Letter to the St. John' s and Mickmack Tribes of Indians

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Resolved, That the Receiver-General be, and hereby is directed to pay to Lieutenant Andrew Gilman, out of the publick Treasury of this Colony, twenty-two Pounds, for his expenses for Mr˙ Jedediah Preble, Truckmaster, two Indians, and himself, from the Truck-House at Penobscot, to Watertown, and thence back to Penobscot again. Also, twelve Pounds, fourteen Shillings, and eleven Pence, for his billeting and expenses amongst the Indians until this date, and thirteen Pounds, twelve Shillings, and six Pence, for services done till this day; the whole amounting to forty-eight Pounds, seven Shillings, and five Pence: said Gilman to be accountable to this Court for the said sum.

N˙B˙ The two Indians referred to as above are Ambroise and Pierre Toma, who represent the St˙ John' s and the Mickamack Tribe of Indians.

Resolved, That the following Letter be sent to the Chiefs of the St˙ John' s and the Mickamack Tribe of Indians:

Friends and Good, Brothers;

We received your letter dated at the Truck-House, at Penobscot Falls, the twelfth day of September, 1775.

We take this opportunity to write to you an answer.

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We are thirteen Colonies of white people, who have joined in one long chain, and almost as many Tribes of our brethren, the Indians, who have very much lengthened and strengthened our chain: it is now so long and so strong, that (if we don' t break it ourselves) those wicked people of Old-England will never be able to break it. We are willing you should have a Priest of your own, and worship as you choose; for our great dependance and trust is on Almighty God, (who made you and us,) for protection and defence.

According to your desire, we have sent to our Truck-master, at Penobscot, money to purchase ammunition, provisions, and goods, as we think will be sufficient to supply you this winter. We have told our Truckmaster to supply you, and take your skins and furs in payment. Thus we have cheerfully complied with your requests, and shall be always ready to hear your requests or complaints, and we trust you will help us in our present war with the wicked people of Old-England, if we send for you.

We pray God to bless you, and keep you out of the hands of all your and our enemies, and that you may make a part of our long chain of brothers, as long as the sun and moon shall endure.

In Council, October 16, 1775. Read and concurred.