now come to renew.

this government, and do

protect us."

This chain we are

We are resolved to live and die here in

" I thank

pray that our father will support and

you for your kind expressions," replied

Bellomont ; " and you may be sure I will do every thing to maintain the covenant chain firm and steadfast. I should be Peace was established between the Abenaquis and the Five Nations, Oct. 7,

1700.

Colonial History, iv, 758.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

very glad if you would invite your friends the Pennacokes and Since the Five eastern Indians to come and settle with you.

Nations and you are linked together in interest, it would be an advantage to engage those other Indians in the same interest." At a conference held July 18, 1701, Soquans again appeared " are now two hundred fighting men with joyful heart.

We

belonging to this county of Albany from Katskill to Skachkook,"

said he,

"and hope to increase in a year's time to three hundred.

Our neighbors, the Maquas, have not been so fortunate, for their tree

was burnt.

We have been so happy and fortunate

that our number is increased to that degree that

we cannot all

be shaded by one tree, and therefore desire that another tree, besides that at Skachkook, may be planted for us, for we are in hopes that our number will daily increase from other parts. It is now ninety years ago since the Christians first came here, when there was a covenant chain made between them and the