71
DE LA BARRE’s EXPEDITION TO HUNGRY BAY.
That Sieur de la Barre having seen these acts of hostility committed in time of established peaceand which Teganeout their Ambassador was coming to him to confirm, he might have adopted twocourses, one to detain the said ambassador, and the other to wage war against them, not being ableto endure a treachery of that description against the Christian name and French Nation.
That, things being in this condition, he could not believe that Colonel Dongan would interferetherein in any way, if it were not to unite with him in destroying these traitors and Infidels.
That the Mohawks and Oneidas, neighbours of Albany , have no part in all this war, and that hehas envoys at Onontagu6 to see if they will take a part.
That his troops being assembled and on the march, he cannot postpone attacking the Senecas unlessby losing the campaign.
That in despatches dated the 5 th of August last, the King his master was pleased to communicateto him the information which he had received from the King of England, of the appointment ofColonel Dongan as Governor of New York, with express orders to maintain good understanding andcorrespondence with said Sieur de la Barre , w r ho, on that account, could have no idea that he hadany intention to protect a treachery and injustice similar to that committed by villains on French men .
Done at the Camp of Lachine the 24th July 1684.
Signed, Le febure de la Barre.
And lower down by M. Regnaut.
GOV. DONGAN TO M. DE LA BARRE.
[ Lond. Doo. V. ]
D It is not intended that I will justify the wrong the Indians have done to the French so farrto the southwest as 400 leagues from Mont Royall or in any other place whatsoever, though in allprobability if W e were to dispute these countreys so farr to the south west are more likely to be ours
an the French , liaveing English Colonies much nearer them.
*'• The pretences you make to that countrey by your 25 years possession, and sending Jesuits amongst them are very slender, and it may bee, you may have the same to other countries as forJesuits living amongst them, how charitable soever it may bee it gives no right or title, and it is agreat wonder that the English who so well know America should neither hear nor see in a longtime the treaty you speak of
3. But if the matter in debate bee not concerning the land on the side of the lake of Canida, itis desired to know what it is concerning since the Indians offer to give satisfaction for what injuriescan be prooved to be c6mitted by them as they say they have formerly done in such cases, and ifthey do not I never promised them any countenance from this government.
I wonder that Mons r de la Barr should send for any Indians who ouned themselves under thisGovernment to know whether they were friends or ennemies, since this Government at that timeand at this present hath enjoyed for aught I know a full and perfect peace with the Governmentof Canida; as for the case of La Salle I am not concerned in it but wonder you should send him toFrance upon the bare complaint of the Indians
As for the injuries, affronts, insolencyes and robberyes committed by the Indians upon the French ,I have earnestly pressed them to make a submission and satisfaction, and that out of a true con-sideration of the misseryes that may happen by having a warr with such Savages.