[Edward Manning Ruttenber (1872)] was not more successful. The chiefs thanked the governor for the information which he had given them concerning the war, but the hatchet which they accepted they would keep in their bosoms. " We are," said they, " in alliance with a great many nations, and if we should suddenly lift the hatchet with out acquainting them, they would perhaps.take offense at it. 1 Colonial History, vi, 265. 26 204 THE INDIAN TRIBES We will, therefore, before we make use of the hatchet, send four of our people to Canada, to demand satisfaction for the wrongs they have done, and if they refuse, then we shall be ready." In a word, they had determined to remain neutral, and to that end had had consultation with their allies as well as with the French. The general character of these consultations may be inferred from that which they held with the Mahicans at Stockbridge, in 1744, when, Mr. Sergeant states, the embassa-dors were met in the most cordial manner. " Uncle," said the Mahican chief, " I ask you a question. I hear you have agreed with the French Mohawks to sit still, in case of war between their friei.ds and ours. You well know how that matter is. I desire you to tell me what we are to do in that affair. If you say we must sit still, we will sit still.