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[edit] DocumentationSee:
[edit] SketchJoseph Jessop and Nicole Godin were two more early French Traders among the Indians at Peixtan, both being there in 1707. Godin is mentioned as a Trader at Conestoga as early as May, 1704, in which month he brought news to Edward Farmar, at Philadelphia, of the attack made by some Carolina Indians upon those of Conestoga and the Potomac. Farmar laid the information before the Council, and took Godin before that body the following day, when he delivered a message from the Conestoga chief, complaining of the great quantities of rum brought to their town. On July 15, 1707, Governor Evans informed the Council that he had received information against "one, Nicole Godin, a Frenchman, a bold, active young fellow, who had long kept abroad in the woods amongst the Indians, and was with them in Philadelphia about three years ago; that he had been using endeavors to incense these people against the subjects of the Crown; and to join with our public enemy, the French, to our destruction." The Governor explained that this information came to him on the eve of his departure for a visit to the Conestoga and Shawnee Indian towns; and that he had resolved, before his return, to have Godin apprehended, "which after a tedious journey and considerable difficulties he had accordingly performed, and brought him a prisoner to Philadelphia, in the common gaol of which he now lies." A week later, Governor Evans laid before the Council the Journal of his trip to Conestoga, containing the account of the capture of Godin, which was as follows: On Tuesday, 1st July [1707] we went to Conestoga [from Pequehan], and lay there that night, and the next morning proceeded on our journey, and arrived in the evening within three miles of an Indian village called Peixtan [on the site of Harrisburg]. The Governor had received information at Pequehan that one, Nicole, a French Indian Trader, was at that place, against whom great complaints had been made to the Governor; of which he acquainted the chief Indian of Peixtan, as also of his design to seize him; who willingly agreed to it, but advised the Governor to be very cautious in the manner; there being only young people at home, who perhaps might make some resistance if it were done without their first being told of it. For this reason, we lay short of the village that night; but early in the morning, we went within half a mile of the town, and, leaving our horses, marched afoot nearer the same; from whence the Governor sent Martine [Chartier] to the village, ordering him to tell Nicole that he had brought two cags of rum with him, which he left in the woods, for fear any Christians were there; and withal, to persuade Nicole to go with him and taste the rum. Martine returned with James Le Tort and Joseph Jessop, two Indian Traders, but could not prevail with Nicole. Upon this, Martine was sent back, with orders to bring down some of the Indians, and Nicole with them. Then we drew nearer the town, and laid ourselves in the bushes; and Martine returned with two Indians, whom the Governor acquainted with his intent of taking Nicole, telling at the same time he had spoken with the Uncle of one of them upon that head, who ordered the Indians to submit to the Governor's demand; with which they were contented, though we perceived too well the contrary by their inquiring how many we were, and how armed, and by the concern they seemed to be in when they found we were more men than they. But still Nicole was wanting. It was therefore resolved to try once more if he could be got into the woods. Accordingly Martine went again, and brought Nicole to the place where we lay concealed, and asking him to drink a dram, he seized h1m. But Nicole started from him and run for it. When immediately we started out and took him, and presently carried him to the village (through which we were obliged to pass). And there we found some Indians with guns in their hands who looked much displeased with what we had done; but we, being in a readiness against any surprise, they thought it not fit to attempt anything. Here we stayed about half an hour, and then started for Turpyhocken, having mounted Nicole upon a horse, and tied his legs under the belly. We got within a mile of Turpyhocken about two of ye clock, on Friday morning, and about seven the Governor went to the town. From thence we went to Manatawny that night; and the next day to Philadelphia. Following the reading of this account to the Council, Edward Farmar appeared before that body the same day, and having long known Nicole, informed the Council that he had been told by the prisoner that he was born in London, although his father was a Frenchman. Godin himself, when brought before the Council, told them the same thing; whereupon the Council ordered that he should be tried as a subject of England for his treasonable correspondences. |
