, Interpreter.
The Governor spoke as follows.
Friends and Brethren of the Six Nations,
I am always sorry when any thing happens that may create the least Uneasiness between us; but as we are mutually engaged to keep the Road between us clear and open, and to remove every Obstruction that may lie in the Way, I must inform you, that three of the Delaware Indians lately murdered John Armstrong, an Indian Trader, and his two Men, in a most barbarous Manner, as he was travelling to Allegheny, and stole his Goods of a considerable Value. Shickcalamy, and the Indians settled at Shamokin, did well; they seized two of the Murderers, and sent them down to our Settlements; but the Indians, who had the Charge of them, afterwards suffered one of them to escape, on a Pretence that he was not concerned in the bloody Deed; the other is now in Philadelphia Goal. By our Law all the Accessaries to a Murder are to be tried, and put to Death, as well as the Person who gave the deadly Wound. If they consented to it, encouraged it, or any ways assisted in it, they are to be put to Death, and it is just it should be so. If, upon Trial, the Persons present at the Murder are found not to have done any of these Things, they are set at Liberty. Two of our People were, not many Years ago, publickly put to Death for killing two Indians; we therefore expect you will take the most effectual Measures to seize and deliver up to us the other two Indians present at these Murders, to be tried with the Principal now in Custody. If it shall appear, upon their Trial, that they were not advising, or any way assisting in this horrid Fact, they will be acquitted, and sent home to their Towns. And that you may be satisfied no Injustice will be done to them, I do now invite you to depute three or four Indians to be present at their Trials. I do likewise expect that you will order strict Search to be made for the Remainder of the stolen Goods, that they may be restored to the Wife and Children of the Deceased. That what I have said may have its due Weight with you, I give you this String of Wampum.
Which was accepted with the Yo-hah.
The Governor afterwards ordered the Interpreter to tell them, he expected a very full Answer from them, and that they might take their own Time to give it; for he did not desire to interfere with the Business of Virginia and Maryland.
They said they would take it into Consideration, and give a full Answer.
Then the Commissioners of Virginia let them know, by the Interpreter, that they would speak to them in the Afternoon.