the country, and to give confidence to the Whigs, in all parts; but, such was the zeal and alacrity of the people, that, although the weather was cold in the extreme, it was impossible to prevent their coming up, which they did in such numbers, that, by the time I reached Caughnawaga, I had very near, if not quite, three thousand men, including nine hundred of the Tryon County Militia.

On Tuesday, the 16th, I marched to Schenectady, and, on the evening of that day, a deputation from the Mohawk Indians met us, and delivered me the following speech, in a very haughty tone:

"We intended to have gone down to Albany, in order to speak to you, but, thank God, that He has given us an opportunity to meet you here, as we have some matters to communicate to you."

To which I gave the following Answer:

"I am very glad to see you here, and I shall be glad to hear what the brothers have to say, as my ears are always open to them."

Whereupon, Abraham proceeded as follows:

"Brothers: You lately sent to our place four men, who arrived to us last Sunday morning. They told us they were sent up to us by you, to inform us of those military preparations which were making down in this quarter. By them, you let us know that you thought it not prudent to send armed men amongst us, without previously notifying us. Likewise, brothers, your messengers informed us of the reasons of your coming in this manner.

"You informed us, that you had heard that there were a number of men embodied at Sir John's, about Johnstown. You told us, likewise, that as soon as they had completed their body, they intended to destroy the settlements, up and down the river. You informed us, that you were coming up to inquire into the truth of the report, and who it was that gave out commissions, and what were their designs.

"At the same time, you assured us that no harm was intended against us, the Six Nations, as we had, last Summer, publickly engaged that we would take no part against you in your dispute with the great King over the great water.

"Brothers, you told us that you would come to search into the truth of the report, and you assured us, also, that you would not be the first aggressor, and that it should be their own fault if any blood was spilt.

"You told us that you would acquaint the Lower Castle first, of the design; that they should send up to the Upper Castle; and they to the Oneida; and they to the Onondaga; and, so, through the whole Six Nations,

"Brothers, we thanked your messengers for the speech delivered to us, and we would consider of it for some time, to return them an answer. Accordingly, brothers, a small number of us, who take care of the news, met in council on this occasion.

"We thanked your messengers for informing us first, of your designs. We said, we know the agreement which was entered into with the whole Twelve United Colonies. At that meeting, you remember, it was agreed to remove all obstacles out of the way of the path of peace, to keep it open, that we might pass and repass, without being annoyed.

"Brothers, you told us that you came to inquire into the truth of the report, which might be done by four, or six, without any danger in making the inquiry.

"We proposed your sending up six persons, to inquire into the truth of this matter, as it would be a shame to interrupt them, as no person would be so mean to give them any obstruction.

"As for sending your belt forward, we thought to retain it until we had heard whether our proposal had been accepted or no. And we desire that you would consider this matter, and keep your troops at home, and let us know your mind; and if, after considering of our proposals, you do not agree to them, that you will then let us know what you intend to do.

"They, likewise, sent word to you, that when they had heard from you whether you accepted of our proposals, that we would then do as you desire, in sending up the news.

"Brothers, we expected an answer to our proposals, but none arrived, until we were informed, by a woman, who returned from Albany, that those preparations were actually making, and that troops were actually marching in the country. We then, brothers, took the matter into consideration, and determined it was best for a party to meet you, and you see us this day, brothers, arrived.

"We come, brothers, to beg of you, that you take good care and prudence of what you are going about. We beg of you, brothers, to remember the engagement which was made with the Twelve United Colonies, at our interview last Summer, as we then engaged to open the path of peace, and to keep it undefiled from blood; at the same time, something of a different nature made its appearance. You assured us, brothers, that if any were found in our neighbourhood inimical to us, that you would consider them as enemies. The Six Nations then supposed that the son of Sir William was pointed at, by that expression. We then desired, particularly, that he might not be injured, as it was not in his power to injure the cause, and that, therefore, he might not be molested. The Six Nations then said they would not concern themselves with your operation, in other parts, but particularly desired that this path might be free from blood.

"And now, brothers, we repeat it again, we beg of you to take good care, and not to spill any blood in this path; and the more especially, brothers, as it is as but of this day that the Six Nations had so agreeable an interview with the Colonies; and our Chiefs are now hunting in the woods, and not dreaming that there is any prospect that this path is, or will be, defiled with blood.

"We informed you, brothers, that we had heard, of a woman, that you was advancing, and that you had cannon; we then took it into consideration; we thought it strange, that cannon should be brought into the country, as the Twelve United Colonies had so lately opened the path of peace; as, you will remember that this path was opened last Spring, and the Six Nations agreed to keep it open. We then thought, what could influence the Twelve United Colonies to open this path? And, from the present appearance, it is as if with a design that the cannon should pass free from all obstruction.

"Brothers, attend! It was your request, and a matter agreed upon by the Twelve United Colonies, that we should mind nothing but peace; therefore, brothers, as we mean to observe that agreement, we have expressed ourselves as above, and, as brothers, we mind nothing but peace; we look upon ourselves as mediators between the two parties.

"Therefore, brothers, as your messengers declared that you would not be the aggressors, we informed Sir John of this, and earnestly begged of him not to be the aggressor, or the means of shedding blood, and, at the same time, assured him, that if we found he should be the aggressor, we would not pay any further attention to him; and, likewise, told them, that if our brothers of the United Colonies were the aggressors, we should treat them in the same manner.

"This is what we told Sir John, as we look upon ourselves to be mediators between both parties, and, as we have said before, desired him not to be the aggressor. To which Sir John replied, that we knew his disposition very well, and that he had no mind to be the aggressor. He assured us that he would not be the aggressor, but, if the people came up to take away his life, he would do as well as he could, as the law of Nature justified every person to stand in his own defence.

"According to the news we have heard, it is as though Sir John would shut up the path of peace in that quarter; but that is impossible he should do it, as he has but a mere handful of friends. But, brothers, if this company, who are now passing by, should go up, and any thing bad should happen, we shall look on you as shutting up the path.

"It has been represented to you, brothers, that it seems that Sir John is making military preparations, and that he is making a fort round his house; but, brothers, as we live so near him, we should certainly know it, if any thing of that nature should be dons, especially, as we go there so frequently, on account of our father, the Minister, who, sometimes, performs divine service at that place. We have never seen any hostile preparations made there; there is no cannon, nor any thing of that kind, and that all things remained in the same situation it was in the lifetime of Sir William.