own country.

The professions of friendship

on the part of the Dutch were warm, and no doubt sincere, in view of their relations with other tribes. They would remain the brothers of the Mohawks for all time, and would neither fight against them nor leave them in distress when they could help them ; but they could not force their smiths to repair " brothers' fire arms without their pay, for they must earn food

The sale of brandy could not be stopped so long as the Indians would buy it.* The director was angry that such sale was made, and had forbidden it ; let

for their wives and little ones."

the chiefs also forbid their people.

u Will

ye," they asked,

" that

we take from your people their brandy and their kegs ? Say so Aid to build the Mohawk forts before all those here present." could not be given ; the Dutch were all sick, and the hills were

But to aid so steep their horses could not draw the timber. them in their work they gave them fifteen new axes and to assist them in their wars, seventy pounds of powder and a hun ;

dred weight of lead were added to their stores.

It

was

at

this

conference

that the

Dutch speaker asserted that it was " now sixteen years" since an alliance had been formed with the Mohawks. Reference

has already been made to this treaty. It will also be observed that the Minsis were not subjugated at that time but were in con dition to ask the alliance of the Mohawks.