Blenheim, or Ramillies, but only one sad narrative of rural The Indians stealthily approached towns dangers and sorrows. in the heart of Massachusetts, as well as along the coast, and

on the southern and western frontiers. Children, as they gamboled on the beach ; reapers, as they gathered the harvest ;

THE INDUN TRIBES

.mowers, as they rested from using the scythe ; mothers, as they busied themselves about the household, were victims to an

enemy who disappeared the moment a blow was struck.

Such

were the sorrows of that generation." J Special efforts were made, early in 1710, to induce the Five Nations and the Mahicans to violate their neutrality and embark

The success of the French, in establishing

in the conflict.

themselves among the northern and western Indians, annoyed tribes in war

New

York, who saw in embroiling the peaceful the only mode of arresting more formidable al

the English of

liances. Nicholson, who had been appointed governor in 1688, and who had fled to England during the Leisler revolution, had met with some successes on the northern coast, and was anxious

to have the Indians in the field as part of an expedition for the reduction of Quebec, which he had planned and in which he hoped to win unfading laurels. To promote the ends of both,

and at the same time contribute to the relief of New England, he sailed for Europe, taking with him Colonel Peter Schuyler and

On

their representative chiefs of the Mohawks and Mahicans. arrival in England this delegation was received with marked "Clothed like tragedy kings, by tailors of the in the coaches of state, they were waited upon taken theatre,