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. '^^

tiiis service in a proper manner whilst I have reason to suspecl my measures may possibly be opposed & probably confused, by Persons not employed by me nor imder my Direction. I have told Mr. Shirley these measures I apprehend are not agreeable to the Tenor of my Commission & represented to him their ill consequences ; his answers leave me in doubts and suspicions. I shall however thus circumstanced do the best I can for the public service & fulfill my Duty to His Majesty to the utmost of my Power & AbihtieS. My Lords

Since I have been at New York I received M''. Secratary Pownalls Letter to me bearing date the 9 October, v,'hich your Lordships directed him to write.

I think myself extreamly happy that my Endeavours for Hi^ Majestys Service in Indian Affairs have met with your Lordships Approbation ; to receive the assurances thereof in M"". Powrials Letter before me by Direction from your Lordships, is an honour w^h I not only highly prize but animates me with the ambition of retaining & improvimg your Lordships favourable Dispositions towards me.