As I am sensible the Militia is at present our only dependance or safeguard, you may be assured Sir, of my keeping it in as good order, and readiness as my Power will admit of, but this I must say, that, were the law relateing thereto, more ample at present it would be of great service. I am with all due respect.

Your Honours Mount Johnson Most obedient Humble servant

7br. S^^ 1754 Wm Johnson

GXDVERNOUR DeLaNCEY

Endorsed

8 Sep^ 1754 From CoL. Johnson 16 Sep"", Read m Council.

GOL. JOHNSON TO THE BOARD OF TRADE.

New York, 17th. Janry. 1756. My Lords

I did my self the honour of writing to your Lordships the 18**^ past from Mount Johnson, to which I beg leave to refer.

• By the inclosed Copies of Gen'. Shirleys Letters & mine your Lordship will see what past between his Excellency & me relative to his New Commission & Instructions.

Mr Shirley hath thought proper to agree ^o my continuing to to act under Gen-. Braddocks Commission & upon talking matters over with him, that I shall meet the Indian? at Oswego early this spring and endeavour to dispose them to second such operations as he may determine on for His Majestys Service.

In one point, & it is a material one. Gen'. Shirley will not be so explicit as I wuld wish, it is in regard to Agents amongst tlie Indians employed and paid by him. I cannot pretend to carry ou

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. '^^