their wampum, which is their money.”  In 1753 governor Hamilton appointed Richard Peters, Isaac Norris and Benjamin Franklin, to hold a treaty with the Indians at Carlisle, Pennsylvania.  In the report of these commissioners they say:  “But in justice to these Indians, and the promises we made them, we cannot close our report, without taking notice, that the quantity of strong liquors sold to these Indians, in the places of their residence, and during their hunting season, have increased to an inconceivable degree, so as to keep these poor creatures continually under the force of liquors, that they are thereby become dissolute, enfeebled and indolent when sober; and untractable and mischievous in their liquor, always quarreling, and often murdering one another.”  Some of the chiefs at this treaty said, “these wicked whisky-sellers, when they have once got the Indians in liquor, make them sell their very clothes from their backs.  In short, if this practice is continued, we must be inevitably ruined; we most earnestly, therefore, beseech you to remedy it."[A]

[Footnote A:  Proud’s History of Pennsylvania.]

This brief sketch of the early intercourse between the colonists and the aborigines of this country, is not over-drawn, nor is it at all inapplicable to the period which has elapsed since the formation of the federal government.  With an insatiable cupidity and a wanton disregard of justice, have the lands and property of the Indians been sought by citizens of the United States.  The great agent of success in this unholy business, has been ardent spirits, by means of which their savage reason has been overthrown, and their bad passions called into action.  The class of reckless and desperate characters, described by Proud, have hung upon the western frontiers, for the purpose of preying upon the Indians.  If government itself be not to blame, for want of good faith towards this miserable race, is it not highly culpable for not having, by the strong arm of physical power, enforced the salutary laws, which from time to time, have been enacted for their protection?  Impartial posterity will, we apprehend, answer this question in the affirmative.

The Shawanoes engaged in the war between the French and English, which commenced in 1755, and was terminated by the peace of 10th February, 1763.  In this contest they took sides with the former, and rendered them essential service.  They committed many depredations on the frontier settlements of Pennsylvania and Virginia.  The peace of 1763, between France and England, did not terminate the Indian war against the colonies.  The Indians were displeased with the provisions of this treaty, especially that which ceded the provinces of Canada to Great Britain.  This dissatisfaction was increased when the British government began to build forts on the Susquehanna, and to repair or erect those of Bedford, Ligonier, Pittsburg, Detroit, Presque Isle, St. Joseph and Michilimakinac.  By this