The Governor of Virginia and the Governor of Canada are both Quarrelling about lands which belong to us. And such a Quarrel as this may end in our destruction. They fight who shall have the Land. The Governors of Virginia and Pensylvania have made paths thro our Country to Trade and Build Houses without acyquainting us with it, they should first have asked our Consent to build there as was done when Oswego was Built (Gave a Belt) Bretheren

It is very true as you told us that the Clouds hang heavy over us, and tis not very pleasant to look up, but we give you this Belt (giving a Belt) to clear away all Clouds, that we may all live in bright sunshine and keep together in strict union and Friendship, then we shall become strong and nothing can hurt us. Bretheren

This is the Antient place of Treaty where the Fire of Friendship always used to Burn, And 'tis now three Years since we

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 581

have been called to any publick Treaty here. Tis true there are Commissioners here, but they have never invited us to Sinoakwith Ihem (by which they mean the Commissioners had never invited them to any conference) But the Indians of Canada come frequently and smoak here which is for the sake of their Beaver but we hate them (meaning the French Indians) We have not as yet confirmed the Peace with them. Tis your fault Bretheren that we are not Strengthened by Conquest, for we would have gone and taken Crown point, but you hindered us. We had concluded to go and take it, but we were told it was too late and that the Ice would not bear us. Instead of this you burnt your own Fort at Saraghtoga and run away from it, which was a Shame and a Scandall to you.