Digital Paxton: Digital Collection, Critical Edition, and Teaching Platform

Account of the Indian murders, December 27, 1763 - 2

in their conjecture, but so much think it my duty to advise you of
    I am Sir your very humble servt
                                                                        D A Henderson
J Galloway Esqr.                                                        
Dr Sir                                                  27 Decr. 8 P.M
The post did not go this morning so the enclosed has not been
[Illegible] had till what I feared [obliterated] come to pass. About 4 hours ago
these wild men came armed (in number 50 or thereabouts / & broke open the
Goal in the presence of the Sheriff & Coroner / who commanded the peace
Did the little in their power to prevent their design tho’ in Vain / & murdered
all the Indians there. They went off hooping and hallowing having rode round
the Courthouse in an inglorious triumph discharging their [pieces?] &ct
The rogues was [were?] too great for any of the inhabitants to interpose
too many approved of the massacre.
            They threaten to go to Philada, & murder the Indians on the Island
they say their name is Legion & they are many & will stand by one another
If these outrages are passed over with impunity all Civil Govt, isis
at an end. I wish better times. God knows where this will end
            I believe the expressl waits, & therefore in haste must subscribe
Your afft humble servt;                                              D A Henderson.
            If the Indins remain here they can not be safe nor can the Sheriff
be safe in bringing them to Philada; or elsewhere wthout a strong guard
the expenses of which are to be considered.
            And of the Indn named Bill Sock has an ill name in the
neighborhood & some of the Paxton People have asserted that he had
 while [Illegible] in her [Illegible]. [Illegible] the last breaking out of the
Indians [Illegible]. Tho he is now in Custody their [Illegible, stain] may have
an opportunity of hanging him in a Court of [Illegible]. [Illegible]

[Transcribed by Christopher Rizer]

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