History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

CHAPTER IX.
KING GEORGE'S FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR.
Indian Trade So- FoR nearly twenty years, tlie peace arranged
licited. with tliB eastern Indians in 1726, remained
unbroken. During its continuance constant
efforts were made to conciliate the natives and open trade
with them. Many Indians resided in the towns, between
whom and the inhabitants, the most amicable relations existed.
A truck-house had been established at Fort Dum-
mer, or rather that fortification had been used as a trading
station ; several houses for the Indians had been provided
by the government, and considerable trade was carried on
with the different tribes. Capt, Joseph Kellogg, who had
been in command there for some years, was appointed
Truck-master. Meanwhile the English had been pushing
out into the wilderness, wherever an op]3ortunity offered.
Settlements had been established to the northward in "Vermont
and New Hampshire, and were climbing the mountain
ranges of Western Massachusetts. Hampshire Coun-
ty then included the entire section of the Province westward
from the county of Worcester, and embraced within
its limits all the territory now comprising the four counties
of Hampshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Berkshire.
War Declared. Thougli England and Spain had been in
open conflict for years, no material effect
had been produced upon the amicable relations of the colo-
nies. It was not till 1744, when continental complications
brought on a rupture between France and England, that
the American continent felt the shock. War was declared
by France in March, and was speedily followed by a coun-
ter proclamation of hostilities on the part of Great Britain.