Upon the receite of y^e above mentioned, they presently deputed 2. of theirs to treate with them, giving them full power to conclude, according to the instructions they gave them, being to this purposs: that if they would afford such assistance as, togeather with their owne, was like to effecte the thing, and allso bear a considerable parte of y^e charge, they would goe on; if not, [210] they (having lost so much allready) should not be able, but must desiste, and waite further opportunitie as God should give, to help them selves. But this came to nothing, for when it came to y^e issue, they would be at no charge, but sente them this letter, and referd them more at large to their owne messengers. S^r: Having, upon y^e consideration of your letter, with y^e message you sente, had some serious consultations aboute y^e great importance of your bussines with y^e French, we gave our answer to those whom you deputed to conferr w^th us aboute y^e viage to Penobscote. We shewed our willingnes to help, but withall we declared our presente condition, & in what state we were, for our abilitie to help; which we for our parts shall be willing to improve, to procure you sufficiente supply of men & munition. But for matter of moneys we have no authority at all to promise, and if we should, we should rather disapoynte you, then incourage you by y^t help, which we are not able to performe. We likewise thought it fitt to take y^e help of other Esterne plantations; but those things we leave to your owne wisdomes. And for other things we refer you to your owne co[=m]itties, who are able to relate all y^e passages more at large. We salute you, & wish you all good success in y^e Lord. Your faithfull & loving friend, RI: BELLINGHAM, Dep: In y^e name of the rest of the Comities. Boston, Octob^r 16. 1635. This thing did not only thus breake of, but some of their merchants shortly after sent to trad with them, and furnished them both with provissions, & poweder & shott; and so have continued to doe till this day, as they have seen opportunitie for their profite. So as in truth y^e English them selves have been the cheefest supporters of these French; for besids these, the plantation at Pemaquid (which lyes near unto them) doth not only supply them with what y^ey wante, but gives them continuall intelligence of all things that passes among y^e English, (espetially some of them,) so as it is no marvell though they still grow, & incroach more & more upon y^e English, and fill y^e Indeans with gunes & munishtion, to y^e great deanger of y^e English, who lye open & unfortified, living upon husbandrie; and y^e other closed up in their forts, well fortified, and live upon trade, in good securitie. If these things be not looked too, and remeady provided in time, it may easily be conjectured what they may come toe; but I leave them.