Aug. 18.-Message of Assembly, that they bad pre-matter in its true light to the Indians. pared a Bill enabling the Governor to draw out a force March 15.-Conference with Tedyascung and other for New York; disapproving of volunteers as slow and ineffectual; but will agree to it if persisted in by the

going forward as well as we could until the 27th, when Joseph Croker, one of our masons, was killed and scalped by six of the enemy Indians. This misfortune made our people very uneasy. But, however, the battoes ar rived next day with provisions, which enabled us to carry on the work until we finished 10 houses, mostly 20 feet by 14, in the clear, and one of them 24 by 16 of squared logs dovetailed. We also ploughed some ground for them to plant in, and split some rails to fence itafter which they thought it proper to let us know, that as it was late in the season, and the grass grown very high, so that the ground when ploughed was not fit for planting but in a few places, such as old towns and the

May 8.--Some Indians arrived from Conestogo, that had been sent for. They stated (in conference,) that they did not intend leaving Conestogo; tho' some had gone to Susquehanna. They had thought of going to Susquehanna to hunt and trade. Will, Sack, Chazrea and others of them, gave C. Weiser the news as follows, brought by three Indians lately come from the Six Nations, viz: that it had been determined in Council, to send messengers to the Ohio, St. Lawrence and Susquehanna, to prohibit the Delawares and Shawanese in Ohio, from striking the English. That it appeared likely the Six Nations would attack the French, as soon as they had prevailed on their allies. That the French bad in vain invited certain tribes on the other side Lake E-like, we might return until a more favorable opportunirie to go to war against the English; that "Tedyuscung is reported as one that wants to make English men of the Indians, and bring them under the English govern ment, and reign over them as his vassals; that his way of acting was disagreeable to the Indians about Tiahogon; but because for the good work of peace, they suffer themselves to be advised by him.

May 12.-It further appeared that the Indians at Conestogo had intended to remove to the neighborhood of Shamokin, to bunt, &c. and to be absent one winter; but now all was over.

The Governor promised them protection, and gave them provisions.

June 1.--12 Cherokees in Philadelphia; council and speeches; said they had come to fight with the Mohawks against the French, and desire clothing and provisions, which the Governor ordered.

Governor acquainted Council that he had received a letter from the Proprietaries giving their assent to the passing a late supply bill; and it gave the Governor much satisfaction that the bill passed was agreeable to the minds of the proprietaries.

June 5.-News from Dialoga, by a Bethlehem Indian, that the Indians on Susquehanna had got alarmed about| the fort at Wyoming; believing it was a plan to cut them off, and take their land; and there was to be a great council at Onondago. The Indians were also offended at Cherokees and Catawbas coming hither; and were getting incensed at the English, and about moving near

er the French.

Messages thereupon prepared to be sent to Tedyuscung, who was on the Susquehanna. The Governor was much at a loss for messengers, but Mr. Frederick Post, who spoke the Delaware language, happened to be in town (one of the brethren of Bethlehem) and Mr. Charles Thompson offering likewise to go along, it was agreed, and a set of instructions prepared. These mes sengers set out directly and went as far as the Nescopecken Hills, where meeting with some Indians coming to Bethlehem, they were informed of several parties of enemy Indians skulking up and down in the woods; were advised to proceed no farther, but to send for Tedyuscung and deliver him the message, which was done. On the 4th inst. Charles Thompson and Frederick Post made a report to the Governor, of their conference with Tedyuscung and several other Indians, on the east side of Nescopecken mountain. He wished the messengers not go on, and that he was waiting to see what was going on with the Indians.

On the 2d inst. Mr. Hughes and Mr. Pawling returned from building the houses at Wyoming, and made report. "Sir, On the 15th May I proceeded agreeably to your Honor's request to build and plant for the Indians at Wyoming. And at Bethlehem I met my companion, Mr. Pawling, and the next day we marched with between 50 and 60 carpenters, masons and labourers, and after a very fatiguing journey arrived at Wyoming on the 22d, and next day put the hands to work. the battoes did not arrive from Fort Augusta at the time appointed, we were brought to very short allowance in provisions, &c.—indeed for several days we had no bread at all, which created a good deal of uneasiness But, however, we kept the business amongst the men.

But as

ty, which we complied with on Friday the 2d June, and got safe home on Tuesday evening following.

"I send you a French flag, which Tedyuscung took from Will Sock and his companions (Conestogoes) -They came up to us as friends, although I now understand they murdered Chagrea (an Indian in the Pennsylvania service) and the Dutchman in Lancaster county, but we knew nothing of that, and therefore treated them as friends, and T. gave them an English flag."

Frederick Post, agent, sent with a message from the Cherokees to Tedyuscung, of peace and friendship,&c. Governor thanks Mr. Thompson and Mr. Post for their services.

July 5.-Francis Bernard, Governor of New Jersey, appointed by his majesty. He has a conference with Gov. Denny.

Accounts of murders and scalping in Berks county. Declaration from General Abercrombie, of June 25th, dated at Fort Edward, annulling the capitulation of Fort William Henry, in consequence of the misconduct of the enemy.

Last night Frederick Post returned, having gone to Wyoming and effected his object.

July 14.-Two Indians were prevailed on "to go as quick as possible to Ohio, and to observe what was doing at Fort Duquesne, and send off a trusty messenger from Beaver creek, with an account of the motions of the French and Indians-it being a matter of vast con sequence that the conference should be known at Obio with all possible care and dispatch, as well as that the General ought to be furnished with true intelligence. Frederick Post was desired to accompany the Indians, and he readily consented to go. He desired some oth er white man might be joined with him, as it was a jour ney of much consequence and danger. This was thought reasonable-and he afterwards came to acquaint the Governor that Charles Thompson offered his services to go with him. The Governor objected to this, and told him he might take any other person, or he might apply to Mr. Spangenberg at Bethlehem (to whom he should have a letter) to spare him one or two of his best Indians. Mr. Post approved, and was satisfied to go with Pesquitomen (one of the first mentioned Indians) and Isaac Still."

Aug. 24, 25, 26.--Governor heard the petitioners and witnesses against Mr. Moore, and declared him perfectly innocent.

Sept. 5. House met and adjourned, not having a quorum, and again met.

Sept. 12. Governor recommended their furnishing seamen to Admiral Boscowen, whose presence would supply the use of the ship of war they had fitted out. That the Indian affairs were in a good train, and a conference to be held at Easton.

Letter from Gen. Forbes, dated Fort Loudoun, Sept. 9, 1758, complaining of the want of carriages, which occasioned great distress; that a road had been finished over the mountains, without the enemy's knowing it, and without the troops suffering the least insult in cutting it. Every thing was ready for the army's advancing but carriages, and if they were not furnished he would be obliged to retire on the inhabited parts and take provisions and carriages wherever they were to be found.

1830.1

Sept. 20. riages to the service.

RECORDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.

Oct. 7. Meeting with the Indians, Tedyuscung, &c.

at Easton.

373

Governor, by message, mentions it to the Assembly. deal of trouble to put them in order, and it was made Answer of Assembly to Governor, declining supply-on information given by the several Indians now present ing recruits for Admiral Boscawen's fleet. who were acquainted with the facts. Brethren we the Supplement passed relative to hiring car-warriors have waited some time in hopes our counsellors would have taken the matter in hand, but as they have not done it, we have at their desire undertaken it, and they have approved of it. I say the counsellors of the 5 younger nations, as well as the 3 older nations have approved of what the warriors are going to relate; and take notice that the speech is not only the speech of all the warriors of the elder and younger of our nations, but of our cousins the Delawares and Minisinks. Thos. King then directed his speech to the Governors and all the English upon the continent.

Oct. 8. Present-Governor and 6 members of Council, 6 committee of House of Assembly, 2 New Jersey commissioners for Indian affairs, masters and freeholders of this and neighboring provinces, and citizens of Philadelphia (chiefly of the people called Quakers), George Croghan, deputy agent, &c. 3 Mohawks, 39 Oneidas, 19 Onondagoes, 74 Senecas, 20 Tuscaroros, 56 Nanticockes and Conoys (now one nation), 20 others, 11 Tuteloes, 30 Chugnuts; Tedyuscung and sundry men, women, and children, of the Chehopockes alias Delawares and Unamies; sundry men, women, and children of the Minisinks or Minnays; several men, women, and children of the Mohickons; sundry do. Wapings or Pumptons-men, women and children, chiefs and warriors. Conrad Weiser and others, Interpreters. Tagashata (Seneca) spoke: "Here is another belt by which we were invited lately to come to a council fire that was kindled in an Island near the sea. This surprized us as we never heard of a council fire in an island (meaning Burlington). We know of no council fires but the old council fire at Philadelphia and the great council fire at Philadelphia."

Brethren, You have been inquisitive to know the cause of this war, you have often enquired among us, but perhaps you did not find out the true cause of the bitterness of our hearts, and may charge us wrong, and think that you were struck without a cause, by some of our own warriors and by our cousins. But if you look a little about you you will find that you gave the first offence. For in time of profound peace, some of the Shawanese passing through South Carolina, to go to war with the enemies, were taken up and put in prison. The English knew they were going to war and that they used to do it every year; and yet after they had persuaded them in a friendly way into their houses, they were taken up and put in prison, and one who was a bead man of that nation lost his life and the others were severely used. This first raised ill-will in the hands of the Shawanese and as the French came a little after this happened to settle on the Ohio, the Shawanese comOct. 11. Tedyuscung said he and the Governor had plained of it to them and they made an artful use of it, made up their differences and he was now only a hearer. set them against the English and gave them the hatchOct. 12. Indians spoke and said they had brought et. Being resolved on revenge they accepted it and about an union with the Delawares and Minisinks on likewise spoke to their grandfathers the Delawares saythe Susquehanna, and had also sent messages to the In-ing, grandfathers are not your hearts sore at our being dians on the Ohio under the French influence.

Oct. 9. Gov. Bernard, of New Jersey, arrived in consequence of a request from the Senecas and Cayu

gas.

Oct. 15. The chiefs of the Mohawks, Senecas, Onondagoes, and one in behalf of the Oneidas, Cayugas, Tuscaroras, Nanticockes and Conoys, spoke--"Said they thought proper to have discourse about their nephew Tedyuscung-that you all know he gives out he is a great man and chief of 10 nations. This is his constant discourse. We do not know him as such. We desire to know who made him so—perhaps you have— if so, tell us. It may be the French made him so." They promised to look for the prisoners and return them.

Oct. 16. Answer of Governor-that Tedyuscung had come only as a messenger from 10 nations, and chief of the Delawares. That he never made Tedyuscung chief over them, nor did T. (in conferences) assumehe always called you his uncles and superiors. He was sorry if he had at any time assumed to be otherwise, &c. He disclaimed any right to make Kings for them; he accepted those they appointed.

Oct. 17. After the Menisink Indians also had promised to deliver up their prisoners (which included then all present) the warriors were to speak and Thomas King was appointed to deliver their words. He arose and delivered an exhortation as well to all concerned in public affairs Governors and their councils, Indian chiefs and their councils, as to warriors of all nations white people and Indians, desiring all present to attend carefully to what was going to be related, as matters of great consequence which would serve to regulate the conduct of English and Indians to each other. He add. ed that the reasons going to be given had taken a great

used so ill, and at the loss of one of our chiefs? Will not you join us in revenging his death? So by degrees our young men were bro't over to act against you. On searching matters to the bottom you will find that you in this manner gave the first offence. This we thought proper to let you know. It may be of service for the future. You may be induced by this to take better care in conducting your business in council, so as to guard against the breaches of friendship; or as soon they happen in corresponding immediately with one another and with the Indians who are in any wise concerned on such occasion. This was the cause of the Shawnese that I have just now related, another of like nature has since happened to the Senecas; about three years ago eight Seneca warriors were returning from war through Virginia, having seven prisoners and scalps with them. At a place called Green Briar they met with a party of soldiers, not less than 150, who kindly invited them to come to a certain store and they said they would supply them with provisions; and accordingly they travelled two days with them in a friendly manner and when they came to the house, they took their arms from the Senecas'. The head men cried out here is death, defend yourselves as well as you can which they did and two of them were killed on the spot, and one, a young boy was taken prisoner. This gave great offence; and the more so as it was upon the warriors road and we were in perfect peace with our brethren. It provoked to such a degree that we could not get over it. He wished the boy returned and told his name Squissatego.

Brethren, we have one word to mention of the same nature and which was the very cause why the Indians at Ohio left you. When we first heard of the French coming to Ohio we immediately sent word to the Governor of Virginia and l'ennsylvania. We desired them to come and likewise to supply us with such things as were proper for war, intending to defend our lands and hinder the French from taking the possession of them. But these Governors did not attend to our message; perhaps they thought there was no foundation for our intel.

ligence. The French, however, came and became our neighbors and you neither coming yourselves nor assisting us with warlike stores, our people of necessity were obliged to trade with them for what we wanted, as your traders had left the country. The Governor of Virginia took care to settle on our lands for his own benefit; but when we wanted his assistance against the French he disregarded us.

purchase. "On this subject you will therefore please to confer with them and settle the boundaries between you that they may release accordingly, before you leave this place and set your minds at case. As to Tedyus cung's complaints "you know brethren that there is an old agreement between the proprietors and you that you will not sell any of the lands lying within this prov ince to any one but them; and they never take posses sion of lands till they have bought them from the Indians. you know also that the United Nations have sold lands to the proprietors which your nephews the Delawares now claim as their right. This is the case with regard to some part of the lands lying between Tohiccon creek & the river Delaware which Tedyuscung the day before yesterday in your hearing said the proprietors had de frauded him of." The Indians requested the deed. It was produced and they said they well remembered it, and knew their chief who signed it, some were present now. They sold the land and were honestly paid for

Message agreed to by the Six Nations and the Gover nor, to the Ohio Indians, in answer to that by Piquitomen-requesting to protect Frederick Post, and send him safe back; that if they were earnest in desiring res conciliation, they would keep their young men from attacking our inhabitants; they would give orders that their people should be kept at a distance from Fort Duquesne, that they may not be hurt by our warriors; and leave the French and no longer help them, but go to their towns.

Oct. 21. Governor of New Jersey agrees to give the Minisinks $1000 for their claims for lands, which was accepted.

Brethren, at this Treaty you justly demanded to see your flesh and blood (prisoners.) We have pressed this on our cousins the Minisinks and they by this string desired us to assure you, the Governors, that they would make strict search in their towns and sincerely comply with your request and return all the prisoners in their power. Then speaking to the Governor of New Jersey Brother, our cousins the Minisinks tell us that they were wronged out of a great deal of land, and the English settling so fast they were pushed back and could not tell what lands belonged to them. We may have forgot what we sold but we trust to you the Gov-it. ernor of New Jersey to take our cause in hand and see that we have justice done us. We say that we have here and there tracts of land that have never been sold. You deal hardly with (us.) You claim all the wild creatures and will not let us come on your land to hunt for them. You will not so much as let us peel a single tree. This is hard and has given us great offence. The cattle you raise are your own. But those which are wild are still ours, and should be common to both. For our nephews when they sold the land did not propose to deprive themselves of hunting the wild deer or using a stick of wood, when they should have occasion. We desire the Governor to take this matter in his care and see justice done. Then speaking to the Governor of Pennsylvania. We must put you in mind that 4 years ago you bought at Albany a large tract of land over Susquehanna extending from the mouth of John Penn's creek to the Ohio. The proprietaries agents then paid 1000 pieces of eight, for the part which was settled by your people, that have since been driven off and killed; we acknowledge to have received payment for those parts which were settled, but for the other part that we have not received payment for that we reclaim. Our warriors or hunters when they heard that we had sold such a large tract of land disapproved our conduct in council. So now we acquaint you that we are deter-point. mined not to confirm any more than such of the land as the consideration was paid for and were settled, though included in the deed. They are our hunting grounds, and we desire the request may be granted and notice taken, that it was made in open conference. Then said they had done. Tedyuscung then spoke. "About 3 years ago 9 of the Goshen Indians (or Waping tribes) were killed at Goshen in time of peace." Repeated that from Tohicean as far as the Delawares owned the proprieters had wronged him. Wished to know the decision of king George upon it, as it was agreed to be laid before him.

Oct. 19. Governor Bernard spoke and promised to examine their complaint. Tedyuscung addressed the six nations, "Uncles, you may remember that you have placed us at Wioming and Shamokin; where Indians have lived before. Now I hear since that you have sold that land to the English, let the matter be now cleared up in the presence of our brethren the English." "I sit here as a bird on a bough. I look about and do not know where to go, let me therefore come down upon the ground and make that my own by a good deed and I shall have a home forever. For if you, my uncles, or I die, our brethren the English will say they have bought it from you and so wrong my posteriGovernor D. promised to inquire of the Governor of Virginia for Squisatego. That the proprietors in consequence of complaints 3 years ago made at Albany to Sir W.Johnson had empowered C. Weiser and R. Peters, to execute a deed for the lands reclaimed

ty out of it.

by the Indians on their confirming the residue of the

Tedyuscung spoke, and said, having examined the deed (for lands beyond Kittochtinny) it was known well. Nutinius of their (Delaware) chief men had signed it; and one named Philip Compass, now present, got a part of the money. They agreed to it, and acknowl edged it was fairly sold. They give it up and now confirm it. This is not the land I have disputed with my brethren, the English. That land lies between Tohic ion creek and the Kittochtinny hills.

The Cayuga chief now spoke, and complained that instead of settling council business, they were kept hear ing disputes about lands; and did not come to the chief

The messengers to the Ohio (Puquitomen, Thomas Hickman and others) 100k their leave.

Oct. 22. Mr. Frederick Post arrived with news from General Forbes, that a large body of French and Indians having attacked his advanced post at Loyal Hanna, were repulsed with loss on their side-which news he com. municated to the Indians.

Oct. 23. Large quantities of goods delivered, hats, clothing, tobacco, &c.

Tedyuscung said no answer had yet arrived from King George; when received it would be immediately com municated. Put them in mind that New Jersey was now freed from Indian claims.

Governor Denny takes leave. Indians all satisfied and thankful.

Oct. 24. Messrs. Weiser and Peters execute the deed of release, and the Indians that of confirmation, and agreed to the map or draft annexed to the latter.

Oct. 26. Deeds acknowledged. As to Tedyuscung's request for a deed of lands at Shamokin and Wyoming, the Six Nations said they had not power; they would carry it home to be considered, in the mean while he might live on the lands; desired him to return his prisoners, which he ought to have done. "It was a shame for one who calls himself a great man, to tell lies." He must not now fail.

"Some wine and punch were then ordered in, and the conferences were concluded with great joy and satisfac tion."

Nov. 6. Letter from General Forbes to Governor, dated Oct. 22, Raystown camp: "Sir, The heavy rains