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About The Natchez....
A Historical Essay by Herbert Metoyer
The Natchez Indians were exterminated by the French under
the leadership of Juchereau de St. Denis, founder of the City of
Natchitoches and Commandant of the Fort St. Jean Baptiste. This article is
an overview of their unusual society.
The first Europeans to encounter the Natchez were probably
the remnants of Hernando de Soto's expedition in 1543. This group reported
that as they passed a complex of some forty villages on the banks of the
Mississippi during their return journey to Mexico, they were attacked and
pursued for several days by a band of hostile Indians.
No other contact was reported until 1678, when Renè
Robert Cavelier de La Salle completed his trip down the Mississippi to its
mouth. Eight years later, La Salle's assistant, Henri de Tonti, repeated the
same journey. Both visited the Natchez without encountering any unusual
problems. There was, however, no prolonged contact with the Natchez until
the brothers, Iberville and Bienville, planted France's first settlement in
Louisiana in 1699.
All accounts, however minor, mentioned some facet of the unusual social
order, strict discipline, and total devotion of the Natchez to their chief,
the Great Sun. Because of this, and the fact that they were sun-worshipping
headhunters who practiced a severe form of head-shaping, many historians
speculate that they might have been distant descendants of the Aztec or
maybe even the Olmec.
The Natchez were also a matrilineal society composed of four
classes: the ruling Sun Class, which included the sons and daughters of the
Sun females; the Nobles, which included primarily the children of the Sun
Class males, their families, and a few warriors of the War Chief rank; the
Honored people, which included the families of the lowest class who had
distinguished themselves in battle or some unusual service; and the lowest
class, the Earth people , or Stinkards, as they were commonly referred to by
the French.
Any person, male or female, could raise their station, and
the station of their family, one level higher (but not to include the Sun
Class) by sacrificing a small child at the death of a Great Sun. Their
tenure, however, was limited to the span of their lives. At death, their
family members automatically reverted to their previous level.
Custom required all persons, regardless of their station, to
select mates from the bottom of the social order. This practice prevented
close intermarriages and inbreeding without interrupting the charter
bloodlines. Except for the children of the Sun class females, all other
children were born one class lower than that of the highest rank held by
either parent. For this reason, the son of the chief, who is born a
nobleman, was prohibited from serving as a Great Sun.
Since the Sun class females were the procreators of the
ruling class, they were given a great deal of latitude in the mate selection
process. They chose mates from among the Earth People who were handsome,
brave, and above all, intelligent. If a Sun class female later discovered
that her choice had been less than desirable, she was free to have her
spouse killed or replaced with another. As her slave, her mate could not eat
or sleep in her presence. He never challenged her decisions or offered
advice, and was required to shout loud praises at her every remark.
Although the Sun females had no direct role in the government of the Nation,
they did exert a strong behind-the-scenes influence upon its activities. The
older females were especially influential since they were responsible for
selecting the successor to the position of Chief. This, in most cases, was
accomplished well in advance so that the young incumbent could be molded and
trained to accept his responsibilities at the proper time. This custom also
prevented other problems that, in all probability, would have developed had
such a delicate decision been delayed until the candidates reached
adulthood. As children, innocent and free of jealousy, they were more apt to
accept the judgment of the council without contest. As a result, many times,
older brothers were destined to be servant to their younger.
Besides their unique social order, the Natchez were also
unique in the manner in which they constructed their lodges. A majority of
the Indians of the area used branches to form a circular framework which
they covered with skins or thatch. The Natchez buried poles upright in the
ground to form a rectangular frame. Branches and small, slender saplings
were then woven laterally between the poles and the intervals between them
filled with bousillage, a mixture of mud, moss, straw, and deer hair.
While the outside walls were usually left rough, great care would be taken
to smooth those on the inside. Larger saplings, covered with thatch, formed
the roofs. Many of the structures were also whitewashed with lime. Because
of the durability of their buildings, this basic method of construction was
quickly adopted by the French and widely used throughout their settlements.
The Natchez community consisted of several villages from as
few as twelve, by one account, to as many as forty by another. (It seems
that the number reported varied with the speed with which the traveler
passed through their territory as in the case of de Soto's men who did so
quite hurriedly.)
I, however, suggest that the Natchez community may have been an empire of
sorts at one time, and that de Soto's men were more accurate than inaccurate
in their estimate. I base this theory, in part, on the fact that by the time
the French dropped anchor in 1699, the Natchez Empire had split into at
least three different tribes ╛ the Natchez, the Avoyels, and the Taensa, all
whom spoke the unique Natchezan language. Then, there is also the
possibility that their numbers were reduced by diseases as a result of their
prolonged contact with La Salle and de Tonti.
Be that as it may, only five known primary villages were still extant when
the French arrived. These were ╛ the Great Village, and the smaller villages
of White Apple, The Hickories, Grigra, and Tiou.
The Great Village was the largest and served as the center of all major
activities. It was dominated by two huge structures perched on mounds eight-
to ten-feet high. One was the residence of the Great Sun, supreme ruler of
the tribe, and the other, larger one, was the Temple. (A description of this
temple is included in chapter two of this book.) The temple faced the east
with the rear wall overlooking the banks of the Mississippi river. Between
the temple and the Great Sun's lodge, which was on the opposite side of the
village, was a plaza, a large, open area used for social activities.
Clustered around the plaza were the lodges of the general population.
The Great Sun was considered, in all respects, to be a God
with absolute power over the life and death of his subjects. He served as a
visible communication link between the earthbound and his celestial brother,
the Sun. As such, his feet were never permitted to touch the ground.
Whenever he had reasons to leave his quarters, he rode in a special litter
chair or walked upon mats which were rolled out ahead of him by his
servants.
Below the Great Sun were the War Chiefs. Each village had three or four.
They were commanded by a Great War Chief who was usually a blood brother or
a close relative of the Great Sun. He and the War Chiefs were solely
responsible for all matters relating to war and to the security of the
tribe.
Responsibility for other matters concerning the government of
the Natchez rested with a council of Noblemen (and women) with
representation from the War Chiefs.These arrangements freed the Great Sun
from such routine activities and enabled him to devote his full attentions
to his primary duty ╛ that of worshipping his celestial and spiritual
brother, the Sun.
Of all the tribes that inhabited the Louisiana territory, the
Natchez were probably the most independent. They displayed an affinity for
the African slave and were quick to provide sanctuary to runaways, despite
the laws of the French. They also refused to assist the French in their
political wars. For these reasons, they quickly lost favor with the French
shortly after their occupation.
Another item that I found especially intriguing was the
custom that required the wife and servants of the Great Sun to accompany him
in death. A similar custom existed in ancient Egypt. Like the Egyptians, the
Natchez believed in an after-life and were concerned with the preservation
of the dead, especially their leaders. But since the climate and humidity
did not lend itself to mummification, the Natchez chose the next best
solution, that of preserving the bones of their deceased. I suggest, too,
that the building of earthen mounds might have been substituted for pyramids
in a land where building stones were not readily available. Archaeological
evidence also suggests that conch shells were used widely as currency for
bartering and trading much as it was in the primitive tribes of Africa. What
connection, if any, that might have existed between these cultures, worlds
apart, I dare not speculate. Suffice it to say, the Natchez were a special
and distinct breed, and what might have been learned from them regarding
their origin was lost when they were exterminated by the French in 1731.
There has been very little recorded about the Natchez, only
bits and pieces. These bits and pieces, however, were enough to excite my
imagination beyond bounds. In the process, I fell victim to their mystique
and developed a profound fondness for this savage band of noble heathens.
Copyright 1988 Herbert R. Metoyer
Historian
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Louis Metoyer Granted his Freedom
Courtesy of Northwestern University
Library Archives
Translated by Eric Talley (Wayne State
University) for Herbert Metoyer 1996
Natchitoches
Courthouse
Miscellaneous
Book #2
Page #208
Today, the twenty-eighth of the month of
May of the year one thousand eight hundred two, I, Pierre Metoyer, a
resident of this post of Natchitoches, by virtue of my contract of marriage
with Therese Buard, presently my wife, signed with the Clerk of this said
Post, under the date of October the tenth, of the year one thousand seven
hundred eighty-eight, by which it is recorded that I reserved to myself the
right and the power to give liberty, when it would seem good to me, without
my wife being able to oppose it in any manner whatever, to six of my slaves,
mulattoes or mulattresses, named in the said contract, who are independent
of our community property, in consequence of that right, the man named
Louis, a mulatto, the son of marie Therese called Coincoin, a free negress,
having always served me, and who is in a position to earn his living
whereever he will be; for these reasons I declare, in the presence of the
Sieurs Jean Baptiste Ailhaud St. Anne and Jean Baptiste Buard, witnesses
required and undersigned, to have given verbally on the first of January,
one thousand eight hundred one, liberty to the said Louis, which liberty I
confirm this day and declared him irrevocably free since the said time, that
he is entirely free to go where ever it will please him, and to enjoy the
privileges accorded to freed slaves, such is my will, which is irrevocable.
Therefore I have signed the presence act of the witnesses named here in
above, and who have also signed, to the end that present act may have its
full and entire effect.
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Pierre Metoyer Granted his Freedom
Courtesy of Northwestern University Library Archives
Translated by Eric Talley (Wayne State University) for Herbert Metoyer
1996
Natchitoches
Courthouse
Miscellaneous
Book #2
Page #209
Today, twenty-eight of the month of May of the year one thousand eight
hundred two, I, Pierre Metoyer, a resident of this Post of Natchitoches, by
virtue of my contract of marriage with Therese Buard, presently my wife,
passed with the Clerk of this post under the date of the tenth of October of
the year one thousand seven hundred eighty eight, by which it is recorded
that I reserved to myself the right and the power to give liberty, when it
should seem good to me, without my said wife being able to oppose it in any
manner whatever, to six of my slaves, mulattoes or mulatteresses, named in
the said contract, who are independent of our community property. In
consequence of this right the man named Pierre, mulatto son of Marie Therese
called Coincoin, a free negress, having always sered me faithfully and
exactly, having comported himself to my satisfaction, wishing to reward him
for all the god services that he has rendered me, who is in a position to
earn his living wherever he will be, for these reasons I declared, in the
presence of the Sieurs Jean Baptiste Ailhaud St. Anne and Jean Baptiste
Buard, witnessed required and undersigned, that from this moment on I give
him his liberty and declared him free, that of his own will he may go
wherever it will be to his good pleasure, and enjoy the privileges accored
to freed slaves, such is my irrevocable will. Therefore I have signed the
present act and written with my hand of my own accord, in the presence of
the end that the present act may have it's full and entire effect, at
Natchitoches the said day and year as above, the twenty-eight of May, one
thousand eight hundred two.
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Surgeons Report on The Death of Pavie’s Runaway
Slave
Courtesy of The Northwestern University Library Archives
Translation by J. Sills
Natchitoches
Courthouse, Miscellaneous Book #2, Page Unknown
I, the
undersigned Claude Mercier, surgeon in this port, by virtue of the order of
Monsieur DeMezieres written above, attest to having proceeded to the place
of the Srs. Pavie, mechants in this post, to make a call on a negro
belonging to the said Sieurs. After having visited and examined him for what
could be the cause of his death, I found a cotton de matris in his mouth
that I presume him to swallow his tongue, which I declared to have
suffocated him. I certify in my soul and conscience, in witness whereof I
have signed. At Natchitoches, theday, year above mentioned.
Mercier
We, the undersigned, certify having been present at the visit that Monsieur
Mercier, surgeon, made to the negro of M. Pavie named Pierre, written above.
We attest additionally, in our soul and conscience, having seen him
previously as he was expiring. In witness whereof we have signed at
Natchitoches, the above mentioned day and year.
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Coincoin Purchases the Freedom of Her
Daughter Marie Louise
Courtesy of Northwestern University Library Archives
Natchitoches
Courthouse
Book of
Conveyance #26, Doc. #2596
Translated by
J. Sills, December 1973
Today, the twenty-ninth day of the month of January of the year one
thousand, seven hundred ninety-five, before me Don Louis Charles DeBlanc,
Captain of the Infantry of the Armies of the King, Civil and Military
Commandant of the Post of Natchitoches and dependency, performing the duties
of Notary and Public Writer in the absence of one at this post: was present
Marie Thereze Coincoin, a free Negress, residing at this Post, who declares
and acknowledges having, by these presents, of her pure and entire will,
without any coercion, but of her very own accord, given and granted liberty
to the woman named Marie Louise, her slave and her daughter whom she
purchased from the Sr. Pierre Dolet, by a sale signed with the Clerk of
Court, to the end that from this day on and in the future, she may
Peacefully enjoy the aforesaid liberty, with all the privileges accorded to
freed persons, without experiencing the least impediment on her part, nor on
that of her heirs or assigns.
Thus being her
will, (she) wishes and intends it be accomplished, and to that end declares
it firm, stable, and forever irrevocable, and in the contrary case, she
gives power to the Law of the S.N. to take knowledge of her affairs and to
force her to the execution of these presents, as having the force of a legal
judgment, and renounces once and for all, the slavery of the said Marie
Louise, her slave and her daughter, who thanks her mother for it, and
promises to behave as an honest woman and under obedience to our laws; for
thus it was done and passed at the said place of Natchitoches, the same day
and year as in the heading, in the said presence of the Sieurs Francois
Rouquier and Paul Marcollay, witnesses, and I , the above mentioned
Commandant, who have signed with the said Marie Thereze Coincoin, who, not
knowing how to write, has made her ordinary mark of a cross, whereof I bear
witness,
Rouquier, Louis
De Blanc,
Ordinary mark of
Marie Thereze Coinquin
Paul MercollayWitness
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Pierre Metoyer Land Purchase
Courtesy of Northwestern University
Archives
Translated by Eric Talley (Wayne State
University) for Herbert Metoyer 1996
Natchitoches
Archives
Book of
Conveyance #10, Doc. #1176
Today, the forth of June, one thousand seven hundred seventy-six, before me,
Jean Louis Seizaire Borme, captain of the militia, interim commandant in the
absence of Monsieur de Meziere, commandant of the post of Natchitoches,
there appeared Pierre Dartigaux, a resident of the said post, who declared,
in the presence of witnesses, having sold, quit, and relinquished, from this
day on and forever, with the consent of his wife, Marie Monique Duthil
Dartigaux, a plot of land situated at the Cote de Tullin, bordering on one
side the widow Hubert and on the other the Sieur Prudhomme and fronting on
the river and the public road, and on the other side a piece of land facing
the Sieur Prudhomme and on the other the widow Rambin and the Sieur Pain,
and the back on my aforementioned Sieur Brome, the whole surrounded as it
is, with all the building that are on it, to the Sieur Glode (Claude) Pierre
Thomas Metoyer, a resident of the said post, who has declared having seen
and visited it, therefore he is satisfied with it, and accepting the said
land and house for the price and sum of two hundred piastres cash by his
promissory notes which he has delivered to the said vendor, guaranteeing it
against all mortages, and which he will send for by the first courier at the
earliest opportunity.
Metoyer
Dartigaux
Le Che. De
Villier
Witness
L. Borme
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Estate Holdings Of Monsieur de St. Denis
(June 12, 1744)
Courtesy Northwestern University Library
Archives
Translation
of Document #151 Natchitoches Courthouse Archives The original document is
kept in a box in the office of the Clerk of court. This translation was made
by J. Sills, September 22,1973.
The
twelfth day of June of the year one thousand seven hundred forty four,
carrying out the order that we received from monsieur duterpuits, Captain
Commander of the post of Natchitoches, we, Charle de Taillefert, lieutenant
of the Company of my aforesaid Sieur Duterpuits, together with monsieur
Ciprien de Juzeaux, cadet, and monsieur Louis de Court, also a cadet of the
same company, and the clerk in ordinary of our post, had been advised at six
o'clock in the morning that monsieur de St. Denis, Commandant of the said
post of Natchitoches had died at ten o'clock in the evening of the eleventh
of June. We proceeded to the house of the said deceased, where we affixed
the seal to a cabinet filled with several pieces of personal property, and
to a chest, without knowing the contents. (We) left in the hands of the said
dame de St. Denis five or six chest in which were the linen, clothing, and
shirts of her children and herself, a dozen shirts belonging to my said
deceased Sieur, four hundred fifty pots of oil, twelve negroes as many male
as female, pieces of indgo, twelve little negroes male and female, three
adult Indian women, one adult male Indian, five little Indians, as many male
as female, a hundred cattle, as many large as small. (We) left for the use
of the said lady and her children two dozen earthenware plates, seven
earthenware salad dishes, twelve silver forks and spoons, two silver
goblets, a kind of silver pitcher, nine decorated platters, three iron
cooking pots, a cauldron, two dozen napkins, six tablecloths, five
mattresses, a feather bed, three beds, two of printed calico and one white,
three fine coverlets, Following the customary manner, in the presence of the
said lady and her children, we left the said seal in the keeping of Sieur
Henry Triche, resident of the post of Natchitoches.
Done at Natchitoches the day, month, and year as above. And additionally we
acknowledge having seen about fifty horses.
De Taillefert, oldest son
Have signed
Mark of Henry
Triche Juzaude
Le Court de
prelle
Done before me
Besson serving
as Clerk
On the back of the document there appears the
following notation in a large handwriting:
Gave copy of the said sealed (items) to send
to monsieur count de Vuadraille.
Gave copy to the Pieur Henry Triche guardian
Le compte de Vaudrail was the governor of the Province until about 1752.
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Death of Etienne Pavie’s Slave / Witness was
Metoyer
Courtesy of Northwestern University
Archives
Translated by Eric Talley (Wayne
State University)
Natchitoches Courthouse Archives
Book of Conveyances #4, Doc. #713
Today, the twenty-fourth day of the month of September of the year one
thousand seven hundred seventy-one, there appeared before us, Athanaze de
Mezieres, Captain of the Infantry, Lieutenant Governor of the Post of
Natchitoches and its dependencies, the Sieur Etieen Pavie, merchant, who
made to us his declaration as follows: That is, that a negro belonging to
him named Pierre, accustomed to running away, as is Public knowledge, did so
presently. Having had him caught, he had punished him as usual, and in order
to secure him firmly, had put him in irons.
In the night between the twenty-third and the twenty-forth, the Sieur
Metoyer, who lodges with him, the declarant, had called the said negro. It
was then near daylight. Seeing that he did not respond to him, he awakened
the declarant and his brother, who were together, to see what the negro was
doing. And having found him expiring, they had the Sieur Pichard and Srs.
Mercier and Brudhomme, surgeons, notified, who, having visited him, asked
the declarant of what had the negro died. He replied to them that he knew
nothing. They had examined him again and found a cotton de matris (?)
in his mouth, which caused him to swallow his tongue. The reading of his
declaration was made to him, who said that it contains the truth, and who
signed with us in the presence of the of the Sieurs Jean Bte, Roujot and
Maurice Demouy, witnesses, who have signed. At Natchitoches, the day and
year as above.
Roujot Pavie
Maurice Demouy(?)
In
view of the above mentioned declaration, (we) order the Sieur Mercier,
surgeon, to proceed to the home of the Sr. Pavie, where having visited the
said negro in the presence of the two witnesses, to make his report of it in
writing for the continuation of this document, the above mentioned
witnesses, Metoyer and Pichard, likewise agreeing with it
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Ownership of Coin Coin Transferred From St.
Denis’ Wife To St. Denis’ Son
Courtesy of Northwestern University
Archives
Natchitoches Archives
Translation by J. Sills, September 1973, from original in Clerk's Office
Today, the twenty-fifth of the month of April, one thousand seven hundred
and fifty-eight, the partition was made of the slaves of the deceased madame
de St. Denis among the heirs of the said lady. Who, under monsieur de Blanc,
Commandant of this Post, to whom has fallen as his share the slaves named
Gregoire, Bonnavanture, and Marie Jeanne; to monsieur dela Chaise has fallen
those named Mathianne, Andre, Michael, Hyacinte; to monsieur de St. Denis
those named Coin Coin, and Jean Baptiste; to monsieur the Chevalier de St.
Denis those named Guerin, mama La Bouillie, and Quioquira; to monsieur Don
Manuel has fallen those named Isabelle, Banbara, Jacob and the little orphan
negro baby (girl) eight days old; (were) all divided.
Done in the
presence of the undersigned witnesses the day and year as above. Witnesses:
monsieur Decour, Morgin, both officers of the troops, and the Sieur
Dominique Montiche, officer of the Militia, and Sieur Triche and Sieur Jobar
and Sieur Piissot, inhabitants of this post.
De
Blanc
St. Denis
Manuel de Soto
The Chev. De St. Denis
Mongin,
witness
Demeziere
Le court,
witness
(mark of)
Dominique
Montiche
Sieur Triche
(officer of the
militia)
(mark of)
Jobar
Poissot(witness)
On the back of
the document: The sharing out of the negroes among the heirs of the deceased
madame de St. Denis. 25 April, 1758
I also found in
the Archives another copy of this same act, on same day, April 25, 1758,
entitled #205 with almost identical wording, but with a few changes in the
spelling of some of the names.
J. Sills
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Sale of land by Coin Coin to Son,
Toussaint Metoyer
Courtesy of Northwestern University
Archives
Translated by Eric Talley (Wayne
State University) for Herbert
Metoyer 1996
Natchitoches Archives Doc. #4365
Let
it be known to all whom it may concern that I, Marie Therese Coin Coin, a
free negress, living in the parish of Natchitoches, State of Louisiana, in
the presence of the undersigned witnesses, declared by these present to have
sold, assigned, quit, relinquished and transferred henceforth and forever,
with assurance of protection from all debts and mortgages what so ever, to
the name named Toussaint Metoyer, a free mulatto, also residing in the said
parish, accepting for himself and his heirs having part in it, to wit, a
property situated and located on the Cote Joyeuse, consisting of (having the
capacity of) five arpents fronting on the right bank of the river called the
Bourguignon River, a dependecy of the above mentioned parish, bounded above
by (the property of ) M. Jean Baptiste Prudhomme, Jr., and below by that of
M. Dominique Rachal.
Additionally, four arpents opposite on the left bank of the said river,
bordered similarly with the depth that it contains, which land the said
buyer has said that he knows well and with which he is well satisfied, the
present sale is made and accepted between us, the parties to the above
mentioned clauses and conditions. Moreover, for the price and sum of six
hundred twenty-five piastes gourde that I, the said seller, acknowledge to
have received in cash from the said buyer. In my capacity, I with from all
property rights over the said land in the above mentioned sale in favor of
the buyer, who has taken possession of and diverted it for himself to enjoy,
do, and dispose of, at his pleasure.
For thus is our will and judgment with our consent. We have declared that we
have know how to sign only by our ordinary mark of a cross, which we have
done in the presence of the undersigned witnesses. Natchitoches, this
fourteenth day of September one thousand eight hundred fourteen.
Pierre Charteau
Witness(?)
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Will of Juchereau de St. Denis
Courtesy of Northwestern University
Archives
Translation of Document # 132
Natchitoches Courthouse Archives
Translated by J. Sills September 27, 1973.
The original document is kept in a box in the office of the Clerk of
Court.
Before me, Jean Baptiste Bisson, serving as notary at the post of
Natchitoches, Province of Louisiana, Diocese of Quebec, was present Monsiuer
Louis de Jucheraeu de St. Denis, Knight of the Military Order of St. Louis,
Commander of Red River and the post of Natchitoches, being ill in body yet
sound of understanding, as it is known to me and to witnesses who have
witnessed the present the present testament, who (the testator) knowing that
the hour of death is uncertain and not wishing to be forestalled (by it)
without disposing of the property which it has pleased God to grant him,
declared to us that he wished to make his tesatament, and without suggestion
from any person, but of his own will , has dictated and named the following
articles: As a good Christian he recommends his soul, when it shall be
separated from his body, to God the Father Almighty, to Jesus Christ, our
Savior and to the Holy Spirit, one god in three Persons, to the glorious
Virgin Mary, to Saint Louis his patron, and to all the saints whom he prays
to be his intercessors with God for the forgiveness of his sins, and as for
his body, he desires that it be buried in the church of this parish. He
directs that, before all, his debts shall be paid by his executor and that
all the wrong that he has done to his neighbor shall be redressed.
By
the memoranda (I. O. U. s) that M. de la Freniere has said that he was from
me, there will be remitted to him fifteen hundred livres. Seven hundred
livres to Madame d' Iberville, which will be remitted to M. Denoyan.
Eight hundred livres that I still owe to the king for advances that he made
to me in New Orleans. Nine thousand livres to the company.
In
order to execute the content of the present testament, the testator has
named Madame Manuelle Zanchez Navarre, his wife, to whom he has given power
to accomplish this present testament according to the form and terms,
leaving in her hands all the person property, papers, and real estate, and
other items which belongs to him, to confirm said testament that he wishes
to be his last will . Nevertheless, the said testator that the debts and
donations having been paid, that the custom will be followed for the
partition of the remaining property, that is to say, that he gives and
bequeaths to Dame Manuelle Zanchez Navarre, his wife, half of the personal
property and real estate. The other half will be divided among his children,
Don Louis de St. Denis, Pierre Antoine, and Demoiselles Marie Petronille,
Marie Delore an Marie des Neiges, revoking all other testament, in this
manner dictated and named to me, I have read and re-read clearly and
intelligibly to the said testator who had declared that he so wanted it and
understood it, in the presence of Messire Athanaze de Meziere, Cadet of the
garrison of the said post, of the Reverent Father Dagobert, missionary and
priest of the parish of Natchitoches, who have, with the said testator and
me, signed the said testament on the twenty-sixth of the month of March,
1744, in the house of the said Sieur, the testator.
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Document Concerning Coincoin’s Annuity
From Thomas Pierre Metoyer
Courtesy of Northwestern University Library Archives
Natchitoches Courthouse Archives Book of Conveyances. Translation and
transcription made by J. Sills in October, 1973, adhering as closely as
possible to original spelling and word order.
Today, the
twenty eight day of the month of May, one thousands eight hundred two, I,
Marie Therese called Coincoin, a free negress, under my ordinary mark of a
cross, declare in the presence of the of the Bte. Ailhaud Ste. Anne and Jean
Bte. Buard, required witnesses, that the Sieur Pre. Metoyer, having by an
act passed with the clerk of this post on the eighth day of October of the
year one thousand seven hundred eighty_ eight, by which it is recorded that
the said ___ Metoyer instituted for me a lifetime annuity of one hundred
twenty piastres.
Dispositions,
wishing that they may have the same power as though the present act were
signed before a notary. Done between us, in good faith, in the presence of
the above named, who have signed, as have I, Marie Therese, who has made a
cross, which is my ordinary mark. At Natchitoches, the said day and year as
above, the twenty-eighth of May, one thousand eight hundred two.
(signed)
Ordinary mark of
Marie Therese Coincoin
Bte. Buard
Witness
Ailhaud St.
Anne
Witness
Note by J.
Sills
All these
French entries appear to be copies of the originals, all in one handwriting,
including the signatures, made by clerk, I should think. The style reminds
me strongly of Metoyer, (see his will) but the handwriting is not his.
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Emancipation of Augustin Metoyer
Courtesy of Northwestern University Library Archives
Natchitoches Courthouse Archives Book of Conveyances. Translation and
transcription made by J. Sills in October, 1973, adhering as closely as
possible to original spelling and word order.
Translation of document #2409 of the Book of Conveyances #22,
Natchitoches Courthouse Archives.
At the Post of Natchitoches on the first of August in the year one thousand
seven hundred ninety two, before me, Louis Charles DeBlanc, Lieutenant of
the Armies, Captain of the Calvary of the Militia, Civil and Military
Commandant of the said Post and Dependency, serving as Notary and Public
Secretary in default (or absence) of one in this said place, there appeared
M. Claude Thomas Pierre Metoyer, Syndic of this Post, who, by these
presents, of his pure and sole will, having in view the rights that the law
accords him and in the best form that it may have in Law, and by virtue of
the right which he reserved to himself in his contract of marriage with
Demoiselle Therese Buard, the Widow Pavie, he declares and acknowledges that
being satisfied with the services and fidelity of his mulatto slave named
Nicolas Augustin, about twenty five years of age, that it is his intention
that he ( the latter) should enjoy, from this day on and forever, the
privilege of a freed man, granting him for that purpose, without any
restriction whatsoever, the most complete and entire liberty, to the end
that he may aspire to it without ever being troubled, either by himself (metoyer)
nor his heirs having caused in it. For thus is his will; and he promises to
hold as firm, stable, and irrevocable the content of the present act, and in
the contrary case, he gives power to the law of the Natchitoches, the same
day and year as in the heading, in the presence of the Sieurs Paul Marcollay
and Andre Rambin, witnesses present here, who have signed with the said
Sieur Claude Thomas Pierre Metoyer and I, the above mentioned Commandant,
whereof I bear witness.
Andre Rambin
Pierre Metoyer
Louis DeBlanc
Paul Marcolay
Syndic is
one who is elected to take care of the affairs of a group of which he is a
member. I believe the initial S.N. may refer to "syndicate".
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Emancipation of Benjamin Metoyer
Courtesy Northwestern University Library Archives
This translation was made by J. Sills, December, 1973.
Natchitoches
Courthouse
Miscellaneous
Book #2
Page 206
Written in English
Notation in
left margin:
Pierre Metoyer
Emancipation
Francois Benj.
Metoyer (son)
April seventh,
1812
Before me John C. Carr Judge of the parish of Natchitoches and Notary
exofficio this day appeared Pierre Metoyer of the parish aforesaid who
declares in presence of Andrew Rambin pere and Francois Rouquier Jeune that
he has and by these presents do emancipate his son Francois Benjamin Metoyer
of about nineteen years of age. In testimony where of the said Pierre
Metoyer and the witnesses aforesaid have hereunto set their hands this
seventh day of April A.D. 1812
(signed)
Metoyer
Andre Rambin
Rouquier.
John C. Carr
JPN
*This
document appears near the top of the same page on which is recorded in
French, all dated the twenty-eighth of May, 1802, the transactions
concerning the redemption of the lifetime annuity by Marie Therese Coin
Coin, and the three acts of manumassion for Pierre, Louis and Marie Susanne.
Apparently the French documents had been written as private contracts at
that earlier date, and then held until 1812. It seems to me, at this point,
that Metoyer must have felt that death might be imminent in 1801, when he
wrote his will, following it with the legal acts which would tie up the lost
loose ends he mentioned in his will. But he didn't die at that time, as the
above entry proves. Perhaps his emancipation of his youngest son indicates
that he might again be preparing for death.
J. Sills
Photostats
compared with originals in Courthouse, transcribed and translated in
December, 1973
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Emancipation of Marie Susanne Metoyer
Courtesy of The Northwestern University Library Archives
Translation by J. Sills
Natchitoches Courthouse, Miscellaneous Book #2, Page #210
Today, the twenty-eighth of the month of May, one thousand eight hundred
two, I, Pierre Metoyer, a resident of this post of Natchitoches, by virtue
of my contract of marriage with Therese Buard, presently my wife, signed
with the Clerk of this post, under the date of the tenth of October, of the
year one thousand seven hundred eighty-eight, by which it is recorded that I
reserved to myself the right and the power to give liberty, when it would
seem good to me, without my wife being able to oppose it in any manner
whatever, to six of my slaves, mulattoes or mulatresses, named in the said
contact, which are independent of our community property; in consequence of
that faculty, the women named Marie Suzanne, a mulatress, my slave, daughter
of Marie Therese called Coincoin, a free negress, having always served me
with zeal, fidelity, and exactitude, having conducted herself to my
satisfaction, having by her good services and her good care several times
saved my life in various grave maladies, as well as that of my wife and all
my children, having moreover nourished with her milk our son Benjamin,
held in her arms, raised, and cared for my other children in their infancy
and even until this day, and several other important cares that she has
rendered us.
In gratitude
for all her good services I declared by the present act, in the present act,
in the presence of the Pieurs Jean Baptiste Ailhaud Ste. Anne, and Jean
Baptiste Baurd, witnesses required and undersigned, that from the moment
when it will please God to take me from this world, that the said Marie
Suzanne will be free, neither myself, the donor, nor any one of my heirs or
assigns being able to claim anything whatever of the proceeds of her
industry and economy that she has, of any kind, and that she will be able to
acquiring at all times authorized her, and do authorize her by this present
act, to own in her own right, to enjoy and to put to profit the fruits of
her economy in her spare time, or her successors, until at my death, when
she will be completely free, as well as all the children, to whom I likewise
give liberty at the same time I give it to her, with the conditions that
they will all work fir their said mother until they are of legal age, or
find someone to marry, and that to her liking. (or with her approval?)
Such is my will, irrevocable, whereof I have signed the present act of my
own volition, in the presence of the witnesses named herein above and who
have likewise signed with me, to the end that the present act may have its
full and entire effect. Duplicate made with my own hand at Natchitoches, the
said day and year as above, the twenty-eighth of May, one thousand eight
hundred two.
________
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Metoyer Purchases His
Two Slave Children, Dominique & Sister From St. Denis’ Daughter
Courtesy of Northwestern University
Library Archives
Natchitoches Courthouse Archives Book of Conveyances. Translation and
transcription made by J. Sills in October, 1973, adhering as closely as
possible to original spelling and word order.
Natchitoches Courthouse Archives. Book of Conveyance #15, Doc. #1473.
Translation by J. Sills, Dec. 15, 1973.
Today, the seventh day of the month of April, one thousand seven hundred
eighty, before me, Jean Louis Borme, Captain of the Militia, Commandant at
the Post of Natchitoches, and in the presence of the witnesses here and
after named, performing the duties of a Notary and Public Writer for lack of
one in this place, there appeared, in person, Dame Marie de Saint Denis
Desoto, a settler residing in this said place, who has voluntarily
recognized and acknowledged having this day sold and delivered, from this
day on and forever, to the Sr. Pierre Metoyer, also a settler residing in
this place at the same time, and accepting for himself, his heirs and
assigns, two little slaves, Dominique, six years old, and a little
mulatress his sister, about four years old that the said lady guarantees
against any claims, debts, and mortgages what so ever, and recognizes having
had and received from the said Sr., the buyer, in cash, the sum of four
hundred piastres for the price of the above mentioned two little slaves. It
was thus done and passed at Natchitoches, the day and year as above, in the
presence of Messieurs Miguel Melcho? And Louis DeBlanc, witnesses, who have
signed with the above mentioned parties and with me, the said Commandant,
where of I bear witness.
Metoyer
Miguel Menchaca?
Louis De Blanc
witness
Borme
Marie de St.
Denis
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St. Denis Documents Relative To
The Natchez War
Courtesy of Northwestern University
Library Archives
Translated by Eric Talley (Wayne
State University) for Herbert
Metoyer 1996
Note: Following the Natchez massacre of
the French at Fort Rosalie, the Natchez were attacked by the French in
retaliation. They escaped. The French assumed they had went to live with the
Chickasaw (in Tennessee). In reality, they hid out in the hills near
Natchitoches. On the brink of starvation, they finally came out of hiding
and attacked the fort at Natchitoches. St. Denis fought off the attack, then
sent for the assistance of some of his Indian friends. These documents
concern this incident and the war that followed prior the receipt of
additional troops from New Orleans. Once these troops arrived, St. Denis and
the French exterminated the remaining Natchez warriors in the Black Hills
and at Lake Sang pour Sang. These letters were probably written in reports
to the Governor of Louisiana.
(Herbert Metoyer, research historian).
Document 1, Page 1
Monsieur de St. Denise, Ordered by
Natchitochen (?) on September 30, 1731
It's been a very long time since
we've been, so to speak, without heat. It's been more than three years that
there hasn't been a stake standing up, when the massacre of the French by
the Natchy happened, at no fault of mine since I had sufficiently presented
this information to the Council who was governing that country. They're not
able to accuse me of negligence, it's been (so many/several) years since I
warned the commanders and General Directors of the disaster that was caused
today by the Natchy. So much that I am able to say with truth that we have
not been able to recover until now.
You can trust and believe
(Madame/Sir) that with the bit of ability that I have, I must understand the
pros and cons of that which must occur, since it's been thirty years of my
unhappiness that I have been in this country; and if I was able to explain
it by letter like I could face to face, I would inform you of many
strategies for the conversation of this Colony. I learned that everyone was
assured in France of the absolute defeat of the Natchy. I don't know who
could have said such a thing. This caused us a considerable delay, which we
did not need. (I only know those who were in the country who were not
suppose to know any different.
Document 2, Page 1
I quickly sent one of my men to
inform you of the flight of the Natchy who have come here, as
well as of the misery that we have had, and to report about the uncivilized
nations who came to assist us with a total of 239 men, not counting
the nation of "Natchians”(Natchitoches Indians) that I have under my
leadership men women and children. Since the fifth of this past month, in
which the Natchy attacked our village, I have been obliged to have oxen and
cows killed in order to feed all the men here and show a complete expression
of thanks to the "Cadodaqians" who have just arrived with a total
at one hundred men. They arrived just a little late since the messenger that
sent to their house was late getting them; nevertheless, once they had the
news and left their village, they only took six days to get here.
I affirm to you “Monsieur” that we have been
in a terrible predicament trying to find commodities, particularly to give
to the Nations in order to arm them, having only come here mostly with
arrows. It is very unfortunate that, having been in similar situations, we
did not have all that which is necessary in the guardhouse. And I don’t know
when it came to that, or all times, we were left stripped of all
necessities. I got a grip and took myself to civilization. It was a well
earned trip seeing that the country lost so much, by its negligence, from
paying the price of war. So much that the Natchy made it. I came to test the
troublesome experience or similar surmises. It was necessary for me
to empty the storehouse and, beyond that, seize it on all sides when I then
realized that if my camp had been stocked with everything, perhaps the
expense would not have been so large and the detest of the Natchy would have
been successful.
However, only being able to put twenty two
Frenchmen on foot, with sixteen Spaniards who came to our assistance to
go pursue the Natchy, I had no other choice but to satisfy those who came to
help us. On the whole, the rest of the French that I left at the camp were
all sick or wounded.
In order to give you a detailed description
of our expedition. I will tell you that from the fifth to the fourteenth of
the month in waiting for assistance, I hindered them from advancing further
by use at to little “Skirmishes"(?) that we gave them night and day.
However, we were not able to hinder them from growing stronger (because)
they had the…
Document 2. Page 2
…foresight to have running water by digging
an entrenchment from the other side of the river from where we
pursued them. We had to close the trench and surround the tern in order to
keep the water from them. They held out for just about six days until they
were asked to come to some agreement. I knew then from their own admission
that they lied about the lost of twenty five people once we had last seen
them. Among which, them were, according to their state of affairs, seven
large warriors, of which one member of that cursed nation was re-elected as
Chief of "Flour?" (Agriculture), four women and thirteen or fourteen young
men
totaling the twenty five people. While they
were asked to come to an agreement. I proposed to them my conditions.
Chiefly, that of surrendering the weapons, which they pretended to accept
but did not actually accept it. All that was able to be done then, was
compel them to pack their bags and demolish their camp for the sake of that
which I was seeing the saver bring home all the wounded and dead ones that
had, knowing all the pains of the world, having them committed, not feeling
a little uncomfortable.
I had just made a trip to my home, ready to
turn in for the evening, when a storm hit as I was turning in from a good
day. I went back to a letter that one of the officers, carrier of gifts,
wrote, and he informed me that they had hoisted a tent upon arrival. I found
that the savages who supposed to be guarding the water in our trench had
abandoned their posts. If I was only able to have it guarded by someone
other than them, that would have happened if I had had sufficient troupes.
Our last approach consisted of a
transportation of firearm from our camp. It is that which we agreed to and
the compromise. Seeing that we were approaching them slowly with
______________ (?) that I had given to them the evening prior, in which we
lost a French soldier and & Spanish one. We also had two savages beaten to
death and several others wounded. They held us in suspense three or
four days without wanting to surrender. Having allowed myself to put them in
disorder. I gave up combat. We took twenty eight slaves, killed
thirty people and left several beaten to death. They would rather I threw
myself in the river and drowned …
Document 2. Page 3
…in
their presence than lose their hair after seeing that the total number they
lost is above seventy four people, not counting those killed.
The countrymen led the
slaves that they had to their land. The Natchy assured me that the rest of
their countrymen were wandering in three teams down the Black Sea. It is
necessary that Mr. Perrier take his side as I take mine
_____________________(?). This winter, you should be able to say to him that
he can be leave when he pleases. They are in disorder worse than ever. They
are without corn in their river and have very little ammunition according to
what I’ve learned from the slaves that I interrogated several times. They
have just brought me two "Heads of Hair" of men of those who escaped. I hope
for several more of them versus less. I will not cease at all to get the
upper hand. There are actually approximately forty men who are pursuing
them. Our savages report that they don't know where they came from. During
the time of their disorder, the runaways threw away their guns and disguised
themselves in order to get away.
The
Natchitoches expected to catch them round about here. However, much beyond that which
is needed in the camp, you should be able to send me one hundred and fifty
guns with ammunition. I will look for the rest of them near the
Black Sea to completely
exterminate them. The team will not break from their position. That being
the case, I sent over the memories/letters of those who supplied some, I
hope, Sir, that you will have the decency provide total satisfaction
so that in similar situations, we will be able to ask for it find it
easily.
The Natchy had taken with
them six Negroes, three of which came to give them selves up to us
saying that they did not want any other masters than the “company.”
Therefore, Sir, I believe that you will not find it bad that I kept them for
myself. The three others, I gave them to the habitants until I have the
opportunity to send them home. One claims to belong to the name "Champineul"
another to the name “Quidort" who I learned had been killed in the massacre
of the French by the Natchy. Thus, if they are dead, then there is no point
to encumber and they should pay the “company”. I sent a few of the savage
slaves to the Spanish in order to remove them from here and from the
French colony.
Document #2, Page 4
As for me, I ask for nothing for the damage that had been made to my lot.
Although I am able to assure you, Sir, that I would not leave for a thousand
crowns, yet would it be necessary that I should become good and thin, I ask
only to be reimbursed for the firearms that I supplied and the men that were
killed on behalf of the King and the "company". I beg of you, Sir, although
I do not have the right to be known of you so well that you would want to
pay attention to me and all that which I have the honor to represent to you
perhaps before it should be little, I will have the satisfaction of seeing
you and informing you of several things of consequence concerning our
country here. I would not forget to tell you, Sir, that it would be
necessary to have in this camp three or four canoes for the King in order to
carry back and forth the remnants of war as well as carry the belongs that
are necessary for the storehouse. We have never taken that precaution,
although I have well written for it. The war has made it known to us that it
is useful.
Document #3, Page 1
Note: This
document contains St. Denis’ recommendations about how to secure the French
territory in event of a war with The English. (Herbert Metoyer, Research
Historian)
November 30,
(1731)?
That which he would agree to do in order to put the country at rest and past
the insults of all the savage nations who are around us, not only our
neighbors but also those of the English party who would be able to charm
(our people) and cause trouble, is that we go to war (against) the English
one day with the least amount of troops that they know of, as well as us in
this province.
As
for the totals of troops in all the camps: five hundred men in New Orleans;
four hundred in Mobile, as reported by the "Choctaws" who are the most
popular group around us two hundred and fifty men and also three hundred at
the "Alibamans" (Alabama) (?) camps located above the English territory.
In "Tonicas"
it would be necessary, at least from a camp of fifty men, to have a bonded
warehouse big enough for the "Red Sea" than for the Natchy. If we want to
establish it, it will take at least three hundred more men, as reported by
the Chief of the "Chicahas", than those of their neighboring English
friends. Our "Choctaw" people are going there soon with ease. That is where
I will have need for one hundred and fifty men, at least that's what I put
in my report to the countries who are in the surrounding are that total more
than twenty, aside from the Spanish frontier, banished from seven places.
I
will not talk about the "Yazoos"(?) where it would be
necessary__________________(?) because of the English countries who came in
full force to these troubled lands to do to our savages that which they did
other times. In my opinion based, I would find two hundred men to put
there;_________(?) in "Ouabache" which has always been neglected; and above
which, in my opinion based on my knowledge of them, we would first have to
establish, by agreement, that there is a leader of the English by which they
would be able to get from the Louisiana province, rather than from any other
place, and seduce our nations…,
Document 3, Page 2
…although in
peace. They would have to make several attempts; it would be necessary in
that camp.
I
would also dare say that the number of men that would be necessary to put
there is four hundred men rather than three hundred. For the "Illinoisians",
I will not speak on them because I learned that it was Canada that was to
supply their troops. It would also be very necessary to have here three
hundred Canadians to distribute in all the camps.
For some years, the ____(?) and the travelers in canoe, those who arrived
from France because I am able to assure that they came from the poor areas
of France, it would be best to tell them that which I have just said here,
before the usual drilling of France.
I
will not speak at all about the establishment of tribes. I will only say
that it would be necessary to have honest men in tribes and not at all like
those the "company" tried to have. Almost the majority of men were useless
vagabonds.
One is able to say that that it is an expense for the "Majesty" who would
not only leave/stop from moving up a little higher for the payment of troops
to be there each year, but I will say that the expenses that one incurs in
gifts to be there. Besides, they put our colony in safety. We would no
longer be obliged to give to them a quarter of the one-eighth of gifts that
we give to them. ?? As well as to not at all suffer when one would have to
force them by hand not one worker in their homeland, nor any business in
order to make them regroup to carry their commodities to sell in the
neighborhoods of France. All that will keep them poor. They will not be able
to attempt anything against us. Of the big gifts that were given to them,
and the instructions that the workers presented to them on their own, one
group has a small barrel of corn more than the other. The others were to
have poultry.
Document 3, Page 3
It is necessary to remark
that in all the camps there, is necessary to put a wise and prudent officer,
much more for the French than the savages incredible points above the
"advertisement" of some party/group that reaches the Natchy. The Natchy only
came because of a "blunder" that one had put there that had been informed
several days before and did not want to believe any of it. If the colony
does not fortify, more for the troops than for the fortifications that one
must have in the camps, I would count it a loss. Plus, if all those who sent
"letters" to France and had spoken as frankly and sincerely as I speak, the
colony would be more advanced. It is moving backwards, now more than ever. I
don't doubt that someone will contest this statement. There are those who do
not know the history of this country like me.
I would not forget to give
advice that of the three hundred men that one must give to the Natchy, it
would be good to form a "company" of "Cavallerie" there.
Document 4 Page 1
Pg. 66/C13A-13
Note: This document provides some
additional information about the Natchez war. No idea who wrote this letter
and to whom. (Herbert Metoyer, research historian)
_______ (?) by the small
camp that one will not be able to capture without a cannon. We doubled the
grenades, which will still be more effective than the cannon, according to
the attempts that I made against the Natchy. However, we have some small
cast iron mortars to hold the small tombstones of thirty ________ (?). There
are six cannons to the east of_______(?) that the company will have
accepted. There are eighteen months for that country. I would have to ask
them " I don't know why the ______(?) did not pay them (to support them
?)
On October 21 of this year,
I learned from a letter from Sr. St. Denis, who led the "Natchitoches", that
the Natchy had come to ________(?) the twelve that had been discovered. The
"Natchitoches" had handed them over in combat; however, that was only
approximately forty warriors. They had abandoned their village after having
lost four_____ of their men. He believed that their enemies totaled two
hundred which seemed difficult for me (?) to believe that he had neither the
"Chicas" ______(?)
As soon as I learned that news, Sr. de
Loubior had asked me to ____(?). I left with sixty men; but, being in the
Black Sea/Black River, we ran into the ship of the "Natchitoches" which gave
me the news of the defeat of the Natchy by Sr. de St. Denis and his camp.
The "savages" with an "Qassinais" party, pointed out to me that he and his
country took and/or killed eighty-two persons of the enemies that had forced
their way into the entrenchment that he had made in the "Natchitoches"
village. The number of deaths were the results of the famous Chief of
"Flour" (Agriculture) that he had sent a party that I had sent had helped
(?) them in the land of _____ (?) where they were without gunpowder and
firearms; however, the cold caused (?) the unwilliness of the small
countries to hinder them from going to find the enemy. With the…
Document 4, Page 2
….exception
of the "Tonnicas", we did not have a complete, small country above the river
that was able to be of help to us beyond the fact that they are small in
size.
Document 5, page 1
This
document provides a general description of the territory occupied by the
Spanish
October 1, 1753
The country of the New
Phillipines, or Texas, is one of the most spacious, but one of the most
uninhabited areas that Spain possesses in the New World. They adhere to the
people because of our proximity and it had been very easy to leave an
interval of at least one hundred and fifty leagues (one "league" is four
kilometers, or two point five miles) from the first camp to the second
one in order to face the most difficult journey through it.
This country contains the
Addilles fort, which the governor, with the title General, commanded the
captains of the bay of St. Esprit of St. Xavier of the northern river, the
ones of Santa Rosa and Saint Antoine, the governors of "Coaguila", and the
new kingdom of Pensacola. That country depends on the spirits of the
episcopate of "Goadalascava".
The Spanish of the New
Phillipines never wanted to agree to the treaty that had been so often
proposed to them by my governors of that country, from Louisiana, from those
mutually rendered as the deserters of their camp, from the "Adailles", or
ours of the "Natchitoches". We seized in that camp a good amount of varying
merchandise (or manpower) where those of the "Adailles" found themselves
reduced to the last dearth of lives to involve in that situation with a
promise to assist them soon and always in an instant. Similar ___(?) our
attempts have always been unprecedented(?) and we have seen this
persistent neighbor, in spite of hunger and misery, resolve themselves to
going out and finding grain in three hundred places, rather than drawing it
the same day from our land, while "falling" from agreement from a cartel
that the governor of Adailles knows exists between Pensacola and New
Orleans.
Document 5, Page 2
It is indisputable that the Spanish,
saddened by or imposition over the Red River and the Natchitoches, see us
with very jealous eyes residing on the lands that they know to be fully
covered with the people of Mexico. They speculate, without a doubt, that
they were expecting something different between the two kingdoms.
Santa Rosa is one little fort situated above the left side of the
North River nearly twenty leagues
inland. There are some very wealthy mines similar to Boca de Leon, not too
far from the same place. Monterray is the capital of the New Kingdom of
Leon. It was almost entirely ruined by a flood that hit in 1750. Escandon,
Governor of Tampico, finished weakening it and all the camps that were
supported in 1751 by the embankment of men that were there to populate the
land and sustain the established missions. That same year, it was extended
from the Gulf through the Bay of St. Esprit just up it's government.
Document 6, Page 1
Pg.
10, 11/10: To the "Caouitas" at the home of the "Talapousses"
I do not know the author of this
document or its recipient. It valuable, however, in understanding how the
Europeans competed to win favor with the Indians in order to manipulate
them. (Herbert Metoyer, research historian)
The "Choctaws" did not
want to welcome/receive them. I sent a Jewish Priest from here to Caouita in
order to find out what was happening at their house and to see if we would
be able to establish a camp in that country. Allow me, Sir, to say to your
highness that we did not explain very well the fashion in which we presented
our gifts to the savages. They don't have anything that even approaches a
contribution. The custom was in all the countries to never "give a pledge"
empty-handed, it's their ceremonial. They never came to tell me, or with a
particular request from the camp, that they were only carrying some animal
skins (leather?) or some pots of sweet oil, or other similar items (lit.
trans., "rubbish"), strongly charging that they are poor and that they do
not have as good a pledge as us. We had been obliged to increase the gifts
because there were a lot of merches (ceremonies) since I've been here; and
all those expenses totaled from ten to twelve thousand pounds, or more in
cash, which is nothing compared to the merches that we had made for the
savages.
When they came to see us,
we were without merchandise, we sent them the gifts, but they did not feel
very happy and sharply felt our impoliteness. If they run into the English
at this time, they will not miss the chance to make them understand the pain
that they have to remain attached to us. And that is only because,
themselves, the English had a prior to the attachment to the savages, we
should treat them favorably. And while we had them work for our service, it
seems to me that there is nothing more just.
It is only jealousy that has always been
between the "officers of the pen" (administrative officers) (?) and the
officers of the sword who had written to the "company"____ (?) from one part
than from the other above the gifts to the savages who never make anything
other than what we give to them. For the difference in cost/price between
the English merchandise and…
Document 6, Page 2
…ours. I only know this by the
officers who belongs to the "Alibamonts". We sell established in the other
countries with Mr. Diron, who has had the exclusive agreement for two years.
It would be better that that agreement be free. However, we do not have
residents in Mobile in a position to purchase a piece of merchandise. It
would be unwise to give it to them on credit. They would carry away the
merchandise and pass it around at the home of the English or the home of the
Spanish, as we have already had an example of it being done.
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Thomas Pierre Metoyer’s
Purchase of His Slave Children (Augustin, Marie Suszanne, Louis &
Pierre) From St. Denis’ Daughter
Courtesy of Northwestern University Library Archives
Translation
of Doc. #1161 Natchitoches Courthouse Archives Book of Conveyances #10,
dated 1776. Translation and transcription made by J. Sills in October, 1973,
adhering as closely as possible to original spelling and word order.
At the post of Saint Jean Baptiste des Natchoches today the thirty first
day of the month of May of the year one thousands seven hundred seventy six
before me Athanase de Mezieres Lieutenant Governor of this said post in the
presence of the men named Nicolas Fouvrier (Fournier?) and Francois Doucet,
he undersigned witnesses present with me, there appeared in person Madame
Marie de Saint Denys, wife of Don Manuel de Soto, absent, who acknowlegdes
and declares that she has sold, assigned, quit, transferred and relinquished
from this day on and forever, to the Sieur Pierre Metoyer, presently a
resident of this said place, and accepting for him to enjoy, himself and his
heirs concerned in it, and promises him guarantee from all troubles and
claims whatsoever, four head of young mulatto slaves, the latter named Marie
Susanne, Nicole Augustin, Louis and Pierre: for the price and sum of two
thousand livres in silver, and a little negro of ten or twelve years, which
two thousand livres the said Dame Marie de Saint Denys acknowledges having
received in good specie, and as for the little negro that he was to furnish,
the above mentioned lady says that the above mentioned Sieur, has paid her
in various supplies that he has made to her, as well as in animals and ready
money the sum of thirteen hundred livres with which she is content and
satisfied and discharges the above mentioned Sieur, the buyer toward and
against all, by means of which agreement and the Certificate of the recorder
of Mortgages that the above mentioned lady, the vendor, will have presented
in the shortest possible term, by which the above mentioned four mulatto
slaves will be certified free and clear of all charges and mortgages, in
order that the said certificate be annexed to the present act of sale to
validate it.
The above
mentioned parties will be free and quit each toward the other. Thus it was
agreed between the parties, in witness of which have signed with me, the
above mentioned Lieutenant Governor, and the two above mentioned
witnesses, whereof I bear witness.
De Meziere
Nicoles fournier
Marie de Saint
Denis
Fr Doucet
______
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St. Denis’ Estate Sealed following
His Death
Courtesy of The Northwestern University Library Archives
Natchitoches Archives Doc. #219
Translation by J. Sills from original in Clerks office
Today, the eighteenth of the month of April in the year one thousand seven
hundred fifty-eight, I, Francois Langlois, serving as Clerk commisioned by
monsieur DeBlanc, Commandment of this Post, proceeded to the house of the
deceased Emanuel de Sanche Jucherau de St. Denis, widow of the said Sieur,
(who had) died Sunday the sixteenth of the month of April, in order to affix
the seals, in the presence of the heirs, consisting of Sieur Don Louis De
Juchereau de St. Denis and Chevalier Don Pedre de St. Denis and dame Don
Manuel de Soto, and of Sieur Louis Borme, Ensign of the militia of this
post, and of Pierre Saurelle called "Marly", resident and blacksmith, as
witnesses. Placed the seal on an amoire of walnutwood with its lock and key,
on a chest hasp and padlock; on a chest of cypress wood fitted with a hasp
and its padlock; on another chest of cypress wood fitted with a hasp and its
padlock; on a case of cypress wood fitted with its hasp and padlock; on a
little chest covered with Marrocan leather and fitted with a lock ; on a
pantry with a door fitted with its lock and key. (We) affixed the seal on
all the armoires (and ) chests that were presented to us, and (it was)
declared to us by the undersigned that there are no other things. In faith
of which we have closed the said record. The day and year as above. And have
signed:
Borme,
witness
St. Denis
Pierre Saurell
The Chv. De St. Denis
Reviewed,
DeBlanc
Maria Neiges DeSoto
Longlois
Clerk
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A Story About Slavery
Washington Post
June 8, 2002; Page A20
I read Ken
Ringle's article about Marie Therese Coincoin with great interest.
Coincoin's story was etched into my psyche in 1988, when the magazine
American Visions, for which I was editorial assistant and photo researcher,
published an article about her and the Melrose Plantation. Mr. Ringle wrote
that any black Creole sons were educated in France and that family members
"sought solace and marriage partners among their counterparts."
This is partially
true. The sons of wealthy white planters and black free women were sent to
France to be educated. Many daughters, on the other hand, were entered into
a system called placage, a form of concumbinage. They could not marry a
white man, so when they came of age, "mulatto," "quadroon" and "octoroon"
young women were presented to mostly married white planters, usually at a
fancy-dress ball. Generations of such placage "households" have resulted in
a population of many white Americans who have black as well as French or
Spanish ancestry.
VICTORIA L. PRICE
Silver Spring
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