1687/11/24

Dongan, Thomas, 1634-1715

Manuscript document signed

Title: Instructions for Arnout and Akus [in Dutch]

Docket notes: "originall & worth minding"

GLC03107.02013

1688/06/05

Vroman, Adam, fl. 1688

Manuscript document

Title: "The humble Peticion of Adam Vroman"

Vroman explains to the Mayor and Aldermen of Albany that a number of years ago a Mohawk Sachem gave him a tract of land, which is now included in a grant by the county of Albany to purchase another piece of land. Vroman therefore asks if he may retain a portion of this land, which he is willing to pay for in some manner.

GLC03107.02015

1688/07/02

Livingston, Robert, 1654-1728

Manuscript document

Title: Deposition of Symon Groot

The deposition explains that Symon Groot came to the colony in 1638 to trade with the West India Company, and throughout his time here he has repeatedly endangered himself by fighting with the Mohawks in their war with the French and their Indians. He also explains the practice of taking hostages among the French and Indians, and how the Indians learned to torture prisoners from their experience with the French. Document is marked as a copy.

GLC03107.02016

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

1689/05/20

Manuscript document

Title: Document regarding the Ottowas [in Dutch]

GLC03107.02018

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

1690/03/03

Schuyler, Peter, 1657-1724

Manuscript document

Title: "Examination of three french Prisoners taken by the Maquase & brought . . .

. . . to Shinnechtady, who were Examined by Pr. Schuyler May[or] of the Citty of Albany." The Canadian prisoners state that they were under orders to attack Schenechtady and kill as many as they could, and then give an account of how they advanced upon the town. They also divulge information regarding the building of fortifications in Canada, and the amount of ammunition and soldiers currently available to the Canadian Governor.

GLC03107.02026

1690/03/11

Council of Connecticut

Manuscript document

Title: Report delivered by Robert Livingston and Jarred Teunice

The document notes that Robert Livingston and Jarred Teunice were commissioned by the convention of Albany to appear at the Council in Connecticut to relate the affairs of their county. It is explained that Albany is in need of protection, and also that Livingston and Teunice delivered propositions to the Mohawks, and also extracted information from some French prisoners. Signed by John Allyn, Secretary.

GLC03107.02027

1690/03/22

Livingston, Robert, 1654-1728

Autograph document signed

Title: to the Deputy Governor and Council of Massachusetts

Livingston explains the money he spent on furnishing Captian Bull's army and the Indians accompanying him, and asks for reimbursement from the Treasurer.

GLC03107.02028

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

1690/05/09

Livingston, Robert, 1654-1728

Autograph letter signed

Title: to the Governor, Council, and Representatives of Connecticut re: Jacob Leisler

Livingston thanks the Governor and Council of Connecticut for considering some earlier propositions, and also wishes to give them an update of affairs in Albany since Jacob Leisler took over. He explains that many are starving and oppressed in Albany, and the situation with the French and Indians has worsened. The people of Albany are awaiting the arrival of a Governor from England, but Livingston asks if the united colonies may in the mean time appoint a general to head Albany, as Leisler has only wrought further disruption.

GLC03107.02031

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

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

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

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

1696/05/19

Brooke, Chidley, fl. 1691-1699

Manuscript document

Title: Memorial of Chidley Brooke and William Nicolls to the Lord Justices of England

Brooke and Nicolls speak on behalf of the province of New York to aquaint the Justices of England of some issues that need immediate attention. They explain that the loyalty of the 5 Nations is wavering, and it is feared that they will defect to the Canadian side and begin attacking English settlements in New York and New England. Brooke and Nicolls also state that the war cost a great deal, and that New York is in desperate need of assistance to pay its debts.

GLC03107.02042

1699/08/18

Skunk, fl. 1699

Manuscript document signed

Title: Sale of land to Johannes Schuyler

Two Indians, Skunk and Aquatak, acknowledge the sale of a piece of land east of the Hudson River, within the county of Albany, to Johannes Schuyler for 50 gilders of wampum. The Indians Skunk and Aquatak signed with their marks. Johannes Schuyler signed the document as a true copy.

GLC03107.02048