Johnson also told us, that the white people were all got drunk, and that God’s judgment hung over them; but did not know on which side it would fall. Mr. Johnson further told us that the council fire was kindled, on account of the present dispute, and desired us not to interfere, as we were brothers, and begged of us to sit still and maintain peace; this is what Colonel Johnson told us at that council fire. He also said he had his eye on Mr. Kirkland; that he was gone to Philadelphia, and along the sea-coast; that he was become a great soldier and a leader. Is this a Minister? says he; do you think your Minister minds your soul? No. By the time he comes to Philadelphia he will be a great warriour, and when he returns he will be the Chief of all the Five Nations.

“Brothers: There were present five people of Detroit, five from Caughnawaga, and two of the Shawanese. Colonel Johnson told them that by the time he returned from Canada they should have all their men there, and he would then kindle a council fire; and desired them also not to take any part in this dispute, as it was a quarrel between brothers. Mr. Johnson also told them that this council fire was kindled upon peace; and that it seemed, by reason of the white people’s intoxication, that God’s judgment hung over them. He also told us that he was going to the Governour of Canada, who was of a different opinion from him, but would talk with him; and further said that he would tell the Caughnawaga Indians the same he told us; and for that purpose desired that two of each nation might go along and hear it. He likewise desired us to consider which way we would have our trade—whether up this river, or from Canada. He at the same time assured us that we should not suffer for want of goods, as we were not concerned nor had any band in the present dispute. He also mentioned something about the council fires—he said there are two fires which you will keep your eyes upon; and if they call you down to Albany, don’t you go; for they will deceive you, and tell you a great many fine stories. We are very glad that your language and Colonel Johnson’s so well agree.”

ABRAHAM YATES, JUN., Chairman.

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE COMMISSIONERS FOR INDIAN AFFAIRS.

[Read before Congress, September 13, 1775.]

Ticonderoga, August 31, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: Captain Baker, of the unenlisted Green Mountain Boys, having been heretofore employed by me on a scout to Canada, with the view only to gain intelligence, and with express orders not to molest the Canadians or Indians, lately went into that country, without my leave, with a party of five men, and discovering a boat manned by an equal number of Indians, (by authentick intelligence sent me from Canada I learn they were of the Caughnawaga Tribe,) attempted to fire on them; but his gun missing, and he putting his head from behind the tree where he stood, in order to hammer his flint, received a shot in his forehead, of which he immediately expired. Upon which his party fired, and unfortunately killed two of the Indians. This event, my Canadian correspondent informs me, has induced some of the Indians of that tribe to join the regular forces at St. John’s. What the consequence of Baker’s imprudence will be is hard to foresee. It behooves us, however, to attempt to eradicate from the minds of the Indians any evil impressions they may have imbibed from this mortifying circumstance. But what measures to take to gain so desirable an end, I am utterly at a loss to determine. Perhaps a few Indians of the Six Nations might be willing to join the Army under my command, or a peaceable message to those of Canada. And as this account will most certainly reach the Six Nations, I believe it may be most prudent to prepare them for it, in such a manner as you, who can be assisted with the best advice at Albany, shall determine. You will be pleased to forward a copy of this letter, by express, to Congress, to whom I would have wrote, was not my time so wholly engrossed in the necessary preparations for moving the remainder of the Army, which I have ordered to embark this afternoon and to-morrow morning, and with which I propose to take possession of the Isle-au-Noix, till more artillery can be sent to me, I having sent down only four twelve-pounders, the others not being in readiness.

I am, Gentlemen, yours, &c.,

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

P. S. Please to communicate no more of this letter than is absolutely necessary to any body.

Pawlus Hook, opposite New-York, September 6, 1775.

SIR: I received this letter on Saturday last, just as I was leaving Albany, after completing the business with the Six Nations. As I must go on slowly, I think it proper to send it by the post; but I hope to be in Philadelphia by Sunday next, at farthest, and on Tuesday to be able to present to the Congress an account of our proceedings.

I have the honour to be, with respect, your obedient servant,

TURBUTT FRANCIS.

To Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress.

VOLKERT P. DOUW TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

[Read, September 25, 1775.]

Albany, September 6, 1775.

SIR: After the Commissioners had finished their treaty with the Six Nations, they received a letter from General Schuyler, of which they sent you a copy by Colonel Francis, who, when it came to hand, was just ready to leave this place. Colonel Wolcott and self thought proper to communicate part of the contents of General Schuyler’s letter to the Indians. Enclosed you have a copy of our speech to them, in consequence of it, and their answer, and also their intended speech to the Caughnawaga Indians. They have also deputed four of their warriours to wait on General Schuyler immediately, and by his direction they are to proceed to Caughnawaga. I am, Sir, your most humble servant,

VOLKERT P. DOUW.

To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.

A Speech to the Chiefs and Warriours of the SIX NATIONS, from the Commissioners, in consequence of General SCHUYLER’S Letter from TICONDEROGA, by express, dated AUGUST 31, 1775.

“Brothers: We are now assembled to smoke a pipe, and the subject of our meeting at this time is important and affecting.

“Brothers: You remember when we rekindled the ancient council fire at this place, and settled all matters, we agreed that whatever intelligence should be received from any quarter, and might be depended upon, was, to be disclosed at this council fire; and whenever any thing disagreeable should fall out between us, the Twelve United Provinces, and the Six Nations, with their allies, we were immediately to seek measures for reconciliation. Agreeable to this settlement, we now inform you of the sad news received from General Schuyler, who is one of our body, and went from us the other day; the news is distressing to us. The letter from General Schuyler is this: That a party of five men went from Ticonderoga, of their own motion, without any orders, towards St. John’s, and in their travels along the lake discovered a canoe of five men, and discerned some of the party to be Indians. The Captain of the party, who went off without orders, attempted to fire at the party in the canoe; but his gun missing fire, he hammers his flint, and then looks from behind the tree where he stood, and was instantly shot in the forehead by some one in the canoe, and expired in a moment; his four men then returned the fire, and killed two Indians who were in this canoe; it is said they were of the Caughnawaga Tribe. This, brothers, is the melancholy news; it is what we never designed or expected. General Schuyler, being of the Commissioners, judged it proper and expedient, for the preservation of our covenant chain, that the Six Nations should be immediately acquainted with this unhappy news; he hopes you will compose your minds, and consider well the circumstances of what has now happened. The party had no orders even to go out, and much less any directions for what they have perpetrated. It is far from General Schuyler’s intention to pluck one hair from an Indian’s head, or to spill one drop of Indian blood. He