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Early Western Travels
[Vol. i

friendly manner, and so did Beaver, in our house; and then they told us, they would hear our message; and we perceived that the French captain had an inclination to hear it. We called Beaver and Shingas, and informed them, that all the nations, at Easton, had agreed with the governor, that every thing should be kept secret from the ears and eyes of the French. He said, "it was no matter, they were beaten already. It is good news, and if he would say any thing, we would tell him what friendship we have together." Accordingly they met together, and the French captain was present. The number consisted of about fifty.

King Beaver first spoke to his men, "Hearken, all you captains and warriors, here are our brethren, the English; I wish that you may give attention, and take notice of what they say. As it is for our good, that there may an everlasting peace be established, although there is a great deal of mischief done, if it pleaseth God to help us, we may live in peace again."

Then I began to speak by four strings to them, and said,

"Brethren, being come here to see you, I perceive your bodies are all stained with blood, and observe tears and sorrows in your eyes: With this string I clean your body from blood, and wipe and anoint your eyes with the healing oil, so that you may see your brethren clearly. And as so many storms have blown since we last saw one another, and we are at such a distance from you, that you could not rightly hear us as yet, I, by this string, take a soft feather, and with that good oil, our grandfathers used, open and clear your ears, so that you may both hear and understand what your brethren have to say to you. And by these strings I clear your throat from the