A journal kept by Coll. Stephen Courtland, & Coll. Nich. Beyard, of Their Majesties Council for the Province of New-York, being appointed by the Council to attend His Excellency Benjamin Fletcher ... to Albany in treating with the Indians of the Five Nations, and river Indians of that province, in the months of June and July, 1693. : Together with the propositions and conferences of the said Indians with His Excellency. And His Excellency's answers, &c.

A JOURNAL KEPT BY Coll. Stephen Courtland, & Coll. Rich. Beyard, Of Their Majeſties Council for the Province of New-York, Being appointed by the COUNCIL to Attend His Excellency Benjamin Fletcher, Captain General and Governor in chief of the Province of New York Province of Pennſilvania Country of New-Caſtle, & Territories and Tracts of Land depending thereon in America, and Vice Admiral of the ſame, TO ALBANY In Treating with the Indians of the Five Nations, and River Indians of that Province, in the Months of June and July, 1693.

Together with the Propoſitions and Conferences of the ſaid Indians with his Excellency. And his Excellency's Anſwers, &c.

Printed and Sold by William Bradford, Printer to their Majeſties, King William & Queen Mary, at the Sign of the Bible in New-York, 1693

A Journal, &c. Province of New-York ſſ. June the 3d. 1693.

HI • Excellency arrived this day from his Government of Penn •••••• ia, to New-York, and being indiſpoſed by his Journey▪ g • ve Orders that all things ſhould be put in 〈◊〉 for his Journey to Albany, and that the Preſent • provided for 〈◊〉 Indians ſhould 〈…〉 addition of Aims and Ammunition.

〈…〉 His Excellency being recovered, ſet forth about eleven a 〈…〉 the fore noon.

June 14. The Wind being favourable, arrived at Albany, about two a Clock in the afternoon, being 150 Miles from New-Yo • k.

About 12 miles from Albany, his Excellency received L • tter from Mr. Samu • ll P • rtridge of Ha • field in New-England, acq •••••• g him 〈…〉 Chriſtians were lately killed, and th • ee more wounded in Deerfield, and that a party of the Mobaques and River-Indians of this Province were ſuſpected guilty of the Fact, and ſome of them in Priſon, for the reſt marched toward Albany.

June 15 His Excellency ſent Leiut. John Schuyler to meet that party, with Orders to make diligent ſearch (by opening all their Packs and Bun • les for ſuſpected Goods, taken from th • Christians, which Orders were executed accordingly, and nothing could be found to ground ſuppoſition of their guilt, and the Indians were very forward to throw open all their packs and bundles.

This day arrived the Party of Indians at Albany, and his Excellency ordered the Coun • ellors preſent to examine them concerning that Morther, who had a full Account of their Negotiations there, and by ſundry Circumſtances and Reaſons which they offered, did be • ieve them innocent.

June 16. They reported their Opinion up • n the Examination t • his Excellency, who ordered them to write a Letter to C • ll. John Pinch • on, deſiring that a 〈◊〉 might be put to any violent proc • eding againſt the Indians in Priſon 〈◊〉 further diſcovery be made, 〈◊〉 i • cau • e a defection in 〈…〉 Ind • ans of this Province in al •• a • ce with us.

Major D • W • ſ • ells ▪ with a ſmall guard, was ſen • expreſs with that Lett •• and had • ctions to uſe his endeavour to qualif • e the New-England People, who were violent in proſecuting 〈◊〉 Indians

June 19 This being the day appointed for the coming in of the • ndians of the five 〈…〉 to Albany, and they not appearing, an Expreſs was ſent with 〈◊〉 • ands of Wampum, to haſten their coming.

This 〈◊〉 arrived from Canada Joſeph and Henry, two Chriſtian Mohaqu •• , with twenty four Indians, bringing two French ſcalps, and a young French Priſoner, &c.

June 20. His Excellency, attended with forty Horſe, went and viewed the Garriſon at Schenectady, put 〈…〉 that night.

June 21. The praying Mohaques deſired Audience of his Excellency, and preſented to him the French man, who was then Priſoner, as a particular Mark of their Affection. In the after-noon his Excellency returned his Anſwer, and gave them Kettles, Knives, Rum, Drink, &c. to refreſh themſelves.

June 22. Two Schackhook Indians that were ſent laſt fall to the Onogungoes with a Belt of Wampum, to with-draw their Hatchets from againſt the Engliſh, and turn them againſt the French in Canada, came to his Excellency, preſenting to him a round Plat of Wampum, with four ſpots in it, ſignifying four Caſtles, and four Propoſitions which they had to offer.

The firſt was, That the Plat of Wampum came from four Caſtles of the Onogungoes, that there was twelve more, who made one Nation with them, and that they would communicate the Meſſage to the other twelve Caſtles, and give an anſwer in the fall.

The ſecond, That they were a free People, and do not depend upon the French, nor any other Nation: That a French Prieſt had been among them, deſiring them to come over to Mont. Royal, and aſſiſt the French againſt the Indians of the five Nations in this Province, and that they did refuſe it, becauſe they had received Protection and former Kindneſſes from the Indians of the five Nations and Chriſtians of Albany.

The third, That they cannot tell how to truſt the People of New-England when they ſpeak of Peace, and therefore propoſe it to his Excellency, the Governour of this Province, to whom they have more faith and credit.

The laſt, They deſire his Excellency will pleaſe to ſend a Token, wherein their Agents will confide, and be aſſured of ſafety in treating here with his Excellency the next Fall.

Whereupon his Excellency gave them a large Belt of Wampum, wrought with the figure of a Tree at one end, and an Ox at the other, in ſignification of Protection and Plenty, which they were ordered to preſent to the ſixteen Caſtles of Onogungoes.

June 25 Major Weſſells returned, with a Letter from Coll. Pincheon, and the Depoſitions of ſome Women, who had their Scalps taken off by ſome Indians, which were very poſitive againſt the Priſoners, and ſaid the People of New-England were violent and ſtiff in their Opinions againſt them.

June 26 His Excellency went and viewed the Garriſon at the Flats, gave Orders, and returned in the Evening.

June 28. His Excellency having received further ſatisfaction of the Innocency of our Indians from the Murder at Deerfield, ſent a ſecond Expreſs, with Letters, to Sir William Phipps & Coll. Pincheon for their Releaſement.

July the 2d. At night the Indians of the Weſtern Nations arrived, ſome of the principal Sachims had private Conference with his Excellency.

〈◊〉 His E ••• llency made a publick Speech to the Indians of the 〈◊〉 Nations in the City Hall at Albany, and gave them larg • P •••••• .

July 1. 〈◊〉 the Nations (by a Woman Interpreteſs) made ••• ver a • the 〈◊〉 Hall, and gave 〈◊〉 Excellency ſome P • l •• y

H •• Ex •••• ency having given them two fat B • lls yeſterday, 〈…〉 Young Men might 〈◊〉 them with Bo • and Arrow in his fight, which 〈◊〉 did. Then his Excellency entertained the Sachims on board their Ma •• ſties Ketch A • brought

July 5. His Excellency had private Conſcience with the Sachims, and gave to them, and ſome of their moſt valiant Captains, particular Preſents for their Encouragement, and deſired them to return to their Caſtles.

July 6. His Excellency made a Speech to the River Indians, and gave them Preſents.

July 8. His Excellency left Albany, and the 14th following, the Wind being Southerly, arrived at New-York, where his Excellency was received with Guns, and other Signs of Joy.

S. V. Courtland, N. Beyard.

Propoſitions made by the Schackbook Indians to the Gentlemen of the Council, in behalf of his Excellency Benjamin Fletcher, at Albany the 15th day of June, 1693.

Preſent Stephanni Courtlande, Nicholas Beyard, Peter Schuyler, Eſqrs.

WE have been as if in great Darkneſs, or Cloud, for ſome time, and now the Light is come again, the Sun ſhines.

We return our hearty Thanks for the Preſervation of our Wives and Children in our abſence, while we were hunting in the Winter. Give two Beavers.

Twen • y Years ago we were received as Children of this Government, and have lived peaceably ever ſince under its Protection. And ſeeing ſeveral of our People are detained Priſoners in New-England, upon ſuſpition to have killed ſome of their People at Deerfield, we ſub • i • the whole matter to the judicious Conſideration of his Ex • 〈◊〉 three Beavers.

Our Governour is a great Man, we pray that he would 〈…〉 our future Preſervation; and ſince the French are alſo potent, 〈◊〉 have our Eyes open, and bend all our Strength againſt them. Do 〈◊〉 four Beavers.

Propoſitions made by the Mohaques Indians, to his Excellency Benjamin Fletcher at Albany the 21th day of June, 1693.

Preſent His Excellency Benjamin Fletcher, &c. Coll. Stephen Courtland, Coll. Nicholas Beyard, Major Peter Schuyler, Rode was Speaker.

Brother Cajenquiragoe;

i.e. Lord of the ſwift Arrow. A Name given to his 〈…〉 for his expeditious March to their Aſſiſtance when the French & Indian had deſtroy'd 3 of their Caſtles in February laſt.

WHen our Caſtles were deſtroyed by the French this Spring, you came up very ſpeedily for our Succour and Relief, which was extream acceptable to us; and when you went away to New-York, you promiſed to come up this Summer and ſee us, which you have done accordingly▪ We are heartily glad to ſee you, for we were afraid we ſhould never have ſeen you more, and we bid you heartily Wellcome. Do give a Beaver Skin.

Brother Cajenquirago; When you went back to New-York this Spring, you was pleaſed to order us to look out and keep good Scouts & Videts, which we have done, by ſending a party out into the Enemies Country, who had a ſmall bruſh with them, and got three Scalps, which b • ing a noiſom fight, we do not think it convenient to bring them forth to our Brother Caj • nquirago. You and we have done this together; for the Ammunition and Proviſion was yours, which we uſed in this ••• cution, and we are joyntly concerned in doing this Miſchief to the Enemy. Do give a Beaver Skin.

Brother Cajenquiragoe; We muſt acknowledge, that your Kindneſſes to us have been very great, you have ſupplyed us with Proviſion and A ••• nition ever ſince the Enemy deſtroyed our Caſtles; We earneſtly 〈◊〉 the continuance of your favour and affection towards us, for we are 〈◊〉 poor People, and have loſt all by the Enemy. You are • ſed • ir our Arms, when any of our People break their Gun or 〈◊〉 , you cauſe your People to mend them, for which we are very 〈◊〉 . We could not ſtay for the other Nations, ſince our Obliga •••• are greater than theirs, and we have received the greateſt Kindne ••• 〈…〉 •• me firſt to return our th • 〈◊〉 •• dgment • . 〈…〉 B • a •• r Skin.

Brother C • 〈…〉 we knew that our men were •••• med t • the People 〈…〉 • o were ſo kind to ſend an Ex • reſs 〈…〉 a Kindneſs and Favour▪ 〈…〉 an eſpecial manner. When Major 〈…〉 wi • h our People, he loſt many men (but the • earing o • the Fre ••• that time was the means that preſerved us) We have thoughts ever ſince of ſupplying the Rooms of thoſe Chriſtians who were killed there▪ with P •• on •• s taken from Canada, but cannot get •• ch a Number, never • hele • s having one now, we freely deliver him to Cajenquiragoe, as a particular t • ken of Gratitude.

His Excellen • y's Anſwer.

I Did not expect to ſee you before the arrival of the other four Nations, but perceiving you are 〈…〉 our Affection and Zeal to the ſervice of the great King & Queen of England ▪ & gratitude for thoſe Marks of favour you have received from their Ma • eſties, I am heartily glad to ſee you, and well ſatisfied with the ſervice you have done againſt the French and their Indians, by which I perceive you have not loſt the antient Courage, ſince you dare attack them in the face of their Caſtles.

I am come up according to my Promiſe, to ſtrengthen the Fronteers, to condole the Dead, and give you more Marks of their Majeſties Favour to you, but ſhall defer the giving thoſe Preſents until the other four Nations are come. I accept the Priſoner from you, and ſhall be always willing that the War be made with Honour, and no Priſoners put to death, but in the heat of Action, unleſs for ſuch Crimes as do deſerve it by Martial Law. I have ſent to New-England for thoſe of your Nation detained Priſoners there, and hope they vvill be returned.

You may always depend upon my readineſs to aſſiſt you, if you give me ſuch Notice that I may have time enough to come up to you; You muſt conſider the length of the way, it is 150 Miles by Water, and the Journey depends upon the chance of Winds and Tide, therefore be ſure give early Notice. His Excellency made them preſents.

July the 2d. About 9 a clock at Night, the Speaker of the five Nations, with two of the Sachims of the Onondages Nation, 〈◊〉 a private Conference with his Excellency the Governour, which was granted them.

Brother Caj • nquirago;

WE a • • d to ſee you here, and are come to diſcourſe with you in 〈…〉 Matters of Import: We have heard much of a deſign to ſubdu • Canada, with a Fleet; our Young Men are eager and •• ll 〈◊〉 Heat 〈◊〉 ma • 〈…〉 of that War; pray tell to the Truth; for if 〈…〉 , we muſt manage ou • Youth accordingly.

Brother Cajenquirago; We h ••• o • ten had •••• ges of Governours here, and it was a long time before 〈◊〉 c • uld be acquainted with our Conſtitution and Affairs▪ ſo ſoon as they come to underſtand us they are gone. We deſire to know how long you will ſtay? We would not have you depart: We know your heart is good, you have demonſtrated it by your ſwift coming to our aſſiſtance with ſo conſiderable a Force, when the French and Indians had made an impreſſion upon our Mohaque • Country; for which we return our hearty Thanks. Do give ſeven Beavers.

His Excellency's Anſwer. BRETHREN;

THe great KING, my Maſter, knows beſt his own time and ſeaſon to make an attack with a Fleet, and ſubdue Canada, as yet I have advice of no ſuch Deſign, whenſoever I ſhall have notice thereof, I ſhall acquaint the Brethren.

As for my ſtay here, it muſt be only ••• ing my great Maſters ple • ſure, yet doubt not but I ſhall continue ſo long as to ſee Canada ſubdued.

A Speech made by his Excellency to the Indians of the Five Nations, viz. Mohaques, Oneydes, Onondages, Cajonges and Sennekes, in the City Hall at Albany, the 3d day of Ju • y, 1693. BRETHREN;

WHen I ſaw you in this place laſt February, I propoſed to be here early in the Summer, at the time the Bark would run, as you deſired. In this I was diſappointed, by the Commands of the great King and Queen of England, &c. who were graciouſly pleaſed to ſend their Royal Mandate, requiring me, upon receipt of it, to repair unto Pennſilvania, and take that Province into their Majeſties immediate Care and Government.

I received this Commiſſion in April, and the Execution of it took up the remainder of that Month, & all the Month of May. At my Return to New-York, I found my ſelf indiſpoſed, but in ſix days I was ready for this Journey. I have taken care to ſtrengthen our Fronteers, with Recruits of Chriſtian Souldiers, and War-like Neceſſaries.

I formerly told you, and muſt tell you again, That our Enemies cannot eaſily hurt us, unleſs you are careleſs, and by your Drunkenneſs •••• ble your ſelves; This is a Vice ſtrictly to be proh • bited and puniſhed. It is a greater in me to Martial Men 〈…〉 their Sleep like Death, and ſo they become an eaſie Prey 〈…〉 though weak Enemy. Let me th • r • fore deſire you to be • o • er and vigilent, then you will alw ••• 〈◊〉 a condition to make good your ground, till Relief come, or at leaſt to retreat with Arms in your hand

The Blow you received laſt Winter, is freſh in our Memories; y • u know it came by a ſupine watchleſs Humor of the Brethren the Mohaq ••• , you alſo know I marched into Sch 〈8 letters〉 , the ſame 〈◊〉 the Enemy 〈◊〉 defeated, not far from it; but that is over, let it c •••• on you to for th • future; could I have joyned you before the Engagement, 〈…〉 appearance, very few, if any, had eſcaped.

In my laſt Conference with you, I told you, that ſome of your Yo • n • Men had killed ſeveral Horſes of ours near Sch • nectady ▪ you prom • ſed me that ſatisfaction ſhould be made, and that 〈…〉 ſhould be reſtrained for the future, in which I hope you 〈…〉 effectual Care.

In my way to this place I met Intelligence of a b • r • Murder committed at Deerfield in New-England, and that three Indian • 〈…〉 with this Government were impriſoned there upon ſuſpicion of the Fact; I cauſed the matter immediately to be examined, and have 〈◊〉 two Expreſſes to New-England, to give them • he beſt ſatisfaction that I can gather by ſuch Evidence as appears to me here.

Since my arrival two ſmall parties of the Mohaques came in from Canada, with ſome Marks of their Succeſs, by which I obſerve they retain that Courage, for which they have been ſo long famed: They brought in one French Priſoner, whom they have preſented unto me, he informs me, that the Enemy loſt eighty men of that party which they had ſent laſt Winter to deſtroy the Mohaques Caſtles, and that thirty three more wounded were brought into Mount Royal, ſeveral whereof ſince dyed, and that the French were upon quitting all their ſmall Forts, to ſtrengthen their great Ones, and withal that they intended to Re-inforce Cadara • qui.

I have receiv'd an Information as if ſome of the Brethren are wavering, and inclined to a Peace with the common Enemy, I deſire to know the truth of that matter, and am aſſured that ſuch Thoughts muſt only ariſe from the •• ſtigation of the Jeſuite M • let, which ſome of the Brethren have ſo long ſuffered to live amongſt them, and whoſe only Practice i • to delude and betray them, let me therefore adviſe you to remove that • ll Perſon from amongſt you.

I am now come to condole your Dead, and to • ſſur • you of the Favour of Their Sacred Majeſties, the great King and Queen of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, &c. and in their Royal Names, as their • ervant and Lieutenant here to renew and confirm the antient Covenant Chain not only in behalf of this Province, but thoſe of New England, Virginia, Maryland and Pennſilvania; and as a Mark of their ſacred Majeſties Eſteem and Value which they have for your Courage and ſteady Adherence to Their Intereſt; and as a Seal to this Covenant Chain, which muſt ever be preſerved Inviolable, I have brought you Preſents from Their Majeſties.

The Anſwer of the Five Nations to his Excellency Benjamin Fletcher, &c. in the City Hall of Albany, the 4th day of July, 1693. Brother Cajenquirago;

WE are involved in a Bloody War, which cauſes us to ſit i • ſorrow and grief: And ſince we are about to ſpeak o • Matters of Import, we clear the Mouth and Throat of the Interpreteſs, that ſhe may ſpeak our meaning plainly and truly to you. Do therefore give her three Beavers.

Then having repeated ſome part of his Excellency's Speech to them yeſterday, ſaid,

Brother Cajenquiragoe, We are much rejoyced that the great King and Queen of England do take notice of us, ſo far as to extend their gracious Favours to us, by ſo conſiderable a Preſent, for which we return our hearty Thanks, and more eſpecially for the Guns and Ammunition.

We are glad that our Brother Cajenquirago renews and confirms the Covenant Chain, not only between us and this Government, but alſo for New-England, Virginia, Maryland and Pennſilvania, which Covenant ſhall forever be kept inviolable by all the Five Nations as long as the SUN ſhall Shine. We pray that our Brother Cajenquirago may have a watchful Eye, that none of thoſe Collonies hold correſpondence with the common Enemy, but uſe their endeavours to deſtroy them.

We heard nothing of that which you propoſed yeſterday concerning the Prieſt Millet living in Oneyde, until we came to this Town; we forthwith made inquiry amongſt our Brethren the Oneydes, who told us there was an Indian ſent with Letters to Canada by Millet the Prieſt, which ſurprized us very much.

Brother Cajenquirago; You are our great Tree, whoſe Roots extend themſelves to the utmoſt parts of the Government. We deſire you may not be diſturbed when any of our Priſoners, who are our Slaves, do miſ • be • ave themſelves, for it ſhall never be countenanced by us, but all proper Methods ſhall be taken to prevent the like Miſ-behaviour for the future. And in like manner we beg, that care may be taken, that none of the Priſoners you have do any harm, or correſpond with the Enemy, as we ſuſpect was done by Chav • leer Deaux, and that he was ſent to Canada with Letters, by ſome of our Brethren.

B • other Cajenquirago, In former times our Propoſitions were quite otherwi •• : Our Diſcourſes were then of Peace, and giving of Preſents to one another, but now the • aſe is altered. Our Speeches are now of nothing but War, prompting one another to 〈◊〉 : As for our parts we are reſolved to ſtick cloſe by the War to the laſt drop of our Blood; and though we are toſſed to and fro we will remain ſtedfaſt to the laſt Man, according to our firſt Concluſion. This we acquaint you of, our great • other, for your own Satisfaction.

Brother Cajenquirago ▪ W • h •• Information in our 〈…〉 • rother Cajenquirago had 〈…〉 received Commands from 〈…〉 King to be Governour of Pennſilvania, 〈◊〉 that you were fit ••• g out a Fleet to go and take Canada, this was extream joyful News to us, and all our Young Men, who were to be commanded by Sodogarees, Sachim of the S •• n • k •• , were glad to end the War at one puſh, to facilitate the Fleets ſucceſs i • ſubduing that place, to remove all our Troubles, and make an end of this Bloodſhed, but to ou • great ſorrow, now we hear of no ſuch deſign.

Brother Cajenquirago, You are the great flouriſhing Tree of our ſhelter, that keeps the Covenant Chain bright, we have one Requeſt to make, which is, that you will be pleaſed to ſtay with us, and not return to England, ſince you are acquainted with our ways and methods; and if there be any thing you have to acquaint the great King & Queen withal, you may write to them, and not go from us, for the King knows you to be a Wiſe man, and therefore will believe you.

Brother Cajenquiragoe; We are very glad that the Province of Pennſilvania is come under your Government▪ We pray that you would bring ſome of their Men hither with their Bowes and Arrows, and Hatchets in their heads; for this is the place of Action which ought to be defended

We are glad that the Showannoes (who were our Enemies) d • d make their application to you laſt Fall for Protection, and that you ſent them hither to endeavour a Peace with us, as alſo, that you have been pleaſed to ſend Chriſtians along with them to their Country to conduct them back again; we wiſh they were come to aſſiſt us againſt the common Enemy.

Brother Cajenquirago; We beg of you to let us have a Smith and Gunſtock maker in our Caſtle, to mend our Arms when they are broken.

Now we have done, only muſt tell you again, that we are extreamly glad, and roul and tumble in Joy that our great King and Queen have been pleaſed to enlarge their Favours to us in our greateſt Neceſſities, and that there is ſo much Unity amongſt all the Brethren.

Albany, the 4th of July, 1693

This Evening, after the Young Indians had ended their ſpot of killing the two fat Bulls, (which were preſented by his Excellency) with Bow and Arrow, and roaſ ••• g and eating, his Excellency invited ſeveral of the chief S • chims and Captain • of moſt Not • and Bravery on board his Majeſties Ketch Albrought, riding before the 〈◊〉 of Albany, and treated them to their extraordinary ſatisfaction. Upon their deſire, his excellency gave them and count of the ſucceſs the King of England has had againſt the French 〈◊〉 beyond the great Lake, o • the great Victory which the Engliſh Fleet ob • ained againſt th • French the laſt Summer, with the part 〈…〉 that D • ſe • t 〈◊〉 o • great Fight that had been on Land, where 〈…〉 in their Camp, becauſe they would 〈…〉 have many men were ſlain on both ſides▪ but th • 〈…〉 no N • ye • 〈…〉 Summers Action.

H • s Excellency d • •• courage them to •• nifeſt their Valour and Courage againſt the common Enemy, as their Anceſtors have done. Reminded them of the Prieſt Millet, that they muſt expect that all their Deſigns will be deſtroyed ſo long as he is kept amongſt them, and therefore adviſed them ſpeedily to remove that dangerous Perſon.

His Excellency alſo bid them be mindful of what he ſaid to them, and true to the Covenant they have renewed. Which they all promiſed to obſerve and keep inviolable. Whereupon, as a Seal thereunto, his Excellency ordered the firing of five Guns, which they anſwered with the like Number of Shouts.

It was particularly obſerved, that Odongaowa, the long Oneyde, who was the only ſuſpected Indian, and the moſt particular Friend of the Jeſuite, did riſe up, and ſing a Song of War, (which after their way is the ſame with a Vow) that he would now preſently go and fight the French, Praying Indians of Canada, and promiſed further to his Excellency, that he would take particular care that no Letters from Canada ſhould come to the Prieſts hands, but would have them ſecured at their firſt coming, and ſent down to his Excellency to be read, that the Poyſon may be diſcovered, which is hid therein. Whereupon they went on Shore, with great Satisfaction. His Excellency ordered them a Salute of five Guns, which they anſwered with ſo many Shouts, after their wild manner.

Albany, the 4th of July, 1693.

His Excellency ſent for the Sachims of the five Nations, to have a private Conference, and ſaid,

Brethren, It is high time for you go home to your Caſtles, and ſee that they be ſecured from all attempts of the Enemy. I deſign to go to New-York, to take charge of that Truſt the great King, my Maſter, hath repoſed in me.

But I muſt tell you before we part, that I cannot but take Notice, that you have omitted the anſwering theſe three Propoſals which I made to you the day before yeſterday.

Firſt, about the Horſes, which your Young Men have killed; I do hear of no Satisfaction yet made, but Complaints come to me every day of this nature.

Then relating to the Prieſt Millet at Oneyde, whom the Brethren of Oneyde do ſtill harbour among them. I muſt tell you again, that he betrayes you, and all your Councils; and that you may ſee that 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 them.

And then concerning the two Expreſſes that I ſent to New-England, about thoſe two Indians detained in Priſon there upon ſuſpition of the Murder committed at Deerfield.

The Sachims of the five Nations anſwered,

Brother Cajenquirago; We forgot that Article concerning the Horſes, but ſhall take care, that whoever kills any Horſe • or Cattle belonging to the Chriſtians, the Perſon or Perſons offending ſhall make Satisfaction for the ſame.

As for the Jeſuite Mi • let, the Oneyde Sachim ſaid, He would 〈…〉 Promiſe relating to that matter, which was, That ſo ſoon as the 〈◊〉 Meſſenger did return from Canada, all the Letters and Papers ſhould 〈…〉 from him, and forth-with brought to our Brother Cajenquirago he • 〈…〉 Prieſt ſhall ſee them. I am willing to take the Boy in Exchang • 〈◊〉 Prieſt, but the Prieſt muſt ſtay at Oneyde till the Return of 〈…〉 from Canada. I deſire the Boy may ſtay here until we bring the 〈◊〉 which ſhall be ſo ſoon as the ſaid Meſſeng • r returns

We are very Thankful to you, our g • e •• Brother Caj • nquirago ▪ 〈◊〉 ſending two • xpreſſes to New-England about that Accident at Deerfi • ld and our People impriſoned there We doubt not but in a ſhort time i • will be made appear, that the Canada Indians have committed this Mu •• der; and the Brethren of New-England, who are in Covenant with us, muſt have patience▪ till ſuch caſes can be found out▪ We doubt not but the Governour of New-England is a Man of that Prudence and Conduct, who will not be ſo haſty, ſince it cannot be long undiſcovered

Brother Cajenquirago, We acquaint you, that it is propoſed by all 〈…〉 N •• ions to make Peace with the Dionondadees, a Natio • 〈…〉 that are in Alliance with the French of Canada, which will ſtrengthen us and weaken the Enemy; the S • nneks, who live neareſt to them, have undertaken to effect this buſineſs, and do take Preſents of Wampum from the reſt of the Nations to confirm 〈…〉 ▪ we deſire your co • currence in the Matter, and that as you are our eldeſt • rother you • end Tokens alſo, and receive them into the Covenant Chain.

Whereupon his Excellency replyed, That he approved of then Propoſals, and was willing they ſhould proceed to make Peace with the Dionondadees, and for that purpoſe gave them a Belt of Wampum

Whereupon the Indians gave •• ve Shouts.

Albany, the 5th of July, 1693.

After the private Conference, his Excellency this Morning did further recommend to the chief Sachims and Captains of the five Nations the neceſſity of their ſpeedy return to their ſeveral Caſtles, their keeping continual Scouts to obſerve the Enemy's Motion.

It is reported, they are drawing up their Forces towards Cadaracqui (which is their uppermoſt Fort upon the Lake, deſerted by them about four Years ago.)

That h • s Excellency did not know whether the Enemy's deſign was to make an Attempt againſt the uppermoſt Nations, the Onondages ▪ 〈◊〉 and S •• neks, or upon the lowermoſt, the Mo • aques and 〈◊〉 . Did recommend to them to joyn the Forces of the upper moſt Nations▪ as it was formerly agreed to, if attacked, promiſing to take care of th • lower moſt Nations, if his Excellency have but timely Notice of their approach, as he did laſt Winter.

His Excellency wiſhed them a ſafe Return and good Succeſs in all their Undertakings againſt the common Enemy, aſſuring them of the g • eat King and Queens Favour; nothing doubting but that all of them, as Men of Courage and Honour, will ſtick cloſe to their Majeſties Intereſt, as they have alwayes done ſince the firſt ſettlement of this Country, equal to their Promiſes, and the Covenant Chain, which they have now renewed; And bid them Farewell.

Whereupon the Speaker of the five Nations, in behalf of them, returned hearty Thanks for his Excellency's great Favours, and his care for their Safety, aſſuring his Excellency, That they would strictly obſerve his Commends, and by their future • ol ••• ſs and Behaviour againſt 〈◊〉 Enemy, manifeſt their true Affections and Z ••• to his Excellency's 〈◊〉 and Government. And thereupon made •• ve Shouts, and took leave

His Excellency having private Account of the great Services of particular Sachims and Captains to this Government, ſent for them to his Chamber • oart, commended their Bravery, repeated his 〈◊〉 Recommendations, and preſented them by his own Hands with faſhionable laced Coats and Hats, and ſeveral other Preſents▪ ſuitable to their Services. Which they received as a more particular ſign of His Excellency's ſpecial Favour, repeating their former Vows; and ſo departed, with Signs and Expreſſions of perfect Satisfaction, more than ever was obſerved in any former Treaty.

His Excellency's Speech to the River Indians at the City Hall of Albany, the 6 of July, 1693. CHILDREN;

THis is the firſt time I have ſeen you ſince my coming to the Government, tho' you are ſeated near this Garriſon, and derive your Protection from it.

I have now ſent for you, to let you know what part of your Conduct and Behavio • r I like, and what I diſlike▪ Some of you have done well and like valiant Souldiers in joyning with the five Nations, to attack the Enemy in Canada; This deſerves Commendation.

But on the other hand, its very unlike Souldiers and dutiful Children, to draw out the whole Force of your Caſtles to h •• t leaving your Women and Children expoſed to the Accidents and Hardſhips which attend a Country engaged in War againſt ſo watchful an Enemy as this is.

For the future you muſt give notice, and have permiſſion to go on theſe Occaſions, and take care to leave ſufficient Force behind you.

There is another ſtupendious Folly you are guilty of▪ when your Hunting is over, you'll ſit down near ſome place, wherein a few days • ou drink out what has coſt you the labour of ſome Months, and then • ome home Beggars, as you went. Th • 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉 appeared lately unto you at Deerfield, and I hope will caution you for the future. I muſt adviſe you, That from henceforth you bring all the Effects of your Hunting into your own Country, which by pruden • management will ſupport you the reſt of the Year.

I am informed, the Enemy comes in ſmall Parties, and does 〈◊〉 here, killing ſome, taking others Captive • 'tis your Duty, and will be your Honour to ſend out Parties to clear the Woods, and knock ſuch on the Head; and for your encouragement you ſhall receive a Reward of Fifty Shillings for every Head you ſhall bring in, which is killed within three Miles of this Garriſon or Schenectady.

I now renew the Covenant with you, and take you under the Pro • tection of the gr • at King and Queen of England, &c. and expect 〈◊〉 will endeavour to deſe • ve the favour of their Auguſt Majeſties, by your ſtrict adherence to this Covenant, and your due Obedience to all the Directions and Commands of my Self, or others their Majeſties Governours of this Province. Gave ſome Preſents.

The Anſwer of the River Indians to His Excellency the 6th of July, 1693. Interpreted by R. Sanders. FATHER;

WE thank you for your great Care over us, and we ſhall obſerve all your Directions and Commands now given us; You are that high Tree, under whoſe Branches we ſhelter, whereby our Old Men, Women and Children have been protected in our abſence, from the late Incurſion of the French, our common Enemy▪ we ſhall not for the 〈…〉 abroad a hunting, or againſt the Enemy, without leaving a 〈…〉 Guard. We will make frequent Rounds from this City, on both ſides the River, to diſcover the skulking Enemy, and doubt not but our Young Men ſhall receive the promiſed Reward when they bring in the Heads of thoſe lurking Foxes.

Father, We give our Hearty Thanks for ſending two Expreſſes to New-England on our behalf; we aſſure you that we are innocent of the miſchief done at Deerfield, and ſo are likewiſe thoſe Priſoners that are there in Cuſtody. Believe us, our Hearts are good, and we deſire only to Hoe under your Protection in peace and quietneſs.

Father ▪ We return you alſo our Hearty Thanks for renewing & making • ht that Covenant Chain ▪ We will always oyl & g • eaſe it, that it ſhall 〈…〉 , but be kept inviolable with you, our Father, and with all the Breth •• n of New-England, Virginia, Maryland and Pennſilvania And thereupo • • reſented His Excellency with half a Belt of W • mpum

FINIS.