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had failed in our journey to Philadelphia, or our expectations would not have been granted by our brethren in Philadelphia, the Indians would have gone over to the French to a man, and would have received presents or supplies from the French, who have offered it; but now I hope we have got the better of them. Let me desire you to set out early in the spring with the supplies our brethren have been pleased to promise us, and send somebody before you to give us timely notice, that we may meet you, for we are scattered up and down the country, and we will send three or four men to meet you by the way, and to convey you to the place appointed.

Pray don't miss, and let us, that are for our brethren the English, not be ashamed; the French party, who speak now under ground, will speak above the ground if you should miss; but if you arrive early in the spring, all the Indians will unite heartily, and the French party will be brought over to us.'

Then he spoke to George Croghan and me, who must be my guide. I made answer, 'that nothing should be wanting that I could do, and if I was alive and well I hoped to see them in their country next spring before the grass comes out, or at farthest, when they begin to plant their corn.'

Scaiohady pressed upon me to put the Government in mind of what he had said against the traders in rum, that it might be suppressed; For the Indians,' said he, 'will drink away all they have, and not be able to do anything against the enemy for want of ammunition;' and if rightly considered, death, without Judge or Jury, to any man that carries rum to sell to any Indian town, is the only remedy to prevent that trade; and a just reward to the traders, for nothing else will do. It is an abomination before God and man, to say nothing of the particular consequences. It is altogether hurtful to the public, for what little supplies we can give them to carry on the war is not half sufficient; they must buy the greatest part with their hunting, and if they meet with rum they will buy that before any

thing, and not only drink away their skins, but their clothing, and even everything they may get of us; in short, the inconveniences occasioned by that trade are numerous at this very time. The English and French party will fall out in their drunkenness, and murder one and another, and the English will be charged with the mischief thereof. I must leave off before I wear out your patience.

Sir, your very dutiful,

CONRAD WEISER.

P. S. Scaiohady told Shikamy, at my house, very privately, that Peter Chartier and his company had accepted of the French hatchet, but kept it in their bosom till they could see what interest they could make in favor of the French."

DEATH OF JOHN HARRIS, SR.

John Harris, Sr., died in 1748, about the month of December, and was buried where he had directed, under the shade of his own memorable tree. The John Harris hereafter mentioned, as stated previously, was born in 1727. He was twice married. His first wife's name was Elizabeth McClure, and his second, Mary Reed, by both of whom he had children. His second wife, Mary, died November 6, 1787.

GRANT OF THE FERRY RIGHT.

The following is a copy of the original grant to John Harris, Jr., of the right to have a ferry over the Susquehanna :

"Thomas Penn and Richard Penn, Esquires, true and absolute proprietaries and governors in chief of the Province of Pennsylvania and Counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex upon Delaware. To all unto whom these presents shall come, greeting: WHEREAS it hath been represented to us that the frequent passing and repassing of people over our river Susquehanna hath made it necessary that ferries should be erected and

established at proper places for the ready carrying over our said River, all travellers and other persons whose business and affairs may call them into these parts of our said province; And it being made known to us that the plantation and tract of land belonging to John Harris of the County of Lancaster, Yeomen lying on the East side of the said River Susquehanna in the township of Pextang and county aforesaid by means of the convenient situation thereof is a proper place for erecting and keeping a ferry for that part of our said Province, and the said John Harris having requested our license for erecting and maintaining a ferry over the said river at the place aforesaid, and that we would be pleased to grant him the same for a certain term of years therein expressed. Now KNOW YE, that in consideration of the charge and expense that must arise on providing of necessary flats and boats and constant attendance requisite thereunto, We have given granted and confirmed and by these presents for us and our heirs, do give grant and confirm unto the said John Harris, his executors administrators and assigns the sole privilege of keeping and occupying the said ferry over the said river at the place aforesaid where a ferry has always been kept for the carrying over of all persons, wagons, carts, horses and cattle traveling or passing that way, hereby strictly forbidding and prohibiting all other persons on either side of the said River from carrying over the same within the distance of one mile and a quarter above and below the ferry hereby settled and established for hire pay or reward in any flat, boat or canoe, any persons or travellers, wagons, carts, horses or cattle as aforesaid: And we do further give and grant unto the said John Harris his executors, administrators and assigns during the term of this grant to take and receive from all persons passing over the said river for themselves, waggons, carts, horses and cattle all such reasonable toll fees or reward as hath heretofore been accustomed or shall be hereafter settled for the same (Us, our heirs and successors and our Lieutenant Governor attendants

and servants only excepted), To have and hold the said Ferry privileges and profits hereby granted unto the said John Harris his Executors administrators and assigns from the first day of March next unto the full end and term of seven years from thence next ensuing and fully to be complete and ended yielding and paying for the same yearly unto us our heirs and successors at the town of Lancaster in the said County at or upon the first day of March in every year during the said term ten English silver shillings or the value thereof in coin current according as the exchange shall then be between our said province and the city of London to such person or persons as shall from time to time be appointed to receive the same: Provided always and these presents are upon this condition and limitation that the said John Harris his executors, administrators or assigns shall from time to time and at all times hereafter, during the said term continue to keep or cause to be kept a Boat or Boats, Scow or Scows in good sufficient repair with good and sufficient persons or hands to give attendance for the transporting, ferrying or carrying over of all passengers, waggons, carts, horses and cattle aforesaid according to the true intent and meaning hereof otherwise this present grant and every other matter and thing contained therein, shall cease determine and be void to all intents and purposes whatsoever.

Witness James Hamilton Esquire Lieutenant Governor of the said province who by virtue of Certain Powers and authorities to him for this purpose inter alia granted by the said proprietaries, hath hereunto set his hand and caused the great seal of the said province to be hereunto affixed at Philadelphia this fifth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty three, the twenty sixth year of the reign of King George ye second over Great Britain &c. and ye thirty fifth year of ye sd. Proprietaries government."

Recorded ye 19th Feb 1753.

JAMES HAMILTON. [L. 8.]

DEATH OF HALF-KING AT HARRIS' FERRY.

Half-King, also called Tanachrisson, of whom frequent mention is made in the Colonial Records, arrived, sick, at the residence of John Harris, Jr., the 1st of October, 1754, and died on the night of the 4th following, and was buried with due obsequies by Mr. Harris. During the Half King's illness, his Indian followers procured a conjurer to ascertain the nature of his illness and death, believing that the French had bewitched him.

Immediately after the death of this warrior, Mr. Harris wrote the following letter to Governor Hamilton:

"May it please your honor:

"PAXTON Oct. 2, 1754.

At the earnest request of Monacatootha, one of the chiefs of the Six Nations, I take this opportunity to inform your Honor of the death of Half-King, who departed this life last night. There are about twenty Indians here who wait to see him buried, and then intend for Aughwick immediately; he likewise desired that the melancholly news might be forwarded with all possible dispatch to his Honor the Governor of Virginia. These Indians that are here blame the French for his death, by bewitching him, as they had a conjurer to inquire into the cause a few days before he died; and it is his opinion, together with his relations, that the French had been the cause of this great man's death, by reason of his striking them lately, for which they seem to threaten immediate revenge, and desired me to let it be known. All the Indians that are here are in great trouble, especially his relations. I have sent an account to Conrad Weiser, at Shamokin, this day, who I expect will be down upon. notice. I humbly presume that his is a very great loss, especially at this critical time.

I am, &c.,

JOHN HARBIS."

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