The Senecas trading canoes, and after organizing a considerable force to proceed against them, he had fallen back without conflict, terrified at the rumor that Dongan had promised " them the aid of u four hundred horse and four hundred if

La

Barre's administration

attacked

some French

foot

THE INDIAN TRIBES

The only fruit of his expedition was a they were attacked. concluded with the Onondagas, Oneidas and he which treaty Cayugas, the force of which may be inferred from the fact that His subordinates only six hours were spent in its negotiation. were disgusted at his proceedings, and refused to restrain their

"

"

His design," sovereign contempt for the general's person." " was to attack the but instead of show Senecas^ Demeneles, says

ing him any civility, they did not even condescend to come and meet him, and gave an insolent answer to those who proposed If people had anything to say to them, let them it to them. De Lamberville, take the trouble to come and meet them."

the Jesuit missionary at Onondaga, alone sustained him.

The

of prosecuting war against the Senecas were not, in The Indians would not be his opinion, properly estimated. difficulties

but would prowl everywhere, For the conflict they " " had received with the intelligence that were ready ; nay, joy be confident that in to such an event they were attacked, they

found

"

in their

villages or forts,

killing without if possible being killed."

would be able to strip, roast and eat the French. The result of the affair was the removal of La Barre, the appointment of De Denonville as his successor, and the receipt by Dongan of instructions to observe strict neutrality.