this we are to consider, that time may not be lost and the Countrey not burthened by an unnecessary charge.

His Excell. further proposed sending thirty men of his own Company now brought up with him with a detachment of twenty out of each of the three Companyes here, into the Indian Countrey to cover the retreate of our Indians and secure them from their fears.

The Council were of opinion the French being retreated it would be an unnecessary charge. And offered their advice that the

Sachems of the Oneydes should be sent for (who are here) and their

losse condoled, winch was accordingly done.

The Council are of opinion that the members of Council present with the officers of the Companyes and principle inhabitants of this place should meet & consult with the chiefe Indians now in town about the propperest methods for bringing back those Indians that are fledd, and settling them

make report what they have done therein to His Excellency. Which His Excell. did approve of & order accordingly firm again in the covenant chain, and

May it please yo r Excell. In obedience to yo r Excell. order of the 7 th instant we underwritten have mett & considered

about the properest methods for bringing both those Indian Nations viz 1 the Onondages and Oneydes that are fled,

and renewing with them and the rest of the Five Nations the Covenant Chain, and

having thereupon sounded the opinions of the Sachims of the Maquaes and Oneydos Nations and severall of their chiefe