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General Forbes Addresses the Delaware Chiefs Beaver and Shingas, November, 1758.

[November 9, 1758]

Brethren, King Beaver & Shingas, & all the warriors, who join with you:
The many Acts of Hostility, committed by the french against the British Subjects, made it necessary for The King to take up Arms, in their Defence, and to redress their Wrongs, which have been done 'em; Heaven hath favoured the justice of the Cause, and given Success to his fleets and Armies, in different Parts of the World. I have received his comands, with regard to what is to be done on the Ohio, & shall endeavour to act like a Soldier by driving the french from thence, or destroying them.

It is a particular Pleasure to me to learn, the Indians, who inhabit near that river, have lately concluded a Treaty of Peace with the English; by which the antient Friendship is renewed with their Brethren, and Fixed on a firmer foundation than ever. May it be lasting unmoveable as the Mountains. I make no doubt but it gives you equal Satisfaction, and that you will unite your Endeavours with mine, and all the Governors of these Provinces, to strengthen it[.] the Clouds that, for some time, hang'd over the English, and their Friends, the Indians on the Ohio, and kept them both in Darkness, are now dispers'd & the chearful Light now again shines upon Us, and warms us both. May it continue to do so, while the Sun and Moon give Light.

Your people, who were sent to us, were rec'd by us with open Arms; they were kindly entertain'd, while they were here, and I have taken Care that they shall return safe to you, with them come trusty Messengers, whom I earnestly recommend to your protection; They have several matters in Charge and I desire you may give Credit to what they say; in particular, they have a large Belt of Wampum, & by this belt we let you know, that it is agreed by me, & all the Governors, that there shall be an everlasting Peace with all the Indians, established as sure as the Mountains, between the English Nation and the Indians, all over, from the Sun rising to the Sun setting: and as your Influence on them is great, so you will make it known to all the different Nations, that want to be in friendship with the English & I hope, by your Means and persuasion, many will lay hold on this Belt and immediately withdraw from the French; this will be greatly to their own Interest and your Honor, and I shall not fail to acquaint the Great King of it.

I sincerely wish it, for their good; for it will fill me with Concern, to find any of you join'd with the French, as in that Case you must be sensible I must treat them as Enemies however, I once more repeat, that there is no time to be lost; for I intend to march with the Army very soon; and I hope to enjoy the pleasure of thanking you for your Zeal; & of entertaining you in the Fort ere long. In the mean time I wish Happiness and Prosperity to you, your Women and children.

I write to you as a Warrior should, that is, with Candour and Love, and I recommend Secrecy and Dispatch.

Kings Beaver & Shingas & Brother Warriors,
Your Assured Friend and Brother,

Jo Forbes

From my Camp at Loyalhannon,
November 9th 1758.


Credit: Robert Proud, The History of Pennsylvania, in North America, vol. 2 (Philadelphia: Zacharoah Poulson, 1798), 115.
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