We learn from the same explorer [Penicaut] that in May, 1702, eight chiefs of the Alabama had come to Mobile to ask Bienville whether or not they should continue their war with the Chickasaw, Tohome (Tomes), and Mobile, and that Bienville had advised them to make peace.2 October 1 some of them came down, sang the calumet, and promised to make peace.4 From this it appears that the alliance which Penicaut represents as existing between the Alabama and the Mobile and Tohome was not of long standing. The act of treachery in killing four out of five French traders was, it seems, a first act of hostility after peace had been made the year before. The leader of the traders was named Labrie, and the one who escaped was a Canadian.5 According to Penicaut, Bienville's first attempt to obtain reparation for this hostile act had to be given up on account of the treachery of the Mobile, Tohome, People of the Forks, and other Indian allies who misled and abandoned him "because they were friends and allies of the Alibamons against whom we were leading them to war."* La Harpe does not mention this. Bienville led another party later on with little better success. Penicaut places this expedition in 1702,7 La Harpe in December, 1703, and January, 1704.8 (Swanton)