THE

TREATY

Held with the

INDIANS

OF THE

SIX NATIONS

AT

Philadelphia, in July 1742.

To which is Prefix'd

An Account of the first Confederacy of the SIX NATIONS, their present Tributaries, Dependents, and Allies.

LONDON:

Re-printed and Sold by T. Sowle Raylton and Luke Hinde, at the Bible in George-Yard, Lombard-Street.

[Price Six-Pence.]

CONTENTS

THE PREFACE.

THE TREATY.

ADVERTISEMENT.

FOOTNOTES.

THE

PREFACE.

To make it more instructive and entertaining, I had once Thoughts of prefixing an Account of the Customs and Manners of these People, such an one as I could collect either from the Printed Relations concerning them, or from such Materials as my Correspondence or Acquaintance would have afforded: But, the accurate Description drawn up and published by the memorable William Penn, deterr'd me from attempting a short One; and an ingenious Gentleman of New-York will probably soon oblige the World with a large and curious History of the Five Nations,[1] exceeding any thing in my Power to perform.

But, that the Reader might have some Idea of these People, I thought it necessary to subjoin the following succinct Account of the Principles in this Confederacy, their Tributaries, Dependents and Allies: And the more so, as it is neither extant in Print, nor is this Part taken Notice of so fully in the Manuscript History above-mentioned. It was communicated by a Gentleman of good Understanding and Probity; one who is very well skill'd in the Indian Affairs,[2] adopted into one of their Tribes, is of their Council, and their constant Interpreter at the Philadelphia Treaties, to a Friend of his, who sent it to his Correspondent here.

They have generally been stiled the Five Nations of Indians, bordering upon Pensilvania and New-York; but, since the Arrival of the Tuscarora's from Carolina, they are called the Six Nations. An Account of whom is as follows,

1. The Conymkos or Mohawks; the first Promoter of the Confederacy.[3] He is stiled in the Council of all the Nations, Dicarihoagan, i.e. President or Eldest.

2. The Onayiuts or Onoyders, were the first that join'd in the Confederacy with the Mohawks, by putting themselves under their Protection. He calls the Mohawk his Father, and in Return he is called a Son: The Mohawk used him for his Ambassador to the other Nations: In Council he is stiled Niharontaquoa, or the great Tree.[4]

3. The Onontago's were the next that joined, and of their own Accord became Confederates; they are therefore called by the Mohawks, Brothers; and by the Onoyders, Fathers, because they had not been forced into the Alliance as the Onoyders were: He is called in Council Sagochsaanagechteront, i.e. the Arms, or Names-bearer.

4. The Jenontowano's or Sinikers next joined in the Alliance of their own Consent; they are stiled by the Mohawks and Onontago's, Brothers, and by the Onoyders, Fathers: His Title in Council is Onughkaarydaawy, whose Signification is not known, and Dyionenhookaraw, i.e. Open Doors for Friends and Enemies.

5. The Caiukquo's, the last of the Five-Nation Alliance, being compelled thereto by the Rest, is Brother to the Onoyders, and Son to the others; is stiled in Council Ganunawantoowano, or the great Pipe.[5]

6. Tuscarora's joined in the Alliance about thirty Years ago, being compelled thereto by the English of Carolina: He is Brother to the Onoyders and Cayukquo's, and Son to the others; has no Title in Council, but is frequently called a Fool.

The Dependents and Tributaries of these Nations.

Mohickons, who formerly lived on Hudson's River, and in New-England; they have been conquer'd by the Five Nations, their Breech-Cloth taken from them, and a Petticoat put upon them. When they apply to their Conquerors, they humbly call themselves Women: The Five Nations call them by the same Name when they speak severely to 'em: At other times they call them Cousins, and are in Return called Uncles.

Delawares are in the same Condition as the Mohickons, were dealt with in like manner; and are Tributary in an Indian Sense.[6]

Shawanese are Brethren to the Six Nations, but are not in the Confederacy: Their Coming from the Spanish Dominions is remember'd by many now living. The Five Nations gave them Lands on the West Branch of Susquehanna, and therefore claim a Superiority over them, for which the Shawanese mortally hate them. The greatest Part of 'em, a few Years ago, went to settle on the River Ohio, which is a Branch of the Missisippi, and heads with the West Branch of Susquehanna. One Tribe of them is quite gone down to New Spain; there are a few left still at Wyomink on the North Branch of Susquehanna, and others have a large Town on an Island in the West Branch, about 50 Miles above the Forks. They are the most restless and mischievous of all the Indians.

Conestogo Indians have been all destroyed by the Five Nations, except a few whom the Onoyders adopted: When these had forgot their Language, they were sent back to Conestogo, where a few are now left, and speak the Onoyder's Language.

Nantikooks are in Alliance with the Six Nations, and not Tributary; acknowledging themselves to be shelter'd by their Wings: They live within the Borders of Maryland, a Few about Conestogo, and some have settled this Spring at the Mouth of the River Skohooniaty or Jeniaty, which is a Creek that falls into the Susquehanna from the West beyond the Mountains.

Tutolo's originally lived in Virginia, there are but Few of them; they settled this Spring at Shamokin, (on the East Side of Susquehanna, just below the Forks) and are intirely devoted to the Six Nations.

1. A Nation of Indians living on the West Side of the Lake Erie, and along the Streights of Huron's Lake. They are called by the Iroquois, Unighkellyiakon; consisting of about Thirty Towns, each of about 200 Fighting Men.

2. The second Nation lives among the preceeding, called —— consisting of Four Towns of their own People, and 400 able Men in all.

3. The third Nation called by the Iroquois, Tshisagech Roanu,[7] lives on the East Side of the Huron's Lake; several of the Council have been there, and all agree they have Three large Towns of 600, 800, and 1000 able Men.

4. The fourth, called Twightwis Roanu, Two large Towns, and about 200 Men in all, live at the Heads of Huakiky River, near the little Lakes.

5. Oskiakikas, living on a Branch of Ohio, that heads near the Lake Erie, Four large Towns, of about 1000 Warriours.

6. Oyachtawnuh Roanu, near Black-River, consisting of Four Towns, and 1000 Warriours.

7. Keghetawkegh Roanu, upon the great River Missisippi, above the Mouth of Ohio: Three Towns; the Number of People uncertain.

8. Kerhawguegh Roanu, several Savage Nations, as their Names signify, (the People of the Wilderness) live on the North Side of Huron's Lake; they neither plant Corn, nor any thing else, but live altogether upon Flesh, Fish, Roots and Herbs; an infinite Number of People, of late become Allies to the Iroquois.

Thus far proceeds Conrad Weiser's Account.

The Six Nations, as was observed above, border upon the Provinces of Pensilvania and New-York: The Rest, which are mentioned as their Dependents and Allies, lie near the French Settlements, some amidst, and some beyond them. The Wisdom of the Chiefs in this Confederacy hath gained them no less Reputation than their Courage; which indeed has struck Terror into the remotest Indian Nations of North America, and forc'd them to court the Friendship and Protection of such a formidable Power.

The Moderation and Equity of the first Proprietor of Pensilvania, gained the absolute Confidence and Affection of this brave People: They were convinced of his Tenderness for them, and in Return they have erected him lasting Monuments in their grateful Hearts: They revere this good Man's Memory, and his Praises will only cease with the Nations themselves.

"That no Man, says he, shall by any ways or means, in Word or Deed, affront or wrong any Indian, but he shall incur the same Penalty of the Law, as if he had committed it against his fellow Planter: And if any Indian shall abuse, in Word or Deed, any Planter of this Province, that he shall not be his own Judge upon the Indian, but he shall make his Complaint to the Governor of the Province, or his Lieutenant or Deputy, or some inferior Magistrate near him, who shall to the utmost of his Power, take Care with the King of the said Indian, that all reasonable Satisfaction be made to the said injured Planter.

"That all Differences between the Planters and the Natives, shall also be ended by Twelve Men, that is, by Six Planters and Six Natives, that so we may live friendly together, as much as in us lieth, preventing all Occasions of Heart-burnings and Mischief."

A Conduct regulated by such Principles of Love and Justice, could not fail to influence this discerning People, and biass them in Favour of the English; a Continuance of the like Conduct must attach them inviolably: And the present worthy Governor and Council seem so sensible of the Necessity of cultivating a good Understanding with the Six Nations, as to be likely to omit no Opportunity of brightening the Chain, or increasing the Fire of Friendship with them.

The Confidence which these Nations repose in their Interpreter, is a Proof of his Industry, good Sense, and Address: Nothing could have happened more favourably to the English Settlements, than that those delicate Affairs should be in the Hands of a Person equally just and a Friend to both.

The French are perpetually labouring to debauch their Faith to the English: Their Emissaries, the Priests, an indefatigable, artful, insinuating Race, are constantly labouring to gain Admittance amongst them. They assume all Shapes, try every Spring; they magnify the Power and Grandeur of France; they study to render the English diminutive and contemptible; they foment every little Occasion of Disgust, and leave no Stone unturned to prejudice us in their Esteem.

Hitherto the Honour of the Six Nations, and the experienced good Intentions and Probity of the English, have been a sufficient Barrier against all their Intrigues: But it cannot be imprudent to countermine the intended Mischief, by giving suitable Encouragement to proper Persons, to converse with the Indians, and study their Genius. An open-hearted Generosity wins them effectually: The Temper of the English is happily suited to this; and the additional Qualifications of Integrity and Prudence must in Time pave the Way to an Ascendency in their Councils, and by this Means the Subtilty of the French would be utterly defeated.

One sees, in the following short Sketch of the Behaviour of the Indians, strong Traces of good Sense, a nice Address in the Conduct of their Affairs, a noble Simplicity, and that manly Fortitude which is the constant Companion of Integrity. The Friendship of a Nation like this, tho' under the Appellation of Savages or Barbarians, is an Honour to the most civiliz'd People: I say nothing of the Advantage which is derived from them by Commerce: And the French well know, by dear Experience, how terrible they are to their Enemies in War.

"When we speak of the Five Nations in France, (says an Author[8] of that Country) they are thought, by common Mistake, to be meer Barbarians, always thirsting after human Blood: But their true Character is very different. They are the fiercest and most formidable People in North America; at the same Time as politick and judicious, as well can be imagined: This appears from the Management of the Affairs which they transact, not only with the French and English, but likewise with almost all the Indians of this vast Continent."

THE

TREATY, &c.

The Chiefs of the Six Nations, with the Chiefs of the Shawanese.

Canassateego, the Onondago Chief, Speaker.

Conrad Weiser, Interpreter.

The Governor opened the Conference as follows.

'BRETHREN,

'The Proprietor having purchased certain Lands from your Nations about Six Years ago, a Moiety of what was agreed to be given in Consideration of that Purchase was at that Time delivered to them, and the other being at their own Desire left in the Proprietor's Hands, He pressed you by Shikalamy, to send last Year for it, and would have been glad to have seen you and taken you by the Hand before his Departure. But as the Design of this Meeting is to hear your News, and converse together in a free and friendly Manner, I shall say no more about the Goods than that they lye ready at the Proprietor's House, and will be delivered when you shall have sufficiently rested from the Fatigue of your Journey.'

The Chief of the Onondagoes spoke,

'BRETHREN,

'We propose to rest four Days, and then come to the main Business. At present we are at a private Conference about News, and have something of this Sort to mention to our Brother Onas.' And on the Governor's signifying they would be glad to know what it was, the Chief proceeded.

'BRETHREN,

'It is our Way when we come to our Brethren, or any other Persons, whom we live in strict Friendship with, to remove all Obstructions to a good Understanding; with this View we are to inform you of a Piece of disagreeable News that happen'd in our Journey.—Some White People living at a Place called Conegocheegoe, whose Names we cannot tell, nor whether they belong to this or the neighbouring Government, but one of them, as we heard, had his House burnt over his Head some Years ago, and he was brought down a Prisoner and committed to the Goal of this City: These People lighting of our young Warriours, as they were hunting, made some Proposals about the purchasing of Land from them, and our young Men being indiscreet, and unacquainted with publick Business, were foolish enough to hearken to them, and to receive five Duffil Strowds for two Plantations on the River Cohongoronto. A Conestogoe Indian, and a French Indian, and some others that were in Company had three Duffil Strowds, and went away with them; and our young Men carried off the other two. As soon as this came to our Knowledge, we sent for our Warriours, and after examining and rebuking them severely, we took away their two Strowds, and publickly censured them for exposing us to our Brethren of Pensilvania, in doing a Thing so inconsistent with our Engagements to them; You are, said we aloud, that all our People might hear and take Notice, to know and remember, that the Six Nations have obliged themselves to sell none of the Land that falls within the Province of Pensilvania to any other but our Brother Onas, and that to sell Lands to any other is an high Breach of the League of Friendship. Brethren, this rash Proceeding of our young Men makes us ashamed. We always mean well, and shall perform faithfully what we have promised: And we assure you, this Affair was transacted in the Manner we have related, without our Privity or Consent. And that you may be fully convinced of this, and of the Sincerity of our Intentions, we have brought you these Two Strowds [here he presented two Red Strowds to the Governor] they are the very Strowds our foolish young Men received; we took them from them, and we give them to you to return to those white People who made the Bargain, and desire when the Strowds are returned to them, they may be told what we now say, and that we shall not confirm such Bargains nor any other that may interfere with our Engagements to our Brother Onas.'

The Governor then spoke:

'BRETHREN,

'I thank you for this Piece of News; you have taken this Matter perfectly right. All Bargaining for Land within this Province, is, to be sure, a manifest Breach of your Contract with the Proprietors, and what we know you will not countenance. We have hitherto found the Six Nations faithful to their Engagements, and this is a fresh Instance of their Punctuality. You could not help these Mistakes of your young Men; they were not done in your Presence: But as several Inconveniencies may arise from these kind of clandestine Sales, or from any such loose Sales of Land by your People, we desire you will, on your Return home, give publick Notice to all your Warriours not to bargain for any Land; or if they do, that you will not confirm such Bargains; and that this very Affair, together with what you have done therein, may be particularly reported to all your Nation assembled in Council.'

'BRETHREN,

'I forgot one Circumstance: Our People who pretended to sell the Land, demanded a Belt of Wampum of the Buyers to carry to their Chiefs; and on their declaring they had no Wampum, our Warriours said, they would not answer that their Chiefs would confirm this Bargain, since they never did any thing of this Nature without Wampum.'

The Governor, after a short Pause, spoke:

'BRETHREN of the Six Nations,

'I shall take this Opportunity to relate to you a Piece of disagreeable News I received some Days ago in a Letter from Le Tort the Indian Trader, at Allegheny, who says, That in May last some Indians of the Taway Nation, supposed by us to be Twightwees, in their Return from War, called and stayed sometime with the Shawanese; who being asked, and denying they had brought either Scalps or Prisoners, the Shawanese suspecting them, had the Curiosity to search their Bags, and finding two Scalps in them, that by the Softness of the Hair did not feel like Indian Scalps, they wash'd them clean, and found them to be the Scalps of some Christians. On this Discovery, the Twightwees were so much ashamed, that they stole away from their Town in the Night-time; and coming, as they afterwards understood, to a little Village belonging to the Shawanese, they told our People that their Hearts were full of Grief; for, as they came along the Road, they found it all bloody; and having good Cause to believe it was made bloody with the Blood of some of the White Brethren, they had very sorrowfully swept the Road; and desired them to inform the Governor of Pensilvania of their (the Twightwees) Grief; and how they had swept the Road clean.' Le Tort adds, on Behalf of the Shawanese, 'That they were much troubled and grieved at this unfortunate Accident; and prayed as they had no Concern in it, more than by being Instruments to discover it, their Brethren would not blame them, nor suffer a Misunderstanding to arise between them on this Account: They would sweep the Road clean, and wipe all the Blood away; and desired their Brethren would be satisfied with this, and not weep too much for a Misfortune that might not happen again as long as the Sun and Moon shone.'

'The Person who delivered me Le Tort's Letter, brought this Bundle of Skins as a Present to me; but I told the Messenger, I would not meddle with it; he might leave it if he pleased: The Affair appear'd to me in a bad Light, and I would represent it to the Six Nations, who were expected in Town every Day. This is the Fact as I have it from Le Tort: I desire to be inform'd if you know any thing of this Matter; and if you do not, that you will make diligent Enquiry who committed the Murder, and who are the unhappy Sufferers, and assist us to obtain Satisfaction, if it shall appear to be any of our Fellow-Subjects that have been treated in this Manner.'

The Onondago Chief, in Reply, said:

'BRETHREN,

'We take this Information kind at your Hands; we will take this String of Wampum home with us to our Lodgings, and there consult about the most regular and proper Steps to be taken by us to answer your Expectations; and when we have duly considered the Matter, we will return you an Answer.'

Upon this the Governor put an End to the Conference; and calling for Wine and other Liquors, according to the Indian Custom, after a decent and chearful Entertainment, the Indians withdrew.

At a COUNCIL held at the Proprietor's House, July 5. 1742.

P R E S E N T

The Hon^ble George Thomas Esq; Lieut. Governor.

With several Gentlemen of the Town,

The Chiefs of the Six Nations

It being judg'd proper, at this critical Time, when we are in daily Expectation of a French War, to sound the Indians, and discover what Dependence we might have on them, in case their Aid should be wanted; an handsome Dinner was provided for their Chiefs; and after they had made an hearty Meal, and drank his Majesty's Health, the Proprietor's, and the Health of the Six Nations, the Chiefs gave the solemn Cry, in Testimony of their Thanks, for the Honour done them. And soon after, the Governor began, in a free Way, to enquire for what Reason the Senecas were not come down, since they had an equal Right to a Share of the Goods with the other Nations.—Canassateego, their Speaker, said, 'The Senecas were in great Distress, on Account of a Famine that raged in their Country, which had reduced them to such Want, that a Father had been obliged to kill two of his Children to preserve his own and the rest of his Family's Lives; and they could not now come down, but had given Directions about their Share of the Goods.'—The Governor express'd his Concern for the unhappy Circumstances of their Brethren of the Seneca Nation; and, after a short Respite, enquired if any of their Deputies were then at Canada, and whether the French Governor was making any warlike Preparations? And on their answering, Yes; the Governor said, with a smiling, pleasant Countenance, 'I suppose if the French should go to War with us, you will join them.' The Indians conferr'd together for some Time, and then Canassateego, in a chearful lively Manner, made Answer.—'We assure you, the Governor of Canada pays our Nations great Court at this Time, well knowing of what Consequence we are to the French Interest: He has already told us, he was uncovering the Hatchet and sharpening it, and hoped, if he should be obliged to lift it up against the English, their Nations would remain neuter and assist neither Side.—But we will now speak plainly to our Brethren: Why should we, who are one Flesh with you, refuse to help you, whenever you want our Assistance?—We have continued a long Time in the strictest League of Amity and Friendship with you, and we shall always be faithful and true to you our old and good Allies.—The Governor of Canada talks a great deal, but ten of his Words do not go so far as one of yours.—We do not look towards them; We look towards you; and you may depend on our Assistance.' Whilst the Onondago Chief made this open and hearty Declaration, all the other Indians made frequently that particular Kind of Noise which is known to be a Mark of Approbation.—The Governor bid the Interpreter tell Canassateego, 'He did not set on foot this Inquiry from any Suspicion he had of the Six Nations wanting a due Regard for the English.—Our Experience of their Honour and Faith would not permit us to think any other of them than that they would esteem our Friends their Friends, and our Enemies their Enemies, agreeable to the strict Union which had ever subsisted between us.—As to the Governor of Canada, they need not mind what he said.—The English, on equal Terms, had beat the French, and could beat them again: And were they but to consider the Advantages which the English have, by possessing so many large and populous Countries, and so many good Ports on the Continent of America, they would soon see who had most Reason to fear a War, the French or the English.'

Here the Conversation drop'd; and, after another Glass of Wine, the Indians resumed the Discourse, by asking, whether their Brethren had not been for some Time engaged in a War with the King of Spain, and what Successes they had met with?

The Governor told them, the King of Great Britain lived in an Island, and being surrounded with the Sea, his chief Strength lay in his Ships; in which he was so much superior to his Enemies, that they were seldom to be met with on the broad Ocean, but sculk'd and hid themselves, only venturing out now and then; and whenever they did, they were almost sure to be taken; and that the King of Great Britain had, with his Ships, beat down or taken several of the Spaniards Great Forts in America.—The Indians said, they were pleased to hear their Brethren were an Over-match for their Enemies, and wish'd them good Success.

The Governor then enquired into the State and Condition of the Nations to the Westward of the Great Lakes, and whether they had any Warriours then in those Countries? Whether they had concluded Peace with the Southern Indians? And whether they had heard what their Deputies had done at Albany?

They made Answer: That they had always Abundance of their Men out amongst the Nations situate to the West of their Lakes.—That they had kindled a Fire with a vast many Nations, some whereof where Tributaries, and they had a good Understanding with all.—They set out from their own Country in Company with two Sets of Deputies, one going to hold a Treaty with the Southern Indians, and they believed a Peace would be concluded: The other going to meet the Governor of New-York, at Albany; but they could not tell what had been done at either Place.—On their Return, they were to hold a General Council, and would inform their Brethren of these Particulars.

Then the Governor put an End to the Conference, by telling the Indians the Goods would be delivered to them at a Council to be held to morrow Afternoon at the Meeting-House.

At a Council held in the Meeting-House, Philadelphia, July 6. 1742.

P R E S E N T,

The Hon^ble George Thomas, Esq; Lieut. Governor.

Canassateego, Chief of the Onondagoes, Speaker,

Shicalamy; and a great Number of Indians,

whose Names are as follow, viz.

Onontagoes.

Sawegaty, }
Caxhayion, } Counsellors.
Saguyassatha,
Kayadoghratie, alias Slanaghquasy.
Rotier-uwughton,
Tokaughaah,
Tiorughwaghthe,
Tokano-ungoh,
Aronty-oony,
Tohanohawighton,
Tioghwatoony,
Auughrahysey.

Caiyouquos.

Sahugh-sowa, }
Tohatgaghthus, } Chiefs.
Tokany-esus,
Runho-hihio,
Kanadoghary,
Zior-aghquaty,
Sagu-iughwatha, alias Cadcaradasey.
Sca-yenties,
Tats-heghteh,
Alligh-waheis,
Tayo-quario,
Hogh degh runtu,
Rotehn Haghtyackon, Captain,
Sawoalieselhohaa,
Sagughsa-eck,
Uwantakeraa,
Horuhot,
Osoghquaa,
Tuyanoegon.

Anoyiuts or Oneidas.

Saristaquoh, }
Ungquaterughiathe, alias Shikelimo, } Chiefs.
Tottowakerha,
Taraghkoerus,
Onughkallydawwy, a noted young Chief.
Onughnaxqua, Chief.
Tawyiakaarat,
Tohathuyongochtha,
Sughnakaarat,
Taghneghdoerus,
Tokanyiadaroeyon,
Sagogughyatha,
Rahehius,
Tokanusoegon.

Jenontowanos or Senacas.

Karugh-iagh Raghquy, Capt.
Tahn heentus,
Onontyiack.

Tuscarroros.

Sawontka, }
Ti-ieroes, } Chiefs.
Cloghsytowax }
Tokaryhoegon, Captain.
Oghioghseh,
Tieleghweghson,
Tougrotha,
Yorughianego,
Ot-quehig,
Squaghky,
Sayadyio,
Onughsowûghton,
Cherigh wâstho,
Aghsûnteries,
Tion ogh scôghtha,
Saligh wanaghson,
Ohn-wâasey,
Tocar-eber, [died since at Tulpehokin.]
Tahanatâkqua,
Kanyhâag.

Shawanoes.

Wehwehlaky, Chief.
Aset teywa,
Asoghqua,
Maya minickysy,
Wawyia Beeseny.

Canestogo Indians that speak the Onayiut's Language.

Tior Haasery, Chief.
Tanigh wackerau,
Karha Cawyiat,
Kayen quily quo.

Canoyias or Nantikokes of Canestogo.

Des-seheg,
Ichqua que heck,
Quesamaag,
Ayiok-ius.

Delawares of Shamokin.

Olumapies, }
Lingehancah, } Chiefs.
Kelly macquan,
Quitie-yquont,
Pishquiton,
Nena chy haut.

Delawares from the Forks

Onutpe, }
Lawye quohwon alias Nutimus, } Chiefs.
Toweghkappy,
Cornelius Spring, and others.

Conrad Weiser,
Cornelius Spring, Interpreters.

And a great Number of the Inhabitants of Philadelphia.

The Governor, having commanded Silence, spoke as follows:

Friends and Brethren of the Six Nations,

'Six Years ago a Number of your Chiefs obliged us with a Visit, when they agreed, on Behalf of your Nations, to the Release of certain Lands on both Sides the River Susquehanna, to the Southward of the Endless-Mountains, and within the Limits and Bounds of the King's Grant of this Province. In Consideration of which, a certain Quantity of Goods was agreed on and delivered as a full Satisfaction for the said Lands lying on the Eastern Side of the said River: And for the Lands on the Western Side of the said River, you desired the Payment should be deferr'd till another Opportunity. These Goods, which are exactly the same in Quantity as those you received the last Time the Chiefs of your Nations were here, have been ready a considerable Time, and kept in Expectation of your Coming for them: And now you are come down fully impowered by your respective Councils to receive them, we are well pleased to deliver them: Leaving it to you to make a fair and equal Division of them amongst yourselves. We are sorry for the Absence of our Brethren the Senecas, and much more so that it should be owing to their Distress at Home by a Famine that rages in their Country:—A Famine so great, that you tell us a Father has been obliged to sacrifice one Part of his Family, even his own Children, for the Support and Preservation of himself and the other Part.—We heartily commiserate their Condition, and do not doubt but you will do them fair and ample Justice in the Disposal of their Part of the Goods in such Manner as they have instructed you. You shall now hear the List of the Goods read to you.'

Here, by the Governor's Order, the List of the Goods was read over, viz.

Then the Governor told them that the Goods, of which the Particulars had been just Read to them, were in the Meeting-House, and would be sent to whatever Place they would direct.

The Governor then proceeded:

'BRETHREN,

'You have often heard of the Care that your great and good Friend and Brother William Penn took at all Times to cultivate a perfect good Harmony with all the Indians: Of this your Nations have ever been fully sensible; but more especially a Number of your Chiefs, about ten Years ago, when, on the Arrival of a Son of your said great Friend William Penn, large and valuable Presents were exchanged by us with you; a new Road was made and clear'd; a new Fire kindled; and the Chain of Friendship made stronger, so as to last while the Sun and Moon endure.

'And now we cannot but congratulate ourselves that your Coming should happen at a Time when we are in daily Expectation of a War being declared between the King of England, and the French King, well knowing, that should such a War happen, it must very sensibly affect you, considering your Situation in the Neighbourhood of Canada. Your Coming at this Juncture is particularly fortunate, since it gives us an Opportunity of mentioning several Things that may be necessary to be settled between People so strictly and closely united as we are.—An Union not to be express'd by any thing less than the affectionate Regards which Children of the same Parents bear for each other, as conceiving ourselves to be one Flesh and one People.

'The utmost Care therefore ought mutually to be taken by us on both Sides, that the Road between us be kept perfectly clear and open, and no Lets, nor the least Obstruction be suffered to lie in the Way; or if any should by Accident be found, that may hinder our free Intercourse and Correspondence, it must forthwith be removed.