Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. II
You tell me that whilst Coll" Johnson had the Management of Ihdian Affairs you all lived Happy; that you loved him and he you, and that he has always been your good and trusty Friend I am very sensible you had good reason to look upon him in this Light, and fldly convinced that he is still your Friend. But as this is the place where the Antient Fire was kindled which was nearly burnt out, and as Coll" Johnson for some Reason declined the management of Indian x\fFairs, it was thought proper to rekindle the Fire here by appointing Commissioners, whom I shall direct to
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receive and consult with you, upon all Business that may concernour Mutual Interests, and I expect that you will for the future, apply to them according to the Custom of Your forefathers, to tell you News, and in return to receive from them what shall be thought necessary to be imparted to You. And I will ^ve them directions that they treat you with the Affection due to you as Bretheren. I \vi\\ make tryall of them another year and if you do not meet with the kind Treatment you have aright to expect, complain to this Government and effectual Measures shall be taken for your Satisfaction. Gave a Belt
The following was to be spoke by M^" Kellogg Interpreter from Massachusetts Bay. Bretheren
We have agreed to tell all News and take Council together. We cannot part till we have told you the News from New England tho' at a considerable distance from you. The French have the same bad designs there as well as at Ohio; They are verv lond to get Kermybeck River, We have News of their begmnmg a Fort at the head of that river; A priest of theirs has ouiit a House a gi-eat way do\yn that River; Governor Shirley has raised 800 Men and is gone down to drive them away and to Build an English Fort at tlie head or far up the said River Kennybec -- We have News also that the French are building a Fort up Connecticut River Northward of Cowass ; The Governor of New Hampshire has now sent a Company of Men up that River to enquire into that Fact, and if true to drive them imediately off.