circa 1585-1763

Manuscript document

Title: Propositions made by the Mohicans [in Dutch]

GLC03107.02113

1714/05/12

Livingston, Philip, 1686-1749

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston re: sale of Alida Schuyler's house

Philip describes his unsuccessful attempts to sell Alida Schuyler's house, which is old and poorly kept. He also wishes his father the best of luck in obtaining his warrants and salary, but acknowledges that it will continue to be a most difficult endeavor. P.2 contains a copy of a letter from the Commissioners to the Governor, 13 May 1714, Albany. The letter discusses an upcoming meeting of all Indians at Onondaga, and that the Indians were warned not to inform a single white man of this event. The Commissioners fear a clandestine plot, and therefore send a spy to inform them of the…

GLC03107.02114

1714/09/25

Sachem of the 5 Nations, fl. 1711-1717

Manuscript document

Title: Answer to the propositions of Governor Hunter

The 5 Nations express their solidarity with the English, and their determination to maintain peace with them. They agree to try to make peace with the "flatheads" of Carolina, and to stop their young men from killing and stealing English cattle and crops. The 5 Nations also agree to give free passage to and trade with the "far nations" that may wander through their country. Docketed on verso.

GLC03107.02115

1714/09/23

Hunter, Robert, 1664-1734

Manuscript document

Title: Propositions to the 5 Nations

Governor Hunter speaks on behalf of the Queen of England, and invites the 5 Nations to renew their covenant chain of peace with the English. He informs the Indians that the English have made peace with the French, and expects that the 5 Nations will follow this example. According to the articles of this peace, however, it is forbidden for the Indians to allow any French men or priests to live among them. Hunter also asks the 5 Nations to cease conflict with all of the Queen's subjects, both Christian and Indian, and to give free passage to the "far nations" when they pass through the 5…

GLC03107.02116

1714/09/20

Sachem of the 5 Nations, fl. 1711-1717

Manuscript document

Title: Propositions to Governor Hunter with an answer

The Sachems state that they have heard news of British plans to cut off the 5 Nations, and explain that they are inclined to believe this rumor due to the rapidly rising price of powder. Governor Hunter replies that the rumors are spread by their mutual enemies, and he will try to lower the price of powder.

GLC03107.02117

1715/08/27

Sachem of the 5 Nations, fl. 1711-1717

Manuscript document

Title: Propositions to Governor Hunter with an answer

The Sachems resolve to end their war with the flatheads of Carolina, condole the death of Queen Anne, and request that the English sell goods at a more reasonable price. In his reply, Governor Hunter states that he will need time to think about the issues, and will have an answer at their next meeting.

GLC03107.02118

1715/08/28

Sachem of the 5 Nations, fl. 1711-1717

Manuscript document

Title: Alteration of the former propositions

The Sachems request that the part of their former proposition stating their resolve never to join the English in a war be blotted out and forgotten. They explain that the rising cost of goods caused them to initially make this statement, and they therefore request that the King lower the prices so that trade may be more successful.

GLC03107.02119

1715/08/29

Sachem of the 5 Nations, fl. 1711-1717

Manuscript document

Title: Propositions to Governor Hunter with an answer

The Sachems explain that they have received word from the Far Nations that they desire to make peace with Governor Hunter and the 5 Nations, and also that they wish to travel and trade with freedom. Governor Hunter replies that the accepts the propositions of the Far Nations, and states that friends of the 5 Nations will be looked upon as friends of the English.

GLC03107.02120

1715/08/28

Hunter, Robert, 1664-1734

Manuscript document

Title: Answer to the propositions of the 5 Nations

Governor Hunter begins by recalling the war against the French of Canada, and states the importance of upholding the "hatchet" of mutual defense between the English and the 5 Nations. In response to the Indians' complaints of the high price of goods and low value of furs, Hunter explains that the forces of supply and demand are responsible for determining these values. As a final issue, Hunter asks the 5 Nations to act upon the agreement of mutual defense and pursue the Flatheads of Carolina, who are accused of butchering English settlers without reason. Docketed on p.8.

GLC03107.02121

1715/08/31

The 5 Nations

Manuscript document

Title: Reply to the propositions of Governor Hunter

The 5 Nations correct Governor Hunter's account of the attacks commited by the Flatheads of Carolina, and explain that the English provoked them when they failed to lower the price of goods in return for the Flatheads' service in a war with another nation of Indians. However, the 5 Nations agree to pursue the Flatheads, so long as the English supply them with proper ammunition and conduct trade in a more favorable manner. Docketed on p.4.

GLC03107.02122

1717/05/30

Spotswood, Alexander, 1676-1740

Letter

Title: to Robert Hunter re: attacks made by the 5 Nations [excerpt]

The Governor of Virginia, Alexander Spotswood, writes to Governor Hunter to inform him that the 5 Nations have attacked a nation of Indians in an English fort as they prepared to make peace with Virginia. Docket notes that this is an excerpt of a letter.

GLC03107.02123

1717/06/16

Hunter, Robert, 1664-1734

Manuscript document

Title: Proposition to the 5 Nations [in Dutch]

Docketed on p.4.

GLC03107.02124

1717/06/13

Livingston, Robert, 1688-1775

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston re: 5 Nations' mischief in Virginia

Robert writes that he sends this letter per Capt. Smith, the Agent of Virginia, who has informed him of the mischief wrought by the 5 Nations in that colony. He also notes that some pirates took Smith and held him in Sandy Hook for some time, and there is fear that ships sent from England will meet with a similar fate.

GLC03107.02125

1717/06/13

Sachem of the 5 Nations, fl. 1711-1717

Manuscript document

Title: Private conference between Governor Hunter and Sachems of the 5 Nations

In response to an inquiry, the 5 Nations note that the French have not built a fort in the Seneca's country, but have rather erected a trading post at that site. The Indians state that they are uneasy due to news that the French and English plan to cut off all Indians and populate the land with people from Europe. They also tell the Governor that they have received small pox from Maryland or Virginia, and demand that this intentional practice cease.

GLC03107.02126

1717/06/13

Hunter, Robert, 1664-1734

Manuscript document

Title: Proposition to the Five Nations

Governor Hunter assures the 5 Nations of the good will and protection of their sovereign, King George, so long as the Indians uphold their part of the agreement. He reminds them that the 5 Nations and the English are bound to keep peace with each other, and also to protect and defend the other in the event of an attack.

GLC03107.02127

1717/06/14

The 5 Nations

Manuscript document

Title: Answer to the proposition of Governor Hunter

The 5 Nations thank the Governor for his assurance of good will and protection, and agree to maintain the covenant with the English. However, they note that if the English should attack another Indian nation out of malice, then the 5 Nations would have to thoughtfully consider any decision to ally themselves with the English. The Governor then presents the 5 Nations with gifts.

GLC03107.02128

1717/06/15

Hunter, Robert, 1664-1734

Manuscript document

Title: Proposition to the River Indians

Governor Hunter assures the River Indians of King George's good will and protection, and then presents them with gifts as gesture of faith in their duty and fidelity.

GLC03107.02129

1717/06/15

Sachem of the 5 Nations, fl. 1711-1717

Manuscript document

Title: Proposition to Governor Hunter

The 5 Nations request that the Governor acquaint the King of their ardent desire for better trading prices. They also explain that better prices will attract the Indians that trade with the French, who will travel to Albany to conduct business. In his answer, Governor Hunter explains that prices are determined by the market and not by an individual, and it is therefore not in his power to interfere with this system.

GLC03107.02130

1717/06/16

Hunter, Robert, 1664-1734

Manuscript document

Title: Proposition to the 5 Nations regarding Virginia

Governor Hunter states that the Governor of Virginia has informed him that the 5 Nations recently attacked a nation of Indians settled in an English fort as they prepared to make peace with the colony of Virginia. He reminds the 5 Nations that this is a breach of the covenant made between the 5 Nations and Virginia, and demands that the Indians give satisfaction for their destruction. Docketed on p.4.

GLC03107.02131

1717/06/17

The 5 Nations

Manuscript document

Title: Answer to the proposition of Governor Hunter regarding Virginia

The 5 Nations state that the Indians they attacked in Virginia are a "false and treacherous" people, but if they had known that they were friends of the English, they would never have attacked. They extend their apologies to Virginia, and ask that an agent be sent up to Albany so that the covenant between the 5 Nations and Virginia may be renewed. In his response, Governor Hunter demands that the 5 Nations find the prisoner they took and return her to Virginia. As a final remark, the 5 Nations note that despite rumors to the contrary, they have no intentions of destroying the [Sappone]…

GLC03107.02132

1718/09/03

Hunter, Robert, 1664-1734

Manuscript document

Title: Proposition to the Sachems of the 5 Nations [in Dutch]

GLC03107.02133

1719/10/06

Kataruksat & Itakampaas

Manuscript document signed

Title: Receipt of payment from Robert Livingston for the account of William White

Payment was made to Kataruksat and Itakampaas on account of the sale to William White of the land called Oyataak. Kataruksat and Itakampaas signed with their marks.

GLC03107.02134

1720

Schuyler, Pieter, 1657-1724

Manuscript document

Title: Propositions to the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, and Cayugas [rough draft]

Schuyler warns the Indians not to make war against the southern Indians, and to respect English property when their warriors travel to Virginia and Maryland. He also mentions the danger of the French building a fort at Onjagare. Marked as a rough draft on the docket.

GLC03107.02135

1720/08/25

River Indians

Manuscript document

Title: Propositions made to Peter Schuyler

The River Indians apologize for breaking the custom of presenting the English with gifts, but explain that they are too poor to do so. They ask Schuyler to renew the covenant chain, and express their desire to learn English so that they may understand the minister and become Christians.

GLC03107.02136

1720/08/25

Schuyler, Pieter, 1657-1724

Manuscript document

Title: Propositions to the River Indians

Schuyler encourages the River Indians to send their men out hunting, but to keep them from fighting with the Southern Indians. He also warns them against entering into agreements with the French, and urges them to remain peaceful.

GLC03107.02137