In the evening the devil made a general disturbance, to hinder them in their good disposition. It was reported that they saw three _Catawba Indians_ in their town; and they roved about all that cold night, in great fear and confusion. When I consider with what tyranny and power the prince of this world rules over this people, it breaks my heart over them, and that their redemption may draw nigh, and open their eyes, that they may see what bondage they are in, and deliver them from the evil. 27th.—We waited all the day for an answer. _Beaver_ came and told us, “They were busy all the day long.” He said, “It is a great matter, and wants much consideration. We are three tribes, which must separately agree among ourselves; it takes time before we hear each agreement, and the particulars thereof.” He desired us to read our message once more to them in private; we told them, we were at their service at any time; and then we explained him the whole again. There arrived a messenger from _Sawcung_, and informed us that four of their people were gone to our camp, to see what the _English_ were about; and that one of them climbing upon a tree was discovered by falling down; and then our people spoke to them; three resolved to go to the other side, and one came back and brought the news, which pleased the company. Some of the captains and counsellors were together; they said, that the _French_ would build a strong fort, at the lower _Shawanese_ town. I answered them, “Brethren, if you suffer the French to build a fort there, you must suffer likewise the _English_ to come and destroy the place; _English_ will follow the _French_, and pursue them, let it cost whatever it will; and wherever the _French_ settle, the _English_ will follow and destroy them.” They said, “We think the same, and would endeavour to prevent it, if the _English_ only would go back, after having drove away the _French_, and not settle there.” I said, “I can tell you no certainty in this affair; it is best for you to go with us to the general, and speak with him. So much I know, that they only want to establish a trade with you; and you know yourselves that you cannot do without being supplied with such goods as you stand in need of; but, brethren, be assured you must entirely quit the _French_, and have no communication with them, else they will always breed disturbance and confusion amongst you, and persuade your young people to go to war against our brethren, the _English_.” I spoke with them further about _Venango_, and said, I believed the _English_ would go there, if they suffered the _French_ longer to live there. This speech had much influence on them, and they said; “We are convinced of all that you have said; it will be so.” I found them inclined to send off the _French_ from _Venango_; but they wanted first to know the disposition of the _English_, and not to suffer the _French_ to build any where.