"The King, my Master, being informed that theFive Nationshave often infringed the Peace, has ordered me to come hither with a Guard, and to sendOhguesseto theOnondagas, to bring the chiefSachemto my Camp. The Intention of the great King is, that you and I may smoke theCalumet[24]of Peace together, but on this Condition, that you promise me, in the Name of theSenekas, Cayugas, Onondagas, andMohawks, to give intire Satisfaction and Reparation to his Subjects; and for the future never to molest them."TheSenekas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Oneydoes, andMohawkshave robbed and abused all the Traders that were passing to theIllinoisandUmamies, and otherIndianNations, the Children of my King. They have acted, on these Occasions, contrary to the Treaty of Peace with my Predecessor. I am ordered therefore to demand Satisfaction, and to tell them, that in case of Refusal, or their plundering us any more, that I have express Orders to declare War. This Belt confirms my Words. The Warriors of theFive Nationshave conducted theEnglishinto the Lakes, which belong to the King, my Master, and brought theEnglishamong the Nations that are his Children, to destroy the Trade of his Subjects, and to withdraw these Nations from him. They have carried theEnglishthither, notwithstanding the Prohibition of the late Governor ofNew-York, who foresaw the Risque that both they and you would run. I am willing to forget these Things, but if ever the like shall happen for the future, I have express Orders to declare War against you. This Belt confirms my Words. Your Warriors have made several barbarous Incursions on theIllinoisandUmamies; they have massacred Men, Women, and Children, and have made many of these Nations Prisoners, who thought themselves safe in their Villages in Time of Peace. These People, who are my King's Children, must not be your Slaves; you must give them their Liberty, and send them back into their own Country. If theFive Nationsshall refuse to do this, I have express Orders to declare War against them. This Belt confirms my Words."This is what I have to say toGarangula, that he may carry to theSenekas, Onondagas, Oneydoes, Cayugas, andMohawksthe Declaration which the King, my Master, has commanded me to make. He doth not wish them to force him to send a great Army toCadarackuiFort, to begin a War which must be fatal to them. He would be sorry that this Fort, that was the Work of Peace, should become the Prison of your Warriors. We must endeavour, on both Sides, to prevent such Misfortunes. TheFrench, who are the Brethren and Friends of theFive Nations, will never trouble their Repose, provided that the Satisfaction which I demand be given, and that the Treaties of Peace be hereafter observed. I shall be extremely grieved if my Words do not produce the Effect which I expect from them; for then I shall be obliged to join with the Governor ofNew-York, who is commanded by his Master to assist me, and burn the Castles of theFive Nations, and destroy you. This Belt confirms my Words."
"The King, my Master, being informed that theFive Nationshave often infringed the Peace, has ordered me to come hither with a Guard, and to sendOhguesseto theOnondagas, to bring the chiefSachemto my Camp. The Intention of the great King is, that you and I may smoke theCalumet[24]of Peace together, but on this Condition, that you promise me, in the Name of theSenekas, Cayugas, Onondagas, andMohawks, to give intire Satisfaction and Reparation to his Subjects; and for the future never to molest them.
"TheSenekas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Oneydoes, andMohawkshave robbed and abused all the Traders that were passing to theIllinoisandUmamies, and otherIndianNations, the Children of my King. They have acted, on these Occasions, contrary to the Treaty of Peace with my Predecessor. I am ordered therefore to demand Satisfaction, and to tell them, that in case of Refusal, or their plundering us any more, that I have express Orders to declare War. This Belt confirms my Words. The Warriors of theFive Nationshave conducted theEnglishinto the Lakes, which belong to the King, my Master, and brought theEnglishamong the Nations that are his Children, to destroy the Trade of his Subjects, and to withdraw these Nations from him. They have carried theEnglishthither, notwithstanding the Prohibition of the late Governor ofNew-York, who foresaw the Risque that both they and you would run. I am willing to forget these Things, but if ever the like shall happen for the future, I have express Orders to declare War against you. This Belt confirms my Words. Your Warriors have made several barbarous Incursions on theIllinoisandUmamies; they have massacred Men, Women, and Children, and have made many of these Nations Prisoners, who thought themselves safe in their Villages in Time of Peace. These People, who are my King's Children, must not be your Slaves; you must give them their Liberty, and send them back into their own Country. If theFive Nationsshall refuse to do this, I have express Orders to declare War against them. This Belt confirms my Words.
"This is what I have to say toGarangula, that he may carry to theSenekas, Onondagas, Oneydoes, Cayugas, andMohawksthe Declaration which the King, my Master, has commanded me to make. He doth not wish them to force him to send a great Army toCadarackuiFort, to begin a War which must be fatal to them. He would be sorry that this Fort, that was the Work of Peace, should become the Prison of your Warriors. We must endeavour, on both Sides, to prevent such Misfortunes. TheFrench, who are the Brethren and Friends of theFive Nations, will never trouble their Repose, provided that the Satisfaction which I demand be given, and that the Treaties of Peace be hereafter observed. I shall be extremely grieved if my Words do not produce the Effect which I expect from them; for then I shall be obliged to join with the Governor ofNew-York, who is commanded by his Master to assist me, and burn the Castles of theFive Nations, and destroy you. This Belt confirms my Words."
Garangalawas very much surprised to find the soft Words of theJesuit, and of the Governor's Messengers, turned to such threatening Language. This was designed to strike Terror into theIndians; butGarangulahaving good Information from those of theFive Nationsliving nearCadarackuiFort, of all the Sickness and other Misfortunes which afflicted theFrenchArmy, it was far from producing the designed Effect. All the Time thatMonsieur de la Barrespoke,Garangulakept his Eyes fixed on the End of his Pipe; as soon as the Governor had done speaking, he rose up, and having walked five or six Times round the Circle, he returned to his Place, where he spoke standing, whileMonsieur de la Barrekept his Elbow-Chair.
Garangula'sAnswer.
"Yonnondio,"I honour you, and the Warriors that are with me all likewise honour you. Your Interpreter has finished your Speech; I now begin mine. My Words make haste to reach your Ears, hearken to them."Yonnondio, you must have believed, when you leftQuebeck, that the Sun had burnt up all the Forests which render our Country inaccessible to theFrench, or that the Lakes had so far overflown their Banks, that they had surrounded our Castles, and that it was impossible for us to get out of them. Yes,Yonnondio, surely you must have dreamt so, and the Curiosity of seeing so great a Wonder has brought you so far. Now you are undeceived, since that I and the Warriors here present are come to assure you, that theSenekas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Oneydoes, andMohawksare yet alive. I thank you, in their Name, for bringing back into their Country theCalumet, which your Predecessor received from their Hands. It was happy for you, that you left Underground that murdering Hatchet, that has been so often dyed in the Blood of theFrench. Hear,Yonnondio, I do not sleep, I have my Eyes open, and the Sun, which enlightens me, discovers to me a great Captain at the Head of a Company of Soldiers, who speaks as if he were dreaming. He says, that he only came to the Lake to smoke on the greatCalumetwith theOnondagas. ButGarangulasays, that he sees the contrary, that it was to knock them on the Head, if Sickness had not weakened the Arms of theFrench."I seeYonnondioraving in a Camp of sick Men, whose Lives the great Spirit has saved, by inflicting this Sickness on them. Hear,Yonnondio, our Women had taken their Clubs, our Children and old Men had carried their Bows and Arrows into the Heart of your Camp, if our Warriors had not disarmed them, and kept them back, when your Messenger,Ohguesse, came to our Castles. It is done, and I have said it. Hear,Yonnondio, we plundered none of theFrench, but those that carried Guns, Powder, and Ball to theIwiktiesandChictaghicks, because those Arms might have cost us our Lives. Herein we follow the Example of the Jesuits, who stave all the Caggs of Rum brought to our Castles, lest the drunkenIndiansshould knock them on the Head. Our Warriors have not Bevers enough to pay for all these Arms, that they have taken, and our old Men are not afraid of the War. This Belt preserves my Words."We carried theEnglishinto our Lakes, to trade there with theUtawawasandQuatoghies, as theAdirondacksbrought theFrenchto our Castles, to carry on a Trade which theEnglishsay is theirs. We are born free, we neither depend onYonnondionorCorlear."We may go where we please, and carry with us whom we please, and buy and sell what we please: If your Allies be your Slaves, use them as such, command them to receive no other but your People. This Belt preserves my Words."We knock'd theTwihtwiesandChictaghickson the Head, because they had cut down the Trees of Peace, which were the Limits of our Country. They have hunted Bevers on our Lands: They have acted contrary to the Customs of allIndians; for they left none of the Bevers alive, they killed both Male and Female. They brought theSatanas[25]into their Country, to take Part with them, after they had concerted ill Designs against us. We have done less than either theEnglishorFrench, that have usurped the Lands of so manyIndianNations, and chased them from their own Country. This Belt preserves my Words. Hear,Yonnondio, what I say is the Voice of all theFive Nations; hear what they answer, open your Ears to what they speak: TheSenekas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Oneydoes, andMohawkssay, that when they buried the Hatchet atCadarackui(in the Presence of your Predecessor) in the Middle of the Fort, they planted the Tree of Peace in the same Place, to be there carefully preserved, that, in Place of a Retreat for Soldiers, that Fort might be a Rendezvous for Merchants; that, in Place of Arms and Ammunition of War, Bevers and Merchandise should only enter there."Hear,Yonnondio, take Care for the future, that so great a Number of Soldiers, as appear there, do not choak the Tree of Peace planted in so small a Fort. It will be a great Loss, if after it had so easily taken Root, you should stop its Growth, and prevent its covering your Country and ours with its Branches. I assure you, in the Name of theFive Nations, that our Warriors shall dance to theCalumetof Peace under its Leaves, and shall remain quiet on their Matts, and shall never dig up the Hatchet, till their Brethren,YonnondioorCorlear, shall either jointly or separately endeavour to attack the Country, which the great Spirit has given to our Ancestors. This Belt preserves my Words, and this other, the Authority which theFive Nationshas given me."
"Yonnondio,
"I honour you, and the Warriors that are with me all likewise honour you. Your Interpreter has finished your Speech; I now begin mine. My Words make haste to reach your Ears, hearken to them.
"Yonnondio, you must have believed, when you leftQuebeck, that the Sun had burnt up all the Forests which render our Country inaccessible to theFrench, or that the Lakes had so far overflown their Banks, that they had surrounded our Castles, and that it was impossible for us to get out of them. Yes,Yonnondio, surely you must have dreamt so, and the Curiosity of seeing so great a Wonder has brought you so far. Now you are undeceived, since that I and the Warriors here present are come to assure you, that theSenekas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Oneydoes, andMohawksare yet alive. I thank you, in their Name, for bringing back into their Country theCalumet, which your Predecessor received from their Hands. It was happy for you, that you left Underground that murdering Hatchet, that has been so often dyed in the Blood of theFrench. Hear,Yonnondio, I do not sleep, I have my Eyes open, and the Sun, which enlightens me, discovers to me a great Captain at the Head of a Company of Soldiers, who speaks as if he were dreaming. He says, that he only came to the Lake to smoke on the greatCalumetwith theOnondagas. ButGarangulasays, that he sees the contrary, that it was to knock them on the Head, if Sickness had not weakened the Arms of theFrench.
"I seeYonnondioraving in a Camp of sick Men, whose Lives the great Spirit has saved, by inflicting this Sickness on them. Hear,Yonnondio, our Women had taken their Clubs, our Children and old Men had carried their Bows and Arrows into the Heart of your Camp, if our Warriors had not disarmed them, and kept them back, when your Messenger,Ohguesse, came to our Castles. It is done, and I have said it. Hear,Yonnondio, we plundered none of theFrench, but those that carried Guns, Powder, and Ball to theIwiktiesandChictaghicks, because those Arms might have cost us our Lives. Herein we follow the Example of the Jesuits, who stave all the Caggs of Rum brought to our Castles, lest the drunkenIndiansshould knock them on the Head. Our Warriors have not Bevers enough to pay for all these Arms, that they have taken, and our old Men are not afraid of the War. This Belt preserves my Words.
"We carried theEnglishinto our Lakes, to trade there with theUtawawasandQuatoghies, as theAdirondacksbrought theFrenchto our Castles, to carry on a Trade which theEnglishsay is theirs. We are born free, we neither depend onYonnondionorCorlear.
"We may go where we please, and carry with us whom we please, and buy and sell what we please: If your Allies be your Slaves, use them as such, command them to receive no other but your People. This Belt preserves my Words.
"We knock'd theTwihtwiesandChictaghickson the Head, because they had cut down the Trees of Peace, which were the Limits of our Country. They have hunted Bevers on our Lands: They have acted contrary to the Customs of allIndians; for they left none of the Bevers alive, they killed both Male and Female. They brought theSatanas[25]into their Country, to take Part with them, after they had concerted ill Designs against us. We have done less than either theEnglishorFrench, that have usurped the Lands of so manyIndianNations, and chased them from their own Country. This Belt preserves my Words. Hear,Yonnondio, what I say is the Voice of all theFive Nations; hear what they answer, open your Ears to what they speak: TheSenekas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Oneydoes, andMohawkssay, that when they buried the Hatchet atCadarackui(in the Presence of your Predecessor) in the Middle of the Fort, they planted the Tree of Peace in the same Place, to be there carefully preserved, that, in Place of a Retreat for Soldiers, that Fort might be a Rendezvous for Merchants; that, in Place of Arms and Ammunition of War, Bevers and Merchandise should only enter there.
"Hear,Yonnondio, take Care for the future, that so great a Number of Soldiers, as appear there, do not choak the Tree of Peace planted in so small a Fort. It will be a great Loss, if after it had so easily taken Root, you should stop its Growth, and prevent its covering your Country and ours with its Branches. I assure you, in the Name of theFive Nations, that our Warriors shall dance to theCalumetof Peace under its Leaves, and shall remain quiet on their Matts, and shall never dig up the Hatchet, till their Brethren,YonnondioorCorlear, shall either jointly or separately endeavour to attack the Country, which the great Spirit has given to our Ancestors. This Belt preserves my Words, and this other, the Authority which theFive Nationshas given me."
ThenGarangulaaddressing himself to Monsieurle Maine, said:
"Take Courage,Ohguesse, you have Spirit, speak, explain my Words, forget nothing, tell all that your Brethren and Friends say toYonnondio, your Governor, by the Mouth ofGarangula, who loves you, and desires you to accept ofthis Present of Bever, and take Part with me in my Feast, to which I invite you. This Present of Bever is sent toYonnondioon the Part of theFive Nations."
"Take Courage,Ohguesse, you have Spirit, speak, explain my Words, forget nothing, tell all that your Brethren and Friends say toYonnondio, your Governor, by the Mouth ofGarangula, who loves you, and desires you to accept ofthis Present of Bever, and take Part with me in my Feast, to which I invite you. This Present of Bever is sent toYonnondioon the Part of theFive Nations."
WhenGarangula's Harangue was explained to Monsieurde la Barre, he returned to his Tent, much inraged at what he had heard.
Garangulafeasted theFrenchOfficers, and then went Home, and Monsieurde la Barreset out in his Way towardsMontreal; and as soon as the General was imbarked, with the few Soldiers that remained in Health, the Militia made the best of their Way to their own Habitations, without any Order or Discipline.
Thus a very chargeable and fatiguing Expedition (which was to strike the Terror of theFrenchName into the stubborn Hearts of theFive Nations) ended in a Scold between theFrenchGeneral and an oldIndian.
TheMarquis de Nonvillehaving now succeeded Monsieurde la Barre, in the Year 1685, and having brought a considerable Reinforcement of Soldiers with him, resolved to recover the Honour theFrenchhad lost in the last Expedition, and revenge the Slaughter theFive Nationscontinued to make of theTwihtwiesandChictaghicks, who had put themselves under theFrenchProtection; for theFive Nationshaving intirely subdued theChictaghicks[26], after a six Years War, they resolved next to fall upon theTwihtwies, and to call them to an Account for the Disturbance they had given some of their People in their Bever Hunting. TheFive Nationshave few or no Bever in their own Country, and for that Reason are obliged to hunt at a great Distance, which often occasions Disputes with their Neighbours about the Property of the Bever. The Bever is the most valuable Branch of theIndianTrade, and as theTwihtwiescarried their Bevers to theFrench, theEnglishencouraged theFive Nationsin these Expeditions, and particularly, in the Beginning of the Year 1687, made theFive Nationsa Present of a Barrel of Powder, when their whole Force was preparing to go against theTwihtwies. TheEnglishwere the better pleased with this War, because they thought that it would divert theFive Nationsfrom theVirginia Indians: But theFrenchwere resolved to support their Friends more effectually by a powerful Diversion, and to change the Seat of the War.
For this Purpose Mr.de Nonvillesent, inMay1687, great Quantities of Provision toCadarackuiFort, and gathered the whole Force ofCanadatoMontreal. His Army consisted of fifteen hundredFrenchof the regular Troops and Militia, and five hundredIndiansthat lived nearMontrealandQuebeck. He sent likewise Orders to the Commandant atMissilimakinakto assemble all the Nations living round him, and to march them toOniagara, in order to join the Forces ofCanadadesigned against theSenekas, and the other Officers posted among theIndiansWestward had the like Orders.
TheTwihtwiesreceived the Hatchet with Joy from the Hands of theFrenchOfficer. TheOutagamies,Kikabous, andMaskuticks, who were not used to Canoes, were at first persuaded to join theTwihtwies, who were to march by Land toTeuchsagrondie, where there was aFrenchFort, at which they were to be supplied with Ammunition. But after theFrenchOfficer left them, theUtagamiesandMaskutickswere dissuaded by some of theMahikander Indians, who happened to be with a neighbouring Nation at that Time.
ThePutewatemies, Malhominies, andPuansoffered themselves willingly, and went to the Rendezvous atMissilimakinak; where they were received by theUtawawaswith all the Marks of Honour usually paid to Soldiers. Though theUtawawashad no Inclination to the present Enterprize; they could not tell however how to appear against it, otherwise than by inventing what Delays they could, to prevent their March.
In the mean while a Canoe arrived, which was sent by Mr.de Nonville, with his Orders to the Officers. This Canoe, in her Passage, discovered someEnglish, commanded by MajorMac Gergory, in their Way toTeiodonderaghie. TheEnglishthought (after they had an Account of the new Alliance their King had entered into with theFrench) that theFrenchwould not disturb them in prosecuting a Trade with theIndiansevery where, and that the Trade would be equally free and open to both Nations. With these Hopes a considerable Number of Adventurers went out, under the Conduct of MajorMac Gergory, to trade with theIndiansthat lived on the Banks of the Lakes; and that they might be the more welcome, persuaded theFive Nationsto set all theDionondadiePrisoners at Liberty, who went along with theEnglish, and conducted them towardsMissilimakinak, orTeiodonderaghie; but theEnglishfound themselves mistaken, for theFrenchCommandant atTeiodonderaghie, as soon as he had Notice of this, sent three-hundredFrenchto intercept theEnglish.
[27]TheUtawawasandDionondadieshaving likewise an Account of theEnglish, designed to support their own Independency, and to incourage theEnglishTrade. The return of theDionondadiePrisoners made that Nation very hearty in favouring theEnglish, they therefore marched immediately off, with Design to join MajorMac Gergory; but theUtawawaswere divided in their Inclinations, their Chief, with about thirty more, joined theFrench, the rest remained in suspence, and stood neuter.
TheUtawawasthus wavering, disconcerted the Measures of theDionondadies, for they began to suspect theUtawawas, and therefore immediately returned to secure their Wives and Children that they had left near theFrenchFort with theUtawawas. TheEnglishand their Effects were seized without any Opposition, and were carried to theFrenchFort atTeiodonderaghie.
TheEnglishbrought great Quantities of Rum with them, (which theIndianslove more than their Lives) and theFrenchbeing afraid, that if theIndianstook to Drinking, they would grow ungovernable, did what they could to keep them from it. They were most concerned that thePutewatemies(who had no Knowledge of theEnglish, or of that bewitching Liquor, and were firmly attached to theFrench) should not taste it.
TheUtawawasstill contrived Delays to the March, and having got some of thePutewatemiesprivately by themselves, they offered them a Cag of Rum, and said: "We are all Brethren, we ought to make one Body, and to have one Soul. TheFrenchinvite us to war against theFive Nations, with Design to make us Slaves, and that we should make ourselves the Tools to effect it. As soon as they shall have destroyed theFive Nations, they will no longer observe any Measures with us, but use us like those Beasts they tie to their Ploughs. Let us leave them to themselves, and they will never be able to accomplish any Thing against theFive Nations."
But thePutewatemieshad entertained such Notions of theFrench, as made them deaf to the Politicks of theUtawawas.
TheFrenchhowever grew jealous of these Caballings, and therefore resolved to delay their March no longer, and would not stay one Day more for theUtawawas, who desired only so much Time to pitch their Canoes, and went away without them.
Mr.Tonti, Commandant among theChictaghicks, met with another Party of theEnglishof about thirty Men, in LakeErie, as he marched with theChicktaghicksandTwihtwies, and other neighbouring Nations, to the general Rendezvous. He fell upon theEnglish, plundered them, and took them Prisoners. TheFrenchdivided all the Merchandize among theIndians, but kept the Rum to themselves, and got all drunk. TheDeonondadiePrisoners, that conducted theEnglish, joined with theMahikanderIndiansthat were among Mr.Tonti'sIndians(who had privately dissuaded about twenty of the neighbouring Nations from going withTonti) and endeavoured to persuade all theIndiansto fall upon theFrench, while they were drunk, and destroy them; saying, theFrenchare a proud, imperious, covetous People, that sell their Goods at an extravagant Price; theEnglishare a good natured honest People, and will furnish you with every Thing at reasonable Rates. But these Arguments were to no Purpose, for these farIndianshad entertained an extraordinary Opinion of theFrenchPower, and knew nothing of theEnglish.
TheFrenchandPutewatemiesbeing gone fromTeiodonderaghie, theUtawawasbegan to be afraid of theFrenchResentment, and therefore, the better to keep up the Colour they had put on their Delays, marched over Land, with all possible Expedition, to the general Rendezvous nearOniagara, where all theFrenchForce, both Christians andIndians, was to meet.
TheFive Nationsbeing informed of theFrenchPreparations, laid aside their Design against theTwihtwies, and prepared to give theFrencha warm Reception. Upon this the Priest atOnondagaleft them, but the Priest atOneydohad the Courage to stay. TheSenekascame toAlbanyto provide Ammunition, and the Commissioners made them a Present of a considerable Quantity of Powder and Lead, besides what they purchased. They were under a great deal of Concern when they took Leave of the Commissioners, and said, "Since we are to expect no other Assistance from our Brethren, we must recommend our Wives and Children to you, who will fly to you, if any Misfortune shall happen to us. It may be we shall never see you again; for we are resolved to behave so, as our Brethren shall have no Reason to be ashamed of us."
We must now return to Monsieurde Nonville's Army.
MonsieurCampagniemarched eight or ten Days before the rest of the Army, with between two and three hundredCannadians. As soon as they arrived atCadarackui, they surprised two Villages of theFive Nations, that were settled about eight Leagues from that Place, to prevent their giving any Intelligence to their own Nation of theFrenchPreparations, or of the State of their Army, as it was supposed they did in the last Expedition under Monsieurde la Barre. These People were surprised when they least expected it, and by them from whom they feared no Harm, because they had settled there at the Invitation, and on the Faith of theFrench. They were carried in cold Blood to the Fort, and tied to Stakes, to be tormented by theFrench Indians, (Christians, as they call them) while they continued singing in their country Manner, and upbraiding theFrenchwith their Perfidy and Ingratitude.
While Monsieurde Nonvillewas atCadarackuiFort, he had an Account, that theChicktaghicksandTwihtwieswaited for theQuatoghiesandUtawawasat LakeSt. Clair[28], with whom they designed to march to the general Rendezvous, at the Mouth of theSenekasRiver. For this Expedition was chiefly designed against theSenekas, who had absolutely refused to meet Monsieurde la Barre, and were most firmly attached to theEnglish. TheSenekas, for this Reason, were designed to be made Examples of theFrenchResentment to all the other Nations ofIndians.
The Messenger having assured the General, that it was Time to depart, in order to meet with the westernIndians, that came to his Assistance, he set out the twenty-third ofJune, and sent one Part of his Army in Canoes, along the North Shore of the Lake, while he, with the other Part, passed along the South, that no Accidents of Wind might prevent the one or the other reaching, within the Time appointed, at the Place theIndianswere to meet him. It happened, by reason of the good Weather, that both arrived on the same Day, and joined the westernIndiansatTrondequat, As soon as the Men were put on Shore, they hawled up the Canoes, and began a Fort, where four hundred Men were left to guard the Canoes, and the Baggage. Here a youngCannadianwas shot to Death, as a Deserter, for conducting theEnglishinto the Lakes, though the two Nations were not only at Peace, but their Kings in stricter Friendship than usual. But this Piece of Severity is not to be wondered at, when this War was undertaken, chiefly to put a Stop to theEnglishTrade, which now began to extend itself far into the Continent, and would in its Consequence ruin theirs. The next Day the Army began to march towards the chief Village of theSenekas, which was only seven Leagues distant, every Man carrying ten Biskets for his Provision. TheIndianTraders made the Van with Part of theIndians, the other Part marched in the Rear, while the regular Troops and Militia composed the main Body. The Army marched four Leagues the first Day without discovering any Thing; the next Day the Scouts advanced before the Army, as far as the Corn of the Villages, without seeing any Body, though they passed within Pistol-shot of five-hundredSenekas, that lay on their Bellies, and let them pass and repass without disturbing them.
On the Report which they made, theFrenchhastened their March, in hopes to overtake the Women, Children, and old Men; for they no longer doubted of all being fled. But as soon as theFrenchreached the Foot of a Hill, about a Quarter of a League from the Village, theSenekassuddenly raised the Warshout, with a Discharge of their Fire-arms. This put the regular Troops, as well as the Militia, into such a Fright, as they marched through the Woods, that the Battalions immediately divided, and run to the Right and Left, and, in the Confusion, fired upon one another. When theSenekasperceived their Disorder, they fell in among them pell-mell, till theFrench Indians, more used to such Way of fighting, gathered together and repulsed theSenekas. There were (according to theFrenchAccounts) a hundredFrenchmen, tenFrench Indians, and about fourscoreSenekaskilled, in this Rencounter.
Monsieurde Nonvillewas so dispirited with the Fright that his Men had been put into, that hisIndianscould not persuade him to pursue. He halted the remainder of that Day. The next Day he marched on with Design to burn the Village, but when he came there, he found that theSenekashad saved him the Trouble; for they had laid all in Ashes before they retired. Two old Men only were found in the Castle, who were cut into Pieces and boiled to make Soup for theFrenchAllies. TheFrenchstaid five or six Days to destroy their Corn, and then marched to two other Villages, at two or three Leagues distance. After they had performed the like Exploits in those Places, they returned to the Banks of the Lake.
Before theFrenchleft the Lakes, they built a Fort of four Bastions atOniagara, on the South-side of the Straights, between LakeErieandCadarackuiLake, and left a hundred Men, with eight Months Provisions in it. But this Garison was so closely blocked up by theFive Nations, that they all died of Hunger, except seven or eight, who were accidentally relieved by a Party ofFrench Indians.
The westernIndians, when they parted from theFrenchGeneral, made their Harangues, as usual, in which they told him, with what Pleasure they saw a Fort so well placed to favour their Designs against theFive Nations, and that they relied on his never finishing the War, but with the Destruction of theFive Nations, or forcing them to abandon their Country. He assured them, that he would act with such Vigour, that they would soon see theFive Nationsdriven into the Sea.
He sent a Detachment of Soldiers toTeiodonderaghie, and in his Return toCanada, which was by the North Side of the Lake, he left a sufficient Number of Men, and a Quantity of Provisions, atCadarackuiFort.
TheFrenchhaving got nothing but dry Blows by this Expedition, sent thirteen of theIndians, that they surprised atCadarackui, toFrance, as Trophies of their Victory, where they were put into the Galleys, as Rebels to their King.
ColonelDongan, who had theIndianAffairs very much at Heart, met theFive NationsatAlbanyas soon as possible after theFrenchExpedition, and spoke to them on the fifth ofAugust, in the following Words,viz.
"Brethren,"I am very glad to see you here in this House, and am heartily glad that you have sustained no greater Loss by theFrench, though I believe it was their Intention to destroy you all, if they could have surprised you in your Castles."As soon as I heard their Design to war with you, I gave you Notice, and came up hither myself, that I might be ready to give all the Assistance and Advice that so short a Time would allow me."I am now about sending a Gentleman toEngland, to the King, my Master, to let him know, that theFrenchhave invaded his Territories on this Side of the great Lake, and warred upon the Brethren his Subjects. I therefore would willingly know, whether the Brethren have given the Governor ofCanadaany Provocation or not; and if they have, how, and in what Manner; because I am obliged to give a true Account of this Matter. This Business may cause a War between the King ofEnglandand theFrenchKing, both inEuropeand here, and therefore I must know the Truth."I know the Governor ofCanadadare not enter into the King ofEngland's Territories, in a hostile Manner, without Provocation, if he thought the Brethren were the King ofEngland's Subjects; but you have, two or three Years ago, made a Covenant-chain with theFrench, contrary to my Command, (which I knew could not hold long) being void of itself among the Christians; for as much as Subjects (as you are) ought not to treat with any foreign Nation, it not lying in your Power, you have brought this Trouble on your selves, and, as I believe, this is the only Reason of their falling on you at this Time."Brethren, I took it very ill, that after you had put yourselves into the Number of the great King ofEngland's Subjects, you should ever offer to make Peace or War without my Consent. You know that we can live without you, but you cannot live without us. You never found that I told you a Lye, and I offered you the Assistance you wanted, provided that you would be advised by me; for I know theFrenchbetter than any of you do."Now since there is a War begun upon you by the Governor ofCanada, I hope without any Provocation by you given, I desire and command you, that you hearken to no Treaty but by my Advice; which if you follow, you shall have the Benefit of the great Chain of Friendship between the great King ofEnglandand the King ofFrance, which came out ofEnglandthe other Day, and which I have sent toCanadabyAnthony le Junard. In the mean Time, I will give you such Advice as will be for your good; and will supply you with such Necessaries, as you will have Need of."First, My Advice is, as to what Prisoners of theFrenchyou shall take, that you draw not their Blood, but bring them Home, and keep them to exchange for your People, which they have Prisoners already, or may take hereafter."2dly, That if it be possible, that you can order it so, I would have you take one or two of your wisestSachems, and one or two of yourchief Captains, of each Nation, to be a Council to manage all Affairs of the War. They to give Orders to the rest of the Officers what they are to do, that your Designs may be kept private; for after it comes among so many People, it is blazed abroad, and your Designs are often frustrated; and those chief Men should keep a Correspondence with me by a trusty Messenger."3dly, The great Matter under Consideration with the Brethren is, how to strengthen themselves, and weaken their Enemy. My Opinion is, that the Brethren should send Messengers to theUtawawas,Twihtwies, and thefarther Indians, and to send back likewise some of the Prisoners of these Nations, if you have any left, to bury the Hatchet, and to make a Covenant-chain, that they may put away all theFrenchthat are among them, and that you will open a Path for them this Way, they being the King ofEngland's Subjects likewise, tho' the French have been admitted to trade with them; for all that theFrenchhave inCanada, they had it of the great King ofEngland; that by that Means they may come hither freely, where they may have every Thing cheaper than among theFrench: That you and they may join together against theFrench, and make so firm a League, that whoever is an Enemy to one, must be to both."4thly, Another Thing of Concern is, that you ought to do what you can to open a Path for all theNorth IndiansandMahikanders, that are among theUtawawasand further Nations: I will endeavour to do the same to bring them Home; for, they not daring to return Home your Way, theFrenchkeep them there on purpose to join with the other Nations against you, for your Destruction; for you know, that one of them is worse than six of the others; therefore all Means must be used to bring them Home, and use them kindly as they pass through your Country."5thly, My Advice further is, that Messengers go, in behalf of all theFive Nations, to theChristian IndiansatCanada, to persuade them to come Home to their native Country. This will be another great Means to weaken your Enemy; but if they will not be advised, you know what to do with them."6thly, I think it very necessary, for the Brethren's Security and Assistance, and to the endamaging theFrench, to build a Fort upon the Lake, where I may keep Stores and Provisions, in Case of Necessity; and therefore I would have the Brethren let me know what Place will be most convenient for it."7thly, I would not have the Brethren keep their Corn in their Castles, as I hear theOnondagasdo, but bury it a great Way in the Woods, where few People may know where it is, for fear of such an Accident as has happened to theSenekas."8thly, I have given my Advice in your General Assembly by Mr.Dirk Wessels, andAkusthe Interpreter, how you are to manage your Parties, and how necessary it is to get Prisoners, to exchange for your own Men that are Prisoners with theFrench; and I am glad to hear that the Brethren are so united, as Mr.Dirk Wesselstells me you are, and that there are no rotten Members norFrenchSpies among you."9thly, The Brethren may remember my Advice, which I sent you this Spring, not to go toCadarackui; if you had, they would have served you as they did your People that came from hunting thither; for I told you then, that I knew theFrenchbetter than you did."10thly, There was no Advice or Proposition that I made to the Brethren, all the Time that the Priest lived atOnondaga, but what he wrote toCanada, as I found by one of his Letters, which he gave to anIndianto carry toCanada, but which was brought hither; therefore I desire the Brethren not to receive him or anyFrench Priestany more, having sent forEnglish Priests, with whom you may be supplied to your Content."11thly, I would have the Brethren look out sharp, for Fear of being surprized. I believe all the Strength of theFrenchwill be at their Frontier Places,viz. atCadarackuiandOniagara, where they have built a Fort now, and atTrois Rivieres,Montreal, andChambly."12thly, Let me put you in Mind again, not to make any Treaties without my Means, which will be more advantageous for you, than your doing it by yourselves, for then you will be looked upon as the King ofEngland's Subjects, and let me know, from Time to Time, every Thing that is done."Thus far I have spoken to you relating to the War."
"Brethren,
"I am very glad to see you here in this House, and am heartily glad that you have sustained no greater Loss by theFrench, though I believe it was their Intention to destroy you all, if they could have surprised you in your Castles.
"As soon as I heard their Design to war with you, I gave you Notice, and came up hither myself, that I might be ready to give all the Assistance and Advice that so short a Time would allow me.
"I am now about sending a Gentleman toEngland, to the King, my Master, to let him know, that theFrenchhave invaded his Territories on this Side of the great Lake, and warred upon the Brethren his Subjects. I therefore would willingly know, whether the Brethren have given the Governor ofCanadaany Provocation or not; and if they have, how, and in what Manner; because I am obliged to give a true Account of this Matter. This Business may cause a War between the King ofEnglandand theFrenchKing, both inEuropeand here, and therefore I must know the Truth.
"I know the Governor ofCanadadare not enter into the King ofEngland's Territories, in a hostile Manner, without Provocation, if he thought the Brethren were the King ofEngland's Subjects; but you have, two or three Years ago, made a Covenant-chain with theFrench, contrary to my Command, (which I knew could not hold long) being void of itself among the Christians; for as much as Subjects (as you are) ought not to treat with any foreign Nation, it not lying in your Power, you have brought this Trouble on your selves, and, as I believe, this is the only Reason of their falling on you at this Time.
"Brethren, I took it very ill, that after you had put yourselves into the Number of the great King ofEngland's Subjects, you should ever offer to make Peace or War without my Consent. You know that we can live without you, but you cannot live without us. You never found that I told you a Lye, and I offered you the Assistance you wanted, provided that you would be advised by me; for I know theFrenchbetter than any of you do.
"Now since there is a War begun upon you by the Governor ofCanada, I hope without any Provocation by you given, I desire and command you, that you hearken to no Treaty but by my Advice; which if you follow, you shall have the Benefit of the great Chain of Friendship between the great King ofEnglandand the King ofFrance, which came out ofEnglandthe other Day, and which I have sent toCanadabyAnthony le Junard. In the mean Time, I will give you such Advice as will be for your good; and will supply you with such Necessaries, as you will have Need of.
"First, My Advice is, as to what Prisoners of theFrenchyou shall take, that you draw not their Blood, but bring them Home, and keep them to exchange for your People, which they have Prisoners already, or may take hereafter.
"2dly, That if it be possible, that you can order it so, I would have you take one or two of your wisestSachems, and one or two of yourchief Captains, of each Nation, to be a Council to manage all Affairs of the War. They to give Orders to the rest of the Officers what they are to do, that your Designs may be kept private; for after it comes among so many People, it is blazed abroad, and your Designs are often frustrated; and those chief Men should keep a Correspondence with me by a trusty Messenger.
"3dly, The great Matter under Consideration with the Brethren is, how to strengthen themselves, and weaken their Enemy. My Opinion is, that the Brethren should send Messengers to theUtawawas,Twihtwies, and thefarther Indians, and to send back likewise some of the Prisoners of these Nations, if you have any left, to bury the Hatchet, and to make a Covenant-chain, that they may put away all theFrenchthat are among them, and that you will open a Path for them this Way, they being the King ofEngland's Subjects likewise, tho' the French have been admitted to trade with them; for all that theFrenchhave inCanada, they had it of the great King ofEngland; that by that Means they may come hither freely, where they may have every Thing cheaper than among theFrench: That you and they may join together against theFrench, and make so firm a League, that whoever is an Enemy to one, must be to both.
"4thly, Another Thing of Concern is, that you ought to do what you can to open a Path for all theNorth IndiansandMahikanders, that are among theUtawawasand further Nations: I will endeavour to do the same to bring them Home; for, they not daring to return Home your Way, theFrenchkeep them there on purpose to join with the other Nations against you, for your Destruction; for you know, that one of them is worse than six of the others; therefore all Means must be used to bring them Home, and use them kindly as they pass through your Country.
"5thly, My Advice further is, that Messengers go, in behalf of all theFive Nations, to theChristian IndiansatCanada, to persuade them to come Home to their native Country. This will be another great Means to weaken your Enemy; but if they will not be advised, you know what to do with them.
"6thly, I think it very necessary, for the Brethren's Security and Assistance, and to the endamaging theFrench, to build a Fort upon the Lake, where I may keep Stores and Provisions, in Case of Necessity; and therefore I would have the Brethren let me know what Place will be most convenient for it.
"7thly, I would not have the Brethren keep their Corn in their Castles, as I hear theOnondagasdo, but bury it a great Way in the Woods, where few People may know where it is, for fear of such an Accident as has happened to theSenekas.
"8thly, I have given my Advice in your General Assembly by Mr.Dirk Wessels, andAkusthe Interpreter, how you are to manage your Parties, and how necessary it is to get Prisoners, to exchange for your own Men that are Prisoners with theFrench; and I am glad to hear that the Brethren are so united, as Mr.Dirk Wesselstells me you are, and that there are no rotten Members norFrenchSpies among you.
"9thly, The Brethren may remember my Advice, which I sent you this Spring, not to go toCadarackui; if you had, they would have served you as they did your People that came from hunting thither; for I told you then, that I knew theFrenchbetter than you did.
"10thly, There was no Advice or Proposition that I made to the Brethren, all the Time that the Priest lived atOnondaga, but what he wrote toCanada, as I found by one of his Letters, which he gave to anIndianto carry toCanada, but which was brought hither; therefore I desire the Brethren not to receive him or anyFrench Priestany more, having sent forEnglish Priests, with whom you may be supplied to your Content.
"11thly, I would have the Brethren look out sharp, for Fear of being surprized. I believe all the Strength of theFrenchwill be at their Frontier Places,viz. atCadarackuiandOniagara, where they have built a Fort now, and atTrois Rivieres,Montreal, andChambly.
"12thly, Let me put you in Mind again, not to make any Treaties without my Means, which will be more advantageous for you, than your doing it by yourselves, for then you will be looked upon as the King ofEngland's Subjects, and let me know, from Time to Time, every Thing that is done.
"Thus far I have spoken to you relating to the War."
Then he chid them for their Breach of Faith withVirginia. He told them, that he was informed, that last Spring they had killed a fine Gentleman, with some others; and that a Party of theOneydoeswas now there at the Head ofTames River, with Intention to destroy all theIndiansthereabout. They had taken six Prisoners, whom he ordered them to bring to him, to be restored; and that for the future they should desist from doing any Injury to the People ofVirginia, or theirIndians, otherwise all theEnglishwould unite to destroy them. But at the same time he freed theSenekasfrom any Blame, and commended them as a brave and honest People, who never had done any Thing contrary to his Orders, except in making that unlucky Peace with theFrench, three Years ago.
Lastly, He recommended to them, not to suffer their People to be drunk during the War: A Soldier thereby (he said) loses his Reputation, because of the Advantages it will give the Enemy over him.
This honest Gentleman earnestly pursued the Interest of his Country; but it seems his Measures were not agreeable to those his Master had taken with theFrenchKing; for he had Orders to procure a Peace for theFrenchon their own Terms, and was soon after this removed from his Government. Indeed such an active, as well as prudent Governor ofNew-York, could not be acceptable to theFrench, who had the universal Monarchy in View, inAmericaas well as inEurope.
The great Dispute between Coll.Dunganand theFrenchwas in this, that Coll.Dunganwould force theFrenchto apply to him, in all Affairs relating to theFive Nations, and theFrenchwould treat with them independently of theEnglish. For this Reason Coll.Dunganrefused any Assistance to theFrench, till they, by such Application, should acknowledge the Dependance of theFive Nationson the Crown ofEngland. But KingJamesordered him to give up this Point; and that he should persuade theFive Nationsto send toCanada, to receive Proposals from theFrench Governor; and for this Purpose, forced them to agree to a Cessation of Arms, till their Deputies should go and return fromCanada; and that they should, in the mean Time, deliver up all the Prisoners they had taken from theFrench; and that no Accident might prevent this, and blast so favourable an Opportunity of making Peace to the best Advantage, Monsr.De Nonvillesent his Orders to all his Officers in theIndianCountries, to observe a Cessation of Arms, till the Ambassador of theFive Nationsshould meet him atMontreal, as they had given him Reason to expect they would in a little Time, to conclude the Peace in the usual Form.
In the mean Time,Adario, the Chief of theDeonondadies, finding that his Nation was become suspected by theFrench, since the Time they had shewn so much Inclination to theEnglish, when they attempted to trade atMissilimakinak, resolved, by some notable Action against theFive Nations, to recover the good Graces of theFrench.
For this Purpose, he marched fromMissilimakinak, at the Head of a Hundred Men; and that he might act with the more Security, he tookCadarackuiFort in his Way for Intelligence: The Commandant informed him, that Monsr.De Nonvillewas in Hopes of concluding a Peace with theFive Nations, and expected their Ambassadors in eight or ten Days atMontrealfor that Purpose, and therefore desired him to return toMissilimakinak, without attempting any Thing that might obstruct so good a Design.
TheIndianbeing surprised with this News, was under great Concern for his Nation, which he was afraid would be sacrificed to theFrenchInterest, but dissembled his Concern before theFrenchOfficer. He went fromCadarackui, not to return home as the Commandant thought, but to wait for the Ambassadors of theFive Nations, near one of the Falls ofCadarackuiRiver, by which he knew they must pass. He did not lurk there above four or five Days, before the Deputies came guarded by forty young Soldiers, who were all surprised, and killed or taken Prisoners. As soon as the Prisoners were all secured, the cunningDeonondaditold them, "That he having been informed, by the Governor ofCanada, that fifty Warriors of their Nation were to pass this Way about this Time, he had secured this Pass, not doubting of intercepting them."
The Ambassadors being much surprised at theFrenchPerfidy, toldAdariothe Design of their Journey, who, the better to play his Part, seemed to grow mad and furious, declaring against Monsr.De Nonville, and said he would, some time or other, be revenged of him, for making a Tool of him, to commit such horrid Treachery. Then looking stedfastly on the Prisoners (among whomDekaneforawas the principal Ambassador)Adariosaid to them, Go, my Brethren, I unty your Bonds, and send you home again, tho' our Nations be at War: TheFrenchGovernor has made me commit so black an Action, that I shall never be easy after it, till theFive Nationsshall have taken full Revenge.
This was sufficient to persuade the Ambassadors of the Truth of what he said, who assured him, that he and his Nation might make their Peace when they pleased.Adariolost only one Man on this Occasion, and would keep aSatanaPrisoner (adopted into theFive Nations) to fill up his Place. Then he gave Arms, Powder and Ball to the rest of the Prisoners, to enable them to return.
The Ambassadors were chiefly, if not all,Onondagas, andOneydoes, who had been long under the Influence of theFrenchPriests, and still retained an Affection to them; but this Adventure thoroughly changed their Thoughts, and irritated them so heartily against theFrench, that all theFive Nationsprosecuted the War unanimously.
Adariodelivered the Slave (his Prisoner) to theFrenchatMissilimakinak, who to keep up the Enmity between theDeonondadiesand theFive Nations, ordered him to be shot to Death.Adariocalled one of theFive Nations, who had been long a Prisoner, to be an Eye Witness of his Countryman's Death, then bid him make his Escape to his own Country, to give an Account of theFrenchCruelty, from which it was not in his Power to save a Prisoner, he himself had taken.
This heightned the Rage of theFive Nationsso, that Monsr.De Nonville's sending to disownAdarioin this Action, had no Effect upon them; their Breasts admitted of no Thoughts but that of Revenge. It was not long before theFrenchfelt the bloody Effects of this cruel Passion, for 1200 Men of theFive Nationsinvaded the Island ofMontreal, when theFrenchhad no Suspicion of any such Attempt, while Monsr.De Nonvilleand his Lady were in that Town. They landed on the South Side of the Island, atLa Chine, on the 26th ofJuly1688, where they burnt and sacked all the Plantations, and made a terrible Massacre of Men, Women, and Children. TheFrenchwere under Apprehension of the Town's being attack'd, for which Reason, they durst not send out any considerable Party to the Relief of the Country, only once, when theIndianshad blocked up two Forts, Monsr.De Nonvillesent out a hundred Soldiers, and fiftyIndians, to try to bring off the Men in those Forts. TheFrenchof this Party were all either taken or cut to Pieces, except one Soldier, and the commanding Officer, who, after he had his Thighs broke, was carried off by twelveIndiansthat made their Escape. There were above a Thousand of theFrenchkilled at this Time, and twenty-six were carried away Prisoners, the greatest Part of which were burnt alive. TheFive Nationsonly lost three Men on this Expedition, that got drunk and were left behind. This, however, did not satiate their Thirst after Blood, for, inOctoberfollowing, they destroyed likewise all the lower Part of the Island, and carried away many Prisoners.
The Consequence of these Expeditions were very dismal to theFrench, for they were forced to burn their two Barks, which they had onCadarackuiLake, and to abandon their Fort there; they designed to have blown up their Works, when they left that Place; and for that End left a lighted Match where the Powder lay, but were in such a Fright, that they durst not stay to see what Effect it had. They went downCadarackuiRiver in seven Birch Canoes; and for greater Security, travelled in the Night. One of the Canoes, with all the Men in it, were lost, by their Precipitation, as they passed one of the Falls in that River. TheFive Nationshearing theFrenchhad desertedCadarackuiFort, fiftyIndianswent and took Possession of it, who found the Match theFrenchhad left, which had gone out, and twenty eight Barrels of Powder in the same Place, together with several other Stores.
The News of the Success theFive Nationshad over theFrenchsoon spread itself among all theIndians, and put theFrenchAffairs every where into the greatest Disorder.
TheUtawawashad always shewn an Inclination to theEnglish, and they therefore immediately sent openly fourSachems, with three Prisoners of theSenekas, which they had, to assure them, that they would for ever renounce all Friendship with theFrench, and promised to restore the rest of the Prisoners. They also included seven Nations, that lived nearMissilimakinak, in this Peace.
This put theFrenchCommandant there under the greatest Difficulty to maintain his Post; but there was no Choice, he must stand his Ground, for theFive Nationshad cut off all Hopes of retiring.
TheNepairiniansandKikabous, of all their numerous Allies, only remained firm to theFrench; every one of the others endeavoured to gain the Friendship of theFive Nations; and would certainly have done it, by murdering all theFrenchamong them, had not the SieurPerot, with wonderful Sagacity and eminent Hazard to his own Person, diverted them.
Canadawas now in a most miserable Condition, for while the greatest Number of their Men had been employed in the Expedition against theFive Nations, and in trading among the far Nations, and making new Discoveries and Settlements, Tillage and Husbandry had been neglected; and they lost several Thousands of their Inhabitants, by the continual Incursions of small Parties, so that none durst hazard themselves out of fortified Places; indeed, it is hard to conceive what Distress theFrenchwere then under, for tho' they were every where almost starving, they could not plant nor sow, or go from one Village to another for Relief, but with imminent Danger of having their Scalps carried away by the sculkingIndians; at last the whole Country being laid waste, Famine began to rage, and was like to have put a miserable End to that Colony.
If theIndianshad understood the Method of attacking Forts, nothing could have preserved theFrenchfrom an entire Destruction at this Time; for whoever considers the State of theIndianAffairs during this Period, how theFive Nationswere divided in their Sentiments and Measures; that theOnondagas,Cayugas, andOneydoes, under the Influence of theFrenchJesuites, were diverted from prosecuting the War againstCanada, by the Jesuites cunningly spiriting up those three Nations against theVirginia Indians, and persuading them to send out their Parties that Way: That theSenekashad a War at the same Time upon their Hands with three numerousIndianNations, theUtawawas,Chicktaghicks, andTwihtwies; and that the Measures theEnglishobserved all KingJames's Reign, gave theIndiansrather Grounds of Jealousy than Assistance: I say, whoever considers all these Things, and what theFive Nationsdid actually perform, under all these Disadvantages against theFrench, will hardly doubt, that theFive Nationsby themselves were at that Time an Overmatch for theFrenchofCanada.