Techniques or Format

Ink on paper

Description of Writing/Text

William Johnson presents the Covenant Chain belt to the "Western Nations" of Indians gathered. He indicates its purpose is to bind all present together. It is recorded that the Covenant Chain belt is 23 rows broad, that the year 1764 is worked upon it, and that its value is in excess of 30 pounds. Johnson warns that should any nation present listen to news from an anti-British source, it will "shake" the belt. In context, it appears Johnson invokes this metaphor of physical instability to convey the idea that the stability of the relationship itself turns on the decisions the Indian Nations make. After the presentation, Johnson insists that those Indians responsible for having "plundered" a particular group of English traders produce their illgotten gains. If they do so, they will enjoy trade with the English, otherwise trade will not ensue. ; A Chippeweigh chief responds, proposing that the Covenant Chain Belt be kept at Michillimackinac, so that people of all Nations present can see it. This unnamed chief then implores Johnson to remember what has been said and to abide by it. Johnson then gives medals to the chiefs.

Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

Date given in document.

Current Location: New York State Archives, Albany, NY, USA

Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: in Milton W. Hamilton., ed. The Papers of Sir William Johnson, Volume XI (Albany: The Univsersity of the State of New York, 1953) pp. 308-313.

Date Relative was First Removed or Collected from its Community Context: 0

GKS Reference Number: 678

How to Cite this Item

in Milton W. Hamilton., ed. The Papers of Sir William Johnson, Volume XI (Albany: The Univsersity of the State of New York, 1953) pp. 308-313.

Record Creation Context

Created by Research Assistant Aaron Mills during the first summer of the SSHRC Aboriginal Research Grant 2007 to 2010