Governor Hamilton to Papunehan, October 12, 1761 - 5
Speaking to John Curtis Says,
Brother,
We think we have understood what you have said to us without an Interpreter
and think you have sufficient knowledge of the English Language to understand us ~
Listen therefor to what I am going to say in answer to what you have said to one when you first
came here…Brother, as you have brought us a Message from Papunehan & the Wighalou-
sin Indians, I desire you to carry this my message to them in Answer. A String.
Brother, Papunenhan & the Wighalousin Indians,
You say you do not understand why there should be any difference between us
& the Indians, & that after considering the matter well it is surprising to you that there
should have been any disturbances made by Indians since you cannot find the least cause
given by use for such a behavior, and that as to you the Indians at Wighalousin you concern
yourselves with nothing but the worship of God.
Brother, We do not look on you & your Indians to be our Enemies, but rather our friends
and we can sincerely say that you form a true Judgement on this behaviour of the Indians, for
we do assure you we have not given the least cause of Offence, since we so firmly concluded a
Peace with the Indians.
As therefore this renewal of Hostilities is without the least Provocation on
our side & has been carried on in so cruel a manner, You cannot but think that it must raise
great resentment in the minds of the Inhabitants against those who have committed them.
As to you who have been no ways concerned in these disturbances, but give
themselves up to the religious worship of God, we shall still be your friends & endeavour to
preserve you in that safety which your conduct deserves, and pray God to bless your religious
designs. AString~
Brother, You likewise remind us of the great Service you did in preventing the relations
of an Indian, who was killed soon after the last Treaty that was held at Easton coming down to
take revenge on our Inhabitants ~ This we also remember well & now repeat our thanks for your
kindness therein. Such acts of friendship may always be expected from Men who act with
sincerity on religious Principles, and as we hope we are under the influence of the same good
principles towards God & Man we shall always behave towards you in the same just and kind
manner.
Brother,
You further tell us that assurances we then gave you of acquainting you of
any mischief designed against you had made you perfectly easy & satisfied, & that you do entirely
depend upon us – Agreeable therefore to our Engagements we now inform you what lies very heavy
on our Minds, and our apprehensions of your danger.
[Transcribed by Nick Kimble]
