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

over by you as women.

to cut off all the English save those that make their escape from

So say no more to us on that head, lest we make

us in ships.

women of you as you have done of us." V At Otseningo

the

embassadors were more successful, the

Lenapes and their allies there being more immediately under the influence of the Oneidas.

From thence they returned, on the

27th of December, bearing with them the message that the " stop and repent," but offending chiefs there had promised to as a condition thereto the English must return the captives which they had taken ; that they " must see every one of them

returned again

"

or it " would not be well ;" for this they would

wait -two months, and if the captives were then returned, they would " corttrive to make up the matter and settle affairs, and not till then ;" meanwhile they promised that their young men

who were on the war path should be called back." 2 In February, 1756, Johnson again called the attention of his the matter, and reminded them that unless they exerted