[FN] See Colden's History of the Five Nations, and Massachusetts Historical Collection, for an account of the treaty referred to—1744.
"Brothers:—Our forefathers rejoiced to hear Cannassateego speak these words. They sunk deep into their hearts. The advice was good. It was kind. They said to one another, 'The Six nations are a wise people. Let us hearken to them, and take their counsel, and teach our children to follow it. Our old men have done so.' They have frequently taken a single arrow, and said—'Children, see how easy it is broken.' Then they have taken and tied twelve arrows together with a strong string, and our strongest men could not break them. 'See,' said they, 'this is what the Six Nations mean. Divided, a single man may destroy you. United, you are a match for the whole world.' We thank the Great God that we are all united; that we have a strong confederacy, composed of twelve provinces. [FN] These provinces have lighted a great council-fire at Philadelphia, and have sent sixty-five counselors to speak and act in the name of the whole, and consult for the common good of the people, and of you, our brethren of the Six Nations, and your allies; the talk of this great council we shall deliver to you to-morrow."
[FN] Which were enumerated.
The Council having resumed business on the 26th, the proceedings were opened by the Commissioners in the following manner:—
"Brothers, Sachems, and Warriors!—Let this string open your ears to hear, and incline your hearts to accept, the talk of the Twelve United Colonies, which they have sent to you by their deputies. They speak as follows:—
"'Brothers Sachems, and Warriors:—We, the delegates from the Twelve United Provinces, viz.. New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the three lower counties of Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, now sitting in general congress at Philadelphia, send this talk to you, our brothers. We are sixty-five in number, chosen and appointed by the people throughout all these provinces and colonies, to meet and sit together in one great council, to consult together for the common good of the land, and speak and act for them.
"'Brothers:—In our consultation we have judged it proper and necessary to send you this talk, as we are upon the same island, that you may be informed of the reasons of this great council, the situation of our civil constitution, and our disposition toward you, our Indian brothers of the Six Nations, and their allies.
"[Three strings, or a small belt.]
"'Brothers and Friends, now attend!—When our fathers crossed the great waters and came over to this land, the King of England gave them a talk; assuring them that they and their children should be his children, and that if they would leave their native country and make settlements, and live here, and buy and sell, and trade with their brethren beyond the water, they should still keep hold of the same covenant chain and enjoy peace. And it was covenanted that the fields, houses, goods, and possessions, which our fathers should acquire, should remain to them as their own, and be their children's for ever, and at their sole disposal.