Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (Vol 1 1904).djvu/279

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1758]
Post's Journals
273

clined to send off the French from Venango; but they wanted first to know the disposition of the English, and not to suffer the French to build any where.

28th.—King Beaver arose early before the break of day, and bid all his people a good morning, desired them to rise early and prepare victuals; for they had to answer their brethren, the English, and their uncles, and therefore they should be in a good humor and disposition. At ten o'clock they met together; Beaver addressed himself to his people, and said,

"Take notice all you young men and warriors to what we answer now: it is three days since we heard our brethren, the English, and our uncles; and what we have heard of both, is very good; and we are all much pleased with what we have heard. Our uncles have made an agreement, and peace is established with our brethren, the English, and they have shook hands with them; and we likewise agree in the peace and friendship, they have established between them." Then he spoke to the French captain Canaquais, and said,

"You may hear what I answer; it is good news, that we have heard. I have not made myself a king. My uncles have made me like a queen, that I always should mind what is good and right, and whatever I agree with, they will assist me, and help me through. Since the warriors came amongst us, I could not follow that which is good and right; which has made me heavy; and since it is my duty to do that which is good, so I will endeavour to do and to speak what is good, and not let myself be disturbed by the warriors."

Then he spoke to the Mingoes, and said,

"My uncles, hear me; It is two days since you told me, that you have made peace and friendship, and shook