Perhaps this result was due in a great measure to the policy of the English in seeking through their alliances the promotion of trade ; in neglecting to supply them with priests as selfsacrificing as were those sent out by France ; in supplying the

more immediate tribes with intoxicating liquors to their destruc tion, and in failing to cultivate the intimate relations with them

THE INDIAN TRIBES

which formed so conspicuous a feature of the policy of the Whatever the cause, the French experienced little French. difficulty in transferring to themselves the

moral support of the

Senecas, and in securing the active alliance of the Lenapes and

Shawanoes, as well as of the more western tribes, and to direct Ohio valley against the

their blows for the possession of the

English as their worst enemies. For their negative rather than their positive power, continued

with the confederates was desirable to the English. As enemies, they would be dangerous fr6m their familiarity with

alliance

the English settlements; as allies, they would still interpose a barrier to the incursions of their relatives in the Canada alliance.

Their threats x intimidated Clinton the rapidity with which events ;

were culminating in hostilities, aroused the reluctant assembly

;

the funds necessary to provide presents for a renewal of the ancient alliance with them was voted, and Colonel Johnson

dispatched to their castles to invite their attendance at a confer

The Mohawks responded sullenly " Had " at any other person been sent, we would not move a foot ence