To these Advantages must be added, that many of our young Men having been induced by this Act to travel among the _Indians_, they learn their Manners, their Languages, and the Situation of all their Countries, and become inured to all Manner of Fatigues and Hardships, and a great many more being resolved to follow their Example; these young Men, in case of a War with the _Indians_, will be of ten Times the Service, that the same Number of the common Militia can be of.
The Effects of this Act have likewise so much quieted the Minds of the People, with Respect to the Security of the Frontiers, that our Settlements are now extended above thirty Miles further West towards the _Indian_ Countries, than they were before it pa.s.sed.
The only Thing that now remains to answer, is an Objection which we suppose may be made, _What can induce the Merchants of_ London _to pet.i.tion against an Act, which will be really so much for their Interest in the End_? The Reason is in all Probability, because they only consider their present Gain; and that they are not at all concerned for the Safety of this Country, in encouraging the most necessary Undertaking, if they apprehend their Profit for two or three Years may be lessened by it. This Inclination of the Merchants has been so notorious, that few Nations at War with their Neighbours, have been able to restrain them from supplying their Enemies with Ammunition and Arms.
The Count _D"Estrade_, in his Letters in 1638 says, That when the _Dutch_ were besieging _Antwerp_, one _Beiland_, who had loaded four Fly-boats with Arms and Powder for _Antwerp_, being taken up by the Prince of _Orange_"s Order, and examined at _Amsterdam_, said boldly, _That the Burghers of_ Amsterdam _had a Right to trade every where: That he could name a Hundred that were Factors for the Merchants at_ Antwerp, _and that he was one. That Trade cannot be interrupted, and that for his Part he was very free to own, that if to get any Thing by Trade it were necessary to pa.s.s through h.e.l.l, he would venture to burn his Sails_.
When this Principle so common to Merchants, is considered, and that some in this Place have got Estates by trading many Years to _Canada_, it is not to be wondered that they have acted as Factors for _Canada_ in this Affair, and that they have transmitted such Accounts to their Correspondents in _London_, as are consistent with the Trust reposed in them by the Merchants of _Canada_.
In the last Place, we are humbly of Opinion, that it may be proper to print the Pet.i.tion of the Merchants of _London_, and their Allegations before the Lords of Trade, together with the Answers your Committee has made thereto, in Vindication of the Legislature of this Province, of which we have the Honour to be a Part, if your Excellency shall approve of our Answers: That what we have said may be exposed to the Examination of every one in this Place, where the Truth of the Matters of Fact is best known; and that the Correspondents of these Merchants may have the most publick Notice to reply, if they shall think it proper, or to disown in a publick Manner, that they are the Authors of such groundless Informations.
All which is unanimously and humbly submitted by
_Your Excellency"s_
_Most obedient humble Servants_,
_R. Walter_, _Rip Van Dam_, _John Barberie_, _Fr. Harrison_, _Cadwallader Colden_, _Ja. Alexander_, _Abraham van Horn_.
_A Memorial concerning the Furr-Trade of the Province of_ New-York.
_Presented to his Excellency_ William Burnet, _Esq_; _Captain General and Governor_, &c. _by_ Cadwallader Colden, _Surveyor General of the said Province_, the 10_th of_ November 1724.
It has of late been generally believed, that the Inhabitants of the Province of _New-York_ are so advantageously situated, with respect to the _Indian Trade_, and enjoy so many Advantages as to Trade in general, that it is in their Power not only to rival the _French_ of _Canada_, who have almost entirely engrossed the Furr-Trade of _America_, but that it is impossible for the _French_ to carry on that Trade in Compet.i.tion with the People of this Province. The enquiring into the Truth of this Proposition, may not only be of some Consequence, as to the Riches and Honour of the _British Nation_, (for it is well known how valuable the Furr-Trade of _America_ is) but likewise as to the Safety of all the _British Colonies_ in _North-America_.
_New-France_ (as the _French_ now claim) extends from the Mouth of the River _Misissippi_, to the Mouth of the River _St. Lawrence_, by which the _French_ plainly show their Intention of enclosing the _British Settlements_, and cutting us off from all Commerce with the numerous Nations of _Indians_, that are every where settled over the vast Continent of _North-America_. The _English_ in _America_ have too good Reason to apprehend such a Design, when they see the _French_ King"s Geographer publish a Map, by which he has set Bounds to the _British Empire_ in _America_, and has taken in many of the _English Settlements_ both in _South-Carolina_ and _New York_, within these Boundaries of _New-France_. And the good Services they intend us, with the _Indians_, but too plainly appears at this Day, by the _Indian War_ now carried on against _New-England_.
I have therefore for some Time past, endeavoured to inform myself, from the Writings of the _French_, and from others who have travelled in _Canada_, or among the _Indians_, how far the People of this Province may carry on the _Indian Trade_, with more Advantage than the _French_ can; or what Disadvantages they labour under, more than the _French_ do.
As all Endeavours for the good of ones Country are excusable, I do not doubt but my Intention in this will be acceptable to your Excellency, though I be not capable of treating the Subject as it deserves.
I shall begin with _Canada_, and consider what Advantages they have either by their Situation, or otherwise. _Canada_ is situated upon the River of _St. Lawrence_, by which the five great Lakes (which may properly be called, _The five Inland Seas of North-America_) empty themselves into the Ocean. The Mouth of this great River is in the Lat.
of 50 Degrees, overagainst the Body of _Newfoundland_. It rises from the _Cataracui Lake_, (the Eastermost of the five great Lakes) about the Lat. of 44 Degrees, and runs from thence about North-East to the Ocean, and is about nine hundred Miles in Length, from that Lake to the Ocean.
The five great Lakes which communicate with each other, and with this River, extend about one thousand Miles Westward, further into the Continent. So far the _French_ have already discovered, and their Discoveries make it probable, that an Inland Pa.s.sage may be found to the _South-Sea_, by the Rivers which run into these Lakes, and Rivers which run into the _South-Sea_.
The Method of carrying Goods upon the Rivers of _North-America_, into all the small Branches, and over Land, from the Branches of one River to the Branches of another, was learned from the _Indians_, and is the only Method practicable through such large Forests and Deserts as the Traders pa.s.s thro", in carrying from one Nation to another, it is this; the _Indians_ make a long narrow Boat, made of the Bark of the Birch-tree, the Parts of which they join very neatly. One of these Canoes that can carry a Dozen Men, can itself be easily carried upon two Men"s Shoulders; so that when they have gone as far by Water as they can (which is further than is easily to be imagined, because their loaded Canoes don"t sink six Inches into the Water) they unload their Canoes, and carry both Goods and Canoes upon their Shoulders over Land, into the nearest Branch of the River they intend to follow. Thus, the _French_ have an easy Communication with all the Countries bordering upon the River of _St. Lawrence_, and its Branches, with all the Countries bordering upon these In-land Seas, and the Rivers which empty themselves into these Seas, and can thereby carry their Burdens of Merchandize thro" all these large Countries, which could not by any other means than Water-carriage be carried thro" so vast a Tract of Land.
This, however, but half finishes the View the _French_ have, as to their Commerce in _North-America_. Many of the Branches of the River _Misissippi_ come so near to the Branches of several of the Rivers which empty themselves into the great Lakes, that in several Places there is but a short Land-Carriage from the one to the other. As soon as they have got into the River _Misissippi_, they open to themselves as large a Field for Traffick in the southern Parts of _North-America_, as was before mentioned with respect to the northern Parts. If one considers the Length of this River, and its numerous Branches, he must say, _That by means of this River, and the Lakes, there is opened to his View such a Scene of inland Navigation as cannot be parallel"d in any other Part of the World_.
The _French_ have, with much Industry, settled small Colonies, and built stockaded Forts at all the considerable Pa.s.ses between the Lakes, except between _Cataracui Lake_ (called by the _French Ontario_) and _Lake Erie_, one of our Five Nations of _Indians_, whom we call _Sennekas_, (and the _French Sonontouans_) having hitherto refused them leave to erect any Buildings there.
The _French_ have been indefatigable in making Discoveries, and carrying on their Commerce with Nations, of whom the _English_ know nothing but what they see in the _French_ Maps and Books. The Barrenness of the Soil, and the Coldness of the Climate of _Canada_, obliges the greatest number of the Inhabitants to seek their living by travelling among the _Indians_, or by trading with those that do travel. The Governor, and other Officers, have but a scanty Allowance from the King, and could not subsist were it not by the Perquisites they have from this Trade; neither could their Priests find any means to satisfy their Ambition and Luxury without it: So that all Heads and Hands are employ"d to advance it, and the Men of best Parts think it the surest way to advance themselves by travelling among the _Indians_, and learning their Languages; even the Bigotry and Enthusiasm of some hot Heads has not been a little useful in advancing this Commerce; for that Government having prudently turn"d the Edge of the Zeal of such hot Spirits upon converting the _Indians_, many of them have spent their Lives under the greatest Hardships, in endeavouring to gain the _Indians_ to their Religion, and to love the _French Nation_, while, at the same time, they are no less industrious to represent the _English_ as the _Enemies of Mankind_. So that the whole Policy of that Government, both civil and religious, is admirably turn"d to the general Advancement of this Trade.
Indeed the Art and Industry of the _French_, especially that of their religious Missions, has so far prevail"d upon all the _Indians_ in _North-America_, that they are every where directed by _French Councils_. Even our own _Five Nations_, (the _Iroquois_) who formerly were mortal Enemies of the _French_, and have always liv"d in the strictest Amity with the _English_, have, of late, (by the Practices of the _French Priests_) been so far gain"d, that several of the _Mohawks_, who live nearest the _English_, have left their Habitations, and are gone to settle near _Monreal_ in _Canada_; and all the rest discover a Dread of the _French Power_. That much of this is truly owing to the _Priests_, appears from many of the Sachems of the _Iroquois_ wearing Crucifixes when they come to _Albany_: And those _Mohawk Indians_ that are gone to _Canada_, are now commonly known, both to the _French_ and _English_, by the Name of _The Praying Indians_, it being customary for them to go through the Streets of _Monreal_ with their Beads, praying and begging Alms.
But notwithstanding all these Advantages, the _French_ labour under Difficulties that no Art or Industry can remove. The Mouth of the River of _St. Lawrence_, and more especially the Bay of _St. Lawrence_, lies so far North, and is thereby so often subject to tempestuous Weather and thick Fogs, that the Navigation there is very dangerous, and never attempted but during the Summer Months. The Wideness of this Bay, together with the many strong Currents that run in it, the many Shelves, and sunken Rocks that are every where spread over both the Bay and River, and the want of Places for anchoring in the Bay, all increase the Danger of this Navigation; so that a Voyage to _Canada_ is justly esteem"d much more dangerous than to any other Part of _America_. The many Shipwrecks that happen in this Navigation, are but too evident Proofs of the Truth of this, particularly the Miscarriage of the last Expedition against _Canada_. The Channel is so difficult, and the Tides so strong, that after their Shipping get into the River, they never attempt to sail in the Night, tho" the Wind be fair, and the Weather good. These Difficulties are so considerable, that the _French_ never attempt above one Voyage in a Year to _Europe_, or the _West-Indies_, tho" it be really nearer _Europe_ than any of the _English Colonies_, where the Shipping that constantly use the Trade, always make two Voyages in the Year.
The Navigation between _Quebeck_ and _Monreal_ is likewise very dangerous and difficult: The Tide rises about 18 or 20 Feet at _Quebeck_, which occasions so strong a Stream, that a Boat of six Oars cannot make way against it: The River in many Places very wide, and the Channel at the same time narrow and crooked; there are many Shelves and sunken Rocks, so that the best Pilots have been deceived; for which reason the Vessels that carry Goods to _Monreal_ are always obliged to anchor before Night, tho" both Wind and Tide be fair. The Flood goes no further than _Trois Rivieres_, half way to _Monreal_, and about ninety Miles from _Quebeck_: After they pa.s.s this Place they have a strong Stream always against them, which requires a fair Wind and a strong Gale to carry the Vessels against the Stream. And they are obliged in this Part of the River, as well as under the _Trois Rivieres_, to come to an anchor at Night, though the Wind be good. These Difficulties make the common Pa.s.sages take up three or four Weeks, and sometimes six Weeks; tho" if they have the chance of a Wind to continue so long, they may run it in five or six Days.
After they pa.s.s _Monreal_ they have a strong Stream against them till they come near the Lakes; so that in all that, which is about one hundred and fifty Miles in Length, they force their Canoes forward with setting Poles, or drag them with Ropes along sh.o.a.r; and at five or six different Places in that way the River falls over Rocks with such Force, that they are obliged to unload their Canoes, and carry them upon their Shoulders. They never make this Voyage from _Monreal_ to _Cataracui_ in less than twenty Days, and frequently, twice that Time is necessary.
Now we are come so far as the Lake, my Design leads me no further, for at this Lake all the far _Indians_, that go to _Canada_, must pa.s.s by our Traders. And from thence the Road to the _Indian Countries_ is the same from _Albany_ that it is from _Monreal_.
Besides these Difficulties in the Transportation, the _French_ labour under greater in the purchasing of the princ.i.p.al Goods proper for the _Indian Market_; for the most considerable and most valuable Part of their Cargo consists in _Strouds, Duffils, Blankets_, and other _Woollens_, which are bought at a much cheaper Rate in _England_ than in _France_. The _Strouds_ (which the _Indians_ value more than any other Cloathing) are only made in _England_, and must be transported into _France_ before they can be carried to _Canada_. _Rum_ is another considerable Branch of the _Indian Trade_, which the _French_ have not, by reason they have no Commodities in _Canada_ fit for the _West India_ Market. This they supply with _Brandy_, at a much dearer Rate than Rum can be purchased at _New-York_, tho" of no more Value with the _Indians_. Generally, all the Goods used in the _Indian Trade_, except _Gun-Powder_, and a few Trinkets, are sold at _Monreal_ for twice their Value at _Albany_. To this likewise must be added, the necessity they are under of laying the whole Charge of supporting their Government on the _Indian Trade_. I am not particularly informed of their Duties or Imposts, but I am well a.s.sured, that they commonly give six or seven hundred Livres for a Licence for one Canoe, in proportion to her Largeness, to go with her Loading into the _Indian Country_ to trade.
I shall next consider the Advantages the Inhabitants of _New-York_ have in carrying on this Trade. In the _first_ place, the Ships that constantly use the Trade to _England_, perform their Voyage to and from _London_ twice every Year; and those that go to _Bristol_ (the Port from whence the greatest part of the Goods for the _Indian Trade_ are exported) frequently return in four Months. These Goods are bought much cheaper in _England_ than in _France_: They are transported in less Time, with less Charge, and much less Risque, as appears by the _Premio_ for Insurance between _London_ and _New-York_, being only _Two per Cent_. Goods are easily carried from _New-York_ to _Albany_, up _Hudson"s River_, the Distance being only 140 Miles, the River very strait all the way, and bold, and very free from Sandbanks, as well as Rocks; so that the Vessels always sail as well by Night as by Day, and have the Advantage of the Tide upwards as well as downwards, the Flood flowing above _Albany_. It may therefore be safely concluded, that all sorts of Goods can be carried to _Albany_ at a cheaper Rate than they can be to _Quebeck_, which is also three times further from the _Indian Country_ than _Albany_ is. To put the Truth of this out of all dispute, I need only observe what is well known both at _New-York_ and _Albany, viz_. That almost all the Strouds carried by the _French_ into the _Indian Countries_, as well as large Quant.i.ties of other Goods, for the Use of the _French_ themselves, are carried from _Albany_ to _Monreal_.
There has been an Account kept of nine hundred Pieces of Strouds transported thither in one Year, besides other Commodities of very considerable Value. The Distance between _Albany_ and _Monreal_ is about two hundred Miles, all by Water, except twelve Miles between _Hudson"s River_ and the _Wood-Creek_, where they carry their Bark Canoes over Land, and about sixteen Miles between _Chambly_ and _La Prairie_, overagainst _Monreal_. And tho" the Pa.s.sage be so short and easy, these Goods are generally sold at double their Value in _Albany_.
But as this Path has been thought extremely prejudicial to the Interest of this Colony, I shall leave it, and go on to another, that leads directly from _Albany_ into the _Cataracui_ or _Ontario Lake_, without going near any of the _French_ Settlements.
From _Albany_ the _Indian Traders_ commonly carry their Goods sixteen Miles over Land, to the _Mohawks River_ at _Schenechtady_, the Charge of which Carriage is _Nine Shillings New-York_ Money, or _Five Shillings Sterling_ each Waggon-Load. From _Schenechtady_ they carry them in Canoes up the _Mohawks River_, to the Carrying-place between the _Mohawks River_, and the River which runs into the _Oneida Lake_; which Carrying-place between is only three Miles long, except in very dry Weather, when they are obliged to carry them two Miles further. From thence they go with the Current down the _Onondaga River_ to the _Cataracui Lake_. The Distance between _Albany_ and the _Cataracui Lake_ (this Way) is nearly the same with that between _Albany_ and _Monreal_; and likewise with that between _Monreal_ and the _Cataracui Lake_, and the Pa.s.sage much easier than the last, because the Stream of the _Mohawks River_ is not near so strong as the _Cataracui River_ between the _Lake_ and _Monreal_, and there is no Fall in the River, save one short one; whereas there are (as I have said) at least five in the _Cataracui River_, where the Canoes must be unloaded. Therefore it plainly follows, that the _Indian Goods_ may be carried at as cheap a Rate from _Albany_ to the _Cataracui Lake_, as from _Albany_ to _Monreal_. So that the People of _Albany_ plainly save all the Charge of carrying Goods two hundred Miles from _Monreal_ to that Part of the _Cataracui Lake_, which the _French_ have to carry before they bring them to the same Place from _Monreal_, besides the Advantage which the _English_ have in the Price of their Goods.
I have said, That when we are in the _Cataracui Lake_, we are upon the Level with the _French_, because here we can meet with all the _Indians_ that design to go to _Monreal_. But besides this Pa.s.sage by the _Lakes_, there is a River which comes from the Country of the _Sennekas_, and falls into the _Onondaga River_, by which we have an easy Carriage into that Country, without going near the _Cataracui Lake_. The Head of this River goes near to _Lake Erie_, and probably may give a very near Pa.s.sage into that Lake, much more advantageous than the Way the _French_ are obliged to take by the great Fall of _Jagara_, because narrow Rivers are much safer for Canoes than the Lakes, where they are obliged to go ash.o.r.e if there be any Wind upon the Water. But as this Pa.s.sage depends upon a further Discovery, I shall say nothing more of it at this time.
Whoever then considers these Advantages _New-York_ has of _Canada_, in the first buying of their Goods, and in the safe, speedy, and cheap Transportation of them from _Britain_ to the _Lakes_, free of all manner of Duty or Imposts, will readily agree with me, that the Traders of _New-York_ may sell their Goods in the _Indian Countries_ at half the Price the People of _Canada_ can, and reap twice the Profit they do.
This will admit of no Dispute with those that know that Strouds (the Staple _Indian Commodity_) this Year are sold for _Ten Pounds_ apiece at _Albany_, and at _Monreal_ for _Twenty-five Pounds_, notwithstanding the great Quant.i.ty of Strouds said to be brought directly into _Quebeck_ from _France_, and the great Quant.i.ties that have been clandestinely carried from _Albany_. It cannot therefore be denied that it is only necessary for the Traders of _New-York_ to apply themselves heartily to this Trade, in order to bring it wholly into their own Hands; for in every thing besides Diligence, Industry, and enduring Fatigues, the _English_ have much the Advantage of the _French_. And all the _Indians_ will certainly buy, where they can, at the cheapest Rate.
It must naturally be objected, _That if those things are true, how is it possible that the Traders of_ New-York _should neglect so considerable and beneficial Trade for so long time?_
In answering this Objection, I shall show the Difficulties _New-York_ has labour"d under, by giving a short History of the Country, so far as it relates to this Trade. Which Method, I think, can be liable to the least Objection, and put the whole in the truest Light.
When this Country (the Province of _New-York_) came first under the Crown of _Great-Britain_, our _Five Nations_ of _Indians_ were mortal Enemies of the _French_ at _Canada_, and were in a continual War with them, and all the _Nations_ of _Indians_ round the Lakes; so that then it was not safe for the _English_ to travel further than the Countries of the _Five Nations_; nor would our _Indians_ permit the far _Indians_ (with whom they had constant War) to pa.s.s thro" their Countries to _Albany_. Besides, the _Five Nations_ of _Indians_ were at that time so numerous, (consisting of ten times the Number of fighting Men they now do) that the Trade with them alone was very considerable for so young and small a Colony. In the latter End of King _Charles_"s Reign, when the _Duke of York_, and _Popish Councils_ prevail"d, the Governor of _New-York_ (who was likewise a _Papist_) had Orders to use all his Endeavours to make up a Peace between our Nations (the _Iroquois_) and the _French_; and that he should persuade the _Five Nations_ to admit _French Priests_ among them, in order to civilize them. The Consequence of which was, that the _French_ thereby obtained a free Commerce upon the _Lakes_, and obtain"d leave to build _Cataraqui Fort_ upon the North-side of _Cataracui Lake_, and have two Vessels of Force upon the same Lake. From this Time, during all King _James_"s Reign, the _French_, whenever they had any Differences with our _Five Nations_, threaten"d, that the _English_ of _New-York_ would join with them, and destroy the _Five Nations_; by which, and the Practices of the _French Priests_, our _Five Nations_ became very much alienated in their Affections from the _English_, and look"d upon them as a People depending upon the _French_. The Consequences of this appeared so dangerous to Colonel _Dungan_, the Governor of _New-York_, (though, as I have said, a _Papist_) that he again and again complain"d to his Master of the ill Offices the _French Priests_ did the _English_ among _our Nations_. When the _English_ had thus procur"d a Peace for the _French_, they thought they might justly reap some Advantage from it; and it"s hardly to be doubted but that they had Promises of that kind. They were therefore encouraged to send forty Men, with great Quant.i.ties of Goods, into the _Lakes_, under the Command of Major _McGregory_, to trade with the far _Nations_. At this time Mr. _Denonville_, Governor of _Canada_, was gathering together all the Force of _Canada_, and of the _Indians_, (Enemies of the _Five Nations_) in order to surprize the _Five Nations_, and destroy them, at the Time they thought themselves secure by the Peace so lately made. Major _McGregory_, and his Company, were met by a _French_ Officer on _Lake Erie_, coming with a great Number of Men to the general Rendezvous of the _French_, and he, with all the _English_, were made Prisoners. They were used with such Severity as has never been practis"d between _Christian Nations_ in open War, tho" the two Crowns, at that time, were not only at Peace, but under the strictest Ties of mutual Friendship; for the _French_ used these People as Slaves in building _Cataraqui Fort_, and a poor _Frenchman_ that had conducted them, was publickly shot to Death, as if he had brought an Enemy into their Country. Such was their Apprehensions then of the _English_ getting any Footing among the _Indians_.
The _French_ Governor surprized a Village of the _Five Nations_, who, on the _French_ Faith, liv"d in great Security, but seven or eight Leagues from the _French_ Fort, and sent these miserable People to the Galleys in _France_. He afterwards fell upon the _Sennekas_, and burnt their Villages, but without any Advantage to the _French_, they having lost more Men than the _Indians_ did. This renew"d the War with greater Fury than ever, between the _French_ and _our Indians_. For some time afterwards, _our Indians_, in a great Body, fell upon the Island of _Monreal_, while Mr. _Denonville_ was in the Town: They burnt and destroy"d all the Villages and Houses round _Monreal_, and kill"d some hundreds of Men, Women, and Children. Afterwards they came into the open Fields before _Monreal_, and there defy"d the _French_ Governor, who did not think it proper to fight them. And when they had done all the Mischief they could, they retir"d without any Loss.
About this Time the Revolution happen"d in _Great-Britain_, which was succeeded by a War between _Great-Britain_ and _France_. In _February_, 1689/90, a Party of three hundred Men, consisting of equal Numbers of _French_ and _Indians_, surprized _Schenechtady_ in the Night-time, when the poor People were in their Beds, in the greatest Security, where they barbarously murdered sixty-three Men, Women, and Children, in cold Blood, laid the Village in Ashes, and then retir"d, without reaping any other Advantage besides this cruel Revenge on innocent People, for the Mischief _our Indians_ had done them. This rais"d a cruel War between the two Colonies, in which there was much Mischief done, and Blood shed, without any Advantage to either side.
In Time of this War, the _most Christian King"s_ Governor of _Canada_ was so much provoked, that he thought fit to follow the Example of our barbarous _Indians_, and burn his _Indian Prisoners_ alive, in the most cruel Manner, in sight of all the Inhabitants of _Quebeck_, and to deliver up the _English Prisoners_ to the _French Indians_, who indeed had more Mercy, for they kill"d none of them.
King _William_"s Peace put an End to this War; but the Peace lasted so short a while, that the People of this Province hardly had time to re-settle their Farms on the Frontiers, which they had deserted in the Time of the War, much less to adventure trading in the _Indian Countries_, so lately the Scene of so much Cruelty. But both Colonies having now an Abhorrence of the Cruelties of the last War, agreed on a kind of Neutrality for the _Indians_, during Queen _Anne_"s War, in which Time we lost much ground with our own _Indians_: For the _French_ having learn"d, by dear Experience, that it was not possible for them to conquer _our Five Indian Nations_, resolv"d to try all Means to gain their Affections, and in this Art the _French_ are always more successful than in that of War; and the _English_ failing in two ill-concerted Expeditions against _Canada_, the _Indians_ lost much of the Opinion they had of the _English_ Power and Valour.
In Time of this last War, the clandestine Trade to _Monreal_ began to be carried on by _Indians_, from _Albany_ to _Monreal_. This gave Rise to the _Kahnuaga_, or _Praying Indians_, who are entirely made up of Deserters from the _Mohawks_ and _River Indians_, and were either enticed thither by the _French Priests_, or by our Merchants, in order to carry Goods from _Albany_ to _Monreal_, or run away for some Mischief done here. These _Indians_ now consist of about eighty fighting Men, and live about four Leagues above _Monreal_: They neither plant nor hunt, but depend chiefly upon this private Trade for their Subsistence. These _Indians_, in time of War, gave the _French_ Intelligence of all Designs here against them: By them likewise the _French_ engaged our _Five Nations_ in a War with the _Indians_ Friends of _Virginia_, and from them we might expect the greatest Mischief in Time of War, seeing every Part of the Province is as well known to them as to any of the Inhabitants. But if this Trade was entirely at an end, we have reason to believe, that these _Indians_ would return to their own Tribes, for they then could not long subsist where they now are.
As soon as the Peace was proclaim"d, an open Trade with _Monreal_ was carried on with such Earnestness, that _Monreal_ was fill"d with _Indian Goods_, and _Albany_ exhausted; by which means _Monreal_ became the princ.i.p.al, if not the only _Indian Market_, and the _Indians_ depended entirely on the _French_ for what they wanted.
Our Merchants were fond of the _Canada_ Trade, because they sold large Quant.i.ties of Goods without any Trouble, the _French_ taking them from their Doors; whereas the Trade with the _Indians_ is carried on with a great deal of Toil and Fatigue; and as to the Interest of the Country, they either never thought any thing about it, or if they did, had no regard to it.
Now I have brought this Account to the Time your Excellency arriv"d; what has happen"d since, your Excellency knows better than I can by any means inform you. From the whole, it seems plain, that any Difficulties and Disadvantages this Province has been under, have only proceeded from the Wars, which have continued since the first settling of the Province, to the beginning of the last general Peace. But now, that not only _this Province_, but likewise our _six Nations_ of _Indians_ are at Peace, and in Amity, both with the _French_, and all the _Indian Nations_ with whom we can have any Commerce, these Difficulties are all remov"d, and we now enjoy the most favourable Time, that at any time can be hoped for, in order to extend the _British Commerce_ in _North-America_, while the _French_ not only labour under the Difficulties which I have shown to be inseparable from the Situation of their Colony, but likewise under another Disadvantage, (not before taken notice of) by the Furr-Trade of _Canada_ being restrain"d to one Company. This Company is obliged to pay heavy Duties in _France_ upon the Importation of Beaver, or any other Furr; for which reason they always fix a Price upon Beaver, and their other Furrs, in _Canada_; and the _Indian Traders_ of _Canada_ being restrain"d from selling to any but the Company"s Agents there, they cannot raise the Price of _Indian Goods_ as the Price of _European_ rise, or as their Profit on the Goods they sell to the _Indians_ is lessen"d.
The Merchants of _New-York_ allow our _Indian_ Traders double the Price for Beaver, that the _French_ Company allow their _Indian_ Traders, the Price established by the Company for Beaver, in _Canada_, being two Livres, or _eighteen Pence Sterling_, the Pound-weight; and the current Price of Beaver in _New-York_ being _five Shillings New-York_ Money, or _three Shillings Sterling_ the Pound-weight. Therefore it plainly follows, that our _Indian Traders_ could under-sell the _French Traders_, tho" they were to give as great a Price for _European Goods_ as the _French_ do, and did transport them at as great Charge, because of the double Price they have for their Furrs in _New-York_.
But as our _Indian Traders_ not only have a double Price for their _Indian Goods_, but likewise buy the Goods they sell to the _Indians_, at half the Price the _French Indian Traders_ do, the _French Traders_ must be ruin"d by carrying on this Trade, in Compet.i.tion with the _English_ of _New-York_. And the _French Indian Traders_ had been ruin"d before now, if they had not found means to carry their Beaver to _Albany_, where they got double the Price they must have sold for in _Canada_.
It may be objected, against this Argument, _That the_ Canada _Company as soon as they find that the Traders cannot sell at their established Price, will allow a greater Price_. But if we consider the Duties the _French Company_ is obliged to pay to the King, they cannot allow so great a Price as the _English_ can at _New-York_. And if it should be insisted, _That the_ French Company _may obtain a Remission of those_, yet if the clandestine Trade with _Albany_ be entirely stopt, the _French Traders_ will be ruin"d before such Remission can be obtain"d, and their Trade will be at an end.
My Inclination led me to show what Advantages not only the _Indian Trade_ would reap by extending our Frontiers as far as the Lakes, but likewise the _British Trade_ in some other Branches, which the Parliament of _Great Britain_ seem to have much at heart, _viz. Naval Stores_; for the Soil on both Sides of the _Mohawks River_ being as rich as it is possible (I believe) for any Land to be, will be found the most proper for raising of Hemp, of any Part of _America_, and the whole Country round it being full of the largest Pines, the royal Navy is as likely to be well provided with Masts there, and at as cheap a rate as any where else. But I have already too far presum"d on your Excellency"s Patience.