We the Traders (or Handlers) to Oswego most humbly beg leave to remonstrate to your Honour the many hazzards and Difficulties We are Subject to in our passage thither from the ill treatment we meet vdth from the Indians (i e) in passing thf Mohawks and Canajohary Castles, they Board our Battoes with Axes knives &c and by force take what Rum they think proper hooping and yelping as if they had Gloried in their depradations and threatening Murder to any that oppose them: And on our Arrival at the great carrying place, The Oneida Indians force our Goods from us at pleasure to carry over, and not content with making us pay a most exorbitant price for each Freight but rob us vol. ii. 36

562 MANISCRIPTS OF

of our Rum, Sloresantl other Goods with a great deal of invective threatening language, and are generally so Numerous that we are Obliged to Submit to those impositions or run the risk of being Murdered and Robbed of every thing we have ; And to put their Schemes the better in Execution they fore away the High Germans who generally attend with their Horses, that we may be under a Necessity of employing them and paying whatever they please to demand.

We therefore humbly pray your Honour to take these our most severe Grievances under due consideration and fall upon such methods to redress them as in your great wisdom shall seem most Expedient, Accept of our most fervent Prayers for your Welfare and Prosperity as we ever remain walh all due Defference, Gratitude and Esteem