But don't let those that come from over the great seas be concerned any more.

They are unfit to fight in the woods.

Let us go by ourselves--we that came out of this ground." Colonel Washington knew of what the Indians were capable, for young as he was then, he had been through a dreadful experience and had received valuable lessons in their mode of warfare.

"It is in their power," he declared, "to be of infinite use to us; and without the Indians we shall never be able to cope with these cruel foes of our country." There is no doubt that the Indians turned the tide of the first battle in which Israel Putnam took part--that of Lake George, on the eighth of September, 1755.

Having made all his preparations at Albany, General Johnson took up his march for Crown Point by way of the "carrying-place" (subsequently known as Fort Edward) and Lake George.