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.

APPENDIX.] EARLY PAPERS. 441
French. I fain would have prevented him from speaking any thing
until he came to the commandant, but could not prevail. He told
me, that at this place a council-fire was kindled, where all their
business with these people was to be transacted, and that the management of the Indian affairs was left solely to Monsieur Joncaire.
As I was desirous of knowing the issue of this, I agreed to stay; but
sent our horses a little way up French Creek, to raft over and encamp; which I knew would make it near night.
"About ten o'clock they met in council. The King spoke much
the same as he had before done to the general; and offered the
French speech-belt which had before been demanded, with the
marks of four towns on it, which Monsieur Joncaire refused to receive, but desired him to carry it to the fort to the commander.
"'7th. —Monsieur La Force, commissary of the French stores,
and three other soldiers, came over to accompany us up. We found
it extremely difficult to get the Indians off to-day, as every stratagem
had been used to prevent their going up with me. I had last night
left John Davidson (the Indian interpreter), whom I brought with me
from town, and strictly charged him not to be out of their company,
as I could not get them over to my tent; for they had some business
with Kustalogo, chiefly to know why he did not deliver up the French
speech-belt which he had in keeping; but I was obliged to send
Mr. Gist over to-day to fetch them, which he did with great persuasion.
" At twelve o'clock, we set out for the fort, and were prevented arriving there until the 11th by excessive rains, snows, and bad travelling through many mires and swamps; these we were obliged to pass
to avoid crossing the creek, whicl was impassable, either by fording
or rafting, the water was so high and rapid.
"We passed over much good land since we left Venango, and
through several extensive and very rich meadows, one of which, I
believe, was nearly four miles in length, and considerably wide in
some places.
"1 2th. -I prepared early to wait upon the commhander, and was
received and conducted to him by the second officer in command. I
acquainted him with my business, and offered my commission and
letter; both of which he desired me to keep until the arrival of Monsieur Reparti, captain at the next fort, who was sent for and expected every hour.
" This commander is a knight of the military order of St. Louis,
and named Legardeur de St. Pierre. He is an elderly gentleman,
and has much the air of a soldier. He was sent over to take the
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