reat Distress, on Account of a Famine that raged in
their Country, which had reduced them to such Want, that a Father had
been obliged to kill two of his Children to preserve his own and the
rest of his Family's Lives; and they could not now come down, but had
given Directions about their Share of the Goods.'--The Governor
express'd his Concern for the unhappy Circumstances of their Brethren of
the _Seneca_ Nation; and, after a short Respite, enquired if any of
their Deputies were then at _Canada_, and whether the _French_ Governor
was making any warlike Preparations? And on their answering, _Yes_; the
Governor said, with a smiling, pleasant Countenance, 'I suppose if the
_French_ should go to War with us, you will join them.' The _Indians_
conferr'd together for some Time, and then _Canassateego_, in a chearful
lively Manner, made Answer.--'We assure you, the Governor of _Canada_
pays our Nations great Court at this Time, well knowing of what
Consequence we are to the _French_ Interest: He has already told us, he
was uncovering the Hatchet and sharpening it, and hoped, if he should be
obliged to lift it up against the _English_, their Nations would remain
neuter and assist neither Side.--But we will now speak plainly to our
Brethren: Why should we, who are one Flesh with you, refuse to help you,
whenever you want our Assistance?--We have continued a long Time in the
strictest League of Amity and Friendship with you, and we shall always
be faithful and true to you our old and good Allies.--The Governor of
_Canada_ talks a great deal, but ten of his Words do not go so far as
one of yours.--We do not look towards them; We look towards you; and you
may depend on our Assistance.' Whilst the _Onondago_ Chief made this
open and hearty Declaration, all the other _Indians_ made frequently
that particular Kind of Noise which is known to be a Mark of
Approbation.--The Governor bid the Interpreter tell _Canassateego_, 'He
did not set on foot this Inquiry from any Suspicion he had of the _Six
Nations_ wanting a due Regard for the _English_.--Our Experience of
their Honour and Faith would not permit us to think any other of them
than that they would esteem our Friends their Friends, and our Enemies
their Enemies, agreeable to the strict Union which had ever subsisted
between us.--As to the Governor of _Canada_, they need not mind what he
said.--The _English_, on equal Terms, had beat the _French_, and could
beat them again: And were t