PART II.

_The History of the_ Five Indian Nations _of_ Canada, _from the Time of the Revolution to the Peace of_ Reswick.

* * * * *

CHAP. I.

_The State of Affairs in_ New-York _and_ Canada, _at the Time of the_ Revolution _in_ Great-Britain.

We left the _Five Nations_ triumphing over the _French_ in _Canada_, and they almost reduced to Despair. The Revolution, which happened at this Time in _England_, seemed to be a favourable Conjunction for the _Five Nations_; the _English_ Colonies, by the War at that Time declared against _France_, becoming Parties in their Quarrel: For one will be ready to think, that the _Five Nations_ being by themselves too powerful for the _French_, as appears by the preceding Chapter, when these were assisted by the _Utawawas_, _Quatoghies_, _Twihtwies_, _Chictaghicks_, _Putewatemies_, and all the _Western Indian Nations_, and when the _English_ stood neuter; now certainly, when not only all these _Indian Nations_ had made Peace with the _Five Nations_, but the _English_ joined with them in the War, the _French_ would not be able to stand one Campaign.

But we shall find what a Turn Affairs took, contrary to all reasonable Expectations, from the general Appearance of Things, and of what Importance a resolute wise Governor is to the well-being of a People, and how prejudicial Divisions and Parties are. For this Reason, it will be necessary to take a View of the Publick Affairs in the Province of _New-York_, and in _Canada_, at that Time, in order to understand the true Causes of the Alterations, which afterwards happened in Favour of the _French_.

The Revolution occasioned as great Divisions and Parties in the Province of _New-York_, in Proportion to the Number of People, as it did in _Britain_, if not greater. The Governor and all the Officers either fled or absconded; the Gentlemen of the King's Council, and some of the most considerable or richest People, either out of Love, or what they thought Duty, to King _James_, or rather from an Opinion they had that the _Prince of Orange_ could not succeed, refused to join in the Declaration the People made in favour of that Prince, and suffered the Administration to fall into different Hands, who were more zealous for the Protestant Interest, and who were joined by the far greatest Number of the Inhabitants. After the Revolution was established, they that had appeared so warmly for it, thought that they deserved best of the Government, and expected to be continued in the Publick Offices; the others were zealous to recover the Authority they had lost, and used the most persuasive Means with the Governors for that Purpose, while the former trusted to their Merit. This begat great Animosities, which continued many Years. Each Party, as they were at different Times favoured by several Governors, opposed all the Measures taken by the other, while each of them were by Turns in Credit with the People or the Governor, and sometimes even prosecuted each other to Death. The publick Measures were by these Means perpetually fluctuating, and often one Day contradictory to what they were the Day before. The succeeding Governors, finding their private Account in favouring sometimes the one Party, and at other Times the other, kept up the Animosities all King _William_'s Reign, though very much to the publick Prejudice; for each Party was this while so eager in resenting private Injuries, that they intirely neglected the publick Good.

The Constitution of Government in the _English Plantations_, where the Governors have no Salary, but what they can attain with the Consent of the Assemblies or Representatives of the People, gave Occasion to imprudent Governors to fall upon these Expedients, as they sometimes call them, for getting of Money. And a prevailing Faction, knowing for what Purpose the Governments in _America_ were chiefly desired by the _English_ Gentlemen, used this great Privilege to tempt a Governor to be the Head of a Party, when he ought to have been the Head of the Government. Indeed _New-York_ has had the Misfortune, too frequently, to be under such as could not keep their Passion for Money secret, though none found it so profitable a Government, as they did who followed strictly the true Maxims of governing, without making Money the only Rule of their Actions.

The frequent Changes of Governors were likewise prejudicial to the publick Affairs. Colonel _Slaughter_, the first Governor after the Revolution, happened to die soon after his Arrival, when steady, as well as resolute Measures, were most necessary. But some think, that the Occasion of all the Misfortunes lay in the Want of Care in the Choice of Governors, when the Affairs of _America_ wanted able Hands to manage them; they think that the Ministry had the saving of Money chiefly in View, when, to gratify some small Services, they gave Employments in _America_ to those that were not capable of much meaner Offices at Home. The Opinion the People had of Colonel _Slaughter_'s Capacity gave ground to these Surmises; but, if it was so, it happened to be very ill saved Money; for the Mismanagements in this Country occasioned far greater Expence to the Crown afterwards, than would have bought such Gentlemen handsome Estates, besides the great Losses they occasioned to the Subjects.

The greatest Number of the Inhabitants of the Province of _New-York_ being _Dutch_, still retained an Affection to their Mother Country, and by their Aversion to the _English_ weakened the Administration. The common People of _Albany_, who are all _Dutch_, could not forbear giving the _Indians_ some ill Impressions of the _English_; for the _Mohawks_, in one of their publick Speeches, expressed themselves thus: "We hear a _Dutch Prince_ reigns now in _England_, why do you suffer the _English_ Soldiers to remain in the Fort? put all the _English_ out of the Town. When the _Dutch_ held this Country long ago, we lay in their Houses; but the _English_ have always made us lie without Doors." It is true, that the Plantations were first settled by the meanest People of every Nation, and such as had the least Sense of any Honour. The _Dutch_ first Settlers, many of them I may say, had none of the Virtues of their Countrymen, except their Industry in getting Money, and they sacrificed every Thing, other People think honourable or most sacred, to their Gain: But I do not think it proper to give particular Instances of this.

The People of _New-England_ were engaged in a bloody War at this Time with the _Owenagungas_, _Ouragies_, and _Ponacoks_, the _Indians_ that lie between them and the _French_ Settlements. The _Scahkooks_ were originally Part of these _Indians_. They left their Country about the Year 1672, and settled above _Albany_, on the Branch of _Hudson's River_ that runs towards _Canada_. The People of _New-England_ were jealous of the _Scahkook Indians_, that they remembering the old Difference they had with the People of _New England_, and the Relation they bore to the _Eastern Indians_, did countenance and assist these _Indians_ in the War against _New England_. They had Reason for these Jealousies, for the _Scahkook Indians_ received privately some _Owenagunga_ Messengers, and kept their coming among them secret from the People of _Albany_; and some _Scahkooks_ had gone privately to the _Owenagungas_. They were afraid likewise, that the _Mohawks_ might have some Inclination to favour those _Indians_, because some of the _Eastern Indians_ had fled to the _Mohawks_, and were kindly received by them, and lived among them.

Notwithstanding all these Failures of good Policy, in the Government of _New-York_, the _French_ had not gained so great Advantages, if they had not carefully observed a different Conduct, which it is now necessary to consider.

_Canada_ was at this Time in a very distressed Condition, the Country and out Plantations burnt and destroyed, their Trade intirely at a stand, great Numbers of their People slain, and the remainder in danger of perishing by Famine, as well as by the Sword of inveterate cruel Enemies. When such Misfortunes happen to a Country, under any Administration, though in Truth the Conduct of Affairs be not to be blamed, it is often prudent to change the Ministers; for the common People never fail to blame them, notwithstanding their having acted with the greatest Wisdom, and therefore cannot so soon recover their Spirits, that are sunk by Misfortunes, as by putting their Affairs into different Hands.

For these Reasons, it is probable, the _French_ King recalled Mr. _de Nonville_, but rewarded him for his Services, by an honourable Employment in the Houshold. The Count _de Frontenac_ was sent in his Place. This Gentleman had been formerly Governor of that Country, and was perfectly acquainted with its Interest; of a Temper of Mind fitted to such desperate Times, of undaunted Courage, and indefatigable, though in the sixty-eighth Year of his Age. The Count _de Frontenac_ arrived the second of _October_ 1689. The Country immediately received new Life by the Arrival of a Person, of whose Courage and Conduct every one had entertained a high Opinion. Care was taken to increase this Impression on the Minds of the People, by making publick Rejoicings with as much Noise as possible. He wisely improved this new Life, by immediately entering upon Action, without suffering their Hopes to grow cold. He staid no longer at _Quebeck_, than was necessary to be informed of the present State of Affairs, and in four or five Days after his Arrival set out in a Canoe for _Montreal_, where his Presence was most necessary; and the Winter was already so far advanced, that the Ice made it impracticable to go in a larger Vessel. By this the old Gentleman increased the Opinion and Hopes the People entertained of him, that, without staying to refresh himself after a fatiguing Sea-Voyage, he would immediately undertake another, that required all the Vigour and Heat of Youth to withstand the Inclemencies of the Climate and Season, and the Difficulty of such a Passage.

When the Count _de Frontenac_ came to _Montreal_, he increased the Admiration the People had of his Vigour and Zeal, by pretending to go to visit _Cadarackui Fort_, now abandoned, which he had built in the Time he was formerly Governor. The Clergy and People of _Montreal_ came jointly with stretched out Arms, representing the Danger of such an Attempt, and the Difficulties and Hardships that would necessarily attend it, praying him not to expose a Life that was so necessary for their Safety. He, with seeming Reluctance, yielded to their Intreaties; I say with seeming Reluctance, for it was inconsistent with his Prudence really to have such a Design. This Shew of the Governor's offering to go in Person, animated some of the Gentlemen of the Country, who voluntarily went in the Winter, with one Hundred _Indian_ Traders, to visit that Fort; and finding it in better Condition than they expected, by the Report of those who had abandoned it, they staid there, and made some small Reparations in the Walls, which the _Indians_ had thrown down.

The Count _de Frontenac_ brought back with him _Tawerahet_, a _Capiga Sachem_, one of the thirteen Prisoners that Mr. _de Nonville_ took at _Cadarackui_, and sent to _France_. He was in Hopes this _Indian_ would be useful in procuring a Treaty of Peace with the _Five Nations_, for they had an extraordinary Opinion of _Tawerahet_; and the _French_ had found, by sad Experience, that they could not be Gainers by continuing the War: For this Purpose the Count used _Tawerahet_ with much Kindness, during his Voyage, and, after he arrived at _Quebeck_, lodged him in the Castle under his own Roof, and took such Pains with this _Sachem_, that he forgot all the ill Usage he had formerly received.

The _French_ had the more Reason to desire a Peace with the _Five Nations_, because they knew, that they would now certainly have the _English_ Colonies likewise upon them; and if the _Five Nations_ had been able to do so much Mischief by themselves alone, they were much more to be feared, when they would be assisted, in all Probability, with the Force and Interest of the _English_ Colonies.

Four _Indians_ of less Note, who were brought back along with _Tawerahet_, were immediately dispatched, in this _Sachem_'s Name, to the _Five Nations_, to inform them of his Return, and of the kind Usage they had received from the Count _de Frontenac_; and to press them to send some to visit their old Friend, who had been so kind to them when he was formerly Governor of _Canada_, and who still retained an Affection to the _Five Nations_; as appeared by the Kindness _Tawerahet_ and they had received from him. This was the only Method left to the _French_ of making Proposals of Peace, which it was their Interest by all Means to procure.

The Governor of _Canada_, as I said, conceived that there was no Way so proper to keep up the Spirits of the People, who had got new Life by his Arrival, as by putting them upon Action; and indeed their present miserable Condition made them forward enough, to undertake the most desperate Enterprize, when the frequent Incursions of the _Indians_ made it as dangerous to be at Home, as to attack the Enemy Abroad.

For this Purpose he sent out three Parties in the Winter; one was designed against _New-York_, the other against _Connecticut_, and the last against _New-England_.

The _Five Nations_ followed Colonel _Dungan_'s Advice, in endeavouring to bring off the _Western Indians_ from the _French_, and had all the Success that could be expected, before Mr. _de Frontenac_ arrived.

They were overjoyed when they heard, that the _English_ had entered into War with the _French_, and came several Times to _Albany_ to know the Certainty of it, while it was only rumoured about. The People of _Albany_ desired them to secure any of the praying _Indians_ that should come from _Canada_, if they found that they were still ruled by the Priests; but to encourage them, if they came with a Design to return to their own Country.

The _Senekas, Cayugas, Onondagas_, and _Oneydoes_, the twenty seventh of _June_ 1689, before any Governor arrived, renewed the old Covenant (as they said) which was first made many Years ago with one _Tagues_, who came with a Ship into their River. "Then we first became Brethren, said they, and continued so till last fall, that Sir _Edmond Andross_ came and made a new Chain, by calling us Children; but let us stick to the old Chain, which has continued from the first Time it was made, by which we became Brethren, and have ever since always behaved as such. _Virginia, Maryland_, and _New-England_, have been taken into this silver Chain, with which our Friendship is locked fast. We are now come to make the Chain clear and bright. Here they =gave two Bevers=."

King _James_, a little before his Abdication, sent over Sir _Edmond Andross_ with arbitrary Powers, and he, in Imitation of the _French_, changed the Stile of speaking to the _Indians_, of which they were very sensible.

They discovered a great Concern for their People that were carried to _Canada_; they long hoped (they said) that the King of _England_ would have been powerful enough to deliver them, but now they began to lose all Hopes of them.

CHAP. II.

_A Treaty between the Agents of_ Massachuset's Bay, New-Plymouth, _and_ Connecticut, _and the_ Sachems _of the_ Five Nations, _at_ Albany, _in the Year_ 1689.

About the Beginning of _September_ 1689, Colonel _John Pynchon_, Major _John Savage_, and Captain _Jonathan Bull_, Agents for the Colonies of _Massachuset's Bay, New-Plymouth_, and _Connecticut_, arrived at _Albany_, to renew the Friendship with the _Five Nations_, and to engage them against the _Eastern Indians_, who made War on the _English_ of those Colonies, and were supported by the _French_.

The _Five Nations_ had received four Messengers from the _Eastern Indians_, which gave the People of _New-England_ some Apprehensions, and they were therefore desirous to know what Reception these Messengers had met with.

The _Five Nations_ answered by _Tahajadoris_, a _Mohawk Sachem_, on the twenty fourth of _September_. He made a long Oration, repeating all that the Agent from _New-England_ had said, the Day before, and desired them to be attentive to the Answer now to be made to them. They commonly repeat over all that has been said to them, before they return any Answer, and one may be surprized at the Exactness of these Repetitions. They take the following Method to assist their Memories: The _Sachem_, who presides at these Conferences, has a Bundle of small Sticks in his Hand; as soon as the Speaker has finished any one Article of his Speech, this _Sachem_ gives a Stick to another _Sachem_, who is particularly to remember that Article; and so when another Article is finished, he gives a Stick to another to take Care of that other, and so on. In like Manner when the Speaker answers, each of these has the particular Care of the Answer resolved on to each Article, and prompts the Orator, when his Memory fails him, in the Article committed to his Charge. _Tahajadoris_ addressing himself to the Agents, said:

"Brethren,

"You are welcome to this House, which is appointed for our Treaties and publick Business with the Christians; we thank you for renewing the Covenant-chain. It is now no longer of Iron and subject to Rust, as formerly, but of pure Silver, and includes in it all the King's Subjects, from the _Senekas_ Country eastward, as far as any of the great King's Subjects live, and southward, from _New-England_ to _Virginia_. Here he =gave a Bever=.

"We are glad to hear of the good Success our great King has had over the _French_ by Sea, in taking and sinking so many of their Men of War. You tell us in your Proposals that we are one People, let us then go Hand in Hand together, to ruin and destroy the _French_ our common Enemy. =Gives a Bever.=

"The Covenant-chain between us is ancient (as you tell us) and of long standing, and it has been kept inviolably by us. When you had Wars some time ago with the _Indians_, you desired us to help you; we did it readily, and to the Purpose; for we pursued them closely, by which we prevented the Effusion of much of your Blood. This was a certain Sign that we loved truly and sincerely, and from our Hearts. =Gives a Belt.=

"You advise us to pursue our Enemies, the _French_, vigorously; this we assure you we are resolved to do to the utmost of our Power: But since the _French_ are your Enemies likewise, we desire our Brethren of the three Colonies to send us an hundred Men for the Security of this Place, which is ill provided, in Case of an Attack from the _French_; the Christians have Victuals enough for their Entertainment. =Gives one Belt.=

"We patiently bore many Injuries from the _French_, from one Year to another, before we took up the Axe against them. Our Patience made the Governor of _Canada_ think, that we were afraid of him, and durst not resent the Injuries we had so long suffered; but now he is undeceived. We assure you, that we are resolved never to drop the Axe, the _French_ never shall see our Faces in Peace, we shall never be reconciled as long as one _Frenchman_ is alive. We shall never make Peace, though our Nation should be ruined by it, and every one of us cut in Pieces. Our Brethren of the three Colonies may depend on this. =Gives a Bever.=

"As to what you told us of the _Owenagungas_ and _Uragees_, we answer: That we were never so proud and haughty, as to begin a War without just Provocation. You tell us that they are treacherous Rogues, we believe it, and that they will undoubtedly assist the _French_. If they shall do this, or shall join with any of our Enemies, either _French_ or _Indians_, then we will kill and destroy them. =Gives a Bever.="

Then the _Mohawks_ offered five of their Men, to guard the Agents Home against any of their _Indian_ Enemies, who they were afraid might be laying in wait for the Agents, and =gave a Belt=.

Afterwards the Speaker continued his Speech, and said: "We have spoke what we had to say of the War, we now come to the Affairs of Peace: We promise to preserve the Chain inviolably, and wish that the Sun may always shine in Peace over all our Heads that are comprehended in this Chain. We =give two Belts=, one for the Sun, the other for its Beams."

"We make fast the Roots of the Tree of Peace and Tranquillity, which is planted in this Place. Its Roots extend as far as the utmost of your Colonies; if the _French_ should come to shake this Tree, we would feel it by the Motion of its Roots, which extend into our Country: But we trust it will not be in the Governor of _Canada_'s Power to shake this Tree, which has been so firmly and so long planted with us. =Bevers.="

_Lastly_, He desired the Magistrates of _Albany_ to remember what he had said, and =gave them a Bever=.

But the Agents perceiving, that they had not answered any Thing about the _Owenagunga_ Messengers, and had answered indistinctly about the War with the _Eastern Indians_, desired them to explain themselves fully on these two Points, about which the Agents were chiefly concerned.

The _Five Nations_ answered:

"We cannot declare War against the _Eastern Indians_, for they have done us no Harm: Nevertheless our Brethren of _New-England_ may be assured, that we will live and die in Friendship with them. When we took up the Axe against the _French_ and their Confederates, we did it to revenge the Injuries they had done us; we did not make War with them at the Persuasions of our Brethren here; for we did not so much as acquaint them with our Intention, till fourteen Days after our Army had begun their March."

After the Company had separated, the _Sachems_ sent to the _New-England_ Agents, desiring to speak with them in private; which being granted, the Speaker said, we have something to tell you, which was not proper to be spoken openly, for some of our People have an Affection to the _Owenagungas_; and we were afraid, that they would discover or hinder our Designs.

Now we assure our Brethren, that we are resolved to look on your Enemies as ours, and that we will first fall on the _Owaragees_[29]; and then on the _Owenagungas_, and lastly on the _French_; and that you may be convinced of our Intention, we design to send five of our young Men along with our Brethren to _New-England_, to guard them, who have Orders to view the Country of the _Owaragees_, to discover in what Manner it can be attacked with the most Advantage. This we always do before we make an Attempt on our Enemies. In a Word, Brethren, your War is our War, for we will live and dye with you.

But it is to be observed, that they confirmed nothing relating to these _Indians_, by giving Belts.

It is probable, that the _Sachems_ acted with some Art on this Occasion, for they really had favourable Inclinations towards the _Owenagungas_; and they had Reason not to increase the Number of their Enemies, by making War on the _Eastern Indians_, who avoided doing them any Injury. The People of _Albany_ likewise have always been averse to engage our _Indians_ in a War with the _Eastern Indians_, lest it should change the Seat of the War, and bring it to their own Doors.

On the 25th the Magistrates of _Albany_ had a private Conference with the _Sachems_ of the _Five Nations_, and desired to know their Resolutions as to the War with _Canada_, and the Measures they resolved to follow. In this Conference the _Indians_ saw that the People of _Albany_ were so much afraid of the _French_, that their Spirits were sunk under the Apprehensions of the approaching War; and for this Reason made the following Answer.

"We have a hundred and forty Men out-skulking about _Canada_; it is impossible for the _French_ to attempt any Thing, without being discovered and harassed by these Parties: If the _French_ shall attempt any Thing this Way, all the _Five Nations_ will come to your Assistance, for our Brethren and we are but one, and we will live and dye together. We have desired a hundred Men of our Brethren of _Boston_ to assist us here, because this Place is most exposed; but if the Governor of _Canada_ is so strong, as to overcome us all united together, then he must be our Master, and is not to be resisted; but we have Confidence in a good and just Cause; for the great God of Heaven knows how deceitfully the _French_ have dealt with us, their Arms can have no Success. The Great God hath sent us Signs in the Sky to confirm this. We have heard uncommon Noise in the Heavens, and have seen Heads fall down upon Earth, which we look upon as a certain Presage of the Destruction of the _French_: Take Courage! On this they all immediately joined in singing and crying out, Courage! Courage!"

[Footnote 29: Called by the People of _New-England Panocok Indians_.]

CHAP. III.

_An Account of a general Council of the_ Five Nations _at_ Onondaga, _to consider the Count_ De Frontenac'_s Message_.

On the 27th of _December_ 1689, two _Indians_ came to _Albany_, being sent by the _Onondaga_ and _Oneydo Sachems_, with seven Hands of Wampum from each Nation, to tell their Brethren in _New-York_ and _New-England_, that three of their old Friends, who had been carried Prisoners to _France_, were come with Proposals from _Canada_; that there was a Council of the _Sachems_ appointed to meet at _Onondaga_, and that they therefore desired the Mayor of _Albany_, _Peter Scheyler_, and some others of their Brethren, to come thither, to be present and to advise on an Affair of so great Consequence; for they were resolved to do nothing without the Knowledge and Consent of all those that were included in the Chain with them.

The same Messenger told them, that some Letters were sent to the Jesuit at _Oneydo_; and that they would neither burn, nor suffer those Letters to be opened, till the Brethren should first see them.

All that the Magistrates of _Albany_ did on this important Occasion, was to send three _Indians_ with Instructions in their Name, to dissuade the _Five Nations_ from entertaining any Thoughts of Peace, or yielding to a Cessation of Arms.

On the 4th of _January_ one of the chief _Mohawk Sachems_ came to _Albany_, to tell the _Magistrates_, that he was to go to _Onondaga_, and desired the Brethren's Advice how to behave there; on which the Magistrates thought it necessary to send likewise the publick Interpreter, and another Person to assist at the general Meeting, with written Instructions; but no Person of Note, that had any Influence on the _Indians_, went.

When the Messengers arrived at _Oneydo_, they discoursed privately with one of the Prisoners that had returned from _France_, and found that he had no Love for the _French_; but it is impossible but that _Indians_, who had seen the _French_ Court, and many of their Troops, must be surprised at their Grandeur: he complained however of the ill Usage he had met with. The _French_ chose, on this Occasion, to send first to _Oneydo_, because of the Assistance they expected the Jesuit, that resided there, would give to their Negotiation.

I believe it will not be tedious to the Reader, that desires to know the _Indian Genius_, if I give a circumstantial Account of this general Council or Parliament of the _Five Nations_, that he may see in what Manner a People that we call Savages behave on such important Occasions.

On the 22d of _January_ the general Council was opened at _Onondaga_, consisting of eighty _Sachems_; in the first Place _Sadekanaghtie_, an _Onondaga Sachem_, rising up, addressed himself to the Messenger of _Albany_, saying,

Four Messengers are come from the Governor of _Canada_, _viz_. three who had been carried Prisoners to _France_, and a _Sachem_ of the _Praying Indians_ that live at _Montreal_.

The Governor of _Canada_ notifies his Arrival to us, that he is the Count _de Frontenac_, who had been formerly Governor there; that he had brought back with him _Tawerahet_ a _Cayuga Sachem_, and twelve Prisoners, that had been carried to _France_; then taking the Belt of _Wampum_ in his Hand, and holding it by the Middle, he added, what I have said relates only to one Half of the Belt, the other Half is to let us know, that he intends to kindle again his Fire at _Cadarackui_ next Spring, and therefore invites his Children, and _Dekanasora_ an _Onondaga Captain_ in particular, to treat there with him about the old Chain. Then _Adarahta_ the chief _Sachem_ of the _praying Indians_ stood up, and said, with three Belts in his Hand, I advise you to meet the Governor of _Canada_ as he desires; agree to this, if you would live, and =gives one Belt of _Wampum_=.

_Tawerahet_ sends you this other Belt, to inform you of the Miseries, that he and the rest of your Countrymen have suffered in their Captivity; and to advise you to hearken to _Yonondio_, if you desire to live.

This third Belt is from _Thurensera_[30], _Ohguesse_[31], and _Ertel_[32], who say by it, to their Brethren: We have interceded for you with _Yonondio_, and therefore advise you to meet him at _Cadarackui_ in the Spring, because it will be for your Advantage.

When this _Sachem_ had done speaking, the _Mohawk_ Messenger sent from _Albany_ delivered his Message Word for Word, as he had received it, without omitting the least Article. The Interpreter, while the _Indian_ was speaking, read over a Paper, on which the Message was set down, lest any Thing should have been forgot.

After this _Cannehoot_ a _Seneka Sachem_ stood up, and gave the general Council a particular Account of a Treaty made last Summer, between the _Senekas_ and the _Wagunha_ Messengers, (one of the _Utawawa_ Nations) who had concluded a Peace for themselves, and seven other Nations, to which the other four Nations were desired to agree, and their Brethren of _New-York_ to be included in it. He said the Proposals made in several Propositions were as follow.

1. We are come to join two Bodies into one. Delivering up at the same Time two Prisoners.

2. We are come to learn Wisdom of you _Senekas_, and of the other _Five Nations_, and of your Brethren of _New-York_. =Giving a Belt.=

3. We by this Belt wipe away the Tears from the Eyes of your Friends, whose Relations have been killed in the War, and likewise[33] the Paint from your Soldiers Faces. =Giving another Belt.=

4. We now throw aside the Ax, which _Yonondio_ put into our Hands, by this =third Belt=.

5. Let the Sun, as long as he shall endure, always shine upon us in Friendship. Here he =gave a red Marble Sun= as large as a Plate.

6. Let the Rain of Heaven wash away all Hatred, that we may again smoke together in Peace, =giving a large Pipe= of red Marble.

7. _Yonondio_ is drunk, but we wash our Hands clean from all his Actions. =Giving a fourth Belt.=

8. Now we are clean washed by the Water of Heaven, neither of us must defile ourselves by hearkening to _Yonondio_.

9. We have twelve of your Nation Prisoners, who shall be brought home in the Spring; there he =gave a Belt=, to confirm the Promise.

10. We will bring your Prisoners when the Strawberries shall be in blossom,[34] at which Time we intend to visit _Corlear_, and see the Place where the Wampum is made. (_New-York_.)

The Speaker added, we will also tell our Friends the other _Utawawa_ Nations, and the _Dionondadies_, who have eleven of your People Prisoners, what we have now done, and invite them to make Peace with you.

He said further, we have sent three Messengers back with the _Wagunhas_, in order to confirm this Peace with their Nation.

After the _Seneka_ Speaker had done, the _Wagunha_ Presents were hung up in the House, in the Sight of the whole Assembly, and afterwards distributed among the several Nations, and their Acceptance was a Ratification of the Treaty. A =large Belt was given= also to the _Albany_ Messengers as their Share.

The Belt of Wampum sent from _Albany_ was in like Manner hanged up, and afterwards divided.

_New-England_, which the _Indians_ call _Kinshon_ (that is a Fish) sent likewise the Model of a Fish, as a token of their adhering to the general Covenant. This Fish was handed round among the _Sachems_, and then laid aside to be put up.

After these Ceremonies were over, _Sadekanahtie_, an _Onondaga_ Speaker, stood up, and said, Brethren, we must stick to our Brother _Quider_, and look on _Yonondio_ as our Enemy, for he is a Cheat: By _Quider_ they meant _Peter Schyler_ the Mayor of _Albany_, who had gained a considerable Esteem among them; as they have no Labeals in their Language, they pronounce _Peter_ by the Sound _Quider_.

The Messenger from _Canada_ had brought Letters, and some medicinal Powder, for the Jesuit _Milet_, who resided at _Oneydo_. These Letters and the Powder were delivered to the Interpreter from _Albany_ to be carried thither, that the Contents of them might be made known to the _Sachems_ of the several Nations. The Jesuit was present all this While in their Council.

Then the Interpreter was desired to speak what he had to say from their Brethren at _Albany_. He told them, that a new Governor was arrived, who had brought a great many Soldiers from _England_. That the King of _England_ had declared War against _France_, and that the People of _New-England_ were fitting out Ships against _Canada_. He advised them, that they should not hearken to the _French_, for when they talk of Peace, said he, War is in their Heart, and desired them to enter into no Treaty but at _Albany_, for the _French_, he said, would mind no Agreement made any where else.

After this they had Consultations for some Time together, and then gave the following Answer by their Speaker.

Brethren, our Fire burns at _Albany_. We will not send _Dekanasora_ to _Cadarackui_. We adhere to our old Chain with _Corlear_; we will prosecute the War with _Yonondio_, and will follow your Advice in drawing off our Men from _Cadarackui_. Brethren, we are glad to hear the News you tell us, but tell us no Lies.

Brother _Kinshon_, we hear you design to send Soldiers to the eastward against the _Indians_ there; but we advise you, now so many are united against the _French_, to fall immediately on them. Strike at the Root, when the Trunk shall be cut down, the Branches fall of Course.

_Corlear_ and _Kinshon_, Courage! Courage! In the Spring to _Quebeck_, take that Place, and you'll have your Feet on the Necks of the _French_, and all their Friends in _America_.

After this they agreed to the following Answer to be sent to the Governor of _Canada_.

1. _Yonondio_, you have notified your Return to us, and that you have brought back 13 of our People that were carried to _France_, we are glad of it. You desire us to meet you at _Cadarackui_ next Spring, to treat of the old Chain; but _Yonondio_, how can we trust you, after you have acted deceitfully so often? Witness what was done at _Cadarackui_; the Usage our Messengers met with at _Utawawa_, and what was done to the _Senekas_ at _Utawawa_. This was their Answer; however, they sent a Belt with this, which always shews a Disposition to treat.

2. _Therhansera, Ohguesse_ and _Ertel_, do you observe Friendship with us, if you have not, how come you to advise us to renew Friendship with _Yonondio_, they sent them likewise a Belt?

3. _Tawerahet_, the whole Council is glad to hear, that you are returned with the other twelve. _Yonondio_, you must send home _Tawerahet_ and the others this very Winter, before Spring, and we will save all the _French_ that we have Prisoners till that Time.

4. _Yonondio_, you desire to speak with us at _Cadarackui_: Don't you know that your Fire there is extinguished? It is extinguished with Blood, you must send home the Prisoners in the first Place.

5. We let you know that we have made Peace with the _Wagunhas_.

6. You are not to think, that we have laid down the Axe, because we return an Answer; we intend no such Thing: Our Fair-fighters shall continue the War till our Countrymen return.

7. When our Brother _Tawerahet_ is returned, then will we speak to you of Peace.

As soon as the Council broke up, their Resolutions were made publick to all their People, by the _Sachems_ of their several Nations.

Two _Sachems_ were sent to _Albany_, by their general Council, to inform their Brethren there of their Resolutions, and to bring back the Contents of the Letters sent from _Canada_ to the Jesuit.

As soon as they arrived, one of the _Mohawks_, that had been sent from _Albany_ to the Council, delivered the _Wagunha_ Belt, and repeated over distinctly all the Articles agreed to with that Nation, and referred to the _Onondaga Speaker_, being one of those sent by the Council of _Albany_, to recite the Answer to the Governor of _Canada_. He rising up, repeated over the whole as before set down, and added; The _French_ are full of Deceit; but I call God to witness, we have hitherto used no Deceit with them, but how we shall act for the future, Time only can discover. Then he assured the Brethren, that the _Five Nations_ were resolved to prosecute the War, in Token whereof he presented _Quider_[35] with a Belt, in which three Axes were represented. Perhaps by this Representation only three Nations joined in sending it, the _Cayugas_ and _Oneydoes_ being more under the Influence of the Jesuit _Milet_, who lived among them intirely, according to their Manner of Life, and was adopted by the _Oneydoes_, and made one of their _Sachems_. The Letters from _Canada_ to him were read, they contained nothing but common News and Compliments.

The _Mohawk_ Messengers, that had been sent from _Albany_, had carried with them Goods to sell at the general Council. This was taken Notice of at the general Council, and gave the _Indians_ a mean Opinion of the People of _Albany_, and particularly of _Peter Schyler_; for it is exceedingly scandalous among the _Indians_, to employ a Merchant in publick Affairs; Merchants, (I mean the Traders with the _Indians_) are looked upon by them as Liars, and People not to be trusted, and of no Credit, who by their Thoughts being continually turned upon Profit and Loss, consider every Thing with that private View. As this made a Noise at _Albany_, by its giving the Jesuit an Opportunity of setting the Messengers from _Albany_ in an ill Light, _Peter Scheyler_ cleared himself by Oath, of his having any Interest directly or indirectly in those Goods, and sent a Belt back with his publick Justification. The _Mohawk_ Messengers had refused to take the Goods, as being scandalous to the Business they went on; but were persuaded, by being told that the Goods belonged to _Quider_.

The Magistrates of _Albany_ advised the _Sachems_, to send the Jesuit Prisoner to _Albany_, where he might be kept securely, without having it in his Power to do Mischief, but they could not prevail. The _Indians_ were resolved to keep all the Means of making Peace in their own Hands.

[Footnote 30: _Thurensera_ signifies the Dawning of the Day, and was the Name given by the _Indians_ to the Jesuit _Lamberville_, who had formerly resided at _Onondaga_.]

[Footnote 31: Monsr. _le Morne_, the Word signifies a Partridge.]

[Footnote 32: _Ertel_ signifies a Rose, the Name of some other _French_ Gentleman, for whom the _Indians_ had an Esteem.]

[Footnote 33: The _Indians_ always paint their Faces when they go to War, to make themselves look more terrible to the Enemy. A Soldier in the _Indian_ Language is expressed by a Word, which signifies a Fair-fighter.]

[Footnote 34: The _Indians_ in this Manner distinguish the Seasons of the Year, as the Time of planting Corn, or when it is ripe, when the Chesnuts blossom, &c.]

[Footnote 35: _Peter Schyler_, Mayor of _Albany_.]

CHAP. IV.

_The_ French _surprise_ Schenectady. _The_ Mohawks _Speech of Condoleance on that Occasion_.

The _Count De Frontenac_ being desirous, as before observed, to raise the drooping Spirits of the _French_ in _Canada_, by keeping them in Action, and engaging the most daring of them, in Enterprizes that might give Courage to the rest, had sent out three Parties against the _English_ Colonies, in Hopes thereby to lessen the Confidence which the _Five Nations_ had in the _English_ Assistance, now that _England_ had declared War against _France_. The Party sent against _New-York_ was commanded by _Monsr. De Herville_, and was ordered to attempt the surprising of _Schenectady_, the nearest Village to the _Mohawks_; It consisted of 150 _French Bush-lopers_ or _Indian_ Traders, and of as many _Indians_, the most of them _French_ Converts from the _Mohawks_, commonly called the _Praying Indians_, settled at a Place near _Montreal_, called _Cahnuaga_. They were well acquainted with all that Part of the Country round _Schenectady_; and came in Sight of the Place the 8th of _February_ 1689-90.

The People of _Schenectady_ were at that Time in the greatest Security, notwithstanding that they had Information from the _Indians_, of a Party of _French_, and _French Indians_ being upon their March that Way. They did not think it practicable, in that Season of the Year, while it was extremely cold, and the whole Country covered with Snow. Indeed _Europeans_ will hardly think it possible, that Men could make such a March through the Wilderness in the severest Frosts, without any Covering from the Heavens, or any Provision, except what they carried on their Backs.

Tho' the People of _Schenectady_ were informed in the Evening before the Place was surprised, that several sculking _Indians_ were seen near the Place, they concluded, that they could be only some of the neighbouring _Indians_; and as they had no Officer of any Esteem among them, not a single Man could be persuaded to watch in such severe Weather, tho', as the _French_ owned afterwards, if they had found the least Guard or Watch, they would not have attempted the Place, but have surrendered themselves Prisoners: They were so exceedingly distressed with the Length of their March, and with Cold, and Hunger, but finding the Place in fatal Security, they marched into the Heart of the Village, without being discovered by any one Person; then they raised their War Shout, entered the Houses, murdered every Person they met, Men, Women, and Children, naked and in cold Blood; and at the same Time set Fire to the Houses. A very few escaped, by running out naked into the Woods in this terrible Weather: And several hid themselves, till the first Fury of the Attack was over; but these were soon driven from their lurking Places by the Fire, and were all made Prisoners.

Captain _Alexander Glen_, at this Time, lived at a Distance by himself, on the other Side of the River, and was the most noted Man in the Place. He had at several Times been kind to the _French_, who had been taken Prisoners by the _Mohawks_, and had saved several of them from the Fire. The _French_ were sensible what Horror this cruel sacking of a defenceless Place, and murdering People in cold Blood, must raise in Mens Minds; and to lessen this, they resolved to shew their Gratitude to Captain _Glen_. They had passed his House in the Night, and observing that he stood on his Defence the next Morning, some of them went to the River Side, and calling to him, assured him, that they designed him no Injury. They persuaded him to come to the _French_ Officer, who restored to him all his Relations that were Prisoners.

Some _Mohawks_ being also found in the Village, the _French_ dismissed them, with Assurance, that they designed them no Hurt.

This Conduct was not only necessary to promote the Peace which the _Count De Frontenac_ with so much Earnestness desired, but likewise to secure their Retreat, by making the _Mohawks_ less eager to pursue them.

The _French_ marched back, without reaping any visible Advantage from this barbarous Enterprize, besides the murdering sixty-three innocent Persons in cold Blood, and carrying twenty-seven of them away Prisoners.

The Care the _French_ took to sooth the _Mohawks_ had not intirely it's Effect, for as soon as they heard of this Action, a hundred of their readiest young Men pursued the _French_, fell upon their Rear, and killed and took twenty-five of them.

This Action frightened the Inhabitants in and about _Albany_ so much, that many resolved to desert the Place, and retire to _New-York_. They were packing up and preparing for this Purpose, when the _Mohawk Sachems_ came to _Albany_ to condole, according to their Custom, with their Friends, when any Misfortune befals them. I shall give their Speech on this Occasion, as it will be of Use to the Reader, in order to his forming a true Notion of the _Indian Genius_. They spoke the twenty-fifth of _March_ as follows.

"Brethren, the Murder of our Brethren at _Schenectady_ by the _French_ grieves us as much, as if it had been done to our selves, for we are in the same Chain; and no Doubt our Brethren of _New-England_ will be likewise sadly affected with this cruel Action of the _French_. The _French_ on this Occasion have not acted like brave Men, but like Thieves and Robbers. Be not therefore discouraged. We =give this Belt= _to wipe away your Tears_.

"Brethren, we lament the Death of so many of our Brethren, whose Blood has been shed at _Schenectady_. We don't think that what the _French_ have done can be called a Victory, it is only a farther Proof of their cruel Deceit. The Governor of _Canada_ sends to _Onondaga_, and talks to us of Peace with our whole House, but War was in his Heart, as you now see by woful Experience. He did the same formerly at _Cadarackui_, and in the _Senekas_ Country. This is the third Time he has acted so deceitfully. He has broken open our House at both Ends, formerly in the _Senekas_ Country, and now here. We hope however to be revenged of them. One Hundred of our bravest young Men are in Pursuit of them, they are brisk Fellows, and they will follow the _French_ to their Doors. We will beset them so closely, that not a Man in _Canada_ shall dare to step out of Doors to cut a Stick of Wood; But now _we gather up our Dead, to bury them_, by =this second Belt=.

"Brethren, we came from our Castles with Tears in our Eyes, to bemoan the Bloodshed at _Schenectady_ by the Perfidious _French_. While we bury our Dead murdered at _Schenectady_, we know not what may have befallen our own People, that are in Pursuit of the Enemy, they may be dead; what has befallen you may happen to us; and therefore _we come to bury our Brethren at_ Schenectady with =this third Belt=.

"Great and sudden is the Mischief, as if it had fallen from Heaven upon us. Our Forefathers taught us to go with all Speed to bemoan and lament with our Brethren, when any Disaster or Misfortune happens to any in our Chain. Take this Bill of Vigilance, that you may be more watchful for the future. _We give our Brethren Eye-Water_ to make them sharp sighted, =giving a fourth Belt=.

"We are now come to the House where we usually renew the Chain; but alas! we find the House polluted, polluted with Blood. All the _Five Nations_ have heard of this, and we are come to wipe away the Blood, and clean the House. We come to invite _Corlear_, and every one of you, and _Quider_ (calling to every one of the principal Men present by their Names) _to be revenged of the Enemy_, by =this fifth Belt=.

"Brethren, be not discouraged, we are strong enough. This is the Beginning of your War, and the whole House have their Eyes fixed upon you at this Time, to observe your Behaviour. They wait your Motion, and are ready to join in any resolute Measures.

"Our Chain is a strong Chain, it is a Silver Chain, it can neither rust nor be broken. We, as to our Parts, are resolute to continue the War.

"We will never desist, so long as a Man of us remains. Take Heart, do not pack up and go away, [36] this will give Heart to a dastardly Enemy. We are of the Race of the Bear, and a Bear you know never yields, while one Drop of Blood is left. _We must all be Bears_; =giving a sixth Belt=.

"Brethren be patient, this Disaster is an Affliction which has fallen from Heaven upon us. The Sun, which hath been cloudy, and sent this Disaster, will shine again with its pleasant Beams. Take Courage, said he, Courage, repeating the Word several Times as they =gave a seventh Belt=.

(_To the_ English.)

Brethren, three Years ago we were engaged in a bloody War with the _French_, and you encouraged us to proceed in it. Our Success answered our Expectation; but we were not well begun, when _Corlear_ stopt us from going on. Had you permitted us to go on, the _French_ would not now have been able to do the Mischief, they have done, we would have prevented their sowing, planting or reaping.

We would have humbled them effectually, but now we dye. The Obstructions you then made now ruin us. Let us after this be steady, and take no such false Measures for the future, but _prosecute the War vigorously_. =Giving a Bever Skin.=

The Brethren must keep good Watch, and if the Enemy come again, send more speedily to us. Don't desert _Schenectady_. The Enemy will glory in seeing it desolate. It will give them Courage that had none before, _fortify the Place_, it is not well fortified now: The _Stockadoes_ are too short, the _Indians_ can jump over them. =Gave a Bever Skin.=

Brethren, The Mischief done at _Schenectady_ cannot be helped now; but for the future, when the Enemy appears any where, let nothing hinder your sending to us by Expresses, and fire great Guns, that all may be alarmed. We advise you to bring all the _River Indians_ under your Subjection to live near _Albany_, to be ready on all Occasions.

Send to _New-England_, tell them what has happened to you. They will undoubtedly awake and lend us their helping Hand. It is their Interest, as much as ours, to push the War to a speedy Conclusion. Be not discouraged, the _French_ are not so numerous as some People talk. If we but heartily unite to push on the War, and mind _our Business, the_ French _will soon be subdued_.

The Magistrates having returned an Answer on the twenty seventh, to the Satisfaction of the _Indians_, they repeated it all over, Word by Word, to let the Magistrates see how carefully they minded it, and then added,

Brethren, we are glad to find you are not discouraged. The best and wisest Men sometimes make Mistakes. Let us now pursue the War vigorously. We have a hundred Men out, they are good Scouts. We expect to meet all the _Sachems_ of the other Nations, as they come to condole with you. You need not fear our being ready, at the first Notice. Our Ax is always in our Hands, but take Care that you be timely ready. Your Ships, that must do the principal Work, are long a fitting out. We do not design to go out with a small Company, or in sculking Parties; but as soon as the Nations can meet, we shall be ready with our whole Force. If you would bring this War to a happy Issue, you must begin soon, before the _French_ can recover the Losses they have received from us, and get new Vigour and Life, therefore send in all Haste to _New-England_. Neither you nor we can continue long in the Condition we are now in, we must order Matters so, that the _French_ be kept in continual Fear and Alarm at home; for this is the only Way to be secure, and in Peace here.

The _Scahkok Indians_, in our Opinion, are well placed where they are (to the Northward of _Albany_); they are a good Out-guard; they are our Children, and we shall take Care that they do their Duty: But you must take Care of the _Indians_ below the Town, place them nearer the Town, so as they may _be of most Service to you_.

Here we see the _Mohawks_ acting like hearty Friends, and if the Value of the Belts given at that Time be considered, together with what they said on that Occasion, they gave the strongest Proofs of their Sincerity. Each of these Belts amount to a large Sum in the _Indian_ Account.

The _English_ of _New-York_ and the _French_ of _Canada_ were now entering into a War, in which the Part the _Five Nations_ are to take is of the greatest Consequence to both; the very Being of the _French_ Colony depended on it, as well as the Safety of the _English_. The _Indians_ at this Time had the greatest Aversion to the _French_, and they desired nothing so much, as that the _English_ might join heartily in this War. We shall see by the Sequel how a publick Spirit, directed by wise Counsels, can overcome all Difficulties, while a selfish Spirit loses all, even natural Advantages. In the present Case, the Turn Things took seems to have been entirely owing to one Thing. The French in making the Count _de Frontenac_ Governor of _Canada_, chose the Man every Way the best qualified for this Service: The _English_ seemed to have little Regard to the Qualification of the Person they sent, but to gratify a Relation or a Friend, by giving him an Opportunity to make a Fortune; and as he knew that he was recommended with this View, his Counsels were chiefly employed for this Purpose.

By this Means an _English Governor_ generally wants the Esteem of the People; while they think that a Governor has not the Good of the People in View, but his own, they on all Occasions are jealous of him; so that even a good Governor, with more Difficulty, pursues generous Purposes and publick Benefits, because the People suspect them to be mere Pretences to cover a private Design. It is for this Reason, that any Man, opposing a Governor, is sure to meet with the Favour of the People, almost in every Case. On the other Hand, the Opinion the _French_ had of the Count _de Frontenac_'s publick Spirit, and of his Wisdom and Diligence, made them enter into all his Measures without hesitating, and chearfully obey all his Commands.

[Footnote 36: This was spoke to the _English_, who were about removing from _Albany_.]

CHAP. V.

_The_ Five Nations _continue the War with the_ French; _the_ Mohawks _incline to Peace_; _their Conferences with the_ Governor _of_ New-York.

The _Governor_ of _Canada_ received Hopes that the _Five Nations_ inclined to Peace, by their returning an Answer to _Therawaet_'s Message, and thought he might now venture to send some _French_ to them with further Proposals. The Chevalier _D'O_, with an Interpreter called _Collin_, and some others, went; but they had a much warmer Reception than they expected, being forced to run the Gauntlet through a long Lane of _Indians_, as they entered their Castle, and were afterwards delivered up Prisoners to the _English_.

The _Five Nations_ kept out at this Time small Parties, that continually harassed the _French_. The Count _de Frontenac_ sent Captain _Louvigni_ to _Missilimakinak_, to relieve the Garison, and he had Orders, by all Means, to prevent the Peace which the _Utawawas_ and _Quatoghies_ were upon the Point of concluding with the _Five Nations_. He carried with him one hundred forty three _French_, and six _Indians_, and was likewise accompanied with a Lieutenant and thirty Men, till he got one hundred twenty Miles from _Montreal_. They were met in _Cadarackui River_, at a Place called the _Cats_, by a Party of the _Five Nations_, who fell vigorously on their Canoes, killed several of the _French_, and made them give Way; but _Louvigni_, by putting his Men ashore, at last got the better, after a smart Engagement, in which the _Indians_ had several Men killed, and two Men, and as many Women, taken Prisoners. I am obliged to rely on the _French_ Account of these Skirmishes; they do not mention the Number of the _Indians_ in this Rencounter, but I suspect them to have been much fewer than the _French_; for when the Enemy are equal in Number, or greater, they seldom forget to tell it. One of the _Indian_ Prisoners was carried by them to _Missilimackinak_, to confirm this Victory, and was delivered to the _Utawawas_, who eat him. The Lieutenant carried the other back with him. He was given to _Therawaet_.

To revenge this Loss, the _Five Nations_ sent a Party against the _Island of Montreal_, who fell on that Part called the _Trembling Point_; and though they were discovered before they gave their Blow, they attacked a Party of regular Troops, and killed the commanding Officer, and twelve of his Men: Another Party carried off fifteen or sixteen Prisoners from _Riviere Puante_, over against _Trois Rivieres_. This Party was pursued, and finding that they were like to be overpowered, murdered their Prisoners and made their Escape. These Incursions kept all the River, from _Montreal_ to _Quebeck_, in continual Alarm, and obliged the Governor to send all the Soldiers to guard the south Side of the River. Notwithstanding this, five Persons were carried away in Sight of _Sorel Fort_, by a small skulking Party, but they were soon afterwards recovered by the Soldiers. About the same Time another Party burnt the Plantations at _St. Ours_.

The _Five Nations_ had conceived great Hopes from the Assistance of the _English_, as the Magistrates of _Albany_ had promised the _Mohawks_, when they came to condole, after the surprising of _Schenectady_; but the _English_ were so far from performing these Promises, that many of the Inhabitants retired from _Albany_ to _New-York_; and they who had the Administration of Affairs, were so intent on their party Quarrels, that they intirely neglected the _Indian_ Affairs. Indeed the People of _New-York_ have too often made large Promises, and have thereby put the _Indians_ upon bold Enterprizes, when no Measures were concerted for supporting them. This made the _Indians_ think, that the _English_ were lavish of _Indian_ Lives and too careful of their own. The _Mohawks_, who lived nearest the _English_, were most sensible of these Things, and soon entertained Notions prejudicial to the Opinion they ought to have had of the _English_ Prudence and Conduct; it is even probable, these _Indians_ began to entertain a mean Opinion of both the _English_ Courage and Integrity. It is not strange then, that the _Mohawks_ at last gave Ear to the assiduous Application of their Countrymen, the _praying Indians_, who, with _French_ Arguments, persuaded them to make Peace as soon as possible, without trusting longer to the _English_, who had so often disappointed or deceived them.

The _Mohawks_ sent one of their _Sachems_, _Odigacege_, to the _praying Indians_, who introduced him to the Count _de Frontenac_. The Count made him welcome, and told him, that he was sorry for the Injuries his Predecessors had done them; but that he would treat them like Friends, if their future Conduct did not prevent him, and =gave him a Belt=, with Proposals of Peace to his Nation.

Colonel _Slaughter_, who was then Governor of _New-York_, being informed that the _Five Nations_ were like to make Peace with the _French_, by their having lost much of their Confidence in the _English_ Assistance, found it necessary to meet them, which he did in the End of _May_ 1691. There were present at that Time six _Oneydo_, eleven _Onondaga_, four _Cayuga_, and ten _Seneka Sachems_. He renewed the Covenant with them, and gave them Presents. The _Mohawks_ having entered into a Treaty with the _French_, did not join with the other four Nations in their Answer.

On the second of _June_ the Speaker, in Name of the other four Nations, told him, they were glad to see a Governor again in this Place; that they had learned from their Ancestors, that the first Ship which arrived in this Country surprized them exceedingly; that they were curious to know what was in its huge Belly. They found Christians in it, and among them one _Jacques_, with whom they made a Chain of Friendship, which has been preserved to this Day. By that Chain it was agreed, that whatever Injury was done to the one, should be deemed, by both Sides, as likewise done to the other. Then they mentioned the Confusion that had lately been in the Government of _New-York_, which had like to have confounded all their Affairs, but hoped all would be reduced to their wonted Order and Quiet. They complained of several of the Brethren leaving _Albany_ in Time of Danger, and praised those by Name who staid, and then said: Our Tree of Peace, which grows in this Place, has of late been much shaken, we must now secure and fasten its Roots; we must frequently manure and dress it, that its Roots may spread far.

They assured the Governor, that they were resolved to prosecute the War against the _French_ as long as they lived, and that they would never speak of Peace, but with the common Consent. They abhor those that do otherwise, and desired that the Brethren might not keep a Correspondence with _Canada_ by Letters. You need not (said they) press us to mind the War, we mind it above all Things; do you but your Parts, lay aside all other Thoughts but that of the War, for it is the only Thing we have at Heart. They =gave Bevers= at the End of every distinct Part of their Answer.

On the fourth the _Mohawks_ spoke to the Governor, in Presence of the other four Nations: They confessed the Negotiations they had with the _Praying Indians_, and with the Governor of _Canada_, and that they had received a Belt from him. Then they restored one of the Prisoners taken at _Schenectady_, as the Fruit of that Negotiation. They desired the Governor's Advice, and the Advice of the whole House, what Answer to return to the Governor of _Canada_; and lastly, desired the _Senekas_ to release the Prisoners they had taken from the _Praying Indians_.

Colonel _Slaughter_ check'd the _Mohawks_ for entering into a separate Treaty with the Enemy, and said he could admit of no Proposals of Peace. He told them, that the Prisoners taken from the _Praying Indians_ must not be restored; putting them in mind, that some of them having been formerly released, soon after returned and murdered several People, and burnt several Houses.

He assured them of his Assistance, and then added, You must keep the Enemy in perpetual Alarm. The _Mohawks_ thanked him for his Assurance of Assistance; but took Notice of his saying, _You_ must keep the Enemy in perpetual Alarm. Why don't you say, they replied, We will keep the Enemy in perpetual Alarm. In the last Place, the _Mohawks_ renewed their League with all the _English_ Colonies; adding, Though an angry Dog has endeavoured to bite the Chain in Pieces, we are resolved to keep it firm, both in Peace and in War: We now renew the old Chain, that so the Tree of Peace and Prosperity may flourish, and spread its Roots through all the Country.

In the last Place, the four Nations answered the _Mohawks_.

"_Mohawks_, our Brethren, in answer to your Proposals from the Governor of _Canada_, we must put you in Mind of his Deceit and Treachery; we need only give one recent Instance, how he lately sent to the _Senekas_ to treat of Peace, and at the same Time fell upon _Schenectady_, and cut that Place off. We tell you, that the Belt sent by the _French_ Governor is Poison; we spew it out of our Mouths, we absolutely reject it, and are resolved to prosecute the War as long as we live."

Then they left the Belt lying on the Ground.

CHAP. VI.

_The_ English _attack_ Montreal _by Land_, _in Conjunction with the_ Indians, _and_ Quebeck _by Sea_.

It was now evident that the _Indians_ could no longer be amused with Words, and that, unless the _English_ entered soon upon Action, the _French_ would carry their Design of making Peace with the _Five Nations_, and the _English_ be left to carry on the War in _America_ by themselves. Certainly a more proper Opportunity of doing it with Success could not be expected, than at present, while the _French_ in _Canada_ had neither recovered their Spirits, nor the Strength they had lost, by the terrible Incursions of the _Five Nations_. A joint Invasion on _Canada_ was concerted with _New-England_, they were to attack _Quebeck_ by Sea, while _New-York_ attacked _Montreal_ by Land. The Governor therefore proposed to the _Indians_ to join with him in attacking _Canada_, for which Purpose he told them, that he designed to send a considerable Force this Summer. They desired Time to consult on it at their general Meeting, which was soon to be held at _Onondaga_, and to know what Number of Christians he designed to send, that they might join a suitable Number of their Men. To this the Governor answered, that he must not communicate the Particulars of his Design to so many, because they could not then be kept secret from the Enemy; as he found by the Discoveries that were last Year made to the _French_ by that Means.

It was at last agreed, that the _Mohawks_ should join with the Christians that were to march from _New-York_ directly against _Montreal_, and that the other four Nations should send a considerable Party down _Cadarackui Lake_, and join them before _Montreal_.

Major _Peter Schuyler_, the same whom the _Indians_ call _Quider_, commanded the Party sent from _New-York_, which consisted of three hundred Men, one half Christians, the other _Mohawks_ and _Scahkook Indians_. He set out from _Albany_ about Midsummer. As he was preparing his Canoes to pass _Corlear_'s Lake, he was discovered by the _French Indians_, who immediately returned to _Montreal_, to give Information of what they had seen. The Chevalier _Clermont_ was sent out to make further Discoveries: He found the _English_ above _Chamblie_, and went immediately back with the Intelligence he there gained. In the mean while Mr. _de Callieres_, Governor of _Montreal_, did all in his Power to give Major _Schuyler_ a proper Reception, by drawing the Militia and regular Troops together for the Defence of the Place. There happened to be a very considerable Number of _Utawawas_ trading at that Time at _Montreal_, Mr. _de Colliere_, in Order to engage them to join him, made a great Feast for them, went among them, and, after the _Indian_ Manner, began the war Song, leading up the Dance with his Axe in his Hand, and shouting and hollowing in the same wild Manner the _Indians_ do. This done, he carried his whole Force, which consisted of twelve hundred Men, cross the River, and encamped on the south Side, at _la Prairie de la Magdeleine_, together with a great Number of _Utawawas_, the _Praying Indians_, and other _French Indians_. The famous _Therawaet_ being now entirely gained by the Caresses of the Count _de Frontenac_, made one of the Number. They encamped round the Fort, which stood on a steep rising Ground between two Meadows.

Major _Schuyler_ having left forty of his Men to guard his Canoes, which had carried him cross the Lake, marched on without stopping. He got into a Hollow, which led into the Meadow, without being discovered; and marching under that Cover, he fell suddenly upon the Militia, who were soon put into Confusion, and many of them, and of the _Utawawas_, who were posted with them, were killed. He pursued them as they fled to the Fort, which he attacked briskly, but was obliged to leave it, by the Approach of the regular Troops who came to relieve it. He received them however bravely, and, after they had lost several Officers and many Men, they retired. Major _Schuyler_ finding the Number of the Enemy much greater than was expected, and being informed that a considerable Party of the Enemy had marched Southward, he began to apprehend, that this Party was sent to cut off his Retreat, by destroying his Canoes. It was resolved therefore immediately to follow this Party; he overtook them, and they covering themselves behind some large fallen Trees, he attacked them, and made his Way through them, but with considerable Loss.

In this Attack the _Mohawks_ signalized themselves, but the _Scahkook Indians_ did not behave themselves well. The _Mohawks_, upon no Occasion, yielded an Inch of Ground, till the _English_ first gave Way. The _French_, by their own Accounts, lost, in the several Attacks made by _Schuyler_, two Captains, six Lieutenants, and five Ensigns, and, in all, three hundred Men, so that their Slain were in Number more than Major _Schuyler_ had with him. The _Mohawks_ suffered much, having seventeen Men killed, and eleven wounded. They returned to _Albany_ the eleventh of _August_.

After the _English_ under Major _Schuyler_ had retired, an _Owenagunga Indian_ came from _New-England_, with an Account of the Preparations made there against _Canada_, and that they had actually sailed.

This Fleet, which was commanded by _Sir William Phips_, was discovered in _St. Laurence Bay_, while the Count _de Frontenac_ remained at _Montreal_; and thereupon he made all possible Haste to _Quebeck_, and carried three hundred Men with him.

The Fleet, which consisted of thirty Sail, did not reach _Quebeck_ till the seventh of _October_. Sir _William_ spent three Days in nothing but Consultation, while the _French_ made all possible Preparation for a Defence, and, by this Means, suffered them to get over the Fright and Consternation, into which the first Appearance of the Fleet had thrown them; for the Place was not in any Posture of Defence. It gave them Time likewise to draw all the Country round them into the Town. And on the fourth Day Sir _William_ summoned the _Count_ to surrender, who returned him such an Answer as his Conduct deserved.

The _English_ landed four Miles below the Town, and had thick Woods to march through, before they could come at it, in which Ambuscades of _French_ and _Indians_ were made at proper Distances, by whom the _English_ were repulsed with considerable Loss. They attempted the Wood again the next Day with no better Success.

The _French_, in their Account of this Action, say, that the Men, though they appeared to be as little disciplined as Men could be, behaved with great Bravery, but that Sir _William_'s Conduct was such, that, if he had been in Concert with them, he could not have done more to ruin the Enterprize; yet his Fidelity was never suspected. In short, this Descent was so ill managed, that the _English_ got on Board again in the Night, with the Loss of all the Cannon and Baggage which they had landed.

The _French_ thought themselves in such great Danger at that Time, that they attributed their Deliverance to the most immediate Protection of Heaven, in confounding the Devices of their Enemy, and by depriving them of common Sense; and for this Reason the People of _Quebeck_ make an annual Procession, in Commemoration of this Deliverance.

Sir _William_ cannonaded the Town for some Time with little Execution, and then returned in Hast, Winter approaching; indeed that Season was already so far advanced, that he lost eight Vessels in his Return.

The _Five Nations_ continued their Incursions all along _St. Laurence River_, from _Montreal_ to _Quebeck_, and carried away many Scalps. At one Time a _French_ Officer, with thirty eight Men, surprised some of the _Five Nations_ in a Cabin, which they had built near _Lake St. Piere_. Some of them escaped and informed two other Cabins, which the _French_ had not discovered, and they returned with their Companions, and killed the Captain and Lieutenant, and one half of the Men.

Notwithstanding that the _French_ preserved their Country, these warlike Expeditions, and the Necessity they were under of being on their Guard, prevented their cultivating the Ground, or of reaping the Fruit of what they had sowed or planted. This occasioned a Famine in _Canada_, and, to increase the Misery of the poor Inhabitants, they were forced to feed the Soldiers gratis, while their own Children wanted Bread.

In _October_ the _Onondagas_, _Cayugas_, and _Oneydoes_ came to _Albany_, to condole with the _English_, for the Men lost in the Expedition against _Montreal_, as they had already done with the _Mohawks_. They said it was ever their Custom to condole with their Friends when they lost any Number of Men in Battle, though they had the Victory. They at the same Time, as they had often done before, complained of the Dearness of Powder: Why, say they, do you call us your King's Soldiers, when you will not sell us Powder at the usual and reasonable Rates?

And in answer to a Complaint, of there not being a sufficient Number of _English_ sent against _Montreal_, the People of _Albany_ upbraided them with a Breach of Promise, in not sending that Party down _Cadarackui River_ which they promised, which they said was the chief Reason of the want of Success in that Expedition.

CHAP. VII.

_The_ French _and the_ Five Nations _continue the War all Winter with various Success_. _The_ French _burn a_ Captain _of the_ Five Nations _alive_.

The old _French_ Governor kept up his Vigour and Spirits wonderfully, no Fatigue made him ever think of Rest. He knew of what Use it would be to convince the _Five Nations_, that the joint Attack of the _English_ and _Indians_ had neither weakened him, nor frightened him from carrying on the War with as much Vigour as before.

It was absolutely necessary that the _Utawawas_ and other _Western Indians_, who came to _Montreal_ to trade, should return safe to their own Country, otherwise there would be an End to the _French_ Trade with those Nations, upon which the Being of _Canada_ depends; for it is only by the _Fur-trade_ with these Nations that they make Returns to _Europe_; and if these Nations did not return in Time, all the _Western Indians_ would look on the _French_ as lost, and consequently would make Peace with the _Five Nations_, and perhaps join in the Destruction of _Canada_.

Captain _la Forest_, with one hundred and ten Men, was sent to conduct the _Utawawas_ Home; he carried with him considerable Presents sent by the King of _France_, to confirm these Nations in the _French_ Interest.

Two _Indian_ Prisoners, taken at _la Prairie_, were given to the _Utawawas_, and carried with them, to confirm the Stories they were to tell of their Successes against the _English_ and _Five Nations_. These poor Men were there burnt alive; and if I should add, that it was done by _French_ Instigation, what I shall relate by and by will clear me of the want of Charity. I believe it was so, in Order to rivet the Hatred between these People and the _Five Nations_.

The _Five Nations_ continued their Incursions all Winter on _Canada_. Forty of the _Mohawks_ fell upon _Fort Vercheres_, and carried off twenty of the Inhabitants; but the Alarm reaching _Montreal_, Mr. _de Crizaei_, with one hundred Men of the regular Troops, was sent in pursuit of them, who recovered most of the Prisoners.

The Count _de Frontenac_ being informed, that a considerable Party of the _Five Nations_ hunted Bever on the Neck of Land between _Cadarackui Lake_ and _Lake Erie_, with great Security, resolved to give them a better Opinion of the Strength and Courage of the _French_. For this Purpose he sent three hundred and twelve Men to surprise them, under the Command of Mr. _Beaucour_, a young Gentleman. The _Praying Indians_ of _Montreal_ were of the Party. This Expedition being in the Winter, they were obliged to undergo cruel Fatigues, while they marched on the Snow with snow Shoes, and carried all their Provision on their Backs. Several of the _French_ had their Feet frozen, which obliged fifteen to return, with some old _Indians_, that could not bear the Fatigue; and it was with much Difficulty that _Beaucour_ could persuade the rest to continue their March. After a March to a surprizing Distance, at that Season of the Year, they surprised eighty of the _Five Nations_, who notwithstanding made a brave Defence, and did not run before they left most of their Men dead on the Spot. Three Women were made Prisoners, with whom the _French_ immediately turned back to _Montreal_. Some stragling Parties went towards _Albany_, but did no more Mischief than killing two or three stragling Persons, and alarming the Country.

The Trade to _Missilimakinak_ being still intirely stopt, by the Parties of the _Five Nations_ investing _Cadarackui River_, by which, and _Cadarackui Lake_, the Passage in Canoes is made to the _Western Indians_, Captain _la Noue_, with a Command of the regular Troops, was ordered early in the Spring to guard the Traders through that Passage; but when he reached the _Falls de Calumette_, he discovered the Enemy, and returned faster than he went.

_La Noue_ had Orders a second Time to attempt this Passage, and went as far as the River _du Lievre_ (thirty Leagues from _Montreal_) without any Obstruction; but there discovering several Canoes of the _Five Nations_, he went back as fast as before.

The _Quatoghies_ and the _Bullheads_[37] having informed the _French_ of another smaller River, which falls into _Cadarackui River_, and runs to the Northward of it, by which a Passage might be made to the Lakes, it was resolved to attempt this Passage, though it were much farther round, and more dangerous, there being many more rapid Falls in that River. Three Officers, with thirty Soldiers, were sent with the Traders for this Purpose, but a Party of the _Five Nations_ meeting with them in the long Fall, before they reached this River, they were all killed or taken, except four that escaped back to _Montreal_.

A considerable Party of the _Five Nations_, under the Command of _Blackkettle_, a famous Hero, continued a long Time on _Cadarackui River_, in hopes of meeting with other _French_ Parties, in their Passage towards _Missilimakinak_; but finding that no Attempts were made that Way, he resolved to make an Irruption into the Country round _Montreal_. The _French_ say he had six hundred Men with him; but they usually increase the Number of their Enemies, in the Relation they give of these Transactions, either to excuse their Fears, or to increase their Glory.

_Blackkettle_ overrun the Country (to use the _French_ Expression) as a Torrent does the Low-lands, when it overflows its Banks, and there is no withstanding it. The Soldiers had Orders to stand upon the defensive within their Forts. Mr. _de Vaudreuil_ pursued this Party (after they had burnt and ravaged the whole Country) at the Head of four hundred Men; he overtook them and surprised them. The _Five Nations_ fought desperately, though the same Author, at this Place, makes them no more than two hundred Men. After they had lost twenty Men on the Spot, they broke through the _French_, and marched off. The _French_ lost four Officers and many common Soldiers, and they took five Men, nine Women, and five Children Prisoners.

The _Five Nations_ in a few Days had however some Revenge; a Captain having had Orders to guard the Vessels from _Montreal_ to _Quebeck_, a Party of the _Five Nations_ attacked him in his Return, as he passed through the Islands in _Lake St. Pierre_. He himself was killed, and the whole Party intirely routed.

The _French_ all this Summer were obliged to keep upon the defensive within their Forts, while the _Five Nations_, in small Parties, ravaged the whole Country, so that no Man stirred the least Distance from a Fort, but he was in danger of losing his Scalp.

The Count _de Frontenac_ was pierced to the Heart, when he found that he could not revenge these terrible Incursions of the _Five Nations_; and his Anguish made him guilty of such a Piece of monstrous Cruelty, in burning a Prisoner alive after the _Indian_ Manner, as though I have frequently mentioned to have been done by the _Indians_, yet I forbore giving the Particulars of such barbarous Acts, suspecting it might be too offensive to Christian Ears, even in the History of Savages. Here however I think it useful to give a circumstantial Account of this horrid Act, to shew on one Hand, what Courage and Resolution, Virtue, the Love of Glory, and the Love of one's Country can instill into Mens Minds, even where the Knowledge of true Religion is wanting; and on the other Hand, how far a false Policy, under a corrupt Religion, can debase even great Minds.

The Count _de Frontenac_, I say, condemned two Prisoners of the _Five Nations_ to be burnt publickly alive. The Intendant's Lady intreated him to moderate the Sentence, and the Jesuits, it is said, used their Endeavours for the same Purpose. But the Count _de Frontenac_ said, there is a Necessity of making such an Example, to frighten the _Five Nations_ from approaching the Plantations, since the Indulgence, that had hitherto been shewn, had incouraged them to advance with the greatest Boldness to the very Gates of their Towns; while they thought they run no other Risque, but of being made Prisoners, where they live better than at Home. He added, that the _Five Nations_ having burnt so many _French_, justified this Method of making Reprizals. But with Submission to the Politeness of the _French_ Nation, may I not ask, whether every (or any) horrid Action of a barbarous Enemy, can justify a civilized Nation in doing the like?

When the Governor could not be moved, the Jesuits went to the Prison, to instruct the Prisoners in the Mysteries of our Holy Religion, _viz_. of the Trinity, the Incarnation of our Saviour, the Joys of Paradise, and the Punishments of Hell, to fit their Souls for Heaven by Baptism, while their Bodies were condemned to Torments. But the _Indians_, after they had heard their Sentence, refused to hear the Jesuits speak, and began to prepare for Death in their own Country Manner, by singing their Death Song.

Some charitable Person threw a Knife into the Prison, with which one of them dispatched himself: The other was carried out to the Place of Execution by the Christian _Indians_ of _Loretto_, to which he walked, seemingly, with as much Indifference as ever Martyr did to the Stake. While they were torturing him, he continued singing, that he was a Warrior brave and without Fear; that the most cruel Death could not shake his Courage; that the most cruel Torment should not draw an indecent Expression from him; that his Comrade was a Coward, a Scandal to the _Five Nations_, who had killed himself for fear of Pain; that he had the Comfort to reflect, that he had made many _Frenchmen_ suffer as he did now. He fully verified his Words, for the most violent Torment could not force the least Complaint from him, though his Executioners tried their utmost Skill to do it. They first broiled his Feet between two red hot Stones; then they put his Fingers into red hot Pipes, and though he had his Arms at Liberty, he would not pull his Fingers out; they cut his Joints, and taking hold of the Sinews, twisted them round small Bars of Iron. All this while he kept singing and recounting his own brave Actions against the _French_. At last they flead his Scalp from his Skull, and poured scalding hot Sand upon it; at which Time the Intendant's Lady obtained Leave of the Governor to have the _Coup-de-grace_ given, and I believe she thereby likewise obtained a Favour to every Reader, in delivering him from a further continuance of this Account of _French_ Cruelty.

Notwithstanding this Cruelty, which the _French_ Governor manifested towards the _Five Nations_, and thereby his Hatred of them, he found Peace with them so necessary to _Canada_, that he still pursued it by all the Means in his Power. For this Purpose the _Praying Indians_ (who, as I observed before, are _Mohawks_, and have always kept a Correspondence with their own Nation) were employed to bring it about, and to endeavour a Cessation of Arms, that the Governor might have an Opportunity of shewing what kind Things he had in his Heart towards the _Five Nations_, but without Success.

[Footnote 37: The _Bullheads_ are said to be cowardly People.]

CHAP. VIII.

_The_ Five Nations _treat with Captain_ Ingoldsby.

The Governor of _New-York_, Colonel _Slaughter_'s Death, soon after his Arrival, was very prejudicial to the Affairs of _New-York_; for Captain _Ingoldsby_, who had no other Commission but that of Captain of one of the Independent Companies of Foot, took upon himself the Government of the Province, without any Authority; and he having likewise highly offended a great Number of the People, by the Share he took in the late Party Quarrels, it was not easy for him to prosecute any vigorous Measures. He was reckoned to be much more a Soldier than a Statesman.

Captain _Ingoldsby_ met the Five Nations at _Albany_, the sixth of _June_ 1692. In his Speech, he told them of his vigorous Resolutions to prosecute the War, and then blamed them for not sending (according to their Promise) a Party down _Cadarackui River_, to join them that went from _Albany_ against _Montreal_, and for their Carelesness in suffering themselves to be surprised last Winter in their Hunting. He desired them to keep the Enemy in perpetual Alarm, by the Incursions of their Parties into the Enemy's Country, and to give him timely Notice of all their Motions. He told them in the next Place, that he heard the _French_ were still using their wonted Artifice, of amusing them with Offers of Peace; but the former Proceedings of the _French_ sufficiently demonstrates, said he to the Brethren, that while Peace is in their Mouths, War is in their Hearts, and the late horrid Murder of the Brethren, after Quarter given, sufficiently shews the Perfidy and Rancour of their Hearts. It is in vain, said he, to think of any Cessation of Arms, much less of a Peace, while the two Kings are at War at Home. He added, _Virginia_ is ready to assist us, and only waits the King's Orders, which are daily expected, and then renewed the Chain for _Virginia_. In the last Place he told them, that he heard the _Dionondadas_ had sent two Prisoners Home, with a View thereby to procure Peace; and advised them by all Means to make Peace with that Nation.

The _Five Nations_ answered by _Cheda_, an _Oneydo Sachem:_

"_Brother_ Corlear,

The _Sachems_ of the _Five Nations_ have with great Attention heard _Corlear_ speak; we shall make a short Recital, to shew you with what Care we have hearkened. After the Recital he continued.

We heartily thank _Corlear_, for his coming to this Place to view the Strength thereof, for his bringing Forces with him, and for his Resolution of putting Garisons into the Frontier Places. =Giving five Bevers and a Belt.=

Brother _Corlear_, as to what you blame us for, let us not reproach one another, such Words do not favour well among Friends. They gave nothing with this Article.

Brother _Corlear_, be patient under the Loss of your Men, as we are of the _Mohawks_ our Brethren, that were killed at the same Time. You take no Notice of the great Losses we have suffered. We designed to have come to this Place to have condoled with you in your Loss, but the War took up all our Time, and employed all Hands. They =gave five Bevers, four Otters, and one Belt=, as a Gift of Condolence.

Brother _Corlear_, we are all Subjects of one great King and Queen, we have one Head, one Heart, one Interest, and are all ingaged in the same War. You tell us, that we must expect no Peace while the Kings are at War on the other Side the great Water. We thank you for being so plain with us. We assure you we have no Thoughts of Peace. We are resolved to carry on the War, though we know we only are in danger of being Losers. Pray do you prosecute the War with the same Resolution. You are strong and have many People. You have a great King, who is able to hold out long. We are but a small People, and decline daily, by the Men we lose in this War, we do our utmost to destroy the Enemy; but how strange does it seem to us! How unaccountable! that while our great King is so inveterate against the _French_, and you are so earnest with us to carry on the War, that Powder is now sold dearer to us than ever? We are poor, and not able to buy while we neglect hunting; and we cannot hunt and carry on the War at the same Time: We expect, that this Evil we so justly complain of be immediately remedied. =Giving nine Bevers.=

Brother _Corlear_, you desire us to keep the Enemy in perpetual Alarm, that they may have no Rest, till they are in their Graves; Is it not to secure your own Frontiers? Why then not one Word of your People that are to join us? We assure you we shall continue to carry on the War into the Heart of the Enemies Country. =Giving eight Bevers.=

We the _Five Nations_, _Mohawks_, _Oneydoes_, _Onondagas_, _Cayugas_, and _Senekas_, renew the Silver Chain whereby we are linked fast with our Brethren of _Assarigoa_ (_Virginia_) and we promise to preserve it as long as the Sun shall shine in the Heavens. =Giving ten Bevers.=

But Brother _Corlear_, How comes it, that none of our Brethren fastened in the same Chain with us, offer their helping Hand in this general War, in which our great King is engaged against the _French_? Pray _Corlear_, how come _Maryland_, _Delaware River_, and _New-England_, to be disengaged from this War? You have always told us, that they are our Brethren, Subjects of the same great King. Has our King sold them? Or do they fail in their Obedience? Or do they draw their Arms out of our Chain? Or has the great King commanded, that the few Subjects he has in this Place, should make War against the _French_ alone? Pray make plain to us this Mystery? How can they and we be Brethren, and make different Families? How can they and we be Subjects of the same great King, and not be engaged in the same War? How can they and we have the same Heart, the same Head, and the same Interest, as you tell us, and not have the same Thoughts? How comes it, that the Enemy burns and destroys the Towns in _New-England_, and they make no Resistance? How comes our great King to make War, and not to destroy his Enemies? When, if he would only command his Subjects on this Side the great Lake to joyn, the Destruction of the Enemy would not make one Summer's Work.

You need not warn us of the Deceit and Treachery of the _French_, who would probably insinuate Thoughts of Peace; but Brethren, you need not fear us, we will never hearken to them: Tho' at the same Time, we must own, that we have not been without Thoughts of your being inclined to Peace, by Reason of the Brethren's Backwardness in pushing on the War. The _French_ spread Reports among us to this Purpose, and say, that they had in a Manner concluded the Matter with you. We rejoice to be now assured of this Falshood. We shall never desist fighting the _French_ as long as we shall live. And =gave a Belt of Wampum=.

We now renew the old Chain, and here plant the Tree of Prosperity and Peace. May it grow and thrive, and spread its Roots even beyond _Canada_. =Giving a Belt.=

We make the House clean, where all our Affairs of Importance are transacted with these five Otters.

We return you Thanks for the Powder and Lead given us; but what shall we do with them without Guns, shall we throw them at the Enemy? We doubt they will not hurt them so. Before this we always had Guns given us. It is no Wonder the Governor of _Canada_ gains upon us, for he supplies his _Indians_ with Guns as well as Powder; he supplies them plentifully with every Thing that can hurt us. =Giving five Otters.=

As to the _Dionondadas_ setting two of our Nation at Liberty, we must tell you, that it was not the Act of that Nation, but the private Act of one Person: We are desirous to make Peace with that Nation as soon as we can, upon honourable Terms. And =gave a Belt=.

The _Mohawks_, before they left the Place, desired a private Conference with the Governor, and told him, that they were all exceedingly dissatisfied, that the other _English_ Colonies gave no Assistance, and that it might prove of ill Consequence. Captain _Ingoldsby_ promised to write to them, and hoped it would have a good Effect.

CHAP. IX.

_The_ French _surprise and take three_ Mohawk _Castles_.

The _Praying Indians_ promised their Endeavours to reconcile their Brethren the _Mohawks_ to the _French_, on whom the _French_ expected they would have much Influence; but their Endeavours proving ineffectual, their Correspondence began to be suspected. The _French_ thought they did more Hurt than Good, by the Intelligence the Enemy by their Means received. The _French_ in _Canada_ began to lose their Spirits, by being obliged to remain so long upon the defensive, as the _Five Nations_ gained more Courage by it. The Count _de Frontenac_ thought it therefore absolutely necessary to undertake some bold Enterprize, to shew the _Five Nations_, that they had to do with an Enemy still able to act offensively: An Attack on the _Mohawks_ he thought would be most effectual for this Purpose, because it would shew, at the same Time, that the _English_ would not protect their nearest Neighbours. As this was designed to be done by Surprize, the Winter Season was chosen for this Purpose, as least to be suspected at such a Time; and when the Enemy could not, without great Hardship, keep Scouts abroad, to discover them or the _English_ give any Assistance.

The Body of the _French_ designed for this Expedition was put under three Captains of the regular Troops, and thirty Subalterns, and consisted of picked Men of the regular Troops of the common Militia of the Country of the _Praying Indians_, the _Quatoghies_ of _Loretto_, _Adirondacks_, and _Sohokies_, who live to the eastward of _Boston_, making in all about six or seven hundred Men, so that a great Part of the Force of _Canada_ was employed in it. They were well supplied with all Sorts of Ammunition, Provision, Snow-Shoes, and such Conveniencies for Carriage, as were practicable upon the Snow, and through such great Forests as they had to pass. The _French_ at _Canada_ have a Kind of light Sledges made with Skins, and are drawn by large Dogs on the frozen Snow.

They set out from _la Prairie de Magdeleine_ the 15th of _January_ 1692-3, after having endured what might have been thought unsurmountable Hardships; they passed by _Schenectady_ at some Distance from it, on the 8th of _February_, at which Time one that had been taken Prisoner, when that Place was sacked, made his Escape from them, and gave the People of _Schenectady_ Intelligence of the _French_, who by an Express, immediately informed the Commandant of _Albany_. The Millitia was expeditiously raised, and a Lieutenant with fifty five Horse was immediately dispatched to _Schenectady_; but no Care was taken to give the _Mohawks_ Notice, which might have been done without much Danger, by sending up the South Side of the River, whilst the _French_ marched on the North. The _French_, on the 8th at Night, reached the first _Mohawk_ Castle, where there were only five Men, and some Women and Children in great Security, their other Men being all abroad, these were all taken without Opposition. The next Fort not far from it was in like Manner surprized, without any Opposition, both of them were very small, and being next the _English_, not fortified.

_Schenectady_ being the nearest _English_ Settlement to the _Mohawks_, and but a little Way from their nearest Castle, many of them are always there. The _Mohawks_ then in the Town were exceedingly enraged, that none went out to assist their Nation; some were sent therefore out the next Day, to gain Information of the Enemy, and to give the _Mohawks_ Notice; but they returned without doing their Duty.

The _French_ went on to the next _Mohawk_ Fort, which was the largest; and coming to that in the Night, they heard some Noise, and suspected they were discovered: But this Noise was only occasioned by a War Dance, forty of the _Indians_ designing to go next Day upon some Enterprize. The _French_ approached the Castle silently, and finding the _Indians_ no way on their Guard, opened the Gate, and entered before they were discovered; but notwithstanding this, and the Confusion the _Indians_ must be in, this Conquest was not without Loss of Blood, the _French_ having lost thirty Men, before the _Indians_ entirely submitted: The _French_ designed to have put them all to the Sword, but their own _Indians_ would not suffer it, and gave Quarter: They took three hundred Prisoners, of whom one hundred were fighting Men. I have no Account of the Number of _Mohawks_ killed, but no Doubt it was very considerable.

When the Account came to _Albany_, how much the _Mohawks_, who were at _Schenectady_, were enraged, that no Assistance was sent to their Countrymen; _Peter Schuyler_ a Major of the Militia offered himself to go with what Force could be got ready for their Assistance. He went himself immediately to _Schenectady_, and sent out to discover the Enemy: His Scouts brought him Intelligence, first, that the _French_ were in Possession of the two smallest Forts, afterwards, that they had heard great Firing at the largest Fort; and at last, that it was taken. Having received 200 Men, partly regular Troops, but most of the Militia, he began his March on the 12th in Quest of the Enemy; but hearing soon after, that six hundred Men of the upper Castles were on their March, 'tis probable he did not endeavour to be up with the _French_ so soon as he might; for I find by his Journal, that he was nearer them on the fourteenth, than he was two Days after. He had not sufficient Force to fight them: He sent therefore to the upper _Indians_, to hasten their March. On the 15th he was joined by these _Indians_, in all two hundred and ninety Men and Boys, very ill armed. His Body then consisted of two hundred and fifty Christians, and two hundred and ninety _Indians_, armed fighting Men. They had no other Provision but some Biscuit every Man had in his Pocket. On the 16th he was informed by an _Indian_, who pretended to be a Deserter, that the _French_ had built a Fort, where they designed to wait for him, and fight him; whereupon he sent an Express to Coll. _Ingoldesby_, then Commandant at _Albany_, to hasten more Men to join him, with sufficient Provision for the whole. He found afterwards, that this _Indian_ was sent by the French, on purpose to persuade the _Indians_ to give over the Pursuit. Major _Schuyler_ came up to the Enemy on the 17th; when he came near them he did not go on streight towards them, for Fear of Ambuscades, but marched round. As soon as he came in Sight, he was saluted with three loud Shouts, which were answered with as much Noise. The _Indians_ began in their Manner to secure themselves, by felling the Trees between them, and the Enemy sallied out to prevent them, but were soon beat back. The _Indians_ fell to Work again, and desired the Christians to assist them, which was done, but in such Confusion, that they themselves were in Danger from the falling Trees. The _French_ sallied a second Time with all their Force, crying out, _They run, we'll cut them off, and get their Provisions_; but they were warmly received, and beat back into their Fort. They sallied a third Time, and were beat back with considerable Loss, the _Indians_ bringing in several Heads and Scalps. As soon as the Skirmishing was over, the Major sent back an Express, to hasten the Men that were to reinforce him, and were to bring Provision, some of the Men having had no Provision for two Days. The _Major_ then secured himself, under the Cover of the fallen Trees, and kept out Watches to observe the _French_.

The 18th proving a cold stormy Day, with Snow, he was informed, by a Deserter, that the _French_ were upon their March, it not being easy to follow their Tracks, or to discover them in such Weather. The Officers were commanded to pursue and retard their March, till the Reinforcement should come up, but the Men refused to march without Provision. The Officers, with about 60 Men, and a Body of _Indians_, followed the Enemy till Night, when they began to secure themselves, by fortifying their Camp. The Officers wanting a sufficient Number to secure themselves in like Manner, or to sight the Enemy, returned, leaving about forty Christians, and one hundred _Indians_, to observe them. On the 19th the Provisions, with about 80 Men, arrived, under the Command of Captain _Sims_ of the regular Troops. Every Man, as he was served with Provision, marched towards the Enemy. The Van was commanded by Captain _Peter Matthews_ of the regular Troops, who coming up with the Enemy's Rear, would have attacked them, to retard their March, but the _Mohawks_ were averse to fighting. The French dropt on purpose several of their Prisoners, who told the _Mohawks_, that the _French_ were resolved to put all the Prisoners to the Sword, if they should be attacked. The Enemy passed the North Branch of _Hudson_'s River upon a Cake of Ice, which, very opportunely for them, stuck there in one Place, while it was open by a late Thaw, both above and below. The Weather continuing very cold, and the _Indians_ averse to fighting, Major _Schuyler_ gave over the Pursuit on the 20th, having lost only four private Men, and as many _Indians_, two Officers and twelve Men Christians and _Indians_ were wounded. The _French_ lost thirty three Men (the Bodies of twenty seven were found) of whom four were Officers, and twenty-six wounded, as the Deserters told him. Between forty and fifty Prisoners were recovered. I have been told, that Captain _Matthews_ desired Coll. _Schuyler_, when he came first up with the _French_, to summon them to surrender; he said, the _French_ are in great Distress, and this will give them an Opinion of our Strength; but Coll. _Schuyler_ refused, tho' he was brave, he was no Soldier; and it is very probable, that the _French_ observing the want of Conduct and Discipline, were encouraged. It is true, the _English_ were in great Want of Provisions at that Time. The _Indians_ eat the Bodies of the _French_ that they found. Coll. _Schuyler_ (as he told me himself) going among the _Indians_ at that Time, was invited to eat Broth with them, which some of them had ready boiled, which he did, till they, putting the Ladle into the Kettle to take out more, brought out a _French_ Man's Hand, which put an End to his Appetite.

The _French_ went home as fast as they could carry their wounded Men with them; but coming to a Place, where they had hid Provisions for their Supply in their return, they found it all spoiled. This put them in great Distress, so that they were forced to eat their Shoes; they sent some of the nimblest Men forward to _Montreal_, that Provision might meet them. As soon as they came near the Settlements they dispersed, every Man running home to eat, so that they returned to _Canada_ like an Army routed. The _French_ own they lost eighty Men, and had thirty three wounded in this Expedition.

One may wonder how it is possible for Men to march several hundred Miles in the Wilderness, while the Ground is every where covered with Snow, two or three Feet deep at least; but the foremost march on Snow Shoes, which beat a firm Track for those that follow. At Night, when they rest, they dig a Hole in the Snow, throwing the Snow up all round, but highest towards that Side from whence the Wind blows, so large, as to contain as many Men as can lye round a Fire: They make the Fire in the Middle, and cover the frozen Ground round it with the small Branches of the Fir-Trees. Thus they tell me a Man lyes much warmer, than one imagines that never tried it.

When the Information of the _French_ came to _Schenectady_, an Express was sent to _New-York_ to Coll. _Fletcher_ then Governor there; the Express reached _New-York_, an hundred and fifty Miles from _Albany_, the 12th at ten in the Night. The Governor got the City Regiment under Arms by eight the next Morning.

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.

They desired the Governor not to say any Thing particularly of _Cadarackui_, in his publick Speech that he was to make next Day, for they had, they said, some among them that would tell all to the Governor of _Canada_; and concluded, with wishing that they had some one, who could write and read all that the Governor had said to them, that they might not forget any Part of it, when they come to consult and resolve on this weighty Affair, at their General Council at _Onondaga_.

Here we see these Barbarians, these Savages, as we call them, acting with the greatest regard to the Treaties they had entered into with their Allies, and that at a Time when the Exigences of their own Affairs, and when the faint feeble Assistance, which their Allies had contributed in the common Cause, would, among Christian Potentates, have been thought a sufficient Excuse for their taking Care of themselves separately, in breach of the most solemn Confederacy they could enter into.

The _Sachems_ of the _Five Nations_ being met at _Onondaga_, to consult on the Terms offered by the _French_, they were divided in their Opinions; the _Cayugas_, and Part of the _Senekas_, were most favourable to the _French_ Proposals; but the major Part was absolutely against allowing the _French_ to rebuild a Fort at _Cadarackui_, nor would they consent to include all the _French_ Allies in the Treaty, with some of which they had particular Causes of Animosity.

The Party that was most for Peace obtained Leave to go to _Canada_, to try whether they could obtain Terms less disagreeable. They accordingly went thither, within the Time prefixed by the Governor of _Canada_, for an Answer; and to make themselves more acceptable to the _French_, they carried thirteen Prisoners with them, and delivered them up. The Jesuit _Milet_ was of this Number, who had been taken in the Year 1689, and one _Jonscaire_, who had been long a Prisoner among the _Senekas_: He had been delivered up to a Family of the _Senekas_, that had lost some considerable Relation, and was by them adopted. He ingratiated himself so much with that Nation, that he was advanced to the Rank of a _Sachem_, and preserved their Esteem to the Day of his Death; whereby he became, after the general Peace, very useful to the _French_ in all Negotiations with the _Five Nations_, and to this Day they shew their Regard to his Family and Children.

When the Governor of _Canada_ came to Particulars with these Deputies, he could obtain nothing but ambiguous or dubious Answers, as to the rebuilding of _Cadarackui Fort_, and the including of all the _French_ Allies in the Peace. Whereupon he dismissed them with Presents, and made them many fair Promises, in Case of their Compliance; but threatened them with utter Destruction, in Case of their refusing the Terms he had offered. Many of the _French Indian_ Allies were present, when the Governor of _Canada_ refused any Agreement without his Allies being included in it, and this attached them exceedingly to the _French_ Interest. This Regard, which the _French_ generally shew for the Interest of their Allies, is a Piece of Policy which, upon all Occasions, proves useful to them; whereas, the Neglect of this Piece of natural Justice has as often been prejudicial to others, who have not had so tender a Sense of it. But it is not so easy for a weak State to keep up its Honour in such Cases, as it is for a powerful Prince.

[Footnote 38: When the Affair of which they speak concerns the Government of _New-York_, the _Indians_ always address themselves to the Governor, whether he be present or not.]

[Footnote 39: This, in the _Indian_ Idiom, signifies a trifling Excuse of an unwilling Person.]

[Footnote 40: The _French_ call it _la Famine_, near Oswego. The Treaty with Mr. _de la Bar_ was made there.]

CHAP. XI.

_The War renewed_. _The_ French _repossess themselves of_ Cadarackui _Fort_, _and find Means to break off the Treaty between the_ Five Nations _and_ Dionondadies.

The _Five Nations_ refusing to come to the Governor of _Canada_'s Terms, he resolved to force them; and as he suspected that they continued obstinate, by the Advice of the _English_, and the Confidence they had of the _English_ Assistance, he thought he would most effectually lessen that Confidence, by attacking and destroying the remainder of the _Mohawks_, who liv'd adjoining to the _English_ Settlements. For this Purpose he resolved to march, in the Winter, the whole Force of _Canada_ against that Nation; but one of the Prisoners learning their Design, made his Escape, and informed the _Mohawks_ of it. This made him alter his Measures, knowing well enough, that if the _English_ were prepared to receive them, such an Enterprize would only lead those engaged in it to certain Destruction. He then sent three hundred Men into the Neck of Land between _Lake Erie_ and _Cadarackui Lake_, the usual hunting Place of the _Five Nations_, in hopes of surprising them while they hunted carelessly there, and at the same Time to view the old _French_ Fort there, to observe in what Condition it remained.

This Party met with three or four Men, who defended themselves obstinately, till they all fell dead on the Spot. They surprised likewise a Cabin, where they took some Men and Women Prisoners; and four of them were publickly burnt alive at _Montreal_. So far the Count _de Frontenac_ thought it more proper to imitate the _Indians_ in their most savage Cruelties, than to instruct them, by his Example, in the Compassion of the Christian Doctrine. A Party of one hundred and fifty of the _Five Nations_ fell upon the _Dewagunhas_, in their Way to _Canada_, and entirely routed them. Ten Prisoners were taken, nine of which were burnt alive, in revenge of the same Fate the four Men of the _Five Nations_ had received at _Montreal_.

This Year also some sculking _French Indians_ murdered some People near _Albany_ and _Schenectady_.

The Party sent to view _Cadarackui Fort_ found it in a better Condition than they expected, the _Indians_ having neglected to demolish and level the Bastions, and probably they had not Instruments sufficient to do it. The Count _de Frontenac_ therefore, in the Summer of the Year 1695, sent a considerable Body of Men, both _French_ and _Indians_, thither, to repair the Fortifications, and to cover those that should be at work. The _Five Nations_, in _August_, sent Messengers to _Albany_, to acquaint the _English_ that the _French_ had taken Possession of _Cadarackui_, and were repairing of it. They demanded, in Consequence of the Promise Colonel _Fletcher_ had given them, the Assistance of five hundred Men and some Cannon, which they promised they would draw over Land, where they could not be carried by Water. At the same Time they desired, that the People of _New-England_ might be told, that many of the _Owenagungas_ were gone with the _French_ to _Cadarackui_, and that this was a proper Time to fall upon those that remained, and to destroy them, and the Women and Children.

Coll. _Fletcher_ came to _Albany_ in _September_; there, in a Speech to the _Five Nations_, he blamed them for being asleep, when they suffered the _French_ to take Possession of _Cadarackui_; it would have been much easier, he said, to have prevented their getting the Possession, than to drive them out, now they are in it, especially as now you yourselves are convinced, that it is impossible to carry Cannon thither from this Place. All, says he, I can now do, is to advise you to invest the Place with your Parties, so as to prevent their receiving any Supply of Provisions: By this Means you may force them to desert it. Then he gave them 1000 Pound of Powder, two Thousand Pound of Lead, 57 Fusees, one Hundred Hatchets, three Hundred and forty eight Knives, and two Thousand Flints, besides Cloathing, &c. But in my Opinion, the Government of _New-York_ have, on all Occasions, been exceedingly to be blamed, in not having some Men of Experience among the _Five Nations_ to advise and direct them on all Emergencies of Importance. The _French_ are very careful of this, and the _Officers_ of the regular Troops are obliged to take their Tours among their _Indians_, while the Captains of the independent Companies of Fusiliers at _New-York_ live like military Monks, in Idleness and Luxury.

The _French_ gained a great Advantage, by possessing this Place, as it is of great Security to their Traders, in their passing between _Montreal_ and _Missilimakinak_. It served likewise as a Place of Stores, and Retreat in all their Enterprizes against the _Five Nations_, that Place being nearly about half Way between _Montreal_ and the Country of the _Five Nations_. It likewise exposed the _Five Nations_ in their hunting, to the Incursions of that Garison, by its being in the Neighbourhood of their principal hunting Place for Bever.

The _French_ grew exceedingly uneasy, when they found, that the _Dionondadies_, who live near _Missilimakinak_, had almost concluded a Peace with the _Five Nations_, and that the rest of their Allies were like to follow their Example: Some of these Nations had been at _Montreal_, and at their Return forwarded the Peace, that thereby they might be at Liberty to go to _Albany_; for they informed their Neighbours, that the _Five Nations_ had intirely shut up the Path to _Montreal_; and besides that, the _French_ were not in a Condition to supply them, for they had nothing for themselves, not so much as a Drop of strong Spirits. If these Nations had, at that Time, deserted the _French_, it might probably have put an End to the _French_ Colony; for as the Lands of _Canada_ barely produce sufficient for the Subsistence of its Inhabitants, the only Means they have of purchasing Cloathing and other Necessaries is by their Trade with the _Indians_. The _French_ likewise had been in Danger of greater Mischief by the Peace, for these Nations being at War with the _Five Nations_, and lying on the Back of them, obliged the _Five Nations_ to keep always a very considerable Part of their Force at home, to defend themselves against these Nations, and to revenge the Injuries they received from them; but if the Peace had been concluded with these Nations, the _Five Nations_ could have turned their whole Force against _Canada_, and probably might have persuaded these Nations to have joined with them in warring on the _French_.

The _French_ Commandant at _Missilimakinak_ had his Hands full at this Time; and if he had not been a Man of great Abilities, he must have sunk under the Difficulties he had to go through; in the first Place, to contradict the Stories brought from _Montreal_, he ordered the Stores of his Fort to be sold to the _Indians_ at the cheapest Rate, and assured them, that great Quantities were every Day expected from _France_, which were only detained by contrary Winds; and after these Goods shall arrive, said he, they will be sold cheaper than ever they have been. He told them likewise, that the Count _de Frontenac_ would never make Peace with the _Five Nations_, but was resolved to extirpate them; for which Purpose he was now rebuilding _Cadarackui Fort_. At the same Time he took all possible Methods to extinguish the Beginnings of Friendship, which appeared between the _Five Nations_ and _Dionondadies_.

The _Dionondadies_ durst not avow their treating with the _Five Nations_ to the _French_, neither durst the _Five Nations_ trust their Agents in a Place where they knew the _French_ had so great Influence; both Sides therefore agreed to carry on their Treaty by Means of Prisoners which they took from one another. The Civility with which the _Dionondadies_ treated these Prisoners, their dismissing them, and their receiving again Prisoners which had been taken by the _Five Nations_, gave the Commandant sufficient Ground to suspect what was doing. The _Dionondadies_ at last took seven Men of the _Five Nations_ Prisoners, and carried them to _Missilimakinak_. The _French_ perceiving, by their Manner of bringing them in, that the _Dionondadies_ intended to treat them with the Civility they had lately used to others, murdered two of them with their Knives as they stept ashore. On this the _Dionondadies_ immediately took to their Arms, saved the other Five, and carried them safe to their Castle; and continuing in Arms, threatened Revenge for the Insult they had received.

The _French_ were forced in like Manner to stand to their Arms, and as there are always many different Nations at _Missilimakinak_ trading, some of which were inveterate Enemies of the _Five Nations_, they joined with the _French_. The _Utawawas_ stood neuter. This gave the Commandant Means of ending the Dispute by Composition. He in the first Place assured them, that the Christians abhorred all Manner of Cruelty, and then told them, that as the _French_ shared with the _Dionondadies_ in all the Dangers and Losses sustained by the War, they ought in like Manner to partake with them in any Advantage. The _Dionondadies_ on this were persuaded to deliver up one of the Prisoners. What I am about to relate, I think, gives Room to charge the _French_ with a Piece of Policy, not only inconsistent with the Christian Religion, but likewise with the Character of a polite People; and that all Considerations from Religion, Honour, and Virtue, must give Way to the present Exigencies of their Affairs. That an End might be put to the Beginnings of a Reconciliation between these People and the _Five Nations_, the _French_ gave a publick Invitation to feast on the Soup to be made on this Prisoner, and, in a more particular Manner, invited the _Utawawas_ to the Entertainment.

The Prisoner being first made fast to a Stake, so as to have Room to move round it, a _Frenchman_ began the horrid Tragedy, by broiling the Flesh of the Prisoner's Legs, from his Toes to his Knees, with the red hot Barrel of a Gun; his Example was followed by an _Utawawa_, and they relieved one another as they grew tired. The Prisoner all this while continued his Death Song, till they clapt a red hot Frying-pan on his Buttocks, when he cried out, Fire is strong and too powerful; then all their _Indians_ mocked him, as wanting Courage and Resolution. You, they said, a Soldier and a Captain, as you say, and afraid of Fire; you are not a Man. They continued their Torments for two Hours without ceasing. An _Utawawa_ being desirous to outdo the _French_ in their refined Cruelty, split a Furrow from the Prisoner's Shoulder to his Garter, and filling it with Gunpowder, set Fire to it. This gave him exquisite Pain, and raised excessive Laughter in his Tormenters. When they found his Throat so much parched, that he was no longer able to gratify their Ears with his howling, they gave him Water, to enable him to continue their Pleasure longer. But at last his Strength failing, an _Utawawa_ flead off his Scalp, and threw burning hot Coals on his Scull. Then they untied him, and bid him run for his Life: He began to run, tumbling like a drunken Man; they shut up the Way to the East, and made him run Westward, the Country, as they think, of departed (miserable) Souls. He had still Force left to throw Stones, till they put an End to his Misery by knocking him on the Head with a Stone. After this every one cut a Slice from his Body, to conclude the Tragedy with a Feast. It is doing no Injury, I think, to these _Frenchmen_, who thus glory in this horrid Cruelty, to ask them, whether they did not likewise regale their revengeful Appetites with a Share of this inhuman Feast?

Though I have had frequent Occasions to mention these barbarous inhuman Cruelties, transacted by the _Indians_, yet I have avoided to relate the particular Circumstances of them, because I believe few civilized Ears can bear the reading of them without Horror. But when they are perpetrated by Christians, and so far gloried in, as to be recorded in their own History, I am willing to shew it to my Countrymen in its proper Colours. This last Piece of _French_ History is taken from _Histoire de l'Amerique Septentrionale, par Monsr. de la Poterie_, published at _Paris_ with the Royal Licence, and recommended to the Publick by Mons. _Fontenelle_, Vol. ii. Page 298.

Though this cruel Act had its designed Effect, in breaking off this Method of negotiating between the _Five Nations_ and _Dionondadies_, it did not prevent the Peace; and it had very near raised a Civil War with their own _Indians_, which was only prevented by the dextrous Conduct of the _French_ Officers, who, in all kind of Artifice, have always been superior to the _Indians_. But let me observe on this Occasion, that the avoiding any Misfortune, by any base or wicked Action, is commonly the Cause of greater Mischiefs than what is thereby avoided; and of this numerous Examples may be given.

CHAP. XII.

_The Count_ de Frontenac _attacks_ Onondaga _in Person_, _with the whole Force of_ Canada. _The_ Five Nations _continue the War with the_ French, _and make Peace with the_ Dionondadies.

The Count _de Frontenac_ having secured _Cadarackui Fort_, which was called by his Name, as a Place of Arms and Provisions, and for a Retreat to the Men that should happen to be sick or wounded, resolved to make the _Five Nations_ feel his Resentment of their refusing his Terms of Peace. For this Purpose he assembled all the regular Troops of _Canada_, the Militia, the _Owenagungas_, the _Quatoghies_ of _Loretto_, the _Adirondacks_, _Sokokies_, _Nepiciriniens_, the _Praying Indians_ of the _Five Nations_, and a few _Utawawas_, at _Montreal_, in _June_ 1696. The other western _Indians_ near _Missilimakinak_, by their late Correspondence with the _Five Nations_, and the Dissatisfaction they had manifested, were not trusted. The Manner of making War with the _Indians_ in a Country wholly covered with Woods, must be so much different from the Methods used in _Europe_, that I believe the Reader will be pleased to have a particular Account of the Count _de Frontenac_'s Conduct in this, who was an old experienced General, in the seventy fourth Year of his Age.

It is to be observed, that it is impossible to pass the vast Forests between the Countries of the _Five Nations_ with Waggons, or other Carriages, or on Horseback, or even on Foot, in the summer Time, by Reason of many impassible thick Swamps and Morasses. For this Reason, the only Method of travelling is in Bark Canoes, or very light Battoes, along the Rivers, which may be easily carried on Men's Shoulders, where the Stream of the River becomes too rapid, and from one River to another; for which Purpose the shortest Passes are always chosen, and are called, for this Reason, Carrying Places.

The Count _de Frontenac_ marched from _la Chine_, in the south End of the Island of _Montreal_, the fourth of _July_. He divided five hundred _Indians_ so, that the greatest Number of them should always be in the Van, which consisted of two Battalions of the regular Troops. They were followed by the Canoes which carried the Provisions. The Van was commanded by the Chevalier _de Callieres_, Governor of _Montreal_; he had with him two large Battoes, which carried two small Pieces of Cannon, small Mortars, Granadoes, and the Utensils of the Artillery. The Count _de Frontenac_ was at the Head of the main Body, accompanied by the Engineer and several Gentlemen Voluntiers. The Body consisted of four Battalions of the Militia, who, in War with _Indians_, were then more depended on than the regular Troops; these were commanded by Monsieur _Ramsay_, Governor of _Trois Rivieres_. The Rear, which consisted of two Battalions of regular Troops, and of the rest of the _Indians_, was under the Command of the Chevalier _de Vaudreuil_. All the _Indians_ had _French_ Officers set over them.

In this Order the Army marched, only those that were in the Van one Day, were in the Rear the next; and they always kept a Number of _Indians_ on the Scout, to discover the Tracks of the Enemy, for fear of Ambuscades. And when they were obliged to carry the Canoes, and drag the large Battoes, several Parties were detached to cover the Men that worked.

After twelve Days March they arrived at _Cadarackui Fort_, one hundred eighty Miles from _Montreal_. Here they waited for the _Utawawas_, who disappointed them; and in the mean Time raised a Bark, which had remained sunk since _Cadarackui Fort_ was deserted. They crossed over _Cadarackui_ Lake to _Onondaga_ River (now _Ohswega_). This River being narrow and rapid, they ordered fifty Men to march on each Side of it, to prevent their being surprised, and the Army moved slowly along the River, according to the Intelligence they received from their Scouts. They found a Tree, as they passed along, on which the _Indians_ had, in their Manner, painted the _French_ Army, and had laid by it two Bundles of cut Rushes. This was a Defiance in the _Indian_ Manner, and to tell them by the Number of Rushes, that fourteen hundred thirty four Men would meet them. The _French_ passed the little Lake, between _Ohswega_ and _Onondaga_, in Order of Battle; and the two Wings, to prevent their being surprised, and to make the Place of their Landing more uncertain to the Enemy, took a Circuit along the Coast. As soon as they had landed they raised a Fort. A _Seneka_, who had been some time a Prisoner in _Canada_, and pretended an Attachment to the _French_, was sent out to make a Discovery. He deserted to the _Onondagas_. He found them waiting for the _French_, with a Resolution to defend their Castle, and to fight the _French_; for which Purpose they had sent away their Women and Children. The _Seneka_ told them that the _French_ Army was as numerous as the Leaves on the Trees; that they had Machines which threw Balls up in the Air, and which falling on their Castle burst to Pieces, and spread Fire and Death every where, against which their Stockadoes could be of no Defence. This was confirmed by another _Seneka_, who deserted. Upon which the _Onondagas_ thought it most adviseable to retire, leaving their poor Fort and bark Cottages all in Flames.

After the General had an Account of this, he marched to their Village in Order of Battle. The Army was divided into two Lines: The first commanded by the Chevalier _de Callieres_, who placed himself on the Left, consisted of two Battalions of the Inhabitants in the Center, and a Battalion of the regular Troops on each Wing. The Artillery followed them. Most of the _Indians_ of this Division were upon the Right, who continually sent out Scouts. The second Line was commanded by the Chevalier _de Vaudreuel_, composed of the same Number of Battalions, and in the same Order. The Count _de Frontenac_ was carried in a Chair directly after the Artillery. But it was impossible for them to keep their Order, in passing through thick Woods, and in passing Brooks. In this formidable Manner the aged General marched up to the Ashes of the Village, and his Army exerted their Fury on the _Indian_ Corn, which covered a large Field in thick Ranks.

An _Indian Sachem_, about one hundred Years old, would not retire with the rest, but chose this Time to end his Days. The _French Indians_ had the Pleasure of tormenting him, which he bore with surprising Evenness of Mind, and with that Resolution which becomes a _Sachem_ of the _Five Nations_. He told his Tormentors to remember well his Death, when his Countrymen should come to take terrible Vengeance of them. Upon which, one stabbing him several Times with his Knife, he thanked him but said, you had better make me die by Fire, that these Dogs of _Frenchmen_ may learn how to suffer like Men. You _Indians_, their Allies, you Dogs of Dogs, think of me when you shall be in the like State. Thus this old _Sachem_, under all the Weakness of old Age, preserved a Greatness of Soul, and a due Regard for the Honour of his Country, to the last Moment of his Breath.

The Chevalier _de Vaudreuil_ was sent with a Detachment of six or seven hundred Men to destroy the _Oneydoes_ Corn, who liv'd but a small Distance from _Onondaga_, which he performed without any Resistance. The Jesuit _Milet_ had lived for the most Part with the _Oneydoes_; he had infused into them the most favourable Sentiments of the _French_, and they had been the most inclined to Peace on the _French_ Terms. Thirty five of them staid in their Castle to make the _French_ welcome; but the only Favour they obtained, was to be made Prisoners, and carried to _Montreal_. The _French_ Governor declared his Resolutions to extirpate the _Onondagas_, and for that Reason gave Orders to give no Quarter.

The Difficulty of supporting so many Men in these Deserts, made it necessary for the Count _de Frontenac_ to return as speedily as possible. Though the _French_ Army was much an Overmatch for the _Onondagas_, both in Number of Men and in their Arms, the _Onondagas_ were not so far dispirited, as not to follow them in their Return. They found Opportunities to revenge themselves in some Measure, by cutting off every Canoe that happened at any Time to be at a Distance from the main Body. This obliged the Count to hasten his March, so that he returned to _Montreal_ the tenth of _August_.

The _Onondagas_ suffered nothing by this chargeable Expedition, but the Loss of their Corn, and their Bark Cottages. They lost not one Man, but the old _Sachem_, who resolved to die a Martyr to his Country's Honour. The _French_ suffered considerably by its Consequences; for all the Planters being taken off from their Labour, either in this Expedition, or in watching and securing their Forts and Country, a Famine ensued; and this I find has often happened in _Canada_, where all the Men, fit to bear Arms, have been employed in such like Expeditions. If the _Oneydoes_ had not timely surrendered themselves, the Count had not been able to have carried Home the least Token of a Victory. And all that can be said for this Enterprize is, that it was a kind of heroick Dotage.

The Influence that the Jesuit _Milet_ had obtained over the _Oneydoes_ was such, that some Time after this, thirty of them deserted to the _French_, and desired that he might be appointed their Pastor.

In the following Winter the _Mohawks_, with the Governor of _New York_'s Privacy, =sent one to the _Praying Indians_ with two Belts=, and he carried two Prisoners with him. By the first Belt he asked, whether the Path was entirely shut up between their two Countries; and, by the second, demanded the Restitution of a Prisoner the _Praying Indians_ had taken: But his real Design was, to learn the State of their Country, and what Designs were forming. Notwithstanding the Influence and Artifice of the _French_ Priests over these Converts, they still retained an Affection to their Countrymen; for which Reason the Count _de Frontenac_ entertained a Jealousy of these Intercourses, and threatened to put to Death any that should come in that Manner again; but the Messenger had the Satisfaction of discovering the distressed Condition of _Canada_ by Famine.

A Party of the _French_ was sent out in the Winter, to make some Attempt upon the _English_ Settlements near _Albany_; but some _Mohawks_ and _Scahkook Indians_ meeting with them, before they reached the Settlements, they were intirely routed. The commanding Officer, one _du Bau_, and two others, saved themselves from the Fury of the _Indians_, by running to _Albany_; the rest were either killed or perished in the Woods, so that not one Man of this Party got back to _Canada_.

It was much easier for the _French_ to set the _Praying Indians_ upon the _English_, against whom it is possible many of them had personal Animosities, that made them go over to the _French_, than to fight their Countrymen. Several of them came this Winter skulking about _Schenectady_ and _Albany_; and being well acquainted with the Country, and speaking likewise the _Mohawk_'s Language, by which they sometimes deceived the Inhabitants, they surprised some of the Inhabitants, and carried away their Scalps.

The _Five Nations_, to shew that the Count _de Frontenac_'s Expedition had no Way discouraged them, sent out several Parties against _Canada_. One of them met with a Party of _French_ upon _St. Laurence River_, near _Montreal_. The _French_ were routed, and their Captain killed. As soon as this was heard at _Montreal_, _Repentigni_ was sent out after them with a considerable Party of _French_, _Nepicirinien Indians_ and _Praying Indians_; but this Party was likewise defeated, and the Captain, with many of his Men, killed.

Thus the War was continued till the Peace of _Reswick_, by small Parties of _Indians_, on both Sides, harassing, surprising, and scalping the Inhabitants near _Montreal_ and _Albany_.

Some Time this Year the chief _Sachem_ of the _Dionondadies_ (whom the _French_ call the _Baron_) went to _Quebeck_, pretending a strong Attachment to the _French_, but really to conceal the Treaty of Peace that he was on the Point of concluding with the _Five Nations_; for which Purpose he had =sent his Son with nineteen Belts= to the _Senekas_. The Substance of whose Commission was as follows:

The _French_ have for many Years confounded our Resolutions, and deceived us, but now we are resolved to break all their Artifices, by stopping our Ears. We come now to unite with you, while the _French_ know nothing of the Matter. The Commandant at _Missilimakinak_ has told us many Lies, he has betrayed us, and made us kill one another, but we are firmly resolved never to hearken to him any more. The Peace was accordingly firmly concluded, notwithstanding all the Opposition the _French_ could make. The _French_ Authors say, the only Reason that induced the _Dionondadies_ was, that the _English_ sold them Goods cheaper than the _French_ could.

Some Time before the News of the Peace arrived, the _French_ at _Montreal_ being informed that a Party of the _Five Nations_ were discovered near _Corlear's Lake_, sent out a Captain with a Party of Soldiers and _Indians_, who being well experienced in the Manner of making War with _Indians_, marched through the thickest Woods, and by the least frequented Places, so that he discovered the Enemy, without being discovered. He surprised that Party, killed several, and took one Prisoner. The _Utawawas_ being then trading at _Montreal_, the Count _de Frontenac_ invited them to a Feast to be made of this Prisoner, and caused him to be burnt publickly alive at _Montreal_, in the Manner of which I have already given two Accounts from the _French_ Authors.

CHAP. XIII.

_The Conduct which the_ English _and_ French _observed_, _in regard to the_ Five Nations, _immediately after the Peace of_ Reswick.

Soon after the News of the Peace of _Reswick_ reached _New-York_, the Governor sent an Express to _Canada_, to inform the Governor there of it, that Hostilities might cease. The _Five Nations_ having an Account of the Peace earlier than they had it in _Canada_, took Advantage of it, in hunting Bever near _Cadarackui Fort_. The Governor of _Canada_ being informed of this, and believing that the _Five Nations_ thought themselves secure by the general Peace, resolved to take his last Revenge of them. For this Purpose he sent a considerable Party of _Adirondacks_ to surprise them, which they did, and killed several, but not without Loss of many of their own Men. The Loss of one of their greatest Captains at that Time gave the _Five Nations_ the greatest Affliction. After he was mortally wounded, he cried out: "Must I, who have made the whole Earth tremble before me, now die by the Hands of Children?" for he despised the _Adirondacks_.

A Dispute at this Time arose, between the Government of _New-York_ and _Canada_, about the _French_ Prisoners which the _Five Nations_ had in their Hands. The Earl of _Bellamont_, then Governor of _New-York_, would have the _French_ receive those Prisoners from him, and directed the _Five Nations_ to bring them to _Albany_ for that Purpose. The _French_, on the other Hand, refused to own the _Five Nations_ as subject to the Crown of _Great-Britain_, and threatened to continue the War against the _Five Nations_, if they did not bring the Prisoners to _Montreal_, and deliver them there. The Count _de Frontenac_ sent some of the _Praying Indians_ with a Message to this Purpose, and to have all the _French_ Allies included in the general Peace.

The Messenger on his Return told the Count, publickly in Presence of several _Utawawas_, that the _Five Nations_ refused to include several of his Allies, but were resolved to revenge the Injuries they had received. The _Utawawas_ were exceedingly discomposed at hearing this, and the Count, to recover their Spirits, assured them, that he never would make Peace without including all his Allies in it, and without having all their Prisoners restored. At the same Time he made Preparations to attack the _Five Nations_ with the whole Force of _Canada_.

The Earl of _Bellamont_ being informed of this, sent Captain _John Schuyler_ (of the Militia) to tell the Count, that he had the Interest of the King his Master too much at Heart, to suffer the _French_ to treat the _Five Nations_ like Enemies, after the Conclusion of the general Peace; for which Reason he had ordered them to be on their Guard, and had furnished them with Arms and Ammunition; that he had ordered the Lieutenant-Governor, in Case they were attacked, either by the _French_ or their Allies, to join them with the regular Troops; and that, if he found it necessary, he would raise the whole Force of his Government in their Defence.

This put a Stop to the _French_ Threatening, and both Sides made Complaint to their Masters. The two Kings ordered their respective Governors to be assisting to each other, in making the Peace effectual to both Nations, and to leave the Disputes, as to the Dependency of the _Indian Nations_, to be determined by Commissioners, to be appointed pursuant to the Treaty of _Reswick_.

It is exceedingly impolitick, when weaker Potentates, ingaged in a Confederacy against one powerful Prince, leave any Points to be determined after the Conclusion of a Peace; for if they cannot obtain a Concession, while the Confederacy stands and their Force is united, how can a weaker Prince hope to obtain it, when he is left alone to himself, after the Confederacy is dissolved? The _French_ have so often found the Benefit of this Piece of Imprudence, that in all their Treaties they use all the Cajoling, and every Artifice in their Power, to obtain this Advantage, and they seldom miss it.

About the Time of the Conclusion of the Peace at _Reswick_, the noted _Therouet_ died at _Montreal_. The _French_ gave him Christian Burial in a pompous Manner, the Priest, that attended him at his Death, having declared that he died a true Christian; for, said the Priest, while I explained to him the Passion of our Saviour, whom the _Jews_ crucified, he cried out; "Oh! had I been there, I would have revenged his Death, and brought away their Scalps."

Soon after the Peace was known at _Montreal_, three considerable Men of the _Praying Indians_ came to _Albany_; they had fine laced Coats given them, and were invited to return to their own Country. They answered, that they were young Men, and had not Skill to make a suitable Answer, and had not their ancient Men to consult with; but promised to communicate the Proposals to their old Men, and would bring back an Answer in the Fall. I find nothing more of this in the Register of _Indian Affairs_, though it might have been of great Consequence had it been pursued to Purpose; but such Matters, where there is not an immediate private Profit, are seldom pursued by the _English_ with that Care and Assiduity, with which they are by the _French_.

While Captain _Schuyler_ was in _Canada_, he entered into some indiscreet Discourse with Monsieur _Maricour_, for whom the _Five Nations_ had a particular Esteem, and call _Stowtowisse_. Captain _Schuyler_, in asserting the Dependency of the _Five Nations_ on _New-York_, said, that those Nations were their Slaves. Mr. _Maricour_ told this Discourse to an _Onondaga_, with all the Aggravations he could, and added, that it was intirely owing to the _English_ that the Peace was not absolutely concluded, and that Captain _Schuyler_ prevented their Prisoners being restored, because he would have them sent to _Albany_, as being Slaves to the _English_. That the _French_ had no Dispute with the _English_, but for the Independency of the _Five Nations_. This indiscreet Conduct of Captain _Schuyler_ was so much resented by the _Five Nations_, that a Deputation of the most considerable _Sachems_ was sent to _Albany_ in _June_ 1699, to complain of it; and they sent at the same Time Deputies to _Canada_ to conclude the Peace, independently of the _English_. These Deputies that came to _Albany_ were so far convinced that the _French_ had abused them, and how much more it was for their Security to be included in the general Peace with the _English_, than to have only the _French_ Faith for their Security, that they immediately dispatched a Messenger after their Deputies that were gone to _Canada_. Though this Messenger reached them too late to stop their Proceeding, it convinced the Deputies so far of its being for their Interest to be joined with the _English_ in the Peace, as they had been in the War, that they insisted that the Exchange of Prisoners be made at _Albany_. At the same Time the Messenger was sent after their Deputies to _Canada_, Colonel _Peter Schuyler_ was sent with others to _Onondaga_, to remove the Prejudices they had received there.

The Count _de Frontenac_ died while these Disputes continued. Monsieur _de Callieres_, who succeeded him, put an End to them, by agreeing to send to _Onondaga_ to regulate the Exchange of Prisoners there; for which Purpose Monsieur _Maricour_, _Ioncaire_, and the Jesuit _Bruyas_, were sent.

When the _French_ Commissioners were come within less than a Mile of _Onondaga_ Castle, they put themselves in Order and marched with the _French_ Colours carried before them, and with as much Show as they could make. _Decanesora_ met them without the Gate, and =complimented them with three Strings of Wampum=. By the first he wiped away their Tears for the _French_ that had been slain in the War. By the second he opened their Mouths, that they might speak freely; that is, promised them Freedom of Speech. By the third he cleaned the Matt, on which they were to sit, from the Blood that had been spilt on both Sides: The Compliment was returned by the Jesuit, then they entered the Fort, and were saluted with a general Discharge of all the fire Arms. They were carried to the best Cabin in the Fort, and there entertained with a Feast. The Deputies of the several Nations not being all arrived, the Jesuit, and Monsieur _Maricour_, passed the Time in visiting and conversing with the _French_ Prisoners. The General Council being at last met, the Jesuit made the following Speech, which I take from the Relation the _Five Nations_ afterwards made of it to the Earl of _Bellamont_.

"1. I am glad to see the _Five Nations_, and that some of them went to _Canada_, notwithstanding _Corlear_ forbid them: I am sorry for the Loss of your People killed by the remote _Indians_; I condole their Death, and wipe away the Blood by this Belt.

"2. The War Kettle boiled so long, that it would have scalded all the _Five Nations_ had it continued; but now it is overset, and turned upside down, and a firm Peace made.

"3. I now plant the Tree of Peace and Welfare at _Onondaga_.

"4. Keep fast the Chain you have made with _Corlear_, for now we have one Heart and one Interest with them; but why is _Corlear_ against your corresponding with us, ought we not to converse together when we are at Peace and in Friendship?

"5. Deliver up the _French_ Prisoners you have, and we shall deliver not only those of your Nation we have, but all those likewise taken by any of our Allies; and gave a Belt.

"6. I offer myself to you to live with you at _Onondaga_, to instruct you in the Christian Religion, and to drive away all Sickness, Plagues and Diseases out of your Country, and gave a third Belt.

"7. This last Belt, he said, is from the _Rondaxe_, or _French Indians_, to desire Restitution of the Prisoners taken from them."

The Jesuit in the Conclusion said; "Why does not _Corlear_ tell you what passes between the Governor of _Canada_ and him? He keeps you in the Dark, while the Governor of _Canada_ conceals nothing from his Children. Nor does the Governor of _Canada_ claim your Land, as _Corlear_ does."

The General Council immediately rejected the Belt by which the Jesuit offered to stay with them, saying, We have already accepted _Corlear's_ Belt, by which he offers us Pastors to instruct us. _Decanesora_ added, The Jesuits have always deceived us, for while they preached Peace, the _French_ came and knocked us on the Head. To this the Jesuit replied, that if he had known that _Corlear_ intended to send them Pastors, he would not have offered this Belt.

It is to be observed that the _Indian_ Council refused to hear the _French_, or to give them an Answer, but in Presence of the Commissioners from _Albany_.

The _French_ Commissioners having assured the Peace with the _Five Nations_, the Inhabitants of _Canada_ esteemed it the greatest Blessing that could be procured for them from Heaven; for nothing could be more terrible than this last War with the _Five Nations_. While this War lasted, the Inhabitants eat their Bread in continual Fear and Trembling. No Man was sure, when out of his House, of ever returning to it again. While they laboured in the Fields, they were under perpetual Apprehensions of being killed or seized, and carried to the _Indian_ Country, there to end their Days in cruel Torments. They many Times were forced to neglect both their Seed Time and Harvest. The Landlord often saw all his Land plundered, his Houses burnt, and the whole Country ruined, while they thought their Persons not safe in their Fortifications. In short, all Trade and Business was often at an intire Stand, while Fear, Despair, and Misery appeared in the Faces of the poor Inhabitants.

The _French_ Commissioners carried several of the principal _Sachems_ of the _Five Nations_ back with them, who were received at _Montreal_ with great Joy. They were saluted by a Discharge of all the great Guns round the Place, as they entered. The _French_ Allies took this amiss, and asked if their Governor was entering. They were told, that it was a Compliment paid to the _Five Nations_, whose _Sachems_ were then entering the Town. We perceive, they replied, that Fear makes the _French_ shew more Respect to their Enemies, than Love can make them do to their Friends.

Monsieur _de Callieres_ assembled all the _French_ Allies, (who were then very numerous at _Montreal_) to make the Exchange of Prisoners, and they delivered the Prisoners they had taken, though the _Five Nations_ had sent none to be exchanged for them. Thus we see a brave People struggle with every Difficulty, till they can get out of it with Honour; and such People always gain Respect, even from their most inveterate Enemies.

I shall finish this Part by observing, that notwithstanding the _French_ Commissioners took all the Pains possible to carry Home the _French_, that were Prisoners with the _Five Nations_, and they had full Liberty from the _Indians_, few of them could be persuaded to return. It may be thought that this was occasioned from the Hardships they had endured in their own Country, under a tyrannical Government and a barren Soil: But this certainly was not the only Reason; for the _English_ had as much Difficulty to persuade the People, that had been taken Prisoners by the _French Indians_, to leave the _Indian_ Manner of living, though no People enjoy more Liberty, and live in greater Plenty, than the common Inhabitants of _New-York_ do. No Arguments, no Intreaties, nor Tears of their Friends and Relations, could persuade many of them to leave their new _Indian_ Friends and Acquaintance; several of them that were by the Caressings of their Relations persuaded to come Home, in a little Time grew tired of our Manner of living, and run away again to the _Indians_, and ended their Days with them. On the other Hand, _Indian_ Children have been carefully educated among the _English_, cloathed and taught, yet, I think, there is not one Instance, that any of these, after they had Liberty to go among their own People, and were come to Age, would remain with the _English_, but returned to their own Nations, and became as fond of the _Indian_ Manner of Life as those that knew nothing of a civilized Manner of living. What I now tell of Christian Prisoners among _Indians_, relates not only to what happened at the Conclusion of this War, but has been found true on many other Occasions.

_The End of the_ Second Part.

=Transcriber's Notes:= hyphenation, spelling and grammar have been preserved as in the original Page ii, extra word to removed Page 3, who remembred the ==> who remembered the Page 12, I immmediately told ==> I immediately told Page 18, to exereise Cruelty ==> to exercise Cruelty Page 31, that the Chigtaghcicks ==> that the Chictaghicks Page 35, and Mahikindars or ==> and Mahikandars or Page 51, desire may may be ==> desire may be Page 52, the Peace. Gives ==> the Peace." Gives Page 65, on the other. ==> on the other.) Page 67, be extreamly grieved ==> be extremely grieved Page 67, confirms my Words. ==> confirms my Words. Page 71, Way towards Monreal ==> Way towards Montreal Page 72, the Begining of ==> the Beginning of Page 75, the Mihikander Indians ==> the Mahikander Indians Page 83, which he gave to to an _Indian_ ==> which he gave to an _Indian_ Page 84, Troies Rivieres ==> Trois Rivieres Page 84, to the War. ==> to the War. Page 87, intercepting them. ==> intercepting them. Page 107, Belt of Wampum ==> Belt of Wampum. Page 107 footnote, Ersel signifies ==> Ertel signifies Page 111, Therhansera, Oghuesse and ==> Therhansera, Ohguesse and Page 111, Our Far-fighters shall ==> Our Fair-fighters shall Page 140, we are but ==> We are but Page 141, the Brethrens Backwardness ==> the Brethren's Backwardness Page 143, de Magdaleine the ==> de Magdeleine the Page 152, three Bever Skins. ==> three Bever Skins. Page 155, delivered to them. ==> delivered to them. Page 172, those of Cahnaaga ==> those of Cahnuaga Page 172 footnote, near Ohswego. ==> near Oswego. Page 179, most favorable to ==> most favourable to Page 181, an Enterprise would ==> an Enterprize would Page 182, and some Canon ==> and some Cannon Page 183, their Enterprises against ==> their Enterprizes against