November 22, 1780 The Pennsylvania Gazette
FOR THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE.
THE following invoice, forwarded by a correspondent from the eastward, was found on board the prize ship Endeavour, part of the Quebec fleet, and carried into Salem: It is a duplicate of that on board the vessel containing the respective stores, and which would seem to have escaped, as we have not heard of any capture containing such cargoe, either of the eleven captured by our allies on the coast of France, or of the twenty three taken by the New England privateers, and carried into the eastward. It is to be lamented that it has not fallen into our hands, as the Indians will, by this means, have a supply of instruments to effect their infernal purposes the ensuing summer.
INVOICE of Military Stores shipped by order of John Jenkins, his Majesty's Secretary at War, by Thomas Plunket, on board the ship James, Capt. William Harrison, Commander, bound for Quebec, in Canada, for and on account and risque of his Majesty's government in America: The same being marked and numbered as per margin.
SIX BALES, containing G.B. No.
1. 1114 Dozen match coats and blankets.
2. 907 Do.
3. 1081 Do.
4. 518 Suits of infantry cloaths.
5. 700 Suits, do.
6. 208 Suits grenadier, do.
Eighteen CHESTS, containing
7. 121 Musquests.
121 Bayonets.
8. 98 Musquets.
98 Bayonets.
9. 236 Tomahawks fixed.
660 Do. unhandled.
10. 196 Tomahawks fixed with pipes.
200 Do. unhandled.
11. 203 Tomahawks fixed.
86 Do. unhandled.
12. 211 Tomahawks fixed with pipes.
98 Do. unhandled.
13. 199 Tomahawks fixed.
101 Do. unhandled.
14. 726 Scalping knives with cases.
15. 698 Do. do.
16. 784 Do. do.
17. 696 Do. do.
18. 328 Do. packed in straw.
19. 279 Do. do.
20. 318 Do. do.
21. 319 Dagger knives in cases and belts.
22. 309 Do. do.
23. 472 Do. do.
24. 500 Do. without cases.
The correspondent adds, that a letter to the Governor of Canada from the Secretary at War accompanied this invoice, but writ in cyphers, and the contents could not be known; but from the occasion and the circumstances, we may easily suppose it to have been to the following purpose.
His Excellency the Governor of Canada.
SIR,
THE great expedition in getting the several articles mentioned in the enclosed invoice made, and forwarded to your Excellency, will, amongst other matters, fully shew, that nothing is more near his Majesty's wish, than to take proper methods to put an end to the rebellion; which he is convinced his faithful friends, the Indians, will see, not only for their own immediate advantage, but that it will be the means of putting it fully in his Majesty's power to fulfill his gracious intentions to the faithful Tribes. There is no doubt but the blankets will be a welcome present to the savages; which it is his Majesty's wish shall be distributed by Sir. John Johnston, in such proportion to the Chiefs, as will best secure their affection. Your Excellency will please to desire Sir John to be very particular as to the disposing the commissions to the Indians, giving none of those signed with his royal hand but to such Indians as shall produce at least 20 scalps before the first of March; and making the necessary distinction between those bringing certificates of a greater number. As to the commissions of Colonels, his Majesty seems to fear it would be imprudent to grant such to the Indians at this time; but desires the Chiefs may be assured in his name, that a commission of Colonel should be granted for a proportional service with that expected from those who are commissioned Majors; and that although, from state reasons, he declines granting commissions at present, his Majesty is fully persuaded, that without his brothers and friends continue to pull with him upon the same string for the common interest, his Majesty and these Tribes will be much endangered; but as your Excellency will see this business in its full view, his Majesty gives the whole to your judgment.
The packages, No. 10 and 11, contain hatchets of a curious workmanship, and are intended to be presented to the Chiefs of the Tribes, and their relations, that have distinguished their zeal most for his Majesty's service. You will please to observe, they are neatly engraved with war figures, suitable to the taste of those people. Packages No. 16 and 17, contain scalping knives, of the same kind of workmanship on the handles, and some figures on the blades, which may strike their fancy: These may be disposed of in like manner. In fine, your Excellency will be careful to shew all possible respect to the savages, and induce them, at any price, to act and bring over others for the common cause.
Several of the Nations, who heretofore did good service on the borders of Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New York, having been driven out of their country by General Sullivan, will stand in need of these articles to encourage them to the work. It is to be wished they would embarrass your Excellency or themselves with no prisoners, but to put to death all without exception. It would be well also to enjoin it on them to put to death with their usual ways of torture, by burning with lighted matches stuck in the body, coals on the head, &c. in order to strike a greater dread on the minds of the rebels.
I have the honour to be, your Excellency's
Most obedient humble servant,
JOHN JENKINS, Secretary at War.