1686/05/20

Dongan, Thomas, 1634-1715

Manuscript document

Title: "Propositions made to the Maquese, Oneydes, Onnondages, Cayouges & . . .

Sinnekes Sachims." Coll. Dongan tells the Indians that they are not permitted to trade, make covenants, or declare war or peace with any Christians without his permission. He also states that they must continue to bring all their trade exclusively to Albany, and that they should stop any Christians from building forts in places that would interfere with their beaver hunting. Docketed on verso.

GLC03107.01958

1687/06/16

Dongan, Thomas, 1634-1715

Letter signed

Title: to the Governor of Canada re: policy with the 5 Nations

Thomas Dongan reprimands the Governor of Canada for inviting Indians of the 5 Nations to Cadarachqui in Canada, and warns the Governor not to allow his Christian Indians across the border to lure the 5 Nations away. P.2 and 3 contain a proposition from Dongan to the 5 Nations, dated 14 July 1687, at Schenechtady. In the proposition, Dongan assures the Indians that he has only corresponded with the Governor of Canada on their behalf, and also promises the 5 Nations any supplies or ammunitions they may need during their conflict with the French. He also warns them not to conclude a peace…

GLC03107.01985

1712/06/13

Livingston, Philip, 1686-1749

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston re: interest in an expedition

Philip discusses how difficult it is to purchase wheat at the moment, and also requests that his father volunteer him for a tentative expedition, as he is eager to find a profitable position. He concludes by stating his suspicions of the 5 Nations, who may be conspiring with the French to attack Christian settlers.

GLC03107.00919

1715/05/26

Livingston, Robert, 1654-1728

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Philip Livingston re: the Mayor's indisposition

Robert writes that the Mayor is severely ill, and discusses some trading business. He also notes that he has had an indifferent reception by the city of Albany and the church.

GLC03107.02425

1724/08/03

Livingston, Philip, 1686-1749

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston Jr. re: advice for Robert's studies

Philip reminds Robert to mind his studies now, or he will grow to regret it when it is too late to learn. He asks if Philip would like to return to New Rochelle next winter, and if he gets along with his Master and Mistress. Philip also reminds Philip to read the Bible, to send his mother a letter in French, and to send him a letter every week so that he may observe how Robert's hand improves.

GLC03107.02496

1713/04/08

Livingston, John

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Philip Livingston re: death of his wife Mary Winthrop

John writes of the death of his wife, who departed with "satesfackion and asseurence for a Better." He also mentions business concerns, and hopes that General Nicholson arrives with money for them in the near future. Docketed on address leaf.

GLC03107.02404

1701/12/25

Vetch, Samuel, 1668-1732

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alida Livingston re: misfortune and suffering

Vetch prays that he may have the patience to bear what God has inflicted upon him, and believes that his misfortune must be a part of God's greater designs. He sends his respects to Alida, and hopes that she may yet see her grandchildren. Docketed on address leaf.

GLC03107.02181

1704/04/29

Livingston, Robert, 1654-1728

Letter

Title: to Alida Livingston re: [in Dutch]

P.3 contains ALS from Robert Livingston to his daughter [Margaret] in English. Robert writes that her letter has caused him grief, as it seems that "it has pleased God to Cross you in this troublesome world." He also states that he is trying to help her husband by finding him an office and a commission, but they are very difficult to come by. He ends with an expression of hope that "God sanctify all these afflictions." Docketed on address leaf.

GLC03107.02184

1706/05/10

Livingston, Robert, 1654-1728

Letter

Title: to Alida Livingston re: legal dispute with Richard Blackham [in Dutch]

Robert's letter to his wife is accompanied by an English translation (see collateral file). In the letter, Robert explains that Richard Blackham has brought charges against him regarding a deal made with Captain Kidd's ship 10 years ago, and he is being held in Gravesend until the matter is settled. Robert describes the situation as disasterous, but writes that he will endure what God puts before him and keep his spirits up. P.3 contains two short letters to Mr. Patience and Mr. Joseph Sticke, in which he directs them to bring some of his things ashore, and also to deliver the letter to…

GLC03107.02186

1717/09/30

Hager, John F., fl. 1717

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston re: request for advice on his financial situation

Hager implores Livingston for advice on how to help his family out of financial ruin. He expresses regret at spending so much money on the church, which has made him indebted to Livingston. Docketed on address leaf.

GLC03107.01186

1711/08/17-1711/08/28

Five Nations

Manuscript document

Title: Propositions of the 5 Nations and River Indians to Coll. Robert Hunter

The 5 Nations and River Indians have gathered at Albany to voice their commitment to General Francis Nicholson and the expedition to reduce Canada. They ask the Governor to pardon the French Praying Indians if they decide to help the English, and inquire as to how to dispose of French prisoners. Governor Hunter answers that he will forgive all that join the expedition, and instructs the Indians to give Christian prisoners to the English, who will in turn give Indian prisoners to the 5 Nations. A count of the number of Indian soldiers is given, as well as an account of the gifts presented…

GLC03107.02103

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

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

1720/09/03

Mohawk Indians

Manuscript document

Title: Answer to the propositions of Peter Schuyler

The speaker agrees to renew the covenant on behalf of all 5 Nations, and promises to stop traveling through the southern colonies and upsetting the Christians and Indians that live there. They also state that they will not allow the French Indians to pass through their country to trade. Docketed on p.4.

GLC03107.02142

1722/09/07

Burnet, William, 1688-1729

Manuscript document

Title: Propositions to the 5 Nations

William Burnet, the Governor of Pennsylvania, invites the 5 Nations to renew the covenant chain between them. He recalls an unhappy incident in which 2 men from Pennsylvania killed an Indian of the 5 Nations in the midst of an argument over the sale of rum. Burnet expresses his sorrow over the incident, and assures the Indians that the guilty men are in prison and will be tried as if they had killed a Christian man. A sizeable portion of the document is missing due to damage. Signed by Robert Livingston, Secretary of Indian Affairs.

GLC03107.02146

1722/09/13

Burnet, William, 1688-1729

Manuscript document

Title: Proposition to the 5 Nations

The Governor consents to renew the covenant chain with the 5 Nations, and hopes that the Indians will begin to convert to Christianity. He also expects that the 5 Nations voice resentment over the misdeeds of the Eastern Indians, and send out deputies to inquire why they have attacked the people of New England. Additionally, a final and severe warning is given against any trade or correspondence with the French in Canada.

GLC03107.02153

1688/07/02

Livingston, Robert, 1654-1728

Manuscript document

Title: Deposition of Jean Labate

The deposition relates Jean Labate's account of conflicts between the French and the 5 Nations, particularly the Senecas and Mohawks, during the 1650's and 60's. He describes the taking of prisoners, including priests; the attacks made by the Governor of Canada; and how they settled upon a peace agreement. Document is marked as a copy.

GLC03107.02017

1689/09/12

Pynchon, John, 1626-1703

Manuscript document

Title: Propositions to the River Indians, Mohicans, and Skachtkook Indians

The 4 Commissioners, John Pynchon, Thomas Savage, Andrew Belcher, and Jonathan Bull write to the Indians to include them in the chain and covenant with the 5 Nations. They explain that they expect their loyalty and assistance in a war against the French and Eastern Indians. The Commissioners also note that they wish to inform the Indians of the revolution in England and the conflict between Papists and Protestants, and their desire to retain untiy between the Dutch and English in the colonies.

GLC03107.02022

1689/09/23

Pynchon, John, 1626-1703

Manuscript document

Title: Propositions made to the 5 Nations

The 4 Commissioners, John Pynchon, Thomas Savage, Jonathan Bull, and Andrew Belcher write that they have been asked to renew the covenant chain with the 5 Indians, and also to update them on affairs in England that will have an impact on the colonies. They explain that the Papist King James II has been deposed and replaced by a Protestant King and Queen, who are the sworn enemies of France. Therefore, it is expected that news will arrive shortly of a declaration of war against France, and the English will be free to attack Canada and wrest it from French control. The Commissioners state…

GLC03107.02023

1689/09/23

Pynchon, John, 1626-1703

Manuscript document signed

Title: Propositions made to the 5 Nations

Copy of GLC03107.02024, and contains the answer given by the 5 Nations. In their answer, the 5 Nations recognize their friendship with the English, and promise to pursue the French and Eastern Indians as enemies. Docket notes the document as original, while on p.13 Robert Livingston signed the document as a true copy.

GLC03107.02024

1692/07/29

Ingoldesby, Richard, ?-1719

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mayor Peter Schuyler re: funds for an attack against Indians of Canada

Ingoldesby writes that he will have no trouble collecting money to fund an attack against the "praying Indians of Canada" Docketed on address leaf. Written at Fort William Henry.

GLC03107.02033

1692/08/12

Schuyler, Pieter, 1657-1724

Manuscript document

Title: "Propositions made by Pr. Schuyler Mayor of the City of Albany to the . . .

. . . chiefs, Captains, & Leaders of a Company of 350 Indians of the 5 Nations now bounde upon an Expedition to Canida all Encamped at Shinnechtady." In the proposition, Schuyler writes that the "French praying Indians" will always be their enemies, and he asks the 5 Nations to destroy their camps, and also to do what damage they can to the French. Schuyler scolds the 5 Nations as well for taking cattle and corn from New England settlers, and warns them to cease that behavior immediately. In their response, the 5 Nations agree to fight against the praying Indians of Canada, but remind…

GLC03107.02035

1693/07/03

Fletcher, Benjamin, 1640-1703

Manuscript document

Title: Propositions made to the 5 Nations

Fletcher writes of his plans to strengthen the frontier against French and Indian attacks, and warns the 5 Nations to remain sober at all times, as drinking alcohol would make them more vulnerable to an attack. He reminds the 5 Nations that they need to give satisfaction for the killing of horses some time ago, and instructs them to remove a Jesuit who is currently living among them. Fletcher also asks if any Indians are wavering in their loyalty and considering reconciliation with the French.

GLC03107.02039

1693/07

Manuscript document

Title: "Some Remarks upon the Present state of affares at Albany Relateing to the . . .

. . . Indians of the 5 Nations & Particularly of the message sent to them from the Gov[ernor] of Canada." The document expresses alarm at the presence of a Jesuit Millet among the 5 Nations, who remains in correspondence with the French, and is thought to be a part of a plot to attack the 5 Nations. P.3 contains articles from the Jesuit Millet's letter to De Dellins, dated 26 July 1693. Docketed on recto.

GLC03107.02040

1700/02/14

Winthrop, FItz-John, 1638-1707

Letter

Title: to Peter Schuyler re: suspicions of an Indian attack

The Governor of Canada writes that he has heard rumors of a plan among the 5 Nations and/or Skachtkook Indians to attack Christian settlements in New England, and asks if Peter Schuyler has heard any similar news. He also states his desire to uphold the covenant made between the English and the 5 Nations, and hopes that this sentiment may be communicated to them. Also contians a 2p. account of a council proceeding in New London in January 1699, which relates news from various English settlers and Indian scouts of suspicious activity among the Mohawk Indians and the potential for an Indian…

GLC03107.02050