expected and ordered them to join with their whole force in the "a contest, thereby giving them glorious opportunity of establish ing their fame and renown over all the Indian nations in America,' cc by the conquest of their inveterate enemies, the French, "who,

however much they might " dissemble and profess friendship," would never forget the slaughter which the Five Nations had

inflicted upon them

in former years, and who, for the purpose of their destruction, were "caressing the nations" who had been their " most inhuman enemies," and who desired " nothing

so much as to see the name of the Six Nations become decayed

and forgot forever."

The issue, as it was understood by the

French and the Indians, was

fairly

stated, but

it

awoke no

response.

When the news came that Hoosic had been attacked, the Three days after aspect of affairs was immediately changed. the governor's last appeal (August 23d), the chiefs replied "Last year you gave us the hatchet to be made use of against :

We

accepted it and promised to make use of should commit further hostilities, which they have now they

your enemies. it if

done by destroying Saraghtoga 1 and shedding a great deal of blood. Hitherto we have made no use of the hatchet, but as

you now call upon us we are ready, and do declare, from the bottom of our hearts, that we will from this day make use of it To this determination against the French and their children." the Mabicans and the Schaticooks gave their assent. But nothing more than a petty warfare followed. In New England the English suffered some disasters, but in New York they escaped, with the exception of an engagement near Schenectady, July 2ist, 1748, the account of which is much con fused, and the destruction, about the same time, of the residence