The Innocence of the Paxton Boys

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The Innocence of the Paxton Boys

I am here today to prove to you that Lazarus Stewart and Matthew Smith are not guilty of the murder of Conestoga Indians. While both men agree that they did kill the Conestogas, what they did is justified by the aggressive behavior shown by the Indians.

I will now present evidence to prove this conclusion.

My first piece of evidence is from a speech made by Little Abraham, a Mohawk sachem, to colonial Pennsylvania officials and Indian Leaders:

"You [...] made Plantations there and spoiled their hunting grounds, they [French-allied Delawares] then complained to us [...] and [we] found their complaints to be true. [...] [...] Our advice to you is, that you send for the Senecas [and Delawares], treat them kindly."(Mombert 172-174)

From this quote, one can clearly see the fellowship amongst the Indian Tribes. Not only does Little Abraham advise the Colonials to cease settling, but also he has checked up on our doings. As I go over the next few pieces of evidence, I want you to keep in mind this fellowship.

From the "Narrative of Matthew Smith":

'[...] I cautiously crawled where I could get a view; I saw Indians armed; they were strangers; they outnumbered us by the dozens. [...] The moment we were perceived, an Indian fired at us and rushed forward [...]. [...] For no murder of our defenseless [sic] inhabitants has since happened" (Mombert 187-188)

This is eyewitness testimony stating that Captain Smith seen armed and foreign Indians in a substantial number. Now, why would there be armed Indians in a peaceful Indian village? Obviously, the Indians are not peaceful. This answer is also backed up by what happened right before the village was razed; as soon as the Indians seen a whit...

... middle of paper ...

...ons with each other. I have an eyewitness account from Captain Smith stating that he saw the armed Indians in the Conestoga village; and I am sure that the Captain was not the only one to see this. Lt. Governor Robert Morris's Proclamation of War clearly states what is to be done to those who collaborate with the enemy. The Paxton Boys mere carried out the orders contained in the Proclamation of War. Hence, in the eyes of this man, I will forever be indebted to them for their brave service of justice to his Majesty.

Bibliography:

Works Cited

Mombert, Jacob Isador. An Authentic History of Lancaster County in the State of Pennsylvania. Lancaster, PA: Barr, 1869

Pearce, Stewart. Annals of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Second ed. Philadelphia:

Lippincott, 1869

Rupp, Daniel I. History of Lancaster and York Counties. Lancaster, PA: Hills, 1829

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