The New Hampshire Gazette

BOSTON, Dec. 31, 1761.

On this Day the Governor gave a public Audience in the Council Chamber to Hougoufgouanah, otherwise Thomas, King of the Oneidas, one of the Six united Indian Nations. The Indian Chief, in a Speech addressed to the Governor, expressed the great Regard his Nation had for the People of this Province, and the earnest Desire he had to visit them, especially since the Appointment of the present Governor. He complimented the Governor and the Province upon the interesting Events of the last Year: and concluded with Wishes that the Country conquered from the French might never be given back again. He confirmed what he said with a Belt and two Strings.

His Excellency taking up the Belt and Strings, repeated, as usual, what was said with them, and returned proper Answers to the several Particulars. And then, informing the Indian Chief, that what he was going to say, was addressed to the united Nations, to be communicated to them in their general Council, spoke in the following Words:

Brethren, the Chiefs of the united Indian Nations, commonly called the Six Nations.

I take this Opportunity to let you know that the Distance between us hath not made us unmindful of you: We still Remember and Regard you as our good Friends and Brethren.

Since we last met together, the Almighty hath done great Things for us: He hath made our Enemies to fall before us; He hath brought this whole Country under the Subjection of one King our common Father; and He hath planted the Tree of Peace in the midst of it. Let us make a good Use of these Blessings; let us Water this Tree, and defend it from Storms and Blasts, that its Branches may overspread the Land; and we may all live Happily under the Shade of it, as the Children of one Father. This confirms what I say.

A String of white Wampum with a few black Beads intermixed.

Brethren,

The late great King George the Second lived to receive Advice of this Country being entirely Subjected to him: He seemed to be reserved for this completion of his Glory; for in a few Days after he died full of Years and Honors, without Sorrow or Pain. The loss of so good and so kind a Father must certainly grieve you. With this String I condole with you, and wipe the Tears from your Eyes.

A String of black Wampum with 77 single white Beads.

Upon his Death, his Grandson our present gracious King succeeded to the Throne; a Prince young in Age, but old in Wisdom; graceful in Person, lovely in Manners, and virtuous in Mind: who, in the short Time he hath reigned over us, hath given the fullest Assurances, that it is his firm Intention to defend and maintain all his Subjects in the full and free Enjoyment of their Rights and Privileges. Happy are the People who have such a King placed over them! You, my Brethren, will partake with us in the Blessings of his Reign. I hereby congratulate you thereon.

A String of white Wampum with 24 single white Beads, each between two black.

Brethren,

The Chain that holds you and us together is now become a long and weighty Chain: And we should all exert ourselves to hold it up, that it may not fall to the Ground, nor contract any Rust. Be you strong and bold at your End; We will support the other: -- And let this help to brighten the Chain.

A Belt of white Wampum adorned with Diamonds of black.

The Indian Chief took up the Strings and Belts, one by one, and repeated what was said with them, and promised to deliver the whole to the united Nations in their grand Council. He then returned Thanks for the kind Treatment he had received since he came to Town: And upon the whole conducted himself with surprising Dignity and Politeness.