The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

436 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [APPENDIX.
the black of my nail yours. I saw that land sooner than you did,
before the Shannoahs and you were at war; Lead was the man who
went down and took possession of that river. It is my land, and I
will have it, let who will stand up for, or say against it. I will buy
and sell with the English (mockingly). If people will be ruled by
me, they may expect kindness, but not else.'
"The Half-King told me he had inquired of the general after two
Englishmen, who were made prisoners, and received this answer.
"' Child, you think it a very great hardship that I made prisoners
of those two people at Venango. Don't you concern yourself with
it; we took and carried them to Canada, to get intelligence of what
the English were doing in Virginia.'
"He informed me, that they had built two forts, one on Lake
Erie, and another on French Creek, near a small lakes about fifteen
miles asunder, and a large wagon-road between. They are both
built after the same model, but different in size; that on the lake
the largest. He gave me a plan of them of his own drawing.
"The Indians inquired very particularly after their brothers in
Carolina gaol.
" They also asked what sort of a boy it was, who was taken from
the South Branch; for they were told by some Indians, that a party
of French Indians had carried a white boy by Kuskuska Town,
towards the lakes.
"26th. - We met in council at the long-house about nine o'clock,
where I spoke to them as follows.
"'Brothers, I have called you together in council, by order of
your brother, the Governor of Virginia, to acquaint you, that I am
sent with all possible despatch, to visit and deliver a letter to the
French commandant, of very great importance to your brothers, the
English; and I dare say to you, their friends and allies.
"' I was desired, brothers, by your brother, the Governor, to call
upon you, the sachems of the nations, to inform you of it, and to ask
your advice and assistance to proceed the nearest and best road to
the French. You see, brothers, I have gotten thus far on my
journey.
"' His Honor likewise desired me to apply to you for some of your
young men to conduct and provide provisions for us on our way, and
be a safeguard against those French Indians, who have taken up the
hatchet against us. I have spoken thus particularly to you, brothers,
because his Honor our Governor treats you as good friends and allies,
and holds you in great esteem. To confirm what I have said, I give
you this string of wampum.'