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THE PAPERS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON
Prepared for publication by The Division of Archives and History
ALEXANDER C. FLICK. Ph.D.. Litt.D. Director and Stale Historian
VOLUME IV
ALBANY THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 1925
CONTENTS
Volume IV
PAGE
List and description of illustrations v
List and description of plans and maps vii
Preface ix
Guy Johnson xi
Autographs from volume IV xv
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 1
[Hi]
l^l^^O
ILLUSTRATIONS
PAGE
Approach to Johnson Hall, Johnstown, N. Y 4
Now the front, but earlier the rear view of the Hall. From a photograph taken in 1907.
Rear view of Johnson Hall in 1907 before recent restorations. ... 110
Now front of the Hall. Remaining Block House seen to left. From a photo- graph in 1907.
Major General Amherst 1 38
Reproduced from an old illustration. " Dublin, 1763 " penciled on bottom.
Jeff ery Lord Amherst 1 92
Painted in miniature by Humphries. Engraved by John Hall. Published June 1, 1792, by Doctor Truster and J. C. Bertsch.
Sir Jeff ery Amherst 210
Original painted by Gainsborough in the National Portrait Gallery, London.
Rt. Hon. Jeffery Lord Amherst 238
Published November 1, 1781, by J. Walker, Paternoster Row, London.
George III 274
Portrait in the , National Portrait Gallery, London.
*'The Cautious Commander." (JefFery 1st Lord Amherst?) .... 340
Published 1778 by T. Walker No. 79, Dame street?
Front view of Johnson Hall before recent restorations 364
Now rear of building. From a photograph in 1907.
Rear Admiral Richard Tyrrell of the White Squadron 380
Painted by Northcote. Engraved by Ridley.
Lord Amherst 398
A caricature. " Published 6 April 1782 by C. Bretherton."
Block House at Johnson Hall in 1907 before recent restorations. . 534
From a photograph. Upper windows put in by Mr Wells in order to use Block House for tenants.
Block House at Johnson Hall in 1907 before recent restorations. . 622
From a photograph. Upper windows put in by Mr Wells in order to use Block House for tenants.
A corner of the "Council Chamber" of Johnson Hall in 1907 before recent restorations 638
From a photograph.
[v]
PAGE
Staircase in Johnson Hall before recent restorations. 706
Shows banister hacked by Brant's tomahawk. From a photograph taken in 1907.
Mahogany desk owned and used by Sir William Johnson 770
Now in the lodge room of St Patrick's Lodge F. & A. M. No. 4, Johnstown, N. Y. From a photograph taken in 1907.
Historical tablet on Johnson Hall 812
Erected in 1902 by the Colonial Dames. From a photograph taken in 1907.
Rear view of Johnson Hall (1923) after recent restorations. ... 856
Now front of hall. From a photograph.
[vi]
MAPS AND PLANS
PAGE
Plan of Montreal and fortifications 222
From A Set of plans and forts in America, reduced from actual surveys, 1763, published in London by Mary Ann Rocque.
Plan of Fort Niagara with its environs 466
From A Set of plans etc. See above.
Representation of Detroit river, July 1 7, 1 764 486
Photostat reproduction from the Johnson Papers in the New York State Library.
A plan of the new fort at Pittsburgh or Du Quesne, November, 1 759 606
From A Set of plans etc. See above under the plan of Montreal and fortifications.
Plan of Quebec 746
From A Set of plans etc. See above under the plan of Montreal and fortifications.
Map of Lake Champlain and Lake George about 1 755 890
Indorsed by Johnson: The Indians' draught of the French Encampment. From Johnson Manuscripts in the New York State Library.
[vii]
PREFACE
Volume IV of The Papers of Sir William Johnson covers the period from January 3, 1 763, to the end of the year 1 765.
The editing of this volume has followed the method, capitali- zation, punctuation, and diacritical marks explained (Johnson Papers I:xlv-xlix) by Dr James Sullivan, former State Historian, under whose painstaking supervision the first three volumes appeared.
In one respect the material in volume IV differs somewhat from that of the three previous volumes. For the three years 1763, 1764 and 1765 the partial and total loss of the Johnson Papers by the fire of 1 9 1 1 was especially severe. Some copies of the letters destroyed were obtainable from other sources. The Calendar of the Sir William Johnson Manuscripts compiled by Dr Richard E. Day in 1909 contained the only surviving sum- mary of those not found. Therefore it seemed advisable to reprint more extensively those portions of the Calendar covering the destroyed materials. This modification will be continued in the later volumes of the Johnson Papers.
It is a pleasure to acknowledge the efficient and scholarly assistance rendered by Dr Richard E. Day of the Archives and History Division in the preparation of the materials for this, as for the previous volumes. Mr Peter Nelson, formerly Head of the Manuscripts and History Section of the New York State Library and now Assistant in the Archives and History Divi- sion, has been indefatigable in giving valuable aid to this work.
Alexander C. Flick Director, Division of Archives
and History), and State Historian
[ix]
GUY JOHNSON
Guy Johnson, nephew of Sir William Johnson, was born in Ireland. In 1 756 he came, a young man, to America. Landing in Boston in April of that year without money, he received assistance from a stranger, and was enabled to continued his journey to New York City from which he made his way to the home of Sir William in June. He seems to have been employed very soon in various service by his uncle and to have displayed rare adaptability for his tasks. On December 2, I 759, a com- mission as lieutenant in the New York regiment was given him, although for more than two years he had been an officer in command of Indians or a captain of rangers. As early as 1 761 Guy Johnson figured in the correspondence of the Indian super- intendent as secretary of Indian affairs, the regular official, Witham Marsh, being incapacitated by continued illness from performing the duties. In the following year he resigned his military rank, giving himself from that time until 1 783 with little interruption to the management of the Indians. As deputy agent under Sir William, he exercised increasing responsibilities, and on the death of the superintendent in 1 774 he was advanced to the chief office. His map of the Six Nations country made in 1771 is well known.
In the War of the Revolution Guy Johnson exerted himself in cementing the alliance of the Iroquois nations with the British crown cuid in directing Indian hostilities. In 1 779 he was attainted and the estate inherited from Sir William was con- fiscated by the New York government. British commissioners later allowed $34,000 for his losses. Guy Park, his stately mansion not far from Fort Johnson, is still standing.
In 1 763 Guy Johnson married Mary, a daughter of Sir William, and two children were bom to them. She died at Oswego in July 1775, during his flight to Canada. For the last few years of his life he lived in London where he died on March 5, 1788.
[xi]
Chronology
Bom in County Meath, Ireland (1740?)
Arrived in Boston about April 1 6, 1 756
Arrived in New York before May 1 8, 1 756
Reached Fort Johnson about June 1 0, 1 756
Appeared in Indian proceedings July 29, 1 756
Led militia as lieutenant to Stone Arabia April 1 , 1 758
Commissioned lieutenant in New York regiment December 2, 1759
Conmianded rangers under General Amherst in 1 759
In expedition against Montreal in 1 760
Accompanied Sir William to Detroit, setting out July 5, 1761
Became deputy agent of Indian affairs in October 1 762
Married Mary Johnson about March 1 , 1 763
Accompanied deputies of Six Nations to Hartford, Conn., in May 1 763
Obtained a grant of 2000 acres on or near Wood creek (adjoin- ing Skene tract) February 20, 1 765
Commissioned colonel of militia February 1 7, 1 768
In charge of Indian department April to July 1 768
Attended congress at Fort Stanwix September to November 1 768
Appointed adjutant general of militia December 1 , 1 768
Judge of the common pleas May 29, 1 772
In charge of Indian department July to August 1 773
Representative in colonial assembly 1 773
Succeeded to superintendency of northern department July 1 1 , 1774
Named by the Iroquois Uraghquadirha, Rays of the Sun enlightening the Earth, September 15, 1774
Met Six Nations at Guy Park December 1 to 8, 1 774
Met Six Nations January 20 to 28, 1 775
Met Oneidas February 1 0 to 16, 1 775
Met Cayugas and other Indians February 28 to March 6, 1 775
Complained to magistrates that he was threatened with seizure by New Englanders March 20, 1 775
[xii]
Departed with Mohawks for Oswego, arriving June I 7, 1 775
Held meeting with Indian nations July 8, 1 775
Left Oswego for Montreal July 11, 1 775
Reached Montreal July 1 7, 1 775
Met Canadian Indians July 26, 1 775
Embarked for England November 11, 1775
Returned from England, landing at Staten Island, July 29, 1 776
Left New York September 10, 1 778
Driven by storm into Halifax in October 1 778
Reached Quebec July 1 7. 1 779
Reached Montreal August 29, 1 779
His property confiscated October 22, 1 779
In command of Indians at Fort Niagara in 1 780
Went to England in 1784
Died in London March 5, 1 788
[xiiil
AUTOGRAPHS FROM VOLUME IV'
'i^ma^ (yf^^n^f^uM
'H —
^ The autographs of John Stanwix, John Johnson and Dan. Webb were burned in the fire of 1911.
Autographs
U tcrcc^CLU^
/^
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON PAPERS
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR A. L. S.
January 3<^. 1763 <Dear Sir William >
This Post puts me in your Debt <^for two> Letters. As to the Mistake in the Comm*. I beg <^they may^ be sent down in order to be altered. The Hear<^ing of> the Connajohary Affair comes on the 12 Insta<^nt.^ I am at a Loss what opinion to give you on <^this^ subject. It appears to me that part of the Land <^was> intended to be sold by the Indians: Tis absurd <^to^ think they would sell their Castles & a conv<^enient^ District about: the Patentees I think should re <^ leased the latter without condition of reverting to them <[or^ their Heirs in Case the Indians should abandon <^it^ or become extinct: and the Patentees should <]keep &^ enjoy the former Part: If there is no Differ <^ence> about the Quantum, I should imagine <^the> affair would be easily com- promised. But I <^take it^ the Part which ought to be re- served or relea<^sed to the^ Indians, is not only considerable in Quan<^tity, but^ in point of Quality is greatly superior <^to the rest:^ Captain Rutherfurd hath either purch<^ased or^ agreed for Fonda's part, so he is beco<^me a party ^ I did not mean to be understood <^that your^ presence was necessary here, but <^that no examina^tion ought to be taken but in your <^presence. I^ shall give you a detail of what <[p2isses^.
Tis probable I <^ shall be a means of sending you some Neigh- bours. The Partners in Magins^ have^ offered the People
^ See Calendar of Land Papers, p. 292, and Calendar of Council Minutes, p. 401.
2 Sir William Johnson Papers
who advertise <]a Tract^ of 4000 acres (the Q'y. they want) in one <^parcel> as nearly square as may be, wherever they shall fix on within the Tract. They are to have the allowance for Highways, and 1 50 or 200 acres for a Glebe for a Parson — to pay for 4000 at 10*. 'W Acre. No Money down, and perhaps Interest free if they should insist on it or at five per Cent for the first 3 or 4 years. These Terms which the People think encouraging, are adopted by us to encourage a Settlement, and thus enhance the Price or Value of the Remainder; I should have prefer'd your Scheme, but they disrelish'd it, nor would they take their Lotts dispers'd, or they might have had them something cheaper. I should be obliged to you for any Hints you think may be of use on this Subject.
In a former Letter I mention'd to you a Report which then prevail'd that M^ Lawrence Read was appointed of the Council. No Mandamus is yet issued, nor will Until M"^. Martin has had a <^fu^ 11 year to determine whether he will return <^and> I am now told It must be M^ Joseph Read <^the Father^ of the Gentleman named above.
<[We> have no late Advices. The taking the <^Havannah & the> recovery of S'. John's may <^suslpend the Peace, but as the Duke of Bedford was not> recalled that <^weknowof, it may still take> Effect.
I sincerely wish <Cyou the Comp". of^ this Season, and am D^- Sir W-".
Your affection <] ate &> m^ obed'. Ser<[v^^
G^ Banyar
ADDRESSED: To Sir William Johnson Baronet
at Fort Johnson
Seven Years' War 3
FROM JOHN TABOR KEMPE A. L. S.'
New York 3^ JanK 1763 Sir
I received your two Letters, one about the Indian Traders, the other relating to the Conajohary Indians. The first I have laid before the Governor, and cannot write fully on that Subject til I know whether the Council take any Steps in it — tho I think the best method of punishing those that abused the Licence of General Gage, will be for him to punish them at Montreal by military Law.
As to the hearing expected in the case of the Connajohary Indians, it has been put off of which his Excellency the Governor told me he had sent you an account.
George Klock has not got over the Prosecution ordered against him by the Governor and Council. It is now depending and will be tryed the first Opportunity, it could not have been tryed yet or it should. I would wish to try it next April in New York, could I fall on a means of defraying the Expences of a Jury from the County of Albany, but as there is no Fund in the province for these Contingent Expenses I believe it must be put off til the next Circuit at Albany.
I am very sorry you should conclude that Klock had got over this affair. It is not a practice with me to compound offences imless the injured party is made Satisfaction, even in Ipetty Tres- passes, and never have I compounded one where the publick is concerned. I assure you Sir William the supposition hurts me.
I shall write you on the other subject when I have heard from the Gov*". Wishing you may live happy very many years, I am Sir
Your very humble Serv^
J. T. Kempe To Sir W"^. Johnson.
^ Original destroyed by fire.
4 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM JACOBUS VAN SLYCK A. L. 5.1
Schenectady the 3^ Jan^. 1763. Sir
I have received your Letter by M^ Teller and agreeable to your request I have done all in my power to Git proper persons to Recommend to you for Officers but it seems the Wages are so small that none will Except of that offer. Excepting one Robert McKean who is a person unknown to me, but M"^- Daniel Campbell tells me he is a very good man and fit for a Capt°. and is very willing to git the other officers and is of opinion he can in a very short Time raise the Company.
I am Sir your most Ob*. Humble Servant
Jacobus Van Slyck P. S.
The Bearer that Carrys the Letter is Robert McKean above mentiond.
To Sir W"^. Johnson.
TO JOHN BRADSTREET
<Johnson Hall Jan^. P^ 176[2 ?\ SlR>
I have received your favour Enclos'ing a Copy of <[the Boim- daries of]> the Lands claimed by the people of Albany. The <[ affair appears^ to me in some measure intricate, and not- withstanding I make <^no doubt^ of there having been some unfair practises relative thereto, which <^\ sho'^.^ gladly en- deavour to procure them justice in. Yet the Words, <Cinclud- ing^ said Creek are I presume what they consider as sufficient
1 Original destroyed by fire.
^ In Guy Johnson's handwriting.
'v9F
O H
X
< o
<
Seven Years* War 5
to <^include the^ Islands and which unless it could appear they were artfully <^'inserted^ without being properly Ex- plained, will I am of opinion comprehend them <^at Common^ Law, altho' allowance ought in strict Equity to be made for the ig<^norcince^ of the Indians in matters of that nature, and the Lands really <^meant^ to be granted by them, which the length of time will render very <^difficult^ and I have now before me a dispute relative to Boundaries of much <^the same^ nature concerning some Lands not far from thence
However I shall hear the Sentiments of the Mohocks thereon, <^and take> every measure within my power for coming at a proper discovery <^of the frauds in order to do the Indians that Justice which I am of opinion <^they deserve.^
I am much obliged to you for the particulars you have com- <^municated^ to me and shall be glad to be favored <^with anything^ farther relative thereto with which you may at any time be <^ acquainted^
As I am Sir &c. <CoL^. Bradstreet.>
INDORSED: Johnson Hall Jany 4**^ 1762 Letter to Col'. Bradstreet in ans"". to his with the Boundaries of the Scorticoke Lands
TO HORATIO SHARPE
<CJohnson Hall Jany. 4^^ 1763 SlR>
Your favour of the 25^ of November <^I did not receive until about three >> days ago but hope this will proceed with greater Expe<;dition.>'
In Guy Johnson's handwriting.
6 Sir William Johnson Papers
I am of opinion that the Indians Expectations in requesting <^Dan'. Cresap^ were that he should supply them gratis, at the Expence of the Province, which they had been too much Encouraged to hope for, from the treatment they had been accus- tomed to by the F-^rench^ who found their Interest in so doing, as it weakened our Interest with <[the^ Six Nations, and enabled them to carry on the War with Vigour ag<^ainst^ the Cherokees, which at the same time that it gratified their Inclina<^tion^ disabled them from affording us assistance.
The like demand is made in Pensilvania, and I cannot but th<^ink that^ some selfish people may have set them upon mak- ing such a request, <[to served their private Interest at the Expence of the jDublic, as otherwise <^I am of^ opinion they would scarcely have made application for that pu<^rpose.^
I am very sensible of the opposition which such a proposal <]must meet^ with from the House of Assembly, but hope they will allow Cres<^ap for> the Expences he may be at in Conformity to your directions, <^ after which ]> he can, and I suppose will, keep goods for them at his own Ex<^pence in case^ he thinks it necessary.
At the request of Lieut Gov"^- Fauquier^ for that purpose <^to me. My Dep^.^ Agent desired at a meeting lately held at Onondaga that the <^ Indians would^ take the old Backpath in going to War against the <^Southern Indians,^ which they promised to take into consideration, <^but their passing by^ Fort Cumberland will be of no service to them, as <^Sir Jeffy Amherst does^ not chuse to allow the Indians supplys in <^ these parts and I presume the^ Officer commanding there is likewise <^restricted in the same manner.
I cannot but observe to you that I am confident the shewing the Indians in General some favour & bestowing a few presents as yet occasionally on them w^ill greatly contribute to stifle many rising Jealousys & suspicions now amongst them concerning us, and that our disapproving or discouraging their prosecuting the
^ Lieutenant Governor Francis Fauquier, of Virginia.
Seven Years' War 7
War against the Southerns Inds. however reasonable, would greatly inflame^ them at present and give them reason to <^think we had formed^ some of those projects which the French repeatedly told <^them we shod> not fail to put in practice on the reduction of Canada.
Whatever answer you shall think necessary to return the Indians, shall be communicated to them on being transmitted to me, and you may at all times command my Sentiments on matters relative to the good of your Province, or your own Satisfactions As
I am,
with much Esteem Sir &c.
The Honb'« HoR° Sharpe, L'. Gov^ of Maryland
INDORSED: Johnson Hall Janx 4'^^ 1763 Letter to Hor° Sharpe Esq"" U Gov of Maryland
FROM JACOBUS VANSLYCK A. L. 5.1
Schenectady Jan'^ 5"' 1763
Sir
I Heare send Enclosed My Lieu'. Col*. Comession Which I
hope You'l order to Be Alter 'd
It is for the Secretary M"^ Banyer I shall see him paid 1 2/
I am Sir
With Great Respect Your Obedient Serv*
Jacobus VanSlyck
P. S. I Spoke to the Widow V. Eps. and she told me that She Rather Chus'd to setle the Ace' : with Your Honour then With M"^ Corry But as it's Your Honours Desire that She
^ In the New York Historical Society, New York City.
8 Sir Willhm Johnson Papers
Shou'd Setle it M*^ Corry She will Endeavour to Setle it As Easy as {xjssable
ADDRESSED: On His Majesty's Service To
The Honourable Sir Will™: Johnson Bar*: at
Johnsons Hall
INDORSED: Schenectady Janry. S^. 1763 Lieu*. Coll: Vanslykes Letter with his Commis'^. to have altered
FROM WILLIAM DARLINGTON A. L. S.
Janrv lO^K 1763
I 1
answer thereto am to acquaint you [ ] the first per
the Ship Edward Ca^) W"^. Dam[ ] spoke to M^
Lamb about the Sundial & Scale and [ ] You par-
ticularly about them. To use the Steem [Pot ] put the
Vinegar in a new Earthen Mug & heat it therein [ ]
ready to Boiil then Cork up the Pipes of the Steem Pot with p[ ] Emty the Vinegar therein and take the Pot between
two Cloth [s to] avoid burning Your hands & then draw up the Steem in Your mouth & breath it thro the Nostrills, as its apt to put One in a Sweat its neccessary to be cautious to avoid getting Cold — In case your a mind to put any Ingredient therein Honey is the best — the above is according to Doctor Magra's directions & the method that I usd. M^ Weyman seem's not to und[er] stand the directions in regard to the Coat of Arm's & directed [me] to One Debrul's Engraver Inclosd is a letter from him about [it]
I Sent Your last Inclosed for Sir W™. Baker Via [ ]
^ Several lines missing.
Seven Years* War 9
Bristol P^ the Snow Garland Cap' Asshfeild whom I [ ]
a few day's ago I received Some things according to the I [nclosed] Letter from Ireland but as the Vessell had Servants On [ ] and did not Chuse to Hall to the Wharf.
detaind Yo [ur ] On board till now. I have a Key that
was in the lett[er] & Shall Send the things P"^: first Conveyance, but the [ ] You Chuse it. I return theuik's for
Your Hopes [ ] Privateer proving Successfull. and
also hertily [ ] the Compliments of the Season,
with my wife's [ ] & am with Continued Offers of
Service.
Sir Y^ 0[bedient Servant]
Willia[m Darlington]
P. S Van Allen Say's he diliverd the things Sent the 7^ : April 1 762 to Doctor Stringer & in the Cag with the flowers [ ] s I Packt the Cruet Stand.
ADDRESSED : To
Sir William Johnson. Bart
att
Fort Johnson
INDORSED: Letter from M^ W"". Darlington Janry. 10^^ 1763
FROM RICHARD SHUCKBURGH A. L. S.
<CNew York 10'^ January 1763y <Dear Sir>
I am favoured with yours of <^the 18^ Dec^ last an^d am convinced of the reaHty of your kind<[ness to me.>
Since I wrote to you I have comple<^ated my^ Purchase ■with the Surgeon of the 1 7^^. Reg', and re<^ceived> my Commission f™. the General the 29^. ult°. for which as I paid the Money down, has caus'd a great Chasm in my small Capitol
10 Sir WilUum Johnson Papers
on which must beg if you sh<^ou'd> hear of Purchaser for my Land in the Mohocks I wo<^u'd> be glad to dislpose of it: I think it worth at least -^ten^ shillings ^ Acre, as M'. Banyar informs me, Lan<[d> thereabouts sells for 20/ that is in Butlers Purchas<^e.> I shall now have something to do; having little to sa<^y> for sometime past, but " Prandeo, Poto, Cano, Ludo, <]Lego,> Cano, Quiesco." My Quarters are setled at Bush <^ wick on> Long Island being most central to the dif- fere<int Can^tonments of the Reg*. Please to direct to me <[as usual^ in the Broad Way tho' my Residence is chief <^ly at> Quarters.
I should be glad to hear soon f™. you <^what you^ think the land may sell for:
I hear by M^ Darlington that Cap*. Clau<[se is w**^. you. Be> pleased <Cto^ Offer my Compliments t<^o him and Spouse also^ Johnny & L*. Johnson w*. all <^of your hous- hold which concludes this hasty Epistle. Wishing you all the happiness you can desire & a Continuance of what you have and am your ever obliged and very humble Serv*.>
<Rd Shuckburgh>
<^P. S. Chief > Justice Pratt^ died a few days ago. <^Mi^ss Suky Alexander Married to Col°. Reid.
ADDRESSED To
Sir Will™. Johnson Baronet att Mount Johnson
Albany INDORSED: [ ]
[ ] Shuckburgh
^Benjamin Pratt was born in Cohasset, Mass., March 13, 1710, was a graduate of Harvard College, represented Massachusetts in the General Court, was chief justice of New York and died January 5, 1 763. His tenure of the chief justiceship was attended by a conflict touching his accountabihty to the people, Pratt and others maintaining that he should hold his office and salary from the crown, while a strong party contended that his tenure should be dependent on " good behavior " and his salary on legislative appropriation.
Seven Years War 1 1
FROM HUGH WALLACE A. L. S.
Nerv York 10 Jan^^ 17163] Dear Sir
I received yours by Mr Reily, who is I fear a verry unworthy Object of you[r] K'indness, he has behaved in a verry base & scandalous Manner, & was obliged to qu[it] the Regiment, & was luckey he was not s [ ] worse used. I paid him £20 —
on yo[ur] acco*. for which with the £5 you pa [id] him. Inclosed is his note, he sa[iled] for Ireland yesterday. I hope we w[ill] never have any more such sad D [ ] come here from that
Country, we [have] Scoundrells enough from other P[arts &] want none from Ireland.
The Pott Ash Manafac[ture to] be a Fund of great
Wealth could [ b]rought to any perfection, tho I think
[la]bour is too high yet in this Country for [s]uch Undertakins. I think the surest & [b]est Way for you to know the Value & Quality of those your Tennant makes is to get a Couple of Barrells of them, & send [o]ne to London & one to Dublin, where they [w]ill be properly analysed & tryed, & you [ca]n have a good Acco^ of them & of their [va]lue, & perhaps if any Defect in the [m]akeing or other wise, they will be able [to] point out a Remedy.
I heartily wish you many happy [yea]rs & am with much sincere regard
D-^Sir
Y^ most obed". Humb'. Serv'
Hugh Wallace [Sir WilliaJm Johnston Bar'.
INDORSED: Letter from M"*. Hugh Wallace with a Note from M^ Ryley for £25 —
12 Sir Willhm Johnson Papers
FROM MICHAEL DE BRULS A. L. S.
New York J any.- 1 l^K' 1763 Sir
M'^ Darlington hath Aquainted me with Your Commands Concerning Your Coat of Arms, the Engraving of the Same will Cost Four Pounds The Printing and Colouring the Same proper will Cost Five Pound ^ Hund*^: or Twenty Pound ^ Thousend.
Sir Your Further Encouragement in this as also Encouraging the Subscription of the Several Views hc^: of New York as ^ Advertisement in [the] news papers will Greatly Oblidge S[ir]
Your Most Obed':
Serv«: MiCHAEL D^BfRULs] ADDRESSED : To
Si"^ Will"" : Johnson Bar*:
INDORSED: Letter from M^ DeBruhl —
FROM HENDRICK FREY
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 157, is entered a letter of January 1 1 th from Hendrick Prey at Canajoharry, which was badly injured by the fire. It conveys an apology for delay in returning a note of hand and apprises of a complaint made against the writer by Christian Dillenbagh in the affair of an account between Dillenbagh and Johnson.
FROM JACOB SNELL
A. L. S.
[Stone Ambia] [Janp 12^^ 17^3 Honourable Sir
I receiv[ed ] 10*^ of this Instant By the Hand of
[ ] George Snell In Which I understan[d that]
Seven Years War 13
You will Give me Five Hundred and [fifjteen pounds New Yorks Currency p[ ] Next Septemb^ For y" Lott of
Land [ ] to You In which Case I have made my
Consent to Approve of Your Proposal! And May Be a Bargain to Le[t] You have y* Lant Accordingly as [your?] Letter Mentioned to me Wishing y[ou] Much Joys With it the Deed Ca[n be] Drawn any time But I Beg the [ ] and
Kindness of You S^ if You Wi[ll be] pleased to Come up once this Winde[ ] the Deeds and Obligations as my
[ ] are all oblidged to Sign it off and [ ]
are far absend From one anoth[er If] You Approve to this pray Sir to Lett m[e know] the time so that I may have the[m ] Gether the Bounds of it and y«^ [ ] N° 4
is to begin at y^ north East Corn[er ] Runs from thence
north 35 Ch: to [ ] is Called by Indian Cajadutta
[ ] Streem of y^ said Brook with [ ] 46
Ch*: to another brook Wh[ich ] thence down y*^ Streem
of [ ] N-:3 thence [ ] [ ]
ADDRESSED: To The Onourable Sir
William Johnson With Speed I Att and Care J Johnson Hall
INDORSED: [Fro]m Jac'^. Snell [Jan]y 12^h 1763 [Conc]erns. his Farm
FROM DANIEL CAMPBELL A. L. S.
Schenectady^ the 13'^ January 1763 Dr Sir
Cap' Clause was telling me you had a W [arrant] by you for £1500 — which no doubt you [would] Rather have the money for it here then at y[ork] I have Ocasion for money at ^orke in Order [to ] purchase Bills of Exchange with —
14 Sir IVilliaTn Johnson Papers
If Y[ou think] proper to Send me down the Warrant — I W[ill furnjish you with about £800, Immediately — an[d the] Remaining £700 — Can Raise in a month [or two] which I Sopose will not be any ways Inco[nvenient] for You to wait for it — till that time — [ ] prove Agreeable to You,
I wou'd be glad [ w] arrant in time to Send with the
next 5)oste [ ] an Order by Some proper person for
th[e money] which will be Ready on demand.
I shou'd have d[one myself] the Honour to have waited on You [ ] am deprived of that pleasure by [ ]
head which I have had this Several [ ] and Still
Inclines to be worse.
I Shall Conclude with wishing you a great many happy New Years to Come — & a lasting State of good health which I wish for from my heart.
Who am D"^ Sir with the Creates [t] Respect and Esteem
your verry hble Ser'
Daniel Campbell [I will] be Obilgd to you for an [answer so] on. I have a large Quantity of Indian [goods by] me Shou'd you Want Some in the Spring [I will sell] them at the Albany price. [Sir William] Johnson
INDORSED: Cap* D. Campbell's Letter Janry. 13'^. 1763
FROM WITHAM MARSH
A. L. S.
[New York] Janry 13^^ /763
[ ']
Your kind Favours I ever esteem [ ] my short
Stay in this mortal Stage. Your last has [ ] Belief,
which I shall explain more fully afterwards in the [ ]
* Lines missing.
Seven Years War 15
I'm extremely glad to hear (and thank you for the news) that [ ] Johnson has been at Onondago. — It was a
prudent Step, and a[greeable?] to good Sir William's Conduct relating to the Indian Affairs. [ ] opinion at the
first reading of the Account, that it was not fair [ ]
in regard to the Confederacy, who, I dar'd then to Say, I was p[ ] they wo'', not give any Countenance to Murderers
upon so recen[t an] Act, had they known it then to have been perpetrated: but howe[ver] the Onondagoes are determined to seek out, and deliver up th vil[lains] think that shou'd exculpate them from all Blame, tho matter [s ] justly observe)
have been exaggerated in the Prints. — I'm [ ]
pleas'd You've had so fine a Season, and such plenty of Pig [eons?] [ ] know you wou'd then use much
Exercise, w^^. will contribute [ ] towards a con-
tinuation of your Health, w'^^, I hope God [ ] By
this Time, I believe, you have had a great deal of Sn[ow ]
is Snow enough, but with you much more. — You St[ ]
your former Kindness, by your wishes for my Success [ ]
I am yet fearful of the event of obtaining a Man[damus ]
the poor little Chief Justice being dead ; and as my [ ]
the last motion for one, 'tis possible He may persevere in [ ] [ ]ion my Self. —
Near upon [you wish?] [ ] inst., Livingston,
Domine DuBois, with M^ Secretary, [ ] go to
Albany, the first Sledding time. Three nights [ ] ,
I was afflicted with the Gout in my left Hand, very Severely, [some] time lost the total Use of it, but it is now a good deal [ ] Afterwards the same Disorder visited both my
Feet, w^^. has [co]nfined me to y^. Room, with more excruci- ating Torment than I ever [had] in any three Fits before. 'Till this I never had been obliged to [ ] Bed for 4 Days,
in any other Paroxysm, nor to apply [ ] Doctor
for Sudorifics, which has so dispirited me, that I [ m]y
Fretting made the Disorder to increase: yet, Deo Gratias, [ gjather Strength, and I hope to crawl out on Sunday,
16 Sir William Johnson Papers
[ ] trouble you no more about my Self, only, that
as Soon as my [disorjder will give me permission, I will come and make you my [ ] thanks for your Obligations,
and Set to Business as long as [ ] I've only to add
my wishes that you, and your Family, [ ver]y happy
New Years, and then neither y"*. Self, D*". Sir W""., [ ]
know Such an one as has been too afflictedly felt, by [ wi] th the utmost Truth, and Sincerity,
Sir, Your most obliged, & ever obedient Servant
WiTHAM Marsh [Sir William Johnson] Baronet, &c &c &c
INDORSED: Janry 13*^^ 1763
Letter from M^ Marsh
FROM JOHN OGILVIE A. L. 5/
Montreal Jan^: 13'^ J 763 Dear Sir
I am really unable to express how much I was disappointed in not being able to have the Honour & Pleasure of an Interview with you last Fall: Cap' Clause, I hope, made my Apology as he was sensible of the Extreme Hurry I was in, when at Albany, upon my Return to Montreal.
This waits on you with great Respect, wishing you the Com- pliments of this Season of Festivity in the most extensive Sense. May your Life be long, crown'd with every thing that can con- tribute to your real Happiness! None of your Friends salute you v^th greater Cordiality.
I long to see the Mohawk's Country once more, but when I shall be able to accomplish that Wish I am unable to deter- mine: As a military Man being under absolute Command.^ I
* In Library of Congress, Washington, D. C. ^ As chaplain of the 60th regiment.
Seven Years War 17
am extremely anxious to have the Neighbourhood of Fort-Hunter form'd into a Mission separate from Albany, so that there might be a Clergy-men of Piety & Prudence to reside constantly in that District. I look upon this necessary, not only for the Indians, but for such Members of the established Church, as may from Time to Time settle upon the Mohawk River, and also for those, who by the unhappy Divisions which generally sub- sist among the Sectaries, may incline to join with the Church. Schonectady might be supplied by the joint Labours of y<= Missionary at Albany, & the other at the Mohawks.
I had a Conference with D"" : Barclay upon this Subject, who assures me that he is willing upon certain Conditions (which he has communicated to you) , to resign all his Right to the Farm near Fort Hunter, in Favour of the Society for propagating the GospeP this Farm, with a Salary of Forty or fifty Pounds Ster: would be a pretty Subsistence in that Country : And I am certain upon a proper Representation to the Society, they would readily come into it. I have this very much at Heart, and could there be any Means thought of to raise the Money to pay M"^ Barclay there would be no Difficulty in settling a regular Minister at Fort Hunter. TTie Reason of my writing upon this Subject to you, is, that I am persuaded it is a thing you will approve of & no one else can settle the Matter relative to the Farm but your- self: I know your Goodness will excuse this Liberty.
This Country affords no Matter of Entertainment, by way of News. We live in Peace with the Inhabitants, & enjoy great Plenty of all the Necessaries of Life, at a very easy rate.
Cap' Lotteridge goes on in his Department with Prudence and gives satisfaction to the Gen', the Kaghnawagaws are very orderly at present, no Disputes of any kind, unless it be some Jealousy between them & their spiritual Father, who does not
^ See letter of Henry Barclay to Cadwallader Golden, December 2, 1761, and Johnson to Golden, January 20, 1 762, Papers of Sir William Johnson, 111:589-90 and 610,
18 Sir Willtam Johnson Papers
seem to look upon ithem iwith the same paternal Affection he formerly did.
M" Ogilvie joins in our Respects to yourself and Family I am D"" Sir with Sentiments of real Respect and Esteem
Your most obedient
Humble Serv' John Ogilvie
INDORSED: Montreal Janry, 13*^^. 1763 Letter from Doctor Ogilvie.
LORDS OF TRADE TO GEORGE THIRD D. S.i
1763 To the King's most Excell*. Majesty
January^ 14^. May it please Your Majesty, Representation to Sir William Johnson, Your Majesty's
His Majesty upon Superintendant of the Affairs of the Indian a Complaint made Nations in the Northern District of by the Delawar In- North America, having in Obedience to dians against the His late Majesty's Order in Council Proprietaries of dated the 29'^. of August 1 759,^ trans-
Pennsylvania re- mitted to Us the Minutes of His Pro-
specting Lands. ceedings at a Meeting held with the
Delawar Indians, in pursuance of the said Order, to examine into their Complaints against the Pro- prietaries of Pennsylvania, concerning certain Lands of which those Indians deem'd themselves to have been defrauded, together with his Report upon the whole of that Transaction ; It is Our Duty, in further Obedience to the said Order in Coun- cil, humbly to lay before Your Majesty the Annex'd Copies of the said Minutes and Report.
Mn Public Record Office, C. O. 5.1296, p. 1 1 , London, England. ^ The Order in Council mentioned above is printed in the Docu' mentar^ Hhiory of New York, 2:789-90; Q. 2:458.
Seven Years* War 19
From these Papers it will appear to Your Majesty, that this dispute which has so long subsisted with the Delawar Indians is haplpily brought to an amicable Conclusion, they having been fully satisfied of the Truth &: Fairness of each of the contested Points, except one, and that one, for the sake of Peace and Friendship, they willingly gave up. The only thing which S^ William Johnson judges necessary m Order to make those Indians perfectly easy under this their Concession is, that the Proprietaries, in consideration of the easy Terms upon which they have Obtain'd these Lands, and for the sake of Strengthning the Friendship and Affection of the Delawars, should make them an handsome Present. And having call'd the Proprietaries before Us, and acquainted them with this Proposal, they have assured Us, that they have already done it. That at the Meet- ing held at Easton they did give two hundred pounds in Presents to the said Indians, & also the further Sum of four Hundred Pounds at a subsequent Meeting held at Lancaster. TTie Adjustment therefore of this Matter in fully compleated.
But there is another Point, setting forth in the latter End of the said Report, which it is Our Duty to make out and Humbly recommend to your Majesty's Attention, namely the Complaint thereon mentioned to have been made by the Delawars. " That the People of the Colony of Connecticut were coming to settle at Wyoming on the River Susquehanna."
As it appears that this intended Settlement has greatly alarm'd the Jealousy of the Indians, and as Wyoming is situated in Pennsylvania ; We thought it Our Duty to call before Us the Proprietaries of that Province, and to enquire what Measures had been taken on their part to {prevent, or put a Stop to the Attempt. And they have assured Us that their Deputy Gov- ernor has long since sent Orders requiring the People already settled there, to remove; That he had also applied to Major Gen'. Amherst and had call'd upon the Government of Connec- ticut to use their Endeavours to put a Stop to such Settlement, in consequence whereof a Proclamation had been issued (as
20 Sir William Johnson Papers
Sr. W™. Johnson Observes) by that Government to discoun- tenance the Proceedings of the settlers.
But as S"^. W"*- Johnson is doubtfull, whether the Means which have been employ'd will be sufficient to restrain the People of Connecticut, from pursisting in their Design, and as he is apprehensive that if they are suffered to proceed in it, the most fatal Consequences may be expected, from the Alarm and Dis- quiet which this attempt has already given, not only to the Delawars but to the Six Nations of Indians, to whom the Lands at Wyoming do properly belong; We beg leave humbly to submit it to your Majesty, whether it may not be expedient, that such Measures be immediately taken, as Your Majesty shall judge most proper & effectual, for putting a Stop to the Settle- ment, which the Peojjle of Connecticut have thus unwarrantably Attempted, without the Authority of Government. All Which is most humbly Submitted.
Sandys
SOAME JeNYNS
Ed. Bacon.
John Yorke.
Edmond Thomas. Exd. Whitehall 1
Janry 14. 1763 (
from SAMUEL STRINGER A. L. S.
[January) 14, 1763]
I
[ ]an dress that you [
or England, occasioned me to open [ here since last summer, left eithe[r without any directions about it, wheth[er
Seven Years' War 21
it was ]VI^ Wades The Bundel is a Bea[ con-]
taining a large Pipe dress'd with Feathers, and [ J
a Shot Bag, a scalping Knife & Case & a pair of [ ]
in one of which were Letters for the following Persons Rev^: M^ Wheelock, Cap'. Jocelyn White, the Sachem [ ]
Stockbridge Ind^:, To Ferrall Wade, Mess". Kened[y] & one to myself with direction to forward the [ ] Bundell —
It surprised me much to find tho[ ] been neglected;
if I had known any thing [ ] disposal of them I
should certainly have kno[ ] & follow'd your direc-
tions — I should be [ ] what you woud have done
with the Letter [s ] Rec^: the Powder & Ball &
am to give a R[ ] I have sent 1^ these Sleas the
Picture [frames ] square Box, & M^ Clawss' Cradle
[ ] in great haste [ ] ase to excuse
I am S^
[ ]
The Sleas woud not allow room after the other things were in, to take the [Sand?]
ADDRESSED: [To Th]e Hon'^'^
S^ William Johnson Bar', at Johnson Hall
INDORSED: [January 14'*^ 17]63
FROM ANTHONY LAMB
A. L. S.
New York ]arf^ ^5"" 1763
M^ Darlington Showd me your Le[tter] Mentioning the Scale with a Silver joynt, and a Dyal, if any Imported would have Answard I Would have Sent you one ^ the Gentleman
22 Sir William Johnson Papers
you orderd to Call on me Some time ago. the Stiles of Them that are Come is near 3 Degrees to Low, and will not give the True time of Day where you Live, Neither before nor After noon, I Showd the one I have in hand For you to M'. Darling- ton, and Shall make what Dispatc[h] I Can in Gitting bouth Dyal and Scale Done, and [ ] Recommend them to his
Care to Send y™., mean While [ ] Remain
Y^ Most Humble. Serv'-
Anthony Lamb
ADDRESSED : To
Sir William Johnson
INDORSED: Letter from M^ Lamb at New York
(There are some calculations in figures on this sheet which have no reference to the contents.)
FROM ABRAM MORTIER
A. L. S.
New York 15 th J anv 1763 Sir
Your Favour of 1st Instant [ ] inclos-
ing Sir Jeffery Amherst's Warrant in Your [ ]
£829. Stg equal to £ 1 42 1 .2. 1 OK2 New York Currency, [ ]
with great pleasure have sent You according to your [ ]
bill on Albany for £500. Curr; but I have not any money [ ] Credit there. I sho'd immagine that sum might
[be] rais'd there for your bill on me.
I reinclose You the Warrant for y"^ Ind[ian ] & a
sett of Receipts for Your Signature as Usual, an[d ] be
ready to discharge the Amo* of the Warrant in any [ ]
Seven Years' War 23
that may be most agreable to you, as far as lays [in my] Power I am with great Esteem
Sir
Your most Ob[edient and] most Hu[mble Servant]
[ 1
The Hon'''* Sir W"^ Johnson Barr'
INDORSED: Letter from
Abr"". Mortier Esq^ Dated 15«K Janry. 1763 handing me a Warrant for Endorsement & a Sett of Receipts for Signature.
FROM CHARLES J. SMITH AND ELEAZAR WHEELOCK
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 157, is a letter of January 18th from Charles Jeffry Smith, at Lebanon, to Johnson on a desired missionary excursion to the Mohawk country, with Joseph Brant as interpreter, and the admirable qualities of Joseph (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:325- 26; Q, 4: 208-9) ; also a letter of the 20th from Eleazar Wheelock, at Lebanon, to Johnson, commending Smith's character and proposed enterprise, and mentioning sites in New Hampshire and Massachusetts under advisement for location of the Indian school ; with a postscript of April 10 relating to a proposed journey with Joseph to Portsmouth (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:322-24; Q, 4:207-8.)
TO JOHN TABOR KEMPE
Dr
Johnson Hall JanK 20'^ 1763 Sir
By your favour of the 3^ Ins*. I perceive you have laid the affair of the Ind". Traders before the Governor who, together with the Council will I hope take the same into consideration.
^ Original destroyed by fire.
24 Sir IVillhm Johnson Papers
If not, I should be glad to have your Sentiments thereon, as Sir Jeffy. Amherst has desired I should do something therein. It being always considered that (notwithstands. Gen^ Gage has given passes to sev'- persons trading from Montreal) all matters of that nature are properly cognizable by me, as the Ind° Trade and everything relative thereto comes under the Inspection of my Department. I am apprehensive some Letters to me have lately miscarried not having heard anything relative to the Cona- joharee Indians from his Excelb the Governor, and very lately Klock assembled a few Men & Boys of the Indians whom he induced to sign a paper signifying that they had heard one half of the Disputed Land had been purchased, as also that the Ind*. who opposed the same were not real Canajoharees, or interested therein. This is a proceeding so false & absurd that it carries with it a self conviction of their fraudulent Steps to overreach the Ind^ as those persons were not, nor are they of the least con- sequence or esteem, & are intirely ignorant of all matters of that nature. I have therefore herewith enclosed you a Copy of the Deposition of one Forbes^ who was employed as an Interpreter on that occeision w^. I think was very wrong & un- justifiable together with that of a Letter wrote to me by David Schyler a prinl party concerned lately deceased concerns, the Lands in Dispute both which you will please to lay before the Gov^ or make such use thereof as you shall judge necessary for Exposing their unjust proceedings.
It never was my opinion, neither had I the least suspicion that a Gentl". of your Character & Integrity would have omitted any Steps whereby an offender might Elude proper punishment. The little acquaintance I have with the steps to be taken at law in such cases, induced me to write in a manner you must have misunderstood as nobody can entertain a more advantagious opinion of your abilities and upright disposition than
Sir &ca. To M^. Kempe Atty. General.
^ Destroyed by fire.
Seven Years' War 25
TO ROBERT MONCKTON A. L. 5.1
Johnson Hall Janr^ 20'K 1763 Sir
A few days ago I was Visltted by Some Cheifs of the Stock- bridge Indians, who deHvered me Two Memorials, setting forth that Severall Years ago Some People of New England had purchased of the Stockbridge Indians a Tract of Land, which they have erected since into Townships calling the One Canaan & the other Spencer Town, Since Which, M^ John Ranslear of Albany has laid Claim to the Same, as within the Limits of his Mannor, & not only the Persons resideing thereon but Severall Family's of Indians are threatened to be turned of the Premises, they therefore entreated I would represent the same to Your Excellency.
I told them at the same time, that I apprehended the running the Lines of the Sev"^'. Counties in Conformity to Your Excel- lency'* Message to the Assembly (w^. they resolved to pass an Act for) would determine whose Property it was.
I am apprehensive some letters to me have lately miscarried, as the Attorney General informs me Your Excellency did me the honour of acquainting me with the Affair of the Conajoharee Indians haveing been put off. I have by this Post wrote to him, & enclosed the Deposition of a Person who was lately employed as an Interpreter by Klock cind Part]) with a few Indians, as also a Copy of a Letter wrote to me last Summer by David Schyler lately deceased, who was principally con- cerned in the Lands in Dispute, All which may tend to let a
In the New York Public Library, New York City.
26 Sir William Johnson Papers
greater light into y*. Affair, and evince the verry unjust Steps which are Still continued to be made use of therein.
I have the Honour to be with the utmost respect Sir
Your Excellencys Most Obedient, and Most Humble Servant
W"^. Johnson His Excellency GOVERNOUR MONCKTON
FROM DANIEL CAMPBELL A. L. S.
[Schenectady] 21 January 1763 Dear Sir
I wrote you by Cap' Clau[se ] it has Some way
or other miscarry'd — as I have no[t had] the pleasure of an Answer from you. When Cap' [Clause] was down he men- tion'd Something to me about your Receiving a Warrant from Sir Jeffrey Amhurst, [for] the am', of £1500 Currency — as I Immagin it [would] be more Convenient for you to reise your mo [ney ] then Sending down to New Yorke — and it
w[ould] answer better for me to reise money in y[ork ]
Run the danger of Sending down Cash [ ] therefore
if you think proper to Send m[e ] I Can now furnish
you with about £800 — [ ] a month or Two — I
shall make Y [ ] Remaining £700 — I would have
done [myself] the honour of waiting on you personally [ ] [ ] the
Bearcir [ ] me a pacquet — and [ ]
may Send the Warrant — M' [ of]ficer who Com-
mands here gives him [a ve]ry good name — tho I woud not
5even Years War 27
let him [kn]ow any thing of Warrant — for fear of too great a temtation. You'll also please to lorlder the money as you think proper.
I am Dear Sir with much Esteem and
Respect Yours Verry hble Ser'
Daniel Campbell [Sir Wil]liam Johnson
INDORSED: Janry. 21»'. 1763
Letter from Daniel Campbell Esq^
FROM FRANCIS WADE A. L S.
I<anry. ZU^ 176[3]
I
Agreeable [ the pleasure of seeing yo [u about the dogs & am now to [ of a Couple against the spring [ them as soon as they Come to han[d I wrote to Colnell Armstrong to remind [ promise to you & rec'd for Answer he would [ or three Couple by the first Oport^. since [ seen him in philad^. & he Inform'd me he sen[tl a Cross the Country by Colnell Cole which I got safe to hand he at the same time Info[rmed me] he had two Couple more for you & would [send them] by way of philad*. in the spring you may [ ] my Care of them when they Come, being in [ ]
wanted a brick maker I made some Enquieri[es] & I belive Could send you one for a time [ ] Encouragement
if any Services is in my [ ] be Acceptable to you you
28 Sir William Johnson Papers
may freely Com[mand ] always give me pleasure to
serve you [ ] greatest Esteem
Sir Your welwi[shing]
H[umble Servant]
[ ]
[Sir] Will" Johnson Barn*.
INDORSED : New York Janr^. 2 1 ^' 1 76 [3 ] Letter from M'. Francis Wade
FROM WILLIAM CORRY A. L. S.
[Albany, January 22 y 1763]
I
an opertunity of [
on the watch, and ha[
a Dollar if he can sett him [
As to your former acc[ounts to, some have promised they will [ and others that no thing is due, as [ account will shew. The Sheriff could no[t the Writs as the hurry of the Court, and the van Valkenburgs Effects were of necessity to be done — but shall send him up in a few days.
£
M*^ Connel of Cherry Vally has pd me 10 — [ ]
is ready when you please to order.
I heartily wish you happiness in your Intended [ ]
and may you live to see it an old building. I would have much pleasure to see you at the [ ] but Since I entered into
this way of business, I [ ] you, I have not had the
Jjleasure of spending [ ] at my own Country place
these Seven years past [ ] way is to ride there once
Seven Years War
29
in 3 or 4 weeks upon [ ] and so return on Monday
morning — but I hope I shall not be that Slave for Ever — [ ] when the Roads are good with a blessing, if
al[l ] perhaps I may wait upon you. I hav[e
this fall for a barrel of Ray Grass seed, if it [ send you a few Quarts to bring you in [ ]
Not one word of New[s ]
I am Dea[r Sir with]
much esteem your most humble I Servant]
I
ADDRESSED : To
Sir William Johnson Bar' at Johnson Hall
INDORSED : [ ]
[William] Corry [and ot]her papers
] ] shall
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S.
24^. fmr^. 1763
I
Affair. [ ] M[
referred to, I sent for [
Livingston, as a pap [
and therefore is advised by [
be sent to you with the two De[eds
said Klock had it, and he must sen[d
it again which would take 2 or 3 w[
is not inclosed with the rest. It wa[s
alledged at the Hearing that one of [
Sachems who signed or made the Decl[arations
before you & the three Justices, is [
If the Meeting advised by th[
30 Sir Willhm Johnson Papers
takes Place, it will be necessa[ry you think proper to give of it, sh[ in Weymans Gazete, which shou[ld Time, place & the Intention of [ might be signed by the Secretar[y For News I refer you to the [ say not one Jot more ab[out thought to be true as [
Your aff [ectionate ]
[ ]
[ ] W-.
[ ] send you New Comm[ ]
[ ] hope you returned. I have
[ t]he Fees.
INDORSED : New York 24*^. Janr^. 1 763 Letter from M^ Banyar
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR A. L S
[January 24, 1763]
I ]
cy the Govern [or ]
Minute of Council [ ]
two Indian Deeds therein
Sir
your most obedie[nt &] humble Servant Gw Banyar P. S. The Declaration of Dec^ last made by the Indians M"^. Livingston says M""- Klock took
away with him, but that he will send for it & deliver the Governor a Copy of it.
Seven Years* War 31
TO WILLIAM DARLINGTON
A, Df. S.
[January 29. 1763]
I
Mess". La[
I find he is busy [
when made he is to [
me the Expence of haveing [
painted & Printed ; — as to the eng [
have no Objection to the price, [
& painting verry extravigant, wherefor[re
you tell him so, and that I look upon [
^ thousand, besides the expence of the Plate [
as I am certain I can have them done in Lon[don
less, & doubtless better, if he will tak[e
have him Send me a thousand as So [on
let him know also that I will Subsc[ribe
a Dozen Setts of the Water, & Land V[iews
as advertised by him, and beg y®. [
pay him £3 Subscription Money, & [
when he delivers them, for w^., and o[
Soon want, I shall give you an ord[er
I am much oblidged [ taken in forwarding my letters to [ the Vessels may arrive safe
respects to You [ Quinces & Prim for Hedges
Sir
[ ]
M\ W". Darlington
[ ]
^£5 ^ M for my Coat of Arms only printed & £4 for y®. plate w*^. is to be mine.
^These words are on the margin of the draft.
32 Sir IVillfam Johnson Papers
FROM DANIEL CAMPBELL A. L. S. [Schenectady] Janr^- 30'K 1763
[ ]
I had the pleasure of Receiving your [ ] with a
letter to M' Mortier which I forw[arded ] a Verry Safe
hand — on receipt of your [ ] letter — when I
found you had Sent the Warr[ant] to New York, I Immediately bout: Bills [ ] Sterling, which has taken all the Ready
[money I] had by me — Except about £340 — [ ]
have when you Jjlease — if yo[u ] Immediate want
for the £800 — I shall [ ] a Bill for the whole, and the
remainin[g ] pay you in a Short time — if [ ]
be Convenient for you, I will only [ ] for the
money I have by me — that is [ ]
I shoud have Ano[ ]
[ ]
[ ] waited [ ]
[ di]sapointed by a gre[at]
[ ] on one of my knees —
M" Campbell Joyns me in [congrat]ulating you on the Birth of your [gr] and Daughter — and the happy recovery of M" [Clajuse — and am D"^ Sir with [my] best Compliments to you and all the [rest of y]our good Family. Your most
Obed & verry hble
Ser' Daniel Campbell [Sir William] Johnson
[
with One [
Acted as an [ Farrell
Wade in [
of Three thousand pounds [
thousand of which at the Suit of his [
& £1000 at his own — for takeing a way [
Seven Years' War 33
Reputation —
if I Can meet with a Safe ha [ ]
up the £340 — The Bills youll [ ]
in time to go with the next post — [ ]
Bills first and Second — for fear y[ou ]
INDORSED: Janry. 30'*^. 1 763
Letter from Daniel Campbell Esq^
FROM WITHAM MARSH A. L. S.
<^New York 30^1' JanK- 1763.y Sir,
If the Gout had not <^prevented me bringing you the good Success^ I obtained last Term, I intended coming to <^ Albany with Capt. Phil.^ Schuyler, and then to have acquainted you in Person <^with the Determina^tion of Judge Horsmanden/ On the 2h*. instant, my <^Councel moved for a^ Mandamus to deliver me the Records of Albany County <^&c, &c. Young^ Smith^ violently, and, indeed virulently opposed it, as 'twas for <^his Majesty's^ service. M^ Scott," on this occa-
^ Daniel Horsmanden was born in Kent, England, about the year 1 693, and came to New York about the year 1 730. He was a member of the provincial council from 1733 to 1747 and from 1755 to 1776, and became recorder of New York City and third judge of the supreme court. In consequence of opposition to Governor Clinton, he was sus- pended from the council and removed from his other offices. Reconciled to Clinton, he was reappointed to the bench, and, later, he resumed his place in the council. In 1 763 he became chief justice, the last under the croMTi in New York. He died in September 1 778.
'William Smith, lawyer and historian, son of William Smith, who was associate justice of New York from 1 763 till his death in 1 769.
^John Morin Scott, lawyer, a brigadier general in the Revolution and the first secretary of state under the constitution of 1 777.
34 Sir William Johnson Papers
sion, exerted himself wi<^th great^ oratory, and, as He had the best side of the question, the <^ Judge^ allowed his Motion : upon which M^ Banyar said to M^ W<^ill: Livingston^ NoTV you are gone; meaning Ganse — */ must lose the<^e whole, as his^ cause was pre-judg'd by granting the mandamus. <^A11 agreeable to Law!^ In open Court, my Countryman ask'd me to Dine w<^ith him, and all the^ Lawyers; w'^. which, I thought it my Duty to Com<^ply, as it was some> Honour confer'd on me, in preference of a numerous <^ audience.^
Van Scheit has offer'd me Terms of accomm<^odation; but they^ are such as I will not accept: Besides, my Councel, <^ telle me now, as I^ am sure of having full possession of the office (if I <^live) they will not permit m^e to agree with Him, on the most advantageous <^ conditions, since he^ opposes, with a true Republican Spirit, the <^ Royal Mandate!^ Had I not been here, I should have been put <^back Six months lounger. A man cannot have his business <^completely done, but by Himself.^
<^ I now take Leave to Congratulate you on the Peace : and]> tho some <^ Grumblers at home dislike it, yet it is ver^y glorious for this <^ Continent. The Puppies here^ now say, there will be little <^ occasion to intermedle with^ the Indians; but they are grossly <^ Mistaken, for, as the Fre^nch have the west Side of the Missisippi, <Iand will use their^ usual Perfidy with the Outagamis, and <lWellinis, who ar^e not unknown to the Six Nations, they can <^plague us^ more than formerly, if they demand the Supplies they <^want, and^ we should be foolish enough to deny them. — a free <^ Trade wi^ll be carried on thr° all the Branches of y^. Missisippi, <^ consequently^ the French can Supply all the S°. W". Nations.
<[Oh Sir! pardon^ me. I've wrote too much. I expect before to <^ morrow morning^ to have my right Hand made
^ Harme Gansevoort, whose term as county clerk began September 25, 1 750.
Seven Years War 35
prisoner with <^the Gout! after^ which, I can only Say, propicietur Deus! <^'Tis a hard Fate,^ at my time of Life, to be deprived of the <^ Benefits of so go^od a Friend, as you have been pleased to <^ Honour me with, and> I cannot enjoy 'em. I am now in the utmost agony. <^Mr. Flood has been^ with me, cursing his Fate, for coming from you. <^I advanced him a s^mall Trifle, but he will Starve, if he Stays here; so <^I advised him to return.^ I beg leave to make my comple- ments to both Families, <^not forgetting Capt. Gy:^ tho' he has made me no return, and to assure y<Cou that I will always be,^ without exaggeration. Sir,
y^ Sincerest and ever obliged Serv*.
WiTHAM Marsh
<Honble. Sir W'^. Johnson, Bart. &c &c> &c
INDORSED: New York 30 Janry. 1763 — Letter from M^ Marsh
FROM WILLIAM DARLINGTON
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 158, is an A. L. S., dated January 31, of William Darlington, at New York, which was, with the exception of a postscript, the address and indorsement, destroyed by fire. It dealt with letters forwarded to England by the Duke of Cumberland, Captain John Goodridge, news of peace and theft of Albany mail on the way to New York.
FROM JACOB DEYCKMAN, JUN R A. L. S.
[New Bridge] Janr^. 31 1763 HoNouRD Sir
[ ]
Inform'd You that [ ]
as You Directed, but the Season [ ]
not to Send them Untill the Ensueing [ ]
36 Sir Willkim Johnson Papers
Send them In the Same I Requested [
proper Directions how I might Act in the [
no Answer from You Imagine You have not R[eceived
therefore make Bold to Inform Your Honour by this [
Imagine I can Supply You with the Chiefest part [
if not with all You Directed but as I find it very [
and Difficult to Send the Same without it be With [
Hand therefore Desire Your proper Directions and [
I will Send Such Trees as You shall D [irect
Had fitt for Your purpose and Rather [
Answer Your purpose I will upon You[r
them and will See that proper Care be ta[ken
all Times to Serve Your Honour and R[
and Conform to such Directions as You [
to transmit to
Honourd Sir
Your
Most Obten & Hu[mble Servant]
Jacob [Deyckman, Jun'r] PS Should be Glad if You would Answer this and in What Manner You Would have me Act if You would Appoint a person for the Same or if I must bring the Trees or What your pleasure is therein
ADDRESSED: To
The Honour:^ Sir William Johnson at his place on
Mount Johnson
INDORSED: Janry. 31 1763
Jacob Deyckman's Letter
Seven Years War
37
FROM JOHN MACOMB A. L. S.
[Alban])] JanrK 3 h'. 1763 Sir
Your two [ Marg'. Brant, & for which [ thank you. I hope the things she [ please, —
I coud get only the two Blankets [ you over the whole Town, they are a very Scarce Artie [le
I apprehend there is a mist[ake in the account Sent you when you got the Shoes & Stockings [ oblig'd to you if you'l please return it me. [ Soone or perhaps bring it with me when I intend [ pleasure of going to Johnson Hall, pray [ acco'. what Master John has had? I [ you him for the Contents of a letter I wrote [
I am with much respect
[
[
]
INDORSED: Janry. 31". 1763
Letter from M'. M'Come
1
FROM JOHN DUNCAN AND JOHN MACOMB
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 158, are two letters to Johnson, written from Albany, which were badly injured by the fire. One was from John Duncan, inclosing a letter brought by a soldier and a communication from Mr Corry, and asking Johnson's pleasure regarding the second; dated February 1 . The other was from John Macomb, craving intercession with the Governor in regard to trouble in which the writer is involved by resenting warmly Mr Wade's unbecoming words about Sir William; dated February 3.
38 Sir Willhm Johnson Papers
TO GOLDSBROW BANYAR A. Df. S.
<^FebrK 4^^ I763.> <Dear Banyar>
<^Since my last to you, I am favoured wth yours of the 3^. Ult°. after lying many days by the way, as has been the case with many of my letters lately, and^ as I <^believe with some design. I have also received yours^ of the 24'^^ <^Ulit°. with ye Minutes of Council &ca. wh. accompanied^ it, and ag<^reable thereto, I purpose calling a Meeting of all^ the Conajohare Sachims <]& Chiefs, as by ye enclosed adver- tise^ment will appear, and <\which I would have you deliver^ to M^ Marsh (after perusal and corr<^ection if wanted, which^ I shall take friendly of you.) that he may <^give it to y® Printer > to publish in his Paper, & I hope the M<^ethod proposed^ will put an End to this verry troubleso<^me affair. But the]> Paper, w^. M'. Livingst<^on told you that^ Klock had taken up with him, will <^be indispensably^ necessary to have at s^. Meet<^ing, wherefore expect it will^ be sent me or a true Coppy thereof <[, as without it I cannot proceed. I believe it will turn out to^ be y* greatest imposition of <\ye whole. You surprise > me greatly when You say it was alleg<^ed at the hearing, that one of]> the Sachims who made the Declar<^ation before me & the three^ Justices was a woman. I hope the <^GoV. & Council were far^ from harbouring an opinion that <^ either myself or y^ Justices, ]> who are not only men of y* first Rank but of unblemished <^ Character in these parts, > would be guilty of Signing any<[thing false. However as^ such low Villainy has been made <[use of, 1 shall acquaint y«> three Justices thereof, that they m<iay remove all doubts concerng. it^ and She<Cw y^ GoV. & Council w*. a Villa^inous falsehood it is. and<] from thence they may judged of the rest of the conduct <^ of that opposition, who now disponding^ & exasperated, <^stick at nothing. Was^ their
Seven Years War 39
conduct <^w''^. Inds. fic'^*. in this affair, & the manner in w^. they have had the assurance to impose upon the People in power there, thoroughly known, I am certain they must not only be dispised by them, & everry honest man, but punished severely.
I shall always be glad to find this part of y^ Country Settle fast, particularly so when on y* Lands of my friends, but I must say that (if it were notto enhance y^ value of the rem^^ of the Pattent as you Imagine) the terms are far from being advan- tageous to you, as Lands now sell or lett. However I shall submit to better Judgment. As you know my Terms, it would be needless to mention them to you, and be assured that I know of none more advantageous that would take at present with the People. Was^ I capable of <^Serving you therein, or any other way, it would^ afford me y* greatest pleasure. <^As I am truely^
Sir
W. J.
<GoLD>s Borough Banyar Esq"". INDORSED: Fe^y. 4'^ 17 [63]
Letter to M^ Banyar
TO WITHAM MARSH A. Df.
<CFebK 4^h 1763.y <D«. Marsh >
<^Your kind letter of the 18th Ult°. did not reach me till last night, with severl others from York of the same date w^. makes me suspect some villiany has been made use of, to ans'. certain purposes w'^. I leave yu to guess at, and w^, I think you may easily do. I do assure you I am greatly concerned at hearing of y"^ indisposition, particularly so as it is attended with so much torment & ]> racking pains <^as you describe, a speedy riddance of w'^. I most sincerely & ^ heartily wish you. I have <^vanity enough to think that were yu up here, I could^
40 Sir William Johnson Papers
(notwithstanding y^. obstinacy of y"". <^disorder) be of as much service to you as some^ Physicians there, besides I should <^fall upon means to divert yu & the Pain.^
I fear (by the Stile of y^ letter) that <Cyou take things too much to heart, &^ perhaps but few comforters, w^. to one in y"^. scitu<^ation are very necessary.^ Cheer up y^. Spirits, dont give too much way to reflec<^tion nor to y"" disorder^ & you will find a benifit thereby. I am Sorry <^for y^ death of Chiefs Justice Pratt on two acc*^., the one as he was y"". friend <^d, and might be of^ service to you in y*. present unprecedented Struggle <^wth^ ^ of whom I doubt not in y^. least but you will get the <^ better, & that with credit ;> the other, as he was an Englishman & a good man <^&'^*. I should^ Imagine that the Gener'. & Gov^. on a proper re<^presentation of the affair would^ use their interposition, as the Kings pre<^rogative is opposed & grossly abused.^ however You will be better informed there <^of the propriety of such a step.^ All I can say in the aff^ is, that I most sincerely <|wish you to triumph over your^ Enemies, and have the pleasure of peruseing <^that inestimable treasure & stocky of knowledge & Learning w^. you are now refused, <^but w*^. I hope a thundering^ M — d — m^. will put you in peaceable possession <^of. You would be s Surprised to see how I am swallowed up to the He<^ad & ears in Mortar Stone and T]>imber w'*. are all intended for the House I purpose <^building next summer. I have had for^ this Month past thirty & forty sleds a day <^brideing y^ same, so that it cannot be said I wa]>s without some kind of company. We <^have snow here now ab'. 3 feet deep, and mor^e daily falling w^. (altho a gloomy p<^rospect) makes y^ Country alive wi^th their flying slideing machines. My <^ Family is increased since you left]> us by M". Claus bringing forth a fine <^Child of y^ best or Female kind, and my^ youngest daughter marrying Lieu'. G<^uy Johnson. I shall be glad of a further addition^ thereto by y'. comp^. whenever <^y'" health will admit of it, w^. I heartily wish may^
^Omitted in copy. Gansevoort probably.
Seven Years' War 41
be soon. We have great <^News by the last Papers, if any- thing more there, shall be o^bliged to you for it. <^We are all peaceable here except a few boxing Bouts^ now & then be<^tween Brothers & Sisters, Men & their Wives ^"^ together with Shivering each other with broad & Narrow Axes, all w''. contributes to make them a bolder People, and render them better soldiers whenever we may have another war. I would not put you to the trouble of reading so long a letter, but y'. I am in hopes it will find you recovered, than w"^. nothing would give me more pleasure as I am &*=*.^
<^P. S. My Compt*. to y^ Atty. Gener'. whom I suppose you often see.^
INDORSED: Feb''y. 4^*^. 1762'
Letter to Witham Marsh Esq^
FROM JOHN TABOR KEMPE A. L. Sr
New York Feb^. 7^K 1763 Sir
As soon as I received your Favour of the 20*^ Jan^. last I waited on his Excellency and laid it before him together with the Deposition of Forbes and the Copy of the Letter from David Schuyler to you which came enclosed — The mail having been robbed and thrown into the Fields was not found 'til Monday Evening, so that I could not write by the last post, not seeing the Governor til Tuesday.
The Affair of the Indian Traders I mentioned to his Excel- lency. His answer was, I don't know well what we shall do with it — but it seemed to me as if his Excellency had had it under Consideration, and I believe it is before the Council.
If I recollect right the Irregularities committed by the Indian Traders was somewhere about Detroit. If it was I conceive it to be out of this province, and consequently out of the power
^An error in the indorsement. ^Original destroyed by fire.
42 Sir William Johnson Papers
of the Governor and Council, and not punishable by any Juris- diction of the province. As I had the honour to write you before, so I think now the most proper method of bringing them to Justice would be by General Gages punishing them in his Government, where military Law is exercised, and in whose government I presume they committed their offence.
I am not sujfficiently acquainted with the Nature of your office as Agent for Indian Affairs, or of the powers granted you by that Commission to write with Propriety on the Subject you ask my Sentiments — Is the power of punishing offences committed against the Indians expressly granted? If it should be I am inclined to think it must give place to the Jurisdiction of the Provinces where they can punish and that it can extend only to offences committed under such Circumstances as would be otherwise unpunishable. M"". Banyar I presume by order of the Governor acquainted you with the result of the hearing in Council respecting the Canajohary Indians & Klock &c. and transmitted you the order of Council made that day, with the Copies of some Papers. I thought I could perceive his Excel- lency and the Council strongly suspected the unfairness of the obtainment of the Indian Declaration offered by them. The Affid^ of Forbes sets it in the very light I imagined it to be.
On Saturday last I saw M"^. William Livingston who informed
me that Captain Rutherford had been up with the Indians, and
that every Thing was amicably settled to the Contentment of
the Indians and you, a Release of so much of the Lands as
satisfied the Indians being made or to be made by the patentees.
I presume if the Release is made that all the Persons having a
Right under the Patent have executed it, either by themselves,
or their Attorney duly authorized so to do, otherwise I conceive
the Indians will not be secure and hereafter there may be as
much Trouble with those who have not released, as there has
been already. I should be glad to know how this Affair at
present stands. I am S""
Your most obedient humble Serv'.
^ o ,^r T »^ J- T. Kempe.
To S«. W«. Johnson, Bar». -^
>even
Years War 43
FROM DAVID VAN DER HEYDEN A. L. 5.'
[Februar]) 8, 1763] Sir
I have reced yours of 2""^ ins', inclosing my Commission as Lieut. CoII°. of your Regiment, for which return my sincere thanks. Will study to merit the honour conferr'd on me.
The Indian you speak of, who was most cruelly beaten by some of our People, waited upon me the next morning after it happened with his grievances in consequence of which I endeav- oured immediately to find out the perpetrators, in order that they might meet that punishment w*^'' they justly deserved; as well as to make some satisfaction to the much injured party — for which reason I waited on M^ Down" our Mayor, who sent for Richard Allen & one McKnight a Blacksmith who we learnt were the hero's of this Trajedy, & demanded to know the reason for their conduct to the Indian — w*=^ was that meeting him in the road between this place & Kinderhook he had as they passed him levelled his Gun at them with an intention as they supposed to fire — this the Indian positively denied & said that he gave them no offence in the least, but paid them the compliaments of the day, as is usual when people meet. Upon the whole, having no evidence at that time to convict them, & Circumstances being rather against the Ind: as he had most certainly a Gun with him & might possibly be disguised in Liquor, of course not sensible what he was about. We judg'd it best to compromise matters in the best manner we could by obliging the aggressors to give the Ind: a consideration w^^ was done to the Value of two Dollars & a Bottle of Rum, with w'^^ he seemed well satisfyed. But I have since learnt from M^ Grardus DePeyster a Gentle- man of undoubted veracity who happened to be on the Road at this time & the very next Sleigh to that of Allen's &c*: that
^Original destroyed by fire.
^Volkert Peter Douw, mayor of Albany from 1 761 to 1 770.
44 Sir William Johnson Papers
to the best of his knowledge, as they passed the Ind: who had given them the Road, they struck at him with a whip as he supposes out mere wantonness, in consequence of w*^ he had taken his Gun from his shoulder; but does not remember that he pointed at the aggressors — that Richard Allen (in par- ticular) immediately pulled off his Coat & with the Butt end of his whip beat the poor Indian in a most unmerciful manner being assisted by McKnight who had provided himself a stick; & that he really believes that if he had not interposed (w*^^ he did as soon as possible) they would have beat the Ind: to Death — as the treatment he had already rec'^. was such, that he was left senseless lying in the snow. Upon the whole I do sincerely wish that you would prosecute these people with the utmost Rigour, in order that they might meet that punishment w*=^ they deserve, as well as for an example to others. I am Sir Your most ob'. & h Servant
David Van Der Heyden
Sir William Johnson Baronet.
FROM WILLIAM CORRY ETC.
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 159, by a letter of February 9th from William Gorry, at Albany, relating his efforts to collect debts and the movements of the sheriff; by a record, bearing the same date, of a notice, brought by three Onondagas, of a visit by sachems of their nation on account of a message received at Onondaga from Sir WilHam ; by the advertisement, dated the 1 0th, of John Duncan, J. P., John Glen Jun'r, J. P., Daniel Gampbell, Justice, and Isaac Vroman, Justice, that carriages on the highway between Albany and Schenectady must be 4 feet 10 inches wide from outside to outside of wheel; by H, Van Schaack's account, dated Albany, the 12th, for £280, 16s, advanced to De Gouagne, interpreter; by a letter of the 13th from Van Schaack, at Albany, conveying a current report that a number of bateaux are to be built at Pittsburgh and several regiments sent to the Mississippi to build a fort, headquarters to be at Williamsburgh, and mention of the arrival of Brigadier General Burton and other officers on their way to Canada; and a letter of the 14th from John Duncan, at
Post^War Period, 1763-1774 45
Schenectady, inclosing the notice regarding width of carriages, together with the draft of a memorial for the estabhshment of a post office. P. 16>0 by a letter from Thomas Burgie, New York, of the 1 4th. informing that laurels, hollies, myrtles and other plants have perished on the way and declaring a desire to obtain something "curious" for Johnson; by a letter of the 14th from Gw. Banyar, notifying that the notice of an Indian meeting has gone to the printer and justices present at the declaration of Indians concerning the Livingston patent should have opportunity to attend, and describing the boundary between the French and the English at the mouth of the Mississippi, as shown by the preliminaries of peace ; by a letter of the 1 6th from Daniel Claus, asking advice as to sale of his commission in view of Lieutenant Carr's readiness to pay a high price for it; by a letter of the 16th from John B. Van Eps, at Schenectady, about arrangements for forwarding letters ; and by a letter of the 1 7th from John Macomb, at Albany, on an intended journey to Montreal and his recent alarm over a complaint made by Mr Wade. All of these were destroyed by fire.
TO JOHN TABOR KEMPE
Johnson Hall FehK 18^^ 1763. Sir
I am glad to find you are of opinion that the affair of the Ind". Traders is now before the Council who I hope will do something therein. The Delinquents are not at present within General Gages Government but at Albany where they may possibly remain for sometime, & therefore it will be highly neces- sary that they should be brought to some punishment as an Example to others.
The nature of my office is Expressed in General terms in his Majestys Commission to me, but the intent and meaning of the Government relative thereto is more particularly signified in the several Letters I have received from the Lords of Trade who consider it as the sole & only Channel through which Ind". aff". of w*. nature soever are to be transacted, and for that
^Original destroyed by fire.
46 Sir WilUam Johnson Papers
purpose that I am to be supported by Authority in all matters relative thereto in which the good of his Majestys Service is any wise concerned & therefore I apprehend the Gov', is to take such matters into Consideration as I shall be under the necessity of lays, before them. M"". Banyar has acquainted me with the result of the hearing in Council and I flatter myself the Governor & Council will be more & more convinced of the unfair dealings used towards the Indians.
M"". Livingston must have been intirely misinformed, as the Indians so far from being settled with were in the highest dis- content and might have gone great lengths had not the order of Council arrived concerng my holding a Genl Meeting with them thereon, which in some measure pacified them, as they flatter themselves that the Gov. & Council will afterwards be induced to put an End to the affair in their favour.
Neither the Indians nor myself know of any release. M*^. Rutherford did make some proposals to me, which I have since mentioned to the Ind^ who will by no means agree thereto not only as they were unsatisfactory but from the hopes they enter- tain of having justice done them on their Complaint, and had. M"^. Rutherford & the Gentlemen with him gone to their Castle as they Expected, instead of Klock's House, I am credibly informed the Indians would have Exceeded the Bounds of Decency. You will see by the Prints that I have appointed the 10*^ of March at Conajoharee to have my Gen'. Meeting with the Indians in pursuance of the order of Council, on which occasion it will be necessary for me to have the Declaration of the 9**^ of Dec*^. referred to in the Minutes of Council as I am to lay the same before the Indians, which I hope M^ Banyar will send me in time.
I am Sir &c* To: J. T. KempE Esq"".
Posl-War Period, J763-J774 47
TO JOHN OGILVIE
Johnson Hall Fe^ 18^^ 1763— Dear Sir
I am very sorry your affairs would not permit you to stay longer in these parts last fall, as it deprived me of the pleasure of seeing you and I beg you will accept of my most sincere Com- pHments and well wishes to yourself & family in return for those kind Sentiments which you were pleased to Express for my happiness.
I could heartily wish your other Occupations would permit you to make a Visit to the Mohawks Country as it would afford me the Satisfaction of your Company, but I flatter myself that the Peace which has probably ere now succeeded to the late Negociations will Enable you to gratify your Wishes and those of your Friends in these parts —
The desire which you Express to have the Neighbourhood of Fort-Hunter formed into a Mission separate from Albany is m my Opinion very laudable, and what I should most sincerely wish for, not only from the benefits which the Indians must receive thereby but for the Advantage of the Few Members of the Established Church who may reside hereabouts who I am sorry to say are very inconsiderable at present, and must decrease in Number without a Minister of the Church of England to instruct them in their duty, the Country at present abounding with Dissenters and no Encouragement being given even in Sche- nectady to any Clergyman of a Different persuasion —
The Sallary & Farm you mention will in my opinion be a Sufficient Encouragement to some Worthy Man to reside thereon, and I have made application to the Legislature of this Province to purchase the same on the terms which M^ Barclay offers to
^In Library of Congress, Washington, D. C. ; in handwriting of Guy Johnson.
48 Sir Willhm Johnson Papers
sell for, but as they will not agree thereto I cannot but think that on M^ Barclays, or your Representation the Society for propagating the Gospel will be induced to purchase the same, in which case I shall with great pleasure settle the whole Affair with the Indians and take every effectual measure for rendering the Residence of a Minister as agreable as possible amongst the Indians or any Persons whom I can influence in his favor —
I am heartily glad you live in peace and plenty and find every thing agreable in Canada as also that the Caghnarvagas behave orderly altho' I am not surprized that their Spiritual Father slackens in his Zeal, not being at present bound in Interest to manifest the same as formerly —
Please to offer my most Sincere Compliments & those of my Family to M"^® Ogilvie and believe me to be with very great Esteem
D' Sir
&ca
The Rev°. D^^ Ogilvie
INDORSED : Johnson Hall Feby 1 8'^ 1 768 Letter to D'. Ogilvie in ans^ to one concern^ a separate Mission at the Mohawks —
CORRESPONDENCE WITH GOLDSBROW BANYAR ETC.
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 1 60- 61, by a letter of February 21st from Goldsbrow Banyar at New York, inclosing Indian declaration and mentioning rumor that 20 regi- ments will be kept in America; by a letter of the 21st from WilHam Darlington at New York about land and water views of New York, coat of arms, plants and trees, a note from Lord Sterling's gardener and land "on Stone Robby," in which he is invited to invest; by a letter of the 24th to Hennery Vanschaack, sending draft on Abraham Mortier for balance of John B. DeCoaugne's pay, and inquiring about claim of his own against estate of late Mr Hitchen Holland; by a letter of the 25th from WilHam Corry at Albany on collecting debts and transmitting
Post^War Period, 1763-/774 49
money to Johnson, informing of report that General Amherst will build forts along the Oheeo the following summer; by a letter of the 25th to Goldsbrow Banyar, denouncing charge that one of the Indians who made a declaration before him on Livingston patent dispute was a woman and characterizing Captain Rutherford's profession to have accommodated the dispute with the Indians, intimating that the French will not long respect terms of peace, asking how to proceed to get his lands into a manor and giving an enthusiastic invitation to visit Johnson Hall ; by a letter of the 27th from Michael Furey at New York (City Hall), relating to mercan- tile adventures, which have lodged him in jail, charging unfaithfulness on the part of William Kennady, merchant, and mentioning willingness of Hugh Wallace to assist, hope of redress for violence exercised by creditors and hope of loan from Walter Goodman for firewood ; by a letter of the 28th from Witham Marsh at New York on notice inserted in Weyman's paper, relief from gout, difficulty in way of coming to Johnson Hall, expectation of humbling opponent in lawsuit, Mr. Hutch- inson, farmer from near Belfast, who wishes to settle near Johnson, and can induce 40 Irish families to follow him, and condition of Judge Chal- mers, who is stricken with palsy; by a letter of March 1st from Hendrick Frey Jun'r at Canajoharre about notice of meeting at Canajoharre March 10, and Johnson's note to Jacob Snell for land; by a receipt from Theo- philact Bache at New York for £5, 5s, 3d paid by William Darlington for conveyance of baskets and trunk, by the Mary, Captain Mears, from Dublin; by a letter of the 2d to William Darlington, declining service proffered by Lord Sterling's gardener unless rendered with his lordship's consent, drawing attention to orders for seeds, plants, trees etc., that he may "put out all the country in a garden," asking more definite description of lands at Stoneraby, and suggesting necessity of bringing a skipper to account for lost articles; by a letter of the 7th from Alexander Colden (postmaster), at New York, considering postal service for benefit of Schenectady and advising employment of messenger to carry Schenectady and Mohawk river mail from and to Albany, also mentioning report that Governor Dobbs of North Carolina will give way to Robert Morris; by a letter of the 8th from Henry Van Schaack at Albany, about draft from Johnson on Mr Mortier and Johnson's account against estate of late Hitchen Holland. These papers were destroyed by the fire.
50 Sir IVilliam Johnson Papers
A MEETING WITH CANAJOHARIES
D. S.i
Canajoharie, March 10^^ 1763
At a meeting held at Conajoharee Thursday March lO'*^ 1 763 with the Indians of that Castle in the Presence of Sir Will™. Johnson Bart, and several Justices of the Peace for the County of Albany pursuant to an Order of his Excellency the Governor h Council for the Province of New York bearing date the 1 9*^^ day of January 1 763 —
Present
Sir William Johnson Bart
Capt Daniel Claus ) r t v
T • . /^ T 1 T Depy Agents for Indian affairs
Lieut Vauy Johnson ^ '^
Justices of the ;^ peace for the County of Albany
Hanjost Herkemer Hend^. Fry Jun*".
Peter Conin John Butler
John Wells Conrad Frank
Isaac Vrooman Jacob Klock Esq''
John Duncan Eq'^ on behalf of the Claimants for the Lands John Johnson Esq"^ in dispute Mess''®. Funda and Klock The Rev"^. M*^ Lappias & sev^. other Gentlemen, Inhabitants
&c*
Araghiadecka, Canagaraduncka
Cayenquiragoa, Serihowane
Saghsanowano Anahario, Canadiorha
Chief Sachems
About 30 Indian Men, together with
33 of the principal Women of Conajoharee The Chief Sachem of Onondaga, with some others of that nation, Oneida, & Seneca at the desire of the Conajoharies
W™. Printup Interpreter
^In the New York Historical Society, New York City. A copy entered in the Johnson Calendar, p. 161, was destroyed by fire.
Post-lVar Period, 1763-1774 51
The Order of Council being read Sir William addressed them as follows
" Brethren of Conajoharee
In Consequence of your complaint formerly laid before his Excel^y the Gov'' and Council of this Province concerning your Lands at this place; they were pleased among other things to direct' that your Examination relative thereto Should be taken before me in the presence of Three of his Majestys Justices of the Peace for the County of Albany; that the same might be transmitted to them, in order that they might be the better acquainted therewith for the doing You Justice therein, which order v/as Strictlj'^ comply ed with.
Soon after which a Declaration was sent to the Governor & Council signed by some Indians of your Castle, and dated the 9'^ day of December last, wherein they relinguished their right to the Lands in dispute and acknowledged the Legality of the purchase thereof. In consequence of which the Governor with the advice of his Council the 1 9*^ day of January 1 763 Directed that a Copy of said Declaration should be transmitted to me, as also Copies of Two Indian Deeds, or Quit Claims to Jelles Fanda & George Klock; one Dated the 12^^ December 1761 and the other dated the 23^^. February 1 762 and that I should as soon as conveniently might be. Convene all the Sachems & Indians of your Castle at such place as I should think fit, and where it was probable the Meeting should be most compleat, and that I did at such Meeting in the presence of as many of his Majestys Justices of the Peace of this County as could be assembled Explain to you so met the purport of said Declaration, and require You to Signify your Sentiments on the Whole matter of Complaint in the most Explicit manner, that the same might be transmitted to his Excellency signed by me and the said Justices, and that this proceeding might be transacted in the most Solemn, Impartial & authentick manner that might be to afford all the Satisfaction the Nature of the Subject required:
1 On November 3, 1 762.
52 Sir William Johnson Papers
to which end I was to give pubHck & timely notice of such Meeting that all Parties interested might attend if they saw fit.
In obedience thereof I gave public notice in the Newspapers of this Province, that I would meet you here on this Day for the purj)0se aforementioned — I am now therefore to desire you will give your most Serious Attention to the Explanation which shall be given you of the Declaration aforementioned, and that on hearing the same you will Ingenuously declare whether the said Declaration Expressed the real Sentiments of Your Castle, or not, and also lay before me and his Majestys Justices here assembled the whole matter of complaint relative to the Lands in dispute, that I may imediately transmit the same to his Excel^y the Governor, who (you may rest assured) will on a just repre- sentation of the same procure you all the Justice which the Case shall appear to deserve "
Then Interpreted the Declaration of the 9'^^ December and also the two Indian Deeds of 1761 and 1762 Whereupon Cayenquiragoa spoke as follows
" Brother
We have attended to everything you have said to us, & our Brethren the Onondagas being also present we beg leave to retire until we have considered on an Answer "
M^ Duncan then desired leave to have the Indian Declara- tion taken in the presence of Sir William and three Justices Explained to the Indians present, which was done accordingly and then the Indians withdrew
In about two Hours they returned, when Cnyenquiragoa addressed Sir William in manner following
** Brother
We are very thankfull that God has enabled us to meet at a time when there were so many difficultys in the way: The Creeks being all overflowed so as to render your Journey very precarious, and it appears to us that God has particularly inter- posed in our favour by appointing our Meeting at a time when
Post^War Period, 1763-1774 53
our Brethren of Onondaga, Seneca and Oneida are likewise here assembled.
We now therefore beg you will pay serious attention to what we have to say And Excuse our not repeating the purport of the several proceedings already made in the present affair.
We have considered every thing You said to us and Enquired (as we were Strangers to these Transactions) who were the Authors thereof, but cannot find them, as none will confess they had anything to do therein As I have already mentioned We assure you we cannot find anyone acquainted with these Trans- actions unless it be Rahoongo, whose Mother declared that he was in want of Land as well as ourselves. But upon the Strictest enquiry we find that Liquor must have been the Cause of the whole, and we now deliver you a Bottle of Liquor v/ith which we were beguiled by George KlocI(
Gave a Bottle Brother,
Liquor hath been always our Ruin, for whenever any of our people go over to the house of Geo. Klock, and we send for them from thence, he fills them more, and by that means detains them, tho their presence be required on matters of Eversomuch importance This Liquor hath as I have said been always our Ruin, as none of our People would otherwise have so acted, neither is it probable that any of our People would sell their Lands twice. For, if the Land in Question had been formerly sold we should not ask a second price for it."
M^ Duncan then asked them whether there was not one present who knew of the original purchase (meaning Araghia- decka) . The Speaker answered
" I am very glad you have mentioned this as it affords us an opportunity of laying open the affair. This is the Cause which produced it."
Gives another Bottle
Then Araghiadecka arose and Spoke
54 Sir William Johnson Papers
" Brother
For my part I only know by hearsay that I signed a Deed. I know nothing of any purchase as at that time I was Young and did not mind such matters, and have only heard that some of our People had sold the Land up to the two big Rocks, and only along the Ridge of the Hill; the Rocks being esteemed a certain boundary —
It is probable that I might have formerly signed it when in Liquor, as 'tis said I have lately done so. I speak only of the old affair, as I have not since signed it as 'tis reported. I have been often urged to sign it by George Klock and offered 60 Dolla"^® for that purpose, which I always refused. This is all I have to say, or know of the affair " —
Then Cayenquiragoa proceeded
" Brother
It goes very hard with us, and gives us great uneasiness, as none of the rest of the Germans have used us as Geo. Klock, as You may see by this other Bottle —
(Gave a Bottle) In this manner he has gone on since he was concerned in the Land "
Being asked. When these Bottles were got, he answered
" For this Year, or Two he has acted in this Manner by con- stantly enticing all our People who pass by. Some of these we have got within this fortnight, or three Weeks, These Bottles were given us to sign the papers
I have now done with the affair of the Liquor which we have had from Geo. Klock, the Governor, who says he is Greater than the Governor of New York ".
Then Anahario arose and said
" Brother
The other Day I went to Geo. Klocks Mill to have some Corn Ground where I saw Mess". Rutherford, Duncan & Funda,
- Post-War Period, 1763-1774 55
when the latter informed me that they intended to have a Meet- ing at the Castle. A few Minutes after I met Klock who asked me How I came to be so great an Enemy of his. Like a French- man, threatning to kill him, on which he told me he hoped I would become his Friend and gave me a Dollar for that purpose but did not offer me any paper to sign, which Dollar I now return, as I will have nothing to do therewith "
Threw down a Dollar.
Being asked a whether he was told by M^ Rutherford that he would have a Meeting but would send them word when, he answered " Yes, There is the Man who was present (mean^ M' Duncan) and We all waited in Council a Whole day m Expec- tation thereof, M"" Rutherford also told us there were Writings come up from York on that head "
Then Cayenquiragoa proceeded
" Brother
Our Case is very hard, and 'twould be very difficulty to sum up all the Endeavours which have been used to seduce us, and make us in liquor.
When one Bottle was emptied, another was always filled, and 'twould require a very large Vessell to contain all which hath been given us —
The same Geo. Klock hath (we find) given out that he hath given us £565 if so, it must have been seen on us, It is very strange what should have become thereof. You may see we are all Naked, or must have spent it in the Taverns, which is not the case and may be enquired into —
Here we are all now assembled, and beg you will Enquire what may have become of that money "
Being asked by M^ Duncan whether he knew that they ever received that Sum, he answered —
" It is very hard you will not credit me as I have repeated it to you that there was no other consideration given but Rum "
56 Sir William Johnson Papers
Being asked whether he spoke in the name of the Whole, he answered
" I speak for the Whole ; All those who are of a different way of thinking, don't chuse to make their appearance "
Being asked, Who were understood to be the principal persons of that Castle for publick matters, he answered
" Those who are here are the Chiefs for all such matters, being the Sachems for transacting everything of Consequence, and as such are known to the Whole Six Nations, being as Trees rising up amongst us " —
Being asked whether the Women were looked upon, as having any right in the Disposal of Lands, he answered —
" They are the Truest Owners being the persons who labour on the Lands, and therefore are esteemed in that light "
He then addressed Sir W™. Johnson
" Brother Warragheyagey
We have now done with this affciir, and I am to observe to you that we have frequently requested you would endeavour to see us righted, an(d as the Governor is a very good Man we must beg he will interpose and put a Stop to such proceedings by preventing our being farther seduced by Geo. KlocI^. If not, it may prove a means of making us drunk. That is, that we may be unfortunately led into a Quarrell, and I am heartily glad that so many Justices are now present to hear and bear testimony of what we have said. I have mentioned to you that such pro- ceedings may prove bad, as you know that we are now all in Alliance & Friendship with all Indians, must it not appear very bad and cause the other Nations to laugh at us, should you who are our next Neighbours, and with whom we have always been friends act such a part, and appear to be at Variance with us who are the heads of the Six Nations —
It is particularly hard on us, as we have not that Authority for preventing our people from such Actions, as you have, we
Posi-lVar Period, 1763-1774 57
therefore beg you will put a Stop to the selling Rum, which is alone in your power, for whilst our people can come at Liquor, we can have no influence or Authority over them —
I must own myself much ashamed that we, the Heads of the Confederacy who are one Heart together with you should be at Variance amongst one another, and as nothing on our parts shall be wanting to preserve the Chain of friendship, we beg you will omit nothing on yours for its preservation And that as You and we are considered as the Heads of all the Nations we beg you will attend to these our demands and prevent us from being pushed from our fireplace, whereby our Fire must become Extinguished —
For our parts we are not used to Silver, and cannot brighten the Chain which we are apprehensive begins to be weak from the Rust it has contracted. We must therefore entreat you to brighten and preserve the same in order to prevent it from breaking —
I cannot too often repeat our desire that the Chain might be preserved on your parts, which may otherwise occasion our Fire to go out both here and at Onondaga.
I have already observed to you that I am determined to hold fast by the Covenant Chain, and am also determined to do the same by our Land, which we are resolved for ever to hold fast by.
We Love the Covenant Chain as we do our Lives, and we do the same by our Lands, which we are determined to dye by, rather than give up —
You must not think I am alone or that I speak for myself, as I speak in the name of the whole, not only Men, but Women who are here all present —
It seems as tho' you imagined I only speak for myself, and I assure you I speak for the whole and therefore beg you will consider the same; and should there be any here present who disapprove of what I have said. Let them speak their Senti- ments " —
58 Sir William Johnson Papers
The Women then on being asked unanimously declared the same, declaring they would keep their Land, and did not chuse to part with the same to be reduced to make Brooms —
The Speaker then declared. That as 'twould be too tedious for them all to Speak, He therefore had delivered the Senti- ments of the whole Addling "I have no more to say but to request you will be steadfast in observing the Covenant which shall be faithfully observed on our parts as we have always done, but should Geo. Klock be permitted to turn us off our possessions our fire must Inevitably become Extinguished " —
Then Onoghtorha spoke
" Brother
I'll now tell you how I came to sign the Paper which I did when I was not drunk, having been repeatedly entreated for that purpose by Geo. Klock for above a twelvemonth, on which Ca'^enquiragoa advised me to appeal to the Warriors, and on finding that several had signed it, I was at length induced to do so for Five Dollars which Klock gave me "
On being asked how many Signed it
Said he did not know, as he saw none of them sign it but was told' that above 30 had done so
Then Cayenquiragoa said
" Brother
You see this Man owns he had been often teized to sign it. Is it a proper method to obtain Lands to get Indians one, by one — Certainly the only just method is in a public Meeting as at present "
Onoghtorha was then asked by M^ Duncan, how many Indians names were affixed to the paper
He answered. He was told 24, had done so
Was then asked by M^ Duncan, If he had talked to any of them relative thereto
Answered, He never did —
Postwar Period, 1 763-1 774 59
Then Cayenquiragoa said —
"As for Geo : Klock he is both a Lyar and a Thief. A Thief as he entices people privately to sign the paper, and a Lyar as he said that my Mother before her death had signed the same, and she is still alive.
Then Ononiughta (a Lad) Said
'* Brother
I was a person who signed the paper, but was persuaded to do so by M"^ Funda "
Was asked by M"^ Duncan what was the purport of the paper Answered, He did not know, but was told they had all signed it Was asked, who told him so —
Answered, Klock, and Funda, and said that when he found that it was false, and that they did not all sign, he repented
M"^ Duncan told them that it was not thro Geo. Klock, the land was claimed, but from the Governor's Patent, and the old Deed — signed by their forefathers, and that there was a living Witness who saw the Consideration paid —
Cayenquir^. said, " If so, that Witness should be produced ", adding " We should be very glad that those concerned in this Land would give up their Claim, as they must know the same was stolen, and privately surveyed in the Night.^ I therefore must desire there may be no disputes or Arguments till we have done speaking —
I have observed to you already that we should heartily desire you would desist from all thoughts concerning the Land, and stick to everything for the publick good, and must say 'tis very hard that Children and unqualified persons should be introduced as persons signing the paper since they could have no right so to do —
^5ee Deposition of David Schuyler, Jan. 23, 1762, III: 613 of this series.
60 Sir William Johnson Papers
It was reported by Geo. Klock that we were in the French Interest, and that we had taken his Brother, and Killed his Son. Here is the Man now present who knows whether 'twas so, or not, and can prove the falsity thereof —
By such Evil reports and proceedings, we are rendered very uneasy, and we beg that hereafter you will pay no regard to, or take notice of any papers said to be signed by us, but that you will apply to ourselves and know the particulars thereof, unless such as are done in publick Meeting "
Then Canagaraduncka spoke as follows
"Brother
It is very hard we must be thus treated, there would have been mischief done long ago, had we not restrained our Warriors — We beg you will suppose it your own case, & reflect how you would act in case you had been wronged by us, as we have been by Klock —
As there are so many Justices now present, we hope they will consider what has passed, and that the whole proceedings may be Confirmed by them and faithfully transmitted to the Governor, and not as last fall to occas" disputes "
Then Cayenquiragoa sipoke
" I can say no more at present but to recommend that you will observe your Covenants, & preserve the fire from being Extinguished for our mutual hc^ppiness "
M"" Duncan, then told them he desired that nothing relative to Klock might affect the present affair, & assured them that nothing was more desired by the Claimants than to make matters easy, and that he would now make them some proposals on behalf of himself and the rest concerned —
Cayenquiragoa answered that they would attend to no farther proposals or papers, but desired that the whole might be trans- mitted to the Governor.
Whereupon Sir William addressed them
Post'War Period, 1763-1774 61
'* Brethren
I have attended to all you have said as have also the Justices here assembled, and after the same is Signed by us it shall be faithfully transmitted to his Excellency the Governor agreable to the Order of Council for that purpose "
Then the Meeting was dissolved
The foregoing is an Exact Copy of the Minutes of the Pro- ceedings with the Indians at Conajoharee as the same hath been Explained to us by the Interpreter, Several of us also under- standing the Indian Language. And we farther declare that this Meeting hath been strictly conducted in Conformity to the Order of his Excellency the Governor and Council of the 19^. of January last. — In Testimony whereof we have subscribed our names hereto at Conajoharee March 1 1 •^ 1 763 —
W**. Johnson
HaNJOST HeRCHHEIMER Justice
Piter Conyn Justs. John Wells Justice Isaac Vrooman Justice Hend^ Prey Jn^ Justice John Butler Justice CoNROD pRANCK Justice Jacob klock Justice
INDORSED : Proceedings
At a meeting held at Conajoharee March 10*. 1763. In the presence of Sir W™ Johnson and several Justices of the Peace Pursuant to an Order of his Excel^y the Governor & Council of 19^^ Jan^ 1763 — 22< March 1763. Read in Council
62 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM GEORGE CROGHAN A. L. 5/
Fort Pitt March 12'^ 1763 HoN"^. Sir
Two Days Ago I was Feaver'^. with yours of y^. 30'^ De^^ on Recept of y'. former Leter I Wrote M^ M*^ Gee & att the Same Time Desierd he wold Write y^ Honour & Lett you know what had Come to his knoHdge of the Causes of y®. Indians uneseyness on Susquehanna w^. I make No Doubt he has Don
I Wrote y^ Honour by an Express wK Left this the Eight of Feby. & Sent you Every thing then werth y^ Notice & In a few Days I will Send you M"". Hutchens Draft w^. is finished Butt Did Nott think Safe to Send itt by y^. Barer who is Just Return^, with one Scalp from y^. Cherrokes I furnish^, him & his party as they were going with what Nesareys they then Wanted & Likewise Now on there Return
as y'^. Honour observes, y^. Indians that pass by this post to & from Warr are very unesey att our Not Suplying them with Amunision & Nesereys Notwithstanding I aShure you itt has Cost me above a years Salery within this twelf Months in trifels. More then y^. officer Commanding heer wold aLow them In order to keep them In Temper (So that I Can Say Now I Searve the king for Nothing & find mySelf )
Ever Sence y^. Reduction of Cannada the Indians in those parts apeard very Jelous of our Growing power Butt Sence I aquainted them of y^. paice & Lett them know that all North America was Ceaded to Greatt Britian they Seem Much More So
If the Indians whome you Menshon to have Murdred two white Men going from Nigra Should Come this Way I will Indeaver to have them Secured
^In the Newberry Library, Chicago, 111.
Posi-War Period, 1763-1774 63
I Expect in About Ten Days all y^, Cheeffs of y* Shawnees heer with all y*. prisners they have of ours after which I will Write y^ honour & transmitt you a Copey of My Proceedings with them
We have had a flood heer that was two foot Higher in y'. fort then that we had Last Spring — Butt we have had No Amunision Damedg'^. this time as we have None hear butt Several Houses Swept away I am with Greatt Esteem & Regard y"". Honours
Most Humble Servent
Geo: Croghan To the Honourable
Sir William Johnson Bar'. PS: S^ I am Much oblidg*^. to you for the Method you Recommend for Cureing My Disorder however I thank God I have gott over itt Some Months Ago & Doing My Duty My kilt I made a prseent of to a Scotch Leard who has Nott Learn*^. yett to Wear Breeks Pray make my Complements to M^ Johney Cap*. Johnson & Cap'. Clause who I heer is quit y*. army & Liveing with you I hope to have y^. plesher of Seeing Johnson Hall this Sumer if y*^. honour Aproves of My Request which I made in my Last Leter.
INDORSED : Fort Pitt March 1 2''^. 1 763 Letter from M^ Croghan by Mohawk Ind*. returning from War.
CORRESPONDENCE WITH JOHN LOTTRIDGE ETC.
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 1 62-63, are entered the following papers : a letter of March 12th from Captain John Lottridge at Montrial on precariousness of his position and his doubt as to wisdom of returning to the army, continued ill treatment of Caghnawagneys by the officer at Ticonderoga, preparations to punish sutler responsible for clrupl'cn debauch of the Indians at Conneshadagey, General Amherst's policy as to supply- ing Indians with ammunition. Governor Gage's probable retirement, de- jection of leading French families in Montreal over cession of Canada
64 Sir William Johnson Papers
and satisfaction of the common people, marriage of Miss Polly to Lieuten- ant Johnson, hunting dog sent down by Mr McCoumb, and draft on Johnson for £100; a letter of the 15 th to William Darlington, sending draft on Mr. Mortier, paymaster, for £120 curency, with directions to pay Hugh Wallace £20 and send up beef, rice, bohea tea and Amer- ican cheese and learn price of Madeira; a speech of Onondagaes on the 18th relative to murder of two men [in Seneca coimtry], informing of meeting to be held at Chenussio, asking that the General's sentiments may be announced there by Mohawk messengers, naming members of several tribes authorized to bring Johnson report of Chenussio meeting, and seek- ing permission to send two principal warriors to confer with King George; a speech of Sir William to Onondagas on the 18th, suggesting that Onondaga is a better meeting place than Chenussio, agreeing to send word regarding General Amherst's sentiments, approving Indian messengers named, and promising to consider proposal to send deputies to King George, speech of Ondagoes, on the 19th, announcing resolution of Cayugas to refrain from interference in affair of Elder Brothers [Mo- hawks, Onondagas and Senecas] and go out against the Cherokees, and deprecating this resolve, and reply of Sir William, who delivered belt for Cayugas and message requesting their presence at Chenussio to assist in terminating trouble over murder; a letter of the 20th from John Glen Jun'r at Schenectady about payment of Indians employed by him and by Schuyler; an account, dated the 20th, of money paid by same to several persons for bateauing under David Schuyler from Schenectady to Little- falls; a letter of the 20th from Lieutenant Thomas Cottrell, at Fort Schuyler, desiring to buy piece of land in which Lieutenant Smith, de- ceased, was interested; a letter of the 21st from James Shuter, at Schnectady, asking for £50 due on bill; a letter of the 21st from James Rivington, at New York, sending account for pictures, books, etc, and promising to send magazines on arrival of packet; William Johnson's account of the 22d, against estate of the late Hitchen Holland ; a letter of the 22d from John Duncan at Schenectady, agreeing to Postmaster Colden's proposition, regarding a Schenectady mail service, for which Duncan is soliciting subscriptions, he to act as postmaster; a letter of the 22d from Witham Marsh, at New York, to " Good Sir William," explaining de- tention by "fresh fit of the gout," discussing bad conduct of Ferrall Wade in affair with Mr. Johnson [and John Macomb?], ostracism suffered by Wade on account of affair of Miss Corry, and suit for defamation
threatened by old Mr Smith against Mr W ce; and by a letter of
the 22d from Peter Silvester (lawyer) at Albany on debt of William Printrup, against whom he is proceeding for Colonel Hoffman, offering to stay action if Johnson will give his word for the money. These papers were destroyed by the fire.
' Posl-War Period, 1763-/774 65
MEETINGS RELATING TO INDIAN L.^NDS
IVednesda}) March 23'^ 1763.
Had a Meeting with y^ Mohawks & Several gentl". from Schenectady at Fort Johnson, when y^ Mohawks made claim to y* Lands from y^ Flatts of Schenectady to a place called Gagawariuni Alledging it never was sold by their Forefathers, but lent by them for a Range for their Cattle.
On w^. the Deputys from Schenectady produced the Indian Deed obtained for said Land from several of their Sachims in y^ year 1 679 & the Pattent granted in 1 684 by Gov^ Dongan, also severall Receipts for y^ Consideration.
To w*^. the Mohawks answered that they looked upon y'. small Payment only as Rent for s'^. Land & that they expected y^ Schenectady People would consider further of it. The Schenectady People being impatient to return being near night, got up & bid farewel to them & hoped there would be no more dispute ab* Said Land, but the Ind^ were much discontented at their thinking of going away before they had given them further Satisfaction in y^ affair. Saying that y^ Indian Names to y® Deed & Receipts were not Mohawk Names.
At length Lieu^ Col. Vanslyke desired they might return that as soon as they had reported w^ passed here to all y^ People concerned, they would take y^ same into consideration and send them an answer, at w^. they were satisfied & y^ Meeting broke up.
After y^ Schenectady Gentlemen Sett off, the Mohawks asked me my opinion of the affair w^. I gave them in favour of y^ Schenectady People, being satisfied with w^ writeings they had laid before me that y^ Land was purchased & paid for.
They then all seemed to acquiesce, but said y^ Consideration was too trifleing for so large & valuable a Tract of Land, and
^Original destroyed by fire.
3
66 Sir William Johnson Papers
that if the People of Schenectady would consider the affair in y*. Light, there should be nothing more ab*. it.
While they were in Council, Coll. Eliphalet Dyer & M'. Woodbridge of Stockbridge arrived at Fort Johnson, in order to know whether the Six Nations were comeing down to a meeting proposed to be held at Albany y^ 22^ Ins^ with them the New England People who were now come to Albany for y^ purpose & had with them between three & four Hundred Pounds as a pres^ to give y^ Six Nations in case they would consent to their y^ New England Peoples Settling & enjoying the Lands of and ab'. Skahandowana on the Susquahana, also 6 Bullocks & three Barrels of Pork. This Invitation was sent last autumn in write- mg by one John Smith who was with a Number of his Country People at Skahandowana^ and delivered to Thomas King of Oswego^ who I told them, had not (I thought) delivered it to the Six Nations as I heard them say nothing about itt when a few days ago assembled at my House. The before mentioned Gentlemen then made me an offer to be a Partner in y^ Land and to send up the Money to me, also the Bullocks & Pork &*=^. that I might call y^ Six Nations & give it to them |Drovided they agreed to their proposal, all which I refused with y'. slight it deserved, and gave them my opinion on the whole affair, also told them the unhappy consequences would in all probability follow, should they (as they often hinted) force a Settlement in them parts. After many fruitless efforts to prevail on me to join & assist them, they returned to Albany.
The Mohawks who were yet present being desirous to know their business were told it in part, and seemed very uneasy about it, giveing it as their opinion that if the New Englanders per- sisted in their design of Settleing said Lands, it would be of very bad consequence.
^Or Schahentoa, Wyoming Valley, Pa.
"Owego; sometimes written Oswegy. See Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y., 8: 120, 121, 122, 123. 125. 136.
Posl-War Period. 1763-1774 67
FROM WILLIAM CORRY ETC.
The preceding account is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 163, by a letter of March 24th from William Corry, at Albany, about money matters, scarcity of fodder, plentifulness of wheat, sufferings of Chesnut and Graham by robbery and incendiarism, arrival of Mrs. Gage with two children from Montreal, expectation that Colonel Burton will take com- mand at Montreal; and by an account of a meeting, on the 25th at Johnson Hall, with Mohawks relative to the conference at Chenussio, at which Chief Abraham reveals concern of Six Nations at intended emi- gration of Connecticut people to Skahandowana or Wioming, and begs that Johnson will ask Governor of Connecticut and intending settlers to wait till the movement has been considered at Chenussio, and Johnson approves this policy. Destroyed by fire.
FROM DAVID VAN DER HEYDEN A. L. 5.1
Albany 25^^ March 1763
Sir
These Waits on You With my unfeigned Regards and may Serve to Acquaint You that We are very Apprehensive of Evil Minded persons Harbouring Within this City for on the 1 5'^ instant the House of Ulrick van Vranke in the Tenure of M"^: Grymes (he being Gone to Schenectady) Was burnt With the house adjoyning it before it Could be Extinguished, and it Was With Great Difficulty the house of the Patroon Was Kept from Sharing the Same fate. As it was thought that Thives had been in and taken the Cash and most Valuable Effects, and set fire to the Rest to avoid a Discovery, as the Neighbors Who first Came to the fire, found the back door open — and this Morning a parcel of Shavings Were found fired in a Shed near a pile of Dry boards, at the house Where the Sign of Major Rogers
^In the New York Historical Society, New York City.
68 Sir William Johnson Papers
has hung for sometime; And this Afternoon fire Was Discov- ered under the Stable of Peter Lansingh ; — So that the Mayor and Corporation being Met, Desired that I would Order a Watch to be Kept, and as I thought it highly Necessary I have order'^. the Companys in this City to Keep Watch in their Turns, and this Night the Troop is to begin; the Watch is to Consist of an offic^"^ and at least Sixteen Men Who are to patrole the City and Apprehend all Villains h Strolers, and Deliver them to justice and I have Order'^. them to Continue the Watrh until they Shall Receive mine or My Superiors orders to the Contrary, and therefor Immediately Acquaint You therewith, and Desire to Know Wether its Agreable or not, in Expectation of An Answer
I Remain
Sir Your most Obedient
Humble Servant
David Van Der Heyden To Sir
William Johnson
INDORSED: Alb^. 25^^. March 1763 Letter from Liu*. Co''. Van Derheyden concern^ a guard to be kept In Alb^. —
FROM JOHN DUNCAN AND JOHN MACOMB
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 163, are entered the following: a letter of March 26th from John Duncan, at Schenectady, on new postal arrange- ment and movements of General and Mrs. Gage; and a letter of the 26th from John Macomb, at Albany, about molasses and salt which he will send up, severe thaw, dog brought from Captain Lottridge [in Canada I and Captain Lottridge's draft on Johnson in favor of Macomb for £ 1 00. These papers were destroyed in the lire.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 69
HORATIO SHARPE TO THE SIX NATIONS' ArmapoUs in Mar})land the 28^^ of I\/farch 1763. Brethren of the Six Nations
The Governor of Pensylvania having sent me a Belt which you gave him for the Governor of Maryland at the Treaty you held with him last Summer at Lancaster & having also signified to me that at the time you deliver'd such Belt You told him that one Daniel Cresap who lives on Potowmack in this Province had sent you Word by some of Your Warriors last Spring that if I would order him to keep a Store there he would provide everything for the Warriors who should pass and repass that Way and that you desired he might be allowed to do so and to receive any Messages, and that your Warriors may pass and repass thro this Province without Molestation, I have there^ upon wrote to M^ Cresap recommending it to him to Supply any of your Warriors that may have occasion to pass or repass thro this Province and near his House with such Provisions as they may want, for which he will I expect be paid by Your Brethren the Inhabitants of this Province, and I have also rec- ommended it to him in case any of your people shall choose to trade with him to procure and keep at his House such Goods as he Supposes they may want and be willing to purchase.
As the Inhabitants of this province have always retained a true regard for their Brethren of the Six Nations tho by reason of our being at so great a Distance and almost Surrounded by Virginia and Pennsylvania there has not been much Intercourse between you & us. You may be assured that your Warriors will not meet with any Molestation or Interruption as they pass or repass thro this Province while they themselves behave Peace- ably and as Brethren which I hope they will always do.
INDORSED: Gov^ Sharps Speech to the Six Nations.
^Qri^inal destroyed by fire.
70 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM JOHN HAMBLETON
The preceding speech is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 1 64, by a letter of March 28th from John Hambleton, at Newtown, L. I., offering to buy from 200 to 400 acres of land, and inclosing inquiry of John Springer and Isack Forshe about terms of settling on Johnson's land. It was destroyed by fire.
TO JEFFERY AMHERST
Johnson Hall March 30'^ J J 63. Sir
Herewith I have the honor to transmit your Excellency my Accompts of Indian Expences together with my Sallary & that of the officers in my Department calculated agreable to your Excelly^ directions to the 24'^ of this Instant, for all which I hope to be favoured with a Warrant.
In my Letter of the 24'^ of September last I made your Excell^y acquainted with some farther attempts made by the people of Connecticut towards a Settle'"^ on the Susquehanna River, & of the Journey of Col^. Fitch & M^ Chew to me thereon, which scheme I was in hopes they would have droipped, but to my Great Surprise Coll Dyer & one M'. Woodbridge came to my House a few Days ago with some proposals to the Indians, desiring my Interposition & insisting on their title to that Country in Right of the Connecticut Claim Extends, to the South Seas, and of the Indian Deed which I formerly mentioned to your Excell«^y. After I had represented that the very attempt towards a Settlement must produce a Quarrell between us & the Ind^ whom I was often obHged to acquaint that the affair was dropped in order to pacify them thereon, I gave them my opinion
^Original destroyed by fire. In the Public Record Ojfifice, London, England, is a transcript, in which the first paragraph is omitted and which differs in lesser particulars from the draft.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 71
on the fraudulent method of obtaining the Deed, & likewise that I was certain the 6 Nations would never sufFer them to Establish themselves on that which was their Warpath and best hunting ground.
Notwithstand^. which, these Gentlemen declared that the Sus- quehanna Compy. had been a great while concerned in the affair & had expended much money thereon, and therefore were deter- mined to settle imediately on the Land to the amount of 1000 Families & upwards, whom they Judged sufficient to defend their Claims against any opposition.
At the arrival of these Gentlemen, the Mohocks happened to be all present at a Meeting with me, & after having inquired into their errand. Expressed the greatest uneasiness thereat, as they said it must bring on a general disturbance throughout the whole Confederacy, they therefore had a private meeting together,^ the result of which was that they desired I wo*^. transmit their Sentiments on the Settlem'. to the Gov^ of Con- necticut together with a Belt of Wampum which they then delivered me requesting that Gov', to put a stop to the proceed- ings of these people, until after they held the meeting at Chenussio.
I need not observe to your Excell^y the dangerous consequences which must inevitably attend the Settlement of these people, having been formerly honored with your Sentiments thereon. If they only were to suffer, I think their rashness & defiance of all publick authority deserves it, but I am very apprehensive it will not stop there, but may prove a means of oversetting all our good measures hitherto taken to satisfy the Ind^ and prove too general & fatal to the Neighbouring frontiers
On this account I could not avoid requesting your Excell'^y', advice and interposition, otherwise these people will in a very short time throw everything into confusion and draw upon them-
^In the London transcript these words follow "together": "at their Castle, the Result of which they came with, and delivered to me Two Days ago; which was to Desire I would transmit etc."
72 Sir IVillhm Johnson Papers
selves and their neighbours the Resentment of the whole 6 Nations & the rest of their Allies beyond any probability of Reconciliation.
I have the Honor to be Sir &c His Excell^y Sir Jeff^. Amherst.
TO HENRY BARCLAY
Johnson Hall March 30^^ jj^S Dear Sir
I shall be very glad to know what progress, if any, hath been made In the Indian Book of Common prayer as it being a Work very much wanted, & greatly enquired after by the Indians. [And in case any other parts may he required towards the corn- pleating of the same, or that the Manuscripts which I sent you require any addition, I shall on notice thereof, use all my Endeavors to obtain what may appear farther necessary ]
I am of opinion that this Edition will conduce to incline the Christian Indians to the Established Church, which will have a better effect upon them than what I see arises from their inclina- tion to the Presbyterian as all those Ind^. who are Instructed by the Dissenting Ministers, (who are the only Clergy in these parts) have imbibed an air of the most Enthusiastical cant, [and are in short intermixed with the greatest Distortion of the features & zealous Belchings of the Spirit, resembling the most bigotted Puritans Their whole time being spent in Singing psalms amongst the Country people, whereby they neglect their Hunting & most Worldly affairs, & are in short become very Worthless members of Society^]
'In Library of Congress, Washington, D. C. ; in haridwriting of Guy Johnson.
^Cr^ssed put in the original,
Posi-War Period. 1763/774 73
I cannot omit mentioning my opinion of the great necessity there is for some Ministers of the Established Church to reside in these parts, as well for the Whites, as Indians, without which the former must in a Short time become altogether Presbyterians, which I have observed seldom betters them. [Encreasing the Misanlhroph^ of the Splenelicff, & rendering them Enemies to all our Latvs & the British Constition; and as to the lnd\ who in general begin to incline to that Presbytery all those of that denomination, are lil^ejvise become the most troublesome & dis- contented Exchanging their Morality for a Sett of Cloomy Ideas, Tvhich always renders them Worse Subjects but never better Men]
I am persuaded that on Yours, & M^ Ogilvie's Representa- tion, the Society would be readily induced to take the same into Consideration & make some appointments in this Country for Clergy of the Church of England, whose Character I shall at all times support amongst the Ind*. to the utmost of my power.
As I imagine you agree with me in opinion of the necessity of w'. has been mentioned, I shall not offer at any Apology for what I have observed but assure you that,
I am &ca The Rev D"* Barclay
Indorsed: Johnson Hall March 30'^. 1763 Letter to M^ Barclay concern^ the Indian Prayer Book, & the Establishing of Protestant Ministers
'Crossed out in the original.
74 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO JAMES HAMILTON
Johnson Hall March 30^^ fJ63. Dear Sir
A Few Days ago one Voll/ Dyer, together with one M'. Woodbridge, both of N. England arrived at my House & informed me they came from the Susquehanna Company and were charged with a sum of money which they purposed to give the Ind^ at a meeting they expected to have had with them at Albany, in order to reconcile them to the Settlement on that River. I assured them that the Ind^ certainly had no intention to meet them on any such acco'. as they wo'^. have undoubtedly made me acquainted therewith. The Chiefs of all the 6 Nations having been with me a few days before, and then gave them my sentiments on their intended Settlement as I had formerly done to Col'. Fitch, representing the fatal consequences which must inevitably attend such a Settlement not only to the Settlers, but the Inhabitants on the Neighbouring Frontiers too, and that I was convinced the Ind^ would never consent thereto. The answered that the Company having obtained the Right of the House of Representatives by virtue of the Connecticut Claims westward & having likewise obtained a Deed, & Expended much money in the affair were determined to make a Settlement thereon immediately with a formidabl body of Men sufficient to support their Claims, at the same time repeatedly requested my assistance or acquiescence & made some offers, which being rejected, they took their leave designing as they said to put their resolves in Execution.
That Day I happened to have a Meeting with all the Mohocks who on my inform?, them of the Cause of their visit. Expressed
^Original destroyed by fire.
^"Voll" in copy; C being mistaken for V evidently.
- Post-lVar Period, 1763-1774 75
the utmost uneasiness & Declared that such a procedure must occasion a Gen', quarrell with all the Confedracy and departed in great concern.
On the 25th of this inst. they all came to my House & Deliv- ered me a Speech setting forth the fatal consequences which must attend the design, & desiring the Gov^ of Connecticut wo^. put a stop thereto at least until the result of a general Meeting which they are shortly to have at Chenussio when (amongst other matters) they wo*^. take the same into consideration & dehvered a Belt of Wampum thereon.
Which speech together with their Belt I have this day sent to Gov^ Fitch at the same time writing to him fully thereon, & requesting he would use his utmost endeavours to put a stop to that scheme for the preservation of peace on the frontiers. I have also wrote to Sir Jeff: Amherst & strongly desired his interposition therein.
As I found by these Gentlemen who attended me on behalf of the rest that they were unanimously determined to force the Settlement, I Judged it highly proper to make you acquainted therewith, that you may be enabled in time to make such remon- strances to Gov^ Fitch, or to take such other Steps as you may judge necessary, to prevent the fatal consequences which I am convinced must follow the putting their designs in Execution, from the resolution of the 6 Nations to oppose the same, which must certainly be felt in all the Neighbouring parts by breaking up the back Settlements to the great prejudice of the next Colonies, & which may probably involve us in a universal Indian War. I hope some measures may be speedily taken to put a final stop to a Scheme of so dangerous a Nature and am with great Esteem, D^ Sir
The Hon^'^ Gov^. Hamilton.
76 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO RICHARD PETERS
Johnson Hall March 30'^ 1763 Dear Sir
I could have wished your favor of the 14*^ Ins*, had arrived a few days sooner, as I have lately had a meeting with the Chiefs of the 6 Nations, when in consequence of M^ Croghans letter I spoke to them concerning their haveing the Line run which they assured me they had not once thought of or taken into consideration, at which time had I been in possession of the Map since sent me I might have easily introduced the subject. The Quantity of Land unpurchased to y^ Branch appears to me to be about what you mention according as the same is laid down by the Map, and I think the River is the most certain and best Boundary for the preventing of Disputes with Indians, for which reason I shall not fail takeing an opportunity of laying the same before them, & desireing their concurrence with the Proprietaries request. Which should they agree to the same must be purchased. I should therefore be glad you would inform me what consideration they would chuse to give for the addition of Land that I may not be at a loss to acquaint them therewith. You may on that subject offer my kind Compliments to the proprietaries & assure them that I shall at all times heartily concur with them in any thing conducive to the increase of the province, consistent with the Duty of my Employment.
A few Days ago Col'. Dyer & M^ Woodbridge of New England came hither from the Susquehanna Company & desire- ing my Interposition with the Ind*. & making me some offers, which being rejected, they declared their intention to Settle thereon with so Considerable a body as will maintain their pos- session. For farther particulars on that head I refer you to my Letter this day wrote to Gov'. Hamilton. I have likewise wrote to Sir Jeffy. Amherst, 6c to Gov"^. Fitch & enclosed the
^Original destroyed by fire.
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774 77
latter a Speech from the Mohocks relative thereto, as also
desired his Interposition to prevent the consequences w*^^. I am
confident must follow their prosecuting a Scheme w*^^. must draw
the Imediate resentment of the whole 6 Nations not only on the
rash Settlers, but the Innocent Inhab'*. on the Neighbouring
frontiers. t Pk, c* s r»
1 am L)^ oir fit*^*.
RiCH^. Peters Esqr.
TO DAVID VAN DER HEYDEN
gjj^ Johnson Hall March 30'^ 1 763.
I have had the favour of yours giving an acc^ of the Steps you have taken since the late fire in Albany, at the requisition of the Mayor & Corporation of that City, of which Steps I approve as there is no Nightly Watch established for that pur- pose, which 1 look upon to be very necessary tor the better
government of the police, and I make no doubt that in a proper representation the Mayor & Aldermen & Commonalty wall be so far convinced of the necessity thereof as to take some steps for appointing such a Guard, which a City as considerable & Large as Albany most certainly requires, and will in my opinion be more than ever wanted as soon as the Regiments come to be disbanded, amongst whom there are many Men who from their having no livelyhood will be induced to commit Robberies & other Crimes incident to all large Towns.
I hope however that there wont be much occasion any longer for the employing of the Militia on a Duty which must appear hard to them, and am of opinion that until the Corporation may take some such measures as I have hinted at. The Civil Magis- trates may by a strict Exertion of their authority detect such Villains, & in a great measure prevent such Outrages for the future. I am Sir CoL"-. David Van Der Heyden. . „
^Original destroyed by fire.
78 Sir William Johnson Papers
CORRESPONDENCE WITH HENRY VAN SCHAACK ETC.
The preceding letters of the 30th are followed in the Johnson Calendar p. 164-65, by a letter of April 1st from Henry Van Schaack at Albany, acknowledging account against estate of Hitchen Holland and mentioning a slight matter to be set against it; by a letter of the 2d from William Weyman (printer) at New York to Dr. Henry Barclay on new edition of Indian prayer book (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:326-27; Q. 4:209); by a letter of the 4th from John Macomb at Albany about molasses, the dog Prince, and loss of account; by a letter of the 4th from Alexander Colden at New York on Schenectady mail service, and state of Mr Cunningham's and other patents; by a letter of the 4th from William Darlington at New York about draft received and applied on account, trees, herbs, seeds, etc. to be sent on Volkert Dow's sloop, and price of Madeira — £70 per pipe; by a letter of the 4th from William Corry at Albany, sending account of collections, with account of estate of Garret Van Antwerpe, and mentioning suit for slander to be brought under the statute of Richard 2 in scandalum magnatum; by a letter of the 4th from Johnson at Fort Johnson to John Pownall [London] , inquir- ing about papers — proceedings at Easton in dispute between Delawares and Proprietors of Pennsylvania, deeds etc. — sent to the lords of trade, describing his titles to two tracts, one on the Susquehanna and the other on the Mohawk, and offering the former to the King for colonization or other public use, or to some land company, and asking such representation, by the lords of trade, of his labors in defending and settling the frontier as will procure him a royal patent for the latter, the Conajoharee tract; by a letter of the 5th from William Priddie at New York, offering to supply seeds or trees. These papers were destroyed by fire.
TO GOLDSBROW BANYAR
Johnson Hall April 7'h 1763 Dear Sir
A Few days before the receipt of yours of the 28*^^ Ult°. The Indians who had accompanied young Klock passed by my House where they met with Cap^ Claus one of my Deputys to
^Original destroyed by fire.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 79
whom they gave the particulars of their proceedings at New York," saying that they had there declared they had heard the Lands as far up as the Big Rocks in y'^ River, a verry remark- able place & called by y^ Indians from y^ earliest time Oneiade (which is three Miles below Schylers) had been disposed of, and that they had strongly persisted in affirming that no Land higher up the River had been sold, and that when a Tall Gentle- man (who by their description must be M^ Rutherford) had Insisted on the purchase Extending farther, they had denied it and Vehemently opposed the same. This is their Ace".
I cannot for my part be induced to think that the Governor & Council would have approved of the Exammation of a few Indians who are Esteemed Vagabonds by the Whole Castle & by all y^ Inhabitants nor how Jacob who passed for a Chief among them, could mention his Ancestors having sold even to these Rocks, when his father was a flathead and taken prisoner by y^ Mohawks, much less can I imagine that they would ap- prove of, or receive the oaths of any Indians of the 5 Nations which I am certain has never yet been allowed as Evidence before any Persons whatsoever. The effects of such a precedent may be of the most fatal consequnces. Nay, I am positive the affidavits of the whole Conajoharee Castle may be imediately obtained if such is allowed in evidence to prove the contrary of what I am informed these few have sworn & falsely their Testimony.
I am also very much surprised that after the order of the Gov"^. and Council directed to me to hear the Ind"^ Sentiments In the presence of sev'. Justices of the peace, which order was most Strictly complyed with the partys sho^. have taken any further measures with^ public authority, or that the least atten- tion should have been paid to any Protest whatsoever as it seems to throw a Reflection, & Evidently implys doubt of the Impar- tiarity of our proceedings. His Majestys Justices who sat with me in that Meeting, cannot but consider matters in the same light
^On March 22d, Calendar of Council Minutes, p. 461.
80 Sir William Johnson Papers
and must certainly be greatly concerned at so little regard which is paid to their Testimony.
I must farther observe as I have done lately in a Letter to the Attorney General that on strict inquiry it appears not one of the four persons whose names are inserted in the Indian Deed were either Sachems of Conajoharee, or persons of the least consequence at the time of obtaining the same, one of them being an Indian of Scoharee who never co*^. have pretended the least right therein and Aragheadicka of y^ Mohawks who signed it hath himself acknowledged several times in public meet- ings that he did not consider himself, neither was he of the least consequence as a Disposer of the Lands at that time. It is amazing that at that period when there were so many Indians of Great Consequence in y^ Castle & Leading men of the 6 Nations, not one of them should have signed the Deed, under which the Parties claimed, and which if Legal, does not com- prehend one half of their present demands, and I am sorry I have the utmost reason to apprehend that the Ind^ appear not in a disposition to wait the very tedious determination of a Court, particularly as the News lately received of the Intentions of the Connecticut people to force a Settlement Imediately on the Susquehanna, hath sufficiently alarmed not only the Mohocks & all the 6 Nations, but their Allies, who are already greatly irritated on that Subject.
I should be glad that you would make a proper use of this Letter by Communicate, the contents thereof to his Excell*=y. the Gov*". & Council as I think it my duty to make every such remon- strance which may appear Essential to the Peace and Welfare of the province.
I am &c*. G. Banyar Esq^
Posl-War Period, 1763-1774 81
RECORD OF MEETING WITH AN ONONDAGA
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar p. 165, by a record of a meeting on April 7th with Karaghijagiya, an Onondaga, who brings belts and friendly assurances, but expresses concern over Susquehanna settlement and troubles of Mohawks about possession of their lands, also of departure of Mohawk ambassadors for Onondaga meeting, and return of express with answer of Governor Fitch of Connecticut to Mohawk message and Johnson's letter. It was destroyed by fire.
TO HENRY GLADWIN
Johnson Hall April 8'^ 1763 Dear Sir
I did not receive your favor of November last, until a few days ago, owing perhaps to the stoppage of the Communication during the winter.
Before this reaches you, you will undoubtedly have heard of the Preliminaries having been signed towards a General Peace between England, France & Spain, by which Portugal is saved, & France taken off the King of Prussias Shoulders, all Canada ceded to us by France, Florida by Spain and the River Missis- sippi to be our boundary tow'^^ Louisiana, so that we are to become Masters of Mobile & all their fine Settlements to the Eastward of that River, and your neighbours at the Illinois to become British Subjects, but I shall not enlarge on particulars, referring you to the publick papers which have been sent to Oswego long ago. We daily expect the Ratification of these preliminaries, and altho' nothing co'^. have so Effectually pro- moted the Security of our Frontiers as the Entire reduction of Louisiana. I am yet hopefull that the Limits granted us will prevent the Enemys having much opportunity to poison the Minds of the Ind^ I could wish you found your situation at Detroit
^Original destroyed by fire.
82 Sir William Johnson Papers
more agreable and that the necessary Exipences attending such an outpost met with more credit, convinced that you would never involve the Governm*. in any Expences but such as the Service required of the necessity of which, all who command on the frontiers have been very sensible, & without which it will be impossible to maintain these posts.
Whenever I get the Acc'^ of the Interpreters certifyed by y^ officers at whose Posts they serve, I shall apply to the General, who will certainly pay them, but I imagine it will save a great deal of time & trouble, if you include them in your own Acc'». for the future.
I have not forgot the powerfull Effect of the Charms of the Lady who honours me with a place in her remembrance, & should be very happy in any opportunity which might offer of paying her my Devoirs.
You will probably not remain long at Detroit. Whenever you change Quarters I heartily wish they may be for the better, and that it may afford you an opportunity of Visiting these parts, where I shall at all times be glad to see you.
Lieu*. Johnson desires his Compliments to you & all friends and I am D^ Sir &ca.
Major Gladwin at Detroit.
FROM WITH AM MARSH A. L. 5.1
A^eip York, April 8^^ J 763. Sir,
This morning, and not before, I had the pleasure of receiving your kind, and intelligent Lre^ of the 23d ult°. Why it did not come sooner I know not, for M^ Darlington calls at the
^Original destroyed by fire. ^Letter.
Postwar Period, 1763-1774 83
Post-Office every Saturday. I have transcribed all relating to the Indians, which must please Sensible people, tho the Envious will Growl, and sent it to M^ Weyman.
It gives me pain to find you so much plagu'd w^. Savage affairs, especially at this time of the year. In my last of the 2^. instant, I had the honour of acquainting you with what Joe Newtymas & Ca^*. Bull were pleas'd to confess. The con- cessions made by the Chenussiaes and your conduct with respect to inhibiting the avaritious People to trade with them, are matters to be highly relish'd by the well-meaning.
If any matter of moment happens before I reach the Hall, I beg you'll communicate it, according to your kind promise. I am extremely sorry I am not with you: but my blessed cause comes on this Term, and I must attend in person to Spur up the Lawyers, besides drawing Truth (if possible) from the Witnesses.
You do me a great Favour by enquiring after my Health — • God knows 'tis bad enough, but the Gravel daily lessens. By a ship arrived in 6 weeks from England, we learn that Party is higher than ever: that the English are indiscriminately term'd Rebels : So the years 1 5 & 45 are forgot, and the Honest people in those times, who wo*^. have murder'd only two Kings and the Duke of Cumberland, have branded us with infamous Appellations !
Darlington swears Gov^ Monckton is married to M". Steele,^ by the approbation of his Friends.
My complem**. to Cap*. Guy Johnson, & both Families, being ever, with sincere respect, D^ Sir W™.
Yo"". much obliged & mo : H^^^. Ser*.
WiTHAM Marsh.
Honble. Sir W". Johnson, Bart. &c. &c. &c.
^Monckton was never married. See Dictionary of National Biography.
84 Sir William Johnson Papers
CHARGES AGAINST URY KLOCK ETC.
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 165, by charges of April 9th under 13 heads against Ury Klock [drawn up by Dominie J. G. Lappius] ; and by an indenture of the 9th binding Margriet "the Daughter of Jannetye an Indian Squaw" in service to Johannis Roorbach for seven years, interest in service of Margriet assigned June 1 0, in consideration of £.10, to Abraham Wendell, and assigned March 13, 1 766, to Sir William Johnson. Destroyed by fire.
FROM JEFFERY AMHERST Contemporary^ Copy^
New York, lO^f^ April 1763 Sir,
Just before I Received your Letter of the 30'^. March, I had Opened One from the Earl of Egremont^ on the Same Subject. Enclosing a Letter to Governor Fitch, wherein he Acquaints him of His Majesty's Disapprobation of the Steps taken by Con- necticutt People for Settling on the Lands on the Susquehannah. and Directing the Governor to Exert Every Legal Authority over the People in his Government, & Employ his utmost Influence to fprevent the Prosecution of any such Settlement, 'till the State of the Case can be Laid before His Majesty: I shall therefore. In Obedience to the King's Commands, Forward this Letter to Gov^ Fitch,^ which, I Trust, will at once put a Total Stop to any Proceedings of this Nature; Untill His Majesty
^In Public Record Office, C. O. 5.63, London, Ejigland.
^Charles, Earl of Egremont, secretary of state.
^Amherst's letter to Governor Fitch, written on the 10th, is printed in Collections of the Connecticut Historical Society, 18:229-30, Fitch Papers, 2.
Post--War Period, 1763-1774 85
shall be thoroughly Acquainted with the True State of the pretended Claim to the Lands in Question.
I am, with great Regard,
Sir,
&ca. Jeff: Amherst. Sir W"^. Johnson, Bar'.
INDORSED Copy
Letter from Sir
Jeffery Amherst to Sir W™.
Johnson.
In Answer to Sir W"".'^ of the 30*1^.
March
That he had just received a
Letter from the Earl of Egremont
to Gov^ Fitch, containing His
Majesty's Disapprobation of the
Steps taking by the Connecticutt
People to Settle on the Susquehannah ;
which he should forward to Gov*^.
Fitch, & Trusted a Total Stop
would be put to that Scheme,
untill the King was thoroughly
Acquainted with the Nature of
the Whole Affair.
Dated New York, 10*^. April 1763.
in S'. J. Amherst's' of April 12: 1763
N°. 2.
FROM ANTHONY LAMB ETC.
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 166, are found the following: a letter of April 1 1 th from Anthony Lamb, at New York, sending ivory scale and a dial to answer the latitude of 43° 30' and seeds of apple of curious sort; a letter of the 12th from William Darlington, at New York, about re-
^Amherst's letter does not refer specifically to these enclosures.
86
Sir William Johnson Papers
ceipts and letter inclosed, articles forwarded which came from Ireland, etc.; a receipt of the 12th from Volkert A'm Douw, at New York, for articles from William Darlington, to be conveyed to Sir William Johnson or order at Albany; and a receipt of the 12th of Alexander Wallace, at New York, for Hugh Wallace, for £20 received by hand of Mr Darlington. These papers were destroyed by fire.
FROM JAMES RIVINGTON A. L. S.^
N York April 13 1763, S^. W Johnson Bart.
B°'. of Ja Rivington.
Sundry New polite Pamphlets & a play 3
The Court Register 0
The Reverie 2 vs 0
Chinese pieces 2vs 0
The Cheval Pierrepoint 2 vs 0
Millennium Hall 0
The polite Lady 0
|
1 |
6 |
|
5 |
0 |
|
14 |
0 |
|
13 |
0 |
|
12 |
0 |
|
7 |
0 |
|
7 |
0 |
£5: 19: 6
S«.
I have taken the Liberty to send you Sundry pamphlets & books of Entertainment much in request here as they intimate the present State of Politics in the most unsettled Nation of the World. The Reverie is a continuation of the Authors first work, y® Adv*. of a Guinea; in w'^'^. the same acrimonious Vein is highly preserved & a great variety of leading Characters are delineated in the most animated Stile. The others I presume may not be altogether unentertaining to the ladies. I am Sir your most obedient & obliged humble serv'.
Ja Rivington.
Charles Townsend is made Secretary of State vice Lord Egremond who goes to Ireland.
^Original destroyed by fire.
- Post-War Period, 1763-1774 87
TO THE PROPRIETARIES OF THE LOW LANDS NEAR SCHENECTADY
r> ,, Johnson Hall A pi. 14^^ 1763
Lientlemen
I have received your answer to the Mohocks relative to the Lands near Schenectady of the 25th ult". & agreable to your request assembled & made them acquainted with the purport. Notwithstanding which & w'. I said to them on y^ Subject they desire I may inform you that they remain still in the same senti- ments which they expressed at the former Meeting at my House, and that they cannot help thinking the Consideration was very trifling for the Lands w'^^. you hold, for which reason they desire you will fall upon some method which may make them forever easy on that Subject.
I shall at all times be glad to do you & y*^ Township any Service within my power consistent with the duty of my Employ- ment and am Gentlemen &c.
INDORSED: Letter to the Proprietaries of the Low Lands near Schenectady.
TO WILLIAM DARLINGTON
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 1 66, by a letter of April 15th to William Darlington, mentioning draft, house that is building, pork and beef desired, trees, seeds, etc., and snow which will linger 10 days longer in the woods; by a letter of the 16th from Daniel Campbell at Schenectady, telling of imprisonment of McCord, a blacksmith, for debt, and suggesting in what way Johnson may recover part of McCord's indebtedness to himself; by a letter of the 16th from Elinora Cummins, at Schenectady, acknowledging favor in regard to the house which she is about to give up, as she will leave this part of the country; by a letter of the 1 7th from H. Van Schaack, at Albany, giving the news that 22 battalions are to be kept in America, several regiments are to go to Ireland, Governor Ellis is to be Governor of Canada, and "our Governor" is to go home. These papers were destroyed by fire.
^Original destroyed by fire
88 Sir IVilliam Johnson Papers
FROM WITHAM MARSH A. L. S.^
Albany 18'^ April 1763. Vzafter 12 — Sir
I am this instant arrived here, after a passage of 6 days from York. I've observed y"^ orders about Ganse; and by advice of friends have appointed Jerry Renslaer my Deputy, for reasons I dare not write; but approv'd by People you esteem. M^ Johnson's things for his Lady are in the Sloop with me, and due care shall be taken of them. No News when I came from New York, except it is positively assured our Governor goes to England next June. The Lady and Children go this Month. M^ Wade is sculking at Philadelphia. No prosecution. Poor Flood is returned to York - — pennyless &ca.
Tomorrow the grand Riot, I hope, will be made in the Court here, about my deputation. Let them refuse it if they dare. The Attorney General has orders. As soon as I finish my affair with the Court (w*=^. will be very soon) I set out for the Hall to thank you sincerely for the favours you've done to Him, who is with great respect, Yo' most h^'^. & most obed'. Servant,
With AM Marsh. Hon''!*. Sir W^. Johnson Bart.
TO JOHN POWNALL
Johnson Hall April 18^^ ]U3 Sir
I had the honour of transmitting to the Right Honourable the Lords of Trade last August my proceedings at Easton in Pensil- vania relative to the Delawares complaint concerning their Lands together with several Deeds and papers laid before me by the
^Original destroyed by fire.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 89
Proprietaries agents as also my Letter and report thereon, and likewise my proceedings at Detroit with the Western Ind'. in 1761, but as I have not heard anything concerning their safe arrival in England, about which I am very anxious, I judged it proper to address you on that head, and must request you will please to inform me whether they have been received, and whether my procedings have meritted their Lordships approbation. And as I know no Gentleman who can give me better informa- tion I must also beg your advice and Sentiments concerning some Lands, in which I have been engaged within this Province, in order to which, I shall take the Liberty to trouble you with some particulars concerning one of TWo Tracts for which I have obtained the most Compleat Indian Deed of Gift ever granted by the Six Nations. It is Scituate on the North Side of the Mohock River, nearly opposite the Indian Castle or Village called Conajoharee, and is bounded as follows Vizt. Beginning at the North Westerly Corner of the rear line of a Patent or Tract of Land purchased by the late Teady McGinn & others, which Corner of beginning is on the bank of a Creek or Kill called by the Indians Dekayonharowe" and about thirteen miles from the Mohawk River, running thence Northwesterly to the Westerly bank of another large Creek or Kill called by the Indians Deyoghtaghraron," by the Christians Canada Kill or Creek at Burnetsfield, from thence down along the Westerly side or bank of said Canada Creek or Kill to the Lands patented formerly by the Christians, and so down to the Mohawk River, then round the several Tracts of Land already patented within the before mentioned two Creeks or Kills, taking in all the vacant Land between the said two Creeks from the rear line to the Mohawk River, containing by a rough computation about 40 or 50 thousand acres of Land; and was given to me about two years ago by the Whole Mohawk Indians assembled in publick
^Variants of these names for East Canada creek and West Canada creek occur in Johnson to Banyar, January 2, 1 761, q. v. For others see Beauchamp, Aboriginal Place Names of New York, p. 92,
90 Sir William Johnson Papers
meeting, who requested I would accept of the same as a testi- mony of their Esteem for me and their desire to make me some return for my friendship to them whilst they had any Lands left to dispose of, and thereupon signed a Deed for the same declar- ing it as their unanimous and free Donation, but as I notwith- standing knew their wants, and that it was usual in such Cases to give them somewhat in return, I imediately afterwards gave them the sum of 1200 Dollars or £480 Currency in Specie together with a handsome present for their familys, after which I took the necessary Steps tow'^^ obtaining a patent for the same, in which I flattered myself I should have met with no opposition, but contrary to my Expectations many delays were made, and at length I was given to understand that in order to obtain the patent, I must admit certain persons as sharers with me therein, on which the afFair should be settled immediately. However, the delay which these persons had created, occasioned nothing to have been done therein at the time when His Majestys Instruc- tions to the Governor arrived, forbidding any further grants to be made without the Kings Special License and approbation. This effectually put a stop to my prosecuting mu^ Just claim, and determined me upon writing to England concerning it; Satisfied that the legality thereof would there be impartially considered, and that some consideration would be had of the many risques I have run both of Life and Fortune in Encour- aging and promoting the Settlement of the rest of my Lands in this Country, which I do assure you I have not laid aside as a thing which may turn to value hereafter, as is the custom of all the possessors of large Tracts within this province. Altho' my Lands lay on the Frontiers here, & much more open to the Incur- sions of all the Enemies parties than any other, I nevertheless at a Considerable Expence established above 100 Familys thereon during the heat of the War, furnishing them with Cattle, provisions & money to encourage them to remain thereon, at a time when all the Neighbourhood were abandoning their Settle-
^My. It is "mu" in the copy.
Post-lVar Period, 1763-1774 91
ments, which they would have left to a Man to the great detri- ment of the province, if not induced to the contrary by my own Example & that of my Tenants, for which purpose I spent all the time in which I was not on the publick service, in a small Lodge in the Wild Woods amongst them.
This duly considered I make no doubt will have great weight in England as the increase of Settlements and strengthening the frontiers (with the approbation of the Six Nations) must be thought of universal advantage and will, I flatter myself, induce his Majesty on the premises being duly submitted to his Royal consideration, to grant me a patent for said land that I may not suffer in my private fortune for my Endeavours which are as evidently calculated for the publick good as my own private interest.
I have now only to request the favour of your advice and assistance in this affair, and that you would if necessary lay the same before the Lords of Trade, or thro' any other Channel! which may be the best for obtaining the same. I am encouraged to give you this trouble, as I am well acquainted with your ability, and have the strongest reliance on your confidence, and inclination to do me this friendly office, which I request as a very particular favor, together with your answer as soon as is Con- venient, and I beg leave to assure you that I shall at all times receive your commands with the utmost pleasure, and omit no opportunity of testufying how much I am with great Sincerity, Sir,
Your most Obedient Humble Servant, John Pownall Esq^
92 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM RICHARD SHUCKBURGH A. L. S.^
Nerv York 18'^ April 1763 Dear Sir
I received your very kind Letter some Weeks after the Date being seldom in Town and having but few Correspondents I neglect going to the Post Office.
I am doubly to congratulate you on the Marriage of both your Daughters and birth of a Grand child, which I sincerely do, wishing you and them a continuance of all the happiness you and they at present participate, being convinced you all mutually do enjoy a great Portion by the manner of your inti- mating to your old Friends those joyous Events.
As to my Land in the Mohawks in conjunction with the Sieur Banjar, I would be glad if you could sell my part (which is Six hundred & fourty Acres at least) for as much N. Y. Currency as will purchase a Bill of one hundred & fifty Pounds Sterl. As to Culling it as Mess'■^ Fonda and Conine, those cunning Coun- erymen, have mentioned to me in the handHng way ; I cant come into it, and if it will not fetch the above Sum, it must remain till it will. In the meantime with your leave I shall send you a Power of Attorney to sell it for me, as by what I can hear our Regiment is going to England or Ireland; the latter of most talk'd of, and where I am most inclined, and have brought my family to the same way of thinking; if that takes place I shall beg to be the Carrier of some of your letters to your friends, and embrace your obliging offer of Recommending me again to My L*^. Hallifax. Your interest with him & some of your friends may be of Service to me in any scituation. Our Camp & other Regimental Equipage is some of it sold & the Q. M. Serj'. goes in a Day or Two to Philadelphia to Sell the Remainder there, such as Tents, Camp Kettles &c. The next Pacquet or Man
^Qri^inal destroyed hj fire.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 93
of War which is Expected may bring the News of the Definitive Treaty being signed which possible may determine my travels in the Wilderness where like the Wandering Jews I have been told of, shewn and even tasted the fruits of the rich Land of Promise and Poor Land of Performance but possibly twas ordained, as it is said of those Vagabond Hebrews, I shoud not arrive there. These ridiculous reflections help to dissipate the Chagrin I am constantly possess'd with on thinking how unluckily I was crowded out of your office where I had some reason to believe you wished me to remain: I endeavour to forget that & every disappointment being as merry as I can make myself & those about me & am apt to say somewhat like Scarron when he was dying, that I may have made more people laugh in my life time in this world of America than will cry at my departure out of it. I hear this Day that Transports are hired for Cork to sail in a Month of^ five Weeks but I dont know that it is for our Reg^ However I shall break up housekeeping upon the first News of our Moving & sell off all. Houses, Lotts of ground, & furniture such as large Service of Table China, soop Dish & other large Dishes w'^. four Dozen Plates, five with y^ soop Plates. Neat strong Mahogany furniture & w^^. if you have a mind to purchase I dont think you can suit yourself cheaper or better. If I can get leave & there should be time I shall Endeavour to pay my Compliment of taking leave in Person if I dont hear of your Coming to N. York. Be pleased to recommend me kindly to all about you for I cannot have a heartier affection for any but my own family than I have for every connection of yours. I came to Town this Morning to write this Letter & I am afraid I shall be too late for the Post so take my leave being in great sincerity y"^ most oblig'd & very humble Serv*.
R''. Shuckburgh
To the Honble SiR WiLLM. JOHNSON.
i"Of" in the copy; "or" was doubtless written.
94 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM CHARLES WILLIAMS A. L. 5.^
A^en; York 18 April 1763 Dear Sir
I should have done myself the honour to have answered your favour sooner but was prevented by M^ Jones being very 111 at the time & after that was confined for a fortnight my self, at last when I spoke to him he told me he believed M"^. Oliver De Lancey had it. He directed me to Banyar who told me he had recorded it but had not the power. A few days agoe M^ De Lancey found it in his office & have it now in my pos- session with the other papers from M^ Jones w'^^. when you have an opportunity to order by some safe hand shall send you, not caring to trust them by the post, but did not advertize them as you directed because M"". Jones tells me the power of Attorney from M". Cosby to you is only for her lands in Albany County, that I must write to her to send you a General power to dispose of all her lands in this province which shall do by my son who is going with his wife and Child in the Intriped Cap*. Hale in about a fortnight by which time have her answer shall endeavour to Inform you about the lands & the ore. I remember it was opened & they found a large body of lead which was very good but dont remember they found the vein & they left off working it as some that was concerned in it did not care to be at the Expence of working it. However some Casks of it was sent home but never heard their opinion about it. We have some flying report here that M'. Pitt is made Secretary of State in the room of Lord Egremont. Some believe it & others do not. Have nothing more at present but M". WiHiams & my Family joyn me in Our humble respects to you. Wishing you a long enjoyment of health I remain with great respect Dear Sir Your most obed*. humble Servant
Chas. Williams.
^Original destroyed by fire.
Post'War Period, 1763-1774 95
CORRESPONDENCE CONCERNING WESTERN INDIANS^
April 20— Ma^ 29, 1763
Extracts of Letters, &ca. Regarding Some Bad Dispositions of the Indians in the Western Department. 1 763.
N°. 1. Major Gladwin, Commanding Officer at the Detroit to Sir Jeffery Amherst, Dated 20*^ April 1 763.
" I Enclose your Excellency a Letter, and a Belt from the Officer Commanding at Miamis; and I have only to Add, that I am pretty well Informed by Other Hands, that the Six Nations, Shawnese, & Delawares Indians are 111 Disposed, and that they have been Tampering with the Indians this Way, but I Believe without Effect: They say We mean to make Slaves of them, by Taking so many Posts in their Country, and that they had better Attempt Something now, to Recover their Liberty, than Wait till We were better Established; This they Told my Exipress (a Chief of One of the Nations here) on his Return from Fort Pitt, which I Thought proper to Mention to your Excellency, in order that you may Know their Sentiments.
This Murder was Committed I have Wrote to Fort Pitt, last Summer, & was Attended Sandusky, & Presqu' Isle, with Several Shocking Cir- to Advice them of the cumstances : M^ Claphan was Temper of the Indians — a Trader Coming from the The Panis who Escaped Detroit, with his two Panis from the Guard last Win- Slaves, a Man & a Woman, who, ter, got off to the IHinois ; by their own Confession, Mur- therefore I Thought it best dered him, by Cutting off to Try the Woman, who his Head, & Throwing his Body was Sentenced to be Hang- in a River: They were Deliver- ed, for being aji Accom- ed up by a Party of Indians, plice in the Murder of the
^In Public Record Office, C. O. 5.63, London, England.
96 Sir William Johnson Papers
whom the Panis Charged as Late M^ Clapham, which
being the Principal Perpetrators I had put in Execution in
of the Murder, but this the the most PubHck manner."
Indians Denied : The General
however Sent a Warrant to
Major Gladwin for the Tryal
of the Murderers : And by
this Letter it Appears that the
Man has made his Escape,
but that the Woman being
found Guilty, has Suffered,
according to her Crime. —
N°. 2. Ensign Holmes, Commanding Officer at Miamis to Major Gladwin, Dated Fort Miamis, 30*^. March 1 763 ; & Enclosed with the Foregoing.
" I Received your Letter of the 22*^. February, with the Impor- tant News of a Peace, which I have, by your Directions, made Known to all my Garrison, & to the Indians about this Post; And since my Last Letter to you, wherein I Acquainted you of the Bloody Belt being in this Village, I have made all the Search I could about it, and have found it out to be True; Whereon I Assembled all the Chiefs of this Nation, & after a long & trouble- some Spell with them, I Obtained the Belt, with a Speech as you will Receive Enclosed: This Affair is very timely Stopt, and I hope the News of a Peace will put a Stop to any further Troubles with those Indians who are the principal Ones of Set- ting Mischief on Foot: I Send you the Belt, with this Packett, which I hope You will Forward to the General."
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 97
N°. 3. Copy of a Speech made by the Chiefs of the Miamis Indians, at the DeHvery of a Belt of Wampum, Sent to them from the Shawnese Nation, & Referred to in the Foregoing — Fort Miamis, 30'*^. March 1763.
" My Brother.
According to your Desire & Treaties with Us, I Have Con- sulted with our Chief Warriours, in respect to this Belt of Wampum, which you Discovered to be in this Village; & We all think it best to Deliver it to you, so that you may Send it to your General; thoo' We were not to Let this Belt be Known of, till it Arrived at Ouattanon ; and then were All to Rise, and put the English to Death, all about this Place, and those at the Other Places,
This Belt We Received from the Shawnese Nation, & they Received it from the Delawares, & they from the Senecas, who are very much Enraged against the English: As for the Indian that was the Beginner We cannot Tell him, but he was One of their Chiefs; and One that is always Doing Mischief; And the Indian that Brought it to this Place, was our Chief, who was down at the Grand Council held in Pensylvania last Sunmier. — We Desire you to Send this down to your General, & George Croghan, and Let them find out the Man that was making this Mischief: For our l)arts. We will be Still, & Take no more Notice of their Mischief, Neither will We be Concerned in it: If We had ever so much Mind to Kill the English, there is always some Discovery made before We can Accomplish our Designs.
This is all We have to Say, only you must give our Young Warriors some Paint, some Powder & Ball & Some Knives, as they are all going to War, against our Enemies the Cherokees." 4
98 Sir William Johnson Papers
N°. 4. Sir Jeffery Amherst's Answer to Major Gladwin, Dated New York, 29'h. May 1 763.
*' It is certainly best to be always on our Guard against any Attempt of the Indians ; for my own Opinion, is, that they Never can Hurt Us, unless We are Weak Enough to Put Ourselves in their Power, and I am Convinced they would Shew Us no Mercy, if they thought they could Escape with Impunity: While they Behave themselves peaceably, they are to be Treated as Friends, having an Eye, at all times, to Our Own Security; And if they should be so Rash and Ungrateful! as to Murder a Few of our People, which they certainly may Do, they may Depend on Meeting with such a Punishment as shall fall Heavy on the Whole Nation that is Accessary to the Crime.
You did very Right to Transmit me the War Belt, & Ensign Holmes's Letter, &ca; I shall Send the Belt to Sir William Johnson, & Likewise Acquaint him, as well as M^ Croghan, of the Behavior of the Indians, that they may Take such Steps as they think best for CalHng the Nations Below (Who seem to be the Chief Instigators of this Mischief) to an Account for such Treacherous Dealings.
Altho' I am always Sorry to Consent to the Sending of any Unhappy Wretch out of this World, yet the Execution of the Panis Woman, who was an Accomplice in the Murder of the Late M^ Clapham, has my Approbation, the Crime for which She Suffered being so very Heinous that Nothing Less than her Life could Atone, and Indeed I Sincerely Wish the Chief Per- petrator of that Murder had not Escaped, but that he might have Shared the same Fate, that the Example might have been the Stronger."
N°. 5. Sir Jeffery Amherst to Sir W™. Johnson, Dated New York, 29'^ May 1 763.
" By the Albany Post I Had a Letter from Major Gladwin Enclosing One to him from the Commanding Officer at the Miamis, with a War Belt, which had been Sent thither by the
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 99
Shawnese, &ca; but Delivered up by the Chiefs of the Miamis Indians, who, at the same time, made a Speech to the Com- manding Officer, Acquainting him of the Evil Intentions of the Several Nations, who were concerned in Forwarding the said Belt —
Altho' I cannot think the Indians have it in their Power to Execute any thing Serious against Us, While We Continue to be on our Guard, Yet I Judge it Necessary to Send you the Belt, which You will Receive herewith, as also Copies of what Major Gladwin has Transmitted to me, regarding this Affair, And I Desire you will make such Use thereof as may Appear most proper for Putting a Stop to such Treacherous Behavior for the Future, and for Shewing the Indians the Contemptible Figure they must make in our Eyes, by Violating the most Solemn Promises of Friendship, without the least Provocation on our Side; I Mention the Contemptible Figure, as it certainly is not in their Power to Effect any thing of Consequence against Us ; But if they are so Rash as to make an Attempt, the Mischief they Intend, will certainly Recoil upon themselves.
I Doubt not but M^ Croghan will be fully Informed, by the Way of Fort Pitt, of this Intelligence ; I However shall Acquint him therewith by this Post; And if you should think it Neces- sary You may send Either Captain Claus, or Lieut. Johnson, with jDroper Instructions, to call those Nations, who have been Chiefly Concerned in Sending the Belt, to an Account for such Unwarrantable Proceedings; I cannot Omit Observing, that, in all the Mischief that has lately been Broached among the Indians, the Senecas Seem to have a principal Hand, and it is Matter of Surprize to me, to Find that Other Tribes, who have so often Experienced our Bounty, should be Misguided by them, & so readily Enter into Plots against their Benefactors, and Endeavor to Stirr up the Distant Nations, who are Newly become our Friends, against Us: These Last however (If We can Rely on what the Chiefs of the Miamis have Declared to the Com- manding Officer at that Post) Seem to be too Sensible of their
100
Sir William Johnson Papers
own Interest to Enter into Engagements, which, if pursued, would Inevitably End in their own Destruction.
Major Gladwin Writes me, that before he received my Orders for Trying the Panis Slaves, who Murdered M^ Clapham, the Man had made his Escape, and they since hear that he had got to the Illinois: The Woman was however Tryed Immediately, &, being found Guilty, Hanged in the most Publick manner: I am only Sorry the Chief Perpetrator did not meet with the same Punishment, for then the Example would have been Compleat."
INDORSED: Extracts of Letters, &<^^
Regarding Some Bad Dispositions
of the Indians in the Western
Department —
N°. America
1763.
in S^ J : Amherst's of June 1 1 '^ :
1763
FROM WITHAM MARSH A. L. 5.1
Albany 2h' April 1763. Sir,
Had not Jerry Renslaer made a gross mistake about executing the Mandamus, and sent an Express in my absence to York, I shou'd have set out from hence on Tuesday, tho' yet very lame. I forgot to acquaint you in my last, that mciny things were brought in our Sloop for you, of which I am taking the greatest Care, as D'. Stringer is not here, and have wrote to Cap'. Van Epps for a waggon &c. By M^ Mcllworth, I send two keys of Chests, deliver'd me by M^ Darlington for your Use, as it wou'd not be prudent to trust them with a wagoner. I am fearful, Sir,
^Original destroyed by fire.
PosUWar Period, 1763-1774 101
we are a-back about my affair, for Jerry seems afraid to act, w'^*^. with other matters intervening, detains me till the return of the Express, and to See your Freight sent off. The moment I had your Letter about not continuing Van Frog, I appointed Jerry, because I never will do anything contrary to y^ Judgment ; and therefore wish that you, and M^ Scott, wou'd terminate the mre^ as I am really tired, and by fretting have hurt my constitution. I hope, good sir, you'll not think me negligent; for, as God shall Judge me, I wou'd by no means merit y"". Displeasure; being, with real gratitude, y'. most respectful Ser*.
WiTHAM Marsh
Hon^i«. Sir W"^. Johnson, Bart. &<=. &^ &^
SPEECH OF ASARONDONGES
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 1 67, by a speech of April 21st of Asarondonges, chief of Onondagaes living at Otseningo, representing deplorable condition of his people from want of ammunition, and complaining of neglect by Sir William, and answer of Sir William, giving a small amount of ammunition, and reminding Onondaga from Otseningo of lukewarmness of that settlement when asked in 1 760 to join expedition to Canada.
FROM HENRY VAN SCHAACK
A. L. S.'
Albany 24 April 1763 Sir
The Post for Schenectady is just now agoing off. I have therefor now only time to acquaint you, that a Pacquet arrived at New York aMonday after the Papers were Printed: We have certain Ace', by that Pacquet, that the Definitive Treaty
^Matter.
^Original destroyed by fire.
102 Sir William Johnson Papers
was signed at Paris 10 Febry. The English Papers say y' 80 Reg**, are to be kept up, 20 in the West Indias & North America. The 15, 1 7 & 42 Go home to Ireland. The 44 & 47 Royal Americans Erasers & some others remain on the Continent. My Friend in the Post Script of his Letter says The Peace is General throughout Europe, I have not time to Add A Word more. But to assure you that I am with great respect. Sir,
Y^ most ob^ h^'^ Servant,
W^ V SCHAACK,
FROM CHARLES WILLIAMS
A. L. sr-
New York 24 April 1763. Dear Sir
Since I did myself the honour of writing by the last Post the pacquet arrived by which have reced. the enclosed from Colb. Clinton. I find by letter its about some lands of the Governours & as a pacquet will sail about the midle of May if youl send an answer by that time I will inclose it to him. By what I understand those lands come to him having left the larger share of his fortune to Miss Clinton & but a small share to him after his Mothers death & that loaded with a Charge to the Colb. of £1500. He writes me no News neither is there much come more than that the peace is General & the definitive treaty being signed but not proclaimed when this last pacquet came away but Expect in a fortnight to have a confirmation of the whole. I heartily congratulate you on the Peace. M". Williams & my Family Joyn in our best respects & am with great regard Dear Sir Your most obedient humble Servant
Chas. Williams To Sir William Johnson.
^"W" in the copy; it should be "H". "Original destroyed by fire.
Post^War Period, 1763-1774 103
FROM HUGH WALLACE A. L. S.^
New York 25 April 1763. Dear Sir
I had the honour of yours 19 ult°. All your Country Men are much obliged to you for the Honour you do them, & the good opinion you have of them. I received the £20 from M"^. Dar- lington as you directed.
I cannot help thinking the Manufacture of PotAsh deserves Attention & may be made very usefull to Great Brittain, & bene- ficial to y® Colonys, but before individuals embark their fortunes in such Schemes, they would do well to be assured, that they could carry on their Scheme to extent, & that what they made was good, & I would take the liberty to recommend to you, that a Cask or two of your Pott Ash be sent to England for Samples ; by this means you'll be certain as to the Quality, & know the value of it, & then you can calculate how well its worth prosecuting.
Hemp must be a very considerable Staple here in time, & must be made a principal part of the Farmers Business in the back Countrys, where there is not Water Carriage, for Wheat & Flour will I think be so low, as not to be worth long land Carriage. Hemp sold here & at Philad^. this two years past as high as 56 s. to £3. per C*. but it will be lower now as it can be imported from Russia & sold here to a good Proffitt I think at about 45 s/. per C'. & often under. I fancy there is no great Judgment in raising it, if there is, its easy to get Persons well acquainted in that Article, as great Quantitys are raised in Pensilv^. & the back parts of Maryland, & in the Co. Limerick in Ireland. I believe also much depends on Good Seed, & verry loose rich mould, & keeping the Birds from it.
Inclosed I send you the last years Book piiblisfhed by the
^Original destroyed by fire.
104 Sir William Johnson Papers
Society for the Encouragement of Arts &c. There youll see the Premiums engrossed to be given in America, amongst which are Pott Ash & Hemlp. I do not know whether you have this book or not, so I send it at a venture, as I would be happy at any time, could I in any manner contribute to your Pleasure or Proffitt. We have no News here. I am told that a Man of War is hourly expected with y^ Difinitive Treaty, the Declara- tion of Peace & some Orders to Sir Jeffry about the Troops &c. I have already trespassed I fear too much by this long letter, so will not detain you longer than to present M'■^ Wallaces respects to you, & to assure you that I am with great Esteem & Truth Dear Sir
Y'^. most obed'. Hum^. Serv*.
Hugh Wallace Sir William Johnson Bart.
FROM DANIEL CAMPBELL ETC.
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 1 67, by a letter of April 25th from Thomas Flood, at New York, about affairs in which zeal for Sir William's reputation has landed him in prison; by a letter of the 25th from Daniel Campbell, at Schenectady, about attempt of McCord to leave in clandestine manner, death of old friend, Mr Corry of Albany, enforcement of order concerning width of wagons on highways, price of nails, and money for which he would like a bill on Albany or New York; by a letter of the 25th from William Darling- ton, at New York, mentioning draft on Mr Mortier, trees sent by Mr Dyckman, articles to be sent in charge of Garret Marselis, things delivered to Dr Stringer, and strong demand for fruit trees; by a letter of the 26th from Abraham Lyle, at Albany, sending bill of Captain Montour in favor of Francis Wade and inquiring about several accounts; by a letter of the 27th from Daniel Claus about trees and other articles, from New York, brought in bateaux from Schenectady; by receipt of the 28th of Gerrit Merselis, at New York, to William Darlington for barrels and keg shipped to Albany for Sir William Johnson on Merselis' sloop. These papers were destroyed by the fire.
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 105
TO CATHERINE CORRY Df.-
Johnson Hall April 29^f^ 1763 Madam
I am greatly concerned at the Melancholy occasion which Providence hath afForded me in condoling with you on the great loss you have sustained by the death of my Friend M"". Corry, a loss so sudden and unexpected that I never once heard of his Indisposition until I received the disagreeable news of his Departure. ' i!*^'
Having always considered you to be a Lady of good sense I shall not attempt to offer you the usual consolation on such occasions, convinced your direction will enable you to support a loss which is at present irretrievable especially as the care of your Family is now become your sole & particular charge for the Welfare of whom prudence demands the utmost Extension of those Abilities of which I know you to be Mistress.
This will I am certain meet with your most serious attention, & in some measure tend to alleviate the Grief which is so natu- rally excited by the death of an Affectionate Husband, and as Providence did not deprive you of him so long as your Family remained in an Infant State, I make no doubt it will still con- tinue to second the Endeavors of an Affectionate Mother in forming their Minds & promoting their Happiness.
I shall be always ready to convince you of my Esteem for the Memory of M^ Corry & friendship for his family, and do assure you that I am with much Sincerity, Mamam.^ M^^ Corry.
^Original destroyed by fire.
^"Mamam" in the copy, a manifest error.
106 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO JAMES HAMILTON
Johnson Hall April 29'^ 1763 Dear Sir
Since my last in which (amongst other particulars) I men- tioned my having wrote to GoV. Fitch concern^, the designs ot the people within his Government, I have received his answer intimating " that he wo'^. take the first opportunity to lay the matter before the Assembly w'^^. would set in May & recommend these affairs to their Serious Consideration, doubting not but they would be disposed to take every proper Measure that might come within their province to preserve a Good Harmony & understanding with the Six Nations."
About the same time Sir Jeff Amherst acquainted me by Letter that Just as he had received mine on that Subject he opened a packet from the Earl of Egremont thereon Enclosing a Letter to GoV^ Fitch wherin he acquainted him of his Majestys Disapprobation of the Steps taken by the Connecticut People for settling on the Susquehanna, & directing the Gov*", to Exert every Legal Authority over his People, & employ his utmost influence to prevent the prosecution of any such Settlement, 'till the case could be laid before his Majesty.
I am hopefull this will meet with all just deference & that his Majestys orders will be obeyed, altho' those concerned have been hitherto blind enough to Slight the representations so repeatedly made them from me. & the whole Confederacy now met at Onondaga on ace", of a Message sent to them by me, to w^. I have sent some of both Mohawk Castles to enforce my desire, & as they are much alarmed at y® proposed Settlement, I dare say they will take the same into their serious consideration, with the result whereof I shall as soon as possible make you acquainted as I have nothing more at heart than the preservation
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of peace and the preventing any unjust Encroachments to the Prejudice of the Original Owners, and the Disadvantage of the proprietary of Pensilvania.
I am &«=.
The Hon*''^ Gov«. HAMILTON.
FROM WITHAM MARSH ETC.
There occur in the Johnson Calendar, p. 1 68, a letter of April 29th to Rev. Dr Barclay on the plan of the forthcoming Indian prayer book and advantage of mission work not only to Indians but to the established church (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:330; Q, 4:211); a letter of the 29th from William Marsh, at Schenectady, with reference to added obligations to Sir William for espousing his cause, and intention of Mr Mcllworth and himself to set out for the fort on the following day in a wagon; a bill and receipt of the 30th of Sanuel Tyms at Schnectady to Daniel Campbell for cloth; a letter of May 2d from Richard Allen, at Fort Stanwix, complaining of loss at hands of Indians and asking that his grievance be laid before the nation responsible for murder and robbery ; Richard Allen's account of losses sustained from the Indians; and a letter of the 2d from Catherine Corry informing that Mr Corry is dead and asking advice and assistance in settling his affairs. These papers were destroyed in the fire.
FROM JOHN TABOR KEMPE
A. L. S.i
New York May Z^. 1763. Sir
Your favour of the 30* March, has been so long by me unanswered that I must confess it needs to be apologized for, but I did not receive it til just before the Term, when I was so engaged with the preparations for the Term, that I really had not an Opportunity of writing, or indeed thinking of any Thing but the Business immediately before me; however I did not neglect communicating to the Gov"^. your Letter as we were a
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108 Sir William Johnson Papers
little astonished at the appearance of those Indians, some of whom it was said were Sachems. They were introduced in Councir I believe to inform the Government that the Lands had been fairly purchased and that the Nation was satisfied except a few, among whom some have no Right to the Lands there, being of another Tribe. The Governor desired I would inform you of the Proceedings of that Day, which I cannot say I am very callable of, not having been in Council to hear the proceed- ings but was called in after the Indians withdrew, and desired to consider of some method to recover these Lands by Law, but I cannot as yet devise any means to get over the objections I formerly mentioned to you. After reading your Letter the Gov"^. told me that these very Indians met him in the Bowery Land^ a Day or two after they had been in Council, stopped his Chariot, and asked him whether he intended to give them their Lands again. Which seems a very odd Question if they knew the purport of their Testimony given in Council (which I under- stood was by affid®.)
Klock is charged with a fraud in making the Indians drunk, and then procuring them to sign the Deeds, a copy of which I believe you have. There is no other Charge against him but that, there being no order for any other prosecution. I have seen no affidavits relating to this affair, but those transmitted by you to the Governor.
The next Post I shall transmit to you the Subpoenas & Tickets, that there may be full Time to secure the Witnesses, and I should be glad if it suited your Conveniency you would be present at the Trial, as many questions may be necessary to be asked the Witnesses which for want of knowing the whole cir- cumstances I may omit.
I have not yet applied to any other Lawyer not knowing how they were to be paid. I shall speak to one to assist as the Burthen of a Trial of such Moment, and where there are so
^On March 22d, Calendar of Council Minutes, p. 461. ^Bowery Lane. "Land" in the copy.
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many Witnesses to be examined is too heavy for one person. The next post you shall know who I have engaged.
I am S^
Your most Hum: Serv*.
J. T. Kempe Sr. W^. Johnson Baronet.
FROM DANIEL CAMPBELL
The preceding is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 168 by a letter of May 3^ from Daniel Campbell at Schenectady, mentioning black cloth sent up and difficulty of obtaining fine cloth or a good tailor. Destroyed by fire.
TO HENRY CLINTON^ Dfr
Johnson Hall May 5 th 1763 Dear Sir
I had the pleasure of receiving your letter a few days ago enclosed to me by M^ Williams, which afforded me much Satis- faction, as it made me acquainted with your safe arrival in England.
With regard to the Land you speak of, and which is one Sidth^ part of a Tract of 20000 acres now in my possession, the same was by me purchased from your Father (whose memory I shall always greatly Esteem) who Released the same to me on the 31st October 1753, for the sum of £213,* the Witnesses
^Sir Henry Clinton, only son of Governor George Clinton. He was made a lieutenant in the Coldstream Guards November 1 , 1 75 1 , a colonel June 24, 1762, major general May 25, 1772, lieutenant general and knight of the Bath in 1 111 , and commander-in-chief of the forces of North America in 1 778.
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'"Sidth" in copy; "sixth" it should be.
*5ee Banyar to Johnson, November 5, 1753.
1 1 0 Sir William Johnson Papers
to which were Mess". Chas. WilHams & Richard Shuckburgh, & the same was after acknowledged in the presence of Judge Chambers. I am unacquainted with any other lands of the late M^ Clintons but should my Enquirys or assistance in that or any other matter appear at all necessary you may rely on my entire services to do anything in my power conducive to your Interest or the increase of your fortune which I should gladly be an Instrument of promoting.
I hope the Wound which you received may not prove any ways detrimental to your health but that you may live to enjoy all the advantages of [preferment to which you are so justly entitled.
Be assured I shall at all times be glad to hear of your Health & prosperity, and that I am Sir, &c. CoL^. Clinton.
TO HENRY MONTOUR
Instructions for M'^. Henry Montour.
Johnson Hall May 5'^ 1763
Sir
You are to proceed from hence to Chilliequagey on the River Susquehanna, and there and in the Neighbourhood thereof use all your Endeavours to increase His Majestys Interest amongst the Indians and promote friendship & good understanding between them & his Subjects, giving likewise all the assistance necessary for that purpose to M"". McKee the Assistant Deputy Agent, & Conmiunicating all matters necessary for him to be made acquainted with. You are to use every method of satis- fying the Ind^. concerns, their present fears about their Lands by assuring them I shall use my utmost efforts to prevent their being unjustly deprived of their property. You are likewise from time to time to transmit me any material Intelligance rela-
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o
Post-War Period, 1763-1774 1 1 1
live to Ind", affairs, as also to M^ Croghan, Depy. Agent, and you are to follow such other orders & Instructions as you shall receive at any time from myself, my Deputy, or any other your Superior officers.
Given under my Hand at Johnson Hall May 5'^ I 763
TO CHARLES WILLIAMS
Johnson Hall May 5th 1763
Dear Sir
Herewith I transmit you a Letter in ans^ to that from Col'. Clinton inclosed in your favor of the 24'*^ ult°. & w'^^. was con- cerning a Sixth part of a Tract