Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1696/7-98. 67

       To the Brethren of the Oneydes, with Seven hands of Lib. H. D.

     Wampum by the Same Messinger.

     Brethren Oneydes.

       I was very much Surprized (upon my Arrivall at Albany)

     to hear, that you Suffered two Indians sent from Onondio, the

     Governr of Canada, to Return from that place, before they

     were brought to me, which is not according to yor Promise

     made, When I last saw you.

       You then told me, you would send those Indians to me,

     that I might examine them, and know what Message or Busi

     ness they had.

       But I hear they have carryed away some of yor ffamilies

     into the ifrench Governmt.

       And Since you have (contrary to yor promise) Suffered

     those ifrench Indians to goe back, I Require you to let me

     know their Errand, what proposalls they make to you, and

     what answer you return'd to them.

       And for the ffuture, I do expect that you hold no Corre

     spondence with the Governr of Canada, or receive any Mes

     sage from him or his Indians.

       And in Case any of yor Brethren should be drawn off by p. 471

     those Indians, or other the ffrench, or desert yor Castles, that

     you should pursue them without loss of time, and treat them

     as Enemies; Given at Albany November 25th 1696.

                                  Signed

                                     Ben:    ffletcher.

       Sagaedaieendon, Oneyde Capt returned ffrom the ffive

     Nations, to his EXnCY Coll: Benjamin ffletcher, his Mats Capt

     Genl and Governr in Cheif of the Province of New York at

     Albany, with his following Answer December 22th 1696.

     Cajenquirago.

       I Delivered the Belt of Wampum I received from you for

     the ffive Nations, with the Message to the Mohaques, Oneydes,

     and Onondages, the Cajouges, & Sennekes (the ifarthermost

     Nations) not being prsent but the Brethren have sent it for

     ward to them, by a sure hand.

       You are to Expet an Answer upon it from the whole

     Canasoeni (i: e. the whole ffive Nations) in the mean time the

     aforesd Three Nations return you their hearty Thanks for yor

     good Advice, to send out scouts, and to keep their young men

     near Home, which they will observe; and if attacked by the

     Enemy, will stand their ground; and if you are, shall be ready

     to Come to your Assistance, if Required.

       Cajenquirago—I delivered the Seven hands of Wampum

     with the message you sent by me particularly to the Oneydes.