Chapter IX: Part II (3)

He called out to know who were willing to go with him to the Frontiers, they all immediately threw up their Hats, and answered one and all. Indeed the People of this Province have, upon all Occasions, shewn their Courage and Resolution in Defence of their Country; but the Misfortune is, they are under no Discipline, and have been seldom led by Men that knew their Duty. The Governor ordered an hundred and fifty Voluntiers for this Service, and as many more from _Long-Island_. The River then happened to be open by a sudden Thaw, which does not, at that Time of the Year, happen once in twenty Years. He embarked three hundred Men in five Sloops, by four in the Afternoon of the 14th, and arrived at _Albany_ the 17th at nine in the Morning. The same Day the Governor went to _Schenectady_, and ordered the Men to follow, but before they could get every Thing ready for their March into the Woods, they had an Account, that Major _Schuyler_ was upon his Return. Several Gentlemen of _Albany_, particularly Mr. _Lanslear_, a Gentleman of the best Estate there, went out Voluntiers under Major _Schuyler_, which I ought not to have forgot.

Coll. _Fletcher_ made a Speech to the _Mohawks_ at _Albany_, he blamed their supine Negligence, in suffering themselves to be surprised in the Manner they were in Time of War. He told them that they had Reason to be convinced, that the _English_ were their Friends heartily, by the Number of Men he had marched to their Assistance in a very little Time, upon the first Notice. He promised to wipe away their Tears in the Spring, by considerable Presents; and that he would, in the mean while, take Care of their Subsistence, by providing Houses and Victuals for them. He told them, he doubted they had some false Brethren among them, that gave the _French_ Information, and favoured their Designs; and in the last Place, advised them to convince the _French_, that they had not lost their Courage with this Misfortune.

The _Mohawks_, in their Answer, called Coll. _Fletcher_ by the Name of _Cayenguirago_; and he was called so by the _Indians_ always after this. It signifies _a great swift Arrow_, as an Acknowledgement of the Speed he made to their Assistance. But they appeared, in their Answer, to be quite disheartned; they had not, in the Memory of any Man, received such a Blow. They said their Strength was quite broke, by the Continuance of the War; but they added, if all the _English_ Colonies would join, they could still easily take _Canada_: Their being so ill armed, was the Reason (they said) that the _French_ had now escaped.

The _French_, continued they, arm their _Indians_ compleatly, and furnish them with every Thing necessary for War, as we find every Time we meet with them.

The _French_ had got a great Quantity of Furs, and other Peltry, at _Missilimakinak_, by their Trade with the _Indians_; but the _Five Nations_ had so effectually blocked up the Passage between that and _Canada_, that they had remained there useless to the _French_ for several Years. The Count _de Frontenac_, after his Success against the _Mohawks_, was in Hopes the _Five Nations_ would keep more at home in Defence of their own Castles, and with these Hopes sent a Lieutenant, with eighteen _Canadians_, and twenty _praying Indians_, to open the Passage to _Missilimakinak_; but this Party fell in with another of the _Five Nations_, who entirely routed them, so that a few escaped only, to give an Account of their Misfortune; at last 200 Canoes, loaded with Furs from _Missilimakinak_, arrived at _Montreal_, which gave as universal a Joy to _Canada_, as the Arrival of the _Galleons_ give in _Spain_.

CHAP. X.

_The Treaties and Negotiations the_ Five Nations _had with the_ English _and_ French, _in the Years_ 1693 _and_ 1694.

As by this Time the Reader may be tired with the horrid Scenes of a barbarous War, it may be some Relief to observe the _Indian_ Genius in the Arts of negotiating; and see how a barbarous People, without any of the Arts and Sciences in which we value our selves, manage their Interest with the most learned, most polite, and artificial Nation in _Europe_. The _Five Nations_ were informed, that the Governor of _Canada_ had received from _Europe_ a very considerable Recruit of Soldiers, and of all Sorts of Ammunition. This, with the great Loss the _Mohawks_ had lately suffered, while they had been amused by the _English_ with great Hopes, and very little real Assistance, made the _Oneydoes_, at last yield to the Solicitations of the Jesuit _Milet_, to send a Message to the _French_ for Peace. It is probable he had the Art to influence the People at _Albany_ to favour his Designs, by giving them Hopes of being included in the Peace, as may be conjectured, from what will appear in the Sequel.

Coll. _Fletcher_ being informed, that the _Oneydoes_ had sent a Messenger to _Canada_, sent for the _Five Nations_ to _Albany_. He spoke to them the third of _July_ 1693.

He first excused his not meeting them as he had promised, at the Time the Sap begins to run in the Trees, by Reason of his having received a Commission to be Governor of _Pensilvania_, to which Place he was obliged at that Time to go. He put them in Mind with what Speed he came to their Assistance last Winter, and how effectual, in all Probability, it would have been, had they only retarded the Enemy's March till he could have reached them: He advised them to guard against being drunk, and shewed them the ill Consequences of it in Time of War.

Then he said, "I have received Information, that some of the Brethren are wavering, and inclined to Peace with the Enemy; and am assured, that such Thoughts must arise from the Instigation of the Jesuit _Milet_, whom some of the Brethren have suffered to live so long among them, and whose only Practice is to delude and betray them. Let me therefore advise you to remove that ill Person from among you."

In the End he condoled their Dead, and made them a very considerable Present of ninety Guns, eight hundred and ten Pound of Powder, eight hundred Bars of Lead, a Thousand Flints, eighty seven Hatchets, four Gross of Knives, besides a considerable Quantity of Cloathing and Provisions. This Present, he told them, their King and Queen had sent them, and renewed the Covenant for all the _English_ Colonies.

The King usually sends them a considerable Present with every new Governor sent to _New-York_, which is not always applied as it is designed. If this Present had been made sooner, it had been of much more Use to the _English_, as well as to the _Five Nations_.

The _Five Nations_ the next Day spoke as follows.

Brother _Cayenguirago_,

"We are involved in a bloody War, which makes us sit in Sorrow
and Grief; and being about to speak of Matters of Importance,
we, in the first Place, clear the Mouth and Throat of our
Interpretess, by =giving her these three Bever Skins=."

Then they repeated his Excellency's Speech, in Answer to which they said,

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, we rejoice, that the great King and
Queen of _England_ take such Notice of us, as we find, by the
large Present sent us; we return hearty Thanks for the
Ammunition especially.

"We are glad that our Brother _Cayenguirago_ renews the Chain,
not only between us and this Government, but likewise with
_New-England_, _Virginia_, _Maryland_ and _Pensilvania_; it
shall be kept inviolable by us the _Five Nations_, as long as
the Sun shines. We pray our Brother _Cayenguirago_ to have a
watchful Eye, that none of the other Colonies keep any
Correspondence with the Enemy, but use their Endeavours to
destroy them. We heard nothing of what you told us of the Priest
_Milet_, who lives at _Oneydo_, till we came to this Town. We
have enquired the Truth of our Brethren the _Oneydoes_, who
confess, that the Priest sent an _Indian_ to _Canada_ with
Letters, which has surprised us very much.

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, you are our great Tree, whose Roots
extend to the utmost Bounds of this Government; we desire you
may not be disturbed when any of our Prisoners misbehave, for
they are not countenanced by us; and all proper Methods shall be
taken, to prevent the like for the future. In like Manner we beg
you to take Care, that none of the Prisoners you have correspond
with the Enemy, as we suspect the Chevalier _D'O_. did; and that
he was sent with Letters to _Canada_ by some of our Brethren.
(He made his Escape from _Boston_.)

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, In former Times our Propositions to one
another were only Discourses of Peace and Friendship, and in
giving Presents; but how much is the Case altered of late? Now
we talk of nothing but War, and are continually prompting one
another to it. As to our Parts, we will keep close to the War to
the last Drop of our Blood; and tho' we be tossed to and fro
with Storms, we will remain stedfast to the last Man, as it was
resolved by both in the Beginning of the War.

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, we were told in our own Country, not
only that the King had made you Governor of _Pensilvania_, but
likewise that you were preparing a Fleet to take _Canada_. O!
what joyful News this was to our young Men. _Sadagarus_, the
great _Seneka_ Captain, was to command them. Now they said, we
need only make one hearty Push, while the Fleet is before
_Quebeck_. Now there will be an End to this bloody War, and all
our Troubles; But alas, now we are come here, we hear not one
Word of this Design.

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, you are that flourishing Tree that
covers us; you keep the Chain bright; we have one Request to
make to you, that you may stay with us, and not return to
_England_; for you know our Ways and Manners. If you have any
Thing to tell the King and Queen, write it to them, for the King
knows you to be a wise Man, and will therefore believe you.

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, we are very glad to hear that
_Pensilvania_ is come under your Government, bring their young
Men here, with their Bows and Arrows and Hatchets in their
Hands, for this is the Place of Action. We are pleased that the
_Showonons_ or _Satanas_, who are our Enemies, have applied to
you for Protection; and that you sent them to us to endeavour a
Peace, and that you sent Christians with them, to conduct them
back again. We wish they were come to assist us against the
common Enemy.

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, now we have done, but must tell you
again, that we roll and wallow in Joy, by Reason of the great
Favour the great King and Queen has done us, in sending us Arms
and Ammunition, at a Time when we are in the greatest Need of
them; and because there is such Unity among the Brethren."

They made the Governor a considerable Present of Furs, to shew their Respect to his Person; but they did not give one Belt to confirm any one Article; so that the whole of it is, according to their Stile, only argumentative.

Coll. _Fletcher_ not being satisfied with their Answer, concerning the Jesuit _Milet_, made this further Proposal to them. "As to _Milet_ the Priest, whom the Brethren of _Oneydo_ still harbour among them, I must tell you again, that he betrays you, and all your Councils; and that you may see I desire not to diminish your Number, I am willing to give you a pretty _Indian_ Boy, in Lieu of the old Priest; and accordingly the Boy was brought and delivered to them."

In answer to this the _Oneydo Sachem_ said, "As soon as the _Indian_ Messenger returns all his Papers shall be taken from him, and be forthwith brought to our Brother _Cayenguirago_, before the Priest shall see any of them: we are willing to take the Boy in Exchange for the Priest, but it is not safe to do it, while our Messenger is in the Power of the Enemy; let the Boy stay here till we bring the Priest, which shall be as soon as the Messenger shall return". But he gave no Belt, or other Present, to confirm this Promise. He added,

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, we now acquaint you that it is proposed by all the _Five Nations_, to make Peace with the _Dionondadies_, a Nation of _Indians_ near in Alliance with the _French_ of _Canada_. This will both strengthen us and weaken the Enemy. The _Senekas_, who live nearest them, have undertaken this Treaty, and take Belts of Wampum from the other Nations, to confirm the Peace. We desire your Approbation, that you would send your Belt in Concurrence, as our eldest Brother in our Chain."

The Governor approved of this, and =gave them a Belt= to carry in his Name.

Notwithstanding what the Speaker of the _Five Nations_ had promised to the Governor, to bring all the Papers the _Oneydo_ Messenger should bring from _Canada_, before the Jesuit _Milet_ should have Liberty to see them, it could not be difficult for the Jesuit, to persuade them to keep the Power of making Peace in their own Hands, and for that Purpose, to call a Meeting of the _Sachems_ of _Onondago_, where all such Matters had been formerly transacted among themselves, and there to determine independently, rather than to submit themselves to another Nation at _Albany_. They only invited the _English_ to assist at the general Council. The _English_ used what Arguments they could to dissuade this Meeting, but rather to observe the Promise made to the Governor; and it seems used some Threatning. The _Mohawks_ had so much Regard to the _English_, that they refused to assist at the Council. The other four, notwithstanding this, met, and resolved on an Answer to be sent to the Governor of _Canada_; but at the same Time, to shew their Regard to the _Mohawks_ and _English_, these Resolutions were not to be final, till they should first be communicated to the _English_ and _Mohawks_, and their Advice received thereon; for which Purpose several _Sachems_ were sent to _Albany_, of whom _Decanesora_ was the Principal and the Speaker.

_Decanesora_ had for many Years the greatest Reputation among the _Five Nations_ for speaking, and was generally employed as their Speaker, in their Negotiations with both _French_ and _English_: He was grown old when I saw him, and heard him speak; he had a great Fluency in speaking, and a graceful Elocution, that would have pleased in any Part of the World. His Person was tall and well made, and his Features, to my thinking, resembled much the Bustos of _Cicero_. I shall give an Account of these Negotiations from _Decanesora_'s Mouth, because his Narration agrees in the main with the Account the _French_ give of them, and carries along with it as strong Evidences of Truth, as that of the _French_ do: but the chief Reason is, that I intend to give the Reader as perfect a Notion as I can of the _Indian_ Genius; and here it will appear, what Art _Decanesora_ had, to make an Account of an Affair less disagreeable to _English_ Ears, which had been undertaken against their Advice, and contrary to their Interest.

_Decanesora_ spoke to Major _Schuyler_ (_Quider_) and the Magistrates of _Albany_, the second of _February_ 1693-4 as follows.

"Brother _Cayenguirago_[38], we are come to acquaint you, that
our Children the _Oneydoes_ having of themselves sent a
Messenger to _Canada_, he has brought back with him a Belt of
Peace from the Governor of _Canada_.

"As soon as _Tariha_ (the Messenger) arrived at _Canada_, he was
asked, where the six hundred Men were that were to attack
_Canada_, as they had been informed by _Cariokese_ a _Mohawk_
Deserter? He assured them there was no such Design.

"He was carried to _Quebeck_, where he delivered his Belt, with
the following Propositions. _Onondio_, if you would have Peace
go to _Albany_, and ask it there, for the _Five Nations_ will do
nothing without _Cayenguirago_. The Governor of _Canada_ was
angry at this, and said, he had nothing to do with the Governor
of _New-York_, he would treat only with the _Five Nations_; the
Peace between the Christians must be made on the other Side the
great Lake. He added, he was sorry to see the _Five Nations_ so
far degenerated, as to take a sixth Nation into their Chain, to
rule over them. If you had desired me to come and treat in any
of your Castles, I would have done it; but to tell me I must go
to _Albany_, is to desire of me what I can by no Means do. You
have done very ill, to suffer the People of _New-York_ to
govern you so far, that you dare do nothing without their
Consent. I advise you to send two of each Nation to me, and let
_Decanesora_ be one of them. I have Orders from the King my
Master to grant you Peace, if you come in your proper Persons to
ask it. The Governor of _Canada_ afterwards said,

"Children of the _Five Nations_, I have Compassion for your
little Children, therefore come speedily, and speak of Peace to
me, otherwise I'll stop my Ears for the future: By all Means let
_Decanesora_ come; for if the _Mohawks_ come alone, I will not
hear them, some of all the _Five Nations_ must come. Now
_Tariha_ return home, and tell the _Five Nations_, that I will
wait for their coming till the Trees bud, and the Bark can be
parted from the Trees. I design for _France_ in the Spring, and
I leave a Gentleman to command here, to whom I have given Orders
to raise Soldiers, if you do not come in that Time, and then
what will become of you? I am truly grieved to see the _Five
Nations_ so debauched and deceived by _Cayenguirago_, who is
lately come to _New-York_, and by _Quider_. Formerly the chief
Men of the _Five Nations_ used to converse with me; but this
Governor of _New-York_ has so deluded you, that you hearken to
none but him; but take Care of what will follow, if you hearken
to none but him."

Then _Decanesora_ excused the not sending the Letters to _Albany_, which came by _Tariha_, as they had promised, saying, the other Nations trusted this to the _Oneydoes_, because the Messenger was to return to them, and the _Oneydoes_ deceived the others. He likewise excused their not coming to _Albany_ as soon as _Tariha_ returned, which was in _November_. He said the chief _Sachem_ of the _Onondagas_, who was entrusted (as their Speaker) by the _Five Nations_ with their general Affairs, by the general Council of _Onondaga_, had a sore Leg, and could not travel[39].

That in such Case he (_Decanesora_) did all that was in his Power, that is, he called a Council at _Onondaga_, to give Directions in this Affair; and that he invited _Quider_ to this Council. He continued,

"The four Nations that met there resolved to send Deputies to
_Canada_, and that I _Decanesora_ was to be one of them; but at
the same Time ordered me, with some others, to communicate the
Resolutions of the General Council to our Brethren at _Albany_,
and to the _Mohawks_, to be farther advised by them.

"The Resolutions are, to =send three Belts= to the Governor of
_Canada_, with the following Propositions.

* * * * *

"I. _Onondio_, you have sent for me often, and as often asked,
why I am afraid to come? The great Kettle of War that you have
hung over the Fire is the Reason of it. Then laying down the
first Belt, I am to ask his Consent to the other two Belts which
I still keep in my Hand.

"II. We now not only throw down the Kettle, and thereby throw
the boiling Water out of it, but likewise break it to Pieces,
that it may never be hanged up again by this second Belt.

"III. Hearken, _Onondio_, you are sent from the _French_ King,
your Master, as _Cayenguirago_ is from the great King and Queen
of _England_. What I am now about to speak to you, is by
Inspiration from the great God of Heaven. You say that you will
have nothing to do with our Brethren of _Cayenguirago_, but I
must tell you, that we are inseparable, we can have no Peace
with you so long as you are at War with them; we must stand and
fall with them; which I am to confirm, by laying down the third
Belt.

* * * * *

"When this was concluded the Jesuit _Milet_, and another
_French_ Gentleman (who had been taken Prisoner, and was taken
into the Place of the chief _Sachem of Onondaga_, formerly lost
in the War, and thereby became a _Sachem_) desired Leave to add
two Belts to the other three. By their being _Sachems_ they had
a Vote in the General Council, and a Right to propose any Thing.
They wrote and read to us the Purports of their Belts, and we
have brought their Papers with us, to shew to our Brethren."

To shew the Necessity they were under of making Peace, speedily he added:

"That two Women, who were Prisoners at _Canada_, had made their Escape, on Purpose to inform them that the _French_ were making great Preparations of Battoes, and other Necessaries for an Expedition; one said, she had informed one of the _Sachems_ of the _Praying Indians_ of her Design, who sent an _Indian_ with her to advise the _Five Nations_, to prevent the great Danger they were threatened with by a speedy Conclusion of the Peace; and added, that they had sent one of their People back with this _Praying Indian_, to assure them that Deputies would certainly go to _Canada_ in the Spring to treat of Peace." I make no Doubt, this was only an Article to hasten the _Five Nations_ to conclude the Peace, lest the _English_, if it were delayed, should find Means to prevent it. Then he shewed the Flag which the Governor of _Canada_ sent them to be carried by their Deputies, that the _French_ might know them. Upon these Resolutions being taken, the _Five Nations_ recalled six hundred Men, that they had placed along _Cadarackui River_, to intercept the _French_, as they passed to and from _Missilimakinak_.

The Jesuit's Papers being read to them, several Things were found in them which he had not read to the General Council. To this _Decanesora_ answered; "We know that the Priest favours his own Nation, and deceives us in many Things; but it is not in his Power to alter our Affection to our Brethren, we wish you would bury all Misunderstandings that you have conceived on his Account; and we likewise wish you gave less Credit to the Rum-Carriers than you do."

Here we see, by this Appellation, what a contemptible Character the Traders have among the _Indians_, and yet the Government of _New-York_ has almost perpetually trusted the Management of the _Indian_ Affairs to these Traders.

_Decanesora_ ended his Conference as follows:

"The Governor of _Canada_'s Words, and the Resolutions of the
four Nations are now before you, consult therefore what is to be
done, and if it be necessary for the Brethren to go to our
Castles to advise us farther, be not unwilling; and then he laid
down a large Belt eleven Rows deep, and seven Fathom of Wampum."

The next Day Major _Schuyler_ told them that he could consent to no Treaty with the _French_; but proposed to them to meet the Governor here in seventy Days, and that _Decanesora_ in particular should return at that Time, and gave a Belt.

They agreed to meet the Governor at that Time;

"But as for myself (says _Decanesora_) I cannot promise; I am
now the Minister of the General Council, and cannot dispose of
myself, but by their Directions; if they order me, I shall
willingly return. We did not expect to hear such positive
Prohibition of keeping any Correspondence with the _French_;
seventy Days must pass before we meet again, if any Mischief be
done by the Enemy in that Time, let us not blame one another.
Consider again what is most for the publick Good, and let it be
spoken before we part, and laid down a large Belt of fourteen
deep."

Major _Schuyler_ then asked them again, whether they promised to stop all Correspondence with the _French_, either by the Jesuit or otherwise, for seventy Days, and till they shall have his Excellency the Governor's Answer.

_Decanesora_ answered to this, "I have no Authority to answer this Question. I shall lay the Belt down in every one of the Castles, and tell, that by it all Correspondence is desired to stop with the _French_; but I cannot promise that this will be complied with."

Major _Schuyler_ on the sixth called the _Indians_ again together: He advised them not to submit to, nor trust such a perfidious Nation as the _French_ are, who have upon all Occasions proved themselves such. Be not discouraged, (says he, =giving a Belt=) Heaven begins again to favour us. This Day the Forerunners of the _Shawonons_ are come to Town, seven Nations are on their March following them, one Thousand in Number, including Men, Women and Children, as you may learn from their own Mouths. Take Courage, and be not afraid, =giving five Fathom of Wampum=. This seemed a lucky Incident, and accordingly it had more Influence than all other Arguments together.

_Decanesora_, the next Day, called the Magistrates together, and told them, you have at last shut up the Way to _Canada_, but we have one Thing to ask, after mature Deliberation, which we expect will not be refused us. Major _Schuyler_ assured them that every Thing should be granted, which was either for their Safety or Honour. We desire then, said he, that you send a Messenger along with ours to the _Praying Indians_ at _Canada_, to tell them that the Priest is false; that we are to meet _Cayenguirago_ in the Spring, and therefore cannot go to _Canada_ at that Time; and that a further Cessation of Arms be agreed to, till such Time as we can go. We desire at least, that if you will not send a Messenger, that you put the Message in Writing, as a Token of your Assent to it. This last was agreed to, and the Message was put in Writing in the following Words, and translated into _French_.

* * * * *

The =Dispatch of three Belts=, which two Messengers of the _Five Nations_ carry to the _Caraguists_ and Catholick _Indians_, according to what was resolved by the _Agayandres_ or _Sachems_ of the _Five Nations_, at _Albany_, _February_ the ninth 1694.

_First Belt_.

The _Agayandres_ of the _Five Nations_ cannot go to _Canada_ in the Spring, as they gave Reason to expect by the last Message from _Onondaga_, because _Cayenguirago_ has called all the _Five Nations_, and other _Indians_, to meet him at _Albany_, in the Month of _April_ next, to which the _Five Nations_ have agreed.

_Second Belt_.

If the _Caraguists_, or _French_, have any Thing to propose to the _Five Nations_, they may safely come into our Country. This Belt opens the Path, and secures it to them both coming and going.

_Third Belt_.

The _Five Nations_, and their Friends, lay down the Hatchet till they shall have an Answer, which they expect in forty Days. Provided nevertheless, that the _Caraguists_ and _French_ tye their Hatchets down at the same Time.

* * * * *

These Belts were accordingly presented to the _Praying Indians_ of _Cahnuaga_, who refused to receive them but in the Presence of Mr. _de Callieres_, Governor of _Montreal_. Mr. _de Callieres_ acquainted the Count _de Frontenac_ with the Contents. After which the _Praying Indians_, in Presence of Mr. _de Callieres_, gave the following Answer.

"We will have no Correspondence with the _Five Nations_, but by
Order of the Governor of _Canada_ our Father, and unless
_Decanesora_, and the other Deputies, come before the Feast of
St. _John_, the Way will be shut up for ever after, and our
Father's Ears will be stopt. We however assure you, that if the
Deputies come in that Time the Path shall be safe both coming
and going."

Whether the Accounts given of the coming of the _Shawonons_ was only an Amusement, or whether they were diverted on their March, I know not, for I find no farther Account of them in the Register of the _Indian_ Affairs: However it was, the Impression made on the _Indians_ by that News, was not sufficient to withstand the Force of the resolute Answer their Messenger received from the _Praying Indians_. _Decanesora_ and the other Deputies went early in the Spring to _Canada_; the other _Sachems_ met Colonel _Fletcher_ at _Albany_, the fourth of _May_ 1694. The _Indians_ spoke first by _Sadakanahtie_, an _Onondaga Sachem_, as follows:

"_Brother_ Cayenguirago,

"Some of our _Sachems_ agreed last Winter that we should keep no
Correspondence with the _French_; we confess that we have broke
that Promise, and that we have received a Messenger from
_Canada_, and have sent our Deputies likewise thither. The Belt
is not yet arrived, by which we are to acknowledge our Fault in
doing this. The Reason of our doing it is truly this, we are
afraid of the Enemy.

"When a Messenger came last Year from _Canada_ to _Onondaga_,
our Brother _Cayenguirago_ discharged our Meeting in General
Council at _Onondaga_, to consult on that Message, and ordered
us to hold our General Council here at _Albany_ on that Affair.
The Privilege of meeting in General Council, when we please, is
a Privilege we always have enjoyed; no former Governor, of the
Name of _Corlear_, ever obstructed this Privilege. We planted a
Tree of Peace in this Place with them, its Roots and Branches
extend as far as _Virginia_ and _New-England_, and we have
reposed with Pleasure under its Shade. Brother, let us keep to
that first Tree, and let us be united and unanimous; such
Prohibition of our Assemblies will be of ill Consequence, and
occasion Differences between us.

"We acknowledge, I say, our sending Agents to _Canada_ for
Peace, we were incouraged in doing this, by the Knowledge we
have of the Governor of _Canada_. He is an old Man, and was
formerly Governor of that Place. He was always esteemed a wise
peaceable Man, and therefore we trust our Message will have a
good Issue. We did not take it amiss that you sent to the
_Dewagunhas_, nor that _Arnout_ was sent to the _Satanas_, both
of them our Enemies; and, for the same Reason, our Brother
_Cayenguirago_ ought not to be displeased with our sending to
the _French_ for Peace.

"We, _Onondagas_, acknowledge ourselves to have been the chief
Promoters of this Message, we have sent in all nine _Sachems_
with nine Belts. It is true we are now under much Uneasiness in
having trusted so many _Sachems_ in the _French_ Hands, being
almost half the Number we have in our Nation, but we were in
haste to prevent the Designs the _French_ had against our
Countries and yours, by the great warlike Preparations they were
making in _Canada_."

Then he told all the Orders and Directions which their Ambassadors had received; which agreeing with the Account which _Decanesora_ gave of his Negotiation, I shall here pass over. He finished all by =giving a Belt=.

Colonel _Fletcher_ told them, he would give no Answer to what they had said, before they discovered to him what Reason they had to say, that he had forbid their holding any Assembly at _Onondaga_, and that he had made Peace with the _Dewagunhas_ and _Satanas_, without their Consent and Concurrence.

To this the Speaker the next Day answered; "I was sick, and absent when the Affairs you mention were transacted, and I was at a Loss how to excuse our sending to the _French_ contrary to your Advice; but several _Sachems_ being arrived since I spoke, I have been better informed by them, who were present at those Transactions. We find it, in every Circumstance, as our Brother _Cayenguirago_ says; that you did not obstruct our keeping General Councils at _Onondaga_, but only cautioned us in hearkening to the Fallacies of the _French_, and in holding Meetings on that Occasion. We assure you we will never separate from you, we still have one Head, one Blood, one Soul, and one Heart with you; and as a Confirmation of this I =give this Belt seven deep=.

"As to the _Dewagunhas_ and _Shawonons_, we are confident _Cayenguirago_ will not admit them into his Government, till they have made Peace with us, which we shall willingly grant. When our Enemies are humbled, and beg Peace, why should they not have it? Let them come and live with us, it will strengthen our Country.

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, when the Christians first arrived in this Country, we received them kindly. When they were but a small People, we entered into a League with them, to guard them from all Enemies whatsoever. We were so fond of their Society, that we tied the great Canoe which brought them, not with a Rope made of Bark to a Tree, but with a strong iron Chain fastened to a great Mountain. Now before the Christians arrived, the General Council of the _Five Nations_ was held at _Onondaga_, where there has, from the Beginning, a continual Fire been kept burning; it is made of two great Logs, whose Fire never extinguishes. As soon as the Hatchet-makers (their general Name for Christians) arrived, this General Council at _Onondaga_ planted this Tree at _Albany_, whose Roots and Branches have since spread as far as _New-England_, _Connecticut, Pensilvania, Maryland_ and _Virginia_; and under the Shade of this Tree all these _English_ Colonies have frequently been sheltered. Then (=giving seven Fathom of Wampum=) he renewed the Chain, and promised, as they likewise expected, mutual Assistance, in Case of any Attack from any Enemy.

"The only Reason, to be plain with you, continued he, of our sending to make Peace with the _French_, is the low Condition to which we are reduced, while none of our Neighbours send us the least Assistance, so that the whole Burthen of the War lyes on us alone. Our Brethren of _New-England, Connecticut_, _Pensilvania, Maryland_ and _Virginia_, of their own accord thrust their Arms into our Chain; but since the War began we have received no Assistance from them. We alone cannot continue the War against the _French_, by Reason of the Recruits they daily receive from the other Side the great Lake.

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, speak from your Heart, are you resolved to prosecute the War vigorously against the _French_, and are your Neighbours of _Virginia, Maryland, Pensilvania, Connecticut_ and _New-England_, resolved to assist us? If it be so, we assure you, notwithstanding any Treaty hitherto entered into, we will prosecute the War as hotly as ever. But if our Neighbours will not assist, we must make Peace, and we submit it to your Consideration, by =giving this great Belt fifteen deep=.

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, I have truly told you the Reasons which have induced us to offer Peace to the _French_; we shall likewise, from the Bottom of our Hearts, inform you of the Design we have in this Treaty. When the Governor of _Canada_ shall have accepted the nine Belts, of which I have just now told you, then we shall have something more to say by two large Belts, which lye still hid in our Bosom. We shall lay down first one and say, We have a Brother _Cayenguirago_, with whose People we have been united in one Chain from the Beginning, they must be included in this Treaty; we cannot see them involved in bloody War, while we sit in easy Peace. If the Governor of _Canada_ answer, that he has made a separate Peace with us, and that he cannot make any Peace with _Cayenguirago_, because the War is from over the great Lake; then we shall lay down the second great broad Belt, and tell the Governor of _Canada_, if you will not include _Cayenguirago_'s People, the Treaty will become thereby void, as if it had never been made; and if he persists, we will absolutely leave him."

While the _Sachems_ were at _Albany_, _Decanesora_ and the other Ambassadors arrived at the Castle of the _Praying Indians_, near the Falls above _Montreal_. They were conducted from thence, by the Superior of the Jesuits, to _Quebeck_. They had their Audience of the Governor of _Canada_ with great Solemnity, in the Presence of all the Ecclesiasticks and Officers of Distinction, and of the most considerable _Indians_ then in the Place. They were every Day, while they staid in the Place, entertained at the Governor's Table, or at the Tables of the most considerable Officers. _Decanesora_ on his Side made a good Appearance, being cloathed in Scarlet trim'd with Gold, and with a laced Bever Hat on his Head, which had been given him by Colonel _Fletcher_ before he went.

The Jesuit _Milet_ had by Letter informed the Governor of every Thing in their Commission, and though he was thereby enabled to have answered them immediately, he consulted three Days, after the Ambassadors had delivered what they had to say, before he would return an Answer, that it might appear with more Solemnity. The _Indians_ never return a sudden Answer on any Occasion of Importance, however resolved they be beforehand, and despise those that do, though their Answer be never so much to the Purpose. I choose to give an Account of this from _Decanesora_'s Mouth, as I did of the former, and for the same Reason. The Account given of it by the _Indians_ agrees, in all the material Points, with that published by the _French_, and I am confident it is not less genuine.

Colonel _Fletcher_ being sensible of what Consequence this Treaty between the _French_ and _Five Nations_ might be of to all the _English_ Colonies, gave them Notice of it, and informed them of the Reasons which had induced the _Indians_ to enter into it. He told them, there was no Possibility of preventing it, but by the _Indians_ being assured of more effectual Assistance, than they had hitherto received, and advised them to send Commissioners for that Purpose to _Albany_ in _August_, at which Time he intended to meet the _Five Nations_ there, after the Return of their Messengers from _Canada_. Accordingly, _Andrew Hamilton_, Esq; Governor of _New-Jersey_, Colonel _John Pinchon_, _Samuel Sands_, Esq; and Major _Pen Townsend_, Commissioners from _Massachuset's Bay_, and Colonel _John Hauley_ and Captain _Stanley_, Commissioners from _Connecticut_, waited on Colonel _Fletcher_ at _Albany_, who carried with him likewise a Part of the Council of _New-York_.

These Gentlemen having met the _Indians_ at _Albany_ the fifteenth of _August_, _Decanesora_ rose up first, and desired Leave to sing a Song or two of Peace, before they began on Business. Then _Rode_, a _Mohawk Sachem_, rose up, and addressing himself to the other _Sachems_, said, we have great Reason to rejoice, seeing so many of those, who are in our Chain, are now met, to consult together on the general Weal; after which they sang two or three Songs.

_Sadakanahtie_ being chosen Speaker for that Day, rose up, spoke much to the same Purpose as he had done to Colonel _Fletcher_ in _May_ last; giving a metaphorical Account of their League with the _English_, how it began, and by what Steps it had been inlarged and strengthened; how the other Colonies had thrust their Arms into this Chain, but had given little or no Assistance against the common Enemy. "Our Brother _Cayenguirago_'s Arms (says he) and ours are stiff, and tired with holding fast the Chain, whilst our Neighbours sit still and smoak at their Ease. The Fat is melted from our Flesh, and fallen on our Neighbours, who grow fat while we grow lean: They flourish while we decay.

"This Chain made us the Envy of the _French_, and if all had held it as fast as _Cayenguirago_, it would have been a Terror also. If we would all heartily join and take the Hatchet in our Hand, our common Enemy would soon be destroyed, and we should for ever after live in Peace and Ease. Do you but your Parts, and Thunder itself cannot break our Chain."

Then he mentioned some Jealousies they had entertained of _New-England_, by their suffering the Chevalier _D'O_ to escape to _Canada_, which they suspected had been concerted between him and the People of _New-England_, in Order to treat of Peace. "Our Agents, said he, saw the Chevalier _D'O_ at _Canada_, who told them that he had been set at Liberty by the _English_, and that it was in vain that the _Five Nations_ warred against the _French_, while the _English_ favoured them." On this Occasion he shewed them a Fish painted on Paper, which the Commissioners of _New-England_ had given them, when they first entered into the Chain, as a Seal to the League.

He finished by telling them, that they would next Day give all the Particulars of their Negotiation in _Canada_.

The next Day _Decanesora_ proceeded to the Account of his Negotiation, as follows: "The Governor of _Canada_ having often sent to us to come to _Canada_ to treat with him, we went thither, and told him that we were come to treat of Peace. We made the following Proposals.

"Father, if we do not conclude a Peace now, it will be your Fault; for we have already taken the Hatchet out of the Hands of the _River Indians_ (_Hudson_'s River) whom we incited to the War. But we must tell you, that you are an ill Man, you are inconstant and not to be trusted; we have had War together a long Time, and though you occasioned the War, we never hated the House of _Oghessa_, (a Gentleman living at _Montreal_) let him undertake the toilsome Journey to _Onondaga_; for if he will he shall be welcome.

"Father, we are now speaking of Peace, and therefore I must speak a Word to the _Praying Indians_, and first to those of _Cahnuaga_ (chiefly _Mohawks_) you know our Customs and Manners, therefore make _Onondio_ acquainted therewith, and be assisting in the prosecuting of this good Work. Then to the other Castle, called _Canassadaga_, (chiefly _Onondagas_) you are worse than the _French_ themselves, you deserted from us, and side with our Enemies to destroy us; make some amends now, by forwarding Peace.

"You have almost eat us up, our best Men are killed in this bloody War; but we now forget what is past. Before this we once threw the Hatchet into the River of _Kaihohage_[40], but you fished it up, and treacherously surprised our People at _Cadarackui_. After this you sent to us to have our Prisoners restored; then the Hatchet was thrown up to the Sky, but you kept a String fastened to the Helve, and pulled it down, and fell upon our People again. This we revenged to some Purpose, by the Destruction of your People and Houses in the Island of _Montreal_.

"Now we are come to cover the Blood from our Sight, which has been shed by both Sides during this long War.

"_Onondio_, we have been at War a long Time, we now give you a Medicine to drive away all ill Thoughts from your Heart, to purge it and make it clean, and restore it to its former State.

"_Onondio_, we will not permit any Settlement at _Cadarackui_; you have had your Fire there thrice extinguished; we will not consent to your rebuilding that Fort, but the Passage through the River shall be free and clear. We make the Sun clean, and drive away all Clouds and Darkness, that we may see the Light without Interruption.

"_Onondio_, we have taken many Prisoners from one another, during the War. The Prisoners we took have been delivered, according to our Custom, to the Families that have lost any in the War. They no longer belong to the Publick, they may give them back if they please, your People may do the same. We have brought back two Prisoners, and restore them to you.

"After I had finished what I had to say, continued he, the Governor of _Canada_ told me, that he would not make Peace with _Cayenguirago_. To this I answered, these Words displease me much, you shall keep Peace with him. _Onondio_ said again, I must fight with _Cayenguirago_, it is not in my Power to make Peace; this can only be done by my Master, who lives over the great Water. To this I replied, I cannot bear this Discourse; if you should fight him now, and not stay till I get Home, all the Country will look on me as a Traytor; I can treat with you no longer. The Argument on this Subject lasted three Days, at last the Governor of _Canada_ assured me, that he would not undertake any Enterprize against _Cayenguirago_ this Summer, but would wait to hear what he wou'd say.

"The Governor of _Canada_ insisted three Days to have Hostages left, which I refused, but two agreeing of their own accord to stay, they were left, _viz_. one an _Onondago_, another a _Seneka_.

"Then the Governor of _Canada_ made the following publick Answer:

"I. I accept of Peace as you offer.

"II. Son, bring all the Prisoners back that you have taken from me,
and yours shall have Liberty to return Home, if they please.

"III. Children, erect my Fire again at _Cadarackui_, and plant
there the Tree of Peace.

"After this the Governor of _Canada_ delivered me a Belt, which I now lay down before you; by it he said, desire _Cayenguirago_ to send a wise Man to me, and he shall have Protection according to the Custom of Christians; and added,

"Children of the _Five Nations_, if _Cayenguirago_ shall employ you to do any Service for him, do not accept of it, let him send his own People."

_Decanesora_ added, that the Governor of _Canada_ had fixed eighty Days for a Return to this Belt.

He continued and said, "The _Sachems_ of the _Dionondadies_ were present; after I had finished my Speech, they said; May what you have now said be from your Hearts; we suspect you are not sincere; let us no longer feel the Smart of the Hatchet, and gave this Belt which I now lay down.

"The _Praying Indians_ next said, Brethren, our Father _Onondio_ has told you to bring Home all the Prisoners, do not fail in this; =giving two Belts=.

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, you will find what I have now said confirmed by this Paper, which the Governor of _Canada_ gave me. I brought Letters likewise for the Jesuit _Milet_, who was to read the Paper to us." The Paper contained the Articles in _French_, in which the Governor of _Canada_ was willing to make Peace.

But besides what _Decanesora_ here tells, the _French_ Accounts say, that he brought two Belts underground (that is privately) from three _Onondaga Sachems_, to assure the Governor of _Canada_ of their particular Affection, which the Governor of _Canada_ answered, by a private Belt to them.

As soon as _Decanesora_ had done speaking, Colonel _Fletcher_ rejected the Belt sent by the Governor of _Canada_, saying; If the Governor of _Canada_ have any Thing to say to me, let him send some of his People to _Albany_, and they shall have Protection.

Next Day _Sadekanahtie_, after he had sung a long Song, gave the following Account of their Negotiations with the _Dewagunhas_ and _Dionondadies_, which they had undertaken by the Governor's Advice.

"We were afraid, says he, to send Messengers of our own People,
and therefore we employed two Prisoners we had of the
_Dionondadies_ with the Governor's Belt. Some time after this,
some of the _Senekas_ hunting near the _Dionondadies_, two of
them were taken; but when they were carried to the _Dionondadie_
Castle, they were not treated like Prisoners; they were used
kindly, and sent back with the following Offers of Peace.

"We are glad to see you Face to Face to speak to you, since the
Sun has been so propitious to send home the Men that were
Prisoners with you, giving a few Strings of Wampum.

"We are glad of this Opportunity to tell you, that we have been
both drunk in making War on one another; we now give you a
Cordial to ease your Hearts, that there be no longer War between
us, by =this Belt=.

"We are glad that you have set the Doors open as far as
_Cayenguirago_'s House, that we may freely go thither. Carry him
=this second Belt=.

"Brethren, we thank you for having prepared a Place for us at
your General Council of _Onondaga_. Our Country is every where
free to you to treat with us, by =this third Belt=.

"Brethren, our whole Country rejoiced when you invited us into
your Country, and from thence to go where _Cayenguirago_ dwells;
be not afraid to come to our Country, you shall meet with no
Molestation.

"Brethren, we thank you for putting us in Mind of what was
formerly agreed to, _viz_. that when any ill Accident happens,
we were to meet together to compose Matters, and not to revenge
it with War. We are now together to put an End to all
Misunderstanding, by =this fourth Belt=.

"Brethren, (we include all the Nations from the _Senekas_
Country to _New-York_ in this Name) hearken to us. We rend the
Clouds asunder, and drive away all Darkness from the Heavens,
that the Sun of Peace may shine with Brightness over us all;
=giving a Sun= of a round red polished Stone.

"Brethren, we put the Hatchet into the Hands of the
_Chightaghies_, _Twithtwies_, and _Odsirachies_, to war against
you; but we shall in three Days go to these Nations and take the
Hatchet out of their Hands; =giving half a Stone Pipe=.

"You _Senekas_ are stupid Creatures, we must therefore warn you
not to hunt so far from your Castles, lest you be hurt by any of
these three Nations, and then blame us. They then =gave the other
half of the Pipe=.

"But Brother _Cayenguirago_, says _Sadakahnitie_, do not suffer
these Nations to come nearer than the _Senekas_ Country, lest
they discover our Weakness, and to what a low Condition the War
has reduced us. These Nations have been so long in Friendship
with the _French_, and are so much under their Influence, that
we cannot trust them yet, or be too much upon our Guard against
them."

Colonel _Fletcher_ not being able to give the _Five Nations_ any Assurance of a vigorous Assistance, he called the principal _Sachems_ to a private Conference on the twentieth. He asked them, whether they had made Peace with the Governor of _Canada_; they answered, that it only wanted his Approbation, and added, that they could no longer carry on the War without Assistance. You have the whole Negotiations before you, say they, and we submit it to your Prudence.

He then allowed them to make Peace, provided they kept faithful in their Chain with the _English_; but told them, that as to his Part he could make no Peace with the Governor of _Canada_. They were under great Uneasiness to leave their Friends in the War, they said, and wished, since neither the Governor of _Canada_ nor he would receive Proposals by their Hands, that they might think of some neutral Place to treat. The Governor answered, that he could neither receive nor send any Message on that Head; and that Peace could be only made between them by the two Kings.

The Governor next asked them, whether they would permit the _French_ to build again at _Cadarackui_; they answered, they would never permit it, and were resolved to insist on it, in all the ensuing Treaties, that he never shall. Then the Governor added, if you permit the French to build any where on that Lake, there will be an End to your Liberty, your Posterity will become Slaves to the _French_. If ever you should permit them, I will look on it as an absolute Breach of the Chain with us: If the _French_ attempt it give me Notice, and I will march the whole Force of my Government to your Assistance. We shall find afterwards, however, that the Government of _New-York_ was far from making good this Promise.

The Governor told them, that they had lost much of their Honour in creeping to the _French_, in such an abject Manner; for, says he, the Governor of _Canada_'s Paper, which you brought with you, says, that you came in the most humble and penitent Manner, and begged Peace. To which they answered, the Governor of _Canada_ has no Reason to make such Reflexions, we have many of his Belts to shew, by which he again and again sued to us for Peace, before we would hearken to him. But, replies the Governor, how came you to call him Father? For no other Reason, they replied, but because he calls us Children. These Names signify nothing.