; 196 Class Book. Journal of the Late A6lions FRENCH AT CANADA, COL. NICHOLAS BEYARD, i.^^:^^^^^^) LIEUT. COL. CHARLES LODOWICK. NEW YORK: REPRINTED FOR JOSEPH SABIN I 868. (b -b € NOTICE. rr^HE Traft, of which the following pages are a reprint, is one of extreme rarity — the prefent impreffion is from a copy in the pofleffion of Mr. John Carter Brown, of Providence, the only one known to the publifher. In the original edition the author's name is miffpelled as Col. Reyard, in other refpefts the prefent is a verbatim et literatum reprint. OF THE EDITION, I 50 Copies are printed, of which 25 Copies are on large paper. Number, f/ 7' A JOURNAL O F T H E Late Ailions O F T H E ^xtnth ui €muh. WITH The Manner of their being Repuls'd, by His Excellency, Benjamm Fletcher^ Their Majefties Governour oi New-Tork. Impartially Related by Coll. Nicholas Beyard, and Lieutenant Coll. Charles Lodowick, who attended His Excellency, during the whole Expedition. To which is added, I. An Account of the prefent State and Strength of Canada, given bv Two Dutch Men, who have been a long Time Pri- foners there, and now made their Efcape. II. The Examination of a French Prifoner. III. His Excellency Benjamin Fletcher^s Speech to the Indians. IV. An Addrefs from the Corporation of Albany, to His Excellen- cy, Returning Thanks for His Excellency's early Affiitance for their Relief. ^ianfjetr, Sept. nth. 1693. ^trtoarb Cook. London, Printed for Richard Baldwin, in Warwick- Lane, 1693. THE PREFACE. AS this following fmall Treatife is a Jhort Narrative of fome little Check given by the Englifh Gallantry to the Arms and At- tempts of France, fo far off as the Indian Ter- ritories ; fo it gives us an occafon of confdering, How the Great Lewis tnay juflly plume himfelf with a Title peculiarly his own, \yz. The great Difturber of the World. For, tho the Bloodieji and moft ABive Scene of that Monarch's Ambi- tion feems bounded within the Confines of Europe ; The Preface. yet is there hardly that moji dijiant Region or Nation, the very utmofi Corner of the Univerfe, but has fome Footfteps of his Afpiring Arms. For, befides the Tragick Theatre he has made within the Bowels of Chriftendom, not to inftance his Leagues with Mahomet, the unnatural Sub- jeBion of his mofl Chriftian Crofs to the moJi Anti- Chriftian Crefcent, his Ambition has been a little bufe too in the American garter of the Globe. "Tis true, his Strength has neither been formidable, nor his Stars favourable in this Remoter Stage. Juftice feemSy at leaf, to the American Climate, to reign Lady of the Afcendant, in carrying Victory to the Honefter Side ; witnefs the feveral Advan- tages obtain d, not only in the following Expedition, the fubjeB of our prefent Treatife ; but in divers other Advances of Their Majejlies Profperous Arms in thofe Parts. But, as this Preface is only a Compliment to my Readers Introdudion, / jhall leave him to the The Preface. Entertainment he finds, only ajfure him ; we have this Credit to the Truth of our Narration, That 'tis no more than what has been already Printed at New-York by his Excellency 'j- (the Commander in Chief in the Expedition) particular Authority there; and now made Public k Here, for the Sattf- faBion of all fuch Honeft Englifh Readers, as can take Pleafure in the Succefs of their Countrefs Arms and Intereft. A Journal of the Late Aftions of the FRENCH of CANADA, &c. SUNDAY, the 12th of February y 1692. about ten a Clock at Night, an Exprefs from Lieut. Colonel Beeckman of JJljier County, gave his Excellency an account of Advice from Albany, of the French and Indians, confifting of 550, being within twenty Miles of ScheneBady on the 8th. Inftant an Hour before Day, ready to fall upon the two firft Caftles of the Mohaques. Whereupon His Excellency ordered the Col. of the Militia of the City of New-Tor k to draw out his Regiment the next Morning. [8] Monday the 1 3th, Orders were fent to Col. Court land of Kings-County^ to detach out of their Regiments a hundred and fifty Men, to be forth- with ready to Imbarque at the Ferry. About eight a Clock in the Morning the City Regiment being under Arms, his Excellency on Horfe-back, at the head of the Regiment, demanded. Who were willing to follow him to the Frontiers againjl the Ene?ny ? They unanimoully threw up their Hats, and cryed, One and all. Upon which the Colonel was ordered to detach 150 of the fitteft Men, to be under the Com- mand of three Captains, with their Subalterns, ready at the firft Beat of Drum, and difmiffed the Regiment, and ordered all Sloops for Tranf- portation to be fecured. About ten a Clock his Excellency did fend the Exprefs forward to Col. Beechnan, with Orders to get all the Horfes in the County of JJlJier together in readinefs, to carry his Excellency and the Detachments from Kingjlone to Albany by Land, in cafe the River was not open, and to forward any Confirmation of the News to his Excellency. [9] Tuefday the 14th, by break of Day came an Exprefs from Major Ingoldsby, confirming the former News, and that the two firft Caftles were taken by the French and Indians. Whereupon eight Sloops were ordered with neceflary Provif- ions and Ammunition to go round the Fort, and to be ready to Sail, and the Detachment of the City Regiment did immediately Imbarque. About four a Clock afternoon, the Tide offering, his Excellency, attended with the Officers of the Detachment and feveral Volunteers, did imbarque and fet fail. Friday the 17th, about 9 a Clock his Excel- lency arrived at Albany (being 50 Leagues diftant from New-Tor k) with five of the Sloops, having met with much Ice in the River, which gave fome Difficulty ; the reft arrived towards Even- ing. As foon as they came on Shore, his Excellency ordered Captain Schuyler to march 50 of the Men for ScheneBady ; about a 1 1 a Clock his Excel- lency followed, with 16 Horfe, leaving Inftruc- tions with Col. Beyard to forward all the reft of [>°J the Detachments, as they did arrive towards ScheneBady, without lofs of time, together with the Ammunition and Provifions. About 3 a Clock afternoon his Excellency met Major Ingoldsby, about 8 Miles from Schenectady, on his Return from Albany, having gone from thence to vifit ScheneBady that Morning. His Excellency arrived at ScheneBady (being 20 Miles from Albany) about 5 a Clock. About 9 a Clock at Night Capt. Schuyler with his Men arrived, and found Provifions and Quarters in readinefs for his Men. Saturday M.ornmg the i8th, by break of Day, the Men were ready to be tranf- ported over the River, but a violent Storm did hinder their Tranfportation till Afternoon, and fundry Indian Women loaden with Provifions were fent along with them : This Day about Noon Major Merrit, with the refi: of the City Detachment, did arrive at ScheneBady, and were immediately furnifhed with Quarters, Ammuni- tion, and Provifions, ready to march next Morning. Sunday the 1 9th, by break of Day, the refi: of the Forces that were fit to march, did attempt to get over, but great quantities of loofe Ice did hinder till about lo a Clock, the Ice fetling, they got over it on Foot, which in two Hours after was difperfed, and the River open again. This party carried a further fupply of Provilions and Ammunition. Monday the 20th, by Break of 'Day, thofe of the City Detachments who were not able to march the Day before (being refrefhed) his Excellency detached from the Garrifon of Sche- neBady^ fo many of them as made 42, who did immediately march with 1 3 Horfes loaden with Provilion and Ammunition. About 2 a Clock afternoon arrived at Schenec- tady Capt. Stillwell with the Detachment of Kings County, coniifting of 50 Men, who were ordered to refrefh themfelves till next Morning, and 3 Horfes with Provifions ordered to be in readinefs to attend them. Tuefday the 21ft. The Horfes being carried over the River, and the Men ready to be tranf- ported, came an Exprefs from Major Schuyler, giving Intelligence of his being near at hand on [12] his Return, who arrived about 4 a Clock after- noon, upon which the Men and Horfe were remanded, and fent back to their own Home. There marched by his Excellency's Order, to joyn Major Schuyler, fince his Arrival 208 effec- tive Men, befides Guides and Carriers of Supplies, with confiderable quantities of Provilions and Ammunition, which are lince returned. fVednefday the 2 2d. His Excellency returned for Albany y accompanied with Major Schuyler, and feveral of the Forces came from purfuit of the Enemy, and arrived about 3 a Clock after- noon, much diffatisfied at the Enemies efcape. His Excellency did order Major Schuyler, with fome other Officers to give the Journal of their Ad:ion in the Woods. At 4 a clock arrived Col. JVillet at Albany, with 1 20 Men from ^eens County, who were next Morning remanded home to their Habita- tions, together with the reft of the Detachments. At Night his Excellency fent to call thofe Indians that were returned from the Fight, to meet him next Morning at Albany. [>3] Thurfday the 23d. A Proclamation ifTued, requiring all the out Farmers to draw themfelves into Neighbourhoods, for their better fecurity agrinft the fculking Enemy, and to fortify with Stockadoes. Fryday the 24th. His Excellency received an Addrefs from the Corporation of Albany^ con- gratulating his fafe Return, and returning Thanks for his early Affiftance with his perfonal Prefence for their Relief, ^c. Saturday the 25th. The Indians being arrived laft Night, and giving their Attendance, this Morning his Excellency, being accompanied with the Magiftrates of this City, and the Soul- diers and Militia in Arms, came to the City Hall, and made his Speech to the Indians, which was Interpreted to them by the Interpretefs Helle. In the Afternoon they gave their Anfwer to his Excellency by the fame Interpretefs. Sunday the 26th. About 8 a Clock in the Morn- ing, four of the chief Sachims came to his Excel- lency, with fome further Proportions, which he immediately anfwer'd to their Satisfaction. [h] Monday the 27th. His Excellency caufed a Proclamation to be publifhed, prohibiting the felling of Rum to xh^ Indians y and did imbarque for New-Torkj where he arrived Thurjday Morn- ing following, and was received with fuch Expreffions of Joy and Thankfulnefs as the place could afford. Nicholas Beyard, | Col. Char/es Lodwick ) Lieut. Col. y4 Journal of the ASiio7is in the Woods, between the French and Indians. IN Obedience to his Excellency's Command, Feter Schuyler Mayor, with the other Offi- cers under his Command, gave this following Account of their Proceedings fince the firft Intel- ligence of the Enemy's defcent into the Country of the Mohaques. February the 8th, being Wednefday, about 2 a Clock afternoon, we had the Alarm from Sche- neBady, that the French and Indians had taken the Mohaques Caftles ; foon after we had the News, that a Young-man, called Jan Baptiji van Eps, (taken at ScheneBady 3 Years ago) was run [i6] over from the French, as they were to attack the firft Caftle of the Mohaques, and come to Siche- neBady who related, that the French were 350 Chrijiians and 200 Indians Major Ingoldsby fent forth-with his Warrants, to command in the Farmers of Capt. Genits and Capt. Tunis' s Com- panies of Mihtia. This Night Lieut. John Schuy- ler 2.n& Cornet Abeel with ^^ Horfe marched to ScheneBady, February 9. Cornet Abeel came exprefs from ScheneBady, and defired that Major Schuyler or Major JVeJfels might be fent thither to pacific the Indians, wh-o were enraged that no Chrijiians went out in purfuit of the Enemy. Upon which Major Schuyler at his own Requeft was permit- ted to go that Evening. As foon as Major Schuy- ler arrived there, he fent out Scouts to fpy the Forts and the Enemies Motion, and withal to go and warn the Tionondoge Indians of the Enemies coming, but they having gone i 2 Miles, returned about 1 2 a Clock at Night, faying, they could not get over the River. [«7] Feb. lo. Major Schuyler fent Lieut, yohn Schuyler and Lieut. John Sanders, and fix more to view the Mohaques Fort that was pofTeffed by the Enemy, who brought News, that the French were in both the Forts ; of all which he gave advice to Major Ingoldsby at Albany. Feb. 1 1 . Major Schuyler fent i o Chrijlians and 40 Indians to lie near the Enemy, and to watch their Motion, who made a fmall Fort to retreat into, and fo fpyed what the Enemy did. Feb. 1 2. News was brought to ScheneBady by fome of the faid Scouts, that they had heard firing at the Mohaques Forts, which was fuppofed the Tionondoge Indians againft the French; which News Major Schuyler fent forward to Albany. Whereupon Major Ingoldsby detached about 200 Men out of the feveral Companies of the Militia Fuzileers and Troop, commanded by Capt. Peter Matthews, Capt. Arent Schuyler, Capt. Benj. Phips, Capt. Kihad van Renjlaer, and Capt. Tho. Gartin, who arrived at ScheneBady about 2 a Clock afternoon, and joyned Major Schuyler : The Waggons with Bread arrived that Night. 3 [.8] This day our Scouts brought us the News, that the French were there ftill, and that they had alfo cut off the third Caftle of the Mohaques, called, Tionondoge, and that none of the upper Indians were come down ; all which was adver- tifed to Major Ingoldsby forthwith, and Major Schuyler fent to him for Orders to march. Feb. 13. This Morning having received no anfwer of the faid Exprefs, Major Schuyler fent another to march, and being preffed with the Indians, who threatned elfe to defert us, was forced to march the Men over the River without Orders, which came about i a Clock in the Afternoon, when moft of the Men were got over the River. This very time we had News by our Scouts, that the French had burnt the Mohaques three Caftles, and were marched away, which Major Schuyler ordered Lieut. Toung to lignifie to Major Ingolds- by. We marched 1 2 Miles that Evening, being 273 Chrijlians. In the Night about 10 a Clock one of our Scouts came in, and told us that 600 of our uppermoft Indians were coming down ; Major Schuyler forthwith fent the fame Meffen- [■9] ger, that brought us the News, to Major Ingolds- bjy and delired that Provifion and Ammunition (hould be fent after us, not knowing what the Indians might have occalion for. Feb. 14. About i or 2 a Clock in the Morn- ing we decamped, and marched to the fmall Fort that was made by our 50 Scouts, about lix a Clock in the Morning, where we had Advice, that the Enemy was not above eight Miles from us ; upon which Lieut. Harme van Slyk and two Indians were fent to difcover the Enemy, who brought us word they were marched ; two Indians came to us with News, that there were 300 of our upper Indians within 20 Miles of us, where- upon we fent two Indians back to haften them up, and to let them know we were there to joyn them. We fent three Mohaques to difcover the Enemy ; about 4 a Clock in the Afternoon we decamped, and marched to the Place where the Enemy had lain the Night before. Feb. 15. In the Morning two of our Indian Scouts returned, (the third being run over to the Enemy) who brought us News they had feen [20j the Enemy within ten Miles. Our Indians came up with us about 12 a Clock, being 290 Men and Boys, fome Armed, and fome without Arms, a Confult being had, we marched about four a Clock, and encamped all together, having marched about ten Miles that Afternoon. This Night a Confult was held, and Spyes fent to difcover the Enemy. Feb. 16. We marched early in the Morning, and having gone ten Miles, found the place where the Enemy had lain two Nights before ; we halted there, an Oneyde Indian came from the Enemy, being fent to our Indians to debauch them over to the French, which MelTenger we did not think fit to fend back, being one of the Prifoners taken at Tionondoge. We fent an Exprefs to Major Ingoldsby to acquaint him that the Enemy had built a Fort, and were refolved to fight us, and fent for fupplies of Provifion, Ammunition, and Men. We marched on toward the Enemy, and met with one of our wounded Indians, who informed, that the Enemy fi:ayed for us in a Fort; upon which we marched about two Miles, where a Chriftian Boy [Arnant the Interpreters Son) came to us, who had been three years a Prifoner among the Frenchy he gave an Account, that the Enemy were about 6 or 700 Men, and within three Miles ; we marched forward to find fome convenient place to Encamp, and to fortifie our felves from the Enemy that Night: We had Scouts out [Chrijiians and Indians) all Night to watch the Enemies motion, who brought an account in the Morning, that we were within a Mile of their Fort. Feb. 17. We decamped, and marched towards the Enemy with Scouts before us, and did not take a dired line, but went round, for fear of an Ambufcade, and came in fight of their Fort about eight a Clock in the Morning, where our Scouts came and fhewed us where the Enemy lay ; upon which all the Officers were commanded to take their Pofts, and make ready to engage, being 250 Chrijiians, and 290 Indians ; the Enemy feeing us, gave three Huzza's, which we anfwer'd with as many, and as loud as they, and made the Woods ring : our Indians went to work to fall Trees, [22] and fortifie ; but the Enemy fallyed out imme- diately ; we engaged them, and beat them back into their Fort ; our Indians fell to work again, and delired our ChrijUans to help, which they did ; the Enemy fallied out with all their Strength a fecond time, encouraging their Men, crying, 'T^hey run, we will cut them all off, and get their Provijions ; We received them briskly, and beat them back into their Fort, with the lofs of fev- eral of their Men : Our Men fell to work again about the Fort ; the Enemy fallied out the third time, but were as well repulfed as before, and beat into their Fort with confiderable lofs, our Indians bringing feveral of their Heads and Scalps into our Fort ; after this the Enemy was quiet, and we finifh'd our Fort : as foon as this Skir- mifh was over, we fent an Exprefs to Major In- goldsby, to acquaint him what had palfed, pray- ing him to haften our Recruits with Provifion and Ammunition, for that the greateft part of our Men had not had any Provifion in two days time ; we fent our Scouts of Chrijiians and Indians all that Night, to difcover our Enemies Motion, and [23] lay all Night in our Fort ; it was extream bad, cold, fnowy Weather. Feb. 1 8. Being cold ftormy Weather, and Snow, infomuch that we could fcarce fee any Trad: ; our Scouts came in this Morning, which gave Account that the Enemy were in their Fort, fome being ftill popping at our People. About nine a Clock an Indian that left the French in their Fort, told us. He thought the Enemy would retreat, that they were packing up thdr Baggage. Upon which Major Schuyler ordered the Captains to draw out their Men to march round the Ene- my's Fort to ftop them ; but the fame time had an Account they were fled ; he commanded the Officers to purfue them, and to hinder their Retreat, till Men and Provifions came up ; but the Men wanting Provifion, refufed to march ; the Officers, with 60 Chrijiians, and fome Indians, purfued the Enemy till they had made a fmall Fortification ; but the Officers not having Men to engage them, nor to make a Fort, returned back, leaving two Officers with 40 Men and 100 Indians to watch their motion, expecSting our Provilion to come up that Night. Feb. 19, About 7 a Clock in the Morning we had an Account that our Provilions were near at hand, which came up to us about nine or ten a Clock with 80 Men, commanded by Capt. Simms ; the Provifions being immediately diftrib- uted among the Men, thofe that were iirft ferved, were commanded away after the Enemy, with five Baskets a Man : About four a Clock, the Van being commanded by Capt. Peter Matthews and Capt. Arent Schuyler^ came up near the Rear of the Enemy, the Scouts telling us the Enemy were within lefs than EngiiJJD Mile ; we defired the Indians to joyn with us to fall upon their Rear, till the reft of our Men came up, fending in the mean time to our People, to march up in all hafte ; but the Indians halted ; and could not be perfwaded to march, the Mohaques being moft unwilling, becaufe the Enemy had dropt feveral Prifoners, who told them, that if they purfued them, they would kill all their Wives and Child- ren, whom they had Prifoners ; after an hours [25] Confultation of the Indians, moft of our Men came up, we marched with all fpeed, thinking to overtake the Enemy before they got to the River-fide ; but there being a flake of Ice in one part of the River, and all open above and below, the Enemy got over before we got up : We encamped by the River-fide that Night. Feb. 20. In the Morning Major Schuyler refolved to march over the River, to purfue the Enemy, ordering the Officers to get the Men ready for that purpofe ; but many of the Men being wearied with fatiegue, their Shoes being quite wore out, and Provifions fcarce, were not able to make any further purfuit : But that which did mofl of all difcourage us, was, that the Indians had great averfenefs to purfue or fall upon the Enemy, becaufe of their Wives and Children ; whereupon we marched back. In this Engagement we lofl four private Soul- diers, and four Indians, two Officers, and twelve 4 [26] Chrijlians, and Indians wounded ; and we had an Account by fome of our Indian Prifoners that made their Efcape, that we killed of the Enemy 33, whereof we found but 27, among which was their Commandant, one Captain, and two other Officers, with two of their commanding Indians, and 26 Wounded. We refcued between forty and fifty Prifoners. Since their Retreat we are informed by divers of the Prifoners who come home daily, that all our Men Prifoners except five, have made their efcape, or are fet at Liberty, and but few Women and Children left with them, not being able to carry the Prifoners off, by reafon of their Wounded Men, whereof they carried thirteen. As we did not hear, fo we could not exped: that your Excellency fhould in fo fhort time (at that Seafon of the Year) be advanced fo near us as to ScheneBady, and that fo confiderable Sup- plies could be fo fpeedily got together : And we [27] obferved it was no fmall Encouragement to our Indians to fee your Excellency at the head of 300 Men, befides Volunteers, for our Relief, and theirs ; of which we are all fenfible. Peter Schuyler, Major. Peter Matthews, Capt. ] {K.V. Renfelaer, Capt. Arent Schuyler, Capt. J [ Benj. Phipps, Capt. The Examination of Andres Cafparus and Cornelius Claefe van den Bergh, both Dutchmen, taken before his Ex- cellency Benj. Fletcher, Governottr, who have made their Efcape from Canada, who were Prifo7ters there, and have been 3 2 Days by the Way. THE fa id Cornelius Claefe van den Bergh was taken at CanaBagiere in July, 1691, a little before the Mayor Peter Schuyler went to Canada, and Andres Cafpares who was gone out with fome of our River Indians laft fall to hunt, and withal, to fee how the far Nations, called, [3°J the Turchtuicks lived, was taken laft March by a Party of Turchtuicks and DavaganhaeSy and brought to a Caftle where the faid Indians lived, and was there to be burnt and eat by the faid Indians, from whence he run away that very day he received his cruel Sentence, and was fixteen days in the Woods, and came to a place where Monfieur Tontys People were making a Fort, and the faid Monf Tonty, and Monf La Free brought him to Canada. The faid Prifoners fay, that the French in- formed them, that there were ten Ships come from France with Provilion and Amunition, but no Men, fcarce fo many as could fail their Ships, that they had brought 1 20000 pound of Flower, and 160000 pound of Pork, alio fome great Guns, and two Mortar Pieces. That there is a Fort built below Rebeck, in a narrow Paffage where Ships muftpafs ; the French fpoke of two Forts, (but an Englijh-man told him only of one Fort,) and twelve Guns in each Fort. They had 1 600 Souldiers three year ago, of which [3'] a looo are killed and taken; this is befides 200 Inhabitants who are killed. The faid Cornelius has lived all this while at the Governour of Mont Royal's Houfe, called, Monjieur d' Cellier, and judges there are about 400 Men in Mont Royal with Souldiers and all, although the faid Monfieur d' Cellier often told them, they had 700 Men there. There is a Man come over with thofe Ships to be Monf d' Cellier' s Cook, who fays, that the Englijh had fallen upon the French Fleet una- wares, and done them fome damage, and purfued them to Breji, and if they had come but a quar- ter of an hour fooner, they had taken Breft, and all the Provinces of Brittanine. The French have loft this Summer 37 French, and 70 Indians at one time, going up the Falls to Ottawawa, and at a fecond time they loft 30 French the fame way, and often-times fmaller Parties killed by our Indians. The faid Andres Cafparus fays further, that when he came to the French Houfe, after he had [32] efcaped from the Indians, the French tyed him two days, but he being fo lean and meager, hav- ing no Food all that time, but 1 1 Eggs he found in a Turkies Neft, and 6 Swan Eggs he found in another place, fo that the French did unty him. About eight days after Monfieur Tonty came, (who is in the manner of a Governour among them) and he went down with the faid Tonty to Ottawawa, which was 200 Leagues from that place ; the faid Tonty difpatched about 25 or 30 great Cannows full of Beaver to Canada; and after they had been two days from Ottawawa, they met one Monfieur de Lille, who had been out a skulking upon the great River, and had taken two Prifoners, who told that 300 of our Indians lay at a carrying place on the great River, wait- ing for the Ottawawa Company, and 200 were near Mont Royal Ifland, upon the fame defign. They fiiopt the faid Company till Monfieur Tonty fent for them back, and refolved to go to Canada with 200 Men Indians and French, without Bea- vers, in which Company the faid Andres Cafpa- rus came, being reckoned 300 Leagues between [33] Ottawawa and Canada. As foon as the faid An- dres came to Mont Royal, Monlieur Tonty deliv- ered him to the Governour of Mont-Royal, who put him in Prifon four days, and then releafed him to work in his Houfe ; but as foon as he got out, confulted with his Comrade Cornelius to run away, which they did accordingly. After they had been about a Month or five Weeks together in the faid Monf d' Celliers Houfe, the faid Andres fays, he faw a great prodigious Quantity of Beavers at Ottawawa ; an Inhabitant of Can- ada, called "Jaques de Tallie, told him he had 3000 Beavers of his own there, and that there was as many Beavers now in Ottawawa as would load 200 Canows to Canada, and each Canow generally holds nine or ten hundred Beavers, which the faid Andres doth credibly believe to be true, there being none gone from thence to Canada in a great while. There is a Fort at Ottawawa burnt by acci- dent this Spring where Monf. la Free had the 5 [34] Command, wherein was great ftore of Beavers and Peltry, and feveral Goods and Merchandize. This is the Account the /aid two Prif oners gave at Albany the 4th. o/' Odober, 1692. and is entered down from their Mouths, by his Excellency's Command, Robert. Livingftone. »s%^g»j^^ The Examination ^Joachin Lebert, a Frenchman of Canada, and Native of Mont Royal, taken before his Excellency Benj. Fletcher at Albana the \th ^Odob. 1692. THat he lived at Prerie de lay Magdelain. That it is 60 Leagues from Mont Royal to Rebeck. That Mr. de Cellier is Governour of Mont Royal. That there is 2000 Men carrying Arms in his Government, Souldiers and Inhabi- tants. That the Town of Mont Royal is inclofed with Stockadoes. That there is 53 pieces of Canon, Brafs and Iron, eight Companies of Soul- diers, unequal in number, 50 Men being the mofl. [36] That the Fort of Magdelaine contains 23 Fam- ilies, 400 men in Arms, 2 pieces of Canon, and 5 Patteraroes. There is 200 men in the Indian Fort, called, Ganawagne. That there is ten Men of War arrived at Rebeck, from France^ laden with Ammunition, and that he faw the faid Ships. That he hath been taken 43 days, and fays, that the day before his being taken, he being at Mr. Celliers Houfe, he faw a Canow arrive there from Mr. Le Count, fent to Mr. Cellier to demand the Collers of Beeds, which are ufually prefented at the concluding a Peace, the which occafioned him to fay, there was Ambaffadours coming to treat a Peace. Upon the Objedtion made, that there could not be fo many People in Canada, he fays, that the two Frenchmen that were fent to Tork fome time lince, being now at Canada, did inform Mr. Le Count, that the Englijh had aflembred all their Nations, with a delign upon Canada, which obliged Mr. Le Count to raife all the men he could poffible, which was that Number he /aid : And fays, he knows nothing more. His Excellency Benjamin Fletcher's Speech to the Indians at the State- Houfe m Albany, February 25, 1692. BRETHREN, IT is not unknown to fome of you, that I came laft OBober into thefe parts upon no other occafion than to view the Fronteers, and put them into the beft pofture I could, to fecure us and you, from the Attempts of the French, and their Indians, our Enemies and yours. And in order to this, I fent a fupply of Ammunition, Artillery, and Chrijlian Souldiers, fufficient to prevent any Infult from our Enemies, and it had the effed: I expeded, for they durft not face the [38] weakeft of our Garrifons. I came now for your Relief, and have loft no time ; the fame day that I had an account from hence that our Enemies were in this Countrey, I put my felf on board a Sloop, and brought with me 150 Chrijlian Soul- diers, belides Volunteers, and arrived here before J could be expedted ; I then immediately marched to ScheneBady, from whence I fent you Supplies of 200 and odd Men, Ammunition, Provifion, &c. with which thofe that joyned you before, under the Command of Major Schuyler^ might have fecured an entire Victory, and prevented the French and their Indians from any poffibility of getting back to their own Houfes ; but it has pleafed God to order it otherwife. I had alfo 200 Chrijlians more upon their March, who arrived here, and would have been a confiderable Reinforcement to us ; but the Action being over, I commanded them back to their former Refi- dence, till further Orders. It is obvious to me, and I believe to you all, that this Calamity is fallen on you by your own Faults. I could never fuppofe my Brethren, the Mohaques, would be fo [39j fupine and carelefs, as to fuffer the French, and their Indians, to enter their Caftles without the leaft Refiftance. Thefe Men that have an Enemy near, muft Jleep with Arms in their Hands, and one Eye open ; that is, they muft keep Scouts and Spyes, fo as never to become a Prey to their Enemies, by their own NegUgence. I muft advife you, that for the future you keep ftridt Watch, fo that I may have timely Notice of the Enemy's Motion, and you will then fee how eafily they will be defeated. I hope it is now apparent to you, that the great King of England is ready to apply his Arms for your defence, when you confider, that in a very [few] days I am come perfonally to your Affiftance, with near 400 Chrijlian Souldiers. I have had the Honour to bear Command under the great King of England, my Mafter, where I have feen the French fly before his Viftorious Arms ; and laft Summer it pleafed God to add to his Vidories, by the Defeat and Deftrudtion of their Fleet, in which moft of their Ships were burnt or funk. [4o] I came now in great hafte, and brought no Prefents with me, but delign (by the bleffing of God) to be with you at the beginning of the Summer, to give you fomething to wipe off your Tears for the Brethren that are lately loft, to renew the ancient Covenant Chain, and to give you further Afliirances of the Great King of Eng- land's Favour, and of my own Readinefs upon all Occalions to appear as his Servant, for your Protedtion againft our Enemies and yours. My prefent Care now is, to provide for the Mohaques Nation, about which I have given my Directions to Major Schuyler, who will appoint them a place for their Refidence ; I have alfo ordered fome Corn for their prefent Support, which they will receive from him. I muft add, that it concerns your Honour and Reputation, to make fome brisk Attempt upon our Enemies, and this with what Secrecy and Expedition you can, that thofe People may fee you retain the ancient Courage of your Anceftors ; and I do not queftion but God will give you Succefs by a fevere Revenge on our Enemies and yours. [40 I am informed, that your Young Men have killed the Horfes of fome Chrijiian Souldiers, who were upon the fame Service with you, (it is not Brotherly,) and I defire, for the future, you will take care to prevent fuch Outrage, that the ancient Covenant Chain may be preferved invio- lable on your parts, as it will be on the part of my Mafter, the Great King. To conclude, I muft tell you, that I doubt there is fome falfe Brothers among us, who keeps Intelli- gence with our Enemies, concealing their Dejigns, and expojing ours; if you have one Frenchman among you, he will be true to his Countrey, by be- traying you. I have order'd you fome Bread and Bear, and defire you will drink the Healths of my Great Mafter and Miftrifs, the Vidorious King, and moft Illuftrious Queen of Great Brit- ain, France, and Ireland, and all Their Majefties Territories in America, and fo bid you farewell. The Anfwer of the Five Nations, viz. The Mo- haques, Oneydes, Onondages, Cayouges, and Sinnekes, To his Excellency Benjamin Fletcher, Captain General and Governour in chief of Their Majejiies Province of New York, &c. in Albany this 2.^th. of February, 1692. Sadeganaktie, Sachim of the Onondages, Speaker. Interpreted by Hille, the Inter pretefs. §r0t^tr Cagmqxnrag0, which fignifies a Great Swift Arrow, a Name the Five Nations have given His Excellency, becaufe of his fpeedy Arrival here, with fo many Men for their Relief, when the Enemy had fallen upon the Mohaques Country. TTTHen we arrived at ScheneBady, after our ^ ' march againft the Enemy, you were pleafed to defire us to come hither, where we heard you, Great Swift Arrow, fpeak, and par- I 44 ] ticipated of your Favours ; we acknowledge that the Enemy, the French of Canada, have fallen upon our Brethren, the Mohaques, and deftroyed their three Caftles, which we can attribute to nothing elfe but their not hearkening to the Great Swift Arrow's good Advice, which was, to keep good Guards and out Scouts. We return you. Brother Great Swift Arrow, our hearty Thanks for your Care in providing for the Mohaques, that they may not ftarve, nor be in want in this Extremity. Brother Great Swift Arrow, You propofe to us the attacking the Enemy in their Country to fhew them that we have not lost the Courage of our Anceflors ; we return you our hearty Thanks for your good Encouragement, for we are in a manner drunk with the Blood lately fhed by them. It is not ufual for us, while we are in that Grief and Anxiety, as now we are, to pro- ceed to revenge our felves of the Enemy ; you have loft your Blood as well as we, therefore that Blood ought to be revenged unanimoully by both fides. [45] Brother Great Swift Arrow, You recommend us to go and attack the Enemy where they are at home in Canada ; but you are acquainted with us of Old, that it is our Cuftom, lirft to bewail and condole the Death of them killed by the Enemy, for we are all of one Heart, one Blood, one Soul ; neverthelefs we delign to go out and to fall upon the French ; but we muft firft fecure our Caftles, fince we know, that the Governour of Canada is intended to fend out a confiderable Party, but whither we know not. Brother Great Swift Arrow, While you press us to go and attack the Enemy of Canada by Land, we exped: (according to the many Prom- ifes and Engagements made to us) to hear of a confiderable Force to go with great Guns by Sea, that the Enemy might be affaulted both ways, and fo overcome ; we prefs this the harder, be- caufe a great part of our Strength is now broke, and therefore take it not amifs that we pufh this Point of taking Canada by Sea, fmce its impoffi- ble to be done by Land alone. [46] Brother Great Swift Arrow, We return you our hearty Thanks, that you are fo ready to aflift us upon any Occaiion, and for the good advice to be watchful, and keep out good Scouts and Spies ; it is probable, that we would have done a great deal more damage to the Enemy, had we been fo well provided with all forts of Ammunition, as the Indians of Canada are ; but fome of our Men have Guns, and no Powder nor Ball, and fome but Bows and Arrows, as Major Schuyler faw, when we came up to him ; but the Gov- ernour of Canada fupplies his Indians with all forts of Arms and Ammunition, which we found now we engaged them. We pray you. Great Swift Arrow, to have a careful Eye over us, fince this Party of the French that has deftroyed the Mohaques Caftles is but part of his Strength, he is working with the Ottawawa and Dowaganhaes Indians, where he has a great Magazeen, and fupplies them with all forts of Ammunition, and we fear that Force will come down upon us ftill. [47] Brother Great Swift Arrow, We return you Thanks for remembring our Dead, and that you will condole their Death, when you come up in the beginning of Summer, but you can expedl no Return from us, being in fo mean a Capacity and Condition. Brother Great Swift Arrow, You inform us of the great Victory that our Lord of Lord (mean- ing the great King of England) has got upon the French, the common Enemy at Sea, which is admirable, and all the Nations are heartily rejoyced at it, and we hope that the great God that has his Seat above the Heavens, will give the fame fuccefs to our great Lord of Lords Arms in this part of the World, over his and our Ene- mies, the French of Canada. We pray that you would be pleafed to acquaint our great Lord of Lords (who lives over the great Lake) of our mean Condition, and what Pofture we are in, and how eafy it is to deftroy Canada, if all our great Lord of Lords Subjefts in thefe Collonies would unite and joyn together, [48J with fome Ships that carry great Guns, which our great Lord of Lords can eafily fpare us, after this late Vid:ory over the French at Sea, We delire that you would be pleas'd to order a Smith to be with us in our Country to repair our Arms, that we may defend us from the French. His Excellency replyed. That he hoped they were fufficiently fatisfied of his Readinefs to affift them, and that the Force the French had now fent, was the moft they could make ; and if they will but keep out Scouts, and advertife his Excel- lency timely of the Enemies coming, his Excel- lency does not doubt, with the Strength he has in his Province, to deal with the Governour of Canada^ and all his Power. The Governour granted their Requeft of the Smith to be in their Country to repair their Arms. Propofals made by four of the chief Sachims of the Five Nations^ to his Rxcellency Benjamin Fletcher in Albany the 26th of February, 1692. §r0tl^^r great Stoift ^trnfo, T"\7E are come to acquaint you, that one of ^ our Men has laft Night in a drunken Fit, killed an Indian that came over from the French, at which we are much concerned, and therefore come to fee how our Brother great Swift Arrow refents it. We defire that you will be pleafed to prohibit the felling of Rum while the War is fo hot, (ince our Souldiers cannot be kept within Bounds, if they be drunk. 7 [5°] Brother great Swift Arrow, We anfwer'd your Excelleny's Propofals yefterday, but had not time to confult with that deUberation as we ought, and if therefore there be any thing omit- ted, or if we failed of our Duty, we beg that you would be pleas'd to pardon that Omiffion ; for we muft declare in behalf of all the Nations, that we are fingularly obliged to you. Brother great Swift Arrow, for your fo extraordinary Difpatch and fuddain Arrival here for our Relief, with fo conliderable a Force, the like never having been done before, whereby we fee your readinefs and alacrity to help and affifl: us. And we do alfo return you Thanks for leaving your Directions with Major Schuyler to take care of the Mohaques Nation. We are thankful for your kind Expref- fions, to be fo ready to come for our Relief, and that you warn us to come and acquaint you as foon as we fee the Enemy a coming a far off, not doubting of your Power to proted: us, lince we have feen a fufficient Proof of that already by this late Expedition. [s-] Brother great Swift Arrow, We do engage to make a narrow enquiry as foon as we come into our own Country, about the French Prifoners, who we fufpe6t may betray us : we have had two Bouts with the Onedeys about the Prieft Milet that is among them, and we intend to try the third time. We defire that you. Brother great Swift Arrow, may come up as foon as the Bark is loofe upon the Trees, lince we have a defign upon the Enemy. We forgot to anfwer you in that Bufinefs about the Young-men kilHng the Horfes ; we acknow- ledge, its not Brotherly, but very ill done, and as foon as we come into our Country we will take fuch Methods that it may be prevented, by find- ing out them that have done it, caufing them to make Satisfaction . His Excellency replied, that he was much con- cerned that they fhould Exercife their Arms one againft another, while there is an Enemy in the Field, and hopes they will for the future endeavour to prevent fuch Irregularities, That they may be [52] now fufficiently convinced how ready the Arms of the great King of England is to fuccour them ; and that his Excellency, for his own part, will never fpare to expofe his Perfon for their Security. That the Rum fhall be prohibited upon their Requeft ; and that the moft he requires of them, is to be Vigilant and Careful, and not to fuffer themfelves to be Surprized, and then they need not fear the French. To his Excellency Benjamin Fletcher, Captain General and Governour in Chief of Their Majeflies Province of New- York, Vice- Admiral of the fame. The Humble Addrefs of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonality of the City of Albany. WE are extreamly fenfible of your Excel- lency's fpecial Care, not only for the Safety and Security of your Excellen- cies Government in general, but in particular for the extraordinary Regard taken for this City, being the utmoft Frontier thereof, feated near One Hundred and Fifty Miles up in the Coun- try, whilft the fame was attacked by the Enemy of Canada, who had furprized and burnt the three [54] Caftles of the Mohaques, killed divers of their Fighting Men, and led in Captivity upwards of 1 30 Women and Children ; and that your Excel- lency fhould, within two Days after Notice received from hence, make that Difpatch, as to be here fo fuddenly with 300 Men, and fufficient Provifions and Stores of War, for our immediate Relief, which was more than ever could be expedted in this Winter Seafon. We therefore, out of a deep fence of your Excellency's unparallell'd Affection to, and Care for us, cannot but efteem ourfelves highly obliged to your Excellency, and beg of you to accept our Unfeigned Thanks ; afluring your Excellency, As we ihall never forget your extraordinary Care of us ; fo we fhall ever admire and beg the con- tinuance of your Excellency's benign Govern- ment over us : And lince the Mohaques Nation is wholly difperfed by the Enemy's burning all their three Caftles, and our Farmers live ftrag- ling up and down the Country, in great Danger to be cut off by the skulking Indians^ We pray, that your Excellency, in your Wifdom, will be [55] pleafed to order fome convenient Place, where the Remnant of the faid Nation may be convened together, and fortified for any Attack of the Ene- my ; and that the Farmers may be ordered to fortifie themfelves in Companies together, that the Enemy may not have an advantage of them. And we humbly beg your Excellency to be- lieve. We are always ready to venture our Lives and Fortunes for Their Majefties Service, the Defence of this Province ; and with all chear- fulnefs and allacrity (hall endeavour, whenever it lies in our Power, to demonftrate our true Affec- tion to your Excellency in particular, and to approve our felves. Tour Excellency' s moji Dutiful, and moji Obedient Servants, Peter Schuyler, Mayor. Levinus V. Schaick, Alderman. Rymen Barentfe, AJjiJlant. Dirk Wefiels, Recorder. Evert Banker, Alderman. Johannis Rofeboom. 1^ The Houfe of Reprefent^tives for the Province of JVew-Vor^, lVed7tefday A. M'. March 22. 1693. Ordered, THat the Thanks of this Houle be given unto his Excellency, for his favourable Speech, and his Care of the Frontiers of this Province, by the great Difpatch he made in his Perfonal Appearance there, upon the late Invafion of the French. Ordered, That Mr. Wejells, Mr. Pell, Mr. Kipp, Capt. Whitehead, Mr. Rutfand, Mr. Theunijfen, Mr. Tuthill, and Mr. Barnes, to wait upon his Excellency and Council with this MefTage. By Order of the Houfe of Reprefefitatives, yanies Graham^ Speaker. FINIS.