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To send out trusty and faithfull Indians with one or two Christians that understand the Indian Language to the Castles of the Sinnekes Cayouges and Onnondages who are fled, to acquaint themthat upon the first news I had of the French Invasion I came up to their reliefe and assistance.
That att my arrivall at Albany I had Intelligence the French were retreated out of their country.
That I am desirous to have a meeting with the Five Nations at Albany to consult with them whatmay be proper for their common good and safety, and present them with such things as are sent frommy Great Master the King.
And that I desire to meet them the Eleventh day of October next, but if it should so happen therebe reason of their seperacon and flight the brethren cannot meet in a body at that time, the Onnon-dages, Sennekes, and Cayouges being the uppermost Nations do consult and appoint a time and giveme notice thereof, to the end the brethren of the Maquaes and Oneydes be acquainted therewith thatthe meeting may not faile.
That if any of the Sachims come down in my absence you hear and answer their propositions asyou shall finde most to conduce to his Ma tJ,es service and the safety of the Province.
That by all opportunityes you give a minute account of these affairs to me and his Mab™ Councilfor this Province and from time to time follow such further directions and instruccons as you shall,receive from us.
And it is hereby further directed by & with the advice of those of his Ma tyes Council here presentthat the sume of One Hundred pounds be lodged in the hands of M r Dellius towards the defrayingthe necessary charges of these persons thus employed for his Ma tses service of which he is herebyobliged to give a particular account to me and for his Mab es Council at New Yorke or to the Gover-nour & Council for the time being. Given under my hand and seale at Albany the tenth day ofAugust in the eighth year of his Mabr e » reigne Anno Domini 1696.
Ben Fletcher
Signed David Jamison Cl. Concilij.
[ Council Minutes VII. ]
Att a Council held at his Matyes ffort in New Yorke the 18 th of August 1696
Present His Excell: Benjamin Fletcher &c .
Steph Cortlandt h John Lawrence )
Nich: Bayard C Esq rs Caleb Heathcote ^ SC 1"
Gabr Monvielle y
Resolved the Indians of the two Nations of Onnondage and Oneyde whose Corn is destroyed bythe enemy be supplyed the ensuing winter at the charge of this Government.
Ordered no Indian Corne be brought down the river from Albany Vlster and Dutchesse Countyesuntill the Indians be supplyed this ensueing winter and that the Commissioners appointed to treatewith the Indians in his Excell : absence do purchase soe much corne as is necessary for them.
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