Thomas Gage Papers Notes – William Clements Library
Who Was Thomas Gage?
General Thomas Gage (1719 – 1787) – A British Army General and North American Colonial Official. Gage was married to an American woman named Margaret Kemble. Thomas Gage was prominent in the French and Indian War (Seven Years’ War), Pontiac’s Rebellion, and the American Revolution. He was the British commander-in-chief in the early days of the American Revolution.
Date: Friday, 11 March 2011 19:12:09 GMT
Topic: Guy Johnson to Gage – 26 August 1774 – from Guy Park
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 122 – 1 August to 4 September 1774
Tags: gage, shawnee, guy johnson, seneca
Priority: None
Speaking of the Six Nations reports of earlier Congress at Johnson Hall, then later
“It was an old remark of sir William Johnsons [sic] that acts of Indiscretion were oftenest committed at the most critical Periods, whereby the wisest measures were often obstructed, I am very sorry to find the same verified in more than one Instance of late, but the principal mater of concern at this time, is, that our Enemies have artfully propagated a report that the conduct of the Virginians [ed. Dunmore’s War] is but a prelude to a more extensive design agains the other Indian Nations, who are to be attacked when the Shawanese are Subdued: This however unjust is to a suspicious people very alarming, and I flatter myself I have Satisfied a powerful and respectable part of the Indians, It can hardly be expected that the suspicion will be totally removed so long as the Virgininas continue to invade & attack them,”
Date: Friday, 11 March 2011 19:53:17 GMT
Topic: Stuart to Gage – 27 August 1774 – from Charles Town
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 122 – 1 August to 4 September 1774
Tags: gage, john stuart, creeks, choctaws, wright
Priority: None
“I have nothing new to communicate having received no late Intelligence form the Indian Countries. Since my last Sir James Wright is very pressing with me to Strengthen the hands and send out Parties of the Chactaws to Harrass the Creeks. Altho’ I think that the former are to be encouraged & Supported yet our appearing above board to employ them would be breaking all terms with the Creeks. and I have a messenger in the Nation to bring their ultimate resolution respecting the Satisfaction Demanded. before I take any open steps, I think proper to wait for his Return.”
Date: Friday, 11 March 2011 20:00:03 GMT
Topic: Gage to Haldimand – 29 August 1774 – from Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 122 – 1 August to 4 September 1774
Tags: gage, haldimand, revolution
Speaks of Indians and how things are not perfect in the North, but not as bad as in the south., then
***”Matters wear a bad Aspect throughout this Province , and Connecticut has taken it upon them to support the Disturbers of this Country. You will be so good to proceed in your Designs about securing the Stores that may be of any use to bad People, for it may happen soon, that I shall be Advised to send for all the Force I can collect. and in that Case I must desire your Assistance this way and to bring all with you.”***
Date: Friday, 11 March 2011 20:32:54 GMT
Topic: Lernoult to Gage – 31 August 1774
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 122 – 1 August to 4 September 1774
Tags: detroit, gage, shawnee, haurons, lernoult
Priority: None
Lernoult telling Gage that some young Hurons around Detroit are causing problems and actively pushing the Shawnee cause in the recent Dunmore’s War. Says presents and provisions are being demanded. Very importunate
Date: Friday, 11 March 2011 20:48:32 GMT
Topic: Stuart to Gage – 14 September 1774 – from Charles Town
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 123 – 5 September – 14 October 1774
Tags: gage, long island, john stuart, choctaws, holsten, frontier, creeks
Stuart to Gage talking about how the Cherokees are being pushed by the Holsten settlers to sell more land and the pressure is causing more murders. Also talks of Shawnees of 30 number coming down and trying to get the Cherokees involved with Dunmore’s War on the Ohio forks.
“The latest account from the Cherokee Country are that about 30 northern Indians had just arrived at Chote probably Shawnese to engage their assistance if Possible and doubtless they will find many young fellows disposed to join them in doing mischief”
Date: Friday, 11 March 2011 21:16:05 GMT
Topic: Gage to Guy Johnson – 18 September 1774 – From Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 123 – 5 September – 14 October 1774
Tags: gage, guy johnson, law
“ I imagine there must be some mistake in which you mention respecting the Indians of Canada being Subject for the future in all Things to the Laws of England, Indians are commonly left to their own Usages and Customs in most Things; perhaps they may have been informed that in Cases of Murder, or Robbery, they woud [sic] be tried agreeable to English Law. You will know before this reaches you, that the French Laws in most Instances are to have Force in Canada, but I don’t imagine the Indians are much interested in this Matter.”
*****
“It is impossible for me to give you other than general Orders and Directions upon the Subject of this or your former Letters, especially in the uncertain State Indian Affairs are in at present. I am persuaded you will exert your utmost Influence to keep the Six NAtions, at least the greater part of them, steady to our Interests, to defeat every Artifice that may be used to disturb their Minds and alienate their Affections from us, as their pacifick [sic] Disposition will have great Influence in the present critical Period against any general League being formed against us.”
Thomas Gage and Richard Berringer Lernoult
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 13:25:45 GMT
Topic: Lernoult to Gage – 24 September 1774 – from Detroit
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 123 – 5 September – 14 October 1774
Tags: lernoult, gage, shawnee, ottawa, hurons
Priority: None
Good phrase to use in correspondence
… “the particulars of this affair, which I do not repeat here here least I should trespass on your Patience.”
Letter is about the release of a Virginian prisoner that had been held by the Shawnee and then given to some Ottawa warriors who were hunting on the Wabash. Lernoult praises the Chief who immediately went out to the Ottawa and demanded the young man’s release (Ezekiel Field, son of a Major Field living in Culpepper County, Virginia).
Also about some Hurons who complain about the treatment they rceived on the Wabash when delivering the war belts provided to them from Sir william Johnson.
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 14:07:36 GMT
Topic: Council held by Richard Berringer Lernoult in Detroit 11 September 1774
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 123 – 5 September – 14 October 1774
Tags: detroit, gage, hurons, lernoult
Priority: None
in Lernoult to Gage, 24 September 1774
Hurons describe the rude treatment they received from the Miamis and other on the Wabash whilst trying to deliver the peace belts sent by Sir William Johnson. [ed. probably belts sent to try to quell the issues that lead to Dunmore’s War]
Interesting symbolism of the peace pipe being offered, but symbolically inhaled and spit out. An English flag is threatened to be burnt, because they felt a white flag should have been brought. Miamis say their friend the Foxes and Aiowaes [ed. Kiowas??]
Upon mentioning that they (Hurons) were bringing messages from the English, “several of the young warriors threw off their Breech Clouts, and exposing their privy parts, desired us to look and see if they were men.”
in response;
“Being much nettled at their behaviour we reproached them, saying You show your Bravour as we are but three, but notwithstanding your Number, we dare also shew our nakedness as well as you and convince you that we are men too: You listen to the Foxes and Aiowaes against whom we made War, we conquered them and obliged them to sue for peace, they have always since been our Slaves. You pretend to be brave; you are not, You are Cowards, and if you continue to behave in this manner you may become as they.”
Lernoult gets all huffy and says the Hurons were right to reproach the Miamis. He says he is going to tell (Dad) Gage in NY and will get direction on what to do about it. (then they’ll be sorry!)
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 15:04:38 GMT
Topic: Guy johnson to Gage – 29 September 1774 from Guy Parke
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 123 – 5 September – 14 October 1774
Tags: mohawks, gage, six nations, guy johnson
Priority: None
Guy Johnson telling Gage that the Six Nations are with him and could be used to chastise the Shawnees, but Gage needs to also make sure the frontier belligerents are dealt with as well.
Long description of the conference held in Johnstown follows in the pages.
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 15:20:54 GMT
Topic: Gage to John Stuart – 3 October 1774 – from Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 123 – 5 September – 14 October 1774
Tags: gage, john stuart
Priority: None
Gage,
“… am sorry to find the Virginians pursuing such violent Measures, as will probably bring on an Indian War, which as they rush into without Necessity, they must get out as they can. I think Sir James Wright must be content with the Satisfaction already received from the Creeks, and I have wrote him, as well as given the Secretary of state, my Opinion upopn this Subject.”
Gage is dealing with 2 Governors who are on the verge of starting Indian Wars over various slights with their frontier Indian neighbours. This is going on as the rebellion in Mass. builds. Doesn’t need it.
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 15:41:46 GMT
Topic: Gage to Caldwell – 5th October 1774 – from Boston to Niagara
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 123 – 5 September – 14 October 1774
Tags: gage, caldwell
Priority: None
Gage dealing admin about Niagara, but finishes by telling Caldwell that if the Indians do strike, he hopes they only strike those that are annoying them [ed. supposedly the frontiersmen, like the Virginians] and not the King’s troops or posts.
Thomas Gage and De Peyster
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 15:44:35 GMT
Topic: Gage to de Peyster – 5 October 1774 – from Boston to Michilimackinac
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 123 – 5 September – 14 October 1774
Tags: de peyster, gage, michilimackinac
Priority: None
Gage telling De Peyster that an Indian War is coming (Dunmore’s) and to make preparations, but try to keep his Indians out of it.
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 15:47:06 GMT
Topic: John Stuart to Gage – 6 October 1774 from Savannah
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 123 – 5 September – 14 October 1774
Tags: gage, john stuart, cherokees, creeks, choctaws
Priority: None
Stuart telling Gage that Wright has come to his senses re; the Creeks and it’s a good thing too, because the Cherokees seemed disposed to join them if it had come to war. However, the southern tribes cannot go to war as easily as they could in the past, because they don’t have the French/Spanish to supply them anymore and the Creeks are still fighting off the Choctaw as well.
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 16:04:35 GMT
Topic: Guy Johnson to Gage – 6 October 1774 – from Guy Parke
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 123 – 5 September – 14 October 1774
Tags: gage, six nations, delawares, shawnee, mingos, twightwees, guy johnson
Priority: None
Guy Johnson telling Gage that he needs money for all of the Congresses he has had to host, but it is money well spent, because the six nations are aligning with the English and should be keeping most of the others in line as well. He says he hears form a Virginian that Dunmore is raising 3,000 militia to assault the Shawnee.
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 16:10:58 GMT
Topic: Guy Johnson to Gage -21 October 1774 – from Guy Parke
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 124 – 15 October – 24 December 1774
Tags: gage, shawnee, guy johnson, dunmore
Priority: None
Guy Johnson telling Gage that he is getting reports that the Virginians are advancing through the frontier with what looks like an inevitability of conflict with the Shawnee.
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 16:26:47 GMT
Topic: John Hancock, President of Provincial Congress to Gage – 29 October 1774
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 124 – 15 October – 24 December 1774
Tags: grievances, gage, Provincial Congress, compalints, massachusetts, john hancock
Priority: None
The Provincial Congress, John Hancock Presiding, refutes Gage’s previous letter saying the British preparations are not war like.
These are important as they mimic Indian complaints throughout history in the build up to conflict.
“Have you not by removing the ammunition of the Province and by all other means in your power endeavoured to put it in a state utterly defenceless? Have you not expressly declared that ‘resentment might justly be expected” from you troops merely in consequence of a referral of some Inhabitants of the Province to supply them with property undeniably their own?”
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 16:47:26 GMT
Priority: None
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 16:56:53 GMT
Topic: Guy Johnson to Gage – 10 November 1774 – fro Guy Parke
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 124 – 15 October – 24 December 1774
Tags: gage, guy johnson, kirkland
Priority: None
Guy Johnon saying he has received a letter from Lord Dartmouth confirming his assumption of the duties of the deceased William Johnson. Also talks about unnamed individuals stirring up ideas with the Indians of the British scheming against the Indians and Americans.
“Some Weak persons in this Country have I hear told the Indians that the King is set against the Americans & Indians, with other ridiculous Stories, extremely dangerous, for Indians should have no knowledge of Internal disputes, or they Lessen their Ideas of Government, inspired them with Contempt for our Constitution, & it may encourage disaffected Tribes naturally sanguine in their Expectations to seize the opportunity for doing Mischief; the most Considerable Confederacy borders on & is most connected with this part of the Country, and it is peculiarly necessary that/people [sic] here should act with great discretion, as hitherto has been the Case, thro’ the good management of somepersons [sic] in it.”
Could this be Samuel Kirkland he is talking about? (Some Weak persons)
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 17:11:09 GMT
Topic: Gage to John Stuart – 14 November 1774 – form Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 124 – 15 October – 24 December 1774
Tags: gage, six nations, shawnee, john stuart, dunmore, creeks, wright
Priority: None
Gage telling Stuart that London will be talking to Dunmore to tell him to stop his agitating with the Indians given the perilous state of the colonies. Gage says he has told Wright to cool it too. Also says that the Shawnees have been told by the Six Nations that they will not accept the war belt, but will act as mediators.
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 17:20:41 GMT
Topic: Gage to Guy Johnson – 14 November 1774 – from Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 124 – 15 October – 24 December 1774
Priority: None
Much the same as to Stuart on same day. London is trying to stop Dunmore. It is good that the Indians are in good spirit. He is glad that the Hurons are on side as well.
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 17:32:42 GMT
Topic: John Stuart to Gage – 19 November 1774 -from Charles Town
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 124 – 15 October – 24 December 1774
Tags: gage, chickasaws, cherokees, choctaws, creeks, john stuart
Priority: None
Stuart telling Gage that Stuart has finally sorted out the problems between the Creeks and Wright as well as the Cherokees and Dunmore. All is good in the South seems to be the report.
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 17:38:11 GMT
Topic: Guy Johnson to Gage – 24 November 1774 – from Guy Park
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 124 – 15 October – 24 December 1774
Tags: dunmore, gage, shawnee, six nations, guy johnson
Priority: None
Guy Johnson telling Gage that the Sahawnees are asking a lot of questions about the problems between the colonies and the King. This disquiet along with Dunmore’s War has got the Six Nations in a stir. GJ says the Six Nations have 2,000 warriors.
Thomas Gage to John Stuart
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 17:42:46 GMT
Topic: Gage to John Stuart – 26 November 1774 – from Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 124 – 15 October – 24 December 1774
Tags: gage, dunm, cherokees, virginia, john stuart, carolinas, creeks, kanawa river
Priority: None
Gage finishes a normal update letter with the following;
“I thank you for your private Letter of 15th September, and fear Affairs are worse with you than when you wrote, the Proceedings of the Congress are not what may be called conciliatory.”
Thomas Gage and Guy Johnson
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 17:46:17 GMT
Topic: Gage to Guy Johnson – 28 November 1774 – form Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 124 – 15 October – 24 December 1774
Tags: gage, guy johnson
Priority: None
Gage writing to Johnson on the reported end of Dunmore’s war on “moderate terms”. On the issue of the rebellion;
“I shoud [sic] imagine the Report you mention to be spread amongst the Indians of the King’s being set against the Americans and Indians can have but little Weight with them while they feel no Difference in our Conduct towards them, and that you will meet no Difficulty as I doubt not it will be your Endeavour, to explain these Matters to them, and to show how little they affect them.”
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 17:55:34 GMT
Topic: Guy Johnson to Gage – 14 December 1774 – from Guy Park
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 124 – 15 October – 24 December 1774
Tags: tampering, gage, congress, kirkland, shawnee, guy johnson
Priority: None
GJ re; rebellion rumours;
The Jealousys I before mentioned, with the imprudent Stories of some White People to them regarding the disputes with great Britain, that the King was set against the Colonies and Indians & had much agitated them, but some persons of Influence exerted themselves at Onondaga, and observed that it would be time enough to suspect us when we proceeded farther,…”
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 18:17:36 GMT
Topic: Gage to John Stuart – 28 December 1774 – From boston
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 125 – 25 December 1774 – 10 February 1775
Tags: tampering, gage, john stuart, six nations
Priority: None
Tells Stuart of end of Dunmore’s War.
about trouble makers in the north with Indians;
“Ill affected People in these parts have been tampering with the Six Nations and other Tribes, with Designs to perswade [sic] them that the King had deserted their Interest, and that of all Americans; and hinting his Orders to attack the Shawnese.”
Gage is telling Stuart so he can head off any similar attempt in the South.
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 18:34:43 GMT
Topic: Gage to Guy Johnson – 28 December 1774 – from Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 125 – 25 December 1774 – 10 February 1775
Tags: gage, guy johnson, shawnee
Priority: None
Gage telling GJ that dunmore’s War is over and that he is sure that GJ will dissuade trouble makers in the Six NAtions. Gage tells GJ to make sure to let the Indians know that the should attach themselves to the King, but if they do attack anyone that it should be just the ones who caused the offense, not the King’s troops in general.
Thomas Gage and Lt. Col. Caldwell
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 18:38:25 GMT
Topic: Gage to Caldwell – 28 December 1774 – from Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 125 – 25 December 1774 – 10 February 1775
Tags: gage, niagara, caldwell
Priority: None
Gage saying the same to Caldwell. Keep the Indians in good humour to the King and don’t let any troublemakers convince them otherwise.
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 18:41:54 GMT
Topic: Gage to Lernoult – 28 December 1774 – from Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 125 – 25 December 1774 – 10 February 1775
Tags: detroit, gage, shawnee, dunmore, lernoult
Priority: None
Gage saying the same to Lernoult. Keep the Indians in good humour to the King and don’t let any troublemakers convince them otherwise. Dunmore’s War over, etc.
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 18:43:10 GMT
Topic: Harvard College to Gage 1774
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 125 – 25 December 1774 – 10 February 1775
Tags: gage, butt lickers, harvard
Priority: None
“The Corporation of Harvard College wait upon you, to testify our Loyalty to the King and our Respect to your Excellency, constituted by him the Governor of this Province” …As it our Duty, we assure your Excellency it is equally our Inclination, to employ our best Endeavours, that the Students under our Care, may be formed to that Piety & Virtue, that just Submission to Government, and Esteem for the Principles and Spirit of the British Consitution, whcih may under them Ornaments of the Church, and Blessing to the State.”
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 18:56:36 GMT
Topic: Guy Johnson to Gage – 14 January 1775 – From Guy Parke
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 125 – 25 December 1774 – 10 February 1775
Tags: tampering, gage, kirkland, guy johnson
Priority: None
GJ telling Gage that the trouble is being stirred ever more in Onondaga. Whoever it is is bringing information from the south nd says the Indians will be cut off from trade supplies if they support the King.
“The story in General, is, That all goods are stopped, and that unless the Indians joyn [sic] immediately they will be ever deprived of them & of the public favor [sic], and Steps are privately taking to procure resolution of their fort –“
Kirkland still? Maybe?
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 19:13:27 GMT
Topic: Guy Johnson to Gage – 1 February 1775 – from Guy Parke
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 125 – 25 December 1774 – 10 February 1775
Tags: gage, congress, shawnee, guy johnson, six nations
Priority: None
GJ has gout and can’t write much, but tells of and Indian congress where ..
”They have laid before me some Extraordinary particulars of News, received from the Shawanese respecting the Indians and the Virginians, as also concerning the steps taking to induce them to bear a parte [sic] in the dispute with Great Britain.”
Thomas Gage and Guy Carleton
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 19:36:54 GMT
Topic: Carleton to Gage – 4 February 1775 – from Quebec
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 125 – 25 December 1774 – 10 February 1775
Tags: gage, carleton, canadians
Very interesting letter that refers to a letter sent by Gage to Carleton on 25 December 1774. I will go back to try to find it.
Starts out;
“As this goes by Lieutenant CLeveland of the 7th, I will venture to be more explicit about what you mention of the Canadians and Indians in your letter of 25th December last, than I thought it prudent to do by Post, as one may rationally suppose, those, who seem resolved to force their Country into Rebellion, Jealous of the Correspondence, may intercept our Letters,”…
talks about the Canadians being happy with the Act [suppose the Quebec Act]. Says the Gentry support the government, but doesn’t speak well of the militia.
Later;
“ As to the Indians, Government having thought it expedient to let Matters go in that Channel, I have ever considered the late Sir William Johnson, to whom, I suppose, Colonel Guy Johnson succeeds, as having their political cConcerns under his immediate Direction, with which I never interfered further, than their Commercial Interests, or the private Property they possess in the Country, required, and upon this Principle Major Campbell’s Commission was granted; however, if I I am not greatly deceived in my Intelligence, not only the Domicilies of the Province, but all of the neighbouring Indians are very much at your Disposal, whenever you are pleased to call upon them, and what you Recommend shall be complied with __”
Gage has obviously asked about the Canadians and Indians on 25 December 1774, so need to find that leter.
Thomas Gage and Guy Johnson
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 20:12:36 GMT
Topic: Gage to Guy Johnson – 5 February 1775 – from boston
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 125 – 25 December 1774 – 10 February 1775
Tags: gage, kirkland, missionaries, shawnee, guy johnson, six nations
about the indians and rumors from the south…
”you have it in your power to set them right in you are to tell them, the King is their Friend, and expects them to be his, and as to any fears they may have from a Non-importation they are groundless, as the King can and will see that the Traders supply them/as [sic] formerly on a like Occasion. thro’ Canada, and which Channel it is not improbible [sic] they will always hereafter be supplied through you should should put them on their Guard against believing any reports that may be brought them, as they are only intended to destroy their peace and to Involve them into Difficulty with those who are Rebelling against their lawfull [sic] King. the Indians should be put in mind that all of the favours they have ever received have been from the Crown, and not from the Provinces. Missionarys [sic] have it often in their power to lead the minds of the people wrong therefore by all means do what you can to get the Indians to drive such Incendiarys [sic] from amongst them, explain the Matter to them, by telling them they only mean to lead them into the troubles they have brought upon themselves. and the Indians well know that in all their landed disputes the Crown has always been their friend.”
“Missionarys” – Sounds like Samuel Kirkland
Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 125 – 25 December 1774 – 10 February 1775
Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011 20:29:55 GMT
Topic: Gage to Carleton – 25 December 1774
Annotation: ??
Tags: gage, carleton
There should be a letter somewhere that has Gage asking Carleton about Canadians and Indians, but it is not in Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 125 – 25 December 1774 – 10 February 1775, where it should be.
Neither is it in 124 which ends with 24 December 1774.
Carleton references it in his answer on 4 February 1775.
Very Important.
Date: Wednesday, 16 March 2011 13:39:03 GMT
Topic: Guy Johnson to Gage – 13 February 1775 – from Guy Parke
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 126 – 11 February – 20 March 1775
Tags: gage, kirkland, missionaries, shawnee, oneidas, six nations, guy johnson
Priority: None
GJ telling Gage that the Oneidas were the source of the recent rumours about the supply chain cut-off by the Rebels. This sounds like it must be Kirkland.
Also mentions the results of the Virginian / Ohio Indian treaty to end Dunmore’s War
*** enclosed documents include descriptions of the battle on the Kanawa
Date: Wednesday, 16 March 2011 13:49:32 GMT
Topic: Gage to Carleton – 19 February 1775 – from Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 126 – 11 February – 20 March 1775
Tags: gage, carleton
Priority: None
Gage seeking Carleton’s acknowledgment of receiving his letter of 25 December 1774. This is the letter I can’t find and obviously is asking about raising Canadian and Indian forces, probably to harry the frontier to relieve some of the pressure on Boston.
“Your Letter of 25th Untimo [January 1775] is received and you see that I follow your Method of numbering my Letters, which in the present times is very proper. My last Letter to you is not acknowledged, it was dated on 25th of December.”
Date: Wednesday, 16 March 2011 14:23:11 GMT
Topic: Gage to Caldwell – 4 March 1775 – from Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 126 – 11 February – 20 March 1775
Tags: gage, standard, caldwell
Priority: None
Another one of Gage’s letters to to keep the Indians friendly
Good example of standard paragraph;
“I would have you continue to do all in your power to keep the Indians in good humour, and to assure them on all Occasions of the King’s friendship for them. If they will go to War, not to Wage with the Kings Troops, but with those that provoke them, and they will continue to receive their supplys [sic] from the Posts.”
Date: Wednesday, 16 March 2011 14:37:40 GMT
Topic: Gage to Guy Johnson – 10 March 1775 – from Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 126 – 11 February – 20 March 1775
Tags: gage, kirkland, missionaries, revolution, supply, dunmore, guy johnson
Long letter telling GJ to make sure the Indians know that the Kings Troops will not attack them and not to listen to the missionaries. Says surely they can get other missionaries from Albany that are loyal to the King. The Indians will be supplied by the King and GJ can get supply, especially gun powder from Canada and
“It should be brought the safest and surest Rout [sic], and when your supply’s [sic] are near you, doubtless the Indians will Assist to escort them safe to you.”
So, we have Carleton directing the use of Indians to secure supply lines from Canada.
Acknowledges the report that 7 Seneca are being held at Fort Pitt and accuses the southern people of doing it to draw the Six Nations into the rebellion. Has told Dunmore to investigate.
Also speaks of the 1768 boundary disputes and needs to be addressed to Governor Colden of it.
Finishes with,
“In all of your Conferences, you will do well if you can convince the Indians, that the People, that, come amongst them, with these reports to disturb their peace, only mean to to deceive them, and draw them into confusion with themselves, and for that purpose have perswaded [sic] the Shawanese to send such Messages to them; tell them likewise that they will find they will never be Molested by the Kings Troops, while the chuse [sic] to be his friends, but on the Contrary, that they may expect from him every Assistance, and Justice, he can give them.”
Date: Wednesday, 16 March 2011 15:15:33 GMT
Topic: John Stuart to Gage – 27 March 1775 – from Charles Town
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 127 – 21 March – 22 April 1775
Tags: gage, delawares, cherokees, shawnee, choctaws, john stuart, chickasaws, creeks
Priority: 5
Stuart writing to Gage about range of land issues in the south. Also;
“ the Choctaws continue to push the Creeks with vigor and that they are in the most friendly Disposition towards us; and my advice from the Chickasaws are to the same purpose, they rejected a proposal of a Confederacy with the Shawnese and Delawares.”
and
“If my Intelligence from the Cherokee Nation can be depended upon, the Shawnese, etc [I think etc] are not satisfied and if they could prevail upon the Southern Tribes to join them, seem inclined to give fresh trouble to the Virginians, who I think from my Lord Dunmore’s Account were rather roughly handled.”
Date: Wednesday, 16 March 2011 15:47:36 GMT
Topic: Proceeding of Mohegans to Guy Johnson – 25 March 1775 – at Guy Park
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 127 – 21 March – 22 April 1775
Tags: oneidas, guy johnson, mohegans, joseph johnson
Included in GJ’s correspondence to Gage on 7 April 1775
Translated, or at least presented, by Joseph Johnson
Long proceeding on the troubles and how the Mohegans have dealt with the preceding months. Near the end though is an interesting bit. Travelling from Connecticut, they were careful what they said to preserve their safety, but heard from Connecticut people;
“… it would be very unhappy for them if his Majesties [sic] Troops shoud [sic] be in the Bowels of the Country, and the Indians come upon the back settlements. Other said that it woud[sic] be very unhappy if the Eastern Indians & the Western Inds. held a private Correspondence together in these difficult times, & were united to join together his Majesties [sic] Troops.”
Did letters like these give the British the idea that the Rebels were especially worried about the Indians and the back settlements?
Date: Wednesday, 16 March 2011 16:07:27 GMT
Topic: Intelligence – dated 30 March 1775 -Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 127 – 21 March – 22 April 1775
Tags: boston, congress, intelligence, articles of war
Priority: None
Describes;
“The Congress have been all this week employed in Adopting the Articles of War, and the regualtions of the Army (as published last year) to their Militia. Many of the Articles they have adopted intire [sic], some they have altered, and some they have rejected altogether__”
Date: Wednesday, 16 March 2011 16:16:12 GMT
Topic: Gage to Guy Johnson – 13 April 1775- from Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 127 – 21 March – 22 April 1775
Tags: seneca, gage, kirkland, missionaries, cayuga, six nations, guy johnson
Gage to GJ on misonaries again. Gage is obviously very worried about the stirring up of the Six Nations by the missionaries.
“As to the troublesome Missionarys [sic] you must by all means get the Indians to Rout them, as that is the only Method can be fallen upon to keep the from Mischief; for while they are suffered to be among the Indians, they will be continually making them uneasy. I don’t know how these People are paid their Salary’s [sic]; if by the Crown, it must be withheld, and not paid but to such as will Act Consistent, And this Man [Kirkland?] that has explained the passages out of the Prints has acted much Otherwise. Before he Attempts to return from his excursion here, great pains should be taken to prejudice the Indians against him, and tell them the New England People only wanted those/that [sic] had lately left them to Assist in Opposing the Troops, that they might have it more in their power hereafter, to drive them back from their present habitations, which they would certainly do, did not the King protect the Indians, and who will at all time see Justice done to them.”
So here we see the building picture in Gage’s mind. Tells GJ to get Indians favourable to the Crown, use Indians to escort supplies, tells Indians to “rout” the missionaries. This along with the Mohegan delegations stories of how fearful the Rebels are of an Indian/British alliance.
Along with the pressure on Boston, Gage is entering territory that he will soon cross over to ordering Indian use with his 3 June letter to Carleton and his 12 September letter to John Stuart.
Date: Wednesday, 16 March 2011 16:41:48 GMT
Topic: Gage to Carleton – 21 April 1775 – from Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 127 – 21 March – 22 April 1775
Tags: frontier, gage, carleton, massachusetts
In full;
“(No. 7)
Boston 21 April 1775
Sir,
Hostilities are now Commenced in the Province, Occasioned by a Detachment, goin to Seize a Magazine of the Rebels on the 19th Instant [April]. This Province with those Adjacent are Arming and Act as if they meant to commit fresh Hostilities, as this is the case, a Number of Canadians and Indians, would be of great use, on the Frontiers of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, Under the Command of a Judicious person. Your prudence must direct you in this matter.
I am etc. [etc, I think]
His Excellce. Genl. Carleton”
“a Number of Canadians and Indians, would be of great use, on the Frontiers of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, Under the Command of a Judicious person. Your prudence must direct you in this matter.”
this is key for the actions of Carleton. gage has given him leave to use the Indians as he sees fit.
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