HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK IROQUOIS 3II 



The Oneidas and Tuscaroras did not declare themselves, but 

 were much affected by the destruction of the forts at the portage. 

 Half the Oneidas favored the French. 



June 10 some Senecas and Onondagas came to Fort Johnson, 

 followed by Cayugas and Mohawks. The Senecas showed a 

 great belt of invitation, 30 rows wide, which they would send to 

 other nations, and also a French war belt. Another was sent to 

 the Delawares and referred to them. They told the Delawares 

 they had buried the hatchet deep. The Six Nations had not 

 used the ax given them against the French last winter, but at 

 their council at Onondaga had resolved to hold fast the English 

 covenant chain. They were so weak that their aid ought not to 

 be expected. Johnson was surprised that they were now hostile 

 to the Mississagas. The Onondaga speaker retorted the charge 

 of indifference on the English as in De Nonville's, Frontenac's 

 and other invasions. They heard that the Mississagas threatened 

 revenge on them for some killed at Oswego, but the Onondagas 

 would not commence war. Many belts had arrived at Onon- 

 daga, and there would be a general council in July. The Oqua- 

 gas, mostly Iroquois, were on the English side. 



Three Cherokee chiefs came to Fort Johnson July 31, and had 

 a conference with Johnson and some Senecas, Cayugas and 

 Oneidas. They were condoled as usual and replied: 



Perhaps you will expect a formal answer upon this ceremony 

 of condolence. Brethren, we are warriors, and do not understand 

 these matters, and hope you will excuse us. All we can say is, 

 that we are glad to shake you by the hand, and by this string 

 of wampum remove all trouble and discpiiet from your breast. 



They would direct their arms against the French fort on the 

 Ohio, and in them they might see all the Cherokee nation. In 

 September a Seneca chief, named the Belt, thanked Johnson for 

 the Cherokees, and another Seneca chief spoke for them. They 

 had begun with a small hatchet, but hoped soon to have a larger. 

 An Oneida chief spoke for the Six Nations. They would invite 

 Cherokee deputies to Fort Johnson, and their young men should 

 be warned not to go on the warpath toward their country. 



