Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (Vol 1 1904).djvu/206

200 20th.—We set out from Kushkushkee, for Sankonk; my company consisted of twenty-five horsemen and fifteen foot. We arrived at Sankonk, in the afternoon. The people of the town were much disturbed at my coming, and received me in a very rough manner. They surrounded me with drawn knives in their hands, in such a manner, that I could hardly get along; running up against me, with their breasts open, as if they wanted some pretence to kill me. I saw by their countenances they sought my death. Their faces were quite distorted with rage, and they went so far as to say, I should not live long; but some Indians, with whom I was formerly acquainted, coming up, and saluting me in a friendly manner, their behaviour to me was quickly changed.

On the 21st, they sent Messengers to Fort Duquesne, to let them know I was there, and invited them to their fire. In the afternoon, I read them all my message, the French captain being present; for he still continued with us: upon which they were more kind to me. In the evening, fifteen more arrived here from Kushkushkee. The men here now [were] about one hundred and twenty.

22d.—Arrived about twenty Shawanese and Mingos. I read to them the message; at which they seemed well pleased. Then the two kings came to me, and spoke in the following manner:

"Brother, we, the Shawanese and Mingos, have heard your message; the messenger we sent to Fort Duquesne, is returned, and tells us, there are eight different nations there, who want to hear your message; we will conduct you there, and let both the Indians and French hear what our brothers, the English, have to say."

I protested against going to Fort Duquesne, but all in vain; for they insisted on my going, and said that I need