'We take this Information kindly at your Hands; we will take this String of Wampum home with us to our Lodgings, and there consult about the most regular and proper Steps to be taken by us to answer your Expectations, and when we have duly considered the Matter, we will return you an Answer.' Upon this the Governor put an End to the Conference; and calling for Wine, and other Liquors, according to the _Indian_ Custom, after a decent and chearful Entertainment, the _Indians_ withdrew. * * * * * At a C O U N C I L held at the Proprietor's House, _July_ 5, 1742. P R E S E N T The Honourable _G E O R G E T H O M A S_, Esq; Lieutenant-Governor. _James Logan_, } _Clement Plumsted_, } Esqrs; With several Gentlemen of the Town. _The Chiefs of the Six Nations_. It being judg'd proper, at this critical Time, when we are in daily Expectation of a _French_ War, to sound the _Indians_, and discover what Dependance we might have on them, in case their Aid should be wanted, an handsome Dinner was provided for their Chiefs; and after they had made an hearty Meal, and drank his Majesty's Health, the Proprietors, and the Health of the _Six Nations_, the Chiefs gave the solemn Cry, in Testimony of their Thanks for the Honour done them. And soon after the Governor began, in a free Way, to enquire for what Reason the _Senecas_ were not come down, since they had an equal Share of the Goods with the other Nations.----_Canassateego_, their Speaker, said, 'The _Senecas_ were in great Distress, on Account of a Famine that raged in their Country, which had reduced them to such Want, that a Father had been obliged to kill two of his Children to preserve his own, and the rest of his Family's Lives; and they could not now come down, but had given Directions about their Share of the Goods.'----The Governor express'd his Concern for the unhappy Circumstances of their Brethren of the _Seneca_ Nation; and, after a short Respite, enquired if any of their Deputies were then at _Canada_, and whether the _French_ Governor was making any warlike Preparations. And on their answering _Yes_, the Governor said, with a smiling, pleasant Countenance, 'I suppose, if the _French_ should go to War with us, you will join them.' The _Indians_ conferr'd together for some Time, and then _Canassateego_, in a chearful lively Manner, made answer.----'We assure you, the Governor of _Canada_ pays our Nations great Court at this Time, well knowing of what Consequence we are to the _French_ Interest: He has already told us, he was uncovering the Hatchet, and sharpening it, and hoped, if he should be obliged to lift it up against the _English_, our Nations would remain neuter, and assist neither Side.----But we will now speak plainly to our Brethren: Why should we, who are one Flesh with you, refuse to help you, whenever you want our Assistance?----We have continued a long Time in