war dance. The Shawanees have a variety of dances; but the most pleasant one is their social dance, as it is interpreted. As many young men as please, form a ring round the fire, move, dance and sing love songs ; the girls looking on for some time-at length they rise one after the other, as the spirit moves them, and seize a partner. The couple stick to each other, dancing and performing every possible gesture, but still keep in the ring, singing and beating time to their music. Now, while busily engaged, the parties ex- change some articles of dress, or other things, as a token of their regard. The girls were very fond of getting a few of us engaged in this dance. But the war dance ex- ceeds all-it was performed at the request of the officers. Eight or ten of the most active men stripped themselves quite naked, except the breech clout, painted their bodies and faces, so as to have a horrid appearance ; armed with tomahawk and scalping knife, they formed a circle, danced moderately to a mournful kind of tune for ten or fifteen minutes, gave the war-whoop, and sat down to- gether on seats placed for the purpose. They now hung
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their heads-a dead silence for a short time ; one gets up, dances and capers to the music - repeats his exploits, the injuries they had sustained, urging the others to be strong, and rise and revenge themselves upon their ene- mies. At length they are roused, one after the other, until all get up, when they commence the most tremen- dous yelling, jumping and figuring about in imitation of shooting, scalping and tomahawking, exerting them- selves exceedingly, until a signal is given for silence. A short speech concludes.
24th .- The treaty concluded at M'Intosh was explain- ed to Bohengeehalus and his tribe, to their satisfaction. 25th .- One of the Shawanee chiefs died.
26th .- Shawanees occupied our long house in dancing every day, for ten days past. Officers and young gentle- men attending the commissioners very frequently join them. Business opened this day by an excellent speech from our commissioners to all the Indians - about four hundred present. The boundary lines, designating the lands allotted the several nations, were particularly de- scribed and pointed out on the map. They were told that as they had joined the English and taken up the hatchet against the United States, and the war having terminated in favor of the latter, and that the English, also, to obtain peace, had ceded the whole of the country on this side of the lakes to the Americans ; that they, the Indians, must now look up to the Americans, and ought to be thankful if allowed to occupy any part of the country, which by the war they had forfeited ; neverthe- less, more perhaps than they expected would be done for
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them, but they must leave hostages for their good be- havior, &c.
27th. - Shawanees met in council house. Their head warrior, Kickwaypalathey, replied to the speech of yes- terday; denied the power and right which the United States assumed; asked if the Great Spirit had given.it to them to cut and portion the country in the manner proposed. The Ohio river they would agree to, nothing short; and offered a mixed belt, indicating peace or war. None touched the belt -it was laid on the table; Gen- eral Clark, with his cane, pushed it off and set his foot on it. Indians very sullen. Commissioners told them it was well, that the United States did not wish war, that two days yet would be allowed to consider of the terms proposed, and six days more with provisions to return home; but after that to take care, for they would cer- tainly feel the force of the United States. Council broke up hastily. Some commotion among the Shawanees. Returned same afternoon and begged another meeting, when their old king, Molunthy, rose and made a short speech, presented a white string, doing away all that their chief warrior had said, prayed that we would have pity on women and children, &c.
Feb. 1st. - Treaty concluded and signed ; presents de- livered, and provisions furnished each tribe for six days. Five Shawanees left as hostages.
8th .- The commissioners, messengers and attendants, left us; returned in three boats. Wrote to Colonel Har- mar at Philadelphia. Our commissioners were heartily sick of continuing so long at this place ; their fare was so
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indifferent for a month past, having nothing but whiskey with beef and bread. Fortunately a boat arrived two days before they determined to start, which supplied them with some liquors for their trip, and a small quan- tity of sugar, an article they have been out of since the rum was done. After they had prepared and determined to start up in boats, took leave of us in the afternoon, and hoisted sail. We fired a few rounds by way of a salute. They having a fine wind, and their boats, three in number, being well rigged with a sail each, soon got out of sight.
By Lieutenant Doyle, who accompanied the commis- sioners, I sent two returns to Colonel Harmar, one dated the 1st of January, the other the present date; they were both inclosed in a letter a copy of which is as fol- lows, viz :
COLONEL - We were agreeably surprised a few days after I wrote you last, with the arrival of General Clark in a small canoe. I think I men- tioned his going to the Rapids with the other commissioners, and not re- turning with them. I likewise mentioned that the Shawances were on their way to the treaty ; it was true, but their movements were very slow, for they did not arrive until the 14th of January. Lieutenant Doyle and Mr. Rankin (one of the messengers) had set off to go to their towns, but meeting them about sixty miles distant, returned. Lieutenant Doyle's description of their march, and the mode of conduct since they arrived, confirms the character which we had of them, which is a proud, ambitious, smart nation. The young men seem to be under strict subordination to two or three old sachems. They have a white flag, which they marched in with, a drum and several other instruments of music. The pipe of peace is the most elegant I have ever seen. They have a greater com- mand of their appetites than some other nations; as a proof, they abso- lutely refused receiving any liquor for some days after their arrival.
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