Kirkland 70a A Letter from Mohawk chief to his brother David. 28, October 1776 A True copy and translation of a letter wrote by Aaron Kanorraron , A Mohawk Chief from Niagara, to his brother David residing in the lower Mohawk Village. I write this 28th of October 1776- You shall now be informed of our situation this way- for which purpose we send back Kargah (a young Mohawk so called from Niagara) and I wish we might be certified what you are doing your way- Our eyes are fixed upon Canada - The Show moreKirkland 70a A Letter from Mohawk chief to his brother David. 28, October 1776 A True copy and translation of a letter wrote by Aaron Kanorraron , A Mohawk Chief from Niagara, to his brother David residing in the lower Mohawk Village. I write this 28th of October 1776- You shall now be informed of our situation this way- for which purpose we send back Kargah (a young Mohawk so called from Niagara) and I wish we might be certified what you are doing your way- Our eyes are fixed upon Canada - The commands of the Governor there determine our conduct. But we are assured he is well disposed - he will not punish such, as are behind the hand of others in coming in (or joining him) - and although you reside in the midst of the Bostonians you are loved by all the Britains, and by all the different nations of Indians - it is only expected of you that you don't take active part with the Bostonians while you reside in the midst of them. The only reason they don't arise this way and destroy all around you is your situation viz. Residing in the midst of Bostonians. The Indians universally are firmly united with you on the Kings side- the Cherokees are of your sentiment, let this strengthen your minds with the disposition of the Governor of Canada- he purposes in the first place to take possession of Ticonderoga and this way and then New York. They are to meet in Albany, Then the Indians one and all are to proceed and make their way thither- I hope no misfortune may befall you in the meantime- these are the important matters I now have to communicate- Let the sentiments possess your minds my Younger Brothers, be assured of this taking place- I must however observe, at our grand meeting at Niagara (Consisting of Ottawas Chippewas and others with some of the Six Nations) -many of the Indians were discouraged by disappointment- they were eager to return and fall upon the frontiers but the Commander would not consent to it solely on account of your situation being surrounded by Bostonians- In this god has mercifully spared us, especially my Country (the Mohawks) this conduct of our Commander, I attribute to the divine disposal- Let Colonel Butler receive many thanks from you for his friendly Administration- he is well and the one that is with him ( NB the Indian letter does not specify whether the one, here mentioned be the Commander or some other) let no offence be taken that I don't return so soon as expected: the Commander will not part with me- I am of great service to him- Aaron Kanorraron Show less
Niagara Mohawks under Butler's command. Advises David and all other Mohawks along the Mohawk River to remain friendly to the King, although surrounded by "Bostonians." Most of the Indians at Niagara conference favored action against the colonies, but were discouraged because of the precarious situation of the eastern half of the Mohawk nation. Aaron is "of great service" to the commander.
Very cool answer to Samuel Kirkland's invitation to Philadelphia. Will not accompany the chiefs. Thinks that the US should make an official policy statement on the Indians.
Note
Description: Text also found in "Documentary History of Hamilton College," 1922, p. 40.
Kirkland 96b Joseph Brant to Skenandoa My dear friend. This is to acquaint you, and all the Chiefs of the Oneida Tribe, of the situation of the Indians in this quarter - and the present disposition of their minds. - In my apprehension there are some things which greatly obstruct the settling of Peace in these parts. - the fair prospects that opened, on the first promulgation of peace are very much beclouded. - You know how the preliminary articles and a cessation of arms were received by many of Show moreKirkland 96b Joseph Brant to Skenandoa My dear friend. This is to acquaint you, and all the Chiefs of the Oneida Tribe, of the situation of the Indians in this quarter - and the present disposition of their minds. - In my apprehension there are some things which greatly obstruct the settling of Peace in these parts. - the fair prospects that opened, on the first promulgation of peace are very much beclouded. - You know how the preliminary articles and a cessation of arms were received by many of us - some rejoiced at the event, and thanked you for your exertions in your quarter, - at And you will remember, the strong terms and fixed resolution with which we published them in our journey to Sanduske - and our talk with the warriors there when we wrested the hatchet from their hands and confined them to their domestic employments. You also know there are many among us who do not wish to have any falling out with the white people - for we were not the instigators of the late war. We are yet of the same sentiments, and wish for the establishment of a peace that shall be just and honorable for both the Bostonians and us Indians and when this shall appear - for all difficulties will remove - otherwise the obstructions will remain - For this reason, my friend - use your utmost influence with every Oneida Chief - that Congress, your Brothers, comply with our request - in attending our treaty - and that it be done with dispatch. There are some things that lie deep in our minds. - I exhort you to exert yourself in forwarding our speech to Congress - I have but one thing more to mention to you - which is this - I have taken the liberty to nominate three persons whom I could wish to attend, as Deputies - viz - Colonel James Monroe , Major Peter Schuyler - and James Dean - Interpreter - this is what I have to say ? My salutations await you all ? Joseph Brant Thayendanegea ? Skenandoa Niagara August 26th 1785 I hope my friend, that my messengers will be treated with every mark of civility during their continuance among you ? [from a copy in Kirkland's hand.] Joseph Brant to Skenandoah A true Copy Show less