The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

PHILADELPHIA. March

Extract of a Letter from Fort-Pitt, dated January 31, 1765.

A Party of Mohawks, Sent from this Post with a Message to the Shawanese Chiefs, are returned, without going to the Shawanese Towns, having met, about 30 Miles from hence, Benevifica, a Shawanese Chief, coming here with the Virginia Volunteers, who went from Muskingham to the Lower Shawanese Town to fetch their Relations, who were Prisoners there. The Mohawks therefore returned back with them and delivered the Message here.

Benevifica informs, that when he left home, the Chiefs of his Nation, who went last Summer to visit the French, were within a Day's Journey of their Town, with about 50 Frenchmen, who all returned home, on hearing that the Shawanese had entered into Terms of Peace with the English.

Benevifica says, his Reasons for coming here now, were to fulfil his Promise made at Muskingham, viz. to take Care of the Virginians, assist them in getting their Relations, and see them safe to this Place; and likewise to hear from ourselves, whether we are still firm for Peace; as their Nation gave no Credit to the Reports of the Red Hawk and his Party.

The Virginians have brought in Nine Captives; they were all Frost-bit before they reached Beaver Creek, where a Serjeant and 12 Men, with Horses and Provisions, were sent to their Assistance.

The extreme Cold has been severely felt by the Prisoners, consisting chiefly of old Women and young Children. Benevifica was of great Service to our People in his Country, and on their March through the Woods. He says that the rest of the Prisoners were obliged to stop till the Spring at Wakatamiki, on Account of the deep Snow; but that a Number of Hostages will immediately arrive here, to replace those who foolishly ran away.