224

COUNT FRONTENAc’s EXPEDITION AGAINST THE ONONDAGAS.

have here said and that we may have an answer. We now have made our word good : here is thecup. Then laid down some small bundles of bever saying—it is but small, but [it] is as it weresaved out of the fire.

His Excell ; stood up and said—

Brethren

I have heard what you have said, and have here renewed the Covenant Chain with all the FiveNations , the Mohaques, Oneydas, Onnondages, Cayouges & Sinnekes in behalf of the Brethren of thisProvince, Virginia, Maryland, Pensilvania, the Jerseys, Connecticutt & New England and I assurethe Five Nations of His Ma tie3 proteccon. I have provided for you some victuals and drink to drinkthe King’s health, and in confirmacon thereof that it may last as long as the Sun & Moon endures Igive this Belt Wampum.

The principle Sachim of the Mohaques called—Ohee.

The whole Assembly answered Heeeeee Hogh.

The principal of Oneyde called—Ohee.

The whole Assembly answered Heeeeee Hogh.

The principal Sachim of Onnondage called Ohee.,

The whole Assembly answered Heeeeee Hogh.

The principal Sachim of Cayouge called Ohee.

The whole Assembly answered Heeeeee Hogh

Tiie principal Sachim of Sinneke called—Ohee

The whole Assembly answered Heeeeee Hogh

In the evening His Excellency did appoint the principal Sachims to meet him at a private con-ference next morning.

At a private Meeting of the Sachims of the Five Nations at Albany the 3d Oct: 1696.

Present His Excell . Coll. Benjamin Fletcher &cColl. Nich. Bayard h

William Pinhorne Esq. > of the Council.. Major Peter Schuyler )

Matthew Clarkson Esq: Sect.

His Excellency said:—

Brethren

It was proposed by the Speaker of the Five Nations the first day that I should write to myGreat Master the King of England &c concerning the warr that is between the Five Nations and theFrench & Indians of Canida and that I should gett an answer from the Great King to you the brethrennext spring.

Brethren

I must assure you its utterly impossible in so short a time to send over to my Great Masterand to receive an answer for reasons which I shall now give you.

The way over the great sea is long, the danger and hazards are many, and in the winter seasonmany storms and contrary winds.

Brethren,

I do promise you to use all the speedyest means with the first opportunity to write to the GreatKing and to gett you an answer which I am sure will be to yo r content and satisfaction and so soon asit comes I shall communicate it to you