HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK IROQUOIS 25 1 



It was something flattering for these Indians to see themselves 

 thus sought by two powers, either of which could have destroyed 

 them in less than one campaign, and whose mutual jealousies 

 they had contrived to work upon so skilfully as to inspire fear, 

 and in some sort respect from both. 



Both French and English now found it necessary to have 

 agents at Onondaga, and Bellomont urged the building of forts 

 in the Iroquois country, 'the need of which he saw. Count 

 Frontenac planned a second invasion of Onondaga, but gave it 

 up and died late in 1698. 



Dekanissora's proposal to treat directly with the French on 

 the exchange of prisoners greatly alarmed the English, who 

 described him as " a brave fighting fellow, that has done the 

 French much mischief, and they have mightily endeavored to 

 debauch him from us, but in vain." The Canadian Iroquois 

 now took part, sending two belts to the four nations to tell them 

 it was the last time they were bid to come to Canada to treat, 

 and they were worse than beasts. The Onondagas, as the prin- 

 cipal sufiferers, with the Oneidas and Cayugas, thought best to 

 send three messengers, and Bellomont tried to stop these till 

 Schuyler could see them. Col. Peter Schuyler, Dirck Wessel 

 and Hendrick Hansen formed the embassy ; and it was resolved 

 that Johannes Glen jr and John Baptist Van Epps, the inter- 

 preter, should reside at Onondaga for a time. The latter two 

 went at once. 



The Iroquois embassy reached Onondaga Mar. 21, 1699, on 

 their return from Canada, bringing five belts and an oflFer to 

 exchange prisoners. On this a council was called at Onondaga, 

 to meet in 25 days. In such calls tally-sticks are attached to the 

 wampum, a notch being removed every day. 



Capt. John Schuyler, Capt. John Bleecker, John Baptist Van 

 Epps and Arnout Cornelisse Viele set out for Onondaga Ap. 

 21, 1699, reaching there Ap. 28, and the latter two remaining for 

 I some time. At the council the young Indians kicked the French 

 belts to a sachem, and the council accepted the English proposals 

 and would come to Albany. The French had released all the 

 Onondagas. 



