[72] The plan remarked upon was under the consideration of ministry before the close of the year 1766, and (as I am inclined to think) after the commencement of 1765. I can go no nearer as to its date.
It is needless to enter into the particulars of it, as the remarks explain themselves; except perhaps as to the following points. The trade was to be open; there were to be two superintendants to it; in the northern district the trade was to be carried on at fixed posts, in the southern within the Indian town; the military were to have no power over the superintendants or the Indian trade, even in war time, unless with the superintendants' assent, or in great exigencies; the superintendants, by themselves or deputies, were to make annual visitations among the Indians, to see to justice, &c. and their proceedings were to be very summary; and no credit was to be given to the Indians beyond fifty shillings, for no higher debt was to be made recoverable. B. V.
[73] For an account of the sentiments and manners of the Indians, see an essay by our author in a subsequent part of this volume. Editor.
[74] The editor has given the following memorandum of Indian fighting men, inhabiting near the distant posts, in 1762; to indulge the curious in future times. The paper is in Dr. Franklin's hand-writing: but it must not be mistaken as containing a list of the whole of the nations enumerated, but only such part of them as lived near the places described. B. V.
A list of the number of fighting men of the different nations of Indians, through which I (George Croghan) passed, living at or near the several posts.
Sandusky. | |||
Wyandotts and Mohickons | 200 | ||
Detroit. | |||
Poutauwautimies | 150 | ||
Ottawas | 250 | ||
Wyandotts | 250 | ||
Cheapwas | 320 | 970 | |
Michilemakinac. | |||
Ottawas | 250 | ||
Cheapwas | 400 | 650 | |
La Bay. | |||
Meynomeneys | 110 | ||
Pervons | 360 | ||
Sax | 300 | ||
Reynard | 320 | 1090 | |
St. Joseph's. | |||
Poutauwautimies | 200 | ||
Ottawas (some distance) | 150 | 350 | |
The Miamies. | |||
Mincamies or Twigtwees | 230 | ||
Ouitanon. | |||
Ouitanons | 200 | ||
Thickapoose | 180 | ||
Musquiton | 90 | ||
Pyankishaws | 100 | 570 | |
Shawanese. | |||
At the lower town, on Scioto | 240 | ||
At the upper town, on Muskingum | 60 | 300 | |
—— | |||
4360 |
There is a nation, back of the Bay, who used formerly to come there to visit the French when they were in possession of that post, called La Sieu, computed to be 2500 fighting men; who have this summer sent word to Mr. Gorrell, who commands there, that they purpose paying him a visit late this fall or in the spring.