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 COUNCIL held at the PROPRIETOR'S HOUSE, _July_ 5. 1742. PRESENT The Hon'ble GEORGE THOMAS Esq; Lieut. 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 Dependence 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 Proprietor's, 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 Right to a 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_, their 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 the strictest League of Amity and Friendship with you, and we shall always be faithful and true to you our old and good Allies.--The Governor of _Canada_ talks a great deal, but ten of his Words do not go so far as one of yours.--We do not look towards them; We look towards you; and you may depend on our Assistance.' Whilst the _Onondago_ Chief made this