The Iroquois demanded that the planned attack on the forts be scrapped, and instead argued for raiding the British settlements along the Mohawk river valley. Léry stated as an officer of the "Troupes de la Marine" he expected his orders to be obeyed without question, and upon seeing the Iroquois would not obey his orders and many were deserting, he told them there were no forts at the Oneida Carry, and that they would be "delighted to find many Englishmen there; that the "Onontio" had sent me to fight them". Many of the Indians were not impressed, and went home. After nearly two weeks of difficult winter travel, they arrived near the carry on March 24.