[top of page, partial line cut off] Belt returned — — The town of women being assembled, with the Governors, and a number of Officers of the Province, as also many military Officers, — Captain Brandt, with a belt & string of wampum addressed — you have sent to say, our Brother, the Bostonians and English. We are glad to have this meeting, and think it by the appointment of the great Spirit Brother of the United States, we told you the other day at Fort Erie, that at another time we would inform you, that we had not assembled at the time or place appointed for holding the treaty with you. Now we inform you that it is because there is much the appearance of war in that quarter. Brothers, we have now given the reasons for our not meeting you, and now we request an explanation of these warlike appearances — Brothers, the people you favor here, are sent to represent the Indian Nations who own the lands north of the Ohio as their own property, and who are of one mind, and one heart. Brothers, we are here come to speak to you for two reasons; one because your warriors being in our Neighborhood have prevented our meeting at the appointed place; The other to know if Brothers you are properly authorized to ascertain and establish a new boundary line between the lands of the United States and the lands of the Indians Indian Nations. + We are still desirous of meeting you at the appointed place. + — Brothers, we wish you to deliberate well on this business. We have spoken our sentiments in sincerity; considering our policy in the presence of the great Spirit, from whom in times of danger we expect assistance. [underline: Belt of twelve rows & 36 strings of wampum in five bundles, presented to us. —] The town missionaries answered: Brothers, we have attended to what you have said. + we will take it into our serious consideration, and give you an answer tomorrow. + we will inform you when we are ready. Captain Brandt replied — Brothers, we thank you for what you have said. + you say that you will answer our speech to — morrow. + we now open up the council fire