own I am very much rejoiced at my arrival here, as I hope it will be the means of adding fresh strength to the ancient chain of friendship subsisting between us; and particularly so, as I see your inclinations are to facilitate this good work. I acknowledge myself your elder brother, and shall, upon every occasion, manifest my regard as such towards you; and I do expect that you will continually look up to me as your elder brother, from whom you may be assured of the strongest marks of brotherly kindness, either in peace or war. And as you may now be certain of protection from your elder brother, I flatter myself you will continue to tread the ancient path towards him here, when he will be answerable that the most ample justice shall be done you." A belt. At a conference held with several of the Delaware and Mohawk chiefs. Intelligence received from Capt. Pike:

At my arrival at the Lower Shawanese towns, I was told by the CORNSTALK, that he was much rejoiced to hear from his brethren, the white people, in the spring, upon the first disturbances; that he had, in consequence thereof, ordered all his young people to remain quiet, and not to molest the traders, but to convey them safe to their grandfathers, the Delawares, where they would be safe. The Shawanese chiefs declared they were well pleased to hear from their brethren, the English, and that they had spoke to all their young people to remain quiet. Upon his arrival at the Standing Stone, he sent word to the Shawanese to assemble their counsellors; but, as they were out hunting, it could not be immediately effected. The principal warriors always listened to the chiefs, and had no hostile intentions. The mischiefs which had been done were perpetrated by the foolish young people; but that now, as soon as they were assembled, they would be able to prevent any thing of that nature for the future. The Shawanese told me that a party of TWIGHTWEES, one of 'TAWAS, and a party of Wyandotts, were as far advanced on their way to war against the white people, as their towns; but that they had advised them to return; that they expected the war which threatened them would be extinguished, as they now endeavored

a peace.

Pluggy, a Mohawk, who was questioned whether he knew of these parties, said that some hunters who were of the Wyandotts and Tawas, came to the Shawanese towns to hear news, but were sent back.

Speech of the Mohickons to the Shawanese.

"Brethren Formerly you came to us on the other side of the mountains, and told us we were your elder brothers, desiring us to come over and show ourselves to your grandfathers, the Delawares, that they might know our relationship. We did so, and as our people held fast the same chain of friendship; but now we see you only holding with one hand, whilst you keep a tomahawk in the other. We desire you, therefore, to set down and not to be so naughty, but pity your women and children. We therefore, take the tomahawk out of your hands, and put it into the hands of your grandfathers, the Delawares, who are good judges, and know how to dispose of it.

Answer of the Shawanese :

"Brethren: We are glad to hear what you have said, and that you

have taken the tomahawk out of our hands, and given it to our grandfathers, the Delawares; but, for our parts, we are not sensible that we have had the tomahawk in our hands. It is true, some foolish young people may have found one out of your sight, hid in the grass, and may have made use of it; but that tomahawk which we formerly held, has been long since buried, and we have not since raised it."

There was a great deal of consultation amongst the different nations, while I was at their towns, but nothing particular, relative to what is now in question.

Colonel Stephen demanded of Captain Pike, how he was received by the Shawanese, who says, "That he arrived there about noon, and after having cleared their eyes and opened their ears in the common form, that they had a great dance, and afterwards came to him; and, upon hearing what he had to say, expressed their satisfaction, by saying, they hoped their friendship was now renewed. Though he heard some of the young people expressing a threatening at the Delawares so much interfering in their quarrel with the white people; that if they had any thing to say, they wondered why the white people did not come themselves to speak."

The Delawares said, "That as the sentiments of the Shawanese were not known, that if the Governor had an inclination, they would join him in any thing he had to offer to them, for the promotion of peace and the restoration of harmony to the country."

Reply of the Mohaws and Delawares Chiefs to his Lordship's answer. Present-Captain WHITE EYES, Captain PIPE, Captain WINGANUM, Delawares.

Captain PLUGGY and BIG APPLE TREE, Mohawks.

Captain WHITE EYES spoke in behalf of the Delawares :

"Brothers: Your brethren, here present, are very happy to have heard your good speeches, and are glad to find you acknowledge yourself their elder brother. We acquainted you, that our sincere desire was, that the peace between us and our brethren, the English, should be upon a lasting footing. We now are convinced, that it will be upon a sure and permanent foundation, as our children may have an opportunity of being instructed in the Christian religion. We shall acquaint all the tribes of Indians, of what has here passed between us; and we are satisfied, that it will be very satisfactory to them, to hear the good talk from our older brother. For my part, I can assure you, brother, that for my tribe I can answer, even for the foolish young people thereof, that they will not be the cause of any disturbance, in any manner, hereafter, either by theft or otherwise, or give cause of any trouble to your people. The chiefs of the other tribes of our nations, will confirm what I have said, as soon as they have an opportunity." A string.

"Brother: As your brethren, the Shawanese, are desirous to speak to you by themselves, I hope you will listen to them. I will desire them to speak to you; and that you may then have an opportunity of speaking together, I would be glad to acquaint them when they could see you to enter into conference. I am much obliged to you for the promises you have given me, that justice shall be due us in the trade here, and that

.

proper persons shall be appointed, to see that we are fairly dealt with. I shall acquaint the young men with it, that they may come to trade in their usual manner.

The BIG APPLE TREE, Mohawk, spoke:

"Brother: This day it hath pleased God that we should meet together; we who are sent on behalf of another nation. The Shawanese told me that they heard there was something yet good in the heart of the Big Knife. They desired me to take their hearts into our hands, and speak strongly on their behalf to the Big Knife. I am glad the Shawanese, my younger brethren, have desired me to undertake this business, if I can serve them; and I am equally rejoiced at the appearance thereof, from your good speeches. You may be assured that as they have delivered themselves into our care, we shall do our endeavor to induce them to pursue proper measures to restore peace. You may be also assured, that your brother, the Chief of the Wyandotts, will also assist me in taking care that our younger brothers, the Shawanese, act a prudent part. Wheresoever, brothers, you build your council fire to speak to the Shawanese, you may be assured that we, the Mohawks, with our brethren, the Wyandotts, will come with them to speak also; and that we hope peace then will be restored and established on a permanent footing." A string.

His Lordship's answer:

"Brethren: I shall consider of what you have said, and will give you an answer this afternoon."

His Lordship's answer to their reply:

"Brethren: I am glad to find that what I have said in our late conference has been satisfactory to you; and you may be assured that whatever I have promised shall be confirmed, so that my actions shall convince you of the sincerity of my heart. I am glad to find you have a desire of instructing your children in the Christian religion, which will be the cause of peace remaining between us on a lasting footing, and of adding happiness to your own Nation." A string.

"Brethren: I have already informed you of the evil disposition of the Shawanese towards us; but to convince you how ready the Big Knife is to do justice, at all times, even to their greatest enemies, at the request of my good brethren, the Six Nations, and you, the Delawares, I will be ready and willing to hear any good speeches which the Shawanese may have to deliver to me, either at Wheeling, (where I soon purpose to be,) or, if they should not meet me there, at Little Kenhawa, or somewhere lower down the river." A string.

"Brethren, the Mohawks: You will hear by my speech to my younger brethren, the Delawares, that I am prevailed upon to listen to the Shawanese, notwithstanding their bad behaviour towards my people; and as I am prevailed upon merely by the confidence I repose in the friendship of my brethren, the Wyandotts and Five Nations, I expect this will be looked upon as a strong proof of my regard towards them. And, as it is your wish, I will meet the Shawanese at one of the places mentioned in my answer to my younger brethren, the Delawares, provided they are led to the council fire by my brethren, the Mohawks, the Wyandotts, and the Delawares, as I shall be satisfied that whatever

they may there promise, you, my brethren, will see them strictly adhere to." A string.

The Delaware's reply:

"Brother: We are much rejoiced to hear what you have now said, and believe it to be sincere; and you may be satisfied, that I, in behalt of my people, will endeavor to convince you that we are so. When the Delawares, the Six Nations, the Shawanese, and you, our elder brother, meet together, you will then see who are sincere in their friendship. In a short time it will be seen; for those who are determined on good, will not fail to meet you. I shall speak to the Shawanese, and, if their intentions are equal to their professions, they will see you; but, on behalf of my people, I promise to meet you. This is all I have to say at this time; but you may be certain that myself, Capt. Pipe, and Capt. Winganum, will wait on you."-American Archives, Vol. 1, p. 871-876.

[NO. XXIII.]

HARMAR'S LETTER TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR, 1790.

HEAD QUARTERS, FORT WASHINGTON,

November 23, 1790.

}

SIR-I had the honor to address you on the 2d of September, and last on the 4th inst., duplicates of which are now enclosed. My Adjutant, Lieut. Denny, whom I dispatched on the 7th inst., will have the honor to deliver you the latter of those letters. It contains the substance of the late expedition undertaken against the savages of the Miami of the Lakes, and its branches, the rivers St. Joseph and St. Mary.

The hurry occasioned on my return, by disbanding the militia, did not suffer me to enter into the detail of facts, at that time. It will be the object of the following sheets to supply that omission, by submitting to your notice every occurrence and transaction of any consequence, that happened during the expedition; with the addition of such remarks as may tend either to elucidate events, and connect their order, or convey an idea of the country through which we passed. You will likewise receive herewith two plans, explanatory of the route taken by the army, of the actions which took place, and of the several dispositions for forming the order of march, the order of encampment, and the order of battle. For these dispositions I beg leave to refer you to the plan No. 1, in which they are severally and particularly laid down.

As there are three Miamis in the northwestern territory, all bearing the name of Miami, I shall in future, for distinction sake, when speaking of the Miami of the Lakes, call it the Omee, and its towns, the Omee towns. By this name they are best known on the frontiers. It is only, however, one of the many corruptions or contractions, universally used among the French Americans, in pronouncing Indian names. Au Mi for instance, is the contraction of Au Miami.

On Thursday, the 30th of September, I took the field, with such of

the Federal troops as were then assembled at Fort Washington, consist. ing of two battallions, commanded by the Majors Wyllys and Doughty, with three brass pieces of ordnance, viz: a six pounder, a three pounder, and a five and one-half inch howitzer; together with Capt. Ferguson's company of artillery; making in the whole three hundred and twenty men, including non-commissioned officers. With this force I immediately proceeded to join the militia under the command of Col. Hardin, whom I had put in motion the 26th, and ordered to advance along what is called, "Clarke's Old Trace," for about five and twenty miles; there to halt till further orders. The militia had been draughted from Kentucky and Pennsylvania, and both together amounted to 1133 men. Many of the former were substitutes, and by no means equal, either in spirit or appearance, to the generality of their countrymen. My whole force then was fourteen hundred and fifty-three, (including two troops of cavalry) but from this number we may safely deduct two hundred of the militia as good for nothing. This day I marched northerly about seven miles, encamped at night on the waters of Mill Creek, which empties into the Ohio two miles below this fort. The country through which we passed was rich and hilly but not very difficult. A pretty good road might easily be made through it.

The next day being the first of October, we advanced nine miles; the general course N. by E. The country now assumed a level face, covered thickly with underwood. In the evening I was joined by Col. Truby, of the Pennsylvania militia, with such of the cattle as had been left behind at Fort Washington. Our whole stock of beeves consisted of 175 head. The pack horses amounted to 578.

On the 2d we marched N. E. about 13 miles to a branch of the little Miami river. The underwood disappeared, and the face of the country in this distance, seemed, with some exceptions, rich and level.

The next morning at ten o'clock, reached Turkey creek, a stream of the same river, two miles eastward. Here I formed a junction with Col. Hardin, and the Kentucky militia under his command. The remainder of the day was employed in making arrangements.

On the 4th, the whole army took up the line of march, and crossing the Little Miami, encamped two miles beyond it, on a considerable branch called Sugar creek, or Cesar's creek. We gained about eleven miles on a general course of N. E. by E. Several horses were missing this morning, supposed to have been stolen last night by the savages.

The 5th we advanced northerly ten miles, and encamped on Glady creek, a small stream emptying on the east side of this river. The face of the country was open and level, generally rich bottom, or low land, diversified with small prairies or natural meadows.

The army marched northerly ten miles the next day, and encamped on a western branch of the Little Miami, having previously re-crossed this river about three miles north from the site of Old Chilicothe, an Indian town destroyed in 1780. This part of our route lay in an open fine country, beautifully checkered with prairies. In the evening Lieut. Frothingham, of the federal troops, joined me with a few soldiers, as did Capt. Hall, with a reinforcement of Kentucky militia. The first frost this season happened last night.