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,"

with the French

their friei.ds and ours.

replied the Mohawk,

" the information

you have received of our

engaging with the French Mohawks to stand neuter in case of

war between the French and English, is very true. Those Indians have promised us that they would not meddle with the war, but sit still in peace, and let the white people determine the dispute themselves. have promised them the same,

We

and desire you to join with us in the same peaceable disposition."

and Neutrality was maintained until 1746, when the French New the their Indians became the aggressors. Meanwhile

England authorities had erected a chain of stockades and block houses along the frontier from Maine to the Connecticut river, and from thence across the Hoosic mountains to the territory of New York. Upon the Hoosic river, within the bounds of

what is now the town of Adams, one of these blockhouses, known as Fort Massachusetts, was attacked in August, 1746, by a force under Vaudreuil, consisting of French troops and The fort Indians numbering nine hundred and sixty-five men. had but eleven effective defenders, who were compelled to sur render after a few hours' active resistance.