HISTORY OF VERMONT. 327 



lake Champlain ; and was concluded by a trea- 

 tv with the Indians at Falmouth, in the year 

 1725. At this period both the English and 

 French were extremely cautious to preserve the 

 friendship of the five nations, as they had lately 

 received a very considerable addition to their 

 strength. Above eighty Nicariagas, with their 

 women and children, had repaired to their terri- 

 tories, from the country north of Missilimakinac j 

 and the whole tribe of Tuscaroras, who posses- 

 sed a large tract of country near the sources of 

 James' river in Virginia, had also removed aixl 

 settled near the south east end of the lake Onei- 

 da. This event had augn-iented the Indian im- 

 portance ; and instead oi" calling themselves tlic 

 five, they now assumed the name of the six na- 

 tions ; and like the European powers, felt the 

 comfort and pride of increased territory, popu- 

 lation and power. 



From the treaty of Utrecht, a long period 

 succeeded, in which there was peace between 

 the British and French courts. Their colonies 

 in America, were now enjoying the benefits of it ;• 

 but neither of them were inattentive to tiieir fu- 

 ture prospects or interests. Aware of the in- 

 creasing power of the English colonies, and the 

 threatening aspect which it had on the growth 

 and safety of their own, the court of France h&d 

 adopted a regular and systematic plan of con- 

 duct and policy. Tlscir aim v/as to seize all 

 tliC important posts and passes from Canada to 

 Eouisiana, to fordfy the commanding situations, 

 raid thus to command the Indians, secure their 

 trade and dependence, and confine the English 

 to a narrow limit along the sea coast, and pre- 



