Chapter D: E L A W A R E S from the Forks (4)

In the Afternoon of the same Day on which his Excellency came on shore, three _Indians, viz_. two _Onandagos_ and an _Oneydo_, brought two _French_ Scalps and presented to his Excellency: At which Time the Leader of the Party made a formal Speech to the following Purpose: 'That having had repeated Accounts of the Mischiefs done by the _French_, and of the frequent Murders committed by them, and that the _Mohawks_, notwithstanding their Professions of Friendship, suffered this Bloodshed to remain unrevenged, his Heart could bear it no longer; he thereupon resolved to open for his Brethren the Path to Revenge: That these two Scalps which he now presented were taken at Noonday in sight of the _French_ Fort at _Crown Point_.' His Excellency told him how well he took this special Mark of his Fidelity, and assured him, that he would not only now reward him and his Companions, by particular Presents, but would always remember this Act of Friendship. They had already received the Reward given by the Act of Assembly. His Excellency gave each of them four _Spanish_ Dollars; to the Leader a fine laced Coat and Hat, and a silver Breast-Plate; and to each of the others a Stroud Blanket and lac'd Hat.

These _Indians_ told us, that they lay several Days among the Bushes, from whence they could see every Man that came out of the Fort-Gate. They endeavoured for some time to take a Prisoner, but observing that none went to such a Distance from the Fort that they could hope to carry him off, they resolved to take the first Opportunity for a Scalp: Two Soldiers coming out of the Fort, after the Chapel Bell had rung about Noon, one of the _Indians_, by their Leader's Order, fired with Swan Shot upon them while they were near to each other. It is a constant Rule among these sculking Parties, never to fire without Orders from their Leader. One of the _French_ Men was killed upon the Spot, the other wounded, and fled immediately towards the Fort Gate, the _Indian_ who had fired, pursu'd, and with his Hatchet brought him down within a hundred Steps of the Fort Gate; and, though the _French_ in the Fort rushed out at the Gate, he took his Scalp off; the others had scalped the Man that was first killed, and then they all fled. The _French_ in their Hurry had run out without their Arms, and upon recollecting themselves return'd to arm, which facilitated the Escape of the _Indians_.

His Excellency being informed, that the Leader of this Party was desirous to be distinguished by his Excellency's giving him a new Name, and that a Name, which in the Language of the _Six Nations_ signified the _Path-opener_, would be most acceptable to him; his Excellency honour'd him with that Title; which he accepted very thankfully, and seem'd exceedingly pleased with it: Whereupon he said, that the other two _Indians_ having associated with a _Mehikander_, or _River Indian_, were resolved to go out against the Enemy: But as he thought he might be more useful by staying, to assist at the ensuing Treaty, he was resolved to remain here. He added, that in case the Interpreter, and others sent to invite the _Six Nations_ to meet here, fail'd in any Part, he would go among the _Six Nations_, and doubted not to bring many by his Influence, who otherwise might stay.

In a Day or two after, six of seven _Indians_, who had been sent out by the Commissioners for _Indian_ Affairs to _Crown-Point_, to take Prisoners, and gain Intelligence, returned and said, That they had gone to that Place, and that in sight of it they had separated, with, Design thereby to surprize any Stragler that might have come out of the Fort: That while they were thus separated, two of their Number were suddenly surrounded and taken by the Enemy: One of these two, after having been detained three or four Days, join'd the others at _Saraghtoga_. He said, that he had been threatened with death by the _Adirondacks_[9]; but that the _Cahnuagas_[10] interpos'd, and by their Intercession he was set at Liberty; and some of the _Cahnuagas_ conducted him through _Lac Sacrement_. He reported, that there was a great Number of Men, _French_ and _Indians_, at _Crown-Point._ The other Prisoner, an _Onondaga_, consented to remain with the _French_, and was sent to _Canada_.

Soon after this, sixteen _Mohawk Indians_ came to the Town, who had been sent out from the lower _Mohawk_ Castle by Mr. _Johnson_, to gain Intelligence near _Crown-Point_, and to take Prisoners. They reported that they had discovered so great a Number of _French_ and _Indians_ at _Crown-Point_, that they had no Hopes of being able to bring off any Prisoners, and thought it adviseable to return speedily and inform of the great Danger they thought this Place was in. His Excellency invited them to go thither again, in order to descry the Motions of the Enemy: And as a farther Encouragement to them, to either Scalp or take Prisoners, he offered every Person of said Party that should take a Scalp or Prisoner, a Piece of Stroud, and a Suit of laced Clothes, besides the Bounty; but they, being frightened with the Apprehensions of Danger, declined going back, and said, they must return Home and acquaint their Friends and Relations with what they had heard and seen. Several other _Indians_ likewise alarmed the _Mohawks_, by telling them that the _French_ had a great Force at _Crown-Point_, and that they would certainly attack either _Albany_ or _Schenectade_, or the Settlements on the _Mohawks_ River, or perhaps several Places at the same Time.

Mr. _Johnson_, and the commanding Officer of the Garrison of regular Troops in the _Mohawks_ Country, by their Letters to his Excellency, confirm'd these Reports; and added, the _Mohawks_ had entertain'd Apprehensions of the _French_ Force at _Crown-Point_, which was like to have a bad Effect. On this his Excellency wrote to Mr. _Johnson_, that all these Stories of the _French_ Force at _Crown-Point_ were only Artifices of the _French_ to intimidate the _Indians_, or to amuse them, with Design to frustrate the Treaty which he intended to have with them; and that he was to assure the _Indians_, that they could be in no Danger from the _French:_ However, that they might see that he would omit nothing which they might think necessary for their Security, he had ordered a Lieutenant of Militia, with thirty Men, to reinforce the lower Castle, and had likewise ordered the Captain of Militia near the upper Castle, to assist the _Indians_ there in fortifying their Castle, and to hold himself in Readiness to support them on any Emergency.

One _John Colan_, a _Frenchman_, who some Years since had removed from _Canada_, and settled and married at _Schenectade_, and who has since that Time lived in good Reputation there, was sent by Major _Glen_ to inform his Excellency, that one _Aaron_, a noted _Mohawk_ Sachem, who with several others of the _Six Nations_, had been last Spring in _Canada_ to treat with the Governor there, did then entertain two _Cahnuaga Indians_. This Man, _John Colan_, acquainted his Excellency, that having discovered the _Cahnuaga Indians_, he told them he was a _Frenchman_, and was desirous of returning to his own Country, on which they began presently to propose to him Methods for his Escape; at which Time, this _Aaron_ coming near them, he express'd his Fears of being discovered by him. They answered, that he need not fear _Aaron_, for he was their Friend, and designed to go with them. As they proposed to him to escape privately by himself, and to meet them at a Place they named, he told them of his Fears, in that Case, of meeting with the _French Indians_ while he was alone. They answered, that if he dress'd himself like an _Indian_, the _French Indians_ would do him no Hurt, without first calling to him; upon which, if he stopp'd and call'd out _Maria_, the _French Indians_ would be so far from hurting him, that they would immediately come up to him and take him by the Hand. From this, and several other Incidents, which it would be tedious to relate, his Excellency was convinced of some secret Understanding between the _Six Nations_ and the _Cahnuagas_, or _French Indians:_ And that, however any Party of our _Indians_ might be induced to fall upon the _French_, they would not at that Time molest the _French Indians_, nor prevent the Mischiefs which the Inhabitants received from their sculking Parties.

For this Reason, his Excellency endeavoured to send out again the Company of Rangers, which had formerly been employed against the sculking _Indians:_ But, as the Assembly had made no Provision for this Expence, they refused to go, unless he gave his personal Bond for their Pay, at _three Shillings_ a Day for each private Man, besides their Provision; and would not be satisfied with the Promises that he, by the Advice of the Council, made them of recommending their Service to the General Assembly, and the Assurances he gave them of their being rewarded as they desired.

On their continuing obstinate, his Excellency was of Opinion, that no considerable Service could be expected from Men, who were moved by no other Principle but that of excessive Wages: And he had Reason afterwards to be confirmed in this Opinion, when Captain _Langdon_, and afterwards Captain _Thebout_, voluntarily went with their Companies of the new-levied Troops to scour the Woods, and took some of these _Albany_ Men with them as Guides, who whenever they apprehended themselves in Danger, by the Discovery of recent Tracts, some one or other of them could not be kept from firing their Guns, or making some Noise, by which the _French Indians_, if any were near them, must know how to avoid them. Some _Indians_, who were likewise sent out in Company with these Men, complained in like Manner.

The publick Interpreter, whom the Governor (as before observed) had sent with others, to invite the _Six Nations_ to meet him at _Albany_, wrote to the Commissioners for _Indian_ Affairs, That they met with great Difficulties and Obstructions from the _Sachems_, who had been lately at _Canada:_ That the _Oneydoes_ refused to give any Answer, tho' they had staid there thirteen Days endeavouring to persuade them; and that the _Cayugas_ had absolutely refused to meet the Governor. On which his Excellency desired to be informed by the Commissioners of _Indian_ Affairs, whether they knew of any Person of Influence or Interest with the _Indians_, and fit to be sent among them on this Occasion. They answered, that they knew of none; and that the _Indians_ were in a very bad Disposition, and much under the Influence of the _French_.

About this time his Excellency being informed, that the Interpreter, and others sent with him, had neglected to send proper Invitations to the _Indians_ living on the Branches of _Susquehannah_ River; and that Captain _Vroman_, of _Scohary_, was a proper Person to be sent to those _Indians_; he sent him, in Company with Captain _Staats_, with a Belt of _Wampum_ to invite them.

While the _Indian_ Affairs appear'd in this discouraging State, an Account came to Town, that about twenty young _Chickesaws_ were come to the _Senekas_, to desire them to shew them the Way to _Canada_. The _Chickesaws_ had always been Enemies to the _French:_ A Party of about five hundred Men had, four Years before, been sent out against them from _Canada_, who were so entirely routed by the _Chickesaws_, that few returned. These young _Chickesaws_ told the _Senekas_, that the _French_ of _Canada_ had, about four Years since, made them a Visit, and were so kind to leave them four hundred Guns, which were now wore out; and, since the _French_ had not thought fit to bring them any more Guns, they were resolved to go to _Canada_ to fetch new ones; and promised, that if the _Senekas_ would shew them the Way, they would go Home and return with four hundred stout Fellows. Some other _Indian_ Nations who lived to the Westward, discovering their Aversion to the _French_ at the same Time, these Incidents assisted the Governor's Messengers in bringing more _Indians_ to _Albany_ than they expected, when they wrote to the Commissioners for _Indian_ Affairs.

While the Interpreter was at the more distant _Indian_ Castles, Mr. _William Johnson_ was indefatigable among the _Mohawks_; he dressed himself after the _Indian_ Manner, made frequent Dances, according to their Custom when they excite to War, and used all the Means he could think of, at a considerable Expence, (which his Excellency had promised to repay him) in order to engage them heartily in the War against _Canada_. Tho' he succeeded, beyond what any Man in _Albany_ thought could be done, yet several of the _Sachems_ (in the _Conajohary_, or upper _Mohawk_ Castle, chiefly) refused to engage in the War; but insisted, that as this War was entered into between the _English_ and _French_, in which they had no Interest, they ought to remain neuter. The _English_ and _French_, they said, could at any Time make Peace; but if they should enter into the War, _Indians_ could not make up the Quarrel among themselves, otherwise than by the Destruction of one or the other. The _French_ could have no Hopes of engaging the _Six Nations_ on their Side against the _English_, and therefore wisely play'd this Game of endeavouring to make them stand neuter, which they could enforce by strong political Arguments, of which the _Indians_ were sensible enough. _It is your Interest_, the _French_ Emissaries said, _not to suffer either the_ French _or the_ English _to be absolute Masters_; _for in that Case you must become Slaves to the one or the other_. From this politic View chiefly, the Interpreter met with so much Opposition everywhere: Tho' it is not to be doubted, but that at the same Time the _French_ had gain'd some particular _Sachems_ entirely into their Interest; however, many were prevailed on to come to _Albany_, to hear what the Governor of _New-York_ had to say to them; tho' several Sachems staid behind. When they of the more distant Nations came along with the Interpreter to the lower _Mohawk_ Castle, and found that Mr. _Johnson_ had already engaged many of the young Men there to join the Army against _Canada_, the others blamed the _Mohawks_; telling them with some Warmth, That they had been very rash in engaging so far. 'They ought, _the others said_, to have considered that they, the _Mohawks_, were the smallest in Number of any of the _Six Nations_, and ought not to have proceeded to so great a Length, without the previous Consent of the others.' To this the _Mohawks_ answered, _It is true, we are less considerable as to Number, than any of the other Nations; but our Hearts are truly_ English, _and all of us are Men[11]; so that, if our Force be put to the Trial, perhaps it will be found greater than you imagine._ These Disputes, however, continued so far, that the _Mohawks_, and the other _Five Nations_, could not go in Company to _Albany_; the _Mohawks_ marched on one side of the River, while the other Nations went on the other side. [_There are two Roads from the_ Mohawks _Castle to_ Schenectada, _one on each side of the_ Mohawks _River_.]

When the _Indians_ came near the Town of _Albany_, on the 8th of _August_, Mr. _Johnson_ put himself at the Head of the _Mohawks_, dressed and painted after the Manner of an _Indian_ War-Captain; and the _Indians_ who followed him, were likewise dressed and painted, as is usual with them when they set out in War. The _Indians_ saluted the Governor as they passed the Fort, by a running Fire; which his Excellency ordered to be answered by a Discharge of some Cannon from the Fort: He afterwards received the Sachems in the Fort-Hall, bid them Welcome, and treated them with a Glass of Wine.

As, by all Accounts, the Disposition of the _Six Nations_ seemed at this Time less in Favour of the _British_ Interest than was to be wished, his Excellency thought it necessary to have frequent Conferences, in private, with the principal Sachems of each _Nation_; sometimes separately and singly, at other Times with some of each Nation jointly. There were only two of the _Mohawks_ Sachems (besides _Aaron_ before mentioned, who left the Castle at this Time) that could not be prevailed on by Mr. _Johnson_ to declare themselves for entering into the War against _Canada_: They were both of the _Conajohary_ or Upper-Castle, and one of them the Head of the Tribe called the _Tortoise_; (which, tho' not so numerous as that of the _Bear_, yet is looked on as the first in Rank or Dignity;) and, as he had been with the Governor of _Canada_ last Spring, it was thought to be of some Consequence to gain him. Mr. _Colden_, above twenty Years since, had the Complement of being received into that Castle; and, about seven Years since (the last Time he had been with the _Mohawks_) had contracted some more particular Acquaintance with these two Sachems: He invited them to a private Conference, at which the Reverend Mr. _Barclay_ assisted as Interpreter; they met him, and brought five more with them: After this Conference these Sachems appear'd as hearty as any of the others. He that was Head of the Tribe call'd the _Tortoise_, said, 'His Uncle had been the chief War-Captain among the _Mohawks_: That his Uncle had particularly distinguished himself in their Wars against the _French_, and he was resolved to shew himself not unworthy of his Ancestors, nor of his Uncle's Name, which he had obtained after his Death.'

After the principal Sachems had, at these Conferences, been brought to a good Disposition, his Excellency advised with the Gentlemen of the Council, and the Commissioners from the _Massachusets Bay_, on what might be proper to be said to the _Six Nations_ in the publick Speech, which he now proposed to make to them. Col. _Wendell_ and Mr. _Wells_ had arrived from _Boston_ about the End of _July_, and soon after they came to Town, his Excellency ordered the Gentlemen of the Council to communicate to them all the Information which had been received, with respect to the _Indian_ Affairs: And they had frequent Conferences together from Time to Time, as Occasion required: It was likewise thought proper to communicate, what his Excellency intended to say to some of the Sachems of each Nation, who were thought most hearty in the _British_ Interest; who said, that it was well conceiv'd as could have been done, had they themselves advised upon the Subject; only as it had been advised to observe in the first Draught, That some of his Majesty's Subjects had been instigated by the _French_ to rise in Rebellion against the King; that they had been defeated by one of the King's Sons; that these poor People were now utterly ruined, and had nothing left but to bewail their Folly in the Misery that was brought upon them, by suffering themselves to be deluded by the Promises of the _French_; they said, that they did not understand the Affairs on the other Side of the Sea, nor did they trouble their Heads about them; and as they had no Method of retaining what is spoke to them but by their Memories, they were afraid that this might perplex their Memories, and make them less attentive to what was properly their Business; and advised, that it should be left out; which accordingly was done.

Another Difficulty remained; the publick Interpreter had been taken dangerously ill in his Return to _Albany_, and was at this Time confined to his Bed. Tho' several were employed, who had Knowledge sufficient in the Language of the _Six Nations_, to make themselves be understood, and to understand what was spoke to them; yet none of them were so much Masters of the Language, as to speak with that Propriety and Distinctness that is expected, and usual on so solemn an Occasion. It was thought therefore proper, to make one of the Sachems understand the Speech, by the Assistance of the common Interpreters, that he might be able to deliver it Paragraph by Paragraph, as it should be spoke. At first a _Mohawk_ Sachem was pitched upon; but the Sachems themselves told us, That for some time past a kind of Party-Division among the _Six Nations_ had subsisted: That the _Mohawks_, _Onandagas_, and _Senekas_, form'd one Party; and the _Oneydoes, Tuscaroras_, and _Cayugas_, the other: That, as the _Mohawks_ might be suspected to be more partial to the _English_, it would be of more Use to employ one of the other Party; and an _Oneydo_ Sachem was proposed for that Purpose. This Man was easily enough made to understand the Speech, and he repeated it several Times over in private, and was instructed where to make the proper Stops. After the Speech was delivered, some of the Commissioners for _Indian_ Affairs, and other Persons present at the Delivery, who understood both Languages, acknowledged, that this _Indian_ had acquitted himself of his Trust faithfully, and had delivered the Sense of the Speech clearly and distinctly.

While these last Preparations were making, his Excellency was taken ill of a Fever, which occasioned some further Delay; and as his Excellency did not recover so soon as was wished, the Sachems were told, that his Excellency being unwilling to detain them without necessity, would, if they desired it, direct Mr. _Colden_ to speak to them in his Name, what he designed to say. They answered, that they would be well pleased to hear it from Mr. _Colden_'s Mouth.

[Footnote 9: A Nation of _Indians_ living in _Canada_, who have always been firm friends to the _French_, and formerly were at War with the _Six Nations_.]

[Footnote 10: A Number of _Indians_ originally of the _Five Nations_, and Deserters from them, now settled near _Montreal_, by whom the illicit Trade between _Albany_ and _Montreal_ was carried on: They are well acquainted with the Country about _Albany_.]

[Footnote 11: The _Six Nations_ reckon all other _Indian_ Nations Women, in comparison to themselves.]

* * * * *

At _A L B A N Y_ the Nineteenth of _August_, 1746.

P R E S E N T,

The { Cadwallader Colden, } Esqrs; of his Majesty's
Honourable { Philip Livingston, } Council for the Province
{ John Rutherford, } of _New-York_.

The Commissioners from the Government of the _Massachusets-Bay_.

The Commissioners of the Province of _New-York_ for _Indian_ Affairs.

The Mayor and Corporation of _Albany_. The Officers of the Independent Companies, and of the new Levies then at _Albany_. Several Gentlemen of the Province of _New-York_: And Strangers.

_Mr._ Colden _introduced the Speech as follows_:

His Excellency our Governor having been taken ill, and as yet not so well recovered as that he can safely come abroad; has ordered me (being the next Person to him in the Administration) to speak to you in his Name, which I shall do in the same Words which he designed to have spoke, had he not been prevented by Sickness.

"_Brethren_,

"I am glad to see so many of our ancient Friends here, and heartily bid you Welcome. [_Gave three Strings of Wampum_.]

"I have call'd you to this Place for two great Ends, in which the Province of the _Massachusets-Bay_ have sent Commissioners to concur with me, who are here present.

"The _First_ is, to renew the Covenant-Chain with you; and I now by this Belt, in your Father the King of _Great-Britain_'s Name, in Behalf of his Majesty's Subjects in _North-America_, renew and confirm the Covenant-Chain, and all former Treaties and Engagements entered into with you. This Chain has from the Beginning, remained so firm and strong, that it has never once broke or slipt since it was first made; and we, on our Parts, shall endeavour that it remain so, unshaken, as long as the Sun and Moon shall endure. [_Gave a Belt_.]

"_Brethren_, Last Fall I told you, that his Majesty's Subjects in this Country had, the Summer before, lain still, without attempting any thing against the _French_ Settlements: But that the _French_ had by Surprize, attacked and destroyed a small Place near _Cape-Breton_, belonging to us.

"That they afterwards laid Siege to _Annapolis-Royal_, and were beat off.

"I likewise told you, That the Governor of the _Massachusets-Bay_, in Conjunction with _Connecticut_ and _New-Hampshire_, had, in Revenge to these Injuries, sent an Army against _Louisburg_, on the Island of _Cape-Breton_; that the Army was joined by a Number of his Majesty's Ships of War, under the Command of your Friend Admiral _Warren_.

"I told you, that the Town of _Louisburg_, which is the strongest the _French_ have in _America_, was reduced by this Force; and that the _French_ there had surrendered themselves and their Country to the _English_.

"I likewise told you, how we, in this Part of the Country, had lain still, hoping that the _French_ in _Canada_, would either be quiet, or carry on the War in a manly Manner, and after the Manner of Christians. And to induce them thereto, a Message had been sent from this Place to the Governor of _Canada_, to tell him, That if he should revive the inhuman Custom of murdering private People, by sculking _Indians_, that the several Governors of his Majesty's Colonies, together with you our Brethren of the _Six Nations_, would join and make Reprisals on them in the like Manner; at which time you publickly declared, that if any of his Majesty's Subjects, in any Part of his Governments, should be killed by any _Indians_, you would immediately join in the War against them, and the _French_.

"And last Fall, when I delivered the Hatchet into your Hands, you told me, and confirm'd it with a Belt, That you would send some of your People (who were then ready) to _Canada_, to demand Satisfaction; and that if Satisfaction was refused, you would use the Hatchet against them, whenever I should order it.

"And you further promised, That if the Enemy should commit any further Hostilities, you would then (upon my Commands) immediately make Use of the Hatchet.

"I need not tell you, how far the _French_ have been from giving Satisfaction; on the contrary, you are well acquainted with the cruel and barbarous Murders that have been committed, since that Time, by the _French Indians_ at _Saraghtoga_, and in the Neighbourhoods of this Place, and on the Frontiers of _New-England_; as you have not hitherto fulfilled your Promises, I suspect that they did not come from your Hearts: I therefore, by this Belt, demand an immediate Performance of your Promises, to shew that they come from the Bottom of your Hearts; as all the Promises I make come from mine, and ever shall. [_Gave a Belt_.]

"_Brethren_, I now come to the _second_ and principal Design of our present Meeting, in which I hope and expect to find you hearty, and united in your Councils and Opinions. [_Gave a Belt_.]

"The King your Father, having been informed of the unmanly Murders committed on the Frontiers of _New England_, and of this Province, is resolved to subdue the Country of _Canada_, and thereby put an End to all the mischievous Designs of the _French_ in these Parts. And for this purpose, he has ordered his Governors of _Virginia, Maryland, Pensylvania_, and _New-Jersey_, to join their Forces to the Forces of this Province, to attack _Canada_ by Land: They are all now upon their March, and you will soon see them here.

"At the same Time the Forces of the _Massachusets-Bay, Connecticut, Rhode-Island_, and _New-Hampshire_, are to go in Ships to _Cape-Breton_, and there join with his Majesty's Ships of War, and a great Army of experienc'd Soldiers from _Great-Britain_.

"Many Ships of War are already arrived there, and some thousand of Soldiers; many more Ships and Soldiers are following; and I expect every Hour to hear of their Arrival; after which the Attack upon _Canada_ will be made on all Sides, both by Sea and Land.

"You may perceive the King has ordered a Strength sufficient to subdue _Canada_; but at the same Time, the King your Father expects and orders you his Children, to join with your whole Force in this Enterprize; and thereby gives the _Six Nations_ a glorious Opportunity of establishing their Fame and Renown over all the _Indian_ Nations in _America_, in the Conquest of your inveterate Enemies the _French_; who, however they may dissemble and profess Friendship, can never forget the Slaughter which your Fathers made of them; and for that purpose, caress those Nations who have always been your inveterate Enemies, and who desire nothing so much as to see the Name of the _Six Nations_ become obliterate, and forgot for ever. [_Gave a Belt_.]

"_Brethren_, The _French_, on all Occasions, shew, that they act against your Brethren the _English_, like Men that know they dare not look them in the Face in Day-Light; and therefore, like Thieves, steal upon poor People, who do not expect them in the Night, and consequently are not prepared for them: Your Brethren in their Revenge have acted like Men of Courage; they do not attack poor Farmers at their Labour, but boldly attempted the Reduction of _Louisburg_, the strongest Town the _French_ had in _America_, in the fortifying of which they had spent above twenty Years: It was surrounded with strong Walls and Forts, in which they had planted their largest Cannon in every Place, where they thought the _English_ could come near them; notwithstanding of all these Precautions and Advantages, they were forced to submit to the _English_ Valour.

"You must have heard from your Fathers, and I doubt not several of your old Men still remember what the _French_ did at _Onondaga_; how they surprised your Countrymen at _Cadarackui_; how they invaded the _Senekas_, and what Mischiefs they did to the _Mohawks_; how many of your Countrymen suffered by the Fire at _Montreal_. Before they entered upon these cruel and mischievous Designs, they sent Priests among you to delude you, and lull you asleep, while they were preparing to knock you on the Head; and I hear they are attempting to do the same now. [_Gave a Belt_.]

"I need not put you in mind what Revenge your Fathers took for these Injuries, when they put all the Island of _Montreal_, and a great Part of _Canada_, to Fire and Sword; can you think that the _French_ forget this? No, they have the Ax privately in their Hands against you, and use these deceitful Arts, by which only they have been able to gain Advantage over you, that by your trusting to them, they may at some time or other, at one Blow, remove from the Face of the Earth, the Remembrance of a People that have so often put them to Shame and Flight.

"If your Fathers could now rise out of their Graves, how would their Hearts leap with Joy to see this Day; when so glorious an Opportunity is put into their Hands to revenge all the Injuries their Country has received from the _French_, and be never more exposed to their Treachery and Deceit. I make no doubt you are the true Sons of such renowned and brave Ancestors, animated with the same Spirit for your Country's Glory, and in Revenge of the Injuries your Fathers received, uncapable of being deluded by the flattering Speeches of them, who always have been, and always must be, in their Hearts, your Enemies, and who desire nothing more, than the Destruction of your Nations.

"I therefore invite you, _Brethren_, by this Belt, to join with us, and to share with us, in the Honour of the Conquest of our, and your deceitful Enemies; and that you not only join all the Force of the _Six Nations_ with us, but likewise invite all the Nations depending on you, to take a Share in this glorious Enterprize: And I will furnish your fighting Men with Arms, Ammunition, Cloathing, Provisions, and every Thing necessary for the War; and in their Absence, take Care of their Wives and Children. [_Gave the War-Belt_.]

"_Brethren_, You have seen how daring and insulting on you, as well as us, the _French Indians_ have been, in cruelly murdering several of our People, since you have come to this Place; and therefore, for the many Reasons now laid before you, I make no doubt but your Answer will clearly manifest your Duty to the King your Father, and your Love to your Brethren; and by this Belt I do assure you, that our Intent is, to live and die together." [_Gave a Belt of Friendship_.]

At every Stop where a Belt was given, one of the Sachems call'd out _Yo-hay_, to which all the rest answered in a Sound which cannot be expressed in our Letters, but seem'd to consist of two Words remarkably distinguished in the Cadence; it seem'd to this purpose; the Sachem calls, _Do your hear?_ The Answer is, We attend and remember, or understand; or else it is a Kind of Plaudit our Interpreters could not explain. At the Close of the Speech, one Sachem of each Nation call'd out severally the _Yo-hay_, to which the others of the same Nation answer'd severally: But when the War-Belt was thrown down, they gave the War-Shout. We expected but six of these Plaudits, according to the Number of the _Six Nations_, but eight were distinctly delivered; by which we understood some other Nations were united with them on this Occasion.

After the Speech was delivered, the Sachems of the several Nations had Conferences together; and some time being spent in deliberating, they acquainted his Excellency, 'That they had agreed upon their Answer, which they were ready to give whenever he would appoint a Time to receive it;' and he named the next Day.

Accordingly on the 23d of _August_, His Excellency being
present; the Gentlemen of the Council; the Commissioners from
_Boston_; the Commissioners for _Indian_ Affairs; the
Corporation of _Albany_; and many Gentlemen, as at the Time when
his Excellency's Speech was delivered,

An _Onondaga_ Sachem, who had formerly been Speaker for the _Six Nations_ on several publick Occasions, rose up and spoke: What he said was publickly interpreted, in the Hearing of several who understood the _Indian_ Language well, as follows:

Brethren of _New-York_, and of the _Massachusets-Bay_,

_We the_ Six Nations _are now assembled together as one Man, and
we take in the_ Messesagues _for the seventh Nation; and what is
now to be spoken by one Mouth, are the joint and sincere
Thoughts of every Heart._

_We are pleas'd that you follow the Steps of our Fore-fathers,
in wiping off the sorrowful Tears from our Eyes, by which the
Stoppage of our Throats are opened, and the bloody Bed wash'd
clean._ [Gave three Strings of Wampum.]

Brethren, _The first Time we met together, we only saluted each
other by shaking of Hands; we afterwards made a Covenant Chain
of Silver, which we mutually have held fast to this Day; should
it now slip from either of our Hands, it would prove Destruction
to both Sides, since our Enemies have drawn the Sword._ [Gave a
Belt.]

Brother of _New-York_; _Last Year you gave us the Hatchet to be
made Use of against your Enemies, the_ French, _which we
accepted and promised to make use of it if they should commit
any farther Hostilities upon the_ English, _which they have now
done by destroying_ Saraghtoga, _and shedding a great deal of
Blood: Hitherto we have made no use of the Hatchet; but as you
now call upon us, we are ready, and do declare from the Bottom
of our Hearts, that we will from this Day, make use of it
against the_ French, _and their Children_, (meaning their
_Indians_.)

[N. B. The Question was asked them by his Excellency, Whether by
the Words _their Children_, they meant all the _Indians_ in
Alliance with the _French_? to which they answered, _Yes_.]

[At the End of the foregoing Paragraph, the Speaker threw down a
War-Belt of Wampum on the Ground, it being the _Indian_ Custom
to deliver War-Belts, or make Declaration of War in this Manner:
This he did with a remarkable Shew of Indignation, intending
thereby to express their Resentment against the _French_ and
their Allies, and their Zeal for the _English_.] [_Gave a
Belt_.]

Brother of _New-York; According to your Exhortation in your
Speech to us, we are firmly united together from this Time, to
act as having one Heart; the_ Messesagues _are in the same Manner
joined and united with us, likewise the Southern Nations
bordering upon us; and we hope that you, and the other Governors
on the Continent, will be in the same Manner joined and united
together._ [Gave a Belt.]

[They repeated over his Excellency's Speech in Relation to the
Conquest of _Cape-Breton_; and added, _We hope that our Fleet
and Army will be also victorious in the present Expedition
against_ Canada; _for the_ French _are a mischievous People_.]
[Gave a Belt.]

_As to your Suspicions of our admitting_ French _Priests among
us, they are become groundless, since we have now declared War
against them: The admitting of Priests, would only tend to lull
us asleep to our Destruction; should any now dare to come, we
know no Use for them but to roast them. The Thoughts of the
Treatment we formerly received from the_ French, _thro' the Means
of their Priests, and which you now seasonably have brought to
our Remembrance, makes our Blood to boil._

Brother of _New-York; This is the second Time you have put the
Hatchet into our Hands, which we accept, and are ready to go upon
Service. You may see that we have but a Handful of fighting Men
here at present; however, some of them from each Nation shall be
left behind us to follow your Orders._

_When we return to our respective Castles, we shall send down a
great Number of our Warriors, and of those of the Nations in
Alliance with us, as soon as possible._

_This we assure you of from the Truth and Sincerity of our
Hearts; and we receive, and shall preserve this large Belt_,
[holding it up at the same Time] _which you have now given us, as
a War-Hatchet_.

Brethren, _This is the Belt of Union with which we are to go Hand
in Hand to the Gate of our Enemies, and by it we declare our
Intention to conquer or die in the common Cause_.

_There is a Nation call'd the_ Messesagues, _whose Delegates are
here present: They consist of five Castles, containing eight
hundred Men, who are all determined, and do agree to join us, in
this common Cause, against our Enemies the_ French, _and their_
Indians; _and we hope you, and the Commissioners from_ Boston,
_will use them in such a Manner that they will go home content
and satisfied._

[Gave a Belt of Union, in which the Figures of several Persons
join'd Hand in Hand, was wrought.]

The Person who interpreted, returned the _Yo-hah_ at the End of every Paragraph, and having done the same at the Time they declared War, it occasioned Laughter among them; upon which, observing his Mistake, he began the War-Shout, in which all the _Indians_ joined.

The _Messesagues_ are a Nation of _Indians_, living near the Place called _De Troit_ by the _French_, and situate between Lake _Erie_ and the _Huron_ Lake.

After the Speaker had finished, his Excellency told them by the Interpreter, that the King their Father had ordered him to make them a Present on this Occasion; and that the Government of _Virginia_ had on the same Occasion, sent them a Present. The Commissioners from _Boston_ at the same Time told them, that they had a Present from their Government; and as they were soon to return Home, desired the _Six Nations_ to come to their Lodgings to receive it; on which the _Indians_ desired his Excellency to delay his Present to next Day, and they immediately went to receive their Presents from the Commissioners of the _Massachusets-Bay_.

The next Day, the Presents from the King being exposed on one Part, and those from _Virginia_ separately near them, it was agreed by the People of _Albany_, who had seen many publick Presents given to the _Six Nations_ on Treaties with them, that this was the most valuable ever given. His Excellency on giving the Presents, said;

"_Brethren_,

"You here see a Token of the Regard the King your Father has for
you; and there is a Token of the Friendship of the Government of
_Virginia_: But on this Occasion I cannot forbear taking Notice
to you, that some of your People being at _Canada_, when the
News of the Reduction of _Cape-Breton_ came there, and when the
_French_ expected that _Quebec_ would be immediately attacked in
Consequence of it, several of them joined with the _French_, and
promised them Assistance. This occasioned some Uneasiness to
your Brethren, being contrary to the Faith of your Nations, as
well as to your Brethren's Expectations; however, you may now,
by performing the Promises you Yesterday made in the most solemn
Manner, remove all Suspicions; and for ever secure the
Friendship of your Brethren, which hitherto has from the
Beginning, remained unviolated on their Parts. The Goods now
before you, are Presents to the _Six Nations_; and, as we have
received the _Messesagues_ into the Covenant between you and
us, I expect that they shall share with you. Besides these
general Presents now made to your Nations, I have prepared
proper Cloathing for your War-Captains, and the Warriors who
shall go under their Command; together with Arms, Ammunition and
Provisions, which shall be delivered to the several Parties at
the Time they shall go out on Service."

What his Excellency said having been interpreted by a _Mohawk_ Sachem, the Sachem added of his own Head, _You now see how you are here treated, really like Brethren; the Governor of_ Canada _does not treat his_ Indians _so; they are set on like his Dogs, and they run on without Thought or Consideration: You see what a noble Present is made to you; if the Governor of_ Canada _should seize all the Goods in that Country, it would not be in his Power to make such a Present._

The _Onondaga_ Sachem, Speaker of the _Six Nations_, immediately replied,

Brethren of _New-York, New-England_, and _Virginia_;

_We heard, and observe well, what you now and formerly spoke to
us; and we beg no mention may hereafter be made of what passed
last Fall, since we are now heartily enter'd into the War with
you, and have promised as many fighting Men from each Castle as
can be spared; and likewise to engage as great Numbers of every
Nation in Alliance with us, as we can, to join immediately with
us in the War against the_ French, _and the Nations who adhere
to them._

Brethren of _New-York, New-England_, and _Virginia_,

_You must not suspect that it proceeds from any Backwardness in
us, that a greater Number of our People do not at this Instant
join with you; the Reason is, our Castles have but few fighting
Men in them, many are now Abroad, some hunting and trading with
far distant Nations, and others out fighting against our
Enemies; all these we shall recall Home as soon as possible, in
order to enter with all our Force, into the War against your and
our common Enemy._

Brother, _We have no more to say at this Time, but only to tell
you, we are sorry that we can so little shew our Hearts by the
Presents we now offer; our hunting has been so very poor, that
we cannot make you Presents suitable to our Inclinations._

The _Mohawks_ added separately: _We have been employed all
Summer in your Service as Out-scouts, to gain Intelligence, or
in some Manner or other, and thereby kept from hunting: We have
no Furrs to offer you, but we here present our Persons, to serve
you wherever you shall command._

That Day was spent in dividing the Presents among themselves. We were told, that these Presents were divided into eight equal Parts, of which they gave two to the _Messesague_ Deputies.

The next Day the War-Kettle was set over the Fire, and towards Evening the _Indians_ in his Excellency's Presence, where many Gentlemen attended him, began the War-Dance, and continued it till late in the Night: They were painted as when they go to War. The Dance is a slow and solemn Motion, accompanied with a pathetick Song. The _Indians_ in their Turns perform this singly, but it is not easy to describe the Particularities of it.

His Excellency call'd several of the chief Sachems who had been useful in the Treaty, to him in private, and gave them Presents severally; neither did he forget the _Messesague_ Deputies: He had a particular Conference with one of them in private, the other was sick of the Small-Pox. At this Conference, this Deputy assured his Excellency of the good Inclinations of his Nation to the _English_, and their Aversion to the _French_; he said, 'That many of the Nations to the Westward of them, disliked the _French_;' and as an Instance of it, he told, 'That the _French_ lately having pressed a neighbouring Nation to take up the Hatchet against the _English_, they received it; but made Use of it against the _French_ themselves, and kill'd all the _French_ then with them, being sixty in Number, with the Loss of only one Man of their own Nation.' His Excellency made him handsome Presents, and gave him a Belt to carry to his Nation, with an Invitation to join in the War against the _French_; the _Messesague_ received them with a Profession of the most sincere and hearty Friendship; and that he made no doubt of bringing two, three, or four hundred Men of his Nation, to serve this Fall against the _French_. He added, 'That he and several of his Relations would immediately use their best Endeavours, with several other Nations to the Westward of them, who were numerous, to join against the _French_; in which, _he said_, he had great Hopes of Success, because they were dissatisfied with the _French_.'

His Excellency took all possible Care of the sick _Messesague_, had him brought into a House, and ordered him, to be attended by two Physicians; but the poor Man had the Misfortune to die, after he had been above a Fortnight ill. When he found himself near his End, he sent to the Governor, to desire him as his last Request, that his Excellency would send the first _French_ Scalp that should be taken, to his Mother; and when he was told that his Excellency had promised it, he shewed a Contentedness and Resignation to Death. This Misfortune was increased by the Death of the other _Messesague_ Deputy likewise, who was taken ill in his Way Home, and died. The _Six Nations_ took Care of their Wives and Children, who had come with them; and it was not doubted but that they, and all the Presents given them, would be safely conveyed to their own Homes.

Having so far given an Account of what passed with the _Six Nations_, it may be proper next to relate the Treaty with the _Mehikanders_, or _River Indians_, _viz._ The several Tribes of _Indians_ living at several Places on each Side of _Hudson_'s River.

On his Excellency's Arrival at _Albany_, having found that there had been a Neglect in sending for the _Esopus_ and _Minissink Indians_, he sent Orders for them to be invited. The _Mehikanders_ being conveened the 21st, his Excellency directed Mr. _Colden_ to speak to them in his Name and Words; which Mr. _Colden_ did; the other Gentlemen of the Council, the Commissioners from _Boston_, the Commissioners for _Indian_ Affairs, and several other Gentlemen being present, in the Words following:

"_Children_,

"I am glad to meet you at this Time, as are likewise the
Commissioners from the _Massachusets-Bay_, who are now come
hither to concur with me upon the present Occasion; and I take
this Opportunity to renew the ancient Covenant Chain with you,
in Behalf of this and all his Majesty's Governments in
_America_, which you know has always been kept bright and clean,
without any of the least Stain or Rust, and which by this Belt I
strengthen. [_Gave a Belt_.]

"_Children_, My meeting you here, besides renewing the Covenant
Chain, is with Intention that you should join your Force with
ours, by taking up the Hatchet against our and your common
Enemies the _French_, and their _Indians_; who have in a very
unmanly Manner, by sculking Parties, murdered in cold Blood,
many of your Brethren in this and the Province of the
_Massachusets-Bay_.

"This Behaviour lays us under a Necessity of making Reprisals
on them in like Manner, in which I make no doubt of your
Assistance; and we are resolved to take a thorough Revenge of
our and your perpetual Enemies, by reducing the Country of
_Canada_, that it may not be in the Power of these perfidious,
deceitful, and cruel People, to do you or us any Injury for the
future: For which Purpose all the neighbouring Colonies,
together with many Ships of War and Soldiers from
_Great-Britain_, are resolved to unite their Force, and to
attack _Canada_ in all Parts, both by Sea and Land; and I make
no doubt, you will on this Occasion shew yourselves dutiful
Children, in joining heartily with us and the _Six Nations_, in
this glorious Enterprize; by which you will not only gain Honour
and Renown, but also Safety and Prosperity to yourselves, your
Wives, and Children for ever afterwards: And for which End I
will furnish your fighting Men with Arms, Ammunition, Cloathing,
Provisions, and every Thing necessary for the War." [_Gave a
War-Belt_.]

On the 26th they gave their Answer, which was interpreted in the following Words; (the same Persons being present, that were when the Governor's Speech was delivered to them.)

Father,

_We are glad to see you; and we are come to renew the Covenant
Chain, and make it fast and bright as ever, and free from Rust,
and as a Token thereof we give you this Belt._ [Gave a Belt.]

Father, _You have told us what Mischief the_ French _have done,
and what Murders upon the Christians they have committed;
therefore we declare from our Hearts, and not from our Lips
only, that as you have ordered us to shed the Enemies' Blood in
Return for what they have done, we are resolved to live and die
with you in the common Cause._

_When you Christians are at War, you make Peace with one
another, but it is not so with us, therefore we depend upon you
to take Care of us; in Confidence of which, we now take up the
Hatchet, and will make Use of it against the_ French, _and
their_ Indians. [Gave a Belt with a Hatchet.]

After their Answer they began the War-Dance, and his Excellency ordered a considerable Present in Goods to be publickly given them. None of these are suspected to be under _French_ Influence.

As there was no Advice of the Arrival of the Fleet, and no Plan of Operations agreed on in Case the Fleet did not arrive, the supporting of about seven hundred _Indians_ was a great Expence to his Excellency, for which he had no Allowance from the Province of _New-York_, or for any other Charge attending this Treaty: And as many of the _Indians_, (above twenty) had got the Small-pox, it being impracticable to prevent their going into Town, or conversing with the Town's People, and the _Indians_ becoming uneasy by Reason of the Sickness of many, and Death of some; his Excellency thought it most prudent to dismiss them as soon as possible from this Place, and to give Orders to Mr. _Johnson_, to send out several Parties from _Schenectade_, or his own Settlement near the lower _Mohawk_ Castle, to harrass the _French_ Settlements in _Canada_; and for that Purpose delivered to him Cloathing, Arms and Ammunition, to be given to the fighting Men, as his Excellency had promised them whenever they entered on Service, and impowered him to furnish them with Provisions, and whatever Necessaries they should want.

Before they went, his Excellency sent to them, to desire them to leave their Sick, with a Promise to take all Care possible of them, and that he would order Physicians to attend them. They were very sensible of this Kindness, and acknowledged it; but not above two or three could be prevailed to stay, who were so ill that they could not be removed: All possible Care was taken of the other Sick, in the Waggons which carried them to _Schenectade_.

On the 26th of _September_, the Captains _Staats_ and _Vromen_, brought the _Indians_ living on the Branches of the _Susquehannah_ River; they came in the _Indian_ Order, marching in a single Line one after the other, and as they passed the Fort, saluted by a running Fire along the Line; which Salute the Governor ordered to be returned, by a Discharge of some Cannon from the Fort.