When we first saw the White People, and fastened the Ship to the great Tree, the Band of our Union, was a fair Trade : when we strengthened our Alliance with the English, and fastened the Ship with an Iron Chain, which was afterwards made of Silver, Trade was our mutual object, and in most subsequent Treaties it was provided that Trade should be plentiful, and that we should not be cheated, the places of Trade were few, and the Traders well known, the like Promise was made us, whenever Canada should be reduced. -- for a time it went on pretty well, but of late, the Traders go about where they please, and sell at the most extravagant Rates, besides following us to our Hunting Grounds to take advantage of our People, by means of the Liquor they bring with them. Of this, all the Indians complain ; for as they live by Hunting, it becomes a more heavy Grievance to them, than it would do to others. We have often complained of this, but we

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 1003

find no Redress, and therefore if these repeated Impositions obstruct our good Intentions, the fault is not ours. Brother, we beg you will consider our case, so as that the Governors concerned may do what has been promised ; we must likewise solicit the favor of the General, that both he, and you may lay our Hardships before the King who I trust will relieve us. -- In this Hope we now on behalf of all our Confederacy, renew, strengthen, and brighten the Covenant Chain, -- and the Senecas particularly assure you that they, and all their Dependants, do now take hold of it, and brighten the same, firmly resolving to contribute all their Endeavors, in conjunction with the rest of the Confederacy, to keep it bright, hoping that you will be assisting therein, for our mutual Interest, and the Preservation of,Peace.