were

returned

April 13, 1759.

at

Canajoharie,

THE INDIAN TRIBES

Qnondagas, and Gayngas, threw off the disguise of active friend ship which they had professed for the English, and sent a large " Our belt to Canada to make peace with the French. promise,"

" to remain firm to the

English was given with the war should be prosecuted vigorously ;" now that they saw the French victorious on every side, and the said they,

understanding that the

were, they considered themselves previous obligations and determined to make for With peace themselves, and thenceforth to remain neutral.

English army retreating as

released from

them the

it

all

victorious party were desired

as

friends ; besides, so

many of their number were already in the ranks of the French, that those who remained attached to the English had no security

from destruction but neutrality.

The advantages of this neutrality were in favor of the French. Although by its terms the English were not deprived of any numerical force, yet the fact that the confederacy was divided in its allegiance had its influence at home as well as among the

The Mohawks were compromised by it, and became idle spectators to the numerous incursions of the French Indians, whjle to the Indians of the Ohio country it was nations more remote.

an

Eventually it encouragement to continue their revolt. the French for the time being it drifted into war in behalf of ;

was turned by Johnson to the best advantage possible. have declared yourselves neutrals,"