them with billets of wood." In reply, the commandant gave them a hatchet, and arms and ammunition, and lighted afresh the torch of war which they had waved along the borders. Not more successful were the direct appeals of Johnson's " Get embassadors to Shingas. sober," said they to him, in the metaphorical language of Indian speech u Get sober your But the days of yore actions are those of a drunken man." were gone, when the trembling Lenape stood cowering in the ;

presence of the Mengwe. Unhesitating submission to the man dates of the tribes that had so long oppressed and insulted his nation, was no longer

federacy the

written on

his heart.

Of the old con

most powerful part were now his

friends, while

around him had gathered his grandchildren in formidable bers.

scoff, and

scorn for scorn.

men and

warriors.

num

To the words of the embassadors he returned scoff for

When

'*

We are men," said he

;

" we are

We will acknowledge no superiors upon

speaking of themselves in Five Nations only official transactions were recognized. The Tuscaroras had no territorial rights or authority. The Onondagas, Cayugas and Senecas preferred neutrality, with the exception

of two

Seneca

villages

loyal to the English.

who remained

As already stated,

the great bulk of the Senecas were actively aiding the French. *

iv,

Manuscripts of Sir William Johnson^ 131.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

earth.

We are men, and are determined to be no longer ruled We are warriors, and are determined