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

at

Albany.

:

;

Onondaga, the king declared he did not understand what the French and English intended to do in reference to the Ohio country, but for his people he could say, that they were already

" so hemmed in

by both, that hardly a hunting place was left, so that even if they should find a bear in a tree, there would immediately appear an owner of the land to challenge the pro perty.'/

The conference at Albany was appointed for the fourteenth of June, 1754, and was to be held in conjunction with a con vention of delegates from the several colonies, called to consider a The attendance plan for a general union for mutual protection. was not large ; the colonies were not fully represented ; the con federates were still halting between two opinions.

The proceed

ings were opened with an address by acting governor De Lancey, " renew and in which the tribes were invited to strengthen their " with the English, and to call back the clans ancient covenant