1687/08/02

Seneca Sachem

Manuscript document

Title: Information regarding the French invasion of the Seneca's country

A Seneca Sachem explains some past incidents that may have provoked Canada to go to war with them, but explains that everything was supposedly forgiven. He then describes when the Senecas first heard of the French designs for war, and what they saw when they sent spies out to investigate the fortifications erected by the French. The Sachem also gives an account of how the first shots were fired, and how the conflict progressed from that point. Docketed on verso.

GLC03107.02004

1687/08/06

Dongan, Thomas, 1634-1715

Manuscript document

Title: Propositions to the 5 Nations westward

Thomas Dongan writes that he will convey news of the French invasion of English territory to the King, but wishes first to settle upon a few issues with the 5 Nations. He asks if they in any way provoked the French, and notes that they were warned not to make peace or war with the French without his permission. Dongan then recommends a number of security measrues to be followed by the 5 Nations, and warns them to stay out of Virginia if they desire the protection of the British. Docketed on verso.

GLC03107.02005

1687/09/07

Mohawk Indians

Manuscript document

Title: Discourse on Schenechtady with an answer [in Dutch]

GLC03107.02007

1687/09/09

New York (N.Y.). City Council

Manuscript document

Title: to the Mayor & Aldermen of Albany re: settlement at Catskill for the Winter

The document orders that the 5 Nations bring their women, children, and old men to Catskill on Robert Livingston's land for the winter, where they will receive any assistance they may need. It also requests that they bring as much corn and provisions as possible. Bears the signature of John Knight.

GLC03107.02008

1687/09/16

Howard of Effingham, Francis Howard, Baron, 1643-1695

Manuscript document

Title: "Propositions made by his Excell[en]cy the Governor of Virginia to the . . .

. . . Representatives of the five Nations of the Sinnias in the Fort att New York" The Governor of Virginia reprimands the 5 Nations for breaking their covenant and committing crimes in Virginia. He explains that Governor Dongan has convinced him to forgo declaring war upon them, but notes that he expects satisfaction upon conclusion of the war with the French. In their response, the 5 Nations thank Lord Effingham for his forgiveness, and promise to rectify the situation.

GLC03107.02009

1687/04/25

Dongan, Thomas, 1634-1715

Manuscript document

Title: Proposition to the Oneidas, Onondagas, and Cayugas

Dongan writes that he is distressed by news of the Mohawks and Senecas traveling to Canada to make a settlement with the Governor, which would constitute a breach of their agreement with him. He also reprimands the Oneidas, Onondagas, and Cayugas for trading at Philadelphia and not exclusively at Albany, and instructs them to apprehend any French or English men they find traveling and trading without a pass from him.

GLC03107.02011

1687/04/25

Dongan, Thomas, 1634-1715

Manuscript document

Title: Proposition to the Mohawks and Senecas

Dongan writes that he is distressed by news of the Oneidas, Onondagas, and Cayugas traveling to Canada to make a settlement with the Governor, which would constitute a breach of their agreement with him. He also reprimands the Mohawks and Senecas for trading at Philadelphia and not exclusively at Albany, and instructs them to apprehend any French or English men they find traveling and trading without a pass from him.

GLC03107.02012

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

1687/07/04

Dongan, Thomas, 1634-1715

Manuscript document

Title: Proposition to the Senecas, Cayugas, and Onondagas

In his proposal, Dongan forbids the Indians to travel to Cadarachqui at the Governor of Canada's request, and reminds them to remain loyal to England at all times. He also instructs them on what to do in the event of an attack, and notes that he will supply them with provisions and ammunition. On p.3 there is a portion of a Dutch translation of the document.

GLC03107.02019

1689/08/30

Pynchon, John, 1626-1703

Manuscript document signed

Title: "Instructions for Arnout Cornelise Interpreter"

John Pynchon, Thomas Savage, Jonathan Bull, and Andrew Belcher, the representatives of Massachusetts, Plymoth, and Connecticut, instruct Arnout to bring back to Albany some Sachems of the 5 Nations, where they will be met with friendship. They warn him, however, not to disrupt their recent victory over the French in any way. Bears the signatures of all 4 commissioners.

GLC03107.02020

1689/08/30

Pynchon, John, 1626-1703

Manuscript document signed

Title: "Instructions for Arnout Cornelise Interpreter"

Copy of GLC03107.01.02020, with an extra note to Arnout signed by the 4 Commissioners, and dated 30 August 1689. The note states that enclosed are some instructions from the Mayor that ought to be effected with the greatest speed. It also states that 2 British Man of Wars have captured some French ships and taken prisoners. Document marked as a copy.

GLC03107.02021

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

1690/02/09

Manuscript document

Title: List of gifts and provisions exchanged with Indians [in Dutch]

Docketed on recto.

GLC03107.02025

1690/04/22

Livingston, Robert, 1654-1728

Autograph document signed

Title: "Memorandum presented to the Commissioners bound for N. York . . .

. . . to consult of affares for the carrying on of the Present war." List of 22 items to be attended to in relation to the conflict with the French. Among these include instructions to build forts at Onondage, to demolish Cadarachqui, to better fortify Albany, and to take measures to better endear the Indians to the English. Docketed on verso.

GLC03107.02030

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

1692/08/17

Schuyler, Pieter, 1657-1724

Letter

Title: to Richard Ingoldesby re: plans to attack the French and Indians of Canada

Schuyler writes that he has enclosed a copy of his propositions to the 5 Nations, and writes of English designs for different attacks upon the French. He also writes of the expense accrued from the conflict. Letter marked as a copy.

GLC03107.02036

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

1695/08/27

Letter

Title: to Benjamin Fletcher re: conflict among Indians

The author tells Fletcher that he has sent messengers to the 5 Nations to inform them of the Governor's desire to meet with them. A conflict at Onondaga and Oneida between the French Indians and some of the 5 Nations is also described.

GLC03107.02041

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

1700/04

Livingston, Robert, 1654-1728

Autograph document signed

Title: "Observations made by Robert Livingston Secretary of Indian Affairs in . . .

. . . his Voyage to Onnondage in April 1700." Livingston reports that the Mohawks have become weak, and many are fleeing to Canada. He recommends that the English send more ministers to convert the Indians, and he also suggests that the Mohawks, Onondagas, and Oneidas all be moved to tracts of land closer to Albany. Livingston advocates the establishment of garrisons and magazines, and the erection of a fort at Skachtkook in order to create greater security around the Indian settlements. P.7 contains a tabulation of the distances between Onondaga and Albany, and a map was sketched on p.8.

GLC03107.02051

1700/06/11

Van Brugh, Peter, fl. 1699-1714

Letter signed

Title: to the Gentlemen re: request for their presence in Albany

Van Brugh enclosed a copy of a message from Onondaga, and asks for the"Gentlemen's" presence in Albany to discuss the matter with the Indians. The Indians apparently have a great deal of news to share with Albany.

GLC03107.02053

1700/06/11

Onondaga Sachems

Manuscript document

Title: Propositions made by the messengers of the Onondaga Sachems

The messengers inform Corlaer that the Seneca Sachems have gone to Canada, and that 5 "Waganhaes" from different nations have recently arrived at Onondaga. P.2 contains Robert Livingston's answer given to the Onondagas, signed and dated 14 June 1700. In the answer, Livingston explains that the English will send Lawrence Claese up to Onondaga to investigate, and also to prevent more Senecas from fleeing to Canada.

GLC03107.02054

1700/06/19

Joseph, Henry, & Gideon, fl. 1700

Manuscript document

Title: "Propositions made by Joseph Henry & Gideon three Christian Maquase"

The three Christian Mohawks inform the officials of Albany that the Onondagas called them to a meeting where there would be no English men present. They explain that they felt it was their duty to inform the English of this occurence.

GLC03107.02056