| Citation |
PG-P.751.049
26 Sep 1751:12 (1189)
Williamsburg, August 16. . . About a week before the arrival
of the Cherrokees, it was rumour'd, that the Nottaway
Indians, being very inveterate against them, were determined
to lie in ambush and intercept them. This nation, 'twas
said, was exasperated against the Cherrokees, for murdering,
many years ago, seven of their young men, whom they had
invited to hunt with them; and had resolved to embrace this
favourable opportunity of revenging themselves. The
president being informed of this, and a report prevailing,
that they had cross'd the James River, and were on their
march to the westward, with an intent to wait on the road,
in order to put their design in execution, ordered all the
Cherrokees to be compleately arm'd, that they might be able
to defend themselves in case of an attack; and likewise
issued a proclamation, strictly requiring the Nottaways to
desist from their bloody design, and to repair immediately
to their own habitations, to avoid the most rigorous
prosecution; . . . [2 lines]
But all these precautions prov'd unnecessary, the
Nottaways arriving in town yesterday, with a white flag.
The Cherrokees being informed of their arrival, immediately
gave the signal of war, and were preparing for battle; but
several gentlemen representing to them the friendly
appearance of the Nottaways, advised them to march out, and
meet them in the same friendly manner: At first they were
inflexible; but being at last prevailed on, they hoisted a
white flag, and marching by beat of drum, met the Nottaways
in the Market place, each party singing the Song of Peace.
After many of their accustomed ceremonies, they join'd
hands, and smok'd the pipe of peace together: But not being
able to hold any conference, the crowd being very great,
they repaired to the Court House . . . [12 lines,
discussions] All differences being thus adjusted, to the
satisfaction of both parties, they met in the evening at the
camp of the Cherrokees; where making a large fire, they
danced together round it, and concluded the evening with
harmony and chearfulness.
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