306 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



hoods. Great numbers of these were among the Delawares and 

 Susquehanna Indians. He conferred with some Oneida and 

 Seneca chiefs; also with two Seneca women. They said it was 

 common to take women into their councils, specially among the 

 Senecas. There were frequent instances of this among the other 

 Iroquois. At this time the Mohawks did not wish him to go to 

 the Onondaga council, and he yielded so far as to send messen- 

 gers there first. On their return the Mohawks advised him to 

 go, but with a guard, as French parties made the road danger- 

 ous, and he would be a valued prize. 



In Pennsylvania Braddock's defeat had turned the scale with 

 the dissatisfied Delawares, and they became hostile, siding with 

 the French. On this, Pennsylvania declared war in the winter 

 of 1755-56. Scarrooyady, the new Half King, favored this and 

 thought the Six Nations would approve. Johnson disliked both 

 the declaration and the large scalp bounty. It was a bad move 

 just before a general council, alarmed the Iroquois and might 

 keep the southern Indians away. Many conferences followed 

 in Pennsylvania, the Iroquois there adhering to the colony, while 

 the Delawares said they were " determined to fight the English 

 as long as there is a Man left." The Six Nations ordered them 

 to stop, but they were defiant at first, and then word was sent that 

 they would obey. A council was held at Otsiningo, to which 300 

 Delaware warriors came, agreeing to lay down the hatchet at 

 the wish of the Six Nations. They were still told they were 

 women and severely reproved, but more latitude was allowed them. 



Johnson arrived at Oneida June 13, conferring with some 

 Indians there. He was shown a French belt, inviting the Onon- 

 daga, Cayuga, Oneida and Tuscarora chiefs to a treaty at Mon- 

 treal June 15. His visit now was as a mourner, as the condoling 

 council must precede business, his warm friend, the Onondaga 

 speaker, having died. The account is of interest : 



Sir William and the sachems of every nation, prepared the 

 several speeches of condolence to be made at Onondaga upon the 

 death of Kaghswoughtioony, alias Red Head, chief sachem of 

 said nation, and chose the proper belts for the ceremony. 



