final answer he must consult the Divine Being and throwing himself
upon his face in the sand lay motionless for the space of nearly an
hour. Then rising he informed the other chiefs that he had been
counselled by the Great Spirit to keep peace with King George's men.
This decision was not acceptable to several of the chiefs, and Mr.
White was still engaged in his negotiations when Colonel Francklin and
Father Bourg arrived at St. John, having crossed from Annapolis in the
war ship "Scarborough." Messengers were immediately sent up the river
to Mr. White desiring him to come down at once with Pierre Tomah and
the other chiefs and captains to meet Col. Francklin and the
missionary Bourg, assuring them of a friendly reception. Francklin
also wrote a letter to the Indians, which is here given.

"Fort Howe, 14 Sep. 1778.

"To Pierre Thomas and others
the Indians of the River St. John.

"BRETHREN:--According to my promise last fall I have brought with
me Mr. Bourg, your Priest, to instruct you and to take care of
your eternal welfare.

"BRETHREN:--I am come to heal and adjust every difference that may
exist between you and your Brethren the faithful subjects of King
George your father, my master.

"BRETHREN:--As my heart is good, my hands clean and my intentions
as white as snow; I desire Pierre Thomas and two or three other
principal Indians do immediately come down to Fort Howe with Mr.
White my Deputy to speak to me and to Mr. Bourg that we may settle
in what manner to proceed to accomplish my good intentions towards
you, and that your minds may be made easy I do hereby pledge
myself that no harm shall happen to you from any of the King's
Troops or others His Majesty's subjects.

"I am your affectionate Brother,

MICH. FRANCKLIN,
"Superintendent of Indian Affairs."

The Indians promptly accepted the invitation and a conference was held
which Francklin terms "A grand meeting of the Indians at Menaguashe in
the Harbour of the River St. John near Fort Howe on Thursday, the 24th
September, 1778." There were present on the part of King George the
Third:--

Michael Francklin, Superintendent of Indian affairs; Major Studholme,
commanding the garrison at Fort Howe; Capt. Mowatt, commanding his
Majesty's ship Albany; Rev. Mr. Bourg, missionary to the Indians;
James White, agent for Indian affairs at St. John, and several other
officers and gentlemen. The Indian delegates