Bretheren You desired us to speak from the bottom of our Hearts and we shall do it, Look about you and see all these Houses full of Beaver and the Money is all gone to Canada, likewise Powder, Lead and Guns which the French now makes use of at Ohio. Brethren

The Goods which go from hence to Oswego, go from thence to Ohio, which further enables the French to carry on their designs at the Ohio.

Bretheren You were desirous that we should open our minds and our hearts to you. Look at the French, they are Men, they are fortifying every where -- but we are ashamed to say it, you are all like Woman bare and Open without any Fortifications. Here Hendrick ended his Speech, his Brother Abraham then rose up and said. ^

Bretheren

We would let you know what was our desire three Years ago when Col" Johnson laid down the Management bf Indian Affairs, which gave us great uneasiness, the Governor then told us it was not in his power to continue him, but that he would consult with the Council at New York -- that he was going

582 MANUSCRIPTS OF

over to England and promised to recommend our desire, that Col* Johnson should liave the Management of Indian Aifairs to* the King, that the New Governor might have power to reinstate him.

We long waited in Expectation of this being done, but hearing no more of it, We Embrace this Opportunity of laying this Belt (and gave a Belt) before all our Brethren here present, and desire them that Coll"' Johnson may be reinstated and have the management of Indian Affairs, for we all lived happy whilst they were under his Management, for we love him and he us, and he has always been our good and trusty Friend Bbetheren