We aduise that as little alteration or interruption be giuen to those in authority there as may be, yea we could wish that if it be thought meet, that onely such as papists (if any there be) be the onely persons remoued out of the government, for should the fine nations be disgusted at it, it may proue inconvenient and deeply prejudicial to the publique peace of his Ma^'es Subjects in this Country. We desire you to send up your 120 souldiers to Albany that you say are ready for that seruice, for our occasions are such, that we must of necessity call o^ souldiers home speadily -- as to the number of Men that shall be necessary for the defence of Albany, it is not proper for us to determine ; yourselves, when you haue considered the danger that may be

LIEUT. GOV. LEISLER. 'JT

&c. You will be able best to deside that Case & [it] lyes in your prouince to doe it, not ours

As to the Massachusetts aduice in this momentous case, we are free it may be taken, but it is your worke to obtayne it. We in what is aboue giue you o^ aduice in refference to these matters, which at p^sent may be sufficient. As to the Treaty with the fiue nations & a further present to be bestowed upon them, for o^Selves, we haue so lately way moued towards them, that o^ opinion is, that it is not convenient for vs to appeare in it, but if yourselves see reason to do something that way for your owne acco* being not concerned in the former, we leaue to your wisdomes to act therein, according to y® order & instructions in the Kings letter. We pray the God of peace to direct you & vs into councells of peace, that o^ liues and liberties & the protestant religion, which is and ought to be most deare to vs, may not become a pray to o^ French & pagan Enemies.