HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK IROQUOIS 305 



approved ; and he had a council with the Six Nations, who were 

 firm in the British alliance and pleased with the proposed council 

 at Oswego. All but the Cayugas desired forts in their country, 

 and every Indian castle ought to have a minister. He wished 

 two persons of unblemished character as chaplains for the pro- 

 posed garrisons at Onondaga and Oneida, and as missionaries 

 to the Indians. Something should be done for the Rev. Mr 

 Ogilvie, who was doing excellent work among the Mohawks. 



The conference mentioned seems the one held in June 1756 

 at Onondaga, but which was deferred at the request of the Mo- 

 hawks, several minor councils taking place meantime. At one 

 in February Johnson condoled the deaths of Hendrick and others, 

 and gave six French prisoners to replace them. Some remote 

 Senecas were present at this time, who had never been at John- 

 son's before and had come from Ganuskago, where Dansville 

 now stands. He was sorry they still had trouble in the south. 

 At this time Sir William gave " the largest pipe in America, 

 made on purpose," to be hung up in the council house at Onon- 

 daga, and smoked at important councils. The presents amounted 

 to £1085, and the French were still more liberal. 



Late in March 1756 Lieutenant de Lery, with some French- 

 men and Canadian Iroquois, passed Oswegatchie, came to the 

 Oneida portage and destroyed Fort Bull. Five English forts 

 were abandoned next year and replaced by another there. Some 

 Onondagas condoled Johnson on this first loss in April. They 

 desired an early council in their town ; and, as it would be large 

 and they had few provisions, they wished he would send some 

 for their guests. Workmen were ready to build their forts, and 

 orders were given for the Oneida fort on Ap. 21 ; for the Onon- 

 daga Ap. 30. Horses were employed in the work. Each was a 

 square stockade with two blockhouses at opposite angles, and 

 several such forts were built that year, traces of some still 

 remaining. 



In May Johnson was formally invited to the council held at 

 Onondaga in June. He said there were many deserters from 

 Oswego among the Indians, who made trouble by their false- 



