some measure surprized in february last with the newes of so considerable a force of under the command of Monsieur de Courcelle so farre advanct in these His Ma1 '* Dominions without my Knowledge and Consent, or the least notice given of intentions to any of His Mati es Colonies then in amity with the French Nation although proceedings heerin were not conformable to the practise in Europe, yet all my officers both Military and Civill soon resolu'd to

y

:

y

succor and relieve your Campe with such meane provisions as the Country affords [and] from village could bee expected and as they have in all former times been

a small

very affectionate with Christian

Charity to ransome or by any other meanes to convey divers French prisoners out of the hands of their barbarous Enemies so also their Intentions towards

you is manifest in their letter of the 20th March last wherein their purpose was to give you a speedy notice that the Maquaes were at last

FRENCH EXPEDITIONS AGAINST THE MOHAWKS.

wrought upon to treat of peace if you on your parts were so disposed, but it seems (by a sad accident intervening,) you are pleas'd to lay a greater burden upon them than they deserve after their sincere

To both y r Letters directed to the Captain and Commissaries at Albany themselves will return answer but hearing that you had Emploied Le S r Couture with y Letters I tooke a suddaine Resolution to have discourse with him to w ch purpose I came hither but find that affections to