beyond the three rivers which they claimed, the conversion of the Indians scarcely received from them a thought. 2

sessions

The missionaries improved their ad vantage, and in 1654, appeared in the territory of the Onondagas, where they found many Huron

captives who had formerly received their instruction.

Bancroft, in, 122.

Domine Megapolensis, who came over in 1643, under an agreement with Van Rensselaer, made some effort to with a learn the Mohawk language, view to preach to them in their castles, but few Indians without much success.

Missions

attended his preaching at Albany, but without understanding a word that he The claim that he was -the presaid. decessor of Eliot, has very little foundaand none whatever in the aid which the government extended to him. Brodtion,

head, i, 375, 376.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

Oneldas and Senecas speedily followed ; chapels sprang into existence, and long before the English obtained possession

to the

of New Amsterdam, the solemn services of the Roman church were chanted in the heart of their future province. The pos session of these privileges, however, was not destined to be The Oneidas murdered three Frenchmen (1657), permanent. and the French retaliated by seizing Iroquois. Two years later the missionaries had abandoned the country, and the French

and the Five Nations were again at war.

Finding success hope

stronger military support, the aid of the king of France was invited, and scarcely had the English succeeded in

less without

planting the flag of St. ere the colony of