I Mill do it as sone as I am able. Pern.iti me my Lords to referr myself in general on this head to y« Letters I have had y« honor to write your Lordships & in Particular to Mr Pownall who I find is going to England as he knows every particulor of my sentiments & is also perfectly acquainted whh Indian Affairs as they stand connected with y« Interest of y" Continent & His Majesty's service

• MINUTES OF A COUNCIL HELD AT ALEXANDRIA.

At a Council held at the Camp at Alexandria in Virginia April 14 ^*> 1755. Present

His Excellency Edward Braddock Esq"* General & Conlmandier in Chief of his Majestys Forces in North America.

The Hono'''® Augustus Keppel Esq'" Commander in chief of his Majestys Ships and Vessels in North America.

The Honi^ie William Shirley Esqr. The Honbie Robert Dinwiddie Esq^ The Hon^i^ James De Lancey Esq''. The Honi^ie Horatio Sharpe Esqi" The Honobie Rob* Hunter Morris Esq^

The Generals Commission having been read and the Articles of his Instructions from his Majesty relating to a common Fund lo be established in the Colonies for carrying on the ser\ices under the Generals direction, and also the article relating to the measures to be taken for engaging the Indians in his Majesty's Interest. His Excellency the General made the following proposals.

l8t That a fund should be established conformable to his Instructions abovementioned and to sir Thomas Robinsons Letter to the several Governors dated Octob^ 26. 1754. ^ 2*1 It being of the utmost importance that the five Nations of Indians and their Allies should be gained and secured to the British Interest, that a proper person should be sent with full powers from him to treat with them, and that Colonel Johnston, appearing to his Excellency the fittest person for that purpose, should be employed ki it.