200 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM ' 



oners, and there were other fierce encounters. The Mohawks at 

 Three Rivers, finding unexpected resistance, sent in a white flag 

 with proposals of peace, a favorite scheme. When told of Father 

 Poncet's captivity, they at once sent orders for his release. Mean- 

 time, the Hurons and their prisoners fell into their hands, but 

 were well treated, and all went on to Quebec, accompanied by 

 the Onondaga deputies. Andioura, the Mohawk chief, was 

 speaker at Quebec, showing the presents and asking that a French 

 settlement should be made in the Iroquois country. The Iro- 

 quois went home to ratify the peace in their own land. All this 

 was done in September, but the Onondagas promised to come 

 again before spring. 



The Mohawks desired by this treaty to secure the Hurons at 

 Quebec for themselves and the Onondagas did the same. A 

 council was held with the latter Feb. 5, 1654, affirming the peace, 

 but the desire of both for the Hurons again clouded the prospect. 

 The Hurons feared these nations most and their mutual jealousy. 

 They thought the Onondagas had not forgotten the death of 34 

 men, treacherously killed in the island fort, and that the Mohawks 

 hoped to avenge Aontarisati, whom they had burned. This 

 business was deferred. While this was going on, the Oneidas 

 seized a Frenchman and took him to their country, but he was 

 soon released at Garakontie"s desire, who pledged his life for 

 him. Some Tionontaties and Ottawas had taken 13 Senecas and 

 others, while on their way to Montreal, but gave their captives 

 into the hands of Sagochiendaguete', the principal man of the 

 Onondagas. This was Garakontie', often called by the Onon- 

 daga council name in virtue of his office. 



P'ather Simon Le Moyne went to Onondaga on this important 

 business, leaving Montreal July 17, 1654, accompanied by a young 

 Frenchman called Jean Baptiste. Soon after the Mohawks came 

 down and objected to his mission, there being a strong jealousy 

 between the two nations. The Mohawks said they were the 

 eastern door and all outside business should be done through 

 them. It was dangerous for the French to come through the 

 central chimney, for they might fall into the great council fire. 



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