In 1684, it is hundred Mohegans said " six or seven were preparing to go to the assistance of the Iroquois, as the Ottaivas were aiding The number of their the French." warriors stated in the text is no d<Wbt exaggerated, but there is no question that they could at any time bring more warriors to the field than the Mohaiuks. Colonial History , ix,

259, 460, 466, etc.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

called

upon their allies to unite together to defend the territory which France had invaded. In addition to this a special meet

ing of the council was held at for levying a tax of a "

penny

Fort James, and a

bill

passed

in the pound out of the estates of

the freeholders," to aid in defraying expenses. ordered for fortifying Albany and

Palisades were

Schenectady, and the Five Nations were requested to send down " their wives, children and

French fall upon them in winter ; that they be settled, some at Katskill, and along the river," where they would be in security and in readiness to assist in the

old men, lest the

who come

common defense should it be necessary.

Every tenth man of

the militia was

ordered to Albany, and other measures taken " I will do what is for defensive war. possible for me to save the government from the French," said Dongan to De Denon" until I hear from the " advise ville, king, my master ;" and

Monsieur Denonville

to send home all the Christians and In