We are inclined to peace,

till

some of his majesty's subjects, and then we

the enemy attack

will join together to defend ourselves against them.

The conference with them in October of the following year The chiefs thanked the governor successful.

was not more

which he had given them concerning the hatchet which they accepted they would keep in but the war, " in alliance with a " their bosoms. are," said they, great for the information

We

if we should suddenly lift the hatchet with out acquainting them, they would perhaps .take offense at it.

many nations, and

Colonial History, vi, 265.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

We will, therefore, before we make use of the hatchet, send four of our people to Canada, to

wrongs they have done, and

if

demand

satisfaction for the

they refuse, then we shall be

ready." In a word, they had determined to remain neutral, and to that end had had consultation with their allies as well as with the French.

The general character of these consultations may

be inferred from that which they held with the Mahicans at Stockbridge, in 1744, when, Mr. Sergeant states, the embassa-

"

dors were met in the most cordial manner.

Mahican chief,

" I ask

you a question.

Uncle," said the

hear you have agreed

Mohawks to sit still, in case of war between You well know how that matter is. I desire you to tell me what we are to do in that affair. If you those we must are to see sit still, we will sit still. If we say " Indians help their friends, we must help ours." Cousin,"