Speech of the Mohawks to the Magistrates and Committee of Schenectady

v2:841

BROTHERS: Our present situation is very disagreeable and alarming, what we never expected; therefore desire to know what is designed by the reports that are spread amongst us. We hear that companies and troops are coming from one quarter to another, to molest us; particularly, that a large body are hourly expected from New-England to apprehend and take away by violence our Superintendent

v2:842

Brothers: We desire you would inform us, if you know of any such design on foot, whether by the New-England people, or in your vicinity, and not deceive us in this matter, for the consequence will be important and extensive.

Brothers: We shall support and defend our Superintendent, and not see our council fire extinguished. We have no inclination or purpose of interfering in the dispute between Old England and Boston; the white people may settle their own quarrels between themselves; we shall never meddle in those matters, or be the aggressors, if we are let alone. We have, for a long time, lived in great peace with one another, and we wish ever to continue so; but should our Superintendent be taken from us, we dread the consequences; the whole Confederacy would resent it, and all their allies; and as reports now are, we should not know where to find our enemies; the innocent might fall with the guilty. We are so desirous of maintaining peace, that we are unwilling the Six Nations should know the bad reports spread amongst us, and threats given out.

Brothers: We desire you will satisfy us as to your knowledge of the foundation of these reports, and what your news is, and not deceive us in a matter of so much importance.

ABRAHAM, Chief.

[Interpreted by Samuel Kirkland, Missionary, May 20, 1775.]