I dread the matters contained therein coming to their knowledge, as it would totally overset all our present measures with them & give the French a handle to set them against the English. Two Mohocks & Four Oneidas went with the half King when he left these parts & I much fear those are the people destroyed. I hope no certain account of it will come to them yet a while & then we may be able to take the proper steps with them in regard to this unlucky accident.

I have now ] 100 and odd Indians v;ith me, men, Women and Children, and the Interpreters tell me there are more men than ever they knew at any meeting before.

I have made them an Introductory Speech, to which I have received a very respectful answer. The 24 Inst I made them another Speech, a very long one, in which I gave them a general view of the present state of affairs & prepared them by various arguments to comply with the Contents of General Braddock which I deUvered to them the next day. In both speeches I gave the War Belt w^h they took, ever since they have been in seperate & joint Council & have not yet given me their answer. If it should not be equal to all we wish, it will I hope be more than we had reason to expect.

I am in private working with the Sachems & leading men from morning to night The Fatigue I have undergone has been too much for me. It still continues & I am scarce able to support it. I am distressed where to get victuals for such numbers, they have