The sergeant _Henry Osten_, being one of the company that guided us, as above mentioned, and was that same prisoner, whom the _Shawanos_ intended to burn alive, came to day to the fort. He was much rejoiced to see us, and said, “I thank you a thousand times for my deliverance from the fire; and think it not too much to be at your service my whole life time.” He gave us intelligence that the _Indians_ were, as yet, mightily for the _English_. His master had offered to set him at liberty, and bring him to _Pittsburg_ if he would promise him ten gallons of rum; which he did; and he was brought safe to _Pittsburg_. _Delaware George_ is still faithful to the _English_; and was very helpful to procure his liberty. _Isaac Still_, _Shingas_ and _Beaver_ are gone with the message to the nations living further off. When the _French_ had heard that the garrison, at _Pittsburg_, consisted only of 200 men, they resolved to go down from _Venango_, and destroy the _English_ fort. So soon as the _Indians_ at _Kushkushking_, heard of their intention, they sent a message to the _French_, desiring them to draw back; for they would have no war in their country. The friendly _Indians_ have sent out parties with that intention, that if the _French_ went on, in their march towards the fort, they would catch them, and bring them to the _English_. They shewed to _Osten_ the place, where eight _French Indian_ spies had lain near the fort. By their marks upon the place they learned that these eight were gone back, and five more were to come to the same place again. He told us further, that the _Indians_ had spoke among themselves, that if the _English_ would join them, they would go to _Venango_, and destroy the _French_ there. We hear that the friendly _Indians_ intend to hunt round the fort, at _Pittsburg_, and bring the garrison fresh meat. And upon this intelligence the general sent Captain _Wedderholz_[112] with fifty men, to reinforce the garrison at _Pittsburg_. 25th.—The people in the camp prepared for a _Christmas_ frolick; but I kept _Christmas_ in the woods by myself. 26th.—To day an express came from _Pittsburg_ to inform the general, that the French had called all the _Indians_ in their interest together, and intended to come and destroy them there. 27th.—Towards noon the general set out; which caused a great joy among the garrison, which had hitherto lain in tents, but now being a smaller company, could be more comfortably lodged. It snowed the whole day. We encamped by a _beaver dam_, under _Laurel Hill_. 28th.—We came to _Stony Creek_, where Mr. _Quickfell_ is stationed. The general sent Mr. _Hays_, express, to fort _Bedford_ (_Rays Town_) and commanded him to see, if the place for encampment, under the _Allegheny_ mountain, was prepared; as also to take care that refreshments should be at hand, at his coming. It was stormy and snowed all the day.