Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (Vol 1 1904).djvu/214

208 opened the road to the council fire, therefore, my brethren, come and acquaint the Governor with it; you will be readily heard, and full justice will be done you." A belt.

"Brethren, One thing I must bring to your remembrance. You know, if any body loses a little child, or some body takes it from him, he cannot be easy, he will think on his child by day and night; since our flesh and blood is in captivity, in the Indian towns, we desire you will rejoice the country's heart, and bring them to me; I shall stretch out my arms to receive you kindly." A string.

After I had done, I left my belts and strings still before them. The Delawares took them all up, and laid them before the Mingoes; upon which they rose up, and spoke as follows:

"Chau, What I have heard pleases me well; I do not know why I go to war against the English. Noques, what do you think? You must be strong. I did not begin the war, therefore, I have little to say; but whatever you agree to, I will do the same." Then he addressed himself to the Shawanese, and said, "You brought the hatchet to us from the French, and persuaded us to strike our brothers the English; you may consider (laying the belts, &c. before them) wherefore you have done this."

The Shawanese acknowledged they received the hatchet from the French, who persuaded them to strike the English; that they would now send the belts to all the Indians, and in twelve days would meet again.

Present at this council, three hundred French and Indians. They all took leave, and went over again to ————