Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (Vol 1 1904).djvu/256

250 Pesquitomen desired us to read the message to them that were there.

17th.—There were five Frenchmen in the town; the rest were gone to war. We held a council with Delaware George, delivered him the string and presents, that were sent to him; and informed him of the general's sentiments, and what he desired of them; upon which he agreed, and complied to go with Mr. Bull, to the general. Towards night Keckkenepalin came home from the war, and told us the disagreeable news, that they had fallen in with that party, that had guided us; they had killed Lieutenant Hays, and four more, and took five prisoners, the others got clear off. They had a skirmish with them within twelve miles of fort Duquesne. Further he told us, that one of the captives was to be burnt, which grieved us. By the prisoners they were informed of our arrival; on which they concluded to leave the French, and to hear what news we brought them. In the evening they brought a prisoner to town. We called the Indians together, that were at home, and explained the matter to them, and told them, as their own people had desired the general to give them a guide to conduct them safe home and by a misfortune, your people have fallen in with this party, and killed five and taken five prisoners; and we are now informed that one of them is to be burnt; "Consider, my brethren, if you should give us a guide, to bring us safe on our way home, and our parties should fall in with you, how hard you would take it."

They said, "Brother, it is a hard matter, and we are sorry it hath happened so." I answered, "Let us therefore spare no pains to relieve them from any cruelty." We could scarce find a messenger, that would undertake to go to Sawcung, where the prisoner was to be bu[r]nt.