314                     PAPERS RELATING TO THE
stairs, a Deputation of the Sachems of each Nation waited upon him and desired they might say somewhat more to him. The following is what passed at this conference.
Arent Stevens Interpreter.
Kaghswughtioni said:
Brother. The English and the French seem now to be in earnest and we hope this expedition will not be like the former ones which were disappointments to us and no honour to you. We are sensible that we can not now stand neuter and we are determined to join and assist our Bretheren the English and not behave as we did last War.
But as the French are a revengeful people and have a great number of Indians in their interest, we must keep some of our people at home to secure our own dwellings from the Attacks which we have now reason to fear from the French, and we hope you will take care that we are supplied with Arms and Ammunition to defend ourselves. When we return home we shall call our respective Tribes together and acquaint them with every thing that has passed at this meeting; and our young Men are so much inclined to war, that we are aff raid too many of them will be ready to join you, therefore we must repeat to you our request that we may not want arms and amu-nition to defend our habitations.
(Gave a Belt).
Colonel Johnson withdrew with the Secretary, when the following answer was drawn up and at their return made.
Bretheren, I can assure you the King our Father is in earnest in the present undertakings against the French, and I am persuaded, matters will be carried on, more effectually than formerly. From the assurances you have now given me I expect that all your Nations will behave more in earnest than you did last war, and I doubt not you will soon be convinced, the French are not a match for the English. Tho' I don't think you will be in any danger from the French or their Indians at your habitations, as we shall give them sufficient employment; yet, as vou seem to be uneasy, 1 will take care and supply you with a proper quantity of arms and amunition to defend those who
stay at home.
(Gave a Belt).
Kaghswughtioni then addressed himself to the Cayouga Sachems and said:
Brothera We three Nations your elder Bretheren are agreed and determined to assist our Bretheren the English against the French, but tho' you have consented to do the same, yet, you