Narratives of New Netherland, 1609-1664 — John Shaqi
Narratives of New Netherland, 1609-1664
History
Narratives of New Netherland, 1609-1664
New York (State) -- History -- Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775 -- Sources
January 12. We took our departure; and when we thought everything was
ready the savages did not want to carry our goods--twenty-eight beaver
skins, five salmon, and some loaves of bread--because they all had
already quite enough to carry; but after a good deal of grumbling and
nice words they at last consented and carried our goods. Many savages
walked along with us and they shouted, "Alle sarondade!" that is, to
fire the pistols; and when we came near the chief's grave we fired
three shots, and they went back. It was about nine o'clock when we
left this place and walked only about five leagues through 2 1/2 feet
of snow. It was a very difficult road, so that some of the savages had
to stop in the forest and sleep in the snow. We went on, however, and
reached a little cabin, where we slept.
January 13. Early in the morning we were on our journey again, and
after going seven or eight leagues we arrived at another hut, where we
rested awhile, cooked our dinner, and slept. Arenias pointed out to me
a place on a high mountain, and said that after ten days' marching we
could reach a big river there where plenty of people are living, and
where plenty of cows and horses are; but we had to cross the river for
a whole day and then to proceed for six days more in order to reach it.
This was the place which we passed on the 29th of December. He did us
a great deal of good.
January 14. On Sunday we made ready to proceed, but the chief wished
to go bear hunting and wanted to stop here but, because it was fine
weather, I went alone with two or three savages. Here two Maquas
Indians joined us, as they wanted to go and trade elk skins and satteeu.
January 15. In the morning, two hours before daylight, after taking
breakfast with the savages, I proceeded on the voyage, and when it was
nearly dark again the savages made a fire in the wood, as they did not
want to go farther, and I came about three hours after dark to a hut
where I had slept on the 26th of December. It was very cold. I could
not make a fire, and was obliged to walk the whole night to keep warm.
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