HoNB^E Gent. -- ^Yours of September the 5*^ Instant [qu 1% see ante p 288.] raett me at Albany, the contents whereof admitts of various constructions, but that no quibles shall ever be on our side who have hitherto dealt with all sincerity imaginable, its proper to recount proceedings as they are & have been matter of fact, whereby the world may have no task to judge between us & give sentence according to truth --

Its notorious that May first, an unanimous result was concluded between the commissioners for Boston, Plymouth, Connecticott & New York, that for carrying on the expedition for Canada ag* the French &c, there should be raised for Boston 160, Plymouth 60, & Connecticott 135 men, to which New York province were to add 400, Maryland had promised 200, but those were under no stricter terms than an expectation, not oblidged by contract --

The gi-eat care and charge we underwent to obtaine the 5 nations of Indians, as its considerable, so likewise manifest, which being secured our greatest point was gained, that the French might have no dependance on, or the least expectation of ever obtaining them so farre as to become neuter --

Its true, that our treaty with the Indians, they did promise 1820 men to goe out with us, but that was a contingency wholly distinct from our contract, although we victualled & furnished them with ammunition & armes in great measure, for their encouragement, expecting that their numbers would have been considerable, although by what stratagems they were diverted, is yet too early assert, altho we are not unsensible of those who occasioned it -- of these numbers vizt 755, which New York and the confederats of New England were obliged to furnish. New York effected, & Connecticott wanted but few, (although by sickness many were lost) when Major Winthrop tooke the charge of them, receiving my commission & instructions from the commissioners at Albany after many debates, and marched to the Houtkill, [Wood Creek] being the greatest part of fattigue from Albany to Canada, without making any exceptions ag* the number of men from New York & Albany, conceiving that Boston & Plymouth forces were compleated, (tho not a man sent) he undertaking for them, not