16th.—We met two _Indians_ on the road, and sat down with them to dinner. They informed us that no body was at home, at _Kushkushking_; that one hundred and fifty, from that town, were gone to war against our party. We crossed the above mentioned creek; good land, but hilly. Went down a long valley to _Beaver_ creek, through old _Kushkushking_,[94] a large spot of land, about three miles long; they both went with us to the town; one of them rode before us, to let the people in the town know of our coming; we found there but two men, and some women. Those, that were at home, received us kindly. _Pesquitomen_ desired us to read the message to them that were there. 17th.—There were five _Frenchmen_ in the town; the rest were gone to war. We held a council with _Delaware George_, delivered him the string and presents, that were sent to him; and informed him of the general’s sentiments, and what he desired of them; upon which he agreed, and complied to go with Mr. _Bull_, to the general. Towards night _Keckkenepalin_ came home from the war, and told us the disagreeable news, that they had fallen in with that party, that had guided us; they had killed Lieutenant _Hays_, and four more, and took five prisoners, the others got clear off. They had a skirmish with them within twelve miles of _fort Duquesne_. Further he told us, that one of the captives was to be burnt, which grieved us. By the prisoners they were informed of our arrival; on which they concluded to leave the _French_, and to hear what news we brought them. In the evening they brought a prisoner to town. We called the _Indians_ together, that were at home, and explained the matter to them, and told them, as their own people had desired the general to give them a guide to conduct them safe home and by a misfortune, your people have fallen in with this party, and killed five and taken five prisoners; and we are now informed that one of them is to be burnt; “Consider, my brethren, if you should give us a guide, to bring us safe on our way home, and our parties should fall in with you, how hard you would take it.” They said, “Brother, it is a hard matter, and we are sorry it hath happened so.” I answered, “Let us therefore spare no pains to relieve them from any cruelty.” We could scarce find a messenger, that would undertake to go to _Sawcung_, where the prisoner was to be bu[r]nt. We promised to one named _Compass_, 500 black wampum, and Mr. _Hays_ gave him a shirt and a dollar, on which he promised to go. We sent him as a messenger. By a string of wampum I spoke these words, “Brethren, consider the messengers are come home with good news, and three of your brethren, the _English_, with them. We desire you would pity your own young men, women and children, and use no hardships towards the captives, as having been guiding our party.”