Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (Vol 1 1904).djvu/285

1758] After we had fetched our horses, we went from Kushkushking, and came at five o'clock to Saccung, in company with twenty Indians. When we came about half way, we met a messenger from fort Duquesne, with a belt from Thomas King, inviting all the chiefs to Saccung. We heard at the same time, that Mr. Croghn and Henry Montour would be there to day. The messenger was one of those three, that went to our camp; and it seemed to rejoice all the company; for some of them were much troubled in their minds, fearing that the English had kept them, as prisoners, or killed them. In the evening we arrived at Saccung, on the Beaver creek. We were well received. The king provided for us. After a little while we visited Mr. Croghn and his company.

30th.—In the morning the Indians of the town visited us. About eleven o'clock about forty came together; when we read the message to them; Mr. Croghn, Henry Montour and Thomas King being present. They were all well pleased with the message. In the evening we came together with the chiefs, and explained the signification of the belts; which lasted till eleven o'clock at night.

December 1st.—After hunting a great while for our horses, without finding them, we were obliged to give an Indian three hundred wampum for looking for them. We bought corn for four hundred and fifty wampum for our horses. The Indians met together to hear what Mr. Croghn had to say. Thomas King spoke by a belt, and invited them to come to the general; upon which they all resolved to go.

In the evening the captains and counsellors came together, I and Isaac Still being present; they told us, that ————