| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| SgtMunro |
Posted - March 11 2005 : 07:55:31 AM
“The Go-Betweens” (Part Five) By Sgt. Munro
Kaskaskunk Town, The Ohio Country
20 June 1764 / 1300 Hours
As Francis Cooper rose to his feet, he prepared himself for the council’s answer to the last seven days of talks. Nettawatwees, or ‘New Comer’ as the white colonists knew him, took Cooper’s belt eagerly enough; and with him would follow the Turtle Clan of the Delaware. The other members present also appeared ready to resume normal relations with the Crown, save three. Two of these were Chief Shingas of the Turkey Clan and Captain Pipe of the Wolf Clan.
Both Chief Shingas and Captain Pipe were formidable men, and Francis knew it. He was aware that neither fostered any love for the British Crown, nor did they want the French to return. After the losses to their people from late ‘wilderness war’, these men would be quite happy if all of the white people would go toward the east, and upon reaching the ‘great water’, get into their boats and leave, never to return. There could be no headway made with these men, until more goodwill was demonstrated from the Crown.
The third man, who bore watching, was the infamous Kiasutha, or ‘Guyasuta’, a Mingo who claimed to be an authorized representative of the Seneca Nation. Cooper was on to his game, for he knew this man more years than he would have cared too. When Francis addressed the council, he made it a point never to look at him, since this would convey to the others present that the Crown does not recognize Kiasutha as a ‘Headman of Repute’.
When Cooper’s belt was passed around the lodge, Captain Pipe threw it to the ground. Francis grabbed the belt, before allowing Kiasutha to kick it, adding further insult to the Mingo. Once again, it was his way of saying, “This message is for recognized sachems, not you!”
Captain Pipe was the first to speak, “Wahcanaquah Sachem, you have come to us at our request, for that I am grateful. Your words shine through the clouds, and enlighten all who listen, and for that you have my respect. The tales of your past deeds cause all men to listen when you speak, for you truly are a brother of all men. However, I also know that your power is limited to the decisions of your own leaders, and some of them are not good men. For that, I must carry your words to the council of the Wolf Clan, so that they may make the final decision as to where we stand.”
Chief Shingas then arose, and addressed the council, “Brothers of the Delaware, I too find great wisdom in the words spoken by the man called Cooper. But, I also agree with my brother of the Wolf Clan, and must seek further council from my own clan before any commitment can be made.”
This was better than Francis could have hoped for. Two of the greatest obstacles to peace with the Delaware Indians, have now appeared almost passable. Being an expert gamesman, Francis did not let his exuberance show on his face, he maintained a look of serious contemplation.
Nettawatwees then lifted the wampum belt, and spoke. “Brothers, the Turtle Clan is in full agreement with my own thoughts. We will accept the belt of peace offered by King George, through his representative Brother Francis. We will also carry the belt to our friends, the Shawnee, and announce to them that peace shall soon return to all who wish it.” Nettawatwees then spoke directly to Cooper, “Brother Francis, I do truly hope that your visit here was both productive and pleasant, and I wish to extend to you an invitation to stay at my lodge whenever your travels bring you within our borders.”
Killbuck then approached Cooper, and handed a rolled blanket to him. Francis opened the blanket, to reveal an ornately finished tomahawk. Nettawatwees then continued, “This is my own tomahawk, and it had killed many a white man. It was with me when I fought General Braddock and later, Major Grant. It had traveled deep into Pennsylvania Colony on many raids. I last raised it at Bushy Run again |
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