hey but to consider the Advantages which the
_English_ have, by possessing so many large and populous Countries, and
so many good Ports on the Continent of _America_, they would soon see
who had most Reason to fear a War, the _French_ or the _English_.'
Here the Conversation drop'd; and, after another Glass of Wine, the
_Indians_ resumed the Discourse, by asking, whether their Brethren had
not been for some Time engaged in a War with the King of _Spain_, and
what Successes they had met with?
The Governor told them, the King of _Great Britain_ lived in an Island,
and being surrounded with the Sea, his chief Strength lay in his Ships;
in which he was so much superior to his Enemies, that they were seldom
to be met with on the broad Ocean, but sculk'd and hid themselves, only
venturing out now and then; and whenever they did, they were almost sure
to be taken; and that the King of _Great Britain_ had, with his Ships,
beat down or taken several of the _Spaniards_ Great Forts in
_America_.--The _Indians_ said, they were pleased to hear their Brethren
were an Over-match for their Enemies, and wish'd them good Success.
The Governor then enquired into the State and Condition of the Nations
to the Westward of the Great Lakes, and whether they had any Warriours
then in those Countries? Whether they had concluded Peace with the
Southern _Indians_? And whether they had heard what their Deputies had
done at _Albany_?
They made Answer: That they had always Abundance of their Men out
amongst the Nations situate to the West of their Lakes.--That they had
kindled a Fire with a vast many Nations, some whereof where Tributaries,
and they had a good Understanding with all.--They set out from their own
Country in Company with two Sets of Deputies, one going to hold a Treaty
with the Southern _Indians_, and they believed a Peace would be
concluded: The other going to meet the Governor of _New-York_, at
_Albany_; but they could not tell what had been done at either
Place.--On their Return, they were to hold a General Council, and would
inform their Brethren of these Particulars.
Then the Governor put an End to the Conference, by telling the _Indians_
the Goods would be delivered to them at a Council to be held to morrow
Afternoon at the Meeting-House.
* * * * *
At a COUNCIL held in the Meeting-House, _Philadelphia_, _July_ 6. 1742.
PRESENT,
The Hon'ble GEORGE THOMAS, Esq; Lieut. Governor.
_
|