Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (Vol 1 1904).djvu/289

1758] general, and his desire that they should alter their mind, in insisting upon the general's going back; but the Indians had no inclination to alter their mind. In the afternoon some provision was sent over, but a small allowance. When I came over to the fort, the council with the Indians was almost at an end. I had a discourse with Colonel Bouquet about the affairs, disposition and resolution of the Indians.

I drew provision for our journey to fort Ligonier, and baked bread for our whole company: towards noon the Indians met together in a conference. First king Beaver addressed himself to the Mohocks, desiring them to give their brethren an answer about settling at Pittsburg. The Mohocks said, "They lived at such a distance, that they could not defend the English there, if any accident should befal them; but you, cousins, who live close here, must think what to do." Then Beaver said by a string:

"What this messenger has brought is very agreeable to us; and as our uncles have made peace with you, the English, and many others nation, so we likewise join, and accept of the peace offered to us; and we have already answered by your messenger, what we have to say to the general, that he should go back over the mountains; we have nothing to say to the contrary."

Neither Mr. Croghn nor Andrew Montour would tell Colonel Bouquet the Indians' answer. Then Mr. Croghn, ————